Chương 163: Ironwood Blossoms

Regardless of the circumstances, the Jin family's assassination of Huaijin had been carried out on the Fang family's orders. Though the Fang clan had their own internal factional disputes, the outside powers cared little for such nuances. In their eyes, the Fang family's reputation had suffered a significant blow. Some subordinate forces had even defected to the Zhou family as a result. Langya County remained the Zhang family's stronghold.

Zhang Lixian and Zhang Liwei were stationed at Qingtai City, marshaling troops and engaging in constant skirmishes with the Jin family. All of this was done at Huaijin's direction. The Zhang family didn't lack resources, what they lacked were powerful cultivators. The conflict with the Jin family presented an opportunity, a crucible to temper their clansmen's combat strength. With Green Spirit Peaches now in their possession, they had no shortage of Tier 1 cultivators.

For now, the battles remained at the Qi Refining level; the Tier 2 cultivators had yet to enter the fray. The Jin family, meanwhile, was quietly consolidating their resources on one side while rallying their forces for bloody clashes with the Zhang family on the other. Though Jin Guang was well aware that their clan ancestor had no hope of advancing to the Purple Mansion realm, he showed no weakness.

He refused to believe that a Tier 2 clan with centuries of development, even if outmatched at the top level, could lose to a family that had risen in only a few decades. The major powers within Qingtai City began stirring the waters too, eager to profit from the chaos. For a time, the area around the city grew increasingly turbulent, and business at its shops became brisk.

—— Huaijin remained on Purple Cloud Peak, consuming a leftover Tier 2 mid grade Spirit Peach at regular intervals, slowly increasing his cultivation and polishing his foundation. Before he knew it, the end of the year had arrived. Huaijin was now sixty years old. An ordinary person without spirit roots would already be decrepit at this age, with few years left to live. But Huaijin remained as handsome and refined as ever.

Clad in white, standing proudly atop the mountain peak, he looked like an immortal descended to earth, his presence growing more ethereal with each rise in cultivation. Heavy snow fell, covering everything in a blanket of white. Yet on the summit of Purple Cloud Peak, spring-like warmth prevailed. It was then that Huaijin sensed something. From the distant snow-covered landscape, a silver snow leopard moved forward with unhurried steps, its coat immaculate. On its back sat a graceful woman in purple robes.

It was Ning Nanzhi. At year's end, she had come to Purple Cloud Peak. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work! The Flame Beacon Mystery Array was active, but Ning Nanzhi showed no hesitation. Her expression calm, she entered directly. In an instant, Huaijin descended from the summit and appeared beside her.

"What? Not happy to see me?" Ning Nanzhi spoke, her gaze tender. Huaijin replied calmly, "Of course I'm happy. But why have you come at this time?" Ning Nanzhi stepped forward lightly.

"I just felt like coming." White robes and purple garments framed against the endless snow, the scene was harmonious and beautiful. The two walked through the snowy landscape like a pair of immortals, making their way toward the summit. —— On Purple Cloud Peak, the Zhang family members were thoroughly excited. Gossip sparkled in their eyes.

"Who is that woman in purple?" was the thought on everyone's mind. The Azure Ink Dragon in the lake slowly withdrew its aura, watching Ning Nanzhi from the water.

"This kid has finally come into season!" the dragon mused.

"Not bad, he has taste. Purple really has a certain appeal." The Azure Ink Dragon appraised Ning Nanzhi with a look of satisfaction. As if sensing something, Ning Nanzhi's starry gaze turned toward the lake.

"What's in that lake?" she asked directly. Huaijin's expression remained indifferent.

"Some pine fish I'm raising."

"If I recall correctly, pine fish are spirit beasts from the Southern Sea Island Chains right?. The pine fish spirit cuisine your Zhang family is famous for, these are the ones you raise here, aren't they?" Ning Nanzhi's eyes showed a hint of surprise. Was the environment of the Eastern Great Wilderness really suitable for pine fish?

"That's right. My place here is rather suitable for them," Huaijin explained.

"Then I'll have to try some!"

"Haha, I've already made arrangements." Huaijin had given the orders the moment he saw Ning Nanzhi arrive. As they spoke, the two reached the summit of Purple Cloud Peak.

"Wow! It's so beautiful!" Ning Nanzhi exclaimed in admiration as she gazed at the Spirit Peach trees standing atop the peak. At the same time, she understood in her heart that the Zhang family couldn't have risen without reason.

"You're welcome to visit often. When the peach blossoms bloom, it's even more beautiful," Huaijin replied.

"Hey! Aren't you afraid I'll expose your family's secrets?" Ning Nanzhi suddenly asked. Huaijin's expression remained calm.

"Since you trust me so much, I trust you too." Ning Nanzhi had stepped onto Purple Cloud Peak without hesitation, and Huaijin knew in his heart that she held him in high regard.

"Good, Haha!" She seemed genuinely delighted, a smile appearing on her slightly rounded face. Faint dimples could be seen. Huaijin's mind wandered for a moment, his heart stirred. —— Soon, under Zhang Rende's arrangements, a feast of delicacies was prepared. Yunli and Wujian appeared, sneaking around.

"Alright, stop lurking about! Nanzhi, let me introduce you, this is my younger sister, and this is my younger brother." Huaijin scolded them, and the two emerged sheepishly.

"Hello! I'm Ning Nanzhi," she greeted them with a brilliant smile. Yunli, clever and mischievous, darted over to Ning Nanzhi's side.

"You're so beautiful! Will you be my sister-in-law someday?" One sentence from Yunli made Nanzhi blush.

"Let's just eat! With so much good food, can't that keep your mouth shut?" Huaijin chided. Seeing that neither of them had answered, Yunli and Wujian exchanged a glance, both guessing what the other was thinking.

'Second Brother has finally become interested in women!' The banquet left Ning Nanzhi feeling a bit embarrassed. Yunli and Wujian would occasionally whisper to each other, stealing glances at her and breaking into fits of giggles. After the meal, Huaijin cleared his throat.

"Both of you, once you're done eating, get lost!" Zhang Yunli rose.

"Second Brother, don't be so crude, it ruins your image! We're not oblivious, are we, Wujian?"

"Absolutely not!" With that, the two left with knowing smiles. Ning Nanzhi wasn't offended.

"Your younger siblings are amusing!"

"They are Just kids, lacking in manners," Huaijin said with a slight smile.

"I can see that everything on your Purple Cloud Peak is quite good, except for the defensive array. Since I've eaten your meal, let me help you improve it." With just a few glances, Ning Nanzhi spotted several flaws in the Flame Beacon Mystery Array. Moreover, Purple Cloud Peak had a Tier 2 upper grade spirit vein, dense with spiritual energy, yet it was protected only by a Tier 2 mid grade array. Such a fine resource, truly a waste.