Chapter 418: Mystical Power Concealment

One day ago.

Ning Jiufan flew at high speed, the lush green mountains below him gradually receding.

"Senior, according to the map, we are almost at Jade Steel Mountain," Han Zhou said, sitting beside Ning Jiufan.

The two were riding on a massive flying ice block.

The cold felt particularly comforting to Han Zhou, as he hailed from the Northern Lands. This feeling extended to the owner of the flying ice block, Ning Jiufan, for whom he felt a certain fondness.

"Jade Steel Mountain is indeed almost in sight," Ning Jiufan's vision was far superior to Han Zhou's, being a Core Formation expert.

He could already see a faint outline of Jade Steel Mountain on the horizon.

But just as he slightly relaxed, the world dramatically shifted.

A massive array suddenly unfurled, instantly enveloping Ning Jiufan and Han Zhou.

In the blink of an eye, the world returned to its original state, as if everything that had just happened was merely an illusion. Ning Jiufan and Han Zhou had completely vanished.

Falling into the array, Ning Jiufan was both startled and enraged.

He saw a world shrouded in a hazy yellow light, with spherical halos enveloping everything.

Three indistinct figures were spread out, surrounding Ning Jiufan and Han Zhou from a distance.

"Who dares trap me?" Ning Jiufan demanded in a sharp voice. "I am Ning Jiufan, the Core Formation Ancestor of the Ning family from Fire Persimmon Mountain. Have you perhaps mistaken me for someone else, fellow Daoists?"

One of the three figures spoke: "Ning Jiufan, we have finally awaited your arrival. It is you we intend to eliminate!"

Han Zhou was shocked and immediately tensed up. He hadn't expected that traveling with a Core Formation cultivator would lead to such a life-or-death crisis.

Ning Jiufan's heart sank. Since the opponents had specifically waited for him, they were likely not to be underestimated.

He thought for a moment and immediately took out his official seal from his robe. "Do not make a mistake and be incited by others! I am an undercover official of the Southern Bean Dynasty. If you cease now and depart, this official promises not to pursue you."

"Otherwise, if anything untoward happens to this official here, the entire Southern Bean Kingdom will issue a warrant for your arrest and pursuit."

However, the enemies burst into laughter. "Ning Jiufan, we are here to kill precisely you, this corrupt official!"

Ning Jiufan was startled again.

Since the opponents knew his identity and were willing to kill an official, it was highly likely to be the Meng family.

After all, the Ning family had relocated to Fire Persimmon Immortal City, and their only powerful external enemy at present was the Meng family.

Besides that, there were the enemies from the Northern Wind Kingdom. However, this possibility was far less significant than the Meng family.

Han Zhou transmitted his voice: "Old Ancestor Ning, these three individuals all possess Core Formation aura. Why not directly release Granny Yuan and break the array with force!"

Ning Jiufan shook his head inwardly. He didn't want to do that.

If this ambush was indeed the work of the Meng family, how could they not have a countermeasure against his Nascent Soul level beast?

If he were to release Granny Yuan, he might fall into their trap.

Considering this, Ning Jiufan snorted coldly, both in response to Han Zhou and to his enemies. "Since that is the case, then allow me to show you the valiant fighting spirit of us men from the Northern Lands!"

"Behold my moves!"

No sooner had Ning Jiufan finished speaking than he made his move.

In an instant, the north wind swept through, bringing with it swirling snow and an immediate bone-piercing chill.

Among the three Core Formation cultivators, one revealed his figure and cast spells to counter the pervasive wind and snow.

With his wind and snow spells suppressed, Ning Jiufan took out a talisman and activated it directly.

The talisman floated in mid-air, erupting with brilliant light, quickly condensing into a giant made of ice and snow.

Snow clouds formed naturally beneath the ice giant's feet, and it wielded a long-handled ice-carved saber, charging towards another Core Formation enemy.

Seeing the ice giant approaching, that Core Formation cultivator quickly cast spells, continuously suppressing and slowing the ice giant's advance.

Ning Jiufan focused on three things at once, shooting out a Dharma Treasure level ice spike towards the third person.

Seeing the ice spike flying towards him with formidable power, that Core Formation cultivator knew that ordinary spells would not suffice to resist it. He immediately took out a large cauldron.

The cauldron flew forward and collided with the ice spike, producing a resounding clang, but it managed to temporarily block it.

Ning Jiufan laughed heartily, his spirit soaring. "Is this all you three can do? Bring forth whatever other means you have!"

Han Zhou watched from the side, utterly astonished. He hadn't expected this Old Ancestor of the Ning family to be so powerful, even when fighting three against one.

