: Melancholic Brew

Faint sunlight filtered through the dense forest leaves, casting dappled shadows on the mountain path.

Ning Zhuo carried a wine jar, walking unhurriedly as he brushed aside branches.

Birds chirped in the woods, their songs clear and pleasing. The air was fresh, carrying the fragrance of earth and vegetation.

"I'm back here again," Ning Zhuo murmured as he reached the deep pool, the place where he and Lin Shanshan had first met.

The pond water was clear, fish swimming within. Suddenly, one leaped out, creating ripples that shattered the golden sun reflected on the surface.

Ning Zhuo continued forward, circling onto the mountain path behind the waterfall.

To his left, the waterfall roared, spraying water droplets that glittered under the sunlight, forming a rainbow arching across the sky. To his right, the moss-covered cliff stood silent and profound.

The contrast between motion and stillness held a beauty reminiscent of the harmony between yin and yang.

After walking along the path, Ning Zhuo stopped before the entrance of the Ten Thousand Demons Cave.

Instead of entering directly, he channeled his magic power, summoned a talisman, and swiftly wrote a flying letter.

The letter drifted leisurely, slowly making its way into the cave.

Soon, Linghu Jiu emerged, holding the letter with a smile, personally coming out to welcome him.

Thus, the two finally met face-to-face for the first time.

Linghu Jiu was tall and slender, dressed in a blue robe with wide sleeves that swayed gracefully in the wind, giving him an air of effortless elegance.

Ning Zhuo, in contrast, wore a white robe with broad sleeves. His eyes were clear as water, his expression warm like a spring breeze, polite and refined, evoking a sense of goodwill.

Seeing Linghu Jiu, Ning Zhuo thought to himself, "Truly an impressive figure!"

Recalling the intelligence he had gathered and Linghu Jiu’s gift of the Metal and Fire Element Enlightenment Charts, he felt even more convinced that Linghu Jiu was extraordinary.

"Today’s meeting will surely help me understand this man better."

Linghu Jiu held high prestige within the Ten Thousand Medicines Sect, his position unshakable. He was undoubtedly a core figure in the sect’s power structure, possibly even the next sect master.

Linghu Jiu, in turn, marveled inwardly, "What a fine young man! Handsome and refined, a true gentleman in this mundane world."

"Though he comes from a respected family, his attire is simple and unadorned."

Before meeting, Ning Zhuo had formed many conjectures about Linghu Jiu. At first glance, he found Linghu Jiu’s demeanor exceptional, matching his expectations.

Linghu Jiu had also harbored many assumptions about Ning Zhuo. Upon seeing him, he felt Ning Zhuo’s appearance surpassed his imagination. His simple yet clean attire further endeared him.

Both had looked forward to this meeting, and their first impressions were favorable.

Linghu Jiu smiled. "Young Master Ning Zhuo, the sect informed me of your arrival. I’ve heard of your recent consecutive victories at Little Contest Peak, where you’ve been unstoppable. Even I, secluded deep in this cave, have caught wind of your exploits. Please, come in!"

Ning Zhuo first set down the wine jar, using his magic to keep it suspended mid-air. He then cupped his hands in salute and said earnestly, "I have long heard of Brother Linghu’s reputation. Meeting you today is truly an honor. I apologize for this abrupt visit and bring only a humble jar of wine. I hope you will not disdain it."

Linghu Jiu sniffed the air, his eyes fixed on the floating wine jar. He laughed heartily and gestured invitingly. "Brother Ning, such a generous gift shames me. Please, come inside and allow me to play the host."

The two entered the cave.

The interior was sparsely furnished, with only a stone table, stone stools, and a stone bed.

Linghu Jiu invited Ning Zhuo to sit. "The cave is简陋, I apologize for the poor hospitality."

Ning Zhuo replied, "The mountain scenery is unique,古朴清幽. Moreover, sharing a drink with Brother Linghu today will surely be a joyous occasion in my life."

Linghu Jiu brought out stone bowls, looking expectantly at the wine jar.

He sniffed again. "To be honest, Young Master Ning Zhuo, I have a nose for wine, skilled at discerning its aroma. Just the scent of this wine is extraordinary—it has already stirred my heart!"

Ning Zhuo was slightly taken aback.

The intelligence reports had emphasized Linghu Jiu’s love for wine.

But after meeting him, Ning Zhuo realized that Linghu Jiu’s fondness for wine was even stronger than described.

As he poured the wine, Ning Zhuo explained its origin.

This was Ice Jade Wine.

Produced from the Icy Heart Jade Pot, it was an heirloom of the Ning family. Those who practiced the Icy Heart Art benefited greatly from drinking it.

Ning Zhuo first filled Linghu Jiu’s stone bowl, then poured some into his own crystal glass.

Raising his glass with both hands, Ning Zhuo said, "Today, I must first thank Brother Linghu. Previously, when misunderstandings arose with Lao De and others, it was only through your intervention that the matter was resolved."

Linghu Jiu laughed, picking up his stone bowl. "Ah, I can’t hold back any longer—I’m drinking first!"

Ning Zhuo: "?!"

