Chapter 751 Material and Human Resources

Night deepened.

Qingshi Cave.

Ning Zhuo put down the jade slip in his hand, looking tired and thoughtful.

He had just quickly and roughly flipped through all the jade slips.

"Empty valley syllables, green tube..." the big-headed boy murmured.

This Nascent Soul level inheritance contains multiple jade slips containing cultivation techniques, covering various aspects.

The true primary cultivation technique is called the "Great Thousand Mechanisms Sutra," a technique for mechanical cultivators that focuses on cultivating the upper dantian. This technique allows the cultivator to perceive the sounds of objects, granting them a special divine sense that allows them to perceive the unique musical scales inherent in the mechanical components themselves.

Ning Zhuo first looked at the "General Outline of the Azure Strategies in the Empty Valley." This jade slip was like a general catalog, and it also served as a concise guide for the rest of the inherited content.

Besides these, there are other methods, a wide variety, covering many aspects.

For example, the "Return of the Phoenix in the Empty Valley" is a sonic attack technique that uses echoes to imitate bird calls, creating a surprisingly effective sonic attack that can penetrate multiple layers of armor.

For example, "The Essentials of Bamboo Swaying in the Wind" is a work by a successor who cultivated in a bamboo forest and gleaned insights from observing countless bamboo stalks swaying in the wind. It is neither a cultivation method nor a magic technique, but simply a profound understanding of the universe and an explanation of its principles.

There is a book called "The Profound Essentials of Thousand-Mechanism Reed Tongues," which mainly deals with the manufacture of reed tongues, the components of mechanical devices. The book records thousands of models, allowing reed tongues to simulate the vast majority of sounds in the world. The "Book of Vowel Reeds" that Ning Zhuo learned, and the "Book of Consonant Reeds" that he deduced, are only the very beginning of this book.

There is also the "Sweeping Away the Clouds and Wiping Away the Heavenly Book." This is a martial arts set that uses a broom as equipment. It was discovered by a successor who seized an opportunity to collect it, and thus developed a corresponding spirit bamboo puppet with unique effects.

The *Suiyu Pu* is a musical notation. According to the general outline, it had originally been lost. However, during the life of a certain successor, a fragment was accidentally obtained. After using it, he found it extremely suitable for this lineage, so he devoted himself to collecting it. Subsequently, through the efforts of several generations, this musical notation was finally fully compiled.

...

After quickly flipping through all the jade slips, Ning Zhuo gained a clearer understanding of the entire [Empty Valley Melody Green Machine Tube] inheritance.

"To fully master this inheritance, two cultivation skills are required. One is mechanical arts, and the other is musical arts."

"The main effect of this approach is to use musical skills to control mechanisms and to use mechanisms to enhance musical skills, which complement each other. Therefore, during combat, music sets the stage, and various sonic attacks create a battlefield advantage. The enemy has to deal with the sonic attacks on one hand and various mechanical devices on the other, often leaving them overwhelmed and unable to keep up."

"The most important cultivation resource in the inheritance is all kinds of spiritual bamboo. From the very beginning of the [Empty Valley Melody Green Machine Tube] inheritance, it was about transforming bamboo forests to defend against enemies. The foundation originated from spiritual bamboo. The third and fourth generation successors also had profound cultivation skills in spiritual plants and spiritual agriculture, thus setting the tone for the entire inheritance."

Therefore, the jade slip also contains many cultivation techniques and experience summaries related to spiritual plants and spiritual farmers.

Ning Zhuo was most concerned about the various mechanical artifacts recorded in the jade slip.

There are mechanical musical instruments, such as the "Splitter of Metal and Stone," the "Wind-Sifting and Moon-Leaking Flute," and the "Holding-joint-Guarding-heart Flute." There are various mechanical puppets, such as the "Green Bamboo Holding-joint-Sword Attendant," the "Humble-Hearted Breaking-Blade Personal Guard," the "Shadow Bamboo Sticking to the Wall Secret Guard," the "Dust-Sweeping and Wind-Listening Monk," and the "Tearful-eyed Green Puppet." There are also mechanical weapons, such as the "Hundred-Jointed Whip of Langgan." And there is a mechanical chariot, called the "Forest-Piercing Green Python Chariot."

