Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 952 - 408: Identity Exposed_2

Ning Qi offered a nod, as this was something he had already comprehended, but clearly, the situation presented complexities beyond initial apprehension.

As anticipated, he then heard the Will of the Mountain and Sea Realm continue its discourse:

"However, there exist other presences within me, in addition to my inherent will."

Ning Qi's demeanor shifted to one of gravity, and he inquired, "What precisely are these entities?"

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will directed its gaze towards Ning Qi's chest, seemingly attempting to discern something, yet it was unable to locate what it sought.

It vaguely ascertained that the Ning Qi presently before it was not the same individual encountered within the War Realm.

Furthermore, since its arrival in this location, its original will had been situated immediately behind the portal, granting it an increasingly acute perception of Ning Qi.

The sense of consanguinity Ning Qi evoked within it grew more profound with each passing moment.

A subtle thread of apprehension began to weave itself into the expression of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will as it spoke: "Do you recall the two peculiar treasure leaves I bestowed upon you? It appears you have not brought them with this particular incarnation."

As the Mountain and Sea Realm Will's gaze fell upon his chest, Ning Qi experienced a flash of realization, establishing a connection between the present circumstances and those leaves.

He abruptly accessed his storage dimension and produced a singular, withered leaf that was torn.

This damaged and desiccated leaf was held delicately between Ning Qi's thumb and forefinger, and he declared, "The exotic treasure is indeed still with me!"

Previously, the Mountain and Sea Realm Will had presented him with two leaves, one incomplete and the other whole, both bearing the appearance of autumn foliage, dry and yellowed.

Within the War Realm, these leaves had served to mask his presence from the perception of the Vast Realm's Will, thereby enabling him to secure numerous concealed nexus points and integrate them into the True Martial Realm, facilitating his unhindered movement throughout territories under the Vast Realm's dominion.

Nevertheless, beyond obscuring the awareness of the Spirit Realm Will, Ning Qi had not uncovered any additional capabilities inherent in those two leaves.

Any power he channeled into them seemed to dissipate without leaving a trace.

At an earlier juncture, he had dispatched an avatar to venture beyond the Sea of Realms and survey the Vast Realm, entrusting the intact leaf to this avatar to evade detection by the Vast Realm's Will.

Consequently, Ning Qi presently possessed only this solitary, withered exotic treasure leaf.

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will fixed its gaze upon the desiccated leaf held within Ning Qi's hand, and the wariness previously concealed within its eyes appeared to recede.

It finally articulated: "Beneath the portal that lies below, in addition to my foundational consciousness, there resides another artifact, which is the primordial form of the leaf I gave you."

Ning Qi experienced a slight stirring of emotion.

This revelation was quite significant, given that the Mountain and Sea Realm Will had previously informed him that this leaf had been discovered in a minor world, presented by the cultivators residing there as a form of tribute, and its potential uses remained unknown to him at the time.

And now, subsequent to Ning Qi's endeavor to unravel the mysteries of the Mountain and Sea Realm, it was revealed that the leaf's original manifestation also lay within that lower region.

It became evident that the Mountain and Sea Realm Will had not divulged the complete truth to him previously.

Perceiving the shift in Ning Qi's expression, it offered an explanation:

"Initially, I withheld the complete truth from you, believing it was more prudent for you to remain unaware of certain details at that time."

Ning Qi inclined his head in understanding.

One's perspective is shaped by their station; he comprehended this principle intimately.

"It was my past error in judgment, informing the Mountain and Sea Ancestors, that ultimately led to their treachery and my subsequent confinement. This lesson proved to be of immense significance to me!"

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will's voice lowered slightly as it alluded to the events of the past.

Ning Qi gently clasped the withered leaf, observing its subtle oscillation in his grasp.

This withered leaf, which had previously exhibited no discernible secondary function or unique characteristic to him, now seemed to emit a faint, resonant call towards Ning Qi, especially in his current location.

At this precise moment, a subtle yet discernible force emanated from the leaf, drawing Ning Qi inwards.

This gentle pull was so understated that Ning Qi would have remained oblivious to it without a more focused examination.

Ning Qi directed his gaze downwards, noting that the intricate patterns adorning the surrounding barrier had, by some means, coalesced into the likeness of leaves.

These depicted leaves varied in size and thickness, exhibiting hues from verdant green to yellow and withered brown, presenting the diverse forms of arboreal foliage found across the world.

Ning Qi posed a question: "What species of tree yields leaves of such potency that they enabled the Mountain and Sea Ancestors to imprison the Realm Venerable here and siphon your essence?"

The phantom projection of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will responded: "If you genuinely desire to ascertain the truth and harbor no fear of being ensnared within yourself, then proceed through the portal alongside me."

Ning Qi found it perplexing that entering this very space would invariably prevent his return, potentially leading to his eternal confinement.

To ensure prudence, he still elected to inquire, "Realm Venerable, prior to our entry, there is one final query that requires your answer."

