Chapter 62 "A Bottle and a Premium Product" How did Zhong Dashan know about Ling Fu...?

Zhou Fuling sat on the high platform, instructing Liang Bucheng and helping him regulate his breathing and energy.

Ning Bai assumed she hadn't noticed the danger: "Sister Fu, be careful!"

He was also shaken by the overwhelming pressure from afar, and took several steps back before being supported by Ning Chengshan.

Song Huo's expression changed, and he asked in a deep voice, "Who exactly are you?"

"The second part is about Ling Fu. She is ordered by her master to participate in the sect competition and seize the position of sect leader."

Zhou Fuling completely ignored everyone around her, not even raising her head, and focused on treating Liang Bucheng's injuries.

Inside the Cloud Candle Tower, all was utterly silent. All the cultivators' eyes were fixed on Zhou Fuling, but she didn't even glance at them.

Her palm blazed with fury, causing the surrounding barriers to rattle and creak.

"First Rank! She's a First Rank!" someone exclaimed. "That aura is First Rank!"

The shockwaves from all directions struck the top of the Cloud Candle Pagoda like invisible swords. The pagoda's top was painted with a Vermilion Bird image, adorned with gold and silver. The shockwaves not only made the barrier creak, but also caused the murals on the top of the Cloud Candle Pagoda to tremble slightly.

A clear cry rang out—the Vermilion Bird opened its eyes, revealing eyes filled with condensed fire.

It turned out that Zhou Fuling's aura had clashed with the barrier at the top of the Cloud Candle Tower.

Such a clash could not possibly be achieved without reaching the highest level!

Xu Duanwu, witnessing this scene, was dumbfounded: "Oh my god—"

She already had a limp, and now she forgot to practice her internal energy. She grabbed the railing and leaned forward, almost falling off.

It was Master Xu who caught her in time.

The Xu family members were all dumbfounded.

Seeing this, Ning Hong was so angry that she slipped off the rattan chair and coughed up blood.

The elders of the first division dared not move. Only Ning Chengsong, trembling, tried to rush over to help, but he was so startled that he lost his balance and fell again.

After finally getting back on its feet in the first part, it's all over again, with everyone bumping into each other, creating complete chaos.

But at this moment, the most confused people are probably the people from the fourth installment.

The elders' hands trembled as they looked at each other, bewildered, not knowing when their tribe had acquired a first-rank official.

But not wanting to appear weak, and unsure of how things would develop, they could only adopt a mysterious and inscrutable expression.

"Is this your fourth division's operation?" someone else asked.

"What...what is your relationship with Kuang Yunchu?" Ning Hong asked, coughing.

Long Shi and Ning Chengshan thought almost simultaneously, "Send a message outwards."

The two immediately gave their orders. One wanted Ning Chaoxue to dispatch Yun Yi, the guard cultivator who was stationed outside, while the other wanted to send a message to Zou Lanci in Zhongzhou Dragon Pool.

Ning Chengshan looked somewhat hesitant. With that person coming, there were some things that could no longer be done, but now she could only weigh the two options and choose the lesser one to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

But then a deafening roar was heard—

The towering walls of the Cloud Candle Pagoda trembled, and amidst a gasp, dust and grime fell heavily from above, revealing that a section of the stone wall containing the barrier had collapsed.

In the center of the stone wall, ten thousand golden ropes appeared, like a cage, instantly binding the Cloud Candle Pagoda and forming a golden bell cover.

The Cloud Candle Tower was protected, but outsiders could not enter, and news could not get out.

A group of people suddenly emerged from beneath the barrier, seemingly to cheer on Zhou Fuling. Leading them was Huo Yue, followed by hundreds of cultivators.

Huo Yue stopped there.

Ning Chengshan was taken aback: "What happened?"

Liu Wuxing was also surprised and shouted, "What are you doing? Huo Yue!"

Huo Yue remained silent.

Only in a corner should one sit quietly, with a deep and thoughtful gaze.

This is exactly what Xu Qingning did.

-

Three days ago, Xu Qingning discovered the rules of the Cloud Candle Tower.

At that time, he was trapped under the control of the Rain Master. After escaping, he encountered the people of the Mortal Party.

They mentioned that the Cloud Candle Tower was impregnable and would be sealed if attacked from the outside.

Xu Qingning contacted Hao Cheng and others to confirm that everything was correct.

