The sunlight was faint, filtering through the dense leaves of the forest, casting mottled light and shadow onto the mountain path.
Ning Zhuo, carrying a jar of wine, walked at a leisurely pace, brushing past branches as he went.
Birdsong trilled through the woods, clear and delightful to the ear. The air was fresh, tinged with the fragrance of soil and vegetation.
"Here I am again," Ning Zhuo murmured as he reached a deep pool, the place where he first met Lin Shanshan.
The pool water was crystal clear, with fish swimming about. Suddenly, one leapt out of the water, breaking the surface and scattering the reflected golden sunlight.
Ning Zhuo continued on his way, making his way behind the waterfall to the mountain path.
To his left, the waterfall thundered and sent spray in all directions, with the sunlight casting rainbows across the sky. To his right, the mossy cliff face was serene and profound.
In motion and stillness, there was a beauty of harmony, akin to the balance of yin and yang.
Passing the mountain path, Ning Zhuo stopped in front of the Myriad Demons Cave.
Instead of entering directly, he activated his Mana, manipulated a piece of talisman paper, and in a moment, wrote a Flying Message.
The Flying Message floated gently, slowly entering the cave.
Soon after, Linghu Jiu emerged from the cave with a smile, holding the Flying Message in hand, coming out to greet him personally.
At last, the two of them truly met for the first time at this moment.
Linghu Jiu was tall and thin, dressed in a green robe with flowing wide sleeves, drifting like the wind, elegant and dashing.
Ning Zhuo was robed in white with wide sleeves, with clear and water-like eyes, and a face as refreshing as a spring breeze, like the morning light, courteous and amiable, engendering a sense of goodwill.
Seeing Linghu Jiu, Ning Zhuo thought to himself, "Indeed, a remarkable person!"
He thought about the intelligence he had gathered and remembered the Gold Element and Fire-attribute Understanding Law Maps Linghu Jiu had sent, realizing that Linghu Jiu was indeed no simple character.
"Today's meeting is crucial for a deeper understanding of this man."
Linghu Jiu held high esteem within the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect, his position unshakeable, undoubtedly at the very heart of the sect's power structure, possibly even the next Sect Leader.
Linghu Jiu, to himself, marveled, "What a fine lad! Refined and elegant, truly a gem in these troubled times.
"Although he is highly regarded by his family elders, his attire is unassuming."
Before their meeting, Ning Zhuo had many speculations about Linghu Jiu. Upon the first glance, he felt that Linghu Jiu's bearing was exceptional, aligning with his assumptions.
Linghu Jiu too had many speculations about Ning Zhuo, and upon first sight, he found Ning Zhuo's looks exceeded his expectations. The simplicity and cleanliness of his dress impressed him.
Both were looking forward to meeting the other, and upon their first encounter, both felt a sense of affinity.
Smiling, Linghu Jiu said, "Young Master Ning Zhuo, our sect was already informed of your visit through a Flying Message. Recently, you have achieved consecutive victories at Little Struggle Peak, becoming the talk of the town. I, who reside in this deep cave, have also heard of your deeds. Please, come inside!"
Ning Zhuo set down the wine jar, levitating it in mid-air with his Mana, then clasped his hands together in a formal greeting and said gravely, "I have long heard of Brother Linghu's great reputation, and to be able to meet you today is truly a fortunate occurrence. My visit today is presumptuous, but I bring you a humble jar of wine, and I hope you will not dismiss it."
Linghu Jiu sniffed at the aroma wafting from the floating jar, and, with a laugh and a gesture, invited him further, "Brother Ning's generous gift is truly humbling. Please, come inside, and allow me to show you some hospitality."
The two entered the cave.
Inside, the furnishings were simple: only a stone table, stone stools, and a stone bed.
Linghu Jiu invited Ning Zhuo to sit down, "The cave's accommodations are modest, I fear they may not be worthy of an esteemed guest."
But Ning Zhuo replied, "The mountain scenery is uniquely charming, primeval and tranquil. Moreover, to be able to share a drink with Brother Linghu today is a great pleasure in life."
Linghu Jiu took out a stone bowl, looking expectantly at the wine jar.
His nostrils flared again, "Not to hide it from Young Master Ning Zhuo, but I have a nose for wine, skilled in detecting the fragrance of wine. This aroma alone is extraordinary and has long since captivated my heart!"
Ning Zhuo was slightly taken aback.
The intelligence he had gathered had emphasized Linghu Jiu's fondness for wine.
But after meeting him, Ning Zhuo found that Linghu Jiu's penchant for wine was even more pronounced than what the intelligence had depicted.
As Ning Zhuo poured the wine, he explained its origins.
This was the Ice Jade Wine.
It was produced from the Ice Heart Jade Pot, a treasured heirloom of the Ning Family. Those who practice the Ice Heart Technique find this wine particularly complementary.
Ning Zhuo filled Linghu Jiu's stone bowl to the brim and then poured some into his own glazed cup.
Ning Zhuo raised his glazed cup with both hands, "For today's visit, I must first thank Brother Linghu. The misunderstandings caused by the likes of Lao De and others were all resolved thanks to Brother Linghu's intervention on my behalf."
Linghu Jiu laughed heartily, lifting his stone bowl, "Ah, I can't hold back any longer, I must drink now!"
Ning Zhuo: ?!
For a moment, the sixteen-year-old boy stood rooted to the spot, watching as Linghu Jiu tilted his head back and drank the full bowl of Ice Jade Wine in big gulps.
Linghu Jiu reveled in the exquisite drink, feeling an ultimate coolness as if he were quenching his thirst with ice-cold spring water on a winter's day.
The coolness spread through his entire body, dispelling all fatigue and irritability.
As the drink melted like snow, completely devoid of any harshness, the lingering sweetness seemed to resonate for days on end, the taste becoming all the more delightful the more he savored it!
At the same time, a splendid cascade of light burst forth within Linghu Jiu's Upper Dantian, like a waterfall pouring down, coursing along his spine and plunging into his Qi Sea in the Middle Dantian.
In the Qi Sea, clouds surged and waves roiled unceasingly.
Linghu Jiu's Qi Sea Cultivation surged upward.
"Good wine, excellent wine! Young Master, please don't hesitate to refill my cup!" Linghu Jiu, now excited, had no pretense of politeness.
The smile on Ning Zhuo's face grew wider, "It's my honor that Brother Linghu enjoys this wine."
But inwardly, he was puzzled, "What kind of person is he, really? Is this behavior just an act?"
According to the collected intelligence, Linghu Jiu was carefree and well-liked by his fellow disciples. However, when the likes of Lao De spread rumors, Linghu Jiu handled the situation for the greater good, willingly sending the Gold Element and Fire-attribute Understanding Law Maps to Ning Zhuo. Clearly, he was shrewd.
This made Ning Zhuo wonder about the true nature of Linghu Jiu.
In the past, Ning Zhuo would need to observe and interact with someone for a long period to gradually uncover their true character and intentions.