Chapter 782

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng stood with their hands at their sides below the hall.

Duanmu Zhang sat in the main seat, his expression gloomy as he stared at the two: "Absurd!"

"For the sake of Unlike Ning Zhuo, you actually set up two consecutive Xing Yun trials! Where does this kind of favoritism and malpractice leave the reputation of our Confucian School? Where does it leave the laws of the Wan Xiang Sect?"

Chu Xuangui had long anticipated that the paper couldn't wrap up the fire; he took a deep breath and bowed: "Sir, please calm your anger. There is indeed a reason for this matter; it is not entirely favoritism."

"Firstly, it was at the request of Fellow Daoist Wen (Wen Ruanyu). Fellow Daoist Wen has deep ties with Unlike Ning Zhuo, and her intention is to ensure the boy's safety. We also acted out of moral duty."

"Secondly, Unlike Ning Zhuo is the son of Meng Yaoyin. Although Meng Yaoyin is not a Confucian cultivator, she is better than one. She possesses benevolence and virtue, and is unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness. For the sake of the Xiancheng and the greater good, she has spared no effort many times."

"In Confucian classics, it says 'Treat the elderly of others as your own, and the young of others as your own.' We would lend a helping hand even to an innocent stranger we met on the road. Now that Senior Sister Meng's son has returned after wandering and experiencing hardships, how could we sit idly by?"

Chu Xuangui looked at Song Taosheng as he said this.

Song Taosheng had a prior agreement with him to share the pressure; he spoke decisively, continuing: "Thirdly, this move is also for the sake of our Confucian lineage!"

"Unlike Ning Zhuo is a youth of extraordinary potential. Observing his past actions, one can see he is no ordinary person. Befriending him and protecting his growth will surely be beneficial in the future."

"And it concerns the massive interests of the White Paper Xiancheng—"

"Nowadays, within the Wan Xiang Sect, our Confucian group is gradually declining. If we can use this good opportunity to intervene in such a game, it will be of great help to the spread of Confucianism."

Duanmu Zhang looked at the two with cold eyes: "Your words are firm and you speak eloquently; very good. I suppose you two have been preparing for a long time."

He spread his hands: "However, even with a thousand reasons and ten thousand benefits, it is not a reason for you to disregard the rules and set up private trials!"

"If we break the rules for one person today, others will imitate us tomorrow! As time goes on, where will justice be? Where will fairness be? Won't the upright spirit of the Confucian School degenerate into a place of personal favors and interest exchanges? Do you know that once this trend starts, the future consequences will be endless?"

He paused and continued: "Furthermore, that Unlike Ning Zhuo is not a Confucian cultivator. Even if he is Meng Yaoyin's son, his Daoist foundation is not of the orthodox Confucian school. The 'one of our own' argument is far-fetched."

Duanmu Zhang shook his head slowly.

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng were speechless for a moment.

Duanmu Zhang was right; no matter how sufficient their reasons were, they had operated in violation of the rules, and in essence, it was favoritism and malpractice.

In the Xuan Jia Cave's Xing Yun trial, Ban Jie bribed others and set up ambushes for Ban Ji, which was cheating; in this regard, Unlike Ning Zhuo had already been cheated against.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy when, at this moment, a stream of light flew in and landed precisely in Chu Xuangui's hand, turning into a jade talisman.

If it weren't an important matter, the jade talisman wouldn't have flown in at this moment.

Chu Xuangui hurriedly bowed to ask Duanmu Zhang for instructions.

Duanmu Zhang raised his hand, signaling that it was fine and allowing Chu Xuangui to handle it immediately.

Chu Xuangui scanned it with his spiritual sense, and a flash of surprise and relief appeared in his eyes.

"This is the latest intelligence regarding Unlike Ning Zhuo."

"He participated in the Xuan Jia Cave's Xing Yun trial, eliminated Ban Ji, defeated three Golden Core cultivators, and successfully captured first place!"

"Here is his complete process of clearing the levels; please take a look, Sir."

