Ning Fa also explained, "Over the years, I went to another cultivation world and have only just returned, so I'm not very clear about the situation in the Nine Dragons Sea."
Hearing this, Mingguang and the others immediately looked enlightened. No wonder there had been no news of Ning Fa all these years.
"Junior Brother Ning, this is still Sea Race territory. Let's talk as we go."
Minggiang perked up and released a flying magic treasure that looked like a large white bird, carrying the group westward.
On the way, they told Ning Fa about the changes that had taken place in the Nine Dragons Sea over the past twenty years.
After they finished, Ning Fa looked ahead, a thoughtful expression on his face.
In the third year after he returned to Cangyuan from the Ice Sea through the teleportation array, the Sea Race, together with the Demon Race, launched a large-scale war against the Human Race in the Nine Dragons Sea, coming on with great force.
At the beginning of the war, the Human Race forces suffered heavy casualties and lost large swathes of territory.
Fortunately, Great Qin and Tianwu didn't hold back this time and sent resources and manpower to help, allowing the Human Race forces in the Nine Dragons Sea to stabilize their position and gradually withstand the pressure.
In the following ten years, the Sea Race and Demon Race's offensive slowed down, and now the Human Race is in a stalemate with them, but a significant amount of territory has already been occupied by the Sea Race and Demon Race.
Although the time of this war's outbreak is not very long, the intensity is not small.
Many well-known Nascent Soul Cultivators in the Nine Dragons Sea have fallen as a result, including Duan Ming, and Ku Chen, the Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator from Tianshui Gate.
The other two major Nascent Soul sects in Golden Water Marsh – Sword Ding Sect and Haiyun Sect – also had Nascent Soul Cultivators fall, which shows how fierce the battle was.
Of course, this is also because one of the main battlefields is in the sea area bordering the Five Spirits Sea and the Sea Race, so the casualties in the Five Spirits Sea are even greater.
Even at the most critical time, the majestic Skyreach City nearly fell.
Seeing Ning Fa deep in thought, Mingguang and the others didn't disturb him.
In fact, they were very curious about where Ning Fa had gone to cultivate all these years, but seeing that Ning Fa didn't want to talk about it, they didn't dare to ask too much. Although Ning Fa didn't put on any airs, they still felt reverence in their hearts.
At this time, Ning Fa asked again, "Since the war has temporarily subsided, why did you risk sneaking into the Sea Race's rear?"
Hearing this, Mingguang and the others exchanged glances, even with a hint of wry smiles in their eyes.
Minggiang coughed and said, "The Sea Race and Demon Race have a grand plan this time. According to the news from the spies we planted in their rear, these two forces are still reorganizing their military equipment, obviously brewing an even bigger war, so our wartime alert status has not been lifted.
And this time we sneaked behind enemy lines to carry out a mission issued by the Heavenly Evolution Sect, to collect a special spiritual material on an island near the Sky Furnace Fire Marsh."
Ning Fa raised an eyebrow. For them, several Nascent Soul Cultivators, to be dispatched personally, it seems that the spiritual material is very important, but judging from their expressions, there seems to be something unspeakable.
Thinking of this, Ning Fa immediately asked, "You are not outsiders to me, just say what you want to say."
Minggiang and the others looked at each other.
Fairy Chaolu said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Mingguang, haven't we been hoping that Fellow Daoist Ning would return and be able to preside over the overall situation in our Golden Water Marsh and reduce some of our tasks?
Now that Fellow Daoist Ning is back, what can't we say?"
Xi Hao also nodded vigorously. Mingguang took a deep breath and slowly said, "Junior Brother Ning, you don't know, the Heavenly Evolution Sect has issued many high-difficulty missions over the years.
They are all about collecting some very precious spiritual materials and objects, not only in very large quantities, but also many of them are now in the control of the Sea Race and Demon Race.
