Chapter 748 This boy's vision is even better than I expected.

Inside the martial arts formation, Ning Zhuo fell into deep thought.

"Judging from Qinghuangzi's words, he wants to cancel the Xingyun Trial directly and pass the inheritance to me."

"Although it saves trouble, I actually gain much less than I planned."

"Without Xingyun's preliminary test, there would be no first place. And this is something I could have obtained in the first place."

He's already a Stone Tablet; if he gets first place three more times, he can exchange it for a higher-level token.

Since Ning Zhuo has already decided to act in a high-profile manner, he will not hesitate here.

"I want to seize every opportunity to get first place and try to widen the gap with others!"

"Besides being number one, I also need to pay attention to my reputation."

"I already have a lot of people paying attention to me. If this Xingyun trial is suddenly canceled, some people may spread rumors and slander against me out of jealousy."

"That won't do!"

When you walk the straight path, a good reputation is extremely important.

Ning Zhuo was all too familiar with this.

After careful consideration, Ning Zhuo began writing his reply.

Soon after, Qinghuangzi received a reply and immediately read it with his divine sense.

To the esteemed senior Qinghuang:

A letter arrived, filling me with both surprise and gratitude! I am but a humble student, a lowly commoner, utterly unworthy, how could I possibly deserve such extraordinary favor from a senior, who has entrusted me with his mantle? Reading your magnificent writing, each word is like gold and jade settling in my heart, each sentence like a resounding bell awakening my spirit. Your insightful observations and undeserved praise for my foolish actions are truly remarkable; your earnest expectations are warmer than the gentle touch of spring sunshine…

The mechanism is not merely the movement of muscles and bones; it is truly the blade for investigating things, the bridge to understanding the profound, and the physical manifestation of the mind! I have always loved this path, often sitting alone in my humble room, meticulously studying its mechanisms, forgetting to eat or sleep, yet feeling time fly by, finding endless enjoyment in it. Now, hearing of the great path of the predecessors is like seeing the North Star in the dark night, like receiving timely rain after a long drought!

The trust placed in me by my predecessors is of paramount importance. I hereby solemnly swear that I will exhaust my wisdom and energy, burning the midnight oil, to thoroughly study this art! I will ensure that the profound principles and subtle theories will not only be inherited but also greatly enhanced in my hands! The aspirations of my predecessors and revered teachers are my lifelong aspirations, and I will not regret them even if it means dying nine times!

However, I have a request, and I earnestly hope that you will grant it: I would like to give a small trial in Xingyun!

I do not dare to question the wisdom of my predecessors in recognizing talent, nor do I harbor any侥幸心理 (a sense of侥幸, a belief that I can get away with something) or covet empty fame. My only concerns are "posthumous reputation" and "the preservation of the orthodox tradition."

The sect is vast, and opinions are bound to vary. If I were to receive the true teachings without undergoing trials, it might arouse suspicion from petty people, who might accuse my predecessors of passing on the knowledge privately and violating established rules; or even slander my master's lineage, saying it was hasty in its transmission and lacks successors. Public opinion can easily become a powerful force, and if it damages the reputation of my predecessors or causes my master to be disgraced in the afterlife, I would be guilty beyond redemption!

My humble attempt at the Xingyun examination yielded two positive results.

Firstly, use trials as a whetstone to hone oneself and verify what one has learned! In actual combat, one can experience the profound wisdom passed down from predecessors.

Both will serve as proof of our abilities, announcing this to our fellow disciples! If I am fortunate enough to emerge victorious, then I will rightfully inherit the mantle, and all dissent will cease! This will quell any unwarranted ambitions of petty individuals and silence any idle gossip. It will let the world know that our senior's decision today is not based on personal favor, but rather on his keen insight and discerning judgment!

Bearing the heavy responsibility entrusted by my predecessors, I have my own plans in mind. Success or failure in this trial is not a matter of honor or disgrace for me, but only a matter of my Daoist heart! If I win, I will be upright and honorable, bringing glory to my predecessors' reputation for recognizing talent; if I lose, I will also be open and honest, demonstrating the strictness of the lineage in choosing its master!

I earnestly hope that you, senior, will grant my humble request!

I write this with great emotion, and respectfully wish you good health!

Respectfully submitted by your humble student, Ning Zhuo.

Qinghuangzi read through it three times with his divine sense before letting out a long, trembling breath filled with complex emotions.

“Well… well done, Ning Zhuo! Well done, ‘posthumous reputation’ and ‘pure lineage’!” His voice was hoarse, filled with unexpected shock and burning satisfaction.

This young man's character, his unwavering resolve, his far-sightedness, his magnanimous spirit... far exceeded my expectations!

Qinghuangzi's sharp gaze pierced through the paper, as if he could see the white-robed youth respectfully writing his reply. The youth had a large head, sat upright, his upper body as straight as a mountain peak, his face solemn, exuding righteousness!

"He is neither arrogant nor conceited! Having received my permission, he showed not the slightest pride or slackness, but instead regarded this opportunity as a heavy responsibility, carefully considering its weight!"

