Chapter 724: Confucian Cultivator Tries Again
To some extent, the rumors spread by the nonsense monk about Ning Zhuo actually made Ning Zhuo more famous.
"But this hostile force cannot be underestimated."
"We can ignore it at this stage, but we can't always do that."
"Because next, I really need to make a name for myself. Being labeled a coward obviously won't do."
The incident in Baizhixian City is a hurdle, but also an opportunity.
Ning Zhueruo had already gained some fame before this incident broke out, which was a kind of protection for him.
Now, Wen Ruanyu has taken the initiative to help, asking fellow practitioners to support Ning Zhuo. Chu Xuangui's previous experiment with Xingyun had yielded impressive results. This signified that Ning Zhuo and the Wanxiang Sect's Confucian cultivation community had begun a tacit collaboration.
In this situation, it would be inappropriate to allow the false monk to continue to slander and spread rumors that belittle Ning Zhuo.
The Confucian monks are helping with all their heart, but Ning Zhuo makes a mistake and doesn't solve the problem of the false monk. How will the Confucian monks view Ning Zhuo?
Not only the Confucianists, but also the high-ranking members of the Wanxiang Sect who will know the content in the future, how will they view Ning Zhuo's performance at this time?
Ning Zhuo is the right way, not the evil way.
These are all things he should think carefully about.
Wanxiang Sect is Meng Yaoyin's sect, and Ning Zhuo has a good impression of Wanxiang Sect.
He intends to join in and develop well.
"Everything I do here, even if it's unknown now, will be discovered in the future."
"This is when I formed an impression, which will have a profound impact on my future development in the Wanxiang Sect!"
Ning Zhuo pondered for a moment and began to write letters to Chen Xi and Lin Jinglong.
He wanted to use the power of Chen Xi and Lin Jinglong to launch a counterattack in public opinion.
When Shen Xi received the letter, he immediately understood the situation.
"Ning Zhuo and Pi Fujie became enemies because of me. Pi Fujie hosted a banquet for Ban Ji. Apparently, he saw that we were powerful, so he formed alliances to get back at us."
"I've already figured out Ban Ji's motive for dealing with Ning Zhuo."
"It seems that the Jindan-level mechanical puppet in Ning Zhuo's hand has aroused Ban Ji's greed."
Su Lingkou nodded and agreed: "Cousin, I think you are right."
"But Ning Zhuo also has considerable power, and he's recruited Gongsun Yan, so he's not short of manpower. Why would he need you to help him?"
Chen Xi smiled: "He not only asked me, but also asked Lin Jinglong to help."
"There are two main reasons why his move is so brilliant."
"Firstly, he's a newcomer after all, and neither he nor the forces behind him are well-known here at the Wanxiang Sect. But I'm different. If I speak up for him, I can immediately stir up public opinion."
"Secondly, this time he didn't just ask me for help. The letter also clearly stated that he also wrote to Lin Jinglong."
"So, if I don't help him and Lin Jinglong does, what will happen?"
"Ning Zhuo is not an ordinary person..."
Shen Xi sighed.
Ever since the last incident between Lin Jinglong and Gongsun Yan, he immediately adjusted his positioning of Ning Zhuo in his mind.
He had previously considered Ning Zhuo a subordinate, wanting to use him as a thug to deal with Gongsun Yan. However, Ning Zhuo jumped out of this framework and went straight to Gongsun Yan, instigating the latter to rebel.
This move was done beautifully, directly changing the views of Lin Jinglong and Chen Xi, and altering the internal structure of this small group.
Now, Chen Xi has regarded Ning Zhuo as an ally who can be on equal terms and who needs to be won over to his side.
Therefore, Chen Xi must help Ning Zhuo, and he must do his best to help him. At least, he must be better than Lin Jinglong.
After listening to Chen Xi's analysis, Su Lingkou suddenly realized it and couldn't help but cover her mouth, shocked to find that there were so many twists and turns in it.
The reply letters from Chen Xi and Lin Jinglong soon flew into Ning Zhuo's hands.
Ning Zhuo was not surprised by Chen Xi's reply. He clearly stated that he would help with public opinion and use the name of the Shen family of Jiugong Fairy City to support Ning Zhuo.
Lin Jinglong's reply was different from Shen Xi's.
In his letter, Lin Jinglong demanded a unified stance on the Gongsun Yan incident. He was willing to personally support Ning Zhuo, without damaging the reputation of either the Lin family or Lin Jinglong.
At the end of the letter, Lin Jinglong bluntly stated, "The Monk of Falsehood may be quite powerful, but considering Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo's strength, there's nothing to be afraid of. Just kill him directly. There's no need to argue verbally. It's really troublesome!"
Ning Zhuo saw this and shook his head slightly.
"Lin Jinglong is unsure of my strength, so he wants to take this opportunity to find out my background."
If it really comes down to fighting, Ning Zhuo certainly wouldn't take the nonsense monk seriously.
