Zhu Xuan-gui and Song Tao-sheng stood with their hands clasped behind their backs in the hall.

Duan-mu Zhang sat in the main seat, his face clouded with gloom, staring at the two. “Nonsense!”

“For the sake of Ning Zhuo, you actually arranged two consecutive Xing-yun minor trials! Such acts of favoritism and deceit, where do they leave the reputation of my Ru-men sect? Where do they leave the laws of the Wan-xiang Sect?”

Zhu Xuan-gui had already anticipated that the truth would come out. He took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said, “Sir, please calm your anger. There are indeed reasons for this matter; it is not entirely favoritism.”

“Firstly, it was at the request of Daoist Wen (Wen Ruan-yu). Daoist Wen has a deep connection with Ning Zhuo, and her intention was to ensure his safety. We, too, acted out of righteousness to help.”

“Secondly, Ning Zhuo is the son of Meng Yao-yin. Although Meng Yao-yin is not a Ru cultivator, she is more like one. She possesses benevolence and unparalleled loyalty, and has many times disregarded her own safety for Xian-cheng and for the greater good.”

“There is a classic saying in Ru studies: ‘Treat the elders in your family as they should be treated, and extend this to the elders of others; treat the young in your family as they should be treated, and extend this to the young of others.’ We would offer assistance to innocent people we encounter on the road. Meng Shijie’s son has been wandering, experienced many hardships, and now returns. How can we stand by and do nothing?”

Having said this, Zhu Xuan-gui looked at Song Tao-sheng.

Song Tao-sheng and he had an agreement to share the pressure. At this moment, he decisively spoke, continuing, “Thirdly, this action is also for the benefit of our Ru cultivation lineage!”

“Ning Zhuo, this child, has extraordinary potential. Observing his past conduct, one can tell he is no ordinary person. Befriending him and protecting his growth will surely bring benefits in the future.”

“Moreover, it concerns the immense interests of Bai-zhi Xian-cheng…”

“Currently, within the Wan-xiang Sect, our Ru cultivation group is gradually declining. If we can seize this opportune moment to intervene in such a struggle, it will greatly aid the spread of our Ru cultivation.”

Duan-mu Zhang looked at the two with cold eyes. “Your words are convincing and articulate. Very good. I suppose you two have been preparing for a long time.”

He spread his hands. “However, no matter how many reasons or how many benefits there are, they are not excuses for you to disregard the rules and set up special minor trials!”

“If we make an exception for one person today, others will follow suit tomorrow! In the long run, where will justice be? Where will fairness reside? Will the upright spirit of the Ru-men sect not devolve into a place of personal favors and interest exchanges? Do you not realize that once this trend begins, the repercussions will be endless?”

He paused, then continued, “Furthermore, that Ning Zhuo is not a Ru cultivator. Even if he is the son of Meng Yao-yin, his foundational Dao techniques are not of the orthodox Ru-men. The argument of ‘one of our own’ is far-fetched.”

Duan-mu Zhang slowly shook his head.

Zhu Xuan-gui and Song Tao-sheng were momentarily speechless.

Duan-mu Zhang was right. No matter how sufficient their reasons were, they had operated in violation of regulations; it was essentially favoritism and cheating.

In the Xuan-jia Cave’s Xing-yun minor trial, Ban Jie bribed others for Ban Ji, embedding hidden forces was cheating. On this point, Ning Zhuo had already cheated.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy. Just then, a streak of light flew in, precisely landing in Zhu Xuan-gui’s hand, transforming into a jade talisman.

Unless it was an important matter, a jade talisman would not fly in at this moment.

Zhu Xuan-gui immediately clasped his hands, seeking Duan-mu Zhang’s permission.

Duan-mu Zhang raised his hand, indicating it was fine, allowing Zhu Xuan-gui to handle it immediately.

Zhu Xuan-gui scanned it with his divine sense, and a hint of surprise and relief shone in his eyes.

“This is the latest intelligence regarding Ning Zhuo.”

“He participated in the Xuan-jia Cave’s Xing-yun minor trial, eliminated Ban Ji, defeated three Jin-dan cultivators, and successfully claimed first place!”

