Ning ZhuoProtagonist

Description

The 16-year-old protagonist from the Ning Clan branch family, secretly the mechanical arts master Hanging-Hair Traveler. He cultivates the Five Elements Qi Regulation Incantation and holds positions as Medical Pavilion Master, Five Elements Cannon Tower Chief, and Command Platform Commander in the Lava Immortal Palace. In these chapters, he triggers a beast tide by bombarding Fire Persimmon Mountain, enters the Lava Immortal Palace with the reformation team, repairs mechanical constructs to earn merits, and secretly meets with Sun Lingtong and Yang Chanyu to receive stolen goods including Supreme Virtuous Water and the mechanical puppet Rudie Niang. He is under surveillance by Golden Core cultivators and faces pressure from Ning Xiaohui's progress.

Appearance

Young man in white robes, often described as haggard with dark circles under his eyes after intense cultivation sessions.

Personality

Resourceful, loyal, and strategic, with a strong sense of justice and a tendency to overthink and worry about financial and military pressures.

Cultivation History

Chapter	Realm	Event
Ch.51	essence-refining	Reached first level of Essence Refining after cultivating Demonic Pollution Blood Sinew Technique.
Ch.51	spirit-refining	Reached first level of Spirit Refining after cultivating Mirror Platform Spirit Communication Incantation.
Ch.52	essence-refining	Advanced to second level of Essence Refining.
Ch.52	spirit-refining	Advanced to second level of Spirit Refining.
Ch.80	spirit-refining	Advanced to the third level of Spirit Refining after cultivating the Mirror Platform Spirit Communication Incantation, enabling him to push open the Buddha door in the Lava Immortal Palace.
Ch.102	essence-refining	Broke through to the fourth level of Essence Refining, increasing vital blood fourfold.
Ch.188	Qi Refining	Breaks through to the seventh level of Qi Refining, achieving Three Seas Simultaneously at the Seventh Level with the help of Perfect Harmony Talismans.
Ch.199	Qi Refining	Advances from early seventh level to peak eighth level of Qi Refining through dual cultivation with Yang Chanyu, consuming Two Elements Qi.
Ch.208	Qi Refining	Advanced from peak of eighth layer to peak of ninth layer after purifying cultivation post-dual cultivation with Yang Chanyu.
Ch.479	Foundation Establishment	Advanced to the Opening the Fields Unhindered stage after absorbing National Power Bricks.
Ch.578	Foundation Establishment	Advanced to the third stage of Foundation Establishment, Dantian Birthing Radiance, after completing Nourishing the Treasure Medicine.
Ch.579	Foundation Establishment	Advanced to the Wondrous Visions Sowing Talismans stage using National Power Bricks, completing the Spiritual Mirror life-bound spell.
Ch.686	Foundation Establishment	Advanced to the Phenomenal Seed Talisman stage in the Qi Sea, mastering the Five Elements Creation and Destruction Art.

Quotes

“I, Ning Zhuo, will take responsibility for my own actions! Since I’m 31st, that’s that.”

— Chapter 2

“This junior believes that the term ‘cultivation’ refers to cultivating the truths of heaven and earth. The so-called hundred arts of cultivation, as applications of these truths, are essentially just tools.”

— Chapter 6

“Better to die fighting than to die hiding away!”

— Chapter 13

“I agree.”

— Chapter 23

“What we're doing is not slander or false accusation! We are exposing the demonic cultivator Ban Ji's countless misdeeds. We are seeking justice for those miners' wandering souls who had their bones sucked dry, for the small families oppressed to bankruptcy, and for the unregistered cultivators who were drained of their last vitality by high-interest loans and ultimately 'disappeared'!”

— Chapter 746

“Heavenly Dao is above, justice is clear! You demonic scoundrels were hired by the Ban Clan to openly cheat and now you dare to sow discord?!”

— Chapter 765

“The enemy of my enemy is a friend. I might be able to use this to reach some kind of alliance with Zhu Fenxiang.”

— Chapter 793

“Then let the world witness my Noble Qi!!”

— Chapter 804

“The saying goes, one should not receive a reward without merit. While I am overwhelmed by Lord Tuoba Huang's appreciation, I will certainly do my best to perform and not disappoint his expectations. However, I cannot accept these lavish gifts.”

— Chapter 823

“I did not intend to deceive you. Previously, my attainment in the Dao of Formations was indeed only at that level. But in the past few days, I obtained a fortuitous opportunity. My formation realm advanced by leaps and bounds, leading to today's achievement.”

