Ning Zhuo’s Fei-xin flew directly into the Dong-fu.

Old Chu opened the letter and read it, a look of pleasant surprise instantly appearing on his face. He mused to himself, “I never expected Young Master to take first place in the Xuan-jia Dong’s minor trial!”

Regarding this operation, Ning Zhuo had stated his expectations in advance—he merely wanted to obstruct Ban Ji and didn’t have high hopes for the results.

Now, the outcome far exceeded expectations.

Old Chu brought the Fei-xin to Qing Chi.

Qing Chi was in the internal space of the drill array, sparring with Xue-cai-nü Hui.

Both sides exchanged blows, evenly matched.

Upon learning of Ning Zhuo’s Fei-xin, Qing Chi immediately stopped sparring. After reading the letter, she showed no surprise: “Young Master Ning Zhuo is a genius, so one shouldn’t think of him in conventional ways.”

“He said it was just to obstruct Ban Ji,” but I’ve always known that this is his excellent quality of modesty!”

Qing Chi was full of admiration for Ning Zhuo, her confidence even surpassing Old Chu’s, and perhaps even Ning Zhuo’s own.

Xue-cai-nü Hui stood nearby, letting out a soft huff.

Old Chu chuckled, “Give me the letter; I’ll go notify Gong-sun Yan.”

Qing Chi, however, put the Fei-xin away, keeping it close to her body: “Young Master won, and will be staying in Xuan-jia Dong for a few days. Old Chu, you can just tell Gong-sun Yan directly; there’s no need for this letter.”

“Besides, he’s currently selecting materials to make the idol. That’s a task Young Master assigned him; let him be busy with it.”

Old Chu naturally saw through Qing Chi’s little scheme, but didn’t expose it. He nodded and left, with an even wider smile on his face.

The Xing-yun Minor Trial at Xuan-jia Dong concluded, and various pieces of information about this trial began to spread after Ning Zhuo’s Fei-xin.

Deep within Shu-ji Dong.

Ning Zhuo continued to receive the灌輸 (Guànshū) of true meaning and the加持 (Jiāchí) of principles.

What he once considered canonical was repeatedly shattered and reassembled, revealing multiple paths of optimization in Ning Zhuo’s spiritual sea.

How to neutralize an extreme property, how to harmonize and guide the attributes of a device blank, what methods to use to pursue ultimate sharpness, how even flaws in the material itself could become advantages, turning decay into wonder.

“The principles of crafting are cyclical!”

“The foundation for spiritual endowment is laid at the very beginning of artifact refining.”

“How to make the flow of spiritual power within an artifact more stable and efficient—”

Master-level artifact refining realm!

Ning Zhuo successfully ascended to this level. From this point, all former standards were shattered and reassembled according to Ning Zhuo’s will. To achieve certain artifact refining standards, there were countless paths to choose from.

Amidst these choices, Ning Zhuo’s personal aesthetic and values were expressed, causing every artifact he personally crafted to bear his unique style.

The irrigation of true meaning abruptly ceased.

A few breaths later, the加持 (Jiāchí) of principles also stopped.

Ning Zhuo opened his eyes, looking at Qing-wu Lang-jun with a puzzled expression.

Qing-wu Lang-jun, however, had a joyful look, nodding slightly at him: “It’s done. All the true meanings and principles of artifact refining I possessed have been passed on to you.”

He subconsciously moved his body, feeling an unprecedented sense of lightness.

Three-tenths of his burden was gone, and he immediately felt room for advancement in the other three paths. This was a wonderful feeling he hadn’t experienced before.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes.

This was far less than he had imagined.

Only up to the Master-level artifact refining realm, and then nothing more?

“Thinking about it carefully, this is normal.”

“The Five Elements Divine Lord’s level is much higher than Qing-wu Lang-jun’s, having even attracted heavenly wrath due to his own cultivation back then.”

“His attainments in the Five Elements once rivaled heaven and earth. Naturally, his transmission of the Five Elements’ true meaning could bring about earth-shattering changes to my Five Elements realm!”

