Chapter 768

The Rust Disaster Craftsman was startled by Ban Ji’s performance.

Before this trip, he had been secretly spoken to by Ban Jie and specifically instructed.

"That was close—almost didn't manage to stop Ban Ji!"

"If he had really done that, I would have lost quite a bit of my commission."

People die for wealth, birds die for food.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman could be "invited" by Ban Ji before, and now he could naturally be hired by Ban Jie. Ban Jie’s funding, with the help of the Ban family, was far more abundant than Ban Ji’s; the Rust Disaster Craftsman did not have the ability to resist this huge temptation.

In his view, he had already offended Ning Zhuo before, so a second time didn't matter. Anyway, he also wanted to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect; although Ning Zhuo was exceptionally talented, he was not as powerful as Ban Ji.

At worst, if he failed to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect this time, he was a demonic cultivator, a lone wolf, solitary and single; at worst, he would just retreat. If it came to the worst, he would just leave the Flying Cloud Kingdom and go to other cultivation kingdoms to make a living.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman was not of the righteous path, did not join a force, and likewise, did not have a base. Unlike Ning Zhuo, who as a branch family head, had industries.

Without industries, there is no fixed income, and thus no perseverance.

For the Rust Disaster Craftsman, this meant fewer cultivation resources, but it also granted him more freedom.

It was precisely because of the scarcity of cultivation resources that he could not resist Ban Jie’s high-paying employment.

The situation happening to the Rust Disaster Craftsman was actually the common state of cultivation and life for demonic cultivators.

Of course, there were also demonic forces, or individual, incredibly powerful demonic cultivators, but these were special and not universal.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman saw Ban Ji recover his calm, his heart skipped a beat, and he felt even more disgusted with Ning Zhuo, who was provoking them.

How dare you ruin my path to wealth!?

The Rust Disaster Craftsman immediately spoke up to refute, scolding Ning Zhuo: "Cut the crap! Don't slander us; we have nothing to do with Zhang Wangxing and these people!"

"If we were in the same group, we would have made a move long ago. Would we still allow you to be jumping around here?!"

"Don't go around slandering us; we are innocent!"

"If you want to splash dirty water on us, show us the evidence?"

The Rust Disaster Craftsman clamored, appearing righteous and confident.

He did not see: Ban Ji beside him was looking at him with a frown.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman was not of the righteous path and did not understand at all that this statement of his, directly cutting ties with Zhang Wangxing and the others, had actually fallen into Ning Zhuo’s scheme.

But Ban Ji, for a moment, also found it difficult to speak.

Ning Zhuo immediately counterattacked, laughing out loud: "How ironic! Rust Disaster Craftsman, you, a demonic cultivator, have committed many evils in the past, with full evidence of your crimes, yet you still say you are innocent!?"

The Rust Disaster Craftsman cursed; he seemed fierce in momentum, but he was not good at debating at all, instead appearing at a loss for words, only able to act unreasonably.

Because the Rust Disaster Craftsman had promised Ban Ji before that he would deal with Ning Zhuo, Ning Zhuo had quickly investigated the Rust Disaster Craftsman after obtaining information from Lady Pan Si.

Ning Zhuo remembered very clearly and immediately recounted the bad things the Rust Disaster Craftsman had done. He stated them one by one, with reason and evidence, the content detailed; just listening to it, it didn't sound like it was fake.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman was caught by his sore spot and could not refute at all. Because what Ning Zhuo said were all facts.

In this verbal confrontation, he was rubbed on the ground by Ning Zhuo, completely unable to refute, so angry that he gnashed his teeth until they creaked.

In normal times, he would have long since developed a murderous intent, shouting in his heart, "I’ll show you for having such a sharp tongue!" Then, he would have killed directly to get some relief.

But now, inside the Profound Armor Cave, he could not act willfully.

Especially since he had just loudly announced that he had nothing to do with Zhang Wangxing and the others. Now, to participate in the encirclement would be a complete slap in his own face.

"This brat is truly infuriating; I really want to tear his mouth apart!" The Rust Disaster Craftsman was so angry his face turned red, and he turned his head to look at Ban Ji, "You say something."

