Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Qi Bai glared angrily, shaking the Soul-Stirring Rattle madly while summoning his treasured seal.

Summoning Technique—Ox-Head Ghost Soldier!

The Ox-Head Ghost God manifested a doppelgänger, landing heavily on the ground and joining the battlefield.

It had an ox head and a human body, tall and sturdy, standing over ten feet high. At that moment, it lowered its head, horns pointed forward, resembling a section of a city wall as it charged toward the Tree-Fighting Ape.

Ning Zhuo hurriedly controlled the mechanical ape, dodging with difficulty.

As it narrowly passed by the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier, the ghost suddenly reached back, grabbing the tail of the Tree-Fighting Ape.

Its agility, combined with its massive body, appeared extremely abrupt.

Ning Zhuo, controlling the mechanical ape, couldn't retract the ape's tail in time.

Whoosh!

The next moment, the mechanical ape was yanked by the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier and flung into the air with tremendous force.

The force was so immense that it stirred a gust of wind, instantly clearing away the dust from the collapsed building.

Qi Bai slowly stood up, hiding behind the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier. He stared at Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong, his gaze mostly focused on the Cang Tie Han Armor.

"Mechanical puppet? You cowardly rats hiding your heads and showing your tails!" Qi Bai's eyes were filled with deep hatred.

With each breath, his injuries recovered a little.

By the time he finished speaking, his condition had already improved significantly, turning from severe injuries to minor ones.

He had recovered!

That critical breath, which he had struggled to hold onto, finally stabilized.

"I was so close, so close to being defeated!" A strong sense of lingering fear filled his heart, the intense sensation causing his heartbeat to race at an unprecedented speed.

Anger, hatred, relief, and various other emotions mixed together, finally making Qi Bai curl his lips into a sinister cold smile. "Hehehe, very good, very good. Two Foundation Establishment-stage rats nearly killed me."

"You did well, very impressive, but also unfortunate."

"Now that you've earned my praise, it's time to die!"

In the next moment, the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier and Qi Bai split into two groups, attacking from both sides.

"There’s no chance, Xiao Zhuo. You go, I’ll cover you!" Sun Lingtong transmitted urgently.

"One misstep, damn it!" Ning Zhuo clenched his fists, gritting his teeth, as his heart was in turmoil, unable to calm down.

Qi Bai was too powerful, his combat strength clearly on another level.

Ning Zhuo had the advantage of fighting in the familiar environment of the immortal city, utilizing its local terrain. With the Immortal City's grand formation, even external Golden Core stage cultivators were greatly weakened.

At the start of the battle, Ning Zhuo had intentionally turned it into a chase, using the many underground bases to buy time and drain Qi Bai’s strength.

Although the traps exploded successfully, the actual effect in battle was poor.

If it were against Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, they would’ve long turned to dust, and even ordinary Golden Core stage cultivators would have been blown into a sorry state, struggling to survive.

But Qi Bai’s combat power remained intact, and even the protective golden light barrier hadn’t broken.

Seeing this, Ning Zhuo immediately understood that even if he used all the remaining underground bases to deplete his enemy, it would have little effect.

He decisively shifted to surface combat.

He fought Qi Bai head-on, using every bit of his strength and nearly exhausting all the mechanical creations he had accumulated over a dozen years, just to maintain a stalemate.

And this was all predicated on Qi Bai being mesmerized by the fortune field, intent on capturing Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong alive to torture them for amusement in front of each other.

Qi Bai had never unleashed his full strength.

Seeing that the situation was turning unfavorable, Ning Zhuo had no choice but to destroy the immortal formation and activate its passive defenses.

If it were any other Golden Core cultivator, they would’ve been suppressed by now.

But Qi Bai displayed immense strength, single-handedly resisting the Immortal City’s formation and actually wearing down its formation patterns!

However, this also led to Meng Kui’s intervention.

The appearance of the Peach-Core of Fate matched Ning Zhuo's expectations.

This blow finally caused the first reversal in the battle.

Qi Bai was severely injured, his mind confused.

Ning Zhuo’s Young Puppet Master's Death-Whip struck his body, yet it failed to break through the golden light barrier.

It wasn’t until he pushed the Cang Tie Han Armor to its limit that he gradually extinguished the protective golden light.

However, when Qi Bai regained consciousness, the time left for Ning Zhuo became extremely limited.

Despite his best efforts, Ning Zhuo was still delayed by Qi Bai's endless stream of magical tools and treasures, which allowed Qi Bai to recover.

When Qi Bai summoned the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier’s ghostly doppelgänger, he once again regained his footing.

In just a few breaths, his severe injuries turned into minor ones.

Qi Bai's healing ability was truly astonishing.

He was indeed worthy of being a true disciple of the Soul-Devouring Sect, capable of being entrusted with the task here, with enough strength to stand alone in battle!

