Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 972 - 418: Ancient Path Sacred Map True Copy
Previously on Cultivating with Top Enlightenment...
With a subtle flick of his fingers, Ning Qi caused the withered leaf overhead to drift down, settling into his grasp.
The Mountain Ancestor had managed to seize a fragment of the Jianmu branch and dispatched individuals into the Vast Realm.
Yet, to this day, their presence remains undetected.
Ning Qi himself had undertaken extensive searches throughout the Vast Realm, uncovering not a single trace, a fact that filled him with apprehension.
Nevertheless, Ning Qi possessed a contingency plan for this predicament.
His mind raced, meticulously cataloging potential objectives behind their infiltration into the Vast Realm.
One possibility was their intention to shatter the Vast Realm, reducing it to a state akin to the fragmented Mountain and Sea Realm, thereby facilitating its swifter assimilation by Buzhou Mountain’s shadow.
Alternatively, their objective might be the acquisition of cultivators from the Vast Realm as sacrifices.
A third theory posited that they were engaged in an investigation of some undisclosed matter...
Regardless of their ultimate motive, these possibilities served to heighten Ning Qi’s vigilance.
Now that the Sword Ancestor and his companions had also entered the Vast Realm, Ning Qi felt compelled to prioritize their security.
Should the emissaries of the Mountain Ancestor indeed intend to utilize the cultivators of the Vast Realm for sacrificial purposes, then the Sword Ancestor and his group would likely find themselves in considerable peril.
Furthermore, Ning Qi had to remain watchful of the native cultivators and the Vast Realm itself, ensuring that the Mountain Ancestor could not exploit any sacrifices or consumption to bolster the power of Buzhou Mountain’s shadow.
Should such an event occur, the Mountain Ancestor might very well achieve his ultimate goal and attain immortality on the spot.
At that juncture, Ning Qi harbored significant doubts about his ability to counter such a threat.
Ning Qi’s gaze settled upon the deceased leaf resting in his hand.
Despite his Eye of Truth failing to pinpoint the location of the Mountain Ancestor’s agents, this very leaf could serve as a beacon to their whereabouts.
This capability was an unexpected boon Ning Qi had gained during his recent endeavors.
He had successfully subjugated the Seed of Jianmu, which had subsequently integrated with the Enlightenment Realm Tree situated within the True Martial Spirit Realm.
As this withered leaf originated from the Seed of Jianmu, it held the potential to regain its vitality once returned to the True Martial Spirit Realm.
Consequently, by utilizing this leaf, Ning Qi could effectively track the individuals who had intercepted a piece of the Jianmu branch.
Operating in concert with his primary body’s escalating strength, this avatar naturally experienced a parallel enhancement.
Thus, Ning Qi was now empowered to unleash the latent energy contained within this desiccated leaf!
Ning Qi extended his right hand, his palm as pale and refined as a white jade platter, while the withered leaf underwent a transformation, morphing into a directional pointer.
The leaf pivoted gently within Ning Qi’s grip, its tip eventually aligning with a distinct bearing.
Moreover, a subtle resonance emanated from the leaf, conveying an unspoken message to Ning Qi.
Following the direction indicated by the leaf, he observed that the target lay within the current planar expanse, specifically near a cascading waterfall.
A realization dawned upon Ning Qi.
It appeared that the Mountain Ancestor’s operatives had gained entry into Saint Ancestor’s pocket dimension prior to his own arrival and had already penetrated its central region.
His first action was to address the black mule positioned beside him.
"Remain within this domain, but maintain a prudent distance from the waterfall ahead."
The black mule immediately signified its understanding with a nod.
Since its encounter with Ning Qi, it had never witnessed such a somber expression gracing his features.
Ning Qi’s directive implied the presence of a formidable adversary.
The mule harbored a desire to play the valiant hero and assist Ning Qi.
However, for reasons unknown, upon glimpsing the distinctive black and white irises of Ning Qi's gaze, all its intended pronouncements coalesced into a simple, compliant, "Yes."
"Yes!"
Ning Qi abruptly raised his right hand, directing the withered leaf toward the black mule, and exhaled a gentle breath.
An invisible, intangible force surged forth from the leaf, enveloping the black mule in its embrace.
Previously, Ning Qi lacked the mastery to harness the leaf's potential; its mere possession sufficed to obscure him from external scrutiny.
The situation had now evolved; the Seed of Jianmu had fused with the Enlightenment Realm Tree, which, in turn, had merged with the True Martial Spirit Realm, effectively causing the Seed of Jianmu to integrate with Ning Qi himself.
He had, in essence, become one with Jianmu.
The luminescence emanating from the leaf enveloped the black mule. The mule, momentarily bewildered, suddenly grasped that Ning Qi was bestowing upon it a measure of protection.
This foresight was intended to safeguard the mule from detection by either the inhabitants of the Vast Realm or the realm's own consciousness after Ning Qi's imminent departure.
The black mule could not suppress a wave of profound gratitude.
Ning Qi’s consideration was truly unparalleled.
Its maternal ancestor had once imparted a crucial piece of advice: should it ever encounter an individual originating from beyond their world, it was imperative to seize the opportunity to follow, even if it meant serving as mere transport.
Nevertheless, caution was advised to guard against deception.
Despite its outwardly carefree and somewhat simple demeanor, it had privately observed Ning Qi with keen attention.
It remained uncertain whether the Ning Qi spoken of by denizens of the outside world was the very person now before it.
If the rumors held true, then Ning Qi’s actual strength far surpassed the general perception, representing a facet known only to the mule itself.
The black mule, with absolute trust, followed Ning Qi, believing its sacrifice was worthwhile. Unbeknownst to Ning Qi, such a small gesture had ignited extravagant notions within the black mule. He still had objectives to fulfill. Ning Qi became a fleeting shadow, instantaneously appearing before the waterfall within the Saint Ancestor's realm. "Could there be a concealed dimension behind this cascade?" Ning Qi abruptly ceased the leaf's concealment of his presence. Although this world exuded tranquility, where even the faintest sound echoed, and it seemed devoid of any sentinels or protective measures. However, the instant Ning Qi dropped the leaf's shielding of his aura, brilliant bursts of golden light materialized from the ethereal plane, accompanied by the jarring clang of chains. The golden radiance swiftly solidified into myriad golden chains, poised to ensnare Ning Qi. Simultaneously, a colossal will descended from the heavens. Toomes upon the desk and the racks behind them stirred as if moved by an unseen breeze, uncovering sacred scriptures and visual specters that rapidly coalesced into a distinct figure. Confronted by this spectacle, Ning Qi showed no inclination to fight back. "It is I!" he declared with composure.