Chapter 19: The Fiery Monkey and Ning Zhuo

Fei Si cast him a disdainful glance. "You brute, blindly led by the enemy and still none the wiser."

He bowed again, turning to the Lord of the City. "It is all thanks to your keen insight, my lord—your resolute command amid chaos, unwavering atop the volcano, denying the enemy any opportunity."

"As long as you personally oversee matters, who could possibly infiltrate the Lava Immortal Palace under your watch?"

"This is the perfect method to counter all uncertainties—with a quiet mastery that leaves the hidden enemy helpless, gazing at the sky in despair, utterly powerless!"

Once again, Chi Dun was rebuked; he retorted, his anger barely concealed, "You've spoken at length, yet haven't addressed the real issue. What of the demonic cultivator hiding in the fire persimmon grove? If he triggers a chain explosion, won't centuries of Fire Persimmon City's legacy be destroyed?"

Fei Si shook his head and sighed. "At this point, we must prepare for the worst."

"However, I believe the likelihood of the enemy detonating the grove is low."

"He is a demonic cultivator, not a fool. Should the entire grove explode, its force would shake the entire Fire Persimmon Immortal Mountain, and he himself would be blown to pieces, dying a miserable death."

Fei Si paused, then continued, "He has already succumbed to the Lime Heart technique—the longer this drags on, the worse his injuries become."

"We hold the advantage. We must proceed slowly and methodically, never rushing lest we hand the enemy an opening."

"In my humble opinion, we should coordinate with the other three clans and jointly discuss how to deal with this demonic cultivator. This would foster unity and test loyalty. If there truly is a mastermind or traitor among us, they will be easier to expose."

"Furthermore, it's best if we wait until after the Fire Persimmon Festival to take action. During the mass harvest, our losses can be minimized."

Chi Dun's eyes widened in disbelief. "You still intend to hold the Fire Persimmon Festival?!"

"You want the entire city to march to their deaths?"

"If the grove detonates, imagine the casualties!"

"The lord of the city would be held responsible, likely removed from office!"

Fei Si had anticipated this. "Since I propose this plan, I naturally have a solution."

"My lord, please observe this mechanical monkey."

With that, Fei Si drew a contraption from his storage pouch.

The device stood half as tall as a man, its fur a vivid red, its body robust and lifelike—it was none other than a Fireburst Monkey.

Fei Si, a hint of pride in his voice, went on, "Just three days ago, Chen Cha presented this mechanism. With it, we can harvest fire persimmons easily, avoiding harm to our people."

The city lord's expression remained impassive. With a thought, he summoned the mechanical monkey to inspect it closely.

After a few breaths, he nodded slightly. "Adequate, though only the brain's control core shows a touch of ingenuity."

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, his vision was broad. The design of the Fireburst Monkey, to him, was unremarkable, lacking any real brilliance.

"Who is Chen Cha?" the city lord asked, his interest piqued by the creator.

Fei Si replied, "Years ago, at your command, I sought out mechanical artisans from everywhere. Chen Cha is one of them, whom I invited to settle in Fire Persimmon City."

"He is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, skilled in setting up dynamic arrays. However, he lacks talent in mechanical arts and has never produced anything outstanding."

"Now, at last, he has achieved some minor success."

Upon learning Chen Cha was only at Foundation Establishment, the city lord lost interest and waved his hand dismissively. "Let this matter be handled as such."

"Chi Dun, henceforth, you are to fully cooperate with Fei Si."

Chi Dun replied gloomily, "As you command!"

The Ning Clan.

The patriarch summoned the young clan leader to his study.

He handed him a list.

Young Master Ning Xiaoren scanned it. First, he found Ning Zhanji among the fallen, then Ning Zhuo among the survivors.

The patriarch sighed. "Ning Zhanji's death is a great loss to our main branch."

Ning Xiaoren replied, "For those of the collateral line, sacrifice for the clan is an honor."

The patriarch said, "You are responsible for clan logistics. The compensation for our cultivators falls to you."

Ning Xiaoren responded quickly, "Father, rest assured. I will handle it properly."

"Very well." The patriarch nodded, then tested him, "Xiaoren, what are your thoughts on the emergence of the Lava Immortal Palace?"

Ning Xiaoren pondered before answering, "Its appearance forces us to accelerate exploration. Our clan was last to learn of it, making our situation even more precarious."

"We have never recruited outstanding mechanical artisans. Relying solely on our strength, we can hardly compete with the other three factions."

The patriarch's sigh was heavy. "The selection criteria for the Immortal Palace has now dropped to the Qi Refining stage. Perhaps the clan should organize a mass shift to cultivate the Five Elements Qi Formula."

Ning Xiaoren frowned deeply. "Father, that is my greatest concern."

"How many should we organize? What kind of people? Most crucially, how many from the main branch, and whom? How many from the collateral, and whom?"

"With circumstances unclear, it's extremely difficult to proceed."

The patriarch's face showed relief upon hearing this. "Xiaoren, your insight marks you as a qualified young clan leader."

"This matter requires a gathering of the elders for thorough discussion."

"Go attend to your duties."

Ning Xiaoren bowed and withdrew.

Upon returning to his study, clan cultivators inquired about the distribution of compensation.

Ning Xiaoren answered without hesitation, "Compensation? What compensation?"

"Aren’t these clan members all part of the Monster Hunting Association? The association provides its own compensation."

The cultivator hesitated. "But they are still our Ning clan..."

Ning Xiaoren cut him off. "Precisely because the clan is destitute and impoverished, we encourage our people to join other organizations to make a living. As members of Ning, we must always put the clan first!"

The cultivator withdrew, unable to argue.

Still, Ning Xiaoren was furious. He summoned Ning Zhuo’s uncle, Ning Ze.

Ning Xiaoren's face was grim, his knuckles rapping the desk sharply. "Ning Ze, what kind of uncle are you? Ning Zhuo nearly died in the Crimson Flame Monster Cave—were you even aware?"

Ning Ze wiped the sweat from his brow, stammering, "Yes, yes! I know!"

He had at last "thought up" a clever plan, goading Ning Zhuo to join the Monster Hunting Association. But with the Immortal Palace’s emergence, the recruiter Ning Zhanji had died.

Ning Zhuo never actually joined the association, instead Ning Xiaoren exposed Ning Ze’s scheme. The latter was naturally furious!

Ning Ze forced a bitter smile. "But, young master, it’s not that I don’t want to help little Zhuo. He’s just too stubborn..."

Smack.

Before he could finish, Ning Xiaoren hurled an inkstone at Ning Ze's forehead.

Pain crashed over him, and a warm stream trickled swiftly from brow to chin.

The metallic tang filled his nostrils.

He knew the young clan leader had cracked his forehead again.

"Stop pretending!" Ning Xiaoren pointed at the door. "Get out! Next time, I want good news!"

Ning Ze, face twisted in pain, blood streaming down, dared not heal himself on the spot. Gritting his teeth, he withdrew.