Chapter 715: Borrowing the Brush

"What is going on?" Bai, Liu, and Kong were all stunned. Their six eyes seemed glued to the Jin Dan in Unlike Ning Zhuo's hand.

The three of them shifted their gazes with difficulty from the Jin Dan to Unlike Ning Zhuo, their expressions now different from before.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had revealed his strength!

After all, it was their first meeting; one respects the clothes before the person.

Unlike Ning Zhuo took in the changes in their expressions, knowing his strategy had succeeded.

"I won the championship in this Xingyun Trial and obtained the Intent-Grasping Brush, yet I am not a Confucian cultivator, but an outsider."

"This situation easily makes Confucian cultivators harbor feelings of jealousy, envy, and hatred toward me."

"Therefore, I must display superior strength so they feel: even if I am an outsider, I am a powerhouse, and winning is natural, not strange."

This was the calculation in Unlike Ning Zhuo's heart.

Of course, he did indeed have the intention to trade.

Talent-based spellcasting!

Using one's natural talent as a source, supplemented by certain methods, to leverage more powerful or profound might.

Casting spells does not rely solely on magic power; many precious materials can also be used.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's Weather Ball: Ice Crystal Snow can consume souls to transform into a biting blizzard.

When Unlike Ning Zhuo participated in Chu Xuangui's Xingyun Trial, he witnessed Kong Ran using the Early Wisdom talent to cast spells.

For a long time, he had only used the Early Wisdom talent in the simplest way.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had always wanted to develop the Early Wisdom talent. If done well, this talent could eventually be upgraded into a Divine Ability!

"Any talent requires development, and there are techniques for it. Once developed, it becomes a Divine Ability, which is of great benefit to a cultivator!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo had known this for a long time.

It was just that previously, in Fire Persimmon Xiancheng, he was completely unqualified to develop the Early Wisdom talent. Furthermore, there were immense risks.

After all, he still had to disguise his identity, endure constantly, and seek opportunities to seize the Lava Xian Gong.

After the struggle for the Lava Xian Gong temporarily came to an end, Unlike Ning Zhuo left Fire Persimmon Xiancheng and began traveling the world, his main goal being to resurrect his mother; he had no time to spare for developing this talent. He could barely even keep up with his own cultivation.

The Confucian Trial brought Unlike Ning Zhuo four gains. First, the Intent-Grasping Brush; second, Unlike Ning Zhuo's status was elevated, making a brilliant debut in the Confucian circle! Third, Unlike Ning Zhuo witnessed the righteous methods of the Confucian cultivator Chu Xuangui and was happy to learn them. Fourth, he learned that Kong Ran not only had the Early Wisdom talent but also the corresponding talent-based spellcasting!

Kong Ran withdrew his gaze and slowly shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, the Myriad Phenomena Cradle is no simple matter!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo raised an eyebrow, secretly noting the name of the spell.

Kong Ran: "After using the Myriad Phenomena Cradle, I feel like a newborn infant toward all things in the world. It is like touching them for the first time, allowing me to gain more inspiration and guidance."

"As the saying goes: Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao."

"Everything contains Dao and reason, and for a cultivator, everything has guiding significance."

"Precisely because of this, some cultivators can observe scenery and realize the Dao, or see a mountain rock and comprehend a world-suppressing spell!"

Kong Ran turned his point back: "The original intention of the Myriad Phenomena Cradle is to treat Heaven and Earth as my cradle. All things are objects of enlightenment."

"I often use it to read Confucian classics; every time, I gain divine benefits and can generate entirely new perspectives."

"This is a sharp tool for learning!"

Kong Ran shook his head: "In fact, what my family has collected is not just this one talent-based spellcasting method. There are other means centered around the Early Wisdom talent."

After laying the groundwork, Kong Ran stated his intention: "If you can sell the Intent-Grasping Brush to me, I will agree to trade the Myriad Phenomena Cradle to you."

"Of course, we can discuss the specific price in detail!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo did not hesitate and immediately shook his head: "The Intent-Grasping Brush will not be sold."

"Mr. Chu Xuangui has high expectations for me; how could I let him down?"

"Absolutely not."

Liu Fushu, who was on the side, chimed in: "If you ask me, Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, you have already cultivated other methods, unless you plan to dual-cultivate."

"Otherwise, it is impossible for you to possess a Literary Heart, Literary Palace, or Literary Qi. Without these, you are not considered a Confucian cultivator at all."

"Regarding Mr. Chu Xuangui's expectations for you, I privately believe this is just one of the gentleman's attempts. You don't need to take it so seriously."

Seeing Liu Fushu speaking for him, Kong Ran immediately cast a grateful look.

Unlike Ning Zhuo sighed deeply.

Many times, he also felt it a pity: why can't cultivators cultivate as many techniques as they want? Like him, cultivating only three is already an exception among exceptions.

Unlike Ning Zhuo was eager to learn and really wanted to experience what it felt like to be a Confucian cultivator.

In fact, he even wanted to study the "Myriad Phenomena Sutra."

