"Ning'er!" A voice tinged with anxiety called out.
Ji Ning looked up to see his mother, Yuchi Xue, approaching from a distance, her face etched with worry.
"Don't worry, Mother. This senior has already killed the Winged Snake," Ji Ning quickly reassured her.
"You're covered in blood. You nearly frightened me to death earlier," Yuchi Xue said, her voice trembling. "If anything had happened to you, I truly wouldn't know what to do."
Seeing Ji Ning standing there safe and sound, tears of relief welled up in her eyes.
"This isn't my blood. It's from the monster I killed earlier," Ji Ning explained simply.
Ji Yichuan, having ascertained his son was unharmed, turned his attention to Wei Wen. "I thank you deeply for saving my son, Ji Ning. May I ask your name?"
He was once a powerhouse of the Zifu Realm. Although his strength had declined due to severe injuries, he could still perceive that Wei Wen's aura seemed to be that of an early-stage Innate practitioner?
But what level of power was the Winged Snake? Could an early-stage Innate truly have slain the Winged Snake in an instant?
The God and Demon techniques recorded in the Crimson Bright Diagram of Nine Heavens might allow one to accomplish such a feat innately. However, Wei Wen's body-refining aura did not resemble that of a practitioner of the Crimson Bright Diagram of Nine Heavens.
The Crimson Bright Diagram of Nine Heavens was renowned as the foremost technique for refining the God and Demon body. Could it be that Wei Wen possessed a method comparable to it?
Regardless, the fact remained that Wei Wen had killed the Winged Snake, proving he was not as simple as he appeared.
"Wei Wen," came the casual reply.
'Wei Wen?'
Among the six top clans of Yanshan with Zifu Realm powerhouses, there was no Wei Clan. So, Wei Wen likely was not from the Yanshan region.
"I have arranged for a banquet to be prepared as a token of our gratitude. Please, wait a moment," Ji Yichuan invited.
"Very well," Wei Wen had no reason to refuse.
Although he had already formed a bond with Ji Ning, there was no harm in establishing a good relationship. Moreover, offering Ji Ning occasional guidance could help him obtain certain opportunities more swiftly—such as the inheritance of the Star Seizing Manor left by the True God, Daoist Threelives.
…
In a grand hall of the Ji family.
Ji Yichuan and Wei Wen naturally took the seats of honor on either side of the main table, while the others found their places. The table was laden with fine wine and meat.
To be honest, Ji Ning was intensely curious about Wei Wen, especially after learning from his parents that this senior possessed only Innate-level strength.
Ji Ning's comprehension was extraordinarily high, but his body suffered from innate deficiencies—his meridians were narrow, rendering his talent for Ki Refining exceedingly poor.
For instance, while he had cultivated the most difficult Crimson Bright Diagram of Nine Heavens in the Great Xia world to the very cusp of the Innate Realm, the simpler path of Ki Refining had only brought him to the Acquired level.
"Pfft!" Still shaken from the earlier fright, Yuchi Xue suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood while eating, her spirit visibly wilting.
Perhaps Ji Ning was unaware that his mother suffered from a spiritual malady, but his father, Ji Yichuan, understood the situation perfectly.
Of course, Wei Wen also knew what was happening. If his memory served, shortly after Ji Ning received his inheritance, he would discover his mother was on the verge of passing away…
"Mother, what's wrong?" Ji Ning looked at his mother, but found her silent. He then turned to his father.
Ji Yichuan remained silent for a moment, feeling there was no need to conceal this from Ji Ning. He would find out sooner or later anyway. Moreover, Ji Yichuan could see that Ji Ning's mind had matured; telling him would do no harm.
"Before you were born, when your mother and I ventured outside, we were not so fortunate… we were gravely injured," Ji Yichuan began slowly.
"Though your mother barely managed to preserve both her life and yours, I estimate she has, at most, a year and a half left."
His wife had been at the Perfect Innate Level.
The injuries from that disaster were severe, but treatment might not have been too late then. However, his wife had also employed a life-consuming secret art… to forcibly sustain the fetus, Ji Ning, within her womb. This was tantamount to driving another blade into an already critically injured body.
Though Ji Yichuan did not spell everything out, how could someone as intelligent as Ji Ning fail to understand? His mother's worsening condition was likely because of him.
Indeed, his guess was correct. Had Yuchi Xue not insisted on giving birth to Ji Ning, the depletion of her own life force would not have been so severe.
"Mother, if not for me, you wouldn't be… I will find a way to save you."
Discomfort flashed across Ji Ning's face, quickly replaced by a look of steely determination.
