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Ning Zhuo realized it was a matter of sustained effort, and decided there was no need to rush.

He proactively ended this training session.

Qing Chi was reluctant to part, asking Ning Zhuo when the second session would be.

When she learned that it would be every day, she revealed a genuine smile.

Ning Zhuo instructed her to practice what she had learned that day diligently and to strictly keep the matter of automatons learning talismans a secret.

Qing Chi nodded heavily and immediately swore an oath.

Ning Zhuo naturally trusted her very much.

Among those around Ning Zhuo, Sun Lingtong was undoubtedly the most trusted, her position unshakable. Qing Chi came in second.

Next was Gongsun Yan, and then Chef Lao.

After all, Gongsun Yan had a favor to ask of Ning Zhuo, which provided a more inherent basis for trust than Chef Lao.

Chef Lao and Wen Ruan-yu had similar levels of trust. The former was grateful and repaid kindness, while the latter greatly admired Meng Yao-yin.

Ning Zhuo placed Xue Cai-nü Hui in the training room, letting her continue practicing talisman crafting.

Every time she crafted a talisman, even without competitors, she would feel proud if she succeeded.

Ning Zhuo had confirmed that as long as there were no strong external interferences, automatons like Xue Cai-nü Hui, once they learned to craft a certain talisman, would have a 100% success rate in subsequent crafting!

“However, what she crafts are actually low-grade talismans.”

“There is still huge room for improvement here.”

Talisman crafting is like alchemy, with grades. Cultivators with deep talisman crafting skills have a much higher chance of producing high-grade talismans than ordinary people.

In this aspect, Xue Cai-nü Hui revealed the weakness of automatons—currently, she can only guarantee the lowest standard, meaning she can only produce low-grade talismans.

Ning Zhuo was not anxious: “Crafting talismans is also about understanding spells and so on. For example, if I only craft Wuxing (Five Elements) talismans, as long as I have enough proficiency, I can most likely craft high-grade talismans.”

“Of course, limited to Foundation Establishment-level talismans.”

Although Jindan-level talismans could also be crafted, Ning Zhuo was limited by his cultivation, and the success rate was not high; what he produced was basically of low quality.

Of course, this was also related to his talisman crafting skill.

If his skill improved, the quality and success rate of crafting talismans beyond his level would also increase significantly.

For cultivators who have mastered master-level skills, crafting one level higher is common!

After arranging Xue Cai-nü Hui, Ning Zhuo took out Xue Shu-yu Xie to examine.

Supernatural power—Life Thread Suspended!

Ning Zhuo immediately confirmed: Xue Shu-yu Xie had not reached the Spirited stage. And in his perception, there was still some distance to go.

Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but compare her to Yuan Da-sheng, and had some new conjectures: “The progress of spirituality seems to be related to innate talent!”

“Yuan Da-sheng possessed the Immortal Aptitude, Righteous Bone and Adamant, so during the Spirited stage, his emotions were most intense, and the time he spent in it was shorter.”

“Ning Xiao-hui has the Superior Aptitude, Ice Fat Jade Hand, so once she entered the automaton body, she quickly reached the Spirited stage. Her emotions were not very intense, and it took some time to express them, which was relatively stable.”

“Ning Xie’s aptitude is only the Inferior Snow Soul Ice Soul, so it will probably take longer for her to enter the Spirited stage.”

“How can I make her advance earlier?”

“Should I use an automaton body that is more suitable for Snow Soul Ice Soul?”

Ning Zhuo had more musings.

“This is actually another key question.”

“That is, how to nurture spirituality!”

“Can I find relevant ancient texts within the Fangxiang Sect?”

“Given the secret of spirituality, would it be taboo for me to search directly? If noticed by someone with ulterior motives, what would be the specific risk?”

Ning Zhuo had long known the huge risks hidden in his Huozang Banruo Jie Ling Jing. Once exposed, his situation would be very dangerous.

Before, the matter of “You Ling Shuo” had already involved risks. If he were to delve deeper into research, attracting powerful enemies would be terrible.

“I need to find a safe way to do this.”

“It’s best if I don’t act myself, and let the Boss do this.”

“His camouflage skills are much better than mine!”

When Sun Ning and his companions traveled, they had already agreed on one in the open and one in the shadows. Ning Zhuo was in the open, and Sun Lingtong was in the shadows.

According to their positioning, this kind of thing should be done by Sun Lingtong. He was more suitable than Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo put away Xue Shu-yu Xie, then used Life Thread Suspended to contact Sun Lingtong, informing him of this plan.

Sun Lingtong agreed without hesitation: “Okay, no problem on my end. I just need to find relevant ancient texts first. Perhaps we can teleport out, find an immortal city, and directly purchase them from a book tower, which might be more convenient.”

Ning Zhuo’s eyes flickered: “Any immortal city has strict defenses, making it very easy to leave traces. If we choose this, it might as well be in Bai Zhi Immortal City.”

“There’s a complete book tower there.”

