Immortal Creation.

Chapter 720 The Secret Meeting at Dragon Mountain

Nandou Kingdom.

The Myriad Medicines Sect.

"Father, you wanted to see me?" Lin Shanshan entered the study, somewhat resentful. "I've been busy preparing for war. If it wasn't something particularly important..."

After Ning Zhuo left, he left the Lingyin Willow at the Wanyao Sect and left Hua Guzi to take care of the willow tree.

The relationship between Lin Shanshan and Hua Guzi initially showed signs of rivalry, but then it took a sharp turn for the worse and deteriorated drastically.

The two began to clash in the martial arts arena, but as they fought, they unexpectedly developed a friendship.

The two women became friends, but regarded each other as rivals, their relationship a mix of love and hate.

Now, Lin Shanshan and Hua Guzi have both made rapid progress in their strength due to their rivalry, becoming the two most beautiful sights in the Wan Yao Sect's martial arts arena.

The two had roughly the same number of wins and losses, but last time, Lin Shanshan narrowly lost to Hua Guzi. Therefore, this time she was putting in all her effort and preparing for the battle, wanting to get her revenge.

As her father, Lin Bufan was naturally aware of this situation.

Lin Bufan was pleased with this development. After all, during the time the two women were competing, his beloved daughter had indeed been working hard and making rapid progress in her cultivation.

Lin Bufan handed a letter to Lin Shanshan, and with just one sentence, he swept away his beloved daughter's resentful look: "This is a letter from Ning Zhuo."

"Ah! Ning Zhuo finally wrote to me?!" Lin Shanshan was overjoyed.

Lin Bufan suppressed his displeasure, shook his head and sneered: "This is a letter written to me, but I'm too impatient to explain it. You can read it first."

Lin Shanshan immediately released her divine sense and scanned the letter several times.

Lin Shanshan's surprise faded, and although she was somewhat disappointed, her tone remained cheerful: "I didn't expect Ning Zhuo to have already arrived in Feiyun Kingdom."

"I wonder what strange customs and traditions are there there?"

"How can he have so many Golden Cores? And they're all from the Ghost Path?"

"This is a good thing, Father. There are many prescriptions that require Ghost Dao Golden Pills as ingredients."

Seeing his daughter speak well of Ning Zhuo, Lin Bufan grew increasingly displeased and shook his head again: "Many prescriptions? Can you list ten?"

Lin Shanshan rolled her eyes at Lin Bufan: "Dad, why are you taking this so seriously?"

"Ning Zhuo wants to retrieve the Lingyin Willow and also wants to trade with me for the Ghost Dao Golden Core. This is a great thing!"

"Even if the Ghostly Golden Core isn't a common medicinal material, such a precious material is rare. Even if we buy it first and then resell it, we can still make a profit."

Lin Bufan nodded slightly: "Your last sentence makes a lot of sense."

Lin Shanshan's face was full of smiles.

“The Lingyin Willow has recovered. Ning Zhuo must have an important purpose in wanting to use it.”

"We have to do it."

"If you ask me, why don't we form a caravan, bring some pills, spirit stones, and Spirit Hidden Willows, and head to Flying Cloud Kingdom immediately?"

“Father, the Spirit Hidden Willow is extremely rare and of great importance. It would be terrible if something were to happen to it during the long journey. I can set off and take good care of it along the way to make sure there are no problems.”

Lin Bufan stared at Lin Shanshan, his gaze seemingly piercing into the depths of her heart: "You want to see Ning Zhuo, don't you?"

Lin Shanshan blushed slightly, then argued firmly: "Ning Zhuo is my good friend, and even more so, our ally. Of course I miss my friend."

"I think my senior brother must want to as well."

"Father, don't you want to?"

Lin Bufan shook his head: "Can my thoughts be the same as yours?"

He frowned deeply: "Didn't I tell you? Ning Zhuo has already settled down and started a family in the two kingdoms. His wife is Mu Lan, the sole heir of General Mu's mansion!"

Lin Shanshan chuckled, "Father, you can fool me for a while and that's it. I've already found out the inside story of Thousand Peaks Forest. Ning Zhuo was just forced to marry Mu Lan by a twist of fate."

"They are fake, not real."

Lin Bufan tapped the table lightly with his knuckles: "If it's true, what should we do? I think the two of them are a perfect match, both talented and beautiful."

Lin Shanshan was quite displeased upon hearing this, and her face immediately darkened: "Father, you're bullying me! If Mother were here..."

Upon hearing the mention of her deceased mother, Lin Bufan's expression changed slightly, as if struck at a sore spot. He sighed bitterly, "Never mind, you surely know that your father is doing this for your own good."

“Sigh…Take this letter and go find Hua Gu Zi. Before Ning Zhuo left, he arranged for her to take care of Ling Yin Liu.”

"Okay." Lin Shanshan nodded, about to turn and leave, but stopped in her tracks. "Father, I want to join this caravan, you can't refuse me!"

Lin Bufan's heart skipped a beat, and he tentatively asked, "How about I leave the flower guzi behind and only let you join this caravan?"

