Dao Integration Recognizes Its Master

A month has passed since the will of the Mountain and Sea Realm appeared.

Ning Qi would occasionally make an appearance to discuss the Dao with the powerful figures and Void Dao experts from various sects within the Xuanzhen Domain.

Although it was a discussion of the Dao, everyone knew that it was Ning Qi who was actually preaching the Dao.

The various sects also showed Ning Qi increasing respect. Whether it was their sect leader or elder, they all subtly treated Ning Qi with the respect due to a disciple, even though Ning Qi did not acknowledge them.

This day.

Outside the headquarters of the Xuanzhen Alliance, in a secluded place.

Fu Chen appeared quietly, observed the Xuanzhen Alliance headquarters for a while, and then took out a communication Jade Slip to contact someone he had never contacted before.

Shortly after, a figure flew out from inside the Xuanzhen Alliance headquarters.

Niu Man scanned the surrounding area but found nothing.

"Brother Ox, I'm here!"

It wasn't until a voice transmission entered his ear that Niu Man spotted his target.

Niu Man landed in front of Fu Chen and glanced at him in surprise.

"Brother Fu, why did you suddenly contact me?"

As they were both among the top five talents of their time, they naturally exchanged contact information.

However, this connection was severed after Fu Chen left the Xuanzhen Secret Realm back then.

"I've come here to ask Brother Niu for a favor."

Fu Chen smiled faintly, but when he noticed the cultivation fluctuations emanating from Niu Man, his smile instantly froze.

It was only because he discovered that this stupid ox had actually reached the Void Path Perfection realm, a level higher than his own!

Niu Man's large, copper-bell-shaped eyes darted around, observing Fu Chen, and he suddenly laughed:

"Brother Fu, it's been many years. How come your cultivation has fallen behind?"

Reality can shatter all self-righteous pride; the truth is the sharpest knife!

These words were like a sharp sword piercing Fu Chen's chest, making him, who still held a shred of pride in others, suddenly feel humble.

Fu Chen originally thought that he was just unable to catch up with Ning Qi, but with a teacher at the Dao Integration Realm guiding him, his cultivation level was definitely higher than that of other people of the same generation back then.

But to his surprise, things weren't what he expected!

But why is this the case?

His teacher, Wei Wuyai, was originally at the Dao Integration Realm. He had always been by Fu Chen's side, granting his every request and teaching him step by step!

The highest level of cultivation within the Bull Demon Sect, where Niu Man resides, is only at the Integration Realm.

Even if the other party constantly helps Niu Man improve his cultivation, Niu Man's cultivation could not possibly progress faster than Fu Chen's.

After all, Fu Chen had always thought that among the five prodigies, he had the strongest talent, while Niu Man's talent was even below that of Ren Zong and Chu Xiaotian.

Finally, Fu Chen couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Brother Niu, it's been decades since we last met. Why has your cultivation improved so rapidly?"

Niu Man's eyes seemed to see through Fu Chen's thoughts. He first asked, "Tell me why you've come here?"

Fu Chen stared at him, knowing that Niu Man had been close to Ning Qi in the past, so he said, "The Spirit Realm War is about to begin, and I have come here to seek refuge with the Domain Lord."

Niu Man immediately understood.

"Don't forget what you took from the Xuanzhen Secret Realm back then. Now you're showing up so brazenly, with cultivators from all the sects here. You really have some nerve!"

Fu Chen looked toward the Xuanzhen Alliance headquarters to the side, where the atmosphere was terrifying, with various dazzling lights constantly flashing, presumably indicating that they were practicing together.

Wei Wuyai had previously told him in secret that there were dozens of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in this place, which startled Fu Chen.

That's why he contacted Niu Man, intending to have Niu Man take him to find Ning Qi.

Fu Chen said, "Don't worry about that. I came here to offer the Dao Integration Technique that I took back then to the Domain Lord. I hope Brother Niu can show me to it."

