Ning Zhuo fell into deep thought: “No, it’s not about finding a stronger opponent. It’s about finding a more suitable one.”

He realized again that Xue Shuyu Xie and the bronze weapons inside Xuanjia Cave were different.

The bronze weapons in Xuanjia Cave could fight because they had various martial arts principles inscribed on them. They underwent specific changes because of these principles.

The bronze weapons’ adaptability in battle was merely a reflection of how these principles were altered by external factors, causing them to react according to the inscribed principles.

Essentially, this reaction was passive.

If the martial arts principles were superficial, then the bronze weapons’ adaptations would be simple and predictable. This would be reflected in the first few battles within Xuanjia Cave, making it easy for cultivators to figure out their patterns and defeat them, thus passing the test smoothly.

This was the Dao of Shuji.

The principles were the “central hub,” leading to “situational changes.”

Spirituality was not like that.

Whether it was Xue Cainü Hui or Xue Shuyu Xie, their spiritualities possessed the ability to think and even had their own personalities.

For example, Xue Cainü Hui’s personality was rather proud.

The spirituality’s reaction to the outside world was essentially an active response.

Principles might respond in an unvarying manner. Profound principles might have multiple ways of adapting. However, spiritual adaptations were full of possibilities.

The weapons in Xuanjia Cave only had refining value; the more principles added, the stronger they became. The value of spirituality was more focused on growth.

For example, Xue Cainü Hui’s skills in runes and martial arts improved by leaps and bounds through repeated sparring with Qingchi.

Xue Shuyu Xie also had such growth potential, but her opponents needed to be carefully chosen.

“To cultivate a certain type of mechanism construct, one must select the appropriate opponent.”

Ning Zhuo pondered deeply.

Xue Shuyu Xie’s mechanical structure had been significantly optimized, and her materials had also been completely upgraded, but her positioning had remained consistent throughout.

This positioning was not determined by Ning Zhuo but by Ning Xie’s spirituality.

More precisely, it was the innate talent contained within her spirituality—Xuehun Bingpo!

This innate talent had a major flaw and was widely judged to be a low-grade talent. The soul’s foundation would rapidly grow, overwhelming the physical body, to the extent that the cultivator’s body would freeze to death, leaving only the soul in existence. Once a cultivator possessed the Xuehun Bingpo talent, they would eventually become a ghost cultivator.

In essence, the soul contained the principles of ice, and as it grew, more and more principles related to frost and ghosts would emerge, and most importantly, they would overflow! This is why the physical body and other aspects would suffer, negative effects would accumulate, eventually breaking the balance and causing severe consequences.

Therefore, any outward projection method could more fully utilize the strengths of Xuehun Bingpo.

Xue Shuyu Xie’s positioning was precisely this—to launch wide-ranging offensives and thereby control the entire battlefield.

To continuously evolve and develop from this positioning, it was necessary to select suitable opponents for practical combat training.

It was at this time that Wen Ruan’s flying letter arrived.

After reading the letter, Ning Zhuo felt a sudden enlightenment.

“So that’s how it is!”

With an insider like Wen Ruan, he finally had an accurate understanding of the Qin De matter.

Previously, he had only obtained information through the channels of the grey-robed cultivator and Sun Lingtong. The truth had always been hidden in a thick fog.

Now, this layer of fog was completely lifted, allowing Ning Zhuo to see the whole picture.

“Duanmu Zhang voluntarily relinquished the position of ‘Shanzhang’ because of this ulterior motive.”

“What exactly is in the *Shengren Dadao Jing* that makes Duanmu Zhang so persistent, and has caused the expansion of the Ruxiu group in Wanxiang Sect to almost completely stagnate?”

Involuntarily, Ning Zhuo’s interest in the *Shengren Dadao Jing* grew even stronger.

Previously, he had learned about this cultivation method from Sun Lingtong, and Sun Lingtong would not conceal her true feelings from Ning Zhuo.

