: So That's How It Is!

"Five Elements Divine Master?!" Ning Zhuo immediately extended his divine sense into the stalactite.

But he found nothing unusual.

He didn't even catch a trace of the Five Elements Divine Master.

It all seemed like an auditory hallucination.

However, Ning Zhuo's eyes sharpened like a hawk's. At this moment, he was certain of part of his conjecture—there was indeed something peculiar about the Ten Thousand Demons Cave!

"Brother?" Linghu Jiu noticed Ning Zhuo's strange expression.

Ning Zhuo looked at Linghu Jiu: "Elder Brother, I just heard the voice of the elder, Five Elements Divine Master. It was he who appeared twice before, first teaching me a divine technique, then elevating my Five Elements realm."

Ning Zhuo didn't hide anything and directly repeated what the Five Elements Divine Master had just said.

"Such a thing?!" Linghu Jiu was greatly astonished.

The two carefully examined the indicated stalactite.

Their divine senses swept over it repeatedly, but found nothing unusual about it.

"Brother, were the elder Five Elements Divine Master's exact words pointing to this stalactite?" Linghu Jiu wanted to confirm again.

Ning Zhuo frowned: "Indeed, the previous transmission came from this stalactite. But no matter how I inspect it, it seems to be just an ordinary stalactite."

Compared to the many surrounding stalactites, this one wasn't special. It was rooted at the top of the cave wall, hanging down, its surface covered with fine textures resembling flowing water waves, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

The stalactite's surface was quite damp, and a water droplet gradually condensed at its tip.

The droplet slowly grew, then detached from the stone column, falling lightly downward. It pierced through the quiet air, seeming slow but actually fast, hitting the ground with a soft *drip* sound.

In that instant, both Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu felt a momentary daze. They simultaneously sensed that this wondrous droplet was like an embodiment of time, carrying secrets from millennia ago, yet bearing a fresh aura. From formation to fall to shattering, an instant was a millennium!

Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu looked at each other, both seeing astonishment in each other's expressions.

Ning Zhuo exclaimed softly: "So, the stalactite itself is ordinary; the droplet is the key!"

Linghu Jiu sighed: "Incredible! The moment the droplet fell, I felt the stern aura of an ancient formation. I've passed by here definitely over a hundred times. I never thought the hidden portal was concealed within the droplet."

"The only chance to enter is during the droplet's fall."

"What kind of formation is this?"

Ning Zhuo also shook his head slightly, indicating he hadn't heard of it.

However, from within the Mechanical Roaming Dragon, Sun Lingtong transmitted a message: "I remember... Master once mentioned to me... this is likely the Jade Leak Still Drips Formation."

"This formation contains the principles of time and light, capable of greatly slowing the passage of time within it, achieving relative life extension. But it must be set up in a dark environment, with little to no light."

"Previously, Little Zhuo, you raised questions about the Five Elements Divine Master's lifespan? Perhaps this formation is the answer."

After some discussion, Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu decided to enter the formation together.

As the droplet fell, their divine senses locked onto it, and they both plunged in.

In their vision, the droplet grew larger and larger, turning into the size of a hill in an instant.

From the outside, however, the droplet emitted a strange light, enveloping the two, causing their bodies to shrink rapidly and enter the droplet.

*Drip.*

The next moment, the droplet hit the rocky ground, shattering into countless tiny fragments.

Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu disappeared from the spot. Without their magical power to sustain it, the light quickly faded, and the cave returned to darkness and silence.

The two entered the droplet and arrived inside the formation.

It was a world filled with misty light.

After entering, Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu stood still, not daring to move recklessly.

From within the Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon, Sun Lingtong exclaimed in surprise: "There's another formation inside the formation! It's a formation within a formation!"

"The Jade Leak Still Drips Formation is already very advanced, yet it's only the outer formation. Little Brother, you must be extremely careful. This inner formation is surely even more extraordinary!"

Beside him, Linghu Jiu also marveled: "A formation within a formation! Brother Ning Zhuo, I have very little knowledge of formations; I specialize in sword techniques and wine tasting. I dare not move recklessly. Please examine this formation first."

Ning Zhuo looked around and saw that the mist obscured his vision; he couldn't see beyond five steps.

The mist was pure white, but occasionally large shadows flickered past and vanished.

Ning Zhuo was skilled in mechanics and had some knowledge of formations, but at this moment, he was completely baffled and couldn't discern the foundation of this formation.

"No matter. Boss, it's your turn!" Ning Zhuo transmitted.

Sun Lingtong chuckled: "This kind of exploration is the most fun. Watch me."

Saying this, he activated his Heavenly Endowment Spirit Eyes. His eyes emitted a shimmering spiritual light, piercing through the white mist to see a broader space.

