Chapter 627: The Decisive Battle Approaches

In the giant well, a dark, damp current surged like river tides, crashing against the well walls with thundering roars.

The tall White Paper City Lord and Ning Zhuo met each other's gaze.

Her paper clone was about to speak, but the City Lord's main body spoke first: "Don't stop."

Yang Sanyan and Wen Ruanyu exchanged looks of surprise.

These words were naturally directed at Ning Zhuo.

"You said not to stop, so he shouldn't stop?"

Ning Zhuo decisively stopped, stepped back, and cupped his hands in a respectful salute: "Your junior, Ning Zhuo, whose mother is Meng Yaoyin, respectfully greets the White Paper City Lord!"

The White Paper City Lord's gaze remained fixed on Ning Zhuo, but her expression shifted slightly, revealing a hint of interest.

Ning Zhuo's response was quite intriguing.

On one hand, if you were to say he was polite, he directly defied the White Paper City Lord's command to "not stop," immediately halting his actions.

Yet, if you were to say he was rude and disrespectful towards the City Lord, he bowed respectfully, leaving no room for criticism.

At this moment, the paper clone flew to its main body: "Body, much has happened while you were unconscious."

The City Lord's main body then shifted her gaze and nodded slightly to her clone.

The next moment, she lowered her defenses, allowing the paper clone to approach.

The clone took the main body's hand, and within a dozen breaths, the two engaged in a spiritual exchange.

The City Lord's main body showed a look of realization and turned to Ning Zhuo: "Meng Yaoyin... I didn't expect you to be the son of an old acquaintance."

"Upon closer inspection, my child, you do bear some resemblance to your mother in your features."

"Your temperament is also similar; both of you are quite opinionated, even to the point of stubbornness."

"I recall how I advised your mother not to sacrifice her lifespan to save others. Yet, she completely disregarded my advice and insisted on taking action."

Ning Zhuo's ears twitched slightly: "I also never imagined I would find traces of my mother's life here in White Paper Immortal City."

"I understand my mother."

"She was inherently kind and compassionate, and her dedication and sacrifice for White Paper Immortal City must have been entirely willing."

Ning Zhuo then changed the subject: "However, she passed away when I was two years old."

"Therefore, my perspective differs somewhat from my mother's."

"I can continue to supply you with the vital yang energy as before, City Lord. What can you offer in return?"

The White Paper City Lord was at the Nascent Soul stage, while Ning Zhuo was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Nevertheless, the big-headed youth possessed such courage that he could speak freely, even negotiate and bargain, in front of a Nascent Soul-stage powerhouse.

After all, he had killed Nascent Soul-level cultivators during the Two Nations' Great War.

The City Lord's main body fell silent, while her clone spoke: "Young friend Ning Zhuo, you are already this city's Deputy City Lord. You are, so to speak, second only to one and above tens of thousands..."

Ning Zhuo waved his hand and stated directly: "This is merely a nominal position. Furthermore, I intend to join the Myriad Manifestation Sect in the future and cannot remain here for long. Therefore, the position of Deputy City Lord holds little appeal for me."

Wen Ruanyu tried to speak at this point, but his lips merely trembled, and he said nothing.

The City Lord's main body chuckled softly: "You are not one to shoot without aim. Since you proposed an exchange, you must have something you desire. Why not state it directly and see if I can afford it?"

"It's quite simple," Ning Zhuo calmly stated, mentioning that he wanted the colossal paper effigy at the South City Gate.

The City Lord's main body again fell silent.

The clone spoke with a troubled expression: "This colossal paper effigy indeed originated because of Meng Yaoyin. However, it is a trump card of Nascent Soul level. From its inception to its current maintenance, White Paper Immortal City has expended enormous resources. Moreover, the Immortal City is currently besieged on all sides and desperately needs such a means of protection; it cannot be rashly sold off."

Ning Zhuo replied: "If the City Lord agrees to this request, your junior will naturally not take the colossal paper effigy before this crisis is resolved."

