: Asking the Eldest Senior Brother for Help Again

"Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo has treated me with genuine sincerity. Have I gone too far?"

Thinking this, Han Zhou couldn't help but feel a surge of guilt once more.

Ning Zhuo returned to his cave dwelling.

Sun Lingtong had already returned.

"Boss," Ning Zhuo transmitted his voice softly.

Sun Lingtong nodded at him and transmitted back, "The source of these rumors has been traced. Xiao Zhuo, guess who's behind the scenes, fueling this to harm you secretly?"

Ning Zhuo sneered, "These rumors came so suddenly and abruptly. It must be Lin Shanshan's senior brothers trying to deal with me."

"After all, Boss, you found out earlier that Lin Shanshan borrowed heavily and paid a great price to help me set up the spiritual plant chamber."

"Those senior brothers cleared her debts, but I ended up benefiting. They don’t want me getting too close to Lin Shanshan either. Sigh, measuring my gentleman's heart with their own petty standards—of course they’d seek revenge."

Sun Lingtong clapped his hands, "Exactly! You guessed it again, hahaha!"

Ning Zhuo said, "Guessing this wasn’t difficult, and there’s nothing to be proud of. Their rumor-spreading methods are crude; there are many areas that could be improved."

Sun Lingtong nodded, "Clearly the work of amateurs. They tried to distance themselves, but left traces everywhere."

When it came to spreading rumors, Sun and Ning were experts. Lin Shanshan’s senior brothers were still too green in front of them.

Sun Lingtong looked at Ning Zhuo, eager to act, "I’ve collected all the relevant evidence. Once we reveal it, we’ll make them regret it, haha!"

But Ning Zhuo shook his head, "This isn’t Fire Persimmon Immortal City; this is their turf. Although I have some understanding of Lin Bufan’s ways, it’s not deep."

"Revealing this evidence rashly won’t benefit us; instead, it increases the risks."

"Who knows if Lin Bufan will protect his disciples and strike at us from the shadows?"

"After all, these disciples were raised by him collectively; their bond is like that of master and father, very deep."

A glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes, "Let’s keep this evidence for now; it might play a key role in the future!"

"If Ancestor Ning Jiufan is persuaded by me, he might bring that demon ape to the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect. By then, we might be able to act more boldly."

"A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years."

Ning Zhuo was adept at patience and concealment.

In Fire Persimmon Immortal City, he hid and disguised himself for over a decade before revealing his brilliance in the Flaming Rock Immortal Palace.

Sun Lingtong nodded, "Little brother, I’ll follow your plan."

Since the events at the Flaming Rock Immortal Palace, Sun Lingtong had gained a deeper understanding of Ning Zhuo and held a growing respect for his cunning and foresight.

Ning Zhuo deliberately chose not to act, allowing the unfavorable rumors about him to continue spreading.

Voices doubting him kept emerging.

Finally, someone couldn’t hold back and sent Ning Zhuo a challenge letter.

Ning Zhuo quickly responded, accepting the private challenge and overwhelming his opponent with powerful wood-element spells.

Not long after, another challenge came.

Ning Zhuo again won using wood-element spells, boosting his reputation.

The external cultivators at Little Struggle Peak gradually began to recognize Ning Zhuo’s true strength. But Lin Shanshan’s senior brothers continued their efforts, steering public opinion by claiming—

Ning Zhuo’s methods were limited; he only won with wood-element spells, relying on the same few tricks. If someone could prevent him from gaining the initiative or withstand those few moves, victory would be within reach!

This argument made many cultivators restless.

Finally, it attracted one of the top ten recognized fighters—Hua Guzi!

This female cultivator was known for her flamboyant style. Before sending the challenge letter, she publicized it widely, gathering friends to pressure Ning Zhuo.

If Ning Zhuo refused the challenge, his reputation would surely plummet.

Challenges at Little Struggle Peak followed a procedure. When many people challenged the same cave dwelling simultaneously, the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect would judge and designate a challenger for a public duel on the Day of Little Struggle.

Aside from this fixed challenge day, cultivators could arrange private fights at other times.

During Ning Zhuo’s time in the Ten Thousand Medicine Valley, the only official Days of Little Struggle were his fights against Han Zhou and Chang Yan. The rest were personal duels, but all were open for others to watch.

Hua Guzi’s challenge was the same.

Ning Zhuo accepted all challenges without exception, agreeing to the fight on the spot.

This quickly sparked a major sensation at Little Struggle Peak!

Ning Zhuo was the most prominent newcomer cultivator recently, while Hua Guzi was known for her flamboyance and recognized as one of the top ten fighters.

A match of this level was rare even on the Days of Little Struggle.

People speculated endlessly about who would win.

"Hua Guzi is an established powerhouse, after all. Her cultivation is at the late Foundation Establishment stage, giving her an advantage over Ning Zhuo."

"Chang Yan also had a cultivation advantage, but Ning Zhuo’s wood-element spells overwhelmed him."

"Not necessarily. Chang Yan specialized in earth-element spells, which Ning Zhuo specifically countered. But Hua Guzi is also skilled in wood-element techniques."

"If we’re talking about seizing the initiative, Hua Guzi also favors an aggressive fighting style. She’s very forceful in battle!"

Thus, everyone began discussing whether the outcome would hinge on a critical factor: who would gain the upper hand in the initial exchange.

Origin Mountain.

Lin Bufan’s residence.

Inside her boudoir, Lin Shanshan lay sprawled over a round table, looking utterly bored.

