Chapter 571: Go to the Flying Cloud Kingdom

Ning Zhu turned back, a slight smile on his lips, and cupped his hands in salute: "Lord Zhu."Zhu Xuanji laughed heartily: "I must congratulate you, Ning Zhu. In this battle between the Two Zhu states and the Thousand Peaks Forest, you have made quite a name for yourself.""First, the prophecy poem, then the invasion of the Thousand Peaks Forest, and then repelling the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts. In the great battle just now, you slew countless enemies and captured many prisoners, achieving remarkable feats. Especially noteworthy was your killing of the Nascent Soul cultivator, the Master of Demonic Heart Cave, and delivering a resounding slap to Xiang Yue.""After this battle, your name will spread throughout the regions around the Two Zhu states. Your Ning clan will also receive more attention because of you!"This time, Ning Zhu enlisted in the army under his true name, and the fame he gained also benefited the Ning clan.Ning Zhu, however, furrowed his brow slightly: "Thank you for your reminder, Lord Zhu.""I am merely at the Foundation Establishment stage. This time, by saving Xiang Yue, I have offended Du Tiechuan, and I fear I will not receive any rewards.""Indeed, I have drawn quite a bit of attention. When I travel the world next, I will need to conceal my name for a time."Zhu Xuanji smiled again, immediately understanding that Ning Zhu was seeking recognition for his deeds.He walked up to Ning Zhu, patted him on the shoulder, and said warmly: "Fear not, even if you have offended Du Tiechuan, because you are the son-in-law of Marshal Mu, your achievements will surely not be withheld.""You have helped me this time, indirectly saving Xiang Yue. I will not treat a meritorious subject unfairly, and I shall grant you rewards to complete this karmic connection.""Henceforth, you may leave the Thousand Peaks Forest and continue your travels."Ning Zhu gazed at Zhu Xuanji: "Is Lord Zhu afraid that I might launch a sneak attack on the Six Caves Sect?"Zhu Xuanji sighed inwardly: "As expected of Ning Zhu, truly so astute."He immediately spoke frankly: "That is correct. Lu Hongtu of the Six Caves Sect and my Southern Dou State have long had clandestine communication. However, he is exceedingly cunning, seeing us merely as a fallback route, never truly investing or pledging allegiance.""Although he is ambitious, such a wavering faction is still an object of our Southern Dou State's efforts to win over.""You have enmity with him, but for now, you must cease your actions."Ning Zhu's brows knitted tightly, and he shook his head: "How can a vendetta for a family be ceased? Lord Zhu's request is surely asking the impossible!"When he had previously departed from the Southern Dou State, he had received care from Zhu Xuanji.At that time, Zhu Xuanji had analyzed the situation and told Ning Zhu that the Southern Dou State had arrangements within the Thousand Peaks Forest.But Ning Zhu had not questioned him further then, his main objective being to leave himself room for maneuver – if the Six Caves Sect were a pawn of the Southern Dou State, Ning Zhu would find it difficult to act after gaining a clear understanding.After obtaining the relevant information, Ning Zhu had surmised that Lu Hongtu likely had ties with the Southern Dou State.This was not difficult to guess.The reason was also simple.Among the cave masters of the Six Caves Sect, there were both Demonic path and Orthodox path cultivators. Under the leadership of Lu Hongtu, the Six Caves Sect actively interacted with the outside world from an Orthodox perspective, while within the Thousand Peaks Forest, they employed demonic tactics to exert their might.The Thousand Peaks Forest bordered the Southern Dou State. If the Six Caves Sect could establish contact with the Ning clan of the Northern Wind State, how could they not have ties with the Southern Dou State?Ning Zhu and Zhu Xuanji had a close relationship, and the Ning clan and the Southern Dou State's royal Zhu family were also allies, but this did not mean their interests were entirely aligned.At least in this matter, the Ning clan and Ning Zhu were inclined towards revenge. However, the Zhu family needed the Six Caves Sect and Lu Hongtu to continue existing.Especially after this battle, with the Two Zhu states actively withdrawing their troops, the influence of Lu Hongtu and the Six Caves Sect in the Thousand Peaks Forest would rapidly increase, making them the leaders among human cultivators.This gave Lu Hongtu immense strategic value, allowing the Southern Dou State to exert greater effort in winning him over.Ning Zhu resolutely rejected Zhu Xuanji's request, stating his position. Just as he was preparing to seriously debate with Zhu Xuanji, the latter suddenly looked up and burst into laughter."Hahahaha..."Ning Zhu was puzzled: "Why does Lord Zhu laugh?"Zhu Xuanji stopped laughing and pointed at Ning Zhu: "Ning Zhu, you have changed so much, it is truly remarkable."Ning Zhu was slightly taken aback.Zhu Xuanji turned around and stood beside Ning Zhu, gazing at the sunset over the mountains: "I still clearly remember how you were in the Fire Persimmon Immortal City.""Forbearing, humble, and unwilling, with a deep-seated resentment towards fate and a great deal of stubbornness hidden within your bones.""The you of that time would never 'contradict' me like you just did.""How much time has passed?""Indeed, it is that old saying, what makes a person mature is not age but experience.""As the saying goes, a piece of jade is not a