Chapter 55 ·Ning Hongye’s Visit!

Hearing ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍this, the Nether Soul’s gaze seemed to drift for a brief moment.

He ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍thought of his main body in the lower realm, building the sect and planning for the future.

He ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍thought of the star grand formation atop Longevity Peak, his senior sister Lin Wei, Elder Chen.

And ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍that lazy little dragon.

“Longevity ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍is not the end. Along the way, there are naturally different sceneries—only that each person sees a different view.”

Ning ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Hongye was slightly startled, carefully savoring his words. A flash of brilliance passed through her beautiful eyes.

“Senior Brother’s words carry profound meaning. Hongye has learned much.”

Arriving at a quieter corner where the crowd had thinned, Ning Hongye suddenly stopped.

She pointed to a three-story pavilion ahead, its entrance hung with dim blue lanterns, giving it a somewhat secluded air.

“We’ve arrived at the Underflow Pavilion. Senior Brother may go in alone—the proprietress has a peculiar temperament and dislikes being disturbed by too many people.”

The Nether Soul nodded. “Many thanks, Junior Sister Ning.”

“I will remember today’s assistance.”

“You’re too polite, Senior Brother.” Ning Hongye waved her hand, her smile still bright.

“Fellow sect members should help one another—it is only natural.”

“If you need a guide in the future, or… feel bored and wish to find someone to talk to, you may come to Bright Moon Peak in the inner sect to find me.”

“I am often cultivating beneath that thousand-year-old fire maple tree halfway up the mountain.”

After speaking, she turned away without waiting for a response.

Her red robes fluttered as she quickly disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind only a faint trace of cool fragrance.

The Nether Soul stood in place, looking in the direction she had vanished, his brows slightly furrowed.

This Ning Hongye… her behavior was indeed rather puzzling.

Overly enthusiastic, well-informed, yet her intentions could not be discerned.

Still, for now, she showed no malice and had even provided tangible help.

Shaking his head, he set aside this encounter for the moment and turned toward the Underflow Pavilion.

......

Azure Wave Sect, seven hundred li west of Listening Tide City, Hero Island.

This was where most inner sect direct disciples had their cave dwellings.

The mountains stretched endlessly, spiritual energy drifted like mist, and the environment was serene and pleasant.

The Nether Soul owned a secluded cave dwelling here.

Ten years of time, for cultivators, was but a fleeting moment.

Deep within the cave dwelling, the Nether Soul slowly opened his eyes.

His outwardly disguised cultivation had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Meanwhile, his main body Gu Yan’s progress in the mortal world was even more impressive.

He had already broken through to Transformation Spirit Second Layer, and the foundation of the Taiyi Dao Sect had grown increasingly solid.

The spiritual energy gathered by the star grand formation had also become more abundant.

“Time is the best strategist,” the Nether Soul murmured inwardly.

His current plan was already clear—using this incarnation within the Azure Wave Sect, steadily reveal higher cultivation over time, gradually rising in status within the sect.

Until one day, he would quietly take control of the highest authority and become the new generation sect ancestor.

At that time, the mortal worlds under the Azure Wave Sect’s jurisdiction would naturally fall into the hands of his main body.

Boiling a frog in warm water—nothing more than that.

Over these ten years, the Nether Soul had kept a low profile, rarely interacting with fellow disciples aside from regularly visiting the marketplace to procure goods for his main body.

As for that red-clad junior sister Ning Hongye, whom he had encountered in the marketplace ten years ago and who had been overly enthusiastic…

He had naturally never sought her out.

Better to avoid trouble.

On this day, the Nether Soul rose, intending to go out as usual to purchase some small animals for his main body.

Yet suddenly, a faint fluctuation came from outside the cave dwelling.

It was not the alarm of the formation being triggered, but rather a sensation—

As if an invisible gaze had lightly swept over him.

Like moonlight brushing over a mountain ridge—gentle, yet leaving nowhere to hide.

Immediately after, a clear and smiling female voice penetrated the simple soundproofing restriction of the cave dwelling and echoed distinctly within the stone chamber:

“Senior Brother Lin You, are you in? An old acquaintance has come to visit—you wouldn’t keep the door closed, would you?”

That voice… the Nether Soul’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

He remained silent, attempting to pretend the cave dwelling was empty.

But the voice outside carried a hint of playful cunning as it rose slightly:

“Senior Brother, no need to pretend.”

“My divine sense just now… sensed the circulation of qi within the residence. You must have just finished your cultivation.”

“It’s been ten years—have you already forgotten the courtesy of opening the door for a guest?”

“Or are you afraid this junior sister might eat you?”

Nether Soul: “……”

He knew he could not avoid this.

