Another cave-dwelling.

Che Zhuzi held the intelligence report in his hand, the room’s light illuminating half his face brightly, and half in shadow.

Che Zhuzi’s expression was complex and conflicted: “I never expected Ning Zhuo’s talent to be so outstanding, actually a top-tier genius.”

“If only I had known earlier that he had already claimed first place in Confucian cultivation twice before—”

Che Zhuzi’s thoughts shifted: “No, it’s still most beneficial for me to maintain neutrality.”

“Although Ning Zhuo took the initiative to propose a larger business deal with me, the Ban family has never been one to ignore.”

“Ban Ji’s talent should also qualify him as one of the first cultivators to exchange for stone tablets. It’s just that several of his actions were thwarted by Ning Zhuo.”

“It doesn’t matter if he didn’t stand out in the first round. He will surely have a place in the upcoming second round.”

As a merchant, Che Zhuzi naturally preferred to curry favor with both sides.

As a demon cultivator, and not yet at a desperate point, he was already doing quite well selling void spider silk. Why should he favor one side and make a big gamble so early?

In such circumstances, Che Zhuzi naturally rejected risk.

“However, I should still send a letter to congratulate Ning Zhuo on obtaining the tablet.”

“And include some gifts.”

Ning Zhuo’s acquisition of the stone tablet significantly raised his value and status in Che Zhuzi’s eyes.

The Confucian cultivators were holding a gathering.

“Hahaha, indeed, a tiger father has no dog sons. Meng Yao’in’s son is truly no less impressive.” The Confucian cultivators were discussing Ning Zhuo.

Upon learning of Ning Zhuo’s acquisition of the stone tablet, they were generally pleased.

“We should write to Wen Ruan’yu to let him know this good news.”

“Precisely. Life under house arrest isn’t easy, and since he cares so much for young Ning Zhuo, this news will surely dispel the gloom in his heart and make him joyous.”

“No wonder Wen Ruan’yu cared for Ning Zhuo so much; this young man is actually a first-rate cultivation genius.”

Song Tao’sheng stroked his beard: “Compared to his cultivation talent, I appreciate his performance during the Three Questions of the Heart even more.”

The Xingyun minor test of the Zhuoxie Hall was different from most; it was exceptionally valuable.

Ning Zhuo’s performance during the Three Questions of the Heart was outstanding. At that time, not only were high-ranking cultivators from Zhuoxie Hall present, but also many cultivators participating in the Xingyun minor test. Therefore, once this event occurred, many people learned of it.

Now, as Ning Zhuo exchanged for the stone tablet and gained renown, attracting widespread attention, his excellent performances have also spread widely and become common knowledge.

Song Tao’sheng’s words were met with agreement from most of the Confucian cultivators present.

Chu Xuan’gui was also among them, recalling Ning Zhuo’s performance in his Xingyun minor test.

At the time, he observed that Ning Zhuo understood the rules deeply. Although it was their first meeting, they already had an unspoken understanding. Even without a single word exchanged in secret, their cooperation was extremely smooth.

“I didn’t expect this young man, despite his flexible tactics, to have such an upright character. Such people are truly rare.”

Ning Zhuo’s attitude towards justice naturally earned him the favor of the Confucian cultivators.

A Confucian cultivator suddenly said, “Since Ning Zhuo has already exchanged for the stone tablet and become famous, do we still need to continue promoting him?”

Facing this question, the Confucian cultivators’ expressions varied.

Some began to ponder.

Others expressed concern: “Indeed. Others don’t know about the trouble Ning Zhuo is in; we learned about it in advance through Wen Ruan’yu.”

“Given Ning Zhuo’s current reputation, the sect’s high-ranking officials will have to think twice before acting against him.”

“Based on this outcome, our previous goal has been achieved.”

“If we continue to support him, it might raise many suspicions.”

At this point, Song Tao’sheng couldn’t help but let out a cold snort, directly interrupting: “Suspicions? Are you so afraid?”

A Confucian cultivator said with a solemn expression: “Elder Song doesn’t need to speak that way. We are certainly not worried about our own safety, but rather about the potential damage to the reputation of us Confucian cultivators if our secret support for Ning Zhuo is exposed.”

“Almost all Confucian cultivators in the entire sect are gathered here.”

“We need new people, we need to grow and expand. But if we bear a bad reputation, how can we attract excellent Confucian seeds to join us?”

These words indeed made sense.

The speaking Confucian cultivator deliberately lowered his own demands, focusing instead on the interests of the Confucian group, which led more Confucian cultivators to ponder carefully.

Seeing the atmosphere turn sour, Chu Xuan’gui decisively spoke: “This is wrong!”

“How often does a junior like Ning Zhuo appear?”

“He’s not just a genius who stood out in the first round, but also someone who passed the Three Questions of the Heart. How precious is such a young person with such a disposition!”

“Since he is so promising, and half one of our own Confucian group, why shouldn’t we increase our efforts and give him greater assistance?”

Chu Xuan’gui expressed his own thoughts. Not only did he reject the proposal to stop, but he went further, suggesting that support for Ning Zhuo should be increased.

