Qin Yun's return caused a considerable stir within the True Martial Sect.
He had been gone for more than half a year—so long that he hadn't even returned for the New Year. Naturally, many disciples had missed him.
All the True Disciples gathered around him.
"You, Xiao Ba, disappeared for so long without even sending a message," someone teased. "Looks like the outside world dazzled you."
Qin Yun looked at the familiar faces, momentarily dazed, as if he had crossed lifetimes rather than mountains.
He was about to reply when Ye Qinghe interrupted with a bright smile.
"Drink this jar of wine, and we'll forgive everything."
Qin Yun's scalp tingled.
He had once been a frequent victim of Ye Qinghe's brewing experiments. Bracing himself, he drank anyway—
And froze.
"This… is actually good?"
He looked genuinely shocked.
"Third Senior Sister, your brewing skills have improved tremendously."
Ye Qinghe's smile grew even wider.
But when Qin Yun noticed the knowing smiles around him, he slowly understood. His gaze shifted—from White Ape, to Ning Qi.
Instinctively, he tried to probe Ning Qi's depth.
And found nothing.
"Xiao Jiu."
He smiled, just as he had years ago.
Yet Ning Qi felt something different.
Qin Yun seemed to be suppressing something deep within.
Soon after, Qin Yun went to see Dragon Mountain Daoist.
To everyone's surprise, the Daoist ordered him into closed-door confinement.
Luo Wentian tried to speak on Qin Yun's behalf—only to be reprimanded.
The True Disciples were stunned. Such treatment was extremely rare.
They could only hope their Master's anger would pass.
Ning Qi sighed softly.
Human hearts were difficult to read.
He vaguely sensed that Master's decision was related to Qin Yun's condition—but it was beyond his ability to interfere.
All he could do was cultivate quietly.
And hope.
Time flowed on.
Before he realized it, another New Year approached.
During this period, Ning Qi experienced two more feigned deaths, completing two additional Transforming Forces.
Two months earlier, he had stepped into the Fifth Transformation, officially surpassing Seventh Senior Brother Song Cheng.
"One more Transforming Force, and I'll reach Inner Yuan Realm Great Accomplishment."
"Ordinary cultivators only begin transforming force at that stage… but I started at Minor Accomplishment."
His Inner Strength was becoming increasingly solid.
If he reached Great Accomplishment, he suspected he could extend his Inner Strength outside his body—something normally reserved for perfected Inner Yuan cultivators.
That realization filled him with anticipation.
"At that point… I should be able to contend with White Mist Realm experts."
He wasn't certain.
But the feeling was there.
The Gang Yuan Realm was powerful—but perhaps no longer unreachable.
He hadn't forgotten Blood Rain Tower.
Once he could defeat his Master with ease, revenge would naturally follow.
"As for the Transforming Force of the Great Dream Nine Deaths Art…"
He shook his head slightly.
"It's still incomplete."
And he wasn't in a hurry.
He demanded perfection.
His Transforming Force had to encompass everything. That foundation would determine his future Gang Yuan path.
Difficult—yes.
Impossible—no.
With maxed comprehension and the Ten Thousand Manifestations Source Pillar as his base, it was only a matter of time.
Next year, he would succeed.
"Let's go, Heavenly Born."
White Ape followed obediently.
It had already completed bone refinement and was approaching organ refinement. At this pace, Body Tempering completion in six years was entirely possible.
Its foundation was frighteningly solid—only inferior to Ning Qi's, and no weaker than anyone practicing the Zhenwu Pile.
As White Ape's realm rose, Ning Qi sensed a subtle transformation within its body.
A bloodline awakening?
The thought intrigued him.
Once his Inner Strength could extend outward, perhaps he could investigate further.
Lost in thought, they arrived at the training ground.
Last year's New Year competition had been a great success.
Luo Wentian decided to continue the tradition.
Only after arriving did Ning Qi realize—
Qin Yun was present.
Though confined for half a year, he had been allowed out temporarily for the New Year. He was currently speaking with other True Disciples.
They advised him to humble himself, not to stubbornly oppose Master.
Qin Yun merely smiled and agreed.
When he noticed Ning Qi, his gaze sharpened slightly.
"Xiao Jiu."
He could tell Ning Qi was far stronger than before—but his true realm remained unclear.
The competitions began.
The Foreign Disciples showed obvious improvement compared to last year. Several outstanding talents emerged, filling everyone with excitement.
Then came the Inner Disciples.
After the top twenty were rewarded, it was time for the True Disciples' sparring and guidance.
This time, Qin Yun participated.
Luo Wentian fought Jiang Baishan again—
And lost even more decisively.
Jiang Baishan's position as True Martial's second strongest was now unshakable.
At this rate, he might break into the Gang Yuan Realm before forty.
In this world, that was still considered the younger generation.
Yet Ning Qi watched calmly.
He was certain now—Luo Wentian and Jiang Baishan together would not be his match.
Then—
Qin Yun stepped forward and challenged Jiang Baishan.
He lost.
But what stunned everyone was what followed.
Qin Yun revealed Inner Yuan Realm Sixth Transformation.
At barely twenty years old.
Inner Yuan Great Accomplishment.
If this continued, he might reach Gang Yuan before thirty-five—or even sooner.
The sect erupted in celebration.
This was True Martial's prosperity.
Only Dragon Mountain Daoist's expression carried a trace of worry.
Ning Qi was also surprised.
Qin Yun's progress was too fast.
Had he encountered something extraordinary during his time off the mountain?
After Jiang Baishan stepped down, Qin Yun remained standing at the center of the training ground.
Then he looked directly at Ning Qi.
"Ning Qi."
"Why don't you come up and exchange pointers?"
His tone was mild.
But his eyes held something strange.
The disciples sensed it too.
A year ago, Jiang Baishan had extended a similar invitation—and Ning Qi had declined easily.
This time was different.
Qin Yun was different.
Ning Qi hesitated.
Somehow, he felt that Qin Yun's changes over the past few years…
Might have something to do with him.