A trace of despair spread in the hearts of both Sun and Ning.

Sun Lingtong, with an unprecedentedly serious expression, transmitted his voice: "Qi Bai planted a mark on me. I can’t escape."

"I’ll stay behind to cover you."

"Xiao Zhuo, give me all your mechanical creations."

"You go!"

"No!" Ning Zhuo refused firmly, controlling the Tree-Fighting Ape to block the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier.

He formed a palm with his left hand, a lightning talisman appearing in his palm.

Boom!

The palm thunder shot out, striking Qi Bai, who had just arrived.

Qi Bai allowed the palm thunder to hit him, grinning sinisterly.

The next moment, his entire body transformed into a mass of ghostly fog, enveloping Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong.

Both of them groaned coldly in pain, their hearts wracked with agony.

The ghostly fog, like a deadly poison, penetrated their bodies and mechanisms, eroding their souls with ferocity.

Ning Zhuo was severely affected and lost control of the Tree-Fighting Ape. The latter’s movements became sluggish and was immediately swept away by the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier roared and charged into the ghostly fog.

Its millstone-sized fists smashed heavily onto the Cang Tie Han Armor.

The Cang Tie Han Armor was like a cannonball, sent flying backward, crashing through over a dozen buildings before embedding itself into a wall.

The Cang Tie Han Armor was severely damaged, with Ning Zhuo's forearm almost fully exposed. The armor's chest had a large chunk missing, and the helmet was full of cracks, as if it could completely shatter in the next second.

"Boss!" Ning Zhuo didn’t bother checking his own injuries and immediately searched for Sun Lingtong.

Sun Lingtong lay in the rubble of the building ahead, struggling with all his might, but his body was weak, pinned down by bricks and half a large beam, unable to break free.

Ning Zhuo urged the Cang Tie Han Armor to rush over.

He bent down, ready to clear away the debris and pull Sun Lingtong out.

But in the next moment, Sun Lingtong's face suddenly twisted in a ferocious expression, his five fingers like knives, slipping through the large gaps in the Cang Tie Han Armor, and plunging into Ning Zhuo's abdomen.

"Boss…" Ning Zhuo was caught off guard, suffering a heavy blow.

Sun Lingtong's expression shifted between ferocity and sorrowful anger.

"I'm… I'm possessed by a ghost. Go, leave now!" he shouted.

Qi Bai stood on the shoulder of the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier, looking down at them with disdain. "How does it feel to be betrayed by your brother?"

"Puppet Master, you're good with mechanical arts, but I excel in controlling ghosts. Your brother is already under my control. Hurry and kill him, or he'll kill you. Hahaha!"

Ning Zhuo’s heart trembled violently.

The next moment, the poisonous ghost fog rose again, enveloping both Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong.

Agony struck once more.

Qi Bai took out the Soul-Stirring Rattle and repeatedly drummed it—*thud thud thud*.

This caused Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong to bleed from their seven orifices, worsening their plight, leaving them completely powerless to resist.

"Ghost Soldier, take their lives!" Qi Bai softly commanded.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier let out a low growl, charging like a meteor, its momentum terrifying. Its millstone-sized fist smashed down, a blow certain to claim the lives of Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong on the spot.

Too strong, too powerful!

When Qi Bai regained his composure, he displayed an excellent tactical prowess.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier applied frontal pressure, the poisonous ghost fog targeted the Cang Tie Han Armor, and the secret possession by a ghost made Ning Zhuo unable to advance or retreat. His verbal threats were not just meant to intimidate but served as a distraction, creating an opportunity for the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier to deliver a fatal strike.

The massive figure of the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier cast a shadow of death, completely enveloping Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong.

It was difficult for the two of them to even stand, let alone parry or dodge.

In Ning Zhuo's perception, time suddenly seemed to slow down.

This intense feeling of impending death was not new to him.

Once, during a street battle in the black market.

He was too young then, and made the grave mistake of becoming careless in battle, putting himself in a dangerous situation where he was almost killed.

It was Sun Lingtong who suddenly appeared and, in a moment of urgency, used his own body to block a knife aimed at Ning Zhuo.

"Boss!" Ning Zhuo had cried out in shock, his face full of fear.

Sun Lingtong waved it off, pulling the dagger from his chest, blood instantly soaking his clothes. "It's nothing!"

"Boss…" Ning Zhuo had been overwhelmed with guilt and self-reproach. If it hadn’t been for his own carelessness, Sun Lingtong wouldn’t have been gravely injured.

Sun Lingtong had pressed his fingers to stop the bleeding, grinning, "Heh heh, Xiao Zhuo, don’t be sad. You call me boss, so what does it matter if I take a knife for my brother?"

Now.

Sun Lingtong's hand, formed like a knife, was deeply embedded in Ning Zhuo's abdomen.

Sun Lingtong glared, his eyes bleeding, wishing he could end his own life immediately!

