At this point, the Golden Core cultivators from the three families finally understood the profound meaning behind Zhu Xuanji’s every action.

Zhu Xuanji was doing this deliberately. He wanted the City Lord’s Manor to know that Ning Zhuo was exposed!

Zhu Xuanji seized this clue, which was equivalent to seizing the tail of the City Lord’s Manor, forcing the City Lord’s Manor to eliminate Ning Zhuo, thereby exposing even greater flaws.

“I have a question,” Zheng Shuanggou said. “If I were Fei Si, and an attack on Ning Zhuo failed, I would definitely attack a second time.”

“Why leave Ning Zhuo alive until now?”

Zhu Xuanji explained, “According to my current investigation, after Ning Zhuo was attacked and his home destroyed, he took the opportunity to move into the Ning family’s ancestral land.”

Zhou Nongying chimed in, “The genius cultivators from our three families were all attacked. I remember we proactively invited Lord Zhu to conduct this investigation at that time.”

“Presumably, at that time, the City Lord’s Manor was wary of Lord Zhu’s capabilities and felt the heat was too intense, so they temporarily stopped. This is quite normal.”

Zhu Xuanji continued, “I did collect various clues, but they were the same as the situation with the fiery monkey of my investigative agency, designed to confuse my vision and distract my energy.”

“So after that, I didn’t continue to follow these clues, but instead designed a list of suspects and investigated them one by one.”

“Ning Zhuo has gradually emerged, becoming more and more outstanding. The City Lord’s Manor’s difficulty in moving against him is higher than before. And to conceal their true purpose, they couldn’t just assassinate him alone. Otherwise, it would be easy for me to follow the clues.”

“However, now that I look back, there may be another reason.”

“Ning Zhuo is good at cultivating relationships and has always proactively befriended Fei Si. He has shown talent, his own situation is not favored, and he is being squeezed out by the Ning family’s main line. This kind of identity is actually very valuable to win over.”

“Perhaps Fei Si of the City Lord’s Manor saw this point.”

“He may also believe that my focus is on checking the list, and the investigation has moved far away from their vital point, so they are not in a hurry to act, but instead see Ning Zhuo as, or want to cultivate him into, a pawn.”

“Ning Zhuo is just a small character; he is not the focus; he is just being used.”

“The focus is now: I have discovered his suspicion and seized the tail of the City Lord’s Manor. If the City Lord’s Manor is persistent in assassinating Ning Zhuo, it is equivalent to exposing a flaw. Then, for us, this is an excellent opportunity.”

“This is also the reason why I have gathered you here.”

“Last time, we jointly explored the Fire Fusion Demon Ape’s court at the bottom of Fire Persimmon Mountain.”

“This time, let us jointly deal with the City Lord’s Manor!”

The Golden Core cultivators of the three families all had gleams in their eyes, and they were all a little excited.

“That’s right, this is indeed a good opportunity!” Zheng Danlian nodded first.

Zheng Shuanggou clenched his fists and said, “Yes, yes.”

He was the most excited of everyone present.

“Once the Meng family makes a big mistake, then Lord Zhu will have a legitimate reason to ask for the power of the Southern Bean Royal Family to suppress the entire situation.”

“You don’t even need to use the power of the royal family. Meng Kui himself will surrender under irrefutable evidence unless Meng Kui wants to rebel!”

The real major crime of Meng Kui’s side was not killing Yuan Dasheng and taking away the Demonic Sect’s true scripture but using Ning Zhuo to blow up the Immortal Palace!

For the sake of their family’s private interests, the Meng family placed the thousands of citizens of Fire Persimmon Immortal City in danger.

At the same time, they also created a Shadow Demon cultivator, letting him actively attack the Lava Immortal Palace. This was too ambitious, wanting to raise a bandit to command respect.

Such a crime completely broke through the normal bottom line.

Zheng Shuanggou then stated that he would follow Lord Zhu to deal with the City Lord’s Manor.

Zheng Shuanggou was quite angry.

He discovered that he had been kept in the dark. His battle with the Shadow Demon cultivator was completely within the calculations of the City Lord’s Manor.

The two Golden Core cultivators of the Zhou family secretly communicated with each other, discussing for a while.

