Advent of Immortal Truth

As he spoke, he ripped off the identity token hanging from his waist and hurled it fiercely.

The hard token struck Ning Ze right on the head, causing him to tilt back and almost fall.

Ning Ze staggered back a step, steadied himself, and quickly saluted: "Greetings, Young Clan Leader!"

As he spoke, a large stream of blood flowed down his forehead.

He had been struck by Ning Xiaoren once again, causing his scalp to bleed.

Naturally, the Father-Son Bracelet stopped its activation!

Ning Xiaoren cast a fierce glance at him, then hurried over to Ning Zhuo.

He raised his foot and directly kicked away one of the Ning family cultivators who had been holding down Ning Zhuo. Then, he shouted at another, "Get lost!"

The two burly Ning family cultivators hastily retreated!

Ning Xiaoren quickly extended his hand to support Ning Zhuo, his eyes reddening, his face full of guilt and concern: "Ning Zhuo, my nephew, I came too late, it was Uncle's fault for coming too late, allowing you to suffer this hardship. It pains Uncle's heart to see this!"

As long as the Father-Son Bracelet was no longer activated, Ning Zhuo wouldn't feel discomfort.

But Ning Xiaoren still took out a high-grade pill and handed it to Ning Zhuo: "Ning Zhuo, nephew, Uncle's mana differs from yours, so I can't personally help you adjust your body! But take this pill, its healing effects are excellent."

Ning Zhuo's face was pale, and he panted heavily. He weakly pushed away the pill, showing the fear and doubt of a young boy: "Young Clan Leader, I, I… why are you…?"

Ning Zhuo had been on the verge of success!

The arrival of the Ning family's investigation team was something he had anticipated. During the joint examination of the three families, he had made a big splash, knowing full well that various forces would secretly investigate and track him.

This didn't matter; the important thing was that if they didn’t investigate, Fei Si and Zhu Xuanji would certainly do so!

Even if Fei Si and Zhu Xuanji didn’t investigate now, they would in the future!

Being investigated now was even more advantageous for Ning Zhuo!

This was a unique opportunity. As long as Ning Zhuo utilized it well, he could explain himself to the outside world, further disguising himself while also demonstrating his value!

"Ning Ze was influenced by the Buddha Heart Demon Seal!" Of course, this was also based on the fact that Ning Ze was already fearful and anxious.

To this day, Ning Zhuo had reached the third layer of Qi Refining, the third layer of Essence Refining, and the third layer of Spirit Refining—much stronger than before! He barely managed to use a trace of the seal's power, though it did cause a nosebleed, but it took longer this time.

With the cover provided by the Father-Son Bracelet's strong control of thoughts, the nosebleed wasn’t conspicuous!

Ning Zhuo needed to explain to the outside world the reason for his rapid progress in cultivation!

Relying on the compatibility of techniques alone was not enough; he also needed to show that he had a huge sum of spirit stones, which implied he had plenty of cultivation resources!

At this moment, he had to publicly use this "huge sum!"

Because Fei Si, Chi Dun, and Zhu Xuanji all knew that he was the creator of the Mechanical Explosive Monkey.

His business acumen in the Mechanical Explosive Monkey had earned him a large sum of money.

From the perspective of a normal young cultivator, having such a large sum of money and not spending it, not purchasing a large amount of resources, not advancing one's cultivation, would be very unreasonable.

Being a miser or stingy was not a character trait he had shown for the past sixteen years. As long as he successfully explained this, Ning Zhuo could openly use this money, openly go to various pill pavilions and pharmacies, purchase a large amount of cultivation resources, and fully advance his cultivation.

This would be very beneficial for him!

Especially in the upcoming joint reconstruction team of the three families, he needed a place.

When Ning Ze and the others arrived, Ning Zhuo had already prepared for a performance.

The Father-Son Bracelet and other magical instruments had been recorded in his intelligence database. In his sea of consciousness, he had prepared some thoughts for this. As long as he presented them, Ning Ze would get the "answers."

