**: Moving Clouds**

Ning Zhuo himself possessed some tailoring skills.

He had stockpiled some raw cloud materials, intending to practice with them when he had time in the future.

As for these cloud threads, he would first inspect their quality. After confirming they were satisfactory, he would directly refine them into his Cloud Kerchief to enhance this magical tool's foundation.

What Ning Zhuo didn't know was that Zhu Xuanji was not far behind him.

The mask Ning Zhuo wore wasn't particularly powerful. It could only slightly deceive ordinary cultivators; many elite Foundation Establishment stage experts could spot the flaws on Ning Zhuo's face with a simple spell.

But this was exactly Ning Zhuo's intention.

The purpose was to create an image for Golden Core stage experts like Zhu Xuanji that he was not skilled at disguise.

Ever since the Golden Core melee, Ning Zhuo's every move in his daily life had been an act, performed under the assumption that Golden Core experts were constantly observing him.

However, Zhu Xuanji hadn't followed him into the merchant enclave.

Zhu Xuanji merely glanced lightly at Ning Zhuo before turning and ducking into an alleyway.

At a dead end, he walked straight forward and then directly passed through the wall.

The wall was merely a disguise.

The next moment, Zhu Xuanji entered a small courtyard.

"Brother, it's been many years. I hope you've been well." A young man of short stature, who had been waiting for some time, greeted him with a laugh.

His name was Zhu Zhen, and he was a member of the Southern Bean Kingdom's royal family.

Unlike Zhu Xuanji, Zhu Zhen had been secretly trained by the royal family from an early age and had spent many years drifting outside, gathering first-hand intelligence for the monarchy.

For the past few years, Zhu Zhen had been in the Flying Cloud Kingdom, searching for its secrets.

Zhu Xuanji and Zhu Zhen had a very good relationship; they had practically grown up together.

Seeing Zhu Zhen, a happy smile also appeared on Zhu Xuanji's face.

He walked up to Zhu Zhen, reached out both hands, and slapped Zhu Zhen's arms vigorously. "Little brother, finally seeing you again! So, how's the food in the Flying Cloud Kingdom? Getting used to it? I remember you can't live without spicy food."

Zhu Zhen nodded. "Actually, it's not bad. Over there, because it rains frequently and the weather is humid, the local cuisine tends to be spicy anyway."

"But their kind of spiciness is still different from what we have in the Southern Bean Kingdom."

"Ah, small matter. You get used to it after eating it enough."

After speaking, Zhu Zhen led Zhu Xuanji inside the house and warmly entertained him.

"This Cloud Tea is quite special, picked from tea trees in the Myriad Phenomena Cloud Sea. Have a taste."

Zhu Xuanji looked into the cup. The Cloud Tea leaves were slender, silvery-white in color, with a bluish-green halo covering the buds, like a fine fuzz.

He gently sniffed it.

The tea aroma was clear and very unique, reminiscent of the mountain wilderness scent in the morning mist.

Zhu Xuanji took his first sip. The tea liquid was clear and translucent, melting in his mouth instantly, giving him a fresh sensation as if he were in a sea of clouds.

As the tea slowly released a sweet aftertaste in his mouth, the flavor gradually became mellow, with a light sweetness, like dew contained within the clouds. The taste was distinct in its layers, full and well-rounded.

Finally, Zhu Xuanji exhaled a puff of turbid air, feeling only that the tea's charm was long-lasting, the aftertaste sweet, leaving a fragrance in his mouth, like the fresh air after the clouds disperse, refreshing and pleasing.

Although Zhu Xuanji traveled extensively and was constantly on the move, he was, after all, of royal birth, a noble, and quite skilled at appreciating tea.

"Truly excellent tea!" Zhu Xuanji praised.

Zhu Zhen laughed heartily. "I'm glad you like it, brother. Before I leave here and return to the capital, I'll give you two jin."

"Don't say it's too little."

"This Cloud Tea is extremely rare; I only managed to get five jin in total!"

The two chatted happily as they drank tea.

Although they hadn't seen each other for many years, the bond forged while growing up together had, over time, become richer and deeper, like a fine aged wine.

After catching up for a while, they turned to discussing future plans.

Zhu Xuanji asked, "Now that you're back from the Flying Cloud Kingdom this time, you probably won't be going back in the short term, right?"

Zhu Zhen nodded. "I've received a secret order to return to the capital. It just so happened that this cloud merchant group was coming to the Southern Bean Kingdom to do business, so I disguised myself as a worker and joined them, hitching a ride."

"According to my original task duration, I actually still had half a year left."

"But I think the reason for recalling me now must be that the domestic situation is becoming tense. I've heard some rumors that the Su Family has been making unusual moves frequently, and the political situation in the kingdom isn't very stable."

Zhu Xuanji immediately showed a hint of embarrassment and promptly recounted how he had investigated corruption in Xuanlin City, causing the Su Family's reputation to plummet.

After hearing this, Zhu Zhen laughed uproariously, pointing at Zhu Xuanji. "Old brother, you're still the same as ever."

He proactively raised his teacup. "Little brother can't drink alcohol right now, so I'll substitute tea for wine."

Their cups clinked once, and they drank the tea as if it were wine, both feeling cheerful and content.

