Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 819 - 346: Taking Them All Down in One Go

The spectral manifestation of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will gently patted Ning Qi upon his shoulder, offering him a look filled with profound sympathy.

"As it stands, there is truly only one path forward for you!"

Ning Qi pressed the Mountain and Sea Realm Will for further clarity, seeking details on the internal chaos within the Mountain and Sea Realm and the methods the Sea Ancestor employed to seize the Profound Truth Realm from the grasp of the Mountain Ancestor.

Once the grim reality was established, Ning Qi cast a gaze toward the distant expanse of the Mountain and Sea Realm, questioning, "Realm Venerable, has the Sea Ancestor always been this unstable?"

The phantom let out a heavy sigh, choosing not to address his query directly. "It is wiser to avoid questioning her motives. Focus instead on your survival and the preservation of your home, the Infinite Sword Sect, within the Profound Truth Realm."

Ning Qi’s brow furrowed in contemplation.

"You would be best served assisting the cultivators of the Spirit Domain who answer to her. Capture more nodes to earn her favor; while she is erratic, she is known to be generous to those who pledge their service to her cause."

"I understand the situation!"

"I have already notified the commanders of the Spirit Domains under her authority of your alliance, so you need not fear being targeted by your own side."

Ning Qi offered a curt nod.

He felt a sense of melancholy; after living in the Mountain and Sea Realm for over a century, he had always envisioned the Infinite Sword Sect as the cornerstone of his efforts. Integrating the Profound Truth Realm had been his goal, but he never imagined it would simply be gift-wrapped by a lunatic and used as a shackle against him.

Even more infuriating was his current lack of options. Compared to her forces, his own were vastly outclassed, and in raw power, he stood no chance against her within the Mountain and Sea Realm.

With a sigh, Ning Qi shook off his lingering frustration.

He looked at the lingering shadow and asked, "Realm Venerable, is this current territory the upper domain of the Southern War Realm?"

The shadow cast a look of surprise upon him. "Your insight is sharp. Indeed, this is the upper domain of the Southern War Realm."

Pausing briefly, the figure pointed northward, hinting at the future. "Beyond that lies the Central Domain!"

Ning Qi inquired with keen interest, "Is the Central Domain the primary theater of the inter-realm conflict?"

The shadow gave a solemn nod.

"The Central Domain is gargantuan and serves as the epicenter where the two realms intersect. There, the most formidable sects from both sides are locked in a desperate struggle!"

Ning Qi’s eyes shimmered with ambition.

"Does controlling the Central Domain translate to securing a decisive strategic stronghold?"

The shadow answered, "Regarding the core geography, that is an accurate assessment. If the opportunity arises, you must reach the Central Domain. That is where the elite talents and the vast majority of cultivators congregate; it is the ultimate field for gathering war achievements."

"Understood. I will keep that in mind."

With the information delivered, the manifestation of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will faded into nothingness.

It was time to accelerate the pace of this war. The Will had been studying the Soul-Searching Plate Ning Qi previously submitted and had shown it to both Ancestors. Their collective effort allowed them to mass-produce a hundred of these plates through their top artifact crafters. The Will intended to supply these to all commanders, and with such a transformative tool, the current stalemate would soon break, ushering in the arrival of the true powerhouses.

As the Will dissipated, Ning Qi stroked his chin in thought. He retrieved a Soul-Searching Plate and sent a message to the forces of the Three Domains under his banner, ordering them to secure the area's remaining nodes and provide support to the Mountain and Sea Realm allies. He personally intended to track down the final six hidden nodes.

...

Within the Vast Realm.

The Saint Ancestor stood looking out over the battlefield. Despite his aged appearance, his eyes burned with a cutting intensity. He watched as the war zone where twenty Harmonization-stage practitioners were deployed became suffused with the golden aura of the Mountain and Sea Realm.

Yet, the Saint Ancestor remained as still as a statue. He was troubled only by the fact that even twenty of his best subordinates had failed to suppress Ning Qi. Having clashed twice through the Wind God Painting and the Sealing Script, the Saint Ancestor recognized Ning Qi as a rare, unrivaled talent.

He exhaled deeply.

"What a tragedy that such talent belongs to the Mountain and Sea Realm!"

His previous desire to destroy Ning Qi had shifted; he now hungered to bind Ning Qi to the Vast Realm. The methods Ning Qi displayed were truly inspired, and the Saint Ancestor believed that if he were to ever ascend to the Supreme realm, Ning Qi would be a vital asset.

After their recent indirect clash, he had recalibrated his strategy. He watched another domain shift to the golden hue of the Vast Realm, signaling that his recent reinforcements had succeeded. Having deployed an additional ten expert combatants equipped with his personal artifacts, he was determined to lock Ning Qi into his grasp at any cost.

Standing before a simple courtyard, hands clasped behind his back, he prepared to intervenes personally if necessary. He had commanded his forces via the Vast Realm Will to present his artifacts the moment Ning Qi surfaced, to ensure an immediate capture. He was prepared to channel his own essence into the domain, engaging Ning Qi for a third time to ensure the mission ended in a total success.