: Ning Zhuo, the Rising Star of the Righteous Path

Date: 2024-09-06 Author: Gu Zhenren

: Ning Zhuo, the Rising Star of the Righteous Path

The Charity Orphanage.

The five-story Puppet Theater Tower.

This was the tallest building in the Charity Orphanage and the place where Li Leifeng often performed during his lifetime. Almost every charity fundraising event was held here.

Although it was still morning, many cultivators had already gathered here.

The Puppet Theater Tower had a rectangular courtyard layout, with a stage set up in the central hall.

For Zhu Hou's succession ceremony, the stage had been newly decorated.

Two vermilion pillars now stood on either side of the stage, each carved with raised characters: "Benevolence Aids All, Virtue Encompasses the World."

Over a dozen round tables were arranged below the stage.

Surrounding the round tables were stools.

Many cultivators sat, chatting while enjoying tea and snacks from the tables. A few stood in corners, conversing quietly.

Without exception, these individuals were dressed in fine robes and behaved elegantly, their conversations hushed, exuding an air of refinement.

Their discussions revolved around Li Leifeng, Zhu Hou, and donations.

They subtly probed each other, trying to gauge how much others would donate during Zhu Hou's succession ceremony.

Donations were a delicate matter.

The amount couldn't be too high or too low. Some donated more to gain fame, while for others, their righteous reputation became a burden. Even if financially strained, they had to contribute a significant sum.

In this tentative exchange, people evaded, joked, bluffed, and hinted, only relaxing after achieving their respective goals.

The topic soon shifted to the siege by demon beasts.

"Up to now, the City Lord's Manor hasn't sought help from the Southern Bean Kingdom's capital. This indicates the situation is still under control. Although our Blazing Persimmon Immortal City is newly established, it can hold firm!"

"Any Crimson Flame demon beast, regardless of its type, has valuable body parts once slain. So, from another perspective, this siege is like a tide of spirit stones."

"Hahaha..." The crowd erupted in laughter.

Overall, because the Molten Rock Immortal Palace bore the brunt of the demon beast tide, Blazing Persimmon Immortal City remained stable, and the morale of its citizens stayed high.

However, some had a clearer understanding of the situation: "The key to this demon beast tide isn't Blazing Persimmon Immortal City—it's the Molten Rock Immortal Palace!"

"You might not know the situation at the mountaintop. Most of the view is obscured by clouds and mist."

"But I heard from a fellow cultivator who entered the Immortal Palace that the demon beast tide there is truly terrifying!"

"If Lord Meng Kui hadn't urgently mobilized numerous Golden Core cultivators to join the battle in the Immortal Palace, the Molten Rock Immortal Palace alone wouldn't have held."

"If the Molten Rock Immortal Palace falls, Blazing Persimmon Immortal City will surely be lost too!"

This insightful view was met with scorn from the surrounding cultivators, who普遍 believed the speaker was overly pessimistic.

The cultivator stood his ground, refusing to back down: "The clouds and mist at the mountaintop are proof. Our City Lord's Manor doesn't want us to see the truth. Why?"

"Because they're afraid that if we witness the true scale of the demon beast tide, morale will plummet, and people will choose to flee when they have the chance. That wouldn't benefit the overall situation."

"Here's another piece of evidence: you've all heard the recent rumors about uniting all cultivators, including those from demonic and evil sects, to participate in the city's defense."

"If the pressure weren't great, why would the City Lord's Manor do such a thing?"

"It's precisely because the front lines are strained and the pressure is immense that they need to mobilize all available forces!"

This statement was quickly met with scoffing.

Opponents argued vehemently: "Fool! The City Lord's Manor is doing this to keep those demonic and evil cultivators under surveillance. The recent Golden Core free-for-all was a clear warning. Unsupervised demonic cultivators are detestable; the slightest negligence can lead to major trouble."

"Sigh... if it weren't for the Recruitment Decree, our Blazing Persimmon Immortal City wouldn't be mixed with so many dubious characters."

"The King's vision is broad, but I'd prefer it if the Molten Rock Immortal Palace were solely managed by our Blazing Persimmon Immortal City..."

After this opponent spoke, others chimed in agreement.

"Such rumors are pure nonsense!"

"I don't believe the esteemed City Lord's Manor would stoop to recruiting demonic and evil cultivators. It's too disgraceful for the righteous path and our Southern Bean Kingdom."

"Such heretics should remain in the gutters and dark corners."

"Look around this hall—do you see any evil or demonic sect members here?"

More people echoed: "Yes, yes."

"Well said."

"Brothers, I have a question. I recently heard that the Monkey Head Gang is organizing a team to leave the city and hunt lone Crimson Flame demon beasts, participating in the city's defense system. Are people like them considered evil heretics?"

"Of course they are!"

"Hmph, the Monkey Head Gang's founder is called Yuan Yi. I know him. He started out relying on a monkey pet named Yuan Dasheng."

"He's no good either—climbed up from the bottom and absorbed many small gangs."

"The Monkey Head Gang was somewhat acceptable before, but recently, they wiped out the Viper Gang and joined the black market. It's ridiculous."

"Yes, has the current Monkey Head Gang leader lost his mind? Making such a foolish decision. Once tainted by darkness, they remain dark. They can no longer walk the righteous path; their ceiling is fixed."

"I'm not so sure. I think the new Monkey Head Gang leader is quite shrewd. He's making a bold gamble, aligning himself with a powerful backer. You should know, the current black market master is called Ning Zhuo, a member of the Ning family—a righteous path disciple!"

