Chapter 745: Make a name for yourself

Another cave.

Che Zhuzi pinched the intelligence in his hand, the light in the room reflected on his face, making half bright and half dark.

Che Zhuzi's expression was complex and tangled: "I didn't expect Ning Zhuo's aptitude to be so outstanding, he is actually a first-class genius."

"If I had known earlier, he had already won two Confucian top spots before—"

Che Zhuzi's thoughts turned: "No, still have to stick to neutrality, which is most beneficial to me."

"Although Ning Zhuo took the initiative to throw out, wanting to do a bigger business with me, the Ban family can never be ignored."

"Ban Ji's talent should also be the first batch of cultivators to exchange for stone tablets. It's just that his several actions were destroyed by Ning Zhuo."

"In the first round, he didn't stand out, it doesn't matter. In the next second round, there will inevitably be a place for him."

Che Zhuzi, as a businessman, naturally wanted to be on both sides.

He was a demon cultivator, and he hadn't reached the point of no return, selling void spider silk was already living very well, why should he lean to one side and place a big bet early?

Che Zhuzi in such a situation naturally rejected risk.

"However, still have to take the initiative to write a letter to congratulate Ning Zhuo on winning the tablet."

"And give some gifts."

Ning Zhuo winning the stone tablet made his value and status in Che Zhuzi's heart rise violently by a large margin.

Confucian cultivators were gathering.

"Hahaha, sure enough, a tiger father has no dog son, Meng Yaoyin's son is indeed not inferior." Confucian cultivators were talking about Ning Zhuo.

Learning the news of Ning Zhuo winning the stone tablet, they were generally happy about it.

"Should write a letter to Wen Ruanyu to let him know this good news."

"That's right. The days of being under house arrest are not good, since he cares so much about Ning Zhuo, this news will definitely dispel the haze in his heart and make him happy."

"No wonder Wen Ruanyu cares so much about Ning Zhuo, this child is actually a first-class cultivation genius."

Song Taosheng stroked his beard: "Compared to his cultivation aptitude, I appreciate his performance under the three questions of asking the heart more."

The Evil-Slaying Hall's Cloud-Raising Trial, unlike most natural ones, is very valuable.

Ning Zhuo's performance under the three questions of asking the heart was very outstanding. At that time, it was not just the high-level cultivators of the Evil-Slaying Hall who were present, but also many cultivators participating in the Cloud-Raising Trial. Therefore, after this incident happened, many people learned about it, and now, with Ning Zhuo exchanging for a stone tablet and becoming famous, these excellent performances of his have also spread widely and began to be known

Now, with Ning Zhuo having exchanged for the stone tablet and his fame rising, he has attracted widespread attention; these outstanding performances of his have also spread extensively and are beginning to be known to all.

These words from Song Taosheng drew the agreement of most of the Confucian cultivators present.

Chu Xuangui was also among them, but he was recalling Ning Zhuo's performance during his own Cloud-Rising Trial.

From his perspective at the time, Ning Zhuo was deeply versed in the rules; although it was their first time meeting, they already had a tacit understanding. Even though the two sides did not exchange a single word in secret, their coordination was extremely smooth.

"I never expected that although this child has flexible methods, his character is very upright. People like this are truly too rare."

Ning Zhuo's attitude toward justice naturally earns him the favor of Confucian cultivators.

A Confucian cultivator suddenly said: "Since Ning Zhuo has already exchanged for the stone tablet and become famous, do we still need to continue helping him?"

Facing this question, the Confucian cultivators had varied expressions.

Some began to ponder.

Others expressed concern: "Indeed. Outsiders do not know about the trouble Ning Zhuo is in, but we have already learned of it in advance through Wen Ruanyu."

"Given Ning Zhuo's current fame, the sect's high command will have to think twice before making a move against him."

"Judging by this result, our previous goal has already been achieved."

"If we continue to support him, I fear it will arouse much suspicion."

