“Why would Sect Master Lin say such a thing?” Ning Jiufan was utterly confused.

Just a moment ago, Lin Bufan had been earnestly treating Granny Yuan. The two sides had exchanged a few words from time to time, and the atmosphere had been very harmonious.

But all of a sudden!

Lin Bufan’s expression changed. He turned stern toward Ning Jiufan, his tone gloomy, carrying an air of accusation.

What exactly had happened?

Lin Bufan fixed his gaze on Ning Jiufan’s expression, then clapped his hands and sighed: “Impressive, truly impressive.”

“Ning Daoist Friend, this performance of yours truly leaves me in awe.”

“To think that I, Lin Bufan, have cultivated for several centuries, yet never once have I seen someone act with such naturalness, without a single flaw.”

“Unfortunately, your plan to scheme for the ‘Radiant Reflection Wall’ has already been exposed by me.”

“Give up on your false hopes. That genius of your clan, Ning Zhuo, even with a Nascent Soul–grade Puppet Dragon by his side, still met defeat beneath the Formation within a Formation.”

Ning Jiufan: “Hah?”

“Wait, wait a moment!”

“What is this ‘Radiant Reflection Wall’? Ning Zhuo? What trouble has that brat stirred up again?”

“Sect Master Lin, the cooperation between my clan and your sect is utterly sincere. Even if I had any plot, why would I hand over our sole Nascent Soul–level battle strength to you?”

Ning Jiufan spread out his hands: “Look, I could have simply concealed Granny Yuan’s injuries. Why would I go out of my way to expose them?”

Lin Bufan: ……

He fell silent for a moment, the corner of his eye twitching, before he gave Ning Jiufan another close look up and down. “You truly know nothing?”

Ning Jiufan shook his head, looking aggrieved. “This junior truly has no idea what has happened.”

Lin Bufan could not help but point at Ning Jiufan’s nose: “You, as the Ning Family’s only Golden Core cultivator, know nothing at all?!”

The corner of Ning Jiufan’s eye also twitched. He complained: “Sect Master Lin, you don’t know—Ning Zhuo, that brat, is exceptionally cunning. This must be his doing again, right? I knew it! The moment he called me over here, it was surely because he had some scheme in mind!”

“Alas, he is still young, only sixteen.”

“To be frank, I too am deeply troubled. He is too young and acts far too recklessly. If he has offended your esteemed sect in any way, as his elder, I will shoulder the blame and apologize.”

“Sect Master Lin, the relationship between our two sides has a long history and has always been good. My Ning Family has no intention of being hostile to your sect. I ask the Sect Master to see this clearly!”

Lin Bufan snorted coldly: “Things have come to this point, what use is there in saying more?”

“Ning Jiufan, surrender yourself!”

Upon hearing this, Ning Jiufan frowned, his fists clenched, his aura abruptly rising.

Yet in the next instant, a Nascent Soul–level pressure burst forth from Lin Bufan’s body, suppressing him completely.

Ning Jiufan gritted his teeth: “For Sect Master Lin to demand that I, a man of the North, surrender without a fight? That is far too humiliating!”

Lin Bufan wanted to speak, but Ning Jiufan immediately raised his hand to cut him off, continuing: “The Ning Clan and your sect have been on good terms. If an alliance is forged today, it can last for generations. How can such a bond be broken over a momentary misunderstanding, turning our two houses against each other?”

“I greatly wish to fight with all my might, to live up to the name of valor. Yet as the Ning Family’s only Golden Core, I cannot act willfully!”

“The younger generation, Ning Zhuo, is youthful and unruly, with reckless blood. Now that trouble has arisen, if I stir up further conflict, would that not make matters worse?”

“Alas, fate is unyielding, destiny ever so harsh. To have arrived at such a plight today fills my heart with grief and indignation. Yet I know well that unless I submit, there can be no resolution.”

“Enough, enough. Though I, Ning Jiufan, have the will to fight to the death, for the sake of my clan, for the greater good, and for the bond with Granny Yuan, I must submit for now and put this matter to rest. I only hope that Sect Master Lin, for the sake of our past friendship, will forgive the Ning Family and not betray the goodwill of former days.”

Lin Bufan: ……

The corners of his eyes twitched a few times before he finally struck out, restraining Ning Jiufan.

