Rust Calamity Artisan was startled by Ban Ji’s performance.

Before this trip, Ban Jie had secretly conversed with him and specifically given him instructions.

“That was close—I almost didn’t manage to stop Ban Ji!”

“If he had really done that, I would have lost a lot of my remuneration.”

People die for wealth, and birds die for food.

Just as Rust Calamity Artisan was “invited” by Ban Ji before, he could now naturally be hired by Ban Jie. With the Ban family’s funds, Ban Jie was far wealthier than Ban Ji, and Rust Calamity Artisan couldn’t resist such a massive temptation.

In his opinion, he had already offended Ning Zhuo once, so a second time didn’t matter. Anyway, he was going to join the Wanxiang Sect, and although Ning Zhuo was exceptionally talented, he wasn’t as powerful as Ban Ji.

In the worst-case scenario, if he failed to join the Wanxiang Sect this time, as a demonic cultivator, a lone wolf with no one to rely on, he could just retreat far away. If it came to that, he could leave Feiyun Country and try to make a living in other cultivation nations.

Rust Calamity Artisan was not from the orthodox path, nor was he part of any force. Similarly, he had no fundamental base. Unlike Ning Zhuo, who, as a branch family head, had properties.

Without properties, there were no fixed revenues, and thus no perseverance.

For Rust Calamity Artisan, this meant fewer cultivation resources, but it also granted him more freedom.

It was precisely because of the scarcity of cultivation resources that he couldn’t resist Ban Jie’s generous hiring.

The situation with Rust Calamity Artisan was, in fact, the common state of cultivation and life for demonic cultivators.

Of course, there were also demonic forces, or exceptionally powerful individual demonic cultivators, but these were special cases and not widespread.

Rust Calamity Artisan saw Ban Ji regain his composure, and his heart skipped a beat, making him even more disgusted with Ning Zhuo for his provocative words.

How dare he obstruct my path to wealth?!

Rust Calamity Artisan immediately retorted, scolding Ning Zhuo: “What rotten nonsense are you spouting! Don’t slander us, we have no connection with Zhang Wangxing and those people!”

“If we were in cahoots, we would have acted long ago. Would we still let you prance around here?!”

“Don’t just slander us at every turn, we are innocent!”

“If you’re going to throw dirt at us, show us some evidence?”

Rust Calamity Artisan shouted a string of challenges, sounding self-righteous.

He didn’t notice that Ban Ji beside him was frowning and looking at him.

Rust Calamity Artisan was not from the orthodox path and had no idea that his remarks, which completely severed ties with Zhang Wangxing and the others, had actually fallen into Ning Zhuo’s trap.

But Ban Ji, for a moment, found it difficult to speak.

Ning Zhuo immediately counterattacked, laughing loudly: “How ironic! Rust Calamity Artisan, you, a demonic cultivator, have committed numerous evil deeds in the past, with abundant evidence of your crimes, yet you claim to be innocent!?”

Rust Calamity Artisan cursed, appearing menacing, but he was utterly unskilled in debate, quickly becoming defensive and resorting to mere quibbling.

Because Rust Calamity Artisan had previously promised Ban Ji to deal with Ning Zhuo, Ning Zhuo, after obtaining information from Panshi Niangzi, quickly investigated Rust Calamity Artisan.

Ning Zhuo remembered clearly and immediately recounted the evil deeds Rust Calamity Artisan had committed. He listed them one by one, with reasons and evidence, the details so thorough that it sounded undeniably true.

Rust Calamity Artisan, caught red-handed, couldn’t refute a single point, as everything Ning Zhuo said was factual.

In this war of words, he was pressed to the ground by Ning Zhuo, utterly unable to argue back, so angry that his teeth gnashed.

Under normal circumstances, he would have been consumed by murderous intent, thinking, “I’ll make you pay for being so eloquent!” and then directly attacked for a swift resolution.

But now, inside Xuankui Cave, he couldn’t act recklessly.

Especially after he had just loudly declared that he had no connection with Zhang Wangxing and the others. To participate in a siege now would be a complete slap in his own face.