Speaking up to this point, Song Taosheng could no longer restrain himself; he let out a cold snort and interrupted directly: "Suspicion? Are you all really that afraid?"

A Confucian cultivator had a grave expression: "Old Mr. Song, there is no need to speak like that. Of course, we are not worried about our own safety, but rather we are anxious that the secret of our covert assistance to Ning Zhuo, once exposed, would greatly damage the reputation of us Confucian cultivators."

"Within the entire sect, almost all the Confucian cultivators are right here."

"We need new people, we need to develop and grow. But if we bear a bad reputation, how can we attract excellent Confucian cultivator seeds to join us?"

These words were indeed reasonable.

The Confucian cultivator who spoke deliberately lowered his own demands and instead focused on the interests of the Confucian cultivator group, which made more Confucian cultivators begin to think cautiously.

Seeing that the atmosphere was not good, Chu Xuangui spoke decisively: "That is a wrong way of thinking!"

"How long will it take for a junior like Ning Zhuo to appear again?"

"He is not just a genius who stood out in the first round, but also someone who passed the Three Questions of the Heart. A young person with such a temperament is so precious!"

"Since he is so promising and can be considered half one of our own in the Confucian cultivator group, why don't we increase our efforts and step up our funding for him?"

Chu Xuangui voiced his own thoughts. Not only did he negate the proposal to stop, but he went a step further, suggesting that support for Ning Zhuo should be increased.

The cultivators looked at each other for a while, and then someone spoke up.

Immediately, everyone expressed their own opinions and argued their own points.

Listening to them, Song Taosheng felt that the situation showed signs of turning downward, and his brows gradually furrowed.

Confucian cultivators are good at protecting themselves. Since the goal had been reached in advance, withdrawing in time became the consensus of more and more Confucian cultivators.

Song Taosheng's Adam's apple moved slightly; after thinking for a moment, he first cast his gaze toward Chu Xuangui.

Who would have known that Chu Xuangui had already cast his gaze toward him the moment before.

Their gazes only met for an instant before they confirmed each other's attitude.

Unlike the other Confucian cultivators, these two were the ones who had acted first to support Ning Zhuo. They had met Ning Zhuo and spent time with him, and they had a very good impression of him.

Others had a vague impression of Ning Zhuo, based only on intelligence; it was objective, without much closeness.

Since they had already invested, Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng naturally wanted Ning Zhuo to go further and climb higher.

Song Taosheng closed his eyes slightly and leaned his back against the chair.

Chu Xuangui immediately understood that Song Taosheng was going to act as the backup and let him take the lead.

Chu Xuangui smiled slightly and slowly stood up.

All the Confucian cultivators were seated; this action of Chu Xuangui's immediately drew everyone's attention, and they all realized that the latter had something to say, so they voluntarily fell silent.

Chu Xuangui looked around and smiled: "Actually, whether to continue supporting this kid Ning Zhuo is not worth discussing at all."

"If you think highly of this young junior, just go ahead and give him a hand."

"Those who have worries in their hearts are also very reasonable; just stay on the sidelines."

"Hehehe." Chu Xuangui laughed a few times, "My biggest feeling at this moment is perhaps different from you fellow Daoists. I feel relieved."

Someone was puzzled and immediately asked: "Why relieved?"

Chu Xuangui cupped his hands to the surroundings: "Fellow Daoists, to tell you the truth. My biggest worry before was regarding Senior Duanmu Zhang."

"Once the matter of us covertly supporting Ning Zhuo became known to Senior Duanmu Zhang..."

"Then, according to his temperament, I'm afraid he would severely reprimand us!"

Once these words were spoken, they immediately resonated with many Confucian cultivators.

"Yes, indeed."

"That is certainly true."

"My worries are the same as Fellow Daoist Chu's."

Chu Xuangui changed the subject: "But it's fine now. Based on Ning Zhuo's current performance, whether it's his strength or his temperament, he is impeccable."