When the topic of the Dao Integration Technique came up, Niu Man felt that Fu Chen's current strength was not enough, but he still had some value. At least the Dao Integration Technique would eventually be of some use to Ning Qi, so he agreed.

"Alright, I'll take you to find the Domain Lord now. By the way, you asked me before why my cultivation level improved so quickly; of course, it's because the Domain Lord imparted his teachings to me!"

Fu Chen exclaimed in surprise, "You mean the Domain Lord is passing on teachings to other sects?"

Niu Man said disdainfully, "The Domain Lord has a broad mind. Since he unified the Xuanzhen Domain, all sect cultivators and even Rogue Cultivator have benefited from him. You wouldn't understand!"

Fu Chen was taken aback.

Next, Niu Man led Fu Chen into the headquarters of the Xuanzhen Alliance.

Only after entering did Fu Chen truly witness the grandeur within.

The cultivators from various sects naturally blended together, becoming one with one another, exchanging ideas or practicing together. This scene almost made Fu Chen's eyes pop out.

Is this still the same northern and southern region where various factions were wary of each other?

Perhaps because Niu Man's reputation was so great, many people knew that he had been friends with Ning Qi, so many people immediately noticed Niu Man and Fu Chen behind him.

In addition, Fu Chen's reputation was not insignificant; after all, he was one of the five great prodigies of that time, so naturally many people recognized him.

"Fu Chen?"

"Alright, you've finally shown yourself. Why don't you hand over the Dao Integration Profound Technique?"

Fu Chen was immediately surrounded by many cultivators, including some powerful figures at the Integration Realm, but Niu Man eventually came to his rescue.

"Fellow cultivators, please don't block the way. Can't you see I'm leading Fu Chen? His Dao Integration Profound Technique is already prepared to be offered to the Alliance Leader. Are you all going to try and steal it?"

Niu Man's words immediately startled everyone.

"Brother Niu, you should have said so earlier!"

"That's right, so he came here to join the alliance leader. Since he's willing to hand him over to the alliance leader, we won't stop him."

"Little calf, you're going to do something amazing again this time."

These words came from a powerful being who had merged with the power of the Nascent Soul realm. He glanced at Fu Chen again and then stepped aside.

Fu Chen clearly saw that the hint of greed that had previously appeared in his eyes quickly faded away.

He had intended to seize the Dao Integration Technique from him, but upon hearing that it was being offered to Ning Qi, he immediately abandoned that idea.

Fu Chen saw this and realized even more clearly just how terrifying Ning Qi's power was now.

Niu Man asked everyone if the alliance leader was there, and only after learning that the alliance leader was at the Wuji Arena did he continue to lead Fu Chen to the Wuji Arena.

Passing by the enormous six-pointed star Teleportation Formation along the way, Fu Chen, looking like a little dumpling, asked:

"Brother Ox, what is this?"

Niu Man smiled smugly, "This is a teleportation array established by the Alliance Leader, directly connecting all sects within the Xuanzhen Domain. Cultivators from various sects participating in the Spirit Realm War arrived at the Wuji Arena in just half a day, all thanks to this teleportation array!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Chen was shocked, never expecting that Ning Qi possessed such Formation.

Even Wei Wuyai, who was hidden within him, was shocked, for his immortal sect back then did not have Teleportation Formation!

Just then, a few people walked towards them.

They greeted Niu Man, who responded with a smile.

The last few people's gazes fell on Fu Chen.

"Who do we have here? It's you!"

The speaker was Wu Qingxiao, one of the ten True Disciple of the time. Beside him were Jiang Qingxue, Wang Ye, and Qin Minghao.

When the group met, they were all taken aback.

They had fought Fu Chen in the Xuanzhen Secret Realm back then.

Wu Qingxiao's sternum was shattered by Fu Chen, and it took a long time to heal. It was Ning Qi who helped him heal his injury.

Even with Jiang Qingxue and the other two joining forces, they were no match for Fu Chen.

If Ning Qi hadn't arrived and scared Fu Chen away, the three of them might have also been defeated by Fu Chen's blade.

