: Ning Zhuo Helps Lin Fan Calm Down

"Why would you say such a thing, Sect Leader Lin?" Ning Jiufan was utterly bewildered.

Just moments ago, Lin Fan had been actively treating Elder Yuan, occasionally exchanging a few words with him in a very harmonious atmosphere.

Then suddenly!

Lin Fan’s expression changed, turning stern and gloomy toward Ning Jiufan, his tone filled with accusation.

What on earth had happened?

Lin Fan stared intently at Ning Jiufan’s expression and couldn’t help but clap his hands in admiration. "Impressive, truly impressive."

"Fellow Daoist Ning, your acting skills leave me in awe."

"In my hundreds of years of cultivation, I’ve never seen anyone perform so naturally and flawlessly."

"Unfortunately, your scheme to covet the Brilliant Reflection Wall has been exposed by me."

"Give up any illusions. That prodigy of your clan, Ning Zhuo, even with his Nascent Soul-level mechanical dragon, was defeated by the trap within a trap."

Ning Jiufan: "Huh?"

"Wait, wait!"

"What is the Brilliant Reflection Wall? Ning Zhuo? What trouble has that brat Ning Zhuo gotten into now?"

"Sect Leader Lin, my clan’s cooperation with your sect is sincere. Even if I had any schemes, why would I place our only Nascent Soul combat power in your hands?"

Ning Jiufan spread his hands. "Look, I could have easily concealed Elder Yuan’s injury. Why would I go to the trouble of revealing it?"

Lin Fan: …

He fell silent for a moment, his eye twitching involuntarily, then he scrutinized Ning Jiufan from head to toe. "You really don’t know?"

Ning Jiufan shook his head, his expression aggrieved. "This junior truly has no idea what has happened."

Lin Fan couldn’t resist pointing a finger at Ning Jiufan’s nose. "You, the only Golden Core cultivator of the Ning Clan, know nothing?!"

Ning Jiufan’s eye twitched as well, complaining, "Sect Leader Lin, you have no idea how cunning and sly that brat Ning Zhuo is. Did he cause trouble again this time? I knew it—the moment he called me here, he must have had some scheme!"

"Ah, but he’s still young, only sixteen."

"To be honest, this junior is also extremely frustrated. He’s too young and acts recklessly. If he has offended your sect in any way, as his elder, I will take full responsibility and apologize."

"Sect Leader Lin, the relationship between our two sides has a long history and has always been good. The Ning Clan has absolutely no intention of opposing your sect. I beg you to see this clearly!"

Lin Fan snorted coldly. "At this point, words are useless."

"Ning Jiufan, surrender now!"

Upon hearing this, Ning Jiufan frowned deeply, clenched his fists, and his aura surged abruptly.

But in the next moment, Lin Fan unleashed a Nascent Soul-level aura, completely suppressing him.

Ning Jiufan gritted his teeth. "Sect Leader Lin, are you asking a man of the northern lands to surrender without a fight? This is too much!"

Lin Fan wanted to speak, but Ning Jiufan raised his hand to cut him off and continued, "The Ning Clan has always been on good terms with your sect. If we can solidify an alliance this time, it could last for generations. How can we let a momentary mistake turn our two families into enemies?"

"I am eager to fight with all my might to uphold my reputation for bravery. But as the only Golden Core of the Ning Clan, I cannot act recklessly!"

"That junior Ning Zhuo is young and inexperienced, impulsive and unrestrained. Now that trouble has been caused, if I escalate the conflict further, wouldn’t it only make things worse?"

"Alas, fate is unyielding, and destiny is fraught with hardships. To have reached this point today fills me with grief and indignation that is hard to suppress, all because I know that only surrender can resolve this."

"Enough, enough. I, Ning Jiufan, may wish to fight to the death, but for the sake of my clan, for the greater good, and for Elder Yuan’s sake, I have no choice but to yield for now and calm the situation. I hope Sect Leader Lin will remember our past friendship, forgive the Ning Clan, and not betray our longstanding goodwill."

Lin Fan: …

His eye twitched several times before he finally made a move and restrained Ning Jiufan.