The Nascent Soul sects under the Five Spirits Sea basically have missions. If they are not completed, they will be severely questioned by the Heavenly Evolution Sect.
So this time, the Nascent Soul fellow Daoists from our major sects in Golden Water Marsh had no choice but to go deep behind enemy lines and take risks.
Now that Junior Brother Ning is here, I think the Heavenly Evolution Sect will give you face and reduce the tasks assigned to us."
After he finished speaking, Fairy Chaolu and Xi Hao couldn't help but look at Ning Fa with anticipation, obviously hoping that Ning Fa could come forward and negotiate with the Heavenly Evolution Sect.
Ning Fa couldn't help but look slightly condensed, frowning slightly and said: "Senior Brother Mingguang, listening to what you mean, it seems that the Heavenly Evolution Sect is collecting these spiritual objects, not for distribution as war merits?"
The wry smile on Mingguang's face became heavier: "That's right, even before when we were fighting fiercely with the Sea Race and Demon Race, the Heavenly Evolution Sect was slow to exchange many war merit rewards.
Originally, fighting against foreign races is also the duty of us human high-level cultivators, so even if there is no war merit reward, it doesn't matter.
But in recent years, even though the war between the two sides has temporarily subsided, the Heavenly Evolution Sect has instead intensified its pressure on us to carry out these dangerous missions, which has made us suffer unspeakably.
In recent years, it has also caused no small sacrifices, and some fellow Daoists have died as a result."
Speaking of this, Xi Hao's eyes darkened and he sighed: "Three years ago, Junior Brother Kurong was besieged by several high-level demon races while performing a mission, and died, his Nascent Soul didn't even escape."
Minggiang and Fairy Chaolu also sighed repeatedly, while Luo Feixuan still looked calm as water, occasionally looking up at Ning Fa.
Ning Fa frowned even tighter.
This was really unexpected.
In his impression, although the Heavenly Evolution Sect has always been domineering and said one thing, it is also very responsible and never harsh to the forces under the Five Spirits Sea, so it has always been deeply supported.
But now, judging from the words of Mingguang and others, it seems that the Heavenly Evolution Sect has changed a lot, and it is actually forcing its subordinate forces to collect resources for itself. Why is this so?
And Mingguang and others also seemed to have opened the floodgates and began to talk one after another, pouring out their grievances.
But before long, Ning Fa stretched out his hand and pressed down, signaling them not to speak any more.
At the same time, he looked up into the distance.
Minggiang and the others were puzzled at first, but their expressions soon changed slightly.
A ray of light was rushing towards them from the distant horizon. Before long, a middle-aged cultivator in a Confucian robe with a dignified face arrived in front of them, wielding a flying sword.
The visitor was none other than Venerable Kong Qing, a Great Cultivator of the Heavenly Evolution Sect.
"Fellow Daoist Kong Qing." Mingguang and the others immediately cupped their hands in greeting, but their attitude was obviously distant.
A fleeting wry smile crossed Venerable Kong Qing's face as he greeted the others before immediately turning to Ning Fa.
"Fellow Daoist Kong Qing, it's been a while," Ning Fa said with a smile.
Venerable Kong Qing scrutinized him before beaming. "Fellow Daoist Ning, you've finally returned. This is wonderful!"
They proceeded together, but with Venerable Kong Qing present, Ming Guang and the others refrained from further discussion, simply recounting their encounter with Ning Fa and his recent display of might in slaying several Nascent Soul Sea Race cultivators.
Venerable Kong Qing casually cast a soundproof barrier before fixing a penetrating gaze on Ning Fa, exclaiming, "Fellow Daoist Ning is truly a prodigy. In such a short time, you've already advanced to the mid-Nascent Soul stage.
Moreover, your Divine Ability has improved greatly. You can even easily slay that infamous two-headed sea demon, Tu'e, who has risen to prominence in recent years. It seems I am no match for you now.
At this difficult time, the arrival of a strong ally like Fellow Daoist Ning is truly heartening."
