Ning Fa's figure flashed, and he had already arrived outside the hall.
Cheng Susu, Ning An, Ning Shaohong, and the others, who were anxiously waiting outside, were overjoyed to see him emerge.
Ning Huarong, who was already emitting powerful spiritual pressure fluctuations of the Nascent Soul stage, had a flash of divine light in her eyes as she carefully observed Ning Fa.
Even though she had now broken through to the Nascent Soul realm, she still felt that Ning Fa was unfathomable, completely unable to determine his true cultivation level.
She asked with some uncertainty, "Did you break through to late Nascent Soul?"
Upon hearing this, everyone else also looked at Ning Fa with tense expressions.
Seeing Ning Fa smile and nod, everyone erupted in cheers.
After all, in their deeply ingrained impression, a late Nascent Soul Great Cultivator was already the peak of this world.
Although Ning Fa's strength had been immense before, with few Great Cultivators able to match him, his true attainment of this realm now made them feel as if they were dreaming, followed by overwhelming joy.
At this moment, with a "swoosh," a petite figure flew to Ning Fa's side and tightly hugged his neck.
"Father, Le'er finally sees you again!" Le'er's exquisitely carved face was covered in crystal tears as she said with a sob.
After so many years, although Le'er had grown taller, she still looked like a little girl, innocent and carefree.
However, what was noteworthy was that Le'er had now advanced from early Core Formation to mid Core Formation.
Ning Fa kissed her cheek, then looked around at everyone and asked with some curiosity, "Where is your mother?"
As soon as this was mentioned, Le'er's little face immediately showed anxiety: "Mother has been sick for the past few years, and Sister Luo is currently treating her.
Father, since you've come out of seclusion, hurry and go see Mother!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Fa couldn't help but frown.
How could a high-level cultivator like Zhu Lingyun fall ill so easily?
He immediately thought of the "Primordial Soul Splitting Art," and his heart tightened.
"Could this cultivation method have hidden dangers?"
At this moment, Meng Ruoqi, who had advanced to Core Formation and whose beauty had become even more captivating, said softly to Ning Fa:
"Brother Ning, Sister Zhu had already comprehended about eighty to ninety percent of that Ancient Teleportation Array. Later, because she was unwell, I took over the teleportation array.
The teleportation array was completed by me two years ago.
However, because you had given instructions, we didn't dare to conduct a transmission test, but it should be fine."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fa, who had been worried about Zhu Lingyun's condition, suddenly showed a look of joy. This was good news.
Just as he was about to say something, a shadow flashed, and Baili Ming, dressed in black robes, flew over.
Baili Ming's expression was slightly solemn as he said, "Kid, the situation outside has changed drastically.
The Sea Race has received a large number of reinforcements and has formed an allied army with the Demon Race, and they are now launching a large-scale invasion.
For the specifics, you can take a look at this jade slip."
As he spoke, Baili Ming tossed a jade slip in front of Ning Fa.
Ning Fa's spiritual sense merely swept over it, and his expression immediately changed slightly.
"A large number of Sea Race cultivators have arrived from the adjacent dimension, including many Spirit Transformation stage Sea Race members..."
Ning Fa murmured, his expression shifting.
Before this, he had already known that the Sea Race would bring about a great calamity, and he had been curious how the Sea Race, with their strength, could affect the entire Human Realm.
He hadn't expected this to be the answer, and it was truly extremely unfavorable.
"Oh, right, the Spirit Transformation cultivators from Taichu Gate are looking for you. You'd best head to Dark Star Island as soon as possible."
Baili Ming added.
Ning Fa's thoughts raced, and he looked at the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant standing calmly not far away. He understood that the Spirit Transformation cultivators from Taichu Gate were likely looking for him because of the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant.
"Ning Fa, since you're out, quickly tell me how to leave this wretched place! I want to participate in the Sea Race war!" Ning Huarong said, her expression full of fighting spirit.
Ning Fa's expression turned serious: "You all wait for me first. I need to go and check on Lingyun's condition."
With that, Ning Fa followed Le'er to Zhu Lingyun's residence.
Not long after, Ning Fa arrived at an elegant bedroom and saw Zhu Lingyun sleeping on the bed, with Luo Feixuan sitting by her side.
