Chapter 40: All Thrown Away

Sun Lie opened his mouth slightly upon hearing this, shaking his head after a long while, "Very few."

"So, the true value of the Lava Immortal Palace doesn't lie in the inheritance of Mechanism Arts, but in the foundational cultivation methods for the Three Gates and Three Dantians?"

Fei Si nodded, "The City Lord's foresight is beyond our comprehension."

"Among the hundred arts of cultivation, Mechanism Arts have always been a niche within a niche since ancient times. What's worth pursuing?"

"These foundational cultivation methods for the Three Sects are the most valuable treasures!"

Sun Lie nodded, sighing, "So that's how it is."

Meng Chong clenched his fists, his fighting spirit ignited, "I must obtain the Three Sects' cultivation methods and cultivate the Upper, Middle, and Lower Dantians simultaneously!"

"I can't wait any longer. Old Sun, tell me quickly, how can the Rampaging Thunder help with dissipating my cultivation?"

Sun Lie chuckled, "It's quite simple."

"After this battle, you should be able to actively control the Rampaging Thunder."

"When you dissipate your cultivation, activating the Rampaging Thunder simultaneously will accelerate the process."

"The Rampaging Thunder talent has a wide range of uses, not just for dissipating cultivation. It can also accelerate the accumulation of spiritual power during cultivation."

"In intense battles, it can help you add thunderous power, restraining enemies of the Yin attribute."

"Ordinary cultivators must cultivate supernatural powers step by step from their natal spells. You possess the Immortal-grade Rampaging Thunder, akin to a seed of supernatural power. If you grow steadily, it can be transformed into a true supernatural power!"

"There are other applications as well, which you can slowly experience and discover in the future."

"However, be mindful that this talent consumes your Essence, Qi, and Spirit. It must never be overused without restraint."

Meng Chong acknowledged with an "Oh," and cupped his fist in gratitude.

Sun Lie then turned to Fei Si, "That Han Ming repeatedly came to probe me before, yearning for the Phoenix Soul Blood Fragrance Pill."

"I previously tolerated her in private, not pursuing the matter excessively, out of consideration for her being a disciple of the Soul Devouring Sect."

"This time, she actually tried to take my life. I am now sworn enemies with her!"

"I added a scentless medicinal fragrance to those six Phoenix Soul Blood Fragrance Pills after the fact. As long as I refine a bottle of elixir, after you consume it, you will be able to smell that medicinal fragrance."

"Following the fragrance, you will be able to track down the Phoenix Soul Blood Fragrance Pill! Even if it has been consumed by a cultivator, as long as it hasn't been detected or dispelled, you will be able to smell it for several months."

Although Sun Lie was rough and unreserved, he had been wandering the cultivation world for so many years; he was no pushover.

In fact, how could someone who could set up a scheme to awaken Meng Chong's innate talent be without strategy?

Fei Si nodded, changing his previous attitude, and bowed his hand, "Worthy of being a Grandmaster of Alchemy. I misunderstood you before, please forgive me."

For a Golden Core cultivator to bow to a Foundation Establishment cultivator like this, Sun Lie held him in even higher regard.

Sun Lie was also an old hand, nodding slightly and no longer mocking Fei Si, but praising him meaningfully, "The Fire Persimmon City Lord has a good subordinate."

After dividing the spoils, Sun Lingtong bid farewell to the young servant Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo's voice was hoarse, his expression indifferent, "Old Sun, thanks to your help this time. I'll remember this favor."

Sun Lingtong giggled, "Hey, old brother, have you considered my previous proposal again?"

"Joining the Non-Emptiness Sect?" Ning Zhuo shook his head, "I have no interest."

In Ning Zhuo's view: he was a Ning, part of the righteous path, aiming to scheme for the Lava Immortal Palace; why would he give up his good life to join the demonic path?

Although, strictly speaking, the Non-Emptiness Sect could not yet be considered a demonic sect, it was definitely a heretical sect.

