Chapter 742 Then be dazzling!

Low-key, moderate, high-key...there are three paths here.

When Ning Zhuo faced a choice, he was in a trance.

At that moment, he seemed to see a child on Huoshi Mountain, disguised from a young age. Every time he looked up at the City Lord's Mansion, it was like looking up at a mountain. He hid his intelligence, secretly growing up in the shadows, relying on Sun Lingtong. He grew up twisted and twisted, scheming against the adults, plotting against them, and the calculation that risked his life in the Lava Fairy Palace was his first all-out attack.

He had endured resentment for over a decade, suppressed the simmering anger for over a decade, and it was like the eruption of Fire Persimmon Mountain, burning people's hearts and souls. This was the little thief's struggle against his own misfortune!

At that moment, he seemed to see a young man in Wanyao Valley, a man who had fought countless battles before finally making his public debut. The ferocious, physical combat made him feel truly alive. He made new friends, both drinking buddies and female cultivators. Amidst the joyful conversation and drinks, their smiles were as bright as flowers, open and honest. He saw a new life, a life filled with such splendor and beauty. In comparison, Huoshi Mountain seemed so stifling and gloomy.

The young man began to show his talent and started to live in a different way. He envied Linghu Jiu and thought he was a gentleman.

At that moment, he saw again the magnificent battle in the Thousand Peaks Forest. He was a part of the vast, iron-flowing plain, as insignificant as a grain of sand, witnessing with his own eyes the countless mountains crumble and collapse under the onslaught of the enemy.

Battle after battle, repeatedly putting him in peril, was like a hammer and a raging fire, forging Ning Zhuo into a sharp edge and fierce edge. From Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, and from Mu Lan, he learned the heroism and bravery of a general. A man's courage is born from within.

At this moment, he saw the White Paper Fairy City, the battlefield filled with ghosts and monsters, and the spreading black clouds. He also saw a young man with a resolute face and a budding talent, who stepped forward to face a powerful enemy of the god-level, the king of a country!

The young man, however, never flinched. He simply felt it was his destiny and his unshirkable duty. He bravely shouldered the responsibility, fulfilling his mother's wishes and his own ambitions. He could finally declare with certainty that he was no longer a thief. He responded to his mother's expectations with the honor of a hero.

Now.

Right now.

He arrived at the Wanxiang Sect, his mother's sect. Ning Zhuo had an innate fondness for the place. He made friends here, all kinds of people, and also gained enemies, each with their own style and skills.

"I'm not so weak anymore."

"I have three choices before me. It's no longer just a matter of enduring!"

"So, what should I choose?"

"Or in other words, how should I live?!"

The big-headed boy asked himself this in his heart.

The scenes of the past replayed in his mind at an increasingly faster speed, as if he was just passing by.

And these are no longer just fragments of memories, they are like sparks, constantly accumulating in Ning Zhuo's eyes and then igniting his gaze.

Ning Zhuo's eyes became brighter and brighter.

Like a burning star!

His emotions couldn't help but become excited, gradually turning into a mighty and unstoppable torrent, like an iron stream in a forest of thousands of peaks, sweeping away all hesitation and timidity!

Those fallen mountains are shadows of the past.

The boy who had survived in the shadow for more than ten years has now been reborn.

He held his head high, facing the unknown and the challenges. He longed to be like a star that streaks through the sky, not hiding its brilliance, not fearing damage, burning wildly, and illuminating a path of his own!

Then light it up.

Then be dazzling!

This is exactly——

The sword is hidden in the dark alley for twenty years, and the blazing lava waves turn into a dragon pool.

Thousands of peaks have forged my strong bones, and thousands of medicines have cleansed my heart and washed away old scars.

The white paper wields a sharp blade to tear apart the ghost curtain, and the green shirt sheds blood to prove the great plan.

From now on, I will keep my lofty ambitions in mind and ride my flying boat across the universe!

After making up his mind, Ning Zhuo slowly raised his head on the stone platform in the Zhuxie Hall.

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn over.

Ning Zhuo's gaze seemed to penetrate the high walls of Zhuxie Hall and head towards some distant and vague place.

His face was heavy, and there was a certain determination in his calmness.

He spoke, his voice low, but each word carried the weight of the soul, clearly chiseling into the hearts of everyone present: "Why should I cherish this life?"

Everyone was shocked.

Ning Zhuo looked directly into the profound eyes of the Golden Core Elder and spoke word by word, "If this broken body can still transform into a spark of fire, stopping the demonic calamity for a moment, and protecting the vegetation behind me for a breath... then that would be enough."

"A stigma? Compared to the countless paths of life ahead of me, compared to the peace of mind I hold within me... it's nothing but rubble!"

"Why should I regret it? Why should I be afraid?"

hiss……

There was a sound of gasps.

The old monk couldn't help but widen his eyes, and the strong sense of surprise almost burst out of his head.

His eyes shone as he stared at Ning Zhuo, shouting in his heart, "Righteous Path Seed! This is the true Righteous Path Seed!"

The detection methods had no effect, which showed that Ning Zhuo's words came from the heart.