In the center of the table stood a vase with a Misty Elegance Orchid.

"It’s been so long. I wonder how Young Master Ning Zhuo is doing?" Lin Shanshan gazed blankly at the orchid, her thoughts drifting to the young man in white.

"Young Lady, it’s time to eat." Her personal maid entered, carrying a food box.

Lin Shanshan ate the exquisite lunch but found it tasteless.

The maid, well aware of her mistress’s temperament, looked worried and advised, "Young Lady, you’ve lost so much weight lately. Why torment yourself? You should try to be more open-minded."

Lin Shanshan remained listless, her eyes dull. Naturally lively, being confined was truly draining for her.

The maid’s heart softened, and she blurted out, "I have the latest news about Young Master Ning Zhuo."

Lin Shanshan jolted as if electrocuted, her eyes lighting up, "Tell me quickly! Has he been challenged again?"

"Hmph, most of those external cultivators are no match for him. They’re all just cannon fodder."

The maid sighed, "But this time, the opponent is different."

"Right now, the whole of Little Struggle Peak is buzzing. Everyone’s focused on this fight."

Lin Shanshan’s expression shifted, "Who is it? Lai Wuying or Zheng Xingchen?"

The maid shook her head, "It’s Hua Guzi."

"Oh, her." Lin Shanshan first relaxed, then frowned again, "Hua Guzi practices wood-element techniques and has immersed herself in wood-element spells much longer than Young Master Ning Zhuo. Plus, she often employs aggressive tactics. She could indeed pose a threat to him."

"What should we do?"

Worry clouded Lin Shanshan’s face.

Seeing that mentioning Ning Zhuo had made Lin Shanshan stop eating, the maid regretted it and urged, "Young Lady, eat more. Only with strength can you think of a way to help Young Master Ning Zhuo."

Lin Shanshan nodded, "You’re right."

She noticeably sped up her eating, her appetite improving.

Just as the maid was feeling pleased with herself, Lin Shanshan suddenly paused, "Among the five elements, metal restrains wood, and wood generates fire. So, if Young Master Ning Zhuo uses metal-element attacks and fire-element defense, he’ll have an advantage."

"He needs enlightenment charts."

"With his comprehension, he could fully grasp offensive metal and fire techniques before the fight."

"Sigh, I’m confined now. Who else can help him?"

"Han Zhou? That pauper is useless!"

"Xiao Ju, you have to help me." Lin Shanshan suddenly stood up, walked over to her maid, grabbed her shoulders firmly, her eyes filled with determination.

The maid, Xiao Ju, turned pale, stammering, "Y-Young Lady, have you forgotten why you’re confined?"

"Last time, you helped Young Master Ning Zhuo so much that you neglected your daily cultivation. Are you going to help him like this again?"

Lin Shanshan shook her head, "Last time, I was indeed impulsive."

"Lately, I’ve been reflecting and realized I went too far. So, I’ve never blamed Father. Being confined this time is what I deserved."

"My senior brothers cleared my debts. When I have the means, I’ll repay them."

"But these are minor matters!"

Recently, without contact with Ning Zhuo, Lin Shanshan had been free from the influence of the Heart Demon Seal for a while.

Thus, she regained her composure. With her emotions no longer swayed by external factors, her thoughts and feelings returned to normal.

In this calm state, she reflected on herself and acknowledged her mistakes.

"Back then, I really got carried away." Lin Shanshan didn’t suspect anything else, attributing it solely to her impulsiveness.

But even in her normal state, Lin Shanshan still wanted to help Ning Zhuo!

"Just say that I’ve gained insights from my cultivation and need to study a few metal and fire-element enlightenment charts." Lin Shanshan thought of a plan.

Xiao Ju stared wide-eyed, "Young Lady, are you really going to do this?"

She hesitated but added, "What about the Eldest Senior Brother?"

Compared to the outsider Ning Zhuo, Xiao Ju and the other senior brothers all knew of Linghu Jiu’s feelings for Lin Shanshan, though she remained oblivious.

Reminded of this, Lin Shanshan’s eyes lit up. Excitedly, she hugged Xiao Ju and kissed her forehead.

Lin Shanshan said eagerly, "Right! Why didn’t I think of that?"

"I should ask the Eldest Senior Brother for help!"

"Now everyone knows about Young Master Ning Zhuo’s fight with Hua Guzi. If I request metal and fire-element enlightenment charts, my senior brothers and Father will easily notice and suppress it."

"But if I ask the Eldest Senior Brother to出面, wouldn’t that solve it?"

"Xiao Ju, you’re such a dear friend. Thank you for reminding me!"

Xiao Ju quickly shook her head, breaking out in a cold sweat, "Young Lady, Young Lady, you’ve misunderstood me. That’s not what I meant."

But Lin Shanshan ignored her, her eyes hopeful, "The Eldest Senior Brother has always taken care of me. Although he’s usually lazy, he’s broad-minded and tolerant. While the other senior brothers hold grudges against Young Master Ning Zhuo, he certainly won’t! He’s the one most likely to help me."

Xiao Ju stared in disbelief, "Young Lady, are you serious?"

"Of course I am!" Lin Shanshan immediately ordered Xiao Ju to take her letter to the Ten Thousand Demon Cave at Great Struggle Peak and seek Linghu Jiu’s help.

As a maid, Xiao Ju couldn’t defy Lin Shanshan and had to comply.

"Heavens, this world has gone mad."

"The Eldest Senior Brother is so kind. Why must he suffer like this?"

"Don’t blame me, don’t blame me!"

(End of )