With her words reaching this point, continuing to feign ignorance would only make him appear suspicious.

The stone door of the cave dwelling slowly slid open, sunlight pouring in and illuminating a figure clad in blazing red.

Ning Hongye stood with her hands behind her back, slightly tilting her head as she curiously examined the lines of characters carved above the stone door by the Nether Soul using finger force.

Hearing the door open, she turned and smiled brightly:

“A residence of immortals who gaze upon longevity, a household of Daoists who share the lifespan of heaven…”

“The couplet at your doorway, Senior Brother—your ambitions are quite… lofty indeed.”

“What is it? Already dreaming of sharing the lifespan of heaven at the Foundation Establishment stage?”

The Nether Soul’s expression remained unchanged, though inwardly he felt a trace of helplessness.

This inscription had been something his main body Gu Yan had once whimsically ordered him to carve.

He had said it needed “style.”

“Just something carved casually in spare time. I’ve made a fool of myself before Junior Sister.”

He stepped aside, making a gesture of invitation.

“May I ask why Junior Sister has come from afar?”

Ning Hongye entered without ceremony, her steps light as she looked around curiously.

The cave dwelling was extremely simple—one stone bed, one meditation cushion, one stone table, two stone stools.

Aside from that, there were only some jade boxes and wooden racks for storing miscellaneous items.

It was neat to the point of monotony.

There was not the slightest trace of personal taste.

“I wouldn’t dare call it guidance.” She sat on a stone stool.

Resting her elbow on the table and propping up her chin, she looked at the Nether Soul with bright, intent eyes.

“It’s just that ten years have passed. I recalled that day walking with Senior Brother in the marketplace—we had such an enjoyable conversation, and I’ve missed it greatly.”

“But no matter how long I waited, Senior Brother never came to Bright Moon Peak to find me for tea and Dao discussion, so I had no choice but to shamelessly come knocking myself.”

Enjoyable conversation?

The Nether Soul recalled that conversation ten years ago, in which he had mostly responded with “mm,” “oh,” and “not bad.”

He began to question her definition of “enjoyable.”

“Junior Sister jests. Lin is of dull aptitude and only knows bitter cultivation. I feared disturbing Junior Sister’s own cultivation, so I did not dare intrude.”

“There you go again.” Ning Hongye pouted, suddenly standing up and circling him half a step, examining him from head to toe.

“Senior Brother Lin, everything about you is good—except you’re too dull, too tense.”

“Cultivation isn’t about turning yourself into a stone.”

As she spoke, she suddenly extended a finger, making a motion to poke his… navel.

The Nether Soul’s brows slightly furrowed. His foot shifted subtly, sliding half a step back without leaving a trace.

He avoided the seemingly casual poke.

“Junior Sister, please maintain propriety.”

“Oh? Quite quick to dodge.” Ning Hongye withdrew her hand, not annoyed, but instead smiling even more brightly.

She suddenly tapped the storage pouch at her waist, which appeared ordinary but concealed mysteries within.

In the next moment, several flashes of light appeared upon the stone table.

A mutton-fat jade bottle appeared first. Though unopened, a refreshing medicinal fragrance already spread out.

Just a whiff made the spiritual energy within one’s body feel more lively.

“Seven-Turn Golden Condensation Pill. When taken at the peak of Foundation Establishment, it can increase the chance of forming a Golden Core by seventy percent, and the resulting core will be at least mid-grade.”

Next, a small azure sword appeared.

“Autumn Water Chill, a mid-grade magic treasure of the water attribute—unmatched in sharpness.”

Then a golden shield, shimmering with flowing light.

Finally, a faint purple ring, spinning gently.

“Lesser Zhou Heaven Star Ring, a supreme-grade magic treasure. It can both attack and defend, and also assist in gathering the power of the stars for cultivation—its uses are endless.”

“In ordinary marketplaces, a single supreme-grade magic treasure can fetch millions of high-grade spirit stones at auction, and… is usually priceless and unavailable.”

Ning Hongye placed these items—treasures that would drive even Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators into a frenzy—casually on the stone table like goods at a street stall.

Then she looked at the Nether Soul expectantly, waiting to see shock, ecstasy, or even greed on his face.

The Nether Soul’s gaze did indeed linger on the items briefly.

He quickly evaluated them inwardly: the pill was good, the magic treasures were decent.

Though neither he nor his main body needed them, they would be suitable for rewarding disciples in the lower realm or enriching the sect treasury.

Especially that star ring—it seemed to faintly resonate with the star grand formation at Longevity Peak.

But that was all.

Shock? Ecstasy? None.

His main body possessed the potential of an entire world, and his cultivation methods and divine abilities were beyond imagination—his perspective had long been elevated.

