: Threads of Control, Ning Xiaoren

"Uncle Xiaoren, that's the situation." After returning to the clan, Ning Zhuo reported what Zheng Jian had said about exploring the immortal palace to Ning Xiaoren. "I thought, since I'm a member of the Ning family, agreeing on the spot might not be appropriate. So, I specifically came to seek your opinion. Uncle, do you think I should agree?"

"The fact that you trusted me enough to share such an important matter and let me decide for you makes me very happy!" Ning Xiaoren patted Ning Zhuo's shoulder, sighed contentedly, and looked pleased. He was deeply gratified by Ning Zhuo's thoughtfulness.

In truth, he had already known about the decision agreed upon by the three families. The Ning family was inevitably going to send Ning Zhuo to participate! On one hand, they needed to maintain the Ning family's influence within the three-family alliance and contribute continuously to ensure their current share of resources. On the other hand, according to the agreement between the three families, with Ning Zhuo's combat power intact, it would be unreasonable for him not to participate. Ning Zhuo didn't really have a choice—he had to agree whether he wanted to or not.

Of course, Ning Xiaoren wouldn't say this directly. The fact that Ning Zhuo didn't make the decision himself but came back to consult him was what pleased Ning Xiaoren the most—this show of obedience was highly satisfying. Ning Xiaoren's strongest feeling at that moment was that his previous efforts to win Ning Zhuo over had not been in vain; it was completely worth it!

"Since everyone holds you in such high regard, you should go. Do well; the Ning family might soon have a third peak third-layer cultivator. This time, you alone represent our Ning family. Don't be afraid. Remember, the entire Ning family has your back!"

After a pause, Ning Xiaoren continued, "However, although you've been appointed as the leader this time, you ultimately won't have any clansmen by your side to support you. But the Zheng family cultivators will likely take the initiative to ally with us. The Zhou family is the one you need to be wary of. They have the most people and probably won't follow your orders. You need to be mentally prepared for that."

Ning Zhuo showed a surprised expression, genuinely feeling a bit astonished. From Ning Xiaoren's words, he quickly realized that this young clan leader had a sharp sense of power and foresight. His analysis of the internal dynamics among the three families was spot-on; even though the action hadn't started, he had already predicted the future. This aligned perfectly with Ning Zhuo's own expectations.

Ning Zhuo thought it over and found it reasonable that Ning Xiaoren had such insight. "The Ning family has always implemented a policy of strengthening the main branch and weakening the side branches. Ning Xiaoren personally suppresses the numerous side branches. In contrast, the clan leader remains behind the scenes, only stepping in when things get out of hand. Ning Xiaoren has always been on the front lines; if he didn't have the ability to navigate power struggles, how could he have remained in the position of young clan leader for so many years?"

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands respectfully. "Uncle, your advice is something I will definitely keep in mind! But if such a situation arises, what should I do?" he asked, looking innocent.

Ning Xiaoren pondered and said, "On one hand, you should take good care of the Zheng family cultivators and give them some tangible support. On the other hand, you need to achieve success. If you can lead them deeper into the Molten Immortal Palace and make continuous breakthroughs, others will naturally rally around you. Even the Zhou family will acknowledge your strength."

Ning Zhuo nodded. "I understand, nephew. So, if I lead them to a successful exploration, will the family offer any rewards?"

The young clan leader was taken aback. Since taking office, he had never encountered such a straightforward request. Disgust and aversion surged in Ning Xiaoren's heart, but his smile didn't waver in the slightest. He pointed at Ning Zhuo and said, "You! Aren't you already quite wealthy? I heard you even take care of others, generously sharing spirit food with them."

Ning Xiaoren spoke casually, as if it were nothing, but deep down, he was highly alert to Ning Zhuo's actions! What did this signify? It was forming cliques and engaging in favoritism! It was only because Ning Zhuo was at the Qi Refining stage, not Foundation Establishment, and because Ning Zhuo was currently being heavily relied upon by the Ning family, that Ning Xiaoren held back.

Ning Zhuo had already prepared his response. He scratched his head and said, "Uncle Xiaoren, they are all my classmates. I genuinely want to help them. Especially Ning Chen and Ning Yong—we've been through life and death together. I help them, and they help me. We trust each other. As for money, I've never felt particularly wealthy. I never think I have enough money!"

Ning Xiaoren deeply agreed with this sentiment; he also never felt he had enough money. Ning Zhuo's love for money seemed entirely reasonable to him, and he never doubted it. From the intelligence reports, it was clear that Ning Zhuo had lived in poverty for over a decade. Such an upbringing would inevitably make him particularly frugal and, at the same time, foster a pathological desire and obsession for resources.

Ning Xiaoren gave Ning Zhuo a vague answer: the family would not forget Ning Zhuo's contributions and would certainly reward him.

Ning Zhuo had anticipated Ning Xiaoren's reaction and immediately pressed further, "Uncle Xiaoren, I've read the Zhou family's 'Discourse on Spirit' and found it very enlightening. I wonder if our family has similar texts?"

