Chapter 613: Flesh is Weak, Mechanisms Ascend

"Hahahaha!" Sun Lingtong burst out laughing in the underworld.

After leaving Water Burial Valley, he continued his journey to find Luo Si, reconnecting with Ning Zhuo along the way.

Ning Zhuo, naturally, didn't hide anything from him, recounting his significant discoveries, which made Sun Lingtong laugh loudly on the bull's back.

Ning Zhuo was speechless for a moment.

When Sun Lingtong's laughter subsided, he sighed, "Boss, my situation with Miss Qingchi isn't the main point. It's the event itself that makes my scalp tingle! Think about it, my selection of the 'Bearing Soldiers, Enduring Malice Art' happened only recently. Yet, when applied to Qingchi, it's as if I specifically prepared it for her! Is this the path of destiny? It's a bit too terrifying."

Sun Lingtong grinned, still laughing, "I, on the other hand, find this quite interesting, remarkably so! After this incident, I've completely realized: destiny, an intangible force, is truly a treasure under heaven. If we could steal others' destiny to benefit ourselves, how wonderful would that be? We'd always be lucky, everything would go as we wished, just like Qingchi's smooth establishment of her army!"

Ning Zhuo's expression remained somber: "Boss, that's not what I meant."

Sun Lingtong laughed heartily: "Of course I know what you mean. You think we're both pawns, controlled by the heavens? Like your purchase of the 'Bearing Soldiers, Enduring Malice Art' was actually dictated and manipulated by heaven and earth?"

Ning Zhuo nodded: "Yes, boss. Has our journey so far also been a script arranged by the heavens? We're like characters in a book, puppets in a play, always thinking we're free, yet unaware that everything is controlled by a supreme ruler! And perhaps countless spectators are watching us like a show from angles we can't comprehend? Our perceived freedom is merely an illusion!"

Sun Lingtong was silent for a moment, then shrugged: "I don't know the answer to that question. What I'm thinking is, even if that's the case, so what? We can't surpass the heavens, can we? Can legendary immortals surpass the heavens? I'm not sure either. But I know that minor figures like us, even if controlled, are just part of minor acts. What does freedom or lack thereof matter? Even if we're puppets in a play, isn't it good enough to enjoy the current drama? In any case, all these things are quite interesting, aren't they?"

Ning Zhuo fell silent.

Sun Lingtong comforted him: "In short, we're still too weak. Delving into such difficult questions now offers no hope of finding answers. It's better to first enjoy our current adventure, cultivate step by step, and once we become important figures, it won't be too late to ponder this question."

Ning Zhuo mused: "Boss, after thinking it over, I believe my selection of the 'Bearing Soldiers, Enduring Malice Art' was entirely my own idea. I've skimmed through the introductions of all the military strategies in the whole library, comparing them multiple times, and this one consistently seemed the most suitable. If destiny were supreme and could arrange everything, how could a figure like the Lord of Oblivion emerge?"

Sun Lingtong clapped his hands in admiration: "Exactly! Your mind is sharper, Xiaozhuo; you've figured it out, haven't you? If destiny could arrange everything, it certainly wouldn't arrange for a cultivator to defy it. Otherwise, wouldn't it be asking for trouble? I really like that answer. In that case, nothing is pre-arranged in a script, nothing is fixed, which makes it much more interesting."

At this point, Sun Lingtong couldn't help but recall Ning Zhuo's poem in the Lava Immortal Palace—"Sixteen winters of bitter endurance, countless trials deepen my resolve. Reason and emotion intertwine, pulling strings, all beings bow, eternal subjects."

Sun Lingtong mused: "Actually, we and the Lord of Oblivion are the same kind of people. In contrast, the Grey Bone Elder, who helps us, is acting in accordance with heaven and earth."

Ning Zhuo showed a hint of surprise: "Speaking of the Grey Bone Elder, if I get the chance in the future, I'd very much like to seek his guidance. If possible, I'd even want to become his disciple!"

Sun Lingtong: "I also want to learn divination, but I'm worried that old man's rules are too strict. Among the hundred cultivation arts, divination is the one that delves deepest into the study of destiny. I want to learn it too!"

Ning Zhuo, however, instantly revealed what was in his heart: "Boss, you want to learn it so you can steal others' destiny, don't you?"

Sun Lingtong: "Haha, don't you think that's interesting? Perhaps in the future, I'll succeed in stealing it, and others won't even realize their treasure is gone. Just imagining that scene makes me find it quite amusing!"

Ning Zhuo: "Lower divination isn't a popular study. I hope the Grey Bone Elder, seeing that I am an anomaly of the Yang Heaven, might impart some secrets to me."

