Zhu Xuanji was still wearing a bright red brocade robe with black embroidery on the edges. His square face was expressionless as he looked at Ning Zhuo, examining him up and down. His sharp gaze seemed to be able to see through his heart.

Ning Zhuo was well prepared for Zhu Xuanji's uninvited visit.

To be more precise, this was his design!

Ning Zhuo took the initiative to reveal many things during the palace examination.

For example, at the beginning, when he was fighting against Sun Lingtong, he used multiple floating mobile phones to severely damage the Golden Blood War Ape Dasheng, so that Sun Lingtong could no longer use Yuan Dasheng, causing his own record to plummet.

In this battle, Ning Zhuo showed his familiarity with the Golden Blood War Ape Dasheng. Those who were interested realized that Ning Zhuo knew a lot of inside information.

Afterwards, Ning Zhuo used the Five Elements Spirit Turning Disk in public again, without showing any "strange to familiar" inspection process, revealing that he had already been familiar with this mechanical component.

And in the recent palace examination, he directly used the blood path map, revealing a deeper level of Demonic Blood Tendon Skill!

He used all these advantages in the palace examination, which helped him achieve a brilliant record.

These were also baits deliberately thrown out by Ning Zhuo. Many cultivators and forces took the bait and contacted Ning Zhuo privately, offering high prices to buy them.

But Ning Zhuo rejected them all.

The bait he put down was mainly to catch Zhu Xuanji!

When Ning Zhuo resolved the bet between him and Ning Jiufan, Zhu Xuanji finally took the initiative to come to him.

Facing Detective Zhu again, Ning Zhu felt much less pressure than when he was at the Salesian kindergarten.

At this time, he had already confessed his crimes and eliminated several loopholes. More importantly, through various operations and means, he elevated his righteous identity to a new level.

The head of the Ning family's branch clan! This is a high-ranking official in a cultivation family.

Becoming the head of a branch family at the Qi Refining Stage is simply unimaginable under normal circumstances.

But Ning Zhuo seized the opportunity given by fate, and constantly made use of the Lava Fairy Palace and the palace examination to raise his own valuation, which really made this happen.

In the past, Ning Zhuo had at most two identities: one was a young genius from the Ning family branch, and the other was the owner of the black market. When he was in the Salesian Garden, it was quite easy for Zhu Xuanji to deal with him.

But now, Ning Zhuo has a third identity—the patriarch of the Ning family’s branch.

This forced Zhu Xuanji to be more cautious.

If it were a cultivator from the devil or evil sect, they would not value these. But Zhu Xuanji was a cultivator of the right path and a member of the royal family, and he respected the rules of excellence from the bottom of his heart. Especially now, he had to rely on the alliance of the Zhou family, the Ning family, and the Zheng family to fight against the Meng family and the Bukong Sect, and help him fight for the position of the master of the Lava Fairy Palace.

Ning Zhuo knew very well that although his cultivation had not changed, his status had risen a lot, and his attitude towards Zhu Xuanji could also change a little.

He clasped his fists and bowed, first greeting respectfully, then tactfully expressed that his time was limited and he hoped to keep this conversation with Lord Zhu brief.

Zhu Xuanji laughed and pointed at Ning Zhuo: "You just became the head of the branch family, and you're already shaking."

"When a villain succeeds, you look like this now."

Ning Zhu also smiled and said, "Master Zhu, I have worked so hard to get this. If I don't show it off, wouldn't it be a shame for my previous efforts?"

This kind of frankness makes Ning Zhuo appear sincere and not hypocritical.

Zhu Xuanji had a very good impression of Ning Zhuo.

On the one hand, he felt a great sense of accomplishment, as he believed that he had helped Ning Zhuo and guided this young genius onto the right path.

On the other hand, Ning Zhuo severely damaged the Golden Blood War Ape Dasheng in the palace examination, causing Sun Lingtong's record to plummet. This was definitely a great achievement.

Finally, Ning Zhuo would admit defeat whenever he encountered Zhu Xuanji or Ning Jiufan during the palace examination. This attitude was very much in line with Zhu Xuanji's wishes.

