Crimson Flower Camp.

Ning Zhuo arrived before the camp gate,
displaying his token.

“Young Master Ning Zhuo, please follow me.”
The guards already recognized Ning Zhuo.
After verifying the token, one of them
stepped forth to lead the way.

This identity token was a gift from Zhang Chongyi
after the previous healing session,
given for Ning Zhuo’s use.

Ning Zhuo, familiar with the path,
reached the physician’s tent, entered,
and bowed, saying, “Senior Zhang,
this junior troubles you once again.”

Upon seeing Ning Zhuo, Zhang Chongyi stroked his beard
and smiled, “Speak not of trouble, little friend.
Please, have a seat here.”

After sitting down, Ning Zhuo
unbuckled his belt.

He held up the shrunken Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon
with one hand, showing it to Zhang Chongyi.

Zhang Chongyi focused his gaze, his expression slightly surprised.
“So, it is indeed the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon.”

“Last time, seeing your friend appear so suddenly,
I thought it was merely a Hidden Weapon Talisman
or Army Dispatch Order.”

“Little friend’s wealth and resources are truly rare.”

Ning Zhuo displayed the half-section of the dragon’s body
to Zhang Chongyi, informing him that
the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon had been struck by
the Blood Shadow Cave Master’s spell,
and would be detected by the Blood Shadow Cave Master
whenever it approached the Thousand Peaks Forest.

“I wish to ask for senior’s assistance once more,
to help us dispel this hidden danger,”
Ning Zhuo stated directly.

Zhang Chongyi first took the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon,
examined it closely before his eyes,
and from time to time, formed hand seals,
cast spells, and performed probes.

A moment later, the slight furrow in his brow relaxed.
“It is indeed the Blood Mark Shadow Trail Art
of the Blood Shadow Cave Master.”

“Resolving this is not difficult.”

“However…”

Zhang Chongyi’s tone shifted, stating
that he was, after all, no longer a Nascent Soul cultivator,
and currently possessed only Golden Core cultivation.
To resolve the Blood Mark Shadow Trail Art,
external assistance was needed.

“If there were a Nascent Soul level pill cauldron,
combined with a few medicinal ingredients,
and continuous refining for twelve days,
the spell could be dispelled.”

“Alas, to my knowledge,
there is no such pill cauldron in the entire Cyanwood Immortal City.”

Heavy production tools like pill cauldrons
often command exorbitant prices.
A high-quality Nascent Soul level pill cauldron
could potentially consume the majority of a Nascent Soul cultivator’s lifetime wealth.

Zhang Chongyi, though once an Imperial Physician,
had not accumulated enough wealth
to possess his own Nascent Soul level pill cauldron.

“How can this be remedied?” Ning Zhuo sighed,
his eyes darting about. “If not a pill cauldron,
would a refining furnace suffice?”

Zhang Chongyi lamented Ning Zhuo’s quick wit,
and immediately nodded. “That is precisely what
I was about to say. Currently, within Cyanwood Immortal City,
there exists a Nascent Soul level refining furnace,
controlled by the Great Craftsman of the Realm, Jin Li.”

“Through him, we can likewise resolve
this Blood Mark Shadow Trail Art.”

Ning Zhuo pondered in silence, a touch hesitant.

He trusted Zhang Chongyi more,
but knew little about Jin Li.

Through the Human Fate Thread and the Heart Demon Seal of My Buddha,
he could handle Zhang Chongyi,
but Jin Li was at the Nascent Soul level.
If anything went awry, the situation would be beyond
his current ability to manage.

Zhang Chongyi perceived Ning Zhuo’s hesitation,
and said, “I am quite familiar with this man, Jin Li.”

“He is upright in character, straightforward in speech,
and his words are as sharp as a blade.”

“Furthermore, we can sign a contract
to ensure that no one else knows
you possess the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon.”

“However, to enlist his aid,
the cost will not be low. You must be prepared.”

Jin Li was, after all, of the Nascent Soul realm,
and as a National Craftsman,
he had a significant refining mission
during his current visit to Cyanwood Immortal City.

To have him make time for private work,
something that could move his heart must be presented.

Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong conversed
via divine sense transmission. After discussing,
Ning Zhuo nodded and said to Zhang Chongyi,
“As senior suggests.”

Zhang Chongyi immediately wrote a flying letter.

The flying letter shot out of the tent,
flying directly into Cyanwood Immortal City.

Taking advantage of this moment, Zhang Chongyi
dismissed his attendants, speaking only to Ning Zhuo.
“This old man also has a matter
I need to trouble little friend Ning Zhuo with.”

“Of course, this is merely a proposal.
If little friend is unwilling, then so be it.”

“So long as the matter is kept strictly confidential.”

Upon hearing these words, both Ning Zhuo
and Sun Lingtong’s curiosity was piqued.
Especially Sun Lingtong, who immediately pricked up
his ears within the mechanical dragon.

Ning Zhuo immediately stated that
he would do his utmost in any matter within his ability.

Zhang Chongyi smiled. “This matter can be said to be difficult,
and yet also quite easy. Perhaps it is but a thought away.”

“However, this matter is of military importance.
Before I elaborate, let us first
establish a contract.”

“And your friend, if he wishes to listen,
please also enter into a contract.”

No sooner had he spoken than Sun Lingtong
hopped out of the mechanical dragon,
his attitude quite eager.

Seeing Zhang Chongyi so solemn,
Ning Zhuo’s expression grew slightly more serious.

With the contract established, Zhang Chongyi
looked at the two and quietly spoke
of the proposal of dual cultivation.

“Dual cultivation? With General Mu Lan?!” Ning Zhuo
widened his eyes, pointing to himself.
For a moment, he was greatly astonished.

In his view, the disparity was simply too vast.

“Hehehehe, Little Zhuo, this is a great fortune!”
Sun Lingtong, hearing this, laughed
so hard he nearly fell over backward.

He greatly enjoyed such amusements.

Zhang Chongyi sighed deeply, and explained
the details to the two.

“Mystic Gold Armor Breaking Art?” Ning Zhuo
lightly furrowed his brow. “Perhaps, I can
modify this cultivation method to assist the General.”

“There is no need for dual cultivation.”

“Please, senior, do not be offended.
This is not this junior’s arrogance,
but rather that the implication of primal yang
is of great significance to one’s path in this life.”

Zhang Chongyi nodded. “Indeed, this is true.
Thus, careful consideration is required.”

Sun Lingtong stared at Ning Zhuo.
“Little Zhuo, you are not cultivating the Pure Yang Art
like I am. I have seen the three main sect arts
you cultivate. Primal yang is not so important to you.”

“Furthermore, have you not always told me
you are dissatisfied with the slowness of your cultivation?
Now, with dual cultivation, you would have a Golden Core level
Dao Companion to infuse you! Your cultivation
will surely advance by leaps and bounds!”

Zhang Chongyi’s eyes lit up slightly,
and he stroked his beard with a smile.
“If both sides are willing, this would be a joyful occasion,
hahahaha.”

Ning Zhuo quickly waved his hand.
“I am but a humble Foundation Establishment cultivator,
while General Mu Lan is a Golden Core cultivator,
commanding an army. For this junior to dual cultivate
with General Mu Lan would be truly reaching too high.”

“Moreover, dual cultivation is a matter of great importance.
I must report it to my clan’s ancestor
and gain the clan’s approval before such a great matter can proceed.”

Zhang Chongyi discerned Ning Zhuo’s intention to politely decline.
The smile on his face receded, and he nodded, saying,
“Involving primal yang and primal yin,
dual cultivation is indeed a significant matter,
requiring careful consideration.”

Just as he was speaking, a flying letter
drilled into the tent, landing before Zhang Chongyi.

It was Jin Li’s reply.

Zhang Chongyi opened it and read it,
slightly surprised. “Brother Jin has agreed,
but he proposes a reward: the Nascent Soul level treasure material
in little friend Ning Zhuo’s possession…”

This did not entirely surprise Ning Zhuo.

He gave a bitter smile and used the same explanation
as before with Zhang Chongyi, saying it was a family mission
to trade with a major power.

Ning Zhuo pondered for a moment.
“The family mission is important, but dispelling the Blood Mark Shadow Trail Art
is also quite important. I have decided, I will agree
to Great Craftsman Jin Li’s request and ask for his assistance!”

