Chapter 274: Where Is There Any Mastermind Culprit

Almost all the invited people had arrived, and the presiding elder appeared on stage.

The hall quickly quieted down.

Presiding elder: "Distinguished guests, today we gather here, not only for colleagues and relatives to talk, but also for the common people of the world to contribute to a good cause."

"Before the old director Li Leifeng passed away, he was still concerned about the issue of successors."

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

"Lord Zhu Hou comes from the Nandou Royal Family and is known for his benevolence and magnanimity; he will inherit the Children's Garden and take on the heavy responsibility of director."

"I respectfully invite Lord Zhu to come on stage and give a speech."

A middle-aged man with a broad body and stout build, with a smile on his face, walked onto the stage.

Today, Zhu Hou was wearing a green satin robe, adorned with jade pendants at his waist, his steps steady. In his every move, he revealed the majesty of the Zhu family Royal Family.

He stood on the stage, bowed with cupped hands, looked around, and let out a hearty laugh.

"Fellow Daoists, Zhu is truly terrified to succeed as the director of the Children's Garden today."

"The path of charity is to seek blessings for the common people and to practice benevolence and virtue. The benevolent heart and broad relief of the former director Li Leifeng make me feel deep admiration. Today, I shall inherit his will and continue to carry forward this good cause."

"In the future, this garden will expand its support for orphans and even impoverished students. The money donated by all you kind people will definitely be used for saving the world and helping the common people of the world without missing a cent. Here, I am willing to lead by example and donate 100,000 spirit stones first to show my sincerity!"

Zhu Hou held this handover ceremony naturally with a purpose.

The main purpose was to make an official appearance and raise the first sum of charitable funds since taking office.

As soon as he finished speaking, the voice of Zhu Xuanji came from the third floor: "Good! Clan Uncle Zhu Hou spoke very well. I, Zhu Xuanji, also donate 100,000 spirit stones to congratulate my clan uncle on his succession."

Zhu Xuanji had come here with the intention of supporting and standing up for Zhu Hou, and at this moment, he acted decisively.

The amount he donated was very interesting, only 100,000, the same as Zhu Hou.

This made the others who heard it feel relieved, not feeling pressure, but instead eager to try their own donations.

However, these people also knew the rules and didn't immediately open their mouths to speak.

They were waiting for someone else.

The next moment, the Purple Heaven Pavilion's Jin Dan true disciple indeed spoke, announcing a donation of 100,000 spirit stones.

As soon as he finished speaking, Foundation Establishment cultivators immediately shouted one after another, and the sound of donations rose one after another, endless for a time.

For a time, the atmosphere in the building was very enthusiastic.

The atmosphere in the private room, however, was oppressive.

Unlike Ning Zhuo sat in the position below Zhu Xuanji. After entering and sitting down, he didn't say a word and didn't touch the exquisite spirit food and tea on the round table even once.

Zhu Xuanji turned his head slightly, staring at Unlike Ning Zhuo with eyes containing golden light, and smiled: "Seeing this scene now, Unlike Ning Zhuo, what are your feelings?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo raised his eyes and looked at Zhu Xuanji. The latter's smile, in Unlike Ning Zhuo's perception, was like a beast opening its bloody mouth.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's heart felt as if it were pressed by a giant rock, his gaze not dodging at all.

He said calmly: "I naturally hope that Lord Zhu Hou can do what he says. I hope that the Children's Garden in Fire Persimmon Immortal City can do better and better."

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

The smile on his face deepened: "I saw your name in the donation records of the Children's Garden."

"In the past, you also donated several sums of money to the Children's Garden."

"Why didn't you donate a little on such an important day today?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo took a light breath.

He tried to make himself calmer, but the pressure in his heart increased sharply!

This was because he was very clear that Zhu Xuanji's seemingly ordinary question hid a huge threat. If he responded carelessly, he would fall into the other party's trap.

This confrontation between him and Zhu Xuanji had officially begun!

The bustle outside had nothing to do with him.

Even the noise only highlighted his loneliness and hardship at this moment.

Zhu Xuanji was like a high-level assassin who had delivered a sword move. On the surface, it looked ordinary, but Unlike Ning Zhuo was certain that the other party must have exquisite follow-up moves. Once he responded poorly, losing step by step, he would likely be suppressed until there was no hope of winning again!

Unlike Ning Zhuo frowned, thoughts flashing like lightning in his mind, quickly weighing his words, and said carefully: "Cultivate oneself, then help the world. Although I am pragmatic, I also have ideals."

"Moreover, I also received care from Lord Li Leifeng when I was young; he has grace toward me."

Then, Unlike Ning Zhuo changed the subject: "Of course, I also have selfishness."

"You know, I want to split the family."

"I want to build my own family!"

"I am already doing so, but for a force to develop and grow, fresh blood and outside talent are also needed."

"Especially since I am starting from scratch, my foundation is too shallow, so the more newcomers, the better!"

"This is why I have been donating over the past period of time."

