: Hanzhou

2024-10-14 Author: Gu Zhenren

After the two bid farewell, the disciple led Ning Zhuo up Xiaozheng Peak.

Along the way, the disciple subtly probed and tested Ning Zhuo multiple times.

Ning Zhuo spoke frankly, telling the other that he came from Fire Persimmon Immortal City and was here to seek advice and learn. He simply didn’t know the way and happened to meet Lin Shanshan, who helped him.

Feeling that he had uncovered Ning Zhuo’s background, the disciple’s tone relaxed, and his attitude became more casual.

During their exchange, Ning Zhuo “expressed surprise” upon learning Lin Shanshan’s true identity.

The disciple teased him, “You’re lucky! Senior Sister Lin has a helpful nature and often brings outsiders here.”

“Such a tradition truly lives up to the reputation of the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect!” Ning Zhuo exclaimed sincerely.

The disciple laughed heartily but still reminded Ning Zhuo before leaving, “Since you’re new here and have been assigned Cave No. 200, be careful. According to our sect’s rules, if someone challenges you and wins, you’ll lose the right to reside in this cave.”

“Of course, if you’re confident in your strength, you can also try challenging those with lower-numbered caves.”

Ning Zhuo replied, “I’ll settle in first and see how things go.”

As he spoke, he took out ten spirit stones and slipped them into the disciple’s hand.

“Just ten low-grade spirit stones…” The disciple inwardly scoffed but accepted them without changing his expression.

Having witnessed Ning Zhuo gift Lin Shanshan two Misty Elegance Orchids earlier, the disciple’s tolerance for such a meager gift had been raised considerably.

“Make yourself at home,” the disciple said dismissively before walking away without looking back.

When the disciple reached the mountainside, a figure emerged from the forest.

The newcomer had fair skin and a prosperous appearance, his face adorned with a smile. He first cupped his hands in salute to the disciple, then promptly handed him a mid-grade spirit stone.

The disciple naturally tucked the mid-grade spirit stone into his storage belt, feeling quite satisfied. He said directly, “Li Jingqing, you’re quite well-informed! I know what you want to ask.”

“Your luck isn’t great. The cave you’ve had your eye on has already been taken by someone else.”

The portly middle-aged cultivator rubbed his hands together. “So, I came to ask about the person who took my cave. I heard he was brought here by Senior Sister Lin herself?”

The disciple nodded slightly. “That’s right. It’s best not to cause any trouble.”

But Li Jingqing shook his head. “Cultivation is about contention. This is Xiaozheng Peak—it’s too early for me to back down now.”

“From what I know, Senior Sister Lin is warm-hearted and approachable. She’s brought many outsiders to Xiaozheng Peak before.”

“So, Ning Zhuo might very well be in the same situation.”

The disciple nodded again. “Since you’re determined…”

“Considering the spirit stone, I’ll tell you the details.”

“Ning Zhuo truly has no connection with Senior Sister Lin. They only met for the first time.”

“However, when Senior Sister Lin brought people here in the past, she would come and go quickly. This time, she took the initiative to inquire and even expressed dissatisfaction with the cave I initially assigned to Ning Zhuo.”

“I know you’ve been making preparations for a long time, aiming for that cave. I also intended to save it for you.”

“But unfortunately, with Senior Sister Lin involved, I couldn’t refuse. I had to assign that cave to Ning Zhuo to fulfill my duty.”

“I see. What a pity!” Li Jingqing sighed with regret. When bidding farewell to the disciple, he forced a smile and handed over another mid-grade spirit stone.

Once alone, his face turned gloomy.

The Ten Thousand Medicine Valley enjoyed unique geographical advantages, rich in spiritual energy.

The spiritual energy permeated Xiaozheng Peak, ensuring that every cave on the mountain was filled with abundant spiritual energy, providing significant benefits to cultivators.

Moreover, the caves with lower numbers periodically received generous benefits distributed by the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect.

Li Jingqing was a merchant who frequently purchased goods from the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect, selling herbs, pills, and other items to other regions.

The lower his cave number, the better his access to the sect, allowing him to purchase goods at lower prices. The difference in profit margins was substantial.

Therefore, even after learning that Ning Zhuo was brought by Lin Shanshan, Li Jingqing was unwilling to give up easily.

He left alone, determined to plan before taking action.

He first tried to gather information about Ning Zhuo but made little progress over several days.

The reason was simple: after moving into his cave, Ning Zhuo rarely went out. Even when neighbors visited, they were turned away.

With the next batch of herbs about to mature and go on sale, Li Jingqing knew he couldn’t delay any longer and decided to take the initiative.

His cave number was higher than Ning Zhuo’s, so according to the rules, Li Jingqing had the right to challenge Ning Zhuo.

However, he chose not to do so directly. Instead, he sought help from others.

He had already identified several candidates and now approached the one he was most confident in persuading—

Hanzhou!

Yuanshan Mountain.

Sect Leader’s Residence.

Study.

