Chapter 389: Finger-Guessing Game
Greater Strife Peak.
Back mountain, within the Ten Thousand Demons Cave.
Ning Zhuo stood up shakily, cupped his fists, and offered sincere thanks to Linghu Jiu.
“This opportunity that I’ve gained this time is all thanks to you, Brother Linghu. Such a favor, Ning Zhuo will engrave in his heart and never dare forget!”
The Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple!
The complete technique had reached the Nascent Void grade. Evidently, the Five Elements Divine Lord was an existence of the same level as the Three Sect Lords.
The Three Sect Techniques Ning Zhuo cultivated, though originating from the Three Sect Lords, were currently limited to the Foundation Establishment layer. But the complete Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple was now in Ning Zhuo’s possession.
This gain was absolutely astonishing!
Linghu Jiu shook his head and smiled. “My contribution was minor—this was your own opportunity. You should know, to receive the inheritance of a predecessor, one must catch their eye. If they find you disagreeable, they won’t pass down a single thing.”
“That you were able to receive the inheritance continuously for such a long time shows that the predecessor who passed on this technique favored you greatly. That’s the first reason.”
“The second is, if your comprehension was lacking, the predecessor would’ve halted the inheritance midway after sensing you couldn’t understand. So, what you’ve gained is all thanks to your own strength. My role in it wasn’t nearly as significant as you imagine.”
Saying this, Linghu Jiu glanced at the two empty wine jars and sighed, “Back when I received the Lonely Sword Scripture, I only spent a jar of Deep Thought and Brewing Intent.”
“The technique you obtained is priceless. Congratulations. Have you considered retraining yourself with it?”
Ning Zhuo, however, shook his head.
The Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple was an ancient method. As for the Five Elements Divine Lord, Ning Zhuo had never even heard of him.
One must know that Ning Zhuo was widely read and well-versed in both contemporary and earlier generations of capable individuals and sages.
The title of the Five Elements Divine Lord, Ning Zhuo could confirm, had never once appeared before him. That meant this person must have belonged to an even older era.
Ning Zhuo said bluntly, “The technique I primarily cultivate comes from the Lava Immortal Palace, derived from the Three Sect Lords. In terms of grade, it is in no way inferior to this method.”
“I have a fondness for Puppet Arts, and the Three Sect Techniques are especially suited to me.”
“Moreover, this new technique is an ancient method. Its style and vocabulary differ greatly from the present. Back then, spiritual energy was scarce, while now it’s abundant—ancient methods are likely to be inferior to current ones.”
This was partly a matter of adapting to the environment, and partly a reflection of how cultivation techniques in the world of cultivation constantly advanced with the times.
Even if a sect were annihilated or an entire clan exterminated, in the underworld there would still be sages holding knowledge. Once a descendant with even faint blood ties offered sacrifice, they might obtain an ancestral inheritance.
Of course, the Three Sect Techniques had their flaws too—namely, Ning Zhuo only possessed the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining portions. The later sections still needed to be acquired from the Lava Immortal Palace.
Furthermore, the grade of the Three Sect Techniques might not reach Nascent Void level. Although they were created by the Three Sect Lords, not all techniques created by Nascent Void cultivators were necessarily of that grade.
However, the Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple only cultivated the Sea of Qi, while the Three Sect Techniques cultivated all three Dantians. Just in this aspect alone, the latter was already a significant advancement.
“I’ll use this technique as a reference—it’ll greatly help my future cultivation of the Three Sect Techniques.”
Ning Zhuo told Linghu Jiu, “This technique is called the Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple, originating from the predecessor known as the Five Elements Divine Lord. Brother Linghu, why don’t we study it together?”
With that, Ning Zhuo began reciting the opening lines of the technique.
Linghu Jiu quickly raised his hand to stop him. “Hold it, Young Master Ning Zhuo. This is your opportunity, not mine.”
“Techniques must not be passed on lightly!”
“This method delves deeply into the mysteries of the Five Elements—it doesn’t suit me.”
“As I said, all I gave was a bit of Deep Thought and Brewing Intent. I can’t accept such a weighty return!”
Ning Zhuo was stunned. “This...”
