Ning Zhuo suppressed his excitement and brought out the Ice Jade Wine, filling Brother Linghu's cup and his own.
He sat down, toasted Brother Linghu, and eagerly interacted to discover what Brother Linghu needed and to see if he could fulfill these needs in return for a monumental favor.
Brother Linghu spoke frankly of his fondness for fine wines. "If Ning Zhuo ever has the opportunity to find some fine wines to gift me, nothing could be better."
Ning Zhuo made a mental note of this and invited Brother Linghu to freely enjoy the Ice Jade Wine today.
"If it comes to it, I'll just have the Family Elder make some more. I just returned the Ice Heart Jade Pot to him."
Ning Zhuo's casual attitude towards Ning Jiufan greatly piqued Brother Linghu's curiosity.
He immediately exclaimed, "Young Master Ning Zhuo, to be so close with your own Golden Core Ancestor, is truly enviable."
As Ning Zhuo drank, he grew tipsy. Brother Linghu had just strongly assisted him, allowing him to successfully acquire the complete Divine Skill. All these prompted Ning Zhuo to speak frankly, "Though I lost my parents at a young age, suffered harsh treatment from others, and had little support from my family, I have my mother's legacy and, with the help of Lava Fairy Palace, made great progress."
"Don't be fooled by my Foundation Establishment Level, when it comes to combat power, even finding a Golden Core is not difficult for me."
"My Family Elder is no match for me."
"Of course, that was in the past. Now that he has Grandma Yuan by his side, he is completely stronger than me!"
Although Ning Zhuo's cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage, his actual combat power had surpassed his cultivation level, reaching the Golden Core Stage.
Brother Linghu showed a look of surprise but said little.
For he too was of Foundation Establishment Cultivation, yet he possessed the combat power of a Golden Core Level!
Ning Zhuo continued, "However, the Old Ancestor has indeed treated me well. My choice to split the family had his support."
"He really admires me!"
"Among all the younger members of the Ning Family, only I have proven myself. His treatment of me is not at all surprising."
"In the future, once the Old Ancestor passes, the extensive family business will be mine to inherit."
"Hmph! Those worms in the main branch, how could they manage the family well? My initial split was only my first step. Next, I will strive to manage well and eventually swallow up the main branch."
"By then, I'll be the main branch, and that will be the Ning Family!"
For once, Ning Zhuo openly revealed his strategic thoughts and ambition.
Brother Linghu raised his wine bowl and laughed heartily, "Young Master Ning Zhuo, your lofty spirit is truly admirable; I toast you!"
After finishing a bowl, Ning Zhuo looked at Brother Linghu and said, "Honestly, Brother Linghu, I greatly envy you. I had to start from scratch, yet you have a Nascent Soul Level master who loves you like a son and will eventually leave you with the grand legacy of Ten Thousand Medicine Sect."
Brother Linghu bitterly smiled, "I am well aware of Master's expectations of me, but I am naturally indolent. Just taking care of my junior brothers and sisters wears me out. What I really wish for is a life as carefree as that of a cloud or wild crane."
Ning Zhuo immediately shook his head, "How can that be? Any cultivation requires resources. The higher the cultivation, the more resources it consumes."
"Brother Linghu, if you want a carefree life like that of a cloud or wild crane, you must have strong power to ensure it. Otherwise, even a slightly stronger demon cultivator could make your life unbearable."
"To have that strong power, you need a consistent supply of resources for cultivation. Precisely because you want that carefree life, you should manage Ten Thousand Medicine Sect exceptionally well."
Brother Linghu gave a light chuckle and looked at Ning Zhuo with burning eyes.
Ning Zhuo's face flushed, his drunken eyes blurry, "What's up?"
Brother Linghu pointed at Ning Zhuo and laughed heartily, "Young Master Ning Zhuo, you're truly genuine. Having drunk so much, you seem even more endearing."
Ning Zhuo paused briefly, then struggled to articulate, "Brother Linghu, from the moment we met, you have given me so much help, practically with all your might! How could I possibly not repay you?"
"However, at present, my resources are limited, with only a few precious treasures of great importance that I cannot use to repay your kindness. I can only keep it in mind, hoping to reciprocate later."
"Therefore, on hearing what you just said, I felt a rush to advise you, and might have..."
Brother Linghu waved his hand, stopping Ning Zhuo's apology, "Boring, Young Master Ning Zhuo, you've become boring again."
Despite his words, Brother Linghu's admiration for Ning Zhuo was unstoppable.
Even though Brother Linghu knew of some unclear entanglements between the young man before him and his own junior sister, he did not let personal feelings antagonize Ning Zhuo.
He had his own perspective, able to properly evaluate Ning Zhuo and recognize the talent in the youth before him.
Not only for his past achievements but also for his nature.
Hearing Brother Linghu's remark about being boring, Ning Zhuo quickly changed the subject, "Drinking like this is indeed boring. Brother Linghu, do you know how to propose a drinking game? Can you play rock-paper-scissors?"
Brother Linghu responded, "I've heard and seen this peculiar game—it seems to be quite the amusement."
Ning Zhuo was surprised, "You, a hero among drinkers, don't even know how to play rock-paper-scissors?"
Brother Linghu, with a bittersweet smile, poured out his grievances to Ning Zhuo, explaining how his love for wine had already made him a bad example. He was frequently criticized and punished with confinement. Under such circumstances, who would dare to drink with him?
Moreover, he had to maintain the appearance of a senior brother to guide his junior brothers and sisters.
Truly heart-to-heart friends or rather, drinking buddies, were absolutely nonexistent within the sect.
And outside the sect, Brother Linghu's identity was special, always afraid that any improper behavior could bring shame to his master and the sect.
"An experience of drinking like this with Young Master Ning Zhuo is truly rare in my life!" Brother Linghu sighed heavily.
"Is that so," Ning Zhuo's eyes lit up, "To drink like this with Brother Linghu is also an honor for me."
"Brother, please don't call me 'Young Master' anymore—just use my name."