Chapter 572: One-Month Deadline |
"This is the border region where the Realm Sea intersects with our territory."
Xu Qingqiu responded earnestly. "A large number of Distorted Monsters emerge from here. Our task is to stop them from coming out of this intersecting zone."
"Oh? Does that mean other areas of the Realm Sea don't have Distorted Monsters?"
Hearing her explanation, Ning Qi immediately thought of something.
"There are always some that slip through the net. These escaped Distorted Monsters cause us a great deal of trouble."
"However, if there were no Realm Sea Battlefield, these Distorted Monsters would swarm out in full force, and then they would be unstoppable."
"So we must stop them right at this border region."
Xu Qingqiu maintained her serious expression. "Just think about it, how vast is the scope of our Realm Sea region? If we don't hold this area..."
"If they scatter everywhere, our people simply won't have time to provide support. They could slaughter an entire region of the Lower Realm."
"I understand now. So that's how it is."
Listening to her explanation, Ning Qi finally grasped the situation.
This place was something he was hearing about for the first time.
"The main dynasties here dispatch troops to attack every year."
"They usually send out forces of a million to garrison the area. When these troops return after three years of garrison duty, the survivors are probably less than one-tenth of the original number."
"But they still have to go. Otherwise, even more people would be slaughtered."
Xu Qingqiu sighed, then continued. "So, don't think that just because we don't have wars here, everyone is a caged bird."
"In fact, a huge number of our people go to the battlefield every year."
"Hmm, it seems only powerful Lower Realms like yours are qualified to go."
"Our True Martial Spirit Realm has never heard of such things."
Ning Qi nodded, speaking gravely. "Generally, when you reach that region, you receive such orders?"
"Each of our regions is different. They're divided into three areas: the inner zone, the outer zone, and the core zone."
"The outer zone is the place near the Black Water Region you mentioned before. That's called the outer zone."
Xu Qingqiu explained again. "People from this zone cannot be conscripted by us because they are already constantly resisting the erosion of Distorted Monsters. Their patrol teams suffer countless casualties every year."
"They simply cannot spare the manpower to rush to the battlefield."
"Oh? I see."
After hearing her explanation, Ning Qi finally understood the situation.
So they had this additional layer of consideration.
"This is the outer zone. Further in is the inner zone. The people here are in a state of readiness for battle."
"They usually aren't conscripted either, but if there's an emergency, they can be taken to the outer zone at any time to support regions being swallowed up."
"If the inner zone's deep reserves of troops are insufficient, they then need to go help at the Realm Sea Battlefield."
"If their strength improves, they enter the core zone, which is the region our realm is located in."
"Then, every year, a large number of people are sent to the Realm Sea Battlefield!"
Xu Qingqiu patiently explained the situation clearly to Ning Qi.
"Then, our True Martial Spirit Realm belongs to the area bordering the outer and inner zones."
"Because we also have many Distorted Monsters here."
"We also need to guard against attacks from Distorted Monsters."
Ning Qi finally understood where their True Martial Spirit Realm belonged.
"Yes, so it's understandable that you haven't heard of the Realm Sea Battlefield!"
"Your region as a whole has never come into contact with these things. It's impossible for you to know!"
Hearing him say this, Xu Qingqiu couldn't help but nod, speaking seriously. "Actually, this has both advantages and disadvantages. You can continue developing yourselves, but you also have to face the more threatening Black Water Region. If Distorted Monsters attack, you're also in great danger."
"Then, it seems we don't have a chance to go to this place yet."
Ning Qi sighed.
"Yes, but if you could go, it would be a good thing."
"There are many Natural Treasures inside because many Experts have perished there."
"And it's also the fringe area where the Immortal Realm collapsed, so there are many opportunities inside."
Xu Qingqiu nodded seriously. "If there's a chance to enter, it's also an opportunity. Our Sect Master obtained a set of cultivation techniques inside."
"It allowed him to directly cultivate and break through, becoming a Half-Step Golden Immortal."
"It's only been a few decades. I feel that in another hundred years, he can break through to Golden Immortal strength."
"At that time, the Immortals will exceptionally grant him one chance to use the Immortal Race's Bloodline Power to cleanse his marrow and reshape his bones. Then our Fang Sword Sect will have a chance to enter the Immortal Realm."
