: Blocking the Request

Lin Shanshan took Ning Zhuo's pulse.

After a moment, she withdrew her slender jade-like fingers and said softly, "The accumulation of bitter cold energy within you, Young Master Ning Zhuo, is not extensive, but it will still take over a month to completely dissipate."

"During this time, anything you eat or drink will carry a bitter taste."

"Avoid exposure to cold, as it will aggravate the bitter cold energy."

"Also, keep your spirits light and avoid melancholy, as that can allow the bitter cold energy to deepen."

Lin Shanshan carefully instructed Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo replied somewhat unwillingly, "Miss Lin, your sect excels in healing. Surely there must be some method to counter this bitter cold energy?"

Lin Shanshan smiled. "There is, of course, but the cost is too high."

"To instantly clear the bitter cold energy, at least a Golden Core-level elixir would be required. In my opinion, the accumulation of bitter cold energy within you is not severe and does not affect your cultivation or combat ability."

"Enduring it for a short while will allow it to dissipate naturally without medicine. Why not take that approach?"

Ning Zhuo nodded slightly. "I must thank you, Miss Lin, for your timely advice. Coldstream truly lives up to its name—the bitter cold energy it employs is so stubborn. Only Golden Core-level methods can resolve it."

Lin Shanshan said, "The reason bitter cold energy is difficult to dispel is not because of its erosion of the physical body but because of its erosion of the spirit."

"According to our sect's analysis, the bitter cold energy contains a true intent, and its infiltration into the Divine Sea, the Upper Dantian, is irreversible."

"That is why my father believes the Bitter Cold Scripture is likely a Buddhist cultivation method. You must be aware, Young Master, of the terrifying aspect of Buddhist techniques—their power to 'convert' others."

Ning Zhuo nodded.

Many Buddhist cultivation methods possess the ability to convert others.

This stems from the fact that Buddhist spiritual power carries a true intent that can infiltrate the Upper Dantian.

Therefore, after being repeatedly struck by Buddhist techniques, cultivators often gradually come to accept Buddhist teachings, eventually joining the Buddhist order.

One of the most famous Buddhist supernatural powers is called the Five Finger Mountain, refined from Buddhist conversion techniques.

When this power is unleashed, spiritual energy condenses into the form of a five-fingered mountain to suppress powerful enemies. The longer the suppression lasts, the deeper the infiltration and transformation by the Buddhist true intent.

Ning Zhuo: "So, Coldstream's true intention is not to cultivate at Little Strife Peak but to convert others?"

Lin Shanshan shook her head slightly. "This is merely speculation. At the very least, Coldstream has never admitted it, so this theory has never been confirmed."

Ning Zhuo laughed. "How could Coldstream ever admit it? Conversion is a taboo subject. If I were converted, would I still be the real me? In my view, such a change does not originate from within but is forcibly imposed by an external force. That is a terrifying prospect!"

Lin Shanshan sighed softly. "Little Strife Peak is a mixed bag, with external cultivators each harboring their own schemes and purposes. It's difficult for outsiders to discern the truth. Young Master Ning Zhuo, you mentioned earlier that you came here seeking guidance. What exactly are you seeking?"

Before Ning Zhuo could answer, Lin Shanshan added, "I originally thought your chances against Coldstream were slim."

"But since you possess a Golden Core-level talisman, combined with your profound mastery of the Five Elements arts, you are already among the top-tier combatants on Little Strife Peak."

"I underestimated you!"

"Whether I helped or not likely wouldn't have changed the outcome. Even without me, you would have succeeded."

Even without the Life Thread or the Heart Demon Seal of My Buddha, Ning Zhuo, relying on the skill of reading people he had cultivated since childhood in Fire Persimmon Immortal City, immediately sensed the hidden resentment and doubt in Lin Shanshan's heart.

Ning Zhuo immediately brightened, showing a slightly apologetic smile, his gaze sincere as he looked at Lin Shanshan.

He slowly stood up, bowed deeply to her, first apologizing, then explaining calmly.

"Miss Lin, I did not intentionally deceive you."

"Look, this is the Glossy Talisman, given to me by my clan's Golden Core ancestor back in my hometown."

Lin Shanshan immediately averted her eyes. "Young Master Ning Zhuo, this is your trump card. How can you show it to others so lightly?"

Ning Zhuo sighed, stepped forward directly, grabbed Lin Shanshan's hand, and pressed the Glossy Talisman into her palm.

Ning Zhuo: "How can showing it to you, Miss Lin, be considered 'lightly'?"

Lin Shanshan was flustered by Ning Zhuo's sudden action.

"Men and women should not touch each other casually! How can you do this?!" She was filled with shame and indignation.

Heart Demon Seal of My Buddha!

The feeling of shame in Lin Shanshan's heart surged, overpowering her anger.

Ning Zhuo looked earnest and sincere. "I did not mean to deceive you, Miss Lin. It's just that such a talisman is meant for life-saving situations. As a trump card, if displayed openly, it would make others look down on me."

"I am Ning Zhuo, from the Ning Clan of Fire Persimmon Immortal City! I do not change my name lightly! I don't care if others look down on me, but if they extend that disdain to my Ning Clan because of my actions, that is absolutely unacceptable!"

