Zhu Guizhi observed his expression and added one last sentence: Please rest assured, Ning Zhuo, the entire process will involve signing a Divine Contract in advance to ensure safety.
Ning Zhuo furrowed his brow more tightly.
What safety are they ensuring? Can a Divine Contract ensure his safety?
What if the Zhu Family harbors some malicious intent?
Divine Contracts are not one hundred percent reliable.
Since it’s a contract, there must be loopholes that can be exploited. He has no need to take this risk.
Ning Zhuo’s nature dictates that he wouldn’t easily take such risks.
He is well-versed in Soul Searching Technique and has recently frequently used the Boat Burning Soul Crossing Technique, too aware of the great operational space within.
Once he does this, his situation would turn into a case of "man is a knife, I am flesh."
If he encounters someone with ill intentions, Ning Zhuo will undoubtedly pay a heavy price, possibly landing in a situation of no return.
This is not what wise people do!
Furthermore, publicly announcing their relationship is something he does not want.
Once publicly announced, it carries the suspicion of "no silver here," which would greatly damage his reputation in the Righteous Path. It would also signify to the public that his relationship with the Zhu Family is mediocre, or even negative.
This will add an unfavorable impact to his current situation.
He now has to deal with the issue of Gu Qing. Should he reveal such a flaw at this time, Gu Qing’s group will certainly seize this opportunity with shining eyes.
Facing Gu Qing and Zhao Hansheng, the pressure is already immense.
Ning Zhuo himself is at a disadvantageous position. Previously, framing Gu Qing was him leveraging strength against strength, taking advantage of the situation. To put it bluntly, he only took advantage of a sneak attack, catching Gu Qing off guard.
The solution proposed by Zhu Guizhi is absolutely unacceptable to Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo smiled slightly and immediately expressed his interest in learning the Zhu Family’s Divine Summoning Technique. He mentioned that what he mastered was just the very basic first layer. Since the Zhu family has presented it, it represents negotiability.
Ning Zhuo: "Mrs. Zhu, what do you think of this?"
As he spoke, Ning Zhuo took out a handful of Ghost Dao Golden Cores from his storage bag.
The Golden Cores scattered on the tabletop, spreading out, one-time golden light flashing, with intense ghost energy.
Zhu Guizhi’s expression slightly changed.
She, being a Golden Core level cultivator, immediately felt Ning Zhuo’s assertiveness from this action.
Ning Zhuo: "If it’s not enough, I have more here."
Ning Zhuo took out two handfuls.
A dozen Ghost Dao Golden Cores spread across the table, illuminating the room.
Zhu Guizhi’s breath slightly halted involuntarily.
Such immense wealth, held by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and a young man in front of her, who is merely at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment level!
This compels her to reassess Ning Zhuo’s strength and his position within his power.
A dozen Ghost Dao Golden Cores are far more valuable than the ceremony gifts that Zhu Guizhi presented.
The strength demonstrated by her gift list now appears weak.
The astonishing financial prowess exhibited by Ning Zhuo also leads Zhu Guizhi to many associations. Momentarily, she feels somewhat parched.
Zhu Guizhi arranged the marriage for Zhu Fenxiang solely to maximize Zhu Fenxiang’s value and gain the greatest political benefit. Now, she sees another possibility in Ning Zhuo.
As long as Zhu Guizhi confirms: The union of Zhu Fenxiang and Ning Zhuo can provide her with more political benefits, then why not? Changing the original plan is not impossible.
Zhu Guizhi pondered for a moment and suddenly smiled: "Young Master, such a grand gesture leaves me at a loss on how to respond. Could it be... these Golden Cores are betrothal gifts?"
She covered her lips with her sleeve, her gaze probing: "Hehe, but in order to form a marriage alliance, both sides’ elders must meet and discuss in detail."
She naturally continued: "I am, however, quite unfamiliar with the situation of your family."
Ning Zhuo’s smile gradually faded.
Zhu Guizhi still does not want to give up, but Ning Zhuo is not about to speak the truth.
Because the Ning Family’s power is not strong. If Ning Zhuo tells the truth, the result will not be good.
However, he won’t deliberately lie either because this lie would be too easily dismantled. Once verified in the future, would his image and reputation still matter?
The best situation is actually right now. The public will subconsciously believe that Ning Zhuo’s background is very complex, almost a consensus that is universally recognized.
How should he handle it?
Previously, Ning Zhuo deflected multiple times, now he needs to use the same tactic again, or he will show weakness and appear guilty.
Just in a moment, Ning Zhuo thought of a countermeasure.
"Mrs. Zhu." He smiled slightly, displaying clear arrogance, "The Divine Summoning Technique matter was told to me by your daughter herself, it doesn’t have much to do with it. I only accepted the Zhu Family’s technique, and it is just the first layer."
"You come here instead with different words, naturally out of a mother’s love for her child, but what does it have to do with me? You trouble me, putting me in danger."
"Constantly probing into my family background, are you trying to confirm something?"
"If my family background isn’t high, would you take other sneaky actions against me?"
Zhu Guizhi’s face changed instantly, she opened her mouth to speak.
Ning Zhuo raised his hand to stop her and continued: "This Xingyun Trial, I intentionally hid my family background to enhance my advantage."
"If you wish to know, it’s not impossible."
"But at least..."
Zhu Guizhi breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing: "I am willing to pay the price for such precious information."
Ning Zhuo chuckled: "You underestimate me, madam."
"To know, you must first see if you have the qualification."
"Speaking of Golden Cores." Ning Zhuo glanced down at the dozen Ghost Dao Golden Cores on the table, "I have slain quite a few myself."
Zhu Guizhi’s pupils shrank violently, her expression froze, no longer as composed as before, feeling a strong offense!
What Ning Zhuo said was blatantly direct, but indeed reasonable.
Everything must speak with fists.
The fist is the ultimate reason!
The fundamental logic by which a world operates has not changed since ancient times—winner takes all!
No matter the opinion, conflict, or contradiction, in a fight between the two sides, the dead one does not hold reason.
Once you win, a Great Scholar will naturally debate the reasoning for you.
This logic stands, but Zhu Guizhi still feels a sense of humiliation.
After all, she is Zhu Fenxiang’s mother, an elder. Besides, she is also a Golden Core level cultivator. By cultivation level division, she is Ning Zhuo’s senior.
Ning Zhuo lacks basic respect for her!
Zhu Guizhi restrained her anger and expressed that she did not want to bully with seniority.
Ning Zhuo chuckled: "Before, madam, you have explored my family background several times, already bullying with seniority."
His words were sharp, leaving Zhu Guizhi momentarily speechless.
Ning Zhuo’s voice was clear: "The Zhu Family’s fame is like thunder piercing the ear."
"Fellow Daoist Zhu Fenxiang and Situ Xing had an outstanding battle, displaying a skillful Divine Summoning Technique. His charisma was extraordinary and captivating."
"Though I lack the talent personally, I was already eager to engage during the watch. Meeting madam today intensifies this itch."
"As the old saying goes, "Tiger girl, dragon mother," I invite madam to generously offer guidance."
Zhu Guizhi saw Ning Zhuo pressing repeatedly and couldn’t help but laugh in anger. It seems this young junior takes her as an ordinary Golden Core stage cultivator.
"Since Young Master Ning insists, very well."
"I accept this battle."
Zhu Guizhi had already determined inwardly. This battle must be serious to duly teach Ning Zhuo a lesson and strengthen her senior stance, establishing the hierarchy firmly!