"Oh? That truly is 'when one man attains the Dao, even his pets ascend to heaven'."
Hearing her say this, Ning Qi couldn't help but smile. "If there's a chance, I'll definitely go try my luck too."
"In one month, our Myriad Swords Sect will send a group of people. If you want to go, I can talk to my master. He'll agree!"
Xu Qingqiu thought for a moment and said to Ning Qi.
"Oh? That's good. Can I go?"
Hearing her words, Ning Qi immediately became interested.
If he could go and find some opportunities to improve his strength, that would be a good thing.
If he reached Golden Immortal strength, then when he returned, he could raise the status of the True Martial Spirit Realm a bit.
At that time, stepping into the inner world's core zone would be within reach. Then completely entering the core zone would be just around the corner.
Once in the core zone, entering the fourteenth zone wouldn't be impossible either.
He wondered what strength was needed to enter the first zone.
Just by himself, wanting to bring an entire Lower Realm in was probably very difficult. If he wanted to enter alone, he probably already qualified now.
Ning Qi thought to himself, but he had no intention of abandoning the True Martial Spirit Realm.
At this moment, his sole thought was to bring the True Martial Spirit Realm into the core zone.
"You can, but there's still a month left. It's a long time."
"At that time, I'll tell my master I want to go too, then I can bring one person along."
"Then I'll give that spot to you. Problem solved."
Xu Qingqiu blinked, showing an innocent expression.
"You're going? Isn't that too dangerous?"
Hearing her say this, Ning Qi couldn't help but shake his head. "Is there no other way?"
"Not for now. Only this way is the simplest method."
Xu Qingqiu shook her head, then continued. "Don't worry either. My strength isn't weak! I'm already at the True Immortal Ninth Grade!"
"Your strength is indeed formidable."
Ning Qi had to admit.
But precisely because of this, he didn't want her to go even more. Cultivation wasn't easy. If something unexpected happened, he would become the sinner.
"Don't worry, I can protect myself. Didn't we go to the immortal ruins just fine? I can even come and go alone!"
Xu Qingqiu didn't care at all, then checked the time and said, "I think my master will be back soon."
"I'm full!"
At this moment, Pill Spirit suddenly patted his belly and said.
"What about you?"
Xu Qingqiu looked at Ning Qi and asked.
"Hmm, the food here is very delicious. Especially this spirit meat, it feels extraordinary!"
Ning Qi also nodded with satisfaction, then continued. "Your spirit meat and Spirit Vegetables here are truly unmatched."
"Of course! Didn't I just say? These were all brought back by our Sect Master."
"It's a pity they've been bred for several generations already. If it were first-generation deer, it would be even more delicious!"
Xu Qingqiu enthusiastically introduced to Ning Qi. "When there's a chance, I'll take you to taste it."
"Good. If there's a chance, I certainly won't be polite."
Ning Qi nodded and said with a smile.
"Disciple!"
Right at this moment, a dignified voice came from the front courtyard.
"My master is back!"
Xu Qingqiu immediately stood up and walked outside. "Come on, I'll introduce you to my master."
"Alright!"
Ning Qi didn't hesitate either. After agreeing, he followed her directly out.
They soon reached the front courtyard.
They saw a white-haired old man standing in the courtyard.
He appeared to have the Ethereal Demeanor of an Immortal, but his eyes held a trace of fierceness.
One look, and you knew he was no pushover.
"Master!"
Xu Qingqiu rushed over and greeted him warmly.
"I heard from your senior brother you were in the backyard. You really are here."
Wang Zhengqian looked at her and said, "Slacking off again?"
"Master, my friend is here!"
Xu Qingqiu waved to Ning Qi. "This is Ning Qi, my good friend!"
"Oh? Ning Qi?"
Hearing his name, Wang Zhengqian couldn't help but scrutinize Ning Qi.
Previously at the immortal ruins, Ning Qi and he hadn't met, and because Ning Qi had always been a loner.
So his reputation wasn't prominent. When Wang Zhengqian saw him, he wouldn't connect him at all with the person who stole his opportunity.
"Junior Ning Qi pays his respects to Senior."