But he quickly thought of Ning Zhuo.

"Like grandson, like grandfather. From Young Master Ning Zhuo, one can glimpse the excellence and strength of the Ning family."

"That the Ning family's Core Formation Ancestor would exhibit such performance was actually foreshadowed."

Han Zhou then thought of their powerful trump card, the Nascent Soul level Granny Yuan, and his heart gradually settled, no longer as tense.

He was unaware that while Ning Jiufan appeared confident on the surface, he was actually very nervous. Having fallen into the array, he had already lost the advantage of terrain. The three Core Formation cultivators, having been chosen by the Meng family, were certainly skilled.

"This place is near Jade Steel Mountain. It would be great if there were reinforcements."

The guardian on Jade Steel Mountain was no longer Meng Zizhong, but a Core Formation cultivator sent by the Zhu royal family.

Before Ning Jiufan arrived, he had sent a flying message, and the two sides had exchanged messages once.

But Ning Jiufan then reconsidered, "Since the other party set up an ambush here, how could they not have considered the Core Formation guardian of Jade Steel Mountain?"

"Therefore, any disturbance in this array is likely unable to be transmitted out."

"No, if it really gets out, it's even worse. It must be intentional on their part, to attract the Core Formation guardian to come for support, making it convenient to capture all of us in one fell swoop!"

Han Zhou was unaware of the true situation; he knew little about the existence of Core Formation experts.

But Ning Jiufan's considerations also had their limitations.

Even the three Core Formation cultivators who had set the ambush did not know that their ambush had already been exposed.

High above in the clouds, Zhu Xuanji and Shen Lingshu stood side by side, overlooking the battlefield below.

Although the battlefield was enveloped by the array, Zhu Xuanji activated his Heavenly Fortune Golden Eyes, combined with spells, to peer into the scene within.

Through divine sense communication, he also kept Shen Lingshu informed of the real-time battle situation.

Zhu Xuanji said: "Senior Shen, as you expected, Ning Jiufan encountered an ambush on this journey."

"You even calculated that he would be in danger but unharmed."

"Hehe, with us here, of course he will be in danger but unharmed."

After performing a series of hand seals, Shen Lingshu said: "I have calculated this array to be the Nine-Tailed Bewitching Array."

"The array lines and patterns are woven from nine-tailed fox fur."

"There are a total of eight array eyes and one array core. The array core is hidden among the array eyes, appearing no different at first glance, thus making it difficult to pinpoint the key position."

"Currently, these three Core Formation cultivators, one occupies the array core, two occupy array eyes, and in the other three array eyes, there is burning Bewitching Incense, one array eye holds a Monster Slaying Platform, one array eye holds a Binding Monster Rope, and the last array eye actually holds a Profound Mechanism Qi Absorbing Pouch."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xuanji couldn't help but exclaim: "The other party is well-prepared."

"The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Monster has the power to bewitch all monsters. Using its nine-tailed fox fur to arrange the array is a grand scheme."

"The Bewitching Incense and Bewitching Array can cause Granny Yuan to be bewildered as soon as she is released, and may even cause her to turn against her master."

"Then, in a daze, she would walk onto the Monster Slaying Platform herself, have her head severed by the guillotine, and lose her life."

"In the critical moment between life and death, Granny Yuan might trigger her survival instinct and gain a moment of clarity. Therefore, the other party has also prepared the Binding Monster Rope to extinguish her last glimmer of hope."

"What kind of Dharma Treasure is this Profound Mechanism Qi Absorbing Pouch?"

Shen Lingshu explained: "This treasure is specifically targeted at fate. It can absorb the fate of other targets, causing their fate to decline."

"With this treasure present, it can prevent some accidents. Many people with strong fate, at critical moments of life and death, often have their fate erupt to save themselves."

"Even mortals, as long as their fate is strong, after an eruption, they can even survive a fall from a cliff and still have good fortune afterwards."

"So that's how it is." Zhu Xuanji nodded and then asked the most crucial question, "Senior Shen, can you calculate clues, or even evidence, indicating that these three Core Formation cultivators are from the Meng family?"

Shen Lingshu shook his head: "I cannot calculate it."

"This might be the work of Meng Kui, who is very meticulous in his planning. From the beginning of the layout, he has already guarded against deductions."

"Can't you trace the origin? Can't you see the connection between the other party and the Meng family?"

Zhu Xuanji gave a bitter smile: "I only see that these three received this mission at the Shadow Thorn Pavilion."

The Shadow Thorn Pavilion is a well-known assassination organization, extremely secretive, and distributed throughout various large and small cultivation nations.