As expected, Ning Jiufan did not resist, allowing himself to be captured.

Lin Bufan took a deep breath, his mood improving slightly: “At least you know the time and circumstance. The fault lies only in your Ning Zhuo—he was too clever, and discovered my secret.”

“If you cooperate and deliver Ning Zhuo into my hands, then perhaps today’s matter can be settled with some leniency.”

Ning Jiufan hurriedly nodded: “I also feel this is mostly a misunderstanding. I shall immediately send a Message Bird to summon that brat, Ning Zhuo, over here.”

“In addition, I beg Sect Master Lin, if you should ever wish to strike against me or the Ning Clan, please think thrice before acting.”

“Though the Ning Family migrated from the North, we have already established ourselves firmly in Huoshi Immortal City. This year we even branched out, expanding in scale, and in secret, pledged allegiance to the imperial Zhu Family.”

“To speak plainly, I hold an official post and have sworn a secret pact with the Zhu Family of the royal house. If Sect Master Lin permits, I can present the corresponding official seal and documents to prove it.”

Lin Bufan’s brows immediately rose, his voice filled with surprise: “You are also… an official?”

As a Nascent Soul expert, and here within the stronghold he had cultivated for many years, Lin Bufan naturally feared no mere Golden Core.

Thus, he agreed to Ning Jiufan’s request.

Under his watch, Ning Jiufan brought out his official seal and related documents, handing them to Lin Bufan for inspection.

Lin Bufan: ……

Looking at the seal and the papers in his hand, the corners of his eyes twitched once again.

The disciples he had dispatched to scout and gather intelligence could not possibly uncover the true political alignments within Huoshi Immortal City in such a short time.

Now, upon seeing these seals and documents, he instantly understood—the Ning Family’s ties with the royal house ran this deep. Clearly, the political undercurrents of Huoshi Immortal City were treacherous and unfathomable!

To strike against Ning Jiufan was to strike against an official of the Southern Dou royal court.

And the key point was—that official was closely tied to the Zhu Family!

Lin Bufan began to feel a headache.

Meanwhile.

Within the Wanli Dragon, Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong gazed in silence at the massive fog-light formation that enveloped four mountains and a valley.

After a long while, Sun Lingtong sighed: “Lin Bufan directly activated the sect’s grand formation—it seems he intends to trap us like turtles in a jar.”

Ning Zhuo gave a slight nod, his expression solemn: “That matches my expectations. Whatever lies within the Ten Thousand Demons Cave, for it to benefit Linghu Jiu and myself so greatly, it must surely be of immense value.”

“Lin Bufan has schemed for many years, and though a Nascent Soul cultivator, he still personally took on the position of Sect Master, ruling over the Myriad Medicines Sect for so long. This proves his nature is inclined toward seizing control of all matters.”

“Hence, it is no surprise he acts this way.”

Sun Lingtong asked again: “And how fares the Golden Core ancestor of your clan?”

Through the Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread, Ning Zhuo had long since sensed Ning Jiufan. At once, his expression grew a little strange: “He is still alive.”

Sun Lingtong was overjoyed: “That proves Lin Bufan still wavers in his decision.”

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly: “After all, if he killed the Golden Core ancestor of my clan, the reputation of the Myriad Medicines Sect would suffer a tremendous loss. Who would still dare to come here as a guest? Let alone conduct business in herbs?”

“This foundation is the fruit of Lin Bufan’s management over many years. Unless he wishes to seize everything within the Ten Thousand Demons Cave and become a demon cultivator, abandoning this vast enterprise, he would not dare.”

“The problem is, the very fact that I could receive the guidance of the Five Elements Divine Lord proves he cannot yet claim the entirety of the Ten Thousand Demons Cave’s inheritance.”

“Moreover, my clan’s Golden Core ancestor holds an official post. If Lin Bufan were to kill him, he would be cutting himself off from the righteous path.”

Sun Lingtong nodded repeatedly: “So, what you mean is we don’t need to battle Lin Bufan here? We still have room to negotiate?”

Ning Zhuo’s expression turned solemn: “Lin Bufan is a Nascent Soul after all. And this is his territory, with the grand sect formation entirely under his control. He has been cultivating this place for so many years!”

“To fight here is to have no chance of victory.”

“Besides, if it truly came to that step, it would mean the situation had already deteriorated completely.”