Sun Lingtong shook his head, disagreeing: “No! We also have businesses there. The Qingjiao Army is in our hands, and the current Bai Zhi City Lord has a favor to ask of us. Although it was by chance, we also risked our lives to establish this foundation.”

“Even if we can’t make a living in Nandou Country in the future, this place is a major retreat for us.”

“Don’t take risks in Bai Zhi Immortal City. A rabbit doesn’t eat the grass near its burrow.”

Sun Lingtong had a deep understanding of thievery and was very sensitive to the arrangement of safe houses.

Ning Zhuo was persuaded: “Indeed. Let’s find another opportunity in the future. Nurturing spirituality is not an urgent matter right now.”

“Boss, how is your research on the demonic talismans on the tiger demon’s corpse? And the academy notes given by Shen Xi?”

Previously, when he and Sun Lingtong secretly exchanged items, he had coincidentally given these two items to Sun Lingtong for research.

Ning Zhuo also informed Sun Lingtong of the entire process of how he became enemies with Pi Fu-jie.

Sun Lingtong: “I’ve studied the demonic talismans. It’s consistent with the intelligence: the Pi family uses cultivator skin as material, employing relevant techniques from paper-crafting to engrave talismans.”

“Related talismans must be engraved on living bodies, so conventional materials cannot be used, naturally.”

“Therefore, they chose souls as the main material. The closer the soul’s type and attributes are to the target of the talisman, the better the talisman fits the target.”

“The two demonic talismans, one for increased defense and one for overall speed, are also consistent with the intelligence you provided.”

“However, they both employ highly unconventional talisman crafting techniques, forming a seamless whole, making it difficult to find an entry point for comprehension for a while.”

“Even with the help of the Luoshu book pages, it’s still the same.”

Sun Lingtong paused here, then changed the subject: “However, with the help of the Luoshu book pages, I learned Shen Xi’s academy notes on the Jiugong Array very quickly.”

“Currently, I have comprehended more than half of the content. Shall I teach you?”

If Shen Xi were here, he would surely be greatly shocked.

Sun Lingtong’s comprehension in array formations was exceptionally high.

Ning Zhuo, however, shook his head: “I’ll look at it myself first and also borrow the Luoshu book pages. Once I have some results, then I’ll discuss it with you, Boss.”

When he had enough time, Ning Zhuo preferred to comprehend things himself first, to train his understanding ability.

Sun Lingtong had reminded him of this back in Wuyin Mountain.

Ning Zhuo was an obedient child; he always kept Sun Lingtong’s guidance in mind and actively implemented it.

Indeed, Sun Lingtong heard Ning Zhuo’s choice and nodded repeatedly in satisfaction within the Shuyu Zhai.

Cutting off contact, Ning Zhuo began his daily practice.

He first used Tai Xi-ling to cultivate his physical body. Now, more than half of the pressure exerted by the million human souls on his physical body had been relieved.

The main force was Tai Xi-ling; Chef Lao’s spirit food only played a minor role.

Then, Ning Zhuo pondered the Mo Ran Xue Jin Gong again.

He was always dissatisfied with his comprehension speed of this cultivation method. Although he gained something every time he pondered it.

In the stage of the anomalous phenomenon seed talisman, he was currently stuck on the Jinghai Lower Dantian.

“My nature is kind; I am a genuine righteous person. I have the most talent in cultivating Buddhist scriptures and have always enjoyed helping others.”

“For the innocent citizens of Bai Zhi Immortal City, I risked my life to fight against the God Transformation-level Wangchuan Fujun.”

“Given my disposition, this demonic cultivation method really isn’t suitable for me!”

“Alas, the Honghua Seal is still there. If Lin You could provide another demonic cultivation method, it could also give me some reference.”

“Perhaps I should purchase some demonic cultivation methods outside of Wanxiang Sect. Let Boss do this.” Ning Zhuo anticipated Lin You because he had personally witnessed the methods of the Demonic Heart Cave Master, and had a strong feeling that this cultivation method could help him.

But as for other demonic cultivation methods, Ning Zhuo had no feeling.

There must be some demonic cultivation methods that contain principles similar to Mo Ran Xue Jin Gong.

But here came the problem.

On one hand, Ning Zhuo didn’t know how to select these demonic cultivation methods. This would inevitably require a lot of energy and time.

This could not be entrusted to others, as it concerned his main cultivation method.

On the other hand, Mo Ran Xue Jin Gong was a top-tier cultivation method. Any cultivation method with reference value would also be of high grade and expensive.

Ning Zhuo knew without asking that the cost of purchasing these cultivation methods would be enormous!

With his small status, going to the complete book tower to buy them would certainly not be qualified!

This was another layer of trouble.

The same applied within the Fangxiang Sect.

Ning Zhuo estimated that he would at least need to become a Jindan true disciple to possibly obtain cultivation methods of this level.

From this point, one could also indirectly confirm the immense value of the Fiery Lava Immortal Palace.

