The Heir Competition concluded.
Ning Fa's branch family was promoted to the direct lineage, naturally leading to a host of matters to handle.
For instance, they could change their Spirit Island again, at least to one with a First-grade High-rank Spirit Vein.
There was also the distribution of various resources, such as Spirit Mine Veins, Spirit Fishing Grounds, and quality Spirit Fields.
Ning Fa found Ning Zhengqian and Ning Zifeng and whispered to them, entrusting them with full authority to manage these affairs.
They only needed to report back to him afterward.
He had only one request: that his Maternal Aunt's family would not receive direct lineage treatment for ten years.
Ning Fa would make a decision based on their performance within those ten years.
Additionally, a portion of the resources the family received was to be allocated to his maternal uncle's family.
Overjoyed, Ning Zhengqian agreed without much hesitation.
Following this, the top eight cultivators who won went to the family treasury on Changning Mountain to select High-grade Magic Artifacts.
Ning Fa chose a flying artifact, a blue flying carriage with wings, named the [Blue Spirit Flying Carriage], which had decent speed.
It happened that Ning Fa didn't have a suitable flying artifact.
Just as Ning Fa was about to leave Changning Mountain, a deep voice sounded in his ear.
Ning Fa vibrated slightly, then used the newly acquired Blue Spirit Flying Carriage to fly towards the highest peak of Changning Mountain.
Before long, he arrived at the entrance of a stone palace on the mountaintop.
This stone palace was the residence of Ning Fa's family's First Elder, Ning Zhongyuan.
It was Ning Zhongyuan who had just transmitted a message to his ear, asking him to come here.
Although Ning Fa felt a bit apprehensive, he wasn't overly nervous.
He had anticipated this day for a long time.
With his rapid cultivation progress, especially the overwhelming strength he displayed during the family's Heir Competition, the family's higher-ups were bound to be suspicious.
Therefore, Ning Fa had expected that the higher-ups would likely summon him.
He just hadn't expected that the First Elder himself would seek him out.
In a spacious hall, Ning Fa saw the First Elder again at close range after many years.
Despite not seeing him for several years, Ning Zhongyuan showed no signs of aging.
His complexion was merely a bit pale, and he appeared to have grown even fatter.
His face was adorned with a jovial smile, completely devoid of any airs or imposing presence, much like an ordinary wealthy commoner.
However, anyone who knew about the First Elder's illustrious past would never dare to look down on him.
It was under this First Elder's leadership that the Ning family leaped from being a mid-tier force in Thousand Wave Lake to becoming the second most powerful force.
Even the arrogant Ning Zhongjiu in the family showed utmost respect to the First Elder.
There was even a rumor that Ning Zhongjiu's name wasn't his original one, but was changed because of the First Elder.
This was because the First Elder was formerly ranked eighth in his branch family and was also known as Ning Zhongba.
To express his reverence, the Third Elder changed his name to Ning Zhongjiu.
"Greetings, First Elder."
Ning Fa respectfully bowed.
Ning Zhongyuan waved his hand and said with a smile, "Little Fa, you truly surprised this old man. If it weren't for recuperating from my injuries, I would have wanted to see you much earlier."
After speaking, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he carefully scrutinized Ning Fa.
Ning Fa instantly felt as if he were being seen through. Although he felt a sense of awe inwardly, he managed to maintain a calm expression.
After a while, Ning Zhongyuan returned to his usual demeanor.
Ning Zhongyuan's eyes widened slightly, and even with his self-control, he couldn't help but ask with immense surprise:
"You've actually cultivated a Thunder Source!? And you've cultivated ten Lesser Thunder Sources! No wonder your Dharma power is so immense; even the disciples in the family at the eighth or ninth layer of Qi Condensation are no match for you."
Ning Fa inwardly thought, Good question.
He wasn't surprised that Ning Zhongyuan knew about the Lesser Thunder Sources.
This was because the Primordial Thunder Art itself contained an introduction to the Thunder Source, albeit a very vague one.
