Zhu Guizhi could not possibly continue fighting Ning Zhuo.
She met Ning Zhuo secretly to gather intelligence. Before coming to the Bluestone Cave Mansion, she hadn’t intended to spar with Ning Zhuo at all.
After all, she is a Golden Core level cultivator, while Ning Zhuo is only at the Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage.
However, during their negotiation, Ning Zhuo took control of the conversation’s rhythm and invited Zhu Guizhi to a sparring match.
Zhu Guizhi chose to accept the sparring invitation, hoping to use the outcome to intimidate Ning Zhuo. But in actual combat, she found that the reality was far different from her expectations.
She summoned two deities in succession but failed to subdue Ning Zhuo.
"The mechanical puppet he deployed first has characteristics similar to the Eternal Silence Mystic Ice. It can absorb external attacks, keep accumulating them internally, then suddenly explode with terrifying power."
"If it exploded only once, that would be fine."
"The troublesome part is that Ning Zhuo can rapidly repair this mechanical puppet. Given his skill level, it’s likely that he created this mechanical puppet himself."
Despite the spar, Zhu Guizhi did gain something.
At the very least, she confirmed that Ning Zhuo’s main cultivation focus is on Mechanical Techniques.
Zhu Guizhi decisively backed down.
She still has resources and trump cards left and could summon a third deity. But what would be her purpose in doing so?
She already confirmed Ning Zhuo possesses Golden Core combat power, so what’s the point in forcibly suppressing him?
"Judging by Ning Zhuo’s tone just now, he should still have a third Golden Core level mechanical combat puppet."
Even if he doesn’t, Zhu Guizhi wouldn’t continue fighting.
Everything should be done with a sense of timing. Continuing the fight would make her seem desperate, which is not characteristic of someone from the Righteous Path.
Zhu Guizhi looked at the big-headed youth in front of her, her feelings complicated.
Ning Zhuo probably owns three Golden Core level mechanical puppets and over a dozen Ghost Dao Golden Cores. Yet, he is merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and only at the mid-stage. This scenario is too exaggerated even among top genius cultivators.
Zhu Guizhi speculated that Ning Zhuo holds a considerable position within his backing forces, possibly being the eldest legitimate son of a family with real power.
"The distribution of resources like this is very abnormal."
"Xiang’er worked hard to become the Foundation Establishment face of the Zhu Family but nowhere near gets such resource support."
Composing herself, Zhu Guizhi smiled at Ning Zhuo. She suggested calling this sparring session a draw.
She praised Ning Zhuo for his remarkable strength, pointing out that he could aim to become one of the top-rank geniuses at this year’s Feiyun Conference.
Once he reaches top rank, his treatment will elevate significantly. This would be invaluable support for an outsider like Ning Zhuo!
Ning Zhuo nodded: "That is exactly my goal."
He stated this without hesitation.
Ever since he decided to stand out in the Xingyun Trial at the Evil Slaying Hall, he had such a goal.
To achieve this goal, he must participate in the Xingyun Trial at the Martial Arts Hall and obtain an impressive enough result.
What qualifies as an impressive result?
It should be where the majority recognizes Ning Zhuo, considering him among the special few first-rate geniuses.
Each session of the Feiyun Conference usually has no more than five top-rank geniuses.
Sometimes there are more, but often only one or two reach top rank.
Ning Zhuo looked at Zhu Guizhi and expressed: during this exchange, he recognized the might of the Divine Summoning Technique, evidencing that the Zhu Family is indeed remarkable. This aroused more interest in the Zhu Family’s Divine Summoning Technique.
However, he also doesn’t want to become a son-in-law to the Zhu Family. So, he directly asked Zhu Guizhi if there is any other solution.
Zhu Guizhi could only smile bitterly.
Ning Zhuo’s formidable stance was precisely the correct response.
The greatest responsibility lies with Zhu Fenxiang. It’s her, as a member of the Zhu Family, who failed to understand the meaning of the first layer of the Divine Summoning Technique and easily passed it on.
This isn’t my problem! It’s a problem for you, Zhu Fenxiang or Zhu Guizhi, to resolve.
I, Ning Zhuo, am not closely related to Zhu Fenxiang, and there’s no reason for me to bear these burdens.
Of course, I can cooperate.
But everything comes with a price.
Ning Zhuo’s stance is quite clear: I won’t easily step in to help you solve your problems. If you treat me as part of the problem to be solved, then I would only create bigger problems or become an even bigger hassle!
Ning Zhuo handled it so cleverly that Zhu Guizhi got an illusion that Ning Zhuo was also an old fox, deeply versed in the art of intrigue for decades.
She couldn’t help but be more curious: "What kind of force could cultivate such an outstanding junior?"
Knowing Ning Zhuo had this level of political acumen, Zhu Guizhi would have prepared more before making contact. Now, after the engagement, Zhu Guizhi found herself passive in front of Ning Zhuo.
Nonetheless, this visit was not without gains. At least Zhu Guizhi understood what kind of person Ning Zhuo was.
"Gu Qing’s being outwitted by him is not surprising."
Actually, Ning Zhuo’s proposal is also feasible.
Zhu Guizhi knows: using the Zhu Family’s Divine Summoning Technique for trade is not unheard of in the family history.
For the entire Zhu Family, if they have already awarded the first layer of the Divine Summoning Technique as a reward for a son-in-law, they are actually prepared for its leakage. So why care about trading it?
Everything boils down to the people.
More accurately, it all depends on the power.
While Ning Zhuo’s personal cultivation level is a bit weak, looking at it another way: Having Foundation Establishment level cultivation yet possessing Golden Core combat power actually further validates Ning Zhuo’s strength and the formidable force behind him.