Black Sand Sea.
This is a near-sea region of the Great Yan Dynasty.
A mist-shrouded island thousands of feet tall suddenly appeared in the sea area. The first to discover it was a group of fishermen who had lived here for years and knew the area well, but they never expected such a strange island to emerge.
At first, they were somewhat fearful, but when an elder suggested it might be an ancient ruin, everyone became excited.
The exploration began.
However, no matter what methods they used, they could not approach the misty area. Whenever they ventured deeper, they would inexplicably emerge from another direction.
As time passed, some lost patience and finally decided to sell the news for profit.
A martial sect discovered this place.
After a series of profit struggles, news of the misty island finally spread.
The Canghai Sword Sect from the near-sea region rushed there immediately.
Although defeated by the Blade Demon, he was also a top-tier expert with the Three Blossoms technique perfected. His ranking was sixth on the Heaven-Man List, and he was not far from the Sword Dao's ultimate realm. Despite the recent return of Ancient Saints, in most martial artists' eyes, he was still regrettably unmatched by many.
The Canghai Sword Sect charged into the misty area and finally set foot on the island. Everyone thought the Canghai Sword Sect would be the first to "break the ice."
However, to everyone's surprise, after just half an hour, the Canghai Sword Sect retreated from the island, looking somewhat embarrassed.
His gaze was complicated, showing reluctance and amazement. Clearly, there was a complicated story behind it.
Someone boldly asked,
"May I ask, Lord Sword Sect, what exactly is this place?"
"True Martial Hall."
After uttering these words, the Canghai Sword Sect hurriedly left.
Those remaining were all shaken, sensing a profound aura in that name.
Some deeply rooted sects began searching ancient texts overnight, trying to find which ancient sect the True Martial Hall was related to, hoping to find some way to solve the mystery. Soon, they had results.
"True Martial Sect!"
"According to ancient records, the True Martial Hall is the core inheritance hall of the ancient True Martial Sect. Could it contain the ancient True Martial inheritance?"
"The ancient True Martial Sect was extremely powerful, said to have produced several legendary Martial Sages who were famous throughout the world. Later, for unknown reasons, it disappeared into history, but now it has reappeared!"
This news caused an uproar. It spread across the land.
Naturally, some associated it with the current True Martial Sect.
"What is the relationship between the ancient True Martial Sect and the current True Martial Sect? It is rumored that the previous sect master, Daoist Longshan, received the ancient inheritance. Could it be the True Martial Hall's inheritance?"
Some instinctively wanted to hide this news.
But with so many people in the world, naturally, some wanted to use this to build good relations with the True Martial Sect. After all, compared to the intangible True Martial Hall, it was more important to align with the booming True Martial Sect.
Anyone with eyes could see that with Heavenly Sword True Immortal, Daoist Longshan, and many promising talents, the True Martial Sect becoming a giant was only a matter of time.
...
Seeking Dao Courtyard.
Ning Qi was pondering how to solve the recent problem he had encountered.
"There is a poisonous element within the spiritual energy that is somewhat elusive. Although I have almost captured it twice, it immediately disappears. This substance is neither tangible nor intangible, but something in between."
He toyed with a strand of spiritual energy at his fingertips, deep in thought.
To find a way to filter it out, he first needed to understand the nature of this poisonous element. Otherwise, without grasping what it looks like, how could he filter it?
While thinking, Luo Wentian strode into the Seeking Dao Courtyard.
His first words shocked Ning Qi:
"Xiao Jiu, the True Martial Hall you mentioned before has appeared!"
Ning Qi stood and swiftly flew with Luo Wentian to Mingwu Pavilion, where Daoist Longshan was already present.
Ning Qi and Daoist Longshan exchanged a glance, both seeing determination in each other's eyes.
Daoist Longshan said slowly,
"According to rumors throughout the world, the True Martial Hall should be the True Martial underground palace I encountered back then, or rather, the True Martial underground palace is part of that True Martial Hall!"
Ning Qi immediately recalled the scene when he descended the mountain in pursuit.
Beneath the earth, it seemed as if some enormous creature had left.
Now it appeared, it was that island.