Lin Bufan’s Nascent Soul-level spiritual sense fluctuated violently. “Foolish! Jiu’er, you’re being foolish.”
“In days past, the Five Elements Divine Lord dominated the world, wielding the Five Elements like a celestial emperor. This was his core technique—even if it’s in the ancient style, it contains profound Five Element principles.”
“In today’s era, it still has immense value. Within our sect, this would be a core inheritance!”
Even Lin Bufan began to grow agitated.
His spiritual sense spread to the Greater Strife Peak, and at first glance, he saw his own first disciple pouring Deep Thought and Brewing Intent generously for an outsider like Ning Zhuo.
And that brat Ning Zhuo drank greedily without restraint, guzzling it down with sheer delight!
Lin Bufan’s eyes darkened with fury.
Next, he saw Ning Zhuo attempt to share the divine technique, only to be directly refused by Linghu Jiu. This nearly drove him to storm the Greater Strife Peak and string his disciple up for a beating.
“Who taught you to be so noble and generous? Was it me?!”
Lin Bufan locked his focus onto Ning Zhuo, still holding onto hope.
But then Ning Zhuo loudly praised Linghu Jiu’s elegant demeanor, never again mentioning sharing the technique.
Lin Bufan’s eye twitched. “This brat Ning Zhuo really doesn’t know how to read the room.”
“Deep Thought and Brewing Intent is one thing, but the Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple…”
“I thought I’d let the situation flow naturally and have Ning Zhuo meet Jiu’er—who knew I’d lose out this badly! Sigh, what a mess.”
Ning Zhuo also realized that he’d gained a great deal this time.
He couldn’t help but feel deeply moved. “First Lin Shanshan, then Linghu Jiu—Myriad Medicines Valley is truly a wonderful place, truly my land of fortune.”
He never imagined such a massive windfall would come his way!
Originally, Ning Zhuo only wanted to meet with Linghu Jiu and test the future Sect Master of the Myriad Medicines Sect.
But fate had arrived.
“Ah, when opportunity strikes, there’s simply no stopping it.”
Ning Zhuo was itching to go into seclusion and study the newly obtained divine technique. But to leave now would be ungraceful—far too awkward.
He held himself back, pulled out some Ice Jade Wine, poured Linghu Jiu a full cup, and filled one for himself.
He sat down and respectfully toasted Linghu Jiu, actively chatting, trying to inquire what Linghu Jiu desired and whether he could provide it to repay this immense favor.
Linghu Jiu plainly stated that he loved fine wine. If Ning Zhuo had the chance in the future, gifting him rare vintages would be more than enough.
Ning Zhuo promised to remember this well and invited Linghu Jiu to drink the Ice Jade Wine freely today.
“If it comes to it, I’ll just have my family’s ancestor make more. I just returned the Ice Heart Jade Flask to him.”
Ning Zhuo’s casual attitude toward Ning Jiufan piqued Linghu Jiu’s curiosity.
He couldn’t help but sigh. “Young Master Ning Zhuo, your closeness with your own family’s Golden Core ancestor is truly enviable.”
Ning Zhuo, tipsy from drinking and still moved by Linghu Jiu’s help in obtaining the complete divine technique, spoke candidly, “Though I lost my parents young and faced harsh criticism and neglect from my clan, I inherited my mother’s legacy and made great strides with help from the Lava Immortal Palace.”
“Don’t be fooled by my mere Foundation Establishment rank—when it comes to real battle strength, I can handle ordinary Golden Core cultivators.”
“My family’s ancestor isn’t my match.”
“Of course, that was before. Now that he has Granny Yuan by his side, he’s clearly surpassed me!”
Though Ning Zhuo’s cultivation was only at Foundation Establishment, his actual combat strength had already surpassed his level, reaching Golden Core standards.
Linghu Jiu showed some surprise, but not much.
Because he too, though at Foundation Establishment, possessed battle strength on par with the Golden Core stage!
Ning Zhuo continued, “Still, Ancestor Ning Jiufan has indeed treated me well. When I split from the main family, it was thanks to his support.”
“He greatly appreciates me!”
“Among all the younger generation in the Ning Family, I’m the only one who’s shown promise. It’s no wonder he treats me this way.”
