Chapter 2 - Ning Zhou

The Ning family estate—

Today marks a pivotal moment for the Ning clan—a day steeped in anticipation as the results of the examinations are poised to be unveiled.

Ning Ze and his spouse, Wang Lan, have been ensconced within the grandeur of the main hall since the crack of dawn, their hearts aflutter with expectation as they await the outcome of the assessments for the younger members of their lineage.

Since infancy, the progeny of the Ning lineage undergo rigorous evaluations of their spiritual roots on an annual basis, a tradition upheld until they attain the age of twelve or thirteen.

Those deemed to have the potential for cultivation are granted the privilege of enrolling in the family's private academy. There, under the family's patronage, they are nurtured and groomed through intensive study until they reach the age of sixteen or seventeen, culminating in a final examination.

This annual rite serves as the arbiter of destiny for the budding cultivators, determining the trajectory of their futures.

The crème de la crème of the young examinees, the top thirty, earn the prestigious honor of admission into the core echelons of the Ning family, heralding a vista of boundless opportunities.

Whilst Wang Lan serenely indulges in her tea, a veil of barely-contained apprehension shrouds her countenance, her gaze veering incessantly towards the imposing threshold of the main gate,

barely concealing her nervous anticipation.

Ning Ze, however, wears a visage of profound distraction and despondency.

He had endured the interminable hours until daybreak, yet the silence from the Huang Family Three Ghosts spoke volumes.

"They've failed!"

"The prowess of the Mysterious Marionette Master has exceeded all expectations."

"Nevertheless, it's of no consequence. My identity remained a mystery during my dealings with the Huang Family Three Ghosts; he will find no trail leading to me."

"The vaunted reputation of the Huang Family Three Ghosts is but a facade. Despite their possession of the Calming Talisman and the formidable spirit pet, the Green Knife Mantis, they died in a three-against-one encounter! My estimation of their abilities was grievously amiss."

"Alas, Mysterious Marionette Master... What course of action should I take next?"

Forced into a precarious maneuver that culminated in agonizing defeat, Ning Ze grappled with a throbbing headache, his mind mired in uncertainty regarding how to broach the situation with the young master of the clan.

In that moment, a buoyant young lad bursts into the chamber, his exuberance palpable as he exclaims jubilantly, "Father, Mother, I won—I got a place among the top thirty!"

"Truly? Ji'er, really?!" Wang Lan springs to her feet instantaneously, her countenance suffused with unbridled elation.

The young cultivator, Ning Ji, proclaimed boldly, "Without a doubt! Mother, do you doubt the accomplishments of your own son?"

Ning Ze glanced up, catching sight of his son Ning Ji's countenance brimming with uncontained delight.

Traditionally, Ning Ji's performance tended to hover around the fortieth position, making his success in this important examination a delightful surprise.

This unforeseen piece of good news served as a glimmer of solace amidst Ning Ze's prevailing despondency.

With unabated fervor, Ning Ji continued, his voice raised, "Father, Mother, I have brought honor to our name this time. I've always maintained that I possess ability. My usual position may not be noteworthy because I deliberately hold back."

He cast a disdainful glance towards someone nearby before adding with a sneer, "Unlike certain individuals!"

"Normally, this "individual" consistently secures a place within the top thirty ranks. However, in this examination, they failed, narrowly missing the mark and landing in the thirty-first position. It seems they have fallen short!" Ning Ji turned to regard the young man in white who trailed behind him, his expression dripping with derision.

The young man in white, adorned in modest attire, bore a gaze infused with a blend of remorse and disappointment as he respectfully greeted, "Uncle, Aunt."

Wang Lan pivoted sharply towards the young man, her voice tinged with astonishment, "What? Xiao Zhuo, did you fail this time?!"

Ning Ze's face darkened as he extended his hand and demanded, "Bring me the report card to see."

Ning Zhuo retrieved the report card and passed it over to his uncle, Ning Ze.

Glancing down at the document, Ning Ze's countenance transitioned into one of solemnity akin to tranquil waters.

In the ensuing moment, he shook the paper in his grasp, his voice laced with palpable disappointment, "Xiao Zhuo, how could you have performed so poorly?"

"I recall, you've demonstrated aptitude in marionette manipulation on previous occasions."

"The parrot marionette you fashioned once garnered praise from the elders of our clan."

"Marionette manipulation evidently constitutes your forte, so how could you have such bad results this time?"

"Alas, had it not been for this dismal performance, you would have secured a position among the top thirty ranks!"

