If judged by the concentration of Spiritual Qi, Nine Heavens Peak is truly the main peak of Jiuhua Mountain.

On this peak, there are only two cave mansions, one belongs to the Nascent Soul elder who is in secluded cultivation year-round.

The other is the cave mansion of the Jiuhua Sect Leader, Yu Changge.

Su Yuqing, summoned into Yu Changge’s cave mansion, felt somewhat bewildered.

And when she left the cave mansion, the bewilderment on her face deepened.

The Sect Leader, along with several elders, merely asked about the details of their previous trip to Black Dragon Pool.

They even inquired about some combat details.

Then, without asking anything further, they let her leave the cave mansion.

After Su Yuqing left, the several Golden Core cultivators within the cave mansion did not leave.

At this moment, in a small room inside, five people were seated around a table.

Each had a cup of Spirit Tea on their table, and the atmosphere appeared exceptionally relaxed.

In addition to the four Golden Core Elders who previously watched Chu Ning’s alchemy at the Alchemy Pavilion.

There was also an unremarkable cultivator with an ordinary middle-aged face, ordinary in appearance and average in build.

Neither did he have Gong Yuyuan’s imposing mien nor Yuan Zhuo’s aloofness.

He wore an ordinary magic robe, sat with a slight smile on his face, appearing very inconspicuous.

Yet at this moment, this cultivator was surprisingly sitting in the main seat of the round table.

Besides the Jiuhua Sect Leader, Yu Changge, no one else could sit in this seat.

"Sect Leader, it seems our previous assumptions were correct.

Chu Ning is indeed that cultivator who once inquired about Alchemist Xiao’s information."

Speaking was none other than Gong Yuyuan, who brought Chu Ning into the Jiuhua Sect.

From his words, it was clear they had already discerned that Chu Ning was not the "Alchemist Xiao" they thought.

However, to everyone’s surprise, in speaking these words, the Jiuhua Sect Grand Elder didn’t seem angry.

Ling Cang continued, "Judging by his revealed Fire Manipulation Technique, if nothing unexpected, he is most likely a cultivator from the East Saint Continent. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Combined with his apparent ignorance upon first arriving at Jiuhua Mountain, this also aligns well.

It’s just strange how a Foundation Establishment cultivator would come from East Saint Continent to Jiuhua Mountain."

After Ling Cang’s words, Yu Changge, sitting in the main seat, smiled and said:

"This is good news, as Xiao Cheng’s conduct was eccentric and unreliable.

On the contrary, though Chu Ning doesn’t interact much with others, from our observations, he seems to have no ill intentions."

Taking a light sip of Spirit Tea, Yu Changge continued:

"As for how he arrived at Jiuhua Mountain, we need not worry too much.

This Foundation Establishment cultivator coming from the East Saint Continent to the Western Alliance Continent is no easy feat. Returning would be even harder.

As such, now he is no different from our Jiuhua Sect members."

"However, this person’s identity will eventually be a hidden concern," Yuan Zhuo interjected at this moment.

"If he learns we have investigated his origins, he may eventually harbor resentment against the sect."

"Then let’s tell him!" Yu Changge calmly said.

These words stunned Gong Yuyuan, Ling Cang, and others.

"Tell him?"

Yu Changge nodded.

"Our Jiuhua Sect doesn’t need to use such petty tactics. Let him know plainly that we are aware of his origins.

Tell him Jiuhua Sect is open to talents of all kinds and that he’s free to come and go.

If he leaves, we lose nothing.

If he stays and acknowledges our Jiuhua Sect, we would truly gain an alchemy genius, and from his actions today, a cultivation talent as well."

Ling Cang nodded, saying:

"Indeed, I agree with the Sect Leader. Chu Ning’s alchemy talent is rare, which is why I impulsively appointed him as the Chief Steward of the Alchemy Pavilion.

I have a strong premonition that Chu Ning will greatly contribute to the flourishing of our Jiuhua Sect’s alchemy techniques.

In fact, he is already doing so."

Pausing, Ling Cang continued:

"Moreover, he indeed seems to have some distrust towards us, so by frankly informing him, it would demonstrate the openness of our sect."

Following Ling Cang, Gong Yuyuan and Ge Liuyang also expressed their agreement.

Yuan Zhuo no longer raised objections, instead saying:

"Let’s see how this young man decides."

Hearing this, Yu Changge couldn’t help but smile and glance at Yuan Zhuo.

"If he stays, your Rong Zhang could be overshadowed."

Yuan Zhuo’s expression didn’t change much, and he looked towards Gong Yuyuan.

"Regarding the previous matter, Rong Zhang indeed somewhat resented because of pride and was also in a bit of a rivalry with Senior Brother Gong.

However, if Chu Ning does stay and contribute to the sect’s alchemy techniques, Rong Zhang won’t cause trouble.

He may have certain ambitions, but the sect remains his priority."

Yuan Zhuo paused briefly, then added:

"I’ve observed him lately studying Chu Ning’s Fire Control Technique. Though he doesn’t say it, he likely already holds some admiration.

It probably won’t be long before he seeks advice."

With Yuan Zhuo’s words, everyone in the room burst into laughter.

Ling Cang’s face revealed a smile as he said:

"I also think this matter may not be a bad thing for Rong Zhang."

Yu Changge nodded and said to Ling Cang: "Elder Ling, please call Chu Ning here."

Ling Cang nodded, sending out a Communication Talisman.

Shortly after, a Communication Talisman flew back.

Upon opening it, Ling Cang listened and then shook his head with a smile:

"He can’t come; the cave mansion’s restrictions are already in place. It’s said he is in secluded cultivation, and unless we force our way in, we likely can’t summon him."

"Secluded cultivation?"

Ge Liuyang was a bit surprised to hear this.

"I heard from that Rong Girl that Chu Ning had just come out of secluded cultivation to gather Spirit Medicine for alchemy.

Why is he entering secluded cultivation again?"

Yu Changge’s eyes flashed with an unusual light upon hearing this, then he said:

"Regardless of the reason for secluded cultivation, having talent and still working hard is excellent!

This Chu Ning, our Jiuhua Sect should indeed find a way to keep him."