Chapter 626: How can this be considered dual cultivation?

The space within the magic array resembled an immensely deep, bottomless well, seemingly reaching the netherworld. Inside the well, Yin energy surged like a tide, so thick it resembled ink. It was no longer a vast current of air, but more like a viscous liquid.

"Blackwater Mountain, White Paper City..." Seeing this scene, Ning Zhuo's heart stirred as he recalled the name of White Paper Immortal City, as it was known outside.

The well walls were smooth as a mirror, neither stone nor jade, seemingly constructed purely from the magic array itself. The black, water-like Yin energy surged and roared within the well, at times rolling up black waves several zhang high, crashing against each other with dull, thunderous roars.

Yang Wenning and the other two stood at the edge of the well, all feeling the piercing cold brought by the "black water." Its chill surpassed ice and snow, penetrating straight to the bone marrow, suppressing even their own Yang energy, and could even freeze the flow of spiritual power.

Amidst this raging tide of Yin energy, a figure floated quietly: none other than the City Lord of White Paper City. She did not merely drift with the current; instead, she slowly rose and fell within the violent black tide in a nearly solidified posture, imbued with supreme majesty.

She had a classic oval face, but her bone structure was exceptionally distinct and strong. Her cheekbones were high and sharp, as if carved by a knife, and her jawline was clear and powerful. Even with her eyes closed in deep sleep, she exuded an undeniable sense of determination and sternness. Her beauty was sharp and striking, like two long, keen swords slanting towards her temples. The surface of her dark brows was already tinged with a silvery-gray hue, like steel covered in frost.

Her eyes were tightly closed. Her eye shape was that of narrow, sharp phoenix eyes; even closed, the curve of her eyelids was like meticulously drawn ink lines, with sharp, upward-slanting tails, outlining a sense of nobility, arrogance, and scrutiny. Her lips were thin and had distinct peaks. Originally, they should have been a striking cinnabar red, but now they were a lifeless pale gray-purple, like withered wisteria petals. They were tightly pressed together, maintaining a cold, aloof expression even in her unconscious state. Her figure was tall and upright, her bone structure well-proportioned. Even lying flat, she exuded a sense of toughness and strength. Her long hair fanned out, shining black, a luster that even the black, Yin tide couldn't obscure. At the ends of her hair, the black gradually transitioned into an eerie, deep blue. Among the strands, tiny, ice-blue Yin energy crystals occasionally sparkled like stars, then quickly vanished into the thick waves of her hair.

"City Lord..." Wen Ruanyu sighed. After so long, he finally saw the City Lord's true form, but she was clearly in a terrible state, completely unable to wake up.

Yang Sanyan narrowed his eyes. This was his first time seeing the current City Lord of White Paper Immortal City. Even with his broad experience and cold heart, he was captivated by the White Paper City Lord's captivating appearance at this moment. This was while she was unconscious; it was hard to imagine what kind of aloof and powerful demeanor she would exude when she opened her eyes.

The Yin energy boiled in the well, crashing like thunder. The White Paper City Lord, at the very center, was like amber suspended in time. All the chaotic energy, within a few feet of her body, seemed to be suppressed by an invisible, absolute will originating from her, becoming viscous and slow. The White Paper City Lord was like a ten-thousand-year-old profound ice cube dropped into an ink-black sea. Not only was she not corroded or melted, but she was frantically assimilating and absorbing this destructive energy. Every slow rise and fall seemed like an unconscious breath, drawing the vast Yin energy into her body. Her skin, revealed at times, was covered in a greenish hue, like ghost skin. Coupled with her majesty, it felt as if one were granted an audience with a lord of the underworld!

The City Lord's paper clone let out a long sigh: "This is the current state of my true form. For the sake of White Paper Immortal City, she bore the vast majority of the Yin energy within her, which led to her falling into a coma years ago, making it difficult to awaken her."

Wen Ruanyu observed her intently, his expression extremely solemn: "The City Lord was originally a cultivator from the Yang world, so her internal Yang energy should far surpass her Yin energy. But now, having absorbed too much Yin energy, she is almost on the verge of death!"

"What can be done?"

The paper clone shook its head: "I have secretly considered countless methods, but none have proven effective. The main reason is that the true form is near death, so any method cannot be too strong; even slightly disrupting the balance would cause this fragile state to collapse and lead to her instant death!"

"However, if the methods are not strong, how can they be effective against this mountain- and sea-like Yin tide?"

As if having suppressed too much for too long, and suddenly finding someone to confide in, the paper clone continued to lament: "For all these years, for the greater good of the Immortal City, I have kept her true condition a secret, sealing her true form here."

"Out of necessity, this clone has had to impersonate her true form, to handle certain situations."

Yang Sanyan frowned deeply. If the true form was in this state, completely unable to awaken, how could a divine pact be signed? Signing only with the clone would significantly reduce its binding force.