Unfortunately, all three of his dantian were already occupied by cultivation techniques. When he was in White Paper Xiancheng, he could only let Sun Lingtong cultivate it on his behalf.

Coming back to his senses, Unlike Ning Zhuo saw Kong Ran looking at him with expectation, and he shook his head again.

Liu Fushu and Kong Ran did not know the inside story.

At present, the Confucian group of the Myriad Phenomena Sect, entrusted by Wen Ruanyu and based on their own interests, had to fully support Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Chu Xuangui had already achieved it; at least in his Xingyun Trial, he had succeeded.

In this situation, if Unlike Ning Zhuo dropped the ball himself, how could he answer to the Confucian group? How could he answer to Wen Ruanyu?

Although Unlike Ning Zhuo had not secretly communicated with Chu Xuangui via spiritual sense throughout the process, he had personally experienced Chu Xuangui's intentions. In response, Unlike Ning Zhuo should also show full sincerity.

Unlike Ning Zhuo then said: "Three fellow daoists, I, Unlike Ning Zhuo, intend to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect and cultivate properly."

"If I rashly sell the Intent-Grasping Brush to others, what would Mr. Chu Xuangui think? How would the other Confucian cultivators of the Myriad Phenomena Sect view me? Would they think that I, an outsider, do not value the treasures of Confucian cultivators?"

"I want to build good relations, not offend the Confucian cultivators of the Myriad Phenomena Sect before I have even officially joined."

Kong Ran could not hide his disappointment.

But Unlike Ning Zhuo changed the subject: "Although I cannot sell it to Fellow Daoist Kong Ran, I can lend it."

"Lending the brush to you, wouldn't that also help you cultivate?"

Before Kong Ran could answer, Liu Fushu rejected it: "That won't work."

"The Intent-Grasping Brush is different from ordinary magic treasures; it must be personally refined to be effective in copying and to experience the intent."

Unlike Ning Zhuo smiled: "That is not a big problem."

"At worst, every time I lend this brush, I will take the initiative to step back and help Fellow Daoist Kong Ran thoroughly refine this treasure; wouldn't that work?"

Liu Fushu was slightly stunned.

Kong Ran stared at Unlike Ning Zhuo and said bluntly: "Aren't you afraid that after I refine this treasure, I won't return it to you?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo: "With ordinary cultivators, of course I would be afraid, but Fellow Daoist Kong Ran is no ordinary person."

"Firstly, you are a famous prodigy far and wide, and you are about to join the Confucian school, so naturally, you are a gentleman."

"Secondly, you are the son of the Prime Minister. If you renege on the debt, I don't need to go to your father to question you; I just need to spread the matter far and wide."

"Thirdly, we can sign a contract. Having an extra layer of guarantee is also good."

Kong Ran was slightly stunned.

According to Unlike Ning Zhuo's statement, it was indeed logically sound.

"But every time I borrow it, I have to refine it, which is a bit troublesome—" A thought arose in Kong Ran's heart, but it immediately dissipated.

Because he thought: "If I can borrow the Intent-Grasping Brush, even if this trouble were ten times greater, I could accept it."

Bai Jiyun spoke up from the side: "There is one thing I must remind you two of."

"Although the Intent-Grasping Brush is a magic treasure, it is not durable."

"The four treasures of the scholar—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—are essentially consumable items. It's just that the brush and inkstone are more resistant to consumption than the paper and ink."

"If you two use this brush together, it will inevitably accelerate its consumption, and it will not be able to exist in the world for long."

Kong Ran immediately glared at Bai Jiyun.

He naturally knew this, but he hadn't said it out loud for fear that Unlike Ning Zhuo would change his mind.

Kong Ran felt secretly dissatisfied with Bai Jiyun, feeling that his friend was actually considering things for an outsider.

Hearing this, Unlike Ning Zhuo was not alarmed but happy: "Consuming the precious brush to grasp the intent is a price that should be paid."

"Looking at it from another angle, precisely because of this point, this Intent-Grasping Brush is even more precious, making Fellow Daoist Kong Ran want to trade for it even more."

Unlike Ning Zhuo looked at Kong Ran: "I lend you this brush, and you teach me talent-based spellcasting; how about that?"

Kong Ran was tempted and was just about to open his mouth to agree when Bai Jiyun said again: "In this way, Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, by lending out the Intent-Grasping Brush, aren't you also letting down Mr. Chu Xuangui?"

"In the future, if you fail to meet the standards because of this and cannot get Mr. Chu Xuangui to recommend you to try the Ancient Seal Stele, what will you do?"

At this moment, Bai Jiyun showed a sharpness he usually didn't have.

Unlike Ning Zhuo smiled nonchalantly: "Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Bai. That is very simple; I will just meet the standards, won't I?"

"To meet Mr. Chu Xuangui's standards, although I have few clues at the moment, I do not believe that using the Intent-Grasping Brush a few less times will cause me to be eliminated from 'The cultivation world has ten thousand methods, a thousand families, a hundred arts, ten paths, and one person!'"

"Relying solely on my own comprehension and talent, I can also meet Mr. Chu Xuangui's standards."

"Although the Intent-Grasping Brush is important, it has never been the key to this."

