"Ning... Zhuo?" Qing Chi chewed over the name, his gaze fixed on Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo sighed softly and slowly walked up to her.
The Ghost People Clan girl, who had been tense and wary, followed an inexplicable and strong feeling in her heart and voluntarily lowered the wooden stick in her hand as Ning Zhuo approached.
Ning Zhuo reached out a hand, gently grasped Qing Chi, and pulled her out of the corner.
Holding Qing Chi, Ning Zhuo walked to the bedside and then invited the others to find seats.
Qing Chi stared blankly at Ning Zhuo, remaining silent.
Turning to Qing Chi, Ning Zhuo spoke with an apologetic heart: "I know you have many questions. It’s okay; I’ll tell you everything."
He started from the beginning, narrating how he happened upon the battlefield in the river, coincidentally playing the role of Jiao Ma, and then was misunderstood by Qing Yan.
Then, upon entering White Paper City Lord, during the discussions, he discovered that he might be the savior.
Thereafter, Ning Zhuo adhered to his mother’s strategy, followed the course of destiny, and gathered the power to thwart the century-long plot of Lord of Wangchuan Prefecture.
Finally, he took a risky gamble, experiencing many life-and-death situations, and narrowly emerged victorious!
The crowd, after hearing these words, was enveloped in emotions of amazement, sadness, awe, and wistfulness, turning into countless sentiments, yet none could speak.
Qing Chi shook her head: "I don’t remember anything. But... I feel what you said is right."
Her eyes were already red, and tears streamed down her face.
The Ghost Clan girl clutched her chest with one hand: "When I heard about the death of Jiao Ma, my heart tightened immediately, as if pierced by thousands of iron needles."
"When I heard about my... father Qing Yan, who perished by self-destructing his Golden Core to cover for us, the endless sadness almost suffocated me!"
"So, are my feelings for you not real, merely because I always mistakenly thought you were Jiao Ma?"
Ning Zhuo nodded, instinctively averting his gaze, not daring to meet Qing Chi’s eyes. But soon he summoned the courage and sincerely apologized: "In your current situation, I bear significant responsibility. Sorry!"
Qing Chi hesitated: "Should I... hate you?"
She then shook her head: "I still feel that you are the closest person to me in this world! This feeling makes it impossible for me to hate you."
"I can feel... your sincerity."
"And as you said, this grand scheme started by Lord of Wangchuan, we are merely the transformation of Yangtian’s lifespan, the Human Tribulation against Lord of Wangchuan. We are all involuntary, and this cannot be blamed on you."
"The Qing Family is meant to protect their homeland. Since we have seized the opportunity Heaven laid out to establish the Cultivation Army and gained such huge benefits, we naturally have to pay the price. Where in this world is there any reason to enjoy without giving anything in return?"
"Just, you must guarantee that Jiao Ma was not killed by you. Nor was my father’s fate designed by you."
Ning Zhuo immediately raised his finger and solemnly swore an oath in front of everyone.
Qing Chi shook her head: "We must establish a Divine Contract before I can trust you."
The amnesiac Qing Chi displayed a meticulous and clear-headed side.
Ning Zhuo nodded, agreeing readily: "No problem."
The crowd did not have any divine contracts at hand, but it didn’t matter; White Paper Immortal City definitely had them. Such divine contracts, usually used for transactions, were not uncommon at all.
Having temporarily pacified Qing Chi, Ning Zhuo reminded others: "When the contract arrives, I will also form an agreement with you all."
"As for what I just said, the truth about the Ghost Tide attack on White Paper Immortal City, must not be disclosed."
"At least for now, we cannot reveal a single detail!"
This was also specifically mentioned in the message left in the Jade Slip by Buddhist Doctor Meng Yaoyin.
Mainly because the matter was too significant. Although it was true, Ning Zhuo was ultimately just a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, drawing too much attention could bring many troubles.
Especially since Ning Zhuo needed to proceed to the Main Mountain Gate of the Myriad Images Sect next to attend the upcoming Feiyun Conference.
Ning Zhuo intended to take this opportunity to enter the Cave Mansion his mother had before her passing, to retrieve relics and to heal Meng Yaoyin. Therefore, he wanted to avoid any complications.
Previously, the Qing Jiao Army had formed an alliance with the White Paper City Lord, being one of the two decisive forces in the Yin Tide Black Swamp.
Ning Zhuo was also the Deputy City Lord of White Paper Immortal City.
In conjunction with the Myriad Images Sect factor...
All these made White Paper Immortal City pay great attention to Ning Zhuo’s request once it was sent.
A day later, more than a dozen contract books were gathered and swiftly delivered to the Festival Camp.
Accompanying the arrival of these contract books was Chef Lao.
Chef Lao, skilled in dark cuisine and a Spirit Chef of the Yang Enhancement Institute, had used his Spirit Food to greatly enhance Ning Zhuo’s soul foundation.
He nearly faced public execution, but survived solely because of Ning Zhuo.
To him, Ning Zhuo was his life-saving benefactor!
"Young Master Ning Zhuo, your identity and story were personally conveyed to me by the City Lord’s avatar."
"I hear you are about to set off for Flying Cloud Country to attend the Feiyun Conference. To shamelessly seek a future from you, I am here!"
Chef Lao brought his belongings, voluntarily coming to pledge allegiance to Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo didn’t hesitate, agreeing immediately: "Having you assist me, Chef Lao, is truly a blessing. How could I refuse a worthy person?"
In fact, from the first glance at Chef Lao, Ning Zhuo immediately understood the latter’s intentions.
The White Paper City Lord had once saved Chef Lao’s life, so previously, even though the City Lord avatar knew Chef Lao was wronged, he came to the cell and demanded Chef Lao plead guilty for the steadiness of the army, and Chef Lao agreed!
Later on, it was Ning Zhuo’s intervention that freed Chef Lao from the need to seek death.
Chef Lao, being grateful to the point of disregarding his own life, greatly impressed Ning Zhuo.
Most importantly, Ning Zhuo instantly linked it to the intentions of the White Paper City Lord.