"Even if Senior Duanmu Zhang finds out, he won't criticize us anymore; he will only think that this is us grooming a junior."

Once these words were spoken, all the Confucian cultivators revealed smiles to a greater or lesser extent.

Some began to be lost in thought.

Song Taosheng couldn't help but open his eyes a slit and look at Chu Xuangui.

He had originally thought that he would have to coordinate with Chu Xuangui, but he didn't expect the latter's performance to be so outstanding!

On the surface, he was worried that Senior Duanmu Zhang would not be pleased with this matter, but in reality, Chu Xuangui was using this clever and tactful way to remind everyone of what Senior Duanmu Zhang's likely opinion of Ning Zhuo would be!

Among the Confucian cultivator group of the Wanxiang Sect, Chu Xuangui, Song Taosheng, and Wen Ruanyu were several obvious pillars. And Duanmu Zhang was the soul, the core of the core, the greatest foundation!

His attitude influenced almost all Confucian cultivators.

What would Duanmu Zhang think of Ning Zhuo?

Even though most Confucian cultivators had never seen Ning Zhuo with their own eyes, they could answer this question with great certainty—of course, it would be appreciation!

Therefore, when the Confucian cultivators realized that Duanmu Zhang would appreciate Ning Zhuo, their thoughts also changed accordingly.

This change was very natural.

Except for a few, most Confucian cultivators did not notice it.

Thus, the related topic was pulled back.

"Speaking of which, Ning Zhuo is not a Confucian cultivator. Helping him is equivalent to helping an outsider. Even if this matter is exposed in the future, it can show the noble character of our Confucian cultivator group."

"We should continue to support Ning Zhuo, otherwise how can we face Wen Ruanyu? We clearly already promised him that we would at least give Ning Zhuo four Cloud-Rising Trials and provide him with vigorous support!"

"How can a person be untrustworthy?"

All the Confucian cultivators tacitly did not mention Duanmu Zhang, but instead tried every possible way to find other reasons to strive for continued support for Ning Zhuo.

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng did not speak again after that, quietly sitting and watching everyone reach a consensus—everyone decided to continue supporting Ning Zhuo!

"Then, next we should hold the third Cloud-Rising Trial."

"How should we do it?" "The key is how to do it so that it is more helpful to Ning Zhuo?"

"Very simple, first release the news, and then I think Ning Zhuo will likely give us some signals." Chu Xuangui only spoke up at this point.

Song Taosheng smiled slightly: "This old man seconds the motion."

Green Bamboo Peak.

Qing Huangzi had just finished writing a flying letter; by the candlelight, he reread it once more.

"Huang, decaying wood in the mountain forest, a candle in the wind. Waking up in shock day and night, clutching my chest in fear and shame, fearing to fail my master's grace in the netherworld, and ending the lineage in my own hands, so I rashly write this letter, pouring out my heart to state my case."

"In the past, when my master passed away, his withered hand grasped mine, his breath like a gossamer thread, only entrusting one thing—..."

"At that time, Huang was weeping bitterly, pointing to the sky and swearing an oath, never to fail the entrustment! Yet, heaven plays with people; Huang's aptitude is dull, and although I have exhausted my life's efforts, immersing myself in the art of mechanisms—at the end of my rope, I only fear that my master's hard work will be buried in the hills and gullies along with this decaying body!"

"Recently heard that Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo exchanged for a stone tablet, and even broke into the Evil-Slaying Hall to pass the Three Questions, upright and righteous, with a firm will..."

"The Cloud-Rising Trial was originally set as a threshold for the mediocre, how can it be a fence for a true dragon? If I continue to be constrained by vulgar rules, letting a bright pearl gather dust, I will not be able to close my eyes in death! Therefore, I now dare to use my decaying body and meager name to perform an exceptional act! Waiving all sorts of trivial tests, I entrust this lineage's mantle directly to you! This is not Huang's momentary impulse, but truly observing the young friend's talent and virtue, thinking of my master's last words, and feeling the urgency of the times; the three are intertwined, and I cannot restrain my feelings!"—...

