: Confession Letter and Victory Report

Author: Gu Zhenren

Date: 2024-08-18

By now, the Golden Core cultivators of the three families fully understood the deeper implications behind Zhu Xuanji's every move.

Zhu Xuanji had done it intentionally. He wanted the City Lord's Mansion to know that Ning Zhuo had been exposed!

By seizing this clue, Zhu Xuanji had also caught the tail of the City Lord's Mansion, forcing them to eliminate Ning Zhuo, thereby revealing even greater flaws.

"I have a question," Zheng Shuang'gou said. "If I were Fei Si, after failing to assassinate Ning Zhuo once, I would definitely try again. Why has Ning Zhuo been left alive until now?"

Zhu Xuanji explained, "According to my current investigation, after Ning Zhuo was attacked and his residence destroyed, he moved into the Ning family's ancestral grounds."

Zhou Nongying added, "All the talented cultivators from our three families were attacked. I recall we took the initiative to invite Lord Zhu to conduct this investigation."

"Presumably, at that time, the City Lord's Mansion feared Lord Zhu's capabilities and felt the situation was too tense, so they temporarily halted their actions. That seems quite reasonable."

Zhu Xuanji continued, "I did gather various clues, but they were similar to my investigation into the Mechanical Blaze Monkeys—all meant to confuse me and divert my attention."

"So, after that, I didn’t continue following those leads. Instead, I designed an investigation list and began checking them one by one."

"Ning Zhuo gradually stood out, becoming more and more outstanding. For the City Lord's Mansion, targeting him became increasingly difficult. Moreover, to conceal their true intentions, they couldn’t just assassinate him alone. Otherwise, it would be easy for me to trace it back to them."

"However, looking back now, there might be another reason."

"Ning Zhuo is adept at maneuvering and has actively sought to get close to Fei Si. He has shown his talent, yet his position within the family is precarious, marginalized by the main branch of the Ning family. Such an identity actually holds great value for recruitment."

"Perhaps Fei Si of the City Lord's Mansion saw this in him."

"He might also have thought that my focus was on the investigation list and that my inquiries had moved away from their core secrets. So, he wasn’t in a hurry to act, instead viewing Ning Zhuo as a potential pawn to cultivate."

"Ning Zhuo is just a minor figure, not the main focus. He’s merely being used."

"The key point now is that I’ve discovered suspicions surrounding him and caught the tail of the City Lord's Mansion. If the City Lord's Mansion insists on assassinating Ning Zhuo, it would expose their flaws, giving us a perfect opportunity."

"That’s why I’ve gathered you all here today."

"Last time, we explored the Fire Ape King's Court beneath the Fire Persimmon Mountain together."

"This time, let’s join forces to deal with the City Lord's Mansion!"

The Golden Core cultivators of the three families all had a gleam in their eyes, feeling somewhat stirred.

"Indeed, this is a great opportunity!" Zheng Danlian was the first to nod in agreement.

Zheng Shuang'gou clenched his fists and said, "Yes, yes."

He was the most excited among them.

"Once the Meng family makes a grave mistake, Lord Zhu will have a legitimate reason to call upon the power of the Southern Bean Royal Family to suppress the situation."

"Or perhaps, without even needing the Royal Family's intervention, Meng Kui himself, faced with irrefutable evidence, would surrender—unless he intends to rebel!"

The true crime of Meng Kui’s faction was not killing Yuan Dasheng and taking the Demonic Scripture, but using Ning Zhuo to blow up the Immortal Palace!

For the sake of their family’s selfish interests, the Meng family endangered the entire population of the Fire Persimmon Immortal City.

Moreover, they created a shadowy demonic cultivator and had him attack the Molten Rock Immortal Palace. This showed their excessive ambition, intending to foster a threat to strengthen their own position.

Such crimes completely crossed the line of acceptable conduct.

Zheng Shuang'gou then declared that he would follow Lord Zhu in taking action against the City Lord's Mansion.

He was extremely angry.