Luo Feixuan's right hand was pressed against Zhu Lingyun's forehead, and faint moon white radiance emanated from her hand, entering Zhu Lingyun's head.
Seeing Luo Feixuan casting a spell, Ning Fa did not disturb her, but his sword-like eyebrows were deeply furrowed.
Beside them, Le'er's large eyes were already filled with tears, but she held back from crying out loud.
After a while, Luo Feixuan withdrew her hand, ending the spell.
Her complexion was slightly pale, indicating that she had consumed a considerable amount of vital energy.
She stood up and looked at Ning Fa, scrutinizing him. A look of surprise immediately appeared in her star-like eyes.
"Are you really just at the late Nascent Soul stage?" she asked with some uncertainty.
Because in her perception, Ning Fa had undergone a world-shattering change compared to before, and even she felt a sense of unfathomability.
You should know that her divine soul is now just as powerful as that of a Spirit Transformation Cultivator.
"Indeed, I have broken through to the late stage. What is Lingyun's current condition?" Ning Fa asked in a low voice.
A strange expression flickered across Luo Feixuan's face. "Why don't you come and see for yourself?"
Seeing Luo Feixuan's hesitant demeanor, Ning Fa couldn't help but furrow his brows.
He slowly walked to the bedside and sat down. He extended his right index finger and gently placed it on Zhu Lingyun's smooth forehead, a faint halo of light appearing at his fingertips.
Before long, Ning Fa's eyes snapped open, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. He finally understood why Luo Feixuan had that expression.
Inside Zhu Lingyun's sea of consciousness, there was a special object.
It was a golden-yellow full moon.
Apart from the color difference, this full moon was very similar to his Moon God Heart—not in appearance, but in aura. However, there were also distinct differences.
At the same time, Ning Fa's own Moon God Heart in his sea of consciousness also pulsed slightly as if stimulated, which was enough to indicate a deep connection between the two.
"Daoist Ning, you've noticed it too, haven't you? The strange object in Zhu Lingyun's sea of consciousness clearly has a profound connection to the Moon God Heart. Do you know what kind of divine soul cultivation method she is practicing?" Luo Feixuan asked.
Ning Fa's expression turned solemn.
It was clear that the golden full moon was the result of Zhu Lingyun practicing the complete version of the Primordial Soul Splitting Art.
This also undoubtedly indicated that the complete Primordial Soul Splitting Art seemed to have a significant connection with the Moon God Art.
After a moment of thought, Ning Fa briefly explained the entire situation to Luo Feixuan and even made a copy of the Jade Slip containing the complete Primordial Soul Splitting Art for her.
Luo Feixuan took the Jade Slip and began to browse it with a look of surprise.
After a cursory glance, her expression became solemn, and she appeared to be deep in thought.
After a long while, Luo Feixuan slowly said, "I have never seen this cultivation method before, but one thing is certain: this cultivation method definitely has a deep origin with the Moon God Art.
I even suspect that this cultivation method, like the Moon God Art, originated from the Heavenly Moon Void God Diagram."
"What? Heavenly Moon Void God Diagram?" Ning Fa exclaimed in surprise upon hearing this.
The name was not unfamiliar to him. The deep animosity between him and the Sikong Family stemmed from their suspicion that he possessed the Heavenly Moon Void God Diagram.
Seeing Ning Fa's reaction, Luo Feixuan couldn't help but be surprised. "You actually know about this diagram?"
"I have indeed heard the name, but I don't know the specifics. Please enlighten me, Fellow Daoist Luo," Ning Fa said gravely.
"This is actually a secret art of my Brilliant Moon Palace, so I can't tell you too much.
You just need to know that the Heavenly Moon Void God Diagram is a very special existence in the Spirit Realm, and in a way, it's a marvel akin to the Blood Heaven River of the Blood Heaven Sect in this realm.
Many top-tier cultivation methods have evolved from this mysterious spiritual diagram, and the Moon God Art is one of them.
Later, when the Moon God Art cultivation method was passed down to our Human Realm, our Brilliant Moon Palace was established.
The seniors of the sect in the past suspected that other cultivation methods from the Heavenly Moon Void God Diagram might have also made their way to the Human Realm, but they had never found them.
Now it seems that the Primordial Soul Splitting Art is very likely one of them.
