: Where Is the Mastermind Behind It All?

Almost all the invited guests had arrived, and the presiding elder took the stage.

The hall quickly fell silent.

Presiding Elder: "Honored guests, today we gather here not only to reconnect with colleagues and friends but also to join forces for a benevolent cause for the common people."

"Before his passing, Old Director Li Leifeng was still deeply concerned about the issue of his successor."

"Now, it has been resolved in the most appropriate manner."

"Lord Zhu Hou, hailing from the Southern Bean Royal Family and renowned for his benevolence and generosity, will inherit the Benevolent Orphanage and take on the responsibility of director."

"We respectfully invite Lord Zhu to the stage to share his insights."

A middle-aged man with a broad build and a smiling face stepped onto the stage.

Today, Zhu Hou was dressed in a blue satin robe, adorned with a jade pendant at his waist, and his steps were steady. His every movement exuded the dignity of the Zhu Royal Family.

Standing on the stage, he cupped his hands in a salute, scanned the surroundings, and let out a hearty laugh.

"Fellow colleagues, I, Zhu, am truly humbled to assume the role of director of the Benevolent Orphanage today."

"The path of charity is about seeking welfare for the people and spreading benevolence and virtue. The previous director, Li Leifeng's boundless kindness has deeply moved me. Today, I shall carry on his legacy and continue to expand this noble endeavor."

"In the future, this orphanage will increase its support for orphans and even impoverished students. Every donation from our benevolent patrons will be used entirely for aiding the world and saving lives, helping all under heaven. Here, I wish to lead by example and personally donate 100,000 spirit stones to express my sincerity!"

Zhu Hou had a purpose in holding this succession ceremony.

His main goal was to make a formal appearance and raise the first round of donations since taking office.

As soon as he finished speaking, a voice came from the third floor—it was Zhu Xuanji: "Well said, Uncle Zhu! I, Zhu Xuanji, also donate 100,000 spirit stones to congratulate my uncle on his succession."

Zhu Xuanji had come with the intention of supporting Zhu Hou, and now he stepped up without hesitation.

The amount he donated was interesting—exactly 100,000 spirit stones, the same as Zhu Hou.

This put the other attendees at ease, feeling no pressure, and instead made them eager to donate as well.

However, these people understood the protocol and did not speak up immediately.

They were waiting for someone else.

Sure enough, the Golden Core true disciple from the Violet Heaven Pavilion announced a donation of 100,000 spirit stones.

As soon as he finished, Foundation Establishment cultivators rushed to shout their donations, one after another, creating a continuous stream of pledges.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the building became extremely lively.

In contrast, the atmosphere inside the private room was oppressive.

Ning Zhuo sat in the seat next to Zhu Xuanji. After entering and taking his seat, he had remained silent and had not touched any of the exquisite spiritual food or tea on the round table.

Zhu Xuanji slightly turned his head, his golden-hued eyes fixed on Ning Zhuo, and smiled. "Seeing all this, Ning Zhuo, what are your thoughts?"

Ning Zhuo lifted his gaze to meet Zhu Xuanji's. To Ning Zhuo, the latter's smile felt like the gaping maw of a ferocious beast.

A heavy weight pressed on Ning Zhuo's heart, but his eyes did not waver.

He spoke calmly, "Naturally, I hope Lord Zhu Hou will keep his word. I hope the Benevolent Orphanage in Fire Persimmon Immortal City will thrive."

"It will," Zhu Xuanji replied immediately, full of confidence in Zhu Hou.

The smile on his face deepened slightly. "From the orphanage's donation records, I saw your name."

"In the past, you also made several donations to the orphanage."

"Why haven’t you donated anything on such an important day today?"

Ning Zhuo took a light breath.

He tried to remain calm, but the pressure in his heart intensified dramatically!

He knew all too well that Zhu Xuanji’s seemingly casual question concealed a great threat. The slightest misstep would lead him right into the other’s trap.

The battle between him and Zhu Xuanji had officially begun!

The excitement outside had nothing to do with him.

In fact, the noise only emphasized his current isolation and distress.

Zhu Xuanji had already struck like a skilled assassin. On the surface, the move seemed ordinary, but Ning Zhuo was certain that the other had an exquisite follow-up. If he mishandled his response, one misstep would lead to another, and he might be suppressed from then on, with no hope of victory!

Ning Zhuo frowned slightly, his mind racing as he carefully weighed his words. "Help yourself before helping others. Though I am pragmatic, I do have ideals."

"Moreover, in my childhood, I was cared for by Lord Li Leifeng. He did me a great kindness."

Then, Ning Zhuo shifted his tone. "Of course, I also have selfish motives."

"As you know, I’ve always wanted to branch out from my family."

"I want to establish my own clan!"

"I’ve already started, but for any force to grow, fresh blood and external talent are necessary."

"Especially for someone like me, just starting out with shallow foundations—the more newcomers, the better!"

"That’s why I’ve made donations over this period."

"And there will be more donations in the future!"

Ning Zhuo smiled briefly before his expression turned blank again. "The orphanage’s policies are excellent. They’ve recruited so much talent for the righteous factions of the Southern Bean Kingdom."

