Capítulo 1210: Chapter 464: The “Tacit Battle” Between Ning Zhuo and Gu Qing
Daoist Fellow Ning Zhuo:
Wishing you tranquility this spring and peace this summer, as the seasons turn.
Upon arriving at this treasured land, I heard of your profound expertise in mechanisms, particularly the innovative and uniquely crafted ice and snow mechanical puppets. Whenever I think of this, I often yearn to learn from you face-to-face, yet lament the missed opportunity.
Now, I venture to write you this letter, albeit with some presumption.
Coincidentally, I have achieved some minor insights in the Painting Dao, and I wish to use the opportunity of a martial arts duel to verify them against the craftsmanship of your mechanical puppets. Meeting friends through art is truly one of life’s joys.
For this exchange, I have three wishes: First, regardless of victory or defeat, the sole aim is to refine our arts; second, the sparring between my avatar and your puppet aims for mutual verification, valuing harmony above all; third, I intend to invite talented individuals from various sects to observe, not only to demonstrate openness and integrity, but also to allow each Daoist fellow to gain something.
I deeply understand the endless nature of the great Dao, that this sparring is not for contention but for mutual exploration of the mysteries. Should you deign to accept, I will prepare light tea and respectfully await the auspicious day.
Kindly evaluate my request, and I hope for your reply.
Wishing you peace on your Daoist journey
Respectfully, Gu Qing
Gu Qing’s letter of sparring was elegantly worded, with a gentle tone, and even carried a touch of respect.
This was expected by Ning Zhuo and once again heightened his vigilance.
“Worthy of being a renowned genius both inside and outside the Hua Zhang Capital,” Ning Zhuo praised inwardly.
Gu Qing’s response neatly solves his current predicament of rumors.
On one hand, by inviting numerous geniuses from the Myriad Images Sect to duel, he uses their widely recognized reputations to validate his own.
On the other hand, by using the Painting Dao avatar to participate in battles, regardless of the outcome, he has excuses ready. This prevents any discord from damaging relationships or creating intense conflicts.
Ning Zhuo doesn’t even need to guess, he knows Gu Qing’s challenge letter to Situ Xing would only mention wanting to use his Painting Dao avatar to break through Situ Xing’s sword array. Meanwhile, in Zhu Fenxiang’s letter, it would reference using the Painting Dao avatar to battle against Zhu Fenxiang’s Divine Summoning Technique.
“Gu Qing probably already has a plan: in some fights, if he senses things are unfavorable, he will stop while ahead and concede decisively. The line between winning and losing will blur as a result.”
“Even if he has enough strength to suppress everyone, including myself, he won’t choose to do so.”
So long as he wins and loses in turns, and presents things as genuine externally, the rumor offensive against Gu Qing collapses entirely.
At Gu Qing’s level, just from the wording of his letter, one can distinctly perceive he certainly wouldn’t execute the foolish strategy of total victory!
Ning Zhuo, holding the Flying Message in hand, contemplated deeply as he considered another level: “Gu Qing sent Flying Messages to us, surely he will use the words of certain outsiders to leak this matter deliberately.”
“The public inevitably wants to witness our duel. On one hand, for entertainment, on the other, to understand our strength and methods as much as possible, effectively aiding their subsequent trials.”
“Therefore, the public will also push to make it happen. If I refuse or even hesitate slightly, the tidal wave of public opinion will surge swiftly, accusing us of cowardice, weakness, and inferiority compared to Gu Qing.”
Gu Qing in this regard, meanwhile, acts rather “forthrightly.”
Directly stating in the letter: “Third, I intend to invite talented individuals from various sects to observe, not only to demonstrate openness and integrity but also to allow each Daoist fellow to gain something.”
See: how considerate he is for others.
Once the letter’s content leaks, it will inevitably boost the public impression of him. They remain unaware that they are actually being manipulated by Gu Qing.
Even amidst those who might realize some of it, they would still opt to facilitate the matter for their own interests.
A seemingly simple letter actually reveals Gu Qing’s solid and seasoned Righteous Path knowledge.
However… all of this was also within Ning Zhuo’s expectations.
He had long collected extensive intelligence on Gu Qing. When rumors were initially spread, Gu Qing was a primary consideration.
Gu Qing’s fame spreading through Hua Zhang Country poses its own drawbacks. At least regarding his intelligence, copious amounts are quite easily gathered.
“The opponent has already fallen into the trap, continuing seamless action is warranted.” Ning Zhuo promptly composed a reply—
Your esteemed letter received, akin to bathing in spring breezes.
Your grace in not abandoning us, sending an invitation. Within your eloquent handwriting, a full display of grace and high-mindedness; every line and section brimming with the gentleman’s demeanor.
I humbly read your letter, as though listening to pure melodies.
Your words elucidating the three wishes for sparring, each phrase full of polished gems, very much resonate with my heart. “Regardless of victory or defeat, the sole aim is to refine our arts” especially reflects Brother Gu’s broad-mindedness and noble aspirations, compelling my admiration endlessly.
My skills in mechanisms amount to but minute dexterity, how could I dare claim the honor of being “innovative”? Yet your Painting Dao avatar is ingeniously crafted with divine artistry, evoking heartfelt admiration.
I have always heard of the Hua Zhang Country, where the gentlemanly elegance is profound and cultural heritage long enduring. Although residing long in small countries, each time reading through sage’s classics, my heart quivers, thinking across thousands of years. Encountering you for sparring and discussing Dao, indeed is a life rarity’s opportunity.
Not to hide from you, I have ever harbored admiration for the Confucian Sect’s Heart Learning.
Especially adhering to the principle of “Knowledge and Action Unity”, its intriguing resonance with my mechanism Dao’s “Principle and Practice Mutual Enhancement”, having an amusing harmony. This exchange now resembles meeting friends through martial arts, connecting hearts through skill, is it not delightful!
Acceding to your elegance, how dare I defy such a command?
Willing to use the snow-centered puppet to meet your exquisite brushwork.
Thanks for not abandoning, deeply grateful.
…
Ning Zhuo’s reply quickly arrived in Gu Qing’s hands.
“Teacher, the first response is from Ning Zhuo.” Gu Qing handed the Flying Message to Zhao Hansheng.
Zhao Hansheng scanned it with his Divine Sense and nodded slightly: “He is extraordinary as expected, yet his origins remain unclear, the internal intelligence from Myriad Images Sect hasn’t broken through, only documenting his deeds upon arriving at Wanxiang Sect’s Main Mountain Gate.”
The two, being from Hua Zhang Country, rely heavily on the Commerce Hall for intelligence collection as well.
Gu Qing smiled: “Ning Zhuo initially wasn’t widely recognized; he himself deliberately concealed matters. For the Myriad Images Sect to gather adequate intelligence, spanning multiple nations, a delay is understandable.”