A short while later, Ning Zhuo, Shen Xi, and Su Lingkou parted ways outside the grand hall.

Watching Ning Zhuo fly away, Su Lingkou stood beside her cousin, Shen Xi, and asked, confused, “Cousin, you are the genius and hope of our clan. This time, you’ve joined Wanyue Sect with the goal of becoming a true disciple.”

“What has that person done to deserve your lowering yourself to befriend him?”

Shen Xi replied, “Didn’t you see? Daoist friend Ning Zhuo was accompanied by another cultivator, and they came together via the teleportation array. Although that person concealed their aura, only revealing some Confucian cultivation energy, they didn’t pay for the teleportation array.”

“This reminded me that Wanyue Sect has a policy: any cultivator with the status of a true disciple returning to the mountain gate does not need to pay.”

“So that’s it,” Su Lingkou said.

“But aren’t there other situations where one doesn’t need to pay, not just true disciples?”

“Moreover, even if his companion is a true disciple, their relationship might not be that close, right? Perhaps they just met on the road.”

“Cousin, think about it, if he truly had an elder in Wanyue Sect, why would he need to buy such expensive intelligence?”

Shen Xi nodded, “You’re right, all of that is possible.”

Su Lingkou showed a hint of anger, “Ning Zhuo is a bit ungrateful. You, Cousin, personally invited him to rent a cave dwelling together and travel with you, but he refused. If this were in our Jiugong Immortal City, countless cultivators would flock to you and be tearfully grateful.”

Shen Xi frowned, becoming serious. “Cousin, that kind of arrogance won’t do.”

“Although my talent and strength are among the best in Jiugong Immortal City, this is Wanyue Sect!”

“Every Fei Yun Grand Assembly is a gathering of wise and talented individuals. Cultivators with similar or even stronger abilities than mine will come here, presenting their strongest demeanor to strive for a high position within Wanyue Sect.”

Su Lingkou stuck out her tongue, linked arms with Shen Xi, and gently shook him, speaking with an admiring tone, “Even so, I still believe that you, Cousin, are the most brilliant among all these geniuses.”

“You,” Shen Xi shook his head slightly, sighed indulgently, and no longer scolded his cousin.

He looked towards Ning Zhuo, who disappeared into the clouds, a clear light flashing in his eyes. “Daoist friend Ning Zhuo, though simply dressed, possesses a natural demeanor and communicates with us calmly and at ease.”

“Even if he isn’t from a super-clan, he shouldn’t be from a small family.”

Su Lingkou recalled and this time did not refute, “That’s true.”

Ning Zhuo stepped onto a flying cloud, slowly moving through the high sky.

This technique of riding clouds and mists was something he had quickly created on the fly, referencing the surrounding scenery.

Clouds are closely related to the Water Element, and since Ning Zhuo’s Five Elements cultivation was profound, achieving this was not difficult.

Initially, his speed was slow, and his attention was more focused on observing his surroundings.

Within Wanyue Sect’s main gate, there were numerous peaks and halls, and countless people traversed the skies, seemingly chaotic but implicitly following established traffic rules.

With the information from the jade slip as a reference, Ning Zhuo quickly adapted.

He sometimes veered off onto side paths, traveling alone. Other times, he merged into the flow of people, taking the main thoroughfares.

After a short while, he dispersed the cloud beneath him and landed on the summit of a broken peak.

The summit had been leveled into a flat area, where a palace stood.

The palace was constructed from dark stone, with spiritual patterns subtly flowing within; golden talismans guarded the entrance, giving it a solemn and majestic appearance.

The palace was not large, incomparable to the commercial sub-hall he had just visited, but the flow of people was dense, with an endless stream entering and exiting the palace entrance.

This was a sub-hall of the Internal Affairs Hall.

Ning Zhuo entered, and shortly after, was led out by a middle-aged cultivator.

“Daoist friend Ning Zhuo, do you have a mount?” the middle-aged cultivator asked when they reached the edge of the cliff.

Ning Zhuo shook his head, then performed a hand seal, forming a cloud of mist beneath his feet.

The middle-aged cultivator directly opened his beast-taming bag and summoned a four-winged flying snail. Several rows of seats were arranged on the snail’s back.

He waved to Ning Zhuo, “Your cloud mist is slow; come ride my flying snail.”

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands, “Thank you, senior.”

The middle-aged cultivator quickly responded politely, “We are both Foundation Establishment cultivators; you don’t need to call me senior.”

Ning Zhuo chose a seat and sat down. The middle-aged cultivator tapped his foot, and the flying snail spread its wings and soared high, indeed moving very fast.

The middle-aged cultivator tapped his foot again, and array patterns lit up on the seats, forming a light shield that blocked the oncoming mountain wind and mist.

He explained, “Every year before the Fei Yun Grand Assembly, a large number of cultivators flock to the main mountain gate, all coming to rent cave dwellings.”

“During this period, I’ve been so busy I’m dizzy, but the tasks keep increasing.”

“So, we must try to save as much travel time as possible.”