—A day ago, Xu Qingning found his disciple He Yin again when he entered the tower in the fourth department.

He Yin left without saying goodbye half a month ago. She was Ning Tingyue's daughter, whose family was slaughtered after being abandoned by him. Wanting to take revenge during the chaos among the four factions, she joined the Han Party of Nanzhou. The Han Party wanted to attack Yunzhu Tower and disrupt the overall situation while the group was leaderless.

Xu Qingning was also skilled in formations. After entering the tower, he observed the surroundings and discovered the core of the formation, as well as how to best approach it.

His withdrawal halfway through was to explain to He Yin and the other members of the Han faction: "The Xun direction is the entry point. Use the Eight Gates to break the Zi formation. The pivotal move is unstoppable."

At the same time, he also devised a plan to lure the Han Party to attack the guarding monks outside, and then pretend to be defeated and retreat.

In this way, the people from Zhongzhou who are monitoring this place will probably not notice anything amiss, and will only pursue the Han faction for the sake of merit.

During this journey, he also delivered a letter to Huo Yue.

Huo Yue's concern clouded his judgment, and he indeed arrived at the right place at the right time for Xu Qingning.

-

"What happened?"

Huo Yue sat in the carriage and was pushed under the barrier, into the sight of everyone. Behind him were several cultivators from the five minor legions.

A hint of surprise flashed in Huo Yue's eyes.

He was led here!

It turned out that Huo Yue had just recovered from a serious illness and was very relieved, but then he suddenly received a letter.

The contents of this letter are related to the matter of Shu Minglian taking away the taxes of the Third Division when she was stationed at the Golden Gate. This is a crucial secret about the internal strife within the Third Division.

Zhou Fuling noticed this when she was heading to the Golden Gate, and Xu Qingning, upon hearing this, also sent someone to investigate and handed the information over to Huo Yue.

Huo Yue was so concerned that he lost his composure. When he arrived at the agreed place, he suddenly heard the surrounding stone walls rumbling loudly. He then looked at the shocking changes on the Zhige Platform of the Yunzhu Tower.

At that moment, all eyes were on him, and he suddenly understood...

He was used as a pawn!

Wherever he and his men stood, it seemed as if they were there to cheer on "Ling Fu" on stage.

"Ling Fu"... she actually holds the first rank. Is the person on stage forcing the five minor military commands to make a decision?

Huo Yue and Shu Minglian looked at each other from afar, and in an instant, they had already discerned the answer in each other's eyes.

Is it like trying to negotiate with a tiger for its skin, continuing to be subservient, and facing threats again at any moment?

Should we follow this person who has already given us twelve life-saving pills and take a gamble, perhaps soaring to new heights?

Huo Yue stood still, and with a single command, the cultivators from the five minor military units surrounded the Cloud Candle Tower.

Huo Yue said, "Please calm down, everyone. We had a powerful enemy outside, but we have already defeated them. Now, the competition is the most important thing, so I hope you will not cause any trouble."

Upon hearing this, everyone realized that the Five Minor Military Departments were actually standing behind this newly emerged sect leader candidate, "Ling Fu"!

Ning Chenghan angrily said, "Liu Wuxing, what's going on with your five minor military units? They've actually become Yun Si's men?!"

Liu Wuxing rolled his eyes, clutched his chest, and looked furious. He sat down in meditation, muttering, "No, no..." and then his head slammed shut, and he fainted.

Liu Wuxing's fainting was half real and half fake.

He was truly furious. Firstly, both of his subordinates had betrayed him, and he was so enraged that he was on the verge of a breakdown.

Secondly, he was just a military man and truly didn't know how to handle this chaotic situation or which side to take. He had already wavered when he saw Minister Ning Chengshan gain momentum, and now with Zhou Fuling added to the mix, he was completely indecisive, his mind was about to explode. He simply decided to "laissez-faire" and "fainted."

That way, even if a new sect leader takes office in the future and makes a mistake, it won't be a big one.

Let's just faint and wait and see.

The Rain Master from the first part roared in fury: "Liu Wuxing, you...you bastard!"

I wanted to say, "You opportunistic bastard."

But given the current uncertain situation, I dare not say anything too harsh.

Ning Chengshan then looked at Zhou Fuling and suddenly asked, "So, you're Kuang Yunchu's person?"

