Great Struggle Peak, Myriad Demons Cave.
"Ha ha ha, my dear brother has arrived!" Linghu Jiu laughed heartily as he stepped out of the cave entrance, taking Ning Zhuo by the arm and leading him into the cave.
After the negotiation, Ten Thousand Medicine Sect, Ning Family, Zhu Family, and Luminous Mirror had formed a secret alliance which brought Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo much closer.
Linghu Jiu had always had a good impression of Ning Zhuo, and now, with the alliance firm, he regarded him wholly as one of his own.
Ning Zhuo entered the cave and noticed Lin Shanshan was also present.
"Miss Lin." He quickly bowed in greeting.
Lin Shanshan smiled at Ning Zhuo. Although she had some complaints about Ning Zhuo's recent actions, upon Linghu Jiu's invitation, she knew this was a farewell banquet for Ning Zhuo, so she attended with mixed feelings.
The dishes at the banquet were very exquisite, all personally chosen by Lin Shanshan.
But Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo were preoccupied.
Linghu Jiu brought over a jar of wine, expressing his enthusiasm to Ning Zhuo, "This is the wine I brewed personally with the water from Peach Blossom Pond."
"Peach Blossom Pond?" Ning Zhuo asked only then to learn that this deep pond was nearby the Myriad Demons Cave, right under the waterfall.
Lin Shanshan explained, "Every year, during a specific season, the Peach Blossom Forest upstream blooms, and the peach blossoms, swept by the wind, follow the stream and the waterfall, eventually gathering in the deep pond. The peach blossoms and pond water reflect each other, portraying falling peach blossom petals dancing in the wind, a myriad of reds and purples entering the water. The roaring waterfall sounds like a zither, its surface mirroring the jade pond and the blue sky."
Ning Zhuo then smiled at Lin Shanshan, "Today I've come to understand that the deep pond where Miss Lin and I first met is called Peach Blossom Pond."
His words stunned Lin Shanshan, her thoughts flashing back to the scene when she first met Ning Zhuo.
Time passed so swiftly!
It was unbelievable how many days had gone by.
Time passed too fast.
Soon, they would have to part.
A sudden wave of reluctant farewell emotions swelled in Lin Shanshan's heart, dispersing much of her resentment toward Ning Zhuo.
Meanwhile, Linghu Jiu began pouring the wine, proudly introducing it, "Just so my dear brother knows, this wine is called Peach Blossom Three Thousand."
"Made from the petals of peach blossoms during the spring equinox each year, as well as the clear springs beneath Peach Blossom Pond, coupled with my specially created yeast using ancient methods, undergoing at least three years of fermentation to achieve this quality."
Ning Zhuo watched intently as the Peach Blossom Three Thousand appeared crystal clear with a slight pink hue, reminiscent of blossoming peach flowers. When poured into the wine bowl, the body of the wine was clear, slightly rippling, just like the deep peach blossom pond.
He raised his wine bowl, clinked it with Linghu Jiu and Lin Shanshan, and took a sip, finding it rather intriguing.
Peach Blossom Three Thousand had a unique sweetness, as if one had bitten into a fresh peach blossom, deliciously sweet with a subtle elegant fragrance.
Afterwards, the richness of the wine spread across his taste buds, full-bodied yet mellow, with a hint of the coolness of pond water, lingering endlessly.
Ning Zhuo shook his head slightly and immediately praised, "Excellent wine, the flavors are delicate and lasting, combining the richness of aged fine wine with the fresh, elegant floral fragrance, the strength of the wine is just right, it's made me unwittingly intoxicated."
Linghu Jiu laughed heartily, "The wine itself is mediocre, but I added something to it, which makes it presentable."
An idea flashed in Ning Zhuo's mind, and he blurted out, "Could it be the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Water Essence?"
Linghu Jiu clapped his hands laughing, "Brother is indeed clever, you guessed it immediately."
Ning Zhuo was speechless.
He had previously leased two portions of Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Water Essence from the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect and was wondering where Linghu Jiu's portion had gone.
Linghu Jiu, as the chief disciple and the prime candidate to be the next Sect Leader, clearly knew that the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Water Essence was extremely useful for the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect, but chose not to use it, which was quite strange.
To think he had actually used it for brewing wine!