treasure until it is polished. Having gone through this battle, you have received the baptism of blood and fire, and you have grown a great deal.""Listen to the poem you just composed – 'Through a hundred battles, why fear the body turning to ash, after a thousand tribulations, the spirit remains as vast as the horizon. A man should spill blood upon the battlefield, and drunk, wield a sharp blade piercing the sun's radiance.' There is a natural spirit yearning for the flames of war, a heroic ambition undaunted by sacrifice! This makes me especially anticipate your future, Ning Zhu."Ning Zhu had not expected Zhu Xuanji to praise him in this manner and was again taken aback.Sun Lingtong, inside the Mechanical Traveling Dragon, listened to this praise and grinned with delight.Hearing others praise Ning Zhu made him happier than hearing praise for himself, Sun Lingtong!Ning Zhu was practically raised by Sun Lingtong, and hearing someone praise Ning Zhu gave Sun Lingtong a sense of accomplishment that arose spontaneously."I didn't expect Old Zhu to have changed so much either; his words are much more pleasant now.""Since they are so pleasant, he might as well say more!"As for Zhu Xuanji's praise, Sun Lingtong wholeheartedly agreed: "Yes, I am with Little Zhu day and night, and I haven't noticed his changes.""Now, with Old Zhu's reminder, it's like a wake-up call from a dream.""Little Zhu is much more masculine than before! His eyes are sharp and spirited, his battle intent is rising, and he is exceptionally fierce. Such a demeanor would have been extremely rare in the Fire Persimmon Immortal City."Upon receiving this praise, Ning Zhu blinked, but his sharp gaze quickly receded, and his demeanor became gentle once more."Thank you for your reminder, Lord Zhu.""I have just come down from the battlefield and have not yet adapted to the changes; there is still battle intent filling my heart.""Throughout the entire campaign, I achieved my initial objectives, slew many enemies, and gained no small profit. Indeed, there is much complacency in my heart.""Reflecting now, it was largely due to luck. Killing the Nascent Soul cultivator was almost entirely due to my comrades. With the support of Pavilion Master Lin Bufan and your covert assistance, Lord Zhu, I achieved these results.""But in reality, I am merely at the Foundation Establishment stage.""Although I can rely on military strategy and empower myself to reach Golden Core level combat power, this method is only suitable for the battlefield and has limitations in single combat.""As my name spreads, it will become widely known, and I will become a target for others.""Leaving aside other matters, this military position I hold will surely be abolished with the withdrawal of troops. After leaving the Two Zhu states, I will also be unable to borrow the power of the Two Zhu states, and it will be nearly impossible to form military power in a short time."Establishing an army is not something that can be done by simply saying it. Ning Zhu was able to release a batch of mechanical puppets and have them recognized as an army because he was taking advantage of the Two Zhu states.To start from scratch and build an army requires a very high cost and is very difficult to maintain.Ning Zhu travels the world and is not tied to one place for most of the time, so he does not consider this for now.He said this and looked at Zhu Xuanji: "May I ask if Lord Zhu could grant me a minor military position?"Zhu Xuanji's expression immediately became serious, and he slowly shook his head: "How can there be minor positions in the military? Furthermore, Ning Zhu, you have not rendered service to our country. If I were to grant you a position privately, where would our nation's laws stand? I am also a member of the royal family; how can I gain the respect of others if I show favoritism towards you?"Ning Zhu smiled slightly; he was just trying his luck, and it was fine if he didn't get it.Zhu Xuanji's refusal was also within his expectations.Zhu Xuanji was actually quite tense. He thought to himself: "That was close! I almost agreed just now."He had been watching the battle and was quite surprised and pleased by the combat power Ning Zhu had displayed.Without a doubt, Ning Zhu was a great talent. When he voluntarily asked to join the Southern Dou State's army, Zhu Xuanji subconsciously wanted to express welcome and acceptance.But he immediately thought of Ning Zhu's identity as the "Child of Calamity."If Ning Zhu were to hold a military position in the Southern Dou State and travel the world, causing trouble everywhere and inciting disaster, then the Southern Dou State would suffer!!"Since Ning Zhu left the Fire Persimmon Immortal City, which place among Misty Ridge, Myriad Medicine Sect, and Thousand Peaks Forest didn't undergo drastic changes?""Wherever this fellow goes, he brings calamitous energy and establishes karmic connections everywhere!""If he were truly involved with our country and things escalated, it would likely lead to a national disaster!"Thinking of this, Zhu Xuanji almost broke out in a cold sweat.Ning Zhu then actively inquired: "Lord Zhu, you said earlier that you had important information about my mother. What specifically is it?"Zhu Xuanji took out a letter and handed it to Ning Zhu.Ning Zhu scanned it with his divine sense, his expression changing instantly, and he exclaimed in a low voice: "What? The origin of the Misty Ridge Mountain God is the Cloud Fox cultivated by my mother?!"Zhu Xuanji nodded: "I also discovered this unexpectedly through investigation.""It