The faint sunlight filtered through the dense forest leaves, casting dappled shadows upon the mountain path.

Ning Zhuo carried a wine jar, his steps unhurried, brushing aside branches as he walked.

Birds chirped in the forest, their calls clear and melodious. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of earth and vegetation.

“Here again,” Ning Zhuo murmured as he reached the deep pool, the place where he and Lin Shanshan had first met.

The pool water was clear, fish swam within, occasionally leaping out of the water, creating ripples that shattered the golden sunbeams on the surface.

Ning Zhuo continued his journey,绕到飞瀑之后的山道.

To his left, the waterfall roared, water splashing everywhere, and the sunlight reflecting off it created a rainbow arching across the sky. To his right, the mountain wall was covered in green moss, quiet and deep.

One dynamic, one static, a harmony of Yin and Yang seemed to exist.

Passing the mountain path, Ning Zhuo stopped before the Ten Thousand Monster Cave.

He did not enter directly, but instead activated his magic power, summoned a talisman, and in an instant, wrote a flying letter.

The flying letter floated gently, slowly flying into the cave.

Soon, Linghu Jiu emerged from the cave, holding the flying letter and smiling, to greet him in person.

Thus, the two finally met for the first time at this moment.

Linghu Jiu was tall and thin, dressed in a green robe, his wide sleeves hanging down, flowing like the wind, giving him a graceful and unrestrained appearance.

Ning Zhuo, on the other hand, wore a white robe with wide sleeves, his eyes as clear as water, his face like a spring breeze, polite and amiable like the morning sun, naturally inspiring goodwill.

Seeing Linghu Jiu, Ning Zhuo secretly thought, “Indeed, a remarkable person!”

He recalled the intelligence he had gathered and the matter of Linghu Jiu gifting him the Comprehension Diagrams of Metal and Fire, which further convinced him that Linghu Jiu was far from simple.

“Today’s meeting is necessary to understand this person more clearly.”

Linghu Jiu enjoyed high prestige within the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect and held an unshakable position. He must be at the core of the sect’s power, perhaps even the next sect master.

Linghu Jiu, meanwhile, inwardly exclaimed, “What a young man! Refined and handsome, a true gentleman in this turbid world.”

“Though highly regarded by the elders of his family, his attire is simple.”

Before meeting, Ning Zhuo had many conjectures about Linghu Jiu. Upon their first meeting, he felt that Linghu Jiu’s demeanor was exceptional and consistent with his expectations.

Linghu Jiu also had many conjectures about Ning Zhuo. Upon their first meeting, he felt that Ning Zhuo’s appearance exceeded his imagination. His simple and clean attire made him feel good.

Both looked forward to meeting each other, and their first encounter left them with a favorable impression.

Linghu Jiu smiled: “Young Master Ning Zhuo, the sect’s flying letter arrived before you did. Young Master’s recent string of victories on Lesser Contest Peak has made you the talk of the town. Though I reside deep within this cave, I have also heard of your achievements. Please, come in quickly!”

Ning Zhuo first set down the wine jar he was holding, using his magic power to suspend it in mid-air. He cupped his hands in a formal salute and said seriously: “I have long heard of Brother Linghu’s great name, and it is truly a blessing to meet you today. I have taken the liberty of visiting today and brought with me a humble jar of wine. I hope you will not disdain it.”

Linghu Jiu twitched his nose, his gaze fixed on the floating wine jar. He laughed heartily and made a welcoming gesture with his hand: “Brother Ning’s generous gift is truly appreciated. Please, come in, and allow me to extend the hospitality of a host.”

The two entered the cave.

The cave’s furnishings were simple: a stone table, stone benches, and a stone bed.

Linghu Jiu invited Ning Zhuo to sit: “This humble mountain cave is indeed a poor reception for a distinguished guest.”

Ning Zhuo, however, said: “The scenery in the mountains is uniquely beautiful, ancient and serene. And to be able to drink with Brother Linghu today will surely be one of life’s great pleasures.”

Linghu Jiu took out stone bowls, looking at the wine jar with anticipation.