Meng Yao-yin’s dying instructions to a two-year-old Ning Zhuo, urging him to focus on this opportunity, were not without reason.

After two days of cultivation like this, Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo secretly rendezvoused again.

Ning Zhuo retrieved the tiger demon’s corpse and Shen Xi’s academy notes jade slip.

Sun Lingtong had already processed the tiger demon’s corpse, stripping its tendons and skin, and disassembling its internal organs, flesh, and bones. These could be sold or used as materials for future alchemy, artifact refining, array formations, talisman crafting, or mechanism creation.

The tiger demon’s soul was also securely sealed by a talisman.

This talisman was called Qihun Fu (Soul Dwelling Talisman), a talisman crafting method developed by the Soul Devouring Sect. After Ning Zhuo acquired almost all of Tian Shuang’s possessions, there were a large number of soul cultivation ancient texts among them.

Sun Lingtong usually hid in the automaton Dragon, and besides cultivating his own cultivation, he also used his leisure time to research various things.

The Qihun Fu was relatively simple, so Sun Lingtong learned it casually.

“This talisman can only temporarily store souls. Over time, it’s easy for the souls to dissipate, become incomplete, and their quality to decrease,” Sun Lingtong specifically reminded.

Tian Shuang’s possessions originally included jade bottles for storing souls. But these items had been used by Ning Zhuo as resources for building his army.

Neither Sun nor Ning ever regretted this action.

These jade bottles and other magic tools and treasures were auxiliary items, and belonged to Tian Shuang. It would take a lot of time to re-refine them. The Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts were not ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators!

Moreover, the Qingjiao Army was related to a major plan and involved life and death, so full investment was justified.

Ning Zhuo nodded: “In the upcoming martial drills, I’m afraid we’ll collect some more souls. We need to prepare some soul-containing jade bottles in advance.”

“But I am of the righteous path, so it’s not very convenient for me to go buy them.”

Sun Lingtong grinned and proactively replied: “Small matter, I’ll buy them.”

Ning Zhuo nodded again: “Mhm, mhm!”

The tiger demon’s corpse was properly handled, and the most valuable part was undoubtedly the tiger skin.

This tiger skin bore the Ranxue Benteng Fu (Blood Burning Galloping Talisman) and Qianchong Linpi Fu (Thousand-Layer Scale Skin Talisman), and was quite intact; it could still be activated by infusing spiritual power.

This was thanks to Xue Cai-nü Hui’s freezing kill, which ensured the perfect condition of the tiger demon’s corpse.

“So, this counts as a magical artifact.” Ning Zhuo tried to infuse spiritual power and saw the tiger skin quickly fill up and then integrate into one body.

It landed on the ground, stood upright, and transformed into the appearance of a tiger demon.

The tiger skin was lifelike, as if the tiger demon had been resurrected.

“Paper-crafting skill,” Ning Zhuo realized, indeed feeling the strong paper-crafting techniques contained within it.

After all, he had encountered Xuan Su Shusheng and the paper-man army secretly deployed in the underworld.

Compared to the plain and unadorned paper-man army, this tiger skin was filled with intense blood energy and demonic energy, making its presence more obvious, truly showing its sharp edge.

“Mother was also skilled in paper-crafting, but unfortunately, she didn’t leave me any related ancient texts.”

“If that giant paper-man statue in Bai Zhi Immortal City hadn’t been burned down, I would have a new Nascent Soul-level combat force. What a pity!”

“If I have the chance, I’d also like to learn paper-crafting.”

In fact, Ning Zhuo wanted to learn everything.

As long as the tiger demon’s crafted skin had enough spiritual power, it possessed the combat strength of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. It was a somewhat dispensable supplement to Ning Zhuo’s combat capabilities.

Ning Zhuo stored them all in his storage belt and then picked up Shen Xi’s academy jade slip, beginning his research.

According to Sun Lingtong: most of the content in this jade slip had already been comprehended by him. The Shen family of Jiugong Immortal City indeed had many unique aspects. However, truly valuable knowledge was not covered in the jade slip.

Sun Lingtong thus reminded Ning Zhuo: “This should be the fishhook Shen Xi left for you.”

Ning Zhuo had long anticipated this and merely smiled faintly.

He immersed himself in research, quickly forgetting the passage of time.

Only when his mind grew hazy did he realize that more than half a day had passed.

Ning Zhuo looked at the jade slip in his hand, a wry smile on his face: “This academy note already has rich annotations and explanations, yet I can only comprehend 30% of its content.”

“And this is with the help of the Luoshu book pages.”

“Boss’s strength in array formations is much stronger than I previously knew.”

Ning Zhuo was first struck by Qing Chi’s talent in talisman crafting, then praised Sun Lingtong’s comprehension in array formations, feeling that he was inferior.

If Shen Xi knew this situation, in addition to being shocked, he would surely feel ashamed. Even with the help of the Luoshu book pages, Ning Zhuo’s demonstrated comprehension had left him far behind!