Chapter 590: Meng Yaoyin, True Inheritor of the Myriad Phenomena Sect
“Senior Sister… Meng?” Ning Zhuo’s face remained indifferent, his tone calm.
Only Sun Lingtong, who truly knew him, understood how turbulent the undercurrents were beneath Ning Zhuo’s calm exterior.
Wen Ruanyu showed no suspicion. “Yes, she is indeed my senior sister, a true inheritor disciple of the Myriad Phenomena Sect.”
“The reason I have been stationed in White Paper Immortal City all this time is because of a Ghost Tide crisis.”
“More than thirty years ago, White Paper Immortal City faced the danger of being destroyed by a Ghost Tide, so it requested aid from the Myriad Phenomena Sect.”
“It happened to coincide with the Flying Cloud Assembly of that year. I followed Senior Sister Meng here, experienced many dangers, and ultimately succeeded in helping White Paper Immortal City overcome the crisis of destruction.”
“Senior Sister Meng’s strength was extraordinary. At that time, the Lord of White Paper Immortal City was already in very poor condition. It was almost entirely Senior Sister Meng alone who turned the tide and ultimately changed the entire situation.”
As Wen Ruanyu spoke to this point, admiration naturally appeared on his face.
“The Flying Cloud Assembly?” Ning Zhuo quietly noted this point, his tone becoming slightly hurried. “Oh? Such a heroic figure truly inspires admiration. May I ask her full name?”
Wen Ruanyu replied, “Senior Sister Meng Yaoyin.”
Ning Zhuo fell silent for an instant. It felt as if his heart had been struck violently!
He secretly clenched his teeth, striving to suppress the faint tremor in his breathing, and said as calmly as possible, “So that’s how it is. Since she was the hero who turned the tide, it’s no wonder White Paper Immortal City erected her statue as a memorial.”
Wen Ruanyu smiled slightly. “I had some credit in that matter.”
“Back then, White Paper Immortal City was fiercely assaulted by the Ghost Tide, and nearly half the city fell. In order to reclaim the southern district of the city, Senior Sister Meng secluded herself with the Lord of White Paper Immortal City, working without sleep for seven days and seven nights to discuss the relevant formations.”
“Afterward, she personally led us in a counterattack and set up the formation here. We followed her and fought desperately for three days and three nights. In the end, we managed to hold the formation and link it with the city’s foundation, merging it with the original grand formation of the immortal city.”
“After the Ghost Tide passed, before leaving this place, Senior Sister Meng made multiple arrangements. The giant talisman-paper statue she refined in the city was left behind to serve as the formation core.”
“I followed her instructions to handle various affairs in the city. Since everyone in the city was grateful to Senior Sister Meng, I had a sudden inspiration and suggested shaping the talisman-paper statue in Senior Sister Meng’s likeness. The idea immediately gained widespread support and was soon completed.”
Ning Zhuo took a light breath and fell into a contemplative mood, his tone slightly probing. “Such a talisman-paper statue must possess considerable power. Senior… Meng actually left it behind voluntarily. Such noble character is truly admirable.”
“My Senior Sister Meng is far more than just noble!” Wen Ruanyu shook his head. The more he spoke of Meng Yaoyin, the more brilliance shone from within him, as if he shared in her glory.
“You don’t know how dangerous it was when we resisted the Ghost Tide.”
“There were several times when the city was breached and the situation became extremely critical. To overcome the crisis, Senior Sister Meng even consumed her own lifespan to unleash a forbidden technique and reverse the situation.”
“What? Consumed her own lifespan?!” Ning Zhuo could not help himself. His tone changed, and his eyes narrowed slightly, trying to conceal the increasingly dangerous look within them.
“Yes.” Wen Ruanyu remained immersed in his memories and did not notice Ning Zhuo’s abnormal reaction.
He continued, “It was precisely Senior Sister Meng’s immense dedication and sacrifice that ultimately preserved the entire White Paper Immortal City. Therefore, although Senior Sister Meng mainly cultivates mechanical arts, I have always believed she would be better suited for Confucian cultivation. The essence of Confucianism is the word ‘benevolence.’ Senior Sister Meng’s benevolence is not small benevolence, but great benevolence—considering the lives of the entire city and willingly sacrificing herself. That is great compassion and great love!”
Ning Zhuo clenched his teeth slightly. His eyes had grown a little red. “Senior Meng is so compassionate toward the people. Although this is the first time I’ve heard of it, for some reason, deep in my heart I feel that she truly is the kind of person capable of doing such things.”
Wen Ruanyu nodded repeatedly. “Senior Sister Meng is not only extraordinary in strength, brave and resourceful, and full of great compassion—she also possesses exceptional foresight.”
“Jiao Ma, I’m not sure whether addressing you this way is appropriate, but you should be new here.”
Ning Zhuo’s heart stirred. He knew that after single-handedly capturing three Golden Core Ghost Generals alive, Wen Ruanyu had already grown deeply suspicious of his identity.
Ning Zhuo had no intention of revealing his true identity.
At present, only two people in White Paper Immortal City knew his real identity.
