MTLNOVEL Chapter 37 - 36 Granny Yun Cui (Thanks to the overlord of the online game "Across the World" from fourth graders!)
Chapter 37: Chapter 36 Granny Yun Cui (Thanks to the overlord of the online game “Across the World” from fourth graders!)
77 Spiritual Field Courtyard.
Inside a secret chamber twenty zhang deep underground.
Ning Daoran was holding a Spirit Scroll containing the Flame Sun Technique, took a deep breath, and was about to begin studying. With forty thousand years of Refining Time saved up, he could cultivate the Flame Sun Technique to Return to Nature in one go.
He was actually extremely looking forward to the transformation achieved through Return to Nature in the Flame Sun Technique.
Moreover, once he succeeded in his cultivation, Ning Daoran would truly possess his first offensive skill — no longer needing to rely on magic artifacts and spears to slay his enemies each time.
His expression solemn, he immediately channelled the Refining Time into the cultivation technique and began to cultivate!
[The eighth year, you gradually understand the essentials of the Flame Sun Technique. As you channel the Evergreen Technique, the surging Evergreen Magic Power in your body starts to evolve into scorching fierce flames]
[Flame Sun Technique. Yellow Rank Top Grade (Entry-Level)]
[The forty-fourth year, your body is burning hot as if bathing in fierce flames. As the Flame Sun Technique circulates within, your mana constantly transforms into blazing fires, and your mastery of the technique reaches new heights]
[Flame Sun Technique. Yellow Rank Top Grade (Small Accomplishment)]
[The two hundred and thirty-second year, you find a volcanic crater and leap into it, refining your Flame Sun Technique with a heart set on breaking and remaking. But the magma is so hot that you are scalded.]
[Looking at the scalded wounds, your heart stumbles upon a realization]
[Flame Sun Technique. Yellow Rank Top Grade (Great Success)]
[The two thousand and four hundredth year, you dream a thousand years in the volcano. Upon awakening, the surging Flame Sun Technique mana within you triggers the rhythm deep in the volcano, causing an eruption, amidst which you let out a wild howl in the flames]
[Flame Sun Technique. Yellow Rank Top Grade (Perfect)]
“So fast…”
After taking a deep breath, Ning Daoran was perfect in just over two thousand years. His body was now filled with fire attribute magical power brimming with explosive force. A casual flick of his hand turned into a fiery sword point shooting from his fingertips, burning a large hole in the underground.
“Ao~~~”
At his side, Big Stupid Deer was staring with wide eyes, amazed at the sheer skill!
He continued to cultivate, striving to reach Return to Nature without stopping!
[The four thousand seven hundredth year, the volcano once again becomes silent, and you, clad in armor solidified from magma, sit in the depths like a withered old man]
[The eight thousand five hundred and sixtyth year, with a piercing scream, you rise from the depths of the volcano, your body’s flames surging. After years of cultivating the Flame Sun Technique, you seem to glimpse something different within]
[Flame Sun Technique. Yellow Rank Top Grade (Transformation Realm)]
[The 13,000th year, you neither eat nor sleep, sitting at the depths of the volcano, constantly contemplating the true intent of flames. But by this time, your enlightenment is nearly exhausted. Looking at the true explanation of the Flame Sun Technique you wrote, it seems like reading a Heavenly Book, and you suddenly find Yourself unable to understand the Flame Sun Technique]
[The 18,800th year, your flesh starts to wither. The old injuries from years of cultivating the Flame Sun Technique are immensely painful. Yet you, only a hair’s breadth from grasping that sliver of light, are filled with reluctance.]
[One day, as you look up at a star shining atop the volcano, enlightenment strikes. You soar into the sky, and the great fire spreads across the entire horizon.]
[Flame Sun Technique. Yellow Rank Top Grade (Return to Nature)]
[You have derived the Samadhi True Fire]
[Refining Time remaining: 23,422 years]
…
“It’s done!”
Ning Daoran slowly stood up, and the moment he circulated the Flame Sun Technique, fiery imprints appeared all over his body.
