Ning Cheng took a deep breath and placed his hand on the device, channeling his spiritual energy into it.
Then everyone was shocked to see that all the slots on the spirit measuring plate lit up.
The plate was fully illuminated, radiating a brilliant light. Although it was evening, the room glowed as if it were broad daylight.
At this moment, the large front hall was completely silent, with only the sound of hurried breathing whose owner no one could tell.
There are two possible explanations for all slots being lit. Either the item being measured is a top-grade artifact, or the cultivator being measured has reached the tenth realm.
Clearly, Ning Cheng did not meet either condition, so under normal circumstances this could not happen.
“The spiritual energy displayed here is actually the Immortal Bone,” Ning Zhishui explained.
In fact, it did not need her explanation. This abnormal phenomenon alone was proof that she was right. Ning Cheng truly possessed an Immortal Bone.
“So I am not a waste…”
Ning Cheng looked at the spirit measuring plate in his hand, his expression a mixture of relief and sorrow, a thousand emotions tangled together.
His experiences were extensive. When he was young, his innate roots were tested, and the family celebrated. His father even openly valued him highly and planned to invest heavily in his cultivation.
Not only did he have dual spiritual roots, but his comprehension far surpassed other children. He learned quickly and effortlessly.
During that period, family members flattered and pampered him without pause. He naturally accepted it all with ease.
But later, his spiritual energy frequently faltered during cultivation. He initially thought he had not grasped the proper methods, so he tried to adjust diligently. After multiple attempts, he realized that was not the problem.
This issue eventually drew the attention of the clan. From being a prodigy, he became a failure.
The elders grew disappointed and regretted having wasted resources on him.
Peers, once deferential, began to mock him, taking satisfaction in his downfall.
Relatives and juniors who once sought his favor now avoided him entirely.
Ning Cheng had endured his darkest days. Everything he relied on drifted away. Even his father no longer showed affection, seeing only “value” in his eyes.
Without value, he was unworthy of his father’s attention.
He had been troubled and despondent, thinking himself truly useless.
Now, he finally understood the truth.
“You are certainly not useless, and you will become a first-class genius,” Ning Zhishui said with a smile. “Oh, I forgot to mention, once the Immortal Bone is successfully activated, Father, you will become a single-rooted cultivator.”
Whether the Immortal Bone is activated presents two completely different outcomes.
Those few fortunate enough to have an Immortal Bone often remain silent and unremarkable before it is activated. The Immortal Bone even becomes a burden, turning them into unlucky individuals.
“Single-rooted… if that is the case, then Father, your cultivation could advance by leaps and bounds!” Ren Muqing said, full of joy.
Ning Cheng composed himself and said, “It is still too early to talk about this. We need to first investigate matters regarding the spiritual item. Zhishui, do you know more details about the spiritual item that will appear in two months?”
“I will inquire further,” Ning Zhishui replied vaguely.
If she revealed too much now, they would certainly be suspicious.
If they asked how she knew, it would be difficult to explain.
She resolved to prepare herself first. No matter what, she had to secure the spiritual item for her father.
“Father, you must be extremely cautious in the coming days. Do not let anyone find out about your unusual condition, or it could lead to endless trouble,” Ren Muqing warned.
Once the Immortal Bone is known, Ning Cheng would become a target for any cultivator seeking it.
“If anyone does discover it, you can explain that as a child you took a Grand Transformation Pill, which caused your unusual state,” Ning Zhishui suggested. “Also, you must be careful with the spirit measuring plate. Unless measured, no one can confirm whether you possess an Immortal Bone.”
For at least the next ten years, Ning Cheng would be safe, so there was no need to rush. However, acquiring the spiritual item as early as possible was essential, since it could change his innate talent. Once the Immortal Bone is activated, he would be qualified to ascend to the Immortal Realm.
“Understood,” Ning Cheng nodded.
Using the Grand Transformation Pill as an explanation for rapid healing was reasonable and plausible.
Hearing that he would be safe for the next ten years, Ning Cheng finally relaxed a little. The sense of imminent danger hovering over him slightly dissipated.
“You must all keep this secret and tell no one,” Ren Muqing said to Ning Chengfeng and Ren Muqing, especially to Ren Muqing. “Do not reveal this to Huaiyuan either.”
Ren Muqing nodded. “I understand. I know the importance of discretion.”
When it comes to her brother-in-law’s life, caution is never too much.
Ren Muqing had no objection. She did not feel that protecting her loved ones was disrespectful, even if Lin Huaiyuan was her beloved.
“By the way, Mother,” Ning Zhishui turned to her mother after handling her father’s matters, “would you like to consider learning alchemy?”
Mother has a high talent for alchemy. She could easily pursue the path of a medicinal cultivator.
Ren Muqing was surprised. “Me? Alchemy?”
“Yes. It is always good to have multiple skills,” Ning Zhishui smiled.
“No, I have no interest in skills outside cultivation,” Ren Muqing said firmly.
When she was young, she had seen an alchemy furnace explode and was greatly frightened. She had carried the trauma ever since.
So she avoided both alchemy and artifact crafting.
Ning Zhishui felt some regret but said nothing further.
“All right, Sister, Brother-in-law, I may go out tomorrow to source some Bright Moon Silk,” Ren Muqing said. “Huaiyuan will accompany me.”
Hearing the name of that scoundrel made Ning Zhishui frown deeply.
Just hearing the name was enough. She wondered why her aunt liked him and how to make her see the truth. Shen Bingqing and he were bound to cause her aunt great trouble.
Her aunt was proud and stubborn and would not doubt her own judgment. Ning Zhishui realized she would not believe her unless they were caught in the act.
She could not help recalling the fate of that couple in her previous life.
They had stolen her aunt’s precious bracelet, prospered, and even became the leader and leader’s wife of a sect.
Fortunately, she returned a hundred years later and ended their lives.
Yet that still could not prevent her aunt from becoming a despised witch, ultimately besieged and killed.
Ning Zhishui could not help but feel anger.
Lost in her memories, she did not notice that everyone in the room was staring at her, astonished.
Ren Muqing’s hand holding the teacup trembled, spilling hot tea and causing a jolt of pain.
She seemed unaware, her face gradually paling.
No fever remained, but my whole body aches and coughs. My chest and stomach hurt… When will this damned virus stop causing pain.