Chapter 359: Blocking the Mouth
Lin Shanshan took Ning Zhuo’s pulse.
Moments later, she withdrew her slender jade fingers and softly said, "Young Master Ning Zhuo’s bitter cold energy is not accumulating much, but it will still take over a month to completely dispel."
"During this period, anything you eat will have a bitter taste."
"Be sure not to expose yourself to cold, as this will aggravate the bitter cold energy."
"Also, keep an open mind and don’t fall into gloom, as this will make the bitter cold energy deepen."
Lin Shanshan carefully instructed Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo asked somewhat unwillingly, "Miss Lin, your sect is skilled in healing. Is there really no method to deal with this bitter cold energy?"
Lin Shanshan smiled, "There is, but the cost is too high."
"To instantly remove the bitter cold energy, you would need at least a Golden Core-level pill. In my opinion, the bitter cold energy in your body is not much, and it doesn’t affect your cultivation or combat."
"As long as you endure for a while, it will naturally heal without medication. Why not just wait?"
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly, "I must thank you, Miss Lin, for your timely advice. The Cold Continent lives up to its name—the bitter cold energy they wield is indeed troublesome. It truly takes Golden Core-level methods to resolve it."
Lin Shanshan said, "The reason bitter cold energy is difficult to expel isn’t due to its corrosion of the physical body, but because of its spiritual invasion."
"According to our sect’s analysis, the bitter cold energy contains an intent that penetrates the upper dantian and is irreversible."
"That’s why my father believes the Bitter Cold Scripture is likely a Buddhist technique. As you may know, the fearsome thing about Buddhist techniques is their ability to transform people."
Ning Zhuo nodded.
Many Buddhist techniques had the power to convert others.
The core of this lay in the inherent intent within Buddhist mana, which could penetrate the upper dantian.
Thus, after repeated exposure to Buddhist techniques, cultivators could easily come to accept Buddhist teachings and eventually convert, becoming disciples of Buddhism.
There was a divine ability within Buddhism, famous throughout the world, called the Five-Finger Mountain, which was derived from these transformative Buddhist techniques.
When this divine ability was deployed, mana would condense into form, turning into a five-finger mountain to suppress a powerful enemy. The longer the suppression lasted, the more the enemy would be penetrated and transformed by Buddhist intent.
Ning Zhuo asked, "So, Cold Continent’s true intention is not in cultivating at Lesser Contention Peak, but rather to convert people?"
Lin Shanshan gently shook her head, "That’s just speculation. At the very least, Cold Continent has never admitted to it, so this theory has never been confirmed."
Ning Zhuo chuckled, "How could Cold Continent admit to it? Conversion is a taboo. If I’m converted, would I still be the real me? At least I think such a change wouldn’t come from within but would be forcefully shaped by an external power. That’s a frightening thing!"
Lin Shanshan sighed softly, "Lesser Contention Peak is a mix of dragons and snakes. The visiting cultivators each have their own schemes and purposes. Outsiders can hardly investigate thoroughly. Young Master Ning Zhuo, you once said that you came here to seek guidance. What exactly are you seeking?"
Before Ning Zhuo could answer, Lin Shanshan continued, "I originally thought your contest with Cold Continent was more likely to end in defeat than victory."
"But now that you have Golden Core-level spiritual talismans combined with your profound mastery of Five Elements techniques, you’re already a top-tier force at Lesser Contention Peak."
"I underestimated you!"
"Whether or not I help you doesn’t actually affect the outcome of this battle. Without me, you would still certainly succeed."
Even without the Life Hanging by a Thread or Buddha Heart Demon Seal abilities, Ning Zhuo’s years of cultivating insight into people’s hearts in Huoshi Immortal City allowed him to immediately detect the hidden resentment and suspicion in Lin Shanshan’s heart.
Ning Zhuo’s face immediately brightened, and he showed a slightly apologetic smile, gazing sincerely at Lin Shanshan.
He slowly stood up, bowed deeply to Lin Shanshan, first apologizing, and then explained gradually.
"Miss Lin, it wasn’t my intention to deceive you."
"Look, this is the Oil-Slick Talisman, a gift from my family’s Golden Core Ancestor back in my hometown."
Lin Shanshan immediately averted her eyes, "Young Master Ning Zhuo, this is your trump card. How could you so casually show it to others?"
Ning Zhuo let out a sigh and directly stepped forward, grabbing Lin Shanshan’s hand and placing the Oil-Slick Talisman in her palm.
Ning Zhuo said, "Showing it to you, Miss Lin, how could that be considered ‘casual’?"
Lin Shanshan was flustered by Ning Zhuo’s sudden action, feeling awkward and at a loss.
"Men and women shouldn’t touch! How can this be?!" She was filled with both embarrassment and anger.
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
The embarrassment in Lin Shanshan’s heart surged, overwhelming her anger.
Ning Zhuo, with a look of urgency and sincerity, said, "I didn’t intend to deceive you, Miss Lin. It’s just that this kind of spiritual talisman is meant to be used for life-saving. As a trump card, if I show it, others will surely look down on me."
"I am Ning Zhuo, from the Ning family of Huoshi Immortal City. I won’t change my name, nor will I change my surname! I don’t mind if others look down on me, but if because of my actions, others come to look down on the Ning family, that is absolutely unacceptable!"