Ning Chenghan's eyes suddenly showed surprise and uncertainty, as if he had thought of something, and he remained silent.

Zhou Fuling replied, "Does Minister Ning Chengshan regard me as you? If I become the sect leader, I will only act in the interests of Yun Ning and will not consider the interests of other continents. Yun Ning is supreme; what do the mortal realms have to do with me?"

Upon hearing this, many disciples of the Yun Ning Sect secretly cheered. They had long suffered in the Central Continent and all longed to revitalize the Southern Continent.

Zhou Fuling's words resonated with everyone.

Many cultivators looked at her and thought, "This person's appearance is so strange... but could she really become our future sect leader? Is she deceiving everyone, or is she telling the truth?"

Then, a chorus of voices could be heard, majestic and resounding.

It was the cultivators of the Fourth Division who sat cross-legged on the ground, with the real "Ling Fu" leading the way. Seeing her sit down, the elders beside her also shouted loudly:

"When you achieve success, think about advancing or retreating; the Way is about yin and yang."

"Uphold righteousness and speak out against danger; tread carefully even in times of peace."

This is precisely the ancestral precept of the Yun Ning Sect.

At this moment, the fourth group chanted in unison, their voices deafening, precisely to support Zhou Fuling and to proclaim the prestige of their own group.

Although they did not know Zhou Fuling's true purpose and origin, they were all grateful and respectful to her for saving Liang Bucheng and the Fourth Division from imminent collapse.

Furthermore, Zhou Fuling's appearance as a member of the fourth part exuded such a powerful aura. When has the fourth part ever been so strong? They were very proud.

The morale of the fourth group soared as they chanted in unison.

After a short while, Zhou Fuling finished treating Liang Bucheng with her internal energy. When she put Liang Bucheng down, all the elders of the Fourth Division (except for Lü Shoude and Zhong Sixin, who were still unconscious) looked on and all said with delight, "Good, good. Lady Lingfu has a miraculous cure. Until Bucheng wakes up, we will all listen to Lady Lingfu."

Zhou Fuling said, "You should discuss everything with my senior brother and Master Miao."

"Good, good," the Fourth Elder replied in unison, feeling both apprehensive and excited.

The anxiety stemmed from not knowing where Zhou Fuling came from.

Excitement arose—could the fourth installment really produce a sect leader? This is something that hasn't happened in thousands of years!

Zhou Fuling lowered her head and pressed Liang Bucheng's acupoints.

Liang Bucheng was not completely healed, but his external injuries were gradually healing, and his spiritual meridians were restored by her power. His face regained its color, and his breathing became steady. Zhou Fuling placed him on the soft blanket.

She also performed acupressure on Qinghu Yue, and although both of them were seriously injured and had not yet regained consciousness, they were out of danger.

Looking again, the wound on Liang Bucheng's head had not yet healed, and wisps of spiritual energy leaked out from the wound. It was also slightly trembling due to the impact of the scattered and mixed energy around it.

She was going to fight and couldn't be left unattended, and no one could come up to the Zhige Terrace, so Zhou Fuling covered Liang Bucheng's face with a thick blanket to keep him warm, poked holes for him to breathe, and set up a protective barrier.

This barrier blocked Liang Bucheng's aura. Outsiders could not sense his condition, but they could see him lying there peacefully.

In the second part, after the conspiracy in the first part was exposed, they could no longer focus their attention on Liang Bucheng and looked at Zhou Fuling with suspicion.

Shu Minglian wondered to herself, "What kind of ship have I accidentally jumped onto? A pirate ship, or something else?"

The vast bell tolls once more. The second round of the martial arts competition begins.

Inside the Cloud Candle Tower, a solemn atmosphere prevailed. Zhou Fuling drew her "Leaping Gold" sword, its spiritual energy radiating forth, like melting ice and snow, rivaling even the most powerful swords.

The cultivators wondered, "What kind of sword is this? We've never seen one like it before."

Zhou Fuling stepped onto the sword-testing platform. This was her first formal martial arts competition since entering the Cloud Candle Tower.

Zhong Dashan also slowly awoke.

Half an hour ago, he used Ning Chengshan's invincible martial arts technique to heal his injuries, and in order to win the favor of the second part, he immediately used it.

At this moment, he felt a surge of smooth and comfortable energy flow within his body, and his condition was even better than when he attacked Liang Bucheng.

