Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1472: Chapter 601: Tipsy Drinking

Ning Zhuo took out a Cold Jade Sealed Bottle from his Storage Waist Belt, which contained the Ice Jade Wine.

"Try this first," Ning Zhuo poured a small cup of Ice Jade Wine for Tu Yuanzi, "This wine is called Ice Jade Wine; it’s clear and cold upon entry, yet holds a spirit within its chill and does not harm one’s foundation. You’ve only recently transformed, so drink a little at first and savor it slowly."

Tu Yuanzi stared at the wine.

His gaze was filled with curiosity, a pure and unsullied one, without greed or calculation, just like a child seeing the wonders beyond the mountains for the first time, genuinely finding it intriguing.

Then Tu Yuanzi held the cup with both hands, mimicking Ning Zhuo, and sniffed seriously.

"Like snow." He gave his first impression.

Ning Zhuo laughed heartily, raising his hand slightly, "Take a sip and see if it resembles it even more?"

Tu Yuanzi licked it with his tongue. Having only recently transformed, he let down his guard before Ning Zhuo, revealing this small flaw.

His brows immediately furrowed, and then relaxed.

He didn’t know how to describe it, only felt a line of coolness descending from his tongue and once it passed his throat, it wasn’t cold at all. Instead, it seemed to gently wash away the internal disarray, allowing a warmth to spread.

Tu Yuanzi’s eyes sparkled instantly, "Delicious."

"Then drink more," Ning Zhuo poured him another cup.

He also raised a cup to drink himself, as the Ice Jade Wine slid down his throat, his Divine Sea cleared slightly, and his Qi Sea showed gentle ripples.

Tu Yuanzi drank faster, gradually immersing himself, so Ning Zhuo simply took out a wine jar, letting him drink as he pleased.

"Speaking of which, I’ve left Fire Persimmon Immortal City for about a year now." Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but reflect.

This year of time, for him, was like a colorfully detailed storybook, each page brimming with vibrance.

The initial intention of his travels was to revive his mother.

This goal was divided into several stages, and Ning Zhuo had achieved several milestone accomplishments.

In addition, he also grew stronger. Although this strength hasn’t yet been fully manifested in his cultivation level, whether it be cultivation techniques, realms, or military power, there has been qualitative improvement.

When leaving Fire Persimmon Immortal City, Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong never expected that within just about a year, they would grow to such a level that their combat power alone could rival a Golden Core Cultivator, and could even challenge a Nascent Soul with proper military power. Once, they even defeated a Transforming Spirit Level Earthly King!

Of course, such accomplishments are difficult to duplicate, achieved with the assistance of many strongmen and great powers’ plans. But indeed, it allowed Ning Zhuo to demystify in large-scale, greatly boosting his ambition, expanding his mind, transforming him from a petty thief into the demeanor of a young hero.

With this mentality, when Ning Zhuo entered the Wanxiang Sect’s Main Mountain Gate, he advanced confidently, first gaining prominence with the hidden support of the Confucian Cultivator Group, then defeating powerful enemies like Ban Ji and Gu Qing to establish his position, eventually gaining recognition from figures like Zhong Dao, Tuoba Huang, and Wang Yu.

Up to now, with Meng Yaoyin’s help, Ning Zhuo narrowly overcame a life-and-death crisis, turning the situation using the Nanming Fire Furnace, steering with the tide to successfully form alliances and establish the village.

Behind him now stand five Nascent Souls, many Golden Core Strongmen, and Foundation Establishment Level genius cultivators!

Ning Zhuo looked down at the Ice Blue Wine Liquid in his cup, his thoughts gradually sinking.

Today’s lively South Ming Village merely lays the fledgling foundation.

The five Nascent Souls, each with their backgrounds and calculations. Figures like Chun Yangzi, Nine Fire Dragon Lord, Red Robe Guest, are none who will stay subordinate for long. Though Tu Yuanzi seemed to resonate closely with Ning Zhuo, he was truly motivated by elder Cang Yazi’s aspirations. Tan Zhu had his own stance, a sinister figure with unclear intentions.

Nascent Souls are like this, and so are the Golden Cores.

Some came for the Nanming Fire Furnace, some for debts, others saw Ning Zhuo’s future, while some were merely making temporary bets.

Today they’re willing to sit together, some sent by their factions, extending their influence.

Others were bound by Ning Zhuo with debts, constrained by rules, and influenced by the defeat of the Flowing Gold Guest.

But if someday, the distribution of benefits in South Ming Village becomes uneven, or the charges are unsteady, or the Fire Furnace restoration suffers setbacks, these people’s intentions will churn like clouds, inevitably causing changes.

The Foundation Establishment geniuses are complex as well.

Situ Xing, Shen Xi, Lin Jinglong each have Super Families backing them. Only Mu Yuehua’s background is clear and clean, yet still connected to Danxia Peak.

He wants to use the momentum of his crowd as the foundation of the South Ming Village; and also guard against the momentum, to properly exert control.

The nuances within this are difficult to manage.

Ning Zhuo pondered as he drank.

The chill of the wine eased his weary Heart Spirit slowly.

Opposite him, Tu Yuanzi held the wine jar, carefully pouring into his cup. His movements were clumsy, his expression serious, mouth slightly open, looking eager.

Each time he poured a small cup, then lifted it up with a tilt of his neck, drinking it clean. Then he carefully poured more wine, afraid of spilling even a drop.

Ning Zhuo had handed him the wine jar intending for him to drink straight from it. Seeing Tu Yuanzi’s clumsiness coupled with a hint of innocence, his mood lightened significantly.

"Regardless, merely the ceremony of forming alliances and establishing the village has yielded considerable gains."

One by one, the gifts reappeared in his mind.

Cao Gui’s Nine Linked Rings Sound Lock, seemingly a child’s play, actually interlocks with nine rings, using sound scores as keys, capable of hiding secrets. This item was thoughtfully crafted in the mechanism path, not only usable but also worthy of study.

Bai Jiyun and Liu Fushu offered official paper and bamboo pens, along with Bai Jiyun’s written poems at the scene — not just Wenbao, but also imbued with stories. And a good story will undoubtedly elevate Ning Zhuo’s reputation further.