Sun Lingtong shook his head: "I don't think it's reliable. We're not the same kind of people as the Grey Bone Elder. I've interacted with his clone once; that old man gives me the feeling of seeing through everything and being unfathomably profound. Rather than becoming his disciple, I think you, Xiaozhuo, might have a better chance of acquiring lower divination techniques if you join the Myriad Manifestations Sect in the future."

Sun Lingtong had always possessed remarkably keen insight into human nature. Back when he was in Fire Persimmon Immortal City, he saw through Zhu Xuanji's true nature, directly clung to him, and acted like a rogue, genuinely leaving Zhu Xuanji with no options.

Ning Zhuo naturally knew his boss's capabilities and immediately lowered his expectations for the Grey Bone Elder.

"I still need to visit the Grey Bone Elder in person. If it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out. As a super-force, the Myriad Manifestations Sect should have divination techniques; perhaps I can gain access there. Even if neither of those works, we must still pay close attention in the future and do our best to collect divination techniques. What do you say, boss?"

Sun Lingtong immediately said: "I agree with both hands and both feet!"

After this experience, both men fully recognized the formidable power of lower divination, a cultivation art, and were greatly moved by it.

In the underworld, Sun Lingtong led his bull cavalry deeper into the heart of the Oblivion Underworld. On this journey, he intended to find Luo Si and seek further assistance.

In the mortal realm, Ning Zhuo continued his cultivation, while also keeping an eye on Sun Lingtong's movements and actively monitoring the developments in White Paper Immortal City.

Ning Zhuo's soul cultivation had been temporarily halted, mainly because his soul foundation had advanced too rapidly and become too powerful, exerting pressure on his physical body. Therefore, his cultivation was adjusted—he spent most of his time hiding in the Fetal Breath Spirit, improving his physical foundation. Besides that, he practiced the 'Bearing Soldiers, Enduring Malice Art.' In contrast, the three supreme arts of the sects were almost suspended due to time constraints.

The 'Bearing Soldiers, Enduring Malice Art' allowed one to collect external malice, consolidate it, and form military malice, which could be used in many ways at opportune moments. For example, applying it to spells would make them more potent. In particular, military malice suppressed ghosts and petty villains, which was very helpful for Ning Zhuo in dealing with such entities. Ning Zhuo collected military malice to fulfill one of three conditions that would enable him to disrupt the Lord of Oblivion's century-long scheme in the future. Qingchi collected military malice, using it to accelerate the cohesion of her own army's morale.

Ning Zhuo cultivated inside the giant paper effigy, while Qingchi sat cross-legged at the effigy's feet. The latter's comprehension was also quite remarkable; she quickly grasped this military strategy and continuously practiced it, becoming more proficient with each use. The speed of the army's morale cohesion steadily increased, displaying a new aspect every day.

Ning Zhuo observed Qingchi's progress with his own eyes. Previously, he had kept his distance from Qingchi, as he was not Jiao Ma and didn't want to interfere with another person's happiness. But now, circumstances had changed; it concerned the Lord of Oblivion's century-long malicious plot, the safety of the citizens of White Paper Immortal City, and his mother's dying wish, so Ning Zhuo had no choice but to adjust his strategy. Thus, during breaks in his cultivation, he took the initiative to invite Qingchi and Li Xiangshang to banquets. Qingchi was overjoyed, accepting every invitation eagerly. She strongly urged Ning Zhuo to drink, trying to get him drunk, with rather ill intentions.

Ning Zhuo recognized this and tried to invite Qingchi less often, preferring to invite Li Xiangshang more. Interacting with Li Xiangshang also helped Ning Zhuo understand the progress of Qingchi's army morale cohesion.

After several banquets, Ning Zhuo had gained a profound understanding of Li Xiangshang. He learned that Li Xiangshang was an ascetic. His true form was a carp, caught by Lady Fishing Moon with her net. The White-Headed Dragon Lord had long ago prohibited fishing in the Cang River. Lady Fishing Moon's action was a deliberate provocation, so the White-Headed Dragon Lord appeared, stopped her, and made a wager. The specific terms of the wager were: the White-Headed Dragon Lord would select a carp from the fishing net, cultivate it, and place it in a pool of weak water, betting that it could successfully cultivate, constantly ascend, and eventually escape the confines of the weak water.

