Inside the cell, the Ning Clan cultivators were in the midst of a heated debate.
The Dharma Transmission Bell had transmitted a technique called the Five Elements Qi Regulation Technique, but only its first three levels.
Yet, upon comparing their interpretations, each person found inconsistencies.
For instance, regarding the segment on metal qi condensation, some understood it as: “Metal qi enters the palm, permeating the channels, circulating from the palm to the lungs, nourishing the organs. To cultivate this, one must have a broad mind, breathing evenly, as metal qi is drying and, if misused, can harm the yin lungs.”
Others interpreted it as: “Metal qi enters the palm… the spirit rises like a storm, with breath quickened. Metal qi is sharp, suited for decisive and ruthless action, advancing forward.”
The first understanding advocated a slow and steady practice, while the second emphasized bold progress.
Although they had all heard the same bell chime, their insights differed, naturally leading to endless debate.
“It seems you all still don’t quite understand what a Dharma Transmission Bell is.”
Before long, Chi Dun appeared, accompanied by Ning Chen and Ning Yong.
At this point, he had finished interrogating all the Ning Clan cultivators.
Everyone looked over. Someone bowed, saying, “Please, enlighten us, Lord Chi Dun.”
Ning Zhuo glanced at Ning Chen and Ning Yong, smiling.
However, Ning Chen and Ning Yong averted their gazes.
During their interrogation, they had revealed everything, including how they had acted under Ning Zhanji’s orders to provoke Ning Zhuo into entering the cave.
Chi Dun explained to the crowd, “As the name suggests, the Dharma Transmission Bell’s purpose is to transmit a technique.”
“The advantage of transforming the bell chime into a technique is that it transcends language and can be understood by beings of different races.”
“The Sages of the Three Sects are compassionate and seek to enlighten all beings.
Thus, they left the Dharma Transmission Bell not only to guide humans but also to reach all life forms.”
“The Dharma Transmission Bell varies in quality.
A common bell transmits the same technique to everyone, but a superior bell can tailor the technique according to each individual.”
Most people were surprised, though a few showed thoughtful expressions.
Chi Dun continued, “The techniques each of you have received are all correct because they were adjusted according to your unique characteristics.”
“So that’s how it is!” The cultivators were enlightened, their faces lighting up with joy.
“Every cultivation technique is a method of drawing in external energy, allowing us to absorb, store, and utilize it. Each technique can be modified and adapted.”
“Indeed, ancient techniques struggle to compete with new ones precisely because the external environment constantly changes.”
“The Sages of the Three Sects are truly compassionate, looking out for each of us.”
Chi Dun added, “This is also a hallmark of the Buddhist Gate. Buddhism excels at converting energy, refining external power into corresponding Buddhist power."
"The saying, ‘Lay down the butcher’s knife and become a Buddha on the spot,’ refers to the ability to transform the accumulated power of demonic cultivators into Buddhist power.”
“However, don’t overestimate the effect. The Dharma Transmission Bell’s adjustments are limited, given it catered to every living being in the city.”
“So, don’t assume this technique is flawless. During cultivation, you can still attempt to make improvements.”
The Ning Clan cultivators exchanged glances.
Someone chuckled wryly, “Improving a technique? Too difficult! Lord Chi Dun overestimates us.”
Another added, “Only those with deep knowledge or exceptional talent can modify a technique. That’s beyond our capabilities.”
Chi Dun understood this well but was merely offering a kind reminder.
“Alright, you’ve all cleared your suspicions. Follow me, and let’s not take up space in the dungeon anymore.”
Releasing the Ning Clan cultivators was an intentional gesture.
Chi Dun was subtly signaling goodwill to the Ning Clan, implying that interrogating them had been a matter of duty rather than his personal intent.
The Ning Clan cultivators expressed their gratitude and followed Chi Dun out of the cell.
As they stepped out of the dungeon and into the dawn light, the heart-warning bell on Chi Dun’s person suddenly rang out sharply.
Chi Dun’s expression changed as his aura surged.
Following the bell’s guidance, he sped off, generating a wave of energy that sent the Ning Clan cultivators flying.
Boom!
The next instant, a loud explosion shook the ground, and dust rose.
From within the dust, a shadow shot forth.