“Here is his complete process of overcoming the challenges. Please review it, sir.”

“Oh? Let me see.” Duan-mu Zhang frowned slightly, an scrutinizing look on his face, as he took the jade talisman and immersed his divine sense into it.

The solemn expression on Duan-mu Zhang’s face gradually dissolved, his stern gaze softened, and he even showed a hint of astonishment.

Ning Zhuo’s excellent performance, overcoming three challenges, defeating stronger opponents with strategy, and daring to take risks at critical moments, left a deep impression on Duan-mu Zhang.

Especially—

In the first few confrontations of the second challenge, Ning Zhuo learned while practicing, demonstrating strong learning ability and extraordinary comprehension, which Duan-mu Zhang found unforgettable.

He suddenly understood, thinking to himself, “This child possesses such comprehension? His decisions are made on the spot, insightful as if seeing through fire. No wonder that old fellow Zhong Dao values him.”

Zhu Xuan-gui had been observing Duan-mu Zhang’s expressions and, seeing the clear change in his demeanor, felt a great relief in his heart, thinking that Ning Zhuo’s performance was quite timely.

He decisively seized the opportunity and earnestly said, “Sir, please understand! Although we, out of personal desires, designed two Xing-yun minor trials, there was absolutely no favoritism throughout the entire trial process! Ning Zhuo, relying on his own ingenuity, intellect, knowledge, and other abilities, rightfully won first place.”

Duan-mu Zhang remained silent, watching the video again. Ning Zhuo’s image became even more profound and vivid in his mind.

“This child is indeed talented.” Duan-mu Zhang developed an admiration for his talent, yet also felt a deep regret, “Why isn’t he a Ru cultivator?”

Finally, he let out an almost inaudible sigh.

When he looked up at Zhu Xuan-gui and Song Tao-sheng again, there was no longer any reproach in his eyes, but rather a hint of understanding.

After some deliberation, Duan-mu Zhang said meaningfully, “As Mencius states in ‘Teng Wen Gong Shang’: ‘Neighbors living in the same village, going out and coming in, helping each other, watching out for each other, and supporting each other in illness, then the common people will live in harmony.’”

“Fellow disciples and fellow Daoists, watching out for and helping each other, this is the conduct of a Jun-zi.”

“Since this good relationship has been formed, it should indeed be carefully maintained. Although that Ning Zhuo is not a Ru cultivator, his talent is promising, and his mother is benevolent and loving, which must be a family inheritance. Since you have already taken action, you must not give up halfway. Treat him with sincerity and interact with him with courtesy, so that he may know the benevolence of our Ru-men and feel the friendship of our fellow Daoists. This is not favoritism, but the forging of good connections and the strengthening of foundations.”

“You must—exercise discretion and avoid giving others cause for criticism.”

Zhu Xuan-gui and Song Tao-sheng, hearing this, felt a huge weight lift from their hearts. They both bowed deeply. “We respectfully obey your teachings, Sir!”

Leaving this place, Zhu Xuan-gui transmitted his thoughts, “As we expected, a rising star of the righteous path, an excellent junior like Ning Zhuo, will certainly be valued by Sir Duan-mu.”

Song Tao-sheng responded with his divine sense, “It’s good now. Our biggest concern is gone, and we can now support Ning Zhuo with greater vigor.”

Zhu Xuan-gui said, “No, according to our previous plan, we still need to help him twice more!”

“With Sir Duan-mu’s permission, we can easily persuade other fellow Daoists.”

Song Tao-sheng laughed aloud, “Exactly! Since we’ve already secretly helped, let’s do it to the extreme! The greater this favor, the better.”

In another cave dwelling.

Bai Ji-yun and Kong Ran were exchanging what they had learned.

Bai Ji-yun slowly said, “The Master said, ‘Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.’ This is the foundation of the way of forgiveness. However, in my opinion, if one encounters overbearing strength, merely retreating and enduring may not be the way for a Jun-zi to establish himself. To repay resentment with justice and kindness with kindness is to truly embody the essence of combining rigidity and flexibility.”