The cultivators looked at each other for a moment, then someone spoke.

Immediately, everyone expressed their opinions, each arguing their point.

Listening, Song Tao’sheng felt the situation showing signs of turning for the worse, and his brows gradually furrowed.

Confucian cultivators are skilled at self-preservation. Since the goal had been achieved ahead of time, withdrawing promptly became the growing consensus among more and more Confucian cultivators.

Song Tao’sheng’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. After some thought, he first cast his gaze towards Chu Xuan’gui.

Unexpectedly, Chu Xuan’gui had already cast his gaze towards him a moment earlier.

Their eyes met for just an instant, confirming their mutual attitude.

Unlike other Confucian cultivators, these two had both taken the initiative to assist Ning Zhuo. They had met and interacted with Ning Zhuo, and had a very good impression of him.

Others’ impressions of Ning Zhuo were vague, derived only from intelligence, which was objective and lacked much personal closeness.

Since they had already invested, Chu Xuan’gui and Song Tao’sheng naturally wanted Ning Zhuo to go further and reach higher.

Song Tao’sheng slowly closed his eyes, leaning back into his chair.

Chu Xuan’gui immediately understood that Song Tao’sheng intended to be the backup, letting him lead the charge.

Chu Xuan’gui smiled faintly and slowly stood up.

All the Confucian cultivators were seated, and Chu Xuan’gui’s action immediately drew everyone’s attention. They all realized he had something to say and voluntarily fell silent.

Chu Xuan’gui looked around, a smile on his face: “Actually, whether to continue supporting this young fellow Ning Zhuo is not something we need to discuss at all.”

“Those who are optimistic about this young man can simply go ahead and support him.”

“Those who have concerns are also perfectly reasonable, and can simply observe.”

“Hehehe.” Chu Xuan’gui chuckled a few times. “My biggest feeling right now might be different from yours, fellow Daoists. I feel relieved.”

Someone was puzzled and immediately asked, “Why relieved?”

Chu Xuan’gui clasped his hands in salute to his surroundings: “Fellow Daoists, to be frank. My greatest worry before was Elder Duanmu Zhang.”

“Once our secret support for Ning Zhuo is discovered by Elder Duanmu Zhang.”

“Then, according to his character, he might scold us severely!”

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately resonated with many Confucian cultivators.

“Yes, yes.”

“Indeed.”

“My worries are the same as Fellow Daoist Chu’s.”

Chu Xuan’gui’s tone shifted: “But now it’s fine. Based on Ning Zhuo’s current performance, both his strength and temperament are impeccable.”

“Even if Elder Duanmu Zhang finds out, he won’t criticize us; he’ll only see it as us nurturing a promising junior.”

Upon hearing this, all the Confucian cultivators showed smiles to varying degrees.

Some, however, began to ponder.

Song Tao’sheng couldn’t help but crack open his eyes slightly and look at Chu Xuan’gui.

He had originally thought he would need to cooperate with Chu Xuan’gui, but he never expected the latter to perform so outstandingly!

On the surface, he was concerned about how Elder Duanmu Zhang would react to this matter, but in reality, Chu Xuan’gui was using this clever and subtle way to remind everyone of Elder Duanmu Zhang’s very likely opinion of Ning Zhuo!

Among the Confucian cultivators of the Wanxiang Sect, Chu Xuan’gui, Song Tao’sheng, and Wen Ruan’yu were clearly several pillars. Duanmu Zhang, however, was the soul, the core of the core, and the greatest foundation!

His attitude influenced almost all Confucian cultivators.

What would Duanmu Zhang think of Ning Zhuo?

Even if most Confucian cultivators had not seen Ning Zhuo in person, they could answer this question with great certainty: naturally, he would appreciate him!

So, when the Confucian cultivators realized that Duanmu Zhang would appreciate Ning Zhuo, their thoughts also shifted.

This shift was very natural.

Except for a few individuals, most Confucian cultivators did not notice.

Thus, the related topic was pulled back again.

“Speaking of which, Ning Zhuo isn’t a Confucian cultivator. Our help for him is akin to helping an outsider. Even if this matter is exposed in the future, it can still demonstrate the noble character of us Confucian cultivators.”

“We should continue to support Ning Zhuo, otherwise how can we face Wen Ruan’yu? We clearly promised him at least four Xingyun minor tests for Ning Zhuo, and strong support!”

“How can one be untrustworthy?”

All the Confucian cultivators tacitly avoided mentioning Duanmu Zhang, instead trying to find other reasons to argue for continued support for Ning Zhuo.

Chu Xuan’gui and Song Tao’sheng did not speak afterward, quietly watching everyone reach a consensus—everyone decided to continue supporting Ning Zhuo.

“Then, next, we should hold the third Xingyun minor test.”

“How should we do it?” “The key is how to do it in a way that is most helpful to Ning Zhuo?”

“It’s simple, first spread the word, and then I think Ning Zhuo will likely give us some signals.” Chu Xuan’gui only spoke at this point.

Song Tao’sheng smiled faintly: “I second that, old man.”

Qingzhu Peak.

Qing Huang’zi had just finished writing a flying letter, and by the candlelight, he reread it silently.

