Duanmu Zhang was sent from Huazhang to Feiyun with the mission of spreading Confucianism and cultivating more Confucian practitioners there.

After some investigation, he decided not to take a position in Feiyun but to establish himself directly at the Wanxiang Sect.

One reason was that the former leader of the Wanxiang Sect had personally extended a warm invitation. This also involved another layer of power struggle at the national level, which will not be elaborated on for now. Duanmu Zhang thought that since the sect leader showed such strong willingness to cooperate, starting his work from the Wanxiang Sect would undoubtedly be the best approach.

However, not long after he joined the Wanxiang Sect, the previous sect leader passed away from illness. Without the active cooperation of the higher-ups, Duanmu Zhang had to develop his plans independently.

He possessed considerable strength and quickly made significant progress. But as his influence expanded, the senior members of the Wanxiang Sect began to take notice. The incident involving Qin De had, from its inception, been the perfect tool for the sect’s leadership to suppress the growth of the Confucian community, and it had always been effective.

Duanmu Zhang had been constrained by this for too many years. Despite numerous attempts, the hope of persuading Qin De through his own efforts was extremely slim.

This time, however, the arrival of Zhao Hansheng—or, more precisely, the emergence of Xinxue—offered Duanmu Zhang new hope regarding this matter.

The Confucian community within the Wanxiang Sect was not merely a group of like-minded individuals seeking mutual support. From its very beginning, it had been a mature political entity. This meant it inherently possessed its own political aspirations.

Growth and expansion were the primary goals of the Confucian community, and this was also the task Duanmu Zhang, as its founder, had undertaken when he came from Huazhang. From a personal perspective, who wouldn’t want to have more people similar to themselves, even if only in their ideals?

But the existence of Qin De was a major obstacle to the continued development of the Confucian community. This was not simply due to a demonic cultivator, but rather a conflict of ideology. The existence of the *Shengren Daodao Jing* provided the Wanxiang Sect’s high-ranking officials with the perfect tool to deal with Confucian practitioners.

If Confucian practitioners wanted to develop, they needed to spread their cultivation philosophy. The more their philosophy gained support from the upper echelons and recognition from various levels, the better their development would be. Ideology comes first.

But now, the Confucian community couldn’t even put ideology first. The Wanxiang Sect’s leadership’s suspicions about the *Shengren Daodao Jing* had spread to the entire traditional Confucian philosophy. Duanmu Zhang and others racked their brains and tried their best, but they couldn’t resolve this doubt. This was because it required them to theoretically refute and thoroughly criticize the *Shengren Daodao Jing*!

Duanmu Zhang and others had tried countless times, but relying on traditional Confucian thought, it was essentially impossible.

“But perhaps Xinxue can?” This was Duanmu Zhang’s deepest hope.

If Zhao Hansheng could, with Xinxue, perfectly resolve the issue of the *Shengren Daodao Jing*, reform Qin De, and reopen the path for Confucian development, with such a great achievement, then why couldn’t he become the “Shanzhang”?

On the other hand, Duanmu Zhang also knew that this move carried immense risks. He was undecided. It was precisely for this reason that he gathered everyone, wanting to hear their opinions and strive for a unified outcome.

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng, who had always maintained agreement during the Third Xingyun Minor Test, found themselves at odds on this issue. Chu Xuangui expressed clear opposition, while Song Taosheng was more eager to use Xinxue to resolve the major problem of Qin De.

The two factions held strong and differing views, arguing endlessly. In the end, the Confucian community could not reach a conclusion.

Qingyou Bieyuan.

A flying letter, after multiple checks, was delivered into Wen Ruanyu’s hands. As one of the pillars of the Confucian community, Wen Ruanyu, though imprisoned, was not entirely cut off from information. In fact, he received exceptionally high treatment here, with almost luxurious cultivation resources.

This was because Wen Ruanyu had not committed any crime; rather, he was a meritorious official. He lost his freedom simply because the Wanxiang Sect’s higher-ups needed to struggle and compete for benefits. If someone with influence had spoken up on Wen Ruanyu’s behalf, he would not have ended up in his current situation.

This was a letter from Chu Xuangui, detailing the recent situation, with a focus on Duanmu Zhang’s intention to deal with Qin De. Wen Ruanyu’s brows furrowed deeply.

Among all the Confucian communities in the Wanxiang Sect, Wen Ruanyu’s political acumen was undoubtedly top-notch, arguably one of the very best. He had served as the deputy city lord of Baizhi Xiancheng, holding the position of a Golden Core True Disciple of the Wanxiang Sect. This outcome alone demonstrated Wen Ruanyu’s immense contributions not only to the construction of Baizhi Xiancheng.

“Elder Duanmu Zhang is still a bit too naive.”

