Capítulo 1172: Chapter 445: Confucian Cultivator Qi Fortune
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng stood respectfully below the hall.
Duanmu Zhang sat upright in the main seat, his face gloomy, staring at the two: “Nonsense!”
“For the sake of Ning Zhuo, you actually arranged two consecutive ‘Xingyun Trials’! Such acts of favoritism and corruption, where does that place the reputation of our Confucian Sect? Where does that place the integrity of the Myriad Images Sect?”
Chu Xuangu had long anticipated the outcome of the truth being revealed, took a deep breath, and bowed, saying: “Sir, please calm down. There are indeed reasons for this matter, it’s not entirely favoritism.”
“Firstly, it was at the request of Fellow Daoist Wen (Wen Ruanyu). Fellow Daoist Wen has a deep connection with Ning Zhuo, intending to ensure the child’s safety. Our intervention was also out of a sense of justice.”
“Secondly, Ning Zhuo is the son of Meng Yaoyin. Although Meng Yaoyin is not a Confucian Cultivator, he surpasses them. With a compassionate heart, unparalleled loyalty, he has time and again sacrificed himself for the Immortal City and the greater good.”
“In Confucianism, there is a classic saying, ‘Care for others’ elders as one’s own; care for others’ children as one’s own.’ We would lend a hand even to a stranger; how can we turn a blind eye when Senior Sister Meng’s son, who has endured hardships, returns now?”
Chu Xuangu, speaking to this point, looked toward Song Taosheng.
Song Taosheng had already made an agreement with him to share the pressure, and decisively spoke up, continuing: “Thirdly, this action is also for the benefit of our Confucian line!”
“Ning Zhuo, this child, possesses extraordinary potential. Observing his past actions, it is clear he is not ordinary. Befriending him, nurturing his growth will bring great benefits in the future.”
“Moreover, it concerns the significant interests of White Paper Immortal City…”
“Currently, within the Myriad Images Sect, our Confucian group is gradually declining. Seizing this opportunity to involve ourselves in such a gambit will greatly aid the spread of our Confucian ideals.”
Duanmu Zhang cast a cold glance at the two: “Your words are solid and articulate, impressive indeed. It seems you have prepared well.”
He spread his hands: “However, no matter how many reasons or benefits there are, they do not justify your disregard of the rules to set up a trial!”
“Today, we make an exception for one person; tomorrow, others will follow suit! If this continues, where is justice? Where is fairness? Will not the upright wind of the Confucian Sect decay into a place of personal favoritism and exchange of interests? Do you know that once this trend starts, the consequences will be endless?”
After a pause, he continued: “Moreover, Ning Zhuo is not a Confucian Cultivator. Even though he is Meng Yaoyin’s son, his foundation in Taoist skills is not of the Confucian Sect’s orthodoxy. Calling him ‘one of us’ is far-fetched.”
Duanmu Zhang slowly shook his head.
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng were momentarily at a loss for words.
Duanmu Zhang was right; no matter how sufficient the reasons, they were still violating the rules, essentially showing favoritism.
The Xingyun Trial in the Xuan Armor Cave, where Ban Jie bribed others for Ban Ji, setting traps was cheating; in this matter, Ning Zhuo had already cheated long ago.
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy. Just then, a streak of light flew in, landing precisely in Chu Xuangu’s hand, turning into a jade talisman.
If it weren’t a matter of importance, the jade talisman wouldn’t fly in at this moment.
Chu Xuangu hurriedly saluted, seeking instructions from Duanmu Zhang.
Duanmu Zhang lifted his hand slightly, signaling that it was fine, allowing Chu Xuangu to handle it immediately.
Chu Xuangu swept it with his Divine Sense, revealing a hint of delight and relief in his eyes.
“This is the latest information on Ning Zhuo.”
“He participated in the Xingyun Trial at the Xuan Armor Cave, eliminated Ban Ji, defeated three Golden Core Cultivators, and successfully claimed first place!”
“Here is his complete process of passing through the trials, sir, please have a look.”
“Oh? Let me see.” Duanmu Zhang slightly furrowed his brows, with a look of scrutiny, took the jade talisman, and delved into it with his Divine Sense.
The stern expression on Duanmu Zhang’s face gradually dissipated, his severe gaze becoming gentle, even showing a trace of amazement.
Ning Zhuo, breaking through the three stages, with the weak overcoming the strong, using strategy, and daring to take risks at critical moments, left a deep impression on Duanmu Zhang.
Especially…
In the first few encounters of the second stage, Ning Zhuo learned and adapted, showing an incredibly strong ability to learn, revealing extraordinary insight, making it hard for Duanmu Zhang to forget.
He suddenly understood and thought to himself: “Does this child have such insight? Decisive in the moment, perceiving clearly. No wonder that old fellow Zhong Dao values him.”
Chu Xuangu had been observing closely, seeing the obvious change in Duanmu Zhang’s expression, he felt a sense of relief, thinking that Ning Zhuo’s performance was indeed timely.
He seized the opportunity decisively, earnestly saying: “Sir, your judgment is wise! Although we, due to personal desires, arranged the two Xingyun Trials, we did not show favoritism in the trial process in the slightest! Ning Zhuo claimed first place through his own wit, intellect, knowledge, and other abilities, deserving the honor.”
Duanmu Zhang remained silent, watched the footage again, and Ning Zhuo’s image in his mind became more vivid and distinct.
“This child truly has talent.” Duanmu Zhang felt a fondness for talent, while also deeply regretting, “Why is he not a Confucian Cultivator?”
Ultimately, he let out a barely audible sigh.
When he looked again at Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng, his eyes no longer held reproach, but rather, understanding.
Weighing his words, Duanmu Zhang meaningfully said: “‘Mencius·Teng Wen Gong Shang’ states: ‘Villagers sharing wells, going in and out, helping and watching over each other, aiding in sickness and hardship, then the people are harmonious.”
“As fellow disciples and same path adorers, helping each other is the gentleman’s way.”
“Having formed this good relationship, it should indeed be well maintained. Though Ning Zhuo is not a Confucian Cultivator, his talent is promising, and his mother’s benevolence and love are likely a family legacy. Since you have already intervened, you must not abandon it halfway. Be sincere, interact with courtesy, and let him feel the kindness of our Confucian Sect and the camaraderie of our fellow path adherents. This is not favoritism, but forming good relations and solidifying the foundation. Ensure… to discern the proper measure, to avoid leaving grounds for criticism.”