Immediately, Zhang Chongyi, Ning Zhuo, and Sun Lingtong,
taking the mechanical dragon with them,
went to see Jin Li.

After Zhang Chongyi and Jin Li discussed,
combining their strengths, they devised
several methods to sever the Blood Mark Shadow Trail Art.

Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong conferred,
and quickly made a choice.

They chose the quickest method,
and for this, they had to pay a greater price.
This price was not paying more remuneration,
but rather that the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon would suffer
multiple injuries due to the aggressive method.

But to return to Old Monster Stone’s side as quickly as possible,
and avoid further complications with prolonged delay,
this decision was undoubtedly wise.

Ning Zhuo watched with his own eyes
as the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon entered the refining furnace.

The furnace door closed, fierce flames rose,
and began to burn intensely.

According to Jin Li and Zhang Chongyi’s estimates,
it would take three days and three nights at the quickest,
or four days and five nights at the slowest.

Without the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon wrapped around his waist,
Ning Zhuo felt unaccustomed for a time,
a slight emptiness in his heart.

Despite his injured right arm, Sun Lingtong
could not resist, and temporarily parted ways with Ning Zhuo,
drilling into Cyanwood Immortal City to play.

Ning Zhuo returned alone to the Three Generals’ Camp,
entered his own tent, and began his daily cultivation.

He first took out his meditation cushion.

This Dharma artifact was distributed by the three families
in cooperation in Vermilion Persimmon Immortal City,
and is still effective.

Ning Zhuo then activated the Floating Cloud Scarf.

Since using it in Vermilion Persimmon Immortal City,
he seemed to have formed a habit. Without the Floating Cloud Scarf
wrapped around himself, he always felt a bit uncomfortable.

Layers of floating clouds covered Ning Zhuo’s entire body,
wrapping him into a large cotton ball.

Within the cotton ball, Ning Zhuo took out various spirit foods,
and consecutively stuffed them into his mouth.

Spirit foods have a shorter shelf life than pills,
but fortunately, they have no medicinal properties,
allowing cultivators to fully absorb them.

The spirit foods of Cyanwood Immortal City
are mostly sweet and spicy in taste. Ning Zhuo
is still not quite accustomed to it, and choked once
in the middle.

He first cultivated the Demon Tainted Blood Tendon Art.

Demonic light shone upon his face,
making it appear blood-red, with faint outlines
of tendons and membranes.

And in his lower Dantian, a field of crimson ground,
blood tendons crisscrossed, spreading and intertwining,
forming a network covering the entire ground.

After a large amount of spirit food was digested,
it was refined into essence blood, added to the blood field,
making the blood tendon carpet even more robust.

Ning Zhuo then cultivated the Five Elements Qi Harmony Art.

He took out the Dharma artifact Tornado Windmill,
placing it close to his middle Dantian.

Within the Five Qi Celestial Pivot Dantian,
five-colored currents swirled like tornadoes,
reaching from heaven to earth. The five-colored
five-element spiritual power was sometimes distinctly separate,
and sometimes mixed into one. With the aid of the Tornado Windmill,
the vortex accelerated its rotation, absorbing external spiritual energy,
and transforming it into its own spiritual power more quickly.

When cultivating the Mirror Stage Spirit Communication Art,
he used the Serene Heart Bell.

Bell sounds rang out in waves, quickly bringing him
into a state of meditation, and continuously deepening it.

Within the Bright Mirror Spiritual Light Dantian,
thoughts arose one after another, generated in large quantities.
Distracting thoughts were all eliminated, actively extinguished.
Unique mirror thoughts combined with each other, transforming into
flat mirrors. And at the extreme upper and lower limits,
there were two large mirror surfaces each,
acting as the heaven and earth within the Dantian.

And the most conspicuous object within the Dantian
was none other than the Heart Demon Seal of My Buddha.

Besides this, there was the divine ability of the Pink Lotus and Azure Leaves,
the Human Fate Thread.

“According to common knowledge, the Foundation Establishment stage
is mainly divided into six phases, corresponding to
the early, middle, and late stages of Foundation Establishment.”

