Chapter 624: The Decisive Battle Approaches
Within the giant well, the Yin Tide surged like river waves, crashing again and again against the well walls with rumbling thunder.
The tall White Paper City Lord faced Ning Zhuo, their eyes meeting.
Her Paper Avatar was about to speak, but the City Lord’s true body had already spoken first: “Do not stop.”
Yang Sanyan and Wen Ruanyu: …
The words were naturally directed at Ning Zhuo.
You say do not stop, and he must not stop?
Ning Zhuo decisively halted his actions, stepped back, and cupped his hands in salute. “This junior, Ning Zhuo, son of my mother Meng Yaoyin, greets the White Paper City Lord!”
The White Paper City Lord did not shift her gaze, still staring at Ning Zhuo, but her expression changed slightly, revealing a trace of interest.
Ning Zhuo’s response was quite intriguing.
If one said he was respectful, he had directly disobeyed her command of “Do not stop” and ceased his actions outright.
But if one said he was disrespectful and disregarded her authority, he had bowed properly and observed all etiquette, leaving no fault to be found.
At this moment, the Paper Avatar flew to the side of the true body. “True body, during your unconsciousness, many things occurred.”
Only then did the City Lord’s true body shift her gaze and give her own avatar a slight nod.
The next moment, she removed her protective barrier, allowing the Paper Avatar to approach.
The avatar grasped the true body’s hand, and within the span of a dozen breaths, the two exchanged divine sense communication.
The City Lord’s true body revealed a look of realization and turned her gaze back to Ning Zhuo. “Meng Yaoyin… I did not expect you to be the son of an old acquaintance.”
“Looking closely, you indeed resemble your mother somewhat around the brows and eyes.”
“In temperament as well—you both possessed strong opinions, even to the point of stubbornness.”
“Back then, I advised your mother not to sacrifice her own lifespan to save others. She refused to heed my persuasion and insisted on acting.”
Ning Zhuo’s ears twitched slightly. “I also never imagined that I would find traces of my mother’s past within White Paper Immortal City.”
“I understand my mother.”
“She was inherently kind and compassionate. If she made sacrifices for White Paper Immortal City, she must have done so willingly.”
Ning Zhuo’s tone shifted. “However, she passed away when I was two.”
“So my thoughts are somewhat different from hers.”
“I can continue supplying you with Yang Energy as before, City Lord. But what can you offer in exchange?”
The White Paper City Lord was at the Nascent Soul level, while Ning Zhuo was merely at Foundation Establishment.
Yet this big-headed youth possessed such courage—able to speak eloquently before a Nascent Soul powerhouse, even negotiating and bargaining directly.
After all, in the Two Great National Wars, it was not as though he had never slain Nascent Soul cultivators.
The City Lord’s true body fell silent. Her avatar spoke instead: “Little friend Ning Zhuo, you are already this city’s Vice City Lord. One could say you stand below one person and above ten thousand…”
Ning Zhuo waved his hand and spoke frankly. “That is merely an honorary post. Moreover, I intend to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect in the future and cannot remain here long. Thus, the position of Vice City Lord holds little attraction for me.”
Wen Ruanyu wished to speak at this moment, but though his lips moved, he ultimately remained silent.
The City Lord’s true body gave a faint laugh. “You are not one to speak without purpose. Since you propose an exchange, you must desire something. Speak it plainly and let us see whether I can afford it.”
“Very simple.” Ning Zhuo calmly stated that he wanted the Giant Paper Effigy at the southern city gate.
The City Lord’s true body fell silent once more.
The avatar spoke with difficulty. “That Giant Paper Effigy was indeed initiated because of Meng Yaoyin. However, it is a Nascent Soul-level trump card. From its establishment to its maintenance until now, White Paper Immortal City has expended tremendous resources. And at present, the Immortal City faces enemies on all sides. We require such means for protection and cannot lightly transfer it.”
Ning Zhuo said, “If City Lord agrees to this request, I naturally will not remove the Giant Paper Effigy before this crisis.”
“It will only be taken after the Immortal City survives the Ghost Tide and withstands the assault of the Great Yin Soldier Army, when the situation turns from peril to safety.”
The Paper Avatar hesitated. “In truth, the concept for constructing the Giant Paper Effigy was first proposed by Wen Ruanyu. He was also one of its founders. Such a transaction must consider his feelings as well.”
Thus, Ning Zhuo turned to look at Wen Ruanyu.
Without hesitation, Wen Ruanyu smiled and looked at Ning Zhuo. “Only just now did I learn that Ning Zhuo is Senior Sister’s biological son. Although this has yet to be fully confirmed before me, in my heart I am more willing to believe such a romantic truth.”
“I have no objection whatsoever to giving the Giant Paper Effigy to Ning Zhuo!”
His reply was direct and unequivocal.
Ning Zhuo immediately gave him a grateful smile.
Yang Sanyan also nodded slightly at Wen Ruanyu, quite satisfied with his stance.
Wen Ruanyu’s identity was rather complex.
