: Ning Zhuo, You Need to Step Up!

Panshi Cave Abode.

Yu Heye sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, quietly cultivating.

Suddenly, his skin shimmered with a five-colored halo, irregularly shifting between red, yellow, cyan, white, and black. His aura became extremely unstable, at times violent and at others feeble.

His brows furrowed tightly, sweat beaded all over his body, and he gritted his teeth, struggling to stabilize the chaotic spiritual power within him.

Finally, his persistence paid off.

With a muffled grunt, he spat out a small mouthful of blood, slowly opened his eyes, and exhaled a turbid breath.

After regulating his breathing for a while, someone reported from outside the door, "Master, the matter is settled. That newcomer has chosen the twelve mid-grade spirit stones and, under my supervision, immediately vacated the Shiquan Cave Abode."

"Hmm." Yu Heye forced himself to sound energetic and gave a slight nod. "The Feiyun Assembly is approaching; similar situations might occur again. You're in charge of this. Don't let any unnecessary idle people rent cave abodes here. I need peace and quiet!"

"Understood, Master." The footsteps of the Foundation Establishment cultivator departing echoed from outside.

Only then did Yu Heye let out a deep sigh, his entire demeanor becoming utterly exhausted.

As for who the newcomer he had ordered to be expelled was, he couldn't care less.

Anyone who came here to rent a cave abode obviously had no connections within the Wanxiang Sect. And what capability could a mere Foundation Establishment youth possibly have?

Of course, there were many Foundation Establishment prodigies capable of challenging Golden Core cultivators across realms. But was he likely to encounter such a prodigy?

The possibility was far too low.

Moreover, would a true prodigy so easily bend for just twelve mid-grade spirit stones?

For the vast majority of cultivators, relocating to earn a sum of money was a welcome opportunity.

Yu Heye quickly put this trivial matter out of his mind.

Drunken Immortal Residence.

Top-floor private room.

The round table, crafted from Thousand-Year Koi Wood, had a mirror-like finish and faintly emitted a calming woody fragrance.

Shen Xi sat at the head of the table, his slender fingers unconsciously tracing the smooth rim of a warm jade cup. His cousin, Su Lingkou, was gazing out the window, her lively eyes captivated by a large group of racing flying shuttles.

It was nighttime. These shuttles, carrying cultivators, each emitted colorful, brilliant lights as they swiftly weaved around mountain peaks, exceptionally nimble.

Opposite them sat a young cultivator.

He wore a deep cyan robe edged with gold thread. His facial features were sharp, his eyes calm and profound, like an ancient, dense forest valley.

His surname was Lin, given name Jinglong.

He glanced outside and said with a smile, "I remember Brother Situ, in his early years, also loved such competitions. Every time, his flying shuttle would lead the pack, like a meteor streaking across the night sky."

Shen Xi was also drawn into reminiscence. "By the timeline, Brother Situ should be arriving soon."

"When I was in Jiugong Immortal City, I corresponded via flying message with Brother Situ about joining forces. Coincidentally, you were in closed-door cultivation, so now we can discuss it first."

Lin Jinglong nodded. Before Shen Xi could continue, he preemptively replied, "This Feiyun Assembly is a gathering of talents. Every capable cultivator in Feiyun Country with ambition will gather here, striving for a chance to join the Wanxiang Sect in a high position."

"Although the three of us are exceptionally talented, outstanding among our peers, going it alone carries risks."

"Teaming up is inevitable!"

Shen Xi smiled; Lin Jinglong's response was within his expectations.

Su Lingkou withdrew her gaze and took the opportunity to compliment Lin Jinglong.

Lin Jinglong lifted his jade cup and took a small sip of spiritual tea. "However, to succeed, gathering momentum comes first. You, I, and Situ Xing can form the core. Besides that, we still need more support."

"After all, the tasks during the Feiyun Assembly are usually backlogged assignments from the Wanxiang Sect, incredibly varied. Uniting more talents increases the likelihood of solving the most tasks quickly."

"On my journey north, I brought twenty-eight followers, all reliable. Among them, three are at late Foundation Establishment, five at mid-stage, eight at early stage, and the rest are elite at the peak of Qi Refining."

Shen Xi leaned back in his chair and looked at Su Lingkou beside him. "Lingkou is my close relative and wishes to stay by my side. I haven't brought anyone else."

Lin Jinglong: "Every family has its own difficulties. The Shen family indeed needs to fully secure Jiugong Immortal City."

Shen Xi lightly tapped his finger on the smooth table surface. "However, I've taken note of a potential talent. This person is named Ning Zhuo..."

Just then, the door to the private room slid open silently, and a young man with an aloof demeanor strode in.

His silver hair cascaded like a waterfall, his deep blue robe shimmered with starlight, his nose was high-bridged, and his eyes were slender. "Brother Shen, Brother Lin, apologies for the wait."

Shen Xi nodded, his smile full. "It's good that Brother Situ has arrived."

