Ning Zhuo recognized the voice as Ning Xiaohui’s and left the dining table, stepping into the courtyard to meet his former classmate.
Ning Xiaohui and Ning Zhuo had been students at the academy in the same year.
Ning Zhuo had performed moderately well, somewhat unremarkable.
In contrast, Ning Xiaohui, a main lineage member with the Innate Talent of the Icy Jade Hand, was always at the top, highly respected and admired by all at the academy.
Now, Ning Xiaohui’s face was indifferent, her gaze cold as she scanned Ning Zhuo from head to toe.
Internally, she was a little surprised; she hadn’t expected that her previously unnoticed classmate actually had decent looks.
Her gaze swept over him.
“I never would have guessed you were the creator of the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey.”
Ning Zhuo let out a small sound of surprise, feeling slightly embarrassed as he replied, “Well… it just happened by chance. If I had to create another new mechanical work, I probably wouldn’t be able to. I don’t have any confidence.”
“That’s right.” Ning Xiaohui had already seen all the information on Ning Zhuo, including the drafts and sketches that the Ning family’s investigation team had discovered and replicated from his underground workshop.
From these findings, she could see that Ning Zhuo had spent at least five to six years developing the idea of the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey.
This discovery greatly lowered her evaluation of him.
Ning Zhuo walked up to her and asked, “May I know why you called me out?”
Ning Xiaohui frowned slightly, feeling that Ning Zhuo was standing too close.
She took a small step back, her tone questioning, “You handed over the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey to an outsider. Why didn’t you report to the family first?”
Ning Zhuo sighed, spreading his hands in a display of frustration and innocence.
“I wanted to report it to the family, but at the time, my Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey had flaws and wasn’t complete!”
“It wasn’t ready for presentation.”
“I consulted Chen Cha, who helped me solve a design problem with the monkey mechanism. I never expected that it would get exposed like this, and eventually, some big figure took a liking to it.”
“What could I do?”
“Thankfully, I still got paid.”
“Hmph, you’re talking about Lord Fei Si, aren’t you?” Ning Xiaohui deliberately mentioned the name.
Ning Zhuo’s face showed a flash of surprise.
Seeing that she had achieved her goal, Ning Xiaohui sneered and said, “Ning Zhuo, all you care about is money. How shortsighted.”
“Do you not realize that fame comes first and fortune follows? With fame, fortune naturally comes.”
“Fame is far more important than wealth!”
“The honor of creating the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey is immeasurable, yet it was taken away. Such a loss is not something money can compensate for.”
“Is that so?” Ning Zhuo scratched his head, his expression showing the innocence and naivety of someone unworldly and simple-minded.
Seeing his foolish look, Ning Xiaohui felt a surge of disgust and lost any desire to continue the conversation.
Unbeknownst to her, Ning Zhuo had already discerned her disdainful and arrogant nature and was easily playing along.
Ning Xiaohui turned to leave, saying, “I came to tell you that there will be a small banquet tonight, and I will take you along.”
“Prepare yourself properly. Don’t embarrass our family.”
Ning Zhuo was puzzled. “May I know what kind of banquet it is? Who will be attending?”
Ning Xiaohui continued walking without looking back.
“It will be people from the current three-family alliance team—Zheng Jian, Zhou Zeshen, and Zhou Zhu.”
“Dragons do not mix with snakes; just follow my lead and speak less.”
“Oh, right. Of course.” Ning Zhuo quickly replied, “Oh, but I should get approval from the Young Clan Leader.”
“As you wish.” Ning Xiaohui stepped out of the courtyard, her figure disappearing behind the door.
Ning Zhuo’s gaze deepened.
His mention of seeking permission from the Young Clan Leader was merely a pretense.
He knew very well that if Ning Xiaohui could come all the way to the rear courtyard, she must have already obtained Ning Xiaoren’s approval.
“Ning Xiaohui is from the main lineage, while I am from a branch lineage.”
“My cultivation and mechanical skills have already become a challenge for her.”
If this were the previous situation, Ning Zhuo would have already faced warnings and suppression.
But with the three families now allied in a relatively fair partnership, the Ning family, being in a disadvantaged position, needed Ning Zhuo’s individual contributions to support Ning Xiaohui.
Hence, he received respectful treatment.
“But Ning Xiaohui is not the kind of person to tolerate others easily. If I continue to show my talents, she will inevitably become an obstacle in my path.”
“I must remove this obstacle if I am to continue moving forward.”
Ning Zhuo thought three steps ahead.
As they say, “A person without foresight will face immediate worries.”
He had already begun considering how to remove Ning Xiaohui as an impediment.
After pondering for a while, he shook his head with a wry smile. He couldn’t think of a good solution.
He first reported to the Young Clan Leader, Ning Xiaoren, informing him of the evening’s banquet.
Seeing Ning Zhuo’s willingness to report, Ning Xiaoren was pleased, sensing obedience in Ning Zhuo’s nature.
He immediately voiced his approval, even suggesting that Ning Zhuo’s current attire was unsuitable for the banquet and ordered a new set of clothes to be tailored for him.
With the Young Clan Leader’s resources and numerous servants at his command, making ordinary clothes in the cultivation world was remarkably efficient.
By evening, the clothes were ready—not just one set but three.