The more he experienced, the more Ning Zhuo realized the immense value of the fortuitous encounter he had at Wan-yao Men.

“Compared to the Five Elements Divine Lord, Qing-wu Lang-jun transformed from an artifact spirit into a deity, and all his foundations were accumulated passively.”

“For him to advance further, he needs to purify one path and delve deeply into it.”

Thoughts surged in Ning Zhuo’s spiritual sea, and he felt that Qing-wu Lang-jun’s choice of the martial path was quite correct.

He had participated in the Xing-yun Minor Trial at Xuan-jia Dong, personally used the Xuan-bing-jia, and had a deep appreciation for it.

The Xuan-bing-jia incorporated both mechanism and artifact refining cultivation techniques. It was originally developed to cope with major wars, hence it also contained insights from the military strategist school.

A cultivator using multiple Xuan-bing-jia could form a battle array, which was an embodiment of the military strategist school.

Ning Zhuo and Sun Ling-tong’s creation of the Shou-zhuo Lun-zhan Array was, in fact, the correct way to use the Xuan-bing-jia.

But compared to these three aspects, the true greatest value of the Xuan-bing-jia lay in the martial path!

They underwent a qualitative change due to the profound martial principles they contained. A Xuan-bing-jia imbued with profound martial principles could rival Golden Core combat power, Nascent Soul combat power, or even higher!

“Allowing Xuan-bing-jia to fight on their own, though not as agile as cultivators, from another perspective, they are more reliable and practical.”

Xuan-bing-jia wouldn’t have as many thoughts as cultivators, making choices like deserting in battle. Hence, they are more reliable.

Rules between nations require Nascent Soul cultivators’ actions to be publicly reported. However, Xuan-bing-jia, with combat power comparable to Nascent Soul, could freely cross various national borders. This is one manifestation of their practicality.

A question couldn’t help but arise in Ning Zhuo’s mind: “How many Xuan-bing-jia with Nascent Soul-level combat power are there in Xuan-jia Dong?”

Undoubtedly, this was a crucial number that, to a large extent, determined the faction’s influence within the Wan-xiang Zong.

“Conversely, from Xuan-jia Dong’s position in the Wan-xiang Zong’s main mountain gate, one can also infer the number of Xuan-bing-jia.”

The Xuan-jia Dong faction was a self-contained entity within the Wan-xiang Zong, with deep foundations, possessing a detached and composed demeanor, observing the shifting tides of change.

“Realistically, Xuan-bing-jia within Xuan-jia Dong should have at least three at the Nascent Soul level. Would they have Xuan-bing-jia with Spirit Transformation-level combat power?”

Ning Zhuo secretly shook his head.

The possibility was very low.

The significance of the Spirit Transformation level was immense, not something the Nascent Soul level could be compared to.

“This is a considerable opportunity!”

“Even if the next two paths don’t see much improvement, the Xuan-jia Dong faction itself holds enough value for me to maintain good relations.”

With this thought, Ning Zhuo took advantage of a short break to thank Qing-wu Lang-jun.

Qing-wu Lang-jun nodded slightly, outwardly saying it was for his own Dao path, but inwardly felt: Ning Zhuo, this junior, truly lives up to his distinguished background—perceptive, respectful, and grateful. He was undoubtedly fortunate to have met him.

He will surely have a great future, and with this cooperative relationship, plus his joining Wan-xiang Zong, maintaining close ties with him in the future is absolutely necessary.

After resting, Qing-wu Lang-jun began again: “Junior Friend Ning Zhuo, next is the military path. Be ready!”

Ning Zhuo’s face was solemn, with even more confidence than before: “Please, Lang-jun, proceed!”

In an instant, Ning Zhuo felt as if he had been thrown into a Shura battlefield.

Bloody, chaotic, with deafening battle cries, blinding flashes of swords and blades, severed limbs and broken bodies flying everywhere, and the oppressive presence of death weighing on every nerve.

His vision was blurry, countless scenes flashing before his eyes.

Infantry, cavalry, archers, scouts—innumerable types of soldiers drifted past him.

