Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1443: Chapter 586: Various Li Gifts_2

They were unaware that Ning Zhuo also came from a humble background. He wasn’t favored by his family since childhood, wandering the streets with Sun Lingtong, experiencing the warmth and coldness of humanity. Hence, Ning Zhuo never held an air of superiority over these people.

In the middle of the discussion, a young cultivator stood at the edge of the screen, cautiously peeking over, glanced around, and quickly withdrew upon seeing numerous gazes turning towards him.

After taking a deep breath, he finally stepped forward, holding an invitation, formally entering the hall.

He had a square jaw and a wide mouth, broad shoulders and a thick back, his skin of ancient bronze, attire ordinary, with a pair of cloth shoes on his feet.

Cao Gui, Kong Liubai, Ahuo, and others didn’t recognize him.

"It’s him." Ning Zhuo’s heart stirred slightly, recalling this person, and immediately understood his origin.

The young cultivator saw Ning Zhuo, felt dazzled, and jogged forward: "I- I am Niu Cheng, entrusted by Senior Yu to come and observe the ceremony."

"Young Master Ning Zhuo." Niu Cheng held up a treasure box to eyebrow height, "This- This is Senior Yu Heye’s congratulatory gift. The senior has urgent matters and cannot attend personally, thus instructed me to deliver it."

His wording was smoother than before, likely rehearsed many times internally.

Ning Zhuo accepted the treasure box, opened it, and discovered it contained a Golden Core Level magic treasure. In addition, there was a letter.

Ning Zhuo didn’t need to read the letter to know that Yu Heye would sincerely apologize in it.

"This congratulatory gift is valuable, Fellow Daoist Yu is very thoughtful." Ning Zhuo smiled, "Fellow Daoist Niu Cheng, feel free to find a seat."

Niu Cheng retreated awkwardly.

Ning Zhuo had also sent Yu Heye an invitation, even saved him once. His absence led Ning Zhuo to instantly guess the reason, which was one of the anticipated scenarios, so it didn’t come as a surprise.

As for Niu Cheng, Yu Heye’s recruiting of this person was part of Ning Zhuo’s initial plan.

Yu Heye used this person as a messenger as a subtle way to show goodwill and apologize to Ning Zhuo, unnoticed by outsiders.

Jiang Xiaobian watched Niu Cheng, curiously and nervously discussing with the person beside him, "Who does this person represent? The congratulatory gift is a magic treasure. Did we give something too light?"

Patchwork Sun directly transmitted thoughts, "Certainly not. There’s a master behind this person, clearly invited but couldn’t attend, hence sending a valuable gift to express apology."

Ahuo remarked unhappily, "Young Master Ning Zhuo’s future is vast, and yet he only sent a representative after receiving an invitation, it’s too disrespectful."

Speaking of which, this Huoniao’er had once been at odds with Ning Zhuo but was soon won over by him. These days, he’s repeatedly heard and witnessed Ning Zhuo winning the minor trials, gaining unparalleled fame, and harbors deep admiration and worship for Ning Zhuo.

Kong Ran looked worried.

He said to his two friends beside him, "Those who could send forth a magic treasure as a congratulatory gift and dispatch Niu Cheng probably have a cultivation level of at least Golden Core. Yet they did not attend personally."

"It’s not ideal." Liu Fushu nodded, secretly exchanging Divine Sense, "In the hall, it’s just us folks, all with Foundation Establishment cultivation."

Kong Ran laughed bitterly, "Don’t forget, I’m merely a Qi Refinement Realm cultivator."

If the attendees were only this group of people, Ning Zhuo’s alliance ceremony today would be a classic ’big thunder, little rain,’ inevitably becoming a laughing stock.

Although cultivation level is merely one aspect of strength, the public often emphasizes it.

Each increment in cultivation level typically corresponds to a different social status and treatment.

Ning Zhuo’s ceremony needs heavyweight individuals to participate, lest he loses face.

Cao Gui shared similar concerns, thinking, "Doesn’t Young Master Ning Zhuo have friends like Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong? Situ Xing probably won’t attend, but if these two noble scions arrive, it could immediately alleviate the current awkwardness."

Ning Zhuo remained composed and calm.

He wasn’t worried; at this moment, his mind was occupied with the magic treasure sent by Yu Heye.

"I’m not currently short of magic treasures."

"Mother used to say wealth burdens one down; too much is too much. Yet I feel those invited to witness the ceremony today will likely bring numerous treasures."

"Alas, I still need to find ways to resolve this hidden issue in the future."

As Ning Zhuo was happily troubled, a cultivator entered the hall with a purposeful stride.

The aura was indeed at the Golden Core Level!

This was the first Golden Core to come and observe.

