NOVEL NEXT Chapter 132
Chapter 132
Since the day Zhang Sanfeng found Ning Changge after he first crossed into the Nine Provinces, Ning Changge had never descended the mountain again.
While he was curious about the world, his heart was steadfast in the Dao, and he could endure solitude without seeking out the mortal world. The Dao held a far greater allure for him.
However, since he was already planning to descend the mountain this time, he decided to take in the sights of the Jianghu as well. Rather than rushing with the Five Elements Escape Technique, he chose to walk leisurely, measuring the earth with his own steps.
With about a month to go and return, there was no need to hurry. Occasionally, he would fly on his sword or use the escape technique, but this journey was not merely a task to complete—it was also an opportunity to experience the mortal world, which was a form of cultivation in itself.
The Ming Dynasty’s territory was vast. For most commoners, it was difficult to leave even their own county, let alone the dynasty. Only martial artists, with their ability to travel quickly, could experience the broader world.
Ning Changge entered a small town.
“Ice sugar gourds! Freshly made, only three coins per skewer!”
“Fresh buns, come and see! Thin skin, juicy meat, have a look, sir!”
“Get out of the way, you filthy beggar! Don’t block this young master’s path!”
“Did you hear? The patriarch of the Divine Fist Sect is taking another concubine!”
“Prices for silk have risen in the south lately. It’s not a good time to stockpile. I’d suggest hoarding jade instead!”
…
Ning Changge’s spiritual sense enveloped the entire town. He could easily hear the chatter of peddlers, merchants, and martial artists.
He simply walked into the crowd, like an observer. No one noticed his presence. Some felt a strange force pushing them aside, but when they looked around, they saw nothing.
Ning Changge smiled faintly. He saw beggar mothers and their children clinging to each other, the laughter of brothels, merchants scheming to hoard goods, and martial artists seeking vengeance.
But most of all, he saw ordinary people—husbands and wives bickering, fathers and sons working together, all living their lives earnestly.
A realization began to form in his heart.
“So, this is the mortal world?”
After ten years of reading Daoist scriptures in the library, seeing the mortal world firsthand caused flashes of insight to flood his mind. He felt as though he was experiencing a long-awaited breakthrough.
“Understanding the will of Heaven is one path, but immersing oneself in the mortal world is also a path.”
He murmured to himself as he continued walking, gradually sensing a direction. He passed through towns and cities, leaving the Ming Dynasty and entering the Song Dynasty, continuing his journey.
Along the way, Ning Changge witnessed many events in the Jianghu. He saw injustice, heroism, schemes, and fairness.
He saw brothers killing each other over a martial arts manual and a young man of noble heart risking his life to protect a pregnant woman.
Sometimes, Ning Changge intervened, depending on his mood. Most of the time, he merely observed. He gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of human nature and the intricate relationship between fate and karma.
Once, he encountered a beggar boy practicing a crude sword technique in a ruined temple. On a whim, Ning Changge created a profound martial art and taught it to the boy before leaving quietly.
Another time, he came across a barbaric village preparing to sacrifice children. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed Pure Yang True Fire, burning the village to the ground, leaving the children to kneel in gratitude as he walked away.
He also encountered soldiers patrolling the border who had fallen ill with a plague. A single burst of spiritual energy healed them, bringing them back from the brink of death.
Of course, those who harbored ill intentions toward him met a swift and decisive end.
…
In just half a month, Ning Changge had experienced much. His pace varied—sometimes fast, sometimes slow. At times, he even forgot the original purpose of his journey. He immersed himself in the mortal world, understanding its intricacies.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, he altered the fates of many people, subtly manipulating karma. The insights in his mind grew ever brighter.
One day, in a small town at the foot of Mount Zhongnan, Ning Changge suddenly realized he was nearing the Quanzhen Sect. He sighed deeply.
“The mortal world is indeed a path, but it is not my path.”
In half a month, he had immersed himself in the mortal world, gaining much, but he also understood that while the mortal world was good, it was not where he would stay. His path was the pursuit of the Dao and the understanding of Heaven’s will.
Reflecting on his journey, his eyes sparkled with renewed clarity. Ten years of studying the Dao in the library had culminated in this moment of enlightenment through the mortal world.
His understanding of karma deepened, and his vast spiritual sense began to rotate, forming a tangible shape. A translucent figure resembling Ning Changge sat cross-legged in the depths of his sea of consciousness—his Spirit God.
—
[System Notification]
– You have descended the mountain and experienced the mortal world. Your ten years of Dao comprehension have culminated in enlightenment, and your spiritual sense has transformed. You have created the Immortal Dao technique, *Mortal World Spirit Condensation*.
– You have descended the mountain and witnessed the myriad facets of life, manipulating karma and fate. Your understanding of the Dao of Karma and Fate has deepened, and your *Minor Karma Technique* has advanced further.
—