Chapter 275: I Am a Thief

Ning Zhuo licked his lips, his breathing became slightly rapid, and he looked up at Zhu Xuanji, a hint of stubbornness revealing itself in his gaze: "Lord Zhu, you come from the Southern Bean royal family, while I am a branch of the Ning family."

"My mother passed away not long after I was very young. My father left even earlier; I never saw him once."

"Even though I have a paternal uncle, I am not close to him, and I didn't receive much care from him."

"I have lived a difficult life from childhood to adulthood."

"You are known for 'observing the hidden and settling the people,' but you are only a bystander. You haven't experienced it personally; you don't know that many times, what I consider is not the righteous path or the wrong path, but where I can get my next meal."

"People at the bottom can only look after what's in front of them first."

"Many times, it's not a question of their choice, but that they had no choice to begin with!"

"Righteous path, wrong path? Heh, in their eyes, there might only have been one path from beginning to end. That is the path to survive!"

Ning Zhuo didn't respond directly, but it was equivalent to answering Zhu Xuanji's words.

He lacked key information, so he couldn't possibly ask back how Zhu Xuanji suspected him.

That would be equivalent to confessing!

He didn't try to probe or remain silent, because that could trigger Zhu Xuanji's resentment or anger.

Ning Zhuo chose passive defense, meeting moves with moves.

He deliberately mentioned his own suffering, wanting to use Zhu Xuanji's character.

During the Fire Persimmon Festival, Zhu Xuanji's appearance caught Ning Zhuo off guard, forcing him to enter the game personally and take a risk to kill Yuan Dasheng.

Afterward, Ning Zhuo reflected on his mistake—he lacked too much intelligence on Zhu Xuanji.

Since then, he had been collecting relevant intelligence with all his might.

A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit.

He wouldn't make the same mistake again. Because making it again would likely mean the difference between life and death.

There is a saying—the one who knows you best is often your enemy!

Zhu Xuanji was expressionless, but he sighed deeply in his heart.

He was moved!

There are only incorrectly named people, not incorrectly named titles.

He is known for "observing the hidden and settling the people" because he has compassion for the bottom and the weak in his bones.

Ning Zhuo's words struck the soft spot in his heart.

Of course, he could hear that besides suffering and being forced, Ning Zhuo also had the intention of clearing his name, probing Zhu Xuanji, and seeking understanding.

Zhu Xuanji felt a little gratified.

At least Ning Zhuo had been telling the truth and had been trying to seek Zhu Xuanji's understanding. Instead of just denying it or refuting it.

How should he put it?

Talking to a smart person is just worry-free and effortless!

And this sensible appearance of Ning Zhuo made Zhu Xuanji believe even more that the young man in front of him could still be saved and could be won over.

Zhu Xuanji sighed lightly: "Paths are walked out by people!"

"Some paths are easy but wrong. Some paths are difficult but are the right paths."

"Just like Li Leifeng; he lived a difficult and bitter life in his later years, but precisely because of this, he was so respected."

"In fact, everyone has a scale, constantly measuring others and things. Those who carry the burden forward and provide warmth for others are the people who radiate light."

"You have also been illuminated by this light! Li Leifeng has long pointed out the path for you."

Ning Zhuo remained silent.

The strategy of showing weakness and empathy was effective.

From Zhu Xuanji's tone, expression, and words, he didn't hear any resentment or disgust.

But the problem still existed.

Ning Zhuo didn't know what clues Zhu Xuanji had grasped to suspect him so much and win him over.

This point was very critical; without knowing this, Ning Zhuo could only defend passively in this battle of wits.

Unable to take the initiative!

"If this continues, it's definitely not a solution."

"In the end, I will be forced into a corner by him, with no room to maneuver."

"Rather than that, I might as well take some risks now."

Ning Zhuo had already seen the result of his defeat and gritted his teeth, deciding to take a risk.

He opened his mouth: "Li Leifeng is a model of the righteous path; every time I think of him, I feel warm."

"He makes me feel that this world is worth it."

"However, how many Li Leifengs are there in this world?"

"How many people can be illuminated by his light?"

"Yes, I have been cared for. I am lucky, but also unfortunate."

"Precisely because I have felt warmth, I understand the pain of the cold even more."

After a pause, Ning Zhuo looked at Zhu Xuanji, his eyes bright.

"Lord Zhu, people are different."

"In my view, Li Leifeng and you are both high above, figures on the stage. Whether it's true feelings or a fake act, it's all bright and beautiful."

"And I am ultimately off the stage."

"Do you know what it tastes like to steal the pastries left over by those guests?"

"You have to harden your head, endure the looks of contempt and disgust. You have to reach out and pick from the garbage that is a mess of cups and plates."

"You will feel shame; this feeling is told to you by outsiders, and it is also brought by the gluttony you succumb to deep in your heart."

"I am at the bottom; I have been since I was a child."

"Although I have the surname Ning, I never feel that I am noble."

"I am despicable."

"I am a thief!"

"I am someone who picks through garbage to eat."

"I am at the bottom. Heh, maybe saying this is a bit sentimental."