Ning Jiufan indeed remained motionless, allowing himself to be captured.

Lin Fan took a deep breath, his mood slightly improved. "You do know what’s best. Blame only that Ning Zhuo of your clan for being too clever and discovering my secret."

"If you cooperate with me and bring Ning Zhuo here, we might be able to work something out today."

Ning Jiufan quickly nodded. "This junior also believes this is mostly a misunderstanding. I will write a flying letter immediately to summon that brat Ning Zhuo."

"In addition, I implore Sect Leader Lin to think twice before taking any drastic action against me or the Ning Clan."

"Although my Ning Clan migrated from the north, we have already established ourselves in Fire Persimmon Immortal City. This year, we not only branched out and expanded but have also secretly pledged allegiance to the Royal Zhu Family."

"To be frank, I hold an official position and have signed a secret pact with the Royal Zhu Family. If Sect Leader Lin permits, I can produce the corresponding official seal and other documents as proof."

Lin Fan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You’re… an official?"

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, and with this being his long-established stronghold, he naturally had no fear of a mere Golden Core causing trouble.

Immediately, Lin Fan agreed to Ning Jiufan’s request.

Under his watchful eye, Ning Jiufan took out his official seal and other items for Lin Fan to inspect.

Lin Fan: …

Staring at the official seal and documents in his hand, his eye twitched uncontrollably again.

The disciples he had sent to gather intelligence in such a short time couldn’t possibly have uncovered the true political situation in Fire Persimmon Immortal City.

Now, seeing these items, he realized that the Ning Clan was so close to the royal family—it seemed the situation in Fire Persimmon Immortal City was far more turbulent beneath the surface!

Touching Ning Jiufan meant touching an official of the Southern Bean Royal Family.

The key point was that this official was so closely tied to the Zhu Family!

Lin Fan began to feel a headache coming on.

Meanwhile.

Inside the Ten-Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon, Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong gazed silently at the massive fog and light formation covering the four mountains and one valley.

After a long while, Sun Lingtong finally sighed. "Lin Fan has activated the mountain-protecting formation directly. He means to trap us like turtles in a jar."

Ning Zhuo nodded slightly, his expression grave. "It’s more or less as I expected. Whatever is in the Ten-Thousand Demons Cave, if it could benefit Linghu Jiu and me so greatly, its value must be immense."

"Lin Fan has been scheming for years. Moreover, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, he personally took on the role of sect leader and managed the Ten-Thousand Medicines Sect for so long. It shows he prefers to control situations."

"That’s why he’s acting this way."

Sun Lingtong asked again, "What about your clan’s Golden Core ancestor?"

Ning Zhuo had already sensed Ning Jiufan through the Thread of Life and showed a strange expression. "He’s still alive."

Sun Lingtong was pleased. "That means Lin Fan is still hesitating."

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly. "After all, if he killed my clan’s ancestor, it would severely damage the Ten-Thousand Medicines Sect’s reputation. Who would dare to visit then? Let alone the herb trade."

"This foundation is the result of Lin Fan’s management over many years. Unless he plans to take everything from the Ten-Thousand Demons Cave, become a demonic cultivator, and abandon this vast enterprise."

"The problem is, from the fact that I could receive guidance from the Five Elements Divine Lord, it’s clear he hasn’t managed to claim all the legacy of the Ten-Thousand Demons Cave."

"Moreover, my clan’s ancestor holds an official position. If Lin Fan killed him, he’d be cutting himself off from the righteous path."

Sun Lingtong nodded repeatedly. "So, we don’t have to fight Lin Fan here? There’s still room for negotiation."

Ning Zhuo’s expression turned serious. "Lin Fan is a Nascent Soul cultivator, and this is his territory. The mountain-protecting formation is under his control. He’s been operating here for so many years!"

"Fighting here offers no chance of victory."

"Besides, if it truly comes to battle, it means the situation has already deteriorated badly."

"We need to help him."

Sun Lingtong: "Huh? Now is not the time to rescue your clan’s ancestor. He’s definitely under Lin Fan’s close watch!"

