There are three paths before him: low-key, moderate, or high-profile.

Ning Zhuo was in a daze, facing a choice.

In that instant, he seemed to see a child on Huoshi Mountain, who began to dissimulate from a young age. Each time he looked up at the City Lord’s Mansion, it was like gazing at a towering mountain. He hid his intelligence, growing up in the shadows, clinging to Sun Lingtong. He grew up twisted in the cracks, engaging in machinations with adults, racking his brains, and risking his life with calculations in the Rongyan Immortal Palace. That was his first full-force strike.

The hatred he had endured for over a decade, the suppressed dark fire of over a decade, erupted like Huoshi Mountain, scorching hearts. This was a petty thief’s struggle against his own misfortune!

In that instant, he seemed to see a youth in Wan Yao Valley repeatedly engaging in martial combat, truly appearing before the public. The hand-to-hand battles made him genuinely feel “alive.” He made new friends, some drinking buddies, and some female cultivators. Amidst joyous drinks, their smiles were like flowers, open and forthright. He saw a new life, realizing there was such a beautiful world. Compared to it, Huoshi Mountain seemed so stifling and gloomy.

The young man first displayed his talent, beginning to live a different way. He admired Linghu Jiu, believing him to be a true gentleman.

In that instant, he again saw the magnificent battle in Qianfeng Lin. He was a small grain of sand in the iron current plains, personally witnessing countless mountains crumble and fall under the military锋.

One battle after another repeatedly put him in danger, but also like a hammer and fierce fire, forged Ning Zhuo into a sharp blade and keen edge. From Liu Guanzhang and Mulan, he learned the heroism and valor of a general. A man’s courage was born from within.

In that instant, he saw Baizhi Immortal City, saw the intertwining ghosts, the spreading black cloud battlefield, and saw a resolute-faced young man, just beginning to show his brilliance, step forward to confront a mighty God Transformation-level enemy, a dignified king of a nation!

The young man never showed fear, only feeling that it was his destiny and unavoidable responsibility. For his mother’s last wish, and for his personal ambitions, he bravely took it on. He could finally declare with certainty that he was no longer a thief. He responded to his mother’s expectations with the honor of a hero.

Now.

At this very moment.

He arrived at Wanxiang Sect, his mother’s sect. Ning Zhuo naturally harbored a good impression of this place. Here, he made friends of all kinds and also encountered enemies, each with their own unique style and stratagems.

“I am no longer so weak.”

“Before me, there are three choices. No longer am I limited to only choosing forbearance!”

“So, what should I choose?”

“Or rather, how should I — live?!”

The big-headed young man asked himself this question in his heart.

Scenes from the past replayed in his mind, faster and faster, like a revolving lantern.

And these were no longer just fragments of memory; they were like sparks, continuously accumulating in Ning Zhuo’s eyes, then igniting his gaze.

Ning Zhuo’s eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Like ignited stars!

His emotions surged uncontrollably, gradually transforming into a vast and unstoppable torrent, like the iron current plains of Qianfeng Lin, washing away all hesitation and timidity!

Those falling mountains were all shadows of the past.

The boy who had survived under the shadows for over a decade was now reborn.

He held his head high, facing the unknown, facing challenges, he longed to be like a star cutting across the sky, not hiding its brilliance, not fearing its loss, burning passionately, illuminating a path of his own!

Then let it shine.

Then let it be dazzling!

This is precisely—

For twenty years, a hidden blade in dark alleys,
Molten waves forged a dragon’s pool.
Qianfeng cast my formidable bones,
Wan Yao cleansed my heart of old scars.
Baizhi tore the ghostly curtain with its blade,
A green robe bathed in blood, proving grand ambition.
From now on, I hide not my towering aspirations,
Directly steering a flying boat through the Nine Heavens!

With this resolve, within the array of Zhuoxie Hall, on the stone platform, Ning Zhuo slowly raised his head.

Everyone’s gazes were immediately drawn to him.

They saw Ning Zhuo’s eyes seemingly penetrate the high walls of Zhuoxie Hall, looking towards a distant and vague place.

