Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 971 - 417: Within the Vast Realm (Part 2)

Jiang Yingchu couldn't shake the memory of Ning Qi's actions within the War Domain. A rising junior, even surpassing a formidable Sect Leader like himself—how could he not feel a sense of unease?

However, upon learning that Ning Qi had chosen to remain, Jiang Yingchu's temper flared instantly.

Even Zhao Yujun, a Sect Leader, had been forced out of the War Domain, yet Ning Qi, far younger, persisted. This disparity clearly indicated the immense favor bestowed upon Ning Qi by both the Saint Ancestor and the Sea Ancestor.

From high above, Ning Qi silently observed the figures below.

It appeared the cultivators from the Haoran Realm were wise enough not to cause trouble for Sword Ancestor and his companions. Had they not shown such restraint, Ning Qi would have readily intervened to teach them a lesson.

"Let's depart and return to our previous location," Ning Qi instructed, tapping the black donkey's belly.

The black donkey, surprisingly quiet, swiftly moved away from the area.

Below, Jiang Yingchu faced the cultivators from the Mountain and Sea Realm. Unlike Ning Qi's easy departure, he was unable to leave so casually. As the highest-ranking individual in the Haoran Realm at present, he felt obligated to make arrangements for Zhao Yujun and the others.

He surveyed the assembled cultivators and posed the question, "Would you care to accompany me to the Vast Immortal Sect?"

Zhao Yujun and Sword Ancestor exchanged a meaningful glance.

Sword Ancestor responded, "My apologies, Sect Leader Jiang, but we intend to make camp here."

"You mean..."

"This location is the closest to the War Domain. Should any developments occur, we will be among the first to be alerted."

Hearing this, Jiang Yingchu nodded in understanding.

He recognized Sword Ancestor and his group's unwavering loyalty to Ning Qi and held their dedication in high regard.

"Sect Leader Zhao, you are affiliated with the Sea Ancestor. Will you also be staying?"

Zhao Yujun's eyes flickered, her mind clearly occupied with deep contemplation.

Jiang Yingchu's unease about them remaining was palpable; his invitation to the Vast Immortal Sect was a clear attempt to establish a show of force to deter them.

However, she could not accept his offer and thus replied:

"Naturally, we wish to remain informed about the situation concerning the Sea Ancestor. If you, Sect Leader Jiang, harbor concerns about our presence, why not summon all your Harmonization cultivators from the Haoran Realm to join us here?"

Jiang Yingchu offered an awkward smile. "There's no need for that; we are all united in this endeavor now."

Zhao Yujun's expression turned serious. "I was not joking, Sect Leader Jiang. If neither of the Ancestors can subdue the Mountain Ancestor, then even though our strength pales in comparison, perhaps by staying here we can offer some measure of resistance."

Observing her earnest demeanor, Jiang Yingchu finally grasped the gravity of the situation.

The circumstances within the War Domain might be far more dire than he had initially surmised. He nodded in agreement. "Very well, I shall bring the Harmonization cultivators to stand guard here with you!"

"Excellent!"

The other Haoran cultivators present, upon receiving this confirmation, refocused their minds, their previous state of relaxed complacency replaced by renewed tension as they prepared to return to the Haoran Realm.

...

Ning Qi, astride the black donkey, made his way back towards the location of the Vast Immortal Sect.

The islands comprising the Vast Immortal Sect floated in clusters above the central expanse of the Haoran Realm, presenting a majestic and awe-inspiring sight, exuding an aura of sacredness and inviolability.

Throughout the Haoran Realm, whether mortals or cultivators, anyone who cast their gaze upon the sect's floating islands felt an unquantifiable reverence welling up within them.

As the preeminent sect in the Haoran Realm, the Vast Immortal Sect was established by the Saint Ancestor himself, representing the pinnacle of his life's achievements and safeguarding numerous untold secrets.

Ning Qi and the black donkey silently materialized in the sky above the Vast Immortal Sect.

Both beings gazed downward.

Upon arriving, the donkey's hooves gently touched the air, and an unmistakable sense of unease began to stir within it.

Even as a formidable Beast from the Sea of Realms, purportedly fearless, it now exhibited caution and silence, reminiscent of its apprehension when entering the Black Water Area.

This reaction stemmed from a palpable wave of power emanating from within the Vast Immortal Sect—a force potent enough to threaten its very existence, far surpassing the Harmonization cultivators they had previously encountered.

A subtle gleam flickered within Ning Qi's eyes.

With his current mastery over the Golden Pupil of Illusion-breaking, augmented by the Saint Ancestor's immortal Dao Aura to condense his Divine Text Eyes, he had forged a new ability: the Eye of Truth.

This extraordinary ocular power possessed the dual capacity to pierce through all illusions and to perceive the very fabric of the Dao.

It granted him the vision of fundamental rules, the comprehension of the Great Dao, and the observation of myriad Immortal Paths!