Because of the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts, Ning Zhuo also did not wish to expose himself.
Wen Ruanyu did not dwell on the matter and continued, “So you don’t know that the arrangements Senior Sister Meng left behind in White Paper Immortal City profoundly changed the city’s structure and protected it many times.”
“The condition of the Lord of White Paper Immortal City has been worsening year by year.”
“Senior Sister left behind many ingenious arrangements—for example, establishing the Ink Pool to educate the city’s residents, and setting up hidden treasures to encourage others to participate enthusiastically in the city-defense battles, and so on. With these, White Paper Immortal City has smoothly survived several Ghost Tides since then.”
“Sigh… but the Lord of White Paper Immortal City’s condition keeps deteriorating and has dragged us down. If it had been another normal Nascent Soul cultivator, the city would not have fallen into such internal and external difficulties. Even Senior Sister’s giant statue was not properly protected… This is my fault!”
As he said this, deep guilt appeared on Wen Ruanyu’s face.
“All right.” Wen Ruanyu glanced at the surrounding wreckage, his anxiety growing. “Leave this place to others to repair. You have achieved great merit today, so we should return and report to the City Lord. There will surely be rewards!”
“The City Lord’s paper incarnation is still reliable.”
At that moment, Sun Lingtong suddenly transmitted a spiritual message: “Little Zhuo, be careful.”
“The Lord of White Paper Immortal City once secluded herself with your mother for seven days and seven nights to discuss formations, and they fought side by side. But when you revealed your identity, she deceived you.”
“She gave you three talisman papers and told you to leave through the south gate. It was clearly a scheme.”
“There’s no need for us to throw ourselves into this situation. If we leave now, we can secure an undefeated position.”
Ning Zhuo nodded. “Boss, you’re right. The Lord of White Paper Immortal City is calculating against me.”
He then shook his head. “But my mother paid such a great price to protect this immortal city. As her son, shouldn’t I do my best to preserve the results of her efforts?”
“Of course, if the situation becomes impossible—like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—we will seize the opportunity and withdraw immediately without hesitation.”
“But right now, the City Lord knows I am the son of an old acquaintance, and my mother has received such strong recognition from the entire city. What kind of support will she give me?”
“Setting the future aside, I captured those three Golden Core Ghost Generals alive on her behalf. There should at least be an explanation for that.”
“And…”
“I’m very curious about the treasure my mother arranged within White Paper Immortal City. Whatever it is, I very much want to take it back.”
Sun Lingtong nodded. “Little Zhuo, you understand the importance of things better than I do. That’s enough.”
Before advising him, Sun Lingtong had already known what choice Ning Zhuo would make.
Since it was his brother’s decision, he would naturally support it with all his strength.
However, he still added one sentence: “I’ll warn you in advance—if someday you get carried away and act emotionally, I’ll forcefully step in and drag you back alive.”
Ning Zhuo hummed in acknowledgment. “Boss, I understand.”
Wen Ruanyu issued several instructions, telling the cultivators present to repair the area, and then immediately returned to the City Lord’s Mansion with Ning Zhuo.
They passed through without obstruction and arrived directly at the inner hall.
Wen Ruanyu said to Ning Zhuo, “I’ll go in first to report. Stay here and don’t move around. You’ll soon be summoned for an audience.”
Just as he finished speaking, a paper servant pushed open the door and approached them, delivering the order of the City Lord’s Incarnation:
“Lord Wen, please wait a moment. The City Lord will summon Young Master Jiao Ma alone.”
Wen Ruanyu: ?
“Then Senior Wen, I shall go in first.” Ning Zhuo cupped his fists toward Wen Ruanyu.
After witnessing Ning Zhuo’s combat strength, Wen Ruanyu immediately returned the salute with a smile.
When Ning Zhuo entered the inner hall, he saw the City Lord’s Paper Incarnation standing before a huge mirror, braiding her hair.
She rubbed talisman paper into thin strips, then stuck them onto the top of her head and rapidly used her mana to fuse them tightly together.
“Sigh! White Paper Immortal City now faces both internal and external troubles, tossed by storms and peril. My worries are endless, and I cannot calm my mind to rest. In these past days I’ve even lost quite a bit of hair.”
As she spoke, the Paper Incarnation turned around and looked at Ning Zhuo.
“Little Ning Zhuo, you truly are Meng Yaoyin’s son. Just like your mother, you have helped me greatly.”
Ning Zhuo frowned slightly. He first saluted, then said, “City Lord, your arrangement was quite clever. It allowed this junior to learn about my mother’s past deeds.”
“The three Golden Core Ghost Generals who invaded have all been captured alive by me. That can be considered fulfilling the task entrusted by you.”
“Also, Lord Wen reminded me that you would certainly grant me a substantial reward.”
The Paper Incarnation paused for a moment before smiling brightly. “In that respect, you differ a little from your mother. However, I quite appreciate your frankness.”
“Little Wen is right. I will certainly reward you generously.”
“But before that, there are many secrets I must tell you.”