"There will be more such donations in the future!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo smiled, then immediately became expressionless: "The Children's Garden's policy is very excellent; how much talent has it netted for the righteous path forces of the Nandou Kingdom."

"I am a Ning family member, and I am also a righteous path member; of course, I also want a share of the pie."

"Look, Lord Zhu, I paid money, which is in line with the rules."

"As for why I didn't donate today? Heh!"

"Today is not suitable. I am currently managing the black market, and my righteous path status is not so bright, so I won't be a destroyer of this atmosphere."

"If I want to donate, I can donate secretly in the future, and I can also achieve my goal. Why do such an annoying thing?"

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

Zhu Xuanji was very clear that Unlike Ning Zhuo wanted to split the family and wanted to build his own force.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had mentioned this matter to Ning Jiufan many times in front of him!

Even Zhu Xuanji felt that this kid had quite a bit of courage. Just at the Qi Condensation stage, he dared to speak to his family's Jin Dan ancestor like this.

Zhu Xuanji appreciated Unlike Ning Zhuo.

To be precise, he appreciated him quite a bit.

Especially after hearing Unlike Ning Zhuo's response, it made him understand Unlike Ning Zhuo even more—the young man in front of him had definitely been tempered! He was clear about the rules of the righteous path game; although young, he was as cunning and experienced as an old fox. He had very clear goals, cared about the feelings of others, and could empathize.

Unlike Ning Zhuo was both hypocritical and sincere.

And this kind of righteous path hypocrisy, falling on his small young body, actually appeared to have many cute points.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's response was excellent.

This answer made Zhu Xuanji's favor for him increase a lot.

Zhu Xuanji laughed and broke the silence: "Even if there is selfishness, as long as one knows gratitude, it is the righteous path. In this world, who doesn't have selfishness?"

"Even for me, observing the people, investigating cases, and pursuing criminals all year round, a considerable part of the purpose is to maintain the Royal Family."

"Unlike Ning Zhuo, your nature is not bad; act uprightly, and your future will be vast. However, in life, there will always be countless wrong paths. I have seen many people with good natures who, because of a single wrong thought, walked onto a wrong path and created sin. By the time they regretted it, it was already too late."

Speaking of this, Zhu Xuanji stared at Unlike Ning Zhuo, his face solemn.

Clearly not using any magic power, yet from his tone and demeanor, he displayed powerful oppressive force.

Unlike Ning Zhuo took a light breath, his gaze dodging, as if a lightning bolt had flashed through his mind.

He quickly saw through Zhu Xuanji's intention: "He is trying to win me over?"

Realizing this, Unlike Ning Zhuo's heart immediately became active.

"If Zhu Xuanji discovered that I was the culprit, he would never treat me like this, but would take me down directly!"

"Inferring from his character, he should have discovered the suspicious points about me, but wants to follow my line to fish out the mastermind!"

But where is there any mastermind?

Unlike Ning Zhuo is the one who bombed the Xian Gong, laid out the trial levels, killed Qi Bai in the city, framed his own genius Ning Xiaohui, directed the Jin Dan melee, shelled the volcano leading to the beast tide attacking the city, and planned the Cloud Merchant theft case!

"In Zhu Xuanji's heart, I have great value; he wants to turn me. If there really were a mastermind, he might even let me act as a witness."

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

Unlike Ning Zhuo's emotions fluctuated.

To compete for the Magma Xian Gong, he had carefully woven several lines of defense.

The first line of defense was to constantly play and create various evidence after the age of two, scattered in his growth trajectory.

When others investigate here, they will think that Unlike Ning Zhuo has mechanical talent, and they will think it is reasonable for him to develop mechanical fire-exploding monkeys, etc.

The second line of defense is the identity of the Young Guest.

The third line of defense is to think that Unlike Ning Zhuo was used and is an accomplice, but not the ringleader. After all, this youth is only sixteen, just out of school, and only has mid-level Qi Condensation cultivation.

Unlike Ning Zhuo relaxed slightly; the situation hadn't reached that last step—using force and fighting Zhu Xuanji head-on.

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

Unlike Ning Zhuo couldn't think of the answer to this question.

He could only guess: "Han Ming was caught? Sun Lingtong stole the treasure, leading the Cloud Merchants to provide clues?"

"Or... the Children's Garden?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo lacked key information, and even though he was quite intelligent, he couldn't determine the truth.

He thought with all his might, sweat appearing on his forehead.

Seeing his miserable appearance, Zhu Xuanji didn't let him go and asked: "Regarding what I just said, what insights do you have, Unlike Ning Zhuo?"

"Do you think your own path is the right path, or a wrong path?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo's pressure increased sharply!

At this moment, he felt as if Zhu Xuanji had stabbed his sword into his throat.

How to respond?

This was very critical!

Probe?

A slight carelessness would anger Zhu Xuanji.

Remain silent?

This was completely giving up the initiative and would convey a default meaning to Zhu Xuanji.

In Unlike Ning Zhuo's mind, countless thoughts were generated crazily and disappeared rapidly.

In just a few breaths, he already felt dry-mouthed. ===== CHAPTER 275 =====