"It will only be after the Immortal City has weathered the ghost tide, repelled the attack of the Yin soldier army, and the situation has turned from perilous to safe, that I will claim this colossal paper effigy."

The paper clone hesitated: "This... actually, the idea for constructing the colossal paper effigy was originally proposed by Wen Ruanyu. He was also one of its creators, so his feelings must be considered in such a transaction."

Thus, Ning Zhuo turned to look at Wen Ruanyu.

Wen Ruanyu did not hesitate; he smiled, gazing at Ning Zhuo: "I only just learned that you, Ning Zhuo, are Senior Sister's biological son. Although this has not yet been truly confirmed in my presence, deep down, I am more inclined to believe this romantic notion."

"I have no problem handing the colossal paper effigy over to Ning Zhuo!"

Wen Ruanyu's reply was direct and unambiguous.

Ning Zhuo immediately gave him a grateful smile.

Yang Sanyan also nodded slightly to Wen Ruanyu, quite satisfied with the latter's displayed attitude.

Wen Ruanyu's identity was rather complex.

On one hand, he was a Golden Core True Disciple of the Myriad Manifestation Sect, managing the sect's outpost here. On the other hand, he was also a high-ranking official of White Paper Immortal City, having made years of contributions to the city's administration and operations.

Wen Ruanyu's agreement to Ning Zhuo's request also served to demonstrate his stance.

Evidently, he sided with the Myriad Manifestation Sect rather than White Paper Immortal City.

Seeing his stance, the White Paper City Lord finally spoke: "Very well."

She was also very straightforward, agreeing directly to Ning Zhuo: "After the war, the colossal paper effigy will be yours."

"Not only that..."

The White Paper City Lord also proactively bestowed upon Ning Zhuo the four soul cultivation treasures she had previously gifted him, now as a direct reward.

According to her, Ning Zhuo had exposed Zheng Shoumo, the major internal spy, and therefore deserved significant commendation!

All four of these soul cultivation treasures were of Nascent Soul level!

The White Paper City Lord's main body and her clone had very consistent styles of conduct, both so generous and grand!

"Hahaha, this City Lord knows how to play her cards well, excellent, Xiao Zhuo!" Sun Lingtong had been observing everything from afar, using his Human Life String technique.

At this moment, he was greatly pleased and secretly congratulated Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo, however, remained calm, silently analyzing the situation: "As expected of the White Paper City Lord, her political maneuvering is incredibly strong!"

"She is already beginning to lay out plans for the future ecology of the Immortal City."

In the current situation, Ning Zhuo, the savior, had leaned towards the Myriad Manifestation Sect.

White Paper Immortal City desperately needed the Myriad Manifestation Sect's further assistance to overcome this crisis.

Before Ning Zhuo officially joined the Myriad Manifestation Sect, the White Paper City Lord directly used significant rewards to win him over.

She was likely planning for Ning Zhuo, as Deputy City Lord, to serve as a communication bridge between White Paper Immortal City and the Myriad Manifestation Sect in the future.

In other words, the White Paper City Lord was vying for Ning Zhuo, and also for a mediator in the future power struggles between White Paper Immortal City and the Myriad Manifestation Sect.

"Never mind all that for now; let's worry about the future later. Solving the immediate problem is most important." Ning Zhuo recognized that the White Paper City Lord was laying groundwork for the future, and while remaining vigilant, he also greatly admired her.

After all, she was truly magnanimous, and genuinely trying to win Ning Zhuo over with substantial rewards!

Ning Zhuo first thanked the City Lord for her commendation, then brought the conversation back to the main point: "Since the City Lord has awakened, let's first sign the Divine Pact before discussing anything further."

Yang Sanyan looked at Ning Zhuo, marveling at the latter's steady temperament and meticulous approach to matters.

The City Lord's main body nodded slightly: "Agreed."

Yang Sanyan then took out a divine decree.

The divine decree scroll unfurled, revealing the image of the Celestial Divine Pact on its reverse side.