This is why Zhu Xuanji had discovered long ago that Ning Zhuo had concealed a lot of information. When he confessed his crime and accepted his punishment, he did not reveal the whole truth. But he still waited until now to inquire about it.

Zhu Xuanji stared into Ning Zhuo's eyes and said, "Come to think of it, I haven't thanked you yet. I was able to take part in the second round of the palace examination thanks to you."

Ning Zhuo waved his hands and said, "Sir, you are too much of an embarrassment to me. I don't deserve it!"

"My Five Elements Pawn is not as powerful and effective as your mechanical puppet."

"Why do you need me to give in? I'm going to lose anyway, so I can save time and energy by admitting defeat."

Zhu Xuanji put his hands behind his back and said, "Ning Zhuo, tell me the truth, do you Ning family want this Immortal Palace?"

"Let me tell you the truth first. If your Ning family has this intention, I can also lend a helping hand and take the initiative to give in so that you can keep this treasure!"

"Among the three major families in Huoshi Xiancheng, the Zhou family and the Zheng family are deeply rooted, while your Ning family comes from Beifeng Country and has an unstable foundation. They are the best allies for my Nandou royal family to form alliances and the central government to counter the local governments."

Ning Zhuo did not hesitate at all, and immediately smiled bitterly and said, "Master Zhu, you are frank and honest, and I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. I personally have had some fantasies."

"But the Lava Fairy Palace has been damaged too much. Even now, the cost of repairing the dilapidated parts of it is terribly high."

“It’s hard for our Ning family to afford it because of their wealth.”

"What's even more terrifying is that the palace examination is still going on, the monster tide is getting more and more intense, and the Immortal Palace will definitely be further ruined."

"Whichever side gets it, will pay a huge price to repair it!"

"For my Ning family, I believe that helping you achieve the final victory, making friends with the royal family and establishing connections is the most beneficial and safest direction of development."

Zhu Xuanji nodded and said nothing more.

Ning Zhuo let out a breath of foul air.

He knew that Zhu Xuanji didn't really want to give up the position of Palace Master. Even if it was true, Zhu Xuanji was not qualified to give it up. There was still a third round after the second round of palace examinations.

It would be really foolish for Ning Zhuo to show interest in the position of Palace Master.

Zhu Xuanji said this deliberately just to remind Ning Zhuo not to have desires that are not in line with his status just because he has become the head of a branch family.

He was also reminding Ning to give in and not to expect things that he shouldn't get.

This is just like what Ning Jufan said to Ning Zhuo in the room before he gave in: "You can say anything or not. Remember, you are already the head of the branch family of my Ning family."

These words were spoken to Ning Zhuo and also to Zhu Xuanji, the Jindan cultivator in the courtyard.

Many high-level exchanges, like this, are gentle and subtle.

Zhu Xuanji was satisfied with Ning Zhuo's attitude, and finally got to the point: "You should know the reason why I came to find you this time."

Ning Zhuo sighed deeply and bowed to Zhu Xuanji again. With his current confidence, he could speak frankly to a certain extent: "Master Zhu, I did hide something before. There are indeed many things that are difficult to say."

"I have anticipated today's situation and have prepared something after thinking hard."

“This is the best I can do.”

As he spoke, Ning Zhuo took out a piece of paper from his arms and handed it to Zhu Xuanji.

Only the shadow remains among the white clouds, the clouds float over the distant mountains and the moon is boundless.

Looking at the moon, we make a hundred-year alliance; man proposes, God disposes.

He frowned slightly, then relaxed, looked at Ning Zhuo, and nodded slightly to him.

Regardless of whether Ning Zhuo still had a contract with Bukongmen and could not say more, or whether Ning Zhuo chose to continue to retain some information for his own benefit, Zhu Xuanji chose to agree.

Immediately, he raised his fingers slightly, exhaled his magic power, and created a flame.

The paper was thrown into the air, ignited, and quickly turned into ashes.

Zhu Xuanji turned and left.

Recently, the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit has paid more attention to Zhu Xuanji.

When Zhu Xuanji arrived at Ning Zhuo's residence, he immediately attracted its attention.

The entire conversation between Ning Zhuo and Zhu Xuanji was seen by the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

Naturally, it also observed the poem on the paper.

It wondered, “What does this mean?”

