https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-57-The-Art-of-Wood-Escape-Talismans/12549141/
Chapter 56: Evil Intentions Arise
Chapter 56: Evil Intentions Arise
Upon returning to his residence, a slight smile appeared on Chu Ning's face.
Although he had thought that he had drawn too much attention to himself earlier, he was undoubtedly happy to have made it into Zone C.
Despite not knowing how the sect would arrange for them to learn various skills, as Mu Ling had mentioned earlier, he was curious.
But at least he was now officially a Zone C disciple, and with that came new opportunities.
If he could truly get involved in talisman-making, his income would increase exponentially, thanks to his innate talent as a Talisman Spirit Body.
While a cultivator's innate talents were important, resources were equally crucial.
Just as Chu Ning was feeling a bit excited, faint voices drifted over from the neighboring courtyard.
His excitement faded, and he furrowed his brows.
After his promotion today, what truly concerned him wasn't the attention he had garnered.
After all, such things would likely be forgotten by everyone after some time.
What truly made Chu Ning uneasy was the fact that both Luo Hongping and Lu Yunfang had also successfully advanced.
He wondered if their living quarters or spirit fields in Zone C would be assigned close to his.
Ever since he suspected that the two might have some connection to Qi Chongmao, Chu Ning had been wary of interacting with them.
"It's a pity that Zone C isn't under Zhu Yunde's management. Otherwise, I could have asked him for a favor before he left the sect," Chu Ning mused with a tinge of melancholy.
Speaking of which, he felt a bit wistful about not having Zhu Yunde's convenience in Zone C.
Despite his momentary melancholy, Chu Ning quickly adjusted his mindset.
He resumed his daily cultivation routine.
That night, after cultivating the Evergreen Longevity Technique, he sat cross-legged on his bed and began practicing the Divine Refinement Art.
The Divine Refinement Art not only strengthened one's spiritual sense but also taught various methods of utilizing it.
In addition to advanced spiritual attack secrets like the Illusory God Spike, there were also simpler applications, such as spiritual sensing and spiritual transmission.
Chu Ning had previously learned a sound transmission technique in his spellcasting studies, but the two were quite different.
The sound transmission technique involved producing extremely subtle sounds from the mouth, which were then transmitted to others through the use of spiritual energy.
On the other hand, spiritual transmission didn't require any audible sounds at all. It allowed one to directly convey information to another person's mind, making it a more advanced method.
After cultivating for a while, just as he was about to end his practice for the day, Chu Ning's heart stirred.
He sensed someone entering the courtyard and heading in the direction of his bedroom.
Release spiritual sense!
Without a moment's hesitation, Chu Ning released his spiritual sense.
After a period of cultivation, his spiritual sense had improved, and the range of his projection had extended by about half a foot beyond the initial two zhang.
Soon, a familiar figure appeared within the range of his spiritual sense.
Cao Dongxin?
Chu Ning sighed softly as he identified the person's identity.
"So, he finally came!"
Earlier in the day, Chu Ning had intentionally ignored Cao Dongxin, partly to provoke or test him.
Cao Dongxin's reclusive nature made him the type of person who was most likely to take extreme actions.
This also meant that if Cao Dongxin realized that Chu Ning's future achievements would surpass his own, he might worry about potential retaliation and take drastic measures.
Whether Cao Dongxin could endure this grudge, or if he would take an extreme path, was uncertain to Chu Ning.
He merely wanted to test the waters.
And now, it seemed that Cao Dongxin hadn't disappointed him with this test.
With these thoughts in mind, Chu Ning continued to sense Cao Dongxin's presence while preparing for various possible responses.
When Cao Dongxin reached a spot not far from the bedroom door, he took out something from his body and used the Object Propulsion Art to throw it toward Chu Ning's room.
In response, Chu Ning's figure flashed, and he leaped straight from the bed.
Using the Wind Riding Art, he appeared in the backyard after a few quick flashes.
Then, he saw the object Cao Dongxin had thrown at the door. After landing silently on the floor, it emitted a hazy gray smoke.
Without hesitation, Cao Dongxin used a simple spell to force the gray smoke into the room.
Witnessing this, Chu Ning immediately understood his opponent's intentions.
Although he couldn't identify the gray smoke, he knew that since Cao Dongxin had resorted to using it, it must be detrimental to cultivators.
It was probably meant to strip him of his spiritual energy or knock him unconscious with poison.
Clearly, Cao Dongxin was also worried about being discovered, which was why he had resorted to such underhanded tactics.
After all, the neighboring courtyard was occupied.
"As expected, pitiful people are hateful!"
A chill ran through Chu Ning's heart as he realized the extent of Cao Dongxin's malice.
Before this incident, he had never harbored any ill intentions towards Cao Dongxin.
He had simply been unwilling to treat Cao Dongxin amicably.
But now that Cao Dongxin had taken the initiative to make a move, clearly displaying his hostile intentions, Chu Ning had no choice but to respond in kind.
Qi Chongmao was alone and lonely in the backyard, and Chu Ning didn't mind giving Cao Dongxin some company.
The only troublesome aspect was the couple living next door. If the commotion became too loud, they might notice and associate Qi Chongmao's disappearance with him.
With this in mind, Chu Ning remained in the backyard, quietly using his spiritual sense to monitor Cao Dongxin's every move.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Cao Dongxin popped a pill into his mouth and pushed open Chu Ning's bedroom door, stepping inside.
"Where is he?"
Cao Dongxin's dark face twisted in surprise when he found the room empty.
He glanced towards the backyard, his eyes flickering with suspicion. Then, he clutched a talisman in his hand and strode towards the backyard.
Using his Yin Wood Spirit Body, Chu Ning completely suppressed his aura and continued to sense Cao Dongxin's proximity through his spiritual sense.
As Cao Dongxin stepped out of the bedroom and into the backyard, Chu Ning, who had been prepared, crushed the Spirit Travel Talisman in his hand.
In the next moment, he flashed into existence right before Cao Dongxin.
Heavenly Canopy Fist!
Chu Ning showed no mercy, unleashing a deadly strike without giving Cao Dongxin any time to react.
Cao Dongxin finally reacted, attempting to activate the talisman in his hand, but it was too late.
"Bang!"
Chu Ning's fist slammed into Cao Dongxin's body.
"You..."
Cao Dongxin's eyes widened in disbelief.
Even in death, he couldn't comprehend how Chu Ning had discovered his plan. After all, he had been extremely cautious, even using the Mystical Illusion Powder.
And how had Chu Ning, who was supposed to be at the fourth layer of Qi Refining, suddenly become a body cultivator with such extraordinary abilities?
At the fifth layer of Qi Refining, Cao Dongxin didn't even have a chance to fight back.
Chu Ning didn't bother to ponder over Cao Dongxin's final thoughts. He quickly searched Cao Dongxin's body, collecting everything of value.
Then, he unleashed a few Fireball Spells, incinerating Cao Dongxin's body into ashes.
Afterward, Chu Ning once again released his spiritual sense, making sure that the couple in the neighboring courtyard were still resting peacefully without any signs of disturbance. Only then did he finally heave a sigh of relief.
His actions had been swift and decisive, and the couple seemed to have remained oblivious to the entire incident.
Nevertheless, Chu Ning remained vigilant.
He spent the entire night in meditation, and it wasn't until dawn, when there were still no signs of any abnormalities, that he truly relaxed.
After tidying up, Chu Ning left the courtyard and made his way to the training grounds.
(End of Chapter)
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