They both felt that this was indeed a good opportunity. If they could bring down the Meng family, then Zhu Xuanji’s side would be able to mobilize the power of the royal family, immediately settle the situation, and immediately become the master of Lava Immortal Palace.

“The Meng family broke the bottom line and didn’t follow the rules for their own expansion. Fortunately, Lord Zhu was discerning and collected enough evidence to bring the truth to light.”

“At that time, our side will completely occupy the moral high ground and will be able to gain widespread recognition throughout the Southern Bean Kingdom. Even other families will unite with the royal family to deal with the Meng family. Even if they don’t unite, they will stand by and watch.”

People’s hearts are the general trend.

When the Meng family’s mistakes are exposed, the royal family can set off the general trend.

Under the crushing of the general trend, the Meng family will be difficult to resist!

“If this is the case, a behemoth like the Meng family will be severely weakened by me.” Zhu Xuanji’s heart was full of anticipation.

Weakening and打击打击 these great cultivation families was his long-standing political ambition!

This made him full of motivation for the upcoming actions.

Seeing that the Zhou family and the Zheng family had already expressed their positions, Ning Jiufan slowly opened his mouth.

“My family’s Ning Zhanji and others all died at the hands of the Shadow Demon cultivator.”

“And the Shadow Demon cultivator is from the City Lord’s Manor. My Ning family has long been enemies with the City Lord’s Manor!”

“Fei Si secretly wanted to subvert Ning Zhuo and dig at my Ning family’s foundation. It is really deceiving people too much.”

“I am willing to fully assist Lord Zhu.”

Ning Jiufan had deep hostility towards Meng Kui.

Meng Kui’s accident with the peach pit outside the matter had broken his head, and the wound it had inflicted was one he would have to lick for the rest of his life.

As soon as Ning Jiufan finished expressing his position, a subordinate reported outside the door, saying that he had brought Ning Zhuo’s letter and jade slip.

Ning Zhuo was the most critical figure at the moment, and Ning Jiufan immediately asked his subordinate to present the letter and jade slip.

He used his divine sense to pour into the jade slip and immediately discovered that this jade slip was a confession.

In the letter, Ning Zhuo vaguely said that he and Fei Si had always maintained close contact in secret and had a considerable degree of exchange of benefits.

Ning Zhuo also said that he had always been secretly worried about the hidden dangers of what he had done.

Not long ago, Lord Zhu Xuanji suddenly came to the door to investigate, which made him thoroughly realize the seriousness of the matter.

But there were many things he could not say, so he asked the Ning family’s old ancestor how he should act.
Beyond that, Ning Jiufan also inquired about the Demonic Dao True Scripture.

Lord Zhu Xuanji specifically inquired about the Demonic Scripture, so this scripture must be extremely important. Ning Jiufan brought it up here, hoping to offer Ning Zhuo some assistance.

In the letter’s conclusion, Ning Zhuo pleaded, hoping the Ning family patriarch would help him and save him.

“Rather than a confession, it’s more like a cry for help!”

“Hmph, this brat, where was he when he was needed?”

“Usually daring and reckless, engaging in all sorts of lawless activities. Now that he’s in trouble and can’t handle it himself, he knows to seek out his elders.”

After reading the contents of the jade slip, Ning Jiufan cursed a few times before handing it over to Zhu Xuanji.

Zhu Xuanji glanced at it and tossed it back.

Ning Jiufan then passed the jade slip to the others, allowing them to examine it.

Ning Jiufan seized the opportunity, saying, “Ning Zhuo is a member of my Ning family, and one of the most outstanding figures among the younger generation.”

“Although his natural talent has yet to be fully tested, even the lowest level of aptitude cannot diminish his status as a prodigy.”

Ning Jiufan’s words did not elicit any objections.

All the Golden Core cultivators present acknowledged Ning Zhuo’s talent. They believed that this young man had limitless potential, possessed impressive skills, was ambitious, and was actively striving for improvement. The only thing he lacked was cultivation.

Ning Jiufan continued, “This time, we must use Ning Zhuo as bait to lure the City Lord’s Manor into taking reckless action. Faced with the City Lord’s assassination attempts, Ning Zhuo’s situation is extremely precarious.”

“I implore everyone not to be stingy with treasures and to provide ample support to protect his life.”

“Such a talented young man, placed in any clan, would be a family treasure and a symbol of the future.”

