“Uncle Xiaoren, that’s the gist of it.” Ning Zhuo, upon returning to the clan, recounted Zheng Jian’s proposition regarding the exploration of the Immortal Palace to Ning Xiaoren.

“I felt it would be inappropriate to agree on the spot, being a member of the Ning clan.”

“Therefore, I’ve come specifically to seek your counsel, Uncle Xiaoren. Should I accept, in your opinion?”

“That you would share such a vital matter with your uncle, entrusting me to decide, proves your faith in me. Your uncle is overjoyed!” Ning Xiaoren patted Ning Zhuo’s shoulder, letting out a sigh of contentment, his countenance beaming.

He was deeply gratified by Ning Zhuo’s sensible conduct.

In truth, he was already privy to the decision, meticulously debated and agreed upon by the three families.

The Ning clan was invariably bound to dispatch Ning Zhuo to partake in this endeavor.

Firstly, to maintain the Ning clan’s influence within the tripartite alliance. Continued contributions were paramount to safeguarding their existing allocation.

Secondly, in accordance with the contract negotiated by the three families, it would be entirely unjustifiable for Ning Zhuo, with his combat prowess intact, to remain uninvolved.

Ning Zhuo possessed no true freedom of choice.

Whether he consented or demurred, his participation was an imperative.

Naturally, Ning Xiaoren would not explicitly articulate this fact.

Ning Zhuo’s return, not to assert his own will, but to seek his instructions, exhibited a deference that Ning Xiaoren found most gratifying.

At this juncture, Ning Xiaoren’s most profound sentiment was that his prior investment in cultivating Ning Zhuo’s loyalty had been well worth the expenditure.

“Since everyone holds you in such high regard, then go forth!”

“Perform commendably, and the Ning clan shall soon boast a third cultivator at the pinnacle of the third layer.”

“This time, you alone represent our Ning clan.”

“Fear not, remember, the entire Ning clan stands as your bulwark.”

After a pause, Ning Xiaoren continued, “However, although you have been appointed as the leader this time, you ultimately lack comrades from our own clan to support you.”

“Nevertheless, the Zheng clan cultivators should proactively join forces with us.”

“It is the Zhou clan that you must regard with caution. They possess the largest contingent, and it is quite possible they will not submit to your command. In this regard, you must be prepared!”

Ning Zhuo displayed an expression of surprise, a genuine hint of astonishment flickering within his heart.

From Ning Xiaoren’s words, Ning Zhuo swiftly discerned that the young clan leader possessed a keenness and foresight in matters of authority.

His analysis of the internal dynamics of the tripartite alliance was quite incisive.

Although the operation had yet to formally commence, he had already foreseen the future.

This coincided precisely with Ning Zhuo’s own expectations.

Ning Zhuo then considered that Ning Xiaoren possessing such accomplishments was only fitting.

“The Ning clan has consistently pursued a policy of strengthening the trunk while weakening the branches. Ning Xiaoren has actively suppressed numerous collateral lines. In contrast, the clan head remains entrenched behind the scenes, only intervening when matters escalate to an intractable state.”

“Ning Xiaoren has essentially been at the forefront. Without the ability to engage in power struggles, how could he have occupied the position of young clan leader for so many years?”

Ning Zhuo clasped his hands in salute, “Uncle Xiaoren, your guidance will be etched firmly in my mind.”

“If such a situation arises, what should I do?” Ning Zhuo inquired, with an air of ingenuousness.

Ning Xiaoren pondered, “Firstly, you must show ample consideration to the Zheng clan cultivators, offering them tangible assistance. Secondly, you must achieve success. If you can lead them, delving deeper and deeper into the Molten Lava Immortal Palace, continually achieving breakthroughs, others will naturally gravitate towards you. Even the Zhou clan will acknowledge your ability.”

Ning Zhuo nodded, “I understand.”

“If I successfully lead them in the exploration, will the clan offer any rewards?”

The young clan leader was taken aback.

Since assuming his position, he had never encountered such a blatant request.

A surge of loathing and aversion instantly welled up within Ning Xiaoren’s heart.

His smile remained unwavering as he extended a finger, tapping Ning Zhuo, “Aren’t you already quite wealthy? I’ve heard that you even take care of others, generously sharing spirit provisions with them.”

Ning Xiaoren spoke with a casual nonchalance.

In reality, he felt considerably alarmed by Ning Zhuo’s actions.

What was the nature of this?

This was forming cliques, building factions for personal gain.

It was only because Ning Zhuo was currently being heavily relied upon by the Ning clan that Ning Xiaoren was suppressing his feelings.

Ning Zhuo had long prepared his explanation, scratching his head, “Uncle Xiaoren, they are all my classmates. I wanted to help them. Especially Ning Chen and Ning Yong, they’ve shared life and death with me. I help them, and they help me. We trust each other.”

“Speaking of money, I’ve never felt like I have a lot.”

“I never feel like I have enough money.”

Ning Xiaoren deeply sympathized with these words. He had never felt like he had enough money either.

Ning Zhuo’s love of money struck Ning Xiaoren as perfectly reasonable, never suspecting otherwise.

The intelligence reports revealed that Ning Zhuo had lived in poverty for over a decade.

Such an upbringing would undoubtedly have instilled in him a spirit of frugality.

Simultaneously, he would have a morbid craving and obsession for resources.

Ning Xiaoren was vague with Ning Zhuo, “The clan will not forget Ning Zhuo’s contribution and will definitely reward you.”

Ning Zhuo had anticipated Ning Xiaoren’s response and immediately followed up, “Uncle Xiaoren, I’ve read the Zhou clan’s ‘On Spiritual Beings’ and found it very enlightening.”