Ban Ji couldn't help but roll his eyes.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman messed up himself, ruined the situation, and still felt righteous and confident, feeling aggrieved that his comrade wasn't putting in effort.

This kind of person’s political literacy was too poor, so poor that Ban Ji didn't even want to communicate about it.

"If we keep arguing, there will be more harm than good. Let's go! The top priority is to defeat others, seize more Profound Weapon Armor, and charge for the top spot!!" Ban Ji decisively withdrew and left.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman opened his mouth; although he was stifled, he also knew that what Ban Ji said was right.

"Fine, your family put up the money, you are the financier, this time you are the boss!" The Rust Disaster Craftsman followed closely behind, temporarily no longer caring about Ning Zhuo.

Ban Ji had already completely calmed down at this time, using spiritual sense to transmit while walking: "Have you seen Ban Jie? What else did she arrange for me? Was there anything special she entrusted to you?"

Ban Ji and Ban Jie were peers, grew up together, and had a close relationship, counting as childhood sweethearts.

Therefore, Ban Ji was very familiar with Ban Jie’s style of doing things.

The Rust Disaster Craftsman immediately responded: "Ban Jie said, you don't need to worry about this. Since she received the family’s order to come and assist you, she will definitely do her best to plot for you."

"She told you not to worry about anything else, just do your own thing, and fight with all your might."

Ban Ji let out a cold snort, feeling a familiar sensation again: "Did Ban Jie also entrust these words to you?"

Rust Disaster Craftsman: "Of course."

Ban Ji originally wanted to ask if Ban Jie had any other arrangements; if there were other ambushes, at least let him exchange for a bronze sword first, so it would be convenient for him to perform the blade-sword combo.

But Ban Jie had long expected that he would ask this, so she had instructed the Rust Disaster Craftsman in advance, blocking Ban Ji’s subsequent questions right from the start.

This was also Ban Jie’s style of doing things.

She was very understanding; often, before others’ questions were even spoken, she had already answered them first.

Ban Ji let out a cold snort, his gaze becoming cold, and he rushed straight toward the selected target.

In the hands of that unlucky cultivator, there was a bronze sword.

Ning Zhuo saw Ban Ji and the Rust Disaster Craftsman leave, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

He provoked Ban Ji with words, but in reality, it was advancing to retreat; on the surface, it was to force Ban Ji to enter the fray, but in reality, it was to force him to cut ties.

The Ban family’s face needed to be considered. Ban Ji was the face of the Ban family among the Foundation Establishment level, so naturally, he had to protect the family.

If Ban Ji had impulsively entered the fray, Ning Zhuo also had a backup plan.

What he needed was a definite answer. Otherwise, constantly worrying about Ban Ji and the Rust Disaster Craftsman’s interference would distract his mind, making it difficult for him to concentrate on dealing with the encirclement.

Clang clang clang—

Bronze weapons flew everywhere, blades, spears, swords, and halberds constantly colliding, sparks splashing, and explosions sounding ear-piercingly.

Relying on the shield, Ning Zhuo defended steadily, no longer in the previous embarrassment.

In just a short while, the shield was already covered in scars.

Ning Zhuo was sharp and naturally noticed this point: "The Profound Weapon Armor was all repaired by me just now, but now it is more dilapidated than it was in the second stage!"

In the melee of the third stage, the Profound Weapon Armor was all controlled by cultivators, with magic power infused, and they did not hold back in the fierce battle, so the intensity was much higher.

"According to this trend, all five of my Profound Weapon Armor will not be able to hold on, reaching the standard of dilapidation and being taken away by the great array!"

Ning Zhuo knew very clearly in his heart that Zhang Wangxing’s group failing to launch a surprise attack and still insisting on a fierce attack was also for this purpose.

The great array of the Profound Armor Cave prohibited almost all other means, only allowing cultivators to use Profound Weapon Armor and martial arts to duel. In addition, relevant natural talents were also allowed.

In the end, Ning Zhuo still suffered from being alone.

He only brought out five pieces of Profound Weapon Armor, but the people surrounding him, including Zhang Wangxing, totaled four.