"As a member of the Ning Family and part of the righteous path, of course I want a share."

"You see, Lord Zhu, I’ve paid my dues. It’s within the rules."

"As for why I’m not donating today? Heh!"

"Today isn’t the right time. I’m currently managing the black market, and my righteous identity isn’t exactly spotless. I don’t want to ruin the atmosphere."

"If I want to donate, I can do it discreetly later. That’ll achieve the same goal. Why do something so unwelcome?"

After hearing Ning Zhuo’s response, Zhu Xuanji fell into a brief silence.

Zhu Xuanji was well aware that Ning Zhuo wanted to branch out and establish his own force.

Ning Zhuo had repeatedly brought this up to Ning Jiufan right in front of him!

Even Zhu Xuanji had to admit the kid had guts. A mere Qi Refining cultivator, daring to speak like that to his family’s Golden Core ancestor.

Zhu Xuanji admired Ning Zhuo.

To be precise, he admired him quite a bit.

Especially after hearing this response, he understood Ning Zhuo even better—this young man before him had truly been tempered by experience! He knew the rules of the righteous path inside and out. Despite his youth, he was as cunning and shrewd as an old fox. He had clear goals, cared about others’ feelings, and could empathize.

Ning Zhuo was both hypocritical and sincere.

And this righteous hypocrisy, when displayed by such a young man, held a certain charm.

Ning Zhuo’s response was excellent.

This answer secretly increased Zhu Xuanji’s favorable impression of him.

Zhu Xuanji laughed, breaking the silence. "Even with selfish motives, as long as one repays kindness, it is righteous. In this world, who doesn’t have selfish motives?"

"Even I, who spend my years observing the people, investigating cases, and pursuing criminals, do so in part to uphold the royal family."

"Ning Zhuo, your nature is not bad. Walk the righteous path, and your future will be bright. However, life is full of forks in the road. I’ve seen many kind-hearted people take a wrong turn due to a single misstep, creating calamities. By the time they regret it, it’s too late."

At this point, Zhu Xuanji stared intently at Ning Zhuo, his expression solemn.

Though he used no magical power, his tone and demeanor exuded immense pressure.

Ning Zhuo took a light breath, averted his gaze, and felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck his mind.

He quickly discerned Zhu Xuanji’s intention: "Is he trying to win me over?"

Realizing this, Ning Zhuo’s mind became active.

"If Zhu Xuanji had discovered I was the mastermind, he wouldn’t treat me like this. He’d arrest me on the spot!"

"Based on his temperament, he must have found some suspicious points about me but wants to use me to fish out the mastermind behind everything!"

But where was this so-called mastermind?

Ning Zhuo was the one who blew up the Immortal Palace, set up the trial stages, killed Qi Bai in the city, framed his own clan’s genius Ning Xiaohui, orchestrated the Golden Core melee, bombarded the volcano causing a beast tide siege, and planned the Cloud Merchant robbery!

"In Zhu Xuanji’s mind, I hold significant value. He wants to turn me. If there really were a mastermind, he might even want me to serve as a witness."

"So, has it reached the third line of defense already?"

Ning Zhuo’s emotions churned.

To seize the Lava Immortal Palace, he had meticulously laid down several lines of defense.

The first line of defense was the evidence he had fabricated and scattered throughout his life since the age of two.

Anyone investigating him would conclude that Ning Zhuo had a talent for mechanisms and that his creation of mechanisms like the Explosive Monkey was reasonable.

The second line of defense was his identity as the Young Guest.

The third line of defense would lead people to believe that Ning Zhuo was used—an accomplice, but not the ringleader. After all, he was only sixteen, fresh out of school, and merely at the mid-Qi Refining stage.

Ning Zhuo relaxed slightly. The situation hadn’t deteriorated to the worst-case scenario—a direct confrontation with Zhu Xuanji.

"But what clue did Zhu Xuanji get that allowed him to bypass the second line of defense and reach the third?"

Ning Zhuo couldn’t figure out the answer.

He could only guess: "Was Han Ming captured? Did Sun Lingtong’s theft provide clues from the Cloud Merchant side?"

"Or... the Benevolent Orphanage?"

Lacking critical information, even with his intelligence, Ning Zhuo couldn’t determine the truth.

He thought furiously, sweat beading on his forehead.

Seeing his flustered state, Zhu Xuanji didn’t let up and pressed further: "What are your thoughts on what I just said, Ning Zhuo?"

"Do you think the path you’re on is the right one, or a wrong one?"

The pressure on Ning Zhuo skyrocketed!

At this moment, he felt as if Zhu Xuanji had thrust a sword to his throat.

How should he respond?

This was crucial!

Probe further?

The slightest mistake could anger Zhu Xuanji.

Remain silent?

That would mean giving up all initiative and signaling acquiescence to Zhu Xuanji.

Countless thoughts flashed through Ning Zhuo’s mind, appearing and vanishing rapidly.

In just a few breaths, he already felt his mouth go dry.

(End of )