Reflected within Ning Qi's gaze was the entirety of the Vast Immortal Sect, its every hidden aspect revealed to him.

The designated purpose of each immortal island, the secret locations for cultivation, the specialized zones for artifact refinement and alchemy, the Outer Sect, the Inner Sect, the core sanctums, the Treasure Pavilion, the Forbidden Land... all these elements were laid bare before Ning Qi's discerning sight.

Yet, Ning Qi's attention did not linger on these readily apparent areas.

For Ning Qi in his current state, precious few things could capture the essence of his Dharma Eye.

His gaze ultimately gravitated towards a concealed and unremarkable location deep within the Vast Immortal Sect.

Ning Qi nudged the donkey's belly once more. "Proceed, towards that point!"

Instantly understanding his master's intent, the black donkey silently began its descent towards the Vast Immortal Sect.

With nimble and hushed movements, every step was taken with extreme caution, as though deliberately avoiding the notice of the cultivators within the Vast Immortal Sect.

This was understandable, as the Saint Ancestor had long since guided the Haoran cultivators back from the War Domain.

Consequently, within the Vast Immortal Sect, cultivators were stationed in an orderly fashion, standing vigilant guard.

Just as they neared their secluded destination, Jiang Yingchu suddenly reappeared.

Following this, he mobilized the cultivators of the Vast Immortal Sect, dispatching them to fly in the direction of the War Domain.

The black donkey startled, its mind racing with the thought of discovery. However, upon observing Ning Qi's unfaltering composure, it gradually relaxed.

Ning Qi paid no mind to Jiang Yingchu's movements, nor did he concern himself with Sword Ancestor and the others at that moment. He had his own pressing matters to attend to.

Now that the personnel within the Vast Immortal Sect had departed, a profound quiet settled over the area.

Ning Qi suddenly gestured towards an empty space, and ripples spread outwards, unveiling a hidden passage.

"Enter!"

The black donkey complied, stepping into the newly revealed passage.

Their surroundings plunged into darkness before quickly returning to light.

As they surveyed their new environment, they found themselves in a peculiar location.

This was an obscure realm, suspended in the vast emptiness of the void.

A fractured mountain range dangled in the void, and upon it rested a seemingly humble, farmer-esque courtyard.

Ning Qi could distinctly sense the lingering traces of the Saint Ancestor's presence within this place.

A slight smile touched his lips; this appeared to be the Saint Ancestor's personal abode within the Haoran Realm.

Urging the black donkey forward, Ning Qi ascended the broken mountain. Although it appeared small from afar, once they landed, the area expanded to resemble an enormous plaza.

Water from springs cascaded down a rocky cliffside, forming a waterfall, while simple pavilions dotted a steep peak.

The courtyard was situated at its center, facing a desk adorned with the four treasures of the study.

Brushes and writing implements were meticulously arranged, with sheets of white paper spread out in the middle.

Behind the desk stood an impressive collection of bookshelves, laden with countless ancient books and scrolls.

A single glance at this sight was enough to make the black donkey feel drowsy.

Ning Qi dismounted, walking leisurely around the area.

Just as he was about to examine the Saint Ancestor's extensive collection, he abruptly closed his eyes.

A message from his main body had arrived, causing Ning Qi's brow to furrow slightly in contemplation.

Only after a brief moment did Ning Qi reopen his eyes.

He turned his gaze back towards the void, as if piercing through the fabric of space itself, then through the Boundary Wall of the Haoran Realm, all the way into the Sea of Realms.

His main body had successfully merged the Mountain and Sea Realm with the True Martial Realm and was now guiding the True Martial Spirit Realm to gradually approach the Haoran Realm.

Ning Qi received two crucial pieces of information from his main body that demanded his immediate and specific attention.

Firstly, a branch of Jianmu's Seed had vanished, with suspicions pointing towards Mountain Ancestor as the culprit.

Furthermore, Mountain Ancestor had dispatched an individual into the Haoran Realm with particular intentions.

Secondly, the Ancient Road Sacred Map, which had been imparted by the Saint Ancestor, was discovered to be incomplete.

The main body held the belief that the complete map remained hidden within the Haoran Realm.

A tremor of anticipation ran through Ning Qi.

His avatar had initially been sent to assess the situation within the Haoran Realm, but circumstances had shifted; he now needed to unravel these deep-seated mysteries.

Fortunately, his reborn body was rapidly approaching a significant milestone.

"Mountain Ancestor also sent people into the Haoran Realm?"

A faint glow emanated from Ning Qi's eyes as he rose into the air.

Based on the established timeline, Mountain Ancestor's emissaries should have arrived prior to his own entry into the War Domain.

If that were the case, the individuals dispatched should have already reached the Haoran Realm.

Yet, Ning Qi's avatar had arrived in the Haoran Realm during this interim period but had detected no irregularities, let alone any sign of Mountain Ancestor's agents.

Ning Qi's gaze suddenly fell upon the withered leaf hovering above him.

"I understand now!"