"Oh? Let me see." Duanmu Zhang frowned slightly, his expression scrutinizing as he took the jade talisman and sank his spiritual sense into it.

The stern look on Duanmu Zhang's face gradually dissolved, his severe gaze softened, and even a hint of astonishment appeared.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's excellent performance in clearing three levels in a row, winning against stronger opponents, using strategies, and daring to take risks at critical moments left a deep impression on Duanmu Zhang.

Especially—

In the first few clashes of the second level, Unlike Ning Zhuo learned while practicing, showing extremely strong learning ability and revealing superb comprehension, which Duanmu Zhang found unforgettable.

He suddenly understood and thought to himself: "This boy actually has such comprehension? Decisive in the moment, seeing through things as if by fire. No wonder that old fellow Zhong Dao values him."

Chu Xuangui had been observing his expression; seeing the obvious change in Duanmu Zhang's demeanor, he felt a weight lift from his heart, thinking that Unlike Ning Zhuo's performance this time was quite timely.

He decisively seized the opportunity and said earnestly: "Sir, please judge! Although we designed two Xing Yun trials out of selfishness, throughout the entire trial process, there was absolutely no bias! Unlike Ning Zhuo captured first place relying on his own ingenuity, intellect, knowledge, and other abilities; he truly deserves it."

Duanmu Zhang remained silent and watched the footage again; Unlike Ning Zhuo's image became deeper and more vivid in his mind.

"This boy is indeed talented." Duanmu Zhang felt a desire to cherish talent, but at the same time, he felt profound regret: "Why is he not a Confucian cultivator?"

Finally, he sighed almost inaudibly.

When he looked up at Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng again, the reproach in his eyes was gone, replaced by a bit of understanding.

After weighing his words, Duanmu Zhang said meaningfully: "In 'Mencius: Teng Wen Gong I', it says: 'When people in the same village help each other in and out, watch over each other, and support each other in sickness, the people will be harmonious.'"

"Helping each other among those of the same sect and Dao is the spirit of a gentleman."

"Since this good bond has been formed, it should indeed be maintained well. Although Unlike Ning Zhuo is not a Confucian cultivator, his talent is promising, and his mother's benevolence and love must be a family inheritance. Since you have already acted, you cannot give up halfway. You should treat him with sincerity and interact with him with courtesy, so that he may know the benevolence of our Confucian School and feel the friendship of our fellow Daoists. This is not favoritism, but rather forming good bonds and solidifying the foundation."

"You must—grasp the measure and not give others a handle to criticize."

Upon hearing this, the heavy stone in Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng's hearts fell to the ground; both bowed deeply: "We will strictly follow your teachings, Sir!"

Leaving the place, Chu Xuangui transmitted his thoughts: "As we expected, a rising star of the righteous path like Unlike Ning Zhuo, an excellent junior, would inevitably be valued by Mr. Duanmu."

Song Taosheng responded: "It's good now; our biggest concern is gone, and we can support Unlike Ning Zhuo with even greater effort."

Chu Xuangui said: "No, according to the previous plan, we still need to help him two more times!"

"With Mr. Duanmu's permission, we can easily persuade other fellow Daoists."

Song Taosheng laughed heartily: "That's right! Since we have already helped in secret, let's do it to the extreme! The greater this favor, the better."

Another cave dwelling.

Bai Jiyun and Kong Ran were exchanging what they had learned.

Bai Jiyun said slowly: "The Master said, 'Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself,' which is the foundation of the Dao of Forgiveness. However, in my opinion, if one encounters strong and tyrannical forces, blindly retreating and enduring may not be the way for a gentleman to conduct himself. Repaying grievances with justice and repaying virtue with virtue is the essence of combining firmness and flexibility."

Kong Ran nodded, then shook his head slightly: "In the 'Book of Rites: Qu Li', it says: 'Courtesy demands reciprocity. To receive without giving is not courtesy; to give without receiving is also not courtesy.' The Master's Dao of Forgiveness is not about unprincipled concession, but about using 'courtesy' as the measure. When encountering tyranny, one should respond with firmness that conforms to 'courtesy' to make them stop, rather than meeting violence with violence and falling into a lower path."