As for your suspicion that this cultivation method might have been left by that Ancient Immortal, I don't think it's very likely.
Although that Ancient Immortal was powerful, he only reached the Spirit Transformation stage, at most the Void Refining stage, and couldn't have created such a powerful cultivation method.
Of course, it's also possible that the Ancient Immortal obtained this cultivation method first and then tampered with it. In fact, this possibility is even greater.
This is because Zhu Lingyun's current situation is like she has cultivated to a certain stage but seems to be missing some necessary steps, leading to problems in her cultivation.
Now that you've provided me with this cultivation method, I can try to find a solution."
Ning Fa frowned upon hearing Luo Feixuan's explanation, not expecting such a complicated backstory.
Hearing Luo Feixuan's words, he felt a slight sense of relief, but also some confusion.
Because if the cultivation method was incomplete, the Source-Crossing Heavenly Book should have been able to trace its origin, but the Heavenly Book had remained silent when he obtained it previously.
However, regardless, he could only trust Luo Feixuan for now.
"Thank you for your help, Fellow Daoist Luo. Ning Fa will remember this kindness," Ning Fa said solemnly.
Luo Feixuan smiled and shook her head. "Daoist Ning, there's no need to be so formal. In fact, this might also be an opportunity for me.
Coincidentally, I recently received confirmed news that Shen Cizhou has entered the forbidden area of Brilliant Moon Palace, Luoyue Platform, to attempt a breakthrough to the Spirit Transformation stage. He won't be able to come out for at least fifty years.
So, we don't need to be together all the time during this period. I can stay here to figure out a solution for Daoist Zhu."
"Thank you, Sister Luo. Please do wake my mother up," Le'er said, flying to Luo Feixuan's side and tightly grabbing her hand, sobbing.
"Don't worry, Le'er. Sister will do her best," Luo Feixuan said softly, patting her head.
Ning Fa couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Zhu Lingyun's fate was truly too difficult. After finally resolving the God Sealing Curse, she now faced such a situation.
Before long, as Luo Feixuan was about to attempt another treatment for Zhu Lingyun, Ning Fa had to take Le'er and leave.
In the now quiet room, Luo Feixuan looked at the sleeping Zhu Lingyun, a peculiar look in her eyes, and murmured in a low voice:
"I never expected that the Void God Art, which caused the division of our Divine Moon Race and ultimately led to its demise, would still exist in the world. And to think that a Human cultivator has practiced it to this extent. It seems the fortune of our Divine Moon Race is not yet extinguished..."
More than half a day later, Ning Fa, along with the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant and Baili Ming, left Xuan Ning Island and headed straight for the Black Star Archipelago.
The current situation had undergone such a drastic change that he couldn't remain uninvolved.
At the Fu Ling Hall on Dark Star Island, Murong Zhaoxue was discussing matters with two other elders. The expressions on their faces were quite grim.
This was because the news from the front lines was dire. Their Fu Ling Hall had already dispatched a significant number of personnel, led by Tie Hengye, the Hall Master of You Hall, to provide assistance. However, it seemed they would need to send more people soon.
At this moment, with the sound of footsteps, Ning Fa strode in with powerful strides. The people in the hall immediately showed expressions of surprise and delight.
"Hall Master, you're finally back! Ah, you've already reached the Late Nascent Soul stage?"
Murong Zhaoxue, seeing Ning Fa again after more than ten years, first displayed a look of pleasant surprise. Then, sensing Ning Fa's Spiritual Pressure, which was several times stronger than before, her surprise intensified.
Liang Jun and another Nascent Soul Elder named Tian Yi could barely conceal their elation.
Ning Fa nodded and, without wasting any words, directly asked, "How is the war on the front lines?"
"The situation is very bad." Murong Zhaoxue forced a wry smile and then began to explain methodically, with the other two elders occasionally adding details.
After a full half hour, Ning Fa listened, his brows furrowed tightly.
The battle had lasted less than a month, and the Human Race forces in the Nine Dragons Sea had already lost vast territories, with tens of thousands of cultivators dead. Even quite a few Nascent Soul Old Monsters had perished.
Cities like Skyreach City, one of the few major human cities, were in precarious danger, having narrowly escaped being breached several times.