“In the future, when the old ancestor passes, the great estate will fall to me to inherit.”
“Hmph! Those vermin of the main branch—how can they manage the family well? The branch I formed is just my first step. Next, I’ll run it diligently, and eventually, I’ll swallow the main family whole.”
“By that time, I’ll be the main branch—that will be the true Ning Family!”
Rarely, Ning Zhuo revealed his ambitions and heroic spirit.
Linghu Jiu raised his wine bowl, laughing heartily. “Young Master Ning Zhuo, your heroic spirit pierces the clouds! I drink to you!”
The two drained their bowls. Ning Zhuo looked at Linghu Jiu. “To be honest, Brother Linghu, I really envy you. I had to build everything from scratch, while you have a Nascent Soul-level master who loves you like a son, and you’ll inherit the vast legacy of the Myriad Medicines Sect in the future.”
Linghu Jiu gave a bitter smile. “My master’s expectations, I’ve long understood. But I’m naturally lazy—just caring for these junior brothers and sisters already leaves me mentally exhausted. What I truly desire is a carefree, cloud-chasing life.”
Ning Zhuo immediately shook his head. “That won’t do. Every form of cultivation consumes resources. The higher your level, the more it costs.”
“Brother Linghu, if you want that carefree life, you need powerful strength to protect it. Otherwise, a slightly stronger demonic cultivator could make your life worse than death.”
“And to gain powerful strength, you need a continuous supply of cultivation resources. It’s precisely because you want a carefree life, that you must manage the Myriad Medicines Sect outstandingly.”
Linghu Jiu gave a light ‘oh’ and stared at Ning Zhuo intently.
Ning Zhuo’s face was flushed, his drunken eyes misty as he glared back. “What?”
Linghu Jiu pointed at him and burst into laughter. “Young Master Ning Zhuo, you’re genuine by nature. The more you drink, the more I find you lovable.”
Ning Zhuo fell silent for a moment and carefully straightened out his tongue, then said, “Brother Linghu, you and I hit it off at first meeting. For you to help me like this is truly a great favor! How could I not repay such kindness?”
“It’s just that, at present, I have a meager foundation. Though I have a few treasured items, they are extremely important and cannot be used to repay Brother Linghu. I can only remember this in my heart and seek to repay you in the future.”
“Therefore, upon hearing your earlier words, I felt urgent in my heart and tried to persuade you. If my words were too forward…”
Linghu Jiu waved his hand and stopped Ning Zhuo’s apology. “So dull. Young Master Ning Zhuo, you’ve become so dull again.”
Though he said so, Linghu Jiu could no longer restrain his admiration for Ning Zhuo.
Even though Linghu Jiu was clearly aware of the unclear entanglement between this young man and his own Little Junior Sister, he didn’t become hostile to Ning Zhuo due to personal feelings.
He had his own perspective and could regard Ning Zhuo properly, recognizing that this young man before him was indeed outstanding.
Not just in past achievements, but also in his true nature.
Upon hearing Linghu Jiu’s comment about dullness, Ning Zhuo immediately changed the topic. “Indeed, drinking like this is dull. Brother Linghu, do you know how to play drinking games? Do you know finger-guessing?”
Linghu Jiu replied, “I’ve heard of it, and seen some curious displays. Seems to be some kind of game.”
Ning Zhuo was surprised. “Brother, you are a true hero among wine lovers, and yet you don’t know finger-guessing?”
Linghu Jiu gave a bitter smile and began to confide in Ning Zhuo. He explained how his love for wine had long made him a negative example, constantly scolded and punished with confinement. Under such conditions, who would dare drink with him?
Besides, he usually had to maintain the air of a Senior Brother to teach the junior disciples.
A true peer, or a drinking companion, didn’t exist within the sect.
Outside the sect, his identity was too special. Any misstep might implicate his master and the sect, bringing shame upon them.
“To drink like this with Young Master Ning Zhuo—such an experience is truly rare in my life!” Linghu Jiu sighed deeply.
“I see,” Ning Zhuo’s eyes sparkled. “To be able to drink like this with Brother Linghu is my honor indeed.”
“Brother, please don’t call me Young Master anymore. Just call me by name.”
