39: Chapter 39 Complete Integration

"Bai Qi, if I may ask, how old are you this year? And what is your Soul Power level now?"

Bai Qi cupped his fists and replied neither obsequiously nor arrogantly.

"Replying to School Master Ning, this junior is fourteen this year, and my Soul Power is level fifty-three."

As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the main hall seemed to solidify.

Ning Fengzhi's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly, and the lid made a soft clink against the rim. A clear look of astonishment flashed in his eyes, and the smile on his face froze for a moment.

Even the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, who was accustomed to seeing geniuses, was somewhat flustered at this moment.

The two elders standing beside Ning Fengzhi, who had kept their eyes slightly closed, opened them simultaneously. Four gazes, sharp as knives, fell directly on Bai Qi, as if to see through him from inside out.

"Fourteen years old... level fifty-three?"

Ning Fengzhi put down his teacup, slowly stood up, and walked around Bai Qi, scrutinizing him from head to toe, as if looking at a rare treasure.

"Do you know that among the Golden Generation cultivated by Spirit Hall, the most outstanding one only reached level forty at fifteen years old? Yet you, at fourteen, are already level fifty-three, and you stated this yourself during the assessment of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, so there can be no falsehood."

Bai Qi remained neither obsequious nor arrogant, meeting Ning Fengzhi's gaze calmly.

"This junior would not dare to deceive School Master Ning."

Ning Fengzhi stopped, took a deep breath, and turned to look at Chen Xin and Gu Rong.

"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what do you think?"

Chen Xin slowly stepped forward, his eyes like unsheathed swords. He walked to Bai Qi, extended a finger, and lightly tapped his shoulder, a wisp of Soul Power probing into Bai Qi's body.

Bai Qi did not resist, allowing the Soul Power to circulate through his meridians.

Chen Xin withdrew his finger and nodded slightly.

"His Soul Power is profound, and his foundation is solid. It doesn't seem to be artificially boosted by drugs. To have such cultivation at this age, his talent is indeed rare."

Bone Douluo Gu Rong also walked over and patted Bai's back.

Bai Qi felt a warm Soul Power surge from his back, rushing straight into his spine.

Just then, the Eight Spider Lances Spirit Bone on his back, which hadn't fully integrated, suddenly trembled violently, as if an external Soul Power had triggered some kind of stress response.

Gu Rong raised an eyebrow, withdrew his hand, and said indifferently.

"This kid has a Spirit Bone in him. No wonder I always felt a restless aura about him."

Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up with interest upon hearing this.

"Spirit Bone? Xiao Qi, where did you obtain this Spirit Bone?"

Bai Qi answered truthfully.

"Replying to School Master Ning, this junior obtained this Spirit Bone from a Man Faced Demon Spider during a training expedition. However, the integration time has been short, and I haven't fully mastered it yet."

Ning Fengzhi nodded, pondered for a moment, and then turned to Sword Douluo.

"Uncle Sword, since Bai Qi has an unintegrated Spirit Bone in him, why don't you lend him a hand? It would also be a good way to test his foundation."

Chen Xin nodded slightly, took a step forward, and said to Bai Qi indifferently.

"Kid, this old man will test you with Soul Power pressure. During this process, your body will endure immense pressure, and that unintegrated Spirit Bone is very likely to be activated. If you can withstand it, you might be able to use external force to completely refine the Spirit Bone."

After speaking, Chen Xin paused, his tone calm.

"Don't worry, this old man won't let you get injured, but a little suffering is unavoidable."

Bai Qi had been waiting for this. He cupped his fists and replied without hesitation.

"This junior couldn't ask for more."

Chen Xin nodded with satisfaction. Without any apparent movement, an invisible Soul Power pressure surged out like a tide, sweeping towards Bai Qi.

Immediately, Bai Qi felt his shoulders sink, but for his current physique, it was effortless.

