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Within the realm of the Great Void, the passage of time is unknown.

Su Ning was completely immersed in the complex and strange soul imprint deep within the Purple Soul, and all the disturbances of the outside world seemed to have disappeared.

As his research deepened, thanks to his powerful divine sense at the Nascent Soul stage, his profound understanding of formations, and his unique perspective from another world, he gradually figured out the details and operating mechanism of this soul imprint.

The exquisite craftsmanship of this seal far exceeded his initial imagination.

It is not a simple mark of control or enslavement, but rather a sophisticated combination of causality and emotional guidance.

It did not forcibly distort Zi Ling's complete consciousness, nor did it deprive her of her memories and intelligence.

Rather, it was as if an invisible "road sign" had been set up on the trajectory of her destiny, subtly and irresistibly guiding her emotional inclinations.

This subconsciously led her to believe that Han Li was her destined partner, and caused her to feel inexplicably repulsed and alienated from other possible emotional connections (such as with Su Ning).

The technique was so sophisticated that it was almost imperceptible; if Su Ning hadn't already guessed it and possessed extraordinary spiritual sense, he would have had no chance of detecting it.

The person who sets up this seal likely possesses an inconceivable understanding of the soul and destiny.

However, after understanding its operating mechanism, new problems also arise.

This soul imprint is deeply intertwined with Zi Ling's soul essence, almost becoming one with it.

If it is forcibly and violently broken, it is very likely to be like tearing the soul itself apart. At best, it will cause Zi Ling's soul to be damaged, her memory to be lost, and her cultivation to plummet. At worst, it may even cause her soul to be scattered!

Suning cannot afford to take this risk.

He gazed at Zi Ling, whose beauty was unparalleled, as she meditated, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

Since it cannot be completely eliminated, then we can only...

Revise.

An idea arose in his mind.

Since the core of this seal is "emotional guidance" and "causal suggestion", could he draw on its principles and carefully modify its "guidance" without harming the essence of the Purple Soul?

Replace the "Han Li" that was destined to be there with "Su Ning"?
There's no need to completely control her mind; all that's needed is to reverse that forcibly imposed "destiny," so that she's no longer driven by some inexplicable force to get close to Han Li, and to transfer that subconscious dependence and trust to Su Ning.

As for whether she will eventually develop genuine romantic feelings for him, Su Ning doesn't want to force a scenario...

After everything they've been through, he hopes even more that it was a choice made from her own heart.

This is an extremely delicate and dangerous "operation" that requires a meticulous understanding of the soul imprint structure and absolute precision in control.

Su Ning held his breath and focused his mind, adjusting himself to his peak condition. His divine sense transformed into the finest energy carving knife, and he began to carefully and meticulously peel away and modify the core "guiding laws" of the soul imprint.

The process was slow and agonizing, like walking a tightrope over a bottomless abyss.

Zi Ling seemed to sense the subtle changes deep within her soul as well, her brows furrowing slightly and her body trembling occasionally.

However, out of trust in Suning, she remained relaxed and did not show any resistance.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Ning finally slowly withdrew his divine sense, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead...

Even with his divine powers, he felt a bit tired after completing this task.

Successful.

The soul imprint still exists, but its core "instructions" have been quietly modified.

From now on, it will no longer guide Zi Ling towards Han Li, but will instead subconsciously instill in her a natural sense of closeness, trust, and...

A heart of loyalty.

It still influences her, but the direction has changed.

Several days later, Zi Ling slowly awoke from her deep meditative state.

She opened her beautiful eyes, and the first thing she saw was Su Ning, who was standing by her side with a concerned expression.

Sure enough, a strange feeling welled up in my heart.

Those inexplicable thoughts that had once troubled her and subconsciously urged her to stay away from Su Ning and get closer to Han Li had vanished without a trace.

Instead, there is an indescribable sense of security and trust, as if standing next to this person is the safest place in the world.

Her gaze towards Su Ning softened unconsciously, even carrying a hint of dependence that she herself was unaware of.

"How are you feeling?" Su Ning asked gently.

Zi Ling carefully sensed it, then gently shook her head and nodded: "That feeling of being pulled by an invisible force has disappeared. My heart is also much calmer now."

She paused, looked at Su Ning, her eyes clear and sincere, "Thank you, Su Ning."

She knew that he must have put in a great deal of effort for this.

Su Ning smiled slightly: "Between you and me, there's no need for thanks. The source of the soul imprint has been changed. Although it hasn't been completely removed, it's no longer a major problem. Let time take care of the rest."

Now that the biggest threat has been temporarily eliminated, there is no need to remain trapped in the Taixu Realm any longer.

Su Ning decided to take Zi Ling back to Taiyi Sect.

The two figures flashed and left the Taixu Realm, appearing in the desolate mountains outside.

