Han Ming said, "According to the book's explanation, an Immortal Talent Possessor is a darling of heaven and earth. Once they win, it's akin to crossing a tribulation or refining a gu, climbing over a mountain to see a new vista in life."
"In the near future, when your qi increases significantly, opportunities often come your way!"
Ning Zhuo became more interested, "Are there any other methods to increase one's qi?"
Han Ming replied, "Cultivation is the primary method. The stronger a cultivator's power, the greater their qi."
"Borrowing power also works. But if not handled properly, it can lead to internal conflict instead."
"Additionally, there are some other treasures. For instance, in any major sect or prominent family, every cultivation kingdom has at least one significant treasure that can suppress qi and regulate fortune."
Ning Zhuo nodded, "Make a handwritten copy of that book, 'Discussion on Qi.'"
"Yes, sir."
Ning Zhuo continued, "Any other texts you have that don't involve your sect's prohibitions—copy them as well."
Han Ming responded again, "Yes, sir."
Ning Zhuo then inquired about the soul contract.
Han Ming explained that this was a spell of the Soul Devouring Sect, allowing one to sign a contract with their soul, making it extremely reliable.
The key was that the essence of Han Ming's cultivation lay in her soul. By signing a soul contract, Ning Zhuo could control her most effectively. Once signed, her life would be at Ning Zhuo's disposal with a single thought.
Ning Zhuo studied the soul contract briefly and found himself unable to understand it.
He decided to be cautious.
Fortunately, gathering the materials and talismans needed for the contract would take time, so there was no rush.
"Although you've pledged allegiance to me, time is needed to verify your loyalty."
"You should perform well in the future," Ning Zhuo admonished.
Han Ming lowered her head and softly replied, "Yes, sir."
Ning Zhuo pondered for a moment, and before leaving, extended the chain, allowing Han Ming to move within half of the cell as a reward.
Ning Zhuo hadn't anticipated such a significant gain from this meeting with Han Ming.
He had learned about Yuan Dasheng's immortal aptitude.
Understanding one's talent was a highly complex task. Three Golden Core cultivators had searched Yuan Dasheng's corpse, yet none had discovered his immortal aptitude.
"It was only because I had Han Ming devour his soul that this unexpected result was uncovered."
"Righteous Golden Firmness can serve as excellent material for making mechanisms. Marvelous!"
Additionally, he had uncovered the secrets of qi.
"'Discussion on Qi' is quite intriguing."
Lastly, he had also subdued Han Ming.
Of course, Ning Zhuo still had doubts about Han Ming's submission.
At this moment, he wished he had Zhu Xuanji's methods to detect lies. Unfortunately, Zhu Xuanji's lie-detecting abilities were based on specific mana, spells, and Golden Eyes.
These foundations were something Ning Zhuo completely lacked.
Due to the presence of Righteous Golden Firmness in Yuan Dasheng's corpse, it had to be dealt with later.
In the meantime, Ning Zhuo needed to ensure Yuan Dasheng's soul remained weak to prevent it from being summoned to the palace.
However, since Yuan Dasheng's body was already dead and could no longer nourish his soul, even if Ning Zhuo did nothing, according to natural laws, the soul would weaken continuously.
Ning Zhuo needed to increase his monitoring to prevent any unexpected events.
What was the best kind of enemy?
A completely dead enemy!
Until Yuan Dasheng's soul could be utilized, Ning Zhuo would keep a constant watch on it.
Ning Zhuo closed his eyes and began today's reflection.
The knowledge of qi provided him with deeper insight into himself, his exploration of the Immortal Palace, and the world at large.
First, he thought of himself.
"If I am indeed a super talent with strong qi, it makes sense."
"Without parental protection, I grew up smoothly to the age of sixteen and developed into a powerful figure, accumulating wealth that my uncle and aunt never did in their lifetimes."
"Since exploring the Immortal Palace, I have repeatedly encountered crises, but even in the worst situations, there was always a glimmer of hope, never being struck down permanently."
For instance, his name had not been discovered by others, giving Ning Zhuo time to adjust.
Or when Yuan Dasheng appeared unexpectedly. His timing of entry and exit avoided Meng Chong and others. Yuan Dasheng did not encounter anyone else, and the three major forces did not discover him, giving Ning Zhuo room to maneuver.
Ning Zhuo then thought of Yuan Dasheng.
"Considering Yuan Dasheng, he also had several chances at life."
If Ning Zhuo had not successfully changed his name or hadn't done so in time, Yuan Dasheng would have realized his real situation immediately. He would have been on alert and better prepared for Ning Zhuo's schemes.
If Yuan Dasheng hadn't injured his soul for Yuan Er's sake and continued exploring the Immortal Palace, he might have encountered others. Although it would be disadvantageous, it might also provide an opportunity.
If, during the Fire Persimmon Festival, when the mechanism monkey attacked Yuan Er, Yuan Dasheng had not joined forces, the subsequent events would not have spiraled out of control. Ning Zhuo's plot would have failed!
And if, during the chain explosions in the Thousand-Year Fire Persimmon Forest, Yuan Dasheng hadn't cared for Yuan Er and huddled himself together, even with concerns about his surroundings, not using demonic arts, utilizing the peak-level Five Elements Mana could have protected him. He might have stayed conscious post-explosion.
There is a qualitative difference between being conscious and unconscious.
Finally, even if Yuan Dasheng had protected Yuan Er and fallen unconscious himself, he still had a sliver of hope. Zhu Xuanji might have been moved and intervened to help. If he had only lasted a bit longer, regained consciousness, or his soul entered the Immortal Palace, there were possibilities.
It's a pity that Ning Zhuo acted in time, entering the situation decisively, with Yuan Er failing to protect his monkey uncle.
"Fate actually gave him many opportunities, but he didn't grasp them."
"It was because of Yuan Er's drag."
Ning Zhuo sighed inwardly, having deeper insights into the knowledge in 'Discussion on Qi.'
His thoughts surged within his Divine Sea, reviewing the entire process and constantly gaining new understandings.
"Huh?"
His myriad thoughts touched the Treasure Seal within his Divine Sea, leading to an unexpected discovery.
"Why has my Buddha Heart Devil Seal been used so many times?"
Ning Zhuo had avoided using his Buddha Heart Devil Seal in his recent covert operations due to his concerns about Zhu Xuanji. The most significant use was to command the mechanism monkeys to riot using the Heart Seal.
With these monkeys destroyed by the formation, it was essentially wiping away the traces.
Even if discovered, Ning Zhuo could provide a perfect explanation by saying he was the creator.
Subsequently, he didn't use this Treasure Seal throughout his interactions with Yuan Er, meticulously avoiding any tiny flaw.
The various methods in the cultivation world were beyond count, and Ning Zhuo pursued absolute security.
To Ning Zhuo, no matter how valuable the Buddha Heart Devil Seal, it was merely a tool. Since it was a tool, its effectiveness depended on the user's skill. Over-reliance on any tool was unwise; problems were bound to arise eventually.
According to Ning Zhuo's knowledge, he hadn't used the Buddha Heart Devil Seal many times.
But now, upon contacting the Buddha Heart Devil Seal, he found that the facts conflicted significantly with his impression.
"When did this happen? I used the Buddha Heart Devil Seal not just once, but at least three or four times."
Ning Zhuo couldn't help but be astonished.
What was going on?
This had never happened before.