Immortal Creation.

Chapter 717 Borrowing a Pen
"What's going on?" Bai Liu Kong and the other two were all shocked, their eyes seemingly glued to the golden pill in Ning Zhuo's hand.

The three of them painstakingly shifted their gaze from the Golden Core cultivator to Ning Zhuo, their expressions different from before.

Ning Zhuo has demonstrated his strength!
Since it was the first time meeting, one should first show respect for the clothes before showing respect for the person.

Ning Zhuo took in the changes in the expressions of the three people and knew that his strategy had succeeded.

"I won first place in the Xingyun preliminary test and received the Huiyi Brush, but I am not a Confucian scholar, but an outsider."

"This situation could easily make Confucian scholars feel a lot of jealousy, envy and hatred towards me."

"Therefore, we must demonstrate superior strength so that they all feel: even though I am an outsider, I am a strong person, and it is natural and not surprising that I win."

This is Ning Zhuo's calculation.

Of course, he did have the idea of ​​making a deal.

A natural talent for magic!

That is, using innate talent as the source, and with the assistance of certain means, to unlock more powerful or mysterious abilities.

Casting spells doesn't rely solely on magical power; many precious materials can also be used.

Ning Zhuo's Weather Balloon - Ice Crystal Snow can consume soul essence and transform into a fierce snowstorm.

When Ning Zhuo participated in Chu Xuangui's Xingyun Xiaoshi, he witnessed Kong Ran using his precocious intelligence to perform magic.

He has always used the simplest method to utilize precocious intelligence.

Ning Zhuo had always wanted to develop his precocious intelligence. If done well, this talent could one day be elevated to a supernatural power!

"Any talent needs to be developed, and there are techniques for developing it. Once developed, it becomes a supernatural ability, which is of great benefit to cultivators!"

Ning Zhuo already knew this.

Previously, in Fire Persimmon Immortal City, he was completely unqualified to develop his precocious intelligence. Furthermore, there were enormous risks involved. After all, he still needed to conceal his identity, constantly bide his time, and seek a suitable opportunity to seize the Lava Immortal Palace.

After the conflict over the Lava Immortal Palace came to a temporary end, Ning Zhuo left Fire Persimmon Immortal City and began traveling the world, mainly to resurrect his mother. He had no time to focus on developing his talent. He even neglected his cultivation.

The Confucian scholar's trial brought Ning Zhuo four gains. First, the ability to write with intuitive strokes; second, Ning Zhuo's status was elevated, making him a shining star in the Confucian scholar circle; third, Ning Zhuo witnessed the righteous methods of the Confucian scholar Chu Xuangui and gladly learned from him; and fourth, he learned that Kong Ran not only possessed precocious intelligence but also corresponding talent in magic!
Kong Ran withdrew his gaze and slowly shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, the Cradle of Myriad Manifestations is no ordinary place!"

Ning Zhuo raised an eyebrow and secretly memorized the name of the spell.

Kong Ran: "After using the Cradle of All Things, I feel the world like a newborn baby. It's like the first time I've encountered it, and I can gain more insights and guidance."

As the saying goes: Man follows the earth, the earth follows heaven, and heaven follows nature.

"Everything contains the Dao and principles, which are of guiding significance to cultivators."

"That is why some cultivators can comprehend the Dao by observing scenery, and can comprehend world-shaking magic from a single mountain rock!"

Kong Ran changed the subject again: "The original meaning of Cradle of All Things is to regard heaven and earth as my cradle. All things are the source of enlightenment."

“I often use it to read Confucian classics, and each time it is beneficial and can bring a completely new perspective.”

"This is a powerful tool for learning!"

Kong Ran shook his head and said, "In fact, my family has more than just this one method for developing talent. There are other methods that are developed around precocious intelligence."

After a long preamble, Kong Ran revealed his intention: "If you can sell me the Meaning Brush, I will agree to trade you the Cradle of Myriad Phenomena."

"Of course, we can discuss the detailed buying and selling prices!"

Ning Zhuo shook his head without hesitation: "The 'Understanding Brush' won't betray you."

"Mr. Chu Xuangui has high expectations of me, how can I let him down?"

"Absolutely not."

Liu Fushu chimed in from the side, "If you ask me, Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, you have already cultivated other methods, unless you cultivate them in addition to them."

"Otherwise, you could not possess literary talent, literary skill, and literary spirit. Without these, you are not a true Confucian scholar."

"Regarding Mr. Chu Xuangui's expectations of you, I privately believe that this is merely an experiment by him. You don't need to take it so seriously."

Kong Ran looked at Liu Fushu with gratitude.

Ning Zhuo let out a long sigh.

Many times, he also lamented why cultivators couldn't cultivate as many techniques as possible. His practice of only three techniques was already an exceptional case among exceptional cases.

Ning Zhuo is eager to learn and really wants to experience what it's like to become a Confucian scholar.

In fact, he also wanted to study the "Wanxiang Jing" (a classic text on the myriad phenomena of the universe).