Su Ning sensed that only a few months had passed in the outside world, and the turmoil at Motuo Mountain must not have completely subsided.

He made no attempt to conceal his presence, and directly took Zi Ling with him, transforming into a dazzling cyan streak of light, flying unabashedly towards the Taiyi Sect.

The news that a Nascent Soul Grandmaster had returned with a stunningly beautiful female cultivator instantly shook the entire Taiyi Sect!
When Su Ning brought Zi Ling to the main peak of Taiyi, all the disciples and elders bowed and paid their respects. Their eyes swept over Su Ning with awe, and they couldn't help but secretly peek at the female cultivator who followed behind the ancestor. Her face was covered by a light veil, but her peerless beauty could not be hidden.

"Welcome back to the mountain, Ancestor!"

Ling Yuling and Song Yu had already sensed the presence and came out to greet them.

They were overjoyed to see Su Ning return safely, but when their gazes fell on Zi Ling beside him, their eyes flickered slightly, revealing a look of inquiry.

Ling Yuling was perceptive and had already guessed some of the truth from Han Li and the rumors circulating outside. She still wore a gentle smile on her face.

Song Yu pursed his lips slightly, but quickly returned to normal.

Su Ning naturally introduced Zi Ling to the two women: "This is Fairy Zi Ling. She will be staying in the mountains from now on. Please take good care of her."

Zi Ling also bowed gracefully, her posture elegant and neither humble nor arrogant: "Zi Ling greets the two fellow Daoists. I hope to receive your guidance in the future."

Her voice was clear and melodious, with a natural allure, yet due to her sense of belonging to Su Ning after the modification of her soul imprint, she showed appropriate respect to Ling Yuling and Song Yu.

Ling Yuling smiled and returned the greeting: "Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such formalities. Now that you're here, we're family."

Song Yu nodded in agreement.

The atmosphere was slightly awkward, but overall it was harmonious.

After dealing with some backlogged necessary matters of the sect, Su Ning settled Zi Ling in an exquisite pavilion not far from his cave dwelling and bestowed upon her many cultivation resources.

Soon everyone in the Taiyi Sect knew that the stunning beauty that Patriarch Su had brought back from Mount Motuo had become one of his confidantes.

There was some discussion within the sect, but more than anything, there was admiration and awe for the patriarch's methods.

Zi Ling also settled down temporarily in the number one sect of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Having escaped the forced control of the soul imprint and now in a relatively safe environment, she finally has the opportunity to truly calm down, examine her past and future, and reflect on her relationship with Su Ning and the "fate" that was forcibly arranged for her.

While Su Ning continued to consolidate his cultivation and study the deeper mysteries of the soul imprint in order to completely eliminate it in the future, he also began to quietly conceive and prepare the earth-shattering plan about the "Ascension Channel".

Beneath the calm surface of Taiyi Sect, new undercurrents are surging due to Su Ning's return and the changes he brings.

In the cave of the White Ancestor, Su Ning and the White Ancestor sat on the ground. "Su Ning, you really shone brightly at Demon Mountain this time!"

"The main problem is that Old Devil Hu is too arrogant! He doesn't give us any face at all, so we have to teach him a lesson."

"Haha, that's a good lesson! He's planted plenty of spies on the Taiyi Sect before."

Then Su Ning suddenly looked at the White Ancestor in front of him and explained, "Master, I'm going to start preparing for my ascension to the Spirit Realm."

"What? Ascend to the Spirit Realm?" Upon hearing Su Ning's plan, Old Ancestor Bai's eyes widened in shock.

"Yes! Ten thousand years ago, the spiritual energy of the human realm was already polluted by demonic energy. It was almost impossible to break through to the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm through cultivation. So the only option was to find a spatial node to sneak into the spirit realm."

"But……"

"Master, we cannot sit idly by and wait to die! Do you know Xiang Zhili, that Nascent Soul ancestor of the Great Jin Dynasty?" "Xiang Zhili? You actually know that old ghost Xiang?"

"I met him when Han Li and I were in Huangfeng Valley in Tiannan. He was searching for spatial nodes everywhere back then."

"Okay! I'll think about it."

……

On this day, Taiyi Gate welcomed a visitor who surprised even Suning – Xiang Zhili.

This veteran Nascent Soul cultivator, who usually roamed the mortal world and was rarely seen, appeared outside Su Ning's Nascent Soul cave with a solemn expression and even a rare hint of apology.

"Junior Brother Su, I am Xiang Zhili, and I have come to pay you a visit." Xiang Zhili's voice was less playful than usual and more serious.

"Senior Brother Xiang, please come in." Su Ning invited him into the cave, somewhat curious about the purpose of this old fox's visit.

After the guests and hosts were seated, Xiang Zhili stood up and bowed to Su Ning, saying, "Junior Brother Su, I have come here today specifically to apologize."

