Ning Tao had fulfilled the promise to spread the news that the skull fragment from the Emei sect was with him. Still, it was also equivalent to inviting trouble. He had expected the first ones to come looking for him would be Nicholas Conway or the powers behind the Genesis Biotech Company, but…

He did not expect to see Tang Zixian.

She looked quite different from the one he knew. She seemed more celestial, so beautiful, as if she were completely removed from the mundane. However, Ning Tao couldn’t tell whether it was the appearance of her original self or if it was the Yingu Soul-suppressing Talisman at work.

After all, he couldn’t lift her skirt to check whether she was using the Yingu Soul-suppressing Talisman. If he used his sense of smell to detect the scent of a certain area then he would be able to arrive at a conclusion. However, his senses would be violated and it would also be embarrassing. Also, he was the owner of the Sky Clinic. How would he do anything as shameless as that?

Tang Zixian walked over to Ning Tao.

Ning Tao had already guessed why she was there even before she spoke.

Two pairs of eyes exchanged glances.

This resembled the scenes in Wuxia novels, when two masters had a staring match before their duel. It was wiser not to act.

A minute later…

Tang Zixian finally broke the silence between the two of them, “I’m a woman, and yet you’re staring at me like this. Aren’t you ashamed?”

Ning Tao said, “I’m a man, and yet you’re looking at me like this. Aren’t you ashamed? Also, did you come all the way here just to look at me?”

Tang Zixian knitted her brows slightly. “Alright, since you’re so direct then I’ll get to the point. I heard that you acquired a piece of Zhu Hongyu’s skull fragment from the Emei Sect, is this true?”

“It’s true,” Ning Tao said, staring right at Tang Zixian, trying to observe her reaction.

Tang Zixian’s response was similarly direct, “Let me see it.”

Ning Tao was slightly stunned. He wasn’t expecting Tang Zixian’s candor.

Tang Zixian also stared at Ning Tao with a piercing gaze. “Say, what are we?”

Ning Tao smiled. “What do you think?”

Tang Zixian said, “We are allies. Have you forgotten how I helped you to kill Bai Sheng?”

Ning Tao did not. But he had already returned the favor long before. Tang Zixian said they were allies but he didn’t dare to acknowledge. After all, he had not forgotten how Tang Tianren died. Also, she had rejected to help him the previous time he asked for help to save Yin Molan. And yet, she had suddenly appeared to ask to see Zhu Hongyu’s skull fragment. Was he really obliged to fulfill her request?

“How about this. There’s a very rare spiritual material called The Authentic Ambergris. If you could produce it for me, I will give you an elixir once I’ve successfully cultivated the Ancestor-seeking Elixir.

“Authentic Ambergris?” Tang Zixian was shocked. “Is there Authentic Ambergris in the prescription this time?”

Ning Tao nodded. “I wouldn’t joke over such a matter.”

Tang Zixian’s eyes were filled with surprise. “Authentic Ambergris? Are you sure you aren’t joking?”

Ning Tao responded, “I’m not joking. If you could get it for me, I’ll give you an Ancestor-seeking Elixir.”

“Heeheehee…” Tang Zixian suddenly burst into laughter. She laughed so hard that she was shaking.

Ning Tao still appeared to be very calm. “What are you laughing about?”

Tang Zixian stopped laughing. “Do you know what Authentic Ambergris is?”

Ning Tao said, “Don’t you forget that I’m a cultivating doctor who was medically trained. You’re asking such a question to test me? The ordinary ambergris is a type of special faeces made up of undigested food from sperm whales. But sperm whales are not dragons. The spiritual material, Authentic Ambergris, is a type of special faeces from dragons with digestive issues. It’s the same logic but it involves different things.”

Tang Zixian glared at Ning Tao. “Since you already knew what kind of spiritual material it is, then why are you still asking me for help?”

Ning Tao smiled gently. “If it were that easy to look for Authentic Ambergris, I wouldn’t ask you for help in the first place.”