— Chapter 830

Relationships

Ning Ze — uncle · Ning Ze is Ning Zhuo's uncle who raised him but is stingy and proud. Ning Zhuo is wary of him. (Ch.2)
Wang Lan — aunt · Wang Lan is Ning Zhuo's aunt, stingy and critical of him. (Ch.2)
Ning Ji — cousin · Ning Ji is Ning Zhuo's cousin, envious and mocking of him. (Ch.2)
Chen Cha — mentor · Chen Cha is a mechanical arts master whom Ning Zhuo consults and joins his workshop, forming a respectful partnership. (Ch.4)
Ning Chen — classmate · Ning Chen is a classmate who, along with Ning Yong, tricked Ning Zhuo into the Monster Hunting Association. They later bond after surviving the cavern. (Ch.9)
Ning Yong — classmate · Ning Yong is a classmate who, along with Ning Chen, tricked Ning Zhuo into the Monster Hunting Association. They later bond after surviving the cavern. (Ch.9)
Ning Zhong — father · Ning Zhong was Ning Zhuo's father, who died saving the Ning Clan during a migration. He saved Ning Xiaoren's life. (Ch.19.5)
Ning Zhuo's Mother — mother · Ning Zhuo's mother was a Foundation Establishment cultivator and an inheritor of the Lava Immortal Palace. She died when Ning Zhuo was two, leaving him the Buddha Heart Demon Seal and Iron Will Gray Armor. (Ch.3)
Han Ming — captor · Ning Zhuo captured Han Ming and forces her to provide soul essence for his cultivation. (Ch.41)
Sun Lingtong — ally · Co-conspirator in attacks and intelligence sharing, though Ning Zhuo refuses to join the Spaceless Sect. (Ch.40)
Yuan Dasheng — rival · Ning Zhuo views Yuan Dasheng as a major threat in the Lava Immortal Palace rankings and battles it to maintain his lead. (Ch.58)
Fei Si — patron · Fei Si appreciates Ning Zhuo's talent and uses him as an agent; Ning Zhuo gives Fei Si 40% of profits from explosive fire monkeys. (Ch.63)
Yuan Er — manipulated_subordinate · Ning Zhuo coerces Yuan Er into surrendering and handing over Yuan Dasheng's corpse, gaining control over the Monkey Head Gang. (Ch.70)
Zhu Xuanji — investigator_target · Zhu Xuanji investigates Ning Zhuo as a suspect in the Lava Immortal Palace bombing, but Ning Zhuo evades detection. (Ch.61)
Ning Xiaoren — clan superior · Ning Xiaoren, the junior patriarch, frames Ning Ze to win over Ning Zhuo, offering protection and resources to recruit him for the Lava Immortal Palace trials. (Ch.90)
Ning Xiaohui — clan rival · Fellow prodigy from the Ning Clan main family; Ning Xiaohui is disdainful of Ning Zhuo's branch family status and sees him as competition. (Ch.94)
Zheng Jian — ally · Leader of the Zheng Clan recultivation team; respects Ning Zhuo's mechanical arts talent and cooperates with him in exploring the Lava Immortal Palace. (Ch.96)
Zhou Zeshen — ally · Prodigy of the Zhou Clan; works with Ning Zhuo in the joint recultivation team and shares insights from the Lava Immortal Palace. (Ch.96)
Zhou Zhu — ally · Prodigy of the Zhou Clan; collaborates with Ning Zhuo during the Lava Immortal Palace exploration. (Ch.96)
Li Leifeng — mentor · Director of Children's Care Center; inspired Ning Zhuo's interest in mechanical arts through puppet shows and kindness during his childhood. (Ch.98)
Meng Chong — rival · Possesses the super-grade immortal talent Ferocious Rushing Thunder; competes with Ning Zhuo in the Lava Immortal Palace, where Ning Zhuo's Golden Blood Battle Ape Dasheng defeated him. (Ch.83)
Ning Jiufan — clan ancestor · Ning Zhuo gains his recognition and uses it to expand influence within the Ning Clan. (Ch.191)
Yang Chanyu — dual cultivation partner · Inadvertently engages in dual cultivation with her via Sun Lingtong, boosting his cultivation. (Ch.199)
Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit — manipulates · Ning Zhuo deceives the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit into believing he will help it gain freedom, while using it for information. (Ch.222)
Song Fuli — business_partner · Cloud Merchant leader who trades with Ning Zhuo for Mechanical Fire Monkeys and discusses the Flying Cloud Kingdom. (Ch.240)