"Heh." Ning Xiaoren chuckled. "Of course we do! When the Ning family was in the North Wind Kingdom, we were an established cultivation clan, far stronger than the Zhou family, almost dominating an entire city. Our family has a long history and once produced a Core Formation expert. Unfortunately, in the North Wind Kingdom, we were framed by treacherous individuals and had to relocate the entire clan. Xiao Zhuo, if you perform exceptionally this time and bring great honor to our Ning family, I will go all out and plead on your behalf to request access to related secret manuals and precious texts."

Ning Zhuo nodded repeatedly and said, "Uncle Xiaoren, I heard that Ning Xiaohui used a Flowing Clouds and Running Water Talisman, and her strength improved by leaps and bounds. Could I have one too?"

A sharp glint flashed in Ning Xiaoren's eyes, and his disgust intensified. He thought, "A Flowing Clouds and Running Water Talisman! Even I, the young clan leader, can't afford one. What qualifications does a mere side branch member like you have to ask for it?"

Suppressing his disdain and anger, Ning Xiaoren said kindly, "The Flowing Clouds and Running Water Talisman is a spirit talisman, possessing a wisp of heaven and earth's spiritual nature. It is extremely rare. Our clan has only one, and it was given to Ning Xiaohui as a special exception due to urgent circumstances. Even I don't dare to hope for such a talisman. However, there is still hope for you, Xiao Zhuo! As long as you break through the immortal palace's challenges and make contributions so great that the entire clan is proud of you and has no choice but to respect you, then it would be natural for you to use such a precious talisman."

Ning Zhuo pretended to be encouraged and said, "Uncle Xiaoren, I've been a bit short on funds lately. I've almost used up my previous spirit stones. Do you think you could lend me some?"

Ning Xiaoren took a deep breath, doing his best to maintain his smile. "The subsidy from the three families was distributed just a few days ago, right? Xiao Zhuo, did you use it up that quickly? Well, I'll make an exception for you and allow you to draw some of your subsidy in advance. How does that sound?"

"That would be great! Thank you, Uncle Xiaoren." Ning Zhuo's face lit up with joy.

Ning Xiaoren couldn't help but advise, "Xiao Zhuo, you can't spend money so recklessly. There's no need to buy some spirit foods. Pills are cheaper than spirit food and just as effective."

Ning Zhuo appeared receptive to the advice. "Okay, Uncle Xiaoren, I'll eat less in the future."

He glanced at the top of Ning Xiaoren's head, where a thread of life had already descended, connecting him to Ning Xiaoren. This entire drawn-out conversation was intentionally prolonged by Ning Zhuo to plant the seed of his divine ability in Ning Xiaoren. He had discovered that although the Thread of Life was difficult to connect in actual combat, once planted in daily life, it would remain for a long time. As for how long it could last, Ning Zhuo hadn't yet tested the limits. In any case, through this encounter, Ning Xiaoren had also become a target connected by his embryonic divine ability.

Watching Ning Zhuo's retreating figure, Ning Xiaoren fell into deep thought. Ning Zhuo had abundant cultivation resources, and more importantly, he was willing to share them! In a very short time, he had gathered a group of people around him. And almost all of them were from the side branches! Whether this was intentional or not on Ning Zhuo's part, this action had already raised Ning Xiaoren's alertness.

The Ning family's side branches had long lacked a leading figure, so over the years, they had been scattered. Ning Zhuo's emergence filled this vacancy. He displayed peak third-layer cultivation, stealing the spotlight. The family's act of testing his talent further boosted his reputation. Now, everyone in the clan knew that Ning Zhuo had talent—though the specifics hadn't been determined, his future was undoubtedly bright.

People tend to seek advantage and avoid harm. Many thought: investing in Ning Zhuo while he was still weak would pay off greatly if he rose to prominence in the future. As long as he remembered old ties and gave them a slight lift, it would be a huge win!

Ning Xiaoren was well aware that the Ning family's side branches had already begun to slowly revolve around Ning Zhuo. "The problem is that Ning Xiaohui is injured, and the main branch can't control the reconstruction team. Ning Zhuo is already building momentum. If he continues to succeed, the influence around him will only grow. Fortunately, the Molten Immortal Palace is extremely difficult, with many challenges. Even if Ning Zhuo can break through, he'll likely only manage one or two levels in a short time. This should give Ning Xiaohui enough time to recover fully and participate in the exploration, reclaiming the power she lost from Ning Zhuo."

Thinking this, Ning Xiaoren's slightly tense mood relaxed a bit.

Ning Zhuo returned to his uncle's home. Wang Lan brought him some fruit and seized the opportunity to ask, "Xiao Zhuo, I heard you just came back from the young clan leader. You..."

"Oh, Aunt, don't worry. I specifically mentioned it to Uncle Xiaoren and pleaded for leniency for Uncle."

Wang Lan immediately showed joy. "Then, what did the young clan leader say? When will he release your uncle?"

Ning Zhuo shook his head. "Uncle Xiaoren didn't say anything about that. Aunt, I need to start cultivating now." With that, Ning Zhuo made a move to close the door.

Wang Lan suppressed her anger and forced a smile. "Then, Xiao Zhuo, cultivate well. I'll leave now, I'll leave!"

(End of )