Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 955 - 410: Ultimate Yin and Yang

With the Mountain and Sea Realm Will's detailed explanation, Ning Qi's understanding of the Mountain and Sea Realm's secrets became complete.

The reasons behind the Mountain and Sea Ancestors' schism and the subsequent sealing of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will were now clear.

Among the most significant revelations was the peculiar half-green, half-withered small tree, whose extraordinary power sparked Ning Qi's intense curiosity.

Secondly, the profound legacy of Buzhou Mountain, left by the Mountain Ancestor, proved to be even more formidable than initially perceived.

The Mountain Ancestor possessed the astonishing ability to use Wooden Thorns to suppress the World Will, a technique conspicuously absent from his display in the War Domain.

Ning Qi harbored a suspicion that this very method might later be employed against the Vast Realm Will.

Fixing his gaze upon the diminutive tree, Ning Qi inquired of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will, "What manner of tree is this?"

"My knowledge is also limited on this matter. It is likely an exotic species originating from the Buzhou Mountain legacy," the Mountain and Sea Realm Will responded.

Ning Qi fell into contemplation.

Previously, when confronted with the threats from the Mountain and Sea Realm within the True Martial Realm, his sole focus had been on ensuring the survival of the True Martial Realm, believing that neutralizing the Mountain and Sea Realm would suffice.

However, Ning Qi now recognized that his true objective was not merely to deal with the Mountain and Sea Realm, but to confront the Mountain Ancestor and this enigmatic small tree.

Gazing intently at the tree, which bore signs of both decay and vitality, Ning Qi posed another question: "Realm Venerable, what caused this tree's current state? Has it always appeared thus?"

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will's reply came:

"Certainly not. Previously, it drew upon my essence, growing from a seed into a sapling, exhibiting the vibrant life characteristic of normal flora."

"However, on one occasion, that scoundrel Haoshan not only pilfered my power but also siphoned the tree's energy, resulting in its present condition."

Ning Qi gestured towards the withered side of the small tree, where branches were noticeably absent.

"When did the branches on that side disappear?"

"It occurred very recently, precisely when Haoshan departed from the Mountain and Sea Realm!"

Ning Qi was taken aback.

He recalled that the withered leaves from this small tree had the capacity to mask his presence from the Perception of the Spirit Realm Will.

If the leaves held such potent properties, he pondered the potential uses of its branches.

"Why would the Mountain Ancestor sever its branches? I believe that prior to his departure from the Mountain and Sea Realm, he would not engage in any pointless actions."

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will regarded Ning Qi with a piercing gaze.

"You likely suspect by now that this small tree possesses extraordinary abilities. It can suppress a Spirit Realm Will of this magnitude, its leaves can conceal one from a Spirit Realm Will's perception, and its branches are capable of..."

"Capable of what?"

"Simply by holding its branches, one can effortlessly traverse inter-world boundaries!"

"Hmm?"

A jolt of shock coursed through Ning Qi. He suddenly considered the possibility that the Mountain Ancestor harbored hidden capabilities, deliberately concealed from the Saint Ancestor and Sea Ancestor.

Ning Qi promptly rose to his feet, declaring with resolve, "We must hasten to enter this core territory. Lingering here too long might invite unforeseen complications."

The Mountain and Sea Realm Will also rose.

Nevertheless, he cautioned, "This is the final sanctuary. Are you certain you wish to proceed? You have witnessed my current state; your situation is not dissimilar. Should you enter, you risk immediate subjugation by that small tree, which will undoubtedly absorb your power to fuel its own growth!"

Without uttering a word in response, Ning Qi extended his hand to touch the final barrier.

Rustle!

The instant his fingers brushed against the barrier before him, the small tree within his Inner World trembled, its leaves emitting a soft rustling sound.

Immediately, a ten-mile radius at the edge of his Inner World shimmered, and the barrier materialized like a colossal, inverted bowl, physically impeding Ning Qi's advance.

Intricate patterns began to sprout across the barrier's surface – some resembling various shapes and sizes of leaves, others intertwining to form root-like structures that writhed like serpentine tentacles, their forms continuously shifting in a rather unsettling display.

Ning Qi focused his Golden Pupil of Illusion-breaking upon the barrier.

A peculiar thought surfaced: perhaps this barrier was not an obstruction, but a form of protection.

Ning Qi did not tarry. He retrieved the key, obtained from the Sea Ancestor's legacy, for the purpose of breaching the barrier.

A colossal key materialized above Ning Qi. He lifted his hand, pointing forward.

In an instant, the key shot forth, autonomously finding its designated position.

Moments later, the dynamic patterns on the barrier momentarily ceased their flux, giving rise to an opening – an entryway and exit – directly before Ning Qi.

Ning Qi stepped through the aperture.

However, this time, the shadowy form of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will did not accompany him.

He halted, staring blankly at Ning Qi's determined advance, utterly fearless.

The true form of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will was affixed to the inner dome's apex, negating any need for its re-entry.

Given the chance to revisit the juncture when the Mountain and Sea Ancestors presented him with this seed, he would unequivocally refuse any association with it, with this nascent tree.

However, Ning Qi, having received the explanation, still elected to proceed.

In that instant, the Mountain and Sea Realm Will found himself filled with admiration for Ning Qi.

Yet, mingled with this admiration was a sliver of apprehension.

Could Ning Qi possibly endure the onslaught from the small tree?

Now, to him, Ning Qi was no longer a mere outsider; Ning Qi's triumph or defeat directly concerned his own liberation from the small tree's seal, impacting the very survival of the entire Mountain and Sea Realm, and the ultimate trajectory of the Spirit Realm War.

Within the War Domain, the Saint Ancestor and Sea Ancestor were likewise ensnared by the Mountain Ancestor's domain, confined within the shadow of Buzhou Mountain, undergoing relentless refinement.

More than the Mountain Ancestor's victory, the Mountain and Sea Realm Will yearned for Ning Qi's success. This desire intensified upon sensing that Ning Qi emanated from his own kind, a World Will originating from his own lower Inner World!

With a resounding thud, the breach in the barrier sealed shut as Ning Qi stepped through.

Upon entering this pivotal, innermost sanctum, Ning Qi felt an overwhelming, unparalleled pressure descend upon him.