Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 948 - 406: Spirit Realm Cataclysm (Part 2)

Murmurs rippled through the assembled crowd. Ultimately, the consensus was to await the Domain Master's intervention, for only he possessed the answers to their pressing questions. As the tempest began to abate, Ning Qi's true form remained suspended above the Profound Truth Realm. Suddenly, a spectral silhouette solidified before him—the manifestation of the Mountain and Sea Realm's will. This ethereal being mirrored the weakened, pallid form witnessed previously in the war realm, appearing as if afflicted by a grave malady. Yet, the sight of Ning Qi seemed to invigorate it slightly. "You had prepared a doppelganger beforehand? It appears my estimation of your progress was lacking..." The shadow's words faltered, replaced by a contemplative "Oh." "Oh, there is an anomaly in your aura," the Mountain and Sea Realm's will observed Ning Qi with a hint of bewilderment, questioning, "Are you truly Ning Qi?" As the sentient entity governing the Spirit Realm, its innate perception detected the unsettling shift in Ning Qi's aura, leaving it visibly perplexed and incredulous. Since Ning Qi's ascension to the position of Domain Master within the Profound Truth Realm, the Mountain and Sea Realm's will had only engaged with him extensively. Furthermore, Ning Qi's subsequent advancements were all observed by the Mountain and Sea Realm during the conflict. However, the presence emanating from the individual before it far surpassed Ning Qi's aura from the war realm, and its unfamiliarity even evoked a nascent sense of hostility within the Mountain and Sea Realm's will. This was an instinctive, almost familial intuition, yet its very possibility was baffling. "Realm Venerable, did I not pledge to aid your liberation? Now that I have returned to the Mountain and Sea Realm, why do you regard me with such suspicion?" Ning Qi offered a gentle smile. The power coalescing within him shifted, seemingly reverting to the distinct aura of his prior incarnation. For Ning Qi at this juncture, having assimilated the very essence of two realms, endured the trials that forged the Mountain and Sea, Haoran, Sea of Realms, and True Martial forces, and further refined his being through ancestral legacies, his continuous ascent was undeniable. Consequently, altering his perceived aura was a minor feat. The Mountain and Sea Realm's will re-detected the familiar resonance, experiencing immediate and significant relief. With a sheepish grin, it confessed, "Perhaps it is the proximity of my end, but I momentarily mistook you for one of my own kin. However, how did you return to the Mountain and Sea Realm? I am astounded you possessed the foresight to leave such a potent doppelganger..." Ning Qi's gaze swept across the spectral entirety of the Mountain and Sea Realm's will. "Realm Venerable, given your present condition, further delay is inadvisable. We must attend to the primary objective." The Mountain and Sea Realm's will fixed a profound, searching gaze upon Ning Qi. Facing its scrutinizing, doubt-laden stare, Ning Qi remained imperturbable. "Very well!" With a final utterance, it turned, soaring towards the Moon Sea Immortal Sect. "Follow me." Ning Qi propelled himself forward, dispatching a communication to the inhabitants of the Profound Truth Realm before departing. "You need not fret; I shall handle all matters!" The unshakeable conviction conveyed in his words resonated deeply with the onlookers. Their gazes were fixed upon Ning Qi's receding form, perceiving in him the harbinger of a new dawn—brilliant, radiant, and illuminating the world... ... Ning Qi and the Mountain and Sea Realm's will proceeded onward, the former now trailing the latter, eventually moving in tandem. Their forms, simultaneously unsubstantial and present, had long transcended physical limitations. Thus, they traversed the expanse like the wind, their movements akin to fleeting shadows, almost indistinguishable from teleportation, arriving swiftly at the Moon Sea Immortal Sect. Within the sect's precincts, approximately one-fifth of its cultivators remained. They had witnessed the dramatic upheavals engulfing the Mountain and Sea Realm, yet felt utterly powerless to intervene. Many fervently wished for the Sea Ancestor's return to restore order. The appearance of the Mountain and Sea Realm's will alongside Ning Qi offered a glimmer of hope to the disciples of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect. "Realm Venerable!" "Realm Venerable!" The spectral form of the Mountain and Sea Realm's will offered a slight nod, remaining silent. Ning Qi surveyed the Moon Sea Immortal Sect. The entire sect was strategically located in the central expanse of the Endless Sea, forming a vast Spirit Domain comparable in scale to the Zhou Mountain Immortal Sect under the Mountain Ancestor. Resembling a collection of a thousand islands, the Moon Sea Immortal Sect's Spirit Domain featured numerous landmasses suspended above the Endless Sea. These islands were arranged and stratified according to varying levels, each possessing distinctive characteristics.