His nostrils flared again: “To tell you the truth, Young Master Ning Zhuo, I have a ‘wine nose’ and am good at smelling wine. This mere scent is extraordinary and has already stirred my heart!”

Ning Zhuo was slightly taken aback.

The intelligence he had received contained a detailed description of Linghu Jiu’s fondness for wine.

But after meeting him, Ning Zhuo realized that Linghu Jiu’s fondness for wine was even more pronounced than described in the intelligence.

While pouring the wine, Ning Zhuo introduced its origin.

This was indeed Ice Jade Wine.

It was produced from the Ice Heart Jade Pot, an inheritance of the Ning family. Cultivators of the Ice Heart Art benefited greatly from drinking this wine.

Ning Zhuo first filled Linghu Jiu’s stone bowl to the brim, then poured some for himself into his glazed cup.

Ning Zhuo raised his glazed cup with both hands: “Today’s visit is first and foremost to thank Brother Linghu. Before, when Elder Luo and others misunderstood me, it was all thanks to Brother Linghu’s intervention that I was relieved of my difficulties.”

Linghu Jiu laughed heartily, picking up his stone bowl: “Oh, dear, I can’t pretend anymore, I’ll drink this first!”

Ning Zhuo: ?!

For a moment, the sixteen-year-old boy stood frozen, watching Linghu Jiu tilt his head back and swallow a full bowl of Ice Jade Wine with gulps.

Linghu Jiu heartily drank the fine wine, feeling an extreme coolness, like drinking ice-cold spring water in the depths of winter.

The coolness permeated his entire body, dispelling all his fatigue and anxiety.

The wine flowed like melting ice and snow, without the slightest hint of spiciness, and the lingering sweetness was like a melody that lingered for three days, the more he savored it, the more beautiful it felt!

At the same time, a magnificent stream of light erupted from Linghu Jiu’s upper Dantian, like a waterfall, cascading downwards, following his spine directly into the middle Dantian, his Qi Sea.

In the Qi Sea, clouds surged and waves crashed incessantly.

Linghu Jiu’s Qi Sea cultivation surged rapidly.

“Good wine, good wine. Young Master, please fill it up quickly!” Linghu Jiu became excited, showing no restraint.

Ning Zhuo’s smile widened: “It is my honor that Brother Linghu enjoys this wine.”

Inwardly, however, he was muttering: “What kind of person is this? Is this currently a disguise?”

According to the collected intelligence, Linghu Jiu was laid-back and easy-going, well-liked by his fellow disciples. But previously, regarding the rumors spread by Elder Luo and others, Linghu Jiu took care of the overall situation and actively compensated Ning Zhuo with the Comprehension Diagrams of Metal and Fire. Clearly, he possessed shrewdness.

This made Ning Zhuo wonder what Linghu Jiu’s true face was.

In the past, Ning Zhuo needed long periods of observation and interaction to gradually understand a person’s temperament and background.

But now, with his divine ability and treasured artifact by his side, he had convenient means.

Watching Linghu Jiu drink a second large bowl, a sharp glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes and quickly disappeared.

Divine Ability – Human Life Hanging…

“Hmm?!”

In that instant, Ning Zhuo nearly lost his composure.

This was because a strong intuition told him: if he were to activate his divine ability at this moment, even if he could successfully plant it, it would be detected by Linghu Jiu!

This was the first time Ning Zhuo had encountered such a situation.

His heart was greatly shaken.

“I have Foundation Establishment cultivation, and even Golden Core stage cultivators are not immune and cannot detect it. Ning Jiufan, the two ancestors of the Zhou family, the Fox God of Misty Hidden Mountain. Even a powerful figure like Zhu Xuanji was affected by my Human Life Hanging Thread divine ability.”

For Golden Core stage beings, although Ning Zhuo added the Human Life Hanging Thread, it only increased his perception to some extent, and he could not forcibly control them.

On the one hand, even if he forcibly controlled them, the extent of control would be extremely small, at most allowing them to move a little finger or sneeze.

On the other hand, once forced control was exerted, the Golden Core cultivators who were previously unaware would inevitably know, leading to suspicion. It was highly probable that they would discover Ning Zhuo and then, in their fury, beat the young man to death with random blows.