Kong Ran nodded, then shook his head slightly. “‘The Book of Rites, Qu Li’ states: ‘Propriety emphasizes reciprocity. To give but not receive is not propriety; to receive but not give is also not propriety.’ The Master’s way of forgiveness is not unprincipled retreat, but rather governed by ‘propriety.’ When encountering overbearingness, one should respond with righteousness that accords with ‘propriety,’ making them know their limits, rather than repaying violence with violence and falling to a lower path.”

Bai Ji-yun’s eyes shifted slightly, secretly sighing at Kong Ran’s profound family heritage and deep understanding of propriety, which reflected many classics.

He was about to speak when a spiritual light penetrated the window lattice, gracefully hovering above the desk, transforming into a small jade talisman.

Both of them successively delved into it with their divine senses, and both showed amused expressions.

“Ning Zhuo defeated Ban Ji, haha.” Kong Ran clapped his hands in praise.

Ning Zhuo had invited him to eat, and in Kong Ran’s view, they were already friends. In contrast, although Ban Ji came from the Ban family, he cultivated the demonic path and had a history of evil deeds, which Kong Ran, as a Ru cultivator, greatly disliked.

He applauded Ning Zhuo’s elimination of Ban Ji.

Bai Ji-yun lowered the jade talisman and carefully read about Ning Zhuo’s challenge. With a hint of complexity in his tone, he sighed, “Ning Zhuo is indeed not a Ru cultivator. His actions in eliminating Ban Ji involve manipulating people’s hearts and are full of calculations, sharp and aggressive. There is less of the ‘harmony is precious’ moderation in his conduct.”

His temperament was relaxed and free-spirited, very different from Ning Zhuo’s.

Kong Ran preferred excitement. “Hehe, there’s going to be a good show!”

“Talented individuals like Ning Zhuo and Ban Ji, in which Fei-yun Great Assembly do they not fight to the death?”

Bai Ji-yun nodded in agreement upon hearing this. “Indeed. Talents competing against each other has always been the case. With the intense conflict between these two, their deep-seated resentment, it’s likely that a true life-and-death struggle will be unavoidable in the future Xing-yun minor trial in the Yan-wu Hall.”

Kong Ran’s eyes lit up, and he immediately interjected, “Speaking of Yan-wu Hall, there’s a thrilling duel there today.”

“It’s a pity that Situ Xing and Zhu Fen-xiang didn’t allow it to be public and only invited a limited number of people to watch. We can’t see it.”

Bai Ji-yun looked out the window, as if seeing the future, his voice calm. “There are many types of Xing-yun minor trials each year, and the significance of each first place varies greatly.”

“First place in Xuan-jia Cave is not light, but first place in the Yan-wu Hall’s Xing-yun minor trial is even heavier!”

“There will certainly be public duels between talented individuals, not just to make a name for themselves, but also to vindicate the forces behind them.”

“Let’s wait a bit longer. There will be no shortage of such combat exercises; we will see them gradually.”

Duels in the Yan-wu Hall are not forbidden even if they result in death.

And life-and-death struggles can better reveal a cultivator’s true nature, courage, and most authentic combat power.

The talented individuals at the forefront are the face and future of their respective sects and families. On one hand, they enjoy the glory of being in the spotlight; on the other hand, they bear the heavy burden and expectations from which they cannot retreat.

They cannot retreat.

Kong Ran calculated the time, muttering, “It’s already wei-shi; has Situ Xing and Zhu Fen-xiang’s battle not ended yet? I’m very much looking forward to the result of this duel, having already bought this intelligence from the Tong-shang Hall in advance. Eh?”

While speaking, Kong Ran quickly scanned Ning Zhuo’s progress through the challenges with his divine sense, pausing slightly.

“Ning Zhuo’s learning speed and comprehension are a bit exaggerated, aren’t they?”

“Wait a minute.”

Kong Ran naturally thought of the trade he almost made with Ning Zhuo.

“Ning Zhuo said he had a friend, who, like me, possessed precocious talent.”

