Sure, here’s the translation:
```html
This meal was enjoyed by both host and guest.
Ning Zhuo had established better relations with Yu Heyan and Shen Su.
Shen Xi’s choice to assess the situation was something Ning Zhuo quite agreed with.
Ning Zhuo then inquired about the intelligence regarding the Nine Palace Formation here, showing a certain level of interest in the Array Dao Treasure left by Xie Hall.
As Ning Zhuo put it: "I have always been quite interested in Array Dao, and I believe that after exchanging views with Daoist Friend Shen, I might make some small progress."
"Perhaps, the Array Formation Treasure left by Senior Xie Hall will serve as a goal to test my learning."
"Of course, even if my knowledge in Array Dao allows me to obtain this treasure, I will thoroughly consider the pros and cons of joining Chongzhen Peak."
"After all, if there is a path, it is quite decent."
Xie Hall arranged the Array here, left behind the Array Dao Treasure, and promoted it widely—he definitely would not only disclose this secret in the lectures at Nine Palace Immortal City.
The reason for the widespread dissemination is clear to those with insight: It was to attract external talents to join Chongzhen Peak.
The Array Dao Treasure here serves as a filter layer, helping Xie Hall save time and effort by selecting cultivators with Array Dao achievements who intend to join Chongzhen Peak.
Such arrangements are not uncommon in the Cultivation World.
Array Dao Treasures are not easily obtained. Though seemingly left for the fated one, there is often a hidden agenda.
There is no such good thing as giving out a Magic Treasure as a game reward without other motives.
What’s free is often the most expensive!
The Chess Enthusiast, when looking for a suitable heir for his friend’s legacy, also finds it this way. The Quasi-Deification Sword Cultivator Lingxiao is not a suitable heir (already formed), and therefore, he retreated severely injured.
Even after many cultivators have passed, they often leave additional tasks in their legacy. For instance, to continue passing down their mantle or to promote a sect, or point out enemies for vengeance, etc.
In short, the cause and effect here is inevitable.
Truly free gifts are indeed rare in practical situations.
Take the Array Dao Treasure of Xie Hall for example, if some shallow-eyed or inexperienced young cultivator passes the test and takes it away, they will inevitably be drawn into and join Chongzhen Peak.
Don’t assume this is a good thing.
Ning Zhuo had foreseen the future: This session of the Feiyun Conference of the Myriad Images Sect, unlike previous sessions, is at a key transitional stage, and there will be brutal competition. In this situation, newly joining cultivators will undoubtedly become pawns across the river in this fierce struggle. Those with weak strength are basically cannon fodder filling the frontline.
Someone asked, "Wouldn’t it be okay not to join Chongzhen Peak after getting the Array Dao Treasure? Xie Hall didn’t explicitly make his purpose known, after all. Wouldn’t it be okay to pretend not to understand his intentions?"
Those who speak like this are quite naïve.
If one actually does this, it would simply mean alienating oneself from the power dynamics of the Myriad Images Sect—no one would cooperate with such a person who doesn’t understand the rules.
The rules displayed by the Myriad Images Sect are few, but there are actually more implicit rules.
These implicit rules are the gradual outcome of internal sect struggles and strongly constrain the cultivators.
In fact, the apparent policies like the Feiyun Conference, are excellent solutions that emerged from struggles between various parties. They solve internal conflicts, determine outcomes, can suppress internal friction to a non-violent extent, and absorb new blood from outside, replenishing the Myriad Images Sect.
"This is precisely one of the reasons for the Myriad Images Sect’s strength. It remains in a growth posture like the Cloud Sea of Myriad Phenomena," Ning Zhuo sighed to himself.
After this banquet, he had a clearer understanding of the situation in the Myriad Images Sect.
Because Ning Zhuo inquired extensively from Shen Xi, after the banquet ended and they parted ways, Shen Xi directly took out a Jade Slip and gifted it to Ning Zhuo on the spot.
"These are my lecture notes, concerning the Nine Palace Formation here, and the matters related to Xie Hall’s treasures are all included."
"To gift it to Daoist Fellow Ning Zhuo, and I hope you won’t find it beneath you."
Ning Zhuo immediately displayed a look of surprise, took it, thought for a moment, and brought out a Golden Core to offer Shen Xi.
This shocked the other three people.
This Foundation Establishment Cultivator Ning Zhuo actually directly took out a Golden Core!
Yu Heyan immediately felt a chill up his spine.
Su Lingkou, at this moment, also felt that Ning Zhuo was not merely boasting. She was very clear about one thing: Since Ning Zhuo casually offered a Golden Core to someone, it indicates that he has more than just one Golden Core on hand!
Shen Xi hurriedly waved his hand to refuse, his impression of Ning Zhuo elevating once again: "The power behind Ning Zhuo cannot be small. He is merely a Foundation Establishment, yet he is given a Golden Core by this force, suggesting his status in this force must not be low either!"
"This is truly too precious."
"My Array Dao notes are absolutely not worth such a Golden Core!"
"Is this...a Ghost Dao Golden Core?"
Although Shen Xi strictly refused, his gaze still inevitably got attracted and intrigued.
If he could acquire a Golden Core in advance to study, it would give him a more tangible understanding of subsequent realms. This holds immense value for Shen Xi.
Moreover, he couldn’t help but entertain the thought: "What power would the Formation have if I use the Golden Core as the Array Heart?"
The moment this idea arose, it carried unique allure, making it hard for Shen Xi to suppress.