Chapter 373: The Popular Chu Ning

Chapter 373: The Popular Chu Ning

After enjoying some intimate moments together, Chu Ning and Cen Zikin turned their attention once more to the Xuan Shui Divine Art.

Cen Zikin wanted to further her understanding of this heavenly-level cultivation technique.

However, she wasn't in a rush to start cultivating it right away.

The pair discussed their plans to pay a visit to Purple Haze Peak.

Even though the Ninth Heaven Sect would take care of everything, Chu Ning and Cen Zikin couldn't just ignore Cheng Qinghui and the others.

Chu Ning and Cen Zikin each mounted one of their Golden Thunder Falcons and set off toward Purple Haze Peak.

Bai Ling, on the other hand, stayed behind at the cave abode to cultivate.

Bai Ling had actually reached the cusp of advancing to the sixth-grade demonic beast for quite some time. However, due to the less-than-ideal environments that Chu Ning had found himself in over the past year or so, she had refrained from attempting the breakthrough.

Now that they were back at the Ninth Heaven Sect and things had settled down, Bai Ling was ready to take that step and advance to the sixth grade.

The two Golden Thunder Falcons had also advanced to fifth-grade beasts some time ago, not as long ago as Bai Ling, but their auras were still impressive.

As they soared out from Skystorm Peak, they naturally drew the attention of many Golden Core cultivators within the sect.

The cultivators were first astonished by the appearance of fifth-grade beasts, but upon seeing Chu Ning and Cen Zikin riding them, they didn't think too much of it. They were only slightly surprised.

The only exception was Qi Guangshou from the Spirit Beast Peak. As he stood in his cave abode, watching the two Golden Thunder Falcons flying into the distance, his expression turned peculiar.

Back when Chu Ning had asked him to hatch the two Golden Thunder Falcons, Qi Guangshou had used his arts and determined that the vital energies of the eggs were too weak and that they could no longer be hatched.

He had then passed on the technique to Chu Ning.

So, when Chu Ning later hatched the two falcons, it had already surprised Qi Guangshou.

What he never expected was that these falcons would now advance to the fifth-grade level.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Qi Guangshou looked in the direction the falcons had flown off to, and he couldn't help but feel astonished.

He turned to He Feng, who was standing beside him, and said, "Elder He, would you care to join me in paying a visit to Elder Chu's spiritual beasts?"

He Feng was the Golden Core elder in charge of formations within the sect, and he had been involved in both the operations at Wolong Valley and Honghu Lake.

Although Chu Ning hadn't been a Core Formation cultivator at the time, he had developed a good relationship with him.

Upon hearing Qi Guangshou's suggestion, He Feng readily agreed.

"Sure, it looks like Elder Chu is headed toward Purple Haze Peak.

I heard he brought some friends to the sect, including several Golden Core cultivators who intend to join our sect. I was just thinking of paying them a visit myself."

As they spoke, the two elders flew out from their cave abode and followed the direction Chu Ning and Cen Zikin had taken.

Up ahead, Chu Ning and Cen Zikin soon arrived at Purple Haze Peak.

With the speed of the Golden Thunder Falcons, the distance between Skystorm Peak and Purple Haze Peak was quickly covered.

"Elder Chu, Sister Cen!"

As soon as Chu Ning and Cen Zikin arrived, Cheng Qinghui came out to greet them.

What surprised Chu Ning was the presence of Elder Fu Lihong from the Ninth Heaven Sect.

She had come with Shang Xiaohan.

When Shang Xiaohan laid eyes on Chu Ning and Cen Zikin arriving together, her gaze flickered slightly.

Chu Ning had saved her back in Wolong Valley, and later, they had traveled together to Honghu Lake. On their return journey, they had encountered that protector from the Xuan Yin Cult, You Jing, who had wanted to capture Shang Xiaohan to use as a furnace.

Chu Ning had told Shang Xiaohan to leave first while he faced off against You Jing.

Back then, both of them had only been at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Shang Xiaohan had developed feelings for Chu Ning, but she never expected that after being apart for so many years, even though she had reached the late Foundation Establishment stage and was close to having a chance at Core Formation, Chu Ning had already become a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, a gap that seemed too wide to bridge.

Moreover, the crucial factor was that Chu Ning now had Cen Zikin by his side, and they were both Golden Core cultivators.

Chu Ning wore his self-tailored white robe, and Cen Zikin was dressed in her usual white attire.

Even Shang Xiaohan couldn't help but think that they made a perfect couple, like celestial beings.