Each of them had at least five pieces in their hands, totaling twenty pieces of Profound Weapon Armor to consume Ning Zhuo’s five; the advantage of having more people was further magnified in terms of weapons.

Ning Zhuo naturally also had trump cards, but he did not want to use them now.

Here, the Five Elements spells he used most were prohibited, and his most effective mechanisms could not be released; his means were very limited. If not for this, he wouldn't have had to desperately seize every opportunity to learn in the early stages.

"My trump cards are few, and this melee has only just begun."

Thinking of this, Ning Zhuo radiated his spiritual sense, secretly transmitting to communicate with other cultivators.

Thanks to the initial chatting and exchange outside the cave entrance, he communicated secretly with these cultivators, precisely stating each of their names, while honestly saying that he was here to seek help this time, and regardless of victory or defeat, there would definitely be a reward afterward.

"What kind of character the Rust Disaster Craftsman is, you can find out just by asking around a little!"

"I just exposed his true colors; it was all information I specifically purchased from the Commerce Hall."

"These are all easy to verify; I, Ning Zhuo, act openly and honestly, swearing by my own reputation, there is no need to deceive everyone at all!"

"So, don't listen to the Rust Disaster Craftsman’s denials; Ban Ji not saying a word is already a form of tacit agreement."

Ning Zhuo first used profit to induce, stimulating the interest of other cultivators to continue communicating, and then wildly hyped up the enemy’s power.

He naturally could not produce evidence to prove that Zhang Wangxing and the others were the Ban family’s handiwork. But he took a shortcut—the words he said were all true and could all be verified.

Next, Ning Zhuo emphasized: "I am a thorn in Ban Ji’s side, so he came to deal with me first."

"Next, you will also become his enemies. Even if you don't want to surrender, Ban Ji might still want to finish you off."

"If it were a one-on-one fight, or a strategic alliance, that would be one thing. The key is that his Ban family is cheating; in order to boost the reputation of their own genius, they actually colluded in advance!"

"You tell me, if you lose to this group of people, are you willing?!"

Ning Zhuo’s words were like lotus flowers blooming; while resisting the encirclement, he secretly lobbied non-stop, making the cultivators feel moved one after another.

But being moved is not taking action.

Ning Zhuo was still in the encirclement, and the bronze sword finally couldn't hold on, being hit to the standard of dilapidation and immediately teleported away by the great array.

These Profound Weapon Armor were all rented temporarily; only the blank Profound Weapon Armor refined by cultivators during the rest stage of the third level belonged to themselves.

Ning Zhuo sighed in his heart: "It’s a pity that Zhang Dadan was eliminated; otherwise, if he had taken the lead at this moment, he would have inevitably broken the stalemate and drawn out more followers."

Ning Zhuo knew very clearly that what he lacked was a turning point!

Missing a bronze sword, Ning Zhuo only had four pieces in his hand, and his situation immediately became dangerous.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Wangxing’s spirit was boosted, his morale soaring: "Keep attacking, let’s see how long his weapons can hold on!"

Clang clang clang—

The next moment, however, more than a dozen bronze weapons participated in this battle group.

Ning Zhuo’s pressure plummeted; the effect of his lobbying was very gratifying!

The four people surrounding him were surrounded by eight cultivators.

A moment ago, the cultivators were also communicating via spiritual sense.

"You say, should we help Ning Zhuo?"

"If we help, the reward won't be small. We definitely won't get the top spot, or even the top ten. But helping Ning Zhuo this once, our own harvest will be more."

No one felt that Ning Zhuo would renege on his debt.

This was the benefit of the righteous path.

Others would naturally have trust in you, and this trust would facilitate cooperation. Even if they were meeting for the first time.

Earlier, Ning Zhuo’s first chat in the Profound Armor Cave had left a very good, approachable impression on these people.

Not long ago, Ning Zhuo had left the Rust Disaster Craftsman at a loss for words, making the latter only able to insult and use foul language, completely looking like someone furious from being exposed.

When lobbying, Ning Zhuo successfully highlighted the strength of Ban Ji and the others, creating more external pressure.

"Compared to Ban Ji, I like Ning Zhuo more!"