Clearly, Li Xiangshang was that fortunate carp. He had originally been muddled and chaotic; it would have been almost impossible for him to embark on the path of cultivation on his own. But after being chosen by the Dragon Lord, he was directly taught the precious 'Ascending Dragon Transformation' scripture and continuously supplied with top-grade cultivation resources, all for the sake of winning the wager. Li Xiangshang ultimately lived up to expectations, diligently cultivating, constantly ascending to higher levels of weak water, inching closer to the surface, and finally leaping out, transcending his life's limitations. Li Xiangshang was deeply grateful and highly revered the White-Headed Dragon Lord. After helping the Dragon Lord win the wager, he was taken in as his subordinate. On ordinary days, Li Xiangshang still focused primarily on ascetic cultivation, rarely socializing. This time, while in secluded cultivation, he was summoned by the Dragon Lord. The latter ordered him to bring the Golden Nest Demonic Seed to White Paper Immortal City to carry out a support mission.

Ning Zhuo uncovered his background and secretly marveled. With his tact, he quickly drew closer to Li Xiangshang. Li Xiangshang initially held a negative view of Ning Zhuo, but Ning Zhuo was always as gentle as a spring breeze, quickly changing Li Xiangshang's impression. During this time, Ning Zhuo feigned intoxication and, taking advantage of an occasion when Qingchi was absent, proactively suggested a sparring match with Li Xiangshang. This sparring match directly earned Li Xiangshang's respect!

Ning Zhuo raised his cup: "Senior Li, I am truly curious, increasingly unable to contain myself. But I also worry that asking this question might seem like prying into another's cultivation secrets and offend you."

Li Xiangshang first clinked cups with Ning Zhuo, and after drinking, laughed heartily: "You want to ask about my innate talent, right? Actually, if you ask Qingchi, she'll definitely tell you. Not only does she know the name of my talent, but she's also experienced it firsthand, as I've empowered her with it."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "This is your cultivation secret, Senior Li. If I were to ask others, it would be disrespecting you, and that's not how one treats a friend. I'd much rather ask you directly. If you prefer not to disclose it, I will absolutely understand, penalize myself with three cups of wine, and never inquire about it again!"

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangshang's favorable impression of Ning Zhuo increased further. He rubbed the back of his head: "Oh, there's actually nothing to hide about this; many people already know. My innate talent is merely low-grade, called 'Rotten Fish to Make Up the Numbers.' As the name suggests, it can lower many cultivation standards. For example, it's hard to rally morale, but Miss Qingchi can overcome this initial hurdle with my assistance."

Upon hearing this, Ning Zhuo's eyes immediately lit up, and his fingers unconsciously tightened slightly, gripping the wine cup. He pressed on: "How much can it lower cultivation standards, and are there any limitations?"

Li Xiangshang replied that he had pondered it for a long time; most cultivation standards could be lowered. The degree of reduction was limited, and there were also significant drawbacks. Li Xiangshang gave a wry smile: "This drawback is quite severe; otherwise, my 'Rotten Fish to Make Up the Numbers' wouldn't be considered merely low-grade."

Ning Zhuo said, "Oh," and guessed: "Senior Li, allow me to guess. Does the use of this talent lead to festering sores?"

Li Xiangshang shook his head: "It's far more severe than festering sores." He lifted the armor over his abdomen, extended a finger, and pressed it onto his fish scales. Ning Zhuo saw the fish scales immediately indent deeply, without any rebound, directly forming a small hollow. Ning Zhuo suddenly understood.

Li Xiangshang voluntarily revealed the answer: "Most of the flesh on my body has already festered. If I hadn't strenuously maintained it and continuously healed my wounds, I would have long since rotted away and died. My current combat strength is less than one-tenth of what it once was. After each use of my innate talent, I need a long period of recovery. Lord Dragon King once sought various spiritual medicines for me, and even personally took action to heal my wounds, but the effects were always mediocre. This is a low-grade talent, but I am content with it! Without this talent, how would I have been chosen by the Dragon Lord? Without this talent to lower cultivation standards, how could I have mastered the 'Ascending Dragon Transformation'? Compared to countless ordinary carp, I am already very fortunate."

Ning Zhuo praised: "Senior, your mindset is as calm as the sea, something I should learn from." He then slightly narrowed his eyes, gently pressing his thumb on the mechanism ring, and said meaningfully: "Talent is talent. Even a low-grade talent, if used correctly, can unleash unexpected and unimaginable power and ingenious uses!"

Just like Zheng Jian's Heart-Piercing Insight. This talent was mid-grade, bestowing astonishing intuition upon cultivators. Its biggest drawback was that it could only be triggered when one's mind was completely calm. But Zheng Jian's spirit was anchored within the mechanism ring, devoid of thought and always calm, which meant its biggest flaw had been nullified.

Ning Zhuo looked at Li Xiangshang in front of him, and deep down, he wanted to ask: "Senior Li, have you ever considered changing your body for cultivation? Flesh and blood are weak; mechanical ascension awaits."