Wen Ruanyu seemed to pace, carefully recalling the series of actions taken by Zhao Hansheng and Gu Qing since their arrival at the Wanxiang Sect. Although there was no concrete evidence, Wen Ruanyu sensed an unusual ambition.

“The ambitions of this master and disciple pair are probably not small!”

Duanmu Zhang’s initiative to offer the position of “Shanzhang” was, in Wen Ruanyu’s view, a major blunder. Even if Duanmu Zhang wanted to use Zhao Hansheng to deal with Qin De, there was no need to do it in such a manner.

Wen Ruanyu was also a member of the Confucian community, an identity that was incredibly difficult to forsake. Although he had been stationed abroad for many years, his political identity had always been that of a member of the Confucian community.

That night, Wen Ruanyu tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He felt the coming storm, the previously stable Confucian community now experiencing a turbulent undercurrent. In the future, this undercurrent might very well sweep the Confucian community in an unknown direction.

Late at night, Wen Ruanyu got up, donned his robe, and began to write a letter by the dim lamplight.

He first wrote to Chu Xuangui and Duanmu Zhang, his handwriting elegant yet powerful, asserting his views: “Wang Xinyue’s scholarship, like a sudden towering peak, inspires admiration. However, its momentum is too swift, its edge too sharp! The matter of Qin De concerns the core reputation and old wounds of our Confucian school and must not be lightly exposed to outsiders!”

“It would be better to observe for now and await the opportune moment. As the saying goes, ‘a long road tests a horse’s strength, and time reveals a person’s heart.'”

Wen Ruanyu knew he could not participate personally and could only choose a compromise, hoping to prolong the situation.

“I have two other concerns—Ning Zhuo is the son of an old friend of mine. His astonishing performance is truly gratifying. However, the winds and clouds change, and those who ride the waves are also the most likely to be struck by them. I ask all fellow Daoists to take good care of him.”

In his letter, Wen Ruanyu expressed his concern for Ning Zhuo. In reality, he wanted the Confucian community to closely guard matters concerning Baizhi Xiancheng, but he did not explicitly state it. However, any Confucian practitioner outside, upon receiving the letter, would understand immediately.

Next, Wen Ruanyu spread out another sheet of letter paper, deliberated for a long time, and finally put pen to paper, writing to Ning Zhuo. In the letter, he first praised Ning Zhuo’s performance in the Feiyun Minor Test, expressing gratification for his old friend having such an excellent son.

Then, his tone shifted, and he earnestly warned: “Zhuo’er, your talent is rare in the world. However, ‘a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.’ Remember not to become immersed in fleeting fame, nor to be complacent. In the current situation, do not approach the sphere of influence of the former Four Peaks too closely. Endure for now, and when I, Wen, am able to act freely, I will personally plan the most suitable path for your sect entry, helping you advance steadily and solidify your foundation forever.”

At the end of the letter, his pen paused slightly, he hesitated for a moment, and finally wrote down his concerns, clearly mentioning the hidden changes within the Confucian community: “Recently, the sect has seen dramatic changes. An external great sage has set up a platform for lectures; his theories are profound, but too sharp. Some in the Confucian community have already developed more complex thoughts. This matter goes back to earlier times, when there was a Confucian genius named Qin De—”

Originally, Wen Ruanyu would not have disclosed such information to Ning Zhuo. After all, it was a family shame. But now, Ning Zhuo’s various performances kept reaching him, especially Ning Zhuo’s actions in Xuanjia Cave, which were captured in clear and detailed magical images.

Wen Ruanyu watched them, smiling throughout the entire afternoon. Among Ning Zhuo’s various displays, what surprised him most was not Ning Zhuo’s learning ability, nor his comprehension, but the political acumen Ning Zhuo showed in the entire conflict. Retreating the enemy through words, rather than through brute force, greatly impressed Wen Ruanyu and filled his old heart with comfort!

It was this discovery that caused Ning Zhuo’s standing in Wen Ruanyu’s mind to suddenly rise significantly. It was also the main reason why Wen Ruanyu, after hesitating, decided to tell Ning Zhuo the truth in this letter. In Wen Ruanyu’s view: Ning Zhuo already possessed sufficient strength to handle these difficult issues. Even if he couldn’t handle them, it would be good for Ning Zhuo to gain more experience.

The letter was quickly finished. Wen Ruanyu put down his spirit brush and looked out the window. The night was deep, and mountain mist swirled erratically, much like the turbulent situation of the Confucian community.

Qingshi Dongfu.

Inside the training array.

Ning Zhuo stood with his hands behind his back on the edge of the field, his gaze as calm as water. Before him, two mechanical puppets he had personally forged—Xue Shu Yu Xie and Xue Cai Nü Hui—faced each other from a distance.

“Begin,” Ning Zhuo commanded softly.

Xue Shu Yu Xie moved first! She stood her ground, not moving, as the roaring ice dragon beast heads on her shoulder armor suddenly lit up, emitting two beams of azure light. The cold light shot forth, and a chilling aura surged and spread, as if to freeze the soul.