Ning Zhuo subconsciously compared himself to Yuan Dasheng, Meng Yehu, Xue Cainu Hui, and Xue Shuyu Xie.

"The mechanical body that the deceased is currently using is all my design."

"Compared to the mechanical creations in the inherited [Empty Valley Syllable Green Machine Cylinder], my design is obviously much rougher. You can tell at a glance that there is a huge gap."

The various mechanical creations recorded in the "Empty Valley Melody Green Mechanism" have all undergone rigorous testing and refinement. Those that fail to meet the standards are not recorded to avoid causing harm to future generations.

Therefore, these mechanical creations have undergone countless improvements and iterations, and their designs are very mature. In Ning Zhuo's view, there is virtually no room for improvement.

"With my current strength, can I create these mechanisms?" This was Ning Zhuo's first thought.

He thought for a moment: "I have a mechanical pedestal, and my ability to create mechanisms far surpasses that of Foundation Establishment, or even Golden Core stage."

"Now that we have complete and detailed diagrams of the mechanism, most of them should be fine."

"It's not enough to just create someone at the Nascent Soul level."

"Because there is no orthodox magic power from the Great Thousand Mechanisms Sutra, many of the steps in forging mechanisms need to be improved accordingly."

"Hmm... I still need to study hard and thoroughly understand this tradition so that I can make more efficient mechanisms. Otherwise, if I start making them right away, there is a higher chance of failure, which will easily waste materials and take a long time."

Ning Zhuo is quite confident in his studies.

He had mastered all the methods of Confucianism and found them to be effective time and time again.

"These jade slips are all ancient artifacts, mostly from the original cultivators, and even more so from the writings of successors throughout the ages, who added various insights."

"If I use it for copying, the results should be outstanding!"

"Unfortunately, at a cursory glance, there seems to be no effective solution to deal with Yuan Dasheng and Meng Yehu."

Ning Zhuo checked the three storage bags one last time.

One of them contained a large number of spirit stones: over 100,000 low-grade spirit stones, tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones, and thousands of high-grade spirit stones. This resolved one of Ning Zhuo's embarrassing problems.

"At least from now on, I won't have to keep paying with Ghost Dao Golden Cores."

Ning Zhuo had made a fortune from the war in Qianfenglin, so he was not surprised by the quantity of these spirit stones.

"We have low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade spirit stones. This inheritance also takes precautions against various dangerous situations. If you take out a high-grade spirit stone when you are in trouble, you will only attract greedy people and evil hearts."

The second storage bag contained precious materials, mainly various kinds of spirit bamboo.

There is a bamboo called Dragon Roar Bamboo, with holes in its joints, and the wind makes it sound like a dragon's roar.

There is a type of bamboo called Jinghong Bamboo, which has a slender stem. When shaken violently, it produces a vibrating sound that can tear silk.

There is a bamboo called "Ghost Weeping Bamboo," whose falling leaves resemble the weeping of ghosts, and which can bewitch souls during night rain.

There is a type of bamboo called Golden Jade Bamboo, with a golden body and jade-like leaves.

There is a type of bamboo that wraps around silk threads. The bamboo threads are as flexible and resilient as a dragon's tendons, able to bind an enemy and keep them motionless even after a thousand twists and turns.

There is a type of creeping green bamboo that does not grow vertically, but rather spreads along the ground, with its nodes extending and contracting like a snake.

There's also the bamboo that transmits sound through valleys, a superior material for crafting sound-transmitting items...

The third storage bag contained the fewest items, but it was the most practical for Ning Zhuo.

There are many kinds of magical artifacts at the Foundation Establishment level, so there's no need to go into detail.