The group had a particularly deep memory of Fu Chen, after all, apart from Senior Brother Ning, this was the first time they had encountered such a troublesome fellow.

However, upon discovering that Fu Chen's cultivation was only at the late stage of the Void Dao Realm, the group was once again taken aback.

The former geniuses have finally been left behind by them, and the one who caused all of this is their sect leader and senior brother Ning Qi. So they thanked Ning Qi again from the bottom of their hearts.

Fu Chen naturally also noticed the cultivation levels of Wu Qingxiao and the other three.

Wu Qingxiao was also at the Void Dao Perfection Realm, while Jiang Qingxue and the other two showed signs of breaking through to the Integration Realm, and could already be considered as half-step Integration Realm!

Seeing this, Fu Chenlian was deeply disappointed.

Unexpectedly, the people he had suppressed back then had all surpassed him in cultivation, and even surpassed Niu Man.

Is this the Wuji Sword Sect under Ning Qi's command? Is this the state of the Xuanzhen Domain after Ning Qi became the Domain Lord?

Wei Wuyai within Fu Chen's body seemed to sigh.

It's unclear whether they were feeling sorry for Fu Chen or marveling at the current prosperity of the Xuanzhen Domain.

Finally, he transmitted his voice to Fu Chen: "Little Chen, you've seen the difference, haven't you? Even with my personal instruction, you still can't catch up to that Domain Lord Ning Qi. You must seize this last opportunity!"

Fu Chen remained silent for a moment before replying, "Teacher, I understand."

Ning Qi reappeared at the Wuji Arena, which he had personally built.

Upon his arrival, everyone who was rehearsing immediately stopped and bowed to him.

Ning Qi simply nodded, and the group continued their practice, putting in even more effort than before.

Under Ning Qi's influence, cultivators from various sects have almost become indistinguishable, breaking down sectarian barriers, and their cooperation has become increasingly skillful.

Everyone was full of confidence about the upcoming war in the spirit world.

Because they felt that cultivators from other major regions certainly couldn't achieve the same level of unity, seamless cooperation, and complete cohesion as they did.

Ning Qi sat in the main seat, and before long, Niu Man suddenly appeared in front of him with a person.

"Alliance Leader, look who I've brought," Niu Man said respectfully, clasping his hands in a slightly reserved manner.

Niu Man's cultivation has now reached the Perfection stage of the Void Dao Realm.

However, he can no longer be as casual in front of Ning Qi as he used to be.

After all, even Niu Dingtian had to respectfully address Ning Qi as Alliance Leader, let alone him.

"Brother Niu, I've said it before, there's no need to be so formal between us."

Niu Man quickly shook his head and said, "Alliance Leader, I am very grateful that you remember us, but you are now the Alliance Leader and Domain Lord. How could I possibly diminish your dignity?"

This guy is as shrewd as ever.

Ning Qi might not care about those details, but Niu Man was self-aware.

If he still addresses Ning Qi as "Brother Ning" as he used to, not only would Niu Dingtian not let him off, but anyone else could probably kill him with just a look!

Seeing Niu Man's attitude, Ning Qi let him be and then looked at the people Niu Man had brought.

The person before him had a body as solid as a rock, wearing a blue cloak, with messy hair casually draped over his shoulders, and looked more weathered than before; it was Fu Chen.

He still carried a large, blood-red cleaver on his back, exuding a Sha Qi aura.

Upon seeing Ning Qi again, Fu Chen bowed and said, "Fu Chen greets Lord Xuanzhen!"

Ning Qi said calmly, "Speak, since the Xuanzhen Secret Realm, you have been hiding and have not come out. What is the meaning of your appearance before me today?"

Fu Chen felt an invisible pressure pressing down on him, as if his late-stage Void Dao cultivation had vanished. He was terrified, and his face turned pale instantly!

Suddenly, Wei Wuyai, who was hidden on his body, silently took on some of the pressure for him, and Fu Chen regained a little bit of mobility.

He looked as if he had been pulled out of the water, his head covered in sweat.

