: Generous Rewards for Ning Zhuo

2024-07-31 Author: Gu Zhenren

: Generous Rewards for Ning Zhuo

Ning Ze’s Residence.

After breakfast, Ning Zhuo arrived in the courtyard. Ning Chen and Ning Yong were already there.

Upon seeing Ning Zhuo, his classmates stood up and bowed in greeting.

Ning Yong, with dark circles under his eyes, exclaimed cheerfully, “Brother Zhuo, I couldn’t sleep last night! I was too excited, haha!”

Others chimed in, laughing along.

Ning Zhuo clasped his hands in thanks, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then said to the person behind him, “Cousin, feel free to find a seat.”

“Today, we’ll continue sharing our insights on spellcasting. Even though you haven’t cultivated the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Art, listening in might still offer you some useful takeaways.”

Ning Ji, looking awkward, nodded repeatedly. “Alright, alright. I’ll follow your arrangements, cousin!”

His father, Ning Ze, had summoned him to the study early that morning, sternly instructing him to fully align himself with Ning Zhuo.

Not daring to disobey his father, Ning Ji had “volunteered” during breakfast to work under Ning Zhuo, even suggesting he skip the Talisman Hall.

Ning Zhuo didn’t outright accept his allegiance but instead advised Ning Ji to remain in the Talisman Hall. He didn’t completely reject him either, proposing that Ning Ji join them in discussing and exchanging spellcasting insights.

This response didn’t fully satisfy Ning Ze but didn’t leave him entirely disappointed either.

Ning Ji mingled with the group, exchanging brief greetings. As Ning Zhuo’s former classmate, he was familiar with most of the Reformation Team members.

He initially tried to sit closest to where Ning Zhuo would speak, but Ning Chen suddenly interjected, “That’s my spot. What are you trying to pull?”

Ning Ji was taken aback. “I thought we could sit anywhere?”

Ning Chen sneered. “Seating matters. At the very least, you should understand first-come, first-served. You arrived last; you should sit at the very back.”

Ning Ji retorted, “You, Ning Chen! How dare you act so arrogantly? Don’t forget, this courtyard belongs to my family. I’m the host, you’re the guest. Since when do guests bully the host?”

Ning Chen laughed, pointing at Ning Ji. “You think we care about this shabby courtyard? We’re here because Brother Zhuo is staying here temporarily. Believe me, if Brother Zhuo moved to any other residence, we’d follow him there in a heartbeat!”

Unable to out-argue Ning Chen, Ning Ji turned to Ning Zhuo. “Cousin, look at this…”

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. “Today, we’re here to discuss spells, to learn from each other, much like in a classroom.”

“In a classroom, there are no cousins—only classmates.”

“Ning Ji, sitting at the back won’t hinder your learning.”

Ning Ji’s face flushed with embarrassment and anger. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Since my father told me to follow you, I’ll do as you say.”

He took a seat at the very edge of the group, farthest from Ning Zhuo. The spots closest to Ning Zhuo remained occupied by Ning Chen and Ning Yong.

Witnessing this, the others pondered silently.

“The day before yesterday, we discussed the Embrace Ice Technique. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts on combining the Embrace Ice Technique with the One Breath Technique.”

“If I miss anything or make mistakes, please feel free to correct me.”

Ning Zhuo began his lecture. Everyone listened intently, fully focused.

Initially, many had underestimated him, thinking he was merely lucky to have found a cultivation technique that suited him. But after hearing him share his spellcasting insights, their opinions shifted. They now believed Ning Zhuo was truly talented, with an extraordinary understanding of spells.

Though Ning Zhuo modestly called it an exchange, Ning Chen, Ning Yong, and others knew he was imparting valuable spellcasting experience.

Ning Zhuo had always been precocious. Benefiting from his mother’s teachings and Sun Lingtong’s guidance, he had hidden his abilities in school. Later, through rewards from the Molten Rock Immortal Palace rankings, his spellcasting experience surged repeatedly. Teaching these classmates was almost overkill—he was more than qualified.

Among the listeners, Ning Ji was the least attentive. Resentful, he felt unfairly treated in his first attempt to follow Ning Zhuo.

“I’m your cousin, yet you side with outsiders instead of helping me!”

“What’s he even talking about?”

“I haven’t even learned the Embrace Ice Technique or the One Breath Technique!”

Ning Zhuo noticed Ning Ji’s resentment. He was fully absorbed in his emotions, paying no attention to the discussion. Ning Zhuo didn’t point it out, allowing Ning Ji to stew in his feelings.

The session continued until a clan envoy arrived, interrupting the exchange.

The envoy announced, “Ning Zhuo, the former Young Clan Head, Ning Xiaoren, has been imprisoned. I bring you the rewards you deserve.”

“One Whirlwind Chariot magical instrument, one bottle of Three-Aperture Exquisite Heart Pills, three bottles of Qi Condensation Pills, one bottle of Marrow Cleansing Pills, and one bottle of Detoxification Pills.”

After reciting the list, the envoy publicly handed Ning Zhuo a storage pouch.

“Check the contents and confirm receipt promptly.”

Ning Zhuo inspected the storage pouch, nodded slightly, and asked, “There’s no Insight Diagram or Ice Jade Wine. May I ask why?”

“That’s right! Brother Zhuo reached the eighth level. He was still in the Reformation Team then, so according to the rules, he should have gotten a chance to study the Insight Diagram and receive Ice Jade Wine!” Ning Yong was the first to speak up.

Other classmates also voiced their support.

The envoy’s expression shifted slightly. He quickly waved his hands. “Everyone, please calm down. I’m only the first messenger.”

