Immortal Creation.

Chapter 724 The Confucian Scholar Takes Another Test
To some extent, the rumors that the monk Wangyan used to deal with Ning Zhuo actually made Ning Zhuo more famous.

"But this hostile force should not be underestimated."

"We can ignore it for now, but it can't stay like this forever."

"Because I am going to really make a name for myself next. It would be unacceptable to appear with a reputation for being cowardly."

The White Paper Immortal City incident is both a hurdle and an opportunity.

If Ning Zhuoruo had already gained some fame before this matter came to light, it would have been a form of protection for him.

Now, Wen Ruanyu has taken the initiative to help, asking like-minded people to mentor Ning Zhuo. Chu Xuangui's previous trial of Xingyun was remarkably successful. This signifies that Ning Zhuo and the Confucian cultivators of the Wanxiang Sect have begun a tacit cooperation.

In this situation, it would be inappropriate to allow the presumptuous monk to continue slandering and spreading rumors that belittle Ningzhuo.

The Confucian scholars were wholeheartedly helping him, but Ning Zhuo made a mistake by not dealing with the troublesome monk Wangyan. How would the Confucian scholars view Ning Zhuo?
Not only Confucian scholars, but also the higher-ups of the Myriad Manifestations Sect who will know the details in the future, how will they view Ning Zhuo's performance at this moment?

Ning Zhuo is the righteous path, not the demonic path.

These are all things he should think about carefully.

The Myriad Manifestations Sect is Meng Yaoyin's sect, and Ning Zhuo has a very good impression of it.

He intends to join them and develop his career there.

“Every move I make here, even if I remain unknown now, will eventually be discovered by others.”

"This was the moment I formed an impression on you, and it had a profound impact on my future development within the Myriad Manifestations Sect!"

Ning Zhuo pondered for a moment and began writing letters to Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong.

He wanted to use the power of Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong to launch a counterattack in public opinion.

Upon receiving the letter, Shen Xi immediately understood the situation.

“Ning Zhuo made an enemy of Pi Fujie because of me. Pi Fujie hosted a banquet for Ban Ji, which was obviously because he saw that our side was powerful and wanted to form an alliance to get revenge.”

"I've figured out Ban Ji's motives for targeting Ning Zhuo."

"It seems that the Golden Core level mechanical puppet in Ning Zhuo's possession has aroused Ban Ji's greed."

Su Ling nodded in agreement, saying, "Cousin, I think you're right."

"But Ning Zhuo also has considerable influence, and he has recruited Gongsun Yan, so he has no shortage of manpower. Why would he need your help?"

Shen Xi smiled and said, "He not only invited me, but also Lin Jinglong."

"The brilliance of his move lies mainly in two aspects."

"Firstly, he is a newcomer, and neither he nor the forces behind him are well-known within the Wanxiang Sect. But I am different. If I speak up for him, it will immediately stir up public opinion."

"Secondly, this time he didn't just ask me for help; the letter also clearly stated that he wrote a letter to Lin Jinglong as well."

"So, what if I don't help him, but Lin Jinglong does?"

“Ning Zhuo is no ordinary person…”

Shen Xi sighed.

Since the incident involving Lin Jinglong and Gongsun Yan, he immediately adjusted his perception of Ning Zhuo.

He had previously considered Ning Zhuo as a subordinate, intending to hire him as a henchman to deal with Gongsun Yan. However, Ning Zhuo directly broke free of this framework, approached Gongsun Yan, and turned him against Gongsun Yan.

This move was brilliant, directly changing Lin Jinglong and Shen Xi's views and altering the internal structure of this small group.

Now, Shen Xi regards Ning Zhuo as an ally who can be treated as an equal and whom he needs to win over.

Therefore, Shen Xi must help Ning Zhuo, and he must do everything in his power to assist her. At the very least, he must be superior to Lin Jinglong.

After listening to Shen Xi's analysis, Su Lingkou suddenly realized what was going on and covered her mouth, shocked to discover that there were so many twists and turns involved.

Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong's replies quickly reached Ning Zhuo's hands.

As Ning Zhuo expected, Shen Xi's reply clearly stated that he would help with public opinion and use the name of the Shen family of Jiugong Immortal City to support Ning Zhuo.

Lin Jinglong's reply differed from Shen Xi's.

In his letter, Lin Jinglong requested a unified narrative regarding the Gongsun Yan matter. Without compromising the reputation of the Lin family or Lin Jinglong himself, Lin Jinglong was willing to personally intervene and support Ning Zhuo.

At the end of the letter, Lin Jinglong stated bluntly: "The monk Wangyan is indeed powerful, but given Fellow Daoist Ningzhuo's strength, what is there to fear? Just kill him directly. There's no need to argue back and forth with words; it's really troublesome!"

Ning Zhu shook his head slightly upon seeing this.

"Lin Jinglong was unsure of my strength, so he wanted to take this opportunity to find out my true strength."

