Returning to the Water Manor

Soon, night fell.

Inside the hall.

Ji An sat in the seat he had held for ten years.

The family was finally able to sit around the table and enjoy a long-awaited reunion dinner.

The meat on the table was the best that the Ji Clan could offer, but for Ji An, these delicacies were far less precious than any casual meal he ate when he was away from home.

But ironically, this ordinary meal turned out to be the most delicious dish he had ever tasted in his life.

Yuchi Xue looked radiant, all traces of her former haggardness gone.

She kept serving food to her husband Ji Yichuan, her eldest son Ji An, and her youngest son Ji Ning, her gaze sweeping over the three of them, her eyes practically overflowing with satisfaction.

Having survived a calamity, he was even expected to live for over four hundred years—a prospect he had never dared to imagine before.

Ji Ning looked at his elder brother, his eyes full of curiosity. "Big brother, tell us quickly, what have you experienced in the past six years?"

"Actually, there's nothing special about it," Ji An chuckled. "It's just cultivating step by step, joining the Yinglong Guard, taking on missions to gain experience, and exchanging them for the resources needed for cultivation."

After saying that, he changed the subject and said solemnly, "I think your Qi Refining cultivation is about to break through to the Violet Palace Realm, right, Xiao Ning?"

Ji Ning's eyes lit up, and he nodded emphatically. "Yes, brother! I feel like I'm right at the bottleneck of Qi Refining. In the next month or two, I should be able to try to break through to the Violet Palace!"

Upon hearing this, Ji An put down his wine cup and solemnly instructed, "Very good. However, Xiao Ning, when you break through, you only need to reach the Violet Palace Early Stage Mansion to condense your Purple Violet Palace. As you know, our Ji Clan's Qi Refining Method is of a very low grade. Forcing yourself to reach a higher level will only damage your foundation."

Ji Ning nodded silently; he was well aware of this principle.

The Ji Clan's Qi Refining method has limited grades, and the quality of the condensed Violet Palace is not high to begin with. If they are greedy for quick success and act rashly, they will find it difficult to even make progress in the future, let alone break through to the Myriad Phenomena Realm.

"Moreover, the top forces in An Tan Commandery only require disciples to have a cultivation level of the early Violet Palace. Once you join their sect, that will be the best opportunity to come into contact with Immortal Rank Qi Refining methods."

"Immortal Rank Qi Refining Method?" Yuchi Xue, Ji Yichuan, and Ji Ning were all taken aback and asked in unison.

Although Yuchi Xue came from an extraordinary background, even at the height of the Yuchi Clan, it was only slightly stronger than Snow Dragon Mountain and had no chance of coming into contact with Immortal Rank techniques. Ji Yichuan Chuan had also traveled extensively in his youth, but Immortal Rank techniques were ultimately unattainable Legends for him. Although Ji Ning had obtained the Water Manor's inheritance, the Water Manor's inheritance mainly focused on Godfiend Body Refinement, and the two artifact spirits had never mentioned the classification of Qi Refining techniques to him.

Seeing the confusion in his family's eyes, Ji An patiently explained, "Qi Refining methods are divided into four levels: Immortal, Heaven, Earth, and Human. As the name suggests, the Immortal Rank method is the supreme method that allows one to cultivate all the way to the Heavenly Immortal level."

As for the Pure Yang Rank, it's best not to talk about things you can't obtain. "Heavenly Immortal!" The three gasped, their eyes filled with shock.

"Indeed, Heavenly Immortal." Ji An nodded, adding, "However, although the Immortal Rank cultivation method points directly to the Heavenly Immortal Grand Dao, it is only the first step to truly becoming Heavenly Immortal. Father, Mother, Xiao Ning, although I now possess Immortal Rank Qi Refining method, it is the Yinglong Guard's technique, and I cannot pass it on privately."

Upon hearing this, all three nodded in understanding.

Even the Ji Clan's sacred texts are strictly forbidden to be passed on privately, let alone the Immortal Rank techniques of the Yinglong Guard. They can clearly distinguish the importance of these matters.

Ji Ning was deeply moved, a burning longing flashing in his eyes. "Then, brother, how can one obtain this Immortal Rank technique?"

Hearing Ji Ning's words, Ji An put down his wine cup again and said in a deep voice, "There are two safest methods. One is like me, joining the Yinglong Guard, accumulating merit points within the guard, and once you have accumulated 10,000 merit points, you can exchange them for an Immortal Rank Qi Refining Method."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his parents and younger brother who were listening intently, and sighed softly, "It took me six years to walk this path. But Xiao Ning, with you here, if you take this path, you'll definitely be much faster than I was back then."

After all, he is now Primordial Spirit Daoist, and with him guiding Ji Ning on missions, things are naturally much smoother than when Ji Ning was adventuring alone back then. This is the advantage of having a powerful backer.

"No need, Big Brother!" Ji Ning shook his head vigorously, refusing firmly, "What you could do back then, Big Brother, I can definitely do too!"

He didn't want to rely on his elder brother for everything. The path of cultivation was long and arduous; he couldn't hide under his elder brother's wing forever.

