Ning Zhuo’s Residence.

Zhu Xuanji and Ning Zhuo stood facing each other.

Ning Zhuo breathed steadily, his heart tight, and he said, “This moment has finally arrived.”

Since Zhu Xuanji appeared and entered Fire Persimmon Immortal City…

Since Ning Zhuo came into contact with the Three Sects’ Supreme Arts and decided to cultivate these three techniques…

Ning Zhuo had already foreseen this moment.

No, to be precise, the time was even earlier. More than a decade ago, Ning Zhuo had expectations for this day.

He had long anticipated that his cultivation would be scrutinized.

He had also prepared for this event long ago.

However, when this trial truly arrived, Ning Zhuo still couldn’t help but feel his heart pounding faster.

It would have been fine if it were any other Core Formation cultivator, but facing Zhu Xuanji, who possessed the Golden Eye aptitude, Ning Zhuo had no experience and couldn’t grasp the details.

As a Qi Refining cultivator, concealing his cultivation from a Core Formation cultivator was extremely difficult.

Ning Zhuo’s accelerated heartbeat was immediately noticed by Zhu Xuanji.

He said softly, “Your heart is beating a bit fast. Why, do you seem a little nervous?”

Ning Zhuo grinned, “Of course, Senior Zhu. Is this Demon-tainted Blood Tendon Art a complement to the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Formula?”

“Are the rumored Supreme Arts of the Three Sects real?”

Ning Zhuo’s face was full of anticipation for the Three Sects’ Supreme Arts.

It concerned his path, related to the Supreme Arts of the Three Sects, so it was only natural for his heartbeat to accelerate slightly.

Zhu Xuanji chuckled, “Since you asked, then I’ll tell you some good news.”

“Currently, the Demonic Scripture we seized does indeed complement the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Formula.”

“Although this Demonic Scripture only goes up to the fifth level of Qi Refining, it is already evident from these contents that it has some connection with the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Formula.”

Then, Zhu Xuanji changed the subject, “The Supreme Arts of the Three Sects cultivate the upper, middle, and lower Dantian respectively.”

“Once you can use these three techniques to establish your Foundation, then your future prospects will inevitably be bright.”

“In this world, techniques that can establish Foundation using the three Dantians are too rare!”

“So this time, I’m here to check your aptitude, not only to check your Qi Sea, but also your Essence Sea. I’ll also examine your Spirit Sea for you, how about that?”

Did Ning Zhuo dare refuse?

He immediately revealed a look of joy, eagerly saying, “Senior Zhu, that’s really great! Please take action and give me a thorough examination.”

As Ning Zhuo spoke, he secretly activated the My Buddha Heart Demon Seal and the Cloud Concealing Bud beneath his tongue.

These two treasures were the key to him resisting the examination!

Zhu Xuanji released a trace of blood essence, which permeated into Ning Zhuo’s body, probing deeply until it reached his Essence Sea, the lower Dantian.

Apart from magical treasures, only blood essence could enter the lower Dantian, the Essence Sea.

Zhu Xuanji’s blood essence carried his spiritual consciousness, circling a few times above Ning Zhuo’s Essence Sea, taking in the entire appearance of the Essence Sea.

The Cloud Concealing Bud played its role, firmly concealing the true appearance of the Essence Sea, presenting Zhu Xuanji with only the scene that Ning Zhuo had deliberately arranged.

Ning Zhuo had been constantly training this for more than a decade. He was already very familiar with it, and it had become as instinctive as breathing.

Zhu Xuanji probed the Essence Sea and only saw that it was similar to that of ordinary cultivators, at most with a slightly deeper foundation. After all, Ning Zhuo had been feasting on spirit food recently.

Zhu Xuanji withdrew his blood essence and then permeated Ning Zhuo’s body with magical power.

Similarly, his magical power also carried his spiritual consciousness.

Zhu Xuanji’s magical power entered Ning Zhuo’s middle Dantian, the Qi Sea, and saw the five-colored clouds rising within, realizing that Ning Zhuo’s cultivation had reached the fourth level, and was already at the peak of the fourth level.

“It seems that the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Formula is indeed very suitable for you.”

Zhu Xuanji praised lightly and withdrew his magical power.

Finally, he directly released his divine sense to probe Ning Zhuo’s upper Dantian, the Spirit Sea.

The protection of the Spirit Sea was Ning Zhuo’s most secure place.

Because not only was there the Cloud Concealing Bud to cover the true scene, but also the My Buddha Heart Demon Seal was suppressing it, benefiting both self and others.

Sure enough, after Zhu Xuanji scanned it, he found that Ning Zhuo’s Spirit Sea was empty, but its volume was very large.

This made Zhu Xuanji think of Ning Zhuo’s aptitude.

Until now, the Ning family had not yet tested what Ning Zhuo’s aptitude actually was.

But from Ning Zhuo’s Spirit Sea, some clues could be seen.

Zhu Xuanji withdrew his divine sense.

The specks of golden light in his scrutinizing eyes also dissipated.

“Tell you some good news.”

“Very good!”

“Your three Dantians are all suitable for cultivating the Supreme Arts of the Three Sects.”

“You have aptitude, and the aptitude is in the Spirit Sea. From this point of view, it is most suitable for you to follow the path of Spiritual Cultivation.”

