Chapter 275: I Am a Thief

Unlike Ning Zhuo licked his lips, his breathing became slightly rapid, and he raised his eyes to look at Zhu Xuanji, his gaze revealing a trace of stubbornness: "Lord Zhu, you come from the Nandou Royal Family, while I am a branch of the Ning family."

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

"Even if 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 at what's in front of them first."

"Many times, it's not a question of their choice, but that they have no choice at all!"

"Righteous path, wrong path? Heh, in their eyes, there might only be one path from beginning to end. That is the path of survival!"

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

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

This would be equivalent to confessing without being asked!

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

Unlike 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 Unlike Ning Zhuo off guard, forcing him to enter the game personally and take a risk to kill Yuan Dasheng.

Afterward, Unlike Ning Zhuo reflected on himself and made a big mistake—lacking 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 wrong names, no wrong 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.

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

Of course, he could hear that besides suffering and being forced, Unlike Ning Zhuo also had meanings of exonerating himself, probing Zhu Xuanji, and seeking understanding.

Zhu Xuanji felt a little gratified.

At least Unlike Ning Zhuo had been telling the truth and trying to seek Zhu Xuanji's understanding. Instead of just not admitting it or refuting it.

How should he put it?

Talking to smart people is just worry-free and effortless!

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

Zhu Xuanji sighed lightly: "Paths are all 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 gather firewood for others are the people who radiate light."

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

Unlike Ning Zhuo was 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.

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

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

Unable to take the initiative to attack!

"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."

"Instead of that, why not take some risks now."

Unlike Ning Zhuo already saw the result of his defeat and gritted his teeth secretly, deciding to take a risk.

He opened his mouth and said: "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 taken care of. I am lucky, but also unfortunate."

"Precisely because I have felt warmth, I can better understand the pain of coldness."

Pausing, Unlike 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 is true feelings or fake acting, it is 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 scalp, endure the looks of contempt and disgust. You have to reach out and pick from the trash 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 about by your own deep inner surrender to gluttony."

"I am at the bottom; I have been since childhood."

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

"I am despicable."

"I am a thief!"

"I am someone who rummages through trash to eat."

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

"But I truly think so!"

"Look, even if I grow up, I still get involved in the black market business. I pick things up from places the righteous path looks down on to eat."

"I am not afraid of being dirty; I am only afraid of not being full."

Unlike 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, starting from their 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 Unlike Ning Zhuo caused ripples in his heart.

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

Zhu Xuanji felt pained!

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

But this drowning person would rather sink.

Thus, Zhu Xuanji also felt powerlessness, pity, indignation, and hatred for his failure to live up to expectations!

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: "Unlike Ning Zhuo, you have watched the 'Fang Qing Clears the Grievance' play, haven't you."

Unlike Ning Zhuo: "Watched it many times."

Zhu Xuanji: "What you said is 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' many times for you. You always stand off-stage and watch, and you always think you are still that little thief who stole food off-stage."

"Not anymore!"

"To this day, you are different."

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

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

Unlike 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; this is a regret of his."

"Go and make up for this regret."

"Try to perform a 'Fang Qing Clears the Grievance' play, standing from Li Leifeng's perspective, and experience the situation and feelings he was in."

Unlike Ning Zhuo hesitated: "This..."

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

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

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

"The current me is also giving you an opportunity."

"You should also give yourself an opportunity."

"Go on stage."

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

Things had reached this point, and Unlike 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 under siege and had no way to refuse, so he could only obey.

Receiving Zhu Xuanji's transmission, Zhu Hou immediately made arrangements.

The presiding elder went on stage and informed everyone that although the donations were over, a young genius was willing to go on stage and perform a puppet show to help everyone have fun.

Unlike Ning Zhuo walked onto the stage just like that.

He bowed to the cultivators in the audience and the building: "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 pity from Lord Li Leifeng and was taken care of many times."

"The old gentleman never asked for anything in return, only wishing to help others. His capacity and character are admirable."

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

Applause and cheers rang out.

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

Before the Jin Dan melee, Unlike Ning Zhuo's fame only spread in a small range within 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, Unlike Ning Zhuo became widely known due to rumors and other factors.

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

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

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

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

Righteous path people were quite sensible. ===== CHAPTER 276 =====

Righteous cultivators are all quite sensible about current affairs.