Six Golden Core Level Walnut Mountain Essences were hidden within a niche in the wall.
Within the storage cabin, all four walls were dotted with such mechanism niches. Normally, the covers of these niches hung downward, rendering the niches sealed. To the naked eye from outside, not the slightest clue was discernible.
Ning Zhuo merely needed to control with his Divine Sense to raise the cover of the niches, revealing the treasures hidden inside.
Each niche was cared for by a Storage Formation. For example, the Walnut Mountain Essence remained preserved for a long period of time due to the nourishment of the Earth Element Spiritual Energy within its niche.
Some niches were set up with Universe Path Arrays, with an immense interior space that could store a considerable amount of items.
Treasures like Mist Embroidery Orchid, and Smog Stone were all classed separtely, each stored in different niches.
Ning Zhuo opened the niches and checked the Walnut Mountain Essence, Mist Embroidery Orchid, and Smog Stone in succession.
These were all obtained from the Fox God, and the quality of each was quite exceptional.
The Mist Embroidery Orchid provided by the Fox God was of even better quality than those that Sun Lingtong had previously stolen from the body of a Cloud Whale.
It was indeed the treasured collection of a Mountain God.
"Could the Smog Stone possibly be used in conjunction with the Weather Balloon·Ice Crystal Snow?" Ning Zhuo pondered as he inspected the items, letting his thoughts overflow.
Previously, he had purchased a Foundation Establishment Level Cold Snow Cloud to match with the Weather Balloon·Ice Crystal Snow.
In the previous battle with the Fox God, this combination had proven effective, earning some minor battle achievements.
Although at that time, Ning Zhuo did not rely on them to disperse the mountain mist, it did not diminish their contribution.
"It's a pity that the Fox God cannot be used by me. Its innate Clouds and Mists talent, if combined, might produce miraculous effects!"
From refining the Tiger Bone from the Black Wind Tiger Demon, Ning Zhuo had noticed: the higher the grade of the cremated item, the more vibrant it was, the more Spiritual Nature was obtained.
He still harbored regrets about not obtaining the Clouds and Mists talent of the Fox God.
Indeed, he had the opportunity at that time to not scheme against Yugang Mountain, but to pin the heinous crime of collusion with the Black Wind Tiger Demon on the Fox God, leading to its demise.
Ning Zhuo took into consideration his branch family, the fact of battling in the gods' home ground, the goal of striking at the Meng Family, deepening cooperation with the Zhu Family, and also a long-term plan for the family's grand ceremony. He gave up on the Clouds and Mists talent and chose the path that maximized his benefits.
When he asked Zhu Xuanji about how to deal with the Fox God, he still held a bit of hope.
In the end, Zhu Xuanji was worthy of being the facedown on behalf of the Royal Family at the Golden Core stage, not only possessing mighty battle strength but also a keen insight into the bigger picture, composed and wise.
Now, the affairs of the Mist Hidden Mountain came to an end.
The Fox God had become the True Mountain God, its past sins were offset, and it still held its official title within the Southern Bean Country.
This made it difficult for Ning Zhuo to act against it any further.
"Forget it. With so many talents, it's not worth targeting the insignificant Fox God and offending Zhu Xuanji and the Southern Bean Country."
Ning Zhuo continued his inspection of the Purple Qi morning dew, the Ghost Shadow Bamboo, and the Spirit Hidden Willow.
Purple Qi morning dew, like the Heavenly Dew, was bottled, and it was well-preserved in the niches.
Most cultivators pay attention to absorbing Purple Qi to assist in cultivation.
Yet Ning Zhuo was an exception.
He cultivated the Three Superior Sect Techniques and had an innovative approach, not requiring Purple Qi at all.
"Ghost Shadow Bamboo is very suitable for constructing a Mechanical Body for the Mengye Tiger, as this bamboo is naturally its companion plant."
"Now, the timing is not yet ripe."
First, Ning Zhuo had to design the blueprints for the Mechanical Body of the Mengye Tiger, then refine it using Foundation Establishment Level materials.