The dragon turtle fire spirit became anxious and restless, but after thinking about it, it took the initiative to contact Ning Zhuo.

"Young master, are you okay?" It pretended to be concerned, and then began to ask about the purpose of the paper and the poem.

"Don't worry, I just used a little trick to get rid of him again."

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit continued to ask about the meaning of the poem.

Ning Zhuo: "Haha, I can't say that. I can't say that."

He immediately changed the subject: "Don't you want to bombard the Gourd Furnace Forest and directly destroy the ruins of the Golden Furnace? I have made up my mind to do this! It will be launched in the near future. You must be ready at all times and listen to my call."

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit was overjoyed. It had been worrying about how to subdue Ning Zhuogan's attack in recent days.

Unexpectedly, Ning Zhuxian couldn't bear the pressure and agreed.

Ning Zhuo sent Zhu Xuanji away, dealt with the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit perfunctorily, and began to gather his subordinates.

Soon, Ning Xiangguo, Ning Xiangqian, Ning Chen, Ning Yong and others gathered together.

Ning Zhuo showed everyone the Ning family plaque and sacrificial tablet he had obtained.

Everyone was overjoyed.

"It's done. The separation of the family is finally done!"

"Boss, you are amazing."

"Chief, we can start a new clan."

The atmosphere in the hall was warm.

Ning Zhuo smiled and gave everyone ample time to express their joy.

When everyone stopped shouting excitedly, he said to one of the people in the hall, "Turtle Shell Gang Leader, have you completed the information I asked you to collect?"

Turtle Shell is the leader of the Turtle Breath Gang and is good at gathering intelligence.

This time, Ning Zhuo specially transferred him to the palace to work.

Turtle Shell said immediately: "The past words and deeds of the Ning family members during this period have been collected. Although there are inevitably omissions, I have recorded all those who believed the rumors and even secretly advocated and belittled you, young master."

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became quiet.

Ning Zhuo took a sip of tea, slowly put down the cup, and said, "Very good, very good."

He looked at everyone in the hall and said, "My uncle lost his son, so it's understandable that he did this. He wanted to use everyone's words to avenge the murder of his son."

"But among those branch tribesmen who followed him and were instigated, many had ulterior motives."

"Even if they are just stupid, that is enough to prove that they are not the ones we need to recruit."

"What do you think?"

Everyone was speechless.

Ning Zhuo, with a faint smile on his face, exerted a strong psychological pressure on them.

After just a few breaths, Ning Chen's back was a little wet.

Ning Zhuo said, "You must keep the fact that I can split the family and set up a new business a secret. I need to investigate carefully to see who they are. Those who don't follow my lead are not on the same page with us."

Everyone hurriedly said they understood.

Although they had a strong desire to create a separate family, the reasons Ning Zhuo gave were very legitimate and reasonable, and no one could refute them.

"I have something for you to do." Ning Zhuo took out a crystal.

This is the top-grade spiritual crystal given to him by Zhu Xuanji, and all the ice spiritual power inside it has been used up.

Ning Zhuo gave orders to his subordinates to set up a magic array, contribute their own magic power, purify it into ice spiritual power, and infuse it into the spirit crystal.

After receiving the order, everyone left excitedly.

The prospect of the separation made them excited. Without Ning Zhuo's encouragement, they wanted to actively perform and better complete every task assigned by Ning Zhuo in exchange for a higher status in the separation.

Ning Zhuo left the leader of the Turtle Shell Gang until the end and gave him instructions alone, asking him to send someone to closely monitor Zhu Xuanji's actions.

This task of monitoring Jindan monks made Turtle Shell feel quite pressured, but he had no choice but to obey the order.

It was not until Ning Zhu was alone that he sighed softly.

The reason why he fought for the division of the family was just to eliminate the loophole.

This time, the excuse of inspection was used to postpone the establishment of the branch family, and the reason was not to implicate Ning Chen, Ning Yong and their gang.

Even though Ning Xiangguo was a traitor, Ning Zhuo had developed some feelings for him after working with him for a long time.

Ning Zhuo didn't know if he would succeed next, so he needed to keep a distance from everyone at this time, in case something went wrong in the future and he became a wanted criminal, implicating these people.

(End of this chapter)