“If Daoist friend Ning Zhuo sees one he likes, he should rent it as soon as possible. It’s very likely that the next moment, that spot will be taken by someone else. Not everyone conducts on-site inspections; some simply read the jade slips in the hall and make their decision.”

Ning Zhuo quickly thanked him for the reminder and then slipped him ten mid-grade spirit stones.

The middle-aged cultivator immediately became a bit more enthusiastic, and his smile was much more sincere than before.

In a short while, the flying snail landed, and the two arrived at the first cave dwelling.

“This is Lingfeng Slope, with eight cave dwellings in total. The one we’re seeing is the most luxurious of the eight.”

The middle-aged cultivator pointed to the topmost cave entrance, then shook his token to open the entrance’s restriction.

The cave entrance was quite wide and unobstructed, with sunlight pouring in abundantly, illuminating the interior stone walls to a warm, jade-like sheen. The two entered the cave.

Inside, the cave was quite dry and clean, complete with stone tables and stools. There were also several shallow, natural stone niches on the walls where books and artifacts could be placed.

At the back of the cave, there was a stone well, its water refreshingly cool.

The middle-aged cultivator said, “Although this cave dwelling isn’t large, it’s definitely enough for one person.”

“Look at this scenery, how beautiful.”

The two stood at the cave entrance, gazing into the distance.

The view here was indeed expansive, overlooking a gentle slope covered in lush green grass, interspersed with countless star-like, pale yellow small flowers.

The white clouds in the high sky were not dense but rather sparse and leisurely.

Brilliant sunlight filtered through the clouds, occasionally forming beams of light that were bright but not dazzling.

The mountain wind roared, surging from the horizon, making their clothes flutter and feeling refreshing.

The middle-aged cultivator said with a smile, “The layout is open, the view is excellent, and there’s plenty of sunlight, which is most conducive to nurturing one’s righteous qi. Watching the sunrise in the morning, with clouds steaming and colorful mists; at night, embracing the stars, one feels as if they could pluck them with their hand.”

“The monthly rent is fifty mid-grade spirit stones. Although it’s a bit high, the extra cost is all due to that artificial spiritual well. Overall, it’s not expensive at all.”

Ning Zhuo’s expression was calm, and he nodded slightly, his tone flat. “The Lingfeng Slope itself has a sparse spiritual脉, which is why the spiritual well was built to convert more spiritual energy.”

“The scenery here is indeed expansive, but precisely because of this, the strong mountain wind constantly disperses the spiritual energy gathered here, like a sieve.”

The middle-aged cultivator’s expression stiffened, “Daoist friend Ning’s comments are valid.”

Ning Zhuo turned to him and smiled, “Just seeing this cave dwelling, I know that choosing to inspect in person was the right decision. Please continue to lead the way, Daoist friend.”

The middle-aged cultivator’s expression softened, and he forced a smile. “Daoist friend Ning, please follow me.”

The two rode the flying snail, leaving the area, and their second stop was in a mountain valley.

The rock formations were a fiery red, as if burned by intense flames. Before they even got close, a warm sensation wafted towards them. Within the valley, several slender fire veins were visibly flowing slowly among the rocks, making the air shimmer slightly and glow with a ruby-like halo.

“This is Cave Dwelling Jia Ding Hao in Liehuo Valley,” the middle-aged cultivator said, opening the restriction and leading Ning Zhuo inside.

This cave dwelling was carved into a massive red rock face.

The entrance was narrow, but inside, it was a world of its own, divided into two sections.

The outer stone room was dry and warm, with faint spiritual light emanating from the stone walls, which were surprisingly all fire spirit stones.

The inner section was a natural fire chamber, delving deep into the earth’s spiritual脉. A neatly circular fire pit was carved into the center of the ground, from which the muffled pulsation of underground fire could faintly be heard, emanating astonishing heat.

Array patterns and talismans were set on the walls. The former were used for guiding the flow, and the latter for controlling the fire, which was extremely helpful for alchemy and artifact refining.

The middle-aged cultivator pointed to the fire pit on the ground, the red light illuminating his face with a glow. “Daoist friend Ning, look at this fire vein. Although it’s not top-tier, its advantage lies in its stability and controllability. The array in the fire pit is stable and exquisite; with a little familiarity, one can precisely control the heat.”

“With this source of earth fire at hand, refining ordinary elixirs and tempering entry-level artifacts will yield twice the results with half the effort! The monthly rent is eighty mid-grade spirit stones, but its value justifies the cost.”

Compared to before, his tone was no longer as exaggerated, but rather factual.

Ning Zhuo walked around the inner chamber, his expression indifferent. “There are no array formations on these walls. The array in the fire pit only guides the flow, and the talismans control the heat, but they can’t hide the heat that radiates outwards.”

“Therefore, this cave dwelling is suitable for fire-attribute cultivators or those with strong constitutions to reside in for long periods. Ordinary cultivators living here will inevitably feel restless. Moreover, being deep within the earth’s spiritual脉, the air is hot and stuffy. Without a deep interest in alchemy or artifact refining, it becomes a torment.”

“Indeed,” the middle-aged cultivator was speechless, inwardly having to admit that Ning Zhuo’s words were reasonable.

The two then set off again, riding the flying snail to a small peak.