"Hmph, although the Ban family is of the righteous path, Ban Ji is a demonic scum. The Ban family pities his talent but doesn't look at his character, which is poorly done."

"Those who cheat are especially hateful!"

"Ning Zhuo being able to get the recognition of the Confucian cultivator group is already not simple. The key is that he also passed the Three Questions of Heart-Asking at the Evil-Punishing Hall! Let’s help him together!"

Under the Three Questions of Heart-Asking at the Evil-Punishing Hall, Ning Zhuo’s excellent performance was a heavy bargaining chip that crushed the balance in everyone’s hearts.

Zhang Wangxing and the others were shocked.

A moment ago they were still surrounding Ning Zhuo, just seeing hope, and the next moment they themselves were surrounded.

A sharp glint flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes: "The bronze sword was damaged, but it became a turning point, touching the unease in everyone’s hearts. Therefore, they attacked in a group!"

Ning Zhuo took the opportunity to counterattack, while shouting loudly: "Zhang Wangxing! You despicable villains, colluding in advance, cheating publicly, relying on the Ban family to bully us loose cultivators!"

"Doing such crooked things, you must be punished!"

"Do you think this is the outside world?"

"No, this is the Myriad Phenomena Sect, this is the Profound Armor Cave, this is a place of the righteous path!"

"Fellow Daoists, let them taste the power of our righteous path!!"

Ning Zhuo’s shout was met with a thunderous response from the crowd.

Various bronze weapons raged, beating Zhang Wangxing and the others into a huddled mass, their injuries increasing sharply, and they were in constant danger.

Zhang Wangxing shouted: "You are listening to Ning Zhuo so much, are you all his lackeys!?"

Ning Zhuo immediately responded: "Heavenly Dao is above, justice is clear; you group of demonic thieves were hired by the Ban family to cheat publicly, and you still want to try to sow discord?!"

Zhang Wangxing shouted again: "We have nothing to do with the Ban family; slandering us without proof, are you still of the righteous path?"

Ning Zhuo laughed: "Shameless thief, still wanting to deny and quibble, take this!"

Seeing that Zhang Wangxing was the fulcrum, he immediately flew out his own Profound Weapon Armor.

The Green Flow Copper transformed into a lower leg in mid-air, following the flaw, and the sole of the foot slammed directly into Zhang Wangxing’s face.

Profound Weapon Armor—Old Cold Leg!

Zhang Wangxing’s entire face caved in, and at the same time, a bone-chilling coldness invaded his physical body, making his flaws even greater.

The next moment, a large number of bronze weapons shot down, piercing through him, his body riddled with countless holes.

Zhang Wangxing roared in pain, unable to hold on any longer, his injuries accumulating to the limit, and he was teleported away by the great array.

Without his support, the remaining cultivators were also eliminated one after another after being seriously injured.

Ning Zhuo did not relax in the slightest, taking the opportunity to rush toward Ban Ji, while shouting loudly: "Fellow Daoists, we must root out evil completely! Let’s finish off the mastermind together!"

Ban Ji was only a step away from defeating his opponent and seizing a bronze sword, but hearing Ning Zhuo’s shout, he turned around and saw the latter leading a huge team of nearly ten people rushing toward him!

Ban Ji’s expression froze: "—"

On the edge of the cliff, incense curled, and clouds and mist flowed.

Ban Jie had already brewed the tea, poured it out, and just held the empty cup under her nose, lightly sniffing the fresh tea fragrance.

She pondered to herself: "At this moment, Ning Zhuo should be surrounded and on the verge of elimination, right?"

"Although his background is mysterious and powerful, he is ultimately a lone wolf, weak and isolated."

"Ban Ji should be able to seize this opportunity to defeat others, seize Profound Weapon Armor, and collect blades and swords."

Just at this time, a subordinate flew over in a panic to deliver the latest intelligence.

Ban Jie saw the subordinate’s panicked expression, her heart sank, and after hearing the intelligence, her expression changed slightly.

The situation she had envisioned had appeared, but it had also disappeared.

Now, it was Ban Ji and the Rust Disaster Craftsman who were being surrounded and attacked, their situation quite dangerous!