Ignoring his exhaustion, Fu Chen quickly took out the Dao Integration Technique he had obtained, held the golden Jade Slip in both hands, and respectfully said to Ning Qi:

"I have come here to seek refuge with the Domain Lord. I hope that, considering our past interactions, the Domain Lord will allow me to join your Boundless Sword Sect."

"I wish to present this scroll of Dao-Merging Profound Techniques to the Domain Lord!"

Ning Qi did not accept the Jade Slip, but instead looked up at Fu Chen and said:

Do you know why you were the only one to take the Dao Integration Technique back then?

Fu Chen was stunned. His first thought was that it was because of his teacher Wei Wuyai's help that he was able to snatch the Dao Integration Profound Technique in such an emergency.

But Ning Qi's question was very meaningful, as if he had known all along that someone was with him.

Thinking back to what had happened, Teacher Wei Wuyai told Ning Qi to run away the moment he saw him twice.

A terrifying thought suddenly occurred to Fu Chen: Could it be that he wasn't actually capable of obtaining the Dao Integration Technique back then, but rather that Ning Qi deliberately let him take it?

What do you mean?

Wei Wuyai, who was hiding on Fu Chen's body, was also startled.

Ever since Fu Chen came before Ning Qi, his remnant soul had felt a constant unease, as if Ning Qi had known of his existence all along.

But how could Ning Qi, who was only at the Primordial Spirit Realm, sense him back then?

However, Wei Wuyai felt relieved when he thought about how Ning Qi had accomplished such a great feat.

Anything can happen to a prodigy like Ning Qi.

Fortunately, Wei Wuyai had prepared for exposure before coming, so he was no longer so worried now that Ning Qi had mentioned it.

"Come out. Since you dare to show yourself before me, why continue to hide?"

Ning Qi's eyes shone brightly as he gazed at Fu Chen.

Fu Chen's throat bobbed; he knew Ning Qi's words weren't directed at him.

Niu Man, standing to the side, looked on with a puzzled expression, not understanding what Ning Qi was talking about.

When Niu Man saw a blue remnant soul being extracted from Fu Chen's body, his mouth dropped open in shock.

Why is Fu Chen carrying an old man with him?

If the old man's energy fluctuations hadn't been relatively weak, Niu Man would have already launched an attack.

Niu Man was about to order his men to surround them when he turned around and found that the space seemed to be completely enclosed.

He couldn't see the cultivators practicing inside the Wuji Arena at all.

Seeing this, Fu Chen and Wei Wuyai also realized that it must be Ning Qi's doing, and they couldn't help but admire him.

Wei Wuyai appeared, floating beside Fu Chen, and bowed to Ning Qi, saying:

"This old man, Wei Wuyai, pays respects to Lord Xuanzhen!"

Ning Qi nodded slightly and said, "You are Wei Wuyai?"

Wei Wuyai was taken aback and asked, "Does the Domain Lord know me?"

Ning Qi said calmly, "Wei Wuyai, before the Xuanzhen Domain split, was a late-stage Dao Integration Realm Supreme Elder of the Bloodfire Immortal Sect. He died in that battle. I didn't expect you to still be alive and possess Fu Chen's body."

Seeing that Ning Qi had clearly pointed out his background, Wei Wuyai gave a bitter smile.

Niu Man was so shocked he almost jumped up.

The remnant soul of the old monster before them was actually a Supreme Elder of the Bloodfire Immortal Sect from hundreds of thousands of years ago, and a late-stage Dao Integration Realm at that?

Niu Man's eyes swept over Fu Chen and Wei Wuyai, and he suddenly understood.

No wonder Fu Chen, a mere Rogue Cultivator, was able to rise to the ranks of the prodigies; it turns out there was such a powerful figure behind him.

Now everything is clear, but Old Deng must be quite terrified to have been exposed by the alliance leader.

Niu Man's eyes flickered with a glint of light, but he remained silent.

Ning Qi's willingness to keep him and let him see the old man on Fu Chen's body shows that he trusts him very much.