With such a large scale and the ability to exist to this day, it naturally has its foundations.

Zhu Xuanji was able to determine at first glance that the three Core Formation cultivators on the opposite side were all members of the Shadow Thorn Pavilion, living up to his reputation as a divine constable.

Shen Lingshu smiled slightly, not surprised: "The Meng family's action this time is likely retaliation for the incident at Jade Steel Mountain."

"We removed Meng Zizhong, and the Meng family set up an ambush here to eliminate Ning Jiufan as a warning."

"If both Ning Jiufan and Granny Yuan perish, the power dynamics of Fire Persimmon Immortal City will shift towards Meng Kui's side, leaving the remaining Zhou family vulnerable."

"And in the imperial court, the impact of their sacrifice will deeply affect people's hearts, greatly weakening the prestige of the royal family!"

Zhu Xuanji said: "It seems the fate of Ning Zhuo and the Ning family has turned from decline to prosperity."

"Our plan was to come to Misty Hidden Mountain to investigate the Fox God, but by a fortunate turn of events, we will not stand idly by while Ning Jiufan is killed in battle."

Shen Lingshu's expression turned serious: "It appears this is a coincidence."

"But it cannot be ruled out that it is due to the Human Life Thread or a royal decree."

"Ning Jiufan must be saved without a doubt, but we can first observe the battle for a moment and let his fate be absorbed."

Shen Lingshu then explained his strategy: "If Ning Zhuo has mastered the divine ability Human Life Thread, the possibility of him having planted it on Ning Jiufan is extremely high."

"In this way, the fates of the two are connected. If Ning Jiufan's fate declines, it will inevitably affect Ning Zhuo's side."

"If Ning Zhuo has also planted Human Life Threads on other people, their fate will also decline, ranging from confusion to suffering calamities, all of which will manifest."

"This is an excellent opportunity for verification."

Zhu Xuanji recalled the many secrets he had learned in the capital: "In the past, the Grand Emperor also suffered a major defeat due to this flaw of the Human Life Thread, almost leading to the destruction of the kingdom and his own death."

There has never been anything perfect in this world.

Where there is a strength, there is a weakness.

Where there is an advantage, there is naturally a drawback.

The Human Life Thread connected fates. When the Grand Emperor suffered bad luck and his fate declined, others shared the burden. This created the effect of others suffering on his behalf.

However, it was not a true royal decree. Therefore, once everyone encountered a devastating calamity, or if the fate of some individuals declined too severely, the Grand Emperor would also suffer greatly as a result.

It was precisely because of this that the Southern Bean Grand Emperor encountered a calamity in the past, narrowly escaping death.

"Wait a moment." A flash of inspiration struck Zhu Xuanji's mind, and he asked, "What if my Buddhist Mind Demon Seal truly has the power to suppress fate?"

Shen Lingshu pondered: "That depends on how powerful the Buddhist Mind Demon Seal's ability to suppress fate is. Can it only protect himself, or can it also benefit others?"

"Even if the precious seal is powerful, Ning Zhuo is currently only at the Foundation Establishment stage and cannot exert its true power, can he?"

"Back then, didn't the Grand Emperor also have a magical treasure that could suppress his own fate?"

"In any case, there's no harm in trying."

Zhu Xuanji nodded slightly: "Alright, let's do that."

The Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon sped through the void.

Silvery lines occasionally appeared in the darkness below.

The lower half of the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon's body glowed with a bloody light. This was the work of the Blood Shadow Cave Lord.

Suddenly, the world ahead was bathed in light. The next moment, the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon drilled out of the void and arrived in the real world.

Sun Lingtong dared not be careless in the slightest and continued to control the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon to drill into the dense mountain forest.

After shifting and moving for most of the day, he finally stopped.

"That was close, and so exciting!" Sun Lingtong licked his lips, his heartbeat gradually slowing down.

He lowered his head and looked at his hands.

Half of his palm had already turned into stone skin, just like the appearance of the stone sphere at the bottom of the cave.

Sun Lingtong gritted his teeth, having no choice but to continue suppressing it with his magic power, and then control the mechanical dragon to check on Ning Zhuo.

Seeing Ning Zhuo lying on the ground unconscious but still breathing, Sun Lingtong's eyes were slightly red, and he wanted to slap himself twice.

"It's one thing for me to take risks alone and seek excitement."

"This time, I implicated Xiao Zhuo. Alas, how could I be so foolish? I truly deserve to be hit!"

Sun Lingtong felt extremely remorseful, but in his current state, he dared not approach Ning Zhuo rashly.

