Although Ning Qi was not an impatient person, the thought of waiting another seven and a half years before he could truly step onto the Martial Dao still felt unbearably long.
After all—
He possessed max-level Comprehension Ability. Once he began cultivating in earnest, his progress would surely be rapid beyond common sense.
More importantly, Ning Qi had not forgotten what happened half a year ago.
Snow Plum Manor.
The flames.
The slaughter.
He did not want to become like Huang Shang—achieving divine mastery only to discover that all his enemies were already dead.
These days, Ning Qi had been thinking constantly about one question:
How could he accelerate the formation of his root bones?
The Innate Qi within his body was unusually dense, and he could faintly sense that it had already begun influencing his growth. However, he had yet to uncover its full potential.
The disciples of the True Martial Sect all knew Ning Qi was a prodigy, and precisely because of that, they were extremely cautious. They feared he might touch the Martial Dao too early and go astray. As a result, no martial classics had been shown to him.
What Ning Qi understood so far came mostly from miscellaneous texts—knowledge that might not be entirely accurate.
After much thought, he came to a decision.
"…Why not ask Master directly?"
If there was anyone who could explain the essence of root bones clearly, it would be Dragon Mountain Daoist.
With that thought settled, Ning Qi set off.
His small legs moved briskly, arms swinging as he walked. Coupled with his jade-like features and calm expression, he looked both adorable and oddly dignified.
Along the way, Outer Sect and Inner Sect disciples greeted him respectfully.
"Greetings, Ninth Senior Brother."
This was the rule.
True Disciples stood above the rest.
Ning Qi clasped his hands behind his back and nodded solemnly.
"Hello, Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters."
The disciples couldn't help but smile. Some even suppressed laughter.
At only half a year old, this Ninth Senior Brother already behaved like a little elder.
Still, no one dared underestimate him.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms lifted Ning Qi into the air.
"Little Nine, running around again?"
Ning Qi didn't even need to turn his head.
"Fifth Senior Brother," he said helplessly. "Put me down. I can walk by myself."
The man holding him was Jiang Baishan, handsome and broad-shouldered, his laughter warm and unrestrained.
"Alright, alright—don't rush," Jiang Baishan said, lowering him carefully. "Careful not to fall."
"Fifth Brother, are you also going to see Master?" Ning Qi asked.
"Yes," Jiang Baishan replied, eyes gleaming. "I'm heading down the mountain soon to gain experience. Staying here too long makes people forget the might of our True Martial Sect."
Ning Qi's eyes brightened. "Fifth Brother, you're amazing! What realm are you in now?"
Jiang Baishan laughed loudly. "Trying to trick me into revealing my cultivation, are you? Dream on! You'll find out when you grow up."
"If you won't tell me," Ning Qi huffed, "I'll just ask Master."
With that, he scampered into Mingwu Pavilion.
Jiang Baishan shook his head, amused, and followed after him.
Inside the pavilion, Dragon Mountain Daoist sat in meditation.
After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes.
"Disciple greets Master," Ning Qi and Jiang Baishan said together.
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on Ning Qi with unconcealed affection. Among all his disciples, this youngest one brought him the greatest anticipation.
"Speak," he said calmly.
Jiang Baishan stepped forward. "Disciple requests permission to go down the mountain for experience."
Dragon Mountain Daoist nodded. "Experience is valuable. Spreading fame is secondary—safety comes first. The Demonic Path has shown signs of stirring in recent years. Do not involve yourself lightly."
"Disciple will remember," Jiang Baishan said solemnly.
After dismissing him, Dragon Mountain Daoist turned to Ning Qi with a teasing smile.
"Little Nine, what brings you here today? Did your Third Senior Sister tease you again?"
Ning Qi shook his head and leaned in conspiratorially.
"Master… Disciple has noticed something strange."
"Oh?"
"Every night, I feel a tingling, itching sensation deep inside my body," Ning Qi whispered seriously. "Master, there aren't any monsters on Zhenwu Mountain, are there?"
Dragon Mountain Daoist laughed. "Nonsense."
Still, his expression grew thoughtful.
He placed a hand on Ning Qi's shoulder. A gentle yet profound force flowed through Ning Qi's body.
A moment later, surprise flashed in Dragon Mountain Daoist's eyes.
"…Your root bones are accelerating their formation?"
Ning Qi's face lit up. "Does that mean I can practice martial arts early, like Eighth Senior Brother?"
Dragon Mountain Daoist chuckled and tapped his forehead lightly.
"You little fox. So this was your intention all along."
Ning Qi grinned, then asked the question he had been waiting for.
"Master, what exactly are root bones?"
Dragon Mountain Daoist fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.
"Root bones are neither bones nor meridians. They are intangible—the foundation of the human body, a hidden treasure within."
"They are like a seedling," he continued. "As long as it exists between Heaven and Earth and is nourished by mysterious forces, it will grow."
"Most people form their root bones at eight years old. A small number, blessed with dense Innate Qi, can form them earlier. Your Eighth Senior Brother began cultivating at seven."
"As for you…" he smiled. "It may be even sooner."
Ning Qi finally understood.
Root bones were not merely physical maturity—they were a deeper resonance between the body and Heaven and Earth.
His previous understanding had been shallow.
Fortunately, he had realized this early.
"Thank you, Master," Ning Qi said sincerely.
His path was now clear.
But—
Six years still felt too long.
Dragon Mountain Daoist laughed. "Since you've opened this topic, what else troubles you? Speak freely."
Ning Qi's eyes shone.
"Master," he asked softly, yet firmly, "can one… achieve longevity through the Martial Dao?"
The longing in his gaze was unmistakable.