For a moment, the sixteen-year-old youth stood frozen, watching as Linghu Jiu tilted his head back and gulped down the entire bowl of Ice Jade Wine.

As Linghu Jiu savored the fine wine, he felt an extreme coolness, like drinking icy spring water in the depths of winter.

The coolness spread throughout his body, washing away all fatigue and anxiety.

The wine was like melting snow, devoid of any spiciness, with a lingering sweetness that seemed to last for days. The more he tasted, the more exquisite it became.

Simultaneously, a magnificent stream of light erupted in Linghu Jiu’s upper dantian, cascading down like a waterfall, flowing along his spine straight into the middle dantian’s energy sea.

In the energy sea, clouds churned and waves surged endlessly.

Linghu Jiu’s cultivation level rose rapidly.

"Excellent wine, truly excellent! Young Master, please pour me another!" Linghu Jiu grew excited, showing no hesitation.

Ning Zhuo’s smile widened. "It’s my honor that Brother Linghu enjoys this wine."

Inwardly, however, he wondered, "What kind of person is he? Is this a facade?"

According to the intelligence, Linghu Jiu was lazy and casual, well-liked by his fellow disciples. Yet, during the incident with Lao De’s rumors, Linghu Jiu had acted for the greater good, voluntarily compensating Ning Zhuo with the Enlightenment Charts. Clearly, he had depth.

This made Ning Zhuo suspect there was more to Linghu Jiu’s true nature.

In the past, Ning Zhuo would have needed time to observe and interact with someone to gradually understand their character.

But now, with his divine abilities and magical tools, he had a more direct method.

Watching Linghu Jiu down his second bowl, a glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes.

Divine Ability—Thread of Human Fate...

"Huh?!"

In that instant, Ning Zhuo nearly lost his composure.

An intense intuition warned him: if he activated the ability now, even if successful, Linghu Jiu would detect it!

This was the first time Ning Zhuo had encountered such a situation.

He was deeply shaken.

"With my Foundation Establishment cultivation, even Golden Core cultivators cannot resist or detect it. Ning Jiufan, the Zhou family’s Second Ancestor, the Fox Deity of Misty Hidden Mountain—even someone as powerful as Zhu Xuanji was placed under the Thread of Human Fate."

For Golden Core existences, while Ning Zhuo could attach the thread, it only allowed him slight sensing, not control.

On one hand, even if he forced control, the effect would be minimal—at most, a twitch of a finger or a sneeze.

On the other hand, forcing control would alert the Golden Core cultivators, arousing suspicion. They might discover Ning Zhuo and, in their rage, strike him down.

"As for Nascent Soul existences, I cannot attach the thread at all."

Ning Zhuo had tested this secretly after meeting Grandma Yuan.

It was useless—the thread simply wouldn’t take hold.

When the thread descended above their heads, an invisible force, like a fierce wind, prevented it from succeeding.

"Against Foundation Establishment existences, my ability has always been unstoppable. Yet today, it failed against Linghu Jiu!"

People like Han Zhou, Hua Guzi, and Lin Shanshan in the Ten Thousand Medicines Valley had all been placed under the Thread of Human Fate.

Lai Wuying, Zheng Xingchen, and others had not received such treatment because Ning Zhuo maintained a good habit: he never openly used his ability in public.

Ning Zhuo sensed that if he attached the thread to Linghu Jiu, while it might succeed and allow control, Linghu Jiu would undoubtedly notice.

"Linghu Jiu’s foundations are deep—he can resist my ability to some extent!"

"It seems he, like me, excels at hiding his capabilities. I wonder which of us has concealed more."

Though inwardly shaken, Ning Zhuo showed no outward sign.

Since Linghu Jiu enjoyed fine wine, he poured generously.

"Please."

"Please!"

"Again!"

Linghu Jiu drank ten bowls in succession, still unsatisfied.

His face flushed red, his expression animated, his breath heavy with the scent of wine, and his gestures grew more expansive.

"Excellent wine, truly excellent."

Inspired by the wine, he recited:

"Ice Jade slides down the throat, cooling to the bone;

Drunken, the heart sees human nature.

Sweet aftertaste lingers on the tongue;

Divine field and energy sea soar together!"

Ning Zhuo’s eyes gleamed with admiration for Linghu Jiu’s literary flair. He was about to respond with a poem when Linghu Jiu suddenly spoke.

"Brother Ning Zhuo," he said, "what are your intentions toward my junior sister, Shanshan?"

Ning Zhuo let out a soft sound of surprise, feeling as though Linghu Jiu’s words were a sudden sword thrust, catching him off guard.

He gently set his cup on the stone table, his expression turning serious. "Miss Lin and I became fast friends at first sight."

"My purpose in coming here is to seek guidance and alliance."

"Miss Lin is pure-hearted, hospitable, and has helped me repeatedly, even to the point of being confined."

"Her kindness weighs heavily on my heart. I will surely repay it generously in the future!"

Linghu Jiu stared at Ning Zhuo through drunken, bleary eyes, his breath reeking of alcohol.

Yet, at that moment, Ning Zhuo felt as though his heart had been laid bare before Linghu Jiu, with nowhere to hide.

