The Ancestral Hall.
"Esteemed Elder, there aren't enough seats." A subordinate came to report.
The elder of the ancestral hall's face darkened, "Bring tables and chairs from the school and fill both the front and middle courtyards."
"Too many people are coming, and more are on the way. Something feels off!"
The elder of the ancestral hall smelled a conspiracy.
"Go, hurry up Ning Zhuo! Why is that kid walking so slowly? Many elders have already arrived, is he putting on airs?"
The elder of the ancestral hall knew well: the longer the delay, the worse it would be for the main branch.
At this moment, someone suddenly reported, "The young patriarch has arrived—!"
The elder of the ancestral hall and others immediately rose, leaving the main hall to greet him.
Ning Xiaoren arrived at the ancestral hall first. Upon seeing the elder of the ancestral hall, he quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands respectfully. His expression was calm, but he urgently sent a secret message, "Elder, for the sake of my father, please help me!"
Hearing these words, the elder's pupils contracted slightly.
At that moment, Ning Youfu and Ning Ze's group also arrived.
The elder of the ancestral hall said a polite phrase and quickly extricated himself from Ning Xiaoren, going to greet Ning Youfu.
The elder smiled broadly, "Elder Fu, you've come! It’s truly an honor, giving the younger generation another opportunity to hear your teachings."
Ning Youfu chuckled, "This old man doesn't have many days left. I wanted to live a quiet life, but I had no choice but to come when this matter arose. Next to me is Ning Zhuo's eldest uncle, Ning Ze."
The elder of the ancestral hall responded with an "Oh" and took the initiative to lead Ning Youfu and Ning Ze into the ancestral hall.
During this time, Ning Xiaoren continued to send secret messages, but the elder ignored him, showing no response.
People from the ancestral hall went to hurry Ning Zhuo, whispering, "Ning Zhuo, you've caused quite a stir. All the elders are waiting, yet you haven’t even covered half the distance."
Ning Zhuo quickly apologized, explaining that too many clansmen were asking questions, and he spent some time answering each one. He asked the messenger to return and inform them that he would arrive shortly.
After the person from the ancestral hall left, Ning Zhuo continued at his own pace, even slowing down a little.
Thanks to his constant explanations, more and more clansmen gathered around him.
The size of his group swelled to over sixty people.
As they turned a street corner, an old man leaning on a cane, accompanied by three attendants, gazed at Ning Zhuo and waved slightly.
Someone in Ning Zhuo’s group immediately exclaimed, "Ah, it's Elder Ning Houjun!"
Ning Houjun was also a former elder, specifically of the War Hall. However, more than a decade ago, he voluntarily retired and had since enjoyed his twilight years at home. Ɍá
Like Ning Youfu, Ning Houjun was a member of the branch family and had a high reputation.
Ning Zhuo quickly increased his pace, arriving before Ning Houjun and bowing deeply.
Ning Houjun looked Ning Zhuo up and down, praising, "Good. This young man is dignified and full of spirit. A proper young person."
"I’ve heard about your situation."
"This time, I’ll accompany you to the ancestral hall."
Ning Zhuo expressed his gratitude, and the clansmen around him cheered, saying that with Elder Ning Houjun accompanying him, their mission would surely succeed!
Ning Zhuo and Ning Houjun walked side by side, conversing openly while sending secret messages to each other.
Ning Houjun asked through a secret transmission, "Young man, do you know who the key figure in this situation is?"
Without hesitation, Ning Zhuo replied via secret transmission, "It’s the ancestor."
He wasn’t referring to the ancestral founder, but the Golden Core ancestor.
Ning Houjun glanced at Ning Zhuo, his eyes showing approval, and continued through the secret transmission, "Correct, you have a clear understanding."
"Our ancestor does not belong to the main branch. The main branch's Golden Core ancestor owes him a great favor. As a result, he often looks after the main branch. But he himself has no direct descendants."
"That’s why, over a decade ago, the branch family gathered forces to challenge the main branch. Although we failed, throughout the whole ordeal, the ancestor never expressed any stance."
Ning Zhuo nodded, "In that case, I’m sure to win this time."