Ning Qi, even less, didn't know he had stolen the other's opportunity.
He greeted very naturally, responding.
"A friend has come, so that explains it!"
Wang Zhengqian nodded, then looked at Ning Qi. "Young man, where are you from?"
"The Yue Kingdom."
Ning Qi answered very straightforwardly, not revealing his background.
Hearing him say this, Xu Qingqiu knew Ning Qi was intentionally concealing his identity and didn't expose him.
"Master, we tasted your spirit meat. You won't blame your disciple, right?"
Instead, she changed the subject to make both of them more comfortable.
"A guest has come, of course you should entertain them well. What you did was right!"
Wang Zhengqian nodded, not minding. "There are many more interesting places here. Take your friend around more."
"Master, your disciple has something to discuss with you."
However, Xu Qingqiu showed no intention of leaving. Instead, she said seriously.
"Oh? What matter is so urgent?"
Hearing her say this, Wang Zhengqian became curious.
"Master, I want to go to the trial grounds next month."
Xu Qingqiu stated directly.
"What? You want to go there?"
"Don't you know how dangerous that place is?"
Wang Zhengqian was somewhat surprised and couldn't help but ask.
"I know. Precisely because I know, that's why I want to go."
Xu Qingqiu nodded emphatically, still wearing a serious expression. "Master, didn't you hope I would go out and gain experience? Now I want to go. Will you let me?"
"Hmm, it's possible, but you need to find someone to go with you. Otherwise, it will be very dangerous!"
Wang Zhengqian thought for a moment and finally agreed.
Seeing his disciple determined to undergo the trial moved him greatly.
This disciple had finally grown up.
"It's Ning Qi!"
Xu Qingqiu pointed at Ning Qi and said with a smile. "We're going together!"
"You two are going?"
Hearing her words, Wang Zhengqian immediately showed a grave expression, then said, "Is your strength sufficient? Do you know how dangerous the trial grounds are?"
"Those Distorted Monsters are very strong, far more formidable than the ones we encounter in the Realm Sea."
"Master, I've already thought it through. And you don't know, Ning Qi's strength is very strong!"
"He's already at Celestial Immortal strength now. With that level of strength, we might not be able to swagger around, but protecting ourselves won't be a problem at all!"
Xu Qingqiu continued, laying all of Ning Qi's cards on the table.
"Master, Miss Xu is as straightforward and outspoken as ever!"
Pill Spirit, on Ning Qi's shoulder, couldn't help but mutter a complaint.
Hearing her words, Wang Zhengqian couldn't help but become curious. "So young, yet already reached such strength. Truly remarkable."
"Senior praises me too much. It's just good luck."
Since things had come to this, Ning Qi couldn't say much else.
He could only acknowledge his strength.
"Then you two can go together."
"However, it's best to call a few senior brothers to go out and gain experience together."
"You can all look out for each other."
Wang Zhengqian nodded, then continued. "There's still a month. Find a few people properly."
"Understood, Master. I'll make preparations!"
Xu Qingqiu nodded in agreement, her pretty face full of happiness. "Master, then we won't disturb you. We'll go now."
"Good, go ahead!"
Wang Zhengqian nodded, then headed towards his main hall, clearly preparing to go cultivate.
"Let's go!"
Xu Qingqiu gave Ning Qi a look and invited him to leave with her.
"Alright!"
Ning Qi didn't hesitate either. After agreeing, he followed her and left directly.
After leaving this residence, they headed forward.
"Where are we going next?"
Following her, Ning Qi couldn't help but ask.
"This time, we're going to the small town outside."
"Don't look down on it being a small town. There are many interesting things. I'll take you to see, and you'll know."
Xu Qingqiu was very happy, inviting Ning Qi to go have fun with her.
"Alright."
Ning Qi agreed readily again.
After all, he came to bid her farewell.
It was only because he heard about the Realm Sea Battlefield that he chose to stay.
Encountering an opportunity to improve himself, he naturally couldn't give it up.
"Miss Xu, who do you plan to find to go with us?"
Pill Spirit was more concerned about this matter.
"I'll find my senior brother!"
Xu Qingqiu clearly already had plans. As soon as he asked, she immediately responded.