“As the Ning family patriarch, the only Golden Core, I do not want Ning Zhuo to lose his life due to our plans.”

The Golden Core cultivators in the hall exchanged glances before turning their attention to Zhu Xuanji.

Zhu Xuanji remained silent.

Zhou Nongying suddenly said, “Brother Ning, we all possess treasures. However, using them to protect Ning Zhuo seems inappropriate.”

“Currently, our greatest advantage lies in the fact that the City Lord’s Manor is unaware of how much evidence we hold against them!”

“This is a deceptive tactic, enticing them to take desperate measures.”

“Ning Zhuo is also unaware of the situation. The more anxious, and the more paranoid he appears, and even proactively seeking help from Fei Si, the more it will aid our operation.”

“If we were to heavily protect him, informing him of the details… a young man like him, only sixteen years old, would inevitably create many openings.”

“Chi Dun might be fooled, but Fei Si is extremely shrewd. He could detect the trap we’ve set for him from the smallest flaws in Ning Zhuo’s demeanor.”

“Facing such an opponent, we must go all out, so…”

Before Zhou Nongying could finish, Ning Jiufan interrupted with a cold laugh.

“Ning Zhuo is not a member of your Zhou family. Sacrificing a talented cultivator from another clan would benefit you.”

Zhou Nongying quickly retorted, “Even if he were a member of my Zhou family, even if he were more talented than Ning Zhuo, I would still make the same arrangement.”

“Ultimately, this young man also bears some culpability!”

“If it weren’t for him developing the mechanical Fireblast Monkeys and actively cooperating with the City Lord’s Manor, would the Immortal Palace have been blasted open? Would things have escalated to this point?”

Ning Jiufan retorted sharply, “Even without Ning Zhuo, wouldn’t the City Lord’s Manor find other means to destroy the Immortal Palace?”

“Ning Zhuo is merely too young, and a member of a branch family. As a marginal figure, he must constantly scheme and acquire resources to enhance his cultivation and become stronger.”

“This is not considered malevolent intent, nor is it a sin. It’s simply that this young man is too eager to improve.”

“Wouldn’t we all be like this at his age? It’s just that Ning Zhuo was manipulated by villains; he is innocent.”

Zhou Nongying sneered, pointing to the jade slip Ning Zhuo had just sent, “In this letter, Ning Zhuo has already confessed, and frankly admitted that he had foreseen the trouble and has been under great psychological pressure.”

“He should have reported this matter to you, the Ning family patriarch, much earlier, but he didn’t.”

“He harbored a strong sense of wishful thinking.”

“He knew he might be abetting a wrongdoer, that he might be an accomplice, but he still wanted to conceal it.”

“Isn’t such behavior sinful?”

Ning Jiufan was about to speak, continuing his rebuttal.

At this moment, a subordinate delivered another jade slip.

This jade slip was not sent by Ning Zhuo, but by Ning Xiaohui.

In fact, this was Ning Xiaohui sharing good news with her grandmother. Her grandmother, as a member of the main family, immediately reported the situation to the Ning family patriarch.

During this period, the Ning family main branch had been firmly suppressed by Ning Zhuo alone, causing them immense frustration and resentment.

Ning Xiaohui’s attainment of the Physician position, achieving such significant progress and accomplishment, was precisely the victory and good news that the Ning family main branch desperately needed.

Upon receiving this news, the Ning family patriarch laughed heartily, dispelling his usual gloom.

After pacing around the study a few times, he immediately decided to record this information in a jade slip and submit it to the Ning family patriarch, hoping to gain some favor for the Ning family main branch in the eyes of the Ning family patriarch.

These internal intricacies were not something the Ning family patriarch wished to focus on.

He channeled his divine sense into the jade slip, examined it, and raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing a hint of joy.

“Ning Xiaohui is a good child,” Ning Jiufan said, stroking his beard.

He passed the jade slip to Zhu Xuanji for inspection once more, “Lord Zhu, this time it is purely good news.”

After channeling his divine sense into it, Zhu Xuanji’s eyes lit up, and he exclaimed repeatedly, “Good, good, good!”

“Today is truly a double blessing.”

“Ning Xiaohui possesses the status of a Trial Disciple, an advantage none of us have.”

“The Physician position she has obtained is something that even with greater merit, we outsiders would not be qualified to receive.”

