At the Pan Shi Cave Abode.

On a round stone table, five or six delectable dishes were laid out.

Yu He Ye was seated at the head of the table, naturally leaving the guest of honor seat for Ning Zhuo. Besides the two of them, there were also Shen Xi and Su Ling Kou, the cousins.

“Young Master Ning, please try this dish.”

“It’s called Nine Peaks Ocean Suppressing Broth. Its flour is made from nine-colored spirit rice, and the dough is fermented with azure seawater. Then, the nine-colored dough is cooked in a Dharma artifact-grade ceramic pot and simmered with golden rock marrow. If the spirit chef is skilled enough, they can create Wu Tu Jing Cui while preparing this spirit food.”

Yu He Ye smiled, introducing the dish while reaching out to remove the lid of the ceramic pot.

The next moment, yellowish-brown mist, mixed with nine-colored auspicious light, burst forth. Within this misty light, three ethereal mountain peak images appeared, then vanished.

Shen Xi, a distinguished young master from a prominent family, was surprised by this sight and said, “These are three mountain peak images, indicating there are at least three pieces of Wu Tu Jing Cui in the pot.”

“To make such spirit food, it requires no ordinary spirit chef.”

“May I ask Senior Yu, which grand chef from the sect did you invite?”

Yu He Ye chuckled, thinking Shen Xi had a discerning eye, and took the opportunity to say, “It’s Nuan Fu Ju Shi, Tao An.”

Su Ling Kou immediately praised, “So it’s Grand Chef Tao, a Golden Core level master! No wonder he can create such spirit food.”

Although she was a newcomer, she had heard of Tao An’s name.

Golden Core level spirit chefs were almost all head chefs or grand chefs.

Nascent Soul level spirit chefs were not nonexistent, but they would never serve the general market. They were often confined to small circles. In the regular market, the highest level of cultivators from whom the public could consistently benefit were those at the Golden Core stage.

“Young Master Ning, please have a taste.” Yu He Ye personally picked up a long spoon, stirred it in the ceramic pot, and served a bowl of the soup, along with a piece of Wu Tu Jing Cui, to Ning Zhuo.

The broth was thick like honey and crystal clear.

Ning Zhuo took a spoonful and immediately felt as if he had swallowed a mouthful of warm quicksand. Initially, a rich salty taste with a slight bitterness spread, but then, a sweet sensation emerged from the root of his tongue, like mountain spring water mixed with wild honey.

As Ning Zhuo swallowed, and the soup glided down his throat, his back straightened.

A torrent of earth spirit, like a waterfall, descended from the sky directly into his stomach, bringing a strong sense of grounding.

Subsequently, the earth spirit torrent continuously vaporized, transforming into a warm yellow light that permeated Ning Zhuo’s entire body.

Muscles were strengthened, meridians were widened, his heartbeat became steady, and accumulated toxins in his body were expelled with the yellow light.

Eight breaths later, Ning Zhuo had fully digested it and felt that his physical body had significantly improved in defense and endurance. He couldn’t help but nod slightly in satisfaction.

Yu He Ye was surprised.

He often consumed this type of spirit food and knew very well that although it was highly effective, it also had a drawback: it was difficult to digest. He hadn’t expected Ning Zhuo to digest it in such a short time.

“At least from what I can see, he seems to have digested it.”

“It takes me six breaths to digest this spirit food.”

“Don’t look down on him just because he’s in the Foundation Establishment stage; his physical foundation is very strong!”

Yu He Ye suppressed his surprise and, with a smile on his face, asked Ning Zhuo, “Young Master Ning, how do you feel?”

Ning Zhuo commented, “Not bad, not bad.”

Then, he looked at Shen Xi and Su Ling Kou, “You two should also try it; it has quite good effects.”

Shen Xi and Su Ling Kou each took a spoonful, their expressions changed, and they immediately closed their eyes at the dining table to meditate.

Shen Xi took over thirty breaths to process it, while Su Ling Kou took fifty-six breaths to complete the digestion.

A faint yellow glow still lingered on Su Ling Kou’s face. She felt genuine joy and praised from the bottom of her heart, “It truly is a masterpiece from a Golden Core grand chef!”

Shen Xi, however, had a realization and looked at Ning Zhuo, a glint of insight flickering in his eyes.

“Ning Zhuo’s physical foundation seems incredibly strong!”

“At the very least, his digestive ability is much higher than mine.”

“Is he primarily cultivating the Lower Dantian Jing Hai?”

Thinking of this, Shen Xi complimented Ning Zhuo’s physical cultivation directly.

Ning Zhuo, however, shook his head, “Alas, I’m still far from it. This level of physical cultivation is nothing.”

Shen Xi and Yu He Ye were speechless.

Ning Zhuo’s expression was sincere, his sigh coming from the heart.

His physical cultivation was far inferior to his soul foundation!

Ning Zhuo’s soul already contained a million human souls, and insufficient physical cultivation had caused his soul cultivation to be on hold for a long time.