He raised his head and looked at Ning Hongye. “What does Junior Sister mean by this?”

Ning Hongye blinked, somewhat surprised by his composure.

But then she thought—perhaps his perspective was limited, and he did not recognize the true value of these treasures?

She explained, “Senior Brother, you are already at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Forming a Golden Core is imminent.”

“These pills and magic treasures are exactly what you need right now.”

“This Seven-Turn Golden Condensation Pill—ordinary cultivators would struggle to obtain even one.”

“And these supreme-grade magic treasures—even many Nascent Soul elders do not possess them…”

“I appreciate Junior Sister’s kindness.” The Nether Soul interrupted her.

“However, the path of cultivation values one’s own foundation. Relying too much on external objects may lead to instability. These treasures are too precious—I cannot accept them. Please take them back.”

Ning Hongye froze.

She had expected him to refuse modestly before accepting.

Or to accept with great joy, perhaps cautiously asking her conditions…

But she had never expected such a calm, almost dismissive rejection.

A stronger sense of novelty surged within her.

She, Ning Hongye—when had her gifts ever been treated so lightly?

“Lin You! Do you… do you know how rare these items are?”

“With this pill, your chances of forming a Golden Core would greatly increase—your path to the Dao would be promising! Why won’t you take it?”

“Don’t you want to form a Golden Core? To become stronger? To attain longevity?”

The Nether Soul looked at her slightly flushed cheeks, filled with frustration, and felt even more helpless.

Why was this girl so persistent? Being refused while trying to give gifts—and she was actually angry?

Did she think the whole world revolved around her?

He sighed softly, trying to reason with her:

“Junior Sister, the path of the Dao is long, and each has their own opportunities.”

“I have my own cultivation plan. Though these external items are good, they are not necessary for me at this time.”

“I will remember your goodwill, but I truly cannot accept these treasures.”

“You!” Ning Hongye was momentarily speechless. She glared at him for a while, then suddenly her eyes shifted as if she had thought of something.

She snorted lightly and tapped her storage pouch again.

This time, what appeared on the table was not an artifact, but a jade slip—crystal clear, with faint light flowing within.

“‘True Explanation of the Star River’—an ancient cultivation method that directly points to the Integration Realm.”

“It is one of the core inheritances of the Star River Sect. The star river spiritual power it cultivates is vast and boundless, embodying both the transformations of the stars and the mysteries of cosmic time—its might is immeasurable.”

“Cultivation methods are rare—especially those that can reach the Integration Realm, which are secrets of inheritance.”

“Senior Brother, the Azure Wave Sect’s cultivation method you practice now likely caps at the Nascent Soul realm, correct? Could it be… you’re not tempted by this either?”

She stared intently into the Nether Soul’s eyes.

Pills and magic treasures could be dismissed as unnecessary.

But what about a top-tier cultivation method that led directly to the Integration Realm?

The Nether Soul’s gaze fell upon the “True Explanation of the Star River.” This time, a subtle change appeared in his eyes.

Not because he was tempted for himself.

He carried his main body’s inheritance—its profundity far surpassed ordinary methods of this world.

However… this “True Explanation of the Star River” seemed closely related to the path of stars and was indeed of high quality.

If obtained, modified, simplified, and adapted, it could become an excellent core cultivation method for the Taiyi Dao Sect.

A thought flashed through his mind.

“This cultivation method… Lin is indeed somewhat interested,” the Nether Soul said slowly.

Ning Hongye’s heart stirred.

As expected!

A cultivation method was the lifeline of a cultivator—this man had finally reacted.

“If Senior Brother is willing to accept it, not only will I offer this method, but the pills and magic treasures from before will also be included.”

“Consider it… an investment from Hongye in Senior Brother’s future path.”

The Nether Soul fell silent.

On the surface, he seemed to hesitate and struggle, but in reality, he was quickly weighing the situation.

If he accepted, he would inevitably become more entangled with this mysterious and wealthy Ning Hongye—whose intentions were unclear and troublesome.

If he refused, not only would this valuable cultivation method slip away, but he might also offend this junior sister who seemed unlikely to give up easily.

His peaceful life within the Azure Wave Sect would likely be disrupted.

After a moment, the Nether Soul raised his head and asked the most crucial question.

“Junior Sister Ning’s generous offer leaves Lin deeply honored.”

“However, there is one matter I do not understand. I hope Junior Sister can clarify.”

“Please ask, Senior Brother.”

“You and I met only once in the marketplace ten years ago, with but brief conversation.”

“Why, today, would you offer such treasures… and go to such lengths to support Lin?”

“I do not believe I possess anything worthy of such favor.”

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