: How Many Golden Cores Does Ning Zhuo Have?

Su Lingkou didn't understand and was deeply puzzled in her heart: "The competition between my cousin and Lin Jinglong for the second seat was supposed to be a very serious matter, and both sides were taking it seriously."

"How did it turn into deciding the outcome by rock-paper-scissors once Ning Zhuo got involved? How could it become so childish?"

Why did Shen Xi agree?

Because at that moment, he suddenly realized—the situation had completely changed!

He originally thought that Ning Zhuo had formed an alliance with him, mutually assisting each other, and that at least this time, Ning Zhuo would be one of his key supporters. But Ning Zhuo's actions never followed the plan he had anticipated.

Ning Zhuo went directly to find Lin Jinglong, successfully hosted a banquet, and judging by the atmosphere, they might have already reached a private agreement!

In such a situation, if he continued to insist on his stance and express his desire for the second seat, he might provoke a joint attack from Ning Zhuo and Lin Jinglong.

So, he went along with it, taking a step back to leave himself some room to maneuver.

There was no need to fight head-on!

Even if he lost the second seat, it would only mean some losses, far from being a devastating blow.

Ning Zhuo didn't just casually call out; he stood up and actively welcomed Shen Xi and Su Lingkou.

Seeing his actions, Yu Heye quickly stood up as well.

Lin Jinglong, coming from a prominent family, had his own dignity and stood up almost simultaneously with Ning Zhuo.

But Yu Heye's reaction still made Lin Jinglong's heart tremble slightly, secretly raising his estimation of Ning Zhuo another notch.

Ning Zhuo arranged for Shen Xi and Su Lingkou to sit to the left of Yu Heye.

This seating arrangement was quite interesting.

Yu Heye took the host's seat, with Shen Xi to his left and Lin Jinglong to his right. Next to Shen Xi was Su Lingkou, and next to Lin Jinglong was Ning Zhuo.

Just from the seating order, Ning Zhuo's status seemed comparable to Su Lingkou's.

As for Gongsun Yan, he stood behind Ning Zhuo and Lin Jinglong, not taking a seat.

Yu Heye pointed to the delicacies on the table, introduced them briefly, and started the conversation.

Everyone followed this topic, first exchanging pleasantries, toasting a few rounds, and then moved on to the important matters.

When they heard Ning Zhuo clearly state his intentions, both Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong were surprised.

Su Lingkou felt she must have misheard and confirmed with Ning Zhuo again, "What? You're not participating in the rock-paper-scissors?"

Ning Zhuo smiled, "I was introduced by Brother Shen; how could I place myself above him? Just being able to participate is an honor for me."

Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong exchanged glances, both seeing doubt in each other's eyes.

They couldn't help but think the same question—if Ning Zhuo never coveted the second seat, why did he go to such lengths?

They had underestimated Ning Zhuo too much.

For Ning Zhuo, this was hardly going to great lengths. His true intentions might be hurtful if spoken aloud.

Ning Zhuo's initial plan was just to test the Five Elements Life-Death Fan.

He had learned about Gongsun Yan's situation from Shen Xi's message and decided on a whim to treat Gongsun Yan's ailment. Of course, there was an element of intimidation involved.

He just didn't expect Gongsun Yan to switch sides so quickly!

Since Ning Zhuo had already taken Gongsun Yan from under Lin Jinglong's nose, he had to follow through and test the combat effectiveness of the Five Elements Life-Death Fan on Lin Jinglong as well.

Lin Jinglong was naturally no match for Ning Zhuo.

To handle the aftermath, Ning Zhuo had to ask Yu Heye to step in again and host a banquet for both Lin Jinglong and Shen Xi. As for Su Lingkou, she was just an extra and not important.

Shen Xi stared at Ning Zhuo and quickly said, "Brother Ning, your profound understanding of the five elements and your extraordinary strength far surpass both of us. You truly deserve the second seat."

Ning Zhuo replied, "Ah, I merely relied on the advantage of my magical tool. Besides, my match with Fellow Daoist Lin was just a sparring session, not a life-and-death battle. So, Fellow Daoist Lin must have treasures and trump cards he hasn't used yet."

"If we were to fight seriously, the outcome would be hard to predict."

Lin Jinglong smiled slightly; Ning Zhuo's words were quite honest. He indeed hadn't used his trump cards.

However, Ning Zhuo not competing for the second seat truly puzzled him.

He still wanted to probe Ning Zhuo's true intentions, so he said, "Fellow Daoist Ning, you are too modest. Just this Ghost Path Golden Core alone is enough to secure you the second seat. Such a grand gesture is something I couldn't manage."

As he spoke, Lin Jinglong took out the Ghost Path Golden Core and showed it to everyone.

Shen Xi was puzzled, while Su Lingkou directly asked, "Was the golden core in Young Master Lin's hand also gifted by Young Master Ning?"

Lin Jinglong nodded slightly.

