Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master - Chapter 1227 - 472: Undercurrents (2)
Chapter 1227: Chapter 472: Undercurrents (2)
Wen Ruanyu held a position similar to his, was outstanding in painting, and remained one of the pillars of the Confucian Cultivator Group. Wen Ruanyu had considerable influence.
Moreover, Wen Ruanyu’s views aligned with his, their stances were consistent, and she was even more opposed than he was.
This was a natural ally.
In previous discussions among the Confucian cultivators, Chu Xuangu had already realized that his former ally Song Taosheng was gradually drifting away, making it difficult to leverage him. Hence, he needed to find more steadfast and insightful individuals.
The seemingly simple second public class had already triggered more undercurrents behind the scenes.
The contest and rivalry within the Righteous Path were unfolding in every corner.
Such was the case with the Confucian Cultivator Group, as well as between Zhao Hansheng and Zhu Guizhi.
Zhao Hansheng personally brewed tea, steam swirling around.
Zhu Guizhi sat facing Zhao Hansheng and said, “It’s an honor to be personally invited by you, Senior Zhao. I am truly humbled.”
Zhu Guizhi was merely at the Golden Core Cultivation Level, while Zhao Hansheng was at the Nascent Soul Stage. It was correct for her to regard herself as a junior.
Zhao Hansheng had a calm demeanor: “You’re too polite, Madam. Although Gu Qing was defeated in the Martial Arts Arena last time, he learned a lot. We must thank Fenxiang for allowing him to realize there’s always someone better.”
Since Zhu Fenxiang had exerted her full strength in the Martial Arts Arena to defeat Gu Qing, Zhao Hansheng, as a mentor, had been secretly helping Gu Qing to fill his gaps.
One of these efforts resulted in reaching a secret understanding with Zhu Fenxiang.
This endeavor yielded an unexpected delight—none other than Zhu Guizhi.
Zhu Guizhi had always stayed close to her daughter and was the first to know when Zhao Hansheng sought her out. She was greatly troubled by Zhu Fenxiang’s stubbornness and believed it was unwise to become enemies with Gu Qing’s side. Now that Zhao Hansheng had extended an olive branch, she naturally welcomed it.
Thus, today’s secret meeting took place.
“Fenxiang has been competitive since childhood,” Zhu Guizhi sighed softly, the delicate teacup turning slightly at her fingertips. “She is determined to be at the top tier for each victory in the Martial Arts Arena.”
Zhu Guizhi explained why Zhu Fenxiang exerted herself fully in battles.
She withheld the most crucial secret and did not mention her daughter’s admiration for Ning Zhuo.
Zhao Hansheng listened and nodded slowly: “I see Fenxiang as a young friend with exceptional talent and extraordinary strength. Attaining the position of a top-tier genius is quite possible.”
He continued, “Because of this, I wish to lend her a helping hand. With regards to the upcoming Confucian Xingyun Trial, I sincerely invite her to participate.”
Zhao Hansheng did not gloss over the previous battles in the Martial Arts Hall, demonstrating the poise and sophistication of a righteous person.
He sought to “help” Zhu Fenxiang instead.
Zhu Guizhi’s eyes subtly shifted. She was well aware that the Confucian Three Trials were significant, and Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng had already enlisted many Confucian cultivators to participate.
To be sure, from the outset of the current Feiyun Conference, the Myriad Images Sect’s Confucian Cultivator Group had been quite active, with the Xingyun Trial growing increasingly grand.
Zhu Guizhi tested the situation by saying, “Fenxiang currently selects every Xingyun Trial with great care, seeking to secure the top position.”
Zhao Hansheng chuckled softly: “Then, Fenxiang can fully showcase her talents in this Confucian Trial, aiming for the top position. However, I must be candid; the papermaking contest involves many Confucian resources like literary energy and literary heart.”
“Looking across the main mountain gate, it is likely that my student Gu Qing is more skilled in this aspect.”
Zhao Hansheng’s implication was clear—he believed that his student Gu Qing should be the champion of this trial.
Zhu Guizhi understood, and she didn’t speak immediately, awaiting Zhao Hansheng’s next words.
Sure enough, Zhao Hansheng said, “If Fenxiang participates, she will undoubtedly receive benefits that others cannot obtain.”
“The trial is based on papermaking,” Zhao Hansheng detailed, “with five types of paper: Haoran Xuan, Heavenly Star Paper, Mountain and River Page, Heart Fire Essence, and… Inheriting Dao Jade Page.”
At the mention of “Inheriting Dao Jade Page,” Zhu Guizhi’s hand paused imperceptibly as she held the teacup.