Square formations, circular formations, wedge formations—various battle formations appeared like lightning and thunder.

Banners, drumbeats, provisions, water sources, encampments—all sorts of concepts assailed him.

Beyond true meaning, there were also principles.

With principles taking hold, Ning Zhuo felt as if he was being cut by blades, pierced by arrows, and trampled by warhorses.

He felt a phantom fatigue, as if he had endured an extremely brutal and bloody battle, his muscles aching, even cramping and twitching from too much hacking and slashing.

Ning Zhuo’s face was pale, his body trembling, and he broke out in a sweat.

As this round ended, the sounds of fighting, wailing, and clashing metal still echoed in his ears. Intense nausea and dizziness, like a tide, constantly crashed against his mental defenses.

The second round was much more agonizing than the first.

After calming his breath slightly, Ning Zhuo felt genuinely joyful.

His military path realm had reached the peak of an apprentice!

In Huo-shi Xian City, he had rarely dabbled in this area. The Battle of Qian-feng Lin had forced him to catch up significantly, but even after passing the Battle of Bai-zhi Xian City, his military path realm remained only at the apprentice level.

He had also tried hard to study military treatises, but even Qing Chi had grasped them while Ning Zhuo had gained little.

The battle arrays he had understood through “Jiang-shi Tong-kui” and “Gao-sheng Yi-shu” were still not fully mastered.

“My talent in the military path doesn’t seem outstanding.”

“Perhaps because of this, enduring the true meaning and principles of the military strategist school was more difficult than before.”

As Ning Zhuo pondered deeply, his complexion returned to rosy, his breathing became completely normal, and his mental fatigue was visibly and significantly relieved.

Qing-wu Lang-jun had been observing carefully, and seeing this scene, he was very pleased, appreciating Ning Zhuo even more.

Even Sun Ling-tong, who was secretly observing Ning Zhuo’s condition using the Ren-ming Xuan-si, was surprised, thinking to herself: “Little Zhuo’s body has something peculiar about it; he can bear so many external principles without suffering harm.”

“I’ve never noticed this before.”

“Is it related to his mysterious talent?”

Qing-wu Lang-jun continued the true meaning灌輸 (Guànshū) and principles加持 (Jiāchí).

It was still the military path.

Ning Zhuo once again felt as if he was on a battlefield. But this time, his tension had significantly reduced, and the chaotic battlefield scenes became orderly.

Battle after battle played out in his mind: scout reconnaissance, analyzing enemy situations, designing tactics, choosing formations, commanding operations, battlefield adjustments, post-battle inventory—

The Arrowhead Formation is good for breakthroughs, the Crane Wing Formation excels at encirclement, terrain advantages and disadvantages have a significant impact—all sorts of insights flooded Ning Zhuo’s mind.

His military realm easily broke through the apprentice level, reaching the artisan level.

While Ning Zhuo was absorbing the true meanings and principles, information about him had already begun to circulate.

Zhu-xie Tang.

Zhong Dao was engrossed in handling affairs.

Among the stack of jade slips piled on the corner of his desk, there was an intelligence jade slip containing information about Ning Zhuo and others.

Tong-shang Tang.

Cao Gui sighed softly, thinking about the information he had just learned: “Ning Zhuo—”

Previously, after Ning Zhuo’s reputation as a genius became known, friends in his family had suggested that he reconnect with Ning Zhuo to establish ties as a means of advancement.

Cao Gui knew well that the friends were certainly acting under instructions from higher authorities.

“This time, Ning Zhuo defeated Ban Ji and even won first place. I’m afraid the family’s higher-ups will personally lobby me now.”

Qing-zhu Feng.

Qing-huang-zi placed the intelligence jade slip beside him, laughed heartily, took a sip of tea, stood up, and walked out of the bamboo building.

He entered the depths of the bamboo forest.

Not long after, strains of melodious flute music emanated from the bamboo forest.

Qiu-li Dong.

“Congratulations, Young Master Pi, on moving to a new residence!” At the banquet, many cultivators gathered around Pi Fu-jie, offering congratulations.

