Zhenwu Mountain was originally named Shenjian Mountain.
Divine Sword Old Man was the owner of Shenjian Mountain.
Decades ago.
Dragon Mountain Daoist traveled here and met Divine Sword Old Man. Divine Sword Old Man had a fiery temper, and for some unknown reason, the two had a dispute. Afterward, Divine Sword Old Man personally made a bet: if he lost, he would give Shenjian Mountain to him.
Unexpectedly, he was indeed one move short and lost to Dragon Mountain Daoist.
Dragon Mountain Daoist reluctantly declined.
But Divine Sword Old Man kept his promise and left with his servants.
Ultimately, Dragon Mountain Daoist simply rebuilt the True Martial Sect on Shenjian Mountain.
But this matter did not end.
Divine Sword Old Man was very unconvinced. After seeing Dragon Mountain Daoist establish the True Martial Sect, he also competitively founded the Divine Sword Sect. The two then made a ten-year pact: every ten years thereafter, Divine Sword Old Man would go to Zhenwu Mountain to battle Dragon Mountain Daoist.
If he won, he could take back Zhenwu Mountain.
The origins of the two families were thus established.
However, it was quite clear.
Dragon Mountain Daoist's Aptitude was even better. Decades ago, Divine Sword Old Man was only one move short, but now, Dragon Mountain Daoist has reached Core Formation Perfection, with half a foot already in the Heaven-Human Realm, while Divine Sword Old Man has only just stepped into Core Formation recently.
In the previous few ten-year pacts.
Divine Sword Old Man always left dejectedly.
But he always arrived as promised.
Ning Qi thought about these things and couldn't help but smile.
In his opinion, his Master and Divine Sword Old Man were probably close friends back then; it was just that Divine Sword Old Man had a volatile temper and couldn't let go of his Face.
However, now that Divine Sword Old Man was once again ascending the mountain to fulfill the pact, as one of the True Disciples of the True Martial Sect, he naturally had to show his Face.
Ning Qi's steps were steady and light, with his hands clasped behind his back, like a miniature adult.
Behind him followed White Ape. White Ape was now wearing a Daoist robe, but its exposed fur was as white as snow, and its eyes were spirited, making one feel its divinity at a glance. In contrast, Ning Qi also appeared even more extraordinary.
At this moment, True Martial Sect Disciples had gathered, and the True Disciples had also arrived one by one.
“Is that Ninth Uncle-Master?”
“I didn't expect Ninth Uncle-Master to be so young, probably only seven or eight years old. I wonder if he has stepped into the Martial Dao yet?”
Some newly initiated third-generation Disciples discussed curiously.
They were very surprised to see the usually mischievous White Ape now following Ning Qi so obediently.
Some second-generation Disciples, on the other hand, greeted him with smiles.
Calling him Ninth Brother.
Ning Qi smiled and nodded.
The True Martial Sect was united, with very few unsavory matters.
Thanks to the improved Body Tempering Powder by Ning Qi, the True Martial Sect's foundation has already begun to show, with each Body Tempering Realm Disciple's Cultivation surpassing their peers.
“Greetings, Master, and all Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters.”
Ning Qi walked to the front and bowed respectfully.
White Ape did the same.
Dragon Mountain Daoist stroked his beard and smiled.
Luo Wentian and the others all smiled upon seeing Ning Qi. In the past year, except for a few special days, they rarely got to see Ning Qi and missed him greatly.
“Little Nine, you've grown taller again!”
Fifth Brother Jiang Baishan said.
“Yes, the little brat from back then is growing bigger and bigger now.”
Everyone sighed, feeling how fast time passed.
It felt as if Ning Qi had just been carried onto Zhenwu Mountain yesterday, but in a blink of an eye, five years had passed, and Ning Qi had grown so much.
After a moment.
Eighth Senior Brother Qin Yun arrived.
He first apologized to Dragon Mountain Daoist, and then also smiled and greeted his fellow Senior Brothers.
In the past two years, Qin Yun had been Cultivating martial arts even more diligently, almost becoming a martial arts fanatic.
His gaze fell on Ning Qi, and he smiled:
“Little Nine, you're here.”
He felt somewhat uncertain and surprised in his heart, completely unable to discern Ning Qi's true strength.
Ning Qi nodded and smiled:
“I originally thought I was diligent enough, but I didn't expect Eighth Senior Brother to arrive even later than me.”