“I cannot apply the hanging thread to Nascent Soul stage beings.”

Ning Zhuo had secretly tried this after seeing Granny Yuan.

It was useless, it simply wouldn’t fall.

When the hanging thread descended above the head, there was an invisible force, like a strong wind, that prevented the hanging thread from succeeding.

“My divine ability has always been invincible against Foundation Establishment stage beings, but today it failed on Linghu Jiu!”

Han Zhou, Hua Guzi, Lin Shanshan, and others in Ten Thousand Medicine Valley had all been subjected to Ning Zhuo’s Human Life Hanging Thread.

Lai Wuying, Zheng Xingchen, and others had not yet received such treatment. This was because Ning Zhuo maintained a good habit of not openly using his divine ability in public.

Ning Zhuo felt that if he were to plant the Human Life Hanging Thread on Linghu Jiu, although he could succeed and control him, it would definitely be detected by the other party.

“Linghu Jiu has deep foundations and can, to some extent, resist my divine ability!”

“It seems that, like me, he is skilled in hiding his strengths. I just don’t know who is hiding more, and deeper.”

Ning Zhuo was shaken inwardly, but his face showed no sign of it.

Since Linghu Jiu enjoyed fine wine, he poured it frequently.

“Please.”

“Please!”

“Please again!”

Linghu Jiu drank ten bowls in a row, still not satisfied.

His face was flushed, his eyebrows were raised, his breath reeked of wine, and his movements became larger.

“Good wine, good wine.”

Inspired by the wine, he spoke:

“Ice Jade chills the bones upon entry, and intoxication reveals human nature.”

“Sweet aftertaste lingers long on the tongue, and the divine field and Qi Sea ascend together!”

A sharp glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes, admiring Linghu Jiu’s literary style. Just as he was about to compose a poem in response, Linghu Jiu suddenly spoke unexpectedly.

He heard him say: “Brother Ning Zhuo, what are your intentions towards my junior sister Shanshan?”

Ning Zhuo let out a soft “ah,” feeling that Linghu Jiu’s words were like a sudden sword thrust, catching him off guard.

He gently placed the cup in his hand on the stone table, his expression serious and solemn: “Miss Lin and I are kindred spirits.”

“This visit to your esteemed place is for guidance and alliance.”

“Miss Lin is pure-hearted, hospitable, and has helped me on numerous occasions, even to the point of being confined.”

“A friend’s kindness is etched in my heart, and I will surely repay it handsomely in the future!”

Linghu Jiu stared at Ning Zhuo with blurry, wine-soaked eyes, reeking of alcohol.

Yet, at this moment, Ning Zhuo felt as if his heart was being seen through by Linghu Jiu, completely exposed.

Linghu Jiu pointed at Ning Zhuo: “Good lad, those are true words!”

“Hehehe.”

“Hahaha!”

He tilted his head back and laughed, tears welling up in his eyes. He didn’t care about his image at all, and wiped away his tears in front of Ning Zhuo.

Linghu Jiu’s heart was filled with complex emotions.

On the one hand, there was a sense of relief. His beloved junior sister had not been noticed by an outsider.

On the other hand, there was a feeling of grievance and frustration. His beloved junior sister had given so much, yet had not been noticed by an outsider!

Seeing Ning Zhuo staring at him in confusion, Linghu Jiu sighed: “I apologize, Young Master Ning Zhuo. I have a talent called ‘Drunken Moon Seeking Immortals’.”

“As long as I drink heartily and am in a drunken state, my mind can soar, my inspiration flows, and I can gain insight into the world and see things clearly.”

“Just now, when I asked the question, I used my talent and knew that what you said was the honest truth.”

“To be honest, it’s not just Elder Luo and others who misunderstood you, but even I misunderstood you!”

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: “Drunken Moon Seeking Immortals?”

“Regardless, resolving this misunderstanding is a great fortune for me.”

“Brother Linghu doesn’t need to apologize, I should be thanking you instead.”

Saying that, he raised his cup.

Linghu Jiu also picked up his stone bowl, and the two clinked their vessels and drank it all.