“This little brat is truly infuriating; I really want to rip his mouth open!” Rust Calamity Artisan’s face turned beet red with anger, and he turned to Ban Ji, “Why don’t you say something?”

Ban Ji couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

Rust Calamity Artisan had messed up the situation himself, yet he still acted self-righteous and felt wronged that his comrade wasn’t doing anything.

This person’s political acumen was so poor that Ban Ji no longer wanted to converse with him about it.

“Continuing this argument will do more harm than good. Let’s go! The top priority is to defeat others, seize more Xuan Bing Jia, and aim for first place!!” Ban Ji decisively pulled away and left.

Rust Calamity Artisan opened his mouth; although he felt incredibly stifled, he knew Ban Ji was right.

“Alright, your family paid for it, you’re the patron, this time you’re the boss!” Rust Calamity Artisan followed closely, temporarily ignoring Ning Zhuo.

Ban Ji had now completely calmed down. As he walked, he used his divine sense to transmit a message: “Have you met Ban Jie? What else did she arrange for me? Did she give you any special instructions?”

Ban Ji and Ban Jie were of the same age, grew up together, and had a close relationship, almost like childhood sweethearts.

Therefore, Ban Ji was very familiar with Ban Jie’s way of doing things.

Rust Calamity Artisan immediately responded: “Ban Jie said you don’t need to worry about this. Since she was ordered by the family to assist you, she will definitely do her utmost to plan things for you.”

“She told you to ignore everything else and just focus on your own affairs, giving your all to compete.”

Ban Ji snorted coldly, feeling that familiar sensation again: “Did Ban Jie also instruct you to say that?”

Rust Calamity Artisan: “Of course.”

Ban Ji had originally wanted to ask if Ban Jie had any other arrangements, and if there were any other ambushes, at least let him first switch to a bronze sword to facilitate his sword and saber combined attack.

But Ban Jie had anticipated his question, so she had instructed Rust Calamity Artisan in advance to directly shut down Ban Ji’s subsequent questions.

This was also Ban Jie’s way of doing things.

She was very understanding, often answering others’ questions before they even spoke them.

Ban Ji let out a cold snort, his gaze turning cold as he dashed towards his chosen target.

The unlucky cultivator held a bronze sword in his hand.

Ning Zhuo saw Ban Ji and Rust Calamity Artisan leave, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

He had provoked Ban Ji with words, but it was actually a move of “advancing by retreating.” On the surface, he wanted to force Ban Ji into the fray, but in reality, he was forcing him to cut ties.

The Ban family’s reputation needed to be considered. Ban Ji, as the Ban family’s face among the Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, naturally had to uphold the family’s honor.

If Ban Ji impulsively joined the fight, Ning Zhuo also had a backup plan.

What he needed was a definite answer. Otherwise, constantly worrying about Ban Ji and Rust Calamity Artisan’s interference would distract him, making it difficult for him to concentrate on fending off the siege.

Clang, clang, clang—

Bronze weapons flew everywhere, sabers, spears, swords, and halberds constantly clashed, sparks flew, and deafening noises erupted.

Ning Zhuo, relying on his shield, defended steadily, no longer in the previous predicament.

In just a short moment, the shield was already scarred.

Ning Zhuo, being perceptive, naturally noticed this: “My Xuan Bing Jia were just repaired, but now they are more damaged than they were in the second round!”

In the melee of the third round, the Xuan Bing Jia were controlled by cultivators, infused with spiritual power, and used without holding back in fierce battles, so the intensity was much higher.

“At this rate, all five of my Xuan Bing Jia will not be able to hold on, reaching the standard of being damaged and taken away by the grand formation!”

Ning Zhuo knew clearly in his heart that Zhang Wangxing’s group, having failed in their surprise attack, still insisted on a strong assault, also had this idea in mind.

The grand formation of Xuankui Cave prohibited almost all other methods, only allowing cultivators to use Xuan Bing Jia and martial arts in duels. Additionally, related innate talents were also permitted.

Ultimately, Ning Zhuo suffered from being alone.

