Chapter 35: Blood Rain Pavilion |
Ning Qi’s eyes trembled.
Five years ago, when he crossed over into this world, he immediately faced a life-threatening crisis. If not for awakening his full-level comprehension and holding out until Daoist Longshan arrived, he would’ve likely died again.
Although he could sense a few things at the time, it wasn’t comprehensive—he didn’t know the full story.
“You were not a child I picked up from the wild. Your parents were Ning Ye and Jiang Xuemei of Xue Mei Manor. They were murdered by traitors, and I brought you out from the sea of fire.”
Daoist Longshan spoke slowly. Back then, when he brought Ning Qi back, he told others he had found an orphan in the wilderness.
When he saw that Ning Qi’s expression was serious but not particularly shocked, he finally resolved a long-held doubt.
“Little Nine, you truly were born wise.”
He let out a long sigh.
Back then, he had even wondered whether the baby’s cry he heard in the fire was deliberately made to draw his attention.
Ning Qi accepted it silently.
He trusted Daoist Longshan enough.
“Master, I want to know—who exactly killed my parents?”
Back then, he only knew of someone called "Lord Feng," but he had no idea what their background was or why Xue Mei Manor had been wiped out.
Daoist Longshan fell into memory:
“Five years ago, your parents invited me to celebrate your birthday. They also said there was something important to discuss. But by the time I arrived, there was not a single survivor in Xue Mei Manor. The culprit had already fled. Fortunately, your innate spiritual radiance was strong enough to protect you for that long.”
“All these years, I’ve been investigating in secret. I finally found some clues.”
“It’s possible the murderer is connected to the recently emerged Blood Rain Pavilion. But the investigation is still ongoing. I don’t know yet whether others were involved, nor do I know why they exterminated everyone at Xue Mei Manor. I can only guess it might be related to the important matter your father wanted to discuss.”
There was dread in his eyes.
Ning Qi's gaze also sharpened slightly.
He had heard his senior brothers and sisters mention the Blood Rain Pavilion during their training excursions. It was an extremely powerful assassin organization, known for its four elite killers—Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning. All of them were at the Qi Origin Realm, and rumor had it the four once escaped unscathed from a Heaven-Man Realm expert. At one time, they were unrivaled.
“Wind, Rain, Thunder, Lightning? Lord Feng?”
Ning Qi pondered silently.
Seeing that Ning Qi didn’t speak, Daoist Longshan comforted him, gently patting his head:
“Qi’er, I’m telling you all this today because you have the right to know. But remember—do not let hatred blind you. Don’t fall into obsession. With your talent, if you focus on cultivation with me for twenty years, taking revenge will be easy.”
“Don’t worry, when the time comes, I’ll help you too!”
His affection and concern were obvious.
In truth—
Daoist Longshan had struggled with the decision for a long time. He had originally planned to tell Ning Qi when he came of age.
But with Ning Qi’s increasingly monstrous performance and his far-above-average intellect, he set a goal to reveal the truth once Ning Qi reached the Inner Origin Realm.
Because he suspected Ning Qi had been born with innate awareness. Perhaps even as an infant in swaddling clothes, he had sensed something. Rather than hiding it, it would be better to be honest. That way, Ning Qi wouldn’t bottle it all up inside. He worried Ning Qi would develop obsession, or worse—a heart demon.
On the Martial Path, if a heart demon took root and couldn’t be purged, one would be nearly crippled.
Ning Qi respectfully bowed.
“Master, I understand.”
“I will never forget the grudge of my family's annihilation. But I won’t act on impulse. When I’ve achieved enough strength in the future, I’ll definitely eliminate those killers.”
Ning Qi said firmly.
With full-level comprehension, there was no need to rush.
Now that he knew his target, he felt even less rushed.
“Blood Rain Pavilion…”
He slowly mulled over the name in his mind.
Daoist Longshan stroked his beard with satisfaction:
“Good. Now that you’ve entered the Inner Origin Realm, if you need anything, just tell me. For now, let me tell you about cultivating in the Inner Origin Realm…”
Ning Qi smiled and sat cross-legged opposite Daoist Longshan.
He looked like he was ready to listen.
Daoist Longshan spoke in detail, and Ning Qi occasionally offered insights that left Daoist Longshan speechless every time. His heart was full of awe and comfort. He realized there was less and less he could teach Ning Qi. Perhaps the only thing he could still do was create a good environment for him.
A while later—
Watching Ning Qi leave with his hands behind his back like a little grown-up,
Daoist Longshan stroked his beard in contentment.
“To have such a disciple—what more could I ask for?”
…
Ning Qi sat with eyes closed in the Seeking Dao Courtyard.
The conversation with Daoist Longshan had been immensely beneficial.
After learning that the culprits back then were from the Blood Rain Pavilion, he wasn’t anxious—in fact, he felt more at peace. At least now he had a target. It wasn’t just a vague theory like before.
“Forget the Heaven-Man Realm—even if I just reach the Core Formation Realm, I might be able to destroy Blood Rain Pavilion with ease.”
Ning Qi had never gone all out in a fight, but his combat power in the same realm was absurdly high. Fighting across realms was nothing difficult for him. One day, when he stepped into the Qi Origin Realm, there was a high chance he could battle a Heaven-Man Realm expert.
He didn’t dwell on it too long.
Ning Qi began to examine his body internally.
“My internal energy and physical body are now completely connected. Based on Master’s cultivation experience, the initial physical transformation won’t take long—I’ll make it in time before the year’s end.”
Without hesitation.
Ning Qi began eating.
Exotic beast meat, three-leaf lingzhi, century-old ginseng, blood vitality fruit… He consumed all kinds of nourishing treasures. He didn’t eat quickly, but steadily. Before long, everything he had prepared was completely consumed.
He felt a slight stretch in his belly.
Ning Qi had already instructed the White Ape to guard him.
The Zhenwu Sect was also very safe.
With the door locked, Ning Qi slowly lay down.
His breath visibly weakened, his face turned pale, then ashen. His once-radiant skin dulled and withered. In just a few moments, Ning Qi looked like a corpse.
He had begun the first stage of his body’s “death.”
Only by dying in stillness could the body be reborn and undergo ultimate transformation.
It was very dangerous, but Ning Qi had the Great Dream of Nine Deaths Force to protect him.
At this moment—
The various nourishing substances he had consumed were starting to take effect, transforming in a mysterious way deep within his physical body.
Strange changes began to take place inside Ning Qi’s flesh.
Outside the house—
The White Ape sensed something. His eyes were filled with worry, but he held back the urge to go in and check.
Ning Qi had instructed him—he was going into seclusion and the White Ape was to guard him.
The White Ape resolved not to go anywhere for the next few days. He would wait until Ning Qi woke up.
Time passed quietly.
The celebratory atmosphere on Zhenwu Mountain was growing stronger as the end of the year approached. Ever since Luo Wentian announced the Zhenwu Year-End Competition, the disciples had been sharpening their skills, itching for a chance to shine.
In contrast, the Seeking Dao Courtyard felt a bit deserted.
Every day, the White Ape would listen for any sound outside the room.
But there was not a single breath of energy inside—as if no one was there. This made him extremely anxious, but he dared not disobey Ning Qi.
Fortunately—
That anxiety didn’t last too long.
Seven days later—
A familiar presence reappeared from within the room.
The White Ape was overjoyed.
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