Chapter 263: I'm a Thief
Ning Zhuo licked his lips, his breathing slightly quickening.
He raised his eyes to look at Zhu Xuanji, a hint of stubbornness in his gaze: "Lord Zhu, you are from the Southern Dou royal family, while I am from a branch of the Ning family."
"Since I was very young, my mother passed away. My father left even earlier, and I never saw him."
"Even though I have an uncle, we are not close, and he didn’t take much care of me."
"I have lived a hard life since I was young."
"You claim to investigate the hidden and bring peace to the people, but you've always been just a bystander. You haven’t personally experienced it, so you don’t understand that many times, I’m not thinking about the righteous path or the crooked path, but where my next meal will come from."
"People at the bottom can only focus on surviving the present."
"Many times, it's not about making a choice, but about having no choice at all!"
"The righteous path or the crooked path? Heh, in their eyes, maybe there’s only ever been one path— the path to survival!"
Ning Zhuo didn’t directly respond, but his words were equivalent to answering Zhu Xuanji's question.
Lacking key information, he couldn’t possibly question why Zhu Xuanji suspected him.
This was akin to admitting without being asked!
He didn’t try to probe or remain silent either, as both could provoke Zhu Xuanji's displeasure or anger.
Ning Zhuo chose passive defense, responding as needed.
He deliberately mentioned his hardships, intending to use Zhu Xuanji's temperament to his advantage.
During the Huoshi Festival, Zhu Xuanji's sudden appearance caught Ning Zhuo off guard, forcing him to take a risk and kill Yuan Dasheng.
Afterward, Ning Zhuo reflected on his mistake— his lack of information on Zhu Xuanji.
From then on, he put all his effort into gathering intelligence.
Learning from one’s mistakes.
He would not make the same error again because repeating it could mean the difference between life and death.
There's a saying: your enemies often know you best!
Zhu Xuanji's face remained expressionless, but he sighed deeply in his heart.
He was moved!
There’s no wrong name, only a wrong title.
He was known for investigating the hidden and bringing peace because, deep down, he had a sense of compassion for the weak and the downtrodden.
Ning Zhuo’s words struck a soft spot in his heart.
Of course, he could tell that besides talking about his hardships and being forced into situations, Ning Zhuo was also trying to justify himself, probe Zhu Xuanji, and seek understanding.
Zhu Xuanji felt a trace of relief.
At least Ning Zhuo had been truthful and was trying to seek his understanding rather than outright denying or refuting him.
How to put it?
Speaking with smart people really does save time and effort!
Ning Zhuo's awareness of the situation made Zhu Xuanji believe even more that the young man before him was still redeemable and could be drawn in.
Zhu Xuanji sighed softly, "The path is made by walking."
"Some paths are easy but wrong. Some are hard but the right ones."
"Take Li Leifeng, for example. He lived a difficult and humble life in his later years, but precisely because of that, he was so respected."
"Actually, everyone has a scale inside them, constantly measuring others and situations. Those who carry burdens and bring warmth to others are the ones who shine."
"You have also been illuminated by that light! Li Leifeng has already pointed out the path for you."
Ning Zhuo remained silent.
The strategy of showing weakness and empathy was working.
From Zhu Xuanji's tone, expression, and words, Ning Zhuo didn’t hear any signs of displeasure or disgust.
But the problem still existed.
Ning Zhuo didn’t know what clue Zhu Xuanji had grasped that made him suspect and try to recruit him.
This was crucial. Without knowing this, Ning Zhuo could only defend passively in this game of wits.
He couldn’t take the initiative!
"If this continues, it won’t end well."
"In the end, I’ll be cornered, with no room to maneuver."
"Instead of that, I might as well take a risk now."
Ning Zhuo had already foreseen the outcome of his defeat. Gritting his teeth, he decided to make a bold move.
He spoke, "Li Leifeng is a model of the righteous path. Whenever I think of him, I feel warmth."
"He makes me feel that this world is worth living in."
"However, how many Li Leifengs are there in this world?"
"And how many people can bask in his light?"
"Yes, I’ve been taken care of. I am fortunate, but at the same time, I am also unfortunate."
"It’s precisely because I’ve felt warmth that I understand the pain of coldness even more."
Pausing for a moment, Ning Zhuo looked at Zhu Xuanji, his eyes bright.
"Lord Zhu, people are different."
"To me, Li Leifeng and you are both high above, figures on the stage. Whether it’s real emotion or a performance, it’s always glamorous."
"But I am ultimately someone from the audience."
"Do you know what it feels like to secretly eat leftover pastries from guests?"
"You have to grit your teeth, endure the looks of contempt and disgust. You have to stretch out your hand and pick from the messy garbage."
"You feel ashamed. This feeling is not only something others tell you but also what you feel deep inside when you surrender to the desire for food."
"I am from the bottom. I’ve always been."
"Even though my surname is Ning, I never felt that I was noble."
"I am despicable."
"I am a thief!"
"I am someone who scavenges food from garbage."
"I am from the bottom. Heh, saying this might sound a bit pretentious."