Upon learning that Sun Lingtong had a spiritual connection, Ning Zhuo immediately took it seriously and decided to obtain the *Shengren Dadao Jing* at all costs.

As a result, the grey-robed cultivator’s first attempt completely failed, and after Sun Lingtong’s urging, a second attempt was made.

Holding Wen Ruan’s letter, Ning Zhuo was now completely certain: the grey-robed cultivator’s second attempt was also destined to fail. There was no suspense in this matter!

The *Shengren Dadao Jing* actually involved a fierce power struggle between the high-level officials of Wanxiang Sect and the Ruxiu group.

The grey-robed cultivator in the black market was clearly a low-to-mid-level figure, who had no access to this layer of information and had oversimplified the situation!

“It seems acquiring the *Shengren Dadao Jing* will be incredibly difficult.”

“It might even lead to a serious conflict with the Ruxiu group, turning allies into enemies!”

The situation was truly full of possibilities, capable of drastic changes at any moment.

Wen Ruan would never have guessed about Sun Lingtong and the *Shengren Dadao Jing*. Therefore, he was frank with Ning Zhuo.

Before this letter, Ning Zhuo had never imagined that one day, he might turn against the Ruxiu group! In his previous view, the Ruxiu group’s proactive support and willingness to offer protection were his most valuable foundation when he first arrived at Wanxiang Sect.

This is why Ning Zhuo previously sought flexibility, never directly deciding to join one side, but always maintaining his autonomy.

He himself could not predict the future.

The future was truly full of possibilities.

Between the Ruxiu group and Sun Lingtong, Ning Zhuo never hesitated, firmly choosing the latter.

Even if the Ruxiu group expanded a hundredfold, Ning Zhuo’s choice would never change!

The journey of life, sharing birth and death, like a brother and a father, was profoundly significant.

“Boss, boss, new situation!”

Through Renming Xuansi, Ning Zhuo sent a message to Sun Lingtong.

After learning of the situation, Sun Lingtong first chuckled: “In that case, I’m quite looking forward to how the grey-robed cultivator will face me next. Hahaha!”

His expression then turned serious: “If that’s the case, it’s really troublesome.”

“This is currently the only demonic Ruxiu we can reach.”

“Xiao Zhuo, aren’t you looking for a Ruxu art that combines knowledge and action? If you truly gain Qin De’s experience and memories, it would be of great help to your development!”

Just as Ning Zhuo placed Sun Lingtong in the forefront, Sun Lingtong also thought of Ning Zhuo first, rather than himself.

Ning Zhuo had previously attended Zhao Hansheng’s public lecture, and even though he was not a Ruxiu, he was deeply moved.

In particular, he developed a strong desire for the Ruxu art of “Zhi-Xing He-Yi.” He also promptly informed Sun Lingtong about this significant matter.

The two brothers discussed for a while but couldn’t come up with anything conclusive.

This level of struggle was already completely beyond their current capabilities.

After some discussion, both decided to temporarily abandon Qin De’s *Shengren Dadao Jing*; it was truly unreliable. From the current perspective, hope was extremely slim.

Sun Lingtong once again dedicated himself to the grand task of solving the Luoshu Water Array.

His understanding of array formations had recently become much deeper, advancing by leaps and bounds.

After cutting off communication, Ning Zhuo stared at the flying letter in his hand, his brows tightly furrowed.

His view aligned with Wen Ruan’s: although Duanmu Zhang had ulterior motives, offering the “Shanzhang” position right from the start was a rather immature action.

On the other hand, he also perceived a sense of testing from Wen Ruan’s letter and its hints to him—the superficial impression of Xuanjia Cave made Wen Ruan look at Ning Zhuo with new respect. So this time, Wen Ruan told him the truth, wanting to see Ning Zhuo’s choices, performance, and to test his political acumen and other abilities.

This letter intensified Ning Zhuo’s premonition of trouble severalfold.

“If led by Shanzhang Zhao Hansheng, the Ruxiu group’s collective shift might even implicate someone like Wen Ruan.”