A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Xin's eyes, gaining new insight into Bai Qi's physique. He then increased the pressure.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Bai Qi's forehead, rolling down his cheeks, but his back remained perfectly straight.

Ning Fengzhi sat in the main seat, watching this scene calmly, but secretly nodding in his heart.

Gu Rong stood to the side, his hands clasped behind his back, seemingly nonchalant, but in reality, he was constantly observing Bai Qi.

Just as Chen Xin was about to raise his Soul Power to level eighty-five, Bai Qi felt it was enough and released the Eight Spider Lances Spirit Bone that hadn't fully integrated on his back.

Eight slender spider legs suddenly burst out from Bai Qi's back!

They were dark purple all over, with a cold, eerie sheen on their surface. Each one was as long as an adult, and their tips were sharp as needles.

The eight spider legs flailed wildly behind Bai Qi, like a startled spider struggling, carrying a violent and frenzied aura.

Ah Yin's expression changed, and she instinctively moved to step forward, but Ning Fengzhi raised a hand to stop her.

"Don't rush, Uncle Sword has a sense of proportion."

Ah Yin bit her lip, her steps halted, but she still subtly condensed her Soul Power.

Meanwhile, Meng Yiran, standing behind, saw the eight spider legs suddenly emerge from Bai Qi's back, her eyes widened abruptly, and she instinctively covered her mouth.

Chen Xin looked at the Eight Spider Lances on Bai Qi's back, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"It should still be an external Spirit Bone, and a spider-type one. Kid, this Spirit Bone of yours is quite good."

But he did not withdraw his pressure; instead, he precisely controlled the Soul Power suppression at level eighty-five, allowing Bai Qi to integrate better.

Bai Qi felt his Spirit Bone resounding every moment. The restless Eight Spider Lances Spirit Bone, forced by the external pressure, had to undergo a deeper integration with his body.

This was an extremely painful process. While it didn't cause significant physical problems, his mental state was somewhat lacking.

At this moment, under the coercion of Chen Xin's pressure, the Eight Spider Lances began to be forced into final integration with Bai Qi's spine, shoulder blades, and surrounding nervous system, which was sheer torture for Bai Qi's mind.

Chen Xin saw this, and a subtle hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes.

"Good temperament."

He said indifferently, and the pressure increased by two levels.

Bai Qi's body trembled violently, and the Eight Spider Lances behind him, which had initially thrashed wildly, gradually became more orderly.

Eventually, the eight legs no longer flailed aimlessly but began to contract and extend rhythmically, as if adapting to a new body.

Time passed minute by minute.

The main hall was so quiet that only the creaking sound of Bai Qi slowly adapting to the Spirit Bone could be heard.

Ning Fengzhi picked up his teacup, took a light sip, his gaze never leaving Bai Qi.

The admiration in his eyes grew stronger and stronger.

After another moment, the Eight Spider Lances on Bai Qi's back finally stopped their agitation.

The eight slender spider legs slowly retracted, one after another, disappearing into Bai Qi's back.

The Eight Spider Lances were completely integrated.

Chen Xin withdrew his pressure, and the mountain-like heavy pressure instantly dissipated.

Bai Qi felt his whole body lighten. He cupped his fists and said to Chen Xin.

"Many thanks, Senior Sword Douluo, for your assistance."

Chen Xin glanced at him and said indifferently.

"Not bad. To be able to use the pressure to complete Spirit Bone integration, your mental fortitude and talent are both superior. This external Spirit Bone is of good quality; use it well in the future, and it will become a great aid to you."

Bone Douluo Gu Rong also spoke, a rare occurrence, his voice hoarse like sandpaper.

"Little fellow, old Sword rarely praises anyone, so you must have some skill. But don't get complacent, your path is still long."

Bai Qi quickly cupped his fists and said.

"Many thanks for the guidance, Seniors. This junior will engrave it in my heart."

Ning Fengzhi smiled and stood up, about to speak, when a hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the main hall.