But just when he was about to succeed, Ning Xiaoren appeared.

Ning Zhuo was very curious about why Ning Xiaoren suddenly barged in!

Ning Xiaoren, on the other hand, was filled with relief: "I made it, thankfully I made it!"

It turned out that during the negotiations between the three clan leaders, Zhu Xuanji had come to request the records. Before leaving, Zhu Xuanji had voluntarily revealed the secret of Ning Zhuo's Mechanical Explosive Monkey.

The three clan leaders were all high-ranking officials and immediately believed Zhu Xuanji's words.

Zhu Xuanji, being a member of the royal family and a detective, had high credibility, and he was unlikely to be wrong.

Recently, the Mechanical Explosive Monkey had been selling like hotcakes, and all three families had dispatched a large number of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators to participate in the Huoshi Festival.

The three leaders had gained a lot of understanding about the Mechanical Explosive Monkey.

Combining Zhu Xuanji's truth, they quickly deduced the truth with just a few words.

Fei Si had presented it as his achievement, and Chen Cha had secretly bought the identity of the inventor and was impersonating him!

The true creator was actually Ning Zhuo of the Ning family.

Immediately, the clan leaders of the Zhou and Zheng families congratulated the Ning family leader!

The Ning family leader was overjoyed inside but outwardly remained humble and cautious, saying that this matter needed to be investigated further before confirming.

He immediately summoned a Ning family attendant, sent a voice transmission, instructing them to return to the family and inform the Young Clan Leader to first conduct an investigation and then reward Ning Zhuo accordingly!

The attendant returned to the family and met with Ning Xiaoren.

When Ning Xiaoren heard this, he was so frightened that he almost jumped. He immediately realized the source of Ning Zhuo's huge sum of money and thought of the investigation team he had ordered to be sent out. How could he dare to stay in the family residence?

Despite the late hour, he ran out of the mansion with all his might, rushing frantically to Ning Zhuo's residence.

This led to the scene just now!

Ning Xiaoren's eyes were red as he sighed bitterly: "Ning Zhuo, nephew, you've suffered, you've suffered. Uncle knows you have grievances, and you have difficulties!"

"Do you know? During your sixteen years of growing up, Uncle has been secretly watching over you!"

"I know your temperament, I know you're not a bad child, you wouldn't do anything terribly wrong!"

"I will investigate the matter with the investigation team thoroughly and give you an explanation!"

"But after this incident, you must realize that your situation is very complicated and fraught with danger."

"It's just that you're too outstanding!"

"Alas, the tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind, and the river that rises above the bank will be turbulent. There are many people who are envious of you!"

"Uncle truly cannot rest easy with you!"

"Look, this investigation team came out of nowhere, and even your own uncle was dragged into it!"

Ning Ze watched Ning Xiaoren's performance, filled with confusion: "Weren't you the one who personally summoned me to do this?"

And now you’ve completely disassociated yourself from it?

Despite Ning Ze's strong inner complaints, he knew that he absolutely could not expose his superior at this moment.

Taking responsibility for the superior’s mistakes—wasn't that exactly what a subordinate was supposed to do?

So, Ning Ze remained silent, secretly treating the wound on his forehead!

Ning Zhuo glanced at Ning Xiaoren, then at Ning Ze who had his head lowered, and finally at Ning Fan and the others. He could only show an expression of fear, anxiety, and bewilderment on his face!

"Then, what should I do?" He cast a pleading look towards Ning Xiaoren.

At that moment, Ning Xiaoren did his utmost to display a gentle smile, speaking in the most sincere and affectionate tone: "This is easy, Ning Zhuo, nephew, you should come stay at Uncle’s residence. Uncle is the Young Clan Leader, I will personally protect you!"

Ning Zhuo hesitated, lowering his head slightly.