However, because this Golden Bell Shield technique requires the cultivator to enter a meditative state, isolating them from external things, he neither heard nor saw what was happening outside.

Therefore, when Zhong Dashan woke up and saw Liu Wuxing unconscious, he was taken aback and thought to himself, "Did I make Liu Wuxing faint? But he really is useless and can't be a good minister. After helping Ning Chengshan become the sect leader, I should take over the position of minister of Yunsan."

Inside the Cloud Candle Tower, a barrier enveloped the surroundings, creating a solemn atmosphere that seemed somewhat strange.

“Shu Xiu,” Zhong Dashan asked Shu Minglian, the only conscious person on the third Zhige Platform, “what’s going on?”

Shu Minglian said, "Just now, the Han Party attacked the Cloud Candle Tower."

She hesitated for a moment.

Shu Minglian knew that Zhong Dashan had just gone into seclusion to cultivate his skills and hadn't heard about the uproar caused by Zhou Fuling. Furthermore, in the third part, the old and new factions, though historically at odds, maintained a facade of harmony.

Now that both old and new grudges were on her mind, Shu Minglian had a sudden inspiration and decided not to mention Zhou Fuling's matter at all. Instead, she added, "Zhong Xiu, don't worry, it's just that the Minister is ill. I'll be here watching over things, and nothing will go wrong."

He looked weary, as if annoyed by Zhong Dashan's betrayal.

Zhong Dashan strode onto the Zhige Platform, saw Zhou Fuling's slender figure, and gave a provocative smile.

An elder from the second division noticed something amiss and couldn't help but warn, "Zhong Xiu, be careful! She's a First-Rank! Watch out for ambushes!"

However, the speaker had a strong southern accent. Southern accents often lack distinction between level and oblique tones, and nasal sounds are easily confused. Zhong Dashan, having spent many years traveling between the sea and the mountains, also didn't speak the language well.

The elder pronounced the oblique tone of "品" as a level tone and added a nasal sound, so "一品" sounded almost the same as "一瓶".

Zhong Dashan had no idea that Zhou Fuling's cultivation level was related to "first-grade". He thought to himself, "Oh, 'one bottle'? What 'one bottle'? She also said 'be careful of being ambushed'. This girl must have brought the fourth rare poison."

Zhong Dashan pressed further, "'A bottle' of what?"

The elder, unaware of Zhou Fuling's specific cultivation level, honestly replied, "I don't know."

Zhong Dashan thought to himself, "Oh, yes, I wonder what kind of poison she's carrying. It seems rather troublesome. I need to be careful."

He then said loudly, "I understand."

Seeing that Zhong Dashan said "I understand" himself, Ning Chengshan and the others stopped reminding him and just wanted to wait for Zhong Dashan to respond cautiously and to test Zhou Fuling's strength.

Ning Hong watched the battle, but found it very strange: "How come Zhong Dashan is so calm even though he knows that 'Ling Fu' has a first-grade cultivation level? Could it be that this person has an excellent character and that appearances can be deceiving?"

She sensed something was wrong and wanted to offer some advice, but the pain from her injuries was unbearable, and she couldn't speak, so she bit her lip and remained silent.

Zhong Dashan and Zhou Fuling stood facing each other.

Zhou Fuling drew her sword, concealed her aura, and remained inconspicuous.

Seeing that she was expressionless, and then seeing that Liang Bucheng's face was covered in the distance, Zhong Dashan assumed that Liang Bucheng was dead.

Zhong Dashan chuckled, "Your good teacher is dead, and Ling Xiaoxiu is so unconvinced that he only dares to resort to insidious methods?"

Many cultivators in the audience took a deep breath.

Zhong Dashan has quite the nerve!

How dare they speak to this unknown first-rank expert in front of them like that!

Many cultivators looked at Zhong Dashan with new respect.

He is so fearless in the face of power!

Zhou Fuling didn't know what Zhong Dashan was talking about, but suddenly smiled and said, "Have you ever heard the saying, 'A drop of water incurred should be repaid with a spring of water'?"

Zhong Dashan was stunned. Seeing her boasting, he couldn't help but burst into laughter: "...How about I give you a chance?"

Zhou Fuling was taken aback, not understanding what she meant: "What?"

"Everyone!" Zhong Dashan shouted to all directions, "I am grateful to Ling Xiu for coming up with such a clever plan, and I have already done more than enough by letting her use her move. From now on, whether Ling Xiu lives or dies, none of you should blame her!"