The Ning Clan cultivators cried out in alarm, “It’s the Shadow Demon Cultivator!”
“You scoundrel! How dare you spy on the dungeon!” Chi Dun roared in fury, chasing the Shadow Demon Cultivator.
The Shadow Demon Cultivator laughed harshly, his voice raspy as he fought while retreating.
Boom, boom, boom.
The two leaped across various buildings, each clash reducing structures to rubble.
City residents scattered in panic, chaos erupting.
“We should leave, too!” The Ning Clan cultivators fled in the opposite direction.
Ning Chen and Ning Yong tried to pull Ning Zhuo along with them.
Ning Zhuo, however, said, “Why leave? Let’s go back to the dungeon; it’s safer there!”
The two were momentarily stunned.
Ning Zhuo grabbed both their hands. “Trust me.”
So, the three of them returned to the dungeon.
Back inside the cell, their seats, fruits, and tea had yet to be cleared away.
The three sat down again.
Ning Zhuo explained, “Although the Immortal City has a grand formation that suppresses all cultivators’ power, golden core stage cultivators are still far beyond what we can contend with.”
“What if their battle brings them right near us?”
“Just like in the Demon Lava Cave!”
“Lord Chi Dun is strong; he’s a body cultivator, so his combat effectiveness is the least affected in Fire Persimmon Immortal City. His chances of victory are high.”
“It’s best to wait until he kills the Shadow Demon Cultivator. That’s when it’s safest to leave.”
Ning Chen and Ning Yong found his reasoning sound.
Boom, boom, boom…
The clash of two golden core cultivators continued, each blow causing the entire dungeon to tremble, with dust falling from above.
Ning Chen and Ning Yong sat on edge.
Meanwhile, Ning Zhuo remained calm, leisurely eating fruit and drinking tea, seeming rather carefree.
Seeing his relaxed manner, Ning Chen and Ning Yong felt even more admiration.
Ning Zhuo explained, “I’ve made peace with it! If those two golden core cultivators come here, we’re done for. In the worst case, we might as well eat well to avoid dying hungry.”
Ning Chen was speechless.
Ning Yong slapped his forehead, giving Ning Zhuo a thumbs-up. “Ah Zhuo, you’re right. Smart thinking!”
He grabbed a handful of grapes, stuffing them into his mouth, then urged Ning Chen, “You should eat too, come on.”
Ning Chen rolled his eyes, visibly troubled, and shook his head. “You two go ahead. I can’t eat.”
The golden core battle didn’t last much longer.
The three continued listening, noticing the noise gradually receding. They began to feel at ease.
Once the sounds disappeared, a guard came to urge the three Ning Clan youths to leave the dungeon.
Chi Dun and the Shadow Demon Cultivator had vanished entirely. According to others, the battle had moved outside the city.
Large sections of buildings lay in ruins, reduced to rubble.
Among the ruins, corpses lay scattered, and the cries of survivors filled the chilly morning air.
The three young Ning Clan cultivators looked solemn.
“It’s strange. I used to think the Immortal City was safe!” Ning Yong remarked.
Ning Chen sighed, “This is already a blessing. The Immortal City Grand Formation suppresses the power of golden core cultivators. Otherwise, a single golden core spell would devastate half the city.”
Ning Zhuo urged, “That’s beyond our control. Let’s head back. All I want now is to collapse into bed and sleep through it.”
His words instantly reminded the other two of their own fatigue.
After walking a short distance, Ning Zhuo parted ways with the two.
The previous night’s events had been so intense that Ning Zhuo was utterly exhausted. He fell asleep as soon as he lay down.
It was dusk when he finally awoke.
After a light meal, he headed to his underground workspace.
Sitting cross-legged on his meditation mat, he began his first practice session of the Five Elements Qi Regulation Technique.
Previously, he had cultivated the Snow Domain Talisman Diagram, one of the three major Ning Clan techniques.
Typically, he would need to completely dissipate his accumulated magical power, clearing it away entirely before switching to another technique.
But Ning Zhuo didn’t have to.
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
Converting others, becoming the Buddha himself.
This seal allowed not only suppression of his own thoughts, achieving equanimity and resisting probes, but also provided a unique method for transforming his spiritual power.
Immediately, his magical power continuously transformed, converting directly into five elements spiritual power with astonishing efficiency!