The Mountain and River Page in front of Ning Zhuo radiated brilliance, illuminating the entire square down to the finest detail.
The air waves rolled, causing Ning Zhuoâs hair to flutter and his clothes to flap. Nearby stalls echoed with the sound of countless papers rustling.
Moments later, the brilliance and air waves swiftly dissipated, revealing the true form of the top-grade Mountain and River Page.
It was no longer the white paper from before but more akin to a smoothly polished jade plate.
On the jade plate, the shadowy outlines of mountains and rivers subtly emerged. Upon closer inspection, these shadows resembled dragons stretching and extending.
"Itâs truly a top-grade Mountain and River Page!"
"Iâve never seen one before in my life."
"Who refined it?"
"I know him; heâs Ning Zhuo!"
"So he is Ning Zhuo..."
"This person is truly extraordinary. Heâs not a Confucian Cultivator yet he created top-grade spiritual paper. No wonder he won first place in the previous two Confucian Cultivator trials!"
"Could he win this Confucian Cultivator trial too?"
"Hmph, impossible!"
"With just one top-grade Mountain and River Page, itâs impossible to be the first. This time, itâs not just about quality; itâs also about quantity."
The crowd discussed fervently, all feeling the immense pressure of competition emanating from Ning Zhuo.
Gu Qingâs pupils narrowed, staring intently at Ning Zhuo from afar.
He was shaken and had not anticipated Ning Zhuo would refine top-grade spiritual paper.
However, he had just happened to watch Ning Zhuo and knew how he produced such a result.
"He added dragon energy to the pulp?!"
"Spending such precious treasureâis he trying to snatch my first place?"
Gu Qing couldnât help but feel nervous, losing his previous composure and confidence.
Ning Zhuo, on the other hand, stared down at the jade pendant in his hand.
It was the Dragon Qi Jade Pendant, its surface covered in cracks.
Back in White Paper Immortal City, Demon Cultivator Li Xiangshang had given this pendant to him as a thanks for lending him the Fetal Breathing Spirit Boat for cultivation.
Ning Zhuo mused to himself, "This pendant seals the dragon energy of Li Xiangshang, the lord."
"Previously in the Netherworld, when fighting Lord of Wangchuan to capture Heavenly Capital Self, it played a critical role."
"I didnât expect it to still be helpful this time."
Realizing the preciousness of the Dragon Qi Jade Pendant, Ning Zhuo quickly stored it in his Storage Waist Belt, being cautious not to take it out easily again.
Initially, when he stood at the stall, he noticed the materials for making the Mountain and River Page included Kingâs Land and Territory, realizing that since official power and military power were involved, perhaps national power would be even better.
Scanning around, he found no materials containing national power, which surprised him.
After learning Lu Zaiâs refining method, he became even more puzzled because the refining method clearly stated the importance of national power involvement.
Though the provided materials lacked national power, the open rules didnât restrict the cultivators in this regard.
"In other words, Confucian Cultivators wish to see many cultivators spend their resources to improve the rankings of this round."
Ning Zhuo sensed the subtlety within.
Having participated in several Xingyun Trials, he understood the mindset of the Confucian Cultivatorsâthey wished to expand their influence through such trials.
More individuals offering their own resources and achieving great results would make this Xingyun Trial more dazzling and widely influential.
Ning Zhuo realized this point and first thought of the Wangchuan Prefect Seal.
This Jade Seal is an essential element of a nationâs power, containing the terrifying national power of the Wangchuan Underworld.
But Ning Zhuo had tried many times before, without any reaction.
This time at the scene, unwilling to give up, he discreetly attempted once more, still with no effect.
Even if the Wangchuan Prefect Seal was lost, ordinary individuals couldnât use it.
As Ning Zhuoâs pulp reached a certain degree of refining, he felt the Dragon Qi Jade Pendant slightly vibrating.
Ning Zhuo valued this pendant and planned to return it to Li Xiangshang upon meeting him in the future.
Noticing the pendantâs movement, Ning Zhuo took it out to examine.
This treasure wasnât sensitive. Ning Zhuo dared not take out the Wangchuan Prefect Seal publicly.
Ultimately, dragon energy stirred within the pendant, spraying a strand directly into the pulp actively.
Then, it triggered the previous awe-inspiring scene.
Lu Zai personally descended, arriving beside Ning Zhuo: "Indeed itâs top-grade! Use this to cut it."
He took out a small knife, the [Cicada Wing Spirit Cutting Knife].
It resembled a jade ruler, about one foot two inches long, and two fingers wide.
The blade was exceptionally thin, made from the wing membrane of a millennial spirit cicada, mixed with ice silkworm silk and jade marrow, crafted via a special water refining method. When light passed through, it refracted an exceedingly delicate, rainbow sheen akin to that of a cicadaâs wing.
Under Lu Zaiâs guidance, Ning Zhuo utilized the precious knife, aided by Divine Sense, to cut twelve Mountain and River Pages from the jade plate.
"Thank you, senior, for lending the precious knife," Ning Zhuo expressed his gratitude afterward.
Lu Zai smiled slightly, transmitting thoughts to Ning Zhuo: "Itâs a trivial matter. If you wish to sell these twelve top-grade spiritual papers, come find me first. My offer will surely be higher than whatâs in Commerce Hall."
After a brief exchange, Lu Zai returned to the sky to oversee.
Under the envious gazes of many, Ning Zhuo collected the twelve pages of top-grade spiritual paper and resumed papermaking.
Hours later, the bell announcing the end of the trial sounded.
Lu Zai presided and announced, "The first place in this round isâGu Qing."
Many eyes converged on him.
Gu Qing smiled gracefully, bowing repeatedly with elegance.
However, the crowdâs discussions and the instinctive glances towards Ning Zhuo made Gu Qingâs mood less than perfect.