Qin Yun's departure caused a long ripple within the True Martial Sect.
For a time, even the True Disciples felt dispirited.
Ning Qi gradually returned to his usual cultivation rhythm, yet when he read the classics Qin Yun had left behind, he would occasionally pause, his thoughts drifting to his former Eighth Senior Brother—wondering what kind of person Qin Yun had become now, and what it would be like if they ever met again.
But time softens all things.
The True Martial Sect slowly regained its former vitality.
All Disciples worked together, preparing for the upcoming Heavenly Human Grand Ceremony. Perhaps influenced by Qin Yun's incident, Dragon Mountain Daoist entered long-term seclusion. Once he emerged, he would almost certainly step into the Heavenly Human Realm.
Another year passed.
Peach blossoms bloomed once more outside the Seeking Dao Courtyard—brighter and more luxuriant than ever.
Ye Qinghe secretly picked some blossoms again, determined to succeed in brewing peach blossom wine this time. She kept it quiet, planning to amaze everyone when it was done.
Ning Qi could not help but smile.
White Ape had already informed him that Third Senior Sister had privately cornered it—half threatening, half coaxing—demanding it secretly brew a batch as backup.
If her own wine succeeded, she would use it.If it failed… she would use White Ape's.
Ning Qi brought out a rattan chair and lay beneath the peach tree.
Calm. Unhurried.
He was now just over six years old, yet his appearance resembled that of a ten-year-old boy. Dressed in Daoist robes, his expression was tranquil, his bearing already far beyond his age.
His mind was focused on the Transforming Force of the Great Dream Nine Deaths Art.
"Transforming Force is the act of giving Inner Strength characteristics," he mused.
"Some methods rely purely on circulation—Shaking Heaven, Earth Tremor, Overturning Sea."
"Others require external objects. Ice Silkworm Strength, for example, is strongest when cultivated with extreme cold treasures, though it can still be practiced without them."
"But what I seek… is not a single characteristic."
His gaze was clear.
"What I want is all of them."
Just like the Ten Thousand Manifestations Source Pillar before.
Over these days, Ning Qi had read countless Inner Strength manuals—some from the Scripture Pavilion, others left behind by Qin Yun. Gradually, he realized that so-called "characteristics" were nothing more than different circulation trajectories within the body.
"If that's the case…"
"As long as the trajectories are not fixed, they can be changed at will."
A peach blossom drifted down.
Ning Qi caught it between his fingers, smiling faintly.
Within his body, already solidified Inner Strength rotated and shifted under his will.
A strand of Inner Strength flowed out through his palm.
Heat erupted.
The peach petals ignited without wind, turning to flame.
Then—change.
The circulation shifted.
Extreme cold replaced the heat. The burning petals froze midair, forming crystalline ice blossoms.
Another change.
A subtle vibration spread.
The ice shattered soundlessly into fine powder, glittering as it fell through his fingers.
Joy flickered in Ning Qi's eyes.
"This is it."
"The All-Encompassing Chapter of the Great Dream Nine Deaths Art."
"My Inner Strength can burn, freeze, vibrate, corrode, poison, or suppress. Characteristics can be switched—or even layered—at will."
This was the result of his comprehension.
Others fixed their Inner Strength trajectories once Transforming Force was completed. Ning Qi's, however, remained fluid and ever-changing. Such a method placed terrifying demands on the Physical Body—demands only his foundation could withstand.
Anyone else attempting this would collapse within moments.
"Still… it's not truly complete."
Not due to lack of comprehension—but lack of reference.
He had only observed ninety-two Transforming Force methods. In the future, as he encountered more, he could continue to integrate them.
"With this chapter, my strength has risen again."
Inner Strength with characteristics far surpassed unmodified Inner Strength.
Before, he could only kill with brute force.Now, he could freeze, shatter, or annihilate at will.
"Next step…"
"Inner Yuan Realm Great Completion."
Once his Inner Strength could extend beyond his body, its true terror would manifest.
The idea made him quietly expectant.
With his goal clear, cultivation came naturally.
A little over a year later, Ning Qi reached Inner Yuan Fivefold and steadily approached Sixfold.
Within the Seeking Dao Courtyard, peach blossoms flourished.
Ning Qi noticed more Disciples frequenting the Scripture Pavilion than before. News of Qin Yun's defection had spread throughout the sect—some were furious, some regretful, and some quietly relieved.
Without Qin Yun, Dragon Mountain Daoist might accept new Disciples.
People sought opportunity.
Ning Qi did not judge.
This was human nature.
He cultivated quietly.
During this time, the Senior Sisters visited more often than before, their concern obvious. They feared that Ning Qi might also develop inner demons someday—and none of them wished to endure that pain again.
Ning Qi did not resist.
He realized that seeking longevity did not mean severing all ties.
He chatted with them when they came. It delayed nothing.
Life felt… balanced.
When the peach blossoms reached full bloom once more, Ning Qi prepared for his fifth near-death rebirth.
With it, he would advance to Sixfold.
And finally experience the thrill of Inner Strength extending beyond the body.
But just as he was about to retrieve resources from the treasury—
Luo Wentian arrived with astonishing news.
Fifth Disciple Jiang Baishan had broken through.
He had entered the Gang Yuan Realm.
The True Martial Sect had gained another pillar.