Sword Saint Inheritance
True Martial Mountain.
The figure of Daoist Longshan arrived through the air. After receiving Ning Qi's secret letter, he returned at full speed and landed directly outside the Dao-Seeking Courtyard.
"Little Nine, have we found a clue?" Daoist Longshan asked hurriedly.
Ning Qi slowly recounted what happened that night.
He kept the beautiful woman's body. Although, as expected, he didn't find anything useful, Ning Qi still preserved it with his extreme cold Gang Qi for the time being, just in case it might come in handy someday.
now.
As Ning Qi recounted his story, the expression of the Daoist Longshan gradually became solemn.
"Southern Frontier Tribes? Blood King Gu?"
Ning Qi nodded and asked:
"Master, how much do you know about southern Xinjiang?"
This is also why the Daoist Longshan was called back; books and classics may record some knowledge, but they are by no means all of it.
Ning Qi only knew that the Southern Frontier was located to the south of the Great Flame. Successive dynasties had tried to conquer this place and incorporate it into their territory, but all had failed. The Southern Frontier was shrouded in mystery in the eyes of the people of the Great Flame Dynasty, while those of high enough power knew that the Southern Frontier was not only mysterious but also exceptionally powerful; otherwise, it would have been annexed by the Great Flame long ago.
The Daoist Longshan looked at him with a hint of apprehension.
"The Southern Frontier is home to the Hundred Thousand Mountains, a vast expanse unknown to most. Aside from numerous Mutant Beast, all we know of are the tribes of the Southern Frontier. These tribes are scattered throughout the Hundred Thousand Mountains, and they are not so harmonious with each other, often fighting amongst themselves. We have only vaguely heard that they are not unified like the Great Flame Dynasty, but rather like a tribal alliance."
"These tribes rarely have contact with the outside world and each possesses mysterious methods, one of which is the art of controlling Gu. I have traveled the world and heard of some of them. These tribes cultivate strange Gu species and combine them with their own martial arts, resulting in various miraculous abilities. For example, the Mighty Gu can greatly increase one's strength after fusion."
"I've never heard of this Blood King Gu before, but judging from the bizarre process of its birth, it must have considerable uses. Perhaps it's used to cultivate Celestial Person Realm martial artists, or even... higher levels!"
Ning Qi's spirits lifted.
But I also think it makes sense.
If Yuan Pill Realm expert can be abandoned so easily, it's unreasonable to cultivate the Blood King Gu just to cultivate some Gang Essence Realm experts; the input and output would be severely mismatched.
"This matter involves a considerable amount of people, and it's almost certain that Celestial Person expert is involved. The only uncertainty is whether it was the work of a single tribe in the Southern Frontier, or whether an alliance of tribes was involved."
These are completely different in nature.
If it's the latter, then the True Martial Sect probably can't shake it.
"I'm more inclined to believe that only a few tribes are involved; otherwise, they wouldn't be being so cautious," Ning Qi said.
The destruction of the Snow Plum Manor occurred nine years ago, and the Divine Sword Sect was only recently destroyed. If there had been any major disturbances during this period, it would have been impossible for them to go unnoticed.
Conversely, it's clear that the person behind them was also extremely wary of the Great Flame.
Daoist Longshan nodded in agreement.
"That's right, there might be one or two Celestial Person Realm behind them, but that's all."
"This matter needs to be investigated further. Whether it's for you, Little Nine, or for Brother Shenjian and Xiao Shi, or even for those innocent people, we must get to the bottom of it. Now that we have a direction, things are much better. Next, we can investigate in the direction of human trafficking, centering on the human blood pool that Brother Shenjian mentioned earlier..."
He began to devise a plan.
Ning Qi, on the other hand, kept adding to the discussion.
"Those who differ greatly from the traditional martial artists of the Great Flame can also be considered; combining the two can greatly narrow down the scope."
The master and apprentice quickly finalized their plan, both agreeing that it was feasible.
"They might keep a low profile for a while, but as long as they don't give up cultivating the so-called Blood King Gu, they'll inevitably slip up."
Ning Qi nodded and said:
"That's right. Judging from the special Gu worms that woman carried, they should have thought she would die instantly if she encountered Celestial Person Realm expert. But they don't know that we've already gathered a lot of information. This is our advantage. Right now, we're in the shadows while they're in the open!"
Daoist Longshan made the decision directly:
"Little Nine, the usual rule applies. You remain at True Martial Mountain while I go down to investigate."
This time, he won't make a big fuss; he'll use his connections to investigate secretly.
In Daoist Longshan's view, Ning Qi was stronger than himself and it would be better for him to stay at True Martial Mountain. For example, last time when this woman launched a night attack, if he had faced her, he would have had no problem capturing her, but he definitely wouldn't have been able to extract so much useful information from her.
Of course, he also wanted to give Ning Qi more time to cultivate.
His cultivation progress is slow now. Half a year or a year doesn't matter to him, but if the same amount of time is spent on Ning Qi, the progress will be much greater. He hasn't forgotten that Ning Qi is only nine years old now.
Ning Qi did not refuse.
"Master, please put on this Azure Treasure Armor."
He handed the Azure Treasure Armor to Daoist Longshan. Now that he knew that a Celestial Person Realm expert was involved, he naturally had to consider his master's safety. In any case, he now had the Azure Profound Body Protection Technique, whose defensive power even surpassed that of the Azure Treasure Armor.
Daoist Longshan was somewhat surprised. He could tell how powerful the Treasure Armor was just by sensing it. He even vaguely felt that the Treasure Armor had a familiar aura.