A while ago, his skin even turned a grayish-blue, unable to bear the powerful soul.

The situation had only somewhat alleviated, and Ning Zhuo still had a long way to go!

“Young Master Ning, this is Thousand Needle Solid Gold Crisp. What do you think of its taste?” Yu He Ye picked up the serving chopsticks and put some enoki mushrooms on Ning Zhuo’s plate.

These mushrooms were long and slender, covered with a dazzling layer of gold powder.

Ning Zhuo ate them. The spirit food, after chewing, immediately transformed into trickling streams.

The streams quickly flowed throughout Ning Zhuo’s body, clearing all internal blockages and stagnation.

Shen Xi and Su Ling Kou were secretly surprised.

They had never heard of Yu He Ye entertaining a Foundation Establishment cultivator with such enthusiasm.

This was highly unusual!

Shen Xi’s thoughts raced, constantly guessing, “What method did Ning Zhuo use to make Yu He Ye act this way?”

“And—is it just my imagination?”

“I always feel that this equal attitude also contains a lot of flattery?”

Shen Xi was astute and had excellent insight.

He had considered this possibility but couldn’t convince himself to believe it, as it truly seemed unbelievable.

Yu He Ye himself ate very little, mostly serving dishes to Ning Zhuo.

This attitude was a bit too eager, and Ning Zhuo felt somewhat uncomfortable, so he said coolly, “I’ll help myself. Senior Yu is too polite; please make yourself at home.”

Yu He Ye laughed heartily, “Thank you for your concern, Young Master Ning!”

Shen Xi was silent.

Su Ling Kou, however, was puzzled, thinking, “How come the intelligence reports say Yu He Ye is irritable and short-tempered, but the reality is quite the opposite, so friendly?”

Seeing Ning Zhuo’s refusal, Yu He Ye quickly stopped.

His thoughts shifted, and he patiently waited for Ning Zhuo to eat a few more bites of the dishes before saying, “Young Master Ning, I have some cultivation difficulties that I would like to consult you about.”

Su Ling Kou: “?!”

The intelligence didn’t say Yu He Ye was so eager to learn and humble, did it?

The public perception always said he was irritable and hot-tempered; could that be false?

Shen Xi’s mouth twitched, thinking, “Yu He Ye is actually treating a Foundation Establishment cultivator with such an attitude. And he’s showing goodwill under the guise of asking for advice; this is a bit much and unbecoming of a Golden Core cultivator.”

But then, in front of Shen and Su, Yu He Ye actually brought up the core principles of the *Reverse Five Elements Demonic Art* to consult Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo put down his chopsticks, his expression serious, and offered his insights.

Shen Xi felt increasingly speechless, “It really seems like the real thing.”

But as he listened, his expression changed and became serious as well.

Ning Zhuo’s responses were always to the point, and more importantly, he was skilled at using analogies, making things that were originally quite complex sound simple and easy to understand when explained in his unique way, truly benefiting others greatly.

Su Ling Kou also quickly noticed this.

The cousins gradually stopped eating and listened attentively. As for Yu He Ye, maintaining the posture of seeking advice, he had long stopped eating. As a result, the dining table had turned into a lecture hall.

Ning Zhuo spoke eloquently, becoming the master of the entire situation.

He knew that Yu He Ye’s Five Elements realm was insufficient, especially in the Metal and Earth elements, so he focused his explanations on these two areas.

Yu He Ye listened carefully at first, then became animated and full of joy and sudden understanding in the middle, but in the latter half, his eyes grew confused and increasingly distant.

Ning Zhuo observed his expression and immediately knew that the man’s comprehension was limited. Continuing to teach at this point would be counterproductive, so he wisely stopped.

This, however, left Shen and Su feeling greatly regretful.

Su Ling Kou looked at Ning Zhuo, her eyes shining brightly, and she sighed in admiration, “Young Master Ning has such profound insights! As expected, my cousin is amazing for finding such a talented person in the crowd.”

Shen Xi bowed to Ning Zhuo, genuinely impressed, “Listening to your words for a moment is better than studying for ten years! Daoist Ning, how fortunate I am to share a meal with you at this table today.”

He then bowed to Yu He Ye, thanking him for providing such an opportunity that benefited him greatly.

Yu He Ye waved his hand, first showing respect to the Shen family of Jiu Gong Immortal City and to Shen Xi, then turning to Ning Zhuo to express his gratitude and admiration for him.

This time, Shen Xi no longer felt that Yu He Ye was flattering or fawning.

The reason was simple: Ning Zhuo possessed true knowledge and skill!

Shen Xi’s eyes sparkled as he stared at Ning Zhuo, his tone fervent: “I wish I could drink and chat with Daoist Ning, strolling under candlelight all night, talking endlessly without rest.”

Ning Zhuo waved his hand: “As the saying goes, every length has its shortness, every inch its advantage. My Qi Sea Dantian primarily cultivates Five Elements techniques, so I merely have some experience in Five Elements transformation and planning.”

“I am still far, far from being a true grand master.”