Lin Shanshan knocked on the door and brought tea and snacks to her father’s desk.

“Father, you’ve been busy with sect affairs all night without rest. Please have some tea and snacks to relax.”

Lin Bufan was a middle-aged man with a lean build and a long beard reaching his chest. Leaning back in his chair, he looked up and sighed. “There’s no other way. The herbs will be ready for harvest in a few days.”

“The sect must carefully plan the sale of these herbs. Every merchant and trading company must be handled properly.”

“This is the foundation of our Ten Thousand Medicine Sect. Since I took office, I’ve always handled this matter personally, never delegating it. Do you know why?”

Lin Shanshan smiled. “Father, you’re testing me, but this time you won’t stump me. I once heard Senior Brother mention that before you took over, corruption was rampant in the sect. Especially in matters like this, even the most upright elder would eventually be corrupted if they held power for too long.”

“So, you took charge of this yourself.”

“When Senior Brother spoke of this, he praised you for your wisdom, diligence, and sense of responsibility.”

Lin Bufan snorted coldly. “As his master, how could I not know Jiu’er’s temperament and personality?”

“He’s lazy and obsessed with alcohol. Those words definitely didn’t come from him.”

“Are you trying to plead for him?”

“Forget it!”

“This time, he won’t be released until he’s served his full punishment.”

Lin Shanshan stuck out her tongue, frightened by her father’s stern words, and dared not speak further about Linghu Jiu.

Noticing a new batch of jade slips on the bookshelf, she said, “Father, please eat. I’ll play some recordings you enjoy.”

Lin Bufan nodded slightly and began his meal.

Lin Shanshan took out the jade slips and a mechanical contraption from the bookshelf.

She placed three jade slips into the contraption and activated it with her spiritual energy.

Instantly, colored sand and mud flew out of the contraption, quickly solidifying into a thin, mountainous battlefield in mid-air. On the battlefield, two colored sand figures began to reenact a past battle.

Lin Bufan watched with interest as he ate his snacks. This was his only form of relaxation during his busy schedule.

He occasionally offered commentary.

“Although Zheng Xingchen comes from a cultivation family, he practices demonic techniques. His ruthlessness complements his demonic skills, allowing him to win repeatedly.”

“Luo Xiao’s mechanical armor has been tested in actual combat and can now handle various opponents. This is a significant improvement compared to when he first arrived.”

“Hanzhou… this beggar has no name and is only referred to by his place of origin. The techniques he gained from his fortuitous encounter are unique. On the surface, he appears to be a body and martial cultivator, but his core resembles Buddhist practices, emphasizing inner spirit and enlightenment through worldly experiences.”

“Lai Wuying’s sword is getting faster. Most cultivators outside the top ten caves can’t withstand more than three of his strikes.”

“Oh? Chang Yan, the snake demon, has improved his earth-element spells. In the past, he would have lost, but this time, he narrowly won.”

The Ten Thousand Medicine Sect leader watched with great interest.

Lin Shanshan asked, “Father, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, why are you so fascinated by battles between Foundation Establishment cultivators?”

“Shouldn’t watching them be like watching children fight—utterly boring?”

The sect leader shook his head, his expression turning serious. “Shanshan, you don’t understand.”

“If cultivation battles were solely about cultivation level, it would be too one-sided. Tactics, fighting spirit, and spell-casting techniques are essential throughout a cultivator’s life.”

“These elements remain valuable even at the Nascent Soul level and beyond.”

“Of course, your father is known as a battle fanatic. I genuinely enjoy watching fights. Haha! It’s my only hobby.”

Lin Shanshan sighed. “Father, you love watching battles, while Senior Brother is obsessed with alcohol. You two truly are a perfect master-disciple pair.”

This time, the sect leader didn’t smile but refrained from scolding her. “Little girl, you’re trying to plead for your senior brother again.”

Just then, a subordinate arrived to report.

Another stack of jade slips was placed on the sect leader’s desk, awaiting his attention.

The sect leader sighed. Though his body wasn’t tired, his spirit was nearing its limit.

Watching the battle had provided some relaxation, making him more aware of his mental fatigue.

“Let me see what exciting duels are coming up on Xiaozheng Peak.”

“Hmm… Luo Xiao is challenging Zheng Xingchen again?”

“Lai Wuying performed exceptionally well this round, so no one is challenging him next.”

“Hanzhou is challenging Ning Zhuo… Ning Zhuo?”

The unfamiliar name surprised the sect leader slightly.

Lin Shanshan gasped, her face showing shock.

The sect leader turned to his daughter. “Shanshan, do you know this Ning Zhuo?”

“Father, it’s like this.” Lin Shanshan explained the situation, expressing concern for Ning Zhuo. “Hanzhou is one of the strongest on Xiaozheng Peak. For Ning Zhuo to be challenged by him right after arriving bodes ill.”

The sect leader looked at his daughter, stroking his long beard with slight surprise. This was the first time he had seen Lin Shanshan so concerned about someone she had just met.

(End of )