**: Saving Oneself**

The Ning family cultivators in the cell were arguing.

The bell's chime transmitted a method, and the technique conveyed was called the *Five Elements Qi Rhythm Art*, but only the first three layers.

However, after comparing notes on just these first three layers, everyone discovered discrepancies in their understandings.

For instance, regarding the section on condensing Metal Qi, some comprehended it as: Metal Qi enters the palm, spreads through the meridians, travels from the palm to the lungs, moistening and nourishing the organs. Those cultivating this must have a broad mind, even breathing; Metal Qi is inherently dry, and improper use can easily damage the Yin lungs.

Others understood it as: Metal Qi enters the palm... the will runs wild, breathing becomes swift. Metal Qi is sharp, governing decisiveness in killing, advancing boldly by following its lead.

The former required the cultivator to circulate energy slowly, while the latter urged vigorous and rapid progress.

Even though everyone heard the same bell chime, their interpretations differed, leading inevitably to endless debate.

"It seems you still don't quite understand what the Transmission Bell is," said Chi Dun, appearing shortly after with Ning Chen and Ning Yong in tow.

By now, he had finished interrogating all the Ning family cultivators.

The Ning cultivators all looked over. Someone bowed and said, "Please enlighten us, Lord Chi Dun."

Ning Zhuo looked at Ning Chen and Ning Yong and smiled.

However, Ning Chen and Ning Yong avoided his gaze. Just moments before, during their interrogation, they had confessed everything, including receiving orders from Ning Zhanji to provoke Ning Zhuo into entering the cave.

Chi Dun explained to the group, "The Transmission Bell, as the name implies, is for transmitting methods."

"The advantage of converting the bell's chime into a cultivation technique is that beings of different languages, even different races, can gain some insight."

"The Three Sects' Venerables are compassionate, seeking to universally save all sentient beings. Therefore, leaving behind the Transmission Bell isn't just to save humans, but other life forms as well."

"Transmission Bells also vary in quality. Ordinary ones transmit a uniform method through their chime. Superior bells, however, convey techniques that differ from person to person."

Most people were surprised, but a few showed thoughtful expressions.

Chi Dun continued, "The technique each of you received is correct. Because these techniques have been subtly adjusted based on your individual selves."

"So that's how it is!" The cultivators exclaimed in sudden understanding, their faces lighting up with pleasant surprise.

"Any cultivation technique is a method for drawing in external energy, allowing us to digest, absorb, store, and utilize it. They can all be continuously modified."

"Exactly. Ancient cultivation techniques struggle to compete with new methods precisely because the external environment changes; seas turn into mulberry fields."

"The Three Sects' Venerables are truly compassionate, considering each one of us."

Chi Dun: "This is also the style of the Buddhist tradition. The Buddhist school excels in 'conversion' – refining external magical power and transforming it into corresponding Buddhist power. As the saying goes, 'Drop the butcher's knife and immediately become a Buddha' – it means being able to transform the magical power of a long-time demonic cultivator into Buddhist power."

"Don't overestimate the effect, though. Transmission via bell chime has its limits. Having to accommodate all living beings in the city, the degree of adjustment is certainly still limited."

"So, don't mistakenly think this technique is perfect. During your cultivation, you can still attempt to improve it."

The Ning family cultivators exchanged glances.

Someone smiled wryly, "Modifying a technique is far too difficult! Lord Chi Dun overestimates us."

Another added, "Those who can modify techniques either have profound research into the method or possess exceptional talent and brilliance. We are incapable of that."

Chi Dun, of course, knew this; he was just offering a well-intentioned reminder.

"Alright, you've all been cleared of suspicion. Follow me out; don't take up space in the dungeon anymore."

He was releasing the Ning cultivators intentionally.

Through this action, Chi Dun subtly showed goodwill to the Ning family, indicating that interrogating their members wasn't his personal intention but merely his duty.

The Ning cultivators thanked him profusely and followed Chi Dun out of the cell.

Just as they stepped out of the dungeon and saw the light of dawn, the Alert Heart Bell on Chi Dun's person suddenly erupted with a sharp, piercing clang.

Chi Dun's expression changed drastically. His aura surged wildly, and he shot off in the direction indicated by the bell.

The explosive burst of air directly sent the surrounding Ning cultivators flying.

*Boom!*

The next moment, a loud roar echoed, the ground shook violently, and dust billowed upwards.

A figure shot out from within the dust.

The Ning cultivators exclaimed in unison, "It's that shadowy demonic cultivator!"

