: The Theory of Fate

Author: Gu Zhenren

Date: 2024-07-31

Han Ming said, "According to the book's explanation, those with immortal aptitude are the darlings of heaven and earth. Overcoming challenges is like transcending tribulations or refining gu; surmounting one hurdle opens up a new vista in life."

"My lord, you should be aware that after a significant increase in fate, opportunities often come knocking!"

Ning Zhuo grew even more interested. "What other methods can increase one's fate?"

Han Ming replied, "Cultivation is the primary method. The stronger a cultivator becomes, the greater their fate."

"Leveraging external forces is another way, but it must be done skillfully. Poor leverage can lead to internal drain."

"There are also other treasures. For instance, every major sect, great clan, or cultivation nation possesses at least one heavy treasure to stabilize fate and regulate fortune."

Ning Zhuo nodded. "Transcribe the book 'The Theory of Fate' for me."

"Yes, my lord."

Ning Zhuo added, "Also transcribe any other texts that don’t involve your sect’s restrictions."

Han Ming responded again, "Yes, my lord."

Ning Zhuo then inquired about the Soul Contract.

Han Ming explained that it was a technique of the Soul Devouring Sect, which used souls to establish contracts, making them highly reliable.

The key point was that the essence of Han Ming’s cultivation lay in her soul. Signing a Soul Contract would be the most effective way to control her. Once signed, her life and death would rest entirely in Ning Zhuo’s hands.

After briefly studying the Soul Contract, Ning Zhuo found it incomprehensible.

He decided to proceed with caution.

Fortunately, gathering the materials, talismans, and other necessities for the contract would take time, so there was no immediate rush.

"Although you’ve pledged allegiance to me, it will take time to verify your loyalty."

"From now on, you must prove yourself through your actions," Ning Zhuo instructed.

Han Ming lowered her head meekly and replied softly, "Yes, my lord."

Before leaving, Ning Zhuo extended her chains, allowing her to move within half of the cell as a reward.

Ning Zhuo hadn’t expected such a fruitful outcome from this meeting with Han Ming.

He had learned about Yuan Dasheng’s immortal aptitude.

Detecting innate talent was a highly complex matter. Even the three Golden Core cultivators who examined Yuan Dasheng’s corpse had failed to notice his immortal aptitude.

"It was only because I had Han Ming devour his soul that it was accidentally triggered, allowing us to identify it."

"Righteous Bone Gold Firmness can serve as excellent material for crafting mechanisms. Brilliant!"

Secondly, he had uncovered secrets about fate.

"'The Theory of Fate' is quite intriguing."

Lastly, he had subdued Han Ming.

Of course, Ning Zhuo remained skeptical about Han Ming’s submission.

At that moment, he wished he possessed Zhu Xuanji’s ability to detect lies. Unfortunately, Zhu Xuanji’s lie-detection skill relied on specific mana, techniques, and his Golden Eyes.

Ning Zhuo lacked any of these foundations.

Due to the presence of Righteous Bone Gold Firmness, Yuan Dasheng’s corpse had to be dealt with later.

In the meantime, Ning Zhuo needed to ensure Yuan Dasheng’s soul remained weakened to prevent it from being drawn into the palace of souls.

However, since Yuan Dasheng’s physical body was dead and could no longer nourish his soul, it would naturally decay over time, even without Ning Zhuo’s intervention.

What Ning Zhuo needed to focus on was strengthening surveillance to prevent any unexpected developments.

What is the best kind of enemy?

One who is thoroughly dead!

Until Yuan Dasheng’s soul was utilized, Ning Zhuo would keep a close watch on it.

Ning Zhuo closed his eyes and began his daily review.

The knowledge of fate gave him a deeper understanding of himself, his exploration of the immortal palace, and the world itself.

He first reflected on his own situation.

"If I truly possess exceptional innate talent, it makes sense that my fate would be strong."

"Without parental protection, I’ve grown safely to sixteen, accumulating wealth that my uncle and aunt could never achieve in their lifetimes."

"Since exploring the immortal palace, I’ve repeatedly faced crises, but even in the worst situations, there’s always a sliver of hope, never a dead end."

For example, his name had remained undiscovered, giving him time to adjust.

Another instance was Yuan Dasheng’s unexpected appearance. His movements did not overlap with Meng Chong and the others. Yuan Dasheng never encountered the other three major forces, giving Ning Zhuo room to maneuver.

Ning Zhuo then thought about Yuan Dasheng.

"In Yuan Dasheng’s case, he actually had several chances to survive."

If Ning Zhuo had failed or delayed in changing his name, Yuan Dasheng would have discovered it and realized his true predicament. He would have become alert and responded more precisely to Ning Zhuo’s schemes.

If he hadn’t injured his soul to protect Yuan Er and continued exploring the immortal palace, he might have encountered others. Although this would have been disadvantageous, it could also have brought about a turnaround.

If, during the Fire Persimmon Festival, he hadn’t rushed to join Yuan Er when the mechanism monkeys attacked, the subsequent loss of control wouldn’t have occurred. Ning Zhuo’s plan would have failed!

If, during the chain explosion in the千年火柿林, he had ignored Yuan Er and focused on protecting himself, even without using demonic arts, his peak third-layer Five Elements mana could have sustained him. He might have remained conscious after the explosion. Consciousness and unconsciousness are fundamentally different.

Finally, even after protecting Yuan Er and falling unconscious, Yuan Dasheng still had a chance. If Zhu Xuanji had been moved to assist, as long as Yuan Dasheng held on until he woke up or his soul entered the immortal palace, there would have been a turnaround.

Unfortunately, Ning Zhuo acted swiftly, decisively entering the fray, and Yuan Er’s poor performance failed to protect his "Uncle Monkey."

"Fate actually gave him many opportunities, but he failed to seize any of them."

"He was also dragged down by Yuan Er."

Ning Zhuo sighed inwardly, gaining a deeper understanding of the principles in "The Theory of Fate."

His mind raced as he reviewed the entire process, generating new insights.

"Hmm?"

Countless thoughts brushed against the treasure seal in his mind, leading to an unexpected discovery.

"Why has my Buddha Heart Demon Seal been activated so many times?"

Wary of Zhu Xuanji, Ning Zhuo had rarely used the Buddha Heart Demon Seal during this covert operation. The most notable instance was when he used the Heart Seal to command the mechanism monkeys to riot.

With those monkeys destroyed by the formation, the evidence was essentially erased.

Even if investigated, Ning Zhuo could explain it as the creator of the mechanisms.

Throughout his subsequent interactions with Yuan Er, he had not used the treasure seal, meticulously avoiding even the slightest flaw.

The methods in the cultivation world were countless, and Ning Zhuo prioritized caution above all.

In his view, no matter how precious the Buddha Heart Demon Seal was, it was merely a tool. And tools depend on the skill of the user. Over-reliance on a single tool was unwise—sooner or later, it would lead to trouble.

Thus, based on his recollection, Ning Zhuo had used the Buddha Heart Demon Seal only a few times.

But now, upon examining it, he discovered that the reality contradicted his memory.

"When did this happen? I used the Buddha Heart Demon Seal not just once, but at least three or four times."

Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but feel astonished.

What was going on?

This had never happened before.

(End of )