Linghu Jiu laughed aloud. “Then I’ll not be polite.”
With that, he cupped his hands. “Brother Ning Zhuo.”
Ning Zhuo returned the gesture enthusiastically. “Brother Linghu!”
With the change in address, their relationship grew even closer.
Both were delighted, unable to resist raising their bowls and clinking them before draining them in one go.
Lin Bufan: …
Linghu Jiu set down his wine bowl. Ning Zhuo immediately poured more Ice Jade Wine for him.
While pouring, Ning Zhuo said, “Since Brother Linghu doesn’t know how to finger-guess, let me teach you.”
“It’s actually very simple. We both stretch out one hand at the same time and make a gesture to indicate a number from zero to five. At the same time, we guess aloud the sum of the two hand gestures.”
“Whoever guesses correctly wins. The loser drinks a cup.”
Linghu Jiu looked surprised. “Eh? Isn’t such a punishment more like a reward?”
Ning Zhuo froze, then burst into laughter.
Lin Bufan, watching his eldest disciple being earnestly taught finger-guessing, was rendered increasingly speechless.
Very soon, Xiao Ju hurriedly arrived at the Ten Thousand Demons Cave.
She carried the heavy responsibility given by Lin Shanshan—to watch over Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu, to prevent them from arguing until red in the face, or worse, from having their conflict escalate.
But before she even entered the cave, she heard the sounds of finger-guessing.
“Six-six-six, who drinks first?”
“Five Leaders, who drinks first?”
“Hahaha, I lost.” Linghu Jiu lifted his wine bowl and drained it in one go, rolling up his sleeves. “Let’s keep going.”
“Six-six-six (Four Joy Fortune)!”
“Seven Delights (Nine Linked Rings)!”
Suddenly, Ning Zhuo widened his eyes.
He lost.
Linghu Jiu burst into laughter, raised his arm and shouted, “Drink, hurry and drink!”
Ning Zhuo then drank another bowl.
Xiao Ju stood at the cave entrance, seeing this scene, her face full of disbelief. Her jaw dropped—she was almost stunned.
“What is going on?”
“Although Young Master Ning Zhuo and Senior Brother argued fiercely and red-faced, they don’t seem to have any actual conflict?”
“The two of them are getting along this well?”
Xiao Ju found it incomprehensible. This was completely different from what she had expected.
“Someone’s coming,” Ning Zhuo’s spiritual sense spread out, already aware of Xiao Ju’s arrival.
The two called her inside. After hearing Lin Shanshan’s concerns, Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo exchanged a smile.
Linghu Jiu waved a hand. “Junior Sister worries too much. Go, go.”
Xiao Ju, however, dared not leave. She remembered Lin Shanshan’s instructions and worried that if she left now, and a conflict broke out between the two, it would be unseemly.
So she said, “Why don’t Xiao Ju serve wine for the two honored guests?”
Linghu Jiu thought for a moment and immediately understood Xiao Ju’s intentions. “Fine, having you pour the wine is good too.”
The two began “competing” again.
At first, they just sat on the stone stools. Gradually, they stood up. Linghu Jiu rolled up his sleeves and placed one foot on the stone stool. Each time they guessed, he shouted loudly, unrestrained.
Ning Zhuo leaned on the stone table, body pitched forward, launching “fierce attacks” toward Linghu Jiu each time.
The two drank through three jars of wine and couldn’t stand steadily anymore. They sat atop the stone table, arms around each other’s shoulders, swaying their heads.
Linghu Jiu, in high spirits, began singing mountain songs.
After listening to a few verses, Ning Zhuo caught on and joined in.
“Hahaha!” The two laughed at each other, both thoroughly drunk.
Linghu Jiu’s hair was disheveled as he danced around the stone cave like a monkey. His wide sleeves fluttered, fast as the wind—utterly carefree.
Ning Zhuo sat cross-legged on the ground, shoulders drooping, silently saying nothing.
Linghu Jiu suddenly stopped, raised his head to gaze outside the cave, and recited a poem.
Ning Zhuo responded with a matching verse!
Linghu Jiu clapped and praised, “Young Master Ning Zhuo, what great talent!”