Ning Zhuo detected a scent of ambition in the actions of Zhao Hansheng and Gu Qing.

All these unusual movements originated from Zhao Hansheng’s proactive concession: “Fame and power should not be borrowed from others!” Even with high cultivation, if one does not understand these principles, they are merely a tool, easily exploited by others.

After a long period of contemplation, Ning Zhuo decided to contact Chen San to release the next wave of rumors.

Chen San was at the bottom tier, and his cultivation was mediocre, so he couldn’t infiltrate the upper echelons or obtain the intelligence provided by Wen Ruan.

However, his ability to spread rumors was very strong.

Spreading rumors from the bottom was incredibly fast and impactful. It was relatively difficult for those at the top to investigate.

Of course, it was only “relatively” difficult.

Chen San’s cultivation and methods did not exceed the Foundation Establishment stage, so if a thorough investigation were launched, he would still be exposed.

But now, it was a delicate moment.

“The high-level officials of Wanxiang Sect were already wary of the Ruxiu group.”

“At this moment, the arrival of the master and disciple, Zhao Hansheng and Gu Qing, like a formidable dragon crossing the river, will inevitably trigger even more vigilance from the high-ranking officials.”

“Zhao Hansheng and Gu Qing are new arrivals and completely lack mature intelligence channels. The high-ranking officials of Wanxiang Sect are too busy being wary; how could they help them?”

“In fact, they are quite pleased with these rumors.”

Ning Zhuo’s judgment of the current situation was very solid.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been the biggest winner behind the scenes in the competition for the Molten Immortal Palace.

It was precisely by seizing this delicate situation that he instructed Chen San to act boldly and decisively.

The new rumors were built upon previous ones.

But unlike before, they almost entirely focused on Gu Qing, virtually ignoring Zhao Hansheng.

Zhao Hansheng’s public lectures, spreading the philosophy of the mind, had stunned everyone; his performance alone had already solidified his reputation.

At least in terms of Confucianism, Ning Zhuo could only feel awe and could not directly challenge Zhao Hansheng.

With the teacher out of reach, the student became Ning Zhuo’s sole target.

Thus, for a time, rumors concerning Gu Qing reached a fever pitch.

In particular, comparisons were made between Gu Qing and the first batch of genius cultivators that emerged from Wanxiang Sect.

Would Situ Xing be stronger than Gu Qing?

Who was more formidable between Pifu Jie and Gu Qing?

Gu Qing suddenly felt as if he was being roasted over a fire.

Especially among the rumors, a part of it made his teeth itch with hatred—the rumor explicitly stated that Gu Qing was only there for experience, had never intended to join Wanxiang Sect, and could not possibly join Wanxiang Sect.

This completely distinguished his identity from others.

Especially during the Xingyun Minor Trial and the Feiyun Grand Assembly, the main gate of Wanxiang Sect was filled with cultivators eager to join.

Then they saw, hey!

A cultivator who neither wanted nor could join Wanxiang Sect was jumping around in front of them, trying to gain fame by stepping on them.

Would the cultivators of Wanxiang Sect have a good impression?

Would the cultivators who wanted to join Wanxiang Sect have a good impression?

Naturally, they would not.

Ning Zhuo’s casual rumors created a situation where Gu Qing was isolated.

Gu Qing, deeply familiar with the rules of the righteous path, knew something was amiss and sought guidance from his teacher.

Zhao Hansheng countered, “Can you not think of a way to break this deadlock?”

Gu Qing already had a plan: “The training grounds?”

Zhao Hansheng nodded slightly, then tested him further: “How should the martial arts demonstration be conducted?”

Gu Qing smiled slightly: “Naturally, by widely inviting strong individuals and geniuses, and fighting only with my painting Dao avatar.”

Zhao Hansheng stroked his beard and smiled, quite pleased: “Very good. Go and do it.”

Soon after, a flying letter inviting a sparring match arrived in Ning Zhuo’s hands.