Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 323: Chapter 298: Two Poems_2

“Whichever side obtains it will have to pay an enormous price to restore it!”

“For the Ning Family, I believe that it’s most beneficial and prudent for us to help you, Lord, achieve the ultimate victory and establish good relations with the Royal Family.”

Zhu Xuanji nodded and said nothing more.

Ning Zhuo exhaled a heavy breath.

He knew that Zhu Xuanji did not truly wish to give up the position of Palace Master. Even if he were serious, Zhu Xuanji actually had no right to give it up, as there was still a third round of tests after the second one.

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

By saying these words, Zhu Xuanji was hinting to Ning Zhuo not to develop desires inappropriate to his status, just because he had become a Clan Leader of a branch family.

He was also reminding Ning Jiufan not to covet things he shouldn’t have.

This was like the words Ning Jiufan had said to Ning Zhuo earlier in the room, “There are things you can say, and things you can leave unsaid. Remember, you are already a Clan Leader of the Ning Family.”

These words were directed at Ning Zhuo, but also meant for the Golden Core Cultivator Zhu Xuanji in the courtyard.

Much of the communication among the higher-ups is like this, gentle and implicit.

Satisfied with the attitude Ning Zhuo displayed, Zhu Xuanji finally got to the point, “You must be aware of my purpose in seeking you out.”

Ning Zhuo sighed deeply and once more bowed to Zhu Xuanji. With his present confidence, he could afford to be somewhat outspoken, “Lord Zhu, I indeed had things I chose to conceal before. Truly, there are many things that are difficult to say outright.”

“I had anticipated today’s situation and after much contemplation, I prepared something.”

“This is the limit of what I can do.”

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

Zhu Xuanji took it, unfolded the paper on the spot, and saw a poem written on it—

Alone I stand amid white clouds high,

The clouds drift past distant mountains under the endless moonlit sky.

Together with the moon we pledge a century’s bond,

Though man may strategize, heaven determines the outcomes beyond.

He slightly furrowed his brow, then relaxed it soon after, giving Ning Zhuo a nod.@@novelbin@@

Whether Ning Zhuo truly had a contract with the Bukong Sect that he couldn’t speak of or he chose to continue keeping some intelligence for his benefit, Zhu Xuanji chose to accept it.

Immediately, he lifted a finger, emitted a wisp of mana, and summoned flames.

The piece of paper thrown into the air was instantly ignited and quickly turned to ash.

Zhu Xuanji turned and walked away.

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit had taken an increased interest in Zhu Xuanji recently.

When Zhu Xuanji arrived at Ning Zhuo’s residence, he immediately caught its attention.

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

Naturally, it also noticed the poem on the paper.

It became puzzled, “What does this all mean?”

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit grew restless and after some thought, it took the initiative to contact Ning Zhuo.

“Young master, are you alright?” it began by feigning concern, then started inquiring about the paper and the purpose of the poem.

“Rest assured, I merely employed a tactic, and once again he was dismissed.”

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

Ning Zhuo laughed, “Ha-ha, that cannot be said, cannot be said.”

He swiftly changed the subject, “Haven’t you been wanting to bombard the Gourd Fire Furnace Forest and directly demolish the Golden Furnace Ruins? I have made up my mind to do just that! It will take place soon. You must be ready at all times to heed my call.”

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit was overjoyed. It had been worrying about how to convince Ning Zhuo to carry out this plan recently.

Ning Zhuo couldn’t handle the pressure any longer and agreed to the terms.

After dispatching Zhu Xuanji and stalling the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit, Ning Zhuo began gathering his subordinates.

Soon, Ning Xiangguo, Ning Xiangqian, Ning Chen, Ning Yong and others were assembled.

Ning Zhuo unveiled the Ning Family’s plaque and the memorial tablet he’d obtained before them.

The crowd was overjoyed.

“It’s done, the separation from the clan has finally happened!”

“Boss, you’re unbelievable.”

“Clan Leader, we can now establish our own branch.”

The atmosphere in the hall was exuberant.

Ning Zhuo, wearing a smile, gave everyone ample time to express their joy.

When the clamor subsided, he turned to one person in the hall and said, “Turtle Shell Gang Leader, have you compiled all the intelligence you’ve gathered?”

The Turtle Shell Gang Leader was skilled in espionage, and Ning Zhuo had specifically assigned him to infiltrate the palace.

Turtle Shell replied immediately, “I’ve collected most of what the Ning Family members have been saying and doing during this period. There might be some omissions, but I’ve recorded everyone who believed rumors or who quietly incited and belittled you, young master.”

The atmosphere in the hall instantly quieted.

Ning Zhuo took a gentle sip of tea, slowly placing the cup back down, before speaking, “Very good, very good.”

He looked at everyone in the hall, “My uncle, having lost his son, is somewhat justified in his actions. He wants to use public opinion to avenge his son’s death.”

“However, many of the side branch family members who follow him and are stirred up by him have sinister intentions.”

“Even if they are just foolish, that’s enough to prove that they are not the sort of people we should consider bringing into our fold.”

“What do you think?”

The crowd was speechless.

With a faint smile, Ning Zhuo exerted a significant psychological pressure on them.

Within just a few breaths, Ning Chen’s back was soaked with sweat.

Ning Zhuo continued, “The matter of our separation and establishment of a new branch must be kept secret. I need to take some time to see exactly who is not one with us.”

The crowd quickly expressed their understanding.

Although they had been eager to create the new branch immediately, Ning Zhuo’s reasoning was sound and valid, leaving no room for objection.

“I have some tasks for you,” Ning Zhuo took out a crystal stone.

This was a top grade spirit crystal given to him by Zhu Xuanji; its ice attribute spiritual power had been depleted.

Ning Zhuo ordered his subordinates to set up an array, contribute their own mana, refine it into ice attribute spiritual power, and infuse it back into the spirit crystal.

The subordinates accepted the order and left excitedly.

The prospect of the clan’s separation excited them; they were eager to perform well and complete the tasks Ning Zhuo assigned, to secure a higher position in the new branch.

Ning Zhuo kept the Turtle Shell Gang Leader back until last, giving him special instructions to keep a close watch on Zhu Xuanji’s movements.

Tasked with the surveillance of a Golden Core Cultivator, Turtle Shell felt the pressure but had no choice but to comply.

Only when Ning Zhuo was alone did he let out a deep sigh.

His striving for clan separation was simply to eliminate any weak points.

His use of the excuse to assess the situation and postpone the establishment of a new branch was also to avoid implicating people like Ning Chen and Ning Yong.

Even towards Ning Xiangguo, the spy, Ning Zhuo had developed some affection after a long association.

Ning Zhuo did not know if he would succeed in his next move; he needed to distance himself from everyone now, lest the future turn sour and he became a wanted criminal, dragging them down with him.