Little chubby Zhuang Chen’s enthusiasm for Sword Dao was beyond dispute. After witnessing Ning Qi’s sword, he even considered becoming his disciple.
Divine Sword Old Man nearly blacked out, almost fainting on the spot.
If other disciples had committed such an outrageous act, he might have already started to purge the sect.
But towards Zhuang Chen, this precious treasure, he could only feel outrage, yet was reluctant to punish him.
The little chubby boy seemed foolish when not in battle mode, so such actions were understandable.
Ning Qi found the situation amusing and frustrating. He hadn’t expected that teaching the little chubby boy a lesson would nearly earn him a disciple, though clearly he couldn’t accept one, as Divine Sword Old Man would be furious.
Fortunately, Dong He was perceptive. Seeing his master’s expression as dark as a pot bottom, he swiftly darted over to carry Zhuang Chen away.
The little chubby boy could only gaze longingly at Ning Qi.
Everyone from Divine Sword Sect breathed a sigh of relief.
Taoist Longshan lightly coughed and said:
"Brother Divine Sword, shall we end here today?"
Divine Sword Old Man regretted deeply; had he known, he wouldn’t have insisted on this final match, losing both his prize and his forces.
Nearly losing his foolish disciple to someone else.
He glanced at the Dragon Owl Sword in front of him, feeling a pang of pain in his heart.
But words, once spoken, are like water spilled on the ground; he wouldn’t retract, and with a wave of his hand, the Dragon Owl Sword landed beside Taoist Longshan.
"Hmph, today Longshan, your skills outshine mine! We’ll compete again ten years from now!"
He planned to thoroughly train the little chubby boy, never to let him be so lax again. Others had already comprehended Sword Intent, yet he remained at Unity of Man and Sword—unacceptable!
Divine Sword Old Man felt that if he dedicated ten years of training, perhaps he could definitely contend with Ning Qi then.
Innate Sword Bone is likewise the demeanor of a Sword Saint; only previously the little chubby boy lacked an opponent, hence became complacent.
He saw clearly that Ning Qi’s Body Tempering progress was at most similar to his own foolish disciple, perhaps even inferior.
Taoist Longshan chuckled bitterly:
"Brother Divine Sword, why insist on this?"
But he eventually put away the Dragon Owl Sword. Divine Sword Mountain offered then, much more reason to keep Dragon Owl Sword.
Divine Sword Old Man stood up:
"Today’s sparring has taught my useless disciples that beyond people there are others more talented, beyond heavens there are greater heavens. Don’t be smug, Longshan, for in ten years’ time, it’s yet to be seen who will prevail!"
With a sullen face, he took a deep breath and gestured to leave with his disciples.
He felt the last shred of his dignity had been utterly discarded by Zhuang Chen.
Taoist Longshan restrained him:
"Brother Divine Sword, stay!"
As Divine Sword Old Man was about to speak, he heard Taoist Longshan’s voice:
"Brother Divine Sword, you and I have not met for ten years; why so rush? Recently, I’ve occasionally had Celestial Being secrets and gained some insight. Why not stay to contemplate together? It would also allow our disciples to exchange experiences, discontent from the past was merely a momentary impulse..."
His words were earnest and his expression sincere.
Divine Sword Old Man froze in his tracks, looking at Taoist Longshan in a complex manner.
Willing to share insights on ascending to Celestial Being, he was unsure how to respond.
Taoist Longshan laughed heartily:
"Contemplating together will naturally increase chances of success, a mutually beneficial matter."
A sudden wave of conviction arose in Divine Sword Old Man; he opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Taoist Longshan pointed his finger, and the Dragon Owl Sword fell in front of Ning Qi. He nodded in approval at his little disciple and then instructed Luo Wentian:
"Wentian, make proper arrangements for Divine Sword Sect. For the next few days, exchange experiences with each other, but don’t harm the harmony."
Divine Sword Old Man also solemnly announced:
"Dong He, behave properly on True Martial Mountain."
The disciples of both factions respectfully responded:
"We heed the orders of our mentors!"
Taoist Longshan and Divine Sword Old Man departed.
Ning Qi was slightly surprised, though he could guess a bit about the situation. He shook his head, realizing it was not yet a domain he could explore.
The ten-year agreement concluded in a manner no one had anticipated. Ning Qi originally thought he would witness a grand battle between two top Gang Essence experts, but it ended up as a spar between disciples.
Nonetheless, he didn’t lose out.
Drawing the Dragon Owl Sword, nearly as tall as himself, Ning Qi praised silently for its excellence.
This top-notch sword could not only cut through iron like mud, cleave gold, and jade, but also amplify Inner Strength and Gang Essence. He was soon advancing to the Inner Essence Realm, and even if he didn’t use it, he could find an opportunity to forge a suitable one anew; or, at least study the marvel of such weapons.
Ning Qi tossed the Dragon Owl Sword to White Ape, turned around, and left, uninterested in what followed.
Various gazes followed Ning Qi and the trailing White Ape, full of astonishment.
They knew this was a true unparalleled genius.
What they didn’t know was that Ning Qi’s display was not even one percent of his true monstrous potential.
Inside Seeking Tao Institute.
Ning Qi lay in a vine chair, reading texts.
He felt his body undergoing transformation, the subtle yet profound sensation enchantingly engrossing him, strands of potent strength emerging, converging towards the Dantian.
"So this is... Inner Strength?"
Ning Qi’s eyes sparkled brightly.
The mysterious energy flowed within him. Even if it was just a minute trace, he could sense its formidable power capable of causing his physique to explode with terrifying force far beyond its original capacity. Only such small quantity could likely reinforce a single finger.