On one hand, he was a Golden Core True Disciple of the Myriad Phenomena Sect, managing the sect’s branch here. On the other hand, he was among the Upper Ranks of White Paper Immortal City, having contributed years of effort to its governance and operations.
By agreeing to Ning Zhuo’s request, Wen Ruanyu was also displaying his position.
Clearly, compared to White Paper Immortal City, he stood with the Myriad Phenomena Sect.
Seeing this declaration, the White Paper City Lord finally spoke. “Very well.”
She was equally decisive, agreeing outright. “After the war, the Giant Paper Effigy will be yours.”
“Furthermore…”
The White Paper City Lord also proactively granted Ning Zhuo the Four Treasures of Soul Cultivation she had previously lent him, awarding them outright.
As she put it: Ning Zhuo had exposed Zheng Shoumo, the great traitor within—such merit must be heavily rewarded!
These Four Treasures of Soul Cultivation were each Nascent Soul-level!
The conduct of both the City Lord’s true body and avatar was consistent—generous and magnanimous!
“Hahaha, this City Lord truly understands the times. Excellent, little Zhuo!” Sun Lingtong had been observing from afar through the Human Life Hanging Thread, feeling overjoyed and congratulating Ning Zhuo inwardly.
Yet Ning Zhuo remained calm, analyzing the situation silently.
“As expected of the White Paper City Lord—her political methods are formidable.”
“She is already laying out arrangements for the Immortal City’s future ecology.”
At present, Ning Zhuo, the Savior, had leaned toward the Myriad Phenomena Sect.
White Paper Immortal City urgently needed renewed assistance from the Myriad Phenomena Sect to survive this crisis.
Before Ning Zhuo officially joined the Myriad Phenomena Sect, the White Paper City Lord had spent heavily to win him over.
She likely planned for Ning Zhuo, as Vice City Lord, to serve as a bridge between White Paper Immortal City and the Myriad Phenomena Sect.
In other words, she was striving to secure Ning Zhuo—and to secure the future intermediary in interest negotiations between the two powers.
“Enough of that. The future can wait. Solving the present is most urgent.” Ning Zhuo saw that the White Paper City Lord was positioning her pieces for the future. Though wary, he was also impressed.
After all, she was truly generous—and truly spending heavily to win him over.
Ning Zhuo first expressed gratitude for the reward, then returned to the main topic. “Since City Lord has awakened, let us sign the Divine Contract before proceeding further.”
Yang Sanyan glanced at Ning Zhuo, sighing inwardly at his steadiness and meticulous conduct.
The City Lord’s true body nodded slightly. “Very well.”
Yang Sanyan took out a divine decree scroll.
When unfurled, the back of the scroll bore the image of the Heavenly Divine Contract.
Its face was as fair as jade, with a third eye opened upon its brow. In one hand it held the Mirror Illuminating Former Causes, and in the other, the Golden Pact Binding Future Consequences. It wore a moon-white Heavenly Silkworm Cloud-Patterned Daoist Robe with wide sleeves, a black dragon-shaped jade pendant hanging at its waist, and mountain-and-river boots upon its feet. Beneath it rode a three-legged Azure Sound Crane.
Dao aphorisms flickered faintly within the crane’s feathers, and as it beat its wings, golden contract characters scattered into the air.
On the front of the scroll was the full content of the contract.
Ning Zhuo and the others examined it carefully and proposed their respective suggestions.
Yang Sanyan revised the contents on the spot. After confirming there were no errors, he immediately invoked the divine decree.
He called upon the power of the Heavenly Divine Contract, binding all present to have no close ties with the Mysterious Organization or Zheng Shoumo. Otherwise, they would be pursued by the Heavenly Divine Contract and perish, body and Dao annihilated!
The Divine Contract was concluded, and all present remained unharmed.
Yang Sanyan and the others collectively let out a breath of relief. The atmosphere eased considerably.
The City Lord’s avatar said, “Please, little friend Ning Zhuo, apply the dual cultivation method once more.”
Ning Zhuo coughed lightly and quickly corrected her. “It is merely a small matter of Yin-Yang Interfusion. It hardly counts as dual cultivation.”
“However, before that, this junior has a small request.”
The City Lord’s avatar replied, “Please speak.”
Ning Zhuo said, “Previously, you kindly granted me three talisman papers for protection. I ask that you retrieve them.”
These three talisman papers had entered Ning Zhuo’s Three Dantians, where he suppressed them with three different cultivation methods.
He and Sun Lingtong had long planned to use theft techniques to remove them. After all, human hearts were unpredictable—these were three hidden mines.
But whether the theft would succeed remained uncertain.
If the City Lord’s avatar personally retrieved them, that would be best.
The avatar hesitated. “Is this wise? The three talisman papers I bestowed upon you are equivalent to saving your life three times. You are currently acting as Jiao Ma, attracting much attention. If Zheng Shoumo is not the only traitor and someone moves against you, what then?”
Ning Zhuo subconsciously touched his mechanical ring and stated frankly that she need not worry—he had his own means of protection.
Seeing his firm attitude, the avatar did not insist. With a wave of her hand, she drew out the three talisman papers and retrieved them.