"I do not shirk responsibility and dare to take on challenges! I am not afraid of the dangers of Xingyun's small-scale trial, and I volunteer to step into the fierce competition to prove myself! This is not for empty fame, but for the sake of my and my mentor's reputation after death!"

"What a fine young man!"

Qinghuangzi became more and more excited as she thought about it, and couldn't help but get up and pace back and forth in the small cave, her steps showing a lightness that was more than usual.

"Such a promising young man, how can we let him down after all this hard work! How can we allow his upright heart to be tarnished!"

"If that's the case, I should lend him a hand."

The next day, Qingzhu Peak.

The area around the stone platform was already crowded with people.

"Wow, so many people have come!" Jiang Xiaobian exclaimed, sounding a little nervous.

“Qinghuangzi’s Xingyun Xiaoshi is different from most others; he’s selecting a successor,” Zhang Dadan replied.

“No, that alone wouldn’t attract so many people. There’s only one reason…” Patty Sun shook his head, and just as he finished speaking, the surrounding crowd stirred.

"They're here! They're here!"

"You're not seeing things, are you?"

"That's right, that's right, it's Ning Zhuo!"

The onlookers shouted and cheered, and countless burning, curious gazes were cast toward Ning Zhuo, who was arriving on a cloud.

Ning Zhuo had anticipated this situation. With a smile, he lowered his head from the clouds, cupped his hands in greeting to those around him, displaying the demeanor of a scion of a prominent family.

The monks in the crowd returned the greeting.

Many people flattered Ning Zhuo, saying, "Young Master Ning Zhuo is sure to win first place this time!"

"It is our honor to witness Young Master Ning Zhu sweeping away his enemies."

No one will stand in your way!

Ning Zhuo keenly sensed the malice in these compliments, but his smile only deepened, as if he were completely unaware.

The crowd automatically parted to make way for Ning Zhuo, allowing him to calmly walk down to the foot of the stone platform.

Here, he saw many familiar faces.

"Gentlemen, we meet again." He greeted Buding Sun, Chen San, Jiang Xiaobian, Zhang Dadan, Ah Huo and others.

Ning Zhuo had hosted banquets for these people before, so they had a superficial relationship with them.

Everyone returned the greeting.

Some cultivators who were also participating in this Xingyun trial but had not accepted Ning Zhuo's invitation to the banquet last time were already feeling regretful: if they had known this would happen, they should have agreed so they could have established a relationship with Ning Zhuo.

Sun Buzhuang bowed and quickly responded to Ning Zhuo, displaying a different attitude than before, becoming more humble and respectful.

Jiang Xiaobian pressed her lips together, becoming even more nervous.

The others also felt pressured because of Ning Zhuo.

Ah Huo, however, was unconvinced and shouted: Even if Ning Zhuo is very strong, he will not admit defeat and will fight with all his might to truly compete with Ning Zhuo.

Ning smiled and accepted the challenge on the spot.

Qinghuangzi revealed his figure and immediately selected the content for the second round of Xingyun's preliminary test.

On the stone platform, the cultivators could only use sound control to manipulate numerous bamboo puppets into a chaotic battle. During this process, Qinghuangzi would personally activate different musical notes, interfering with everyone's sound control.

When Qinghuangzi announced the rules, the entire audience fell silent.

Chen San, Ah Huo, and the others listened intently. When it was over, they couldn't help but look at each other, all noticing the excitement in each other's eyes.

The cultivators who had come specifically to observe immediately communicated with each other using their divine sense.

"This rule is very disadvantageous to Ning Zhuo."

“That’s right. If I were one of those involved, I would definitely be the first to join forces and deal with Ning Zhuo!”

“The rules of Qinghuangzi do not prohibit joining forces at all. This is tantamount to leaving Ning Zhuo to face everyone else alone.”

"Not necessarily. It's possible that Ning Zhuo has already contacted other cultivators beforehand and reached some kind of tacit understanding."

Qinghuangzi floated up and sat on a stone seat to the side.

With a gentle push, he stomped his foot, activating the magic array. Instantly, two barriers enveloped the entire stone platform.

"Everyone, climb onto the stone platform," Qinghuangzi whispered.

All the cultivators who participated in this Xingyun trial stepped onto the edge of the stone platform.

They were backed by the outer hemispherical barrier and faced the inner barrier.

Qinghuangzi then said, "Let them into your bamboo puppet troop."

Ning Zhuo and the others did as instructed.

Soon, the stone platform was filled with hundreds of bamboo puppet figures.

These small mechanical puppets, because they were produced by each cultivator, all bear some personal style.

For example, the patched bamboo puppet looks tattered and worn, as if it were randomly pieced together from various mechanical parts, with many joints crooked and twisted. The bamboo puppet figures are arranged in a few rows, sparsely scattered.

For example, Chen San's bamboo puppet is noticeably smaller in size, but very agile in movement. It carries a syringe and a crossbow and has a sinister aura.

Jiang Xiaobian's bamboo puppets are peculiar in shape, with beetle-like shells on their backs. Some have mantis-like arm blades, while others have scorpion-like stingers.