Ning Zhuo smiled at Sun Lingtong. "No, no, boss, you misunderstand me."

"My clan’s ancestor doesn’t need help."

"He’s a hostage now, and that role is very important."

"We need to help Lin Fan."

Sun Lingtong widened her eyes in surprise. "Huh?"

"Sect Leader, why have you activated the entire mountain-protecting formation?" Several Golden Core elders of the sect arrived together.

Ning Zhuo naturally didn’t explain the real reason. He didn’t need to justify himself. With a faint smile and a firm attitude, he said, "Just follow orders."

Under his continuous commands, the entire Ten-Thousand Medicines Sect mobilized. Countless cultivators began searching the valley for Ning Zhuo.

Various magical instruments, treasures, talismans, and more were deployed one after another, determined to find Ning Zhuo at all costs.

Ning Jiufan’s flying letter stopped outside the cave residence on Little Struggle Peak, unable to enter.

Ning Zhuo’s flying letter, however, went straight to Lin Fan.

"That brat of yours is truly audacious!" Lin Fan unfolded the letter, his face turning cold, his gaze sharp as a blade as he glared at Ning Jiufan.

Ning Jiufan wore a bitter expression. He was completely under Lin Fan’s control, and even his storage belt had been confiscated.

Lin Fan handed him the letter to read.

After reading it, Ning Jiufan’s face grew even more pained.

In the letter, Ning Zhuo claimed to have buried numerous fire essences beneath the Ten-Thousand Demons Cave. With a single thought, he could trigger a massive explosion.

Moreover, he had set up numerous mechanisms in hidden corners of the Ten-Thousand Medicines Valley. With a mere flick of his finger, he could activate these devices to spread vast amounts of information about the Ten-Thousand Demons Cave legacy, revealing it to the world.

Ning Zhuo thus threatened Lin Fan to release Ning Jiufan immediately!

"Ning Zhuo, you fool."

"I’m the fish on the chopping block now, caught in Lin Fan’s hands. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, he has countless methods to use against me!"

"He should take the Ten-Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon and leave this troubled place quickly, then report to the Zhu Family and bring reinforcements. That’s the right course of action."

Ning Jiufan inwardly screamed, while outwardly he fiercely criticized Ning Zhuo and proactively requested to write another flying letter to persuade him to surrender.

If Lin Fan could find Ning Zhuo, he wouldn’t have activated the mountain-protecting formation.

Though he appeared dominant, the situation was actually quite awkward for him.

Before Ning Jiufan’s letter of persuasion could be sent, Ning Zhuo’s second letter arrived.

This time, when Lin Fan read it, he flew into a rage!

"Insolent thief! How dare you go this far!!!" Lin Fan slammed the table and stood up abruptly, his face filled with fury, as if his hair would stand on end.

Ning Jiufan’s heart leaped, and he quickly loudly condemned Ning Zhuo, while subtly trying to find out what Ning Zhuo had done to provoke such a misunderstanding from Lin Fan!

"Misunderstanding?!" Lin Fan roared. "That Ning Zhuo of yours has kidnapped my daughter, and you call it a misunderstanding?!"

"Damn it!"

"Ning Zhuo, you vile brat, you’re inhuman!"

"If anything happens to my daughter, I, Lin Fan, swear I will slaughter your entire Ning Clan!!"

In truth, before issuing the search order, Lin Fan had secretly ordered Lin Shanshan to relocate.

However, Lin Shanshan had already been marked by Ning Zhuo with the Thread of Life. No matter where she hid, Ning Zhuo knew her location clearly.

Of course, the secret room had its own defensive and concealment formations, but these defenses still couldn’t withstand the power of divine abilities.

Ning Zhuo then piloted the Ten-Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon, pierced through the void, and directly entered the secret room.

There, he suddenly appeared, pointed at Lin Shanshan several times, and immobilized her.

By the time Xiao Ju reacted, she was also immobilized.

Ning Zhuo moved both mistress and maid into the mechanical dragon and quickly left.

