Ning Qi lightly gestured with his fingers, and immediately, the dead leaf above his head fluttered down, landing in Ning Qi’s palm. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

The Mountain Ancestor intercepted a piece of Jianmu branch and sent people into the Vast Realm.

But until now, they haven’t revealed themselves.

Ning Qi even took a stroll around the Vast Realm and couldn’t find any trace of them, which is truly terrifying.

However, Ning Qi has a way to deal with this.

His mind rapidly considered, listing several possible motives for their intrusion into the Vast Realm.

Either they want to destroy the Vast Realm, making it fragmented like the Mountain and Sea Realm, so it can be devoured faster by the Buzhou Mountain’s shadow.

Or they came to sacrifice cultivators of the Vast Realm.

Or they want to investigate something...

Regardless of the reason, it made Ning Qi alert.

Now that the Sword Ancestor and others have also entered the Vast Realm, Ning Qi must be mindful of their safety.

If the people sent by the Mountain Ancestor intend to sacrifice the Vast Realm’s cultivators, then the Sword Ancestor and others might not escape either.

Ning Qi also has to pay attention to the cultivators and the Vast Realm itself to prevent the Mountain Ancestor from using sacrifice or devouring to strengthen the Buzhou Mountain’s shadow.

Otherwise, the Mountain Ancestor might really take that step and become an immortal right then and there.

At that time, Ning Qi would not be sure if he could handle it.

Ning Qi gazed at the dead leaf in his hand.

Although his Eye of Truth hasn’t discovered where the Mountain Ancestor’s people are, he can use this dead leaf to pinpoint their existence.

This is considered a benefit Ning Qi obtained along his journey.

The Seed of Jianmu has been subdued by him, and it has merged with the Enlightenment Realm Tree in the True Martial Spirit Realm.

This dead leaf is part of the Seed of Jianmu, so as long as Ning Qi takes it back to the True Martial Spirit Realm, it will regain vitality.

And as for the people sent by the Mountain Ancestor, having intercepted a piece of Jianmu branch, Ning Qi can use the dead leaf to locate their existence.

Like a plan in action, Ning Qi’s main body becomes stronger, and this avatar naturally follows suit.

Thus, Ning Qi can now activate the power within this dead leaf!

Ning Qi’s right hand spread open, his white palm akin to a tray of white jade, while the dead leaf transformed into a compass needle.

The leaf slightly rotated in Ning Qi’s hand, eventually pointing its tip toward a specific direction.

Moreover, a faint force emanated from the leaf, hinting to Ning Qi.

Looking in the direction indicated by the leaf, he discovered it was within this world, pointing at a nearby waterfall.

Ning Qi’s heart moved.

It seems that the people sent by the Mountain Ancestor entered Saint Ancestor’s small space earlier than him and have already breached the core region.

He first glanced at the black mule beside him.

"Stay within this realm, but keep a distance from the waterfall ahead."

The black mule nodded immediately upon hearing this.

Since meeting Ning Qi, it had never seen Ning Qi’s expression so grave.

Given Ning Qi’s request, they must have encountered a formidable enemy.

The mule wished to play the hero and help Ning Qi.

But for some reason, upon seeing Ning Qi’s distinct black and white eyes, all the words it wanted to say turned into a single "Yes."

"Yes!"

Ning Qi suddenly lifted his right hand, pointing the dead leaf toward the black mule, and gently blew a breath.

A formless and intangible force immediately emanated from the leaf, enveloping the black mule.

Previously, Ning Qi didn’t know how to use the Jianmu Leaf; merely wearing it automatically blocked external perception.

Now it’s different; the Seed of Jianmu fused with the Enlightenment Realm Tree, and the Enlightenment Realm Tree merged with the True Martial Spirit Realm, making the Seed of Jianmu indirectly fuse with him.

He essentially is the Jianmu itself.

The light from the leaf enveloped the black mule, and the mule, stunned for a moment, suddenly understood Ning Qi was providing it with a layer of protection.

To prevent the mule from being discovered by cultivators within the Vast Realm or the Vast Realm’s will after Ning Qi’s departure.

The black mule couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude.

Ning Qi’s thoughtfulness was impeccable.

Its mother once said to it, if it ever sees a person emerging from the world, even if it becomes a beast of burden, it should seize the opportunity to follow.

Yet, it must also be cautious to prevent being deceived by them.

Though it appeared carefree and foolish on the surface, it secretly observed Ning Qi.

It didn’t know if the Ning Qi the outside cultivators talked about was the one in front of it.

If it were true, Ning Qi would be far stronger than those perceptions realized, a side only it knew.

And by now, the black mule had no hesitation following Ning Qi; Ning Qi was truly worth its sacrifice.

Ning Qi wasn’t aware that such a minor gesture could spark wild thoughts in the black mule.

He still had tasks to complete.

Ning Qi transformed into a shadow, instantly teleporting in front of the waterfall in Saint Ancestor’s world.

"Is there a hidden space behind the waterfall?"

Ning Qi suddenly lifted the leaf’s isolation of his aura.

Despite the serenity of this world where even a pin dropping could be heard and seemingly devoid of defenses or guards.

Yet, the moment Ning Qi released the leaf’s isolation of his aura, bursts of golden light appeared in the void, producing the clanking sounds of chains.

The golden light instantly condensed into countless golden chains, aiming to bind Ning Qi.

Meanwhile, an enormous will descended from above.

Books upon the desk and the shelves behind began to move without the wind, revealing divine texts and picture shadows, rapidly coalescing into a silhouette.

Facing this scene, Ning Qi showed no intent to resist.

"It’s me!" he said calmly.