“‘Ghost tides surge, White Paper faces peril; a lone swan bearing a candle pierces the heavenly veil. A guest star shines upon the northern literary pivot; when the Lamp of Myriad Phenomena glows, the calamity collapses…’ This prophetic poem was composed by the Funeral Music Nether Performer while she was alive.”
“I believe this poem may very well refer to you.”
“Little Ning Zhuo, you might be the savior of this city—just as your mother was the great savior of White Paper Immortal City more than thirty years ago!”
The Paper Incarnation deliberately paused, giving Ning Zhuo time to absorb and react.
It felt as though something lightly exploded in Ning Zhuo’s mind. He blurted out, “No wonder Lord Wen previously took Yang Weida away separately.”
After a moment, Ning Zhuo said, “From the bottom of my heart, I certainly do not wish for my mother’s efforts and dedication in White Paper Immortal City to become nothing.”
“But if you want me to act, we must discuss the price carefully.”
“And I cannot guarantee the final outcome, so I will not sign any contract.”
“According to my own wishes, I would rather see that the savior mentioned in this poem is not me, but someone else.”
The Paper Incarnation laughed three times, then waved her sleeve with bold spirit. “That’s easy to discuss.”
“I see that although you are young, your cultivation is already profound, reaching the middle to late stages of the Foundation Establishment stage. Your Vital Essence, Qi, and Spirit are all full and robust, no less than the outstanding true inheritors of the great sects.”
“I also see that your physical body foundation is deep and harmonious, aligned with heaven and earth. Clearly, you have invested many resources into it—quite remarkable.”
“Only your soul is relatively shallow. That is why I saw the truth of your soul at first glance and determined you were not Jiao Ma. I also unexpectedly noticed that you resemble Meng Yaoyin quite a bit.”
“And in White Paper Immortal City, what we have the most of are soul cultivators.”
“The land nurtures its cultivators. Your arrival here is an opportunity for White Paper Immortal City—and likewise an opportunity for your cultivation, Ning Zhuo.”
The Paper Incarnation then produced four treasures.
One was the Underworld Punishment Scripture.
One was Cold Bone Moon Dew Wine.
One was Nine Springs Repose Incense.
The last was a Hungry Ghost Backlash Cauldron.
“You captured three Golden Core Ghost Generals alive. This Cold Bone Moon Dew Wine is your reward.”
“As for the remaining three items, consider them an advance payment.”
“The jade slip here records the detailed methods of use.”
“These treasures are all Nascent Soul–level items without exception. Even within the Soul-Devouring Sect, they would be considered top-grade treasures.”
Ning Zhuo agreed with the Paper Incarnation’s judgment.
Ning Zhuo had seized nearly all the possessions of the cultivator Heavenly Ghost among the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts. Among them were many jade slips containing secrets about soul cultivation, ghost cultivation, and the Soul-Devouring Sect itself—priceless information.
Thus Ning Zhuo felt quite surprised. He had not expected the Lord of White Paper Immortal City to be so generous. The reward far exceeded his expectations.
In fact, the Cold Bone Moon Dew Wine alone already surpassed the upper limit of what he had imagined.
“I’ll use most of this wine, but keep some. When I return to the Myriad Medicines Sect, I can give some to Brother Linghu Jiu as a meeting gift. He will definitely like it.”
The Lord of White Paper Immortal City sighed softly when she saw Ning Zhuo accept the four treasures.
“Back then, I once promised your mother the position of Vice City Lord.”
“But in the end, your mother refused.”
“Little Ning Zhuo, if you truly become the savior of this city, then my promise from those days still stands!”
“You will become the Vice City Lord of White Paper Immortal City.”
Ning Zhuo froze again, then cupped his fists and asked how many Vice City Lords there were in White Paper Immortal City.
The Paper Incarnation replied, “Currently none. The position is rarely established. If you succeed, you will be the only Vice City Lord. Don’t worry—it will not restrict your freedom. You may remain outside the city for long periods, yet you will still receive a share of White Paper Immortal City’s production.”
Even Sun Lingtong was somewhat shocked.
Such status and benefits meant standing beneath only one person and above tens of thousands.
After thinking it over, Sun Lingtong felt uneasy and transmitted a message to Ning Zhuo: “Little Zhuo, if this paper woman is offering such a high price, the condition of her main body must be extremely bad.”
Ning Zhuo nodded inwardly and analyzed, “On one hand, her situation is indeed poor, and the prophetic poem has prompted her to place a heavy bet on me. On the other hand, my mother contributed so much back then and refused many rewards. So now the repayment has fallen onto me.”
“I’m benefiting from what my mother left behind.”
Ning Zhuo decided to help, but he also requested the Lord of White Paper Immortal City to let him maintain the identity of Jiao Ma and not reveal his real identity to others.
The City Lord agreed.
“Now that the Funeral Music Nether Performer is dead, the greatest danger to White Paper Immortal City lies within the city itself.”
“Little Ning Zhuo, I see that you are quick-witted and calm in danger. Earlier, when you were falsely accused, you immediately thought of a way to prove your innocence. This shows you have talent in investigation.”
“So next, I ask you to investigate the identity of the traitor within the city.”
“If you uncover them, there will certainly be even greater rewards!”