Lin Shanshan and Xiao Ju were locked inside a cabin of the mechanical dragon.

Lin Shanshan’s face was cold. "Young Master Ning Zhuo, you have deceived me deeply. What martial art was that just now, rendering me immobile in an instant?"

Of course, it was the Thread of Life!

But Ning Zhuo forced a bitter smile and clasped his hands in apology. "It’s just a finger-pointing acupressure technique. I apologize for startling you, Miss Lin."

"This time, my actions are not an act of repaying kindness with enmity. On the contrary, I am here to help you, Miss Lin, and your sect."

Lin Shanshan’s expression remained icy, but she said, "Go on."

Xiao Ju screamed, "Miss, don’t listen to him! The sect leader suddenly activated the mountain-protecting formation and is searching for Ning Zhuo everywhere. He must have done something terrible. Now he’s even kidnapped us—he’s a great villain!"

Lin Shanshan inwardly lamented.

She was only stalling for time. If she didn’t play along, how could she buy time for her father to come to the rescue?

Ning Zhuo sighed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Lin, for giving me this chance. Ah… there are reasons for this. Allow me to explain carefully."

Ning Zhuo then recounted everything about the Ten-Thousand Demons Cave, how he detected something amiss from the fake Melancholy Brew, and his experience exploring the trap within a trap with Linghu Jiu.

Lin Shanshan and Xiao Ju fell into a long silence, both shocked by what they heard.

Ning Zhuo clasped his hands and apologized again. "I never intended to make things difficult for your sect."

"I never expected the situation to turn out like this."

"But clearly, your sect leader doesn’t want to let us go and wishes to keep this secret tightly guarded."

"I understand completely. Such an opportunity is undoubtedly extraordinary and of immense value!"

"I am only trying to save myself."

"My clan’s Golden Core ancestor is now detained and confined by your sect leader. I have no way out and could only turn to you for help, Miss Lin."

Lin Shanshan and Xiao Ju exchanged glances, both shaken and helpless in the face of such a complex and awkward situation.

They understood Ning Zhuo’s position.

Lin Shanshan’s expression softened. "Young Master Ning Zhuo, please recognize the reality. Even with the Ten-Thousand-Mile Roaming Dragon, you cannot escape."

"Even if you escape, can you escape your clan’s fate? Unless your clan migrates far away from Fire Persimmon Immortal City again!"

"Why not release me? I will go to my father and plead for leniency. If you trust me, I will ensure a proper arrangement for you and your clan."

"But if you persist in your actions, you will only compound the errors, leaving both sides with no way out. The conflict will escalate, the situation will spiral out of control, and ultimately, the Ning Clan will plunge into ruin."

Hearing this, Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but give Lin Shanshan a deep, appraising look.

He clapped his hands in admiration. "Miss Lin, you truly live up to being the young mistress of the Ten-Thousand Medicines Sect. I see your mettle now."

"However, Miss Lin seems to have misjudged the current situation."

"I am only asking for your help to persuade your father to stay calm and not make a mistake he will regret for the rest of his life."

"You must understand that the foundation of the Ten-Thousand Medicines Sect, which he built and managed for centuries, was not easy to establish. To lose it over this would be a great pity."

Lin Shanshan raised her eyebrows, about to speak.

But Xiao Ju interjected, "How nicely put! Since the sect leader has already subdued your clan’s ancestor, naturally that Nascent Soul-level demon ape is also under control and can’t cause any trouble."

"Yet here you are, trying to scare us with alarmist talk?"

"Hmph, miss, don’t listen to him. He’s just bluffing!"

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. "It seems Xiao Ju misunderstands me. The situation is not in your sect leader’s hands. Just wait and see—our reinforcements are almost here."

Seeing Ning Zhuo’s confident, strategic demeanor, Lin Shanshan felt a slight tremor in her heart and asked, "Who is it?"

Outside the Ten-Thousand Medicines Valley, Zhu Xuanji rubbed his forehead and sighed. "Ah, as expected, the mountain-protecting formation has been activated. Such a grand display—could it truly be as Ning Zhuo stated in his letter?"

(End of )