Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng couldn’t help falling into silence.
Li Guanyu was not optimistic about Ning Zhuo, thinking he was no match for Gu Qing.
This statement is quite reasonable. Because this Xingyun Trial is about papermaking. During this process, many Confucian Cultivator techniques are required, such as Literary Style, Literary Heart, and even the Literary Palace.
Ning Zhuo is not a traditional Confucian Cultivator, but Gu Qing is.
The latter not only is a Confucian Cultivator but has been trained from a young age, receiving education in Confucian classics. His teacher is the great Confucian Zhao Hansheng! It can be said that in terms of Confucian cultivation, Gu Qing has had far more nurturing than Ning Zhuo.
He is now here to participate in this Xingyun Trial, and his advantages are very obvious and indeed very significant.
Even if Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng are inclined towards Ning Zhuo, they cannot deny such advantages.
Moreover, Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng cannot prevent Gu Qing from participating.
There are many things that can only be done in secret, but the appearance of fairness and justice must be upheld.
This is why the Xuan Armor Cave was very upset to see Ban Jie lay groundwork and manipulate the trial. Ban Jie, after the fact, paid a hefty price to seek forgiveness from the Xuan Armor Cave.
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng cannot favor Ning Zhuo excessively; otherwise, the reputation and name of the Confucian Cultivators would be tarnished!
So what should be done next?
After a moment of silence, Song Taosheng said, "Actually, it doesn’t matter much. We initially wanted to support Ning Zhuo because we lacked understanding of him. Now we know that Ning Zhuo is a top-notch genius. He can make a name for himself in the Myriad Images Sect by relying solely on his strength."
"In the first two Confucian Trials, he has already won first place. Frankly, there is already quite a suspicion."
"We just need to ensure that the next two Confucian Trials provide him with precise assistance."
Song Taosheng’s meaning was very clear.
Ning Zhuo, without their assistance, relying solely on himself, can still claim first place in other Xingyun Trials.
So even if he doesn’t become the champion in this Confucian Trial, it doesn’t matter!
In fact, it has benefits.
At least it will verify that the Confucian Cultivators’ trial isn’t solely designed for Ning Zhuo, completely dispelling potential suspicion and risk.
Song Taosheng paused, and added, "Gu Qing’s participation, I think, has many benefits too."
"This young man comes from the Huazhang Country and is a nationally renowned talented junior. His participation in our hosted Xingyun Trial indicates that we have allies outside the Myriad Images Sect. This greatly enhances our prestige!"
Chu Xuangu and Li Guanyu nodded upon hearing this.
Chu Xuangu suddenly thought of Situ Gu: "In this case, Situ Gu almost actively joined this Xingyun Trial earlier, presumably having met Zhao Hansheng and Gu Qing in advance, possibly even reached an agreement."
Li Guanyu continued, "Thus, Gu Qing’s intention is also clear. He aims to claim first place in this Xingyun Trial!"
The Confucian Cultivators are politically adept.
During their discussion, the three easily deciphered Situ Gu’s position and Gu Qing’s intention.
Li Guanyu jokingly glanced at the other two: "A great Confucian’s move is truly exceptional. We’ve struggled with our arrangements, but they come from afar and pick the fruits right away."
Song Taosheng laughed: "Can things always go as we wish? In the entire Myriad Images Sect, we three are merely Golden Core Cultivators. And the whole Confucian community only has a certain stature in the middle level of the Myriad Images Sect."
Chu Xuangu maintained a calm expression, his voice indifferent: "Zhao Hansheng is a great Confucian on par with Mr. Duanmu Zhang. For us to obstruct him is very challenging and unnecessary."
"Intent on gathering achievements worldwide during his travels, Gu Qing is seeking accomplishments everywhere. This is understandable."
"Since he covets this head title so much, isn’t it unreasonable if he doesn’t pay some price?"
At this point, Chu Xuangu had already abandoned the original plan to support Ning Zhuo’s bid for the title.
Since things have become unmanageable, let them proceed naturally, and modify the plan.
After all, Chu Xuangu’s relationship with Ning Zhuo isn’t very close, more of admiration and high regard. Among the Confucian Cultivators, the only one truly willing to go beyond for Ning Zhuo is Wen Ruanyu.
However, he remains under house arrest.
Ning Zhuo, not being an orthodox Confucian Cultivator, is always a step removed from being one of them in the hearts of the Confucians.
Li Guanyu and Song Taosheng wore slight smiles.
It’s best that Chu Xuangu could change his mind.
Li Guanyu chuckled: "As a great Confucian, Zhao Hansheng surely has a substantial background. It’s right for him to add luster to this Xingyun Trial for his own student."
"Haha, let me join in the fun. I’ll accompany you guys to pay respects to the renowned great Confucian from afar."
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng immediately expressed welcome.
Song Taosheng said, "Once we agree, spread the relevant news."
Li Guanyu nodded: "Given Ning Zhuo’s accomplishments, he will certainly understand our meaning."
He has come to understand Ning Zhuo a lot.
The reason for this result is that Ning Zhuo’s entire performance in the Xuan Armor Cave was recorded in the Jade Slip and widely sold through the Commerce Hall.
Li Guanyu seemed to witness Ning Zhuo’s various performances in Xuan Armor Cave’s trial personally.
What impressed him most was Ning Zhuo’s grasp of people’s minds. At the critical moment, Ning Zhuo convinced others to voluntarily yield merely through words, even including Golden Core Cultivators like Tie Zheng.
This act left Li Guanyu very impressed with Ning Zhuo.
Because Confucian Cultivators predominantly advocate the approach of "A gentleman uses reason, not force."