These words, filled with a sense of collective honor, struck a chord with Lin Shanshan, the eldest daughter of the Myriad Medicine Sect.
Ning Zhuo continued, "Moreover, my name ‘Ning Zhuo’ carries the meaning of maintaining simplicity and humility. It’s a blessing and reminder from my parents. So being arrogant or aggressive isn’t in my nature."
"I always remind myself that these trump cards are merely external objects, not true strength. Real power comes from within."
"So, I always treat these trump cards as if they don’t exist!"
"Take this time for example…"
"If I relied on the Oil-Slick Talisman, I never would have sought guidance from you, Miss Lin. Without your instruction, how could I have made such significant progress in close combat techniques?"
"You see, during my recent battle with Cold Continent, I ended up in close combat. Though it was a struggle, I managed to hold my ground for a while. The previous me could never have done that."
"That’s all thanks to you, Miss Lin."
Lin Shanshan quickly waved her hand, "No, no, Young Master Ning Zhuo’s aptitude is excellent. You understand things instantly and train with all your heart. I’m not a renowned teacher. Your progress is mainly due to your own talent."
Lin Shanshan’s words carried no exaggeration. She was entirely sincere.
She had witnessed Ning Zhuo’s hard work and determination firsthand!
Ning Zhuo sighed deeply and said with emotion, "Miss, your help has been much more than that."
"The Fasting Pill helped me overcome my hunger."
"The Warm Heart Pendant helped me resist the cold."
"Experiencing the battle with Cold Continent made me realize just how significant your assistance has been!"
At the mention of the Warm Heart Pendant, Lin Shanshan suddenly remembered why she had come to see Ning Zhuo.
She intended to ask for the return of the pendant.
She had only lent it to him, not gifted it. The Fasting Pill was one thing, but the Warm Heart Pendant, though a small magical artifact, was still her personal item.
When she gave it to Ning Zhuo earlier, it was out of impulse, concern, and inexperience.
Over the past few days, the rumors circulating within the sect had made her realize how inappropriate her action was. If the truth came out, this pendant would become irrefutable proof of those rumors. It was better to take it back!
Just as she was about to speak, Ning Zhuo said, "Miss, take a look—this is a spiritual talisman from my family. My Ning family specializes in crafting talismans. This talisman has its own spirituality. I don’t even need to activate it myself. If I fall into danger, it will automatically trigger."
Lin Shanshan’s attention was diverted.
Though she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator with Nascent Soul-level protective means, she had rarely encountered Golden Core-level talismans.
The Myriad Medicine Sect wasn’t particularly skilled in talisman crafting.
She had seen plenty of Golden Core-level pills.
But especially since the Oil-Slick Talisman was a spiritual talisman and could be used repeatedly, it was even rarer.
Lin Shanshan only glanced at the talisman before handing it back to Ning Zhuo.
She suppressed her curiosity, still thinking—this was Ning Zhuo’s trump card. How could she inspect it closely?
But Ning Zhuo didn’t take it back and said, "I
learned long ago the principles of social interaction. How others treat me is how I should respond. Miss Lin, you and I were strangers, yet you helped me with such sincerity. Of course, I must reciprocate sincerely!"
"To be honest, while my Ning family’s ancestor is only at the Golden Core stage, we do have Nascent Soul-level power in our family."
"I’m fortunate to have the trust of our ancestor. This time, traveling outside, I have quite a few such trump cards."
"If not for the fact that this talisman was personally given to me by the ancestor, for me to keep close, what harm would there be in giving it to you?"
Hearing the words “keep close,” Lin Shanshan’s heart skipped a beat, and her fingers holding the talisman trembled slightly, as if she could feel Ning Zhuo’s body warmth on it.
Lin Shanshan, with a serious expression, stood up, "Young Master Ning Zhuo, you jest! A Golden Core-level spiritual talisman is far too precious. How could it be casually given away!"
Ning Zhuo’s face also turned solemn, "Miss Lin, you’re mistaken!"
"Though the talisman is good, it’s merely an external object."
"A ‘good thing’ like this only seems valuable because our cultivation is still weak. Once we reach the Golden Core stage, won’t its value in our eyes diminish greatly?"
"True strength comes from within! For us cultivators, we should learn to use external objects but focus on strengthening ourselves."
"So, while I value this talisman, I also don’t overvalue it."
"I, Ning Zhuo, prioritize people and value loyalty."
"Miss Lin, with your kind and noble heart, offering me the Warm Heart Pendant and Fasting Pill, and helping me with special training, how could I not repay you?"
At the end, Ning Zhuo sighed lightly, his face full of regret, "But this Oil-Slick Talisman truly cannot be casually given away. That’s because it was a gift from my ancestor, and when I return to the family, I need to ask for his permission to give it away."
"But I promise you, Miss Lin, that in the future, I will definitely gift you a spiritual talisman to repay your kindness."
"This…" Lin Shanshan opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words.
She was completely blocked!
With the conversation reaching this point, as she looked at Ning Zhuo’s grateful and sincere expression, how could she possibly mention asking for the return of the pendant?
"Alas, if I’m to blame, it’s for not making things clear from the start, causing a misunderstanding."
"In truth, I had some intention of gifting it initially, but the recent rumors made me realize it might not be appropriate."
(End of Chapter)