He realized he had been kept in the dark. His battle with the shadowy demonic cultivator had fallen entirely into the City Lord's Mansion’s calculations.

The two Golden Core cultivators of the Zhou family exchanged secret messages, discussing the matter quietly.

They both felt this was indeed a good opportunity. If they could bring down the Meng family, Zhu Xuanji could leverage the Royal Family’s power to secure control of the Molten Rock Immortal Palace.

"The Meng family, for their own expansion, crossed the line and ignored the rules. Fortunately, Lord Zhu has seen through it all and gathered sufficient evidence to expose the truth."

"At that time, we will hold the moral high ground and gain widespread support across the Southern Bean Kingdom. Even other families would join the Royal Family in opposing the Meng family, or at least stand aside."

Public opinion forms the greater momentum.

Once the Meng family’s crimes are exposed, the Royal Family can rally this momentum.

Under such overwhelming force, the Meng family would find it hard to resist!

"If this works, such a colossal entity as the Meng family will be severely weakened by me." Zhu Xuanji was filled with anticipation.

Weakening and striking down these major cultivation clans had always been his political ambition!

This filled him with motivation for the upcoming actions.

Seeing that both the Zhou and Zheng families had declared their stance, Ning Jiufan finally spoke slowly.

"My clansmen, Ning Zhanji and others, were all killed by the shadowy demonic cultivator."

"And since the shadowy demonic cultivator belongs to the City Lord's Mansion, my Ning family is already enemies with them!"

"Fei Si secretly tried to turn Ning Zhuo against us, poaching our talent—this is truly intolerable."

"I am willing to fully assist Lord Zhu."

Ning Jiufan harbored deep animosity toward Meng Kui.

Meng Kui’s External Peach Core had once smashed his head, leaving a wound that would take a lifetime to heal.

Just as Ning Jiufan finished speaking, a subordinate reported from outside the door, bringing a jade slip with a letter from Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo was the key figure at the moment, so Ning Jiufan immediately ordered the jade slip to be brought in.

He channeled his divine sense into the jade slip and discovered it was a confession letter.

In the letter, Ning Zhuo vaguely mentioned that he had maintained close contact with Fei Si in secret, with considerable利益交换 (benefit exchange).

Ning Zhuo also said he had long been worried about the consequences of his actions.

Not long ago, Lord Zhu Xuanji’s sudden visit made him realize the severity of the situation.

But there were many things he couldn’t say outright, so he sought advice from the Ning family’s ancestor on what to do.

Additionally, Ning Zhuo inquired about the Demonic Scripture.

Lord Zhu had specifically asked about the Demonic Scripture, indicating its importance. Ning Zhuo mentioned it here, hoping to offer some help to Ning Jiufan.

At the end of the letter, Ning Zhuo pleaded for the Ning family’s ancestor to help and save him.

"Rather than a confession, this reads more like a plea for help!"

"Hmph, this brat, where was he earlier?"

"Usually bold and fearless, engaging in all sorts of illicit activities. When trouble comes, he can’t handle it and runs to his elders."

After reading the contents, Ning Jiufan cursed a few times and then handed the jade slip to Zhu Xuanji.

Zhu Xuanji glanced at it and tossed it back to him.

Ning Jiufan then passed the jade slip to the others, allowing them to examine it.

Seizing the opportunity, Ning Jiufan said, "Ning Zhuo is a member of my Ning family and one of the most outstanding among the younger generation."

"Although his innate talent hasn’t been tested yet, even the lowest grade couldn’t deny his genius status."

His words met no objection.

All the Golden Core cultivators present recognized Ning Zhuo’s abilities. They considered this young man to have limitless potential, skillful tactics, strong ambition, and a drive to improve. His only current shortcoming was his cultivation level.

Ning Jiufan continued, "This time, we plan to use Ning Zhuo as bait to lure the City Lord's Mansion into taking a risk. Facing their assassination attempts, Ning Zhuo will be in great danger."

"I ask you all not to hesitate in providing treasures to protect his life."