He only brought out five Xuan Bing Jia, but there were four people besieging him, including Zhang Wangxing.

Each of them had at least five, totaling twenty Xuan Bing Jia. To wear down Ning Zhuo’s five, the advantage of numbers was further amplified in terms of weapons.

Ning Zhuo naturally had trump cards, but he didn’t want to use them now.

Here, his most frequently used Five Element spells were forbidden, and his most effective mechanisms couldn’t be deployed, making his methods very limited. If not for this, he wouldn’t have had to seize every learning opportunity so desperately in the early stages.

“My trump cards are few, and this melee has just begun.”

With this thought, Ning Zhuo spread his divine sense, secretly transmitting messages and communicating with other cultivators.

Thanks to the initial brief conversations and exchanges outside the cave entrance, he communicated secretly with these cultivators, accurately calling out each of their names, and at the same time, honestly stating that he was seeking help this time, and regardless of victory or defeat, there would be compensation afterward.

“What kind of person Rust Calamity Artisan is, one can easily find out with a little inquiry!”

“I just exposed his past, all from information I specifically acquired from the Tongshang Hall.”

“All of this is easily verifiable. I, Ning Zhuo, act openly and honorably, swearing on my reputation, there’s no need to deceive anyone!”

“So, don’t listen to Rust Calamity Artisan’s denials. Ban Ji’s silence is already a form of tacit admission.”

Ning Zhuo first used enticement to pique the other cultivators’ interest in further communication, then he heavily exaggerated the enemy’s power.

Of course, he couldn’t produce evidence to prove that Zhang Wangxing and the others were Ban family’s doing. But he was cunning—what he said was true and verifiable.

Next, Ning Zhuo emphasized: “I am Ban Ji’s thorn in the eye, so he came to deal with me first.”

“Next, you will also become his enemies. Even if you don’t want to surrender, Ban Ji might still want to eliminate you.”

“If it were just individual fights or forming alliances, that would be fine. The key is that his Ban family cheated, colluding in advance to boost their family genius’s reputation!”

“Tell me, if you lose to this group of people, would you be content?!”

Ning Zhuo spoke eloquently, simultaneously fending off the siege and secretly lobbying incessantly, moving the cultivators repeatedly.

But moving didn’t mean acting.

Ning Zhuo was still under siege. His bronze sword finally couldn’t hold on, reaching the damaged standard, and was immediately teleported away by the grand formation.

These Xuan Bing Jia were temporarily rented. Only the blank Xuan Bing Jia refined by cultivators during the rest period of the third round belonged to themselves.

Ning Zhuo sighed in his heart: “It’s a pity Zhang Dadan was eliminated; otherwise, if he had acted first now, it would surely break the stalemate and draw out more followers.”

Ning Zhuo knew clearly that he lacked an opportunity!

With one bronze sword lost, Ning Zhuo had only four weapons left, and his situation immediately became dangerous.

Seeing such a scene, Zhang Wangxing’s spirits lifted, and his morale soared: “Keep attacking, let’s see how long his weapons can last!”

Clang, clang, clang—

The next moment, more than a dozen bronze weapons joined the battle.

Ning Zhuo’s pressure plummeted; his lobbying efforts were remarkably successful!

The four people besieging him were now surrounded by eight cultivators.

Just a moment before, the cultivators had also been communicating with their divine sense.

“What do you say, should we help Ning Zhuo?”

“If we help, the reward won’t be small. We definitely won’t get first place, or even make the top ten. But helping Ning Zhuo this time will bring us more rewards.”

No one thought Ning Zhuo would default on his promise.

This was the advantage of the orthodox path.

Others would naturally trust you, and this trust would facilitate cooperation, even if it was the first time meeting.

Previously, Ning Zhuo’s initial conversation in Xuankui Cave had left a very good and friendly impression on these people.

Not long ago, Ning Zhuo had rendered Rust Calamity Artisan speechless, reducing him to curses and vulgar language, utterly enraged at having his shortcomings exposed.

During the persuasion, Ning Zhuo successfully highlighted the strength of Ban Ji and his group, creating more external pressure.