"But I truly think so!"

"Look, even when I grew up, I got involved in the black market business. I pick things up from places the righteous path looks down on to eat."

"I'm not afraid of being dirty; I'm only afraid of not being full."

Ning Zhuo exhaled a turbid breath and smiled miserably.

"I know there are people like Li Leifeng in the world. I admire him and am grateful in my heart."

"And you, Lord Zhu."

"I admire you."

"This is the truth!"

"You are the royal family, a Divine Catcher, but you have your own principles and have always adhered to them."

"You are a gentleman; you deserve your reputation."

"However, I know deeply: people are different, from birth. People's paths are also different."

"No one can truly help me. People are lonely; people cannot fully understand others."

"Most of the time, I can only rely on myself."

"The path I walk is my own choice!"

Zhu Xuanji fell into silence.

He felt blocked in his heart.

These words of Ning Zhuo caused ripples in his heart.

He knew many of Ning Zhuo's situations, so he understood him. Although Ning Zhuo had the identity of the Ning family, he didn't benefit much from it during his childhood.

Zhu Xuanji felt pain and regret!

He was like seeing a drowning person, shouting, reaching out, wanting to save him.

But this drowning person would rather sink.

Thus, Zhu Xuanji also felt powerlessness, pity, indignation, and hatred for his lack of ambition!

A young man like you, with such talent and aptitude, shouldn't be so willing to degenerate!

Thus, Zhu Xuanji's gaze turned cold, and he took the initiative to change the subject: "Ning Zhuo, you have watched the 'Fang Qing Clears the Grievance' play, haven't you?"

Ning Zhuo: "Watched it many times."

Zhu Xuanji: "You are not wrong. Empathy between people is often just watching a fire from the other side."

"Often at this time, we need to act personally to try our best to feel."

"Li Leifeng has performed 'Fang Qing Clears the Grievance' for you many times. You always stand under the stage and watch, and you always think you are still that little thief stealing food under the stage."

"Not anymore!"

"As of today, you are different."

"You are the person standing on the stage; do you know that Li Leifeng also expected you to stand on the stage."

"He once thought that you would stand out starting from the age of six and gradually ascend the stage."

Ning Zhuo's heart moved slightly.

Zhu Xuanji continued: "Li Leifeng has already passed away; he didn't see you stand out during his lifetime, which is a regret of his."

"Go and make up for this regret."

"Try performing a 'Fang Qing Clears the Grievance' play."

"Try standing from Li Leifeng's perspective, perform a puppet show, and experience the situation and feelings he was in."

Ning Zhuo hesitated: "This..."

Zhu Xuanji's gaze was deep: "Don't tell me your technique for controlling puppets is not good."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "Of course not..."

Zhu Xuanji showed strength and interrupted: "You might not be very clear, but he gave you many opportunities."

"Now, I am also giving you an opportunity."

"You should also give yourself an opportunity."

"Get on the stage."

"Although Li Leifeng has passed away, I believe he still leaves light for you, to guide you toward the righteous path!"

Things had come to this, and Ning Zhuo had already guessed that the flaw likely came from Li Leifeng.

But his confrontation with Zhu Xuanji had reached this level; he was already besieged, had no way to refuse, and could only obey.

Having received Zhu Xuanji's voice transmission, Zhu Hou immediately made arrangements.

The presiding elder stepped onto the stage and informed everyone that although the donations were over, a young genius was willing to come on stage and perform a puppet show to entertain everyone.

Ning Zhuo walked onto the stage just like that.

He bowed to the cultivators and celebrities under the stage and in the pavilion: "Distinguished seniors, please allow me to offer a bit of my heart."

"When I was young, my family was poor and my life was difficult; I once received the pity of Lord Li Leifeng and was taken care of many times."

"He never asked for anything in return, only wishing to help others. His capacity and character make one's heart fold."

"I have watched the old man's puppet shows countless times; they are extremely wonderful. Now, I am also fortunate to have learned the techniques. Today, I offer this puppet show to express my remembrance of Lord Li Leifeng and also to congratulate Lord Zhu on his succession."

Applause and cheers rang out in one piece.

The cultivators were surprised and pleasantly surprised, and the atmosphere in the pavilion was enthusiastic.

Before the Jin Dan melee, Ning Zhuo's fame only spread within a small range of the four major forces. The Ning family knew him well, after all, he had pulled Ning Xiaoren off his horse.

After the Jin Dan melee, Ning Zhuo became widely known due to rumors and other factors.

This time, Zhu Xuanji brought him to attend this ceremony, which left a deep impression on everyone. Almost everyone speculated that Ning Zhuo had caught Zhu Xuanji's eye and latched onto a big thigh.

Because of Zhu Xuanji, Ning Zhuo was valued even more.

Now, this rising star of the righteous path was personally coming on stage to perform a puppet show, and everyone was very interested.

Regardless of the performance, many people in their hearts had already formed the idea—to add donations after the play. After all, supporting Ning Zhuo's show was supporting Zhu Xuanji's show!

Righteous path people were quite sensible.