Han Ming said, "According to the book's explanation, those with Immortal Talent are favored by heaven and earth."
"When they overcome challenges, it’s akin to enduring tribulations, almost like refining gu, ascending to new horizons with each mountain they surmount."
"Master, you should be cautious in the near future. Once your fate energy surges, opportunities will often come your way!"
Ning Zhuo's interest was piqued. "Are there other methods to increase one's fate energy?"
Han Ming replied, "Cultivation is the primary method. The stronger a cultivator’s power, the greater their fate energy."
"Borrowing external forces also works, but if done poorly, it may lead to internal depletion instead."
"Additionally, certain treasures can aid in regulating and enhancing one's fate energy."
"Every super sect, prominent clan, and even each cultivation nation possesses at least one powerful treasure specifically for stabilizing fate energy and adjusting fortune."
Ning Zhuo nodded. "You will transcribe that book, Theory of Fate."
"Yes, Master."
Ning Zhuo continued, "For other texts not restricted by your sect’s prohibitions, transcribe those as well."
Han Ming replied again, "Yes, Master."
Ning Zhuo then inquired about the soul contract.
Han Ming explained that it was a technique from the Soul Devouring Sect, a soul-binding contract that was exceptionally reliable.
Crucially, Han Ming’s cultivation essence resided in her soul.
Once the contract was signed, it would give Ning Zhuo full control over her life and death.
Ning Zhuo studied the soul contract briefly but found it incomprehensible.
He decided to proceed with caution.
Fortunately, gathering the materials and talismans required to establish the soul contract would take time, so there was no rush.
"Although you've pledged your loyalty, time will test your devotion."
"Show your worth in the days to come." Ning Zhuo advised.
Han Ming lowered her head humbly, replying softly, "Yes, Master."
Before departing, Ning Zhuo thoughtfully extended the length of her chain, allowing Han Ming to move around half of the cell as a reward.
Ning Zhuo hadn’t anticipated the gains he would reap from this encounter with Han Ming.
He now understood Yuan Dasheng’s Immortal Talent.
Detecting innate talent is a complex task.
Three golden core cultivators had inspected Yuan Dasheng's body, yet none had identified his Immortal Talent.
"It must have been Han Ming’s devouring of his soul essence that inadvertently triggered the reveal, allowing her to deduce it."
"The unyielding gold bones—these would make perfect materials for mechanical constructs. Marvelous!"
Furthermore, he now grasped some of the mysteries surrounding fate energy.
"Theory of Fate is indeed intriguing."
Finally, he had gained Han Ming's allegiance.
Of course, Ning Zhuo remained skeptical of Han Ming’s submission.
At that moment, he wished he possessed Zhu Xuanji’s skills to detect lies.
Unfortunately, Zhu Xuanji’s ability relied on specific spiritual power, spells, and Heaven-Piercing Eyes, none of which Ning Zhuo possessed.
Yuan Dasheng's body, due to the presence of unyielding gold bones, would need to be handled later.
During this time, Ning Zhuo had to ensure Yuan Dasheng’s soul remained weak, preventing it from being drawn into the underworld.
Since Yuan Dasheng’s physical body was already deceased and unable to nourish his soul, the soul would naturally weaken over time.
What Ning Zhuo needed most was to intensify his vigilance to prevent any unforeseen events.
What makes the best enemy?
An enemy that is truly dead!
Ning Zhuo would continue to monitor Yuan Dasheng’s soul closely until it was rendered unusable.
Closing his eyes, Ning Zhuo began his daily reflection.
His newfound knowledge about fate energy gave him a deeper understanding of himself, his exploration of the Immortal Palace, and the world itself.
He first considered his own situation.
"If I truly possess supreme talent with powerful fate energy, then everything makes sense."
"Without parental protection, I grew up unscathed to the age of sixteen and amassed wealth that my uncle and aunt could never dream of."
"Ever since I began exploring the Immortal Palace, I have faced constant perils, but in the worst of times, there was always a sliver of hope. No threat has completely crushed me."
For example, his name had not been discovered by others, giving Ning Zhuo time to adjust.
And then there was the unexpected encounter with Yuan Dasheng.
The timing of his entrance and exit did not coincide with Meng Chong and the others.
Yuan Dasheng had not crossed paths with anyone else, giving Ning Zhuo room to maneuver.
Ning Zhuo then pondered Yuan Dasheng’s situation.
"Yuan Dasheng actually had several chances for survival."
Had Ning Zhuo failed to change his name, or had he done so too late, Yuan Dasheng would have immediately realized his true circumstances and responded with greater vigilance, foiling Ning Zhuo's schemes more effectively.
Had Yuan Dasheng not harmed his own soul for Yuan Er’s sake and continued exploring the Immortal Palace, he might have encountered others, which, though dangerous, could have also presented a new path.
If, during the Fire Persimmon Festival, Yuan Dasheng hadn’t rejoined when the mechanical monkeys attacked Yuan Er, he might not have lost control, preventing Ning Zhuo's plot from succeeding.
If, when the thousand-year-old Fire Persimmon Forest erupted in a chain explosion, Yuan Dasheng had abandoned Yuan Er and shielded himself, even with a peak third-tier Five Elements spiritual power, he might have stayed conscious after the blast.
And being conscious versus unconscious was a significant difference, representing a qualitative shift.
Even after protecting Yuan Er and losing consciousness, Yuan Dasheng had one last chance: Zhu Xuanji might have been moved to help.
If Yuan Dasheng had lasted a little longer, awakening on his own or his soul entering the Immortal Palace, he might have found an escape.
But Ning Zhuo had acted decisively, stepping into the fray without hesitation, and Yuan Er’s poor performance had failed to protect his “Monkey Uncle.”
"Fate offered him many opportunities, yet he squandered them all."
"He was indeed dragged down by Yuan Er."
Ning Zhuo mused, his understanding of the Theory of Fate deepening.
His thoughts surged within his Divine Sea, replaying the entire process and generating fresh insights.
"Hmm?"
Among his many thoughts, he stumbled upon his treasured seal within his Divine Sea, making an unexpected discovery.
"Why has the Buddha Heart Demon Seal been activated so many times?"
Due to his wariness of Zhu Xuanji, Ning Zhuo had rarely used the Buddha Heart Demon Seal during this covert operation.
The most prominent instance was when he commanded the mechanical monkeys to rebel using a heart seal.
Once these monkeys were destroyed by the formation, their bodies were essentially eradicated.
Even if investigated, Ning Zhuo could claim to be the maker, crafting a flawless explanation.
Afterward, he hadn’t used the seal at all in his dealings with Yuan Er, guarding against even the slightest flaw.
Given the countless techniques in the cultivation world, Ning Zhuo sought absolute security.
To Ning Zhuo, however valuable the Buddha Heart Demon Seal might be, it was merely a tool.
A tool’s worth lies in the user's skill.
Excessive reliance on any one tool was a dangerous habit, bound to fail sooner or later.
According to Ning Zhuo's understanding, he hadn’t used the Buddha Heart Demon Seal many times.
But upon touching the seal, he discovered that the reality conflicted greatly with his memory.
"When did this happen? I’ve used the Buddha Heart Demon Seal not once but at least three or four times."
Ning Zhuo was surprised.
What was going on?
This had never happened before.