was a Cloud Beast cultivated by your mother during the Ning clan's migration.""When they arrived at Misty Ridge, your mother arranged and placed it there to be one of the Mountain Gods."Ning Zhu blinked repeatedly, and then suddenly understood: "So that's how it is.""No wonder It directly gifted me such precious Spirit Concealing Willows.""To be honest, I was somewhat puzzled before."Ning Zhu's confusion was precisely the confusion of Zhu Xuanji and Shen Lingshu. The latter two had suspected that Ning Zhu possessed the Divine Ability of Life-Suspended Threads and controlled the Fox God, but after investigation, they discovered that the Fox God already had deep ties with Ning Zhu."The Fox God was cultivated by my mother, so It gifted me the Spirit Concealing Willows, with the implicit intention of repaying a debt of gratitude and concluding a karmic connection.""In that case, It can also be burned to complete my mother's spiritual essence."Thinking of this, Ning Zhu couldn't help but narrow his eyes and抿了抿 dry lips.Zhu Xuanji observed his expression and, seeing his demeanor, said: "Don't forget, the Fox God has been officially recognized by our royal family and is now the legitimate Mountain God of Misty Ridge."Ning Zhu inwardly thought: "Trouble."On the surface, he cupped his hands: "I naturally understand that."Zhu Xuanji patted Ning Zhu's shoulder: "If you wish to seek out your mother's old belongings, you can go to the Flying Cloud State.""According to the Fox God's account, your mother is from the Flying Cloud State, and there will surely be more clues there."Ning Zhu mused: "The Flying Cloud State is so vast, and I am unfamiliar with the place. Trying to find clues about my mother there is like looking for a needle in a haystack."Zhu Xuanji took out a token and handed it to Ning Zhu: "I have arranged everything for you.""This is a token for the Melancholy Music幽伶. Go find her, and use this token to request a divination from her. You will surely gain important clues."Ning Zhu examined the token and saw that it was a white jade candle. He took it into his hand.The white jade candle emitted an inexplicable aura of chilling coldness. Although it wasn't bone-chilling, it still made Ning Zhu's hair stand on end.Ning Zhu put away the token and looked up at Zhu Xuanji: "Please forgive my ignorance, but who is the Melancholy Music幽伶?"Zhu Xuanji said: "It is understandable that you do not know her great name. It is because she is not a living person, but became a Ghost Cultivator after death and gained fame in the Netherworld.""She has the title of 'Cutter of Troubled Connections and Extinguisher of Candles.' Hold this token and go to White Paper City in Black Water Mountain. You will receive her resonance and obtain contact to meet her."Ning Zhu firmly remembered, nodded, and cupped his hands: "Thank you, Lord Zhu."Then, with a look of anticipation, he stared at Zhu Xuanji.Zhu Xuanji laughed heartily, took out two treasure boxes from his懷: "I know you entrusted Lin Bufan to bring back Ten Thousand Year Water Essence and to purchase Ten Thousand Year Wood Essence as much as possible.""These are from the Southern Dou Capital and are what you seek, to be considered your reward for helping me this time."Ning Zhu was overjoyed and immediately accepted them.Zhu Xuanji continued: "I will instruct Lin Bufan not to take any further action there.""Leave quickly.""Don't forget the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts; staying here for too long is not beneficial."Ning Zhu nodded: "Thank you for your care, Lord Zhu.""However, I still have some unfinished business in the Two Zhu states.""For example, the misunderstanding between me and Du Tiechuan, and the engagement with Mu Lan. I wonder if the Southern Dou State can mediate and resolve these matters?"Zhu Xuanji shook his head: "Your relationship with Mu Lan is a private matter; it is not appropriate for me to interfere.""As for the matter between you and Du Tiechuan, do not think it is too serious. Heh, he may not bear that much resentment towards you."Ning Zhu was puzzled by Zhu Xuanji's words of comfort: "Why is that?"Zhu Xuanji smiled, looking at Ning Zhu with profound meaning: "Do you truly wish to know?"Ning Zhu's heart tightened instantly, understanding that this was a state-level secret. If he truly knew the inside story, he might find himself in an awkward situation.He immediately shook his head.Zhu Xuanji waved at him: "Go, go."Ning Zhu bowed to Zhu Xuanji, immediately tore open his "belt," and entered the Ten Thousand Li Traveling Dragon, directly escaping through the void, quite decisively.Seeing him leave, Zhu Xuanji let out a sigh of relief, letting go of his worries: "This harbinger of disaster has finally departed.""This time he is traveling far to the Flying Cloud State; surely he won't implicate me anymore, right?"The Two Zhu states' army moved slowly through the mountains.Du Tiechuan sat alone in his war chariot. His expression was not as gloomy as he showed to the outside world; instead, he was drinking fine wine, calm with a hint of ease.He put down his wine cup and began to write a report, stating his responsibility for the defeated army, taking almost all the blame for this retreat upon himself.After writing this report, he tossed it into a corner of his desk and looked towards the capital city of the Two Zhu states, a cold smile appearing on his face.Clearly, the clandestine struggle within the Two Zhu states' campaign against the Thousand Peaks Forest was far more complex and unpredictable than Ning Zhu had observed.