"Such a talented youth is a treasure and the future of any family."

"As the Ning family’s ancestor and its only Golden Core cultivator, I don’t want Ning Zhuo to lose his life because of our plan."

The Golden Core cultivators in the hall exchanged glances, then all turned their eyes to Zhu Xuanji.

Zhu Xuanji remained silent.

Zhou Nongying suddenly spoke, "Brother Ning, we all have treasures. But using them to protect Ning Zhuo seems inappropriate."

"Our greatest advantage now is that the City Lord's Mansion doesn’t know how much evidence we have against them!"

"This is a deception tactic to lure them into taking risks."

"Ning Zhuo is also unaware. The more panicked and suspicious he appears, even to the point of seeking help from Fei Si, the more it aids our plan."

"If we heavily protect him and let him know the details... he’s just a young man of sixteen, bound to show flaws."

"Chi Dun is one thing, but Fei Si is extremely sharp. He could detect the trap we’ve set from the smallest flaw in Ning Zhuo."

"Facing such an opponent, we must go all out. So..."

Before Zhou Nongying could finish, Ning Jiufan interrupted with a cold laugh.

"Ning Zhuo isn’t from your Zhou family. Sacrificing a talented cultivator from another family benefits you all."

Zhou Nongying quickly retorted, "Even if it were a member of my Zhou family, with talent surpassing Ning Zhuo’s, I would arrange it the same way."

"After all, this boy is also guilty!"

"If he hadn’t developed the Mechanical Blaze Monkeys and actively cooperated with the City Lord's Mansion, could the Immortal Palace have been blown up? Would things have come to this?"

Ning Jiufan coldly snapped, "Even without Ning Zhuo, wouldn’t the City Lord's Mansion have found another way to blow up the Immortal Palace?"

"Ning Zhuo is just too young and a member of a branch family. As a marginalized figure, he had to maneuver and secure resources to boost his cultivation and become stronger."

"This isn’t ill-intentioned, nor is it a sin. It’s just that this young man wanted to advance too eagerly."

"Weren’t we all like that at his age? The only difference is that Ning Zhuo was used by villains. He’s innocent."

Zhou Nongying sneered, pointing at the jade slip Ning Zhuo had just sent. "In this letter, Ning Zhuo has confessed and admitted he long foresaw the danger and felt immense psychological pressure."

"He should have reported this to you, the Ning family’s ancestor, much earlier, but he didn’t."

"He clung to a strong sense of侥幸 (wishful thinking)."

"He knew he might be aiding a tyrant, that he could be an accomplice, yet he still wanted to keep it hidden."

"Doesn’t such behavior make him guilty?"

Just as Ning Jiufan was about to rebut further, another subordinate brought in another jade slip.

This one wasn’t from Ning Zhuo but from Ning Xiaohui.

In fact, it was Ning Xiaohui reporting good news to her grandmother. Her grandmother, as a member of the main branch, immediately reported it to the Ning family head.

During this period, the main branch of the Ning family had been thoroughly suppressed by Ning Zhuo alone, feeling extremely frustrated.

Ning Xiaohui’s appointment as a medical officer and her significant progress were achievements and good news desperately needed by the main branch.

Upon receiving the news, the Ning family head laughed heartily, dispelling his usual gloom.

After pacing around his study, he decided to record the information in a jade slip and submit it to the Ning family’s ancestor, hoping to improve the main branch’s standing in the ancestor’s eyes.

These internal intricacies weren’t what the Ning family’s ancestor cared about.

He channeled his divine sense into the jade slip, and after reviewing it, his eyebrows lifted slightly with a hint of joy.

"Ning Xiaohui is a good child," Ning Jiufan stroked his beard and said.

He handed the jade slip to Zhu Xuanji first. "Lord Zhu, this is completely good news."

After channeling his divine sense, Zhu Xuanji’s eyes lit up, and he repeatedly said, "Good, good, good!"

"Today is truly a double blessing."

"Ning Xiaohui holds the status of a trial disciple, an advantage none of us have."