Luo Wentian's expression was grave:
"For now, we must rush there immediately. The True Martial Hall is the source of our True Martial Sect's inheritance. We have an innate advantage. If we can obtain the Martial Sage inheritance inside, we will definitely rise during the upcoming spiritual opportunity awakening!"
Now, as a sect leader, his stance became more upright. Every word and action was for the True Martial Sect's future.
Daoist Longshan nodded slowly.
Not having obtained the complete True Martial inheritance had always been a regret in his heart. Now that the opportunity appeared, it could not be missed. Of course, he would not grandly declare the True Martial Hall must belong to the True Martial Sect and others must stay away.
After all, this was an unclaimed treasure; everyone relied on their own methods.
Their gazes turned to Ning Qi.
Ning Qi smiled slightly:
"Of course we will go."
Previously, Daoist Baishan told Ning Qi that he himself could not give Ning Qi the Martial Sage techniques in advance, but it was fine to obtain them from the True Martial inheritance. Ning Qi had not expected the True Martial inheritance to appear in this way.
"If I can obtain the Martial Sage techniques, it will also be a useful reference for my upcoming deductions. Even if the Ancient Saints haven't completely found a way to filter out the poisonous element, they must have some understanding."
With Ning Qi's reply, both were delighted.
Luo Wentian stood and said,
"There is no time to waste. We must set off immediately. Zhenwu Mountain is far away."
He acted decisively and immediately went down to make arrangements.
In the end, Ning Qi and Daoist Longshan led the team, accompanied by Ye Qinghe and several outstanding third-generation disciples to gain experience and training. Meanwhile, atop Zhenwu Mountain, the Blade Demon, Qin Yun, and Luo Wentian remained in charge, so there was no need to worry.
Ning Qi did not change his appearance. Now that Ancient Saints had appeared, as long as he did not reveal himself, others would only think he was another Ancient Saint returned.
Previously, he was discovered by Daoist Baishan in Zhenxuan Mountain because Ancient Saints shared a peculiar aura and mark. After noticing this, Ning Qi created a disguise method. If other Ancient Saints discovered him now, they would at most think he was a fellow cultivator.
Above the horizon, Ning Qi summoned the power of Heaven and Earth.
The group broke through the sky with extreme speed, causing excitement and admiration among the disciples.
...
Black Sand Sea.
One after another, tower ships and warships surrounded the misty island, spreading out in all directions. Some had prepared for long-term battles, exploring the conditions for entering the misty island.
Until now, except for the Canghai Sword Sect, only a very few low-level cultivators had stepped inside.
Once they came out, they were "invited" by the major forces waiting.
Unfortunately, these people themselves could not explain why they could enter. They only spoke of their encounters and gains inside. Despite this, it made the major forces' eyes light up, and they happily accepted these lucky individuals into their sects. It was barely a "win-win" situation.
Of course, some refused to submit and met a bad end.
More and more experts arrived.
At first, a Qi Origin Realm expert was enough to suppress the scene, then a Heaven-Man Realm expert was required, followed by Heaven-Man List experts.
As time passed, most Heaven-Man Realm's attention was drawn here.
At this moment, a figure staggered out of the misty area. He looked around in confusion, disbelief in his eyes, then joy, but quickly his expression returned to confusion as he sighed and sped away.
This scene was common.
Entering the misty island was not dangerous, so many would try.
But this middle-aged man was stopped by someone.
The group smiled warmly and cupped their hands, their eyes burning with fanaticism:
"Brother Golden Blade, others might not know, but we do. You've been inside for over half an hour. Anyone who stays longer than half an hour definitely entered the True Martial Hall. How about cooperating with our White Cloud Sect?"
Liu Jindao's expression changed slightly, forcing a smile:
"You must be mistaken. I only just entered fifteen minutes ago. But that person, I remember, went in long before me."
He rolled his eyes and casually pointed at another cultivator who had just stepped out of the mist, trying to shift blame. But someone from White Cloud Sect saw and secretly recorded it, so there was no mistake.
The leader smiled and stepped forward, already forming a surrounding formation, ready to "invite" Liu Jindao aside. They did not want to cause too much trouble; otherwise, others would come to share the spoils.
Liu Jindao cursed inwardly and suddenly let out a sharp whistle. A fierce bird immediately flew over from the horizon.
