Ning Qi's gaze flickered.
Five years ago, he had transmigrated into this world and immediately encountered death. If not for awakening his max-level comprehension and holding on until Dragon Mountain Daoist arrived, he would have died a second time.
Back then, he could vaguely sense that something was wrong, but his understanding had been fragmented. The full truth had remained hidden.
"You were not an orphan your Master found in the mountains," Dragon Mountain Daoist said calmly. "Your parents were Ning Ye and Jiang Xuemei of Snow Plum Manor. They were murdered by villains. I arrived too late and could only take you out of the flames."
When he brought Ning Qi back then, Dragon Mountain Daoist had publicly claimed the child was an orphan discovered in the wilderness.
Seeing that Ning Qi remained composed—serious, but not shocked—Dragon Mountain Daoist finally resolved a lingering doubt.
"Xiao Jiu… you truly were born with awareness."
He sighed softly.
At the time, he had wondered whether the infant's cries in the burning manor were deliberate, meant to draw his attention.
Now, it seemed that was exactly the case.
This child had been born with spiritual wisdom—able to distinguish danger, clinging to life through instinct alone until help arrived.
Ning Qi neither denied nor confirmed it.
He trusted his Master.
"Master," Ning Qi said after a moment, "who were the people that killed my parents?"
Back then, he had only heard the name Lord Feng. Beyond that, he knew nothing—neither the man's identity nor the reason Snow Plum Manor was annihilated.
Dragon Mountain Daoist fell silent for a while before speaking again.
"Five years ago, your parents invited me to Snow Plum Manor for your birthday. They said they wished to discuss something important. By the time I arrived, everyone was already dead. The killers had long since fled."
He paused, his expression darkening.
"Fortunately, your innate qi was strong enough to protect you for that long."
"These past years, I have been secretly investigating. I've found some clues, but not the full truth."
"The people behind it are likely connected to the Blood Rain Tower—an assassin organization that has risen rapidly in recent years. Whether others were involved, or why Snow Plum Manor was targeted… I still don't know."
"I only suspect it has something to do with the matter your father mentioned in that letter."
A trace of unease flashed through his eyes.
Ning Qi's gaze sharpened.
He had heard of the Blood Rain Tower from senior brothers and sisters who had gone down the mountain. A terrifying assassin organization, with four top assassins known as Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning—each at the Gang Yuan Realm. Rumor said the four had once retreated unscathed after clashing with a Heavenly Human expert.
"Wind, Rain, Thunder, Lightning… Lord Feng."
Ning Qi silently turned the names over in his mind.
Seeing his silence, Dragon Mountain Daoist reached out and gently rubbed Ning Qi's head.
"Qi'er, I'm telling you this because you have the right to know. But you must remember—do not let hatred blind you. Obsession breeds inner demons."
"With your talent, if you cultivate steadily for twenty years, revenge will come easily."
"And when that day comes, your Master will stand with you."
The care in his voice was unmistakable.
In truth, Dragon Mountain Daoist had hesitated for a long time before revealing this. He had originally planned to wait until Ning Qi came of age.
But Ning Qi's monstrous growth rate—and the composure far beyond his years—made him change his mind.
Once Ning Qi stepped into the Inner Yuan Realm, he decided the truth could no longer be hidden.
Dragon Mountain Daoist suspected his youngest disciple had been aware since infancy. Concealment would only breed confusion and inner demons—fatal things on the martial path.
Ning Qi rose and bowed deeply.
"Master, your disciple understands."
"I will not forget the destruction of my family. But I will not act recklessly either."
"When my strength is sufficient, I will personally wipe them out."
His voice was calm, resolute.
With max-level comprehension, haste was meaningless.
Now that the target was clear, he could afford to be even more patient.
"Blood Rain Tower…"
The name settled quietly in his heart.
Dragon Mountain Daoist stroked his beard, satisfied.
"Good. Since you've entered the Inner Yuan Realm, if you need anything, speak directly. For now, let me explain the next stage of cultivation to you."
Ning Qi smiled and sat down across from him, posture straight, listening intently.
Dragon Mountain Daoist spoke for a long time. Occasionally, Ning Qi offered insights of his own—often leaving his Master momentarily speechless.
Amazement and pride filled Dragon Mountain Daoist's heart.
He realized, not for the first time, that there was less and less he could teach this disciple. Perhaps all he could do now was provide a safe environment for Ning Qi's growth.
When Ning Qi finally left, hands clasped behind his back like a small adult, Dragon Mountain Daoist watched him go.
"With such a disciple," he murmured, "what more could one ask for?"
Ning Qi sat cross-legged in the Seeking Dao Courtyard, eyes closed.
The conversation had clarified many things.
Knowing the enemy gave him a strange sense of calm.
"At this point," he thought, "even reaching the Yuandan Realm would be enough to crush the Blood Rain Tower."
His true combat strength had never been fully revealed. Fighting above his realm was already trivial to him. One day, upon entering the Gang Yuan Realm, even Heavenly Humans might not be untouchable.
He pushed the thought aside.
Now was not the time.
"Inner strength and the physical body are fully linked," Ning Qi reflected. "According to Master's experience, the first transformation won't take long. I should finish before the New Year."
Without hesitation, he began to eat.
Exotic beast meat. Three-leaf ganoderma. Century-old ginseng. Qi-and-blood fruits.
He consumed them steadily, one after another, until everything prepared was gone.
A faint fullness spread through his abdomen.
White Ape had already been instructed to guard the courtyard. Within the True Martial Sect, safety was assured.
Ning Qi locked the door and slowly lay down.
His aura weakened at a visible pace.
Color drained from his face. His skin dulled, withered. In moments, he looked like a corpse.
The first death of the physical body had begun.
Only by dying in stillness could true rebirth occur.
It was dangerous—but the Great Dream Nine Deaths Art safeguarded his Dao.
Inside his body, the nourishment he had consumed transformed, seeping into the deepest layers of flesh and bone.
Profound changes unfolded silently.
Outside, White Ape sensed something wrong. Anxiety filled his eyes, but he resisted the urge to break in.
He had been ordered to guard.
For the next several days, he did not move an inch.
Time passed.
The New Year drew closer, and Zhenwu Mountain grew lively. Luo Wentian's proposal of a New Year Grand Competition stirred excitement among the disciples.
Only the Seeking Dao Courtyard remained quiet.
Every day, White Ape listened at the door.
There was no aura inside. Nothing.
His worry deepened—but he did not disobey.
Then, seven days later—
A familiar aura reappeared within the room.
White Ape's eyes lit up with joy.