Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 650 - 290: Only His Legend Will Remain (3)

Everyone had assumed that Fu Chen would dazzle across the Northern and Southern Domains once he came out of seclusion this time.

Who would have guessed that, even before stepping out of his retreat, Fu Chen ended up looking deflated like a frostbitten eggplant, completely devoid of energy.

Could Ning Qi really be some kind of immortal figure?

Over the past decades, news about him has dominated everything, with every story leaving people stunned.

After a short pause, Fu Chen spoke in a feeble voice:

"Teacher, I won't be able to achieve my goal. What do we do next?"

Wei Wuya let out a heavy sigh.

"We should depart from this Profound Truth Realm; there's no point in lingering. Let's move to the neighboring Fuyao Realm."

"I have some skill in interpreting signs. With Ning Qi remaining in the Profound Truth Realm, his tales will echo forever here, leaving you without any opportunity."

Fu Chen gave a wry smile, feeling his teacher was being brutally honest.

"Besides, with those two leading sects now locked in fierce conflict, the Spirit Realm war looms on the horizon. Staying put means we'll get exposed eventually."

Fu Chen reluctantly accepted Wei Wuya's plan.

He stepped from his seclusion spot, casting his gaze over the whole Southern True Domain. Sadly, that dream remained out of reach.

Next to Ning Qi, he didn't seem like a genius at all...

...

Celestial Star Upper Sect.

Sect Leader Xia Tianhe occupied the throne at the head of the hall, eyeing the mighty experts gathered beneath him.

"Elders, the clash between Niu Mo Upper Sect and Feather Transformation Upper Sect presents the ideal moment for Celestial Star Upper Sect to ascend. What's your view on our course of action?"

Right away, one elder chimed in:

"After their fight against the Infinite Sword Sect from Beixuan Domain, the Feather Transformation Upper Sect has suffered losses amounting to a third of their forces. Facing off with Niu Mo Upper Sect once more, they're bound to grow even frailer. Celestial Star Upper Sect can't afford to stand on the sidelines."

Xia Tianhe shot a look in that direction.

"Oh? Elder Zhu, go on."

Elder Zhu, the one with that surname, continued, "Should Niu Mo Upper Sect come out on top, they'll seize control of the Southern True Domain, threatening our Celestial Star Upper Sect's safety."

"So, it's essential for us to preserve equilibrium among the premier sects of the Southern True Domain. In the past, lesser powers have banded together to topple the mighty. We ought to discuss terms with Feather Transformation Upper Sect, gaining advantages for Celestial Star Upper Sect, all while keeping Niu Mo Upper Sect's growth in check."

Numerous attendees bobbed their heads, endorsing Elder Zhu's proposal.

Xia Tianhe himself gave a subtle nod, appearing ready to embrace the idea.

Just then, a pair of recently elevated elders voiced their thoughts:

"Sect Leader, I think this isn't the right move. The situation's more complicated than it appears; it goes beyond just Feather Transformation Upper Sect and Niu Mo Upper Sect. Remember the Infinite Sword Sect, locked in enmity with Feather Transformation Upper Sect."

Xia Tianhe turned to the one speaking, his own nephew, gifted with exceptional aptitude and someone Celestial Star Upper Sect had poured resources into for years.

Next to him sat another youthful elder of comparable prowess.

Their combined perspective clearly warranted serious consideration.

"Xia Xing, do you mean the Infinite Sword Sect could enter the fray too?"

Xia Xing's gaze shifted briefly; he was a cultivator dispatched by Ning Qi to the Southern True Domain.

Despite Celestial Star Upper Sect's full commitment to his growth, Xia Xing and the elder at his side harbored separate loyalties.

With Celestial Star Upper Sect eyeing involvement in the duel of sects, he aimed to steer them away.

"The Infinite Sword Sect is sure to get involved. Ning Qi has reached the Integration Realm and isn't one to endure insults quietly. He'll jump in without doubt, so Celestial Star Upper Sect has to factor that in."

The young elder next to him added:

"I advise the Sect Leader to think twice. Backing Feather Transformation Upper Sect and pulling us into the conflict would be highly imprudent."

"On top of that, as the Spirit Realm war draws near, we need utmost care during this pivotal time. I recommend staying neutral and watching closely. Let them clash and exhaust themselves, allowing Celestial Star Upper Sect to preserve its power by steering clear."

Plenty more nodded, seeing the wisdom in their argument.

Joining the fight aimed at upholding balance, yet holding back could prove equally shrewd, particularly now.

Regardless, Feather Transformation Upper Sect retained two Integration Realm powerhouses. It was smarter to let them clash in epic strife and swoop in later to claim the spoils.

In the end, Xia Tianhe followed Xia Xing and his ally's counsel, opting to bide their time while the rivals tore at each other.

...

The Five-colored Treasure Ship came to a halt inside Niu Mo Upper Sect territory.

Though decades had flown by, this marked Ning Qi's initial trip to Niu Mo Upper Sect.

Niu Mo Upper Sect earned its status as a dominant force in the Southern True Domain, covering immense expanses with diverse landscapes inside its bounds.

Vast meadows, thickly wooded peaks, unending waves of ridges...

All around, different demonic creatures wandered, watching as they arrived.

Niu Dingtian promptly guided the sect's horde of demons to welcome Ning Qi and his followers.

Gazing at these demons, all standing at minimum a zhang tall with some reaching dozens of zhang, Ning Qi and his group sensed they'd stepped into an ancient, wild era.

Even with the alliance sealed by the Heavenly Path Oath between the factions, an uneasy vibe lingered.

Picking up on Ning Qi and the others' unease, Niu Dingtian proactively reduced his demonic stature and gestured to the rest.

The demons caught on immediately, all compressing down to match Ning Qi and his companions' size.

In Niu Mo Upper Sect, just Niu Dingtian and select demons like Niu Man had interacted directly with Ning Qi before.

The remaining creatures had yet to encounter Ning Qi or his entourage.

Still, they placed trust in Old Niu and Little Niu's instincts; those two were famous for their shrewdness in the sect, inspiring strong confidence.

For the first time, the demons laid eyes on Ning Qi himself, along with the Sword Ancestor and the host of Great Powers trailing them.

Every one of them boasted a powerful Primordial Spirit, radiating a profoundly stable presence.

While the demons excelled in raw bodily might, the pressure from Ning Qi and his party's aura weighed heavily on their spirits.