“We must lend him a hand.”

Sun Lingtong: “Ah? Now is hardly the time to rescue your clan’s Golden Core ancestor. He must be under Lin Bufan’s constant watch!”

Ning Zhuo smiled at Sun Lingtong: “No, no, elder brother, you misunderstand my meaning.”

“My ancestor needs no help.”

“He is now a hostage—that role is extremely important.”

“What we must help is Lin Bufan.”

Sun Lingtong’s eyes widened in shock: “Ah?”

“Why did the Sect Master suddenly activate the entire grand mountain formation?” Some Golden Core–level sect elders arrived together.

Lin Bufan naturally would not reveal the matter. He had no need to explain, merely wore a smile with a hard attitude: “You all need only obey orders.”

At his continuous commands, the whole Myriad Medicines Sect began to move. Countless cultivators started to search the valleys for Ning Zhuo.

All manner of magical tools, treasures, talismans and the like were employed one after another, swearing they would find Ning Zhuo, refusing to give up.

Ning Jiufan’s Message Bird stopped before the Cave Residence at Lesser Strife Peak, entering without a door.

But Ning Zhuo’s Message Bird flew directly before Lin Bufan.

“Your brat is truly audacious beyond measure!” Lin Bufan opened the letter, his face instantly darkening, his gaze like blades cutting toward Ning Jiufan.

Ning Jiufan wore a bitter expression. He was already fully restrained by Lin Bufan, his storage belt and such all confiscated.

Lin Bufan handed him the letter to read.

After seeing it, Ning Jiufan’s face grew even more bitter.

In the letter, Ning Zhuo declared that he had buried countless Fire Essences beneath the Ten Thousand Demons Cave. With but a single thought, he could trigger a massive explosion.

Moreover, in hidden corners throughout the Myriad Medicines Valley, he had set up a great number of mechanisms. With a mere lift of his finger, he could control them to release news of the Ten Thousand Demons Cave’s inheritance, making it known to all under heaven.

Thus, Ning Zhuo threatened Lin Bufan to release Ning Jiufan at once!

“Ning Zhuo is muddleheaded.”

“Man is the knife, I am the fish. I am now in Lin Bufan’s hands. He, a dignified Nascent Soul cultivator, has countless means to place me under restriction!”

“He should have taken the Wanli Dragon and quickly left this place of right and wrong, then reported to the Zhu Family to bring reinforcements—that would be the proper path.”

So Ning Jiufan cried inwardly, while on the surface he harshly rebuked Ning Zhuo, taking the initiative to request writing another Message Bird, to persuade him to surrender.

Had Lin Bufan been able to locate Ning Zhuo, he would not have needed to activate the grand formation.

Though he acted strong, in truth the situation was rather awkward for him.

Before Ning Jiufan’s letter could be sent, a second letter from Ning Zhuo already arrived.

This time, upon reading it, Lin Bufan was filled with rage!

“Arrogant wretch! Outrageous beyond measure!!” Lin Bufan slapped the table, leaping to his feet, his face full of fury, his hair nearly bristling from anger.

Ning Jiufan’s heart gave a jolt at the sight, and he quickly cursed Ning Zhuo loudly while subtly probing to learn what exactly Ning Zhuo had done to provoke such wrath and misunderstanding.

“Misunderstanding?!” Lin Bufan roared. “Your Ning Zhuo has kidnapped my daughter, and you call that a misunderstanding?!”

“Damn!”

“Ning Zhuo, you little thief, unfilial cur!”

“If my daughter suffers the slightest mishap, I, Lin Bufan, swear I will slaughter your entire Ning Clan!!”

In truth, before issuing the order to search the mountains, Lin Bufan had already secretly ordered Lin Shanshan to be relocated.

Unfortunately, Lin Shanshan had long since been bound by Ning Zhuo’s Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread. No matter which secret chamber she hid in, it was all clear as day to him.

Of course, secret chambers had their own defensive formations and concealment arrays. Yet those defenses still could not withstand the power of a Divine Ability.

Thus Ning Zhuo piloted the Wanli Dragon, piercing through the void, directly entering the secret chamber.

Then he suddenly appeared, tapping repeatedly upon Lin Shanshan’s body, immobilizing her.

When Xiao Ju reacted, she too was subdued.

