The annual True Martial Sect competition concluded successfully.

The performance of the many young disciples greatly satisfied Luo Wentian and others. With these rewards, these disciples are bound to become even stronger in the coming year. With such diligent practice year after year, it won't be long before they can truly bolster the True Martial Sect.

Taking on disciples themselves, Luo Wentian and the other two have made a good start.

He Yan, Sun Chuanhai, and others all had thoughts in their minds. Now that they are all in the Gang Essence Realm, and their cultivation is advancing rapidly, they are fully qualified to take on disciples. They resolved to observe closely in the future and find suitable inheritors.

After the competition, it was rare for all the senior and junior brothers to gather together again.

Taoist Longshan also emerged from seclusion.

Master and disciples rejoiced, discussing the changes of the past year. Upon learning that he had a few new grand-disciples, Taoist Longshan was greatly pleased and even offered gifts upon their meeting.

The atmosphere of the year-end was lively.

But amid this reunion, everyone couldn't help but sigh and think:

"I wonder how Wu (Fifth Senior Brother) is doing now?"

...

Lei State.

Deep in Yan Mountain.

In an unnamed valley, snow weighed down branches, icicles hung low, and a few lively little animals scurried silently, adding some vitality to the winter.

A few small wooden huts were set here, looking like a few pine nuts sprinkled on the snow.

Jiang Baishan and Lin Ruhua were secluded here.

This was a place they discovered during an earlier training experience. The scenery was beautiful, and it was seldom visited by people. Although there were occasionally some exotic beasts, they were no problem for the two. After descending from True Martial Mountain and dealing with a few matters, they quietly came to this place.

Although it was lonely here, the two shared deep affection, comforting each other, studying martial arts daily, and enjoying the scenery. Though they did not interact with others, their days were still fulfilling.

"In the new year, I hope we can always be together!" Lin Ruhua gazed into Jiang Baishan's eyes, making a wish.

A warm fire, hot wine, grilled meat... the warm glow of the fire shone upon them.

Jiang Baishan was also filled with happiness.

"We will definitely always be together!"

Even though he said this, his thoughts couldn't help but drift to True Martial Mountain. In past years, at this time, he would have gathered with his master and fellow brothers, joyous and harmonious. This year was a rare exception.

His face didn't reveal a thing, but Lin Ruhua understood him so well that just a subtle change in his expression was enough for her to know what Jiang Baishan was thinking.

She paused, then softly said:

"Baishan, I went out once when you were in seclusion a few days ago."

Jiang Baishan became instantly anxious:

"Ruhua, why did you go out? You know the Demon Sect is looking for us now, and if they discover our whereabouts, they definitely won't let it go easily!"

Lin Ruhua just gently shook her head:

"Don't worry, I was very careful. I have some good news for you."

She smiled, with a hint of amazement in her eyes.

"A few days ago, Blade Demon went up to True Martial Mountain, intending to challenge True Man Tianjian, but ended up being defeated by him. This Blade Demon ranks third on the Celestial Being List, and I didn't expect Senior Tianjian to be so strong."

Seeing Jiang Baishan's dumbfounded look, she laughed and recounted the details of Blade Demon's challenges along the way, which made Jiang Baishan extremely excited.

Lin Ruhua said with a smile:

"With Senior Tianjian guarding True Martial Mountain, the Demon Sect may not be able to threaten the True Martial Sect. Can you be at ease now?"

Jiang Baishan was filled with gratitude. He held Lin Ruhua in his arms and kissed her forehead:

"Thank you, Ruhua."

The two of them nestled together, their shadows gradually merging under the firelight.

Suddenly.

Lin Ruhua's shy murmur sounded:

"Baishan, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

Jiang Baishan froze, then was taken aback by Lin Ruhua's next words:

"I... I think I am pregnant."

Jiang Baishan stood frozen in place, then his pupils suddenly dilated with joy. Soon, the valley was filled with Jiang Baishan's excited laughter.

The two were secluded here.

The arrival of a little life was undoubtedly a symbol of hope and surprise.

...

Ning Qi naturally didn't know that his Fifth Senior Brother was about to become a father.

After the year-end reunion, he returned to the Seeking Tao Institute again.

Nowadays, everyone in the True Martial Sect is very busy, each Elder having their own duties.

Internally, they are focused on development, needing to refine many processes step by step, while externally facing threats from the Demon Sect and the Southern Border. True Martial disciples are only allowed to go down the mountain for training once they reach the standards set by Luo Wentian, to avoid unnecessary dangers.

Ning Qi couldn't help much with these mundane affairs. The only thing he could do was to continually strengthen his abilities and be the ultimate backup.

After the year-end.

He would resonate with the bloodline within the White Ape every few days.

Although each time the image shattered when the Silver Giant Ape looked back, making it impossible to see what happened next, Ning Qi still gained a lot. After several attempts, he gradually grasped some principles of the Golden Pupil of Illusion-breaking.

He only needed to continue along these deductions, and turning the Golden Pupil of Illusion-breaking into a Secret Technique he could practice was only a matter of time, and not long at that.

On this day.

Zhuang Chen excitedly stepped into the Seeking Tao Institute:

"Ninth Senior Brother, the Resonance Secret Technique you taught me, I succeeded in practicing it!"

Zhuang Chen had powerful insight in Sword Dao, especially after the Sword Bone was broken and reestablished, even more so, but in practicing other Secret Techniques, he couldn't compare to the White Ape. He got the Secret Technique two or three days later than the White Ape, yet it took him over ten days longer to succeed in practicing it.

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