Moreover, his elder brother had already sacrificed far too much for him.

"Hahaha, good! That's ambitious!" Ji An loudly, his eyes full of approval. "Then let's discuss the second method."

He knew his younger brother all too well.

Ji Ning was by no means the kind of coward who relied on others; otherwise, he would never have become the Northern Dark Supreme who ruled the Chaos Universe.

"Then—what is the second method?" Ji Ning's eyes were full of anticipation. He knew that since his elder brother had specifically brought it up, it must be a better way out.

"Secondly," Ji An smiled, "That is, joining a top sect! The core disciples of those top sects in Anchan Commandery all practice Immortal Rank Qi Refining methods. As long as you can pass their entrance test and become a core disciple, Immortal Rank methods will naturally come to you. This path is much more convenient than slowly accumulating merit in the Yinglong Guard."

Besides, with your talent, Xiao Ning, every sect in the entire Anchan Commandery would be vying for you!

"A top-tier sect?" Ji Ning's eyes lit up instantly.

Yuchi Xue and Ji Yichuan exchanged a glance, both showing delight.

They were well aware of Ji Ning's talent; he was one of the best in the entire Anchan Commandery. Which sect would refuse such a genius?

"Exactly," Ji An nodded. "The Black-White College, one of the three major sects of Anchan Commandery, is the best among them! The academy has extremely high requirements for accepting disciples; only those with extraordinary talent can easily step into its gates. But once one successfully enters the Dao, whether it's cultivation resources, techniques, or renowned teachers, everything is top-notch in the entire Great Xia Dynasty. More importantly—"

Ji An abruptly changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Ji Ning: "The Black-White College will recruit disciples again in six months!"

"Six months later!" Ji Ning's breath hitched slightly, and his fighting spirit instantly soared to its peak.

Six months is enough time for him to consolidate his current realm and even attempt to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

With his current understanding of the Grand Dao, coupled with his cultivation of the Godfiend Body Refinement Technique "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram," he refused to believe that he wouldn't even be able to enter a sect!

Seeing this, Ji An nodded in satisfaction. "I will stay at home for half a year this time. Firstly, to spend time with my parents and fulfill my filial duties; secondly, after half a year, you will come with me to Anchan City, so we can look after each other on the way."

"Okay!" Ji Ning agreed without hesitation, his eyes full of anticipation.

Looking at her two outstanding sons, Yuchi Xue felt a surge of pride and joy. She gently held Ji Yichuan's hand and said softly, "An'er has thought things through. Xiao Ning, when you're away from home, you must listen to your brother. An'er, you should also rest well at home for the next six months. You must have suffered a lot these past years traveling around."

Ji Yichuan then reached out and patted Ji An and Ji Ning heavily on the shoulders, saying loudly, "When the time comes, your mother and I will be at home waiting for the good news that you two brothers will become famous throughout the Great Xia!"

Since Yuchi Xue recovered, Ji Yichuan's personality has changed a lot. In the past, he would never have said such a thing.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.

After paying their respects to their parents, Ji An and Ji Ning transformed into two streaks of Flowing Light and headed straight for Winged Serpent Lake.

As soon as the two arrived at the lakeside, a spatial fluctuation instantly enveloped them.

Wow!

The space shifted, light and shadow intertwined, and the two figures instantly appeared inside the main hall of the Water Manor.

The layout of the main hall of the Water Manor was exactly the same as when Ji An left six years ago, without any changes.

Just then, in the void at the center of the hall, light gathered, and the figure of a large Yellow Big Bear slowly took shape.

The moment it appeared, it fixed its gaze on Ji An, its copper bell-like eyes flashing with light, as if...

We need to see through Ji An completely, inside and out.

The next moment, the Yellow Big Bear's pupils suddenly contracted!

A powerful aura, far exceeding its expectations, emanated from Ji An in an overwhelming manner.

How long has it been?

Six years! Just six years!

The boy who was once at the Violet Palace Mansion Divine Demon Realm has now cultivated to the Myriad Phenomena Perfection state of Godfiend Body Refinement, and even his Qi Refining has reached the Primordial Spirit stage.

"You—" The Yellow Big Bear stared blankly at Ji An, and after a long while, it finally managed to stammer, "You're back."

"Senior, it's been a long time." Ji An nodded slightly to the Yellow Big Bear, his expression calm.

Ji Ning quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior."

The Yellow Big Bear's gaze lingered on Ji An for a long time, its expression extremely complex. It sighed deeply, its voice full of regret. "Six years—your cultivation of the Godfiend Body Refinement has actually reached the Myriad Phenomena Perfection Realm?"

"Myriad Phenomena Perfection!" Ji Ning exclaimed in shock, his face filled with astonishment.

He knew that his elder brother's cultivation had improved rapidly, but he always thought that his elder brother had only made rapid progress in the Qi Refining realm.

After all, the path of Qi Refining can utilize the power of Essence Liquid, but there are no shortcuts to the Godfiend Body Refinement; it all depends on arduous cultivation!