Let's just talk about treasures at the Golden Core level—

There is a Great Thousand Mechanism Robe, a long-sleeved dharma robe of the Golden Core level.

There is a Green Bamboo Hundred Transformations Armor, which is a mechanical armor. When it is scattered, it has 720 parts, and when it is assembled, it can become a whole, fitting together tightly to protect the cultivator's physical body.

There is a Langgan Hundred-Section Whip, a magical artifact with mechanisms that can unleash sonic attacks when swung, and these sonic attacks can also assist the whip in its swinging motion.

There is a spirit bamboo puppet of the Golden Core level, which is Xu Huai Zhe Ren's personal guard.

Finally, there is a mechanical vehicle called the Forest-Piercing Green Python Chariot, which is best at navigating complex forest terrain.

"There are no Nascent Soul level mechanical artifacts." Ning Zhuo was somewhat disappointed, and could also glean from this the predicament of Qinghuangzi's lineage.

"If he possessed such a mechanical creation, he would have the deterrent power of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and he wouldn't have fallen to such a state, hastily choosing a successor through the Xingyun Trial."

Ning Zhuo experimented with these mechanisms and magical artifacts within the training formation.

Upon discovering these magical treasures, he realized that he could only unleash less than 50% of their power in his own hands.

"Firstly, I lack orthodox magical power, and secondly, I need to master the [Empty Valley Syllable Green Machine Tube] inheritance in order to meet the operating standards."

Ning Zhuo personally tested it and found that only the mechanical chariot with the green python shaft was the easiest to operate and required the least amount of sound control skills.

"I happen to be lacking a means of transportation. Next, I'll take control of this mechanical vehicle."

"After Qinghuangzi passes away, I will take over Qingzhu Peak and use the various spiritual bamboos on the mountain to cultivate this inheritance of the [Empty Valley Melody Green Mechanism]."

The thought of Qinghuangzi made Ning Zhuo feel a little down.

He fell silent for a long time before letting out a deep sigh, filled with emotion.

"Qingzhu Peak was originally a place of inheritance, but it was incorporated into the Myriad Manifestations Sect. As its successor, I can only lease it."

"Although Qinghuangzi's talents are insufficient, he is doing his best to maintain this tradition and has not failed the expectations of his predecessors..."

What is the purpose of human life?

What is the purpose of spiritual practice?

Inheritance...

This matter is of great significance; it is one of the most important aspects of survival and cultivation in this world of cultivation, both throughout history.

There has never been anyone who lives forever!

Reaching a new and greater level in cultivation can indeed increase one's lifespan, but it is never infinite.

A cultivator's lifespan has its limits; no matter how strong a person is, they will eventually die.

Besides bloodline, the pursuit of innovation and inheritance of cultivation techniques and skills to the next generation is one of the life goals for the vast majority of cultivators.

Although I am dead, I existed, and my spiritual practice was meaningful. Even if my improvements are only small, as long as they bring blessings and influence to future generations, they will remember me, and my existence will have value.

Ning Zhuo naturally understood the meaning of "inheritance".

Previously, he only learned about it through books, and even though he benefited from the Five Elements Gods, his understanding was not profound.

Now, Ning Zhuo met Qing Huangzi. Although the latter was just a fleeting passerby in his life, not very strong and facing death, he brought Ning Zhuo a great sense of awe.

"Young Master, this is intelligence about Chen San," Gongsun Yan reported, knocking on the door.

Ning Zhu hummed in agreement, opened a crack in the martial arts formation, and unleashed an invisible suction force, gently drawing the intelligence jade slip outside the formation into his palm.

We should thank the Tongshangtang.

This branch is quite remarkable; it can buy and sell a wide variety of goods, including intelligence.

Ning Zhuo, being new to the area, easily made up for his major deficiency in intelligence gathering by relying on the Tongshang Hall.

Black Hawk Chen San...