"Hall Master, that Senior Wen has been waiting for you," Murong Zhaoxue said in a low voice at this moment.
"Oh? Take me to see him now."
Ning Fa said immediately, though he found it a bit strange. At such a critical juncture, was this Spirit Transformation cultivator still waiting for him?
Soon, in a side hall not far away, Ning Fa met Wen Yuchen again.
Although the man's build and appearance were identical to when Ning Fa had last seen him, Ning Fa still immediately sensed a difference.
This was not the same person.
While the aura of the person before him was recondite, making it difficult for ordinary cultivators to gauge his depth, Ning Fa could clearly sense that this person was only at the Late Nascent Soul stage.
Ning Fa immediately understood that the person waiting here was likely just a clone of Wen Yuchen.
"Greetings, Senior."
Ning Fa did not dare to be negligent, cupping his hands together as he spoke.
"Fellow Daoist Ning, it's good to finally meet you. Hmm, you've already broken through to the Late Nascent Soul stage? That's wonderful!"
Wen Yuchen, seeing Ning Fa and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant walk in, first let out a sigh of relief. Then, he appraised Ning Fa, his face showing surprise.
After all, he knew Ning Fa's detailed background, especially when he had achieved Nascent Soul Formation. By his calculations, less than a hundred years had passed, and Ning Fa had already reached the Late Nascent Soul stage, which truly amazed him.
But that was all. In his opinion, no matter how special Ning Fa was, he was still just a Nascent Soul cultivator at this moment.
"It was merely luck. May I ask why you've come, Senior?" Ning Fa asked directly.
Wen Yuchen sighed, "Fellow Daoist Ning, you should already be aware of the current situation.
The situation is critical. It can be said that our Human Race in the Nine Dragons Sea is at a point of life and death. Therefore, we need Fellow Daoist Ning's assistance."
As Wen Yuchen said this, his gaze shifted to the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, who stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm.
Ning Fa also smiled, "Senior, what you truly care about is whether Fellow Daoist Tianbao can offer his assistance, right?"
Wen Yuchen nodded with a wry smile, "Indeed, that is precisely the case.
I know that Fellow Daoist Ning could hire Fellow Daoist Tianbao, and you must have paid a considerable price. Asking him to help again now will likely require additional compensation.
But rest assured, our Tianshu Alliance will not let you bear this burden alone. Whatever compensation you require to hire Fellow Daoist Tianbao, feel free to state it. Our Tianshu Alliance will do its best to gather it."
Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant merely raised his eyes, showing no other reaction.
Ning Fa's lips, however, curled into a smile. Although this Spirit Transformation cultivator spoke politely, he likely also harbored the intention of ascertaining the price Ning Fa had paid to hire the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant.
After all, in Wen Yuchen's view, the Tianshu Alliance was a vast and wealthy organization. What he could offer, the Tianshu Alliance should also be able to offer. This way, they might be able to "poach" the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant.
Ning Fa thought to himself that even if he told the Tianshu Alliance the required compensation, they definitely wouldn't be able to provide it.
After sending a sound transmission to the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant to inquire, Ning Fa felt assured and said solemnly:
"Senior, please rest assured. With the invasion of the alien races, no Human cultivator can remain uninvolved, and I am no exception.
Therefore, I will do my part in resisting the Sea Race this time, and Fellow Daoist Tianbao will also assist.
As for the compensation required to hire Fellow Daoist Tianbao, Senior need not worry too much. I, Ning, can still afford it for now."
He was not speaking empty words. Despite the large-scale invasion by the Sea Race, and even though the ancient teleportation array had been opened, he had no intention of staying out of it and hiding in Cangyuan.
In a war for racial survival like this, how could he, as a high-level Human cultivator, stand idly by and watch the alien races slaughter his kin?
Therefore, he naturally had to step forward and defend.
Furthermore, under a collapsing roof, how could any egg remain unbroken? Once the Sea Race ruled the Human Realm, the fate of himself, his family, and his sect would be dire, needing no further thought.
In addition to this, he could also replenish a large number of Origin Points for the Source-Crossing Heavenly Book by killing high-level cultivators of the Sea Race and Demon Race during this great war.
Therefore, he would not flinch in this battle; he would do his utmost.