Bai Jiyun, Liu Fushu, and Kong Ran were all stunned.

Their gazes fixed upon Unlike Ning Zhuo, and they couldn't help but size him up once more. Initially, when they first saw Unlike Ning Zhuo, their greatest impression was the word "outsider," and they felt some disdain for his lack of awareness, wanting to participate in the Confucian school's Xingyun Trial in a vain attempt to take advantage.

Later, Unlike Ning Zhuo truly performed excellently, which surprised all three of them. By the time Unlike Ning Zhuo finally won, their emotions were complex. There was shock, disgust, doubt, admiration, and recognition—it was endless.

Just now, the three accepted Unlike Ning Zhuo's invitation and communicated with him, all developing more favorable impressions, all believing Unlike Ning Zhuo was from a great clan.

When Unlike Ning Zhuo took out the Ghost Dao Jin Dan, they were shocked, speculating that Unlike Ning Zhuo's action must be strongly supported by his family!

At this moment, Unlike Ning Zhuo displayed extraordinary self-confidence.

If it were their first meeting with Unlike Ning Zhuo, all three would have scoffed—who are you? You're not even a Confucian cultivator, yet you have the confidence to meet the standards and then go to the Ancient Seal Stele to seek opportunities?

But now, the three of them mostly sighed and speculated: Unlike Ning Zhuo is so confident and extraordinary; he must have received the most intimate cultivation from childhood, a genius of a great clan. He hasn't suffered many setbacks, and everything is possible in his eyes.

"Even if my father is the Prime Minister, the support I receive at home absolutely doesn't reach the Jin Dan level." At this moment, even Kong Ran felt he couldn't compare to Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Not to mention Bai Jiyun and Liu Fushu.

Liu Fushu, who came from a poor background, didn't like this overflow of confidence from Unlike Ning Zhuo. His pupils shrank, and a desire to see Unlike Ning Zhuo fail arose in his heart, but he flattered him a few times.

Bai Jiyun couldn't say such things and just raised his head to drink a few cups of wine: "This youth is extremely confident. On one hand, he must be talented; on the other hand, he must be strongly supported by his family, giving him boundless confidence."

"Easily taking out a Jin Dan as a deposit, the scale of the family behind him is absolutely not small."

"And he took the initiative to propose lending the Intent-Grasping Brush to Kong Ran, which has deep meaning—he wants to befriend Kong Ran and build connections with the current Prime Minister."

Bai Jiyun saw through Unlike Ning Zhuo's intention.

If Unlike Ning Zhuo's confidence stung Liu Fushu, then his ulterior motives made Bai Jiyun have no favorable impression.

Bai Jiyun also had the name of a genius and confidence, but he was a free spirit who liked to indulge in mountains and rivers.

After discovering that Unlike Ning Zhuo was not on the same path as him, Bai Jiyun's desire for deep friendship faded.

At the following banquet, Kong Ran discussed the price with Unlike Ning Zhuo many times.

He was indeed very interested in the trade of lending the Intent-Grasping Brush.

Liu Fushu and Bai Jiyun talked more to each other, occasionally interjecting to communicate with Unlike Ning Zhuo and Kong Ran.

Unlike Ning Zhuo keenly sensed the change in attitude of Liu Fushu and Bai Jiyun.

He treated it indifferently.

"I cannot be good friends with everyone."

"There must be gains and losses."

"At present, communicating with Kong Ran is most in line with my interests."

The experience of life and death on the battlefield had profoundly changed Unlike Ning Zhuo, giving him a direct and crisp approach to interpersonal communication.

Of course, he did not forget to strive for trades with Bai Jiyun and Liu Fushu.

"Many thanks to the three fellow daoists for the introduction. It let me know: to use the Intent-Grasping Brush well, there are more requirements for the copybooks."

"I wonder if you have any precious and rare authentic works in your hands?"

"If you do, could you rent them to me for copying? The price is negotiable."

When Unlike Ning Zhuo said this, he took out a second Ghost Dao Jin Dan and placed it on the table, causing the three to be slightly shocked again.

Bai Jiyun smiled slightly, indicating that he did indeed have a piece of calligraphy by a famous Confucian cultivator that could be traded.

Liu Fushu was secretly envious, suffering from having nothing of value, and could only drink wine and eat food.

Kong Ran puffed out his chest, proudly stating that although he didn't have any, his father's study had many. These were all negotiable!

Unlike Ning Zhuo then made simple agreements with Bai and Kong.

The banquet ended, and both host and guests were happy.

Before leaving, Kong Ran suddenly stopped and turned to face Unlike Ning Zhuo: "Almost forgot, use this first."

As he said this, he took a brush case from his bosom.

He first opened the brush case, took out the brush he usually used, and handed the empty case to Unlike Ning Zhuo.

"This is my Cloud-Han Brush-Resting Case."

"Borrow it first, and nourish the Intent-Grasping Brush more; take good care of it!"

Although a real brush-lending trade had not yet been reached, Kong Ran was already more concerned about the Intent-Grasping Brush than Unlike Ning Zhuo.