“Let me see that skull fragment, and then I’ll think of how to look for Authentic Ambergris,” Tang Zixian said.

Ning Tao walked forward, “We’ll talk again when you find it.”

Tang Zixian was annoyed. “It seems like you’ve never taken me as an ally. Don’t forget that you would need my help if you want to get the skull fragments from Nicholas Conway. How do you expect me to trust you and help you with your current attitude?”

Ning Tao passed by her.

There was a saying that “a person who is strangely solicitous is bound to harbor evil intentions.” She was initiating an alliance despite the prospect of facing an enemy like Nicholas Conway. She was no Young Pioneers of China squadron leader with a three-striped insignia, why would she be so compassionate?

Whether she was his ally or not, it wasn’t for her to decide. He was the one to make the choice.

“Ning Tao!” Tang Zixian was angered beyond words. She had specially worn a pretty white dress for the occasion, and had even used the Yingu Soul-suppressing Talisman to make herself appear like a celestial being that visited Ning Tao for the skull fragment as a fairy of justice. Still, Ning Tao was neither moved by her celestial beauty and aura, nor by their apparent alliance. He was as stubborn as a rock.

“Go do what you have to. We’ll work together if you bring me the Authentic Ambergris,” Ning Tao said but did not turn back to look at Tang Zixian.

“Even though you’re being too much, I still want to tell you that I’ve received news from the United States. Nicholas Conway has already sent people to our Hua Country. He might even make a personal appearance. You better act wisely,” Tang Zixian’s voice came from behind him.

Ning Tao’s heart skipped a beat and turned around.

But Tang Zixian was no longer present.

Ning Tao was rooted to the spot. He wasn’t surprised by Tang Zixian’s incredible act of disappearance. The words she left behind were the cause of his surprise.

Not only had Nicholas Conway sent people over, he would go there personally. Did it mean that he had two skull fragments with him? If this were true, it would mean that all seven skull fragments had appeared. All seven would make a complete Ancestor-seeking Elixir. Once he was able to put it on the ledger of bamboo slips for identification, he would be able to unravel the mystery of this legendary elixir!

“Nicholas Conway has sent people to Hua Country… could it be Lin Qinghua?” Ning Tao thought as walked.

He was still thinking of the other person with the same surname Lin. No more was heard of her after they had parted in Guan City. How had she been?

It was a different scene in the courtyard house.

Bai Jing was standing at her door while she gargled. She intentionally spit towards Ning Tao the moment she saw him. With pouted lips, the water was sprayed and traveled tens of meters. Her eyes were teasing; they had an inexplicably seductive flavor.

Ning Tao was going to chide her but by observing her pout and gaze, he realized that she had done it intentionally to get a rise out of him. He decidedly kept his mouth shut.

Yin Molan was observing a mess at the children’s table. His brows were furrowed, his expression particularly grave. Could he have assumed that he was a hidden genius?

Jiang Hao was standing in front of the kitchen, currently on a call. Even though she was on the phone, she was staring intently at Ning Tao. It seemed that she didn’t catch Bai Jing spraying water at him. Otherwise, she would definitely be fuming as she stared at Bai Jing.

There was the sound of someone cooking in the kitchen. It was most probably Qing Zhui preparing breakfast for everyone.

Howling Celestial Dog was in a corner of the corridor, using his cell phone while being upside down. It seemed to think that it was not cool enough to use both of its paws, as it instantly used one instead. Without grabbing its phone to check, Ning Tao already knew it was definitely fiddling with TikTok.

Hu Xiaoji was standing at her door with a book in her hand, reading, “A bo chi de e fu ge…”

Was there anything more ridiculous than a thousand year old fox spirit memorizing the pinyin table?

At this moment, Qing Zhui came out from the kitchen; a joyful smile appeared on her face the moment she saw him. “Brother Ning, you’re back. I was about to go to the clinic to call you over for breakfast. Sister Hao made soy milk for you, and I fried dough fritters for you. There is also your favorite pickled tabasco pepper.”