It had a face as fair as jade, with a third eye open on its forehead. In one hand, it held the Pre-Cause Illuminating Mirror, and in the other, the Consequence Forging Golden Scroll. It wore a moon-white silkworm cloud-patterned wide-sleeved Daoist robe, with a black dragon-shaped jade pendant at its waist, and its feet were shod in Mountain-River Boots. Beneath it, it rode a three-legged azure-voiced crane.

Daoist proverbs subtly shimmered within the crane's feathers, and as it flapped its wings, golden characters of contracts rained down.

On the front of the scroll, the complete contents of the pact were written.

Ning Zhuo and the others meticulously studied the pact's contents and offered their respective opinions.

Yang Sanyan revised the contents on the spot, and after confirming its accuracy, immediately invoked the divine decree.

Invoking the power of the Celestial Divine Pact, it was agreed that the individuals present had no close ties with the mysterious organization or Zheng Shoumo. Otherwise, they would be pursued by the Celestial Divine Pact, leading to their demise!

With the divine pact concluded, everyone present remained safe and sound.

Yang Sanyan and the others all collectively sighed in relief, and the atmosphere in the room significantly relaxed.

The City Lord's clone said: "Young friend Ning Zhuo, please employ your dual cultivation technique again."

Ning Zhuo coughed once and quickly corrected her: "It's merely a minor matter of Yin and Yang blending; it's not truly dual cultivation."

"However, before that, your junior has one small request."

The City Lord's clone replied: "Please state it."

Ning Zhuo said: "Previously, I troubled you with your concern, and you bestowed upon me three talismans. I would like to ask you to take them back."

These three talismans had directly entered Ning Zhuo's three major Dantians, where he had suppressed them with three different cultivation techniques.

Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong had long planned to use thievery arts to remove these three talismans. After all, human intentions are unpredictable, and these were essentially three hidden dangers.

However, neither Sun Lingtong nor Ning Zhuo was certain if the thievery arts would succeed.

It would be best if the City Lord's clone personally retrieved them.

The City Lord's clone, however, hesitated: "Is this truly advisable? I imbued you with three talismans, which could save you three times. You are currently impersonating Jiao Ma, and a prominent tree catches the wind. What if there are other spies besides Zheng Shoumo who target you?"

Ning Zhuo subconsciously touched his mechanism ring, stating plainly that the City Lord's clone could take the talismans back; he had his own means of self-protection.

Seeing Ning Zhuo's firm attitude, the City Lord's clone did not insist. She simply extended her hand, retrieved the three talismans, and took them back.

Only then did Ning Zhuo act again, releasing vital yang energy to supply the White Paper City Lord.

The White Paper City Lord's main body slowly closed her eyes, remaining silent for a moment, seemingly enjoying it in quiet contemplation.

A moment later, she opened her eyes again, conveying with a look: "Why did you stop again?"

Ning Zhuo gave a wry smile and weakly said: "Senior, your strength is as vast as the sea and as mighty as mountains. Your junior is merely a small Foundation Establishment cultivator, and reaching this point is my limit. If I continue, I fear it will diminish my lifespan."

"I will need some time to recuperate before I can generate such vital yang energy again."

This was, of course, not the truth.

There was still thirty percent of the vital yang energy left in the Yin-Yang Unification Gourd. Ning Zhuo had only used seventy percent.

The White Paper City Lord quietly watched Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo met her gaze without fear, openly and honestly.

The White Paper City Lord's main body said coolly: "I wonder what this medical technique is called, and if young friend Ning Zhuo has any intention of selling it?"

Ning Zhuo immediately shook his head in refusal.

Seeing the atmosphere grow somewhat tense, Wen Ruanyu quickly congratulated the City Lord, easing the situation.

The City Lord's main body nodded slightly: "With this, I can finally temporarily leave the deep well and have the strength to fight during this crisis."

"But only temporarily."

"Everyone has already seen the specific situation clearly. Without my personal suppression, White Paper Immortal City would inevitably have its foundations overwhelmed by this vast yin energy, leading to its destruction and the demise of its people!"