Ning Zhuo carried the mistress and servant into the Puppet Dragon, then swiftly departed.

Lin Shanshan and Xiao Ju were locked inside the puppet’s cabin.

Lin Shanshan’s face was cold: “Young Master Ning Zhuo, you have deceived Shanshan far too deeply. What martial art was that just now, that rendered me immobile in an instant?”

Of course, it was Life Hanging by a Thread!

But Ning Zhuo only gave a bitter smile, cupping his hands in apology: “It was merely a fingertip acupoint technique. I beg Miss Lin’s pardon.”

“This time, my action is not repaying kindness with enmity, but rather to aid Miss Lin, to aid your esteemed sect.”

Lin Shanshan’s gaze remained icy, but she still said: “Speak.”

Xiao Ju shrieked: “Miss, don’t listen to him! Sect Master suddenly activated the grand formation, launching a full-scale hunt for Ning Zhuo—it must be because he committed evil! Now he has kidnapped us, he is nothing but a great villain!”

Lin Shanshan inwardly cried in bitterness.

She was only pretending to comply. Without such a delay, how could she buy time for her father to come to her rescue?

Ning Zhuo sighed deeply: “Many thanks to Miss Lin for granting me a chance. Alas… there is reason behind all this. Please allow me to explain to you in detail.”

Ning Zhuo then recounted everything regarding the Ten Thousand Demons Cave, how he discovered the flaw in the counterfeit Deep Thought and Brewing Intent wine, then his joint exploration of the Formation within a Formation with Linghu Jiu.

Lin Shanshan and Xiao Ju were both struck speechless, falling into shock.

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands again, apologizing once more: “I never intended to oppose your sect.”

“I had never imagined events would reach such a situation.”

“But clearly, your sect master does not wish to let us go, desiring to guard this secret strictly.”

“I fully understand. After all, such an opportunity is anything but simple, its value extremely high!”

“I merely wish to save myself.”

“My clan’s Golden Core ancestor has already been confined by your sect master. I truly have no path left, so I could only come to Miss Lin for help.”

Lin Shanshan and Xiao Ju exchanged glances, both shaken and helpless before such a complex and awkward situation.

They understood Ning Zhuo.

Lin Shanshan’s expression softened: “Young Master Ning Zhuo, I ask you to recognize the situation clearly. Even with the Wanli Dragon, you cannot escape.”

“Even if you could escape, can a monk flee forever? Unless your clan once again migrates far away from Huoshi Immortal City!”

“Why not release me, and I will plead with my father on your behalf. If you can trust me, I will secure a proper arrangement for you and your clan.”

“But if you stubbornly persist, you will only compound your mistakes, forcing both sides into an irreconcilable conflict. The situation will spiral out of control, and in the end, your Ning Clan will plummet into the abyss.”

At these words, Ning Zhuo could not help but scrutinize Lin Shanshan deeply.

He clapped his hands and sighed: “Miss Lin truly lives up to being the young lady of the Myriad Medicines Sect. At this moment, I finally behold your bearing.”

“However, it seems Miss Lin has misjudged the current situation.”

“I merely ask that you help persuade your father to calm down, not to take a wrong step and commit a lifelong mistake beyond remedy.”

“You must know, the Myriad Medicines Sect’s foundation, built and managed over centuries, was no easy feat. For it to be lost now would be far too regrettable.”

Lin Shanshan raised her brows, about to speak.

But Xiao Ju had already cut in: “You speak so prettily! Since the Sect Master has already subdued your clan’s Golden Core ancestor, naturally that Nascent Soul–level Demon Ape has also been suppressed, incapable of causing waves.”

“Yet here you are, making dire threats, still trying to deceive us?”

“Hmph, Miss, don’t believe him—he is just bluffing!”

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly: “It seems Xiao Ju has misunderstood me. But the situation is not truly in your sect master’s hands. Just wait—our aid is nearly here.”

Seeing Ning Zhuo’s face full of confidence, as though everything was within his grasp, Lin Shanshan’s heart gave a faint tremor. She asked: “Who is it?”

Outside the Myriad Medicines Valley, Zhu Xuanji rubbed his forehead, sighing: “Ah, so they really did activate the grand formation. Such a massive display—could it truly be as Ning Zhuo wrote in his letter?”