Linghu Jiu looked Ning Zhuo up and down, and suddenly sighed: “I know why my junior sister favors you.”

He pointed at Ning Zhuo: “Junior sister respects my master the most, which is also her father, the sect master of our sect.”

“You, in this manner, are very upright and resemble my master.”

Ning Zhuo quickly demurred, saying he was unworthy to be compared to a Nascent Soul grand cultivator like Lin Bufan.

Linghu Jiu suddenly stood up: “Wait a moment, there’s no rush to drink the Ice Jade Wine. I’ll also treat you to a drink.”

He walked a few large steps to the stone bed.

He touched the side of the bed and pulled out a jar of wine.

Linghu Jiu returned to his seat, placed the wine on the stone table, and didn’t forget to show off proudly: “I’ve been confined many times, so I had someone set up a hidden storage array here to store some good wine.”

“Whenever I’m feeling lonely and thirsty, I take out a bottle to satisfy my craving for alcohol.”

“This wine is called ‘幽思冥酿’ (You Si Ming Niang), and it will be quite useful to Young Master Ning Zhuo.”

Linghu Jiu picked up the wine jar and poured some for Ning Zhuo.

He introduced: “The main ingredients of this wine are Yellow Springs water and Night Roaming Grass, and the auxiliary ingredients are moon dew,冥玉, and the tears of a nine-tailed fox.”

“After drinking it, your thoughts can spread, reaching the netherworld, allowing you to perceive the wisdom of your predecessors and receive guidance from the unseen.”

Linghu Jiu sighed and continued: “I have the talent of Drunken Moon Seeking Immortals, so my master specifically invited a skilled spirit chef to brew this wine for me. My cultivation has benefited greatly from this wine.”

“Please!”

Ning Zhuo’s curiosity had been greatly piqued. He solemnly picked up the cup and examined it carefully.

He saw that the You Si Ming Niang was deep blue in color, with faint specks of light emanating from it.

He brought it close to his nose and sniffed it carefully. The aroma of the wine was very light, almost non-existent, but it immediately made Ning Zhuo’s mind clear and peaceful.

“Boss, I want to drink it,” Ning Zhuo transmitted.

Inside the Mechanical Dragon, Sun Lingtong swallowed his saliva: “You brat, you’re having a good time eating and drinking outside, and I still have to look after you. Remember to leave some for me.”

Ning Zhuo calmed his mind and took a small sip.

The wine liquid slid over his tongue, sweet with a hint of bitterness, like the ups and downs of life.

After the wine entered his stomach, a warm feeling spread from the inside out. The mysterious power from the spiritual wine flowed through his body, bringing an unprecedented sense of tranquility and peace.

In a daze, Ning Zhuo “saw” a person.

“I am the Lord of the Five Elements! The profound mysteries of the Five Elements are all in my hands. The Five Spirits and Five Gods, obey my command, none shall dare to disobey.”

“Descendants, do you want my Five Viscera Shrine Spirit Divine Art?”

“Hahaha, listen well!”

“The Five Elements are Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth; the Five Viscera are the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The Five Elements belong to the Five Viscera, each performing its own function, mutually generating and overcoming each other, cycling endlessly…”

Ning Zhuo concentrated fully, listening carefully.

As a result, the Five Elements God Lord’s words became softer and softer, lower and lower, and finally, even his figure disappeared.

“What’s going on?” Ning Zhuo suddenly opened his eyes.

The intoxication was gone.

Ning Zhuo felt a sense of loss.

Linghu Jiu laughed heartily: “It seems Young Master Ning Zhuo has experienced the benefits of this wine.”

“Will you drink more?”

Ning Zhuo was not polite and said eagerly: “Please pour the wine.”

He drank another cup and saw the Five Elements God Lord again, with his ancient appearance and divine might.

The God Lord continued to recite his Five Viscera Shrine Spirit Divine Art.

This time, after reciting a small portion, he disappeared again.

Ning Zhuo opened his eyes: “More, more.”

Linghu Jiu laughed heartily.

Ning Zhuo directly picked up his glazed cup and looked at Linghu Jiu: “Brother, do you have a bowl?”

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