"Haha, it warms my heart that Ning'er has such intentions," Yuchi Xue comforted him, her face pale.
In truth, she understood her own injuries better than anyone. The damage was not merely physical; her very lifespan was injured!
To truly survive, her lifespan needed to be extended. But her realm had long since fallen to the 'mortal' level. Extending the life of a mortal was far more difficult than for a cultivator.
Conventionally, there were two types of life-extending pills. One was for immortal cultivators. Such pills were valuable, but not exceedingly rare—a powerful Wanxiang Master typically possessed the wealth to acquire one.
[Note: Cultivation Realm — Houtian → Xiantian → Zifu Disciple → Wanxiang Adept → Primal Daoist / Primal…]
The other kind was the life-extending pill for mortals. Because mortals had frail bodies and weaker endurance, these pills were far more precious.
Not to mention Wanxiang Masters, even Yuanshen Daoists might not be able to produce them. Generally, only a powerhouse at the level of an Earth Immortal would have the requisite wealth.
Born into the Yuchi Clan, which had once produced Earth Immortal powerholders and even Immortals, Yuchi Xue knew precisely the cost of extending a mortal's life. Her words were merely to spare Ji Ning grief.
"Ji Ning," Wei Wen broke his silence, preparing to tell the youth the truth so he might be mentally prepared. After all, Wei Wen himself was uncertain if items like Spirit Herbs or Wood Crystals, brimming with potent vitality from his own world, would be effective for this type of lifespan injury in the primal Desolate Era.
"If you wish to truly save your mother, you will need a life-extending pill. Do you know how precious an pill that can extend a mortal's life truly is?"
"I… I do not know," Ji Ning admitted honestly, taken aback. "Senior Wei Wen, I am unaware of such an pill for mortals…"
"Does an Immortal possess it?" Wei Wen sighed. "Perhaps only by reaching the Immortal Realm could you obtain the means to extend your mother's life. But within a year and a half… are you confident you can become an Immortal?"
Hearing this, Ji Ning was stunned into silence.
Ji Yichuan glanced back at his ten-year-old son, himself falling into a heavy silence. On one side was his son, on the other, his lifelong companion.
No one knew Yuchi Xue's condition better than he did, and he understood in his heart that Wei Wen's words were no exaggeration.
He usually avoided this topic, but having traveled the outside world, he knew the worth of a mortal life-extending pill was a price he, a man with a damaged Zifu and diminished strength, could never bear.
"Ning'er, do not grieve. Birth, old age, sickness, and death are the natural order. I have already made my peace with it; otherwise, I would not have risked my life to bring you into this world."
Yuchi Xue did not share the same anxieties as her husband and son. She glanced at her silent husband before speaking directly to Ji Ning.
The young Ji Ning looked at his mother's forced smile and his father's continued silence following Wei Wen's words. In his heart, he was already certain of the truth behind Wei Wen's statement.
Ji Ning could no longer hold back his tears. His entire body trembled with agony, his heart feeling as if twisted by a knife.
The mother who had loved him since childhood, the mother who cherished him above all else… the mother whose eyes always shone with affection and indulgence when she smiled at him… was she truly about to leave him?
Blood began to trickle from Ji Ning's nostrils, then from his ears… Clearly, this overwhelming surge of emotion was inflicting harm upon both his body and spirit.
Ji Ning's heart ached. To save his mother, he needed a pill capable of extending the lifespan of a mortal. Such a treasure was immensely valuable, worthy of being called a divine pill—something he had never even heard of. Typically, only Primal Daoist or Earth Immortals could obtain it.
"Ning'er, your talent surpasses ours. It can be said you are destined for the path of immortality," Yuchi Xue consoled weakly. "An immortal cultivator's life is long. Unless our family members also cultivate immortality, you will inevitably watch your loved ones age and pass away, one by one."
"This can actually be considered training for your cultivation journey. After all, if you choose the path of immortality… you must be mentally prepared in advance. Even if you grieve now, you must break free from that sorrow; otherwise, you will never overcome the Three Tribulations and Nine Calamities in the future."
"But Mother, you are still so young. You shouldn't have to die because of me so soon!" Ji Ning felt a chill seize his heart.
Suddenly, he thought of something. 'Senior Wei Wen knows much about the world. Could there be a way?'
After much hesitation, Ji Ning finally couldn't help but ask.
"All I can say is… it's worth a try. Here, see if this works." Wei Wen fell silent for a moment before producing a Millennium Willow Heart and tossing it to Ji Ning.