"The sect's intelligence was correct." Yang Sanyan thought. "The current White Paper City Lord is an ambitious woman with a strong desire for control. Despite her difficult and perilous situation, she has always refused to relinquish her power, secretly enduring for so many years through sheer grit."

If this situation were to be exposed, the White Paper City Lord's position would undoubtedly face numerous challenges. Her true form is unable to fight, making it very easy for someone to challenge her for the City Lord's position.

Yang Sanyan took out the divine pact: "City Lord, I didn't expect your situation to be so dire. If your true form cannot be awakened, and we sign this divine pact, it will be difficult for us to establish fundamental trust between us!"

"How should this problem be resolved?"

The paper clone's face was bitter, and it slowly shook its head.

Wen Ruanyu suddenly said: "So that's it. That's why the City Lord has recruited so many male consorts."

"Because the true form is in a coma, only by having others engage in dual cultivation, with the other party taking the lead, can Yin and Yang blend and alleviate the burden of Yin energy on the City Lord's true form."

"Moreover, Yin-Yang dual cultivation is profoundly mysterious and a great principle of heaven and earth. Even if Yin energy is as vast as the sea, it must be obediently transformed, rather than extinguished directly, like a flood overwhelming a small flame."

The paper clone continued: "Unfortunately, I have directed the Yin energy within her body, according to the array, to places like the Hidden Yang Villa and the Yang-Strengthening Pavilion. Even with the combined efforts of numerous male consorts, it's merely a drop in the bucket compared to the total amount of Yin energy; it's only just enough to maintain her near-death state."

"The Yang energy from the Golden Swallow Fork, however, is not dual cultivation and is mixed with demonic energy, making it completely unsuitable for my true form."

"The reason it was displayed was merely to give everyone an idea and a glimmer of hope."

Ning Zhuo's emotions surged for a moment. He thought of Sun Tiesheng, who had ruined his cultivation path because of this and was forced to transform into half-human, half-demon. If Sun Tiesheng had heard these words, what would he have felt? Sun Tiesheng was already dead; Shen Bing and Chen Sui also died because of the Golden Swallow Fork. If they had known this was merely a ploy orchestrated by the City Lord, what would they have thought? Even Zheng Shoumo had been tricked. Because of the Golden Swallow Fork's master recognition, he had acted repeatedly, and due to his hasty actions, he revealed flaws, which Ning Zhuo then exploited.

However, speaking of which, Ning Zhuo had also played a part in fanning the flames. If he and Wen Ruanyu hadn't designed it, they wouldn't have established the Spirit Pact Refinement Array at the Yang-Strengthening Pavilion, creating such a grand commotion.

"What about Li Xiangshang?" Ning Zhuo's heart stirred. Li Xiangshang was sent by the White-Headed Dragon Lord. "The White-Headed Dragon Lord first dispatched Jin Yangzi, and later sent Li Xiangshang as reinforcement. How much does he know, and what kind of agreement does he have with the White Paper City Lord?"

"Is Li Xiangshang also someone fanning the flames, simply unaware of it himself?" As Ning Zhuo thought this, he gained a new understanding of White Paper Immortal City's perplexing situation. The true grand scheme was Underworld Lord Wangchuan's century-long conspiracy. Under the great ritual of Heavenly Ghost Transformation and Tribute, White Paper Immortal City had already been designated as a place for blood sacrifice.

"My mother knew about this through Old Man Graybone, but she didn't inform the White Paper City Lord."

"So, does the White Paper City Lord know about this?"

On Underworld Lord Wangchuan's chessboard, the White Paper City Lord was a chess piece, and White Paper Immortal City was the prey he intended to strike. On the White Paper City Lord's chessboard, the Golden Swallow Fork was her tool; Sad Music Ghostly Performer, Wen Ruanyu, and even Ning Zhuo, were all her chess pieces. Sun Tiesheng, Shen Bing, Chen Sui, and many other male consorts were her pawns. Li Xiangshang was likely also a chess piece, but whether the White-Headed Dragon Lord was, Ning Zhuo found it difficult to judge.

"What the mysterious organization is, I am currently not qualified to know. Only after joining the Myriad Phenomena Sect will I have further opportunities."

"The message left by my mother makes me appear to be a chess piece on the surface, but secretly gives me the potential to become a player."

"Yang Sanyan wants the City Lord's true form to sign the divine pact; this is beneficial to me."

The White Paper City Lord had greatly funded Ning Zhuo, never stingy with rewards. Even her funding of the Azure Scorched Army was generous. For an ordinary person, they would have long since been completely devoted and offered their loyalty. But Ning Zhuo was no ordinary person. He had seen through the situation and understood the White Paper City Lord's true nature and character. Therefore, he decisively chose to side with the Myriad Phenomena Sect.

"Is the White Paper City Lord an accomplice of Zheng Shoumo?"

"This question is crucial!"

"If she is, I will absolutely not risk getting involved in the Heavenly Ghost Transformation and Tribute."