"Oh? What makes you say that, Senior Brother Xiang?" Su Ning raised an eyebrow and looked at Xiang Zhili meaningfully.

Xiang Zhili sighed, a hint of shame on his face: "When I first met you in Huangfeng Valley, I saw that your cultivation was progressing rapidly and that you seemed to have some secrets. In addition, I suspected that you were related to the collapse of the Crimson Forbidden Land and that you might become a variable in the human world in the future. Because of my grand plan to find a spatial node to ascend to the Spirit World, I did... I did have a thought that I shouldn't have had. Although I did not put it into action, my heart was not pure, so I came to apologize to you. I hope you will forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Su Ning's heart stirred slightly.

He hadn't expected Xiang Zhili to be so frank about his little scheme back then.

However, times have changed, and with his current strength and realm, he naturally no longer takes that insignificant "killing intent" to heart.

On the contrary, Xiang Zhili's honesty improved his impression of the old man somewhat.

More importantly, Xiang Zhili's words provided him with an excellent opportunity to implement his "earth-shattering plan"!

Su Ning's face showed a look of realization, then he waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned: "I see. Senior Brother Xiang, there's no need to worry. At that time, we each followed our own paths, and those thoughts were fleeting. I've already forgotten about them. However, I've recently had some unexpected gains regarding your arduous search for spatial nodes."

"An unexpected gain?" Xiang Zhili's cloudy old eyes flashed with a terrifying light, and his body involuntarily leaned forward a few steps. "Junior Brother, is what you say true? Could it be... that you have found a stable spatial node?"

Su Ning pretended to ponder for a moment before slowly saying, "It's not exactly stable, but there is indeed a suspected node. I only learned about it by chance; it's located deep in the remote Five Dragon Sea. According to our investigation, it seems to be relatively 'gentle' than the other nodes we know of, so the chances of a successful smuggling crossing might be slightly higher."

His words left room for interpretation, and he didn't make any definitive statements, which made them seem more genuine.

"Five Dragon Seas?!" Xiang Zhili suddenly stood up, his beard trembling with excitement. "Junior Brother! Is this absolutely true?"

"I, Su, have only conducted a preliminary investigation and have not yet made a final conclusion. I was just about to invite a few fellow Daoists to go and examine it more carefully. Senior Brother Xiang is very experienced, and it would be best if you could come along for the appraisal." Su Ning extended the invitation.

"Go! We must go! I'll send a message to those old geezers right now!" Xiang Zhili was almost impatient. He immediately took out a communication talisman and began to contact Hu Laomo, Feng Laoguai, and the others.

Soon, the news spread, alarming several Nascent Soul cultivators still active in the human realm.

Despite their skepticism towards Suning and Xiangzhili, the allure of the "space node" was simply too great for anyone to resist.

Several months later, led by Su Ning and Xiang Zhili, along with Hu Laomo, Feng Laoguai, Bai Laozu, and two other reclusive Nascent Soul cultivators, a total of seven top beings in the human realm, gathered in a storm-ravaged sea area deep within the Five Dragons Sea, where spatial fluctuations were extremely intense.

After several days of careful exploration and heated debate, everyone had to admit that the spatial rift that Su Ning discovered, although still fraught with danger and ravaged by spatial storms, was indeed more "ideal" than any other node they had ever discovered before, in terms of stability and the faint spiritual aura emanating from the other side!
"Although it's still a matter of life and death, there might actually be a glimmer of hope!" Xiang Zhili's face turned red with excitement, and the other Nascent Soul cultivators also felt a flame of hope burning in their eyes.

Hu Laomo looked at Su Ning with a flickering gaze, seemingly lost in thought.

Having experienced the defeat at Motuo Mountain, he both hated and feared Su Ning, but at this moment, the hope of ascension overwhelmed everything.

Ultimately, everyone agreed that this point was indeed a possible route to the spirit world!

With the goal set, the next step is to prepare with all our might!
Protective artifacts, especially those designed to withstand space storms, are of paramount importance.

……

After the meeting, the Nascent Soul cultivators dispersed, each displaying their unique abilities, and began frantically collecting and refining protective treasures.

Suning is no exception.

He did not return to the Great Jin Dynasty immediately, but instead began a seventy-year journey of travel and plunder.

He traversed every perilous and desolate place in the human realm: he ventured deep into the abyss to search for the ancient cultivators' ruins; he ventured into the far north ice plains to excavate the essence of the millennia-old profound ice; he even once again infiltrated the Fallen Demon Valley and Kunwu Mountain to search for any treasures that might have been overlooked; and with his formidable strength, he "exchanged" with some reclusive ancient families or sects for their clan's most treasured artifacts.