Zhong Dashan turned back to Zhou Fuling and said, "So, Ling Xiu, if you should admit defeat, then do it now. Young man, you have ambition, and I can't bear to hurt you."

Ning Chengshan, who was eager to see Zhou Fuling's martial arts technique, asked anxiously, "Zhong Dashan, what are you saying? What are you doing??"

"Clang"

But then Zhong Dashan swiftly and agilely, drawing his sword at Zhou Fuling and suddenly grabbing at her.

Zhong Dashan's previous actions were nothing more than deception, intended to launch a sneak attack when Zhou Fuling lowered her guard. This "Ling Fu" is intelligent, but crippling her martial arts would make it easier for Minister Ning Chengshan to capture her and force her to serve.

Then, lock her up and force her to reveal a good plan.

Zhong Dashan was smug, thinking that Ning Chengshan would definitely remember his kindness in taking such a big blame for him!

When Zhong Dashan brandished his flashlight, the real Ling Fu in the audience covered her chest with both hands and gasped in fear.

That's how Minister Liang was injured!

"What?" Zhong Dashan suddenly looked up in shock.

All that could be seen were Zhou Fuling's eyes, black as obsidian, devoid of any glimmer of light.

She was only a foot away, but Zhong Dashan suddenly felt as if his fist had been thrown into a large net, unable to get in or shake off. His five fingers were in excruciating pain, as if they were being clamped by invisible iron pincers.

Zhou Fuling thrust out her sword with the grace of flowing clouds and towering mountains, displaying the demeanor of a master in a single move, drawing cheers from many experts below the stage.

This move was executed with measured speed and precision, yet Zhong Dashan simply couldn't dodge it. He let out a miserable cry as his face was pierced through.

Zhou Fuling released her grip and whispered, "Thank you for letting me have the chance."

Zhong Dashan staggered back a few steps, his finger bones instantly crushed by the oppressive force, the pain excruciating, making him unsteady on his feet. It was only then that he suddenly realized a problem he had been overlooking—

What is the cultivation level of the person before me? And what is he/she?

An indescribable terror welled up in Zhong Dashan's heart, and he hissed, "You, you, who exactly are you—"

Yet another sword strike came. Zhou Fuling's movements were clearly unhurried, but the overwhelming pressure emanating from her completely blocked all of Zhong Dashan's attempts to dodge.

Zhong Dashan cried out in alarm, but the sound was blocked in his throat.

This unhurried pace stems from overwhelming strength and skill.

This sword pierced through Zhong Dashan's palm.

Zhou Fuling drew her sword again, each time adhering to the principle of "treading on frost to reach ice," discerning subtle signs of impending doom. After ten sword strikes, her movements suddenly became swift. Before the cultivators could even see what was happening, with a thud, Zhong Dashan fell onto the Zhige Platform.

He was perfectly clear-headed because Zhou Fuling avoided hitting his head.

However, even so, he could clearly feel the excruciating pain from the sword's blade cutting his body, and his spiritual energy bursting apart as if torn apart, burning like fire and freezing like ice.

Zhong Dashan struggled and howled, "Spare me! Spare me! I surrender! I surrender!"

Zhou Fuling smiled and said, "I'll let you off this time. Probe me some more."

Many of the Fourth Minister's elders looked disappointed: "Ling Xiu, don't be soft-hearted..." They thought Zhou Fuling was young and soft-hearted, so they wanted to let go of this villain who had seriously injured Minister Liang.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Dashan, lying paralyzed in a pool of blood, suddenly screamed in agony: "You destroyed my spiritual meridians! You destroyed my spiritual meridians! The Du Meridian, the Ren Meridian, the Chong Meridian, they're all severed! My power, my power!!"

Upon hearing this, the cultivators' expressions all changed. The Du Meridian, Ren Meridian, and Chong Meridian are all among the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. These three meridians originate from the same source but diverge in their pathways, known as "One Source, Three Branches," and are extremely important for circulating the microcosmic orbit. Destroying them is tantamount to crippling a person's cultivation.

Zhou Fuling said, "There's still hope. Judging from your current condition, it's not beyond saving, but you're a bit worse off than Minister Liang and Senior Sister Qinghu Yue just now. Do you see anyone willing to save you, like your new master?"

