Ning Zhuo licked his lips, his breath quickening slightly. He lifted his eyes to Zhu Xuanji, a stubborn gleam in his gaze, "Lord Zhu, you're from the South Bean Royal Family, and I'm from a branch of the Ning Family."
"My mother passed away when I was very young. My father left even earlier; I never met him."
"Even though I had an uncle, we weren't close, and he didn't look after me much."
"I've lived a difficult life since I was a child."
"You claim to detect hidden things and calm the people, but you're just an observer. You haven't experienced it yourself; you don't know. Many times, I wasn't thinking about right or wrong paths, but where my next meal was coming from."
"People at the bottom can only think about surviving day to day."
"Often, it's not about choosing; they simply have no choice!"
"Right path, wrong path? Ha, in their eyes, there's only one path from beginning to end: the path to survival!"
Ning Zhuo didn't respond directly, but effectively answered Zhu Xuanji's words.
He lacked key information, so it was impossible to question how Zhu Xuanji came to suspect him in the first place.
It amounted to a confession!
He didn't probe or fall silent, as either could trigger Zhu Xuanji's displeasure or anger.
Ning Zhuo chose passive defense, responding to every move as it came.
He deliberately spoke of his suffering to exploit Zhu Xuanji's nature.
At the Fire Persimmon Festival, Zhu Xuanji's sudden appearance caught Ning Zhuo off guard, forcing him to take a risk, leading to Yuan Dasheng's death.
Afterward, Ning Zhuo reflected on his mistake—his intelligence on Zhu Xuanji was significantly lacking.
Since then, he focused on gathering relevant information.
Learn from mistakes.
The same mistake wouldn't be repeated because another might be fatal.
There was a saying: Your enemy is often the one who knows you best!
Zhu Xuanji's face remained impassive, but he sighed deeply in his heart.
He was moved!
There were no wrong names, only wrong titles.
He was known for detecting hidden things and calming the people because he genuinely had sympathy for the lower class, for the weak.
Ning Zhuo's words struck a chord within him.
Of course, he could tell that Ning Zhuo, besides speaking of his hardships and being forced, was also trying to exculpate himself, test Zhu Xuanji, and seek understanding.
Zhu Xuanji felt a bit of comfort.
At least Ning Zhuo kept telling the truth and trying to seek understanding instead of outright denial or rebuttal.
What can I say?
Talking to a smart person saves effort!
And Ning Zhuo's sensible behavior further convinced Zhu Xuanji that the young man before him could be redeemed, could be won over.
Zhu Xuanji sighed lightly, "The path is made by walking!"
"Some paths are easier but wrong. Others are harder but right."
"Just like Li Leifeng, his later life was tough and austere, but this is why he was so respected."
"Everyone has an inner scale, measuring others and things. Those who bear burdens for the sake of others, bringing warmth, are the ones who shine."
"You, too, have been lit by such a light! Li Leifeng has shown you the way."
Ning Zhuo remained silent.
The strategy of showing weakness and empathy worked.
From Zhu Xuanji's tone, expression, and words, he detected no aversion or dislike.
But the problem still existed.
Ning Zhuo didn't know what clues Zhu Xuanji held to suspect and pull him in.
This was crucial; without it, Ning Zhuo could only be on the defensive in this duel of wits.
He couldn't take the initiative!
"This won't do."
"Eventually, I'll be cornered with no room to maneuver."
"Rather than that, it's better to take some risks now."
Ning Zhuo had already seen the outcome of his defeat and secretly grit his teeth, deciding to take a risky gamble.
He started, "Li Leifeng is a model of the righteous path; thinking of him warms me."
"He made me feel that this world is worth it."
"But how many Li Leifengs are there in this world?"
"How many can bask in his light?"
"Yes, I was cared for. I was fortunate but also unfortunate."
"Because of the warmth, I understood the pain of coldness better."
Ning Zhuo paused, then looked at Zhu Xuanji, his eyes bright.
"Lord Zhu, people are different."
"To me, Li Leifeng is like you, standing high above, a figure on the stage. Whether sincere or a show, you both shine brightly."
"But I am always offstage."
"Do you know the taste of stealing leftover pastries from guests?"
"You have to grit your teeth, endure the contemptuous and hateful stares. You have to reach into the mess and scavenge."
"You feel shame, a feeling told by others and also from deep inside, yielding to the desire for food."
"I am the bottom, I always have been."
"Though I bear the Ning name, I never felt noble."
"I am despicable."
"I am a thief!"
"I search for food in the garbage."