The Golden Core cultivator was tall and slender, his temples were greying, features sharp as if sculpted, eye sockets slightly sunken, yet his bright eyes were astonishing, sharp as an eagle, exuding a lingering sense of solitude amidst the weathered demeanor.

His long white eyebrows were particularly striking, with the tips hanging to his cheekbones.

He wore a well-washed dark blue power suit, a sheathless black iron long sword hanging from his waist, instantly targeting Ning Zhuo, and walked towards him purposefully.

Ahuo and the others didn’t recognize him.

But Kong Ran and Cao Gui showed surprised expressions.

"It’s the White Eyebrow Hero Gu Huaijiu?"

"Ning Zhuo invited him? He actually came?"

Gu Huaijiu clasped his fist, "Brother Ning Zhuo."

Ning Zhuo laughed heartily, "Brother Gu, you came."

Gu Huaijiu scrutinized Ning Zhuo up and down, "Brother has excellent poise, here’s my congratulatory gift."

Gu Huaijiu’s gift was a jade pendant.

"This is ’Huaibei,’ urging it can detect surrounding treasures." Gu Huaijiu’s introduction was straightforward.

It was evidently a Golden Core Level magic treasure, yet Gu Huaijiu casually presented it, as if just an ordinary item.

Bai Jiyun didn’t know Gu Huaijiu but had heard of ’Huaibei’: "An innocent man becomes guilty for possessing a treasure, the refining method of Huaibei has been lost, each remaining piece in the world is a priceless gem. Possessing Huaibei means endless sources of treasure."

Liu Fushu also expressed surprise, "So this person is the White Eyebrow Hero Gu Huaijiu. I’ve heard of this person’s fame long ago, and today finally witnessed it. How come he and Ning Zhuo have such a close relationship, even using Huaibei as a gift?"

Kong Ran added, "According to the intel, Gu Huaijiu and Ning Zhuo participated in the second trial of Evil Slaying Hall’s Xingyun together. Unexpectedly, their relationship is so close. Keep in mind, Gu Huaijiu is about to join the Evil Slaying Hall."

Ning Zhuo’s building alliance rush was equivalent to refusing Zhong Dao’s recruitment. Lu Xuan’an was wary of this and hence did not attend here.

Gu Huaijiu had no such reservations, not only came but also presented a substantial gift.

Ning Zhuo was about to chat with him when another cultivator entered the hall.

This was an unfamiliar Golden Core Female Cultivator.

She looked youthful, her features exquisite, skin like congealed fat, and had an elegant, willow-like beauty between her eyebrows.

Dressed in a moon white narrow-sleeved long robe, layered with a water green half-sleeve outer garment, a light jade color belt around her waist, she gracefully approached Ning Zhuo.

"Ye Qingming of the Green Tea Society, by the president’s command, comes to congratulate Young Master Ning Zhuo on the alliance founding of the Heavenly Treasure Building."

Her eyes were cold, with a hint of scrutiny.

Green Tea Society!

Ning Zhuo’s heart stirred slightly. This was one of the Nascent Soul level forces within Flowing Cloud Peak. Unexpectedly, they dispatched an envoy first.

Being able to enter here meant obtaining an invitation from elsewhere.

This also demonstrated the Green Tea Society’s means.

"Brother, you go ahead and busy yourself." Gu Huaijiu patted Ning Zhuo’s shoulder, casting a glance at Ye Qingming before departing.

Ye Qingming also glanced at Gu Huaijiu, her eyes narrowed, understanding deep down: Gu Huaijiu intentionally referred to Ning Zhuo as ’brother,’ showing closeness and support for Ning Zhuo.

This slightly diminished Ye Qingming’s momentum.

She smiled faintly, retrieved a green porcelain tea box from her sleeve, and handed it to Ning Zhuo single-handedly.

The tea box was only palm-sized, the glaze moist as green jade, with a minimalist character "tea" engraved on the lid.

"This is Snow Bud Spirit Tea, produced from the thousand-year-old tea trees within the Green Tea Society, only twelve ounces harvested annually." Ye Qingming’s voice remained gentle, "The tea’s essence can clear the mind, enhance eyesight, and stabilize Divine Sense. It’s a humble gift, not much of a respect."

Ning Zhuo expressed his gratitude.

Ye Qingming continued, "Brewing this Snow Bud Spirit Tea requires patience, mastering fire control. Some attack with fierce heat, making the tea bitter. Does Young Master usually enjoy tea?"

Ning Zhuo’s face bore a smile, his eyes conveyed a chilly intent, "I enjoy starting from scratch, indebted heavily at present, engaging in such elegant affairs like tea tasting doesn’t concern me."

"Honestly, I’m planning to sell this box of Snow Bud Spirit Tea. I wonder how much it’ll fetch, could it cover half of my debt?"

Ye Qingming’s smile suddenly froze somewhat.