"Indeed." Ning Houjun chuckled and continued, "This old man enjoys winning battles. Otherwise, why would I join your cause? The only question now is how big our victory will be."
The waist token struck Ning Xiaoren's head, causing blood to flow immediately.
He knew that his defeat was sealed, and there was no hope of avoiding punishment. In his final moment, however, he maintained a semblance of dignity.
He allowed the blood to flow from his head as he cupped his hands towards his father, saying, "Patriarch, I was wrong. I have no face left to face the family. I accept any punishment."
And with that, Ning Xiaoren's final act was complete.
The patriarch of the Ning family immediately announced the cancellation of Ning Xiaoren’s position as young patriarch. He was to be imprisoned in the dungeon
for three years. After three years, he would be expelled from the family and exiled, only allowed to return to the family during the annual ancestral worship ceremony.
"The patriarch is wise, upholding justice even against family!"
As soon as the judgment was announced, countless branch family members cheered in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
The elders of the main branch, on the other hand, fixed their eyes on Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo had won decisively, stepping on Ning Xiaoren, the young patriarch. From this day on, his name would spread throughout the family, and his reputation would soar.
Even though he only had "Qi Refining third-layer cultivation," his boldness and actions were not to be underestimated.
That night.
Ning Ze’s home hosted a small banquet.
Ning Zhuo and Ning Ze entertained former elders Ning Youfu and Ning Houjun, along with several family stewards, including Ning Xiangguo.
Ning Zhuo frequently offered toasts in gratitude, acting humbly and politely while earnestly seeking guidance.
Ning Youfu advised, "After today’s events, Ning Zhuo, you are now directly at odds with the main branch. Especially with the patriarch, don't expect any reconciliation."
Ning Houjun sighed, "It’s a pity the patriarch sacrificed a pawn to save the king today. He didn’t bring him down with him, only taking out the young patriarch. The victory is limited."
Ning Xiangguo added, "Even so, this is our family’s first victory in over a decade. A branch family has brought down the young patriarch of the main branch—it’s truly inspiring!"
As Ning Zhuo looked around at the group, he silently pondered: who among them was the Ning family traitor secretly aligned with Fei Si?
Ning Zhuo took the initiative to ask what the main branch would do to deal with him.
Ning Youfu smiled, "Ning Zhuo, you’re now involved in the Immortal Palace exploration team and have impressive skills. On top of that, you’re currently in the spotlight. The main branch won’t touch you, lest they provoke another injustice, and you cause another commotion in the ancestral hall."
He glanced at Ning Xiangguo and said, "The main branch’s counterattack will come soon, and you’ll be the ones to suffer."
Ning Xiangguo smiled slightly, "I’m already mentally prepared. No problem! Even if I lose my position, what of it? The main branch can’t remove too many people, after all. They’re short on manpower, haha."
Ning Houjun sighed, "It’s a shame that none of the elders of our family come from the branch family. We’re in such a passive position that we have no real foundation. Even though we have many stewards, they’re just pawns to be played with."
"Fortunately, Ning Zhuo, you have talent. With steady growth, you’ll undoubtedly become an elder."
"It’s been a long time since our branch family produced someone with true talent. To be honest, I’ve been waiting for over a decade for someone who can bear the weight of responsibility."
"Although your cultivation is weak, you have spirit and cunning."
"The key point is that you have talent, and you’re worth investing in."
"Don’t worry. As long as this old man is alive, I’ll do everything I can to support you!"
"You are now the banner of the branch family. You must not fall."
Ning Zhuo laughed heartily, "Things have come to this point, and while the main branch has indeed pressured me, isn't it also true that I personally wish to advance?"
"I have talent, I excel in the exploration of the Immortal Palace, and with all of you supporting me, how can I not achieve great things?"
Everyone laughed heartily.
Amidst the laughter, they raised their glasses to toast.
Ning Ze drank his wine in one gulp. As he put down his cup, he looked at Ning Zhuo with a complex expression.
"Little Zhuo, little Zhuo, so this is the real you."
"I misjudged you. I misjudged you indeed."
"Such skill, character, and capacity..."
For the first time in his life, Ning Ze felt like he truly understood Ning Zhuo.