Chapter 262: Where Is the Real Culprit Behind the Scenes?
The invited guests had almost all arrived, and the elder host appeared on stage.
The crowd quickly quieted down.
The elder host said, "Distinguished guests, today we are gathered here, not only to reconnect with colleagues and friends but also to join hands in a good cause for the common people."
"Before his death, Old Director Li Leifeng was still concerned about the issue of a successor."
"Now, that matter has been resolved most appropriately."
"Lord Zhu Hou, who hails from the Southern Dou royal family and is known for his benevolence and magnanimity, will take over the Kindergarten for Benevolence and assume the role of director."
"At this moment, let us invite Lord Zhu to the stage to speak and teach us."
A plump middle-aged man, with a smile on his face, walked onto the stage.
Today, Zhu Hou was dressed in a long robe made of blue satin, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist, and his steps were steady. His every move exuded the regal bearing of the Zhu royal family.
Standing on the stage, he cupped his fists and surveyed the crowd, then let out a hearty laugh.
"Fellow Daoists, today I, Zhu Hou, take on the role of director of the Kindergarten for Benevolence, and I feel deeply apprehensive."
"The path of charity is to bring blessings to the people, to spread kindness and virtue. The broad benevolence of the previous director, Li Leifeng, deeply impressed me. Today, I pledge to continue his legacy and carry on this good work."
...
"In the future, this institution will expand its support not only to orphans but also to impoverished students. The money donated by the virtuous people here will be used entirely to save lives and assist the common folk. To express my sincerity, I am the first to donate one hundred thousand spirit stones!"
...
Zhu Hou’s hosting of this succession ceremony, of course, had its purpose.
The main goal was to make a formal public appearance and to raise the first sum of charity funds since assuming his role.
As soon as he finished speaking, a voice came from the third floor. It was Zhu Xuanji: "Well said, Uncle Zhu Hou! I, Zhu Xuanji, also donate one hundred thousand spirit stones to congratulate my uncle on his succession."
Zhu Xuanji’s purpose in attending was, indeed, to support and stand by Zhu Hou. At this moment, he did not hesitate to act.
The amount he donated was quite significant—exactly one hundred thousand spirit stones, the same as Zhu Hou.
This made others feel relieved; there was no pressure, and instead, many became eager to make donations themselves.
However, these people also understood the unspoken rules and did not immediately speak up.
They were waiting for someone else.
In the next moment, as expected, the Golden Core true disciple of Zixiao Pavilion spoke, announcing a donation of one hundred thousand spirit stones.
As soon as he finished speaking, several Foundation Establishment cultivators rushed to shout out their donations, one after another.
For a while, the atmosphere in the hall was extremely lively.
However, inside one of the private rooms, the mood was oppressive.
Ning Zhuo sat just below Zhu Xuanji’s seat. Since entering and sitting down, he had not spoken a word, nor had he touched the exquisite spirit food or tea on the round table.
Zhu Xuanji slightly turned his head, his eyes gleaming faintly with golden light as he stared at Ning Zhuo with a smile. "Seeing this scene, Ning Zhuo, what do you feel?"
Ning Zhuo lifted his eyes and looked at Zhu Xuanji. The latter’s smile, in Ning Zhuo’s perception, resembled a beast baring its bloody fangs.
Ning Zhuo felt as though a massive weight pressed down on his heart, but his gaze did not waver.
He calmly replied, "Naturally, I hope Lord Zhu Hou can follow through with his words. I hope that the Kindergarten for Benevolence in Huoshi Immortal City will only grow better and better."
"It will," Zhu Xuanji immediately responded, full of confidence in Zhu Hou.
His smile deepened as he added, "I noticed your name in the donation records of the Kindergarten for Benevolence."
"You’ve made several donations in the past."
"So why, on such an important day like today, aren't you making any donations?"
Ning Zhuo took a deep breath.
He tried to calm himself, but the pressure in his heart only grew stronger!
Because he was well aware that Zhu Xuanji's seemingly casual question hid a great threat. A single misstep in his response could lead him right into Zhu Xuanji’s trap.
The confrontation between him and Zhu Xuanji had officially begun!
The outside commotion had nothing to do with him.
In fact, the noise only highlighted his current loneliness and hardship.
Zhu Xuanji, like a skilled assassin, had subtly delivered a sword strike. It seemed ordinary on the surface, but Ning Zhuo was certain that Zhu Xuanji had an even more brilliant follow-up in store. One wrong move could lead to continuous failure, and he might be suppressed until there was no hope of ever recovering!
Ning Zhuo frowned slightly, his mind racing as he carefully chose his words, cautiously replying, "To help oneself when poor and aid the world when prosperous—though I’m pragmatic, I do have ideals."
"Moreover, when I was young, Director Li Leifeng took care of me. I owe him a debt of gratitude."
Then, Ning Zhuo shifted the tone of his words: "Of course, I also have selfish motives."
"You know, I’ve always wanted to branch off from the family."
"I want to establish my own clan!"
"I’ve already started working toward that, but for a force to grow and thrive, it needs new blood, fresh talent."
"Especially someone like me, who’s just starting out with little foundation. The more newcomers, the better!"
"That’s why I’ve made donations over the past while."
"There will be more in the future!"
Ning Zhuo smiled briefly, then returned to a neutral expression. "The policies of the Kindergarten for Benevolence are excellent. How many talents has it attracted for the righteous forces of Southern Dou Country?"
