: Go to Feiyun Kingdom

2025-06-28 Author: Gu Zhenren

: Go to Feiyun Kingdom

Ning Zhuo turned back, smiled slightly, and cupped his hands in salute: "Lord Zhu."

Zhu Xuanji laughed heartily: "Congratulations to you, Ning Zhuo. You've made a name for yourself in this joint campaign of the two Zhu kingdoms against Qianfeng Forest."

"From the initial prophetic poem, to the invasion battle in Qianfeng Forest, then repelling the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts. In the recent major battle, you slew countless enemies, captured many, achieving remarkable feats. Especially killing the Nascent Soul cultivator, the Demonic Heart Cave Lord, and even slapping Xiang Yue across the face in anger."

"After this battle, your reputation will spread around the two Zhu kingdoms. Your Ning family will also gain more attention because of you!"

This time, Ning Zhuo had joined the army using his real name, and the fame he earned also benefited the Ning family.

However, Ning Zhuo slightly frowned: "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Zhu."

"I am only at Foundation Establishment level. This time, because I saved Xiang Yue, I've offended Du Tiechuan, so I'm afraid rewards will be hard to come by."

"I've indeed drawn a lot of attention. For my future travels across the land, I'll need to lay low for a while."

Zhu Xuanji laughed again, immediately understanding that Ning Zhuo was hinting at claiming credit.

He walked up to Ning Zhuo, patted his shoulder affectionately, and said: "Don't worry. Even if you've offended Du Tiechuan, since you're the son-in-law of General Mu's residence, your battle achievements definitely won't be withheld."

"You helped me this time, indirectly saving Xiang Yue. I won't mistreat a meritorious servant; there will be rewards for you to settle this karma."

"Next, you can leave Qianfeng Forest and continue your travels."

Ning Zhuo stared at Zhu Xuanji: "Is Lord Zhu afraid I'll launch a surprise attack on the Six Caves Sect?"

Zhu Xuanji inwardly sighed: "As expected of Ning Zhuo, so sharp."

He candidly admitted: "Indeed. Lu Hongtu of the Six Caves Sect has long had secret communications with our Nandou Kingdom. But he is very cunning, only treating us as a backup plan, never truly committing or submitting."

"Although he is ambitious, this kind of wavering faction is still someone our Nandou Kingdom wants to win over."

"You have a grudge against him, but for now, you need to hold back."

Ning Zhuo immediately frowned deeply and shook his head: "How can family vengeance be set aside? Lord Zhu asks too much of me!"

When he left Nandou Kingdom before, he had received Zhu Xuanji's advice.

At that time, Zhu Xuanji analyzed the situation, telling Ning Zhuo that Nandou Kingdom had arrangements in Qianfeng Forest.

But Ning Zhuo didn't press for details then, mainly to leave himself room—in case the Six Caves Sect was Nandou's pawn, knowing the details would make it hard for him to act.

After learning relevant intelligence, Ning Zhuo guessed that Lu Hongtu likely had ties with Nandou Kingdom.

This wasn't hard to deduce.

The reason was simple.

The cave lords of the Six Caves Sect were divided into demonic and righteous paths. Under Lu Hongtu's leadership, the sect actively engaged with the outside world using its righteous side, while employing demonic methods within Qianfeng Forest for intimidation.

Qianfeng Forest borders Nandou Kingdom. If the Six Caves Sect could contact the Ning family in Beifeng Kingdom, how could they not have connections with Nandou Kingdom?

Ning Zhuo and Zhu Xuanji had a close relationship, and the Ning family was allied with the Nandou royal Zhu family, but that didn't mean their interests were completely aligned.

At least in this matter, the Ning family and Ning Zhuo leaned towards revenge. But the Zhu family needed the Six Caves Sect and Lu Hongtu to continue existing.

Especially after this battle, with the two Zhu kingdoms voluntarily withdrawing troops, Lu Hongtu and the Six Caves Sect's influence in Qianfeng Forest would sharply rise, making them the leaders among human cultivators.

This gave Lu Hongtu significant strategic value, allowing Nandou Kingdom to pursue him more vigorously.

Ning Zhuo firmly refused Zhu Xuanji's request, stating his position clearly. Just as he prepared to argue seriously with Zhu Xuanji, the latter suddenly threw his head back and laughed.

"Hahaha..."

Ning Zhuo was puzzled: "Why does Lord Zhu laugh?"

Zhu Xuanji stopped laughing and pointed at Ning Zhuo: "Ning Zhuo, you've changed so much, truly excellent."

Ning Zhuo was slightly taken aback.

Zhu Xuanji turned, standing beside Ning Zhuo, gazing at the sunset over the mountains: "I still clearly remember how you were in Huoshi Immortal City."

"Reserved, humble, unwilling, with a hidden resentment towards fate in your bones, and much stubbornness."

"The you back then would never have 'defied' me like you just did."

"And it hasn't been long at all."