Fortunately, Sun Lingtong also had considerable mechanical skill. Immediately, he took out a mechanical puppet and controlled it with his divine sense to indirectly contact Ning Zhuo and help him quickly regain consciousness.

After Ning Zhuo woke up, he breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that they had escaped death, his heart filled with lingering fear.

Sun Lingtong sighed: "Xiao Zhuo, I implicated you and almost cost you your life."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "Boss, I was worried about your injuries and secretly eager to take revenge on the Six Cave Sect, so I didn't stop you from continuing to take risks. I am also at fault!"

"How are your injuries now?"

Sun Lingtong truthfully informed Ning Zhuo.

He drooped his shoulders and gritted his teeth: "I originally wanted to follow the clues all the way and investigate the information on the Stone Monster. I didn't expect that the other party could actually see through the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon!"

He was so angry he wanted to slap his own head.

Thinking back now, what was going on?

His love for excitement and pursuit of it was his nature, but before this, he had been overly thoughtless.

"Have I been living in Fire Persimmon Immortal City for too long, enjoying too many comfortable days, and thus become slack?"

"Alas, it's one thing for me to get into trouble, but if I implicate Xiao Zhuo..."

"He has immortal potential and a bright future, and he has painstakingly planned for more than ten years. His life has just gotten better, and he has family, friends, and is even liked by female cultivators. Unlike me, who is a lone wolf. If he were to die here because of me..."

Sun Lingtong was filled with self-reproach, secretly warning himself that as long as Ning Zhuo was by his side in the future, he must never take such risks.

This escape experience deeply touched Sun Lingtong's heart.

Throughout the entire process, Ning Zhuo was indeed implicated by Sun Lingtong. If he had discovered the stone sphere at the bottom of the cave within the dragon head cabin, he would definitely not have been in such a hurry to excavate it like Sun Lingtong.

However, Ning Zhuo was used to it.

In Fire Persimmon Immortal City, he had helped Sun Lingtong out of prison many times.

His deep friendship with Sun Lingtong was not only being able to entrust his back to the other party without any hesitation in times of life and death. It was also a deeper level—even if the other party made a mistake, he would easily forgive them and even make excuses for them.

Ning Zhuo comforted him: "Although Nascent Soul cultivators can travel through the void, they can only do so by relying on their Nascent Soul. It is very difficult to bring their physical body along."

Therefore, it is quite difficult to completely kill a Nascent Soul cultivator. Once their physical body is destroyed, their Nascent Soul can escape their body and flee into the void, seeking an opportunity to possess another body and return for revenge.

"However, the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon can take us both through the void. Even if those Nascent Soul cultivators want to chase us, it is unlikely they would take out their Nascent Soul, leave their main body, and risk their lives to pursue us."

A cultivator's Nascent Soul is the result of their entire cultivation and is crucial to their future path. Unless absolutely necessary, they would not easily risk their Nascent Soul.

"It is precisely because of this that we ran into the Six Cave Sect to explore, wasn't it?"

"Our successful escape this time also proves this point. If that Demon Heart Cave Lord were truly to abandon his physical body and use his Nascent Soul to chase us, I fear the other two cave lords would take action against his physical body."

"Boss."

"We have also gained a lot this time."

"For example, I saw the mechanical carriage my mother rode in back then and learned that Lin You will obtain it. I must definitely retrieve this carriage!"

"Without this adventure, how would I have known such important information?"

Sun Lingtong shook his head and spoke through the puppet: "Xiao Zhuo, you don't have to comfort me."

"We suffered considerable losses this time."

"About 30% of the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon was damaged by the Demon Heart Cave Lord's attack and needs to be repaired."

"The latter half of the mechanical dragon's body was corroded by blood shadow. This should be the Blood Shadow Cave Lord's tracking method. If it cannot be removed, we will be discovered by the Blood Shadow Cave Lord if we approach the Thousand Peaks Forest in the future."

Ning Zhuo shook his head and slowly sat up: "None of that is important, Boss."

"The most pressing matter is still to resolve your injuries."

"Xiao Zhuo..." Even though Sun Lingtong had been with Ning Zhuo for more than ten years, he felt a warm current surge in his heart at this moment.

Sun Lingtong: "But now, the mechanical dragon can no longer approach the Thousand Peaks Forest. If we act alone, relying on our cultivation and combat strength, I'm afraid we won't be able to penetrate deep into the Thousand Peaks Forest. After all, a major battle is about to break out, and the Thousand Peaks Forest is already heavily guarded. Foreign faces like ours will be very conspicuous."

Ning Zhuo chuckled: "Don't worry, Boss, I've already thought of a way."