"I am a member of the Ning family, and I am part of the righteous path. Of course, I also want to get a piece of the pie."
"You see, Lord Zhu, I’ve paid my dues. This is all according to the rules."
"As for why I didn’t donate today? Heh!"
"Today’s occasion isn’t suitable. I’m managing the black market now, and my righteous identity isn’t exactly glamorous. I wouldn’t want to ruin the mood here."
"If I want to donate, I can do it secretly in the future and still achieve the same goal. Why would I do something so annoying today?"
Hearing Ning Zhuo’s response, Zhu Xuanji fell into a brief silence.
Zhu Xuanji knew well about Ning Zhuo’s desire to branch out and establish his own force.
In fact, Ning Zhuo had raised the matter multiple times directly to Ning Jiufan in Zhu Xuanji’s presence!
Even Zhu Xuanji had to admit that Ning Zhuo had guts. A mere Qi Refining cultivator, daring to speak so bluntly to his family’s Golden Core ancestor.
Zhu Xuanji admired Ning Zhuo.
To be precise, he admired him quite a lot.
Especially after hearing this response, Zhu Xuanji gained even more insight into Ning Zhuo—the young man before him had definitely been tempered through experience! He thoroughly understood the rules of the righteous path’s game. Despite his youth, he was as cunning and sly as an old fox. He had a clear goal and was mindful of others’ feelings, with an ability to empathize.
Ning Zhuo was both hypocritical and sincere.
And this type of righteous hypocrisy, when exhibited by such a young person, had a certain charm.
Ning Zhuo’s response was excellent.
This reply made Zhu Xuanji’s favorable impression of him increase even more.
Zhu Xuanji laughed heartily, breaking the silence. "Even if you have selfish motives, as long as you repay kindness, that is still the righteous way. In this world, who doesn’t have selfish desires?"
"Even I, constantly observing the people's welfare, investigating cases, and hunting down criminals, do so partly to protect the royal family."
"Ning Zhuo, your nature is not bad. Stick to righteousness, and your future will be vast. However, life is full of countless wrong paths. I’ve seen many good-hearted people stray onto evil roads due to a single mistake, creating great sins. By the time they regret it, it’s already too late."
As he spoke, Zhu Xuanji stared at Ning Zhuo, his expression solemn.
Though he did not use any spiritual power, the pressure from his tone and demeanor was immense.
Ning Zhuo took a deep breath, his gaze shifting away, as if lightning flashed through his mind.
He quickly discerned Zhu Xuanji’s intent: "Is he trying to recruit me?"
Realizing this, Ning Zhuo's mind became more active.
"If Zhu Xuanji had discovered that I was the real culprit, he wouldn’t treat me this way. He would’ve already arrested
me!"
"Judging by his character, it seems he has noticed some suspicious points about me but wants to use me as a lead to catch the mastermind behind the scenes!"
But there was no mastermind behind the scenes!
Ning Zhuo was the one who bombed the Immortal Palace, set up the trial stages, initiated the battle in the city, killed Qi Bai, framed the family genius Ning Xiaohui, orchestrated the Golden Core melee, bombarded the volcano to trigger a beast tide that attacked the city, and masterminded the Yunshang robbery case!
"In Zhu Xuanji’s mind, I must still have great value. He wants to turn me against the supposed mastermind. If there were truly someone behind the scenes, he might even use me as a witness."
"So, I’ve reached the third line of defense?"
Ning Zhuo’s emotions surged.
To fight for the Lava Immortal Palace, he had carefully crafted several lines of defense.
The first line of defense was the evidence he had been planting since the age of two, leaving a trail throughout his growth.
Anyone investigating up to that point would believe Ning Zhuo had talent in mechanisms and would find it reasonable for him to have developed things like the Mechanical Explosive Monkey.
The second line of defense was the identity of Chuitaoke.
The third line of defense would make people think that Ning Zhuo was being used—an accomplice, but not the mastermind. After all, he was only sixteen years old, just out of school, with only mid-level Qi Refining cultivation.
Ning Zhuo relaxed slightly. The situation hadn’t yet reached the worst-case scenario—facing Zhu Xuanji in direct combat.
"But what clues did Zhu Xuanji find that allowed him to bypass the second line of defense and reach the third?"
Ning Zhuo couldn’t figure out the answer to this question.
He could only guess: "Did Han Ming get caught? Did Sun Lingtong’s treasure theft lead Yunshang to provide clues?"
"Or... was it the Kindergarten for Benevolence?"
Lacking crucial information, Ning Zhuo, despite his considerable intelligence, couldn’t determine the truth.
He thought hard, sweat appearing on his forehead.
Seeing his discomfited state, Zhu Xuanji didn’t let him off, pressing on, "What do you think of what I just said, Ning Zhuo?"
"Do you believe your path is the righteous one, or a misguided one?"
Ning Zhuo’s pressure increased dramatically!
At this moment, he felt as if Zhu Xuanji had thrust a sword directly at his throat.
How should he respond?
This was crucial!
Probing?
A single mistake could anger Zhu Xuanji.
Remain silent?
That would be completely giving up the initiative, sending a signal of admission to Zhu Xuanji.
In Ning Zhuo’s mind, countless thoughts frantically surfaced and vanished.
In the span of just a few breaths, his mouth had gone dry.
(End of the chapter)