Her words were gentle, as if she were making a sincere suggestion. The cultivators of the fourth division also noticed that the wounds on Zhong Dashan's body were very similar to those suffered by Liang Bucheng earlier.

After examining the wound closely, Master Miao suddenly exclaimed, "Oh dear, this injury seems to be more serious than Xu Yan's earlier injury! Ah, I know, this injury of Cultivator Zhong comes from a first-rank expert. If a first-rank expert were to save him, it would also consume a lot of his qi and blood. It wouldn't be without any impact, and it probably wouldn't be easy."

"But it's not entirely hopeless, Brother Zhong, may your wish be fulfilled!"

Miao Shanzhu's words were a response to Zhong Dashan's previous serious injury to Liang Bucheng.

Seeing his severe injuries, the cultivators of the Fourth Division were all delighted, but they refrained from showing their joy for the sake of appearances.

Zhong Dashan was in so much pain that he broke out in a cold sweat, shaking his head and swaying back and forth. He knew that if he was not saved, all his efforts of hundreds of years would be for naught, and that would be worse than death!

He had no time to think. After being helped onto the Zhige Platform, he rolled off the stretcher and, enduring excruciating pain in an ugly posture, kowtowed to Liu Wuxing: "My child, my child, save your godfather!"

Liu Wuxing was already feigning unconsciousness, and was also furious about Zhong Dashan's betrayal. Hearing such a commotion, he was greatly shocked.

He and Zhong Dashan had always shared a father-son relationship, and Liu Wuxing couldn't bear to see Zhong Dashan roar in such pain and despair.

However, Liu Wuxing, remembering his own predicament and Ning Chengshan, scoffed inwardly, "I can barely protect myself right now, how could I possibly spare my strength to save you? Besides, since I pretended to be unconscious, if I woke up now, wouldn't everyone know? What kind of talk would that be? Godfather, didn't you secretly side with Ning Chengshan behind my back? Let her save you!"

So he continued to feign unconsciousness, groaning softly as if he were dizzy and blood was trickling from his mouth, giving the impression of being overwhelmed with anxiety and unable to take care of himself.

Since Shu Minglian's skills were insufficient, Zhong Dashan didn't even consider asking her for help.

Seeing this scene of "filial piety and benevolence" ("filial piety" refers to Zhong Dashan kneeling and begging, and "benevolence" refers to Liu Wuxing's peaceful unconsciousness), Shu Minglian stood with her hands behind her back. Thinking of how the two of them had disgraced the third part, she turned her eyes away and said solemnly, "Yun San has finally lost. Take the Minister and Zhong Xiu away to recuperate."

According to the rules of the martial arts test, if all three participants lose, only then can the remaining three participants leave the test.

At this moment, three people from the third part went up standing up, and two people came down lying down. Only Shu Minglian was completely unharmed.

Zhong Dashan was unwilling to accept this. He spat out a mouthful of blood and, after being carried off the plane, rolled on the ground, yelling, "Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"

Like a stray dog, he crawled to the foot of the second sword-testing platform and kowtowed to Ning Chengshan on the platform, crying, "Minister Chengshan, save me! Please, Minister Chengshan, save me!!"

Ning Chengshan was about to go and compete with Ning Chaoxue to get rid of this major threat, so how could she be distracted by treating Zhong Dashan?

Ning Chengshan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Zhong Xiu, the martial arts test is not over yet, I cannot come down from the Zhige Platform." After sighing, she instructed her elders, "Feed Zhong Xiu the Meridian-Connecting Elixir."

How could a healing elixir possibly save the crippled meridians of someone poisoned by Zhou Fuling? This implies that the elixir is not meant to save them.

Zhong Dashan couldn't believe it and screamed in a hoarse voice, "Minister Chengshan, I did it all for you! For you!"

"What does this have to do with my second book?" Ning Hong coughed and said coldly, "It's you, Zhong Dashan, who is indecisive. You want to surrender, but you don't dare to confront the first book. You only dare to cause trouble for the fourth book. This is your own choice."

Ning Hong wanted to distance herself from the second part, but she was also annoyed by Zhong Dashan's moral blackmail.

However, after these words were spoken, although everyone despised Zhong Dashan, they also became somewhat wary of the second part.

...Is the second part so heartless, treating people like they're disposable?

Ning Chengshan frowned and said, "Hong'er."