Pi Fu-jie laughed loudly, raising his wine cup in all directions: “Come, drink up, drink up.”

At this moment, a Fei-xin was delivered to his hand.

He swept it with his divine sense, and his heart instantly skipped a beat: “Ning Zhuo—”

The joyful expression on his face immediately diminished significantly.

“That kid really went to obstruct Ban Ji. He even took first place in Xuan-jia Dong, defeating Ban Ji again!”

“This time is different from the one at Qing-zhu Feng.”

“Let them fight amongst themselves, as long as it has nothing to do with me.”

Pi Fu-jie secretly felt fortunate.

Originally, he had provoked Ning Zhuo, but he diverted the trouble, drawing in Ban Ji. He had thought Ban Ji would give Ning Zhuo a good lesson. The reality, however, was the opposite: Ning Zhuo had already taught Ban Ji a lesson twice.

This wasn’t just different from his plan; it was completely opposite!

Yan-wu Tang.

Two groups of people faced each other, the atmosphere tense.

Yan Ling-long whispered to Si-tu Xing, informing him of the new tactics Zhu Fen-xiang, their opponent for today’s drill, had recently displayed.

Their agreed-upon battle was officially starting today!

Both sides had engaged in fierce intelligence warfare.

Shen Xi suddenly received a Fei-xin. He opened and read it, his eyebrows involuntarily arching slightly.

This expression caught Si-tu Xing’s attention.

Si-tu Xing: “Is there any latest information about Zhu Fen-xiang?”

Shen Xi shook his head: “It’s not about Zhu Fen-xiang.”

Just then, Yan Ling-long also received a Fei-xin. After reading the letter, she looked at Shen Xi, her gaze flickering, her expression subtle: “I imagine Young Master Shen’s letter must be about Ning Zhuo, right?”

Shen Xi instantly thought, “This isn’t good.”

Si-tu Xing’s heart suddenly stirred: “Oh?”

Yan Ling-long handed the letter to Si-tu Xing.

A cold glint flashed in Si-tu Xing’s eyes: “Ning Zhuo eliminated Ban Ji in the Xuan-jia Dong minor trial? And even took first place!”

“This person—is indeed outstanding.”

“Hmph! After I defeat Zhu Fen-xiang, I will suppress this person and completely control the situation.”

After saying this, Si-tu Xing tossed the letter in his hand, held his head high, and strode confidently into the martial arena.

From the other side, a female cultivator also walked out, equally full of fighting spirit.

Tong-shang Tang.

Che Zhu-zi would come here every now and then to survey the market, making it easier to price his spider silk.

At the same time, he also inquired about other information.

“Ning Zhuo eliminated Ban Ji in Xuan-jia Dong?”

“This kid’s comprehension is a bit too strong, isn’t it? He’s indeed a genius!”

“Xuan-jia Dong—”

Che Zhu-zi’s face darkened, and a heavy memory from deep within his mind surfaced.

He had been invited to the dwelling of Dun-jia Xuan-shi, only to find his friend on his deathbed.

Che Zhu-zi was shocked and immediately tried to help, but to no avail.

He asked his friend why he had fallen to such a state.

Dun-jia Xuan-shi said: “I was forced by Xuan-jia Dong to perform a divination, paying with my lifespan. You are my only friend, I called you here to entrust you with my legacy.”

Che Zhu-zi gasped, filled with bitter resentment towards Xuan-jia Dong.

Dun-jia Xuan-shi: “I have hidden all my legacy within a tortoise shell. Please, old friend, after my death, cremate my body, but keep this tortoise shell for a fated person.”

Che Zhu-zi grasped Dun-jia Xuan-shi’s hand, his eyes red: “Old friend, I will surely fulfill your dying wish. But who will be your successor? I don’t know how to discern.”

Dun-jia Xuan-shi smiled faintly: “I have already divined it. You will leave the tortoise shell in storage and not touch it. One day, it will be stolen. That person will be the successor I have placed my hopes on.”