Ning Fa modestly chuckled before pointedly remarking, "I've been away for quite some time. I didn't expect the Nine Dragons Sea to have undergone such significant changes."
Venerable Kong Qing naturally understood the implication in Ning Fa's words and wryly smiled. "It seems Fellow Daoist Ming Guang and the others have already poured out their grievances to you."
"Senior Brother Ming Guang and the others did tell me some things, and I am very curious. What is the purpose of your esteemed sect's actions?"
Venerable Kong Qing sighed.
"There's no point in hiding this from Fellow Daoist Ning. The reason our Heavenly Evolution Sect is doing this is to help Senior Brother Qinghong advance to the Spirit Transformation stage as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Ning Fa raised an eyebrow.
The Qinghong mentioned by Venerable Kong Qing was the Great Elder of the Heavenly Evolution Sect, a renowned powerhouse in the Nine Dragons Sea, on par with the Demon Lord at his peak.
However, he had long announced his seclusion, vowing not to emerge until he broke through to the Spirit Transformation stage.
Consequently, he relinquished his position as the Hall Master of the Fu Ling Hall, which was then assumed by Hermit Wuxin, the Second Elder of the Heavenly Evolution Sect.
But logically, the resources required for Qinghong's secluded attempt to reach the Spirit Transformation stage should have been prepared long ago. Why was there a need to collect resources on such a large scale now?
Moreover, it seemed the amount needed was substantial, even requiring the Nascent Soul sects of the entire Five Spirits Sea region to serve him.
At this moment, Venerable Kong Qing added with a wry smile, "Senior Brother Qinghong failed to break through to the Spirit Transformation stage previously, and even suffered some injuries as a result.
And because the Sea Race and Demon Race alliance is powerful, Senior Brother Qinghong decided to adopt a riskier method to attempt the Spirit Transformation stage again.
This method requires a large amount of resources, so our sect had no choice but to resort to this measure."
Ning Fa appeared thoughtful. Judging from Venerable Kong Qing's expression, it seemed that even this Great Cultivator of the Heavenly Evolution Sect was not entirely supportive of this action.
However, Venerable Kong Qing clearly did not want to dwell on the matter and instead inquired about Ning Fa's previous experiences, which Ning Fa casually recounted.
Venerable Kong Qing did not press further, but smiled and said, "Senior Brother Qinghong and Senior Brother Wuxin have been paying close attention to Fellow Daoist Ning and were worried that you might have encountered some unforeseen circumstances.
They will surely be very happy now that you have returned.
Moreover, they happen to be in Skyreach City right now. Fellow Daoist Ning can meet with them then.
A glint flashed in Ning Fa's eyes as he nodded.
After the better part of a day, a majestic city came into view in the distance – Sky Capital City.
The group flew directly towards the city, soon arriving at the central hall.
A dozen or so Nascent Soul Cultivators happened to be exiting the hall, and they were naturally surprised and delighted to see Ning Fa.
After all, another top expert in the Five Spirits Sea would naturally be of great benefit to them.
Ning Fa's heart stirred, and he stopped to exchange pleasantries with these Nascent Soul Cultivators one by one.
In this way, it wouldn't be long before the news of his return spread throughout the Five Spirits Sea.
Finally, just as Ning Fa was about to follow Venerable Kong Qing to meet Wuxin and Qinghong, a clear and pleasant female voice transmission suddenly reached him.
"Senior Brother Ning, if you have time later, this junior sister also has something to discuss with you."
Ning Fa turned around and saw the beautiful and ethereal Luo Feixuan smiling and nodding at him.
Ning Fa's heart stirred. From the moment he saw her, she seemed to be on the verge of saying something, so he nodded in agreement.
He then followed Venerable Kong Qing forward, soon arriving in front of a several-hundred-foot-tall pavilion in the very center of Sky Citadel City.