Xue Cai Nü Hui began to step and glide, as if ice skating. Her three-color enamel armor glowed with a rainbow sheen. She couldn’t shake off the attack! Xue Cai Nü Hui’s speed was no match for the speed of the blue light. Moreover, this was within a training array, with limited space.

She lightly raised her arm, drawing an intricate trajectory in the air. A finger seal! An ice mirror instantly materialized. It was as thin as a cicada’s wing, shimmering with three-colored light, blocking the cold light.

“Sizzle—!”

The ice mirror didn’t endure the direct impact but deflected it. The azure cold light grazed her side, transforming a large section of the array wall behind her into solid azure ice.

Xue Shu Yu Xie’s attacks were relentless. Six cold steel mechanical spheres silently scattered, occupying various positions, continuously spewing icy breaths. The cold breaths and azure light beams wove into a net. Xue Cai Nü Hui moved and maneuvered within this net, showcasing her movement techniques to the extreme.

Her three pairs of jade arms either formed seals, wielded palms, or pointed, each movement precise. Numerous attacks brushed past her. Xue Cai Nü Hui’s movements were graceful and fluid, as if she were not fighting, but performing a ritual dance.

She was at times as gentle as plucking a flower, and at others as swift as a drawn sword. Faced with unavoidable attacks, she tried her best to deflect and dissipate their force, resolving the most dangerous assaults with the minimal cost. On the battlefield, light danced chaotically, and cold energy surged.

Xue Shu Yu Xie’s offensive was like an unending cold tide, and Xue Cai Nü Hui, though seemingly in constant peril, always managed to hold onto a sliver of unyielding ground. Strength and technique formed a momentary equilibrium.

Ning Zhuo was not surprised by this, thinking to himself: “Xue Shu Yu Xie has been upgraded by me. While her appearance hasn’t changed much, her combat power has actually greatly increased.”

“Although Xue Cai Nü Hui hasn’t received material upgrades, she has accumulated a lot of practical combat experience in talismans and combat drills alongside Qing Chi recently. This means her control over her mechanical body is far superior to Xue Shu Yu Xie’s.”

“The current stalemate is only temporary.”

“The winner of this battle will be Xue Shu Yu Xie.”

The tide of battle turned soon after. As Xue Cai Nü Hui dodged once again, a cold steel mechanical sphere suddenly accurately predicted her gliding trajectory and blocked her path in advance. Xue Cai Nü Hui was hindered, and Xue Shu Yu Xie seized the opportunity.

The ice dragon beast heads on her shoulder armor flared open again. This time, instead of light beams, they spewed a spiraling cold evil, faster and with a more cunning range! Although Xue Cai Nü Hui raised a pair of auxiliary hands and crossed them to block, instantly forming a thick ice shield on her forearms, the cold evil was inherently counter to ice. The ice shield shattered instantly, and Xue Cai Nü Hui flew backward.

A sharp glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes. On the surface, it seemed that Xue Cai Nü Hui’s long defense was bound to fail, but in reality, it was Xue Shu Yu Xie gradually adapting and quickly mastering her body and combat power.

Indeed, the subsequent battle unfolded exactly as Ning Zhuo predicted. Xue Shu Yu Xie, seizing her advantage, pressed on with a comprehensive and massive offensive. Xue Cai Nü Hui’s blocks and evasions became increasingly frequent, her three pairs of jade arms waving like wind, yet unable to hide her decline.

Cracks steadily increased on her enamel armor, and her spiritual light visibly dimmed. She could still resolve fatal attacks with exquisite skill, but each clash aggravated the damage to her body. However, Xue Cai Nü Hui’s fighting spirit grew increasingly strong, and under the escalating external pressure, she gradually displayed more and more refined movements.

It is worth noting that thin, spider-like threads were connected to both Xue Shu Yu Xie and Xue Cai Nü Hui. These threads, of Golden Core level, were Void Spider Silk, produced by Che Zhuzi. Only small sections of them were exposed, before they pierced through the void, their ends connected to Ning Zhuo’s ten fingers.

Normally, Ning Zhuo would have to operate with rapidly moving fingers, caught in intense manipulation. But the current situation was special; the two fully sentient spirits spared Ning Zhuo the most cumbersome manipulation steps, saving him a significant amount of energy and time. Letting these two sentient mechanisms fight on their own also served as a training exercise.

“Alright, stop.”

Ning Zhuo spoke calmly, and Xue Shu Yu Xie and Xue Cai Nü Hui immediately ceased their actions. Mechanical puppets had a huge advantage in this regard; the phrase “commands are immediately obeyed” seemed tailor-made for them.

“This training method is quite effective. Xue Shu Yu Xie hasn’t fully utilized her power; she needs stronger opponents—”