Unfortunately, all three of his dantian already contained cultivation techniques. Back in the White Paper Immortal City, he could only have Sun Lingtong cultivate them on his behalf.

Coming to his senses, Ning Zhuo saw Kong Ran looking at him expectantly, and he shook his head again.

Neither Liu Fushu nor Kong Ran knew the inside story.

Currently, the Confucian scholars of the Myriad Manifestations Sect, entrusted by Wen Ruanyu and also considering their own interests, are determined to do their utmost to support Ning Zhuo.

Chu Xuangui has already accomplished it; at least in his initial trial of Xingyun, he has succeeded.

In this situation, if Ning Zhuo were to falter, how could he explain it to the Confucian scholars? How could he explain it to Wen Ruanyu?

Although Ning Zhuo did not secretly communicate with Chu Xuangui through telepathy throughout the entire process, he personally experienced Chu Xuangui's good intentions. In response, Ning Zhuo should also show his full sincerity.

Ning Zhuo then said, "Fellow Daoists, I, Ning Zhuo, am here to join the Myriad Manifestations Sect and cultivate diligently."

"If I rashly sell the calligraphy brush to someone else, what will Mr. Chu Xuangui think? What will the other Confucian scholars of the Myriad Manifestations Sect think of me? Will they think that I, an outsider, don't value the treasures of Confucian scholars?"

"I want to cultivate good relationships, rather than offending the Confucian scholars of the Myriad Manifestations Sect before I have even officially joined it."

Kong Ran could not hide his disappointment.

But Ning Zhuo changed the subject again: "Although I can't sell it to Fellow Daoist Kong Ran, I can lend it to him."

"Can't lending you a pen also help you with your cultivation?"

Before Kong Ran could answer, Liu Fushu objected, "That won't do."

"The 'Ideographic Brush' is different from ordinary magic tools. It must be personally refined in order to be effective in copying and to understand the meaning."

Ning Zhuo smiled and said, "This is not a big problem."

"At worst, every time I lend out this pen, I'll voluntarily step back and help Fellow Daoist Kong Ran completely refine this treasure, wouldn't that solve the problem?"

Liu Fushu was slightly taken aback.

Kong Ran stared at Ning Zhuo and said bluntly, "Aren't you afraid that I'll refine this treasure and then not return it to you?"

Ning Zhuo: "Of course I'm afraid of ordinary cultivators, but Fellow Daoist Kong Ran is no ordinary person."

"Firstly, you are a renowned child prodigy, and you are about to join the Confucian school, so you are naturally a gentleman."

"Secondly, you are the son of the prime minister. If you try to renege on your debt, I won't need to question your father; I can simply spread the word."

"Thirdly, we can sign a contract. An extra layer of guarantee is always good." Kong Ran was slightly taken aback.

According to Ning Zhuo, this is indeed logically sound.

"But every time I borrow it, I have to refine it, which is a bit troublesome..." The thought popped into Kong Ran's mind, but then it disappeared on its own.

All because he thought, "If I could use the ideographic brush, I would accept even if the trouble were ten times greater."

Bai Jiyun spoke up from the side: "There is something I need to remind you two of."

"Although the ideographic brush is a magic weapon, it is not durable."

"The four treasures of a scholar—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—are all consumables in essence. It's just that the brush and inkstone are more durable than the paper and ink."

"If the two of you use this pen together, it will inevitably be consumed more quickly and cannot last long."

Kong Ran glanced at Bai Jiyun.

He knew this, of course, but he didn't say it out loud, for fear that Ning Zhuo would change his mind.

Kong Ran felt a growing resentment towards Bai Jiyun, feeling that his friend was actually considering the interests of an outsider.

Upon hearing this, Ning Zhuo was not surprised but delighted: "To be able to enjoy oneself by consuming the precious brush, this is the price that must be paid."

"From another perspective, it is precisely because of this that this brush with comprehension is even more precious, making Fellow Daoist Kong Ran even more eager to trade it."

Ning Zhuo looked at Kong Ran: "I'll lend you this pen, and you'll teach me how to use my natural talent, how about it?"

Kong Ran was tempted and was about to agree when Bai Jiyun added, "In that case, Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, by lending out the 'Understanding Brush,' aren't you also letting down Mr. Chu Xuangui?"

"What if you fail to meet the standards in the future and are unable to get Mr. Chu Xuangui to recommend you to try the ancient seal script?"

At this moment, Bai Jiyun revealed a sharpness she had never shown before.

Ning Zhuo smiled nonchalantly: "I'm sorry to trouble you with your concern, Fellow Daoist Bai. It's quite simple, isn't it enough that I just need to meet the requirements?"

"I have very few ideas about how to meet Mr. Chu Xuangui's standards, but I don't believe that I will be rejected just because I use the brush less often."

"There are ten thousand methods, a thousand schools, a hundred arts, ten paths, and one person in the cultivation of immortality!"