Lin Shanshan was stunned for a moment, then gritted her teeth: "This...no! Xiaohua and I are very close, we agreed to compete fairly...let her go too!"

She gave a wry smile and then added, "If we're going to touch Lingyin Willow, we definitely can't hide it from her. Knowing her personality, if we really don't let her go, she's capable of betraying us."

Lin Bufan then smiled and waved to Lin Shanshan: "Why don't you discuss it with her first?"

"Forming a caravan is not so easy."

"Ning Zhuo mentioned in his letter that he was also using the Ghost Dao Golden Elixir to trade with Zhu Xuanji. I will write a letter first to inquire about Zhu Xuanji's arrangements."

The Wanyao Sect, the Nandou Zhu Family, and the Huoshi Ning Family have formed a secret alliance.

The caravan would have to traverse the two kingdoms of Liangzhu and Beifeng to reach Feiyun, a journey that would be far from peaceful and extremely difficult. While it wasn't impossible for the Wanyao Sect to accomplish this alone, the cost would be enormous.

Under these circumstances, Lin Bufan would naturally go to Zhu Xuanji to inquire and discuss whether there was a possibility of cooperation.

As a result, just after Sect Leader Lin finished writing his letter, he received a letter from Zhu Xuanji.

It turned out that Ning Zhuo's letter was sent through various post stations and eventually reached the Kingdom of Nandou.

Since the Kingdom of Nandou was controlled by the Zhu family, the number of letters sent was naturally limited.

Zhu Xuanji received Ning Zhuo's letter a full day earlier than Lin Bufan.

Lin Bufan opened the letter and understood Zhu Xuanji's intentions.

Zhu Xuanji agreed to the deal with Ning Zhuo and would travel with the caravan to Feiyun Kingdom, but he would not meet with Ning Zhuo himself. He simply asked Lin Bufan to arrange a suitable candidate.

Lin Bufan couldn't help but wonder: "Detective Zhu is the face of our royal family at the Golden Core level. Is there some important mission that requires him to personally take action?"

"But with him involved, escorting the caravan all the way, I feel at ease."

Lin Bufan immediately wrote a reply.

In just half a day, the letter reached Zhu Xuanji's hands.

Zhu Shenbu extended his divine sense, read through the document, and then revealed a troubled expression.

"I didn't expect Ning Zhuo to have already arrived in Feiyun Kingdom."

"Sigh, I'm going to Feiyun Kingdom too. Fortunately, the Wanyao Sect is there as a representative, so I don't need to meet with him."

"It's best to keep your distance from the child destined for disaster."

As for Lin Bufan's letter inquiring why Zhu Xuanji was going to Feiyun Kingdom, Zhu Xuanji could only choose to keep it a secret.

"This is an operation that our country and Feiyun Kingdom secretly planned long ago. It is not convenient to disclose it to Lin Bufan."

"Ning Zhuo is at the main gate of the Wanxiang Sect, but I am going to Longqiu Mountain."

"We definitely won't meet."

The Nandou royal family carefully considered the selection of a candidate for this mission, and the process took a long time.

Ultimately, the blame fell on Zhu Xuanji.

Zhu Xuanji had a premonition that he had been chosen.

After all, cultivators at the Nascent Soul level need a travel permit to enter another country; otherwise, it would be considered a provocation.

However, this meeting between the Southern Bean Kingdom and the Flying Cloud Kingdom was not suitable for public announcement. Therefore, a normal travel permit could not be issued.

In this situation, Zhu Xuanji, as the strongest Golden Core cultivator, is not bound by the Nascent Soul level. Even if his existence is exposed, it won't cause conflict between nations. From this perspective alone, Zhu Xuanji is definitely an excellent candidate.

Two countries.

The capital city.

General Mu's Mansion.

"Imperial decree has arrived!" The messenger strode into the courtyard.

"Your subjects accept the decree." Led by General Mu, many cultivators knelt on the ground.

The envoy slowly unfurled the imperial edict in his hand and read its contents aloud.

Among the cultivators, Mu Lan, after hearing half of it, couldn't help but show a surprised expression: "What? You want me to be an envoy to the Flying Cloud Kingdom?"

Then, a thought struck her: "Hey, this is a good opportunity."

“Ning Zhuo wrote to me the day before yesterday, wanting to trade for Ghost Dao Golden Cores. I am also considering forming a caravan.”

"Now that I go myself, it saves me a lot of trouble."

"But what exactly is the mission of this mission?"

Flying Cloud Kingdom.

Prime Minister's Mansion.

Kong Zhaoming was handling official business in his study.

Judging from his appearance, he was probably between forty-five and fifty years old. He had a square face with distinct features, slightly high brow bones, and deep, cold eyes. He had a high, straight nose and lips pressed tightly together into a straight line.

Even when sitting, you can still tell that he is tall and upright with broad shoulders and a wide back.

He exudes a restrained yet powerful aura, and when you are near him, you will involuntarily straighten your back, hold your breath, and dare not overstep the bounds in the slightest.