Wen Ruanyu quickly spoke, lavishly praising the White Paper City Lord's noble character, who had secretly sacrificed so much for the countless common people.

"For specific city defenses, you only need to discuss with my clone." The City Lord's main body issued a dismissal.

Yang Sanyan, Wen Ruanyu, and Ning Zhuo had no choice but to take their leave.

After the formation space closed, they went to the small reception hall, summoned Tie Giezheng, and held a secret discussion for half an hour, reaching preliminary agreements on many aspects.

That evening, Ning Zhuo hosted a dinner, proactively inviting Yang Sanyan and Wen Ruanyu.

Ning Zhuo showed Wen Ruanyu some items his mother had left behind.

Such concrete evidence convinced Wen Ruanyu of Ning Zhuo's identity, and at the dinner table, his eyes reddened, and he openly wept.

He then immediately promised Ning Zhuo: "Xiao Zhuo, if you ever face any difficulties in the future, just come to me. I will certainly help you with all my might!"

Yang Sanyan said to Wen Ruanyu: "Young friend Ning Zhuo possesses extraordinary talent and exceptional abilities. This year's Soaring Cloud Grand Assembly presents an excellent opportunity, and he is bound to soar to great heights."

"In the future, perhaps it will be you who faces some difficulties and needs him to step in and help you resolve them."

Although Yang Sanyan and Ning Zhuo had only just met, this brief shared experience had already made him look at Ning Zhuo in a completely new light!

Wen Ruanyu expressed his agreement with Yang Sanyan's words.

Ning Zhuo, however, waved his hand, humbly dismissing the praise, his demeanor confident and at ease.

The next day.

Early in the morning, Qing Chi came to find Ning Zhuo.

"I heard you entered the City Lord's Manor yesterday and were granted an audience with the City Lord's main body? And last night, you hosted a dinner for that fellow, Yang Sanyan. He didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"

Qing Chi had been apprehended by Yang Sanyan, and held no fondness for the latter.

Ning Zhuo shook his head, assuring Qing Chi that he had resolved the problem, secured some support from Yang Sanyan, and intended to join the Myriad Manifestation Sect in the future, so Qing Chi shouldn't worry.

Qing Chi, however, teared up: "Xiao Ma, I know, you've sacrificed too much for me. To appease Yang Sanyan, you sold yourself out, selling yourself to the Myriad Manifestation Sect!"

In Qing Chi's eyes, Jiao Ma was a precious treasure coveted by all.

This was true for the White Paper City Lord, and it was true for Yang Sanyan.

Ning Zhuo was speechless and could only comfort Qing Chi, stating that joining the Myriad Manifestation Sect would lead to a brighter future for him.

Qing Chi immediately declared that she, too, wanted to attend the Soaring Cloud Grand Assembly and cultivate alongside Jiao Ma.

Ning Zhuo felt his scalp tingle, naturally unwilling to spend every day with Qing Chi in the future. He decisively changed the subject: "By the way, Miss Qing Chi, have you gained any insights from your recent study of military texts?"

Ning Zhuo had asked casually, but unexpectedly, Qing Chi proudly tilted her head slightly and announced to Ning Zhuo: "Oh, you noticed! I've comprehended another military system."

Ning Zhuo eagerly pressed for details.

Qing Chi touched her nose bridge and replied: "I observed that our army's establishment consumed far too many resources, which moved me and led me to comprehend a military system called 'A One-Term Army, Ten Years of Accumulation'..."

Qing Chi explained in detail, leaving Ning Zhuo secretly amazed.

"Qing Chi's talent in military strategy seems exceptionally outstanding!"

Ning Zhuo compared himself to her; so far, he hadn't even comprehended a single military system.

Meanwhile, Qing Chi had already comprehended two.

After the good news came a piece of bad news.

Sun Lingtong, using his Human Life String technique, reported on the military situation: "Xiao Zhuo, things aren't looking good!"

"The Yin soldier army is making a major move; it seems the moment for the decisive battle is close at hand."