“Wait.”

“This Historical Records Pavilion is extremely important. It should contain records of all major events since the construction of the Lava Immortal Palace.”

“A treasure indeed!”
“Hurry and let Ning Xiaohui accumulate merits, striving for an early promotion, to become the Pavilion Master of the Scribe Pavilion!”

“The scene of the Lava Immortal Palace being blasted to smithereens will undoubtedly be recorded by the Scribe Pavilion; this is the most irrefutable evidence.”

Zhou Nongying frowned slightly, “Even if the Scribe Pavilion records the scene of the shadowy demonic cultivator blasting the Immortal Palace, we still have no way to use this piece of evidence to drag down the Meng Family.”

“Because, on the surface, the Meng Family has no connection to the shadowy demonic cultivator.”

Zhu Xuanji nodded, “Therefore, we still need to start with Ning Zhuo’s thread. Only by proceeding with both avenues will we be able to reap rewards.”

Saying this, Zhu Xuanji turned his gaze toward Ning Jiufan.

He said with a face full of sincerity, “Brother Ning.”

“I have laid bare all my plans to you.”

“Ning Zhuo is a member of your Ning Family, so, out of respect for you, I personally went, but did not subject him to any form of torture, let alone soul-searching techniques.”

“This is my sincerity!”

“How could I, Zhu Xuanji, ever mistreat meritorious subjects?”

Zhu Xuanji, as a member of the Divine Arrest Division, possessed a great many torture methods.

But he was also a member of the royal family; he was very clear that if he were to use these methods, it would be truly disastrous.

In the current situation, Zhu Xuanji had come to Fire Persimmon Immortal City alone. To contend against Meng Kui, the city lord, he had to integrate the strength of the three families; otherwise, he would be isolated and powerless.

The battle against the Fire Lava Demonic Ape was a successful operation.

During the operation, Zhu Xuanji took the lead and bravely shouldered responsibilities, allowing the Golden Core cultivators of the three families to feel his sincerity.

If, because of the Demonic Scripture, he disregarded the previous alliance and Ning Jiufan’s feelings, and brought the hammer down on Ning Zhuo, then this act would be akin to killing the donkey after it had done its work, and would easily lead to others losing heart and abandoning him.

Especially since Ning Jiufan was the greatest contributor during the volcano journey!

Zhu Xuanji had just praised Ning Jiufan and affirmed his contributions, then he would immediately target his clansmen. If that were the case, who would still believe his praise, his promises?

Immediately resorting to soul-searching and interrogation techniques was also not Zhu Xuanji’s style.

Hearing Zhu Xuanji say this, Ning Jiufan lowered his head slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, “Lord Zhu, please speak. I trust you.”

Zhu Xuanji then said, “Let Ning Zhuo atone for his crimes through meritorious service.”

“The situation has reached this point; he has already become a pawn that has crossed the river. Even if we don’t discover this Demonic Scripture clue, his own situation is dangerous.”

“To be honest, I am quite optimistic about this little guy.”

“As the saying goes, jade must be carved before it can become a useful object. It’s good to let him be tempered.”

“I can guarantee to you: within these three days, I will disguise myself and stay by Ning Zhuo’s side.”

“Once the City Lord’s Mansion makes a move, even if the shadowy demonic cultivator personally takes action, I will do everything in my power to protect Ning Zhuo’s life.”

After saying these words, Zhu Xuanji closed his mouth and only looked at Ning Jiufan with his gaze.

The hall fell into a silence.

The other four Golden Core cultivators from the two families also cast their gazes at Ning Jiufan, silently applying pressure.

Ning Jiufan’s expression was solemn. He looked at the jade slip in his hand – this was Ning Zhuo’s letter of confession.

He also looked at the jade slip in Zhu Xuanji’s hand – that was the report of victory from Ning Xiaohui’s side.

One was a branch family member, the other was from the main line.

At this moment, Ning Jiufan’s heart was touched. He vaguely realized that he seemed to be facing some kind of fateful choice.

He had not met Ning Zhuo, but he had met Ning Xiaohui.

And at this moment, the words of his former friend, before his death, appeared in his mind – entrusting him to take care of his descendants.

Ning Jiufan sighed deeply and made a decision, “Very well, then, according to you all, let’s act accordingly.”