“Weng weng weng—”
Amidst the humming sound, the scorching fire attribute magical power within had nowhere to vent, and he involuntarily opened his mouth.
“Ha!”
A column of intense fire blasted from his mouth, instantly melting several meters of thick rock in the chamber walls!
Ning Daoran immediately shut his mouth in fright.
He was profoundly shocked. This was not ordinary fire attribute magical power, but a kind of flame that combined Primordial Spirit, Primordial Qi, and Primordial Essence, though the forces that Ning Daoran could emanate were all incomplete.
For instance, Primordial Qi, which is a power one might only sense during the Divinity Transformation Stage.
Therefore, the Samadhi True Fire Ning Daoran cultivated right now wasn’t the true meaning of Samadhi True Fire but rather some sort of imitation, a semblance of the true essence of Samadhi True Fire, but not the core.
Yet, this was enough!
Why demand more from the Samadhi True Fire at the Qi Refinement Realm? With just this fire, defeating enemies was definitely not a problem!
Moreover, for things like Alchemy and Artifact Refining, there’s no need to rent the Earth Lung Fire anymore, this Samadhi True Fire is many layers more profound than the Earth Lung Fire!
Ning Daoran was overjoyed!
A natural-born Alchemy and Artifact Refining prodigy!
He suppressed his ecstasy and circulated the Concealing Breath Technique, hiding the Samadhi True Fire deep within himself. He couldn’t let anyone know about this; in fact, even the upper echelons of Chaotic Sect would likely dissect him thoroughly if they found out.
“Clang!”
He drew the Qiushui Sword and tried infusing a bit of Samadhi True Fire. Instantly, the blade heated to a glowing red, and a casual swing of the sword enveloped with Samadhi True Fire attacks. Also, the Qiushui Sword, a mid-grade magical artifact, boosted the killing power by at least thirty percent, making it invincible!
“Brother Lu…”
He took a deep breath and asked, “When did you advance to Late-stage Qi Refining?”
“Ao~~~”
Big Stupid Deer roared, releasing a burst of robust spiritual power from its body, revealing Late-stage Qi Refining indeed!
The Shape-shifting Technique is truly worthy of being Earth Rank top-grade Absolute Skill.
“Not bad…”
Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer slowly curled the corners of their mouths, emitting a sinister chuckle.
It seems pursuing longevity together, a man and a deer, is no longer an impossible dream!
…
The next day, early morning.
Ning Daoran’s divine breath was concealed, suppressing his outward cultivation to Qi Refining Seventh Layer. From now on, it was to be Qi Refining Seventh Layer, maintaining this level until he reached Foundation Establishment, doing his best not to attract attention.
However, his identity as a Late-stage Qi Refining Outer Disciple and Spirit farmer had already caught quite a few people’s attention.
No matter, as long as he doesn’t stand out too much.
Patrolling the fish pond.
The six-acre fish pond shimmered with clear ripples.
“Little Blackie!”
Ning Daoran called out gently; his voice wasn’t loud, but it was thunderous to the creature in the water.
“Squeak Squeak~~~”
The big black fish surfaced.
By now, after years of feeding and self-cultivation, it had reached the pinnacle of the first-tier middle stage, just a step away from the late stage.
All those spirit rice and the small amount of spirit fish hadn’t been fed in vain over the years.
“Not bad, don’t get cocky, continue to cultivate diligently.”
Ning Daoran slightly raised his eyebrows, “On the day Old Lu establishes his foundation, you must advance to the second-rank, otherwise, you’ll end up as a pot of sour cabbage fish.”
“Squeak Squeak~~~”
The big black fish panicked, frantically wagging its tail on the surface of the water in protest. How could it match Brother Lu’s talent?
“Hmph.”
Ning Daoran said, “Let’s lower the requirement then. On the day Old Lu establishes his foundation, you at least have to be perfect at the first-tier late stage, otherwise…”
“Squeak~~~”
The big black fish nodded its head repeatedly, not daring to haggle any further.
“You’re only allowed to eat a maximum of ten pounds of spirit fish from the fish pond each day—more than that, and you’ll be held accountable.”
“Squeak!”
…
In the afternoon, Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer relaxed under a tree.
