What they didn't expect was that Xu Ning could communicate with the formation, using it to monitor the entire sect. He had eyes everywhere.
In the following period, Xu Ning captured several more demonic cultivator spies who had infiltrated the sect, using the formation's awareness to track them.
Perhaps the demonic sect realized that continuing would only lead to trouble, so they temporarily quieted down, their operations ceasing.
At this time, a full year had passed since the Golden Core demonic cultivator's attack, and six years had passed since he arrived at Tiancheng Sect. Time was moving.
That day, Xu Ning packed his things, said goodbye to Qi Ruifeng, and quietly left Tiancheng Sect under the cover of night. He traveled light.
This time he was going to the mortal realm for a period of time. His first purpose was to undergo his tribulation and advance his cultivation. His second was to visit Lan Chenliang's family and his sister, Wang Mengfei, to fulfill his promises.
Because he feared being intercepted by the Golden Core demonic cultivator, Xu Ning was extremely cautious on this trip. Apart from his master Qi Ruifeng, no one in Tiancheng Sect knew that the Holy Son had gone out. His departure was a secret.
Outside, Xu Ning changed his appearance several times, concealing his tracks multiple times. It took him half a month to leave the Guchen Mountains safely.
After traveling for more than ten days through the wilderness, Xu Ning arrived at Bian Dong Village, his childhood home.
Upon arriving home, Xu Ning shouted, "Father, Mother, Little Sister, I'm back! Your son has returned!"
But as soon as he finished speaking, Xu Ning turned his head and saw patches of white, unidentified lumps drying in the yard, emitting a faint fragrance in the sun.
This... this is soap? he thought, surprised.
At that moment, rustling footsteps came from inside the house, hurried and excited.
Soon, Liu Aorou, Wang Dazhen, Wang Mengfei, and a young man ran out, their faces alight.
"Yun Hao!" Liu Aorou called out in disbelief, her voice trembling.
"Mother, it's me. I'm back," Xu Ning said, going forward and hugging Liu Aorou tightly, feeling her warmth.
Liu Aorou's face was covered in tears. "It's good you're back. It's good you're back! Come on, come inside! We have so much to tell you."
Xu Ning nodded and followed everyone into the house, feeling the warmth of home.
"Brother!" Wang Mengfei tugged at Xu Ning's hand, nuzzling her head against him like she used to.
Xu Ning patted Wang Mengfei's head affectionately. "Little sister's all grown up, a real young lady now. You've become so tall."
Wang Mengfei exclaimed proudly, "Brother, I'm married! This is my husband."
Xu Ning was surprised and instinctively glanced at the young man, his eyes filled with a silent warning.
Was this the guy who tricked his little sister? He looked him over.
The young man felt a little uncomfortable under his brother-in-law's intense gaze and quickly said, "Brother, my name is Jiang Jing. I'm honored to meet you."
Xu Ning nodded slightly, thinking to himself, Case solved. Surname Jiang, can make soap... hmm, very fitting. A soap maker.
Then Xu Ning asked, "Did you marry into the family? Or did my sister leave?"
Jiang Jing replied quickly, "Brother, I married into the family. I was destitute back then, and my parents took me in. I owe them everything."
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Xu Ning said, "I understand. Good."
Afterwards, the family happily finished their meal together, sharing stories and laughter.
That night, Xu Ning stood by the window in his room, hands behind his back, gazing at the night sky, thinking about his next steps.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, hesitant.
Xu Ning said calmly, "Come in."
The door opened, and Jiang Jing cautiously entered. "Brother, are you awake?"
Xu Ning turned his head and asked calmly, "What is it? Speak."
Jiang Jing said, "Brother, I heard from Father and Mother that you are a cultivator. Is that true?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Ning suddenly turned around, his cultivation power radiating out. The terrifying aura forced Jiang Jing to kneel on the ground with a thud, unable to resist.
Xu Ning narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with controlled anger. "What? You want to abandon Xiao Fei to cultivate immortality? Is that your plan?"
Jiang Jing was shocked and hurriedly raised his head, saying, "Brother, I didn't mean that! I would never abandon her."
Xu Ning's aura vanished just as quickly. "I don't care what you think. If one day I find out you abandoned Xiao Fei, you will only have one way out: death! I won't even need to lift a finger."
After saying that, Xu Ning glanced at the large black dog lying in the yard, its eyes watching.