His face was solemn, with a certain determination in its calmness.

He spoke, his voice not loud, yet each word carried the weight of a soul, clearly carving itself into the hearts of everyone present: “Why regret this body?”

Everyone’s hearts trembled.

Ning Zhuo looked directly into the deep eyes of the Golden Core Elder, word by word: “If this broken body can still transform into a spark, momentarily hindering the demonic calamity, protecting the vegetation behind me for a breath… then it is enough.”

“Infamy? Compared to the myriad lives behind me, compared to the peace of mind in my heart… it is but rubble!”

“What is there to regret? What is there to fear!”

Hiss…

A collective gasp of cold air.

The elderly cultivator couldn’t help but widen his eyes, intense joy almost bursting from his head.

His eyes shone as he stared at Ning Zhuo, shouting in his heart, “A seed of the Righteous Path, this is a true seed of the Righteous Path!”

The detection methods showed no reaction, indicating that Ning Zhuo’s words came from the heart.

This made the elderly cultivator genuinely happy.

The other high-level cultivators also sighed with emotion in their hearts.

“How many years has it been, how many years have passed, finally, someone has appeared who passed the Three Questions of the Heart.”

“Indeed, there were some in previous years, but a cultivator as young and with such promising prospects as this one, truly none!”

“How rare! It is said that Hall Master Zhong Dao back then was also like this, at a young age, he was determined to uphold justice in the world!”

“Perhaps what I see today is a moment in history.”

The elderly cultivator took a deep breath, trying to steady his expression, and transmitted a spiritual message to the others: “What do you all think? Should this child be awarded first place?”

Someone immediately retorted, “If such an excellent junior cannot get first place, who else is qualified?”

Another impatiently said, “First place belongs to him!”

“Agreed.”

“Agreed.”

“Completely agreed!”

No one dissented.

The elderly cultivator nodded slightly, took out a token, and handed it to Ning Zhuo: “Good junior, you have passed. Congratulations, you have won first place.”

Ning Zhuo nodded, immediately cupped his hands in a salute, expressing his gratitude.

The elderly cultivator continued: “As the first place winner, having passed my Zhuoxie Hall’s Xingyun Minor Test, you will receive the highest reward.”

As he spoke, the old cultivator solemnly took out a treasure.

Numerous gazes couldn’t help but fall upon this treasure, for it was incredibly magnificent and dazzling, drawing all attention.

It was a delicate and small pagoda, held in the palm of the elderly cultivator’s hand.

It was based on a Shanye Lotus Pedestal, with the pedestal in azure gold, and the lotus petals layered like countless jade waves.

The pagoda body was cast from Wuxiang Thousand Buddha Glaze, completely clear like ice crystal. When external light shone upon it, the pagoda body surged with golden radiance—eight hundred Arhat statues emerged from the depths of the glaze, some forming demon-subduing mudras, others holding relics pagodas, their Buddhist aura surging.

Atop the pagoda was a full, round bead, alternating between two colors. When white, it revealed Sanskrit mandalas, radiating meritorious light. When black, Rakshasa fangs appeared, capable of gnawing at sinful souls. It was precisely the Karma Dharani Bead!

The elderly cultivator introduced it to Ning Zhuo: “Since you wish to join Wanxiang Sect, you should know that our sect possesses a treasured artifact that serves as a guardian, named the Gongye Futtu Pagoda.”

“This treasure can discern good and evil, suppress fortune, and has been managed by the Hall Master of Zhuoxie Hall throughout the generations.”

“This small pagoda now before you is an imitation of the Gongye Futtu Pagoda. Due to strict material selection, it has also reached the level of a Dharma Treasure, suitable for Golden Core cultivators.”

“Although you are a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator, you can barely use it.”

“It can detect merit and sin, and also possesses some power to guard personal fortune.”

Gongye Futtu Pagoda!

Ning Zhuo naturally knew that this was one of Wanxiang Sect’s fundamental strengths.