She felt a sense of shame and a hint of gloom unconsciously crept into her eyes.

As a Golden Core cultivator and a woman herself, Cen Zikin seemed to have an innate sensitivity to such gazes. She glanced at Shang Xiaohan.

At that moment, Chu Ning wasn't as observant, his curiosity drawing his attention to Elder Fu instead.

"Elder Fu, what brings you here?" Chu Ning asked.

Elder Fu smiled and replied, "The Sect Master instructed me to take good care of Elder Cheng and the others. The other elders had their own commitments, so this task fell to me.

I only arrived recently and was just thinking of checking if Elder Cheng needed anything."

Chu Ning cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Elder Fu. I've been away from my cave abode for a long time, and it needs some tidying up.

It seems I've arrived later than you, and I feel ashamed."

Cheng Qinghui quickly chimed in, saying that he was being too polite.

Before they could exchange a few more words, they turned their heads toward the sound of approaching footsteps.

It was Qi Guangshou and He Feng.

Chu Ning had actually sensed their presence earlier but thought they were on their way to another destination, so he hadn't paid much attention.

He never expected that they would be coming to Purple Haze Peak together.

After the two elders landed, Chu Ning took the initiative to introduce them to Cheng Qinghui.

They also greeted Cheng Qinghui with cupped fists, and He Feng said with a smile, "We heard that Elder Cheng and his companions had arrived a couple of days ago, so we thought we'd come over to pay our respects today."

He Feng's gaze swept the area before he continued, "Elder Cheng, this Purple Haze Peak didn't have any sect members residing here before, and the formations and restrictions seem a bit lacking.

If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll bring my disciples over to lend a hand."

"Thank you, Elder He," Cheng Qinghui said. He then turned to Cen Zikin and smiled, "Previously, Sister Cen was in charge of our formations. I was just thinking of discussing the formation and restriction layout here with her.

With Elder He's willingness to help, we're more than grateful."

When He Feng heard this, his eyes lit up slightly.

Then, she pointed to Chu Ning.

"If we're talking about proficiency in formations, Chu Ning here surpasses me."

Upon hearing these words, He Feng's face betrayed his surprise.

"Elder Chu, you're also well-versed in the Way of Formations? I don't recall you mentioning that before."

In fact, Chu Ning had awakened his Formation Spirit Body when he was condensing his Golden Core back in the Ninth Heaven Sect.

However, he had just started learning about formations at that time and hadn't showcased his abilities extensively within the sect.

His talent in this area was more evident in the various small formations he used in his pill refining endeavors.

Hearing that Chu Ning excelled in the Way of Formations, He Feng was naturally astonished.

Chu Ning had previously informed his brother, Yu Changge, about Cen Zikin and Cheng Qinghui's backgrounds, and He Feng had overheard the conversation.

Although He Feng hadn't witnessed Cen Zikin's skills in formations, he was well aware that as a Golden Core formation master from a major sect, her proficiency in that area would undoubtedly be exceptional.

If Chu Ning's expertise surpassed even Cen Zikin's, then it was truly extraordinary.

At this moment, Chu Ning responded to He Feng's words with humility:

"To say that I'm proficient is an overstatement. It's true that after I formed my Golden Core, I studied some of the sect's formations.

And over the years, I've had the opportunity to gain some experience through my travels, so I have a basic understanding."

But He Feng didn't buy it. Hearing Chu Ning's modest reply, he laughed and said,

"Elder Chu, you're always so humble. I don't believe you.

It seems like you'll have to take charge of the formations and restrictions on this Purple Haze Peak. It will also be a great opportunity for me to broaden my horizons."

Before Chu Ning could respond, Qi Guangshou, who was standing beside him, took the initiative to speak up.

"Old He, it was me who first suggested seeking Elder Chu's help.

At least let me have the chance to speak first."

Hearing this, He Feng quickly laughed it off. "Alright, Old Qi, you ask first. I'm not in a hurry."

Qi Guangshou didn't stand on ceremony. With a look of surprise on his face, he pointed to the two Golden Thunder Falcons soaring in the sky outside.

"Elder Chu, can you call those two spiritual beasts down so I can take a closer look at them?"

Chu Ning knew that Qi Guangshou had a particular interest in spiritual beasts. Since Qi Guangshou had previously examined these falcons, it wasn't strange for him to ask about them now.

So, Chu Ning immediately summoned the two Golden Thunder Falcons.

"Fifth-grade beasts, and both of them have advanced!"

Qi Guangshou's eyes widened as he beheld the majestic Golden Thunder Falcons.