Only then did Ning Zhuo act once more, releasing Yang Energy to supply the White Paper City Lord.
The City Lord’s true body slowly closed her eyes, silent for a time, seemingly savoring the sensation.
Moments later, she opened her eyes again, her gaze expressing a single question: Why have you stopped again?
Ning Zhuo gave a bitter smile, appearing weak and powerless. “Senior’s strength is as vast as mountains and seas. This junior is but a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Reaching this step is already my limit. If I continue, I fear I will lose my lifespan.”
“I must rest for a period before I can condense such Yang Energy again.”
This was, of course, untrue.
Within the Yin-Yang Unity Qi Vessel, thirty percent of the Yang Energy still remained. Ning Zhuo had only used seventy percent just now.
The White Paper City Lord gazed at him quietly.
Ning Zhuo met her eyes without fear.
The City Lord’s true body said coldly, “May I ask what this medical art is called? Would little friend Ning Zhuo consider selling it?”
Ning Zhuo immediately shook his head in refusal.
Seeing the atmosphere stiffen slightly, Wen Ruanyu quickly offered congratulations to the City Lord, easing the tension.
The City Lord’s true body nodded faintly. “In that case, I can temporarily leave the deep well. At this critical juncture, I will possess the strength to fight.”
“But only temporarily.”
“The truth of the matter you have all seen clearly. Without my personal suppression, White Paper Immortal City will inevitably have its foundations overwhelmed by this vast Yin Energy—city destroyed, people annihilated!”
Wen Ruanyu promptly praised the City Lord’s noble character, extolling her sacrifices for the countless citizens.
“For specific city defense matters, discuss them with my avatar.” The City Lord’s true body issued a dismissal.
Yang Sanyan, Wen Ruanyu, and Ning Zhuo took their leave.
After the formation space closed, they went to a reception chamber and summoned Tie Guzheng. The four secretly discussed matters for half an hour, reaching preliminary agreements on many aspects.
That evening, Ning Zhuo hosted a banquet, inviting Yang Sanyan and Wen Ruanyu.
He showed Wen Ruanyu several items his mother had left behind.
With such tangible proof, Wen Ruanyu became convinced of Ning Zhuo’s identity. His eyes reddened at the table, and he shed tears.
On the spot, he promised, “Little Zhuo, if you face any difficulties in the future, come to me. I will spare no effort to assist you!”
Yang Sanyan said to Wen Ruanyu, “Little friend Ning Zhuo possesses outstanding talent and extraordinary methods. This session of the Flying Cloud Assembly is an excellent opportunity—he will surely soar to great heights.”
“In the future, perhaps it will be you who encounters difficulties and requires his assistance.”
Though Yang Sanyan had only just met Ning Zhuo, this brief shared experience had completely changed his view of him.
Wen Ruanyu agreed.
Ning Zhuo waved his hand modestly, self-deprecating yet confident and composed.
The next day.
Early in the morning, Qingchi came to find Ning Zhuo.
“I heard you entered the City Lord’s residence yesterday and were received by her true body? And you even hosted Yang Sanyan for a banquet last night. He didn’t make things difficult for you, did he?”
Qingchi had been seized in a single move by Yang Sanyan and held no goodwill toward him.
Ning Zhuo shook his head and told her he had resolved the matter, even gained some support from Yang Sanyan. He intended to join the Myriad Phenomena Sect in the future and told her not to worry.
But Qingchi’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Little Ma, I know—you have sacrificed too much for me. To satisfy Yang Sanyan, you even sold yourself to the Myriad Phenomena Sect!”
“That Yang Sanyan must have taken a liking to your aptitude. Capturing me was merely to force you into submission…”
In Qingchi’s eyes, Jiao Ma was a treasure of the world—everyone wanted him.
The White Paper City Lord did, and so did Yang Sanyan.
Ning Zhuo was speechless and could only console her, saying that joining the Myriad Phenomena Sect would grant him a brighter future.
Qingchi immediately declared that she would also attend the Flying Cloud Assembly and cultivate alongside Jiao Ma.
Ning Zhuo felt his scalp tingle. He certainly did not wish to spend day and night together with Qingchi in the future. He promptly changed the subject. “By the way, Miss Qingchi, have you gained any insights recently from studying military treatises?”
He asked casually, but Qingchi lifted her chin proudly and announced good news. “Ah, you noticed? I’ve comprehended another military system.”
Ning Zhuo asked eagerly.
Qingchi touched the bridge of her nose and replied, “Seeing how establishing our army consumes so many resources, I was moved and comprehended a military system called ‘An Army of One Phase, Ten Years of Accumulation’…”
She explained in detail, leaving Ning Zhuo inwardly astonished.
“Qingchi’s talent in military strategy seems extraordinarily outstanding!”
Comparing himself, he had yet to comprehend even a single military system.
Qingchi, meanwhile, had already grasped two.
After the good news came bad news.
Through the Human Life Hanging Thread, Sun Lingtong reported military intelligence. “Little Zhuo, the situation isn’t good!”
“The Great Yin Soldier Army is making major movements. I fear the moment of the decisive battle is at hand.”