With a disapproving tone, he named several more medicinal herbs, saying, "Give them all to Zhong Xiu so he can recuperate properly."

But he never mentioned healing.

Seeing that there was no hope of helping in the second part, both Zhong Dashan and the other two said they would not save them.

There was also Ning Bai, who sat leaning against the Zhige Platform with a blank stare and a pale face, seemingly shocked by the revelation of Zhou Fuling's true skill.

Zhong Dashan was filled with remorse.

But in order to save himself, he endured the excruciating pain and was helped to the first section by his disciples, where he rolled off the stretcher again and kowtowed for help.

But how could Ning Chenghan and the elders in the first part, knowing he had betrayed them, possibly risk their lives to save him?

Zhong Dashan knew he was beyond saving. Just an hour ago, he was full of power and had a bright future. He had only seriously injured Liang Bucheng, but Ling Fu, who suddenly appeared, had destroyed his power. He was filled with regret.

He let out a long howl, coughed up blood, and fell unconscious. His condition was both pitiful and hateful. Only a few of his close disciples stepped forward and dragged him into the crowd to treat him.

His figure was hidden in the crowd, and few people paid any attention to him.

-

Ning Hong sat on the carpet, her breathing unsteady. Having gone through Zhong Dashan's ordeal again, her heart was filled with turmoil.

Zhou Fuling's cultivation level is so high that it needs no further explanation.

This week, Fu Ling seemed to be quite cunning. By punishing Zhong Dashan in this way, she not only avenged Liang Bucheng and others from the Fourth Division, but also sowed discord between the Second Division and the other cultivators.

And what about her? The one who had opposed her so many times before? No, it's unthinkable. She knew her mother's strength; she certainly wouldn't be defeated by this newcomer. This person must have a weakness.

Seeing Ning Bai beside her, still looking lost and dejected, Ning Hong felt annoyed and wanted to kick him, but she didn't have the strength and could only cough weakly.

Song Huo and Ning Chengshan, however, were focused on Zhou Fuling's martial arts, because the two of them would be facing Zhou Fuling's sword later.

Song Huoxin thought, "Ling Fu's movements are skillful, suggesting she has extensive experience in martial arts training. In terms of skill, she is at least at the high level. As for her moves, each one has the style of a master, indicating she must have been taught by a renowned teacher since childhood. Her moves are ruthless and decisive, and she is not just a theorist. However, her Yun Ning moves seem somewhat unfamiliar, as if she has only practiced them for three years. Where did she come from?"

In fact, Zhou Fuling had only practiced the Yun Ning Kung Fu for a few days.

It's already incredibly fortunate that I've reached this level of skill.

Firstly, she is naturally intelligent; secondly, she has other martial arts techniques taught by Ning Tingyue as a foundation; thirdly, she had learned Liang Huo's secret techniques in a cave at the bottom of the mountain; and fourthly, she had Liang Bucheng's guidance on any mistakes. Now, she no longer shows any signs of being a beginner.

But for a discerning expert, it's hard to discern the true extent of her skill and mastery.

Ning Chengshan shared the same doubts as Master Songhuo, feeling utterly perplexed. Furthermore, she sensed a certain similarity between Zhou Fuling's skill and her own.

"Where is the similarity?" In fact, Zhou Fuling had also been instructed by Zou Lanci and had learned the Liang Huo secret method.

Ning Chengshan had a feeling, but couldn't immediately connect the various clues. She wondered, "Why didn't Ling Fu show her strength in the first round, but only in the second round of the battle? What's the deeper meaning behind this?"

Shu Minglian stepped down from the Zhige Platform. As her leader, the cultivators from the five small legions all surrounded her.

Shu Minglian said, "Go and deliver the Stabilizing Pills to Zhong Sixin and Lü Shoude, the cultivators from the Fourth Division who just fainted."

The fourth part naturally has no shortage of these stabilizing pills. By doing so, she is showing everyone that as the leader of the five minor armies, she has sided with Zhou Fuling, this newly rising force.

The fourth part was weak and outnumbered, and Liang Bu Cheng was also aloof and rarely formed alliances with others.

Now, upon receiving Shu Minglian's greetings and medicine, they were all deeply moved. One elder stammered as he thanked her and offered to help Huo Yue take his pulse, as a gesture of reciprocity.