Zhang Dadan, the Iron Drum Warrior, only had three bamboo puppets, and they were the largest in the entire arena. The three bamboo puppets were completely covered in heavy armor, resembling three miniature fortresses.

Huo Nian'er's bamboo puppets either carry strings of firecrackers or are made of pottery jars with fuses.

Ning Zhuo's bamboo puppet figures are the most eye-catching.

These little figures are almost identical, and their arrangement, though seemingly simple, actually contains ironclad rules. Each bamboo puppet has smooth joints and is flawless. When standing still, they resemble an elite army poised for battle, their silence exuding a chilling sharpness.

Qinghuangzi sat upright in the main seat on the high platform, his face calm as an ancient well, with only a barely perceptible expectation flickering deep in his eyes.

"Let's begin this trial run of Xingyun!" As soon as he finished speaking, almost all the bamboo puppets on the stone platform came to life.

Their attack direction was consistent, their forces aimed directly at Ning Zhuo's bamboo puppet troops!

"Charge! Charge!" Ah Huo shouted, striking the gong. His bamboo puppet was at the forefront.

Zhang Dadan then struck the waist drum, and three heavily armored giant puppets moved slowly but steadily, with an oppressive force, approaching Ning Zhuo's bamboo puppet formation.

Black Hawk Chen San had sharp eyes and kept whistling as he manipulated the bamboo puppet to leave the main force and circle around to the left, trying to ambush Ning Zhuo's team from the side.

Jiang Xiaobian then played a bamboo flute, producing a sharp and eerie sound that made the bamboo insect puppets resemble a sharp knife, uniting as one to pierce forward.

Some onlookers gasped in concern for Ning Zhuo as they witnessed this scene, while others were excited, feeling they were about to see a good show.

Some people even thought enviously, "It would be quite a sight to see Ning Zhuo fall here and be defeated in public!"

Qinghuangzi couldn't help but look at Ning Zhuo, ready to activate the music at any moment to interfere.

His plan for this trial run of Xingyun was naturally based on the rules, ensuring that he always maintained control and sovereignty.

If Ning Zhuo doesn't react in time, Qinghuangzi will unleash musical notes, affecting the entire battle!

"If you can single-handedly stand against the combined forces of everyone, then I will declare you number one, and no one will object!"

"The next opportunity is very good. If you can seize it, you can turn around some of your disadvantages."

"Come on, let me see your strength!"

Qinghuangzi held deep expectations for Ning Zhuo.

The next moment, the temporary bamboo puppet alliance suddenly fell into chaos. Many bamboo puppets became uncontrollable, some stopped moving forward, some charged around, and some even fell apart on the spot.

"What's going on?" Sun and the others all changed color.

A glint flashed in Chen San's eyes, and he immediately understood the reason, so he used his divine sense to transmit the message.

At the same time, one of the cultivators shouted, "We all use sound control and are using the content of the 'Vowel Reed Book.' The various sounds overlapped and created chaos, resulting in internal friction!"

The others immediately understood.

The onlookers suddenly realized what was happening.

"So, this small test of Xingyun's abilities is not as simple as it seems on the surface; there are other tricks to it."

"The Xingyun Trial devised by Qinghuangzi in order to select a successor is certainly not simple!"

"Heh, if I were him, I would just hand over the inheritance to Ning Zhuo directly. What's the point of competing?"

"But then, wouldn't we miss out on such a great show?"

"Uh, that's true!"

The bamboo puppet alliance was thrown into turmoil, and its overall offensive came to a sharp halt at that moment.

Ning Zhuo remained expressionless, and with a wave of his arm, a magical artifact-grade guzheng appeared out of thin air.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the big-headed boy pressed the strings with only two fingers of his left hand.

He gently flicked it.

"Clang!"

A sharp, short zither note suddenly burst forth, as if a piece of metal had been forcibly torn apart.

Ning Zhuo's bamboo puppet squad suddenly charged out with the sound of that loud voice!

Then, Ning Zhuo's left hand moved like a butterfly, its five fingers flying so fast that they left behind streaks of black shadow.

A series of extremely piercing, high-pitched noises suddenly swept across the entire venue without warning!

The sudden sound of the zither was like countless steel needles piercing the eardrums of all the cultivators present.

What is that sound?

"It sounds awful!"

"Ugh... I'm going to throw up."

The noise was like fingernails scratching glass, sharp and irritating.

Patch Sun and others were greatly affected, and the entire Bamboo Puppet Alliance was immediately plunged into even greater chaos.

Ning Zhuo's bamboo puppet formation smoothly inserted itself into the fray, sweeping all before them, unstoppable!

Before the competition, Huo Nian'er Ah Huo took the initiative to challenge Ning Zhuo, which was quite high-profile.

Ning Zhuo was the first to grant his request.

In just a few breaths, Ah Huo's bamboo puppets had been almost completely destroyed by Ning Zhuo.

"No!" Ah Huo shouted angrily, his eyes wide with despair and resentment.

(End of this chapter)