"I am the bottom. Ha, perhaps saying this is pretentious."
"But I genuinely think so!"
"Look, even as I grow up, I meddle in black market business. I pick things to eat from places the righteous path despises."
"I don't fear filth; I only fear hunger."
Ning Zhuo exhaled a turbid sigh, laughing sadly.
"I know there are people like Li Leifeng in the world. I respect him, and I am grateful."
"And to you, Lord Zhu."
"I respect you."
"This is the truth!"
"You are from the Royal Family, a Divine Hunter, but you have your principles and always adhere to them."
"You are a gentleman, deserving of your reputation."
"But I deeply understand: people differ, and from birth. People's paths differ."
"No one can truly help me. People are lonely, unable to fully understand one another."
"Most times, I can only rely on myself."
"The path I walk is my own choice!"
Zhu Xuanji fell silent.
His heart felt blocked.
Ning Zhuo's words stirred waves in his heart.
He knew much about Ning Zhuo, thus understanding him. Although Ning Zhuo carried the Ning Family name, his childhood didn't benefit him much.
Zhu Xuanji felt sorrow!
It was like seeing a drowning man, shouting, reaching out to save.
But the drowning man preferred sinking.
Thus, Zhu Xuanji also felt powerless, pitiful, and frustrated!
Someone young like this, with such talent and potential, shouldn't be so willing to fall!
So, Zhu Xuanji's gaze turned cold, shifting the topic, "Ning Zhuo, you've watched the play 'Fang Qing's Redress', haven't you?"
Ning Zhuo, "Many times."
Zhu Xuanji, "You're right. People's empathy is often watching from the shore."
"At such times, we need to act ourselves, to feel it as much as possible."
"Li Leifeng performed 'Fang Qing's Redress' many times for you. You always watched from the sidelines, thinking you're still the little thief stealing food from the stalls."
"But you're not!"
"Today, you are different."
"You're on the stage. Did you know? Li Leifeng hoped you'd get on the stage too."
"He once thought you'd shine at six years old and gradually take the stage."
Ning Zhuo's heart stirred slightly.
Zhu Xuanji continued, "Li Leifeng has passed away. He didn't see you shine, a regret for him."
"You should fill this regret."
"Perform 'Fang Qing's Redress'."
"Try to stand in Li Leifeng's shoes and perform the puppet show, to experience his situation and feelings."
Ning Zhuo hesitated, "This..."
Zhu Xuanji's gaze darkened, "Don't say you lack puppet control skills."
Ning Zhuo shook his head, "Of course not..."
Zhu Xuanji asserted, interrupting, "You may not realize, but he gave you many chances."
"Now, I'm giving you a chance too."
"You should also give yourself a chance."
"Get on stage."
"Though Li Leifeng is gone, his light remains to guide you to the righteous path!"
By now, Ning Zhuo guessed the flaw likely came from Li Leifeng.
But in his confrontation with Zhu Xuanji, he was already pushed to the brink, unable to refuse, only obeying.
Receiving Zhu Xuanji's transmitted message, Zhu Hou immediately arranged it.
The elder host took the stage, informing the crowd that while donations had ended, a young prodigy wished to perform a puppet show to entertain everyone.
Ning Zhuo thus took the stage.
He bowed to the cultivators below and in the building, "Honored seniors, please allow me to present my heartfelt tribute."
"When I was young, my family was poor, life tough, I was often cared for by Lord Li Leifeng."
"He never sought repayment, only wished to help others. His generosity and character were admirable."
"I watched his puppet shows countless times, finding them extremely captivating. Today, I am fortunate to have learned the skill. I now present this puppet show in memory of Lord Li Leifeng and to celebrate Lord Zhu's succession."
Applause and cheers erupted.
The cultivators were surprised and delighted; the atmosphere was lively.
Before the Golden Core conflict, Ning Zhuo's fame circulated within a small circle of the four major sects. The Ning Family was well aware of him, especially since he had dethroned Ning Xiaoren.
After the Golden Core battle, Ning Zhuo became widely known due to rumors and other factors.
This time, Zhu Xuanji bringing him to the event left a deep impression. Nearly everyone speculated that Ning Zhuo had caught Zhu Xuanji's eye and climbed up the ranks.
Because of Zhu Xuanji, Ning Zhuo received greater attention.
Now, this rising star of the righteous path performing a puppet show in person piqued everyone's interest.
No matter how the performance turned out, many already decided in their hearts—to make additional donations afterward. Supporting Ning Zhuo meant supporting Zhu Xuanji!
The righteous ones were very perceptive of such matters.