Chapter 43: Years of Seclusion

Led by the god Fudriver, Ji Ning met the ancient human existence 'Ancestor Youxiong'. Although Ancestor Youxiong was as ancient as Suirenshi and held a high status, he was even more low-key. What spread more widely in the Three Realms were the renowned names of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of ancient humanity; many celestial immortals had never even heard of Ancestor Youxiong.

"Ancestor, Ji Ning is here." The god Fudriver said respectfully.

"Ji Ning pays respects to the Ancestor." Ji Ning also said respectfully.

This was a huge, ancient hall.

A stalwart old man sat cross-legged on a cushion, wearing simple animal hide clothes, his beard and hair standing upright like steel needles; his appearance suggested a fiery temper. But when he opened his eyes, the endless eternity contained in them, even the ancient aura that rushed forth, made Ji Ning's heart involuntarily calm down.

Ancestor Youxiong looked at Ji Ning, his eyes holding a natural affection.

"Good." Ancestor Youxiong said with a smile.

When Goddess Nüwa created humans, he was one of those created. Having come through the weakest times of humanity step by step, he naturally felt great care and protection toward every exceptionally talented junior of the human race.

Although Ji Ning met Ancestor Youxiong for the first time, he couldn't help but feel respect.

"Fuxi told me about it. It's a small matter, and I've already arranged it." Ancestor Youxiong observed Ji Ning, smiling. "Our human race rarely has someone so accomplished in heartforce. You have cultivated for less than a hundred years and reached the fourth level of heartforce. You must strive to break through to the fifth level before the final battle. Let the myriad races of the Three Realms see that our human race can also produce someone who reaches the fifth level of heartforce."

"Ji Ning will do his utmost." Ji Ning said involuntarily.

"Good, that's the spirit. Losing is not scary; what's scary is lacking courage." Ancestor Youxiong nodded with a smile. "Focus on cultivation. Before the final battle, if you can become a True God or Dao Ancestor, you will make our side stronger."

"Yes." Ji Ning showed no modesty; in his heart, he also longed to become a True God or Dao Ancestor.

There were far too many gods and true immortals in the Three Realms.

Note...

In the beginning, chaos gave birth to ten Ancestral Gods, eighty-one True Gods, and one hundred and eight thousand gods! One hundred and eight thousand! Although many died in the ancient long-lasting battles, and another large batch perished in the ancient destruction war, there were still later cultivators who reached the level of gods and true immortals. Adding in the large number of gods and true immortals from the Undying Sect camp...

There were still many gods and true immortals in the Three Realms. Having one more Ji Ning had little impact on the overall situation.

The power of an individual was insignificant before an army.

Only by becoming a True God or Dao Ancestor could one influence the battle in the final war.

"Master." A short, sturdy man carrying a giant axe walked in from outside.

"Luozou." Ancestor Youxiong said, "Give it to Ji Ning."

The short, sturdy man looked at Ji Ning, then produced a city the size of a palm. He handed this tiny city to Ji Ning: "Beiming, I heard you are skilled in commanding troops. Don't let these immortals down."

"God Luozou, rest assured." Ji Ning said.

In ancient times, humanity rose from obscurity. Because cultivation methods were incomplete then, many techniques were learned from gods and demons. Thus, in the earliest ancient times, many humans practiced the path of gods and demons. Later, after qi-refining methods were perfected, celestial immortals and true immortals gradually increased.

"Go." Ancestor Youxiong looked at Ji Ning, his eyes full of expectation.

Ji Ning bowed respectfully, then withdrew.

...

That city contained a full one hundred thousand celestial immortals and ten million scattered immortals! Ji Ning sent all these immortals to his own Plucking Star Great World and made proper arrangements. He also passed down the basic methods of the 'Luohu Formation'. It was estimated that the celestial immortals and scattered immortals would need only half a year to learn it and could then set up the formation.

Sword Immortal Realm, Mount Wubao.

Five towering peaks pierced into the clouds. Ji Ning was riding the clouds on the cliff of the third peak, studying the third chapter of the 'Five Treasures Sword Art'. In the previous fifty-one years of cultivation, Ji Ning's sword force had long reached the third level, and he had fully mastered the second chapter of the Five Treasures Sword Art.

This visit to Ancestor Youxiong had placed heavy pressure on Ji Ning.

"In the final battle, our side can only win, not lose. If we lose, the Nüwa camp will be destroyed, and our human race will also be destroyed." Ji Ning dared not think of the outcome of defeat. He stopped dwelling on it and carefully studied the third chapter of the Five Treasures Sword Art.

The Five Treasures Sword Art was extremely profound and marvelous.