“Compared to Ban Ji, I like Ning Zhuo more!”

“Hmph, although the Ban family is from the orthodox path, Ban Ji is a scoundrel from the demonic path. The Ban family cherishes his talent but disregards his character, which is a failing.”

“Cheaters are especially hateful!”

“Ning Zhuo’s recognition by the Confucian cultivator community is already impressive. The key is, he also passed the three questions of the Heart-Asking Hall! Let’s help him together!”

Under the three questions of the Heart-Asking Hall, Ning Zhuo’s excellent performance was a weighty chip, tipping the scales in the hearts of the cultivators.

Zhang Wangxing and the others were aghast.

One moment they were besieging Ning Zhuo, just seeing hope, and the next moment they themselves were being besieged.

A sharp glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes: “The bronze sword was damaged, but it became an opportunity, stirring up the unease in everyone’s hearts. So, they all attacked!”

Ning Zhuo seized the opportunity to counterattack, shouting: “Zhang Wangxing! You despicable villains, colluding in advance, openly cheating, relying on the Ban family, bullying us rogue cultivators!”

“Such crooked methods must be punished!”

“Do you think this is the outside world?”

“No, this is Wanxiang Sect, this is Xuankui Cave, this is the land of the orthodox path!”

“Fellow Daoists, let them taste the might of our orthodox path!!”

Ning Zhuo’s shouts were met with a thunderous response from the crowd.

Various bronze weapons surged, forcing Zhang Wangxing and the others to huddle together, their injuries rapidly increasing, putting them in perilous situations.

Zhang Wangxing yelled: “Are you all Ning Zhuo’s lackeys, listening to him like that!?”

Ning Zhuo immediately retorted: “Heaven is above, justice is clear! You demonic scoundrels, hired by the Ban family, openly cheating, and still trying to sow discord?!”

Zhang Wangxing yelled again: “We have no connection with the Ban family! You slander us without any evidence, are you still from the orthodox path?”

Ning Zhuo laughed loudly: “Shameless villain, still trying to deny and quibble, take this!”

Seeing Zhang Wangxing as the linchpin, he immediately launched his own Xuan Bing Jia.

The Qingliu Bronze transformed into a small leg in mid-air, slipping through a gap, and its sole directly smashed into Zhang Wangxing’s face.

Xuan Bing Jia—Old Cold Leg!

Zhang Wangxing’s entire face caved in, and a bone-chilling coldness simultaneously permeated his flesh, making his vulnerability even greater.

The next moment, a barrage of bronze weapons rained down, piercing him through, leaving countless holes in his body.

Zhang Wangxing roared in pain, unable to sustain himself any longer. His injuries accumulated to their limit, and he was teleported away by the grand formation.

Without his support, the remaining cultivators were also successively severely injured and eliminated.

Ning Zhuo showed no sign of letting up, seizing the momentum to rush towards Ban Ji, while shouting: “Fellow Daoists, eliminate evil completely! Let’s take down the true mastermind!”

Ban Ji was just a hair’s breadth away from defeating his opponent and acquiring a bronze sword, but then he heard Ning Zhuo’s shout and turned to see the latter leading a large group of nearly ten people, charging towards him!

Ban Ji’s expression froze: “————”

On the edge of the cliff, incense smoke curled, and clouds drifted.

Ban Jie had already brewed tea, pouring it out, and only held the empty cup under her nose, gently sniffing the fresh tea aroma.

She pondered: “At this moment, Ning Zhuo should be on the verge of being eliminated by the siege, right?”

“Although his background is mysterious and powerful, he is ultimately a lone wolf, weak and isolated.”

“Ban Ji should be able to seize this opportunity to defeat others, acquire Xuan Bing Jia, and gather the sabers and swords.”

Just then, a subordinate rushed over in a hurry, bringing the latest intelligence.

Ban Jie saw her subordinate’s panicked expression, her heart sank, and after hearing the intelligence, her face also changed slightly.

The situation she had anticipated had appeared, but then it vanished.

Now, instead, Ban Ji and Rust Calamity Artisan were under siege, in a rather dangerous situation!