"Speaking of, there indeed were similar cases before. Some people were just inherently suited for certain cultivation techniques and advanced rapidly."
"What's his name again? Ning Zhuo, right? Talk about sheer luck, perfectly matching the Five Elements Qi Regulation Art."
"Why can't such good luck fall on me?"
Most people had never heard of the name Ning Zhuo.
But now, they were all discussing it.
Within the martial training ground, Ning Family's cultivators were also inquiring.
Taking advantage of their proximity, many gathered around Ning Zhuo, introducing themselves with smiles all over their faces.
It was as if the entire world's attitude towards Ning Zhuo had drastically changed, from cold indifference to enthusiastic warmth.
Originally beside Ning Zhuo, Ning Chen and Ning Yong were both squeezed out.
Ning Yong, feeling proud, raised his arm and shouted, "Ning Zhuo is my classmate, my classmate!"
A passing Ning Family's young cultivator heard this and turned to sneer, "Who isn't? I'm also his classmate."
Ning Yong gasped and glared, "Can you compare your relationship with him to mine? Ning Zhuo and I are comrades who have faced life and death together!"
A cultivator from the Zhou Family approached, smiling at Ning Yong, "Brother, I heard you and Ning Zhuo are very close?"
"Not bad," Ning Yong nodded immediately, feigning indifference while unable to hide his pride.
The Zhou Family cultivator swiftly clasped his hands in respect, seeking Ning Yong's guidance.
Ning Yong was about to introduce Ning Zhuo but was pulled aside by Ning Chen, realizing the moment, he fell silent.
Ning Chen then continued, "Yes, the two of us are his classmates and have faced life and death together."
"Ning Zhuo is straightforward, honest, friendly, and brave. It's an honor to be friends with him. Moreover, he's a role model for us. I remember during our schooling..." Ning Chen rambled on, boasting about Ning Zhuo.
In front of outsiders, Ning Chen knew the more he praised Ning Zhuo, the more it highlighted the strength of the Ning Family.
Additionally, their journey in the Flame Demon Melting Cave and the subsequent exposure of the Black Shadow Demon Cultivator, hiding in the dungeon—these experiences had made them respect Ning Zhuo immensely.
They were also from Ning's branch lineage and felt a strong sense of recognition and pride towards Ning Zhuo.
In no time, Ning Zhuo unmistakably became the most dazzling figure on the scene. All because of a cultivation level assessment, he gained massive attention, seemingly embarking on a new trajectory in life.
The testing continued.
The remaining Ning Family cultivators entered the testing array one by one; their results were mediocre, drawing no attention.
That didn't matter; Ning Zhuo alone had already shifted the atmosphere on the ground!
The three-family joint test was not only a presentation and assessment of each family's renovation team but also the basis for negotiating the distribution of benefits.
In the cultivation world, the higher one's cultivation level, the more they could dominate the collective.
When comparing the strength of the three families, the primary focus was on their top cultivators.
If it weren't for Ning Zhuo's performance, Ning Xiaohui would be the only peak-third-layer cultivator in the Ning Family, Zheng Jian for the Zheng Family, and Zhou Zhu for the Zhou Family. However, Zhou Zeshen also had remarkable talent, comparable to Zhou Zhu. His Qi Refining level was only second to Zhou Zhu, and given time, he would undoubtedly be on par with the others.
Thus, the Zhou Family counted as having one and a half top cultivators, placing them first.
Both the Zheng Family and the Ning Family had one genius cultivator each, but the other cultivators in the Zheng Family significantly surpassed those in the Ning Family.
Following their expansion, many Ning Family cultivators had only first-layer mana, making them seem like a joke, not worth mentioning.
Hence, the Zheng Family was second, and the Ning Family was third.
But with Ning Zhuo's emergence, the Ning Family now had two top cultivators, instantly elevating them to the first position.
The Zhou Family, with one and a half genius cultivators, became second.
The Zheng Family was left behind, becoming third.
After the joint test of the three families concluded, the Ning Family Clan Leader returned to the family with a face beaming with joy.
Although the distribution of benefits still needed discussion, with Ning Zhuo's outstanding performance, the Ning Family had shifted from a passive position, making the negotiation prospects bright and hopeful.
The Ning Family Clan Leader summoned the Young Clan Leader, smiling, "Xiaoren, there was good news at the martial training ground today. Have you heard?"
Ning Xiaoren immediately responded, "Father, I heard. I was the one who arranged for Ning Zhuo to join our renovation team!"
The Ning Family Clan Leader nodded, "Collect all the information on Ning Zhuo, and compile it for me. I want to see it."