Sun Lingtong also shook her head, "But you are just right for my sect."

These words caused a slight stir in Ning Zhuo's heart.

He recalled his speculation in the Lava Immortal Palace that he might be hiding a talent, and that this talent might be superior to Early Wisdom.

Ning Zhuo probed, "I heard that the Non-Emptiness Sect likes to recruit cultivation seeds with hand-related talents. Such as the Fragrance-Stealing Jade-Touching Hand, Void Displacement Hand, Flowing Light Weaving Shadow Hand, Dexterous Hand, Cloud-Piercing Hand, and so on."

"Could it be that I have this kind of talent, which is why you, Old Sun, have always valued me?"

Sun Lingtong shook her head, "I'm not an introductory elder in the sect, how would I know?"

"I think your nature is inherently suited to the demonic path."

Ning Zhuo's tone darkened, "Don't make such jokes in the future."

Sun Lingtong glared and shouted, "Don't you believe me, these eyes of mine are very accurate in judging people."

"Enough." Ning Zhuo interrupted.

Sun Lingtong scoffed, "Alright then. What should we do with these pills we snatched?"

Ning Zhuo said, "Capturing Han Ming alive is my true goal. These pills are too hot to handle; let's dispose of them all."

"I don't believe that Sun Lie, after being probed by Han Ming so many times, wouldn't have done anything to the pills."

Sun Lingtong gave a thumbs-up, "Old brother, you are as cautious as ever. However, is it a little wasteful to dispose of them all?"

"With the methods of my Non-Emptiness Sect, as long as you give me some time for testing, even the most hidden countermeasures can be detected."

"After all, that Sun Lie is only at the peak of Foundation Establishment."

Ning Zhuo shook his head, "I strongly advise against doing that."

"This time, we accidentally stumbled upon Meng Chong. He is the grandson of a Nascent Soul cultivator; our actions could easily be interpreted as an assassination attempt against Meng Chong."

"I'm afraid that Fei Si has already begun investigating us."

"Time is pressing and does not allow you to test slowly. It's best to be careful; dispose of these pills immediately!" Ning Zhuo emphasized again.

Sun Lingtong patted her chest and nodded, "You're right; I still want to stay in Fire Persimmon Immortal City."

"But, how should we dispose of them?"

Ning Zhuo coldly snorted, "Isn't it simple? Just throw them into the Fire Persimmon Forest."

Sun Lingtong was stunned, then her eyes lit up, clapping her hands in praise, "Wonderful, wonderful, truly wonderful!"

After bidding farewell to Sun Lingtong, Ning Zhuo returned to the underground base with the spoils of war.

In the dark underground prison cell.

A basin of cold water was splashed onto Han Ming's face.

Han Ming lowered her head, her eyes closed, unmoving.

The young servant Ning Zhuo gave a hoarse laugh, "Stop pretending, Han Ming. You regained consciousness half a tea's time ago."

Han Ming gritted her teeth, suddenly opening her eyes, killing intent and hatred undisguised, "You dare to double-cross me!"

"I am a disciple of the Soul Devouring Sect; think about the consequences if you kill me!"

Ning Zhuo sighed inwardly: he wanted to hide himself, work hard in secret, and conquer the Lava Immortal Palace, never thinking about offending a major demonic sect.

But there was no choice.

In his current situation, he could only brace himself and move forward. Taking a step back, no, being even slightly slow, meant an abyss of ten thousand zhang and eternal damnation.

"Even a rabbit bites when cornered, let alone a person."

The helplessness in his heart did not need to be expressed.

Ning Zhuo looked at Han Ming, staring at her quietly.

Han Ming felt her skin crawl under Ning Zhuo's gaze.

She gradually misunderstood, her expression softening, putting on a helpless, weak pose of a person forced to compromise for survival, "Okay, I admit defeat this time. If you let me go, I promise to do anything for you."