After Situ Xing sat down: "Just outside the door, I overheard Brother Shen mentioning Ning Zhuo?"

"Ever since you messaged me about favoring this person and wanting to invite him to join us, I sent people to investigate him."

"Just this evening, shortly after he rented a cave abode, he was driven out."

"Oh?" A flicker of surprise passed through Shen Xi's eyes.

Situ Xing said, "The Golden Core cultivator Yu Heye from Panshi Cave Abode started building his team years ago, aiming to make a big splash in this Feiyun Assembly."

"He's driven out many cultivators renting cave abodes near his. Ning Zhuo is the latest case."

"Yu Heye sent someone who gave Ning Zhuo ten mid-grade spirit stones, and he obediently moved out."

"With such a temperament, how can he join our ranks?"

Lin Jinglong remained silent, looking at Shen Xi.

Shen Xi frowned slightly; this news was unexpected, and he couldn't help but fall into thought.

Su Lingkou quickly shook a magical bell,适时 urging, "Proprietor, serve the dishes."

Several attendants immediately filed in, breaking the awkward atmosphere as they presented a series of exquisite delicacies to the table.

There was Golden Feather Sparrow Tongue Soup.

In fine white porcelain bowls, the broth was clear and golden, like melted sunlight, with sparrow tongues as tender as jade floating within. Just the aroma made one feel their spiritual power begin to stir and grow.

There was Icesoul Silver-Scale Fish.

A rare spiritual fish from the depths of a ten-thousand-zhang cold abyss, its body covered in dazzling silver scales, instantly frozen at its peak freshness by top-tier ice-element spells.

The fish lay on a bed of century-old mysterious ice, the slices thin as cicada wings, crystalline and translucent. Amidst the swirling cold air, ice crystals seemed to flow within the fish's texture.

And there was Colorful Aura Treasure Rice.

The spiritual rice itself came in three colors—Crimson Cloud Rice, Black Jade Japonica, and Green Cloud Grain—each grain plump like a precious pearl. Steamed in a special spiritual cauldron using water from dozens of spiritual springs and steam from high-grade spirit stones. The rice grains were distinct in color, enveloped in a tangible, colorful mist of spiritual energy.

Lin Jinglong savored the Colorful Aura Treasure Rice carefully. The spiritual energy from the food was温和 yet vast, flowing continuously. After a moment, he sighed with genuine feeling, "Truly worthy of the Drunken Immortal Residence. Spirit food of this standard can only be afforded by top-tier great sects."

Su Lingkou, meanwhile, praised the Golden Feather Sparrow Tongue Soup endlessly. "It melts in the mouth, thoughts turn to birds, spiritual sense sharpens like lightning—utterly marvelous."

Situ Xing ate the most Icesoul fish slices. Each slice, once placed in the mouth, released an extreme freshness and icy cold that burst on the tongue, offering a chilling, refreshing sensation while simultaneously enhancing one's soul foundation.

"Icesoul Silver Fish, cold yet harmless. This single dish of spirit food has increased my human soul by fifteen years!"

Situ Xing looked at Shen Xi. "This time, Brother Shen, you've really splurged. Haha."

Shen Xi smiled, exchanged a few polite words first, then brought up Ning Zhuo again, expressing that he still thought highly of this person and suspected there might be hidden circumstances.

Situ Xing sneered. "Brother Shen, you know my nature. I, Situ Xing, despise foolishness the most and look down on the weak who lack self-awareness."

"I attracted Qi at seven, stars spontaneously surged as I breathed. At nine, I broke through to the third layer of Qi Refining—while mediocrities were still identifying meridians."

"Cultivating the top-tier功法 'Divine Sea Star Sword Guidance,' it took only one hundred and forty days to forge my Foundation Establishment."

"I observed stellar tracks by night, refined my essence by day. By sixteen, my spirit and energy merged, the treasure elixir in my middle dantian sprouting like a galaxy erupting!"

"At twenty-one, my Divine Sea spontaneously generated the Divine Intent Star-Guiding Talisman. Now at twenty-eight, I have formed a Virtual Core."

Situ Xing's gaze swept over Su Lingkou, paused on the faces of Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong. "Only the strong are worthy of standing by my side! Only the elite are fit to travel with me. Those with questionable temperaments, those not fit for the stage, mere small fry—don't come trying to attach themselves randomly, lest they provoke my disgust."

Shen Xi remained silent; the atmosphere grew awkward again.

This time, even Su Lingkou felt Situ Xing's disdain and couldn't help feeling somewhat angry.

Seeing this, Lin Jinglong gave a wry smile and interjected, "What Brother Situ says isn't wrong; Ning Zhuo's retreat does show weakness. However, this Yu Heye... is no ordinary Golden Core."

"He's at late Golden Core stage, primarily cultivates the 'Reverse Five Elements Demon Art,' and his combat prowess is outstanding. At one point, he was publicly recognized as the cultivator most likely to obtain a true传 identity within the sect."