He himself has only just entered the early stage of the Violet Palace, while his elder brother has already reached the realm of Myriad Phenomena Perfection!

Keep in mind, they're cultivating the Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram, the number one Godfiend Body Refinement technique among gods and demons in the Three Realms! This kind of progress is simply heaven-defying!

Before Ji An could answer, the Yellow Big Bear sighed again, its tone filled with even greater regret. "If you had chosen to accept your master's inheritance back then—to obtain that 'First Divine Ability' —with your talent, you could already be a dominant force among immortals! That was the Grand Dao to heaven you should have taken! But you—you did it all for him—"

Its gaze turned to Ji Ning. Before it could finish speaking, Ji An and Ji Ning both understood the deeper meaning behind its words: "You gave up that unparalleled opportunity that was within your grasp for the sake of this younger brother whose talent is inferior to yours!"

Ji An listened quietly, without the slightest hint of regret on her face.

He naturally knew that if he had chosen to accept the Star Seizing Hand inheritance back then, his current strength would probably have already surpassed that of a top-tier Loose Immortal, instead of being like he is now. The divine ability "Thunder God Eye" mostly only plays an auxiliary role, and its lightning power is far too weak for Ji An, whose comprehension of the Dao far exceeds his cultivation level.

He reached out and gently patted Ji Ning's shoulder, then turned to look at the Yellow Big Bear, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Senior, I chose this path myself. Now that I've chosen it, I will never regret it. Besides—"

He paused for a moment, then said, "Who can say that I, Ji An, cannot, through my own strength, roam freely throughout the Three Realms and establish a supreme dynasty even more enduring than the Great Xia Dynasty?"

Moreover, since he awakened his cheat ability, his understanding of the Grand Dao has been advancing by leaps and bounds every day. At this rate, he is absolutely confident that he will comprehend a complete Grand Dao before he turns thirty!

"Brother!" Ji Ning's heart tightened, and he couldn't help but speak, his face full of guilt, "I know you've sacrificed so much for me! I, Ji Ning, hereby swear: I will definitely pass the test of the Divine Ability Hall! I will definitely obtain the inheritance of that number First Divine Ability! I will never let you down!"

The boy's voice resounded throughout the entire hall.

The Yellow Big Bear fell silent, its expression shifting unpredictably.

After a long silence, it sighed again, no longer dwelling on the topic, and instead asked, "With your current strength, are you confident you can conquer the fifth level of the War God Hall?"

Why doesn't it ask about the third or fourth level?

This is because the third and fourth levels of the War God Hall only correspond to combat power at the Myriad Phenomena level.

Even setting aside Ji An's understanding of the Dao over the past six years, based solely on his understanding of the Dao six years ago, passing the fourth level would not have been difficult.

Moreover, given his extraordinary talent, how could he have made no progress in these six years?

Upon hearing this, Ji An's lips curled into a confident smile, "Senior, it's not just the fifth level! I'd also like to try the Sixth Layer!"

"Hiss!" The Black Old Ox beside him gasped, his face filled with disbelief.

Ji Ning was unaware of the true extent of the War God Hall, but it knew it perfectly well.

The fourth level of the War God Hall requires the strength to defeat an ordinary Primordial Spirit Daoist; the fifth level requires the strength to rival a top-tier Primordial Spirit Daoist; and the Sixth Layer requires the strength to defeat a top-tier Loose Immortal!

How many years has it been? How old is he?

The Yellow Big Bear was also taken aback for a moment, then a glint of excitement flashed in its eyes, and it shouted, "Alright! Let me see for myself just how much you've grown in these six years!"

"Senior!" Ji Ning suddenly spoke up, his eyes full of eagerness, "May I give it a try?"

"It's possible," the Yellow Big Bear's voice instantly turned serious. "However, as I mentioned when I introduced the War God Hall last time, you are now Violet Palace God-Demon, and you've already missed the Xiantian Realm trial. There are only two chances at the Violet Palace Realm. Are you sure you want to start now? Won't you wait a little longer?"

Ji Ning nodded emphatically, his tone unwavering. "I've made up my mind, senior!"

If the eldest brother is confident of passing the Sixth Layer, how could he, the younger brother, not even dare to attempt the second level!

The Yellow Big Bear nodded. "In that case, you go first—"

"Senior," Ji An suddenly interrupted, "Why don't you let me go first? I want to see with my own eyes just how much Xiao Ning's strength has improved."

He wanted to witness his younger brother grow up with his own eyes.

The Yellow Big Bear had no objection and nodded, saying, "Alright, then so be it."

Ji Ning naturally had no objections.

Seeing this, the Yellow Big Bear immediately swung its paw. A powerful spatial fluctuation swept out instantly, enveloping Ji An and Ji Ning.

Brush!

Space shifts, light and shadow flow.

The two figures instantly appeared before the ancient and heavy bronze gate of the War God Hall.

A thick, bloody, and murderous aura swept over us, sending shivers down our spines.

Ji An looked up at the familiar door, a fierce fighting spirit flashing in his eyes. "Then let me see just how strong I really am!"