So he simply stood aside and watched how Ning Qi would handle the two of them.

Wei Wuyai said, "Seeing you today, I realize there truly are extraordinary geniuses in this world. I'd like to ask, did you discover me back in the Xuanzhen Secret Realm?"

Ning Qi shook his head frankly and said, "At the time, I only sensed something on Fu Chen, and I didn't know it was you."

Wei Wuyai nodded, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

"The return of Xuanzhen Domain to its former glory has stirred up my memories. Therefore, I have asked Fu Chen to return to Xuanzhen Domain, hoping he can join the Wuji Sword Sect. I wonder if the Domain Lord would agree?"

Fu Chen was still holding the golden Jade Slip in his hands.

He felt a surge of nervousness. Ning Qi hadn't agreed before, nor had he taken the Jade Slip from his hand. Now that his teacher was also pleading on his behalf, he wondered if Ning Qi would agree.

Ning Qi asked, "Aren't you afraid I'll capture you and use you for research?"

Wei Wuyai spread his somewhat ethereal hands and said, "I am but a remnant soul. I have already gained so many years of life. As long as the Domain Lord agrees to accept Fu Chen, I will never resist whatever he does to me afterward."

Fu Chen turned to look at Wei Wuyai, his eyes welling up with tears.

Wei Wuyai added, "But before that, I hope the Domain Lord can tell me one thing, so that even if I die, I can die in peace."

Ning Qi asked curiously, "What is it?"

Wei Wuyai glanced at Niu Man and Fu Chen before looking at Ning Qi.

It seemed to be a hint to Ning Qi that the matter to be discussed next would involve extremely important secrets, and it was unclear whether Ning Qi was willing to let them know.

Ning Qi suddenly released a mental fluctuation in his eyes, and Niu Man and Fu Chen immediately went limp and fell into a deep sleep.

"Speak."

Wei Wuyai sighed before saying, "Back then, we fought for the position of Xuanzhen Domain Lord, which ultimately led to the destruction of our entire sect. I would like to ask the Domain Lord, is it possible to gain special power after becoming the Domain Lord?"

"For hundreds of thousands of years, I have harbored resentment over this matter. I hope you can tell me the truth, and then I will leave it to you to decide what to do with me."

Ning Qi's mind raced before he finally said, "You guessed right. Becoming a Domain Lord does indeed grant you special power from the Mountain and Sea Realm, allowing you to control the power of a domain!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuyai's eyes widened, and he remained like that for a while before muttering:

"Just as I suspected, we were right!"

He looked at Ning Qi and said with a wry smile, "I never imagined that we, with the combined strength of our entire sect, could not obtain the title of Lord of Xuanzhen Domain, while you have now obtained it."

Ning Qi said calmly, "It was just a coincidence."

Wei Wuyai's smile grew even more bitter. "There's no such thing as coincidence. The Domain Lord is too modest. Now that I know the truth, I have no regrets. Do with me as you please, Domain Lord."

"I only hope that the Domain Lord can accept Fu Chen. Although his talent cannot match that of the Domain Lord, it is still better than others. Of course, even with my guidance, his cultivation level cannot match that of those taught by the Domain Lord. I am ashamed that I have only the knowledge of the Dao Integration Realm."

Ning Qi stared at him. "Are you really willing to let me do whatever I want with you?"

Wei Wuyai said, "Really!"

"After all, you were once Dao Integration Realm expert. If I keep you by my side, you pose too great a threat. Would you be willing to spare a sliver of your Primordial Spirit for me to control?"

Wei Wuyai was a man of great experience and knowledge; he knew exactly what Ning Qi was worried about.

However, if he were to hand over his primordial Primordial Spirit power to Ning Qi, he would then be at Ning Qi's command from now on.

He hesitated for a long time, glanced at the unconscious Fu Chen, and finally closed his eyes and said, "As the Domain Lord says."

A wisp of Wei Wuyai's Origin Primordial Spirit power separated from his remnant soul and flew towards Ning Qi's brow.