That was Hei Luo, whom Xu Ning had left behind years ago. Its martial arts had now reached the acquired realm. It was a guardian.
Hei Luo also turned its head to look at Xu Ning and wagged its tail, understanding the unspoken message.
Jiang Jing was terrified and quickly said, "Brother, I didn't mean to abandon Xiao Fei. But I also yearn for cultivation! I came to see you this time hoping you could give me a cultivation technique. I want to follow the path."
Xu Ning turned to look out the window and said softly, "The mortal realm has no spiritual energy. What use would a technique be to you here? It wouldn't work."
Jiang Jing was stunned and said dejectedly, "No spiritual energy? So cultivation isn't possible here?"
Xu Ning said, "That's why I advise you to give up your unrealistic little thoughts. Focus on what you can do."
Jiang Jing lowered his head and said dejectedly, "Brother, I was wrong. I will live a good life with Xiao Fei. I'm sorry."
Xu Ning flipped his hand, and a bronze mirror appeared. He shone it on Jiang Jing, but it didn't emit any light. The mirror was dark.
Putting away the mirror, Xu Ning sighed. "You don't need to regret it. You don't have any spiritual root. Cultivation is impossible for you."
Jiang Jing was stunned, then his face was full of disbelief. "No spiritual root? How is that possible? How can you tell?"
Xu Ning said, "Alright, go back and rest. Don't think about it anymore."
Jiang Jing stood up and left dejectedly, his dreams crushed.
Xu Ning continued to look at the night sky, his mind in turmoil. He had seen much.
He hadn't lied to Jiang Jing. The other man truly lacked spiritual roots. According to Xu Ning's deduction, this type of person was likely a seasoned king or general, primarily focused on vying for power and wealth. Whether he would eventually overthrow a dynasty depended on the era. He had the ambition, not the aptitude.
This was for the best. It extinguished the guy's desire to cultivate immortality. Otherwise, he might have truly abandoned his little sister to pursue immortality. Now he would stay.
For the next few days, Xu Ning stayed at home, enjoying the long-lost warmth of family. He rested.
After completely giving up his dreams, Jiang Jing began to focus on developing his soap business, leaving early and returning late every day. He was determined.
More than ten days later, Xu Ning prepared to leave again. It was time to go.
That night, Xu Ning called Hei Luo over, the large dog padding into his room.
"Xu Ning!" Hei Luo called out as he arrived, sitting attentively.
Xu Ning said, "Hei Luo, I'll still need you to take care of the family from now on. You can listen to Jiang Jing from now on too. He's part of the family. But remember my words, no matter what, you can't leave my little sister and my parents. You have to protect them. Always."
Hei Luo nodded vigorously. "Okay, Xu Ning. I will protect them with my life."
Then, Xu Ning took out a bunch of Heavenly Peaches and Snow Crystal Fruits he had grown, glowing with energy. "You've worked hard all these years. These are for you. They can help you cultivate your martial arts and extend your life."
Hei Luo nodded gratefully, his tail wagging. "Thank you, Xu Ning. I will guard them well."
Xu Ning waved his hand. "Go. Be safe."
Hei Luo nodded, opened his mouth wide, swallowed the two piles of fruit in one gulp, and then turned and left, his duty clear.
Then, Jiang Jing walked in and respectfully greeted, "Brother. You called for me?"
Xu Ning stood by the window with his hands behind his back and said softly, "Your future path is destined to be thrilling. Although you lack spiritual roots, you still need ways to protect yourself. Today, I will pass on martial arts techniques to you so that you can better protect Xiao Fei and the others in the future. Use them well."
Jiang Jing looked up in surprise. "Brother, you know martial arts? I thought you only knew cultivation."
Xu Ning said, "A little. Enough to teach you."
After saying that, Xu Ning stepped forward, raised his hand, and placed it on Jiang Jing's head. Various legendary martial arts techniques were transmitted into Jiang Jing's head through his arm, flooding his mind with knowledge.
After a long time, Jiang Jing finally digested the contents of the techniques. He looked up at Xu Ning in shock. "Brother, this is what you call knowing a little? These are legendary techniques!"
At this moment, Jiang Jing was extremely shocked. A technique that could be cultivated to the sixteenth level was called knowing a little? That was unheard of.
He had recently come into contact with martial arts and knew about the various levels of martial arts. He also knew that cultivating to the ninth level was already the pinnacle of martial arts in this world.