“Huang, a decaying log in the mountain forest, a candle in the wind. Waking up in fright day and night, clutching my chest in shame, fearing I might fail my master’s grace in the afterlife, and sever the lineage in my own hands, thus I presumptuously write this letter, pouring out my heart to present.”

“When my master passed away, he clutched a reed in his withered hand, his breath like a wisp of smoke, only entrusting one matter—”

“Huang, at that time, was streaming with tears and snot, swearing to the heavens that I would not fail his trust! However, the ways of heaven are unpredictable. Huang’s talent is dull. Although I spent my life’s blood immersed in the art of mechanisms—at the edge of death, I fear my master’s painstaking efforts will be buried with this decaying body in the ravines!”

“Recently, I heard that Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo exchanged for a stone tablet, and even bravely challenged the Three Questions in Zhuoxie Hall, upright and resolute in his will—”

“The Xingyun minor test was originally set as a hurdle for the mediocre, how can it be a fence for a true dragon? If we remain constrained by common rules, letting a bright pearl be covered in dust, Huang will die with eyes open! Therefore, today, I boldly use my humble name as a decrepit body to make an exceptional move! Exempting all trivial tests, I directly entrust the legacy of this lineage to you! This is not Huang’s momentary impulse, but truly a confluence of observing your talent and virtue, remembering my master’s dying wish, and feeling the urgency of the times, a blend of these three, making my emotions uncontrollable!”

Qing Huang’zi finished reading the entire letter, and couldn’t help but sigh deeply. With a slight movement of his spiritual sense, he opened the bamboo window.

Magical power infused the flying letter, causing it to tear through the air and depart.

Qingshi Cave-dwelling.

Within the training array.

Ning Zhuo sat cross-legged on a futon, a magical artifact-grade guqin floating slightly in mid-air before him, three inches from the ground.

The big-headed youth’s eyes were slightly closed, his ten fingers transforming into streaks of afterimages!

Zheng zheng zheng zheng zheng—

Sound waves swept across the ground, activating over a dozen bamboo puppet figurines, each only the size of an adult’s palm!

They were not directly controlled by divine sense, but rather driven by these specific musical notes.

More and more bamboo puppet figurines were activated. Their movements were agile, and the actions they displayed were vivid and lifelike.

One puppet crouched and lunged forward, its arms like praying mantis scythes crossing and shearing, creating a sharp whooshing sound. Another bamboo puppet spun and unleashed a flying kick, its leg a blur like a whip. Yet another bamboo puppet clasped its hands together, lowered its waist into a horse stance, and delivered a simple, unadorned Black Tiger Steals Heart punch, but with formidable power. There was even a puppet whose movements were eerily elusive, its claw shadows carrying a chilling wind—

Ning Zhuo’s hands plucked the strings, sometimes with precise plucking, sometimes with forceful strumming.

The bamboo puppet figurines began to spar in pairs. In the midst of their moves and counter-moves, each action was swift and precise, with crisp “kaka” sounds occasionally emanating from their joints.

Ning Zhuo’s finger work changed again!

A series of clear notes, like pearls falling on a jade plate, yet with a strange tremor, flowed out.

The remaining bamboo puppets moved at the sound. They weren’t sparring in pairs, but rather cooperating, forming various formations.

There were three puppets as a group, back-to-back in a “pin” character shape, serving as each other’s corners, both offensive and defensive—this was the most basic Small Three Talents battle formation.

Five puppets gathered, four outside guarding the four directions, one in the center coordinating and supporting, their energies interconnected, evolving into the Five Petal Plum Blossom battle formation.

There were also seven puppets arranged like the Big Dipper, their steps linked, their auras subtly forming a single line, creating the Big Dipper Seven Stars battle formation—

Even though Ning Zhuo had participated in two major national wars, he did not possess such mastery of battle formations. This was what he gained from Burning Soul Crossing the Boat.

The guqin music abruptly stopped.

The sparring bamboo puppets froze in the midst of their combat, while the bamboo puppets in formation maintained their neat ranks. They stood motionless, awaiting their commander’s next order.

Ning Zhuo slowly opened his eyes, a brilliant light shining within them, his heart filled with clarity and joy.

His guqin skills were now supremely proficient, as if honed by a century of arduous practice.

The profound essence of the “Yuanyin Reed Book” was fully embodied in his recent practice, without any flaw.

Not only that, Ning Zhuo had also comprehended the subsequent auxiliary sounds and even created related auxiliary sound bamboo puppet figurines. These figurines also performed well in the recent practice.

“Next, I should be able to win Qing Huang’zi’s Xingyun test.”

“Hmm?”

Shortly after, Ning Zhuo looked at Qing Huang’zi’s letter, his expression somewhat complex.

“I invested so much in this matter, and in the end, Qing Huang’zi actually wants to actively bestow this inheritance upon me?”

Ning Zhuo deeply realized the positive effects of his high-profile actions and rising renown.

“This is a good thing.”

“It will save me a lot of time.”

“With this time, I can learn many other things.”

“Wait a minute—”

Ning Zhuo’s eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression became profound.