Granny Yun Cui stood up from the fields, using the Rain Transformation Technique to clean the dirt from her palms. She turned and looked at Chen Weimo, who was playing with Big Stupid Deer, a resolve appearing in her eyes.
“Young Friend Ning, may I have a word with you?”
“Oh?”
Ning Daoran had never seen Granny Yun Cui so serious and replied, “What’s the matter, Granny? Then… let’s talk inside the Small Cloud Mist Array.”
“That would be good.”
In the courtyard, Ning Daoran brewed a cup of low-grade spirit tea—the highest-grade available to him.
Ning Daoran sat up straight and asked, “Granny, what’s the matter?”
“Young Friend Ning.”
Granny Yun Cui’s dim eyes looked at him and softly said, “Granny’s time is coming to a close…”
“Ah? Granny?” Ning Daoran slightly startled.
“Alas…”
Granny Yun Cui smiled bitterly, “I was severely injured fighting my enemy years ago, my path of cultivation was damaged, otherwise, I could have held on for a few more years.
Having struggled for so many years, my Weimo has grown up now. I don’t wish to leave, but I must, and I only hope I can still do something for the Chen family with this withering body.”
Ning Daoran knew the matter was of great importance and earnestly asked, “Granny, are you entrusting someone to my care?”
“You could say that, or you could say I wish to make a deal with you.”
Granny Yun Cui said, “Chen Weimo is kind-hearted, but her talent for cultivation is not very good. Leaving her alone in the Cultivation World, I’m afraid she wouldn’t live long.”
She looked toward Ning Daoran, “Young Friend Ning, Granny has been watching you for over a decade, and you have an exceedingly good heart. If I entrust Chen Weimo to you, I’m sure you won’t let me down.
Whether you take her as a disciple or not, if you find her appealing, you might consider keeping her as a concubine, I believe you will treat her well.
She has also liked you since she was young; this could work.”
“Granny!”
Ning Daoran frowned, “I have absolutely no such intentions. I’ve watched Chen Weimo grow up; how could I do that? Please state your requirements, and I’ll consider them.”
“Good.”
Granny Yun Cui took out a wrinkled storage bag from her waist. After channeling mana into it, two thick handbooks flew out onto the table.
“Young Friend Ning, to tell you the truth, Granny has reached perfect Qi Refining, but I failed at my foundation establishment. Besides, I am also an Array Master and an Alchemist. Here is an inheritance for a first-tier top-grade array, and an inheritance for a first-tier middle-grade Pill Dao.
I know you’ve always wanted to study arrays and alchemy, but you’ve suffered for lack of a master, and no one has been able to initiate you.
I’m willing to give you these two inheritances in exchange for you to take care of Chen Weimo until her Foundation Establishment day. If her aptitude is too poor to establish foundation…
Then it can only be blamed on her own lack of fortune; it has nothing to do with you.”
Ning Daoran was dumbstruck; he had long sensed that Granny had secrets, but he never imagined she had so many.
Such an elderly spirit farmer turned out to be a great cultivator with perfect Qi Refining and also a first-tier top-grade Array Master!
To know the rarity of array masters, in the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World, such first-tier top-grade Array Masters were highly esteemed, with even the Chaotic Sect treating an array master with great honor.
“Granny.”
Ning Daoran furrowed his brows, “So, if I accept your request, what will you do? What are you going to do?”
In an instant, Granny Yun Cui teared up.
With a relieved smile, she said, “Granny wasn’t wrong about you… In that case, entrusting Chen Weimo to you puts my mind at ease. As for what I need to do…it’s nothing more than settling some final troubles, to ensure that my Little Weimo lives a carefree life…”
“Granny, when will you leave?”
“Today.”
Granny Yun Cui sighed and glanced back in the direction of the banyan tree, taking one last look at Chen Weimo and said, “Ning, from now on, I’m entrusting my Little Weimo to you.”
“Granny…”
Ning Daoran softly said, “Rest assured.”
…
Evening.
Granny Yun Cui quietly departed.
That night Chen Weimo cried her heart out, apparently guessing some of the truth.