Ning Xiaoren took this opportunity to show favor.
Throughout the fitting process, he remained present, offering constant praise.
Finally, with reddened eyes and a slightly choked voice, he said, “If only my brother Ning Zhong were still here. Seeing you grow into such a refined young man, he would surely be proud.”
Ning Zhuo quickly inquired about his father.
But Ning Xiaoren, not knowing much, coughed, dismissing it as late in the day and suggesting they catch up later.
Inwardly, he thought to himself that he should look into Ning Zhong’s past and see what could be fabricated to create a sense of strong family ties.
“Oh, by the way.” Ning Xiaoren took out a coin pouch and handed it to Ning Zhuo.
“I know you’re well-off, but consider this pocket money a small gift from your Uncle Ning.”
Ning Xiaoren’s gesture was somewhat slow.
Ning Zhuo’s eyes lit up as he swiftly reached out and took the pouch with both hands.
His movement was so quick that it surprised Ning Xiaoren for a brief moment.
“Thank you, Uncle Ning!” Ning Zhuo’s gratitude was more genuine than usual.
The young man continued, “Uncle Ning, I don’t have much money at all!”
“I’ve never felt wealthy, honestly. In fact, it’s truly not much.”
“Besides, can anyone ever have too much money?”
“Thank you, Uncle Ning.”
He expressed his gratitude again.
Ning Xiaoren cleared his throat, “Alright, alright, I’m just glad you accepted it.”
Watching Ning Zhuo examine the pouch, Ning Xiaoren felt a complex mix of emotions.
On one hand, Ning Zhuo’s attitude toward money echoed Ning Xiaoren’s own sentiments.
A kindred spirit!
But such a kindred spirit… well, perhaps not ideal.
Especially since it was Ning Xiaoren’s money that Ning Zhuo was accepting.
On the other hand, this made complete sense!
Ning Xiaoren recalled all the information he had reviewed.
Growing up under the care of Ning Ze and Wang Lan, Ning Zhuo had been deprived of pocket money and had lived frugally, whereas Ning Ji had lived a life of luxury.
Financially constrained, Ning Zhuo often took up odd jobs after entering the academy.
This path of hardship naturally intensified Ning Zhuo’s desire for money.
So, it made perfect sense that Ning Zhuo would agree to transfer the credit for the creation of the Mechanical Fire Explosive Monkey to Chen Cha in exchange for a large profit.
Leaving Ning Zhuo, Ning Xiaoren felt satisfied.
He had realized that Ning Zhuo was not difficult to win over!
Winning someone over was simple—appeal to their preferences!
“Ning Zhuo’s first passion is mechanical arts. His second, money.”
“Hmm, I’ll use mechanical arts books to draw him in.”
After all, Ning Xiaoren himself was quite fond of money.
As night fell, the carriage came to a stop, and Ning Zhuo was the first to jump off.
Moments later, Ning Xiaohui gracefully stepped down, using a servant’s back as a step.
“Ning Zhuo, your status is no longer the same as it was. You must be mindful of your every move.”
Ning Xiaohui frowned. “Jumping off the carriage like that is too frivolous—not fitting for a main clan disciple.”
“Oh, right, of course.” Ning Zhuo quickly acknowledged her advice.
All the while, he looked around curiously, as if he had never been here before. Everything seemed fresh to him.
Ning Xiaohui’s frown deepened. “Keep close to me.”
Ning Zhuo hurriedly moved closer.
“Not that close. Keep some distance.”
“Oh, right.”
“Welcome, both of you.” Zheng Jian personally greeted them at the private room’s door.
As the host of tonight’s banquet, he welcomed them in.
Entering the room, Ning Xiaohui and Ning Zhuo saw that Zhou Zeshen and Zhou Zhu were already seated.
Each person wore a pleasant smile.
Even just experiencing such a scene was new for Ning Zhuo, who had never seen these geniuses smiling and conversing warmly.
The banquet’s dishes were naturally exquisite.
Ning Zhuo’s eyes gleamed, and he couldn’t stop staring at the table.
He ended up reaching for his chopsticks more than anyone else.
Zheng Jian and the others kept a close eye on Ning Zhuo.
They were familiar enough with Ning Xiaohui but lacked adequate understanding of Ning Zhuo, who had recently emerged.
Despite their own investigations, they still needed to learn more through face-to-face observation.
Watching Ning Zhuo trying to suppress himself and act indifferent yet unable to resist eating and drinking, the others quickly got a sense of his character.
Alongside their information, they sketched an image of Ning Zhuo in their minds—a talented yet humble clan member, previously a minor figure, now thrust into elite circles.
Initially, his every glance and action hinted at his humble beginnings.
As they ate, Zheng Jian and the others naturally mentioned the Lava Immortal Palace.
Zheng Jian first raised a cup to Ning Xiaohui. “We must thank the Ning family for providing the talismans that shielded us from having our souls extracted by the palace.”
“With the three families allied, and all of us reaching the peak of the third layer in qi refining, we can release our talismans and enter the palace together.”
“I believe, united, we can overcome any obstacle before us.”
Ning Zhuo perked up, listening intently. He responded with enthusiastic sincerity, “Exactly! If we join forces, we’ll be unstoppable!”
Zheng Jian: …
Zhou Zhu: …
For a moment, an unusual silence fell over the banquet.