He tapped his toes and landed on the bird's back, cursing angrily,
"Get lost, White Cloud Sect!"
If it were another sect, it might be a good place, but White Cloud Sect was hypocritical and notorious. If he fell into their hands, he would have no good outcome.
The White Cloud Sect was furious and gave chase.
For a time, Qi Force surged over the sea. Liu Jindao was also capable; not only did he have a strange flying bird companion, but his own agility was excellent, moving over the sea like walking on flat ground. The White Cloud Sect failed to capture him immediately.
This commotion quickly attracted others.
The entire sea area boiled over again.
Liu Jindao instantly became a coveted prize.
All forces unleashed their methods, surrounding Liu Jindao and fighting fiercely. Heaven-Man Realm battles roared, waves surged, and even Heaven-Man List experts intervened. The scene was chaotic beyond words.
When the True Martial Sect arrived, they witnessed this very scene.
The sea water was stained red. Corpses floated, then slowly sank to the bottom.
Two Heaven-Man List experts fought fiercely, unleashing true fire. One used the power of Heaven and Earth to tear Liu Jindao's bird companion in half in midair, which fell to the ground.
As for Liu Jindao, he was torn into bloody mist in despair, spreading everywhere.
The world fell silent.
Everyone silently watched. The original fanaticism gradually faded. Liu Jindao was dead, and continuing the fight was meaningless.
The bloody scene caused many third-generation disciples of the True Martial Sect to turn pale. They realized the outside world was not so kind. Without the protection of the True Martial Sect, they would just be fish on a chopping block.
Some disciples' eyes grew determined as they silently resolved to train hard so the sect would not suffer such a fate.
Daoist Longshan nodded slightly. This was the purpose of bringing disciples out for experience.
To broaden their horizons and strengthen their martial will, gradually raising their potential. Bone foundation was one thing, but later growth was even more important.
He lingered a moment, then prepared to lead the disciples toward the misty island.
They had already done their homework.
They roughly knew the situation inside.
But their arrival immediately attracted some attention.
Everyone's pupils contracted as they saw fear in their eyes.
"True Martial Sect!"
Who was the sect no one wanted to see the most?
It was undoubtedly the True Martial Sect.
Not because of their strength, but because, regarding the newly emerged True Martial Hall, the True Martial Sect occupied a kind of "legitimate" position. No one could say if the True Martial Sect entered, would they sweep everything away? If that happened, everyone else's efforts would be wasted.
Many eyes turned to Daoist Longshan.
The atmosphere grew strange.
An invisible division formed two camps.
One was the True Martial Sect members; the other was the other sects. Those who had been fighting among themselves had quietly formed an alliance after the True Martial Sect arrived.
Ning Qi slightly raised his eyes but said nothing.
"Surely this is Daoist Longshan, I've heard so much about you."
"The True Martial Sect is famous throughout the world. Seeing you today, it's clear you have many talents!"
Daoist Longshan frowned slightly at the two men blocking the way.
They were the two Heaven-Man List experts who had just fought fiercely, ranked between twentieth and thirtieth. One was a swordsman; the other specialized in fist techniques.
He smiled peacefully and said,
"You flatter us. We are but elevated by the world's esteem and do not deserve such praise."
The black-robed swordsman laughed:
"The fame of Heavenly Sword True Immortal is not false, but it's a pity we did not see the elder's true face this time."
With this, the atmosphere grew even more awkward.
If Heavenly Sword True Immortal had not come, the current Daoist Longshan alone might not be enough. After all, there were many Heaven-Man List experts here. Someone had been observing carefully and had not seen the world's top swordsman.
The other white-browed elder smiled and kindly invited:
"Seeing you today feels especially close, Daoist. Why not come sit on my warship? I can share some recent discoveries and insights with you. After gathering strength, we can explore the island more efficiently."
The black-robed swordsman also extended an invitation.
Both wore friendly expressions.
But Daoist Longshan's smile gradually faded, and even the young disciples noticed.
These two old-timers clearly did not mean well. The disciples' eyes burned with anger.
The open invitation was clearly to prevent the True Martial Sect from entering and taking all the inheritance inside the True Martial Hall!
One by one, the cultivators' gazes tightened, waiting for Daoist Longshan's reply.