Chapter 116: Returning to the Mountain, Southern Border Saintess, Dao Companion (Two-in-One)
Ning Qi looked at the familiar True Martial Mountain, his heart filled with countless emotions.
This time, his trip down the mountain took a little over a month. He had seen some of Great Yan's national conditions, but he still hadn't stepped out of Qing State.
But for Ning Qi, there was nothing to regret. After going out, he actually felt quite comfortable staying on True Martial Mountain.
While no one knew.
Ning Qi returned to True Martial Mountain.
He first went to see Taoist Longshan.
When Taoist Longshan saw Ning Qi, he was incredibly excited.
Although Ning Qi had already demonstrated his strength before going down the mountain, there was still some danger in this trip. He was worried, and if Ning Qi hadn't repeatedly sent secret messages saying everything went smoothly, he would have been unable to resist going to help.
"Jiu, did everything go smoothly on this trip?" Taoist Longshan couldn't help but ask.
Although Ning Qi already had Dong He escorted back, he hadn't mentioned many other details.
Ning Qi respectfully bowed, then smiled and said:
"Master, don't worry, I'll slowly tell you."
He organized his thoughts.
Starting from the affairs in Canghe Prefecture City.
During this time, he used disguise and transformation to become 'Lei' and 'Fatty Elder', setting a trap to capture them all in one go.
Ning Qi explained everything in detail except for some secrets related to himself.
Taoist Longshan listened with amazement, then a look of incomparable admiration and emotion appeared in his eyes.
"I never expected you, Jiu, to have such a thrilling experience on this trip down the mountain. It seems wise of you to have told me not to follow, otherwise, I really would have been a burden to you."
Taoist Longshan felt both bittersweet and proud.
His little disciple had grown too quickly, and was slowly reaching a level he could no longer match. This was a rare prodigy, unparalleled even in ancient history.
He thought the only thing he could do for Ning Qi now was to handle the logistics well.
"I never imagined that the Southern Border had quietly formed an alliance. I wonder if I should inform the Great Yan imperial court about this." Then Taoist Longshan shook his head, "It's better not to get involved in such murky waters. With Great Yan's foundation, they can't possibly be unaware of the Southern Border's alliance, and must have a way to handle it. They might even know parts of the Blood King Gu matter."
"However, there is one coincidence." Taoist Longshan said with a smile.
"During the two days you were clearing the Southern Border stronghold, I made an appearance in True Martial City. As a result, the suspicion on our True Martial Sect will be much smaller."
Ning Qi also smiled.
This served as an alibi.
Master and disciple talked about the events of recent days. When Ning Qi shared his insights on the True Martial Underground Palace, Taoist Longshan was also somewhat impressed, having never had the capacity to explore it himself before.
"I hope that someday the True Martial Underground Palace will reappear, and I will keep a covert watch. If it does appear, your talent, Jiu, will surely allow you to receive all its heritage!"
Thinking this way, Taoist Longshan was excited, as his lifelong wish was to revive True Martial.
Ning Qi simply nodded with a smile.
He asked about Dong He's matter again.
Taoist Longshan slowly said:
"Previously, when you sent Dong He up the mountain, I told them that I secretly found the clues and captured him, and then handed Dong He over to Shi to deal with."
"That Dong He was eloquent, but Shi's determination remained strong. He personally killed Dong He and took his head to the Divine Sword brother's tombstone for offering."
His gaze showed some satisfaction.
Taoist Longshan was never a gentleman. He had a chivalrous heart but was also decisive, and he didn't think Zhuang Chen did anything wrong by killing Dong He. If he couldn't avenge such a grave betrayal, he would have been disappointed with Zhuang Chen.
Ning Qi nodded approvingly.
Chatting with Taoist Longshan into the night, Ning Qi returned to the Seeking Tao Institute.
The White Ape was cultivating Ape King Strength.
His cultivation was deepening day by day, and his bloodline was continuously awakening. His actual combat power was probably not inferior to that of Jiang Baishan and others.
Ning Qi watched with a smile, feeling very satisfied with the White Ape. The White Ape was steadfast in his pursuit of the Dao, and although sometimes he was mischievous and playful, he never slacked off when it was time to exert effort. Perhaps he would accompany Ning Qi for a long time.
Moments later.
The White Ape stood up, seeing that familiar figure under the peach tree, rubbed his eyes in confusion, and when he realized it was indeed Ning Qi, joy sprang from his eyes.
"Teacher!"
He greeted Ning Qi respectfully, scratching his head.
His excitement was evident.
During this time Ning Qi wasn't there, he felt like he had lost his anchor, his essence, qi, and spirit were somewhat droopy, but now he was invigorated in an instant.
Ning Qi smiled:
"I'm back."
He hadn't hidden his trip down the mountain from the White Ape. As they lived together, the White Ape always guarded him during his retreats, naturally sensing when he was at the Seeking Tao Institute.
The next day.
Ning Qi 'emerged from his retreat', and the Seeking Tao Institute became lively again.
Luo Wentian and others came upon hearing the news.
They chattered about the recent events.
Ning Qi felt the noise and smiled slightly, his heart especially tranquil.
...
After returning to the mountain.
Ning Qi's life resumed its former rhythm.
Reading scriptures, seeking enlightenment, cultivation, nurturing the Spirit Tree... One by one, these things filled his time, making his days fulfilling, and Ning Qi liked living this way.
With the aid of the Blood Jade Pill, Ning Qi's cultivation speed became even faster.
Every day he could feel his strength growing.