"Thief! How dare you have the audacity to spy on the dungeon!" Chi Dun was furious, chasing after the shadowy demonic cultivator.

The shadowy demonic cultivator let out a sinister, creaking laugh, his voice hoarse, fighting while retreating.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The two figures leaped continuously among the vast stretches of houses and halls. Wherever they clashed, buildings large and small crumbled to pieces.

Townspeople fled in all directions, plunging into chaos.

"Let's get out of here too!" The Ning cultivators fled in the opposite direction.

Ning Chen and Ning Yong also tried to pull Ning Zhuo along to escape.

But Ning Zhuo said, "Run where? Let's go back to the dungeon; it's safer here!"

The two were stunned.

Ning Zhuo directly grabbed their hands: "Trust me, I'm right."

So the three of them returned to the dungeon.

Back inside the cell, their spots and the fruit platters were still there, not yet cleared away.

Ning Zhuo and the others sat down again.

Ning Zhuo explained, "Although the immortal city has a great protective array that suppresses the combat power of any cultivator, Golden Core stage experts are still existences we simply cannot resist."

"What if they fight their way near us?"

"Just like the situation in the Blazing Flame Demon Molten Cave!"

"Lord Chi Dun is very strong. He's a body cultivator, and his power is least suppressed here in Huoshi Immortal City. His chances of winning are high."

"The safest thing is to wait until he defeats that shadowy demonic cultivator before we go out."

Upon hearing this, both Ning Chen and Ning Yong found Ning Zhuo's words very reasonable.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!...*

The clash between the two Golden Core experts continued. Each impact shook the entire dungeon, causing dust to rain down from above.

Ning Chen and Ning Yong were restless, unable to sit still.

Ning Zhuo, however, was calm and composed, eating fruit and drinking tea, seeming rather carefree.

Seeing their fellow clansman behave like this, Ning Chen and Ning Yong grew even more admiring.

Ning Zhuo explained, "Hey, I've thought it through! If the two Golden Core experts fight their way here, we're definitely dead. In that worst-case scenario, we might as well eat our fill to avoid being hungry ghosts."

Ning Chen was speechless.

Ning Yong slapped his forehead, giving Ning Zhuo a thumbs-up: "Ah Zhuo, you're right. Brilliant!"

He grabbed a bunch of grapes, stuffed them into his mouth, and urged Ning Chen: "You eat too, go on, eat."

Ning Chen rolled his eyes at him, his expression and mood heavy. He shook his head: "You two eat. I can't."

The fight between the two Golden Core experts didn't last long.

The three of them kept monitoring the commotion. They noticed the disturbances growing fainter, the explosive sounds moving further away, and gradually felt relieved.

Once the noises disappeared completely, a jailer came to urge the three Ning youths out. Only then did they leave the dungeon again.

Chi Dun and the shadowy demonic cultivator had vanished completely. According to others, the fight had moved outside the city.

Large swathes of houses had collapsed into ruins.

Amid the rubble, corpses lay scattered. The cries of the survivors made the morning feel bitterly cold.

The faces of the three Ning youths were grave.

"Strange, I actually used to think the immortal city was safe!" Ning Yong said.

Ning Chen sighed: "This is actually considered good. With the immortal city's great array suppressing power, Golden Core stage cultivators can't unleash their full strength. Otherwise, a single Golden Core-level spell landing could devastate half the city."

Ning Zhuo urged them on: "This is beyond our control. Let's go back. Right now, I just want to collapse onto my bed and sleep under the covers."

These words immediately evoked feelings of exhaustion and weariness in his two companions.

After walking together for a while, Ning Zhuo parted ways with them.

The experiences of the previous night had been too eventful. Ning Zhuo was utterly exhausted and fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

He slept until evening before slowly waking up.

After a simple meal, he went down to the underground workshop.

Sitting cross-legged on the meditation cushion, he began his first attempt at cultivating the *Five Elements Qi Rhythm Art*.

Previously, he had cultivated the *Snow Region Talisman Atlas Canon*, one of the Ning family's three great techniques. Under normal circumstances, he would need to dissipate all his "Atlas Canon magical power" completely, clearing it out entirely, before he could cultivate another technique.

But Ning Zhuo didn't need to.

My Buddha's Heart Demon Seal!

For others, it's a demon; for oneself, it becomes a Buddha.

Converting himself wasn't just about suppressing thoughts, being devoid of joy or sorrow, and guarding against detection; it also had the wonderful function of transforming magical power.

Immediately, his Talisman Atlas magical power continuously converted, directly turning into Five Elements magical power with astonishing efficiency!

(End of )