"Truly, as the old saying goes, it's not age but experiences that mature a person."

"And as they say, jade must be carved to become a vessel. Having gone through this campaign, baptized by blood and fire, you've grown a lot."

"Listen to the poem you just recited—'A hundred battles, why fear turning to ash; A thousand calamities unchanged, spirit like the horizon. A man should shed blood on the battlefield; Drunk, wielding a blue blade piercing the sun's glory.' It carries a heroic spirit eager for battle, unafraid of sacrifice! This makes me especially look forward to your future, Ning Zhuo."

Ning Zhuo didn't expect Zhu Xuanji to praise him like this and was stunned again.

Inside the mechanical roaming dragon, Sun Lingtong grinned widely upon hearing this praise.

Hearing others praise Ning Zhuo made him far happier than being praised himself!

Ning Zhuo was practically raised by Sun Lingtong, so hearing someone commend Ning Zhuo gave him a natural sense of accomplishment.

"Old Zhu has changed quite a bit too; his words have become much more pleasant."

"Since they sound so good, he might as well say more!"

As for Zhu Xuanji's admiration, Sun Lingtong fully agreed: "Yes, being with Xiao Zhuo day and night, I didn't notice his changes."

"Now, reminded by Old Zhu, it's like a wake-up call."

"Xiao Zhuo is much more masculine than before! His eyes are sharp and spirited, battle intent soaring, fierce and extraordinary. Such demeanor was extremely rare back in Huoshi Immortal City."

Receiving this praise, Ning Zhuo blinked, his sharp gaze quickly receding, his demeanor becoming gentle again.

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Zhu."

"I just came off the battlefield and haven't adjusted to the changes yet, still filled with battle intent."

"And throughout the entire campaign, I achieved my initial goals, slew many enemies, gained considerable benefits, so I indeed feel quite proud and satisfied."

"Reflecting now, it was mostly luck. Killing a Nascent Soul cultivator relied almost entirely on comrades. Plus, with Sect Master Lin Bufan and your covert support, Lord Zhu, I achieved these results."

"But in reality, I'm merely a lowly Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"Although I can rely on military tactics to boost myself to Golden Core combat power, this method only suits the battlefield and has limitations in solo fights."

"As my reputation spreads, it will become widely known, and I'll be targeted by others."

"Not to mention, my military rank will surely be revoked after the troop withdrawal. Once I leave the two Zhu kingdoms, I won't be able to leverage their national power anymore, making it almost impossible to gather military strength in a short time."

Establishing an army isn't something done by mere words. Ning Zhuo casually deploying a batch of mechanical puppets and having them recognized as an army was him taking advantage of the two Zhu kingdoms.

Starting from scratch to build an army requires a high cost and is very difficult to maintain.

Ning Zhuo travels the world, mostly not staying in one place, so he isn't considering this for now.

He looked at Zhu Xuanji: "I wonder if Lord Zhu could grant me an idle military position?"

Zhu Xuanji's expression turned serious, and he slowly shook his head: "How can there be idle positions in the military? Moreover, Ning Zhuo, you have no merit in our kingdom. If I privately appoint you, where would that leave our national laws? As a royal family member, showing you favoritism, how could I command respect?"

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly; he was just trying his luck. It was fine if not granted.

Zhu Xuanji's refusal was within his expectations.

Zhu Xuanji was actually quite nervous, thinking to himself: "That was close! I almost agreed just now."

He had been observing the battle and was pleasantly surprised by the combat power Ning Zhuo displayed.

Undoubtedly, Ning Zhuo was a great talent. His主动 request to join Nandou's army made Zhu Xuanji instinctively want to welcome and accept him.

But then he remembered Ning Zhuo's identity as the "Child of Calamity."

Heavens!

If Ning Zhuo were to travel around with a Nandou military rank, causing trouble everywhere and triggering disasters, Nandou Kingdom would suffer!!

"Ning Zhuo left Huoshi Immortal City and caused major upheavals in Misty Hidden Mountain, the Ten Thousand Herb Sect, and Qianfeng Forest."

"This guy brings calamity wherever he goes, establishing karma everywhere!"

"If he's truly connected to our kingdom and things escalate, it might lead to a national disaster!"

Thinking this, Zhu Xuanji nearly broke into a cold sweat.

Ning Zhuo then asked proactively: "Lord Zhu, you mentioned before having important information about my mother. What is it specifically?"

Zhu Xuanji took out a letter and handed it to Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo scanned it with his spiritual sense, immediately changed expression, and exclaimed softly: "What? The origin of the Misty Hidden Mountain God is actually a cloud fox nurtured by my mother?!"

Zhu Xuanji nodded: "I also found out by accident during my investigation."

"It was a cloud beast your mother cultivated during the Ning family's migration."

"Arriving at Misty Hidden Mountain, your mother arranged for it to become one of the mountain gods there."

Ning Zhuo blinked repeatedly, suddenly understanding: "So that's it."