"But I truly believe it!"
"You see, even now that I’ve grown up, I still deal in the black market. I pick things to eat from places the righteous path despises."
"I’m not afraid of dirt; I’m only afraid of not having enough to eat."
Ning Zhuo let out a long breath, a sorrowful smile on his face.
"I know that people like Li Leifeng exist in the world. I admire him, and I am grateful."
"And Lord Zhu, I admire you as well."
"This is the truth!"
"You are from the royal family, a divine investigator, but you have your principles and always abide by them."
"You are a gentleman, worthy of your reputation."
"However, I deeply understand that people are different from one another, starting from birth. The paths they walk are also different."
"No one can truly help me. People are alone. They can’t fully understand others."
"Most of the time, I can only rely on myself."
"The path I walk is my own choice!"
Zhu Xuanji fell into silence.
His heart felt blocked.
Ning Zhuo's words stirred waves in his mind.
He knew a lot about Ning Zhuo’s situation and could understand him. Though Ning Zhuo bore the Ning family name, he hadn’t benefited much from it during his childhood.
Zhu Xuanji felt a sense of pity!
It was as if he was watching a drowning man, shouting and reaching out for help, yet that person would rather sink.
Thus, Zhu Xuanji also felt powerless, sorrowful, angry, and frustrated by Ning Zhuo’s failure to strive for more!
A young man like you, with such talent and aptitude, shouldn’t be content with such degradation!
Zhu Xuanji's gaze turned cold, and he deliberately shifted the topic: "Ning Zhuo, you’ve seen the play 'Fang Qing Clears Injustice,' haven’t you?"
Ning Zhuo: "I’ve seen it many times."
Zhu Xuanji: "You’re right. People’s empathy often feels like watching a fire from the opposite shore."
"At times like these, we need to take action and do our best to feel what others feel."
"Li Leifeng has performed 'Fang Qing Clears Injustice' for you many times. You’ve always watched from the audience, thinking you’re still that little thief sneaking food."
"You’re not!"
"As of today, you’re different."
"You’re standing on the stage now. Do you know, Li Leifeng always hoped you would step onto the stage?"
"He believed that you would start to shine from the age of six and gradually take the stage."
Ning Zhuo’s heart stirred slightly.
Zhu Xuanji continued, "Li Leifeng is gone, and he didn’t get to see you shine. That’s his regret."
"You should make up for that regret."
"Go and perform 'Fang Qing Clears Injustice'."
"Try standing in Li Leifeng’s shoes, perform a puppet show, and experience his circumstances and feelings."
Ning Zhuo hesitated, "This..."
Zhu Xuanji’s gaze deepened, "Don’t tell me your puppet skills aren’t up to par."
Ning Zhuo shook his head,
"Of course not..."
Zhu Xuanji interrupted, asserting his dominance, "You might not realize it, but he gave you many opportunities."
"Now, I’m also giving you a chance."
"You should also give yourself a chance."
"Step onto the stage."
"Even though Li Leifeng is gone, I believe his light remains, guiding you toward the righteous path!"
At this point, Ning Zhuo had already guessed that the flaw likely stemmed from Li Leifeng.
But the confrontation between him and Zhu Xuanji had reached such an extent that he was cornered with no choice but to comply.
Receiving Zhu Xuanji’s transmission, Zhu Hou immediately made arrangements.
The elder in charge took the stage and informed the crowd that while the donations had concluded, a young genius was willing to perform a puppet show to entertain everyone.
And so, Ning Zhuo stepped onto the stage.
He bowed to the cultivators below and in the surrounding pavilions: "Esteemed elders, please allow me to offer a humble performance."
"When I was young, my family was poor, and life was difficult. I was fortunate to receive Lord Li Leifeng’s compassion on many occasions."
"He never asked for anything in return, only wishing to help others. His magnanimity and character were truly admirable."
"I’ve watched his puppet shows countless times, and they were incredibly captivating. Today, I’m fortunate to have learned some of his skills. I offer this puppet show to honor Lord Li Leifeng’s memory and to celebrate Lord Zhu’s promotion."
Applause and cheers filled the air.
The cultivators were surprised and delighted, and the atmosphere in the pavilion grew lively.
Before the Golden Core battle, Ning Zhuo’s reputation had only spread within the four major factions. The Ning family was well-acquainted with him, as he had brought down Ning Xiaoren.
After the Golden Core battle, due to rumors and other factors, Ning Zhuo became widely known.
This time, Zhu Xuanji had brought him to attend this ceremony, leaving a deep impression on everyone. Almost everyone speculated that Ning Zhuo had caught Zhu Xuanji’s eye and was now in his favor.
Because of Zhu Xuanji, Ning Zhuo received more attention.
Now, this rising star of the righteous path personally stepped onto the stage to perform a puppet show, piquing everyone’s interest.
Regardless of the performance, many already had an idea— after the show, they would make additional donations. Supporting Ning Zhuo meant supporting Zhu Xuanji!
People of the righteous path were always quick to adapt.
(End of chapter)