< Chapter 17: Self-Crossing >
The Ning family cultivators were arguing in the prison cell.
The transmission bell sounded, disseminating a technique known as “The Five Elements Qi Regulation Art”, but only the first three levels were transmitted.
However, even within these initial three levels, the cultivators found discrepancies after exchanging their insights.
For instance, in the segment about the condensation of metal energy, some understood it as: Metal energy enters the palm, spreading through all channels, traveling from the palm to the lungs, nourishing the organs. Practitioners must have a broad mind and even breathing; since metal energy is dry, improper use can harm the yin and lungs.
Others perceived it differently: Metal energy enters the palm… with a fierce spirit and swift breathing. Metal energy is sharp, governing killing and decisiveness, ascending in accordance with it.
The first interpretation required cultivators to practice slowly, while the second encouraged them to be bold and make rapid progress.
Despite having heard the same bell, everyone had different understandings, which naturally led to endless debates.
“It seems that you all are not quite clear on what a transmission bell is,” Chi Dun appeared after a while, followed by Ning Chen and Ning Yong.
By this time, he had finished interrogating all the Ning family cultivators.
The Ning cultivators looked over, and one of them bowed respectfully: “Please enlighten us, Lord Chi Dun.”
Ning Zhuo looked towards Ning Chen and Ning Yong, a smile on his face.
However, Ning Chen and Ning Yong avoided his gaze. Just moments ago, during their interrogation, they had confessed everything, including following Ning Zhanji’s orders to provoke Ning Zhuo into entering the cave.
Chi Dun explained to the crowd: “As the name ‘transmission bell’ suggests, it is meant for imparting techniques.”
“The advantage of transforming bell sounds into techniques is that beings of different languages, and even different races, can all gain insights.”
“The revered masters from the three sects are compassionate and wish to save all beings. Thus, they left behind the transmission bell, not only to enlighten humans but also to guide other life forms.”
“The transmission bell also varies in quality. For the simpler ones, the teachings transmitted by the bell’s sound are consistent. However, with the superior bells, the techniques conveyed are tailored to the individual,” explained Chi Dun. Most people were surprised, but a few showed thoughtful expressions.
Chi Dun continued, “The techniques each of you received are indeed correct. These techniques have been slightly adjusted based on your own individual traits.”
“So that’s how it is!” the cultivators realized suddenly, their faces lighting up with delight.
“Any cultivation technique involves absorbing external energies, allowing us to digest, store, and utilize them. These methods are continually evolving.”
“That’s right, ancient cultivation techniques find it hard to compete with new methods because the external environment is changing, the seas have become mulberry fields,” another added.
“The masters of the three sects truly have compassionate hearts, looking after each and every one of us,” someone remarked.
Chi Dun noted, “This is also the style of the Buddhist sect. They excel in transformation, which involves refining external magical powers into Buddhist power. Just as the saying goes, ‘Lay down the butcher’s knife and instantly become a Buddha,’ even the magical powers accumulated over many years by demon cultivators can be converted into Buddhist power.”
“But don’t overestimate the effect. The transmission through the bell’s sound has its limits; it takes into account all living beings in the city, so the adjustments are necessarily limited.”
“Therefore, do not be mistaken in thinking that this technique is perfect. In cultivation, there is always room for improvement,” he added.
The Ning family cultivators looked at each other.
One of them smiled wryly, “To improve a cultivation method is very difficult! Master Chi Dun thinks too highly of us.”
Another added, “Those who can modify techniques either have a deep understanding of them or possess exceptional innate talent. It’s not something we can achieve.”
Chi Dun was aware of this but had mentioned it just as a kind reminder.
“Alright, you’ve all been cleared of any suspicion. Follow me; there’s no need to take up space in the dungeon anymore.”
He deliberately released the Ning family cultivators, intending to subtly show goodwill towards them. Chi Dun conveyed that prosecuting the Ning family members was not his personal desire but rather a duty he had to fulfill.
The Ning family cultivators thanked him profusely and followed Chi Dun out of the cell. Just as they stepped out of the dungeon and saw the dawn light, the Alert Heart Bell on Chi Dun suddenly erupted into a loud, jarring sound. Chi Dun’s expression changed drastically, and his aura surged wildly as he followed the guidance of the bell and shot out.
The surge of his energy sent the nearby Ning family cultivators flying.
Boom!
The next moment, a loud explosion shook the ground, and dust billowed into the air. From within the dust, a figure shot out.
“It’s that Shadow demon cultivator!” the Ning family cultivators exclaimed in shock.
