Ning Ze and the others were momentarily stunned.
Ning Xiaoren glared fiercely at Ning Ze. "Aren't you going to stop!?"
As he spoke, he ripped the identification waist token from his belt and threw it forcefully.
The hard token struck Ning Ze's head directly, causing him to reel backward and almost collapse.
Ning Ze staggered back a step to steady himself, hurriedly bowing. "Greetings to the Young Clan Leader!"
As he spoke, a large stream of blood flowed from his forehead, marking yet another injury inflicted by Ning Xiaoren's strike.
The Father-Son Bracelet ceased its activation.
Ning Xiaoren shot him a harsh glare, then quickly walked to Ning Zhuo's side.
He lifted a foot and kicked down one of the Ning Family cultivators holding Ning Zhuo in place, then barked at the other, "Get lost!"
The two large cultivators quickly backed away in fear.
Ning Xiaoren hurriedly extended his hand to support Ning Zhuo, his eyes reddened, his face filled with guilt and concern.
"Little Nephew Ning Zhuo, Little Nephew Ning Zhuo, I came too late. Your uncle came too late, letting you suffer such torment! Witnessing this scene pains me deeply."
As long as the Father-Son Bracelet was not in use, Ning Zhuo felt no discomfort.
Nonetheless, Ning Xiaoren took out a superior-grade pill and handed it to Ning Zhuo.
"Nephew Ning Zhuo, though my spiritual power differs from yours and I can't directly tend to your injuries, take this pill. Its healing effects are excellent!"
Ning Zhuo, pale-faced and breathing heavily, weakly pushed the pill away, displaying the hesitation and unease of a young cultivator.
"Young Clan Leader, I... I... Why are you here..."
He realized his plan was on the verge of success.
The Ning Family investigation team’s arrival had been one of the possible outcomes he had foreseen.
After making a strong impression during the Three-Family Joint Test, he anticipated that various factions would investigate and monitor him secretly.
That was fine!
If they didn't investigate him, Fei Si and Zhu Xuanji certainly would, and even if they didn't now, they would in the future.
Being investigated now was even advantageous for Ning Zhuo.
This presented a unique opportunity: if he could use it well, he could publicly "explain" himself, further enhancing his disguise.
Additionally, it would allow him to showcase his value.
Ning Ze had already been influenced by the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, an effect made easier by his inherent fear and anxiety.
To this day, Ning Zhuo had achieved the third layer in Qi Refining, Essence Refining, and Spirit Refining, making him significantly stronger than before.
While using even a fraction of the seal’s power still caused him to bleed from his nose, it took longer than before.
The Father-Son Bracelet's forced thought extraction provided cover for his nosebleed, making it appear natural.
He needed an explanation for his rapid advancement.
Simply attributing it to compatibility with his techniques wasn’t enough; he also had to demonstrate that he possessed substantial resources—meaning, the spirit stones he owned provided him ample cultivation support.
At this moment, he had to publicly "use" this wealth.
Both Fei Si and Chi Dun, as well as Zhu Xuanji, knew he was the true creator of the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey.
The profits from its sales had brought him significant funds.
From the perspective of a typical young cultivator, having amassed such a fortune yet failing to invest it in resources or advancing his cultivation would be inexplicable.
Being stingy or miserly did not align with the personality traits he had exhibited over the past sixteen years.
If he succeeded in providing this explanation, Ning Zhuo would gain full legitimacy to use this wealth, openly purchasing resources from the various pill pavilions and pharmacies, and advancing his cultivation at full speed.
This would benefit him greatly.
Moreover, with the joint reformation team of the three families forming, he needed a prominent position.
As Ning Ze and the others arrived, Ning Zhuo had already begun his act.
Tools like the Father-Son Bracelet were well-documented in his intelligence archive.
In his Divine Sea, he had prepared specific thoughts to project.
As soon as he offered them up, Ning Ze would gain his "answer."
But just as success was within reach, Ning Xiaoren appeared.
Ning Zhuo couldn't help but wonder why Ning Xiaoren had arrived so suddenly.
Ning Xiaoren, meanwhile, felt a wave of relief. "Made it, just barely!"
It turned out that during a negotiation between the three family leaders, Zhu Xuanji had approached to request records.
Before leaving, Zhu Xuanji had voluntarily shared Ning Zhuo’s secret regarding the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey.
As high-ranking members, the three leaders had readily believed Zhu Xuanji’s words.
Zhu Xuanji was part of the royal family and a divine constable; his credibility was exceedingly high.
Recently, sales of the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey had soared, and all three families had dispatched numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators to participate in the Fire Persimmon Festival, gaining extensive insights into the monkey.
Combining Zhu Xuanji's account with their knowledge, the three family leaders deduced the truth quickly—Fei Si had taken credit for someone else’s achievement, while Chen Cha had secretly purchased the inventor’s identity to claim as his own.
The true creator was Ning Zhuo of the Ning Family!
Immediately, the leaders of the Zhou and Zheng Families congratulated the Ning Family's leader.
Inwardly delighted, the Ning Family leader remained outwardly humble and cautious, suggesting the matter still needed investigation for confirmation.
He summoned a Ning Family attendant, instructing him via transmitted message to return to the family and inform the Young Clan Leader to conduct an investigation and reward Ning Zhuo appropriately.
The attendant rushed back to the family residence and conveyed the message to Ning Xiaoren.
Ning Xiaoren was so shocked that he nearly jumped in place.
