To some extent, the rumors spread by the Monk of False Words against Ning Zhuo have instead made Ning Zhuo more famous.
"But this opposing force should not be underestimated."
"At the current stage, it can be ignored, but that won’t always be the case."
"Because next, I truly need to make a name for myself. Appearing with a reputation of cowardice is clearly unacceptable."
The events at White Paper Immortal City are a hurdle, but also an opportunity.
If Ning Zhuo gains a bit of fame before this matter is exposed, it serves as a kind of protection for him.
Now, Wen Ruanyu has proactively offered assistance, bringing in fellow cultivators to support Ning Zhuo. Previously, Chu Xuangu’s success in the Xingyun Trial marked significant achievements. This signifies that the Confucian cultivator group of Ning Zhuo and the Myriad Images Sect has already begun coordinating harmoniously.
Under these circumstances, it would be unwise to let the Monk of False Words continue to slander and spread demeaning rumors about Ning Zhuo.
The Confucian cultivators are giving their full support, while Ning Zhuo has a flaw on his side without resolving the issue with the Monk of False Words. How would the Confucian cultivators perceive Ning Zhuo?
It’s not just the Confucian cultivators; how will the leadership of the Myriad Images Sect view Ning Zhuo’s current performance in the future?
Ning Zhuo is on the Righteous Path, not the Demon Path.
These are matters he needs to ponder carefully.
The Myriad Images Sect is Meng Yaoyin’s sect, and Ning Zhuo has a favorable impression of it.
He plans to join it and develop himself well there.
"My every move here, even if currently unknown, will eventually be scrutinized."
"This is the time to establish an impression, which will have a very profound impact on my future development in the Myriad Images Sect!"
Ning Zhuo pondered for a moment and began writing letters to Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong.
He intended to utilize Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong’s strength to launch a counterattack in public opinion.
Shen Xi received the letter and immediately understood the situation.
"Because of me, Ning Zhuo became enemies with Pi Fujie. Pi Fujie invited Ban Ji over, apparently seeing our side’s strength and decided to ally with others to regain face."
"I’ve already figured out Ban Ji’s motive for targeting Ning Zhuo."
"It seems Ban Ji is coveting the Golden Core Level Mechanical Puppet in Ning Zhuo’s possession."
Su Lingkou nodded in agreement, saying, "Cousin, I think you’re right."
"But Ning Zhuo has considerable strength on his side as well and has recruited Gongsun Yan, so why does he need you for help?"
Shen Xi smiled, "He didn’t just ask me; he also asked Lin Jinglong for assistance."
"His brilliance lies in two main points."
"Firstly, he’s new here, and neither he nor his backing holds much fame at the Myriad Images Sect’s mountain gate. But I’m different. If I speak up for him, it can immediately stir up public opinion."
"Secondly, he didn’t just seek my help; he explicitly stated in his letter that he also wrote to Lin Jinglong."
"So, if I don’t help him and Lin Jinglong does, then what?"
"Ning Zhuo is no ordinary person..."
Shen Xi sighed deeply.
Since the previous incident involving Lin Jinglong and Gongsun Yan, he immediately adjusted his view of Ning Zhuo.
Previously, he considered Ning Zhuo as a subordinate, wanting to have him act as a henchman against Gongsun Yan. But Ning Zhuo stepped outside this framework and directly sought out Gongsun Yan, persuading him to switch sides.
This maneuver was executed beautifully, directly altering Lin Jinglong and Shen Xi’s perceptions and changing the internal dynamics of this small group.
Now, Shen Xi considers Ning Zhuo as an equal and someone whose alliance needs to be secured.
Thus, Shen Xi must help Ning Zhuo and support him fully. At the very least, he must outdo Lin Jinglong.
After listening to Shen Xi’s analysis, Su Lingkou was enlightened and couldn’t help but cover her small mouth, astonished by the intricacies involved.
The replies from Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong quickly reached Ning Zhuo.
Shen Xi’s reply was as Ning Zhuo expected; he clearly stated that he would assist in public opinion by using the name of the Shen Family from Nine Palace Immortal City to support Ning Zhuo.
Lin Jinglong’s reply was somewhat different from Shen Xi’s.
In his letter, Lin Jinglong proposed to unify the narrative on the matter of Gongsun Yan. Without damaging the reputation of the Lin Family or Lin Jinglong himself, Lin Jinglong was willing to personally back Ning Zhuo.
At the end of the letter, Lin Jinglong candidly said, "The Monk of False Words is quite powerful, but with Daoist Fellow Ning Zhuo’s strength, what is there to fear? Just kill him outright; there’s no need for verbal disputes, such a nuisance!"
Ning Zhuo shook his head slightly at this.
"Lin Jinglong is unsure of my strength, so he is trying to use this opportunity to probe my capabilities."
If it truly came to a confrontation, Ning Zhuo certainly wouldn’t consider the Monk of False Words a threat.
"But bearing a little can prevent major plots from unraveling."
"Even if I dealt with the Monk of False Words, so what?"
"Both Ban Ji and Pi Fujie could still find another tool against me!"
"Moreover, if they aim to deal with me, one failed plan will lead to another. This round of defamatory rumors is relatively harmless. If those rumors are thwarted, who knows what kind of plan they might conceive next?"
"If they devise an even more sinister plan that catches me off guard, it could cause unnecessary trouble."
"The current priority is still the Xingyun Trial."
Ning Zhuo’s perspective aligned with Ban Ji’s.
If Ban Ji were to learn Ning Zhuo’s thoughts at this moment, who knows what his reaction would be.
"The Xingyun Trial is a series of selections. Individuals or sect factions use it to select talents. It establishes connections between the new and the old."
"If these connections are strong and newcomers are appreciated, during the upcoming Feiyun Conference, they will also receive the support of veteran members of the Myriad Images Sect."