It wasn't that the Wood Essence Crystal was inferior, but Yuchi Xue's current physical state simply couldn't withstand its potent energy. If a junior Zifu-level monster swallowed such a crystal, it would explode and die.
Ji Ning caught the Willow Heart. It was an egg-shaped green crystal with a peculiar structure, as if rippling green liquid flowed inside.
Merely looking at the Willow Heart made Ji Ning's heart race with excitement. Waves of cool energy seeped into his skin, refreshing his entire being.
The Millennium Willow Heart had two major effects. One was its life force, which could enhance cellular activity and improve physical fitness without causing harm. Of course, the primary method of increasing strength in this world was through promoting genetic evolution, so this effect was likely useless here. But for Yuchi Xue now, it was probably the best treasure available.
"Thank you, Senior. Could this be… a life-extending pill?" Although Ji Ning knew nothing about spiritual medicines, he could still sense the powerful vitality emanating from the Willow Heart, filling him with immense excitement.
Yet, he also found it hard to believe. Hadn't Wei Wen just said only a powerful immortal could obtain such a thing? But perhaps Wei Wen had an extraordinary background or encountered some great opportunity. It wouldn't be surprising for him to possess a life-extending treasure suitable for mortals.
At this moment, Ji Ning had no idea why Wei Wen would carry such an extremely precious pill that seemed useless to him. After all, Wei Wen appeared to be a young man, perhaps just of age. Such a miraculous pill held little meaning for him.
However, no matter how incredible it seemed, Ji Ning didn't dwell on it. What mattered most was his mother. Regardless of Wei Wen's reasons, as long as it could save her.
But then Ji Ning considered: there are no free meals in this world. He seemed to have nothing to offer in exchange, and he couldn't help but hesitate.
"Might I ask what Senior wishes me to do?" Ji Ning gradually calmed down, regaining his composure.
"Actually, I don't want you to do anything," Wei Wen said, looking at the excited Ji Ning, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Indeed, this item was effective, which excited Wei Wen even more. Because some opportunities might be common to both worlds.
In other words, the gains his projected clone obtained in the Primordial Era could also benefit his main body in the Swallowed Star world. As long as Ji Ning grew step by step and continued to acquire opportunities, wouldn't it be easier for Wei Wen to rise in both worlds?
So, for Wei Wen, he only needed to ensure Ji Ning could obtain opportunities steadily.
"You… don't want me to do anything?" Ji Ning suddenly looked bewildered.
Although Ji Ning appeared only ten years old, he had lived additional years before his reincarnation.
He understood well that since this so-called treasure was so precious, Wei Wen likely wouldn't give it to him for nothing. Logically, there should be something he needed to do, right?
It wasn't that Ji Ning suffered from persecution paranoia, but he couldn't help but wonder what Wei Wen desired.
"You don't need to worry about that. To put it bluntly, you're not even an Innate expert yet. What could you possibly do for me?" Wei Wen shook his head slightly. "Of course, if you truly feel indebted, I do have an idea: refine your body as soon as possible through the God and Demon Refining Method to break through to the Innate level."
"I previously discovered a special place of opportunity but missed my chance. However, with your aptitude, you might be able to obtain an opportunity there."
Ji Ning obtaining the inheritance of the Starseizing Manor was equivalent to Wei Wen obtaining it—why not? Moreover, investing in Ji Ning's future would yield far greater returns than this single inheritance. In short, the stronger Ji Ning became, the happier Wei Wen would be. After all, he could rely on Ji Ning to improve his own situation, right?
"That's all?" Ji Ning let out a sigh of relief.
In truth, even if Ji Ning knew Wei Wen might have ulterior motives, Ji Ning was a person who valued loyalty and love. For his mother's sake, he didn't care!
"This treasure is far less precious than you imagine. Its value isn't even comparable to a human-grade magic weapon used by an ordinary Zifu master," Wei Wen said lightly. "And if you can obtain those resources, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement for us. At the very least, in this transaction, I will definitely profit greatly."
Indeed, venturing into the endless lands beyond was much more dangerous than staying in Yanshan. After all, the outside world was filled with powerful beings, opportunities, and dangers. Fellow adventurers like Yuchi Xue and Ji Yichuan had encountered peril outside and ended up in their current state.
So, if risks were to be taken, let the protagonist Ji Ning face them. After all, he was just an Innate expert with Zifu-level combat power…
"How is this used?" Ji Ning asked uncertainly.
"It's very simple. Break the shell and drink the vegetation spirit inside," Wei Wen explained plainly.
Ji Ning handed the Willow Heart to his mother. Both Ji Yichuan and Yuchi Xue were veterans of the North Sea.