Super sects, powerful families, and cultivation nations would undoubtedly possess vital treasures for suppressing fortune. The Gongye Futtu Pagoda was one of Wanxiang Sect’s critical fortune-suppressing treasures.

The elderly cultivator bringing out the Gongye Futtu Pagoda did not surprise Ning Zhuo.

Because any cultivator who passed the Zhuoxie Hall’s Xingyun Minor Test would receive such a treasure. However, what they usually received were Dharma Artifact-level Gongye Futtu Pagodas.

Only the first-place winner received a Dharma Treasure-level reward.

The reason Ning Zhuo chose Zhuoxie Hall was because he knew they distributed Gongye Futtu Pagodas. After actually attempting it, the results he achieved far exceeded his requirements.

Having a Dharma Treasure level was naturally better than a Dharma Artifact level. Ning Zhuo accepted the small pagoda with both hands, saluting again in thanks.

The elderly cultivator specifically instructed that after some time, Zhuoxie Hall would conduct different Xingyun Minor Tests, and he advised Ning Zhuo to participate if he was interested.

He truly had high hopes for Ning Zhuo, but his character was quite upright. Even after bestowing the Dharma Treasure, he did not force Ning Zhuo to sign any contracts.

Ning Zhuo immediately suggested exchanging spiritual power auras to enable mutual spiritual messages.

This brought a greater smile to the elderly cultivator’s face.

After exchanging names and absorbing each other’s spiritual power auras, Ning Zhuo continued, “Senior Cang, I am new here, yet because I possess a mechanism treasure, I have innocently drawn the covetous gaze of a demonic cultivator. Unfortunately, this person has a deep background. Although his subordinates have been repelled, I have no way to deal with him.”

The elderly cultivator surnamed Cang immediately frowned and asked, “Who is this person?”

Ning Zhuo sighed, revealing a look of helplessness and vexation: “His name is Ban Ji. He is from the Ban family, but he follows the demonic path.”

Elder Cang’s brows furrowed even deeper. He carefully weighed his words: “My Wanxiang Sect’s rules are thus: we always embrace all streams. Therefore, even demonic cultivators and evil cultivators are qualified to join. Of course, once they become disciples of Wanxiang Sect, from now on, they must restrain themselves and act righteously.”

“This is also an excellent method of upholding justice and guiding others away from evil.”

“Why is Feiyun Nation so peaceful and tranquil, unlike most other cultivation nations? A large part of the reason is that each time our Wanxiang Sect conducts a large-scale recruitment, we are able to draw elites from other factions and transform them into members of the righteous path.”

“From what I’ve heard of your encounter, this Ban Ji indeed still has the habits of a demonic cultivator, but he has not truly violated my Wanxiang Sect’s rules.”

“Such trouble can be considered a form of tempering on the path of cultivation.”

Seeing disappointment appear on Ning Zhuo’s face, Elder Cang changed his tone: “Of course, if you can officially become a member of my Zhuoxie Hall, then, presumably, Ban Ji will restrain himself.”

“If he still causes you trouble, it would be tantamount to causing trouble for my Zhuoxie Hall. Do you understand?”

Ning Zhuo hastily bowed: “This junior understands, thank you for your guidance, senior!”

Thus, Ning Zhuo bid farewell to the elder surnamed Cang and, under the gaze of numerous cultivators, drifted away.

Watching his departing back, the elderly cultivator surnamed Cang immediately communicated spiritually, giving orders: “Investigate what Ning Zhuo just said.”

Before he could ascertain the truth, he could not take action. The elderly cultivator surnamed Cang had witnessed too many cunning schemes and plots.

Ning Zhuo felt no disappointment that he had not managed to secure Zhuoxie Hall’s intervention on his behalf.

Elder Cang’s reaction was well within his expectations.

“From the moment I left, Zhuoxie Hall will begin a thorough investigation into me.”

“Hehe.”

“Let them investigate.”

“If they find out I am Meng Yaoyin’s son, what will Zhong Dao do?”