"But a little impatience can ruin a great plan."
"If I really want to take action, what will happen if I kill the False Monk?"
"Whether it's Benji or Pi Fujie, they can find another knife!"
"And if they want to deal with me, they'll inevitably come up with another plan if one fails. This time, the rumors and slander are good. If they really break it, what plan they'll come up with next is beyond my control."
"What if they come up with a more sinister plan, and I'm not prepared for it, which will inevitably cause unnecessary trouble."
"The most important thing right now is the Xingyun test."
Ning Zhuo and Ban Ji share the same view.
If Ban Ji knew what Ning Zhuo was thinking at this moment, I wonder what his expression would be.
"The Xingyun Trials are a series of selections. Individuals or factions of the sect use them to select talents and build connections between the old and the new."
"If this connection is close and the newcomer is appreciated, then he will also receive help from the veteran members of the Wanxiang Sect in the upcoming Feiyun Conference."
Ning Zhuo really wants to join the Wanxiang Sect and develop well in it.
This is a super sect, and Ning Zhuo also has a foundation in this area.
Meng Yaoyin's remaining reputation, Wen Runyu, Yang Sanyan, etc. are all people he can leverage.
This is actually the entry point.
By entering the Wanxiang Sect through different channels, Ning Zhuo's future practice will have different aspects.
Ning Zhuo is currently in the stage of observing and selecting entry points.
"The Confucian cultivators are only the middle level of the Wanxiang Sect. This entry point is not considered excellent."
"Qing Huangzi is just a solitary cultivator."
"Eight Peaks and Sixteen Halls, if you want to penetrate, these are the best."
"But now, the Eight Peaks, Four Olds and Four News, have already begun brewing a dangerous undercurrent."
"Normal cultivators would probably avoid Flowing Cloud Peak. It remains vacant year-round, temporarily occupied by the winner of each Feiyun Conference. Seven Peak Masters have passed through in the past hundred years. It's often in turmoil."
"But in fact, Purple Thunder Peak is a bigger pit than Flowing Cloud Peak."
"On the contrary, Liuyun Peak offers great opportunities for powerful cultivators."
Ban Ji hired four masters of magic cultivation at a high price in order to contain and entangle Ning Zhuo. Ning Zhuo was not affected and had a clear understanding of the situation.
"Every Xingyun trial is an opportunity."
"At this stage, almost all members of the Wanxiang Sect treat future new members equally, open their arms to allow others to learn, and give them ample opportunities."
"This kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime."
"When I join the Wanxiang Sect, I'll definitely have to choose a side and there will definitely be factional disputes. It's impossible for me to learn anything from the hostile forces."
"How many Xingyun trials does the Wanxiang Sect have? Countless! These are all learning opportunities."
"What's even more terrifying is that this opportunity to learn comes at almost no cost."
What did Ning Zhuo pay for participating in the Xingyun trial with Chu Xuangui and Qing Huangzi?
He only gave his time and got the pictographic pen and vowel reed book almost for free.
"Mother left a message in the jade slip, asking me to come early. It really has a deep meaning."
"The more Xingyun trials I participated in, the more entry points I found and the greater the gains I made."
"Under this premise, it would be even better if we could also strike down Ban Ji and Pi Fu Jie."
Thinking of this, Ning Zhuo revealed a solemn expression: "So, for me, the current focus is actually the ability to learn!"
Chu Xuangui's Xingyun trial is special and is excluded from consideration.
It is enough for Ning Zhuo to refer to Qinghuangzi.
In the first round of Qinghuangzi competition, the winners were given a free copy of the "Vowel Reed Book." Although Ning Zhuo understood the entire text, the others had difficulty understanding it.
"This situation may happen to me in the future."
"After all, I only have a solid foundation in music. As for mechanical engineering, my mother only left me a book."
“I still have a lot to learn!”
After some thought, Ning Zhuo ordered the chef to take action and took the initiative to announce to the public: I will pay a large sum of money to purchase all the quick-learning methods!
He offered a high price and did it with such fanfare that it immediately sparked a new level of heated discussion.
"I didn't expect Ning Zhuo to be so rich!"
"How could the person challenged by the False Monk be so simple?"
"Even Chen Xi and Lin Jinglong are supporting this man, calling the Foolish Monk a dog, trying to distract Ning Zhuo. If Ning Zhuo were to go down and spar with the Foolish Monk, wouldn't he be falling prey to his enemy's conspiracy?"
Public opinion was clearly in favor of Ning Zhuo for a while.
at the same time.
Several pillars of Confucianism also talked about Ning Zhuo at the gathering.
One of them said, "The young man recommended by Wen Ruanyu seems quite good. He paid a large sum of money to acquire the spells he learned quickly, and it's clear that he has a deep understanding of the Xingyun Trial."