Meng Yaoyin — mother · Ning Zhuo's mother, who died when he was two but her spirit inhabits the Buddhist Healer puppet. He seeks to heal her Dao wounds. (Ch.321)
Meng Kui — rival · Nascent Soul City Lord who becomes the Lava Immortal Palace master after Ning Zhuo hands over the position, leading to political tension. (Ch.327)
Fox Deity — manipulator · Forces her to cooperate through blackmail and imperial decree. (Ch.344)
Lin Shanshan — mentor · Receives martial training and assistance from her. (Ch.354)
Han Zhou — sparring partner · Han Zhou spars with Ning Zhuo, teaches him martial techniques, and provides Bitter Water for comprehension. (Ch.369)
Linghu Jiu — indirect contact · Linghu Jiu sends enlightenment diagrams as an apology for his fellow disciples' actions against Ning Zhuo. (Ch.376)
Hua Guzi — rival · Half-demon cultivator he defeats in battle; she becomes infatuated with him and offers cultivation methods. (Ch.378)
Lin Bufan — adversary · Sect leader of the Myriad Medicine Sect; tensions rise as Ning Zhuo discovers secrets in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave. (Ch.385)
Liu Er — subordinate to general · Ning Zhuo serves as the military advisor under Liu Er in the Three Generals Camp, managing accounts and providing strategic advice. (Ch.420)
Zhang Zhongyi — mentor and collaborator · Zhang Zhongyi assists Ning Zhuo in treating Dao injuries and provides medical expertise, with Ning Zhuo respecting his skills and seeking his help. (Ch.419)
Mu Lan — potential dual cultivation partner · Zhang Zhongyi proposes dual cultivation between Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan to heal her condition, though Ning Zhuo is hesitant due to the significance of primordial yang. (Ch.424)
Shuang Jing — potential patron · Shuang Jing offers Ning Zhuo a retainer position after the battle. (Ch.457)
Guan Hong — ally · Fellow general in the Three Generals Camp; works together in battles. (Ch.478)
Zhang Hei — ally · Fellow general in the Three Generals Camp; collaborates in military operations. (Ch.478)
Meng Yehu — creator to creation · Ning Zhuo created the mechanical puppet Shadowy Blade - Night Tiger, which regards him as 'Father God'. (Ch.486)
Dice-Bone Demon God — master to servant · Subdued the Dice-Bone Demon God in battle, who now serves him. (Ch.493)
Tian Shuang — enemy turned benefactor · Tian Shuang, influenced by Ning Zhuo's Buddha thoughts, gifts him wealth and information before pursuing Di Hui. (Ch.541)
Zhao Xi — political ally · Zhao Xi is the supervising general of Two Note Kingdom who rewards Ning Zhuo but also pressures him. (Ch.542)
Xiang Yue — enemy turned temporary ally · Fights Xiang Yue in battle, then secretly helps him escape under Zhu Xuanji's arrangement. (Ch.564)
Du Tiechuan — subordinate turned adversary · Serves under Du Tiechuan in the Two Note Kingdom army but angers him by letting Xiang Yue escape. (Ch.565)
White Paper City Lord — ally · Collaborates to investigate traitors and defend White Paper Immortal City, with the City Lord offering rewards and support. (Ch.586)
Wen Ruanyu — collaborator · Works together to set traps and capture ghost generals, with mutual respect. (Ch.588)
Qing Chi — deceptive romantic interest · Ning Zhuo, disguised as Jiao Ma, is pursued by Qing Chi, who believes he is her childhood sweetheart; he feels guilty for deceiving her. (Ch.599)
Li Xiangshang — ally · Ning Zhuo befriends Li Xiangshang, gains his trust, and lends him the Embryonic Breath Spirit Boat to aid in army formation. (Ch.607)
Qing Yan — ally · Ning Zhuo negotiates with Qing Yan to support the Qing-Jiao Army and secure resources, earning his cooperation. (Ch.607)
Yang Weida — acquaintance · Ning Zhuo interacts with Yang Weida, who pledges allegiance and provides resources before his death; Ning Zhuo admires his determination. (Ch.599)
Jiao Ma's Father — deceptive son · Ning Zhuo, disguised as Jiao Ma, interacts with the Jiao Clan patriarch, who believes he is his son and supports the army formation. (Ch.599)