Around 1875 in the Feiyun calendar: suspected to be descendants of miners from abandoned mines who were affiliated with the "Qingfumen".

Fei Yunli, 1878-1882: Served as the lowest-ranking servant in the "Qingfu Sect", responsible for sweeping the outer perimeter. During this period, he was called "Hidden Mouse" by some disciples.

In 1882 of the Flying Cloud Calendar: He was involved in a theft case within the Qingfu Sect, was found responsible by the sect, had his minor cultivation level revoked, and was officially expelled from the sect. From then on, he became a low-level rogue cultivator.

Feiyun (1883-1888): He was employed by low-level medicinal gardens and small mining sites around Ash Marsh Town and Black Rock Town as a guard or tracker.

In 1889 of the Feiyun calendar: He established stable contacts with the "Old Monkey" guide in Ash Swamp Town, the "Quick-Talking" tea waiter in Qinghe Town, and the beggar leader "One-Eyed Zhang" in Black Stone Town. He used a specially made mechanism called the "Hawk Whistle" to send and receive intelligence, thus forming the initial intelligence network.

In the same year, rumors about the discovery of a rich copper vein in Xilingou caused the price of copper ore in Xifang City to surge by nearly 30% in the winter of 1889, triggering a small-scale buying frenzy and chaos. It was later confirmed that the news about the vein was false.

Feiyun Calendar 1891: Employed by the "Bamboo Mountain Gang," participating in their struggle with the "Black Water Gang" for a small iron ore deposit in Wild Dog Forest...

In the year 1893 of the Flying Cloud Calendar: Multiple channels have confirmed that the "Hawk Whistle" information network has stably covered the three towns of "Grey Swamp," "Black Stone," and "Qinghe," as well as a surrounding area of ​​fifty miles. Chen San has become a key node in the flow of information at the grassroots level in this region, effectively providing intelligence such as clues about the edges of ruins, the movements of low-level monsters, and conflicts between small factions. The charging model is clear (small amounts of spirit stones or equivalent goods), and the timeliness of information delivery has gained recognition from the grassroots.

Feiyun Calendar 1894: The "Golden Toad Gambling House" Major Spirit Stone Fraud Case...

In the spring of 1895 in the Flying Cloud Calendar, Sun Biao, nicknamed "Broken Tooth," was hired to hunt down a young rogue cultivator possessing "Warm Jade Marrow" and entered Chen San's main area of ​​activity. Three days later, Sun Biao was poisoned by several kinds of mortal poisons, his legs were severely injured, and there were obvious signs of mechanical rats and birds pecking at them. He fled in a sorry state, not mentioning his target at all, only shouting, "Kite! Kite everywhere!" The target appeared safely in Qinghe Town, and the Warm Jade Marrow was still there.

Feiyun Calendar 1896: ...

Ning Zhuo quickly read through it and then fell into deep thought.

He didn't know much about Chen San, and Chen San's public expression of his intention to join him was already beyond Ning Zhuo's expectations.

But Ning Zhuo knew that this matter could not be handled simply.

Therefore, he neither agreed nor refused, but instead asked Chen San to deliver a portion of spiritual food to Ah Huo, which was essentially still a way of stalling for time.

After leaving the restaurant, Ning Zhuo immediately sent a message to Gongsun Yan, asking him to gather intelligence on Chen San.

Only by obtaining this crucial information could Ning Zhuo make the right choice.

After reviewing the entire intelligence report, Ning Zhuo discovered that Chen San was not a demonic cultivator, but rather came from a humble background, was a rogue cultivator, and lived in a gray area, detached from the righteous path.

So, should we use this person or not?

Feiyun Kingdom, Ban Family.

Ancestral hall.

The elders of the Ban family and the core members of the Ban family's power were almost all gathered together, their faces ashen, some cold, some solemn and gloomy, staring at the huge mechanical creation in front of them.

The Cardinal Chain of Clan Destiny!

This strangely shaped, enormous mechanism is related to fortune and can monitor the Ban family's luck at all times.