Ning Ze handed the pill to Ning Zhuo once again, his voice as gentle as possible: "Take it!"

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "My injuries aren't serious, using such a precious pill would be a waste."

"Heh heh!" Ning Xiaoren patted Ning Zhuo’s shoulder, "Good child, you should still take it, just consider it a gift from Uncle upon our first meeting. Come, let’s go back to Uncle's residence. You might not know, but your father was my savior!"

"In the past, I had my difficulties and many concerns, so I couldn’t directly take care of you. But now, with you in danger, I have no choice but to step in personally. I will do everything I can to protect you!"

Ning Zhuo slowly raised his head, his face filled with emotion: "Thank you, Young Clan Leader!"

"Sigh, don’t call me Young Clan Leader, just call me Uncle Ning!" Ning Xiaoren once again extended his hand, offering the pill.

This time, Ning Zhuo hesitantly accepted it.

"Come, Uncle will take you home!" Ning Xiaoren placed his arm around Ning Zhuo’s shoulder, helping him to his feet, preparing to leave with him.

After a few steps, Ning Zhuo hesitated: "What about the investigation regarding the spirit stones?"

Ning Xiaoren responded, "Uncle swears to you, I would never treat you so harshly. We will think of a solution together, see if we can bypass the contract. If not, Uncle will use his position as the Young Clan Leader to guarantee your safety, allowing you to cultivate in peace!"

Hearing this, Ning Zhuo's suspicions were nearly confirmed: "It seems Ning Xiaoren has learned about the secret of the Mechanical Explosive Monkey from another source! It's either Chi Dun or Zhu Xuanji! Chi Dun and Fei Si are at odds, and Zhu Xuanji has royal connections—both are possible!"

Ning Zhuo was pleased to see this development.

His plan to introduce the Mechanical Explosive Monkey was, on one hand, to cover up the truth about the Immortal Palace, and on the other, to showcase his skills in mechanical arts!

With these thoughts in mind, Ning Zhuo no longer resisted.

Ning Xiaoren deliberately concealed the fact that he knew the truth, intending to use this to show his sincerity and fully win over Ning Zhuo. Meanwhile, Ning Zhuo also sought to get closer to Ning Xiaoren.

In the coming days, relying on the Young Clan Leader’s protection would better allow him to conceal himself.

Ning Xiaoren accompanied Ning Zhuo all the way, speaking many gentle and comforting words.

When they arrived at the residence, Ning Xiaoren loudly ordered in front of Ning Zhuo: "Clear out my bedroom for my good nephew to stay in!"

Ning Zhuo quickly tried to stop him, but Ning Xiaoren's eyes reddened again as he implored Ning Zhuo to stay, to make up for the guilt he felt for not adequately caring for his savior’s son.

In the end, even Ning Ze’s eyes turned red, and with a look of gratitude, he reluctantly nodded in agreement.

When Ning Zhuo was about to sleep, Ning Xiaoren brought out a supplementary talisman for him: "You’ve only recently reached the third layer peak, right? You haven’t yet had your soul drawn into the palace?"

Ning Zhuo nodded, expressing his curiosity about the Lava Immortal Palace.

Ning Xiaoren warmly explained: "Regarding the Lava Immortal Palace, you need to act in coordination with others to have a chance of passing through. Right now, there’s no rush. Entering the palace rashly will only damage your soul and delay your cultivation."

"Applying this talisman will slightly lower the standard for soul extraction, which is all to your benefit."

"Thank you, Uncle Ning!" Ning Zhuo quickly expressed his gratitude.

Ning Xiaoren laughed heartily, patted Ning Zhuo's shoulder, reminded him to rest well, and then left on his own.

Once alone in his study, the warmth on Ning Xiaoren's face vanished, replaced by a cold expression. He summoned a close attendant: "Gather a group of our own people, search Ning Zhuo's residence thoroughly. Remember, leave no trace of disturbance, and collect every bit of information possible."

"Yes, sir!"