Chapter 408: Three Thousand Peach Blossoms, Farewell Banquet
Greater Strife Peak, Ten Thousand Demons Cave.
“Hahaha, my virtuous brother has arrived!” Linghu Jiu laughed heartily as he walked out of the cave, pulling Ning Zhuo by the arm and leading him inside.
After the negotiations, Myriad Medicines Sect, the Ning Family, the Zhu Family, and the Radiant Reflection Wall formed a secret alliance. Because of this, the relationship between Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo had grown even closer.
Linghu Jiu already had a good impression of Ning Zhuo. Now that their alliance had tightened, he completely regarded him as one of his own.
Ning Zhuo entered the cave and found that Lin Shanshan was also present.
“Miss Lin.” He hurriedly saluted.
Lin Shanshan gave Ning Zhuo a faint smile. Although she had harbored quite a bit of resentment over Ning Zhuo’s recent actions, she had come because of Linghu Jiu’s invitation, knowing this was a farewell banquet for him. With mixed feelings in her heart, she agreed to attend.
The dishes on the banquet table were exquisite, all personally selected by Lin Shanshan.
But Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo’s minds were elsewhere.
Linghu Jiu dragged over a wine jar and excitedly displayed it to Ning Zhuo. “This was brewed personally by me, using the waters of the Peach Blossom Pool.”
“Peach Blossom Pool?” Ning Zhuo asked, only then learning that this deep pool lay near the Ten Thousand Demons Cave, right beneath a waterfall.
Lin Shanshan explained, “Every year at a fixed season, the peach trees upstream bloom in full glory. Their blossoms scatter in the wind, carried by the water down the waterfall, finally gathering in the deep pool. Peach blossoms and the clear waters mirror each other—the drifting petals dance in the wind, painting the water in countless hues. The sound of the waterfall resembles a zither, while the jade pool reflects blossoms against the blue sky.”
Ning Zhuo smiled at her. “Only today do I learn that the deep pool where I first met Miss Lin is called Peach Blossom Pool.”
These words startled Lin Shanshan, pulling her thoughts back to that moment when they had first met.
Time flowed like water. So many days had already passed!
It had gone by too quickly.
And now, in the blink of an eye, they were about to part ways.
At once, a tender reluctance welled up in her heart, dissolving much of the resentment she had been holding toward him.
Meanwhile, Linghu Jiu began pouring wine, boasting proudly, “Brother, take note. This wine is called ‘Three Thousand Peach Blossoms.’”
“It is made from peach petals gathered each spring equinox, blended with the clear waters of the Peach Blossom Pool, and brewed with my specially crafted yeast. Using an ancient method, it must ferment for at least three years before it can be called complete.”
Ning Zhuo focused on the wine and saw that Three Thousand Peach Blossoms glimmered crystal clear with a faint pink hue, like newly bloomed peach blossoms. When poured into a bowl, the liquid shimmered with ripples, as if the pool itself were contained within.
He raised his bowl, clinked cups with Linghu Jiu and Lin Shanshan, and took a sip—instantly finding it marvelous.
The wine carried a unique sweetness, as if he had bitten into a fresh blossom, fragrant and elegant.
Then the flavor spread across his tongue—full-bodied yet smooth, with a trace of coolness like spring water, leaving an endless aftertaste.
Ning Zhuo swayed slightly, praising aloud, “What fine wine! Its taste is delicate and lingering, with the richness of aged spirits yet the freshness of blossoms. The strength is moderate, enough to intoxicate me without my noticing.”
Linghu Jiu laughed. “The wine itself is ordinary. But I added something to it, which is why it is worth presenting.”
A spark flashed in Ning Zhuo’s mind. He blurted out, “Surely not the Ten-Thousand-Year Water Essence?”
Linghu Jiu clapped his hands, laughing. “Brother, you are sharp indeed!”
Ning Zhuo was speechless.
He had borrowed two portions of his family’s Ten-Thousand-Year Water Essence from the Myriad Medicines Sect and had wondered what had become of Linghu Jiu’s share.