"Is this strange turn of events in the Clan's Cardinal Chain due to Banji's impending calamity? If we are not careful, our entire clan could be in danger!"

"What calamity could be so terrifying? You must know that Banji possesses the royal mandate!"

"No, his royal mandate has not yet been fulfilled."

"That's not right. Our arrangement for Banji to join the Myriad Manifestations Sect was based on numerous divinations. Once he joined the sect and successively acquired the several mechanisms we had planned, he would gradually awaken his royal destiny. Why is there such a big discrepancy now?!"

"The current situation is as follows: Banji's abductor is named Ning Zhuo, and it has been confirmed that he is a foreigner. His specific background and origin are still under investigation. Based on all the current signs, this person's background is definitely not simple. He is a genius junior of the same level as Banji."

"Currently, he has already seized two opportunities from Qinghuangzi and Chezhuzi, forcing Banji to take the third one in the plan."

"Is it alright? Even if Wang Ming hasn't fully manifested his power and is in a state of dormancy, he is not someone that outsiders can easily overpower."

“During the period of his hidden dragon phase, he was indeed weak. Don’t forget that, out of selfishness, shortly after Banji’s birth, we used the Clan Fate Pivot Chain to completely link his fate with that of our clan. In other words, Banji was dragged down by the entire clan.”

"How can you say he's a burden? He's surnamed Ban, a descendant of our family. How much resources have we secretly provided for him? We've been protecting him!"

The Grand Elder then interjected, "That's right, we must once again protect him."

"I will activate the clan's destiny pivot chain, and through the accumulated fortune of the clan, connect it to Ning Zhuo. I want to see the current state of his fortune."

The others quickly obeyed and activated the clan's protective mechanism and magical artifact.

The Zuzuo Pivot Chain immediately began to rotate its various components, including sliders, chains, and wheels, causing a dramatic change in the overall appearance.

The Supreme Elder frowned first, keenly sensing the difficulty in operating the clan's lifeline. After the first half had changed, the second half was already struggling.

An elder's eyes flashed with a fierce light: "This boy's background is indeed extraordinary. He must have a magic treasure to protect his destiny, or his family has a magic treasure to protect the clan's fortune. Even our clan's destiny chain cannot calculate it."

Another person said, "Even with only half the calculation, we can already glean a lot of information. Hmm?"

As they were talking, they saw the upper part of the mechanism begin to deform again.

This unusual change drew close attention from many of the elders of the Supreme Elder Family.

After a dozen or so breaths, the changes to the Clan Destiny Cardinal Chain finally came to an end, and the new mechanism caused many of the Supreme Elders to change color.

"Oh no, Ning Zhuo has another stroke of good fortune!"

"His fortunes have suddenly increased dramatically; has he acquired some great treasure?"

"It's not just about good fortune, but also good fortune in people. To be more precise, good fortune in people accounts for the largest proportion! This indicates that Ning Zhuo will encounter a person who will be important in his life and can bring him tremendous help."

The Grand Master gestured to stop the increasingly impatient discussion: "Please calm down."

"The mechanism is still slowly changing."

"The fact that the form is not yet truly determined means that Ning Zhuo has not yet found the right person and is still in the process of making choices and hesitating. Everything is not yet settled."

The elders of the family couldn't help but hold their breath, looking slightly nervous.

This luck is really strong. If Ning Zhuo gets it, it will be an even stronger blow to Ban Ji.

Banji's royal mandate had not yet been fulfilled when he was suppressed, which meant that the entire Ban family was suppressed!

This will severely damage the future of the Ban family.

Night had fallen when Chen San arrived at the front of the Qing Shi Cave.

He landed gently, his hands and feet tucked in, observing the entrance to the cave, and nervously pursed his lips.

He bowed silently, his expression humble, and then sent a letter indicating that he had handled the matter Ning Zhuo had entrusted to him and wished to request an audience to report back.

(End of this chapter)