"Elder Chu, did you use some special method to nurture these beasts? Even if you hatched them yourself, it's impossible for them to reach the fifth-grade under normal circumstances."

Chu Ning was puzzled by Qi Guangshou's words. "How so, Elder Qi?"

"When you first hatched these Golden Thunder Falcons, they had certain innate defects," Qi Guangshou explained.

"I examined them myself, and their physical strength was lacking. This didn't affect them at the third or fourth grade, so I didn't think they would advance to the fifth grade, and I didn't mention it to you.

Normally, their physical strength wouldn't be sufficient to withstand the impact of the Demon Condensation Pill."

"Oh?" Chu Ning's eyes narrowed slightly at Qi Guangshou's words, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

Soon, he figured out the reason and reached into his storage bag, pulling out an object.

"What's that?"

The Golden Core cultivators present were perplexed as they looked at the object in Chu Ning's hand—a beast crystal.

"It's a beast crystal from Wuling Island, and there's another item that doesn't have a definite name yet—the Origin Stone."

Chu Ning explained as he held the crystal.

"This item has the effect of strengthening the physical body. After Da Jin and Xiao Jin followed me to Wuling Island, they consumed a lot of demonic beasts there and absorbed a lot of the island's origin power.

They also condensed beast crystals within their bodies, but after leaving Wuling Island and advancing to the fourth-grade, those beast crystals disappeared."

As he spoke, Chu Ning's gaze fell on the two Golden Thunder Falcons.

"If I'm not mistaken, the origin power in those beast crystals tempered their bodies, helping them strengthen their physical forms, which then allowed them to condense their Golden Cores."

"Strengthening the physical body?" Hearing this, the Golden Core cultivators present directed their gazes at the crystal in Chu Ning's hand.

"Would it have the same effect on cultivators?" Qi Guangshou asked, his eyes shining with interest.

Chu Ning himself had benefited from the origin power, which strengthened his physical body, but his case was unique and not representative.

However, he recalled what Shi Xuerong had said on Wuling Island, and he nodded, "It's useful for cultivators as well. Previously, on Wuling Island, I heard Fellow Daoist Shi Xuerong from the Guiyuan Sect mention that when she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, her physical strength was lacking. By chance, she used this Origin Stone to strengthen her body and eventually succeeded in forming her Golden Core."

The Golden Core cultivators from the Ninth Heaven Sect exchanged glances, and He Feng laughed, "Elder Chu, it seems you're about to make another significant contribution to the sect."

Chu Ning looked at him, puzzled by his words.

He Feng quickly explained, "Lu Kangan, you should be familiar with him. He's the chief executive of the Pill Refining Pavilion."

Chu Ning nodded. Lu Kangan was the chief executive of the Pill Refining Pavilion, and they had interacted quite a bit in the past.

When the Great Luo Sect had visited, Lu Kangan, who was at the late Foundation Establishment stage, had accompanied Chu Ning in the competition.

Hearing He Feng's words, Chu Ning had a vague idea of what he was getting at.

He Feng continued, "Lu Kangan reached the Pseudo Core stage ten years ago, but he suffered a severe injury. Although the sect's various medicinal pills healed his wounds, his physical strength couldn't be enhanced, and he hasn't dared to attempt to form his core since.

The sect has tried various methods, but to no avail. We suspect it might be due to the nature of his injury."

He Feng's eyes fell on the crystal in Chu Ning's hand. "If this item can strengthen the physical body, perhaps there's hope for Lu Kangan."

Chu Ning replied, "In that case, I'll pay a visit to the Pill Refining Pavilion later and give it to him to try.

"Elder He, you're mistaken. It won't be just one," Fu Lihong interjected with a smile. Her eyes swept across Cen Zikin, Cheng Qinghui, and Ge Yu. "With Elder Chu's return and these three friends joining us, we'll gain four Golden Core cultivators all at once."

Cheng Qinghui smiled but remained silent. Fu Lihong, however, continued with a smile, "Friend Cheng, don't blame me for speaking too boldly, but I'm sure you'll grow fond of our Ninth Heaven Sect after staying here for a while. Elder Chu can attest to that."

Chu Ning nodded with a smile. "That's true. When I first arrived, I didn't feel a strong sense of belonging. But after staying for a while, I settled in and felt at peace cultivating here."

Cheng Qinghui sighed with emotion, "Indeed, from the way all of you conduct yourselves and interact, I've already formed a high opinion of your sect. However, this matter is of great importance, so I ask that you give us some time to adapt. By the way, please come inside and don't stand out here."