Chu Xuangui recalled Ning Zhuo's behavior in front of him and nodded slightly: "He is a sensible person."
Another person said, "Since Ning Zhuo has already dealt with the vain monk well, I think there's no need for him to help in this regard, right?"
The third person then said, "We shouldn't get too involved in this. Let's get down to business. How are we supposed to support this young man?"
The old scholar Song Taosheng spoke up, "Since this young man wants a method for rapid learning, and is so public about it, and Confucianism is the best at this, perhaps this is Ning Zhuo sending a signal to us."
The other three cultivators nodded.
Song Taosheng continued, "Since that's the case, why not let me do it?"
The three cultivators nodded simultaneously again.
Someone showed a hint of worry and said, "I hope the old man can take it easy. If Ning Zhuo withdraws due to pain, I'm afraid it will not be a good idea."
Song Taosheng waved his hand and said calmly, "I know what's going on."
Like a jade hairpin thrust upside down into the sky, Bisong Peak is shrouded in mist year-round. A nearly vertical "Sacred Path," formed by countless weathered bluestone steps, winds its way up the mountain to the summit.
On the top of the peak is not a magnificent building, but an ancient and solemn Confucian temple.
The Confucian Temple is not big, with green tiles, red walls, and traces of time deposited between the flying eaves and brackets.
There is no magnificent archway in front of the temple, only an ancient pine tree with twisted branches.
early morning.
Dozens of monks came upon hearing the news, and seeing that the temple gate was closed, they waited patiently under the pine tree.
"Fellow Daoist Ning."
"Brother Kong, Brother Bai, and Brother Liu."
Ning Zhuo greeted Bai Jiyun, Liu Fushu and Kong Ran.
Kong Ran looked a little unnatural. He wrote a letter to his father, requesting permission to trade, but Kong Zhaoming wrote back and angrily scolded him.
Although Kong Ran was a child prodigy, he was young and inexperienced. In addition, he was still obsessed with the pictophonetic strokes, so he did not give Ning Zhuo any feedback.
He carefully considered his words and was about to explain to Ning Zhuo when the door of the Confucian Temple suddenly opened.
A group of monks entered.
The furnishings inside the Confucian Temple were unusually simple: in the middle stood a stone tablet without any words, smooth as a mirror, and on both sides were rows of simple cushions.
At that moment, a mountain breeze whistled past, stirring the pine trees outside the temple, like the whispers of sages or the turning of pages, cleansing the heart. A crisp air was brought into the Confucian Temple, carrying the fragrance of pine needles and the coolness of mountain rocks.
The old scholar Song Taosheng sat in the temple with a dull expression.
His hair and beard were white, yet his complexion was ruddy, his figure was lean and upright, and he wore a blue scholar's robe, washed to a pale white but immaculately starched and ironed. When his eyes opened and closed, the light was restrained, not intimidating, but possessing a profound and majestic aura.
He glanced at the crowd, and his calm voice reached their ears: "Seek the truth through suffering; seek benevolence and you will find it."
"Confucianism is neither an easy nor a treacherous path. Its power originates from the heart, arises from the will, and is achieved through action. To penetrate its depths, one must understand the word 'suffering'. This is not the suffering of self-inflicted wounds from evil spirits, but the sharpening of 'torturing the mind and will, toiling the muscles and bones,' and the resolute determination of 'If I hear the truth in the morning, I am willing to die in the evening.'"
He flicked his sleeves, and two treasures appeared in front of everyone - a ball of hemp rope and a large number of wooden spikes.
"Today I will teach you two Confucian principles: hanging the head from a beam and piercing the thigh with an awl!"
"Everyone please step forward in turn and choose a hemp rope and a wooden awl."
The monks looked at each other, and some of them frowned visibly.
Ning Zhuo noticed that Kong Ran's little face was a little pale.
The monks lined up in order and chose two magical tools: a hemp rope and a wooden awl.
Ning Zhuo held it in his hand and looked at it carefully.
The hemp rope was gray, rough and strong, emitting a faint scent of straw. It lacked any aura of runes, but had been delicately stained with cinnabar, giving it a dark red hue and a faintly solemn aura.
The wooden awl was a foot long. Judging from its texture, it appeared to be sculpted from solid mountain boxwood, its tip polished to a sharp point. Inscribed densely in tiny calligraphy were famous verses from Buddhist scriptures encouraging learning and self-improvement. These included: "If you cannot learn quickly, you will still fear losing it," "Perseverance can carve even metal and stone," and "Heaven moves with vigor; the gentleman strives for self-improvement."
Mr. Song Tao glanced at the crowd, his gaze filled with scrutiny and expectation: "The two methods of hanging one's head on a beam and piercing one's thigh with an awl have existed since ancient times, and their meaning is enduring."
"It is not to harm oneself, but to awaken laziness, stimulate ambition, sharpen the spirit, strive for self-improvement, and rise from adversity."
(End of this chapter)
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