Ji Yichuan had already reached the Zifu level before his calamity and could see at a glance that although the Willow Heart wasn't a divine pill, it contained powerful vitality. It might not restore all consumed life force, but it could at least recover what was lost due to the secret technique, granting her over a decade more of life.
The vegetation spirit was absorbed immediately upon entering her mouth. Before Yuchi Xue could fully react, surging vitality began washing through her body, revitalizing it. The life force depleted due to injuries and childbirth started gradually recovering.
In just about half an hour, Yuchi Xue regained the vitality consumed by the secret technique. However, the opportunity had been missed due to hidden injuries from back then. Relying solely on the vegetation spirit here had no effect on that.
Previously, Yuchi Xue only maintained a youthful appearance, but if one sensed carefully, her spirit felt like that of a dying elder. Now, even Ji Yichuan could feel sun-like vitality radiating from her—the aura of twilight had been completely swept away.
Both Ji Yichuan and Ji Ning were overjoyed. As long as Yuchi Xue recovered slightly, they would have more time to save her in the future.
Ji Ning felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, his entire body becoming much more relaxed in an instant.
Having endured this trial, Ji Ning's will had grown more resilient. He would now develop his spiritual consciousness faster, and his Dao Heart would become firmer.
[Your bound friend, Ji Ning, has honed his Dao Heart. You have received relevant adaptive feedback. Congratulations, your soul consciousness and will have improved (Wilderness Mind and Dao Heart have significantly increased).]
The average Ki-Refining Zifu-stage expert is capable of multi-tasking, akin to controlling a sword formation in battle.
As for Ji Ning in the original work, when he broke through to the Innate realm of the Crimson Bright Diagram of the Nine Heavens at age eleven, his soul had already reached a higher level—that of a Spiritual Consciousness.
It is generally only upon reaching the True God stage that a soul can attain the level of Divine Thoughts.
To possess a Spiritual Consciousness level, one typically needs to be at the True God stage.
Of course, the reason Ji Ning's soul was so heaven-defying was due to a fortuitous encounter during his reincarnation in the Netherworld, where he obtained the visualization diagram of Nuwa, who is a World God.
Visualization methods are profoundly mysterious and exceedingly rare. Within the entire Ji Clan, there was no such technique!
Therefore, for most people to strengthen their soul, they must undergo the trials and tribulations of life to temper their will, enlightenment, and physical body, which in turn nourishes the soul!
Ji Ning had previously practiced the visualization method Nuwa's Painting for ten years, nearly reaching a certain limit.
Now, having experienced further ups and downs, Ji Ning's soul had unknowingly advanced to the level of Spiritual Consciousness!
This concept of the soul's spirit and Dao Heart, if translated to Swallowed Star, would correspond to Consciousness and Will.
"Before, I was worried that if my consciousness and will were too weak, the feedback from any opportunities given by Luo Feng might overwhelm me," Wei Wen secretly rejoiced. "But now, with a good friend like Ji Ning, at least I won't have to worry about my consciousness and will in the future."
"Moreover, stronger consciousness and will should aid in comprehending the Laws of Origin."
"Take Hong and Thunder God for example. Their comprehension and mental capacity are clearly not on par with Luo Feng and Bo Lan, yet they continue to grow."
"For instance, while Bo Lan's ultimate achievement is only that of a Universe Master, Thunder God also reached that level, and Hong surpassed it."
"Senior Wei Wen's kindness is something I, Ji Ning, will never forget."
Ji Ning immediately took a step back, about to bow in salute, but with a mere thought from Wei Wen, the bowing Ji Ning was gently supported.
To be honest, Wei Wen had received feedback from Ji Ning repeatedly, and there would be more in the future. It was Wei Wen who should be more grateful.
"There's no need to call me senior from now on. Just call me brother," Wei Wen said with a smile. "And no more thanks. Brother Ji Ning, these treasures are trivial, nothing precious. Shall we stand here forever?"
In truth, Wei Wen greatly admired people like Ji Ning and Luo Feng. Becoming sworn brothers with such kind and righteous individuals was most fitting.
Because their character guaranteed they would never betray him. Wei Wen could safely entrust his back to them without fear of a stab in the dark.
"Such a profound kindness... If Brother Wei ever has need in the future, I, Ning, will repay it even with my life," Ji Ning declared, his gaze unwavering.
"A feast! We must hold a feast!" Ji Yichuan exclaimed, looking pleasantly surprised.
Wei Wen knew Ji Yichuan harbored doubts. After all, acting so generously without seeking anything in return went against common sense.