“Since yesterday, the clan elders have been discussing additional compensation for Young Brother Ning Zhuo.”

“These rewards are just part of what’s available from the clan treasury now. I was sent immediately to deliver them.”

“More envoys will follow.”

Hearing this, the crowd relaxed.

“I see. I misunderstood you, Envoy.” Ning Zhuo smiled, inviting the envoy inside to rest.

The envoy declined and left the courtyard after completing the handover.

Ning Zhuo tied the storage pouch to his waist and continued teaching spellcasting experiences and techniques.

About half an hour later, a second envoy arrived.

“One Five Elements Ruler magical instrument, one Serene Mind Bell magical instrument, one bottle of Enlightenment Pills, one stack of Qi Assistance Talismans, and six Unity Talismans!” the envoy proclaimed.

Ning Zhuo accepted the storage pouch and confirmed its contents. He sensed something unusual.

Seeing Ning Zhuo silent, the envoy volunteered, “Young Brother Ning Zhuo, you must be impatient. The Ice Jade Wine will be delivered. However, such wine must be stored in an Ice Heart Jade Pot to maintain its quality. The Ice Heart Jade Pot is a clan treasure, always kept by the Patriarch.”

“So, to retrieve the wine, we must request an audience with the Patriarch, who will grant it, and then the Clan Head will deliver it to you.”

Ning Zhuo smiled. “I’m in no hurry. Envoy, would you like to rest inside?”

The envoy waved his hand. “No, no. I have other matters to attend to.”

Ning Zhuo said, “It’s troublesome to have envoys deliver items multiple times. Perhaps the main branch could prepare everything first, then notify me. I’ll go collect it all at once—that would be most convenient.”

The second envoy shook his head slightly. “I only follow orders.”

Ning Zhuo pressed, “Then please convey my suggestion.”

“Alright.” The second envoy also departed.

As Ning Zhuo walked back from the courtyard entrance, he overheard his classmates excitedly discussing.

“I never expected the clan elders to be so generous this time!”

“These are all excellent items. Even Ning Xiaohui never received such treatment.”

“This is all because Brother Zhuo taught them a harsh lesson, making the elders understand how to act!”

“Haha, exactly! Brother Zhuo even ousted the Young Clan Head. Who among the elders would dare shortchange him now? Aren’t they afraid he might bring them down too?”

Ning Yong muttered, “Why deliver the rewards in such a piecemeal way? Why not send everything at once?”

Ning Chen, beside him, narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps some among the elders want to use this method to show everyone that they’re no longer mistreating Brother Zhuo.”

Since Ning Yong started calling Ning Zhuo “Brother Zhuo,” the title had gradually caught on. Especially after yesterday’s events, all his classmates now used the term instead of his given name.

When the third envoy finally arrived, he brought the Ice Jade Wine.

“Two taels of Ice Jade Wine, one Profound Ice Waist Token, two Insight Diagrams—Frost and Snow Pride, three stacks of Ice Light Meridian Strengthening Talismans, one bottle of White Snow in Spring Sunlight Pills, and ten top-grade spirit stones!”

After announcing the rewards, the envoy added, “The Ice Jade Wine is difficult to store long-term. Drink it as soon as possible. The Frost and Snow Pride Diagrams were painted by a master artist and contain profound insights. They are not yours to keep but are lent to you temporarily. Return them to the clan treasury by the deadline.”

As the envoy turned to leave, Ning Zhuo stopped him, frowning. “These rewards far exceed what I deserve. I cannot accept undue gains. I will only take what I’m entitled to; the rest should be returned to the clan treasury.”

The envoy, prepared for this, replied promptly, “These are not just rewards but also compensation from the elders.”

“Ning Xiaoren, as Young Clan Head, was indeed unfit. Young Brother Ning Zhuo, your achievements in exploring the Immortal Palace are remarkable. These are meant to reassure you.”

“That is the elders’ intention.”

“Once these items are given to you, they are yours to manage as you see fit.”

“Farewell.”

The envoy left.

Ning Ji could no longer contain himself. He stood up and called out, “Cousin, you’ve received so many cultivation resources. How can you use them all by yourself?”

“Look, I helped in the ancestral hall yesterday too.”

“How about lending me those two Insight Diagrams? Or maybe the Whirlwind Chariot? The Serene Mind Bell would also do.”

Ning Zhuo quickly glanced at the others. Most showed varying degrees of interest.

The clan elders had indeed given an overwhelming amount, and Ning Zhuo’s classmates, all teenagers, had rarely seen such extravagance. Ning Ji had voiced what many were thinking.

“You see,” Ning Ji continued, “yesterday, we rallied together, creating a stir that shook the entire clan. That’s how we managed to oust Ning Xiaoren and secure such rich rewards for you, Ning Zhuo.”

“The other pills are consumables—once used, they’re gone. We wouldn’t have the nerve to ask for those.”

“But these magical instruments are excellent for aiding cultivation. Given our relationship, surely you can lend them to us?”

Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, the faint smile on Ning Zhuo’s face vanished.

Expressionless, he shook his head. “Cultivation instruments are personal items. How can they be lent out so casually? Do not mention this again!”

“Alright, the clan’s rewards have finally been fully distributed.”

“Let’s continue.”

Ning Zhuo returned to his spot and resumed teaching spellcasting techniques and insights.

“Stingy! So stingy!” Ning Ji, directly and harshly rejected, felt the flames of jealousy fueled by the lavish rewards quickly turn into resentment.

Some of the other classmates also seemed distracted.

But most quickly readjusted their attitudes, focusing intently on Ning Zhuo’s lecture.

Ning Zhuo silently noted each classmate’s reaction, storing them away in his mind.

(End of )