“I wonder if our clan has any similar books?”

“Heh,” Ning Xiaoren smiled, “Of course, we do. When our Ning clan was in the Northern Wind Kingdom, we were an old cultivation family, far stronger than the Zhou clan, almost monopolizing a city.”

“Our Ning clan has a long history and has produced Nascent Soul level figures!”

“Unfortunately, in the Northern Wind Kingdom, we were framed by treacherous villains and had to relocate as a clan.”

“Little Zhuo, if you perform outstandingly this time, bringing great honor to our Ning clan, I will disregard my dignity and petition for you to be allowed to read the relevant secret manuals and treasures.”

Ning Zhuo nodded repeatedly and then said, “Uncle Xiaoren, I heard that Ning Xiaohui’s strength has increased rapidly because she used the Flowing Clouds and Water Talisman. Can you give me one too?”

A flicker of ruthlessness flashed in Ning Xiaoren’s eyes, and his feelings of disgust soared.

He thought, “Flowing Clouds and Water Talisman. Even I, the young clan leader, can’t afford to use it. What right do you, a mere branch member, have to ask for it?”

Ning Xiaoren suppressed the disdain and anger in his heart, and said kindly, “The Flowing Clouds and Water Talisman is a spirit talisman, containing a trace of heaven and earth’s spiritual energy. It’s extremely rare, and there’s only one in the whole clan. Giving it to Ning Xiaohui was a special case and a matter of urgency.”

“Even I don’t dare to hope for this talisman.”
“However, you still have hope, Little Zhuo.”

“If you break through the Immortal Palace’s trials and demonstrate a shared fate so grand that the entire clan is proud and cannot deny you, then this treasured talisman is naturally yours to use.”

Ning Zhuo feigned an inspired look and added, “Uncle Xiaoren, I’m a bit strapped for resources lately. I’ve used up most of my spirit stones.”

“Could you perhaps lend me some spirit stones?”

Ning Xiaoren took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his smile. “The family subsidies were just distributed a few days ago, weren’t they?”

“Little Zhuo, you’ve used them up so quickly?”

“How about this? I’ll take it upon myself to advance you some of your subsidies. How does that sound?”

“That would be great, thank you, Uncle Xiaoren.”

Ning Zhuo’s face lit up with joy.

Ning Xiaoren couldn’t help but advise, “Little Zhuo, you can’t be so extravagant with your spending. Some of those spirit foods aren’t necessary. Pills are cheaper than spirit foods, and they have a better effect.”

Ning Zhuo put on an obedient act. “Alright, Uncle Xiaoren, I’ll eat less in the future.”

He glanced at the top of Ning Xiaoren’s head. A thread of karmic connection had already descended, linking him to Ning Xiaoren.

This exchange, which Ning Zhuo deliberately prolonged, was to plant the seed of his divine power within Ning Xiaoren.

He discovered that while karmic threads were difficult to connect in actual combat, they could be maintained for a long time if planted normally.

As for how long they could be maintained, Ning Zhuo had yet to test the limits.

In any case, through this encounter, Ning Xiaoren had also become an object connected by his budding divine power.

Watching Ning Zhuo’s departing figure, Ning Xiaoren fell into contemplation.

Ning Zhuo possessed abundant cultivation resources, and more importantly, he was willing to share them. As a result, a group of people had gathered around him in a short time.

And these people were almost all from the branch families.

Regardless of whether this was Ning Zhuo’s intentional act, this behavior had already aroused Ning Xiaoren’s vigilance.

The Ning family’s branch families had always lacked a leading figure, and as a result, they had been scattered and disorganized in recent years.

Ning Zhuo’s appearance filled this void.

He displayed his cultivation at the peak of the third layer, making a great splash.

The family’s demonstration of testing his talent, earned him even more renown.

Now, the entire clan knew that Ning Zhuo possessed talent, though the specifics were unknown, his future was bright.

People naturally gravitated towards benefit and avoided harm.

Many thought like this: Invest in Ning Zhuo when he was weak, and when he soared in the future, if he remembered old times, he would reap great reward.

Ning Xiaoren was well aware that the Ning family’s branch families had begun to revolve around this central point.

“It’s all because Ning Xiaohui was injured; the main family can’t suppress the cultivation team!”

“Ning Zhuo has already begun to gather momentum. If he continues to succeed, the power around him will only grow stronger.”

“Fortunately, the Molten Rock Immortal Palace is extremely difficult, and the trials will be numerous. Even if Ning Zhuo can pass them, he’ll only get through one or two in the short term.”

“This time is enough for Ning Xiaohui to recover and participate in the exploration of the Immortal Palace, reclaiming the power she lost from Ning Zhuo?”

Ning Xiaoren’s slightly tense mood relaxed a little.

Ning Zhuo returned to his granduncle’s home.

Wang Lan offered him fruit, taking the opportunity to ask, “Little Zhuo, I heard you just came back from the young patriarch. You…”

“Oh, aunt, don’t worry. I specifically mentioned it to Uncle Xiaoren and pleaded on your behalf.”

Wang Lan immediately showed a delighted expression. “Then what did the young patriarch say? When will he release your granduncle?”

Ning Zhuo shook his head. “Uncle Xiaoren didn’t say anything about that.”

“Aunt, I need to start cultivating!”

With that, Ning Zhuo made a gesture to close the door.

Wang Lan suppressed her anger, squeezed out a smile, “Then Little Zhuo, cultivate well. I’ll leave now, I’ll leave now.”