But from the perspective of Ji Yichuan and Yu Chixue, Wei Wen bore no ill intent. Otherwise, with Wei Wen's strength, there would be no need for any schemes.
After the banquet, despite repeated pleas from Ji Ning and Ji Yichuan for him to stay, Wei Wen still departed from the Ji Clan's West Mansion.
The danger level in the Wilderness Era far surpassed that of the Earth in Swallowed Star.
His goal of binding Ji Ning was accomplished. There was no need for him to linger here for long, as it wasn't entirely safe. It was better to focus his efforts on the world of Swallowed Star.
"Ji Ning, remember the general direction I mentioned. When your Chi Ming Nine Heavens technique breaks through to the Innate stage, you can try your luck there, but be cautious," Wei Wen advised with a smile.
"Don't worry, Brother Wei. I will definitely go and investigate once I break through to the Innate realm," Ji Ning replied, his eyes filled with anticipation.
…
Swallowed Star
In October, November, and December, Wei Wen continued to hold the top spot on the Elite Training Camp's Black Dragon Ranking. Luo Feng's performance was also impressive.
All major factions had taken note of these two talented youths, both only eighteen years old, who had achieved remarkable results shortly after joining the elite training camp.
Though they had gained fame and become rare talents within the camp, they generally maintained a low profile, seldom appearing in public spaces.
Luo Feng trained diligently within the camp, primarily using the Mu Ya Crystal to enhance his strength. He soon broke through to become a Planetary Level warrior and a Spirit Master.
Luo Feng became the sixth person to reach this level but did not openly reveal his strength.
After all, upon reaching the Planet Level through the Mu Ya Crystal, he could well imagine its value—enough to drive other Planetary Level powerhouses into a frenzy.
If the Mu Ya Crystal were exposed, he would be unable to withstand the pressure from those powerhouses.
His choices mirrored Wei Wen's: to remain silently within the Elite Training Camp.
Aside from his roommates Zhao Ruo and Shi Jiang, who lived next door in Jiangnan Pavilion, others in the camp rarely saw Wei Wen or Luo Feng.
Of course, everyone knew they spent most of their time cultivating within their own pavilions, and many marveled at their diligence.
Yet no one ever realized that the hard-training geniuses they envisioned were, in fact, Planetary Level beings who had already surpassed the God of War level.
As for Wei Wen, while his current true strength in an all-out burst might still be slightly inferior to Hong's, it was no longer possible for Hong to kill him.
After all, Hong lacked a weapon capable of piercing the Black God Suit, whereas Wei Wen possessed that advantage.
In the quiet basement of Luo Feng's residence, Luo Feng released his right hand, looking at the now-dim Mu Ya Crystal.
"It's almost time for the Elite Training Camp's January-February holiday. By Wei Wen's estimation, I am now a Planetary Level 2 warrior and Spirit Master," Luo Feng revealed a smile. "After the holiday, I should be able to fulfill my original dream."
…
At the global headquarters of Thunder Dojo, within a chamber similar to a gravity room, Hong, clad in black, stood as straight as a spear.
Opposite him was a bald man.
"This retreat has allowed us to confirm and fully refine our power exertion techniques," Hong said with a faint smile. "Having reached this level, I doubt there are any opponents left on the entire planet."
"Making even the slightest breakthrough is extremely difficult now. Who knows when we will reach the limits of the Planetary Level, or even become Star-Level powerhouses?"
"Darn it," the bald young man—Earth's second strongest, the Thunder God—grumbled, scratching his head, devoid of the demeanor of a peerless expert. "I helped you solve your force exertion issue, Brother Hong, but this Domain you talk about... Even if I try to comprehend it constantly, I just can't grasp it."
Hong had possessed his Domain for so long, yet Thunder God still couldn't perceive it.
"Speaking of which, Wei Wen hasn't entered the Trial Tower in months. Is he making such rapid progress that he's deliberately lying low? Maybe he's preparing some big move," Thunder God mused, as if struck by a thought.
He had been utterly shocked by Wei Wen's talent, but Wei Wen's lack of notable performance over the past three months was clearly unusual.
"You mention that, and I'm curious too... How about we go and see for ourselves?" Hong's eyes also held a glint of anticipation.
…
"Holy shit!" Hong, who had just arrived at the Elite Training Camp wearing his auxiliary smart device, was utterly dumbfounded.
Auxiliary intelligences generally possess strength detection capabilities. For instance, one of Luo Feng's rewards from Ruins No. 9 was such a device.
Hong's auxiliary intelligence could even construct virtual spaces like the God of War Palace and the Elite Training Camp, clearly no less advanced than Luo Feng's.
…
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