The resulting Mechanical Body would have to be extensively used by the Mengye Tiger.
Ning Zhuo plan was to make multiple improvements to the Mechanical Body based on the Mengye Tiger's suggestions and experiences during use.
Only when the Mechanical Body was relatively mature would he choose to use the Ghost Shadow Bamboo.
After all, this material was extremely rare.
Even if it was priced in the market as equivalent to Golden Core Level, it would not be incorrect.
The final focus was the Spirit Hidden Willow!
The Spirit Hidden Willow's trunk was brownish, with mystery concealed within it. Its shoots were tender yellow, brimming with vitality. The willow leaves were evergreen, almost like a thin layer of jade, translucent and nearly transparent.
The edges of the willow leaves were slightly curved, glistening with a Spiritual Brilliance under the light, reminiscent of the pure green glow of a clear lake.
Ning Zhuo ran his hand along the willow tree, feeling its branches soft as cotton. The leaves felt cool to the touch as if he was touching the morning dew itself.
The entire Spirit Hidden Willow Tree perpetually emitted a subtle fragrance, more reminiscent of sandalwood or the scent of orchids. The aroma was not overpowering, yet it lingered persistently, distant and serene.
As Ning Zhuo carefully savored the scent, he felt clear-headed and at peace, all worries dissipating, as if his body and soul were being purified. Even without contemplation, he could feel his Divine Sense pulsing, with wisdom bubbling up from the depths of his mind.
"Excellent tree, an excellent tree!" Ning Zhuo had a strong sense, feeling that this Spirit Hidden Willow Tree must have a significant use for him.
"However, before that, I must transplant it as soon as possible. It can't always stay in the niche."
"For a Spirit Plant, it's still best to be planted in the soil."
But for that, Ning Zhuo needed to create a Spiritual Plant Cabin.
The Spiritual Plant Cabin in the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon was similar to the Refining Cabin. Although the Array existed and was of Nascent Soul Level, it required additional materials to be filled in.
Currently, the Refining Cabin did not even have a speck of soil.
After a thorough personal inspection, Ning Zhuo left the Storage Cabin and headed towards the Dragon Head Cabin to replace Sun Lingtong.
Upon entering the cabin, he saw Sun Lingtong busily tinkering with various functions of the Mechanical Dragon, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Seeing Ning Zhuo come over, he hurriedly asked about the Cremation matters.
Ning Zhuo spoke the truth.
Sun Lingtong felt genuinely happy.
When Ning Zhuo prepared to replace him, he waved his hand dismissively, "Little Zhuo, go on with your cultivation. You've just entered the early stage of Foundation Establishment, and cultivation should be your priority. Besides, don't you also need to create the mechanical body for the Mengye Tiger? The Spiritual Plant Cabin in the Spirit Hidden Willow also requires your attention."
"You have too many things to do."
"You take care of your matters, while I'll keep an eye on our course."
"Don't worry, when we arrive at Ten Thousand Medicine Valley, I'll call you."
Ten Thousand Medicine Valley, nestled between towering mountains, boasted breathtaking beauty and matchless scenery.
A young girl in yellow clothes, holding a bamboo basket, walked down from the mountain.
The morning sun barely broke through, and a light fog hung like gauze, making the valley seem like a fairyland.
By the time the girl reached the foot of the mountain, the early sun had risen, scattering golden light, illuminating the brilliant splendor of blue waters and green hills.
The girl, familiar with the path, stepped into the valley.
Inside the valley, verdant cypresses and towering pines blocked the sky. Winding paths and paved stone slabs were flanked by exotic flowers and fragrant herbs. Birdsong echoed through the mountain streams, clear and melodious, as if it were the music of heaven.
Gradually, the sound of water grew louder.
When the girl in yellow reached a clear pond, she saw a silvery curtain hanging from the cliff beside the pond.
A small waterfall cascaded down, its sound thunderous as it plunged into the pond water, causing mist to linger in the air.
The girl walked on water, casting a spell, and headed straight for the waterfall.