"Bang—"

The hall door was pushed open, and three figures rushed in one after another.

Leading the way was Ning Rongrong, her face anxious, fine beads of sweat still on her forehead, clearly having run all the way.

She saw Bai Qi at a glance, then looked at Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, and asked urgently, "Dad, I sensed very strong Soul Power fluctuations here. What happened? Is someone fighting? Xiao Bai Ge, are you alright?"

Following closely behind Ning Rongrong was Xiao Wu.

Xiao Wu rushed to Bai Qi's side in a few steps, scrutinizing him up and down. Seeing his pale face, sweat covering his forehead, and his clothes on his back soaked, her eyes immediately reddened with worry.

"Xiao Qi! Why is your face so pale? Did those two old men bully you? Tell me, I'll get revenge for you!"

Saying this, Xiao Wu even glared at Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, her hands on her hips, completely disregarding that they were Titled Douluo-level powerhouses.

Bai Qi gave a wry smile and quickly pulled Xiao Wu's arm.

"Xiao Wu, don't talk nonsense. Senior Sword Douluo and Senior Bone Douluo were helping me integrate my Spirit Bone, not bullying me. Look, aren't I perfectly fine now?"

Xiao Wu carefully looked at Bai Qi again, confirming that he was indeed not injured, and then she breathed a sigh of relief. But she still pouted, muttering softly.

"If you're integrating a Spirit Bone, just integrate it. Was it necessary to make it so intense? Look how much it put you through... your clothes are all soaked."

Sword Douluo had excellent hearing and his mouth twitched slightly upon hearing this, but he didn't bother arguing with a young girl.

Having lived for so many years, he wouldn't get angry with a teenage girl.

Bone Douluo, however, took another look at Xiao Wu, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, surprised that such a young girl dared to curse the old Sword man, but he quickly averted his gaze.

Zhu Zhuqing was the last to enter.

She stood beside Ning Rongrong, not rushing forward like Xiao Wu, but quietly standing there, her gaze fixed on Bai Qi. Her eyes were calm, but a closer look would reveal her eyebrows slightly furrowed, with a hint of subtle worry.

Seeing that Bai Qi, though pale, had clear eyes and steady breathing, and his complexion gradually returned to normal, she nodded slightly, not speaking, but her tightly furrowed brows clearly relaxed a bit.

Ning Rongrong walked up to Bai Qi, scrutinized him, patted his shoulder, and asked.

"Xiao Bai Ge, are you really alright? I even sensed Grandpa Sword's Soul Power fluctuations in the backyard and thought something had happened. You know, Grandpa Sword usually doesn't release this level of pressure casually."

Bai Qi looked at Ning Rongrong and said with a smile.

"I'm really fine. Thanks to Senior Sword Douluo, my Spirit Bone has completely integrated. I hadn't found a suitable opportunity before, so today was a blessing in disguise."

Ning Rongrong finally relaxed completely and turned to Ning Fengzhi, saying.

"Dad, really, you're too much. He just arrived, and you made him suffer so much. What if he got hurt?"

Ning Fengzhi smiled helplessly, spreading his hands.

"Rong'er, this wasn't a show of force. Your Grandpa Sword was helping Xiao Qi. Didn't you hear Xiao Qi say it? His Spirit Bone has completely integrated, which is a good thing."

Ning Rongrong snorted, not responding further, but the corners of her mouth slightly curled up, clearly pleased with Bai Qi's performance. She turned and glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, and the two exchanged a look, saying nothing more.

Ning Fengzhi stood up, clapped his hands, and laughed.

"Alright, since everyone's here, let's go have dinner together. Bai Qi, you and your friends have come a long way, so I, your uncle, have prepared a humble meal to welcome you. Today is a happy occasion, so let's drink until we drop."

Bai Qi seized the opportunity and cupped his fists, saying.

"Good, then many thanks, Uncle Ning."

Everyone followed Ning Fengzhi towards the side hall.