At this moment, Ning Zhuo thought of the Five Elements Divine Lord and the Lord of Wang Chuan Mansion.

Su Ling Kou stuck out her tongue, “This is ‘merely some experience’?”

Yu He Ye’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He felt Ning Zhuo was being a bit too modest. Given his temperament, he usually found this kind of aristocratic modesty quite annoying.

If it were him, he would certainly hold his head high and proudly declare that this was his personal ability, his excellence, unmatched by ordinary people.

But since Ning Zhuo said it, Yu He Ye accepted it.

After all, the other party had saved his life.

Even if the elder hidden by Ning Zhuo’s side had acted, the latter’s decision to remain hidden clearly meant to attribute this favor to Ning Zhuo.

Yu He Ye understood this aspect, so he directly credited the life-saving grace to Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo’s modest demeanor, however, greatly appealed to Shen Xi!

Shen Xi came from the Shen family of Jiu Gong Immortal City, born into nobility and strictly educated from a young age. If it were him, he would also adopt such a humble posture.

This made Shen Xi have a great liking for Ning Zhuo, feeling that the other party was of the same kind as himself.

Ning Zhuo then looked up at Shen Xi, his expression sincere, “I have long heard of the great name of the Shen family of Jiu Gong Immortal City; it resonates like thunder.”

“It is my great honor to meet Daoist Shen Xi.”

“To be honest, I have always had a strong interest in learning array formations. However, I am not very familiar with the Jiu Gong array formations; in my daily life, I mostly use Five Elements array formations.”

Shen Xi laughed heartily, feeling very pleased.

Ning Zhuo’s compliment to the Shen family made him feel greatly honored!

Before, Ning Zhuo’s compliment would not have pleased Shen Xi so much. But now, through Yu He Ye’s questions, understanding, confirmation, and further questions, Ning Zhuo had demonstrated his profound Five Elements realm.

As for how profound, Shen Xi couldn’t fathom its depth, but he could confirm that Ning Zhuo greatly surpassed him in this aspect!

This was already enough!

One must know that Ning Zhuo was so young, yet he had already greatly surpassed Shen Xi in this area, and could even serve as a teacher to a Golden Core cultivator like Yu He Ye; this was an incredibly immense achievement!

Of course, in the world of cultivation, there were countless methods, including wondrous techniques for maintaining youth. But in his interactions with Ning Zhuo, Shen Xi felt that the other party’s age must not be great.

Mainly because Ning Zhuo himself still had a sense of innocence and curiosity, far from the weariness that middle-aged and elderly people would have.

Shen Xi held a position in Jiu Gong Immortal City and had met a considerable number of people, which was also a deliberate cultivation by his family. Therefore, Shen Xi had an extraordinary ability in recognizing people.

“Daoist Ning Zhuo’s actual age should be a bit older than mine, perhaps ten or so years older,” the thirty-year-old Shen Xi mused.

He greatly underestimated Ning Zhuo’s Five Elements realm, but the perceived gap led Shen Xi to estimate Ning Zhuo’s age in this manner.

Shen Xi immediately said, “Daoist Ning Zhuo has such profound Five Elements attainments, which is truly enviable. Your Five Elements formations must also be extraordinary.”

Ning Zhuo’s eyes lit up, “Recently, I have indeed gained some insights, and I still need to consult Daoist Shen for guidance.”

Shen Xi hastily said, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Ning Zhuo, however, proactively described the Five Elements formation he had designed.

Yu He Ye immediately recognized many principles of the *Reverse Five Elements Demonic Art* within it.

Shen Xi listened carefully, his brow slightly furrowed, “Daoist Ning, are you trying to design a Five Elements array disk?”

Ning Zhuo answered truthfully, “Daoist Shen has guessed most of it correctly. To be precise, I intend to design a Five Elements mechanism component.”

This wasn’t an excuse he deliberately made up.

The reality was precisely this: his comprehension of the *Reverse Five Elements Demonic Art*, coupled with his control over Yu He Ye’s chaotic Five Elements Golden Core, had given him many inspirations after practical application.

During his previous battle with the Lord of Wang Chuan Mansion, his cultivation was too low. Relying on the Azure Iron Armored Guard, Jin Yan, he constantly shifted positions, repeatedly coming close to death. This incredibly stimulating combat experience gave him an exceptionally strong motivation to continue improving the Azure Iron Armored Guard.

“Currently, these are just some ideas, not yet mature,” Ning Zhuo directly shared some of his thoughts.

Shen Xi’s brows furrowed even deeper, “I can tell that Daoist Ning is modifying a mechanism component to use it as a source of mechanical spiritual power.”

“But—is it too luxurious to use a Golden Core as the core?”

Shen Xi spoke very politely, but his implied meaning was, “We are all just Foundation Establishment cultivators; isn’t it a bit ambitious to use someone else’s Golden Core as a consumable?”

Yu He Ye, upon hearing this, broke into a cold sweat, remembering that his own body contained a Five Elements Golden Core.

Little did he know, Ning Zhuo held a hundred or so Golden Cores!