The area was cool and secluded, with ancient trees towering into the sky and vines hanging like curtains. The sunlight was blocked by the towering mountain, leaving only clear light filtering through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows.

The air was moist, carrying the unique fragrance of plants and earth, and a hint of refreshing coolness, quickly dispelling the heat they had felt in Liehuo Valley.

The middle-aged cultivator shook his waist token, causing the verdant vines to rise like a rolled-up curtain. The restriction disappeared, revealing the cave dwelling.

Inside, the light was slightly dim, but not gloomy; instead, it gave a sense of profound tranquility.

The cave was deep, its stone walls cool and smooth, chilling to the touch.

Above the stone walls, clear mountain spring water seeped through natural rock fissures, dripping into a small, mirror-smooth stone pool below, the water making a tinkling sound like clinking jade ornaments.

Around the pool, a ring of moss grew, clearly artificially planted spirit plants, emitting a faint glow and subtle spiritual energy.

The deepest part of the cave was quite spacious, with a flat stone jade bed.

The middle-aged cultivator already knew that Ning Zhuo was easygoing but had his own opinions, so he gave only a simple introduction: “Daoist friend Ning, as you can see, this cave dwelling is secluded and tranquil, with a refreshing coolness. The arrangement of the dripping spring into the stone pool is adapted to the local conditions, and the clear sound of the dripping water can aid in calming the mind and meditation. The monthly rent of thirty mid-grade spirit stones is quite reasonable.”

He was prepared for a refusal, but to his surprise, Ning Zhuo, for some reason, took a liking to this ordinary cave dwelling and directly said, “This will be it then.”

The middle-aged cultivator was surprised for a moment, then quickly took out a jade slip to register and drew up a contract, asking Ning Zhuo to pay three months’ rent. “More to be refunded, less to be supplemented. Daoist friend Ning, I will leave now.”

“Take care and no need to see me off,” Ning Zhuo saw the middle-aged cultivator out of the cave entrance, then stopped.

The middle-aged cultivator flew away from the small peak, while Ning Zhuo still stood at the cave entrance, looking out. Opposite the small peak, there was another mountain peak, but it was taller and grander.

On the sunny side of the peak, there was a small lake, its surface calm and unruffled, like a jade mirror. Ning Zhuo knew the lake was called Bi Yu. At the bottom of the lake was a cave dwelling named Shu Yu Zhai, which was his mother Meng Yaoyin’s cave dwelling during her lifetime.

After Meng Yaoyin’s death, the soul lamp she left in Wanyue Sect had extinguished. According to Wanyue Sect’s rules, her possessions, including this cave dwelling, were to be sealed for a hundred years, reserved for her blood descendants or disciples recruited from outside.

After a hundred years, Wanyue Sect would reclaim the cave dwelling.

Of course, this treatment was only for Golden Core true disciples.

The Buddhist physician, Meng Yaoyin, stated in the jade slip that most of her personal belongings were in the Shu Yu Zhai cave dwelling.

But at the same time, she also rented another cave dwelling on the opposite mountain peak under a different name. She cleverly devised a method to excavate the rock and quietly established a hidden small teleportation array. This small array could directly reach Shu Yu Zhai.

The intelligence jade slip Ning Zhuo purchased clearly stated that to inherit a senior’s cave dwelling and relics as a successor, one needed to undergo a strict review by the Internal Affairs Hall.

This review process was quite cumbersome and time-consuming.

The successor must prove their identity. Then, the Internal Affairs Hall would transfer the investigation task to the External Affairs Hall. The External Affairs Hall would dispatch cultivators to investigate, and these cultivators would travel long distances, returning the investigation results to the External Affairs Hall. Then, the External Affairs Hall would transfer them back to the Internal Affairs Hall.

Only when the Internal Affairs Hall found the facts consistent would they begin the process of transferring the assets.

This process alone often took more than half a year, not to mention how much time the external investigation process would delay or what unexpected events might occur.

Understanding this, Ning Zhuo decided to sneak in first and get the assets into his hands.

Fearing an unusual movement from the Great Serpent Sickle, Ning Zhuo was supposed to immediately burn the relics, but he was still waiting for the External Affairs Hall’s investigation report to return.

Ning Zhuo activated the restriction, lowered the vine curtain, completely concealing the cave dwelling’s exit.

He entered the depths of the cave, lifted his clothes, revealed the Wanli Youlong tied around his waist, and released Sun Lingtong, Qing Chi, and Old Chef.

Sun Lingtong had long been bored, and after her feet touched solid ground, she excitedly jumped up.

Old Chef was steady; after getting Ning Zhuo’s permission, he went to another room to start cooking.

Qing Chi, on the other hand, stayed by Ning Zhuo’s side, staring at him.

Ning Zhuo asked, “Miss Qing Chi, why are you looking at me?”

Qing Chi’s eyes flickered, “I’ve been separated from you for a long time, and I miss you very much, so I just want to look at you more.”

Although she had lost her memory, she still maintained her previous direct and frank style.

Ning Zhuo sighed deeply, “Miss Qing Chi, I have already told you the truth; your feelings are just a misunderstanding.”