He instantly understood the source of Ning Zhuo's wealth and realized he had sent out an investigation team himself.
There was no time to waste in the family’s quarters.
Despite the late hour, he ran out of the estate with all his strength, racing toward Ning Zhuo’s residence as though mad.
Thus, the scene that had just unfolded.
Ning Xiaoren’s eyes reddened as he sighed deeply. "Little Nephew Ning Zhuo, you’ve suffered, you’ve truly suffered! Your uncle knows you've endured grievances and hardships."
"Did you know? Throughout your sixteen years, I have always kept an eye on you from the shadows."
"I know your character; I know you’re not a bad child. You wouldn’t commit any grave errors."
"I’ll investigate the matter with the investigation team and ensure justice is served!"
"But through this incident, you must realize that your position is now complicated, fraught with hidden dangers."
"It’s all because you’re so outstanding."
"Sigh, ‘A tall tree catches the wind; a high bank invites turbulent waters.’ There are many who envy you."
"I can’t help but worry about you."
"Look, this investigation team arrived so mysteriously, and even your own uncle was implicated."
Watching Ning Xiaoren’s performance, Ning Ze was left dumbfounded. "Weren't you the one who summoned me to handle this matter?"
And now, he was disassociating himself completely.
Though Ning Ze was inwardly full of complaints, he knew better than to expose his superior at this moment.
After all, taking the fall for one’s superior was part of a subordinate's duty, wasn’t it?
So Ning Ze remained silent, quietly tending to the wound on his forehead.
Ning Zhuo glanced at Ning Xiaoren, then at Ning Ze, and finally at Ning Fan and the others. His young face displayed fear and confusion.
"Then... what should I do?" He cast a pleading look at Ning Xiaoren.
Ning Xiaoren, mustering his warmest smile, responded in his gentlest and most sincere voice, "It’s simple, Nephew Ning Zhuo. Come stay at my estate. I’m the Young Clan Leader; I will personally protect you."
Ning Zhuo hesitated, bowing his head slightly.
Ning Xiaoren extended the pill once more, his tone exceedingly gentle. "Take it."
Ning Zhuo shook his head. "My injuries aren't severe; using such a precious pill would be a waste."
Ning Xiaoren patted his shoulder, chuckling, "Such a good child. Go ahead and accept it, as a gift from your uncle."
"Come, let’s return to the estate together. You may not know, but your father once saved my life."
"In the past, I had my own burdens and concerns, and I couldn’t show you the care you deserved. But now, with you facing danger, I can’t stand idly by. I will protect you with all my strength!"
Ning Zhuo looked up slowly, his face filled with gratitude. "Th-thank you, Young Clan Leader..."
"Ah, no need to call me that. Just call me Uncle Ning." Ning Xiaoren handed the pill to him again.
Only then did Ning Zhuo reluctantly accept it, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"Come, let’s go home!" Ning Xiaoren wrapped an arm around his shoulder, helping him up and guiding him out.
After a few steps, Ning Zhuo paused. "But what about the investigation into my spirit stones..."
Ning Xiaoren replied, "Uncle promises that I’ll never subject you to such cruel measures again."
"We’ll figure out a way around the contract. If not, I’ll use my position as the Young Clan Leader to guarantee your safety and allow you to cultivate in peace."
Upon hearing this, Ning Zhuo’s suspicions neared confirmation.
"So, Ning Xiaoren must have learned about the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey’s secret. It was either Chi Dun or Zhu Xuanji who told him."
Both Chi Dun and Zhu Xuanji were plausible suspects.
Ning Zhuo was pleased with this development.
One reason he had introduced the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey was to distract from the true purpose behind the bombing of the Immortal Palace; another was to demonstrate his proficiency in mechanical arts.
With this realization, Ning Zhuo stopped resisting.
While Ning Xiaoren concealed his knowledge of the truth to express sincerity and forge an alliance, Ning Zhuo was also eager to draw closer to Ning Xiaoren.
Under Ning Xiaoren's protection, he would be able to hide himself even better.
On their way, Ning Xiaoren continued to offer gentle and comforting words.
Upon arrival at the residence, Ning Xiaoren loudly ordered the servants, "Clear out my bedroom for my dear nephew!"
Ning Zhuo immediately tried to protest, but Ning Xiaoren, his eyes misting with emotion, implored him to stay, to atone for his shortcomings in caring for his benefactor’s son.
Eventually, with misty eyes of his own, Ning Zhuo, looking deeply moved, reluctantly nodded his agreement.
As Ning Zhuo prepared for bed, Ning Xiaoren brought him a talisman.
"You’ve only recently achieved the third layer’s peak, so I assume you haven’t been drawn into the Lava Immortal Palace yet?"
Ning Zhuo nodded, expressing curiosity about the Lava Immortal Palace.
Ning Xiaoren explained kindly, "To handle the palace’s dangers, you’ll need a team. Entering rashly could damage your soul and hinder your progress."
"By applying this talisman, you can slightly reduce your soul’s resonance, lowering your likelihood of being drawn in. It’s completely beneficial to you."
"Thank you, Uncle Ning!" Ning Zhuo said gratefully.
Ning Xiaoren laughed heartily, patted Ning Zhuo on the shoulder, and, after urging him to rest well, excused himself.
Once alone in his study, Ning Xiaoren’s gentle expression vanished.
His face grew cold as he summoned a trusted attendant. "Gather a team and discreetly search Ning Zhuo’s residence. Leave no trace and collect as much information as possible."
"Yes, sir!"