Ning Xiaoren replied, "I've already ordered my subordinates to do so."
The Ning Family Clan Leader hummed in understanding, "I suspect Ning Zhuo might possess some innate talent that hasn't been detected."
Ning Xiaoren said, "There are countless kinds of talents. Even though our family conducts tests every year, it's impossible to be thorough. Father's suspicion is reasonable. We could re-evaluate our testing methods and let Ning Zhuo be tested again."
"However, if he has a rare or peculiar talent, it's likely that it won't be detected."
The Ning Family Clan Leader nodded, "If he has talent, that's the best. Even a lower-tier talent makes him a genius! This way, our renovation team can fully compete with that of the Zhou Family."
Zhou Zeshen and Zhou Zhu from the Zhou Family both had talent.
Ning Xiaohui and Zheng Jian also had talent.
In the three-family joint test, Ning Zhuo only showcased a peak third-layer cultivation level, indicating that the Five Elements Qi Regulation Art suited him perfectly.
Ning Xiaoren then said, "Father, isn't it up to us to determine if someone has talent or not?"
"Even if the test doesn't show or if he's just particularly suited to the Five Elements Qi Regulation Art, it doesn't matter. We can simply make an arrangement and publicly present—yes, our family indeed has two genius cultivators!"
The Ning Family Clan Leader shook his head, "That's not appropriate. This isn't an internal family matter and not something we can decide alone."
"If we forge it, the other two families will undoubtedly verify and test it. After all, such a power comparison affects our negotiations and distribution."
"Our Ning Family managed to ally with the Zhou and Zheng Families through the Magma Fairy Palace. We can't afford to lose credibility. If exposed, it would damage the family's standing."
Ning Xiaoren nodded, showing that he understood.
The Ning Family Clan Leader sighed, "If Ning Zhuo indeed has talent, it also has its downsides. Xiaoren, you know what I mean, right?"
Ning Xiaoren nodded again, "I understand, Father. Ning Xiaohui is from our main lineage, while Ning Zhuo is from the branch lineage. Though their current cultivation levels are similar, Ning Xiaohui has received substantial support from our family, while Ning Zhuo hasn't."
"In the Ning's renovation team, the number of members from the branch lineage far surpasses those from the main lineage."
"On the martial training ground, once Ning Zhuo revealed his true cultivation level, he was immediately surrounded and well-received by the members of the Ning's branch lineage."
"If we further discover that he has talent, I'm deeply concerned that Ning Xiaohui might not be able to hold her position."
The Ning Family Clan Leader showed a look of relief, "Since you understand this, I'm not worried about how you'll handle Ning Zhuo. Go ahead."
"Yes, Father. Rest assured, I will handle it beautifully. I shall take my leave."
His feelings toward Ning Zhuo were complex.
Sixteen years ago, during the Ning Family's migration, he was lucky enough to board the automated carriage of Ning Zhuo's parents during their escape.
To ensure the carriage's safe passage, Ning Zhuo's father had to disembark and hold back the enemies.
Ning Xiaoren was thus saved.
Ning Zhuo's father was indeed his savior, and Ning Xiaoren had even sworn on the spot to treat Ning Zhuo's mother and son well and fully support Ning Zhuo's future cultivation.
Ning Xiaoren had not fulfilled this promise.
Ning Zhuo's mother died fourteen years ago, and during Ning Zhuo's formative years, he had hardly paid attention to him.
He had originally thought that Ning Zhuo was just an ordinary child, but unexpectedly, one day, Ning Zhuo shone brightly, making a stunning impression during the three-family joint test!
When he heard the good news, his first feeling was not joy, but embarrassment.
Still perplexed in his heart: "Why did it have to be him?!"
The family courtyard was faintly in sight. As Ning Xiaoren walked, he sighed inwardly, "How much better it would be if it weren't Ning Zhuo."
"Sixteen years old, already has his own opinions, not easy to persuade."
Deep in thought, Ning Xiaoren recalled something Ning Ze once said.
Earlier, after the results of the grand ranking were announced, Ning Xiaoren had tried to extort money and pressured Ning Ze several times.
Back then, Ning Ze had reported that Ning Zhuo was withdrawn and noncompliant, ignored elders, among other things.
Thinking of this, Ning Xiaoren made a decision: "In the short term, it's best not to approach Ning Zhuo directly."
"This kid's nature isn't something I can win over with a few words."
"Ning Zhuo knows his father saved my life and is aware of my indifference over these sixteen years. These require a good explanation."
"I'll need to start with Ning Zhuo's uncle."