This was the location of Sky Citadel City's main formation eye.
"Fellow Daoist Ning, Fellow Daoists Qinghong and Wuxin are upstairs. I won't accompany you."
Ning Fa nodded to Venerable Kong Qing and flew upwards, soon reaching a several-hundred-foot-wide circular platform on the top floor.
The wind was howling fiercely, and two figures were playing chess. They now put down their pieces, stood up, and looked at him in unison.
"Fellow Daoist Ning, you've finally returned, and you've already reached the mid-Nascent Soul stage. This is truly gratifying."
Hermit Wuxin sized up Ning Fa, his face full of smiles.
After so many years, Hermit Wuxin clearly had more wrinkles on his face, indicating that he had been quite busy in recent years.
Ning Fa smiled and greeted him before immediately turning to the other person, a strange look appearing in his eyes.
This person was dressed in a white robe and appeared to be a young man in his early twenties. He had handsome features and striking snow-white hair.
However, the roots of his hair were tinged with blood-red, giving off a faintly eerie feeling.
If Ning Fa hadn't sensed such pure and profound Xuanmen energy emanating from him, he would have almost mistaken him for a demonic cultivator.
The man's spiritual power was also unfathomable. Although not quite on par with the Demon Lord, the difference wasn't significant, suggesting that this person was likely Qinghong, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Evolution Sect.
"When Fellow Daoist Ning emerged like a comet, I was in seclusion and missed the opportunity to meet you. After I emerged from seclusion, you happened to be out on a training journey. I've always regretted that, but now we finally meet."
Qinghong sized up Ning Fa, his surprise far more intense.
He now understood that Wu Xin's assessment of Ning Fa had been an understatement, even too conservative in retrospect.
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Qinghong."
Ning Fa smiled modestly and briefly explained his experiences over the years. Qinghong and Wu Xin didn't press for details.
Ning Fa couldn't help but ask, "How is the Fu Ling Hall doing? I've returned this time and found I can't contact any of the elders in the Hall."
Hermit Wuxin gave a wry smile. "Fellow Daoist Ning, you may not know, but just as our war with the Sea Race and Demon Race was easing, Yan Jingchen suddenly launched an attack.
Some within the Fu Ling Hall had already secretly defected to him. With their internal and external collusion, the Fu Ling Hall suffered a severe blow.
The high-ranking members either died or surrendered, leaving only a few elders like Murong. They've now switched to other sects and are lying low for the time being.
Naturally, all the restriction transmission tokens in the Hall have been replaced, which is why you couldn't contact them."
Hearing this, Ning Fa's heart tightened. He had almost forgotten about Yan Jingchen.
This was definitely a tricky character, as he was the reincarnation of Yan Yuan Daoist.
And since he had obtained his treasure, the Primordial Realm Pearl, he would certainly not let the matter rest once news of his return spread.
However, Yan Jingchen had not yet reached the Transformation God stage. With his current strength, he wasn't too worried.
"But now that Fellow Daoist Ning has returned, leading the Fu Ling Hall back to its peak should only be a matter of time."
Qinghong said with a smile.
Then he sighed, "I didn't expect that after Ancestor Juelei, another person with the Five Elements Thunder Body would emerge in the form of Fellow Daoist Ning.
This is indeed fortunate for the human race in our realm."
With that, he turned to Wu Xin and said, "Junior Brother, I'd like to have a private chat with Fellow Daoist Ning."
Wu Xin nodded and flew away.
Qinghong looked at Ning Fa and suddenly sighed, "I heard that Fellow Daoist Ning also holds the position of Elder in the Moon Gazing Sect of the Golden Water Marsh.
Did you hear from them about the mission our sect issued to the forces under the Five Spirits Sea?"
"I did hear something about it. They were hoping I could put in a good word," Ning Fa said, not expecting Qinghong to bring it up himself.
Qinghong gave a wry smile.