His words were filled with a sense of collective honor, which resonated strongly with Lin Shanshan, the young lady of the Ten Thousand Medicines Sect.

Ning Zhuo continued, "Moreover, the name 'Ning Zhuo' carries the meaning of guarding simplicity and humility, a blessing and reminder from my parents. Therefore, being arrogant and overbearing is not in my nature."

"I often remind myself: these trump cards are merely external tools, not my true strength. Only one's own power is real power."

"So, I always act as if these trump cards don't exist!"

"Take this time, for example..."

"If I had relied on the Glossy Talisman, I would never have sought your guidance so earnestly. Without seeking your advice, how could I have made such significant progress in close-quarters combat?"

"You saw it yourself—during my fight with Coldstream, I was forced into close combat. Though I was in a sorry state, I held out for a while. The old me could never have done that."

"That is all thanks to you, Miss Lin!"

Lin Shanshan hurriedly waved her hand. "Not at all, not at all. Young Master Ning Zhuo, your comprehension is excellent; you grasp things instantly and train with utmost dedication. I am no master teacher; your progress is largely due to your own excellence."

Lin Shanshan spoke without exaggeration, entirely from genuine feeling.

She had witnessed Ning Zhuo's hard work and determination firsthand!

Ning Zhuo sighed emotionally. "Your help goes far beyond that, Miss."

"The Fasting Pills helped me overcome the hunger flames."

"The Warm Heart Pendant assisted me in resisting the cold."

"After the battle with Coldstream, I realized even more how invaluable your help was!"

Mentioning the Warm Heart Pendant reminded Lin Shanshan of her original purpose in seeking out Ning Zhuo.

She wanted to ask for the pendant back.

She had only lent it to him, not gifted it. The Fasting Pills were one thing, but the Warm Heart Pendant, though only a minor magical artifact, was after all a personal item of hers.

She had given it to Ning Zhuo impulsively, out of worry and inexperience.

Over the past few days, the gossip within the sect had made her realize the impropriety of her actions. If it were exposed, it would likely become solid evidence for the rumors. It was better to ask for it back!

Just as she was about to speak, Ning Zhuo said, "Look, Miss, this is my clan's talisman. My Ning Clan excels in talisman-making. This talisman has its own spirit, so I don't need to activate it; it will trigger automatically if I am in danger."

Lin Shanshan's attention was diverted.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, though she possessed Nascent Soul-level protective measures, she had little contact with Golden Core-level talismans.

The Ten Thousand Medicines Sect was not skilled in such arts.

She had seen plenty of Golden Core-level elixirs.

Especially since the Glossy Talisman was a spirit talisman, reusable, making it even rarer.

Lin Shanshan only glanced at the talisman before handing it back to Ning Zhuo.

Suppressing her curiosity, she repeated her stance—this was Ning Zhuo's trump card; how could she scrutinize it?

But Ning Zhuo did not take it back. Instead, he said, "I learned the way of interaction long ago. How others treat me, I treat them in kind. Miss Lin, we were strangers, acquainted for only a short time, yet you helped me so sincerely. I must respond to you with equal sincerity!"

"To be honest, although my clan's ancestor is only at the Golden Core stage, our family also has Nascent Soul-level combat power."

"I am fortunate to have gained the ancestor's trust. While traveling abroad, I actually carry several such trump cards."

"If the ancestor hadn't personally given me this talisman and insisted I keep it close, I would gladly give it to you now."

Hearing the words "kept it close," Lin Shanshan's heart skipped a beat, and her fingers holding the talisman involuntarily twitched slightly, as if she could feel Ning Zhuo's body warmth from it.

Lin Shanshan stood up with a serious expression. "Young Master Ning Zhuo, you jest! A Golden Core-level spirit talisman—such a precious item—how can you speak of giving it away so lightly!"

Ning Zhuo also wore a solemn expression. "Miss Lin, you are mistaken!"

"As good as the spirit talisman is, it is ultimately an external object."

"Such 'good items' are only valued because our cultivation is still weak. If we were to become Golden Core cultivators, wouldn't our perception of this talisman diminish greatly?"

"One's own strength is true strength! We cultivate to skillfully use external tools to strengthen ourselves."

"Therefore, I value such spirit talismans, but I also do not overvalue them."

"My way of being, Ning Zhuo's way, prioritizes people, especially relationships and loyalty."

"You, Miss Lin, with your warm-hearted nature, actively gave me the Warm Heart Pendant and Fasting Pills and helped me with special training. How could I not repay you?"

Finally, Ning Zhuo sighed softly, his face full of regret. "It's just that this Glossy Talisman truly cannot be given away lightly. It was a personal gift from the ancestor. When I return to the clan, I must seek his permission before I can act."

"But I promise you, Miss Lin, in the future, I will definitely gift you a spirit talisman to fulfill my desire to repay you."

"This..." Lin Shanshan opened her mouth but found herself speechless.

She was blocked!

With things put this way, looking at Ning Zhuo's grateful and sincere face, how could she possibly bring up asking for the pendant back?

"Sigh, I can only blame myself for not being clear initially, leading to misunderstandings."

"In fact, I had intended to gift it at the time, but the recent gossip made me realize it might be somewhat improper."

(End of )