This made the old monk happy from the bottom of his heart.

The other high-level monks also sighed in their hearts.

"So many years have passed, and finally someone has appeared who has passed the three questions of the heart."

"Actually, there have been some in the past, but there has never been a cultivator as young and promising as this one!"

"How rare! Rumor has it that the former hall master, Master Zhong Dao, was also like this. At such a young age, he was determined to maintain justice in the world!"

"Perhaps what I saw today was a historic moment."

The old monk took a deep breath, trying to calm his expression. He sent a telepathic message to the others: "What do you think? Does this boy deserve first place?"

Someone immediately asked, "If such an outstanding junior can't get the first place, who else is qualified?"

Someone else said impatiently, "He's the top spot!"

"agree."

"agree."

“I totally agree!”

No one objected.

The old monk nodded slightly, took out the token, and handed it to Ning Zhuo: "Good young man, you passed. Congratulations, you won the first place."

Ning Zhuo nodded and immediately bowed to express his gratitude.

The old monk continued, "As the first place winner, you will receive the highest reward for passing the Xingyun test of my Zhuxie Hall."

As he spoke, the old monk solemnly took out a treasure.

Many eyes were drawn to this treasure, as it was so gorgeous and dazzling that it attracted everyone's attention.

This is a small and exquisite pagoda, held in the palm of an old monk's hand.

It is based on a lotus platform with good leaves. The lotus platform is sapphire in color, and the lotus petals are stacked like layers of jade waves.

The pagoda's body is cast from formless Thousand Buddhas colored glaze, as clear as ice crystal. When illuminated by the outer light, the pagoda's body is bathed in a golden haze—800 Arhats emerge from the depths of the colored glaze, some forming demon-subduing seals, others supporting a stupa, a scene of surging Buddhist spirit.

Atop the pagoda sits a pearl, full and round, alternating between two colors. When white, it reveals the Sanskrit primordial wheel, radiating the light of merit. When black, it reveals the sharp teeth of a Rakshasa, capable of gnawing at sinful souls. It is the Dharani Pearl of Karma!

The old monk introduced Ning Zhuo: "Since you want to join the Wanxiang Sect, you should know that our sect has a treasure called the Merit Pagoda."

"This treasure can distinguish between good and evil and suppress destiny. It has been in the hands of the head of the Zhuxie Hall for generations."

"This small tower is a replica of the Merit Pagoda. Because of its meticulous materials, it has reached the level of a magical weapon and is suitable for Jindan cultivators."

"Although you are a cultivator in the middle stage of foundation building, you can still use it."

"It can detect merits and sins, and also has the power to protect a person's destiny."

The Pagoda of Merit!

Ning Zhuo certainly knew that this was one of the foundations of the Wanxiang Sect.

Super sects, families, and even cultivation kingdoms must possess treasures that suppress destiny. The Merit Pagoda is one of the Wanxiang Sect's treasures.

Ning Zhuo was not surprised when the old monk took out the Pagoda of Merit.

Because any cultivator who passed the Xingyun test in the Zhuxie Hall would obtain such a treasure. However, what they obtained were all the meritorious pagodas of the magical instrument level.

Only the first place winner will receive a magic weapon-level reward.

Ning Zhuo chose Zhuxie Hall because he knew it offered the Merit Pagoda. However, after trying it out, the results he obtained far exceeded his expectations.

Having a magic weapon level is naturally better than having a magic tool level. Ning Zhuo took the small tower with both hands and saluted again to express his gratitude.

The old monk specifically told Ning Zhuo that after a while, the Zhuxie Hall would hold different small tests to stimulate the clouds, and told him that if he was interested, he could come and participate.

He really had high hopes for Ning Zhuo, but he was a very upright person. Even after giving away the magic weapon, he did not force Ning Zhuo to sign any contract.

Ning Zhuo immediately suggested that they exchange magical energy and send messages to each other.

This immediately brought a smile to the old monk's face.

After exchanging names and absorbing each other's magical aura, Ning Zhuo continued, "Senior Cang, I'm new here, and because I possess a mechanical treasure, I've innocently attracted the covetousness of a demonic cultivator. Unfortunately, this person has a strong background. Although I have repelled his subordinates, I can't do anything about him."

The old monk surnamed Cang frowned and immediately asked, "Who is this person?"

Ning Zhuo sighed, revealing a look of helplessness and annoyance: "His name is Ban Ji, he is from the Ban family, but he has taken the path of evil."

The old man surnamed Cang frowned even deeper, carefully considering his words before saying, "Our Wanxiang Sect's rules are like this. We have always been open to all. Therefore, even those who practice the devilish ways or evil are eligible to join. Of course, once they become disciples of the Wanxiang Sect, from now on, they must restrain themselves and act righteously."

"This is also a wonderful way to enforce justice and turn others back to the right path."

"Why is Feiyun peaceful and tranquil, unlike most other cultivation nations? A big reason for this is that every time our Wanxiang Sect conducts large-scale recruitment, it is able to draw elites from other factions and convert them into members of the righteous path."

