The Nine Fire Dragon Lord was the first to leave.
The Red Robe Guest glared at Chun Yangzi with a look of resentment and walked away, sleeves billowing.
He planned to gather finances from others, hoping to increase his debt above Chun Yangzi’s, thereby occupying the top spot.
Chun Yangzi outwardly seemed indifferent but inwardly gave a bitter smile.
He had already guessed the Red Robe Guest’s thoughts: "In this way, to counteract his actions in raising debt and to stabilize the top position, I might have to continue investing in the subsequent repairs of the furnace."
Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but look towards Ning Zhuo: "This must have been within your expectations as well."
"What a clever young man."
"He seems merely a debtor, seemingly oppressed by all creditors, but in truth, he uses debt as a rope to tie everyone into his hands."
"The fiercer we pete, the more we gravitate towards him."
"If we want to sit higher, we must continue to invest, continue to repair the Nanming Fire Furnace, and continue to strengthen Nanming Village."
"In the end, when the Nanming Fire Furnace is repaired and Nanming Village is strengthened, Ning Zhuo’s foundation will be solid and unmovable!"
Chun Yangzi sat in the top position, but he acutely sensed that the real situation had been orchestrated by Ning Zhuo.
He seemed instead like a chess piece!
"We, these Nascent Souls, have all fallen into Ning Zhuo’s calculations," Chun Yangzi sighed inwardly.
That night.
Kong Ran entered the study.
His chubby cheeks had not yet thinned; wearing a short apricot-yellow tunic, his eyes were black and bright as lacquer spots, and he saluted Ning Zhuo: "Brother Ning."
Ning Zhuo stood up and returned the salute, inviting Kong Ran to sit down.
The aroma of tea wafted gently, prepared by Ning Zhuo in advance.
During the alliance establishment today, Kong Ran had secretly transmitted through Divine Sense, arranging a confidential meeting tonight.
Once seated, Kong Ran’s small mouth seemed coated with honey: "Brother Ning achieved Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Cutting today, established Nanming Village, and determined five seats; everything was acplished, truly admirable."
His childlike appearance made his praise feel even more sincere.
Ning Zhuo smiled lightly: "Brother Kong, you overpraise. Today’s achievements are largely due to the predecessors giving face, Brother Bai’s poetry, Brother Liu’s assistance, and Brother Kong’s support."
Ning Zhuo had already taken off the Great Thousand Mechanism Sound Robe, yet in his ordinary attire, he still exuded an unmon presence.
This battle, though ultimately letting the Flowing Gold Guest escape with his life, showcased Ning Zhuo’s capabilities, altering the world’s perception of him from before.
After a few pleasantries, Kong Ran took out a thin letter from his sleeve, but instead of handing it over immediately, he said first: "My father heard about Brother Ning’s deeds today and is quite approving. He said that having opportunities when young isn’t difficult, nor is having courage the hardest. The challenge lies in maintaining order, understanding boundaries, and leveraging the strength of many after gaining power, rather than being overly aggressive."
He spoke with precision and evident memorization of Kong Zhaoming’s words, displaying a rare seriousness and formality.
Ning Zhuo didn’t respond immediately, listening quietly.
Kong Ran continued: "My father also said, previously when I was young and eager, I considered privately offering innate methods for an Ideograph Brush, which was truly absurd. His refusal that day was to teach me, not to belittle Brother Ning."
Ning Zhuo gently said: "Prime Minister Kong holds great responsibility, rightfully so. Innate methods pertain to the basis of a cultivator and should not be easily granted. If it were me, I’d be cautious as well."
Kong Ran laughed heartily, his demeanor brightened: "But now is different."
He handed the letter over with both hands.
"Father said that since Brother Ning now has Nanming Village, with many Nascent Souls and Golden Cores behind him, and will henceforth establish himself at Flowing Cloud Peak, he is no ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator. The Kong Family wishes to renegotiate a deal with Brother Ning."
Ning Zhuo’s eyes lit up.
This was something he had long sought to achieve.
Now, he was a different person, not only valued by all parties but also successful in forming an alliance, backed by a large group of creditors.
Kong Ran’s earlier words were naturally just a guise for Kong Zhaoming’s rhetoric.
The application methods surrounding innate potential have always been highly valuable.
But now, Ning Zhuo had proven himself entirely worthy of this "value," prompting Kong Zhaoming to proactively show goodwill and revisit this transaction.
Ning Zhuo maintained his calm demeanor, not taking the letter, but first asked: "What does Prime Minister Kong want?"
The previous deal was about Kong Ran wanting the Ideograph Brush. But now the situation is different, and Ning Zhuo knew that since Kong Zhaoming took the initiative to revisit the deal, there must be other motives.
Kong Ran shook his head: "My father’s requirements are in the letter; I’m merely delivering it and don’t know the specifics."
Ning Zhuo unfolded the letter and skimmed through it, his expression subtly changing.
The letter contained the plete method of using innate potential, the Myriad Phenomena Cradle. At the end, there were a few words from Kong Zhaoming.
He mentioned it was both a transaction and goodwill. If Ning Zhuo was willing, he could lend the Ideograph Brush to Kong Ran. Asking whether Kong Ran could bee a creditor of the Nanming Fire Furnace. If not, there was no rush, and future transactions could be considered.
Ning Zhuo didn’t hesitate, immediately handing the letter over to Kong Ran.
Kong Ran initially declined, but Ning Zhuo persuaded him with just one sentence.
After reading it, Kong Ran showed a different expression, slapped his leg: "Ah, does this mean I can also join Nanming Village?"
Ning Zhuo then seriously looked at him: "Your father holds a prestigious position. Is he truly willing to let you join the Myriad Images Sect?"
Kong Ran: "This is indeed my personal desire! My family has many siblings; one less won’t be missed."
A realization dawned on his young face: "I understand now."
"I initially wanted to join the Confucian Cultivator Group of the Myriad Images Sect. But given the current situation, the days for the Confucian Cultivators seem difficult."
"So, he’s doing this to urge me to rely on you, Brother Ning."
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