“So, he previously wanted the Hui-yi brush to trade with me for Daoist magic focusing on precocious talent.”

“Now it seems, his learning ability might also be a form of innate talent. Could that ‘friend’ he mentioned before be himself?”

Kong Ran kept this conjecture to himself, feeling a stirring of interest.

“Before, I suggested a trade to Father, but he ruthlessly refused.”

“But now, if it concerns Ning Zhuo himself, would Father agree?”

“A genius like Ning Zhuo, with forces backing him, will surely become a powerful figure in the future. Our clan maintaining a good relationship with such a powerful individual is also mutually beneficial.”

“This carries considerable weight—hmm! I’ll find an opportunity to write to Father!”

Kong Ran was still fixated on the Hui-yi brush.

In the Shu-ji Cave dwelling.

Seven-colored splendor emanated from the Jiu-zhong Xuan-bing-jia, as dazzling as the aurora and as smooth as silk.

This was the visible manifestation of true meaning and principles.

The seven-colored splendor traversed mid-air, eventually merging into Ning Zhuo’s body.

Ning Zhuo’s brows were tightly furrowed. He was drenched in sweat, his body swayed slightly, and his face was ashen, already nearing a certain limit.

“The Dao of Shu-ji!”

“The control of mechanisms and creations should not be limited externally, restricted by threads, hanging wires, magic power, divine sense, etc., but rather they should have their own circulating core and autonomous regulation—”

One of the results of this philosophy was the Xuan-bing-jia.

When Qing-wu Lang-jun imparted the true meaning of his mechanism art to Ning Zhuo, he inevitably also taught Ning Zhuo all the mechanism concepts contained within the Xuan-bing-jia.

Although there were no clear blueprints or refining methods, Ning Zhuo’s abilities had already passed the test. Given time, he would certainly be able to replicate it!

However, Qing-wu Lang-jun was not concerned about this.

If he achieved the status of a Martial God and progressed further, he could employ more efficient methods to gather the martial arts understanding of his followers. This would be far more efficient than the Xuan-bing-jia.

The Xuan-bing-jia was no longer a core interest to him.

If Ning Zhuo were to craft a Xuan-bing-jia himself, it would also be a mutually beneficial good thing. The Xuan-jia Cave faction would be thrilled if everyone used a Xuan-bing-jia.

The multi-colored radiance in the air slowly dissipated.

Ning Zhuo opened his eyes, revealing his exhaustion.

Qing-wu Lang-jun was greatly satisfied with him; the three obstructions were completely removed, awaiting great progress in the martial arts.

The more Qing-wu Lang-jun looked at Ning Zhuo, the more he admired him. “Now I am certain that you are truly a mechanism cultivator.

Among refining, military strategy, and mechanisms, you absorbed the true meaning and principles of mechanisms the fastest.”

Ning Zhuo stood up and bowed, thanking him, “This junior thanks Lang-jun, I am deeply grateful!”

Qing-wu Lang-jun shook his head slightly, “You have helped me. Without your unique body, it would be extremely troublesome for me to achieve such a result.”

“You may leave.”

“The Xing-yun minor trial is a significant opportunity for you. There’s no need to delay further here with me.”

“When you join the Wan-xiang Sect in the future, we can properly reminisce.”

“Take this jade token. From now on, you may use it to enter and exit the Shu-ji Cave dwelling and see me directly.”

Ning Zhuo felt relieved, marveling at Qing-wu Lang-jun’s understanding. He then bowed and took his leave.

“Refining Master-level, Military Dao Craftsman-level, Mechanism Grandmaster-level!”

“I’ve gained a lot, gained a lot!”

These were all unexpected gains.

Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but exclaim, “First Qing-huang-zi, then Qing-wu Lang-jun—these were my two most rewarding experiences in the Xing-yun minor trial. Looking at it this way, perhaps Ban Ji is my lucky star?”

“Besides the soaring cultivation realm, I also have three principles added to my being. My physical body can actually reach such a state!”

“The most urgent task is to return to the cave dwelling and carefully study these insights.”