Ash Bone Elder — potential mentor · Ning Zhuo learns of Ash Bone Elder through his mother's legacy and seeks his guidance to disrupt the Forgetful River Prefecture Lord's plan. (Ch.603)
Yang Sanyan — ally · Ning Zhuo negotiates with Yang Sanyan for support of the Qing-Jiao Army and reveals his identity as Meng Yaoyin's son. (Ch.618)
Zheng Shoumo — enemy · Ning Zhuo exposes Zheng Shoumo as the internal traitor in White Paper Immortal City, leading to a confrontation. (Ch.619)
Luo Si — subordinate · Luo Si defects to Ning Zhuo's side, addressing him as Young Master and following his commands. (Ch.646)
Forgetful River Prefecture Lord — enemy · Ning Zhuo disrupted the Prefecture Lord's scheme, forging an irreconcilable blood feud. (Ch.660)
Shen Xi — potential ally · Shen Xi recruits Ning Zhuo for the Flying Cloud Assembly, testing his capabilities and forming a temporary alliance. (Ch.674)
Yu Heye — benefactor · Saved Yu Heye from qi deviation, earning his loyalty and assistance. (Ch.679)
Lin Jinglong — rival turned ally · Defeated in a duel and later reconciled through diplomacy. (Ch.690)
Gongsun Yan — subordinate · Recruited after healing his Heartfire flaws, now serves as an artifact refiner. (Ch.689)
Old Chef — subordinate · Spirit Chef who serves Ning Zhuo and assists in operations. (Ch.677)
Pi Fujie — enemy · Conflict arises from Pi Fujie's hostility and Ning Zhuo's defense of Shen Xi. (Ch.697)
Ban Ji — enemy · Ban Ji targets Ning Zhuo out of greed and as a Human Tribulation. (Ch.709)
Kong Ran — acquaintance · Met during Confucian trials, discussed trading the Intent Comprehension Brush. (Ch.704)
Bai Jiyun — acquaintance · Met during Confucian trials, exchanged calligraphy and insights. (Ch.704)
Liu Fushu — acquaintance · Met during Confucian trials, shared discussions on cultivation. (Ch.704)
Che Zhuzi — business associate · Engaged in trade for Void Spider Silk; Che Zhuzi respects Ning Zhuo's talent. (Ch.721)
Lady Spiderweb — master-slave · Ning Zhuo is Lady Spiderweb's master after acquiring her slave contract. (Ch.721)
Elder Cai — mentor · Elder Cai of the Demon Subjugation Hall admires Ning Zhuo's integrity and supports him. (Ch.731)
Qing Huangzi — successor · Ning Zhuo inherits the Empty Valley Pitch, Azure Mechanism Slip from Qing Huangzi. (Ch.739)
Chen San — subordinate · Chen San pledges allegiance to Ning Zhuo and carries out intelligence and rumor-spreading tasks. (Ch.741)
Zhu Fenxiang — ally · Forms an alliance after seeking her help to solve Meng Yehu's predicament, shifting from Situ Xing's group. (Ch.776)
Tie Zheng — opponent · Defeats him in the final battle of the Rising Cloud Minor Trial through persuasion and combat. (Ch.769)
Lord Qingwu — benefactor · Receives True Intent and principles from him, aiding in realm advancement. (Ch.771)
Gu Qing — rival · Ning Zhuo frames Gu Qing in a martial arts duel, using him as a benchmark to pressure other geniuses. (Ch.792)
Zhao Hansheng — rival · Ning Zhuo opposes Zhao Hansheng's takeover of the Confucian group and spreads rumors to undermine him. (Ch.788)
Zhu Guizhi — negotiating partner · Ning Zhuo negotiates with Zhu Fenxiang's mother regarding the Divine Summoning Art and demonstrates his strength in a spar. (Ch.794)
Zhong Dao — mentor · Zhong Dao lends Ning Zhuo the White Rainbow Righteous Integrity Bone and favors him for the Demon Subjugation Hall. (Ch.804)
Yun Niaoniao — acquaintance · Meets during the Demon Subjugation Hall trial; they converse and enter the trial together. (Ch.816)
Gu Huaijiu — friend · Met during the Demon Subjugation Hall trial; Ning Zhuo gained Gu Huaijiu's trust and promised to help with his Demonic Seed. (Ch.817)
Tuoba Huang — potential benefactor · Peak Master of Myriad Beasts Peak who offered lavish gifts for recruitment, but Ning Zhuo declined. (Ch.822)

Notable Events

Won first place in the Nine Twists Corridor Formation trial.
Refused recruitment offers from Zhong Dao and Tuoba Huang.
Refined the Luo Shu page, a Dao Artifact left by his mother.
Swept through multiple formation trials, showcasing Master-level formation attainment.