"Now, his lifespan is nearing its end. He's been accumulating strength for a long time, waiting for this Feiyun Assembly to seize the last opportunity of his life."

"Ning Zhuo is merely at Foundation Establishment. Facing such a seasoned old monster, and with the other party using pressure and spirit stones, not a life-or-death struggle, choosing to temporarily avoid the锋芒... is also within reason."

Situ Xing snorted coldly. "So what if he's Golden Core? So what about the 'Reverse Five Elements Demon Art'? If he dares to seize forcefully, I dare to draw my sword! Even if I can't defeat him, I'd still test the mettle of this Golden Core cultivator! Let him know that Foundation Establishment cultivators aren't to be trampled at will!"

"Without even that much courage and mettle, how can he compete in a battleground like the Feiyun Assembly? How is he worth your special regard, Brother Shen? How is he fit to be our companion?"

Shen Xi shook his head. "Brother Situ is as heroic and sharp as ever. But pardon my bluntness, at the Foundation Establishment level, how many can face a late Golden Core cultivator head-on?"

"Those who can do so, like the three of us, which one isn't favored by heaven and earth, one in ten thousand?"

Lin Jinglong nodded. "Jiugong Immortal City ranks among the top five major cities in Feiyun Country, but in the past sixty years, only Brother Shen Xi here has emerged as a genius capable of fighting a Golden Core cultivator head-on at the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Cultivators like us are truly as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns."

Situ Xing snorted coldly and refrained from further rebuttal. "Suit yourselves. But if it were someone I favored, there would absolutely be no such cowardly behavior!"

"And one more thing."

"The three of us are joining forces, but we still need to determine ranks and order."

"In my opinion, after this meal, let's go to the training hall tonight and have a proper competition!"

Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong's attention was immediately captured.

Both had long been harboring fighting spirit.

The trio competed until dawn the next day.

As they parted, Lin Jinglong advised, "According to the customary rules of the Wanxiang Sect, besides recruiting followers, the three of us joining forces must also establish a mountain stronghold, encompassing all the cave abodes on one peak."

"Only by demonstrating such strength can we make others consider joining us."

"That Yu Heye is doing exactly that."

Situ Xing nodded. "I'll go scout for a suitable peak immediately and contact you via flying message promptly."

Having taken first place in the competition, he was brimming with confidence. His sword light, like starlight, pierced the sky as he departed in an instant.

Lin Jinglong and Shen Xi cupped their hands in farewell.

Su Lingkou linked arms with her cousin, somewhat indignantly saying, "Clearly, cousin, you let him win. Does Situ Xing really think he got first place? Hmph!"

Shen Xi shook his head. "His frontal combat power is indeed outstanding. For me to fully exert my strength, I must set up formations in advance."

"Losing to him was also part of my plan."

"I intend to借用 his sharp sword to clear obstacles and ride the waves."

"Not just me, Lin Jinglong has the same intention. I could sense he held back too."

Su Lingkou's eyes immediately brightened. "So, you and Lin Jinglong tying was also deliberate?"

Shen Xi frowned slightly, sighed, and admitted, "Neither of us wanted the leader position, but both were interested in second place."

"After competing, we both realized we'd have to reveal more trump cards to secure victory. But that would have been excessive."

"So, Brother Lin and I simultaneously withdrew, by unspoken agreement."

Just then, a flying message drifted down and landed in Shen Xi's hand.

Shen Xi unfolded and read it, then smiled slightly and handed it to Su Lingkou. "Let's go, let's go meet Fellow Cultivator Ning Zhuo."

Su Lingkou saw that the message only mentioned Ning Zhuo's current location and asked, puzzled, "Cousin, why still meet this outsider? Situ Xing has already clearly expressed his dissatisfaction with Ning Zhuo. Why strain relations with Situ Xing just to recruit an outsider?"

"After all, he's our leader now."

Shen Xi: "I don't believe Ning Zhuo is someone who retreats easily."

"And do you think Situ Xing贬斥 Ning Zhuo right upon meeting was solely because he detests Ning Zhuo's retreat?"

Su Lingkou: "Huh?"

Shen Xi's gaze grew profound. "He was using the pretext of criticizing Ning Zhuo to undermine my authority. After all, in our last confrontation, he failed to break through my siege formation within the agreed time."

"If I easily give up on Ning Zhuo now, this point might become a reason for him to suppress me within this temporary alliance in the future."

Su Lingkou gasped again, feeling somewhat anxious. "Then what should we do?"

Shen Xi showed a faint smile. "Let's go. Perhaps we can offer our friend a little help."

Enlightened by Shen Xi's explanation, Su Lingkou now understood the current situation.

Where there are people, there is rivalry.

Even alliances among friends have hierarchy. Moreover, the relationship between Shen, Lin, and Situ was fundamentally based more on competition than friendship.

Ning Zhuo had already become a key point in the power struggle between Situ Xing and Shen Xi.

Su Lingkou worriedly said, "Sigh, I hope Ning Zhuo can step up."

(End of )