His aunt, her gaze keen and penetrating, interjected, "Xiao Zhuo, be truthful now—have you been secretly taking commissions from the marionette workshops again?"

Before Ning Zhuo could offer a response, his aunt emitted a deep sigh, lamenting, "Ah, I've told you so many times not to be greedy for money. . At your age, your primary focus should be directed towards your scholarly pursuits."

"You've squandered your energies chasing after wealth, akin to grasping at straws while neglecting the melons."

"And now, look at the consequences—you find yourself ranked beyond the thirtieth position!"

"The prospects of our family success now seem beyond your grasp!"

Upon hearing these reproaches, Ning Zhuo summoned his courage and ventured forth, "Great Aunt, I've heard from my peers that connections might offer some assistance..."

Before he could complete his sentence, his aunt interjected vehemently, "Rely on connections? Do you comprehend the exorbitant cost in spirit stones? Have you pondered the extensive network of individuals we'd need to engage?"

"And now, in the wake of your lackluster academic performance, a casual remark from you expects your great uncle and me to embark on a frantic quest, pulling strings and exhausting ourselves to secure favors on your behalf?"

"You possess the audacity to make such demands of us!"

"Had we foreseen this outcome, why would we have invested our efforts in the first place?"

"I've reiterated countless times the importance of prioritizing your cultivation over menial endeavors for a handful of spirit stones."

"What good has it served?"

"Had you secured a place among the top thirty and entered the family fold, your earnings would have been far more substantial. With fewer obligations and ample time, you could have continued your cultivation unhindered."

Ning Zhuo suddenly lifted his head, his cheeks ablaze with shame, his words laden with determination, "Uncle, Aunt, I, Ning Zhuo, assume full accountability for my actions!"

"If rank thirty-one is to be my fate, then so be it."

"Throughout the years, I've been appreciative of the care bestowed upon me by both of you. Should I find myself in this predicament, it is the bitter fruit of my own choices, and I shall bear the consequences."

"I am responsible for my own destiny!"

"I refuse to believe that I am incapable of forging my own path to self-sufficiency."

With that declaration, Ning Zhuo bowed respectfully and took his leave, stating, "Uncle, Aunt, my classmates await me for dinner. If there is nothing further, I bid you farewell."

His great uncle regarded Ning Zhuo silently, his expression inscrutable.

His aunt waved dismissively, remarking, "Off you go, then! Even after such disappointing results, you still have the appetite for food?"

Unable to endure another moment of the tense atmosphere, Ning Zhuo departed in a fit of pique.

Meanwhile, his cousin Ning Ji luxuriated in his newfound success, basking in the tranquility of the surroundings.

As their aunt redirected her attention towards Ning Ji, her countenance underwent a remarkable transformation, seamlessly transitioning from ire to elation. "Truly, my son shines brightly among his peers!"

She nudged the array of tea snacks on the table towards him, urging, "Enjoy these delicacies. These are Jinshan Hall's renowned 'Golden Thread Jade Dew Cakes.' Consuming them can augment the profundity of your Sea of Consciousness, fortify your spirit power, and significantly bolster your cultivation, even during future stages of foundation building."

Ning Ji's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he eagerly selected one of the cakes and savored its delectable essence. The texture of the Golden Thread Jade Dew Cake proved to be a sensory delight; its supple and chewy exterior intertwined with crisp, golden threads and a luscious filling that tantalized the palate.

After relishing three mouthfuls, Ning Ji experienced a revitalizing surge coursing from his abdomen to the crown of his head, infusing him with renewed vigor.

He expressed his genuine admiration, "Amazing, truly amazing!"

"Then enjoy, they are all yours," his mother affirmed with a smile.

Ning Ji proceeded to devour the remaining three cakes with gusto, his lips still tingling with the desire for more. "Undoubtedly, these are deserving of Jinshan Hall's esteemed reputation! Why only four? Are there any more available?"

His father derided, "Each of these cakes commands a price of 20 spirit stones. You've just consumed nearly a hundred spirit stones. Do you dare ask for more?"

"You must redouble your efforts and prevent complacency! Now, it is important that you excel within the familial sphere, endeavoring to amass sufficient resources through your own hands to procure such treats."

Ning Ji countered, "Father, my achievements this time have brought you honor! Consider this: had my performance mirrored that of my past results, would you not have been able to leverage connections, dispense gifts, and seek alternative avenues to secure my entry into the family business? My stellar performance in the main examination has spared you the expenditure of hundreds of spirit stones. Is it unreasonable to ask for more from the Jinshan Hall?"