The group entered the hall of Purple Haze Peak.

Cen Zikin went to check on the other Foundation Establishment cultivators of Yao Chi Palace before returning to the hall. Having witnessed Chu Ning's prowess in formation techniques, she took the opportunity to speak up during a brief pause in the conversation.

"Sister, how should we set up the formations here? Why don't we discuss it further so that Chu Ning can get started?"

"Good!" Cheng Qinghui said, then turned to Chu Ning. "Elder Chu, we mainly cultivate the techniques and spells of Yao Chi Palace, focusing on water, ice, and wood attributes. Within the Ninth Heaven Sect, we don't have to worry about attacks from other cultivators. So, the formations should primarily aid in cultivation while also providing some isolation. After all, we are all female cultivators, and there are times when privacy is needed."

Hearing this, Cen Zikin explained to Chu Ning, "The formation I set up on Chaos Beast Mountain had excellent isolation effects, mainly to prevent pursuit from the Purple Moon Sect. However, it lacked in gathering spiritual energy to aid in cultivation. Do you have any suggestions?"

"I do have a formation that combines the spiritual energy gathering effects of both water and ice attributes," Chu Ning replied. "If there are cultivators practicing wood attribute techniques, I can set up a separate area to try and condense stronger wood attribute spiritual energy."

After speaking, Chu Ning circled Purple Haze Peak and began setting up the formation.

As the saying goes, experts reveal their skills with their first move.

Among the Golden Core cultivators, Cen Zikin and He Feng were both experts in formation techniques, and while the others were not experts, they had some understanding as Golden Core cultivators.

As they watched Chu Ning effortlessly bring out one formation tool after another and skillfully refine various flags and instruments with his Elixir Fire, they were all astonished.

He Feng's eyes lit up with excitement.

Before Chu Ning had even finished setting up the formation, He Feng spoke up from the side, "Elder Chu, after you're done here, please come to the Formation Pavilion. There are several formations in the sect that the Formation Pavilion has been wanting to improve and strengthen using our inherited formation techniques. However, I've been unable to figure out some parts, and there are a few formation tools that I can't refine. Now that you're here, you must help me."

Hearing He Feng's request, Chu Ning smiled and replied, "Sure, after I finish setting up the Purple Haze Peak formation, I'll head to the Formation Pavilion to take a look. But, Elder He, if you couldn't figure it out, I might not be of much help either, so don't get your hopes up too high."

He Feng was overjoyed at Chu Ning's response and waited until Qi Guangshou left before remaining at Purple Haze Peak.

Covering an entire mountain peak with a formation, especially with additional requirements, was no easy task, even for Chu Ning. It took him several consecutive days to work on the formation.

However, Cen Zikin and He Feng were able to lend a hand with some of the setup. With the help of three Golden Core cultivators, the formation was mostly completed in just a few days.

As Chu Ning and the others were still appreciating the intricacies of the formation, a fiery red flying light appeared in the distance. It was Elder Ge Liuyang of the Refinement Pavilion.

"Chu, you made me search all over for you. I didn't see you in your cave abode for several days, and then I found out you've been here at Purple Haze Peak."

"Elder Ge, what brings you here? Are you looking for me?" Chu Ning asked with a smile.

"I was just planning to pay a visit to the Refinement Pavilion when I had the time," Chu Ning replied.

"Then let's go now," Ge Liuyang said, grabbing Chu Ning's arm and pulling him away. "We at the Refinement Pavilion are preparing to refine a sect's treasure, and I was hesitating because I wasn't sure if I could complete it alone. Luckily, you're back. Together, we can definitely succeed."

"Wait!" He Feng stepped forward to block their path. "Elder Ge, at least consider who came first. I've been waiting for Elder Chu here for several days, inviting him to the Formation Pavilion. And now you're just taking him away."

"Why do you want him to go to the Formation Pavilion?" Ge Liuyang asked, puzzled. "His specialty is pill and treasure refinement, not formations."

Hearing this, He Feng burst out laughing. "You're outdated, my friend. Elder Chu's expertise in formations surpasses even mine."

Ge Liuyang was taken aback. "Are you serious?"

He Feng nodded. "Of course. I've witnessed his formation prowess these past few days."

Ge Liuyang's gaze fell on Chu Ning, taking in his appearance with newfound respect. "Tell me, is there anything you can't do? You used to be an executive in the Pill Refinement Pavilion, then we discovered your outstanding talent in treasure refinement, and now you're a Golden Core cultivator who's also an expert in formations."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end