Volume Four, The True God Volume!

"The Crimson Bright Nine Heavens Diagram was created by Crimson Bright. This technique was even praised by Nuwa; it is indeed a rare method that can be cultivated all the way to the True God level," said the Patriarch. "As for the Northern Ocean Sutra, it is a water-element qi cultivation technique created by the Carefree Dao Ancestor, which can be cultivated up to the level of a Great Luo Dao Ancestor."

"The two—one for body refinement, one for qi cultivation—will henceforth be your foundational techniques," said the Patriarch.

"Yes," Ji Ning replied, overjoyed.

The Northern Ocean Sutra?

Created by the Carefree Dao Ancestor? From the name alone, one could tell it was the most supreme qi cultivation technique in the Three Realms.

"Body refinement techniques and qi cultivation techniques are not considered precious in the Three Realms," the Patriarch said calmly. "But divine abilities and secret arts are far more valuable."

Techniques like the Northern Ocean Sutra—even the Grand Xia Emperor did not possess them. Only someone of Patriarch Subhuti's level could dare call them not precious.

"My Mountain of Square Inch has two Dao halls, encompassing all things: formations, puppets, the way of the sword, the way of the blade, the Great Ultimate, thunder methods, lotus methods... countless techniques, none excluded, and all kinds of divine abilities and secret arts. It all depends on whether you have the ability to learn them," the Patriarch said calmly. "The Dao is not lightly transmitted. If you wish to learn, you must have the skill to do so."

"Disciple understands," Ji Ning said respectfully.

"Go now. Study the Dao peacefully on my Mountain of Square Inch. When your strength is sufficient one day, you may descend the mountain and return to your Grand Xia world," said the Patriarch. "On the day you complete your training and leave, I will give you two great gifts."

"Master, what level counts as sufficient strength?" Ji Ning pressed.

"You will know when you reach it," said the Patriarch.

Ji Ning was speechless.

So he was to bury himself in studying the Dao, without even being told when he could finish training and leave the mountain.

"Go now," the Patriarch said, closing his eyes calmly. "Without my permission, do not come in and disturb me."

"Yes," Ji Ning obediently withdrew.

After Ji Ning left, the Patriarch opened his eyes and shook his head gently. "How long has it been? This is the first time I've been so talkative before a disciple. Thinking of San Shou, thinking of that great catastrophe back then, my heart is still unsettled."

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