“Insolent thief, daring to spy on the dungeon,” Chi Dun roared in anger as he chased after the shadowy figure.
The Shadow demon cultivator let out a harsh, raspy laugh, retreating while fighting.
Boom, boom, boom.
The two of them leaped across a wide expanse of buildings and temples, clashing and causing structures large and small to crumble around them. The city’s inhabitants ran in panic, thrown into chaos.
“We should get going too!” The Ning family cultivators headed in the opposite direction.
Ning Chen and Ning Yong were about to pull Ning Zhuo along.
“What are you running for? Let’s head back to the dungeon; it’s safer there!” Ning Zhuo exclaimed.
The two paused in surprise.
Ning Zhuo firmly grabbed their hands. “Trust me, I’m right.”
The three of them then returned to the dungeon.
Back inside their cell, everything was still as they left it—their spots and even the fruits were still in place.
Ning Zhuo and the others sat down again, reassuming their positions.
Ning Zhuo explained, “Even though the Immortal City is protected by a great formation that reduces the combat power of all cultivators, a Golden Core stage is still a force we simply cannot resist.”
“What if they end up fighting right where we are, just like in the Red Flame Demon Molten Cave?” he added.
“Master Chi Dun is very strong; he’s a physical cultivator, and his strength is least suppressed in Huoshi Immortal City. The likelihood of his victory is quite high.”
“It’s safest for us to wait here until he has defeated the Shadow demon cultivator before we venture out again.”
Ning Chen and Ning Yong found Ning Zhuo’s reasoning sound and nodded in agreement.
Boom, boom, boom…
The clash between the two Golden Core cultivators continued, with each strike causing the entire dungeon to tremble and dust to fall from the ceiling.
Ning Chen and Ning Yong were restless, but Ning Zhuo remained calm and composed, leisurely eating fruit and drinking tea, appearing somewhat carefree.
Seeing their companion’s demeanor, Ning Chen and Ning Yong grew even more admiring of him.
Ning Zhuo said, “Well, I’ve come to terms with it! If the two Golden Cores bring their fight here, we’re as good as dead anyway. In such a worst-case scenario, we might as well eat more, so we don’t die on an empty stomach.”
Ning Chen was speechless.
Ning Yong, slapping his head, gave Ning Zhuo a thumbs up. “Ah Zhuo, you’re right. Smart!” He grabbed a handful of grapes, stuffing them into his mouth, and called out to Ning Chen, “You eat too, come on, eat up.”
Ning Chen rolled his eyes at him, his expression and mood heavy, and he shook his head. “You guys eat. I can’t.”
The battle between the two Golden Cores did not last long.
The three young men kept watch, noticing the noise diminishing and the blasts becoming more distant, gradually settling their nerves.
Only when the commotion had completely ceased, and a jailer came to urge the three young men of the Ning family did they finally step out of the dungeon again.
Chi Dun and the Shadow demon cultivator had completely vanished from sight. According to others, they had continued their chase outside the city.
Large swathes of buildings had collapsed, turning into ruins. Amid these ruins, bodies lay scattered, and the wails of survivors cast a chill over the early morning.
The three young men of the Ning family all bore solemn expressions.
“It’s strange, I always thought the Immortal City was safe!” Ning Yong remarked.
Ning Chen sighed, “This is actually not the worst outcome. With the suppression of the city’s great formation, Golden Core cultivators can’t fully unleash their power. Otherwise, a single spell from a Golden Core could devastate half the city.”
Ning Zhuo urged, “This is beyond what we can handle; let’s go back. Right now, I just want to collapse on my bed and sleep deeply.”
His words instantly resonated with his companions, awakening their own fatigue and weariness.
After walking together for a while, Ning Zhuo parted ways with the other two.
The events of the previous night had been too overwhelming, and Ning Zhuo was exhausted. He lay down on his bed and fell asleep instantly, not waking until the evening.
After a light meal, he went down to his underground workshop.
Sitting cross-legged on a cushion, he began his first attempt at practicing the “Five Elements Qi Regulation Art.”
Previously, he had practiced the “Snow Region Talisman Scripture,” one of the three major techniques of the Ning family. Normally, he would have to completely dissipate the “Scripture’s magical power” and empty himself before he could start practicing a new technique.
But Ning Zhuo was different.
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
For others, it was demonic; for him, it was enlightenment.
Transforming oneself was not only about suppressing thoughts and being devoid of sadness or joy, but also about detecting intrusions and the wonderful ability to convert magical power.
Immediately, the Scripture’s magical power began to transform, converting directly into the Five Elements’ magical power with astonishing efficiency!