Behind the waterfall lay a slanted mountain path.
She climbed along the path, slanting upwards, with the waterfall and sky on the outside and the moist stone wall on the inside.
The mountain and stone wall, with thick mist, were covered in moss and trailing green vines. A morning breeze blew, the water mist trembled, the green leaves on the vine swayed, reflecting and dancing with the ripples of the clear pond.
The girl took a deep breath, feeling cool and refreshing air fill her lungs, leaving her feeling serene and pleased.
She slowed her pace, arriving at the mouth of a cave, and gently called out, "Senior brother, senior brother."
After a few moments, a male voice came from inside the cave, "Is that my Junior Sister? Please come in quickly!"
Inside the cave, the senior and junior disciples met.
The girl set down the bamboo basket and took out breakfast, arranging it on a flat stone surface.
Senior brother glanced over, becoming anxious, "Junior sister, where's my drink?"
The girl scolded, "Drink, drink, drink, that's all you think about!"
"Master asked you to guard the medicinal herbs, but you took them to brew alcohol instead."
"Now you've been punished to guard Myriad Demons Cave and are still drinking. If Master finds out, he won't hesitate to skin you alive!"
Senior brother sighed heavily, looking troubled, "Junior sister, you know I can't be happy without my drink. Please, be kind and give me the drink, I'm craving it. I couldn't sleep at all last night."
The girl huffed, "Here, take it."
She activated her storage jade bracelet, which glowed faintly as she withdrew a bottle of medicinal liquor and handed it to her senior brother.
Senior brother received it as if it were a priceless treasure, brimming with joy.
He uncorked the bottle and took several hearty gulps, then sighed with satisfaction, "Why is it only a small bottle?"
The girl replied, "That's all there is."
"Senior brother, you are supposed to be guarding the Myriad Demons Cave. If you get drunk and the demon beasts drag you into the cave, you could lose your life!"
Senior brother waved his hand, unconcerned, "The Myriad Demons Cave has been cleared out and is nearly abandoned now; there won't be any demon beasts coming out."
"This is a matter of life and death, senior brother, you are too complacent!" The girl immediately puffed up her cheeks, rebuking him with annoyance.
While senior brother listened to the reprimands of his junior sister, he picked up the chopsticks and savored the exquisite meal.
Once the junior sister finished her lecture, he looked up at Lin Shanshan, whom he had seen grow up from a young age, with a tender gaze, "Lin Shanshan, it's really nice to have you."
Lin Shanshan rolled her eyes, seeing that senior brother had finished breakfast, waved her hand, and with a surge of energy, she swept the bowls and chopsticks back into the bamboo basket, "Linghu Jiu, can't you behave for once? You always make Master angry, and now you're punished to guard the Myriad Demons Cave. Do you know how bothersome it is for me to deliver meals to you every day?"
Linghu Jiu hurriedly apologized.
After berating him, Lin Shanshan left the cave and took the same path back.
Upon reaching the pond, she unexpectedly saw a stranger lingering nearby and involuntarily let out a soft exclamation, "Who are you?"
Ning Zhuo turned around at her words.
He had a handsome face and clear, piercing eyes, reminiscent of the water in the pond. Dressed in white, he stood by the pond, his posture erect.
A gust of mountain wind blew, causing his clothes to flutter gracefully, the pond water shimmered green, reflecting his figure.
Around him, the flowers were in their first bloom, the morning dew sparkled, and the vegetation was lush and verdant.
The girl's heart skipped a beat, and she involuntarily held her breath.
Ning Zhuo offered an apologetic smile and, bowing with a handclasp, said, "I am Ning Zhuo of Persimmon Fire Mountain. I have come to Ten Thousand Medicine Valley seeking knowledge and guidance, and I am very apprehensive."
"May I ask for the young lady's name?"
Lin Shanshan didn't know why, but her heart started beating faster uncontrollably.
She opened her mouth to respond, "The humble name of this woman is Lin Shanshan."
As soon as she spoke, she felt something strange—why did her voice become so soft?