Yu Heye couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

Among those present, his cultivation was the highest—he was a Golden Core cultivator. But upon learning that Ning Zhuo had given away a second golden core to someone else, his psychological advantage from his cultivation level vanished completely.

Su Lingkou frowned, thinking: My cousin obtained the Ghost Path Golden Core but had to give up his beloved Array Path treasure, the Gap-Traveling Shuttle. What did Lin Jinglong give up in return?

In fact, Shen Xi and Yu Heye had the same question.

Lin Jinglong then explained that Ning Zhuo had given him the Ghost Path Golden Core to help Gongsun Yan break free from his contract with the Lin family.

This answer was truly unexpected.

The eyes of Yu Heye, Shen Xi, and Su Lingkou all turned to Gongsun Yan.

Gongsun Yan nodded, "Being able to follow Young Master Ning is an honor for me. I also troubled the young master to cover the cost for me..."

"Ah," Ning Zhuo interrupted, "Having Fellow Daoist Gongsun Yan's assistance is the real honor for me. This isn't covering a cost; it's a response to that honor and a thanks to the Lin family for helping Fellow Daoist Gongsun alleviate his innate flaw. That I can form a connection with Fellow Daoist Gongsun is thanks to the Lin family and Fellow Daoist Lin Jinglong's generosity."

His words were very diplomatic, but Shen Xi was shrewd.

He was inwardly shocked, never expecting that Ning Zhuo had directly taken Lin Jinglong's most valuable subordinate!

"Lin Jinglong isn't even angry?!" Shen Xi looked at Lin Jinglong.

Lin Jinglong noticed the gaze and gave Shen Xi a bitter smile.

Shen Xi was shocked again, suddenly realizing: "Gongsun Yan is one of Lin Jinglong's most valuable subordinates. For him to switch allegiance, Lin Jinglong would never let it go easily. But his current attitude suggests that Ning Zhuo has further means to pressure or intimidate him."

"Ning Zhuo may have given a Ghost Path Golden Core, but Lin Jinglong wouldn't act this way just because of one golden core!"

"The question is, was Lin Jinglong intimidated by an elder or powerful figure behind Ning Zhuo, or was he beaten up by Ning Zhuo himself?"

Ning Zhuo quickly waved his hand, his attitude very humble, "Fellow Daoist Lin was generous, allowing Fellow Daoist Gongsun and me to form a connection. We shouldn't be ungrateful and let this matter escalate, giving others a reason to look down on Fellow Daoist Lin and the Lin family."

"So, I urge everyone not to spread this and to keep it confidential."

These words made Lin Jinglong feel much better toward him.

Shen Xi sighed and agreed verbally, "Of course."

Su Lingkou's emotions were complicated.

She instinctively glanced at Gongsun Yan. They had fought to a draw the day before, though she was actually at a disadvantage. The power of the Heart Fire had left her unsettled even after the fact.

She never thought that in just one day, Gongsun Yan would become Ning Zhuo's subordinate.

"How did he manage to do it?"

"What price did Ning Zhuo offer?"

Su Lingkou shifted her gaze to Ning Zhuo. At that moment, she suddenly realized: Ning Zhuo was not on the same level as her or Gongsun Yan. Ning Zhuo should be on par with her cousin.

"What price did Ning Zhuo offer?"

This question also lingered in Lin Jinglong's mind.

Lin Jinglong secretly observed Gongsun Yan and was surprised to find that he seemed revitalized, with a newfound confidence.

Lin Jinglong thought back to his fight with Ning Zhuo and speculated, "That fan of Ning Zhuo's is his life-bound magical tool, so its power is immense. He only showed one defensive treasure earlier; he must have other trump cards hidden."

"He definitely cultivates a Five Elements-type technique. Perhaps another one of his treasures is also of the Five Elements type, specifically capable of resolving the drawbacks of the Molten Heart innate talent."

"That must be what attracted Gongsun Yan to switch sides!"

"As for treasures... I have them too—three, in fact!"

"I just didn't use any during our earlier sparring because it wasn't necessary."

Although Lin Jinglong had "tied" with Ning Zhuo, he didn't truly believe he would lose. His upbringing in a large family taught him to know when to stop, so he didn't push for a decisive fight.

"As for the golden core... Ning Zhuo has produced two in a row, undoubtedly showcasing his resources."

"Given this pattern, he probably has more."

"But not many!"

"This is a golden core! He can't possibly have a dozen or so. Hahaha."

Lin Jinglong continuously pondered Ning Zhuo's strength.

Perhaps because he was distracted by these thoughts, he lost the subsequent rock-paper-scissors game to Shen Xi.

Thus, Shen Xi secured the second seat, while Lin Jinglong took the third. As for Ning Zhuo, he clearly stated that he would not participate in the ranking for the time being.

"As long as I can exchange ideas with everyone and learn and progress together, I am satisfied!" Ning Zhuo's attitude was quite humble.

It really wasn't necessary.

What he needed to do now was wait for his identity to be revealed. Before that, he wanted to learn as much as possible about the surrounding situation and find the best entry point for himself.