Bai Jiyun's eyes flickered; he secretly sighed at Kong Ran's family background, as his understanding of courtesy was very profound and reflected many classics.

Just as he was about to speak, a spiritual light pierced through the window lattice, hovering lightly over the desk and turning into a small jade talisman.

The two scanned it with their spiritual sense one after another, both showing interesting expressions.

"Unlike Ning Zhuo defeated Ban Ji, haha." Kong Ran clapped his hands in praise.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had treated him to a meal, and in Kong Ran's view, he was already a friend. Conversely, although Ban Ji was from the Ban family, he practiced the demonic path and had a history of evil deeds, which Kong Ran, as a Confucian cultivator, disliked very much.

He clapped his hands in joy at the result of Unlike Ning Zhuo eliminating Ban Ji.

Bai Jiyun lowered the jade talisman and carefully read the details of Unlike Ning Zhuo clearing the levels. His tone was complex as he sighed: "Unlike Ning Zhuo is indeed not a Confucian cultivator; his measures to eliminate Ban Ji manipulated hearts, were full of calculations, sharp-edged, and lacked the impartiality of 'valuing harmony' in his actions."

His own temperament was lazy and unrestrained, very different from Unlike Ning Zhuo's.

Kong Ran preferred excitement: "Hee hee, there's a good show to watch!"

"For genius figures like Unlike Ning Zhuo and Ban Ji, which session of the Flying Cloud Assembly hasn't been a fight to the death?"

Bai Jiyun nodded in agreement: "That's true. Genius rivalry has been the same since ancient times. With the conflict between the two of them now, like fire and water, and deep-seated grievances—I'm afraid a real life-and-death struggle is inevitable in the future Xing Yun trial at the Martial Arts Hall."

Kong Ran's eyes lit up, and he immediately replied: "Speaking of the Martial Arts Hall, there is a wonderful duel today."

"It's a pity that neither Situ Xing nor Zhu Fenxiang allowed it to be public, and they only invited a limited number of people to watch. We can't see it."

Bai Jiyun looked out the window, as if seeing the future, his voice becoming calmer: "The Xing Yun trials of previous sessions have been numerous, and the significance of each first-place title is vastly different."

"The first place in Xuan Jia Cave carries some weight, but the Xing Yun trial in the Martial Arts Hall carries even more!"

"There will definitely be public duels between geniuses, not just to make a name for themselves, but also to legitimize the forces behind them."

"Let's wait a bit longer; there won't be a shortage of such duels, and we will see them one after another."

Duels in the Martial Arts Hall do not prohibit death.

And life-and-death struggles can better reveal a cultivator's true nature, courage, and most authentic combat power.

Geniuses standing at the forefront are the face and future of their respective sects and families. While they enjoy the glory of being in the spotlight, they also bear the heavy burden and expectations of not being able to retreat.

They cannot retreat.

Kong Ran calculated the time and muttered: "It's already the hour of the sheep; haven't Situ Xing and Zhu Fenxiang's battle ended yet? I'm looking forward to the result of this duel and have already bought this intelligence from the Commerce Hall in advance. Huh?"

While speaking, Kong Ran used his spiritual sense to quickly check Unlike Ning Zhuo's level-clearing situation and was slightly stunned.

"Unlike Ning Zhuo's learning speed and comprehension are a bit exaggerated, aren't they?"

"Wait a minute."

Kong Ran naturally thought of the deal he had almost reached with Unlike Ning Zhuo.

"Unlike Ning Zhuo said he had a friend who, like me, possessed the innate talent of early wisdom."

"So, he previously wanted the 'Meaning-Conveying Pen' to trade with me for the method of using divine abilities related to early wisdom."

"Looking at it now, this learning ability of his is also very likely an innate talent. Could the 'friend' he spoke of be himself?"