Over the course of seventy years, he collected several ancient protective treasures of immense power, several sets of ancient array plates that were incomplete but still played a vital role, and a large quantity of top-grade pills and elixirs used to instantly replenish mana and repair injuries.

At the same time, he never relaxed his self-cultivation.

Especially body-refining techniques!
Every two weeks, he would consume a dragon scale fruit that had been prepared in advance, all of which were provided by Han Li.

This fruit has an incredibly potent medicinal effect, capable of greatly enhancing the body's energy and blood.

In order to better refine the medicinal power, he simultaneously cultivated the "Bone Tempering Technique" that he had obtained by chance years ago, as well as several other top-notch body tempering techniques, and forcibly promoted them with his powerful Nascent Soul cultivation!
The seventy years of arduous practice without interruption have yielded astonishing results.

His physical strength reached an unbelievable level.

Without using any magic power, he can easily lift a boulder weighing tens of thousands of kilograms with one hand using only his physical strength, without changing his expression, and his blood and qi surge like a dragon!

The "Bone Tempering Technique" has been cultivated to an extremely profound level.

To his even greater surprise, the medicinal properties of the Dragon Scale Fruit were also highly beneficial to the cultivation of the "Ming Wang Jue"!

While practicing the Bone Tempering Technique, the Mingwang Technique also naturally broke through to the seventh level!

His physical strength increased dramatically once again, and a faint golden light flowed around his body, making him appear as if he had an indestructible body.

The seventy-year preparation period passed in the blink of an eye.

When Su Ning returned to the spatial node in Wulonghai, the situation there had changed drastically.

It's unclear who leaked the news, but the existence of this node is now common knowledge!
Not only were the original seven Nascent Soul cultivators present, but several more Nascent Soul cultivators who had rushed over upon hearing the news, each claiming to have some skills, also arrived, including Ice Phoenix, who had met Su Ning once before in the Little Extreme Palace!

Everyone was taking a gamble, eager to embark on this perilous journey of illegal immigration!

The White Ancestor of the Taiyi Sect was initially hesitant, but after Su Ning demonstrated some of the preparations, analyzed the pros and cons, and subtly mentioned the future of the Taiyi Sect in the Spirit Realm, he was finally persuaded and decided to go together.

At this point, almost all of the most powerful forces in the human realm had gathered here.

Before entering the node, Suning made final arrangements.

He found a secluded spot and summoned Ling Yuling, Song Yu, and Ziling to his side.

“This journey is extremely dangerous, and I cannot spare the time to protect you all.” Su Ning looked at the three women and said in a deep voice, “You will stay in this treasure for now, and I will release you once I have safely arrived in the Spirit Realm.”

"Since it's dangerous, can we not go?"

"No! It's almost impossible for a Nascent Soul cultivator in the human realm to break through to the next level. They either have to die from exhaustion of their lifespan or take a risk and sneak into the realm."

"But……"

"Don't worry! I have the Void Realm, I can definitely take you safely to the Spirit Realm."

As he spoke, he summoned the Void Realm and, to the astonishment of the three women, took them into it.

The Tai Xu Realm is a self-contained space, sufficient to guarantee their safety.

He then secretly found Han Li, who was still traveling somewhere in the human realm.

At this time, Han Li's cultivation was even more profound, and he was not far from the Nascent Soul stage.

"Junior Brother Han, I am about to attempt to sneak into the Spirit Realm with other Nascent Soul cultivators," Su Ning said solemnly. "The future is uncertain, and the consequences are unpredictable. The Taiyi Sect and my Su family will need your help in the future. This mortal realm... may one day be yours."

Upon hearing this, Han Li's expression became complicated. Finally, he solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Senior Brother, rest assured, as long as Han Li is here, I will ensure the safety of the Taiyi Sect and the Su Family! I wish you a safe journey and that you will soon establish yourself in the Spirit Realm!"

Having settled all his affairs, Su Ning had no more worries.

He returned to the Five Dragons Sea node and joined up with Xiang Zhili, Hu Laomo, Bai Laozu, Feng Laoguai, Bing Fengche Laoyao, and other cultivators who were determined to fight to the death.

They exchanged glances, and in each other's eyes they saw a resolute determination and a yearning for the future.

"Gentlemen, the road ahead is fraught with peril. Let each accept their fate! Let's set off!"

With a low shout from Xiang Zhili, led by several Nascent Soul cultivators, the group transformed into various colorful streaks and resolutely rushed into the spatial rift filled with lightning, thunder, raging storms, and an aura of destruction and the unknown. Their figures were instantly swallowed up and disappeared by the violent spatial power.

An era in the human realm slowly came to a close with the departure of these top cultivators.

But a journey into the spirit world, filled with unknowns and dangers, has only just begun.

Suning's ambitious plan has taken its most crucial first step.

...(End of chapter)