Lin Shanshan scoffed, "Wine, wine, wine, all you know is to drink. Do you know how disappointed my father is in you, elder martial brother?"
Linghu Jiu touched his nose and chuckled awkwardly, "Shanshan, you don't understand. Why do you think your father named me Linghu Jiu? His foresight was profound, he obviously knew the important significance of wine to me, thus he deliberately pointed it out."
"Ha ha, our master didn't force me to hand over the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Water Essence, therefore he agreed with my choice. Your objections are futile."
This remark made Lin Shanshan roll her eyes.
Ning Zhuo hastened to raise his wine bowl, clinking it with the other two, and lightened the mood with a few witty remarks.
As they intermittently exchanged toasts, Ning Zhuo looked solemnly at Linghu Jiu and Lin Shanshan, expressing, "Brother Linghu is like a deep pond, noble and unwavering, accepting the waterfall without overflowing, deep and steady, truly a companion of mine in spirit through wine."
"Miss Lin's beauty is like resplendent peach blossoms, exquisite and moving, and with a heart kind and eager to help. In the past, my rash actions led to the abduction of Miss Lin, always opposing her respected father, and I am truly overwhelmed with guilt."
Lin Shanshan scoffed, "Hearing this, it seems you still have some conscience."
Linghu Jiu burst out laughing, "Each one fights for his own master, contention for interests is a common occurrence. To dispute without enmity and compete in good humor has led to our current secret alliance, surely the best outcome. This is our fate, and also the result of our respective hard work."
Hearing this, Ning Zhuo felt even more moved.
He was acutely aware that during the challenging discussions within the Luminous Mirror, not only did Linghu Jiu steadfastly protect his own interests, but he strove to assist Ning Zhuo, foster relationships, and consoled Lin Bufan many times.
Conversely, Lin Shanshan, who had helped Ning Zhuo significantly in the past, interjected during negotiations like a sharp sword, continually striking at Ning Zhuo.
Under the watchful eyes of All Saints Dharma Body, and in front of Zhu Xuanji, Shen Lingshu, and Lin Bufan, Ning Zhuo wasn't audacious enough to employ the Life Hanging Divine Power.
But he understood Lin Shanshan.
Thankfully, the outcome was good.
Now with the negotiations settled, the relation between the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect and Ning Family was closer than ever before, and Ning Zhuo's relationship with Lin Shanshan and Linghu Jiu also consequently bonded at a very deep level.
"Come, let's drink!" Ning Zhuo raised his wine bowl again.
Linghu Jiu burst into laughter.
Lin Shanshan silently lifted her wine bowl in response.
The three savored the wine and discussed the future.
Ning Zhuo asked Linghu Jiu about his experiences of killing demons in the Luminous Mirror.
In recent days, Linghu Jiu had been held in "solitary confinement" in the Myriad Demons Cave, but his true body secretly ventured into the Quasi-Immortal Artifact, engaging in life-and-death battles with many Demon Beasts.
Linghu Jiu, deeply engrossed, spoke of the perilous battles which had harshly honed him, allowing him to feel his combative power climbing sharply. Previously like rough stone, he was now refined. Under immense external pressure, various spells and swordsmanship were brutally compressed, leading to many insights and the discarding of useless moves, making the rhythm of his battles increasingly crisp.
"Unfortunately, dear brother, you have urgent matters, rushing to leave the valley. Otherwise, fighting demons side by side and sharing drinks afterwards would certainly be one of life's great joys!"
Ning Zhuo was quite moved by the idea, imagining it briefly, with a smile involuntarily forming at the corners of his mouth, he sighed, "If the future permits, I will definitely cultivate alongside my dear brother. Just thinking about it makes me feel exhilarated!"
Linghu Jiu laughed heartily and consecutively downed three big bowls with Ning Zhuo.
Lin Shanshan: ...
At that moment, she suddenly felt somewhat superfluous.
Linghu Jiu, his face flushed red and reeking of alcohol, grabbed Ning Zhuo by the arm, "Dear brother, before you leave, you must leave me your image."
"When I miss you in the future, I will converse with the image to ease my mind."
"And I can bring your image with me as I battle and slay demons. When you return to the valley, you might be surprised by the bounty of war spoils waiting for you, hahaha."