Ning Tao walked over, saying gently, “It has been hard for you.”

Qing Zhui smiled saying, “Why are you so cordial? We are…” She subconsciously looked over to Jiang Hao, worried that she would misspeak and offend her.

Jiang Hao had just gotten off the call and said, “Husband and wife. You are husband and wife anyway. Why are you embarrassed to say it? You can say anything you want.”

She was okay with anything as long as Qing Zhui did not sleep with Ning Tao without her knowledge.

Qing Zhui rushed over to hold Jiang Hao’s hand, giggling as she said, “Yes, you two are husband and wife too. We are family.”

Pft!

Bai Jing spat her water out. “Are you performing a three-people folk dance? It’s too early in the morning and I haven’t had any food yet. Do you want me to puke?”

Jiang Hao glared at Bai Jing, appearing to be irritated.

This was bound to happen in a family with many women.

Ning Tao diverted the conversation, “I met Tang Zixian when I was coming back. She said she had received news that Nicholas Conway had sent people here. Even he himself could be coming. Everyone needs to be careful.”

Yin Molan said, “He better. I’ve practiced my Blade of Brotherhood again. And just in time, I can practice it with him.”

Ning Tao said, “Senior Yin should not underestimate the enemy. He is Nicholas Conway; his powers are unfathomable.”

Yin Molan nodded. It wasn’t the first time Ning Tao had reminded him but he didn’t think Ning Tao was being a nag.

Jiang Hao suddenly remembered. “Tao, you said Nicholas Conway had already sent people here. I have a feeling, could it be Lin Qinghua?”

Ning Tao said, “I also have the same feeling. If you thought so too, then I think it’s most probably him.”

“What should we do if we really end up fighting them?” Jiang Hao asked.

Ning Tao said, “Of course your safety is the most important. If he dares to lay a finger on you, even if it’s just the action of pulling his gun, everyone has to do something to get rid of him. He has already joined Nicholas Conway’s camp, which means he’s our enemy. Being benevolent to our enemy is equivalent to being cruel to ourselves. So do not hesitate, act immediately.”

He had already given Lin Qinghua a chance back in Florence and that was also the last. There would be no more chances. If Lin Qinghua really laid a finger on him and the people around him, he would not hesitate to kill!

Jiang Hao said, “Then, I’m assured. You are very loyal, which is your strength but also your weakness. I was worried that Lin Qinghua would make use of your past friendship. If you said so, then we we’ll know what to do.”

Hu Xiaoji walked over, “You adults only know how to fight and kill, don’t all of you love studying?”

The four adults looked at her in unison.

Hu Xiaoji said, “Papa, go eat quickly, then take me to school.”

Ning Tao was somewhat speechless. He said, “Have I become your chauffeur?”

Hu Xiaoji said, “You are my papa. It’s only right for papa to send his beloved daughter to school.”

Ning Tao was speechless.

After breakfast, Ning Tao sent Hu Xiaoji to Haidi Elementary on his electric motorbike.

When they were approaching the school, Hu Xiaoji suddenly asked Ning Tao, “Papa, who is Zhu Yuanzhang?”

Ning Tao asked with curiosity, “Why are you asking this?”

Hu Xiaoji said, “Our class is having a historical knowledge contest. Tell me who he is.”

Ning Tao said, “He was a herder.”

“Oh, I remember now.” Hu Xiaoji mumbled, “Herder… herder…”

Ning Tao stopped his electric motorbike at the school entrance. Hu Xiaoji jumped off the electric motorbike and bid goodbye to her papa, immediately running to enter the school.

Ning Tao watched Hu Xiaoji’s back. He was confused. “Do grade one students also have historical knowledge quizzes?”

A Maserati suddenly pulled beside Ning Tao. The driver’s window was rolled down and a face came into Ning Tao’s view.

Ning Tao could no longer look away.