According to Ning Zhuo’s estimation, there was a high probability that Zhong Dao would become an obstacle for the sect’s high-level members trying to target him.

Of course, Ning Zhuo couldn’t be certain.

After all, the interests involved in the Baizhi Immortal City incident were too vast.

“In the face of the sect’s immense interests, will Zhong Dao compromise?” Ning Zhuo had no answer to this crucial question.

His understanding of Zhong Dao was still based on publicly available information; he had never personally interacted with Zhong Dao, making it difficult to be sure.

Leveraging Zhong Dao’s influence was an idea Ning Zhuo had conceived after his first review of the intelligence.

However, it wasn’t until he was on the stone platform just now, facing the third question, that he made his decision.

Once the decision was made, Ning Zhuo no longer hesitated.

After leaving Zhuoxie Hall, he immediately found the nearest registration point.

After so many days, the cultivators queuing to register here still formed a long line, numerous in number.

Ning Zhuo, familiar with the process, walked straight up to the cultivator in charge.

“Hey, you with the big head, get in line at the back!” A cultivator, seeing Ning Zhuo go to the front, immediately shouted.

The cultivator in charge of registration was drawn to the commotion. Seeing that Ning Zhuo was not someone he knew, he was about to speak when Ning Zhuo presented his three first-place credentials.

“I’m here to exchange for a stone plaque,” Ning Zhuo stated.

The responsible cultivator’s expression immediately changed drastically. At this moment, being able to produce three first-place credentials was enough to prove Ning Zhuo’s excellence.

And this level of excellence placed him among the most outstanding individuals in this year’s Feiyun Grand Assembly.

Realizing Ning Zhuo’s promising future, the responsible cultivator immediately stood up, a smile plastered on his face: “Fellow Daoist, may I inquire your name?”

Ning Zhuo replied.

The responsible cultivator’s smile widened: “Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, please wait a moment while we verify the authenticity of your credentials.”

“I’ll do it, I’ll do it.” His companions beside him were already eagerly reaching out to take the credentials for verification.

Several companions reached out at once, almost getting into a fight.

Seeing this scene, the cultivators in the long queue behind Ning Zhuo, waiting to register, fell silent.

The entire place was hushed.

The three cultivators responsible for verification worked quickly, almost simultaneously responding: “It’s real.”

The cultivator facing Ning Zhuo immediately laughed, took out a stone plaque, and swapped it for the wooden plaque Ning Zhuo handed over: “Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, congratulations, but there’s one last small matter. After receiving the stone plaque, the sect needs to record more of your information.”

“Oh, I know, what do you need to ask?” Ning Zhuo inquired.

The responsible cultivator quickly replied, “We need to record the cultivation method you practice, and your current cultivation level.”

Ning Zhuo was well-prepared, and immediately answered: “The ‘Wuxing Qilv Jue’, currently at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, in the phase of Manifestation Seed Charm.”

The responsible cultivator quickly recorded it in a jade slip: “I see, thank you, Fellow Daoist, I have noted it down.”

“Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, this is my spiritual power aura. If you need to exchange for a token later, you are welcome to come to me. I will certainly handle these trivial matters for you at full speed.”

His companions immediately cast envious glances.

Cultivators assigned to such tasks were generally at the lower echelons of Wanxiang Sect. To be able to befriend a figure like Ning Zhuo was a great honor for them, and could even significantly alter their own destinies.

Ning Zhuo smiled and accepted the spiritual power aura handed to him by the cultivator, but he did not offer his own spiritual power aura in return.

And just this simple action immediately made the responsible cultivator the target of even more envious, even jealous, gazes.

The person involved, however, was beaming with joy, unable to contain his delight!

“Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, please take care.” Finally, with the responsible cultivator seeing him off respectfully, Ning Zhuo elegantly departed from this unnamed small mountain peak where registration took place.

On the way back to Qingzhi Cave Mansion, Ning Zhuo was expressionless, his eyes gleaming.

He knew that his actions would inevitably lead to many repercussions.

Information about him would be valued and actively sought out by many interested parties.

“Then let it come.”

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