Chapter 592: Field-Path Lamp
Ning Zhuo had originally planned to examine the “fuel” of the Fire Burial Prajna Spirit-Resolving Sutra, but he had not expected to discover a certain crucial clue inside the giant paper puppet statue.
Inside the Wanli Dragon, Sun Lingtong’s eyes shone brightly as he rubbed his hands together. “Little Zhuo, let’s not say anything for now. When no one’s around, we’ll sneak back and secretly take away your mother’s treasure.”
Ning Zhuo rubbed the ring on his finger but shook his head. “There’s no need for that. Not only will we take it openly, we’ll take it right in front of Wen Ruanyu!”
Sun Lingtong froze for a moment.
Ning Zhuo explained, “If there truly is a treasure my mother left here, then judging from the Lord of White Paper Immortal City’s previous conduct—since he has already acknowledged me as the savior of White Paper Immortal City—he would surely ‘return the item to its rightful owner.’ For me to inherit my mother’s legacy treasure is only natural and justified.”
“If there isn’t one, and it’s only a false alarm, then we’ll simply be demonstrating our sincerity.”
Sun Lingtong shook his head. “No, no, Little Zhuo—you’re forgetting one possibility.”
“What if the treasure your mother left behind is extremely powerful and precious? Aren’t you afraid the Lord of White Paper Immortal City might seize it?”
“Even if he doesn’t snatch it outright, there will always be various excuses to keep it. You know the usual face of the righteous path!”
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly. “Boss, what you said makes a lot of sense.”
“But I still won’t do it that way.”
“Because this is an arrangement my mother left behind. She was kind and generous, and she gave so much for White Paper Immortal City. If she left a treasure, it must have been for the sake of this city.”
“I am her son. Coming here is not only to follow in her footsteps, but also, in a certain sense, to inherit her will—the things she worried about during her lifetime but never managed to complete.”
“So if that situation really happens, as long as the Lord of White Paper Immortal City uses the treasure to protect the city and care for its citizens, I would willingly accept it.”
Sun Lingtong was convinced and sighed sincerely. “Little Zhuo, you’re getting more and more like someone from the righteous path.”
He quickly added, “You know what I mean by the righteous path—the literal meaning.”
“I know, Boss.” Ning Zhuo chuckled inwardly. “I’m just learning from my mother’s way of handling things.”
At this point, Ning Zhuo’s voice softened. “When I follow her methods and accomplish the things she wanted to do, I feel as though my mother is right beside me, guiding me.”
Sun Lingtong sighed and fell silent.
Ning Zhuo then summoned Wen Ruanyu and directly revealed the secret he had discovered.
Wen Ruanyu was both surprised and delighted. “The City Lord truly has keen insight! Appointing you to investigate was indeed the right decision. I didn’t expect you to make such a shocking breakthrough right away!”
“From this, it’s clear your attainments in formations are extremely deep. This is not something ordinary people could perceive.”
Wen Ruanyu then sighed with admiration. “It still has to be Senior Sister Meng! If used normally, the formation serves one purpose; if reversed, it serves another. Such ingenious design—who would ever think to reverse the formation?”
With this crucial hint, Wen Ruanyu also saw the suspicious detail.
Under his watchful gaze, Ning Zhuo reversed one of the formations, triggering the internal formation space and opening a passage.
Ning Zhuo and Wen Ruanyu entered one after another and discovered that the formation space was supported by eight stone pillars connecting the upper and lower sections.
At the very center of the formation space was a massive well.
Inside the well, Yin energy surged like a raging tide, roaring like a rushing river.
Directly above the mouth of the well floated an octagonal palace lantern.
The lantern had an eight-sided pillar structure, standing four feet and two inches tall with a diameter of one foot and eight inches. Its top curved inward like a dome while its base was square and level, subtly embodying the principle of “heaven round, earth square.”
The palace lantern seemed to be made of brass and sandalwood, emitting a faint yellow glow.
Yet this faint radiance firmly suppressed the surging tide of Yin energy, even subtly penetrating into it.
While Ning Zhuo was still examining it, Wen Ruanyu blurted out, “This is the Field-Path Lamp of our Myriad Phenomena Sect! I never expected Senior Sister Meng to secretly hide it here.”
This answer surprised both Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong.
“Field-Path Lamp?” Ning Zhuo asked.
Wen Ruanyu nodded, pointing to the Nascent Soul–level magical treasure. “This lamp can greatly regulate the earth energy of a region, turning land into fertile soil and farmland, while also connecting field paths.”
“Senior Sister Meng likely placed it here to suppress this Yin tide.”
He sighed. “Back then, because she lost this treasure, she should have soared to success at the Flying Cloud Assembly, but instead she fell short.”
“It turns out she sacrificed far more than we ever realized.”
Ning Zhuo looked toward the Yin tide and clenched his teeth. “How can this vast Yin tide truly be eradicated? What must be done to solve it once and for all?”