Shu Minglian agreed, but when she looked at Zhou Fuling's figure on the Zhige Platform, she was also very confused and had doubts in her heart:

"Since this master is so powerful, why go to so much trouble to become sworn brothers with her, and then use the sworn brotherhood and elixirs to beg her to admit defeat?"

Shu Minglian figured there must be a reason for this, and ordered all her subordinate cultivators to be careful and to protect the Fourth Division cultivators and retreat if anything happened.

Zhou Fuling sat back down on the Zhige Terrace, but quietly covered her chest.

Pain. Pain.

A chill was creeping from her meridians to her heart, spreading throughout her entire body. It was the "Devouring Spirit Powder" that Zou, Kuang, and Ning had given her years ago taking effect.

"Devouring God Powder" means "devouring divine power." Those poisoned with it, no matter how powerful they are, cannot use their divine power. If they do, there will be a painful price to pay.

Therefore, under the influence of the "God-Devouring Powder," this person with power becomes a pitiful creature who guards a treasure but suffers from pain all over his body when he touches gold and silver.

This poison is vicious and cruel, devouring both the body and the soul. How many people, after having possessed it, can calmly face the shackles that feel like a catastrophe?

Zhou Fuling once thought that her resentment had been worn away.

They were defeated by those insignificant opponents.

Years of resignation.

But now, sitting atop the Zhige Terrace, under the watchful eyes of all four, she felt as if the Devouring God Powder had torn open several wounds within her body. She was powerless to resist.

The Soul-Devouring Powder was slowly draining her spiritual power, inflicting pain on her body.

That long-lost despair was slowly awakened in Zhou Fuling's mind.

On what grounds?

Three faces suddenly appeared in her mind.

It was not Zou Lanci, Kuang Yunchu, and Ning Tingyue, whom I met later.

Instead, it refers to the "big mother," "little mother," and "big father" of childhood.

Why do you want to subject me to this kind of suffering? The pain of having once possessed something and then losing it all? Just because I'm a tool you keep?

A sharp pain shot through her fingers. After a while, Zhou Fuling's pain subsided slightly, but cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

She knew that although she had recovered somewhat, her condition was ultimately weakened by the battle with Zhong Dashan.

There are two more people—the two strongest members of the Yun Ning Sect.

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she tried to suppress the weakness in her meridians, leaning against the support to regulate her breathing. Finally, she placed her hands limply on her knees.

She didn't want others to notice anything amiss, so she didn't show any sign of pain.

Only Xu Qingning, watching Zhou Fuling from below the stage, knew that she was enduring pain, and he too felt a pang of heartache.

He thought to himself, "She's always been so patient with me... and I shouldn't have hit her. Will she hate me when she thinks about it?"

In reality, when Xu Qingning fought Zhou Fuling in the past, he either held back his moves, that is, when he realized he couldn't beat her, he would pretend to be aloof and cold and fight a few moves before admitting defeat, or he would admit defeat after Zhou Fuling threatened him with the lives of his family members.

When Zhou Fuling faced him, she held back to some extent without realizing it, not using much of her strength and causing him no pain.

On stage.

After Zhou Fuling regulated her breathing, the pain gradually subsided, and she felt as if her internal strength had retreated by an entire small realm.

But once you've made the move, there's no turning back.

She looked up to watch the battle, specifically the martial arts duel between Song Huo and Ning Chengshan.

The outcome of the martial arts duel between the Fire Immortal and Ning Hong was a foregone conclusion.

The elder who was presiding over the case had just announced that the martial arts contest was about to begin when Ning Hong cleanly and decisively conceded defeat. This was also within Zhou Fuling's expectations; Ning Hong's current injuries prevented her from continuing the fight, so it was better for her to preserve her strength and take charge of the overall situation.

Ning Chaoxue, however, did not back down. This young master of the first division stepped onto the stage with a sword in hand, bowed to Ning Chengshan, and asked for his guidance.

Zhou Fuling understood the idea behind the first part: to have Ning Chaoxue test her skills and find out Ning Chengshan's true strength.

But Zhou Fuling frowned.

In her eyes, Ning Chaoxue was just a pampered young lady who had been built up with golden cores and abundant resources. As far as she knew, Ning Chaoxue was a noble and precious person who used to coerce her subordinates into using her as stepping stones for cultivation, or she would use poison and trickery (such as the time she used the Soul Stab on Xu Qingning).

What can be tested by facing the deep and thoughtful Ning Chengshan?