Because according to Yang Sanyan, Ning Zhuo's mother was likely harmed by the mysterious organization. If so, the message left by Meng Yaoyin would be of a lower echelon than this mysterious organization. It's even possible that the mysterious organization already knew about the message she left and merely chose to keep it. As Ning Zhuo thought this, he realized the crucial point at hand: "The City Lord's true form must be awakened."

Once his thoughts were set, he acted decisively. Immediately, he broke the silence: "Actually, it's not difficult to awaken the City Lord."

That single sentence immediately drew the attention of everyone present to Ning Zhuo.

"You have a method?" Yang Sanyan asked curiously.

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands, his face serious, and solemnly said: "Allow me to inform you all, I have a slight understanding of medical arts. I have a technique that can resolve the City Lord's current predicament."

Yang Sanyan nodded decisively: "Then please, young brother, demonstrate this technique."

Wen Ruanyu looked on with anticipation.

The paper clone pondered, then said: "Very well, but I must closely supervise the entire process."

"Naturally," Ning Zhuo smiled, "my medical art is not forbidden for outsiders to observe."

"Please proceed." The paper clone extended a hand. She manipulated the magic array, causing the black Yin tide to support the true form, slowly bringing her up to the well wall.

Ning Zhuo stood before the City Lord's true form. Approaching closer, he realized that the City Lord was very tall, nearly nine feet. He decisively extended his hand, reaching toward the City Lord's body. While still three feet away, Ning Zhuo felt a prickling sensation in his palm, as if poked by needles. The Yin energy contained within the City Lord's true form was terrifyingly vast! An ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator would have long since died. Only the White Paper City Lord, relying on her innate talent, could achieve such an exaggerated state.

Ning Zhuo wisely stopped, his palm aimed at the City Lord's true form, maintaining a distance of three feet. The paper clone, Yang Sanyan, and Wen Ruanyu all watched without blinking, staring at Ning Zhuo's actions.

To the trio's surprise, Ning Zhuo did not activate any medical technique, but instead directly projected a stream of Yang energy from his palm. The paper clone immediately showed a look of disappointment. It had thought Ning Zhuo would perform some profound medical art, but it turned out to be the same old Yin-Yang dual cultivation.

"Ning Zhuo is merely at the Foundation Establishment stage, though his combat power is formidable. But he's still too young; how much Yang energy can he possibly have?"

"Hmm?!" The next moment, the paper clone's expression changed. She was astonished to see that after this stream of Yang energy gushed forth, it didn't require Ning Zhuo's control or his participation in dual cultivation; it directly entered the White Paper City Lord's true form, like a nestling returning home. In this process, the Yang energy quickly blended with the Yin energy. This blending was incredibly fast, highly efficient, and simply perfect!

Yang Sanyan and Wen Ruanyu, noticing this scene, also showed expressions of surprise and looked at Ning Zhuo with newfound admiration.

"How strange! What kind of technique is this?" the City Lord's clone exclaimed. "The Yang energy condensed from it is extremely compatible with the true form, almost as if it's from the true form itself!"

Wen Ruanyu nodded, praising: "Young friend Ning Zhuo's cultivation may be low, but his methods are extraordinary, constantly surprising people."

Yang Sanyan: "Rather than medical art, wouldn't this be a method of dual cultivation? I didn't expect you, Ning Zhuo, to be so skilled in dual cultivation!"

"Cough, cough, cough." Ning Zhuo coughed repeatedly, "How can this be considered dual cultivation? Dual cultivation requires the exchange of primal Yang and primal Yin! This level is merely me producing some cultivation resources for the City Lord to use."

"Senior Yang, I am going to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect in the future, and I'm still young; please don't ruin my reputation!"

Yang Sanyan blinked: "Your method is extremely profound! It seems you can refine your own Yang energy to perfectly match different individuals."

"Simply amazing!"

"If this were to be exposed, I wonder how many female cultivators would want to cultivate with you."

Ning Zhuo coughed twice more: "This method consumes my foundation, so it cannot be abused or used frequently. It's only due to the current dire circumstances that I'm forced to use it. I hope everyone present will keep this a secret for me!"

Yang Sanyan: "I won't speak of it then."

Wen Ruanyu: "A gentleman is discreet."

The paper clone then said: "Truly worthy of being our Immortal City's savior. Young Master Ning Zhuo, your methods are profound and constantly surprising. Alas, that you must deplete your foundation; your reward this time will certainly not be small! I hope you will act more often to save my true form, which is also to save the entire White Paper City."

Ning Zhuo gritted his teeth, feigning an appearance of exerting all his strength. He secretly activated the Demonic Blood Vein Technique, channeling his vital essence, making his face quickly turn pale. In reality, the Yang energy he projected all came from the Yin-Yang Unity Kettle. It was essentially converted Yin energy from the White Paper Immortal City Lord, and had little to do with him personally.

A moment later, the White Paper City Lord's true form's eyelids twitched and slowly opened. Her first gaze fixed upon the large-headed young man who was dual cultivating with her.