Han Ming said, “According to the book’s explanation, those with Immortal Aptitude are favored by the heavens. To overcome such a being is like transcending a tribulation, or akin to refining a Gu. Passing over one mountain is like embarking on a new vista in life.”

“My lord, you should be aware that after a significant increase in your Qi Number, opportunities often present themselves!”

Ning Zhuo became even more interested: “Are there any other methods to increase Qi Number?”

Han Ming replied, “Cultivation is the most important method. The stronger a cultivator’s power, the greater their Qi Number.”

“Borrowing momentum is also viable, but it must be done well. Otherwise, it could lead to internal friction.”

“Additionally, there are other treasures. For example, every super sect, super family, or cultivation kingdom possesses at least one precious artifact used to suppress Qi Number and regulate Qi Luck.”

Ning Zhuo nodded: “Transcribe that ‘Qi Number Theory’ from memory.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Ning Zhuo added: “Also, transcribe any other books that do not involve your sect’s restrictive techniques.”

Han Ming replied again: “Yes, my lord.”

Ning Zhuo then inquired about the Soul Contract.

Han Ming explained that it was a technique of the Soul Devouring Sect, capable of forming contracts through the soul, making it highly reliable.

The key was that the essence of Han Ming’s cultivation lay in her soul. Signing a Soul Contract would provide the greatest control over her. Once signed, her life and possessions would be entirely at Ning Zhuo’s command.

Ning Zhuo studied the Soul Contract briefly, but found himself unable to comprehend it.

He decided to proceed cautiously.

Fortunately, the materials, talismans, and other necessities for forging a Soul Contract would take time to gather, so there was no immediate rush.

“Although you have pledged allegiance to me, I will need time to verify your loyalty.”

“You should strive to perform well from now on,” Ning Zhuo instructed.

Han Ming, head bowed and meek, whispered: “Yes, my lord.”

Ning Zhuo thought for a moment, and before leaving, he lengthened the chains a bit more, allowing Han Ming to move around within half of the cell, as a reward.

Ning Zhuo had not anticipated such a great harvest from this meeting with Han Ming.

He had learned of Yuan Dasheng’s Immortal Aptitude.

Detecting such talent was a complex matter. All three Golden Core cultivators had examined Yuan Dasheng’s corpse, yet none had discovered it.

“It was only through my having Han Ming devour his soul that it was accidentally triggered, leading to its identification.”

“Righteous bones, firm as gold, perfect material for crafting mechanisms. Marvelous!”

Secondly, he had gained knowledge of the secrets of Qi Number.

“The ‘Qi Number Theory’ is very interesting.”

Finally, he had also subdued Han Ming.

Of course, Ning Zhuo harbored doubts about Han Ming’s submission.

At this moment, he wished he possessed Zhu Xuanji’s abilities to detect falsehoods. Sadly, Zhu Xuanji’s lie detection relied on specific magical power, techniques, and golden eyes.

Ning Zhuo lacked all these prerequisites.

Yuan Dasheng’s corpse, due to the presence of the righteous bones, could only be dealt with later.

During this time, Ning Zhuo needed to ensure that Yuan Dasheng’s soul remained weak, preventing it from being summoned into the underworld.

However, with Yuan Dasheng’s physical body destroyed, it could no longer nourish the soul. Even if Ning Zhuo did nothing, the soul would gradually weaken according to the laws of nature.

What Ning Zhuo needed to do was to increase surveillance to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

What is the best kind of enemy?

A completely deceased one!

Ning Zhuo would keep a close watch on Yuan Dasheng’s soul until it could be put to use.

Ning Zhuo closed his eyes and began his review of the day.

The knowledge of Qi Number gave him a deeper understanding of himself, the exploration of the Immortal Palace, and the world itself.

He first thought of himself.

“If I truly possess supreme talent and a strong Qi Number, it makes sense.”

“Without parental protection, I grew up smoothly to the age of sixteen, and developed and accumulated wealth that even my uncle and aunt’s generation never possessed.”

“Since exploring the Immortal Palace, I have repeatedly encountered crises, but even in the worst situations, there has always been a glimmer of hope, never completely defeated.”

For example, his name had not been discovered by others, giving Ning Zhuo time to adjust.

Another example was Yuan Dasheng’s unexpected appearance. His time of entry and exit was staggered with Meng Chong and the others. Yuan Dasheng did not encounter anyone else, and the three major forces did not discover Yuan Dasheng, giving Ning Zhuo room to maneuver.

Ning Zhuo then thought of Yuan Dasheng.

“Looking at Yuan Dasheng, he actually had several chances at survival.”

If Ning Zhuo had not successfully changed his name before, or not done so in time, and Yuan Dasheng had discovered it, he would have immediately realized his true situation. He would have immediately become wary and responded more precisely to Ning Zhuo’s machinations.

If he had not injured his soul to care for Yuan Er, and had continued to explore the Immortal Palace, he might have run into someone else. Although that would have been unfavorable, it could have also brought about a turning point.

If he had not gone to join them when the mechanical monkeys attacked Yuan Er at the Fire Persimmon Festival, the subsequent loss of control would not have occurred. Ning Zhuo’s plan would not have succeeded!

If he had not cared for Yuan Er during the chain explosions in the Thousand-Year Fire Persimmon Forest, and had instead curled up, even if he was wary of his surroundings and did not use his demonic powers, using his peak Third Level Five Elements magical power, he could have protected himself, and might have remained conscious after the explosion. Being conscious versus being unconscious are completely different concepts, a qualitative difference.

Finally, even if Yuan Dasheng had protected Yuan Er and fallen unconscious, he still had a glimmer of hope. That was for Zhu Xuanji to be moved and offer assistance. As long as he held on for a while and awakened, or his soul entered the Immortal Palace, there would be a turning point.

Unfortunately, Ning Zhuo acted in time, resolutely entered the game, and Yuan Er also performed poorly, failing to protect his monkey uncle.

“Fate actually gave him many opportunities, but he failed to seize them.”

“Also, he was burdened by Yuan Er.”

Ning Zhuo sighed inwardly, gaining a deeper understanding of some of the knowledge in the Qi Number Theory.

Thoughts churned in his Divine Sea as he reviewed the entire process, generating a constant stream of insights.

“Hm?”

Countless thoughts brushed against the precious seal in his Divine Sea, leading to an unexpected discovery.

“Why has my Buddha-Heart Demon Seal been activated so many times?”

Ning Zhuo was wary of Zhu Xuanji, and had rarely used the Buddha-Heart Demon Seal during this hidden assassination. The most prominent instance was using the seal to command the mechanical monkeys to riot.

As these monkeys were destroyed by the formation, it was basically a matter of destroying the evidence.

Even if it were investigated, Ning Zhuo would use the excuse that he was the creator to offer a perfect explanation.

Afterward, he had not used this precious seal at all during his negotiations with Yuan Er, still guarding against any small flaw.

The means of the cultivation world were countless, and Ning Zhuo sought stability with all his might.

In Ning Zhuo’s view, no matter how precious the Buddha-Heart Demon Seal was, it was just a tool. Since it was a tool, it depended on the user’s skill. Over-reliance on a tool was not advisable; if it didn’t cause trouble today, it would sooner or later.

Therefore, according to Ning Zhuo’s knowledge, he had not used the Buddha-Heart Demon Seal many times.

But now, upon contacting the Buddha-Heart Demon Seal, he unexpectedly discovered that the facts conflicted greatly with his impressions.

“When did this happen? I’ve used the Buddha-Heart Demon Seal more than once, at least three or four times.”

Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but be astonished.

What was going on?

This had never happened before.