Wen Ruanyu shook his head with a sigh. “That’s far too difficult.”
“The Yin Tide Black Marsh Wetlands formed precisely because of this long-term and profound erosion by Yin tides, creating the unique terrain and resources we see today.”
“As the saying goes, rely on the mountains to live by the mountains, rely on the water to live by the water. This Yin tide is the lifeline of development for White Paper Immortal City.”
“For that reason, the City Lord has not hesitated to sacrifice himself, suppressing the Yin tide year-round. Now he has suffered severe Yin energy erosion and is trapped in a difficult predicament.”
Ning Zhuo frowned. “This palace lantern has suppressed the Yin tide all this time. Its contributions to White Paper Immortal City cannot be ignored!”
“Although it belongs to the Myriad Phenomena Sect, it concerns the lives of countless people in White Paper Immortal City.”
“In my opinion, Lord Wen, perhaps you could pretend you never saw it—be confused for once—and fulfill Senior Meng Yaoyin’s arrangement and good intentions.”
But Wen Ruanyu shook his head and gave a bitter smile. “I can’t do that.”
“The lantern itself is nothing extraordinary, but its origin is remarkable—it is actually a mechanical component of the Hundred Flowers Flying Vessel.”
“The Hundred Flowers Flying Vessel is a sect-protecting spiritual treasure of the Myriad Phenomena Sect, lost for many years.”
“A component like this lantern is an important clue! Back then, Senior Sister Meng accepted the mission and used this lamp to search everywhere for the vessel.”
“This concerns the sect’s supreme treasure. I cannot conceal it!”
“I will report this matter to the sect—and naturally also inform the Lord of White Paper Immortal City.”
Sun Lingtong slapped his forehead. “Ah! If we had known, we shouldn’t have dismantled this formation in front of him.”
Ning Zhuo remained silent for a moment before agreeing. “Very well. But since I discovered this place, I have one request.”
“Since the Myriad Phenomena Sect has recovered their Field-Path Lamp, as a super sect they should show some goodwill.”
“At the very least, they must produce an equivalent treasure to replace the Field-Path Lamp and continue suppressing this place. What do you think?”
Wen Ruanyu examined Ning Zhuo with a new look.
Ning Zhuo was puzzled. “Why are you looking at me like that, Lord Wen?”
Wen Ruanyu sighed. “I didn’t expect Jiao Ma to possess such magnanimity and character—thinking of White Paper Immortal City first.”
“For someone your age, this is rare.”
Wen Ruanyu was deeply impressed.
As a Confucian cultivator, he pursued self-cultivation, family order, governance of the state, and peace under heaven—seeking to establish a heart for heaven and earth, secure life for the people, continue the teachings of past sages, and bring peace for all generations.
Thus, Ning Zhuo’s actions suited his ideals perfectly.
He smiled slightly. “Don’t worry. Not only will I request a sect treasure to continue suppressing this place, I will also request credit for you.”
“For so many years, no one in White Paper Immortal City discovered this secret.”
“Your contribution cannot be buried.”
“I will strive with the sect to give you the opportunity to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect.”
“Jiao Ma, with your abilities, becoming merely a Male Consort in White Paper Immortal City is a waste of talent.”
“For you, White Paper Immortal City—and even this Black Marsh Wetland—is too small. You should join a super sect. That will be the true stage for your brilliance.”
Ning Zhuo was stunned. “Join the Myriad Phenomena Sect?”
His heart stirred.
If he could enter that sect, he could learn far more about his mother’s past, find more “fuel,” and restore more of Meng Yaoyin’s spirituality.
Only after that would come his own personal development.
Ning Zhuo asked, “My main cultivation method—I do not wish to change it. Could I join while retaining my existing techniques?”
Wen Ruanyu pondered. “Our Myriad Phenomena Sect embraces everything and accepts all rivers. Many people join with their own skills.”
“Speaking of which, if you enter the sect, the timing would be perfect.”
“The upcoming Flying Cloud Assembly is about to begin. If you perform well during this grand event, you could quickly shed the identity of a menial disciple, perhaps even skip past the outer sect and directly become an inner sect disciple!”
This was the second time Ning Zhuo had heard Wen Ruanyu mention the Flying Cloud Assembly, so he immediately asked for details.
Wen Ruanyu explained, “Our Myriad Phenomena Sect selects talent without rigid rules. The Flying Cloud Assembly is a grand ceremony for recruiting and promoting talent. Its scope is vast, covering the entire Flying Cloud Nation and even reaching beyond its borders.”
“Many people in the sect, dissatisfied with their current positions, prepare for years for the Flying Cloud Assembly.”
“At that time, the sect releases all its tasks. Both sect members and outside cultivators may take them.”
“Through communication with heaven and earth spirits, every cultivator’s achievements and contributions in completing tasks are instantly recorded, allowing for a precise evaluation of their abilities.”