Ning Zhuo shook his head and gave a wry smile. “What kind of Young Master am I? Compared to me, you’re the real one.”
“Lord Linghu!”
He cupped his hands with exaggerated flair.
Linghu Jiu lifted his chin and nodded. “Young Master Ning Zhuo.”
Ning Zhuo was already spinning. “I’m just a little thief.”
After joking, he could no longer hold on and collapsed onto the ground, snoring away.
Linghu Jiu shook his head. “Little thief Ning Zhuo, what did you steal? Stole my junior sister’s heart?”
Xiao Ju was deeply shaken and immediately looked toward Linghu Jiu.
Leaning against the cave wall, Linghu Jiu slowly sat down, his gaze drifting toward the sky outside the cave. A melancholy expression crept over his face.
He softly hummed a mountain song, then slowly fell asleep.
Xiao Ju: ?!
She was stunned for a moment, then finally let out a long sigh.
The two hadn’t fought in the end. They’d merely battled in drinking and finger-guessing.
Xiao Ju began her task.
She had come here precisely to take care of Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu.
She dragged both of them onto the stone beds and stood guard by their sides, attending to them.
Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu slept foot-to-foot, one whole day and night.
The next morning, Linghu Jiu woke first. In his sleepy haze, he saw Ning Zhuo and let out a raspy laugh.
When he saw Xiao Ju, he offered her his thanks.
Xiao Ju quickly responded that the thanks should go to Lin Shanshan—she was only acting on orders.
By noon the next day, Ning Zhuo also awoke. He and Linghu Jiu exchanged heartfelt words for quite a while before reluctantly parting.
Returning to his cave residence on Lesser Strife Peak, he immediately began copying the Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple.
Soon, he had written out the full version.
Ning Zhuo let out a breath, relieved he hadn’t messed things up from drunkenness.
“Seems that after drinking Deep Thought and Brewing Intent and receiving ancestral teachings, everything is etched deep in my heart and won’t be easily forgotten.”
“Boss, come help me take a look at this divine technique!”
Sun Lingtong emerged from the Puppet Dragon, carrying a Jade Slip, muttering, “What exactly does Deep Thought and Brewing Intent taste like? Xiao Zhuo, you didn’t leave any for me to try!”
Ning Zhuo scratched his head and chuckled. “Next time I’ll beg for more. Given Brother Linghu’s character, I’m sure he’ll spare me some.”
“I’m thinking of giving the top-grade Cloud Tea from the storage cabin to Linghu Jiu. What do you think, Boss?”
Sun Lingtong shrugged. “Up to you.”
His face gradually grew serious. “What a fine technique. The Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple is absolutely top-tier. Your branch family now has a clan-guarding technique. It’s far superior to the Ice Heart Sutra of the main branch.”
“Pity that you can’t cultivate it.”
“Speaking of which, Xiao Zhuo, you have balanced Five Element roots—techniques like this are extremely suitable for you. Perhaps that’s one reason why the Five Elements Divine Lord favored you.”
Ning Zhuo said, “Boss, you study it first. I’ll head under the Lingyin Willow to meditate and see how much I can incorporate from the Divine Spirit Art of the Five Viscera Temple.”
Ning Zhuo arrived at the Spiritual Plant Cabin and chatted away with the Lingyin Willow for a while, completely calming his state of mind.
He sat beneath the tree and began his contemplation.
Suddenly, he once again “saw” the Five Elements Divine Lord.
“Lingyin Willow?” The Five Elements Divine Lord smiled faintly at Ning Zhuo. “You little brat, still not switching to cultivate my divine technique, still clinging to old things. Lingyin Willow? Indeed a treasured plant.”
“Watch closely—this is the Dao and principle of the Five Elements!”
“Sigh, it’s still too early for you. Comprehend what you can—that’s enough.”
In that instant, Ning Zhuo once again received the teaching of the Five Elements Divine Lord.
The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao!
He tightly shut his eyes, brows deeply furrowed, his body swaying. Blood flowed from his seven orifices, his head burning hot, and steam-like white mist rose from his sweat.
The willow branches of the Lingyin Willow withered at terrifying speed, countless leaves falling and scattering—utterly tragic.