"Moreover, eating these serves to elevate my spirits, facilitating my cultivation growth and giving me the motivation to strive for more."

"If only such resources had been available to me earlier, I would have ascended to the ranks of top performers long ago," Ning Ji reflected.

Observing his son's spirited retort, Ning's father braced himself to reprimand him.

Swiftly, Ning's mother intervened, "Let us refrain from further discussion on this matter."

Casting a stern glance at her husband, she continued, "Our son has acquitted himself admirably and merits commendation. It

requires you to offer praise before criticism."

"Do not dismiss our son as merely playful; in pivotal moments, he proves himself dependable."

"Unlike Ning Zhuo, whose performance consistently disappoints, leaving us with the least assurance."

"Look at him—mere moments after a few criticisms, he storms off. How incorrigible! Am I mistaken?"

"Furthermore, all he can do is eat. His appetite knows no bounds!"

Ning Ji sneered, "His arrogance knows no bounds, and he remains obstinate. The earnest teachings of Mom and Dad seem lost on him."

"Furthermore, do we truly intend to leverage our connections on his behalf, squandering our goodwill?"

Ning's father bristled, retorting, "That is not a matter for your concern."

Observing his father's mounting ire, Ning Ji instinctively recoiled, but emboldened by his examination results, he asserted, "Mother, if Ning Zhuo can go out for a meal, then I want to. Give me some money; you underestimate the efforts I've invested in this examination!"

"Very well, very well," Ning's mother acquiesced with a chuckle, retrieving a pouch of spirit stones and passing it to Ning Ji.

Accepting the monetary offering, Ning Ji rose from his seat and exited the Ning family estate.

Once on the bustling street, he eschewed haste and instead meandered through the thoroughfares.

His aim was to ascertain Ning Zhuo's whereabouts and mock him further—a rare opportunity he relished.

However, despite thorough canvassing, Ning Ji failed to locate his cousin.

Upon querying several shopkeepers, he confirmed Ning Zhuo's absence.

Ning Ji slapped his forehead in realization, murmuring, , "This kid is just putting on an act; there's no banquet at all! He's probably at his mother's dilapidated house, crying about her death at this very moment!"

"Enough of him; it's time for my own dinner. "

Anticipation for the spiritual delicacies brimmed within Ning Ji, not solely for their delectable taste but also for their cultivation-enhancing properties.

His supposition was partially accurate.

Meanwhile, Ning Zhuo had already returned to his modest dwelling.

In contrast to his uncle and aunt's opulent abode, Ning Zhuo's residence exuded an aura of simplicity and dilapidation.

Gently shutting the courtyard gate behind him, Ning Zhuo traversed the modest yard and entered the main dwelling, making his way to the inner chamber.

This space served as both his sleeping quarters and study.

Though the furnishings were antiquated, they were meticulously maintained.

Ning Zhuo tenderly brushed his fingers across the lion-shaped stone adorning his desk.

A faint glimmer danced upon the stone's surface, undisturbed during his absence.

Turning away, Ning Zhuo approached his bed and deftly manipulated a concealed mechanism, eliciting a sequence of mechanical sounds.

Instantaneously, the bed shifted aside, unveiling a hidden subterranean passage.

Descending the wooden ladder, Ning Zhuo ventured into the hidden basement.

Upon reaching the ground, Ning Zhuo twisted a switch on the wall, causing the bed above to return to its original position.

As the light from above was extinguished, runes on the basement walls illuminated, casting a bright glow over the small space. In that moment, the expressions of loss, grief, and repression vanished from Ning Zhuo's face, replaced by a calm and composed demeanor.

He settled at his familiar workstation, which was strewn with various mechanical components. Ning Zhuo pulled open a drawer on his right, revealing an assortment of pastries, each wrapped in paper bearing the emblem of Jinshan Hall.

He casually grabbed a handful, about five or six, and with a deft channeling of his magical power, incinerated the paper wrappings without causing the slightest damage to the Gold Thread Jade Dew cakes. It was evident he had performed this task countless times and had mastered it to perfection.

As he chewed on the pastries, his gaze grew slightly distant, mentally reviewing his performance from the day. This reflective habit had been a part of his routine for over a decade.

"There shouldn't be any problems."

"Given the generally dismal performance of other examinees, my true abilities were nearly exposed."

"When I checked the rankings earlier, I almost believed I had miscalculated the effort needed, breaking into the top thirty."