“Back then, Senior Sister Meng accepted a task at the Flying Cloud Assembly and obtained this palace lantern.”
He sighed again. “Senior Sister Meng was too kind.”
“She left the lantern here. Because she ‘lost’ it, she was heavily penalized and ultimately eliminated from the Flying Cloud Assembly!”
At that moment, a flicker of doubt appeared in Ning Zhuo’s heart.
He suppressed it and bowed to Wen Ruanyu. “If I could receive your recommendation and join the Myriad Phenomena Sect, it would indeed be a great fortune. Thank you, Senior, for your guidance.”
Wen Ruanyu smiled. “Recommending talent also brings contribution points to the sect. But more importantly, I wish to form a good connection with you, Jiao Ma.”
He spoke frankly, which made him quite likable.
Ning Zhuo lowered his hands. “But before that, I must first refine this palace lantern.”
Wen Ruanyu: ?
A hesitant look appeared on his face as he was about to speak—but then he saw the firm determination in Ning Zhuo’s eyes.
At once, Wen Ruanyu understood that this matter was not negotiable.
Ning Zhuo’s expression remained calm, though his tone turned somewhat stiff. “Senior Wen, as long as you fulfill your promise, I will exchange one treasure for another immediately.”
At that moment, what surfaced in Wen Ruanyu’s mind was the scene of Ning Zhuo single-handedly capturing three Golden Core ghost cultivators alive.
He smiled slightly. “Very well.”
Ning Zhuo said, “Please personally report the situation here to the City Lord. I will remain here and refine the palace lantern.”
Wen Ruanyu nodded. “This matter is significant. It’s indeed best if I report it personally.”
“But if you stay here alone, it would be unsafe.”
“How about this—I’ll leave a clone here to guard you.”
Though he was actually worried Ning Zhuo might take the treasure and disappear, Wen Ruanyu expressed it elegantly.
Even with a smile on his face, Ning Zhuo could sense his insistence on this point.
Ning Zhuo nodded. “Very well.”
Seeing him agree, Wen Ruanyu immediately took out a scroll from his storage belt.
He poured mana into it and unfolded the scroll.
Inside was his own self-portrait.
Wen Ruanyu’s clone stepped out from the painting and descended into the formation space, slowly bowing in greeting.
The clone’s aura had clearly reached the Golden Core level!
Ning Zhuo observed it with curiosity and praised, “I’ve heard that Confucian cultivators usually practice four arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Seeing this today, Senior Wen’s attainments in the Confucian path are truly profound.”
Wen Ruanyu smiled and humbly responded.
He positioned the clone at a distance to avoid suspicion regarding the palace lantern. After arranging everything, he wasted no time and departed.
Ning Zhuo floated into the air, slowly approaching the palace lantern until both hands gently touched its surface.
He focused his mind, poured in his mana, and began refining the treasure.
Sun Lingtong remained hidden inside the Wanli Dragon, guarding Ning Zhuo closely while watching Wen Ruanyu’s painting clone.
“Little Zhuo, did you discover something else?”
Ning Zhuo transmitted through spiritual sense: “I have a guess. Once I refine this palace lantern, I should be able to confirm it.”
Ning Zhuo was not particularly skilled at refining treasures, nor did he possess any high-level refinement techniques.
However, when he refined thirty percent of it, his heart trembled as he discovered more of Meng Yaoyin’s arrangements—confirming his earlier suspicions.
“As expected, Mother left other arrangements!”
When he heard Wen Ruanyu’s earlier lament, Ning Zhuo had already felt something strange.
At the time he thought, “Mother was so intelligent. Why didn’t she report to the sect and exchange the treasure directly? Why suffer such a huge loss and fail the Flying Cloud Assembly? Unless she had another reason—or another plan.”
As Ning Zhuo refined the lantern further, he gradually uncovered more of Meng Yaoyin’s arrangements.
He discovered that the lantern’s power had already penetrated deep into the endless Yin tide, forming fixed passageways.
These passageways were extremely hidden. Without activation from the lantern, they were nearly nonexistent.
They stretched endlessly, extending far into the distance—no one knew where they led.
When Ning Zhuo refined the lantern to sixty percent, he finally obtained the answer—
Those passageways pierced through Yin and Yang, reaching directly into the Underworld!
When Sun Lingtong learned this, his face was filled with shock.
“Little Zhuo, your mother truly made a grand move. She even set up arrangements in the Underworld. Even if she relied on the special terrain of the Yin Tide Black Marsh Wetlands, connecting Yin and Yang still takes incredible boldness.”
Ning Zhuo frowned slightly, a deeper doubt arising in his heart.
“Mother sacrificed her future in the Flying Cloud Assembly just to use the lantern to set up something in the Underworld.”
“Why would she do that?”
“There must be a reason she absolutely had to!”
When Ning Zhuo refined the palace lantern to eighty percent, his body and mind shook violently.
“What is this?!”