"Proceed," it commanded.

"I am in possession of the Sea Ancestor's key of inheritance. If this key possesses the capability to unlock this portal, should it not also grant passage outwards? Given that the Sea Ancestor fashioned this key, she must have traversed this passage multiple times. Why then do you assert that I cannot return once I enter?"

The Will of the Mountain and Sea Realm gazed intently at Ning Qi, replying:

"Initially, I had supposed you to be an unparalleled prodigy birthed from the Mountain and Sea Realm, a talent surpassing even the ancestral Immortal Species of both the Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor. However, at this moment, I find myself uncertain if you are truly the same individual I once knew."

A profound understanding dawned upon Ning Qi. It appeared that even in its diminished state, the Will of the Mountain and Sea Realm had not lowered its guard.

It was evident that the other entity had likely discerned Ning Qi's true nature, even without concrete proof.

"I have sensed a resonance, a kindred spirit within you. If my suspicion holds true, then your path diverges from that of the Mountain and Sea Ancestors; once you step through, there shall be no returning!"

A tremor ran through Ning Qi's heart as he grasped the deep significance of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will's declaration.

The lower world permitted the Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor to enter by means of constructed keys, yet he, akin to the Mountain and Sea Realm itself, could not. He was, in essence, a world, a World Will!

Given that the Mountain and Sea Realm Will's original form was confined here by the two revered ancestors, Ning Qi, as a World Will himself, would undoubtedly face a similar fate of imprisonment should he enter!

Ning Qi's gaze settled upon the withered leaf held within his hand and the intricate, leaf-like barrier that shimmered below.

Before him, concealed within the portal, lay not only immense peril but also the ultimate, guarded secret of the Mountain and Sea Realm.

Despite the explicit warning from the Mountain and Sea Realm Will that entry might lead to eternal confinement, Ning Qi resolved to seize the opportunity!

The truly valiant do not shrink from danger; prepared meticulously, they venture into the tiger's lair, undeterred by the predators within.

The dire predicament between their two realms left Ning Qi with no viable path for retreat.

The sheer might of the Mountain Ancestor, capable of neutralizing the combined forces of the Saint Ancestor and Sea Ancestor, presented a formidable obstacle that Ning Qi, even in his invincible state upon Harmonization, could not easily overcome, especially considering the Mountain Ancestor's inheritance of Buzhou Mountain's legacy and Immortal Dao Aura.

Yet, Ning Qi held an unwavering belief that with the passage of time, his insights would surely unlock the final treasure required to bring peace to both the Mountain and Sea Realms and the Vast Realm.

The spectral form of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will observed the subtle shifts in Ning Qi's expression.

Ning Qi's countenance remained composed, yet resolute.

"Let us proceed, Realm Venerable. I am eager to uncover what lies beyond, to witness firsthand the methods employed by the two ancestors. Furthermore, I intend to honor the promise I made to you!"

In an astonishing turn of events, Ning Qi passed directly through the phantom form of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will. There was no physical resistance encountered.

Ning Qi plunged headlong into the portal situated below.

Behind him, the Mountain and Sea Realm Will watched Ning Qi's retreating figure, a look of profound astonishment etched upon its visage.

"He was, in essence, one of those below me..."

This encounter had genuinely allowed it to ascertain Ning Qi's identity, a revelation that left the Mountain and Sea Realm Will utterly astounded.

As it observed Ning Qi's determined forward momentum, a maelstrom of emotions surged within the Mountain and Sea Realm Will.

After a moment's contemplation, it too followed Ning Qi into the portal.

Perhaps, just perhaps, a means of escape from its long imprisonment was now within reach!

After all, an individual like Ning Qi, by all rights of existence, should never have attained such a position.

Yet, he had arrived within the Mountain and Sea Realm, skillfully deceived all, forged a bond with him, and even reached this very sanctuary where its original being was confined...

The instant they both entered, the portal sealed itself and vanished.

Pressing onward, Ning Qi felt not a trace of apprehension.

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will had recognized his identity, acknowledging him as another World Will, and thus had reasonably anticipated his potential sealing.

However, the Mountain and Sea Realm Will had overlooked one critical aspect.

Ning Qi was not merely a World Will; he was also a human cultivator, fundamentally no different from the very Mountain and Sea Ancestors themselves!

The sensation of traversing the celestial boundary proved exceptionally protracted. Though the barrier's portal appeared as a mere thin veil, the act of entering it revealed its astonishing depth and thickness.

So profound was its expanse that Ning Qi felt the journey rivaled, if not surpassed, the duration of his incarnation's departure from the Sea of Realms.

At long last, they emerged from the confines of the boundary wall, arriving within an entirely new dimension.

Behind them, the intricate patterns on the barrier continued their ceaseless motion, but the world unfolding before them was bathed in brilliant light.

Instead of taking in the entirety of the newfound space, Ning Qi's attention was immediately captivated by a specific point the moment he arrived!