Sun Lingtong's mastery of formations was deeper than Ning Zhuo's.

Ning Zhuo delved deeply into mechanics; formations weren't his main focus. Sun Lingtong, however, had a better understanding of formations.

On one hand, Sun Lingtong had also studied the mechanical texts left by Meng Yaoyin. On the other hand, Sun Lingtong came from the Unempty Gate; for thieves, studying formations was a essential skill.

Lastly, Sun Lingtong was older than Ning Zhuo and had more time to research formations.

Sun Lingtong saw many things clearly and immediately transmitted to Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "Brother Linghu, I've figured it out. Come with me."

Ning Zhuo reached out, grabbed Linghu Jiu's arm, and took the lead.

The white mist suddenly surged, disorienting their senses and confusing directions.

With every step, Ning Zhuo had to adjust for several breaths.

Sun Lingtong continued his reconnaissance.

After the sixth step, a faint opening appeared in the white mist.

Sun Lingtong said: "This is the path of life. Following this opening should allow us to exit the formation space and return to the outside world."

"Really?" Ning Zhuo turned back, intending to inform Linghu Jiu of this discovery.

But when he turned, Linghu Jiu had already disappeared!

Ning Zhuo's heart skipped a beat.

He had thought he was holding Linghu Jiu's arm the entire time, but the formation had distorted his perception, causing a misjudgment.

"糟糕，Linghu Jiu is lost in this formation. We need to go back and find him," Sun Lingtong said.

He acknowledged Linghu Jiu's excellence and character, and since Ning Zhuo held Linghu Jiu in high regard, he appreciated Linghu Jiu as well.

But Ning Zhuo's expression was somewhat strange at this moment. He shook his head decisively: "No! Let's follow this exit and leave here first."

"Boss, I'm coming in."

Ning Zhuo released the Mechanical Roaming Dragon, entered it, and joined Sun Lingtong.

"Can the Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon traverse space here?" Ning Zhuo asked.

Sun Lingtong nodded: "I just tested it. This ability isn't restricted; it can still be used."

Ning Zhuo nodded: "Good."

The Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon was at the Nascent Soul level. Although it had little combat power, its escape capability was very strong, possessing the Nascent Soul ability to teleport through space. This was Ning Zhuo's confidence in exploring this place.

Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong both went to the dragon-head cabin, controlled the Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon, and flew towards the faint opening.

As they advanced, the opening turned from illusory to solid, soon becoming a dark mountain tunnel.

The Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon concealed its form and followed the mountain path winding upward.

It was clear that the path slanted upwards.

The mountain path was tranquil, without traps or demonic beasts blocking the way. The higher they went, the more obvious signs of human activity became.

After a moment, the Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon emerged from the bottom of a dry well.

It flew out of the dry well and rose into the air.

Sun and Ning saw a scene of pavilions, towers, carved beams, and painted rafters.

People could be seen moving through courtyards and corridors from time to time.

"Isn't this Yuanlai Mountain?" Sun Lingtong recognized it.

The next moment, he realized something and gasped sharply, turning to look at Ning Zhuo: "Little Zhuo!!"

"Did you suspect something before, so you specifically brought Linghu Jiu to explore the Ten Thousand Demons Cave together?"

Even though Ning Zhuo had some psychological preparation, a chill spread through his heart.

He nodded slowly with a grave expression.

"Yuanlai Mountain originally didn't belong here; it was moved by mountain-moving."

"But there's an exit in the ancient formation leading directly here. This proves someone discovered the Jade Leak Still Drips Formation long ago."

"And the prime suspect in this matter is Lin Bufan, the sect master of the Ten Thousand Medicines Sect."

"His cultivation is at the Nascent Soul level, and he controls the Ten Thousand Medicines Valley. Making these arrangements secretly wouldn't be difficult for him."

Sun Lingtong was silent for a moment, then had another realization: "Years ago, Lin Bufan strongly advocated moving the entire Ten Thousand Medicines Sect to the Ten Thousand Medicines Valley. Could it be that he wasn't just interested in the spiritual spring here!"

"He hasn't completely mastered this opportunity yet. The best proof is you, Little Zhuo!"

"You obtained the 'Five Viscera Temple Divine Technique' because the Five Elements Divine Master transmitted it, and you received a huge promotion in your Five Elements realm. If Lin Bufan had completely mastered this opportunity, he wouldn't have given such benefits to an outsider like you."

"So, the Serene Meditation Brew really is fake wine; Hua Guzi was right!"

"The real reason is that there's a legacy left by a mighty figure here. That's why you still received guidance from the Five Elements Divine Master when you sat under the Hidden Spirit Willow, and why you heard his voice in the underground cave."