“These are: unobstructed opening of the field,
cultivation of precious medicine, luminescence of the Dantian,
planting of symbol seals with unusual phenomena,
internal illumination of golden light, and transformation from
the illusory to the substantial.”

“The three main sect arts are superior arts.
The content in the Foundation Establishment chapters
precisely includes these six phases.”

Earlier cultivation methods might not have contained these six phases.

New methods are excellent. Compared to old,
outdated methods, they can better strengthen
a cultivator’s foundation and more comprehensively
enhance a cultivator’s power.

Looking back through history, later generations of Foundation Establishment cultivators,
due to cultivating new methods, were often more powerful
than their predecessors of the same era.

Ning Zhuo himself possesses the Five Viscera Temple Spirit God Art.
This cultivation method is too ancient.
There is no significant difference between the early, middle,
and late stages of Foundation Establishment.

If one were to stretch the interpretation, there is only
the final stage of “transformation from the illusory to the substantial,”
and it is even mixed with the final stage of transcending the tribulation
to form a core.

Unlike contemporary cultivation methods, which separate the two,
making them more detailed and allowing for greater refinement.

“Every day, the time I invest in cultivation
is three times that of ordinary people.”

“Typically, the cost of daily cultivation
for a Foundation Establishment cultivator,
converted into spirit stones, is roughly
one thousand five hundred lower-grade spirit stones.”

“The cost of the various spirit foods I consume
and the Dharma artifacts I use, when calculated,
amounts to a daily expenditure of five thousand lower-grade spirit stones.”

“Despite this, I have not yet reached the state of
unobstructed opening of the field,
not even a hint of a sign.”

“Sigh…”

As Ning Zhuo travels the world, he faces
an increasing number of powerful individuals.

Sometimes, he even has to directly confront
threats at the Nascent Soul level!

The situation where Foundation Establishment cultivators
only encounter opponents of similar strength,
or at most slightly stronger, basically only exists in storybooks.

Reality is cruel. It will not treat you kindly
because you are weak. The truth is quite the opposite.

Ning Zhuo very much wants his cultivation
to advance rapidly.

He once consulted Sun Lingtong about this matter,
but was advised against it by the latter.

Ning Zhuo also knows that what Sun Lingtong said
makes a lot of sense. His progress is actually already very fast.
A sixteen-year-old Foundation Establishment cultivator—
this achievement is excellent when viewed across
the entire cultivation world.

But Ning Zhuo still yearns for a great increase in cultivation!

Especially this time, he was suggested by Zhang Chongyi
to dual cultivate with Mu Lan, which further
stimulated this thought in him.

“I really want my cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds!”

“I am only in the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
Many things cannot be done. It is truly too difficult.”

“Dual cultivation…”

Although Ning Zhuo politely declined Zhang Chongyi,
he was secretly indeed moved.

Once he dual cultivates with Mu Lan,
his own cultivation will soar due to the dual cultivation.
Coupled with Mu Lan’s special circumstances,
she will infuse a great deal of cultivation into him,
causing him to soar even more!

“Losing primal yang is nothing.
But the significance of a dual cultivation partner
is extremely important.”

“Dual cultivation involving the convergence of primal yang
and primal yin can only happen once in this lifetime.
Therefore, the choice of a Dao Companion is crucial.
There is only one slot.”

“After dual cultivation, the relationship between the two
will be very close, and the effectiveness of subsequent
dual cultivation will be far higher than for ordinary people,
thus making them even more intertwined than husband and wife.”

“As the clan head of a Ning branch family,
am I to form a Dao Companion relationship with the daughter
of a General’s Mansion from two powerful nations?”

Ning Zhuo is very aware of the disparity involved.

If Lin Shanshan harbors affection for Ning Zhuo,
and Hua Guzi’s liking for Ning Zhuo
stems from desire, then Mu Lan’s attitude towards Ning Zhuo
is entirely based on cold, calculated interests.

Ning Zhuo is not at all repulsed by this. He saw much of it
in Vermilion Persimmon Immortal City and learned a lot
from books.

“This is how the righteous path operates,” Ning Zhuo thought.
He simply cannot determine whether this dual cultivation transaction
would result in a gain or a loss for him.

In the future, will he have a better option?

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