Some territories boasted distinct seasonal changes, cycling through spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Others were specifically designated for Alchemy, Artifact Refining, or served as Cultivation Islands, with various Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures flourishing on separate isles...

The Moon Sea Immortal Sect, personally founded by the Sea Ancestor, was a breathtaking sight, primarily comprised of female cultivators, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere that left a deep impression.

It was evident at a single glance that the Sea Ancestor had poured considerable effort into the establishment of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect.

The inhabitants of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect were devotees of the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will, and they closely scrutinized Ning Qi, who stood beside him.

While the Sea Ancestor was present, they paid little heed to the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will.

However, in the Sea Ancestor’s absence, their encounter with the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will offered them a glimmer of hope.

Observing that the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will seemed disinclined to engage them, the assembled crowd hesitated to speak, despite their desire to do so.

The compromised condition of the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will was apparent to all, yet Ning Qi, standing nearby, exuded an aura of natural serenity.

The assembled group was momentarily perplexed regarding Ning Qi’s origins.

Nevertheless, a few discerning individuals seemed to recognize him, though they harbored doubts.

"Sisters, doesn’t he resemble Ning Qi, the Domain Master of the Profound Truth Realm...?" someone secretly transmitted.

"Are you certain? How could it possibly be him?"

"After the Sea Ancestor seized the Profound Truth Realm from the Mountain Ancestor, I meticulously studied the records related to it. I even made a personal visit; I cannot be mistaken!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was astonished, simultaneously grappling with profound disbelief.

If this individual was indeed Ning Qi, why would he be present here, and moreover, why would he be accompanying the Realm Venerable?

Although they had paid the Realm Venerable little attention with the Sea Ancestor in their midst, they lacked the courage and capability to walk alongside the Realm Venerable if the situation demanded it.

Regardless of the extent of their internal discussions or speculations about Ning Qi, he offered them no direct explanation.

However, considering the Sea Ancestor’s ongoing battle against the Mountain Ancestor in the war realm and her transmission of teachings, Ning Qi felt compelled to offer them some reassurance.

"There is no need for alarm. The Sea Ancestor continues to fight in the war realm, and my return to the Mountain and Sea Realm has been authorized by the Sea Ancestor to oversee affairs here."

The Mountain and Sea Realm’s will cast a glance at Ning Qi, experiencing a subtle ripple of emotion.

He recognized that Ning Qi was not entirely truthful, but he had chosen the most effective words to assuage the crowd’s concerns.

This gesture revealed to the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will that, despite the present Ning Qi being somewhat unfamiliar, he remained the same principled individual he knew – considerate of others' feelings and valuing relationships.

Having concluded his statement, Ning Qi appeared to invoke a mystical technique.

Before him materialized a swirling vortex, astonishingly imbued with the Sea Ancestor’s formidable power.

The numerous female cultivators of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect gathered below felt the potent energy of the vortex and immediately prostrated themselves in reverence.

"To behold the sea vortex is to behold the Sea Ancestor!"

The Sea Ancestor’s power, known as the Ultimate Soft Power, was unparalleled within the Mountain and Sea Realm. It could only be attained through direct tutelage from the Sea Ancestor herself.

Consequently, their trust in Ning Qi was instantly secured.

Having inherited the Sea Ancestor’s legacy, Ning Qi was, naturally, privy to the directives she had established for them.

He then dispelled the sea vortex and declared: "I shall enter the forbidden land established by the Sea Ancestor within the Moon Sea Immortal Sect for inspection. You are not to interfere!"

Upon hearing this command, the female cultivators dared not voice further questions, responding in unison: "Yes!"

"Very well, return to your duties. Once the conflict concludes, the Sea Ancestor shall return."

"Yes!"

After dismissing the female cultivators of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect, Ning Qi, accompanied by the Mountain and Sea Realm’s will, proceeded towards the forbidden land established by the Sea Ancestor.

This forbidden area was situated deep beneath the myriad islands of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect.

The two traversed numerous defensive layers and wards, eventually emerging beneath the Moon Sea Immortal Sect.

To Ning Qi’s considerable astonishment, the thousand floating islands were centered above the Endless Sea, and directly beneath them lay a colossal sea eye!

This unfathomably vast sea eye seemed to draw in the entirety of the Endless Sea’s waters, causing them to swirl around its immense maw.

It descended to such an impossible depth that its bottom remained utterly invisible.

Upon closer listening, one could discern faint, enigmatic sounds emanating from its depths: natural melodies born from the very essence of the world, ethereal chants from merfolk dwelling on the seabed, the distinct calls of countless creatures inhabiting the Endless Sea, the roaring symphony of waves driven by powerful currents, and even the faint, indistinct susurrations of unknown origin...With every step the duo took closer, the peculiar and varied noises grew more pronounced, infiltrating their hearing!