"What's buried here should date back to the Martial Emperor era and is closely related to the Five Elements Divine Master."

"No, it's not just him!"

"Linghu Jiu once said he also received much guidance. This is actually also due to the opportunity buried underground in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave."

"Does Linghu Jiu... know about this?"

Ning Zhuo's eyes gleamed sharply: "Most likely not."

"He's also kept in the dark. Otherwise, given his pattern of thinking for the sect and his magnanimity, he wouldn't have actively given me the Serene Meditation Brew, creating such a huge flaw for no reason."

Sun Lingtong nodded: "Yes. If he knew, he wouldn't have agreed so readily to explore the demon cave with you just now."

"糟糕!"

"Lin Bufan knows about you now!!"

"Little Zhuo, you didn't hide the fact that you received the Five Elements Divine Master's legacy before. Linghu Jiu knows. Although he didn't covet the Five Viscera Temple Divine Technique, he would definitely inform his master."

"Because the Ning family and the Ten Thousand Medicines Sect are negotiating an future alliance. This intelligence would increase Lin Bufan's attention to us. He probably even thinks he secretly helped you."

Sun Lingtong was also shrewd and quickly deduced more truths.

"What's our next move? What are your thoughts, Little Zhuo?" Sun Lingtong frowned, expressing his worry. "Lin Bufan has been scheming for this opportunity for over a hundred years, with extensive plans. But even now, he hasn't fully gained control."

"This shows the opportunity here is extraordinary. And based on your recent gains, Little Zhuo, it further indicates the immense value of this opportunity."

"Lin Bufan already knows we've come into contact with some secrets. Now that we've secretly explored the demon cave, Lin Bufan will definitely find out."

"Will he allow us to meddle with this huge opportunity?"

Ning Zhuo chuckled: "This is the key to the current situation!"

Sun Lingtong took a deep breath: "We should immediately notify your family's Golden Core ancestor. In my opinion, we should have notified him earlier!"

Ning Zhuo smiled wryly.

Sun Lingtong was startled, then felt a sense of dread: "I see. We absolutely cannot notify Ning Jiufan in advance."

"Because he is already under strict surveillance by Lin Bufan!"

Ning Zhuo nodded: "Correct."

"Back then, when our Ning family migrated, following the underground river out of the Ten Thousand Demons Cave to the valley, we were warmly received by Lin Bufan."

"He insisted on keeping our clan in the valley for several months before letting us go."

"During that time, he must have secretly investigated whether anyone in our clan had discovered this opportunity."

"Only after confirming there wasn't did he finally release the Ning family."

"This time, Ning Jiufan and I came to the Ten Thousand Medicines Sect one after another. In Lin Bufan's mind, he would definitely have many suspicions."

"Did the Ning clansmen discover it back then? Now that the Ning family has gained a foothold in the Fire Persimmon Immortal City, are they coming back to explore?"

"Lin Bufan might speculate like this: The Ning family doesn't know that I, Lin Bufan, know about this opportunity, so they want to excavate it secretly. The Ning family first sent their most outstanding junior to investigate, then sent the Golden Core ancestor under the pretext of alliance cooperation, wanting to find a legitimate reason to station long-term and secretly explore the opportunity."

"With such speculation and suspicion, if I contact Ning Jiufan, Lin Bufan would likely know instantly. He must be monitoring me and the ancestor closely."

"Right now, what we need to do is just one word—wait."

Sun Lingtong narrowed his eyes: "We've already investigated the Jade Leak Still Drips Formation and mysteriously disappeared. Lin Bufan should be getting anxious. His next actions will reveal his true attitude towards us!"

"Exactly," Ning Zhuo nodded.

Just as his words fell, the world changed color!

Boom! The grand formation activated.

Yuanlai Mountain shook!

The mountain-protecting formation isolated inside from outside, forming a huge mist of light that rapidly expanded.

Within a few breaths, the white mist expanded to cover the Ten Thousand Medicines Valley, enveloping Yuanlai Mountain, Little Strife Peak, Great Strife Peak, and the Medicinal Herb Mountain.

The scene outside the window caught Ning Jiufan's attention. He projected his divine sense and asked puzzledly: "Sect Master Lin, why activate the mountain-protecting formation suddenly? Is there a powerful enemy attacking?"

Lin Bufan smiled.

He first inserted the 1,870th fine needle into Elder Yuan's body, making him sink into deep sleep.

Then, he turned to look at Ning Jiufan, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes: "Fellow Daoist Ning, your acting skills are quite impressive."

Ning Jiufan: ???

(End of )