As the sect’s foremost disciple and the leading candidate to inherit as sect master, it was strange that he would not contribute such a treasure for the sect’s benefit.
Yet unexpectedly—he had used it for wine!
Lin Shanshan gave a cold snort. “Wine, wine, wine—you think of nothing but wine all day! Don’t you know, my father is very disappointed in you because of this?”
Linghu Jiu rubbed his nose awkwardly and chuckled. “Shanshan, you don’t understand. Why do you think your father named me Jiu (‘wine’) in the first place? He foresaw long ago the importance of wine to me. That was his way of enlightening me.”
“Haha, since Master did not force me to hand over the Water Essence, it means he agreed with my decision. You can scold me all you like—it’s useless.”
Lin Shanshan rolled her eyes so hard they nearly spun.
Ning Zhuo quickly raised his bowl, clinking with the two of them, speaking a few light-hearted words to ease the tension.
The three exchanged cups for a while, and then Ning Zhuo gazed earnestly at Linghu Jiu and Lin Shanshan. “Brother Linghu is like a deep pool, noble and upright—accepting the waterfall without overflowing, calm and steady. You are my true kindred spirit in wine.
“As for Miss Lin—your beauty is like a sea of blossoms, radiant and moving. You are kindhearted, always willing to help others. I acted recklessly in the past, kidnapping you and even opposing your father. For that, I feel deep guilt.”
Lin Shanshan snorted. “At least you still have some conscience.”
Linghu Jiu only roared with laughter. “Each of us served our own house. Competing for profit is the way of the world. That we fought without breaking apart, and ended up forming an alliance—this is the best outcome. It is our fate, and the fruit of our combined efforts.”
Ning Zhuo was deeply moved.
He knew full well that during the arduous negotiations at the Radiant Reflection Wall, Linghu Jiu had not only safeguarded his own sect’s interests but had also gone out of his way to support him, drawing him closer and even persuading Lin Bufan repeatedly.
By contrast, Lin Shanshan, who had once aided him often, had spoken sharply, like a sword constantly pricking him.
Before the incarnations of sages, in front of Zhu Xuanji, Shen Lingshu, and Lin Bufan, he dared not recklessly use the Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread.
But he understood her position.
Fortunately, the outcome had been favorable.
With the alliance sealed, ties between Myriad Medicines Sect and the Ning Family were closer than ever. His own relations with Lin Shanshan and Linghu Jiu now had a firm lower bound.
“Come, drink!” Ning Zhuo raised his bowl once again.
Linghu Jiu laughed and joined him.
Lin Shanshan said nothing, but also lifted her bowl.
The three drank and spoke of the future.
Ning Zhuo asked Linghu Jiu about his battles with beasts within the Radiant Reflection Wall.
In these days, although Linghu Jiu was nominally “confined” in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave, his true body had secretly entered the quasi-immortal artifact, fighting fierce battles with countless monsters.
Linghu Jiu, in high spirits, spoke of the perils of combat, but also of how they tempered him. He could feel his strength rising rapidly. Like rough stone being polished, his techniques, spells, and sword arts were compressed under immense pressure, sharpening his rhythm and cutting away wasteful moves.
“Alas, brother, you must leave the valley for your duties. Otherwise, to fight side by side slaying beasts, then drink together afterward—that would be one of life’s great joys!”
Ning Zhuo was stirred, imagining the scene. His lips curled into a smile. “If time permits in the future, I must cultivate alongside you, brother. Just the thought fills me with exhilaration!”
Linghu Jiu laughed loudly, downing three large bowls with him.
Lin Shanshan: …
At that moment, she suddenly felt like the extra person here.
Flushed from drink, Linghu Jiu clasped Ning Zhuo’s arm, his breath reeking of wine. “Brother, before you go, you must leave me an imprint of yourself.
“So that when I miss you, I can converse with your image, easing my longing. And I can even carry it with me as I fight, letting you share in the victories. When you return, the spoils may surprise you greatly, hahaha!”