"The medical officer position she obtained—even with more merits, we outsiders wouldn’t be eligible for it."

"Wait."

"This History Pavilion is extremely important. It should record all major events since the construction of the Molten Rock Immortal Palace."

"Excellent!"

"Quickly have Ning Xiaohui accumulate merits and strive for promotion to become the pavilion head!"

"The scene of the Molten Rock Immortal Palace being blown up must be recorded in the History Pavilion. That would be the most solid evidence of the crime."

Zhou Nongying frowned slightly. "Even if the History Pavilion records the shadowy demonic cultivator blowing up the Immortal Palace, we can’t use that evidence to bring down the Meng family."

"Because on the surface, the Meng family has no connection to the shadowy demonic cultivator."

Zhu Xuanji nodded. "So, we still need to pursue the线索 (clues) from Ning Zhuo’s side. Only by acting on both fronts can we achieve results."

At this, Zhu Xuanji turned his gaze to Ning Jiufan.

With a sincere expression, he said, "Brother Ning."

"I’ve been completely honest with you about my strategy."

"Ning Zhuo is a member of your Ning family, so out of respect for you, I personally went to see him without resorting to torture, let alone soul-searching techniques."

"That is my sincerity!"

"I, Zhu Xuanji, would never mistreat those who contribute."

As a member of the Divine Capture Department, Zhu Xuanji had many methods of harsh interrogation at his disposal.

But as a member of the Royal Family, he knew well that using such methods would only backfire.

In the current situation, he had come alone to the Fire Persimmon Immortal City to oppose City Lord Meng Kui. He needed to unite the three families’ forces; otherwise, he would be孤立无援 (isolated and unsupported).

The previous battle against the Fire Ape King was a successful operation.

During the action, Zhu Xuanji had led from the front and taken on responsibilities, showing his sincerity to the three families’ Golden Core cultivators.

If he were to disregard their alliance and Ning Jiufan’s feelings, using extreme measures on Ning Zhuo over the Demonic Scripture, it would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, easily causing others to turn against him.

Especially since Ning Jiufan had been the greatest contributor in the volcano expedition!

If Zhu Xuanji praised Ning Jiufan and acknowledged his contributions one moment, then targeted his clansmen the next, who would trust his praise or promises?

Moreover, immediately resorting to soul-searching and forced interrogation wasn’t Zhu Xuanji’s style.

Hearing this, Ning Jiufan lowered his head slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Lord Zhu, please speak. I trust you."

Zhu Xuanji then said, "Let Ning Zhuo redeem himself through meritorious service."

"The situation has reached this point; he has become a pawn that’s already crossed the river. Even if we hadn’t discovered the线索 (clues) about the scripture, his situation would still be dangerous."

"To be honest, I quite admire this young lad."

"As the saying goes, ‘Jade must be carved to become a tool.’ Let him be tempered a bit more; it’s for the best."

"I can assure you: within these three days, I will disguise myself and stay close to Ning Zhuo."

"If the City Lord's Mansion makes a move, even if the shadowy demonic cultivator himself appears, I will act with all my strength to protect Ning Zhuo’s life."

After saying this, Zhu Xuanji fell silent, his gaze fixed on Ning Jiufan.

The hall grew quiet.

The other four Golden Core cultivators from the two families also looked at Ning Jiufan, silently施加压力 (applying pressure).

Ning Jiufan’s expression was grave. He looked at the jade slip in his hand—the confession letter from Ning Zhuo.

Then he looked at the jade slip in Zhu Xuanji’s hand—the victory report from Ning Xiaohui.

One from the branch family, one from the main family.

At this moment, Ning Jiufan felt a stir in his heart, vaguely aware that he faced a fateful decision.

He had never met Ning Zhuo, but he had met Ning Xiaohui.

And in his mind, he recalled the dying wish of an old friend—to take care of his descendants.

Ning Jiufan let out a long sigh and made his decision. "Very well, let’s proceed as you’ve suggested."

(End of )