"Ning Zhuo? I know him. Not long before the Golden Core free-for-all, there were rumors he possessed a true scripture. It turned out to be false."

"In my opinion, he's also foolish. Instead of maintaining his righteous identity, he meddles with the black market for petty gains. It's shortsighted, cutting off his righteous future. Even with talent, this stain will follow him forever, attracting criticism."

As they spoke, the main doors swung open.

The cultivator responsible for guiding distinguished guests stood at the entrance and announced loudly:

"Lord Zhu Xuanji of the Divine Constabulary has arrived—!"

"Young Master Ning Zhuo of the Ning family has arrived—!"

The previously lively hall instantly fell silent.

Cultivators turned to look.

They saw a middle-aged man with his hands behind his back step over the high threshold and enter the tower.

He had a square face, golden light shimmering in his eyes, and wore a bright red brocade robe with black sleeves. His entire demeanor radiated stern authority.

It was Zhu Xuanji.

The cultivators didn't dare be presumptuous. They rose and bowed, offering greetings.

Zhu Xuanji nodded faintly, his expression unreadable.

Following a step behind him, Ning Zhuo also entered the hall.

He still wore plain white robes, his eyes clear and bright, his face bearing the youthfulness of a sixteen-year-old. Yet, his bearing was already remarkable—neither haughty nor humble, his gaze firm.

Based on appearance alone, it was hard to believe this handsome youth was the one who controlled the black market and had bloodily wiped out the entire Viper Gang in a single night.

Ning Zhuo followed Zhu Xuanji, calmly ascending to the higher floors.

Those with esteemed status were assigned private rooms upstairs.

This time, Ning Zhuo was somewhat benefiting from Zhu Xuanji's influence.

After watching the two go upstairs and disappear from view, the cultivators in the hall finally sat down again.

Superficially, they changed the topic, but in reality, they communicated via secret messages.

"Did you see that? Did you see that?" The cultivator who had spoken about the Monkey Head Gang leader clinging to a powerful backer was quite excited, sending messages to many.

"Do you think Ning Zhuo is simple?"

"How can a mere Qi Refining youth like him become the master of the black market?"

"Isn't it because he has backing? The previous black market master, Sun Lingtong, messed up. Under the Recruitment Decree, a stable black market was necessary, so the upper echelons of the city pushed Ning Zhuo forward."

"Ning Zhuo managed to bring down the Ning family's young clan leader—he's ruthless. He comes from a branch family but has talent, so the upper echelons put him in charge of the black market to stabilize the situation."

"As a result, Ning Zhuo gained the favor and support of Blazing Persimmon Immortal City's four major powers. He's often close to the geniuses of the Zhou and Zheng families. Most of the criminals he catches in the black market are handed over to Lord Fei Si as achievements."

"Look at him now, following Zhu Xuanji!"

"Zhu Xuanji brought no one else. Why bring him?"

"It's obvious Ning Zhuo is also valued by Lord Zhu Xuanji! Think about how bright his future will be once he leaves the black market!"

"Just use your brains a little, and you'll understand!"

Someone hesitated and replied, "But Ning Zhuo is managing the black market. His record is tainted."

The cultivator supporting the Monkey Head Gang leader scoffed, exceedingly disdainful: "You just saw him—Ning Zhuo, sixteen years old. He's only sixteen!"

"So young."

"You know the saying: A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold!"

"At his age, making mistakes is normal. When he returns to the righteous path in the future, his tainted past will only prove his growth. What's the big deal?"

After speaking, the cultivator lifted his nose arrogantly, triumphantly silencing the crowd.

Everyone fell silent.

They wanted to refute, but Zhu Xuanji publicly appearing with Ning Zhuo was the most solid evidence.

They were convinced.

Many glanced toward the third floor, harboring thoughts of currying favor with Ning Zhuo.

They were all righteous path cultivators. Previously, they felt they shouldn't get too close to Ning Zhuo, the black market master. But after today, they普遍 realized that Ning Zhuo's future seemed quite bright!

Little did they know that Ning Zhuo was deeply suspected by Zhu Xuanji. The reason Zhu Xuanji kept him close was to make a move against him.

If Ning Zhuo mishandled the situation, he might be arrested and detained on the spot.

Once Ning Zhuo lost his freedom, he would undoubtedly be eliminated, completely losing any chance to compete for the position of Molten Rock Immortal Palace Master.

Zhu Xuanji was the first major figure to arrive.

After him came the Golden Core true disciple of the Violet Heaven Pavilion.

During the Golden Core free-for-all, this true disciple had posed as a shadowy demonic cultivator and was chased out of the city by Zhu Xuanji. Ultimately, he had to reveal the Violet Heaven Pavilion's signature technique to escape.

This time, upon entering, he first went upstairs to greet Zhu Xuanji specifically before returning to his own private room.

The entire process was very natural, without a hint of awkwardness.

One could say he exhibited exemplary righteous path demeanor.

After the Violet Heaven Pavilion Golden Core cultivator, only some Foundation Establishment-level figures arrived.

For example, master artifact smiths from the Artifact Forge, master alchemists from the Pill Pavilion, or head chefs from the Golden Meal Hall, etc.

Under normal circumstances, more cultivators would participate in this succession ceremony. Out of respect for the Southern Bean Royal Family, at least more than two Golden Core cultivators would attend.

But now, it was wartime with the city under siege by demon beasts. Everything had to be simplified. The vast majority of Golden Core cultivators were stationed at the Molten Rock Immortal Palace and could hardly leave.

(End of )