Ning Zhuo glanced back, a slight smile on his face, and bowed respectfully, "Lord Zhu."
Zhu Xuanji laughed heartily, "Congratulations to you, Ning Zhuo! In the recent battle at Thousand Peak Forest, you have made a name for yourself."
"First was the Omen Poem, then the invasion at Thousand Peak Forest, and you repelled the Heaven and Earth Ghosts. In the latest grand battle, you slayed countless enemies and captured many more. Your battle achievements are exceptional. Especially, you killed the Nascent Soul Cultivator, the Demon Heart Cave Master, and angrily gave Xiang Yue a big slap."
"After this battle, your reputation will spread throughout the vicinity of Liangzhu Country. Your Ning Family will gain more attention because of you!"
This time, Ning Zhuo served as an adviser under his real name, bringing benefit to the Ning Family with his earned reputation.
But Ning Zhuo slightly furrowed his brow, "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Zhu."
"I am only at Foundation Establishment Cultivation, and this time saving Xiang Yue, I've angered Du Tiechuan. I fear recognition will be hard to come by."
"I indeed caught a lot of attention; it's time to wander the world and conceal my identity for some time."
Zhu Xuanji laughed again, realizing Ning Zhuo was fishing for credit.
He approached Ning Zhuo, patted his shoulder, and said warmly, "Rest assured, even if you've angered that Du Tiechuan, being the son-in-law of the Mu Shang General Mansion will prevent anyone from withholding your battle merits."
"You've helped me this time, indirectly saving Xiang Yue. I will certainly not shortchange a hero; there will be rewards for you to fulfill this karma."
"After this, you can leave Thousand Peak Forest and continue your travels."
Ning Zhuo stared at Zhu Xuanji, "Is Lord Zhu worried I will launch a sneak attack on the Six Cave Sect?"
Zhu Xuanji sighed inwardly, "As expected of Ning Zhuo, so keen indeed."
He immediately spoke candidly, "That's right, Lu Hongtu of the Six Cave Sect has long been secretly in contact with my Southern Bean Country. He is very cunning, treating us only as a backup plan, never truly committing or depending."
"Although ambitious, such a wavering faction is still an object my Southern Bean Country wants to pursue."
"You have hatred against him; but now, you must hold back."
Ning Zhuo frowned deeply, shaking his head, "How can I hold back from family vendettas? Lord Zhu, this is quite unreasonable!"
Previously, when leaving Southern Bean Country, Ning Zhuo had received Zhu Xuanji's attention.
At that time, Zhu Xuanji had analyzed the situation, telling Ning Zhuo that Southern Bean Country had arrangements in Thousand Peak Forest.
But Ning Zhuo did not inquire deeply then, primarily leaving himself room for maneuver—if the Six Cave Sect were indeed a pawn of Southern Bean Country, he couldn't act without knowing.
Once Ning Zhuo obtained the relevant intelligence, he guessed Lu Hongtu might indeed have ties to Southern Bean Country.
This was not difficult to surmise.
The reason was rather simple.
The Six Cave Sect's Cave Masters split into Demon Path and Righteous Path factions, under Lu Hongtu's leadership, actively engaging the outside with the Righteous Path front, while intimidating within Thousand Peak Forest using Demon Path tactics.
Thousand Peak Forest borders Southern Bean Country; the Six Cave Sect could have connections with the Ning Family in North Wind Country. How could they not be linked with Southern Bean Country?
Ning Zhuo and Zhu Xuanji had a close relationship; the Ning Family and the Southern Bean Country's Zhu Family were allies. However, that didn't mean their interests were entirely aligned.
At least in this matter, the Ning Family and Ning Zhuo inclined toward revenge. But the Zhu Family needed the Six Cave Sect and Lu Hongtu to continue to exist.
Especially after this battle, with Liangzhu Country's forces pulling back actively, Lu Hongtu and the Six Cave Sect's influence in Thousand Peak Forest would rise drastically, becoming leaders among Human Clan Cultivators.
This gave Lu Hongtu immense strategic value, enabling Southern Bean Country to enhance efforts to attract him.
Ning Zhuo resolutely rejected Zhu Xuanji's request, stating his stance, and was ready to argue seriously with Zhu Xuanji, but the latter suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha..."
Ning Zhuo was puzzled, "Why does Lord Zhu laugh?"
Zhu Xuanji stopped laughing, pointed at Ning Zhuo and said, "Ning Zhuo, you have changed so much, indeed remarkable."
Ning Zhuo was slightly stunned.
Yet, Zhu Xuanji turned, standing beside Ning Zhuo, gazing at the sunset over the mountains, "I still clearly remember your appearance in Persimmon Fire Immortal City."
"Tolerant, humble, resentful, with a deep-seated anger towards fate and much stubbornness."
"Back then, you would never have 'contradicted' me like just now."
"How little time has passed."
"Indeed, it proves the old saying, maturity comes not with age, but with experience."
"And as the saying goes, jade needs carving to become valuable; through this battle, you have gained the baptism of blood and fire, growing significantly."
"Listen to your recent poem—'Never shy from battles ending in ashes, unwavering through a thousand tribulations. A man should bleed upon the battlefield, wielding a sharp blade to pierce the sun's brilliance.' There's a palpable longing for battle, a fearless courage and noble spirit! It makes me exceedingly eager for your future, Ning Zhuo."
Ning Zhuo didn't expect Zhu Xuanji to praise him like this, causing him to be stunned again.
Within the Mechanical Dragon, Sun Lingtong, upon hearing such praise, grinned with joy.
Hearing others praise Ning Zhuo brought him more joy than people praising Sun Lingtong himself!
Ning Zhuo was almost raised by Sun Lingtong; hearing praise of Ning Zhuo brought an innate sense of accomplishment to Sun Lingtong.
"I didn't expect Old Zhu to change so much too; his words have become much nicer."
"Since they sound so good, one could certainly say more!"
Regarding Zhu Xuanji's admiration, Sun Lingtong agreed wholeheartedly, "Indeed, Ning Zhuo and I spend every day together, yet I haven't noticed his changes."
"Now, with Old Zhu's reminder, it's a wake-up call in a dream."
"Little Zhuo has become much stronger than before! His gaze is bright, fighting spirit soaring, showing an extraordinary demeanor—such a presence in Persimmon Fire Immortal City is extremely rare."