Chapter 101: Chapter 91 Fake Pill Technique (Seeking Full Subscription and Follow-Up Subscription!)
The prestige of True Man Tianjian is equally extremely high.
Some say that True Man Tianjian is genuinely a master of the Celestial Being List, even stronger than the Cyan Bull Blade Master and Divine Feather Grand General. A single Celestial Sword severely injured that old demon, while the Cyan Bull Blade Master and Divine Feather Grand General together merely made the old demon endure for quite some time.
This contrast is rather obvious.
Many people believe that with the next update of the Celestial Being List, True Man Tianjian might make it onto the list.
The only flaw is that True Man Tianjian has too few records of action.
However, these are from those unaware of the actual situation.
They wouldn’t know that Ning Qi’s sword took advantage of Old Demon Lin’s underestimation, nor would they be aware that Ning Qi could only wield that one sword, and further attempts would at most just reach the standard of one newly entering the Celestial Human Realm.
But the Cyan Bull Blade Master and Divine Feather Grand General wouldn’t come out to argue.
...
Bright Martial Pavilion.
Only Ning Qi and Taoist Longshan were seated opposite each other.
Taoist Longshan’s aura had already stabilized somewhat, thanks to the Thousand-Year Flame Sun Jade gifted by Carefree Monarch earlier, allowing a much quicker recovery. But upon deeper nurturing, he found his injuries were more severe than he had imagined, with faint Blade Qi left by Old Demon Lin wreaking havoc within.
Even with the Thousand-Year Flame Sun Jade, it might take half a year to heal.
He had gained a deeper understanding of that Old Demon Lin’s strength and marveled more at his disciple’s prowess, such an old demon could be heavily injured with one sword. He himself fell far short.
At present.
Ning Qi is undoubtedly the strongest in the True Martial Sect!
What’s most remarkable is that only True Man Longshan knows his disciple is currently just at the Gang Essence Realm, yet he matches a Celestial Being—within ancient history, few could achieve such a feat.
Usually, everyone below a Celestial Being is but an ant.
Only a peerless genius could defy convention.
This is one of the reasons Taoist Longshan fabricated an ’elder predecessor’ to conceal Ning Qi’s true identity.
Taoist Longshan chuckled and said:
"Jiu, your reputation as True Man Tianjian is much greater than your master’s."
Ning Qi replied helplessly:
"Master, don’t tease me; titles like True Man Tianjian are merely empty names. Moreover, too much limelight isn’t necessarily a good thing."
There was worry in his gaze.
True Martial Sect gained immense fame by eliminating the Demon Sect division, but also inevitably drew resentment from the Demon Sect, a behemoth rivaling the Great Yan Dynasty. Despite being always on the losing side, it wasn’t something True Martial Sect could fend off.
Currently, although the Divine Feather General attracts most of the hostility, it’s not guaranteed that the Demon Sect won’t launch a sudden retaliatory strike to vent their ire.
Even the slightest possibility is enough to make Ning Qi vigilant.
Ning Qi is well aware of his own circumstances; presently, only that one sword boasts the strength of the Celestial Being List, while the rest of the time he’s at most at his master’s level.
Taoist Longshan’s expression turned solemn, slowly nodding:
"I understand your worries, but there’s no need for excessive anxiety."
Ning Qi was startled:
"Master, do you know some news?"
Taoist Longshan continued:
"A few days ago, Divine Feather General was lightly injured in a sudden attack from the Demon Sect. These Demon Sect members are certainly vengeful, but it also incensed the Imperial Court, which has sent strong persons to lurk near the martial path sects involved in the extermination campaign."
"Especially around our True Martial Sect and the rebuilt Wang Clan, there are Celestial Being strong persons in hiding. Should the Demon Sect come, it would be a trap."
"A message has already arrived from the Wang Clan area in recent days; demon traces have appeared but the Demon Sect remains inactive, seemingly deterred by some discovery. Hence, our True Martial Sect is temporarily safe."
"After all, although we were forced to join this action, the Demon Sect likely won’t dedicate too much effort against us, primarily aiming their revenge at the Great Yan Imperial Court."
Ning Qi exhaled softly.
But he didn’t completely relax.
Relying on others is not his style. Who knows if these lurking Celestial Being strong persons might neglect their duties or suddenly withdraw.
The fundamental need is for his power to be sufficiently strong.
He already had ideas.
Seeking Taoist Longshan was for this purpose.
"Master, I need some of the gifts you received at the Celestial Being Grand Ceremony." Ning Qi grinned.
Taoist Longshan, smiling, pointed at Ning Qi:
"Whatever you want, go help yourself at the treasure vault; however, the Thousand-Year Flame Sun Jade cannot be given to you yet, as your master needs it to heal."
Speaking.
He looked somewhat regretfully at Ning Qi.