If it really came down to a battle of strength, Ning Zhuo certainly wouldn't take the presumptuous monk seriously.

"But a lack of patience in a small matter can ruin a great plan."

"If I really wanted to take action, what would happen if I dealt with the presumptuous monk?"

"Whether it's Banji or Pifujie, we can always find another knife!"

"And if they want to deal with me, they will surely come up with another plan if one fails. This slander is actually a good thing. If it really breaks through, I can't predict what other schemes they will use next."

"If they come up with an even more insidious plan, and I'm caught off guard, it could cause unnecessary trouble."

"The most important thing right now is to test the waters with Xingyun."

Ning Zhuo and Ban Ji shared the same view.

If Ban Ji knew what Ning Zhuo was thinking at this moment, I wonder what his expression would be.

"The Xingyun Trials are a series of selections. Individuals or sects use them to select talents and establish connections between the old and the new."

"If this connection is close, and if the newcomer gains recognition, then he will also receive help from the veteran members of the Myriad Manifestations Sect in the upcoming Flying Cloud Conference."

Ning Zhuo sincerely wanted to join the Myriad Manifestations Sect and develop well within it.

This is a super sect, and Ning Zhuo also has a solid foundation in this area.

Meng Yaoyin's reputation, Wen Ruanyu, Yang Sanyan, and others are all people he can leverage.

This is actually the entry point.

By entering the Myriad Manifestations Sect through different channels, Ning Zhuo's future cultivation will take on different forms.

Ning Zhuo is currently in the stage of observing and selecting an entry point.

“The Confucian scholars are only the middle class of the Myriad Manifestations Sect, so this is not a very good entry point.”

"Qinghuangzi is just a lone cultivator."

"If you want to get started, these are the best options: the Eight Peaks and Sixteen Halls."

"But now, the eight peaks, four old and four new, have already brewed a dangerous undercurrent."

“Normal cultivators might avoid Flowing Cloud Peak, as it is often vacant and temporarily held by the winner of each Flying Cloud Tournament. In the last hundred years, it has had seven peak masters. It is frequently in turmoil.”

"But in fact, Purple Thunder Peak is a bigger pit than Flowing Cloud Peak."

"On the contrary, Liuyun Peak presents tremendous opportunities for cultivators with strength."

Ban Ji hired four powerful demonic cultivators at great expense, hoping to restrain and entangle Ning Zhuo. Ning Zhuo remained unaffected, maintaining a clear understanding of the situation. "Every small trial of Xingyun is an opportunity."

"At this stage, almost all members of the Wanxiang Sect treat new members equally, opening their arms to others to learn and giving them ample opportunities."

"Such an opportunity almost only comes once in a lifetime."

"If I join the Myriad Manifestations Sect in the future, I will inevitably have to choose sides and engage in factional struggles. It will be impossible for me to learn anything from the opposing forces."

"How many trials has the Myriad Manifestations Sect held? Countless! These are all learning opportunities."

"What's even more frightening is that this opportunity to learn comes at almost no cost."

What did Ning Zhuo sacrifice to participate in the Xingyun trial organized by Chu Xuangui and Qing Huangzi?
He only gave up his time and almost got the comprehension pen and the vowel reed book for free.

"My mother left a message in the jade slip, telling me to come early. It was indeed meaningful."

"The more pilot projects I participate in, the more entry points I have, and the greater my gains."

"Under this premise, it would be even better if we could also take down Banji and Pifujie at the same time."

Thinking of this, Ning Zhuo revealed a serious expression: "Therefore, for me, the current focus is actually on the ability to learn!"

Chu Xuangui's preliminary test of Xingyun was special and will be excluded from consideration.

Ning Zhuo only needs to refer to Qing Huangzi's work.

In the first preliminary test of the Qinghuangzi, the winners were given a free lesson in the "Vowel Reed Book." Although Ning Zhuo understood the entire text, the others had difficulty comprehending it.

"This situation could happen to me in the future."

"After all, I only have a solid foundation in music. As for mechanical arts, my mother only left me a book on them."

"There is still so much I need to learn!"

After some thought, Ning Zhuo ordered the head chef to take action and spread the word: he would offer a hefty sum to acquire any quick-learning methods!

His high price and grand gesture immediately sparked a new wave of discussion.

"I never imagined Ning Zhuo was so wealthy!"

"How could the person challenged by the Foolish Monk be so simple?"

"Even Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong are supporting this person, belittling the 'Wangyan Monk' as a dog, trying to distract Ning Zhuo. If Ning Zhuo were to spar with the 'Wangyan Monk,' wouldn't he be falling into the enemy's trap?"

Public opinion immediately shifted in favor of Ning Zhuo.

at the same time.

Several pillars of the Confucian school also mentioned Ning Zhuo during the gathering.

One of them said, "The young man recommended by Wen Ruanyu seems quite promising. He spent a lot of money to acquire the spells that can be learned quickly, which shows that he has a deep understanding of Xingyun Xiaoshi."