Linghu Jiu pointed at Ning Zhuo. "Good lad, you speak sincerely!"

"Heh heh."

"Ha ha!"

He threw his head back and laughed, tears welling in the corners of his eyes. Without concern for his image, he wiped them away in front of Ning Zhuo.

Linghu Jiu’s emotions were complex.

On one hand, he felt relieved—the junior sister he cherished had not been pursued by an outsider.

On the other hand, he felt aggrieved and frustrated—the junior sister he cherished had given so much, yet she hadn’t even caught the outsider’s eye!

Seeing Ning Zhuo standing dumbfounded and confused, Linghu Jiu sighed deeply. "My apologies, Young Master Ning Zhuo. I possess a natural talent called ‘Drunken Moon Seeks Immortality.’"

"When I drink deeply and am intoxicated, my spirit soars, insights flow continuously, and I can perceive the truth of matters with piercing clarity."

"Just now, when I asked that question, I used my talent and knew your words were sincere."

"To be frank, not only did Lao De and others misunderstand you—I did too!"

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. "‘Drunken Moon Seeks Immortality’?"

"Regardless, resolving this misunderstanding is a great relief to me."

"Brother Linghu need not apologize. If anything, I should thank you."

With that, he raised his glass.

Linghu Jiu also lifted his bowl. They clinked their vessels and drank in one go.

Linghu Jiu looked Ning Zhuo up and down, then suddenly sighed. "Now I understand why my junior sister favors you."

He pointed at Ning Zhuo. "My junior sister holds our master—her father, the sect leader—in the highest regard."

"You, with your upright and proper demeanor, resemble him greatly."

Ning Zhuo hurriedly demurred, saying he was unworthy of comparison to a Nascent Soul grand cultivator like Lin Bufan.

Linghu Jiu suddenly stood up. "Wait a moment. Let’s pause the Ice Jade Wine. I’d like to offer you a drink as well."

He strode to the stone bed, felt around the edge, and pulled out a jar of wine.

Returning to his seat, he placed the jar on the stone table, boasting proudly, "I’ve been confined here many times, so I had someone set up a hidden storage array here to keep some fine wine."

"Whenever I feel lonely or thirsty, I take out a bottle to satisfy my craving."

"This wine is called Melancholic Brew. It will be quite beneficial for you, Young Master Ning Zhuo."

Linghu Jiu picked up the jar and poured some for Ning Zhuo.

He explained, "The main ingredients of this wine are Water of the Yellow Spring and Night Wandering Grass. Supplementary ingredients include Moon Dew, Nether Jade, and Nine-Tailed Fox Tears."

"After drinking it, your thoughts will extend downward to the underworld, allowing you to sense the wisdom of predecessors and receive guidance from the beyond."

Linghu Jiu sighed and continued, "Because I have the talent ‘Drunken Moon Seeks Immortality,’ my master specially hired a master spiritual chef to brew this wine for me. My cultivation has benefited greatly from it."

"Please!"

Ning Zhuo, his curiosity piqued, solemnly picked up his glass and examined it carefully.

The Melancholic Brew was deep blue in color, with faint points of light shimmering within.

Bringing it to his nose, he inhaled gently. The aroma was almost imperceptible, yet it immediately cleared his mind, bringing a profound sense of peace.

"Boss, I’m going to drink," Ning Zhuo transmitted mentally.

Inside the Mechanical Roaming Dragon, Sun Lingtong swallowed hard. "Brat, enjoying fine food and drink outside while I have to watch over you. Remember to save some for me."

Ning Zhuo calmed his mind, took a small sip.

The wine slid over his tongue, sweet with a hint of bitterness, like the ups and downs of life.

After it entered his stomach, a warm sensation spread from within, the mystical power of the spiritual wine flowing through his body, bringing an unprecedented sense of tranquility and serenity.

In a daze, Ning Zhuo "saw" a person.

"I am the Five Elements Sovereign! All mysteries of the Five Elements are in my grasp. The Five Spirits and Five Gods heed my command—none dare disobey."

"Young descendant, do you desire my Five Organs Temple Divine Art?"

"Ha ha ha, listen well!"

"The Five Elements are Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth; the Five Organs are the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The Five Elements correspond to the Five Organs, each with its role, mutually generating and restraining, cycling endlessly..."

Ning Zhuo focused intently, listening carefully.

But the Five Elements Sovereign’s voice grew softer and weaker, until even his figure faded away.

"What happened?" Ning Zhuo’s eyes snapped open.

The wine’s effect had worn off.

Ning Zhuo felt a sense of loss.

Linghu Jiu laughed heartily. "It seems Young Master Ning Zhuo has experienced the benefits of this wine."

"Care for another drink?"

Ning Zhuo didn’t hesitate. "Please pour."

After drinking another glass, he saw the ancient-faced, majestic Five Elements Sovereign again.

The Sovereign continued reciting his Five Organs Temple Divine Art.

This time, after a short segment, he vanished once more.

Ning Zhuo opened his eyes. "More, I need more."

Linghu Jiu laughed uproariously.

Ning Zhuo directly took his crystal glass and looked at Linghu Jiu. "Brother, do you have a bowl?"

(End of )