"No wonder it directly gifted me such a precious Spirit Concealing Willow."

"To be honest, I was somewhat puzzled before."

Ning Zhuo's puzzlement was shared by Zhu Xuanji and Shen Lingshu. The latter two had suspected Ning Zhuo possessed the Life Thread Control divine ability and manipulated the Fox God. But after investigation, they found the Fox God actually had deep ties with Ning Zhuo.

"The Fox God was nurtured by my mother, so it gifted me the Spirit Concealing Willow, secretly intending to repay the favor and settle the karma."

"In that case, it can also be burned to restore my mother's spiritual nature."

Thinking this, Ning Zhuo couldn't help but narrow his eyes and lick his dry lips.

Zhu Xuanji observed his expression and said: "Don't forget, the Fox God has been enfeoffed by our royal family and is now the legitimate mountain god of Misty Hidden Mountain."

Ning Zhuo inwardly thought: "Troublesome."

Outwardly, he cupped his hands: "I am well aware of that."

Zhu Xuanji patted Ning Zhuo's shoulder: "If you seek your mother's old belongings, you should go to Feiyun Kingdom."

"According to the Fox God's account, your mother was originally from Feiyun Kingdom. There must be more clues there."

Ning Zhuo pondered: "Feiyun Kingdom is vast. I'm unfamiliar with the place; searching for clues about my mother there would be like finding a needle in a haystack."

Zhu Xuanji took out a token and handed it to Ning Zhuo: "I've arranged everything for you."

"This is a token for the Mourning Music Wraith. Go find her, use this token to request a divination from her once, and you'll surely get important clues."

Ning Zhuo examined the token, seeing it was a white jade candle, and accepted it.

The white jade candle emitted an indescribable eerie coldness. Though not bone-chilling, it still made Ning Zhuo's hair stand on end.

Ning Zhuo stored the token and looked up at Zhu Xuanji: "Forgive my ignorance, but who is the Mourning Music Wraith?"

Zhu Xuanji explained: "She is a soul cultivator, usually keeps a low profile. Plus, White Paper Immortal City isn't subordinate to any cultivation kingdom. It's normal you haven't heard of her."

"She has the title 'Chaotic Fate Candle Trimmer'. Holding this token, go to Blackwater Mountain's White Paper City, and she will sense it, make contact, and you can meet her."

Ning Zhuo memorized this carefully, nodded, and cupped his hands: "Thank you, Lord Zhu."

Then, he looked at Zhu Xuanji with expectant eyes.

Zhu Xuanji laughed heartily, pulling out two treasure boxes from his robe: "I know you entrusted Lin Bufan to bring back ten-thousand-year water essence and try to buy ten-thousand-year wood essence."

"These are from Nandou Kingdom's collection, what you asked for, as reward for helping me this time."

Ning Zhuo was overjoyed and immediately accepted them.

Zhu Xuanji added: "I'll instruct Lin Bufan; no need for him to act further."

"Leave quickly."

"Don't forget the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts. Staying here long is not beneficial."

Ning Zhuo nodded: "Thank you for your concern, Lord Zhu."

"But I still have some unfinished business in the two Zhu kingdoms."

"For example, the misunderstanding between me and Du Tiechuan, and my engagement with Mu Lan. I wonder if Nandou Kingdom could mediate and resolve these?"

Zhu Xuanji shook his head: "Your relationship with Mu Lan is your private matter; I shouldn't interfere."

"As for you and Du Tiechuan, don't think it's too serious. Heh, he might not hate you as much as you think."

Ning Zhuo was puzzled by this comfort: "Why is that?"

Zhu Xuanji smiled, looking meaningfully at Ning Zhuo: "Do you really want to know?"

Ning Zhuo's heart tightened, realizing this was state-level secrets. Knowing the inside story might put him in an awkward position.

He immediately shook his head.

Zhu Xuanji waved him off: "Go on, go on."

Ning Zhuo bowed to Zhu Xuanji, then immediately untied his "belt,"钻入 the Ten-Thousand Li Roaming Dragon, and directly flew away through the air, quite decisively.

Seeing him leave, Zhu Xuanji let out a sigh of relief, setting aside his worries: "This calamity star is finally gone."

"This time he's going far away to Feiyun Kingdom; surely he won't implicate me again, right?"

The two Zhu kingdoms' army marched蜿蜒 through the mountains.

Du Tiechuan sat alone in his war chariot. His expression wasn't as gloomy as he appeared outwardly; instead, he drank fine wine, composed and somewhat content.

He set down the wine cup and began writing a memorial, taking almost all the blame for the retreat's failures upon himself in it.

After finishing the memorial, he tossed it to a corner of the desk, looked towards the direction of the two Zhu kingdoms' capital, and showed a cold smile.

Clearly, the hidden struggles in the two Zhu kingdoms' campaign against Qianfeng Forest were far more complex and intricate than what Ning Zhuo had observed.

(End of )