Zhao Hansheng keenly observed her reaction and continued, “Although the champion title may be out of reach, the Inheriting Dao Jade Page is a genuine opportunity. Beyond this—”
He paused deliberately: “During the trial, I will publicly express my high regard for Fenxiang and provide her with generous personal rewards.”
Having laid out the terms, Zhao Hansheng began sipping his tea, quietly awaiting Zhu Guizhi’s response.
Zhu Guizhi fully understood Zhao Hansheng’s intentions.
Recently, Gu Qing had suffered several setbacks—first being publicly defeated by Ning Zhuo in the Martial Arts Arena, losing face; then being suppressed by Zhu Fenxiang’s full force, causing his reputation to plummet further. He desperately needed a victory to restore his prestige.
Zhao Hansheng aimed to orchestrate a deal: Zhu Fenxiang would first defeat Gu Qing in the Martial Arts Arena, then “lose” to him in the Confucian trial. This way, Gu Qing could reclaim his reputation, while Zhu Fenxiang would gain substantial benefits.
Zhu Guizhi’s thoughts raced. The allure of the Inheriting Dao Jade Page was immense. As Zhao Hansheng had noted, participating in the Xingyun Trial might allow cultivators to learn how to create the Inheriting Dao Jade Page. Acquiring this method would greatly benefit the entire family!
Bringing the Inheriting Dao Jade Page back to the family would certainly be a significant accomplishment!
Moreover, this action would greatly ease relations with Zhao Hansheng’s side, turning foes into allies, bringing only benefits and no harm.
Zhu Guizhi set down her teacup, her voice firm. She first expressed her gratitude and then said, “As a mother, I will decide on her behalf.”
“Please excuse me, junior, as I first take my leave to deliver this good news to my daughter.”
Zhao Hansheng nodded slightly: “Very well.”
Watching Zhu Guizhi’s departing figure, he felt quite satisfied.
If the Zhu Family could turn from enemies to friends, Zhao Hansheng had much to gain too. Publicly expressing approval of Zhu Fenxiang and granting abundant rewards was both a gesture of goodwill and a strategy to leverage the Zhu Family, a superpower in the Flying Cloud Country, to solidify his position.
And although the private reward he would give was quite valuable, he didn’t mind losing it.
Still, he suddenly recalled the scene during the daytime lecture, his brow creasing almost imperceptibly.
Zhao Hansheng subconsciously stroked the warm jade pendant at his waist.
At the moment he was preparing to respond earnestly to Ning Zhuo’s question, the treasure pendant suddenly trembled.
Zhao Hansheng immediately understood that it was a warning from Qi Fortune!
A premonition whispered that clearly answering Ning Zhuo then would lead to extremely adverse consequences for his side.
With no alternatives, he could only resort to citing classics, cloaking the matter in vagueness to brush off Ning Zhuo.
In retrospect, his actions must have disappointed many.
But there was no other choice.
Bluestone Cave Mansion.
Ning Zhuo sat cross-legged on a cushion, having studied the Demon-infused Bloodline Technique for quite a while.
He opened his eyes, looking weary.
Among the Three Superior Sect Techniques, the Demon-infused Bloodline Technique was profoundly vast. Delving into this cultivation technique was indeed a major undertaking.
Ning Zhuo had limited time now, but to advance his cultivation level, he spent two hours each day immersed in research.
“Knowledge and Action Unity…” Ning Zhuo put away the Magic Skill Jade Scroll, his mind occupied with a Confucian skill.
Ning Zhuo currently possessed Self-Talent and the Boat Burning Soul Crossing Technique, enabling him to fully acquire others’ lifetime memories and experiences.
However, digesting this required time.
For example, with the Eternal Silence Profound Ice Body Casting Demon Technique, Ning Zhuo had vivid memories and insights into this technique, with comprehensive explanations and understandings, but true comprehension still required his own exploration.
If he had the Confucian skill of Knowledge and Action Unity, he could use the Eternal Silence Profound Ice Body Casting Demon Technique autonomously according to memory and experience, allowing him to directly employ it at the same level as Ling Mo did in life.
This would greatly aid Ning Zhuo in assimilating memories and experiences!
“I was hoping to rely on Zhao Hansheng’s class, but even when I asked directly, he evaded answering. If I could obtain Knowledge and Action Unity, it would be fantastic!”
“But he also bore an invisible cost for it.”
“Hm?”
Ning Zhuo suddenly felt a disturbance within his storage waist belt; a divine statue was experiencing unusual activity.
Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com
