Chapter 76: Chapter 70: Night Conversation Between Master and Disciple
This day.
The disciples of the True Martial Sect descended the mountain, one after another, riding fast horses toward various places in Qing State, and even to several nearby states.
Afterward, Qing State was once again in an uproar.
"True Man Longshan is finally going to hold the Celestial Being Grand Ceremony!"
"I wonder which Celestial Being strong persons will attend this time. It’s a supreme opportunity. If one could catch the eye of a Celestial Being strong person, not to mention being taken as a disciple, even being a servant by their side would be a tremendous fortune!"
"What I yearn for the most is the Celestial Being’s discussion of the Dao. Even understanding a bit would benefit me for a lifetime. Unfortunately, it’s too difficult for us loose cultivators without any sect to get an invitation."
"Opportunities are for the prepared. Even if we can’t ascend True Martial Mountain, it’s good to linger nearby. Who knows if a Gang Essence Realm strong person might notice us?"
"Such a grand event must be experienced. It’s a perfect chance to see how deep the foundation of the True Martial Sect is."
...
The sounds of discussions echoed throughout Qing State.
Those who received invitations were naturally thrilled and began preparing gifts. At that time, strong ones would gather like clouds, all to offer congratulations. If the gifts were too meager, it would invite ridicule. It’s an excellent opportunity to establish connections.
Even those who didn’t receive invitations didn’t give up. They also headed towards the True Martial Sect, mostly martial artists with low cultivation levels, hoping to find a chance in such a gathering of storms.
Fortunately, the villages below True Martial Mountain had been greatly expanded, and under the directive of Taoist Longshan, it was named ’True Martial City.’
It can be foreseen.
True Martial City will gradually develop into another great martial city in Qing State.
True Martial Sect became the center of countless gazes.
As for Taoist Longshan, he was contemplating matters concerning Ning Qi.
In the dead of night.
He stood by the window of the Bright Martial Pavilion with his hands behind his back, gazing at the night view.
During this period, he first descended the mountain to search for Qin Yun’s traces, followed by a closed meditation to break through to the Celestial Human Realm. After emerging, he heard that his disciples had been bullied and swiftly descended the mountain to kill in all directions. Upon returning to the mountain, he hurriedly closed himself off to digest the gains of his breakthrough to the Celestial Human Realm.
After this cycle of busyness, nearly two years had passed, with little time to focus on his disciples during the interim.
Luo Wentian and others did not worry Taoist Longshan; after all, they were adults who could take care of themselves. Only Ning Qi, being too young, now only eight years old, bore a blood feud but possessed great power. Taoist Longshan was concerned that Ning Qi’s desire for revenge would grow more urgent with his increase in power, affecting himself.
With a lethal weapon comes the intent to kill. Wishing to seek revenge after gaining power is only human.
"A year ago, Jiu already had the strength to subdue a White Mist Realm opponent. I wonder to what extent he has progressed now?"
Taoist Longshan pondered.
Throughout the True Martial Sect, only he knew that it was his little apprentice who killed the Flying Heaven Eagle.
Even now, he occasionally finds it hard to believe that a year ago, the seven-year-old Ning Qi could effortlessly kill a White Mist Realm master, something that would be unbelievable to others.
Luo Wentian and the rest were not wrong in their guesses; it truly was the True Martial Foundation that acted. Yet, they never imagined that the True Martial Foundation was their own junior martial brother.
"With my current strength, suppressing the Blood Rain Tower is not an issue. However, we must not alert them beforehand, lest the four of Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning escape first. Moreover, I need to probe the truth behind the massacre of yesteryears carefully."
It is said that those four can escape unscathed even before a Celestial Being, implying greater caution and the need to take them down one by one.
"Perhaps, I should proactively discuss this matter with Jiu, lest he becomes unsettled."
With this thought, Taoist Longshan made up his mind and headed in the direction of the Seeking Tao Institute.
Soon.
He appeared outside the Seeking Tao Institute, revealing a look of astonishment in his eyes.
Peach trees stood tall outside the courtyard. Although there were no blossoms, and it seemed bleak, his keen eyes could discern something mysterious about the placement of these trees, subtly resonating with the small courtyard, creating an indescribable feeling.
Looking at the words ’Seeking Tao Institute,’ he smiled knowingly as if he understood his little apprentice’s aspirations from those three words.
He stepped in unhurriedly, where Ning Qi was already waiting inside, having sensed Taoist Longshan’s arrival.
"Master."
Ning Qi greeted with a smile.
Taoist Longshan looked at Ning Qi, filled with emotions. At eight, Ning Qi already stood as tall as a boy of thirteen or fourteen years, clad in a blue Taoist robe that exuded an unspeakable Dao charm, an aura cultivated from years of enlightenment and scriptural study.
"Qi’Er, you’ve grown up."
Taoist Longshan sighed heavily. He had to admit, even though he had stepped into the Celestial Human Realm, he still couldn’t see through this little apprentice, feeling somewhat like waves surging over the older generation in the Yangtze River.
He recalled Ning Qi at half a year old asking him about immortality. Over seven years, the growth was astounding. If it hadn’t all happened before his eyes, he would not have believed it.
Ning Qi earnestly said:
"Without you, Master, Ning Qi wouldn’t have grown so smoothly."
He didn’t ask Taoist Longshan why he came late at night.
And Taoist Longshan didn’t bring it up.
Master and disciple, a duo of large and small figures, wandered inadvertently out of the courtyard, idly strolling on True Martial Mountain.
They talked about recent events, amusing stories on the martial path, and the True Martial Peach Assembly organized by the disciples, also touching on the upcoming Celestial Being Grand Ceremony.
This feeling was very comforting.
Such opportunities were rare between master and disciple.
Ning Qi was always very grateful to Taoist Longshan, who not only saved him from the Death Realm but also painstakingly taught him. Although there wasn’t much left to teach him in later years, Taoist Longshan still aimed to create the best conditions for him and never interfered with his affairs.
A master like this, anywhere under the heavens, would almost be impossible to find a second.
He noticed Taoist Longshan’s hesitation, let out a light laugh, and took the initiative to say:
"Master, were you going to talk about the Blood Rain Tower?"
Taoist Longshan was taken aback, then smiled helplessly. He found himself lesser in decisiveness than an eight-year-old child, possibly influenced by the previous issues concerning Qin Yun.
Taoist Longshan nodded solemnly and said:
"I once told you, I would surely help you seek revenge. Now that I have reached the Celestial Human Realm, wiping out the Blood Rain Tower is no problem. I don’t want this matter bothering you for too long."
Ning Qi was somewhat moved.
In fact, he had indeed thought about when to exact his revenge.
Previously, when he was only at the Inner Essence Realm, even though he could contend with the Gang Essence Realm, it wasn’t secure enough. After advancing to the White Mist Realm, feeling confident in subduing Primordial Core Realm opponents, this thought gradually came alive.
He hadn’t forgotten about the events of eight years ago when he first transmigrated.
The so-called ’Lord Feng’ greatly feared Taoist Longshan, who was at the Primordial Core Realm back then. Even after eight years, despite breaking through, he would at most be in the Primordial Core Realm.
Ning Qi believed he wouldn’t have much of a problem killing him.