Seeing the doubt in his master's eyes, Ning Qi did not hide anything.
"This was obtained from the powerful Demon Sect cultivators who attacked last time."
The Daoist Longshan was astonished.
He finally remembered where that familiar feeling came from.
On the day the Great Flame delegation went up the mountain, the Celestial Person of the Demon Sect launched a night attack. Celestial Person were killed, while only the one Celestial Person from the Demon Sect, who was comparable to the strongest on the Celestial Person Ranking, was seriously injured and escaped by the King of Zhenbei. During this time, he also tried to beat the dog when it was down, but his attacks were naturally ineffective against Elder Wang, who was wearing Treasure Armor.
"Didn't that person escape?" Daoist Longshan was filled with questions.
Seeing his apprentice's silent smile, he instantly realized what was going on.
"No wonder Little Nine appeared so late that night; she was chasing after that thief."
The fact that a powerful figure at the Celestial Person Ranking level was killed by Ning Qi felt unreal to Daoist Longshan. Everyone thought that person had escaped, but unexpectedly, he was quietly killed by his own little disciple. He was afraid that the Demonic Sect had already pinned Demon Sect blame on the Prince of Zhenbei. He was somewhat dumbfounded.
He was amazed, but ultimately didn't hesitate and put away the Treasure Armor.
This is the apprentice's expression of filial piety.
Ning Qi laughed:
"Master, inform me immediately if you have any news. I have some knowledge of tracking techniques, so let's not alert the enemy."
The Daoist Longshan nodded solemnly.
He had complete faith in his young apprentice's abilities.
When Daoist Longshan saw Zhuang Chen again, he was overjoyed to learn that Zhuang Chen's injuries had healed and his sword bones were reviving. He offered Zhuang Chen a few more words of encouragement.
"I am still investigating your master's grudge, and I will definitely give you an explanation. Just focus on recovering from your injuries. I don't have much time to teach you right now, so if there's anything you don't understand, please ask your ninth senior brother."
He did not hide anything from Zhuang Chen, and also told him that the culprit behind the destruction of the Divine Sword Sect might be related to the Southern Frontier.
Feelings deepen gradually. Daoist Longshan had also met Zhuang Chen and knew of his pure heart. By exchanging hearts, he would eventually completely accept the True Martial Sect.
Zhuang Chen was deeply moved.
It's warm and cozy.
Although the Divine Sword Sect and his master are gone, he has gained another master who cares for him, as well as a group of senior brothers and sisters who care for him.
In the past few days, Luo Wentian and others have visited him frequently, and their heartfelt concern has warmed his heart, which was suddenly struck by tragedy.
"Thank you, Master!" Zhuang Chen said sincerely.
He doesn't have many thoughts, but he remembers the kindness others show him and repays even the smallest favor tenfold.
Daoist Longshan smiled and waved his hand:
There's no need for such formalities between master and disciple.
The Daoist Longshan was about to leave.
Zhuang Chen remembered something and quickly said:
"Master, before my death, my eldest master instructed me to pass on the Sword Saint's Inheritance that he had received to you."
He had fallen into a coma after burying the Old Man Divine Sword, and only now had the chance to meet Daoist Longshan. He had just heard what Daoist Longshan said, and he was afraid that he would have to leave the mountain again for some time.
Daoist Longshan was taken aback; if Zhuang Chen hadn't brought it up, he would have almost forgotten about it.
He didn't turn around, but just smiled:
"Tell your ninth senior brother."
Zhuang Chen stared blankly at the back of Daoist Longshan, feeling even more relaxed, and a trace of reverence rose in his eyes.
The next day.
Daoist Longshan quietly descended the mountain. This time, he did not make a big fuss or deliberately cause a disturbance. Apart from a few True Disciple, even the other members of the True Martial Sect did not know that Daoist Longshan had already left the mountain.
In the Dao-Seeking Courtyard.
Ning Qi was still assisting Zhuang Chen in reversing the innate sword body technique.
After several days of training, Zhuang Chen had gradually gotten used to the intense pain. Although he was still in a sorry state, he could endure it for longer and longer. This was a special kind of training for Zhuang Chen. At this moment, his eyes were very sharp, like an unsheathed sword, which was completely different from his previous self.
Ning Qi only stopped when Zhuang Chen collapsed to the ground in convulsions.
There was a hint of approval in his eyes:
"Little Ten, now with the power of the sword bone that has been reborn within you, you should be able to operate the Innate Sword Body Secret Technique on your own. Persist for a month, and your sword bone will naturally be fully restored, and may even be stronger than before."
Ning Qi was no longer worried about what would happen next. He had already endured the most painful stage, and reversing the secret technique with his own strength would only be easier now; all he needed to do was be patient.
Zhuang Chen's eyes were filled with gratitude.
But he didn't say Exit; he just kept it in his heart. During this time with his master and fellow disciples, he learned one thing: there's no need to be polite; just remember it and repay them in the future.
Zhuang Chen adjusted his breathing.
A moment later.
He looked at Ning Qi and said:
"Ninth Senior Brother, I've finished adjusting my breathing. Now I can tell you about the Sword Saint's Inheritance that our Grandmaster taught me!"
He felt no reluctance whatsoever. Ning Qi had been selfless towards him, and he would not hold back in return. This was perhaps the only thing he could do to help Ning Qi at this stage.
Ning Qi nodded and smiled:
"Good."
There was a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Although the Sword Saint's Inheritance that the Old Man Divine Sword received was incomplete, it might still offer him some inspiration.