"With my understanding and talent alone, I can reach Mr. Chu Xuangui's standard."

"While the ideographic brushstrokes are important, they are never the key to this matter."

Bai Jiyun, Liu Fushu, and Kong Ran were all taken aback.

Their gazes were fixed on Ning Zhuo, and they couldn't help but scrutinize him again. Initially, their strongest impression of Ning Zhuo was that he was an "outsider," and they looked down on him for being ungrateful and trying to take advantage of the Confucian Xingyun trial.

Later, Ning Zhuo's performance was truly outstanding, much to the surprise of the three of them. When Ning Zhuo finally won, their emotions were complex. There was shock, disgust, doubt, admiration, and approval... and so on.

Just now, the three accepted Ning Zhuo's invitation and exchanged words with him, developing a greater liking for him and believing that Ning Zhuo came from a prominent family. When Ning Zhuo took out the Ghost Dao Golden Core, they were shocked, speculating that Ning Zhuo's actions this time must be due to the strong support of his family!
At this moment, Ning Zhuo displayed extraordinary self-confidence.

If it were their first time meeting Ning Zhuo, all three of them would have scoffed – Who do you think you are? You're not even a Confucian cultivator, yet you have the confidence to meet the standards and then try your luck at the Ancient Seal Stele?

But now, the three of them mostly sighed and speculated: Ning Zhuo's extraordinary confidence must mean he received the most attentive upbringing from childhood, making him a genius from a great family. He hasn't experienced many setbacks; everything is possible in his eyes.

“Even if my father is the prime minister, the support I receive at home is definitely not enough to reach the Golden Core level.” At this moment, even Kong Ran felt that he was inferior to Ning Zhuo.

Not to mention Bai Jiyun and Liu Fushu.

Liu Fushu, who came from a poor background, did not like Ning Zhuo's blatant confidence. His pupils contracted slightly, and he felt a sense of anticipation to see Ning Zhuo fail. However, he still flattered him a few times.

Bai Jiyun couldn't say such a thing, he just looked up and took a few sips of wine.

"This young man is extremely confident. On the one hand, he must be talented, and on the other hand, his family must be supporting him, which gives him boundless confidence."

"He can so easily take out a Golden Core as a deposit, so the family behind him must be quite large."

"Moreover, he took the initiative to lend Kong Ran the 'Unintelligible Brush,' which had a profound meaning—he wanted to befriend Kong Ran and establish connections with the current prime minister."

Bai Jiyun saw through Ning Zhuo's intention.

If Ning Zhuo's confidence stung Liu Fushu, then his intentions made Bai Jiyun dislike him.

Bai Jiyun was also known as a genius and had confidence, but he was a free spirit and liked to immerse himself in nature.

After realizing that Ning Zhuo was not on the same path as him, Bai Jiyun's desire to forge a deep friendship with him faded.

During the subsequent banquet, Kong Ran and Ning Zhuo discussed the price several times.

He was indeed very interested in the deal involving the borrowed calligraphy brush.

Liu Fushu and Bai Jiyun talked to each other more often, occasionally interjecting, and also interacted with Ning Zhuo and Kong Ran.

Ning Zhuo keenly noticed the change in Liu Fushu and Bai Jiyun's attitudes.

He took it calmly.

"It's impossible for me to be friends with everyone."

"There must be gains and losses."

"Right now, communicating with Kong Ran is in my best interest."

The life-and-death experiences on the battlefield profoundly changed Ning Zhuo, making him decisive and efficient in interpersonal interactions.

Of course, he didn't forget to try to make a deal with Bai Jiyun and Liu Fushu.

"Thank you for the introduction, fellow Daoists. I have learned that to use the 'associative brush' effectively, one must have higher requirements for the model text."

"Do any of you possess any rare and precious authentic works?"

"If you have any, could you lend them to me for copying? The price is negotiable."

As Ning Zhuo finished speaking, he took out a second Ghost Dao Golden Pill and placed it on the table, which surprised the three of them again.

Bai Jiyun smiled slightly, indicating that he did indeed possess a set of writings by a renowned Confucian scholar, which was available for trade.

Liu Fushu secretly envied her, lamenting that she had nothing of value and could only drink and eat.

Kong Ran puffed out his chest, proudly declaring that while he didn't have any, his father had plenty in his study. These were all negotiable!

Ning Zhuo then made a simple agreement with Bai Kong.

The banquet ended with everyone enjoying themselves.

Before leaving, Kong Ran suddenly stopped and turned to face Ning Zhuo: "I almost forgot, you can use this first."

As he spoke, he took a pen case from his pocket.

He first opened the pen case, took out his usual calligraphy brush, and handed the empty pen case to Ning Zhuo.

"This is my Cloud-Piercing Brush Box."

"I'll lend it to you for now. Take good care of the brush and nurture it well!"

Although a real loan agreement for the brush has not yet been reached, Kong Ran is already more concerned about the Huiyi brush than Ning Zhuo.

(End of this chapter)