Ning Zhuo nodded repeatedly, "I was just thinking the same!"
Lin Shanshan: "However, eldest brother, it seems you won't be staying in the valley much longer either. I overheard father mentioning, he wants you to personally lead a team to Persimmon Fire Immortal City to scout the battlefield in advance."
Linghu Jiu's smile momentarily tightened before he sat back down, looked at both of them, and nodded, "Master indeed shared this thought with me."
The real reason Linghu Jiu was always punished with solitary confinement by Lin Bufan was that Lin Bufan wanted to infiltrate the Luminous Mirror and, by punishing Linghu Jiu who protected his fellow disciples, promote the prestige and influence of his top disciple.
Now, Linghu Jiu knew the truth, and Lin Bufan also deeply realized the importance of the Quasi-Immortal Artifact, not something he or his sect alone could covet.
Moreover, in the alliance, Ning Zhuo had negotiated terms with Lin Bufan, successfully inviting him to assist in Persimmon Fire Immortal City!
That's right.
For the next while, Lin Bufan would be actively preparing for battle, helping Ning Jiufan and the elderly Yuan in the contest for the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Fire Spirit.
As for the elderly Yuan's injuries, the Zhu Family from the Royal Family had taken over, striving to heal them as quickly as possible.
Linghu Jiu spoke in a deep voice, "This battle needs extreme caution. If mishandled, and the Ning Family's elderly Yuan suffers, then both the Ning Family and the Royal Family's control over Persimmon Fire Immortal City and the Lava Fairy Palace will be greatly weakened."
After forming the alliance, the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect truly understood the dynamics of Persimmon Fire Immortal City.
But not entirely.
The preservation of the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit by Ning Zhuo remained a secret, unknown even to Ning Jiufan.
Regarding Ning Zhuo secretly possessing the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, Zhu Xuanji also consciously kept this secret, with only a limited few including the Southern Bean King aware of it.
"I have decided to go to Persimmon Fire Immortal City," said Linghu Jiu, "Dear brother, what advice do you have for me?"
Ning Zhuo, with a prepared smile, handed over a jade slip, which detailed information about Persimmon Fire Immortal City and the Lava Fairy Palace.
Linghu Jiu's Divine Sense probed into it, finding much clearer information, especially deep insights into the Lava Fairy Palace, which delighted him greatly.
"With this jade slip, my reconnaissance of the battlefield is already halfway successful. Thank you, dear brother!"
Ning Zhuo quickly waved his hands in a modest manner.
He turned to Lin Shanshan, requesting her help to look after the Spirit Hidden Willow. He would occasionally send letters and implored Lin Shanshan to reply with updates on the Spirit Hidden Willow's condition.
Lin Shanshan nodded in agreement.
Observing her good mood, Ning Zhuo cheekily added, "Hua Guzi specializes in the Wood Element Technique, and I plan to have her stay here to represent me in caring for the Spirit Hidden Willow, and also to assist my clan members in settling at Little Struggle Peak smoothly."
Lin Shanshan immediately frowned.
"Hua Guzi?" She didn't hold much affection for this crazy woman.
Ning Zhuo showed an embarrassed smile, "This female cultivator is eccentric and extremely... fond of me, also wanting to depend on me. If I don't find her something to do, she'll probably scour the world for me."
"And her strength is exceptional, not just in combat, but she's also a culinary expert."
"Oh, it was from her that I learned that the Netherworld Thought Wine was counterfeit."
At this point, Linghu Jiu immediately spoke up, defending his mentor, "Dear brother, that statement is wrong. Netherworld Thought Wine is definitely not counterfeit."
"It has a unique taste. It is a fine wine, just that the recipe isn't outstanding."
"It indeed enables me to communicate more easily with the Ancestor Dharma Bodies in the Luminous Mirror. Dear brother, didn't you also benefit from it initially?"
Ning Zhuo, not intending to start such a dispute with Linghu Jiu, immediately raised his wine bowl, "My bad, I'll punish myself with a drink!"
Lin Shanshan showed a slight smile, teeth clenched, "Indeed, a punishment is due."
Linghu Jiu laughed heartily, pointing at Ning Zhuo, "Is this punishment or reward?"
Thus, the farewell banquet ended joyously for everyone involved.