Qin Yun said helplessly:
“No choice, if Aptitude isn't enough, one can only make up for it with effort.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist frowned slightly upon hearing this.
In these days, most of his energy was focused on Breaking through to the Heaven-Human Realm. All major and minor affairs of the sect were handed over to his Eldest Disciple, Luo Wentian, and he didn't have much energy to worry about the other Disciples. He had previously heard Luo Wentian mention Qin Yun's frantic Cultivation.
Now it seemed, it might be even more excessive than he had imagined.
The Martial Dao lies in perseverance, with a balance of work and rest.
He planned to find some time to talk with Qin Yun.
With Qin Yun's Aptitude, which was not inferior to his own, there was no need to be so anxious. Following the steps, his future achievements would only surpass his own.
As for Ning Qi, he was different.
Dragon Mountain Daoist knew that this young Disciple could not be judged by common sense.
While he was pondering.
Movement had already come from down the mountain.
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Everyone's gaze turned.
Figures in tight-fitting clothes, each carrying a long sword, sped over, like flying Shenjian, extremely fast, treating the mountain wilderness as flat ground, and also emanating a sharp Aura.
“Is that the Shenjian Step created by Divine Sword Old Man? It's indeed extraordinary.”
Ning Qi secretly nodded.
He habitually observed the subtle points within, and several inspirations surged into his heart. These were all resources and foundations for growth.
Dragon Mountain Daoist laughed heartily and stepped forward to greet him:
“Divine Sword Senior Brother is indeed a man of his word; he's never early, nor is he late.”
A cold snort sounded:
“Dragon Mountain Daoist, stop talking sarcastically here.”
All the True Martial Sect Disciples showed displeasure, but Dragon Mountain Daoist showed no unhappiness, still smiling. He knew that Divine Sword Old Man had such a personality.
Ning Qi looked.
He saw a robust old man, full of vigor, appear before everyone. His eyes were sharp, and he carried a long sword on his back. The sword was wider and longer than a typical sword, looking very domineering.
It was Divine Sword Old Man.
And behind Divine Sword Old Man were the Disciples of the Divine Sword Sect.
These Divine Sword Sect Disciples were all dressed in tight-fitting clothes, with a dignified demeanor, their swordsman's sharpness fully displayed. However, their gaze towards the True Martial Sect Disciples was very unfriendly. Ning Qi was very familiar with that look; it was typically the expression of a small child who had their toy snatched by a bigger child and couldn't fight back.
However, one person caught Ning Qi's eye.
It was a fair-skinned, chubby Little Fatty, also carrying a sword, but looking around, and with a runny nose, appearing not very bright.
He met Ning Qi's gaze, his eyes lit up, and he giggled foolishly, being pulled back by a Divine Sword Sect Senior Brother beside him.
Ning Qi returned a slight smile.
“Divine Sword Senior Brother, ten years unseen, your demeanor remains the same.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist sighed.
Divine Sword Old Man's expression softened slightly. He observed Dragon Mountain Daoist, feeling a slight shock in his heart; he already found it somewhat difficult to discern the other party's true strength.
Divine Sword Old Man couldn't help but ask:
“You've taken that step?”
Dragon Mountain Daoist shook his head:
“Still a little short.”
Divine Sword Old Man remained silent. After a moment, he couldn't help but say sourly:
“You old Daoist, you've been doing quite well on Zhenwu Mountain these past years.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled:
“Thanks to Divine Sword Senior Brother, Zhenwu Mountain is indeed a blessed land.”
Divine Sword Old Man's Face darkened. He always felt that this guy opposite him was incredibly infuriating when he spoke, but he couldn't refute it.
He could only snort coldly:
“Don't be so smug, Zhenwu Mountain is only temporarily in your safekeeping.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist shook his head and chuckled. He said sincerely:
“As long as Divine Sword Senior Brother speaks, I will return Zhenwu Mountain to you and find another place.”
“Stop, stop!”
Divine Sword Old Man roared.
“Don't give me that! I have lived my life without needing others to point fingers. Since I lost Zhenwu Mountain to you back then, I will not break my word. If I want to take it back, it must be done honorably!”
“Dragon Mountain Daoist, do you perhaps feel that you are no match for me and wish to surrender it beforehand?”
“I tell you, impossible!”
“You haven't forgotten the ten-year pact, have you?”
Divine Sword Old Man's hair stood on end, his Aura fierce, while the Divine Sword Sect Disciples behind him stood tall and proud.