His temples were slightly gray, and on his head was a simple, black hair ornament, neither gold nor jade. The hair ornament held his long hair in place, meticulously, without a single stray strand.

He wore a plain-colored, wide-sleeved robe without any fancy embroidery, only with extremely fine and regular black cloud or meander patterns trimming the collar and cuffs.

He wore a dark jade belt around his waist, with a simple and square buckle.

Like him, he was rigid, upright, and strictly adhered to etiquette. He was strict with others as well as with himself.

"Hmm?" He saw the letter from his son, Kong Ran.

"Is someone willing to pay a high price for a method to discover precocious intelligence?"

"This kid actually wants to agree?"

Kong Zhaoming couldn't help but snort coldly, revealing his displeasure.

He refuted in his heart: "If talent can be properly cultivated, it can be promoted to become a supernatural power. Supernatural powers are the standard for the Nascent Soul stage. If a cultivator below the Nascent Soul stage can master supernatural powers, he will definitely have the strength to challenge those above him."

"The matter of innate talent and methods is of great importance; how can it be lightly bestowed?"

"What if a Nascent Soul level fighter emerges from the opposing forces?"

"Even if they are not at the Nascent Soul stage, it is still wrong to help a Golden Core cultivator!"

In the current world of cultivation, cultivation nations are actively preparing for war, confronting and guarding against each other.

Nascent Soul level cultivators are not allowed to freely enter or leave the country, but according to the rules, Golden Core cultivators are not subject to this control.

Therefore, even if a Golden Core cultivator obtains this set of items, it could potentially cause trouble for the entire country.

"For example, this time, our country held secret talks with envoys from many countries on Longqiu Mountain."

"Those who arrive there must be at the Golden Core level."

"In this process, there will inevitably be mutual learning and competition."

"In other words, a battle at the Golden Core level also determines the face of a country and even affects subsequent power struggles."

Kong Zhaoming was well-versed in the rites and was the person in charge of convening and entertaining the secret envoys from various countries in Feiyun Kingdom this time.

"Kong Ran is my eighth son. Although he is precocious, he is of inferior quality."

"The downside is that one's temperament can be impatient, lacks perseverance, and is not steady and thorough in taking things into consideration."

"Is it possible to sell one's talent and resort to magic for a mere calligraphy brush?"

"No!"

Myriad Phenomena Sect.

Qingshi Cave.

Ning Zhuo emerged from the Fetal Breathing Spirit Boat.

He moved around a few times, and the stone skin on his body peeled off piece by piece, revealing his normal skin.

He looked down at his arms; the symptoms of soul power oppressing his body had almost completely disappeared. Only upon close inspection could one notice some faint shadows and dark spots.

"However, this is not only because my physical body has become stronger, but also because my soul is weak."

Ning Zhuo had previously used the Insight Brush, which had consumed a great deal of his soul power. However, he deliberately let it go and did not interfere, allowing his soul to recover on its own.

Putting away the Fetal Breathing Spirit Boat, Ning Zhuo once again delved into the Demon-Infused Blood Tendon Technique.

There is progress, but not much.

With no other opportunities, Ning Zhuo could only keep working hard.

After a moment of contemplation, the appointed time arrived. Ning Zhuo then summoned Qing Chi and Xue Cai Nu Hui, and once again instructed them in the art of talisman making.

Two hours passed in the blink of an eye for Qing Chi.

Seeing her reluctance to leave, Ning Zhuo had an idea: "Qing Chi, why don't you stay here and be my sparring partner for my mechanical puppets?"

Qing Chi immediately showed a look of surprise and nodded repeatedly: "Okay, okay."

Ning Zhuo activated the power of the Five Elements, linking Xue Cai Nu Hui and Xue Shu Yu Xie, and began practicing towards Qing Chi.

Qing Chi was quickly pushed into a disadvantageous position and then lost.

Each victory allowed Xue Cai Nu Hui to raise her head slightly.

Qingchi's combat strength has also increased rapidly.

Xue Shuyu's spirituality remained stagnant. But Ning Zhuo had already suspected this and was not in a hurry.

The sparring session also gave Ning Zhuo a much better understanding of the two mechanisms.

His control became increasingly proficient.

Gongsun Yan came to report the results of his investigation. He handed Ning Zhuo a jade slip containing intelligence about Ban Ji.

"The Ban family...a famous mechanical family in Feiyun Kingdom!"

"Ban Ji also possesses mechanical creations at the Golden Core level?"

"He doesn't practice the orthodox techniques of the Ban family, but rather a demonic art..."

"After I politely declined, he wanted to participate in Qinghuangzi's Xingyun preliminary test?"

After reading it through, Ning Zhuo smiled slightly.

Qinghuangzi was a Golden Core cultivator, one of the most skilled mechanical cultivators in the Myriad Manifestations Sect. He set up a small-scale cloud-raising test, which attracted cultivators from all over.

Seeing Ban Ji's situation, Ning Zhuo's interest was also piqued.

"Banji and Pi Fujie are enemies, not friends."

“I have already read his intelligence. Now I will go and see him in person so that I can compare it with the intelligence and gain a better understanding.”

(End of this chapter)