"From what I've heard about your experience, I can tell you that Ban Ji does have some demonic tendencies, but he hasn't actually violated the rules of our Wanxiang Sect."

"Troubles like these can be considered a kind of tempering on the path."

Seeing the disappointment on Ning Zhuo's face, Cang Lao changed the subject: "Of course, if you can officially become a member of my Zhuxie Hall, then Ban Ji will surely give in."

"If he continues to cause trouble for you, it would be like causing trouble for Zhuxie Hall. Do you understand?"

Ning Zhuo quickly bowed and said, "I understand now. Thank you for your guidance, Senior!"

In this way, Ning Zhuo bid farewell to the old man surnamed Cang and left under the gaze of many cultivators.

Watching his departing figure, the old man surnamed Cang communicated with his spiritual consciousness and ordered, "Investigate what Ning Zhuo just said."

He would not take action before he had thoroughly investigated the situation. The old man surnamed Cang had seen too many cunning schemes and conspiracies.

Ning Zhuo was not disappointed that he failed to get Zhuxietang to help him.

He had already guessed the reaction of the old man surnamed Cang.

"From the moment I leave, the Evil Extermination Hall will begin to vigorously investigate me."

"hehe."

"Let them check."

"What will Zhong Dao do if they find out that I'm Meng Yaoyin's son?"

According to Ning Zhuo's estimation, there is a high possibility that Zhong Dao will become an obstacle for the sect's top leaders to take action against him.

Of course, Ning Zhuo couldn't be sure.

After all, the interests involved in the White Paper Fairy City incident are too huge.

"Will Zhong Dao compromise in the face of the sect's huge interests?" Faced with this key question, Ning Zhuo had no way to answer.

His understanding of Zhong Dao was limited to the information that could be purchased from the market. He had never personally met Zhong Dao, so it was difficult to be sure.

Borrowing strength from Zhong Dao was the idea that Ning Zhuo came up with after he first checked the intelligence.

It was not until Ning Zhuo faced the third question on the stone platform just now that he made a decision.

Once he made the decision, Ning Zhuo no longer hesitated.

After leaving Zhuxie Hall, he immediately found the nearest registration location.

After so many days, there is still a long queue of monks queuing up to register.

Ning Zhuo was familiar with the place and walked straight up to the monk.

"Hey, the one with the big head, line up at the back!" A cultivator saw Ning Zhuo walking to the front and immediately shouted.

The monk in charge of registration was attracted by this and saw that Ning Zhuo was not someone he knew. Just as he was about to ask, Ning Zhuo took out the certificate for having won first place three times.

"I'll change the stone tablet." Ning Zhuo said.

The monk in charge's face suddenly changed. At this moment, being able to produce three first-place certificates was enough to prove Ning Zhuo's excellence.

Moreover, they are among the best in this Feiyun Conference.

Realizing that Ning Zhuo had a bright future, the monk in charge immediately stood up with a smile on his face: "Fellow Daoist, I haven't asked for your name yet."

Ning Zhuo answered.

The monk in charge smiled even more. "Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, please wait a moment while we verify the authenticity of the certificate."

"I'll do it, I'll do it." His companions couldn't wait to reach out and take the certificate to take the test.

Several companions reached out and almost got into a fight.

Seeing this scene, the monks who were queuing up behind Ning Zhuo to register fell silent.

The whole audience was silent.

The three monks in charge of the test moved quickly and responded almost simultaneously: "It's true."

The cultivator facing Ning Zhuo burst into laughter, took out the stone tablet, and replaced it with the wooden tablet Ning Zhuo handed over. "Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, congratulations, but there is one last small matter. After receiving the stone tablet, the sect must record more information about the cultivators."

"Oh, I know. What do you want to ask?" Ning Zhuo asked.

The monk in charge quickly replied, "We need to record the techniques you practice and your current level of cultivation."

Ning Zhuo was well prepared and answered immediately: "The Five Elements Qi Law Technique, currently in the middle stage of foundation building, in the stage of planting the astrological signs."

The monk in charge quickly recorded it on the jade slip: "I see, thank you, fellow Daoist. I've made a note of it."

"Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, this is the aura of my magical power. If you need to exchange for a token next, you can come to me. I will definitely handle these tedious matters for you at full speed."

His companions immediately looked at him with envy.

The monks who received this kind of mission were generally at the grassroots level of the Wanxiang Sect. For them, being able to meet someone like Ning Zhuo would be a great honor, and it could even change their destiny.

Ning Zhuo took the magical power handed over by the cultivator with a smile, but did not give his own magical power to the other party.

Just this action alone immediately made the monk in charge receive more envy and even jealous gazes.

The person involved was smiling and couldn't help but feel happy!

"Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, take care." Finally, with the respectful farewell from the monk in charge, Ning Zhuo leisurely left the nameless little mountain where he had registered.

On the way back to the Qingshi Cave Mansion, Ning Zhuo had a blank expression on his face but his eyes were shining.

He knew that his behavior would inevitably have many consequences.

Information about him will be valued by many interested people and they will actively seek it out.

"Come on, then."

(End of this chapter)