"Jiu, prior to this, your master promised you that after the Celestial Being Grand Ceremony, he’d assist in eradicating the Blood Rain Tower, but now it seems it must be delayed."
Currently, not only is Taoist Longshan injured and needing swift recuperation to prevent lingering issues, but True Martial Sect is also in the limelight. If the two were to venture outside and the Demon Sect suddenly attacked, regret would be too late.
Ning Qi nodded, he was not in a rush; seeking vengeance wouldn’t be hindered by a year or two, and it was just the right time to further enhance his strength.
"Master, focus on recovering, don’t worry about anything else; we’ll deal with the Blood Rain Tower after you’re well."
Thinking of his master’s injuries, Ning Qi’s gaze subtly changed.
The Wang Clan is now rebuilt, but its situation is similar to True Martial Sect, being eyed by the Demon Sect while the Imperial Court’s Celestial Being strong persons lurk—it’s not the best time to act, nor is his strength a guarantee.
"I’ll wait a while."
Ning Qi paid his respects and departed.
Taoist Longshan watched Ning Qi’s back, smiling contentedly.
...
A moment later.
Ning Qi returned from True Martial Treasure Vault with a full bounty.
Various precious gifts were essentially all taken.
A Luminous Pearl from Sea-covering Gang, a Relic Pill from Ascetic Sect, Bright Fruit from Nocturnal Blade Sect, Enlightenment Tea Tree seed from Ancestor Wang, and most importantly, what Ning Qi coveted most—the Flying Thunder Tiger Beast King’s Inner Core.
Under normal circumstances, Ning Qi might leave some items for future use as rewards for enhancing disciples in the sect.
But now the Demon Sect was subtly watching.
Ning Qi needed to quickly enhance his strength; the most cost-effective for him also benefits True Martial Sect the most.
In the Seeking Tao Institute.
Ning Qi examined the treasures in front of him.
Contemplating their use.
"Bright Fruit... can be used to enhance the medicinal properties of the True Martial Peach Tree, provided I can research the corresponding cultivation method from the Bright Fruit. Difficult for me, but it would require some time. Moreover, even if the medicinal properties of the True Martial Peach Tree are enhanced, it won’t increase my strength."
Ning Qi first dismissed researching Bright Fruit; it’s beneficial for True Martial Sect’s future, but can be postponed.
"Same goes for the Enlightenment Tea Tree seed."
He examined the seed, which had lost much of its vitality and slightly frowned, knowing Ancestor Wang wasn’t so kind, probably having tried countless times before passing the seed on as a gift.
"I’ll try later."
"As for the Luminous Pearl and Relic Pill... these two might work together, the Luminous Pearl can be ground into powder and see if it can be combined with the Relic Pill to refine a pill that enhances cultivation."
"However, this still can’t rapidly enhance my strength."
Ning Qi placed these in the second sequence; if a pill is refined, it would accelerate his strength development.
But now, he needed potent external power.
He focused his gaze on the last item.
Beast King’s Inner Core.
Slowly opening the jade box, the Flying Thunder Tiger Inner Core glowed with lightning, instantly floating upwards, with faint tiger roars and fierce residual might, and most importantly, the surrounding Power of Heaven and Earth.
Ning Qi’s eyes showed anticipation.
Previously at the Celestial Being Grand Ceremony, when the Cyan Bull Blade Master brought out this core, as soon as he sensed the surrounding Power of Heaven and Earth, he thought of a particular use.
And now, observing it closely, he could clearly sense the energy within the core.
The thought in his mind grew more certain.
"Perhaps... I can use the Beast King’s Inner Core as a base to refine a ’Fake Pill,’ thereby replacing the Primordial Core inside my body with ’Fake Pill’ to communicate with Heaven and Earth, allowing me to achieve a similar effect to Heaven-Reaching and Unity of Heaven and Man in the Celestial Human Realm!"
Currently, Ning Qi’s shortcoming is not being able to sustain the damage output of the Celestial Sword Technique after initial use.
Yet, the root cause is not the Celestial Sword Technique but rather Ning Qi needing to use more than eighty percent of his Gang Qi to unleash such a powerful sword. To continuously unleash the might of the Celestial Sword Technique, he has to further enhance his Gang Qi, but that’s not achievable overnight.
Therefore, Ning Qi chose another path.
Enhancing the resonance intensity of the Power of Heaven and Earth.
Relying solely on Celestial Being Unity Secret Technique could only achieve this level, but if the planned ’Fake Pill’ succeeded, the Power of Heaven and Earth he could command would greatly augment.
At that point, the Celestial Sword Technique’s sustainability would not only increase significantly, but its power would also enhance quite a bit.
He would genuinely possess Celestial Being List-level combat strength.
Though it’s temporary, it would suffice to navigate through current challenges.
"Feasible!"
Ning Qi’s mind bubbled with inspiration, placing ’Fake Pill’ technique research in the forefront.