It only left behind a somewhat ambiguous cultivation method.
Since Ning Zhongyuan had personally acquired this Primordial Thunder Art, he naturally knew it intimately.
Ning Fa, having prepared for this, respectfully replied, "First Elder should know that I consumed an Essence Replenishing Pill that I refined myself, which was close to a Second-grade Dao Mark. With the help of this pill, I unexpectedly cultivated this Thunder Source and then smoothly broke through to the Qi Condensation Mid-stage."
"Afterward, I also smoothly cultivated the other Lesser Thunder Sources, and my cultivation level progressed all the way to the Sixth Layer of Qi Condensation."
Ning Zhongyuan showed a look of realization and then sighed, "This opportunity was earned by yourself; it truly wasn't easy. The family had given up on you back then. If you hadn't given up on yourself, you wouldn't be where you are today."
Ning Fa was slightly taken aback by Ning Zhongyuan's bluntness.
Ning Zhongyuan chuckled, then asked with burning intensity, "Let me ask you, do you harbor any resentment towards the family for abandoning you before?"
Ning Fa immediately replied, "To say I've never felt that way would be a lie, but I've come to understand things later. The family invested so many resources into me in the early stages, enough to push a clan member with decent aptitude to the threshold of Foundation Establishment. So, I really have nothing to complain about."
Hearing the sincerity in Ning Fa's words, Ning Zhongyuan's plump face couldn't help but show a hint of a smile. He said, "I observe that you are on the verge of reaching the threshold of Late Qi Condensation. Rest assured, the family will fully support your breakthrough. Even Second-grade resources will be made available to you."
With that, he took out a jade talisman and handed it to Ning Fa, saying, "This is a Thousand Mile Talisman. With it, you can contact me directly within a thousand miles. If you need anything in the future, you can come find me directly."
Ning Fa was taken aback. Does this mean I've reached the ears of the higher-ups?
It seemed his performance in alchemy and cultivation had made the family pay close attention to him once more.
Ning Fa immediately expressed his thanks and accepted the jade talisman.
Ning Zhongyuan continued, "Would you like to move to Changning Mountain? The spiritual energy is denser here, which might help you break through sooner."
Ning Fa politely declined, "I've grown accustomed to cultivating and refining pills on Small Bamboo Island. I find it suits me well, and the Spirit Vein there is of Mid-rank Second-grade quality."
Ning Zhongyuan pondered for a moment, then said, "Very well. You can set aside alchemy for now and focus on cultivation. You can also nurture that girl Qinghui."
Speaking of which, Ning Zhongyuan's eyes flashed, and he said meaningfully, "Perhaps there will be more important matters for you to handle in the future."
Ning Fa couldn't help but ponder the meaning behind Ning Zhongyuan's words.
Ning Zhongyuan changed the subject, "Alright, feel free to state any needs you have. As long as they aren't too excessive, I can agree to them."
Ning Fa's heart leaped with joy. He did have something in mind, and this was the perfect opportunity to bring it up.
After Ning Fa finished speaking, the cheerful smile on Ning Zhongyuan's face vanished.
His brows furrowed, and he said with difficulty, "Can't it be handled in another way? I can even agree to Ning Zhen'an mining in the mines for the rest of his life."
Ning Fa said without hesitation, "First Elder, you should be well aware that Ning Zhen'an deliberately plotted against me. If Uncle Xilin hadn't sacrificed himself to save me, I might have been the one to die. I cannot let such deep hatred go unavenged."
Ning Zhongyuan sighed, then slowly nodded.
He said helplessly, "Be careful not to cause too much of a stir. Handle it properly."
Ning Fa's face lit up, and he immediately agreed.
Before long, Ning Fa got up to leave.
Shortly after he exited, Ning Zhongyuan's voice echoed in his ears, "Little Fa, I hope this matter can end here."
Ning Fa paused for a moment, then left as if nothing had happened.