"I know that the sects in the Five Spirits Sea have been dissatisfied for years, but I'm helpless in this matter.
Fellow Daoist Ning may not know, but eight years ago, the Star Luo Palace used the Myriad Star Disk and the Heavenly Star Orb in succession, performing two of the highest-level divinations, both yielding the same hexagram.
It indicated that in the future, the Sea Race will unleash a great calamity in this realm, with our Nine Dragons Sea human race bearing the brunt.
Therefore, having another Transformation God cultivator in a short period is crucial for our human race.
So, I had to take a risky approach, using that dangerous method in the hopes of breaking through to the Transformation God stage quickly, and could only resort to some short-sighted measures."
Ning Fa remained impassive. After receiving successive warnings from the Demon Lord and Fairy Yuanxing, he wasn't surprised by the Sea Race calamity.
However, he looked at Qinghong with a hint of doubt. Could Qinghong really advance to the Transformation God stage smoothly by doing this?
Qinghong's aura gave him a strange and ominous feeling, which likely meant that the secret technique he was cultivating to reach the Transformation God stage was unusual.
It was probably a demonic secret technique, which usually had significant side effects.
Qinghong then said, "Actually, I've already given the Moon Gazing Sect some preferential treatment. But now that Fellow Daoist Ning has personally spoken, the Moon Gazing Sect's mission can naturally be waived, and even the missions of the other major sects in the Golden Water Marsh can be reduced by a large margin."
"Thank you, Dao Brother," Ning Fa said.
"Fellow Daoist Ning, I must remind you that Yan Jingchen has always been dissatisfied with you, the current Hall Master of the Fu Ling Hall. Now that you've returned, I'm afraid he won't let the matter rest.
And after recovering from his injuries, his strength has become extremely terrifying. I dare say I can't confidently defeat him, so it's best if you stay in the Five Spirits Sea for the time being.
I happen to be refining a magical treasure. If I have the assistance of your pure Thunder Spiritual Power, I believe it will greatly enhance the power of this treasure."
Ning Fa shook his head. "Dao Brother, I have important matters to attend to and must immediately go to the Haoqiong Sea. I was hoping to borrow your sect's inter-sea domain teleportation array.
As for Yan Jingchen, Dao Brother doesn't need to worry about me. Even if I'm not his match, escaping shouldn't be a problem."
A look of surprise appeared on Qinghong's face. Seeing his firm stance, he didn't try to persuade him further and nodded.
"Seeing your urgency, Fellow Daoist Ning, I won't press you to stay.
Take this sect elder token, and you can use that teleportation array.
We'll discuss my treasure when you return."
Ning Fa accepted the token Qinghong handed him, cupped his fist in farewell, and flew away.
Only Qinghong remained on the high platform. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance, his eyes gradually filling with a bloody hue, and his aura becoming extremely strange.
Then he took out a special octagonal magic disk, gathered spiritual power at his fingertips, and quickly wrote a sentence on it.
At the same time, in the forbidden area of Lei Prison Mountain, inside a black hall constantly surrounded by lightning...
A young cultivator dressed in black robes, with half of his long hair black and the other half white, his features handsome yet somewhat bewitching, was originally sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed. Black and white lightning continuously emanated from his body, creating an astonishing spectacle.
This person was none other than the current master of Lei Prison Mountain—Yan Jingchen.
Just then, as if sensing something, he suddenly opened his eyes. He flipped his right hand and took out an identical octagonal magic compass.
After reading the words on it, his sharp eyes suddenly flashed with intense lightning. He stood up abruptly and chuckled in a low voice, "Ning Fa, you've finally returned."
Just as he was about to leave, he seemed to remember something. His eyes flickered as he said, "This person possesses the Five Elements Thunder Body, which somewhat restrains me. To ensure that this trip is foolproof, I could ask that person to accompany me."
As soon as he finished speaking, he transformed into a streak of black and white lightning and vanished in an instant.