The banquet ended, and after parting ways with the others, Ning Zhuo, with a thoughtful expression, rode his cloud back to his cave dwelling.

Chef Lao was guarding the cave dwelling, while Qing Chi came to greet Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo asked her a few concerned questions, inquiring about her cultivation progress.

Although Qing Chi had lost her memories, her cultivation base remained. She had already built her foundation, and switching techniques would come at a great cost. So, she continued to practice her original technique.

"Young master, everything is going smoothly!" Qing Chi indicated there were no issues.

This was to be expected.

Even though Qing Chi had lost her memories, her body had practiced the technique countless times, retaining something like muscle memory. Moreover, her ghost-human body had been transformed by the technique to better suit it during cultivation.

Therefore, Qing Chi had no trouble relearning the technique.

"This is Fellow Daoist Gongsun Yan. He is also willing to follow me in cultivation." Ning Zhuo introduced Gongsun Yan to the two of them.

Gongsun Yan followed behind Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong, glanced at Chef Lao and Qing Chi, cupped his hands in a slight bow, his attitude indifferent.

Chef Lao and Qing Chi were both at the Foundation Establishment stage. In Gongsun Yan's view, they were likely Ning Zhuo's attendants or subordinates, not as close as Sun Lingtong's status as a page. So, his attitude was merely polite.

If it were a human female cultivator, Gongsun Yan might have considered Qing Chi to be Ning Zhuo's personal maid and treated her with more respect.

But a ghost-human...

Gongsun Yan subconsciously regarded Qing Chi as an ordinary subordinate.

Ning Zhuo first settled Gongsun Yan in a residence, then entered the cultivation room to begin his practice.

The six stages of Foundation Establishment are: Unobstructed Field Opening, Treasure Medicine Generation, Dantian Radiance, Phenomenon Imprinting, Inner Golden Light, and Transforming Void into Reality.

Ning Zhuo's cultivation had advanced to the Phenomenon Imprinting stage, placing him in the mid-to-late stage of Foundation Establishment.

He had started rebuilding his foundation at sixteen, switching to the Three Ancestors Superior Method. Moreover, the Three Ancestors Superior Method involved cultivating three dantians simultaneously, which would normally make progress very slow.

But Ning Zhuo was now seventeen and had already reached the mid-to-late stage. The speed of his cultivation was simply astonishing!

Even more terrifying was that his main focus wasn't even on cultivation.

His most important goal was to save Meng Yaoyin. Leaving Fire Persimmon Immortal City was also for the purpose of travel and experience. Although he cultivated diligently, the time he truly devoted to cultivation was quite limited.

Ning Zhuo knew perfectly well that the reason for his terrifying cultivation efficiency lay entirely in external aids. For example, the Three Enclosures Treasure Exchange Talisman, vast amounts of spirit stones, and most crucially, the National Power Brick!

Cultivating with national power was incredibly effective, an almost euphoric sensation!

Ning Zhuo had been fortunate enough to experience it a few times. He still had National Power Bricks in his possession.

However, the Phenomenon Imprinting stage couldn't be rushed with brute force; it tested the cultivator's comprehension of the technique.

"My Sea of Spirit and Sea of Energy cultivation have reached the required levels, with the Spiritual Communication Art and the Five Elements Life-Death Art respectively. But my Sea of Essence's corresponding technique, the Demon Corruption Blood Sinew Art, still has a long way to go."

"Ah... I really am a righteous path person at heart, not suited for demonic techniques."

Ning Zhuo had already devised a plan to accelerate his comprehension of the Demon Corruption Blood Sinew Art.

He took out a flower bud—the restraint formed by the Red Flower Battle Formation's manifestation, imprisoning Lin You inside.

This person was the son of the Demonic Heart Cave Lord and cultivated the same technique as his father, which should be quite similar to the Demon Corruption Blood Sinew Art.

Ning Zhuo had originally planned to educate him in the righteous path, make him divulge his technique to help Ning Zhuo comprehend the demonic art, thus allowing him to atone for his crimes and contribute to the righteous path.

But Ning Zhuo hadn't expected the flower bud to persist even after passing through White Paper Immortal City.

"Such a long time has passed; could Lin You have starved to death?" A sense of foreboding rose in Ning Zhuo's heart.

But he was helpless against the red flower bud.

This was the power of military strategy. If it were a five elements spell, Ning Zhuo could handle it easily.

There was another such flower bud, imprisoning Wu Hen. Similarly, though the bud was extremely thin, its texture was tough, still firmly sealing the cultivator inside.

Ning Zhuo put away the flower bud and fell into deep thought.

He channeled his five elements magic power, then activated his innate spell, the Five Elements Life-Death Art, while secretly mobilizing the Wood Element Lung Temple.

A large amount of wood element magic power surged from his hand, swirling, growing, and constantly changing shape in his palm.

This continued for the time it takes half a cup of tea. Then, suddenly, amidst the ever-changing emerald-green magic power, a trace of electric light appeared!

(End of )