After reading the whole letter, Qing Huangzi couldn't help but sigh deeply, his spiritual sense moved slightly, and he opened the bamboo window.

Infusing magic power into the flying letter, he let it break through the air and leave.

Blue Stone Cave Abode.

Inside the martial arts magic array.

Ning Zhuo sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, a magic treasure-grade guzheng floating slightly in mid-air in front of him, three inches from the ground.

The big-headed youth's eyes were slightly closed, his ten fingers turning into streaks of afterimages!

Zheng zheng zheng zheng zheng—

Sound waves swept across the ground, and more than a dozen bamboo puppet figures, only the size of an adult's palm, were activated at the sound!

They were not directly controlled by spiritual sense, but were driven by these specific musical notes.

More and more bamboo puppet figures were activated; their figures were agile, and the movements they performed were quite realistic.

One puppet lowered its body and rushed forward, its arms crossing like a mantis's blade arms, bringing up a sharp sound of breaking through the air. Another bamboo puppet spun and kicked, its leg shadows like a whip. There were also bamboo puppets with hands held in a void, waist sunk and sitting in a horse stance, delivering a simple and unadorned Black Tiger Steals the Heart, yet carrying immense force. There were even bamboo puppets with strange and flickering figures, their claw shadows eerie and bringing up ghostly winds—

Ning Zhuo stroked the strings with both hands, sometimes with precise plucking, and other times with fierce sweeping.

The bamboo puppet figures began to fight in pairs. As they dismantled each other's moves, each movement was swift and precise, and from time to time, crisp "ka ka" sounds came from their joints.

Ning Zhuo's finger technique changed again!

A series of crisp musical notes, like pearls falling on a jade plate and carrying a strange tremor, flowed out.

The remaining bamboo puppets moved at the sound; they were not fighting in pairs, but coordinating with each other, forming various formations.

There were groups of three puppets, back-to-back in a "pin" shape, supporting each other, both offensive and defensive; this was the most basic Small Three Talents battle formation.

There were five puppets gathered together, four puppets guarding the four directions on the outside, and one puppet in the center coordinating and responding, their energy linked, evolving into the Five-Link Plum Blossom battle formation.

There were also seven puppets arranged like the Big Dipper, their steps linked, their auras faintly connected in a line, forming the Big Dipper Seven Stars battle formation—...

Even though Ning Zhuo had participated in the Great War of the Two Kingdoms, he did not have such battle formation attainments. It was truly what he had obtained from the Burning Soul Ferrying Boat.

The zheng sound stopped abruptly.

The bamboo puppets that were fighting each other froze at the moment of combat, and the bamboo puppets that had formed battle formations maintained their orderly arrays; they stood motionless, waiting for the commander's next order.

Ning Zhuo slowly opened his eyes, the bright light in his pupils clear, his heart filled with clarity and joy.

He had mastered the guzheng musical technique to an extreme level of proficiency, with nearly a hundred years of hard work.

The profound meaning of the "Mother Tone Reed Book" was also fully reflected in the practice just now, without any omissions.

Not only that, Ning Zhuo also realized the subsequent auxiliary tones and even created related auxiliary tone bamboo puppet figures. These figures also performed well in the practice just now.

"Next, for Qing Huangzi's Cloud-Rising Trial, I should be able to win."

"Hmm?"

Not long after, Ning Zhuo looked at Qing Huangzi's letter, his expression somewhat complex.

"I invested a lot in this matter, and in the end, Qing Huangzi actually wants to take the initiative to gift me this inheritance?"

Ning Zhuo deeply realized the good effect of this high-profile action and rising fame.

"This is a good thing."

"It can save me a lot of time."

"With this time, I can learn more other things."

"Wait a minute—"

Ning Zhuo's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression becoming deep.