Chu Xuangui recalled Ning Zhuo's behavior in front of him and nodded slightly: "He is a sensible person."

Another person said, "Since Ning Zhuo has already dealt well with the presumptuous monk, I think there's no need to help him in this regard, right?"

The third person then said, "We shouldn't have gotten too involved in this in the first place. Let's get down to business: how do we support this young man?"

The old Confucian scholar Song Taosheng spoke up: "Since this young man wants a quick way to learn, and is making such a big fuss about it, and Confucianism is the most skilled in this method, it might be a signal from Ning Zhuo to us."

The other three nodded in agreement.

Song Taosheng continued, "Since that's the case, why don't I do it?"

The three of them nodded in unison again.

Someone showed a worried look and said, "I hope the old gentleman will take it easy. It would be unfortunate if Ning Zhuo withdrew due to pain."

Song Taosheng waved his hand and said calmly, "I know what I'm doing."

Bisong Peak resembles an upside-down jade hairpin piercing the clouds, shrouded in mist year-round. A nearly vertical "Ascending to the Sacred Path," composed of countless weathered bluestone steps, winds around the mountain and leads directly to the summit.

At the summit, instead of magnificent palaces, stands an ancient and solemn Confucian temple.

The Confucian Temple is not large, with green tiles and red walls, and the traces of time are etched between the flying eaves and brackets.

There is no ornate archway in front of the temple, only an ancient pine tree with gnarled branches.

early morning.

Dozens of monks came upon hearing the news, and seeing that the temple gates were closed, they waited patiently under the pine trees.

"Friend Daoist Ning."

"Brother Kong, Brother Bai, and Brother Liu."

Ning Zhuo greeted Bai Jiyun, Liu Fushu greeted Kong Ran.

Kong Ran looked somewhat uneasy. He had written to his father, requesting permission to make the transaction, but was met with a furious reply from Kong Zhaoming.

Although Kong Ran was a child prodigy, he was still young and inexperienced, and he was still obsessed with the concept of the brush, so he did not give feedback to Ning Zhuo.

He carefully chose his words, about to explain to Ning Zhuo, when the door of the Confucian Temple suddenly opened.

A group of cultivators entered.

The interior of the Confucian Temple was unusually simple: in the center stood a blank stone tablet, smooth as a mirror, and on both sides were rows of simple prayer cushions.

Just then, a mountain breeze swept by, stirring the pines outside the temple like whispers of sages or the turning of pages in a book, cleansing the soul. A crisp, clear air was brought into the Confucian temple, carrying the fragrance of pine needles and the starkness of the mountain rocks.

The old scholar, Songtao Sheng, sat withered inside the temple.

His hair and beard were all white, yet his complexion was ruddy, and his figure was slender and upright. He wore a faded but meticulously ironed blue scholar's robe. When his eyes opened and closed, his gaze was restrained, without any oppressive force, but rather possessed a profound and majestic aura.

He surveyed the crowd, and his calm voice reached their ears: "Seek the truth in hardship, and you will find benevolence in what you seek."

"Confucianism and Taoism are neither smooth paths nor treacherous paths. Their power originates from the heart, manifests from the will, and is achieved through action. To glimpse their profound depths, one must understand the word 'suffering.' This is not the suffering of self-harm by evil spirits, but the tempering of 'enduring hardship and toiling the body,' and the resolute determination of 'If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.'"

With a flick of his sleeve, two treasures appeared before the crowd—a bundle of hemp rope and a large number of wooden awls.

"Today I will teach you two Confucian methods: hanging your head from the rafters and pricking your thigh with an awl!"

"Please come forward one by one and each choose a hemp rope and a wooden awl."

The cultivators looked at each other, some of them visibly frowning.

Ning Zhuo noticed that Kong Ran's face was a little pale.

The group of cultivators lined up and chose two magical artifacts: a hemp rope and a wooden awl.

Ning Zhuo held it in his hand and examined it closely.

The hemp rope was grayish-brown, rough and sturdy, and emitted a faint smell of hay. There were no runes or spiritual light on the rope; it had simply been carefully soaked in cinnabar, giving it a dark red color and a faintly solemn aura.

The wooden awl was a foot long. Judging from its material, it appeared to be made of hard boxwood from the mountains, with a sharpened tip. The body of the awl was densely engraved with famous quotes from scriptures that encouraged learning and perseverance, written in tiny characters. These included phrases such as: "Learning is like chasing after something you can't catch up with; you'll always lose it," "With perseverance, even metal and stone can be carved," and "As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement."

Mr. Songtao's gaze swept over the crowd with scrutiny and expectation: "The methods of hanging one's head from the beam and pricking one's thigh with an awl are ancient and their meaning is still relevant today."

"Not to harm oneself, but to awaken the lazy mind, inspire ambition, temper the spirit, strive for self-improvement, and emerge from hardship."

(End of this chapter)