Ning Qi carefully examined him before accepting his Primordial Spirit power.

"I promise you, I will take him in. Now that you are one of us, I will also help you restore your cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuyai bowed and said, "Then this old man thanks you, Master!"

"Just call me Domain Lord. I feel a little uncomfortable hearing an old guy call me Master."

Wei Wuyai's expression changed several times before he finally smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, Domain Lord!"

Six months later.

The earth trembled violently, and the clouds in the sky gathered and coalesced into a phantom that stretched as far as the eye could see—the reappearance of the will of the Mountain and Sea Realm.

Cultivators from all the spiritual realms within the Mountain and Sea Realm simultaneously gazed at the sky.

They knew that war had finally begun.

"The war zone has been established; hurry and join the battle!"

In the past six months, almost all the ordinary sects and Rogue Cultivator in the Spirit Realm have flocked to the strongest sects in the region, and their personnel have gathered in several places.

Therefore, this also makes it easier for the will of the Mountain and Sea Realm to not open the realm entrance for every sect.

It only needs to open entrances in a few specific locations within each spirit realm.

Within a large spiritual realm, there are often multiple immortal sects, and since they have conflicts with each other, it is naturally impossible for them to travel together from one place.

The will of the Mountain and Sea Realm was aware of this situation and did not force everyone to use the same realm entrance.

Otherwise, these sects might start fighting amongst themselves before they even reach the war zone to battle the cultivators of the Vast Realm!

Finally, the will of the Mountain and Sea Realm issued another decree.

"No matter what conflicts you sects may have, you are forbidden from fighting each other within this realm! If I discover this, you will be banished and never be allowed to return to the Mountain and Sea Realm."

It sets forth such severe disciplinary rules in order for each sect to target the Haoran Realm as much as possible.

Of course, the War Realm is a product born from the fusion of the power of the Mountain and Sea Realm, the Vast Realm, and the Boundary Sea, and the will of the Mountain and Sea Realm cannot completely control everything within it.

Therefore, the various sects may not do as it says at that time.

The Soaring Domain.

The patriarch of the Qingxuan Immortal Sect, Sikong Qing, glanced back at the direction of the Xuanzhen Domain, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Unfortunately, the War Realm is currently unable to accommodate experts at the Dao Integration Realm.

Otherwise, he would definitely find Ning Qi of the Wuji Sword Sect among them and vow to avenge the grudge from back then.

First, four Perfection Venerables died at Ning Qi's hands; second, the one who killed the Mysterious Lord must be related to Ning Qi, as he almost killed him, so he had to avenge this.

Sikong Qing refused to believe that Zhan Xuan Shangjun could protect Ning Qi this time!

After all, in his view, Zhan Xuan Shangjun was just a Dao Integration True Lord from another Immortal Sect. The reason he would protect Ning Qi was because Ning Qi was a trap they had set up in the Xuanzhen Domain.

However, now, the will of the Mountain and Sea Realm has intervened. In order to maintain the stability of various regions within the Mountain and Sea Realm, the movement of people between regions has been prohibited after the opening of the War Realm.

Therefore, Lord Zhanxuan must be restricted and can only enter the war domain from his own spiritual domain.

Since their Fuyou Domain is adjacent to the Xuanzhen Domain, there is a high probability that Sikong Qing will encounter Ning Qi in the War Domain, but Zhan Xuan Shangjun should not be from the surrounding spiritual domains.

Of course, there are many cultivators in the Integration Realm or even the half-step Dao Integration Realm under the Qingxuan Immortal Sect, but Sikong Qing did not give them any orders to target Ning Qi and the Wuji Sword Sect.

Because Sikong Qing felt that since Ning Qi had been able to easily kill four of his disciples, none of his own disciples would be a match for him.

Subsequently, cultivators from all regions stepped into the entrance to the war zone.

At the headquarters of the Xuanzhen Alliance, Ning Qi waved his hand.

The Xuanzhen Domain army behind him also stepped into it!