Within the Martial Arts Array, Ning Zhuo fell into contemplation.
"From Qinghuangzi’s expression, it seems he wants to directly cancel the Xingyun Trial and hand over the inheritance to me."
"Although it saves trouble, what I truly gain would be far less than my previous plan."
"Without the Xingyun Trial, there will be no first place. And that is something I can originally achieve."
He is already holding the Stone Token, obtaining first place three more times will allow him to exchange for a higher-level Token.
Since Ning Zhuo has already decided to act ostentatiously, he will not hesitate here.
"I must seize every chance to obtain first place and strive to widen the gap with others!"
"Apart from first place, I also need to focus on my reputation."
"Many people are already watching me. If the Xingyun Trial is suddenly canceled, there might be envious individuals spreading malicious rumors against me."
"That’s unacceptable!"
In the Righteous Path, a good reputation is extremely important.
Ning Zhuo is very familiar with this.
With thoughts settled, Ning Zhuo began to write a reply.
Soon, Qinghuangzi received the reply and immediately read it using Divine Sense.
Respected Senior Qinghuang:
With humble words flying, both surprised and honored! Zhuo, an unworthy latecomer, a mere commoner, what virtue what capability, to unexpectedly be favored by Senior beyond measure, entrusted with your legacy? Reading your majestic words, every word like a jade pendant striking the heart, every sentence like a great bell awakening the soul. Senior, your insight is profound, mistakenly praising Zhuo’s foolish actions; your earnest expectations surpass the warmth of spring sunlight...
The Mechanism, not merely the movement of muscles and bones, but truly the blade of investigation, the bridge to the profound, the form and skeleton of thought! Zhuo has always loved this path, often sitting in the shabby room, contemplating mechanisms, forgetting sleep and meals, still feeling time like electric, the interest unbounded. Now upon hearing Senior’s great path ahead, like seeing the North Star in the night, like encountering sweet rain after long drought!
Entrusted by Senior, heavier than a thousand jun, Zhuo hereby pledges with heart: will exhaust mind and intellect, burn the midnight oil, meticulously study this art! Certainly making profound sounds and truths, in Zhuo’s hands, not merely inheriting but definitely shining great! Senior and revered teacher’s aspiration, is Zhuo’s lifelong ambition, unrepentant even after nine deaths!
However, Zhuo has one request, earnestly hoping Senior will consent: Zhuo still wishes to attend the Xingyun Trial!
Not daring to doubt Senior’s wisdom in recognizing people, nor harboring luck, nor coveting false fame. The concern lies solely in ’posthumous fame’ and ’upholding the orthodoxy’ of these two matters.
Within the sect, mouths are many and words flow freely. If Zhuo acquires True Inheritance without trial, it may provoke suspicion among petty people, claiming Senior privately giveth and receive, not adhering to old customs; also, slandering the legacy of revered teacher’s lineage as rash, lacking successors. Words flow freely, three people form a tiger, if it tarnishes Senior’s pure reputation, makes revered teacher’s honor suffer, Zhuo cannot escape the blame even in death!
Zhuo also stands to gain from attending the Xingyun Trial.
Firstly, using the trial as a grindstone, sharpening oneself, verifying what’s learned! In real combat, realizing the depth of Senior’s legacy.
Secondly, using strength as evidence, proclaiming to fellow sect members! If Zhuo fortunately wins first place, then accepts legacy, justifiably, stopping rumors! Preventing any improper thoughts, blocking idle talk. Making the whole world know, Senior’s decision today is neither for private affection, but truly with sharpened eyes, like Bo Le recognizing a fine steed!
Zhuo, bearing Senior’s heavy trust, possesses deep thoughts. The success or failure of the trial, for Zhuo, is not about glory or disgrace, but solely tied to the heart of the path! If victorious, with dignity, enhancing Senior’s reputation in recognizing talent; if defeated, with openness, showing the strict standards for choosing heirs to the legacy!
Earnestly hoping Senior fulfills Zhuo’s humble wish!
Written eagerly, humbly requesting that all is well!
As student Ning Zhuo bows sincerely.
Qinghuangzi read it three times using Divine Sense, then let out a long, trembling breath, filled with complex emotions.
"Such a Ning Zhuo! Such a ’posthumous fame’, ’upholding the orthodoxy’!" His voice hoarse, with an unexpected tremor and burning sense of gratification.
The scope of this youth, his steadfast nature, far-reaching thoughts, grandiose spirit... it’s astonishingly beyond my expectations!"
Qinghuangzi’s gaze was sharp, penetrating the paper, as if seeing the white-robed youth respectfully writing the reply. The youth’s head was somewhat large, sitting upright, his upper body straight as a peak, his face solemn, filled with righteousness!
"Neither conceited about his talent, nor disdainful of things! Receiving my consent, without a trace of arrogance or complacency, but perceiving this opportunity as a burden as heavy as a thousand jun, pondering upon its weight!"
"Not avoiding responsibility, daring to take it! Fearlessly facing the risks of the Xingyun Trial, voluntarily stepping into fierce competition, proving himself! This isn’t for false fame, but truly for the pure reputation of me and the revered teacher!"
"Such a youth!"
Qinghuangzi grew more and more excited as he thought about it, couldn’t help but stand up, pacing back and forth in the small cave room, with steps livelier than usual.
"How could such a talent be let down with his diligent intentions! How could his rightful and upright heart be sullied!"
"Since it is so, I shall lend him a helping hand."
The next day, at Qingzhu Peak.
Around the stone platform, people had already gathered densely.
"So many people have come." Jiang Xiaobian sighed, somewhat nervous.
"Qinghuangzi’s Xingyun Trial is different from most; he is selecting a successor." Zhang Dadan replied.
"No, just for this point, it wouldn’t attract so many people. The reason is solely one..." Patchwork Sun shook his head, just as he was saying this, the crowd around them stirred.
"He’s here, he’s here!"
"Did I see wrong?"
"No mistake, no mistake, it’s Ning Zhuo!"
The observing cultivators shouted enthusiastically, countless pairs of heated, curious gazes turned towards Ning Zhuo arriving on the clouds.
Ning Zhuo had already anticipated this situation, with a smile on his face, lowered the cloud head, and cupped his hands towards the surroundings, fully displaying the demeanor of a young master from a great family.
Among the crowd, the cultivators returned the salute successively.
Many people complimented Ning Zhuo: "Young Master Ning Zhuo, you will certainly win first place this time!"