Ning Zhuo nodded eagerly. “I had the same thought!”
Lin Shanshan then reminded, “But Senior Brother, you won’t be staying in the valley much longer either. I overheard my father say that he intends for you to personally lead a team to Huoshi Immortal City, to scout the battlefield in advance.”
Linghu Jiu’s smile faded slightly. Sitting down again, he nodded. “Indeed, Master hinted at this to me.”
He had often been “punished” by Lin Bufan with confinement, but the true purpose was to let him gain access to the Radiant Reflection Wall. By seemingly shielding his juniors from punishment, Lin Bufan was also building up his foremost disciple’s reputation and prestige.
Now Linghu Jiu understood. And Lin Bufan himself had also realized that the quasi-immortal artifact was far too significant for one man or sect to claim alone.
Furthermore, in the alliance negotiations, Ning Zhuo had secured terms with Lin Bufan, successfully inviting him to aid in Huoshi Immortal City!
Yes—
In the days ahead, Lin Bufan would prepare for battle, helping Ning Jiufan and Granny Yuan in the struggle for the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence.
As for Granny Yuan’s injuries, they had been entrusted to the Zhu Family of the royal court, who were doing their utmost to heal her quickly.
Linghu Jiu said solemnly, “This coming battle must be handled with the utmost care. If Granny Yuan of the Ning Family were to fall, the Ning Family and the royal clan would lose much of their grip over Huoshi Immortal City and the Lava Immortal Palace.”
Since forming the alliance, the Myriad Medicines Sect had gained much insight into the situation of Huoshi Immortal City.
But not everything.
The secret of the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit remained with Ning Zhuo alone—even Ning Jiufan knew nothing.
And Ning Zhuo’s possession of the Buddha Heart Demon Seal was also hidden, with Zhu Xuanji keeping the secret, known only to a handful, including the King of Southern Dou.
“I have decided to go to Huoshi Immortal City,” Linghu Jiu declared. “Brother, what guidance can you give me?”
Ning Zhuo smiled, prepared in advance. He handed over a jade slip, which contained detailed information on Huoshi Immortal City and the Lava Immortal Palace.
Linghu Jiu extended his spiritual sense into it, and found much clarified, especially the insights on the Lava Immortal Palace. He could not help but rejoice.
“With this jade slip, scouting the battlefield is already half won. Many thanks, brother!”
Ning Zhuo quickly waved off the praise with modest words.
Then he turned to Lin Shanshan, requesting that she care for the Lingyin Willow. He would occasionally send letters, and asked her to reply with its condition.
Lin Shanshan nodded in agreement.
Sensing her good mood, Ning Zhuo pressed further. “I intend to station Hua Guzi here. She cultivates wood-based techniques and can care for the Lingyin Willow on my behalf, while also assisting my clansmen as they settle on Lesser Strife Peak.”
Lin Shanshan frowned at once.
“Hua Guzi?” She had little liking for that eccentric woman.
Ning Zhuo smiled awkwardly. “That female cultivator is eccentric, extremely… close to me, and wishes to rely on me. If I don’t give her something to do, she’ll probably scour the world looking for me.
“Besides, her strength is not weak. Beyond her combat ability, she is skilled in cooking.”
“Oh, it was from her that I learned that Deep Thought and Brewing Intent was fake wine.”
At that, Linghu Jiu immediately spoke up to defend his master. “Brother, you are mistaken. Deep Thought and Brewing Intent is by no means fake wine.
“Its flavor is unique—it is fine wine, only the recipe is lacking.
“And it truly does allow me to better communicate with the incarnations of the sages within the Radiant Reflection Wall. Did you not also benefit from it?”
Ning Zhuo had no desire to quarrel over this. He raised his bowl at once. “I misspoke. I shall punish myself with a cup!”
Lin Shanshan smiled faintly, gritting her teeth. “Yes, you should.”
Linghu Jiu laughed uproariously, pointing at Ning Zhuo. “Tell me, is that punishment—or reward?”
And so, the farewell banquet ended with joy for host and guests alike.