“Just like the Unempty Sect’s Sect-suppressing technique—the Empty Void Art—which specializes in cultivating the Spirit Sea, while also cultivating the Essence Sea.”

“The Unempty Sect, do you know it?”

“Perhaps… you are more familiar with Sun Lingtong.”

Ning Zhuo said, “Of course I know Sun Lingtong. He was the controller of the last Black Market.”

“I have also considered the matter of my aptitude.”

“But I think the Supreme Arts of the Three Sects are more suitable for me. Now I have obtained the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Formula and the Demon-tainted Blood Tendon Art, and maybe I can even get the Spiritual Cultivation technique for the upper Dantian in the future.”

Zhu Xuanji nodded, “Indeed so.”

He looked at Ning Zhuo seriously, “But I must also remind you not to be too careless.”

“Although the Demonic Scripture has been obtained by us, your situation is still somewhat dangerous.”

Ning Zhuo revealed a look of surprise, “Senior Zhu, what do you mean by this?”

“I am in danger because many people previously believed that the Demonic Scripture was in my hands.”

“Now the Demonic Scripture has been revealed and taken away by the Zheng family’s ancestor, and many people have seen this scene.”

The battle between Core Formation cultivators was closely watched by everyone.

The scale of cultivators in the Immortal City was large, and the cultivators had mastered many spells, making it easy to observe the battlefield from a distance.

Zhu Xuanji sighed.

“On the surface, that’s how it seems.”

“But to tell you the truth, in my opinion, things are not that simple.”

Ning Zhuo immediately clasped his fists and bowed deeply, “Please enlighten me, Senior Zhu.”
Zhu Xuanji sighed again, “Ning Zhuo, you’ve seen puppet shows, haven’t you? Right now, I feel like there’s a puppeteer behind the scenes.”

“The recent Golden Core cultivators’ free-for-all was like a puppet show, with all the participants acting like puppets on strings, completely unaware.”

“The stage we witnessed was most likely deliberately set up by this hidden hand.”

Ning Zhuo was taken aback for a moment. “Lord Zhu, are you implying it’s the City Lord’s Manor?”

“Indeed, in the recent battle, only Chi Dun of the City Lord’s Manor took action. Fei Si remained idle throughout.”

“Furthermore, the City Lord himself remained an observer. If he were to intervene, he could undoubtedly suppress the entire scene.”

Zhu Xuanji shook his head and sighed, “It’s difficult to get him to act. You might not be familiar with his style. He won’t personally step in unless the situation is extremely dire.”

“Perhaps it is the City Lord’s Manor?”

Ning Zhuo then said, “Lord Zhu, I don’t know much about investigating cases. However, I believe that you will definitely succeed!”

Zhu Xuanji’s expression shifted slightly, and he chuckled. “You have quite a bit of faith in me.”

Ning Zhuo chuckled. “Of course, because you are the Divine Constable, Zhu Xuanji who investigates hidden crimes and brings peace to the people. You are the most righteous person I have ever seen.”

“The righteous path is bound to prevail.”

Zhu Xuanji paused, carefully scrutinizing the young man before him.

Ning Zhuo’s eyes were clear and bright. He spoke with sincerity, revealing his unwavering belief in the righteous path.

Seeing Ning Zhuo like this, Zhu Xuanji seemed to momentarily see his own younger self.

Like Ning Zhuo, he was once filled with unwavering faith in the righteous path.

Zhu Xuanji laughed again. “Little brat, does your framing of Yuan Dasheng also count as part of your righteous path?”

Ning Zhuo spread his hands. “That Monkey Gang was founded as a criminal organization. Besides, what does it matter if I eliminated a mere ape?”

“And then there’s the Black Market. I see it like this.”

“If I control the Black Market, I can bring order to it, maintain stability, and reduce bloodshed. At the same time, I can help my clan live better lives.”

“So why wouldn’t I do it?”

“I feel that the three great families all want to get their hands on the Black Market, but they are too concerned with their reputations.”

“I am also quite concerned about my reputation, but there’s nothing I can do. I can’t even feed myself.”

“I have to feed myself first before I can practice my righteous path and help my clan.”

Zhu Xuanji nodded slightly and patted Ning Zhuo on the shoulder. “At least you are pragmatic.”

That was all he said.

Zhu Xuanji took his leave.

Ning Zhuo escorted him to the courtyard gate and watched until Zhu Xuanji disappeared from sight.

Ning Zhuo turned and walked back into the courtyard. As he walked, his eyebrows gradually rose, and his face revealed an increasing amount of joy.

After returning to his room and closing the door, he couldn’t help but clench his fists and raise his arms in triumph, full of excitement.

This action alone showed how happy he was.

After all, he had not only obtained the Demon-tainted Blood Tendon Technique, but his talent had also been recognized by Zhu Xuanji. He had also been told that there was no problem in cultivating the upper-tier methods of the three sects simultaneously.

With a face full of excitement, Ning Zhuo entered the basement and began his cultivation.

However, whether he was studying the scriptures on Mechanism Arts or sitting in meditation, he was somewhat distracted.

Every now and then, he would pause and grin foolishly.

These small actions revealed his youthful nature.

Occasionally, he would frown slightly, showing some doubt, as if he had thought about his last conversation with Zhu Xuanji.

But then, he would shake his head, as if to say, “Why think about these things? Let the tall ones worry about what is happening!”

He even whispered to himself, “Isn’t there Lord Zhu Xuanji?”