Zhu Zhen then asked about Zhu Xuanji's recent situation.

After giving a brief account, Zhu Xuanji put down his cup, hesitated for a moment, but still said, "Since you're here this time, I'd like to ask for your help."

Zhu Zhen immediately thumped his chest. "Brother, just say the word. If it's something little brother can do, I'll spare no effort!"

A struggle flickered across Zhu Xuanji's face. He opened his mouth, gathered his thoughts for a moment, and then said, "I want you to help me investigate someone. After all, your investigative methods are much more varied than mine."

Zhu Zhen quickly waved his hands. "Brother, please don't say that. You have the Heavenly Fund Golden Eyes; what disguise could possibly fool your gaze? Compared to your innate talent, my methods are just things I've trained myself in later."

But Zhu Xuanji shook his head. "To be honest, I've been reflecting on myself these past few days, wondering if I rely too much on the Heavenly Fund Golden Eyes."

"Actually, if you think about it, if you strip away my innate talent, strip away my ability to see through lies, do I really have any actual crime-solving ability?"

Zhu Zhen was surprised because Zhu Xuanji's current demeanor was quite different from his impression.

He had never seen Zhu Xuanji appear so lacking in confidence before.

Then, when he heard who Zhu Xuanji wanted him to investigate, he couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly, staring at Zhu Xuanji in disbelief. "Brother, are you serious?"

"Having a Golden Core expert like me investigate a mere Qi Refining junior?"

"Are you serious?"

Zhu Xuanji nodded slowly, his expression serious. "I am serious. Investigate him fully, use all your capabilities."

"Oh, right now he's shopping nearby. Let me take you to him."

---

At that moment, Ning Zhuo was looking around in a large shop.

Distinguishing the scale of shops in the Cloud Market was actually quite easy; one just needed to look at the height of the structure.

The Flying Cloud Kingdom seemed to regard height as a sign of prestige. The taller the building, the higher its status, and this applied to shops as well.

The large shop Ning Zhuo was currently in was one of the tallest structures in the entire Cloud Market.

This shop sold only one type of magical tool or treasure: Moving Clouds.

These were practical items that helped cultivators fly and enhance their mobility.

A shop attendant, seeing Ning Zhuo, smiled and proactively tried to sell to him.

"Young master, what kind of Moving Cloud are you interested in?"

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly. "Your shop's selection is dazzling; it's a bit overwhelming. Could you introduce them to me?"

The attendant then said, "If you, young master, are purely seeking the experience of fast flight, then I recommend this classic Moving Cloud magical tool – the Somersault Cloud."

"The advantage of the Somersault Cloud is that it's very light and agile, most suitable for beginners. It turns very responsively and can even roll freely in the air. It's also very suitable for long-distance travel."

Ning Zhuo examined the Somersault Cloud.

These clouds were generally yellow, some egg-yolk yellow, others duck-down yellow.

He picked up one Somersault Cloud and examined it closely.

The Somersault Cloud wasn't thin and soft like a normal cloud. Instead, its surface was quite resilient, like a ball of kneaded gluten.

Ning Zhuo pressed on it slightly; the cloud dented, but when he let go, it quickly bounced back, showing great springiness.

Ning Zhuo returned the Somersault Cloud to the attendant.

The attendant continued, "If you, young master, prefer to fly leisurely, showcasing your elegance..."

"Then I recommend this Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud."

"This type of magical tool flies through the air with brilliant, multicolored hues and emits a soft glow, very eye-catching."

"Although its flying speed isn't fast, it's extremely stable. Rumor has it that the Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud can also bring good luck."

"Just imagine, a beauty is in trouble, in a moment of crisis. You descend from the heavens riding this Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud. Haha."

"You employ a slight effort to solve the beauty's problem, and then she throws herself into your arms. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Ning Zhuo chuckled and shook his head again. "Let me look around a bit more."

He left that attendant and went upstairs.

The higher one went, the higher the quality and grade of the Moving Clouds.

Soon, Ning Zhuo spotted a cyan-green cloud.

This Green Cloud had a color as warm and smooth as jade. It floated quietly in mid-air, its mist not dispersing, gathered into a mass.

But it wasn't as solidly formed as the Somersault Cloud; it still retained a sense of a cloud's飘逸 (lightness/elegance).

It also wasn't as flamboyant as the Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud. Its low-key cyan color appealed to Ning Zhuo.

After all, he was also low-key and always sought to remain so.

An attendant nearby saw Ning Zhuo and immediately came forward with a smile.

However, someone else was faster.

"This is the 'Rising Cloud'. Its flight is very stable and reliable, without the slightest bump. Usually, mid-to-high-level members of sects use such Moving Clouds to signify their status."

"It's said that using it can also enhance one's official luck. Though, I'm more inclined to think that's just a gimmick set up by the shop to help sales."

The person who approached Ning Zhuo was none other than Zhu Xuanji.

Ning Zhuo hurriedly bowed and greeted loudly, "Lord Zhu!"

"Lord Zhu, you truly live up to being the Divine Constable. You are so knowledgeable about our Flying Cloud Kingdom's Moving Clouds." The attendant, seeing a Golden Core expert arrive, quickened his pace, his smile becoming even more radiant.

(End of )