Xiao Wu leaned into Bai Qi's ear, asking in a low voice.

"What Spirit Bone did you integrate? Why did you end up like this? Even I felt that pressure outside; it scared me to death. I thought someone was trying to kill you."

Bai Qi lowered his head and said to Xiao Wu.

"An external Spirit Bone, the Eight Spider Lances. I got it from a Man Faced Demon Spider. It hadn't fully integrated before, but Sword Douluo's pressure just now helped me push it in. Now that it's completely integrated, there won't be any more problems."

Xiao Wu nodded, asked no further questions, but quietly squeezed Bai Qi's hand as comfort. Her palm was warm, and Bai Qi squeezed back, a warmth welling up in his heart.

Ah Yin walked on Bai Qi's other side, her gaze fixed on him. Seeing his steady steps, even breathing, and his complexion gradually returning to a healthy flush, she finally relaxed completely. She didn't speak, just walked quietly beside him, like a silent guardian.

Meng Yiran followed at the very back, looking at the group ahead and silently lamenting: This Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is truly lively.

And Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, each of them seemed to have a close relationship with Bai Qi. This guy really was...

However, thinking of this, and realizing she was currently the last one, she pouted and quickened her pace to catch up.

In the side hall, the banquet was already prepared.

Ning Fengzhi invited everyone to be seated.

Bai Qi was arranged in the principal guest seat, with Ah Yin and Meng Yiran beside him. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong sat together, while Zhu Zhuqing sat quietly beside Ning Rongrong, like a serene orchid.

During the banquet, Ning Fengzhi asked Bai Qi about his experiences over the years.

Bai Qi briefly recounted what he could, excluding the Far North, such as where he trained, what Spirit Beasts he encountered, and what he gained.

Ning Fengzhi nodded frequently as he listened, occasionally asking for more details.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong sat at the lower end, occasionally interjecting a few words, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Sword Douluo still cared about Bai Qi having many girls, though.

But the look in his eyes towards Bai Qi was noticeably gentler than before.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes.

Ning Fengzhi put down his wine cup, looked at Bai Qi, and his tone became a bit more serious.

"Xiao Qi, you can call me uncle. I have a presumptuous request."

Bai Qi quickly put down his chopsticks and said seriously.

"Uncle Ning, please speak."

Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly, a hint of kindness in his eyes.

"Rong'er, this child, has been spoiled by me since she was young, and her temper is a bit arrogant. I hope you can look after her more. You don't need to do anything special, just help her when she encounters difficulties."

Bai Qi cupped his fists and said.

"Uncle Ning, rest assured. Rongrong is my friend, and it is my duty to look after her, without expecting anything in return."

A hint of appreciation flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, and he raised his cup, saying.

"Good, I'll toast you."

Bai Qi quickly raised his cup to meet him, and they both drank it down.

Ning Rongrong sat nearby, watching her father and Bai Qi interact, her heart warm, and a smile appeared on her face.

After the banquet, it was already late.

Ning Fengzhi arranged several excellent guest rooms for Bai Qi and the others to rest, and instructed his disciples to serve them well, before leaving with Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong.

Bai Qi returned to his room, closed the door, and stretched his shoulders.

A tingling sensation came from his back, but it wasn't painful; rather, it was a refreshing feeling of power surging through him.

With a thought, the Eight Spider Lances slowly extended from his back.

The eight slender spider legs glowed with a cold, eerie sheen in the candlelight. Each one could be controlled freely, as easily as moving a finger. He tried controlling the Eight Spider Lances to perform several movements behind him—extending, retracting, crossing, rotating—as smoothly as his own fingers.

Bai Qi nodded with satisfaction and retracted the Eight Spider Lances.

This external Spirit Bone, from today onwards, finally belonged to him completely.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, gazed at the dark night sky, and took a deep breath.

The night breeze carried a hint of coolness, blowing on his face, making him feel exceptionally clear-headed.