Kong Ran hid this guess in his heart, feeling a bit moved.

"Previously, I proposed the trade to my father, but I was ruthlessly rejected."

"But now, if it concerns Unlike Ning Zhuo himself, would my father agree?"

"A genius like Unlike Ning Zhuo, with forces supporting him, will surely be a powerhouse in the future. Maintaining a good relationship with such a powerhouse is mutually beneficial for our clan."

"The weight of this should not be light—hmm! I'll write a letter to my father when I find an opportunity!"

Kong Ran still couldn't stop thinking about the Meaning-Conveying Pen.

Pivot Cave Dwelling.

Seven-colored brilliance emanated from the Nine-Layer Profound Soldier Armor, as dazzling as the aurora and as smooth as silk.

This was a manifestation of true intent and Daoist principles.

The seven-colored brilliance traversed the air and finally flowed into Unlike Ning Zhuo's body.

Unlike Ning Zhuo frowned, sweating profusely, his body swaying slightly, his face pale as gold, already reaching a certain limit.

"The Dao of the Pivot!"

"The control of mechanical creations shouldn't be limited to the exterior, restricted to strings, threads, magic power, spiritual sense, etc., but should allow them to have their own core of circulation and autonomous regulation—"

One of the results of this philosophy was the Profound Soldier Armor.

When Qingwu Langjun instilled his own mechanical true intent into Unlike Ning Zhuo, he inevitably taught Unlike Ning Zhuo all the mechanical philosophies contained within the Profound Soldier Armor.

Although there were no explicit blueprints or refining methods, Unlike Ning Zhuo's ability was already sufficient; given time, he would definitely be able to replicate it!

However, Qingwu Langjun didn't care about this point.

If he were to achieve the status of a Martial God and go further, he could use more efficient measures to collect the martial understanding of his followers. This was far more efficient than the Profound Soldier Armor.

The Profound Soldier Armor was no longer a core interest for him.

If Unlike Ning Zhuo could build the Profound Soldier Armor himself, it would also be a mutually beneficial and win-win situation. The force of Xuan Jia Cave would be eager for everyone to use the Profound Soldier Armor.

The seven-colored brilliance in the air slowly dissipated.

Unlike Ning Zhuo opened his eyes, looking exhausted.

Qingwu Langjun was very satisfied with him; the three paths were cleared, and he only needed to make great progress in the martial path.

Regarding Unlike Ning Zhuo, the more Qingwu Langjun looked, the more he appreciated him: "Now I am certain that you really are a mechanical cultivator."

"Among the three true intents and Daoist principles of artifact refining, the path of war, and mechanics, the one you absorbed the fastest was mechanics."

Unlike Ning Zhuo stood up and bowed in thanks: "This junior thanks you, Langjun, I will remember this in my heart!"

Qingwu Langjun shook his head slightly: "It was you who helped me. Without a unique body like yours, it would have been extremely troublesome for me to achieve these results."

"You may leave now."

"The Xing Yun trial is a major opportunity for you. There is no need to continue delaying here with me."

"When you join the Wan Xiang Sect in the future, we will have a good chat."

"Take this jade token; from now on, you can use it to enter and exit the Pivot Cave Dwelling and see me directly."

Unlike Ning Zhuo felt a weight lift from his heart, sighing at how reasonable Qingwu Langjun was, and took the opportunity to resign and take his leave.

"Artifact Refining Master level, School of War Artisan level, Mechanical Grandmaster level!"

"I've made a huge profit, a huge profit!"

These were all unexpected gains.

Unlike Ning Zhuo couldn't help but sigh: "First Qing Huangzi, then Qingwu Langjun—these are the two times I've gained the most in participating in the Xing Yun trial. Looking at it this way, perhaps Ban Ji is my lucky star?"

"Besides the soaring realm, there are three Daoist principles added to my body. My physical body can actually reach such a state!"

"The most urgent task is to return to the cave dwelling and study this carefully."