The giant fist smashed down, the Yin Wind howled, and the terrifying killing intent was suffocating.

Ning Zhuo raised his head, glaring fiercely at the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier.

*Boom!*

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier’s attack was suddenly blocked.

Out of nowhere, a figure appeared like a mountain, standing tall in front of Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo’s eyes widened, staring at the figure in front of him in astonishment, his heart crying out, "Yuan Dasheng?!"

The mechanical ape blocking the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier stood proudly, its green eyes radiating light in all directions, overflowing with powerful spiritual energy, exuding an aura of inviolable majesty.

It was—

“Though betrayed, my will remains unshaken; my righteous bones are as hard as gold.”

“Through life and death, my spirit persists, returning only to fulfill my oath!”

Yuan Dasheng turned slightly, then suddenly spoke, his voice deep and powerful: "My lord."

"I have arrived!"

It was as if he had traversed a lifetime, crossing the boundary between life and death. At this critical moment, Yuan Dasheng was reborn, his spirit fully restored, offering his aid!

"Yuan Dasheng can talk now?!" Ning Zhuo was utterly shocked.

At this moment, he felt that there was no longer any barrier between him and Yuan Dasheng, and his control over the ape was even clearer and more precise than before.

There was no doubt—this was a qualitative change!

In an instant, Ning Zhuo understood: It was his selfless effort to save Sun Lingtong, even at the risk of his own life, that greatly resonated with Yuan Dasheng's spirit.

"But how did it suddenly learn to speak?"

Yuan Dasheng spoke again, "My lord, what are your orders?"

Suppressing his doubts, Ning Zhuo pointed at Qi Bai. "Kill him!"

"At your command!" Yuan Dasheng charged forward.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier roared, blocking his path.

*Boom!*

Yuan Dasheng directly overturned the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier, his momentum unstoppable.

"What’s with this mechanical puppet?!" Qi Bai panicked, quickly retreating.

He scattered poisonous ghost fog to interfere with Yuan Dasheng.

But Yuan Dasheng pressed forward, completely ignoring the ghost fog.

Continuing the charge!

Qi Bai frantically shook the Soul-Stirring Rattle.

Yuan Dasheng showed no reaction!

Qi Bai's heart raced, his mouth dry, as he unleashed his Heavenly Talent Ghostly Death Eyes.

What he discovered was that Yuan Dasheng—had no soul!

"No soul residing within, so how does it have such intelligence?!" Qi Bai couldn’t comprehend.

Yuan Dasheng closed in, while Qi Bai frantically activated many magical tools and treasures, striking Yuan Dasheng.

A surge of vigorous blood energy rose from Yuan Dasheng’s body—this was from the Blood Oil Bottle Ning Zhuo had previously installed!

Yuan Dasheng displayed masterful martial techniques, either blocking or deflecting, stubbornly resisting all the magical tools and treasures, advancing until he was right in front of Qi Bai.

With brutal force, Yuan Dasheng attacked relentlessly, without concern for its own life.

"The problem is—it’s just a mechanical creation, what life does it even have to lose?!" Qi Bai found himself getting beaten once again.

But this time, it was different from before.

His mind was clear, and though his combat power was suppressed, he could still fully exert himself to the current limit.

However, Yuan Dasheng had been able to tear apart a half-step Golden Core stage Fire Serpent when he was alive. Now, with a mechanical body even stronger than before, and ample blood energy to fully use the Demonic Blood Tendon Technique, his power had increased even further!

Yuan Dasheng also possessed Golden Core stage combat power! Moreover, he was far less affected by the formation’s suppression than Qi Bai!

Qi Bai retreated in defeat, his forces crumbling.

“Damn it, the Golden Thread Armor is broken and can't protect me. How is this mechanical puppet fiercer than those Golden Core body cultivators?!”

The rhythm of the battle was completely controlled by Yuan Dasheng.

The advantage gradually turned into victory.

Qi Bai spat blood, once again severely injured.

He desperately wanted to escape from Yuan Dasheng, but he couldn’t.

The Immortal City’s grand formation had already been activated, prohibiting any escape talismans from being used.

Qi Bai’s magical tools, treasures, and spells mostly targeted souls, which became awkward when used against Yuan Dasheng!

"Brother, is this mechanical ape your creation?" Sun Lingtong watched in shock.

Ning Zhuo himself was incredulous. “It seems… yes.”

Even he hadn’t expected Yuan Dasheng’s real combat power to be so high!

Ning Zhuo thought to himself, “It seems like this isn’t just about awakening its spirit, but a breakthrough to an even higher level. Yuan Dasheng’s martial skills are more agile and natural than before, as if he’s never died.”

Yuan Dasheng swung his fist, flattening Qi Bai’s forehead.

He clung to Qi Bai’s body, twisting and breaking Qi Bai’s left arm.

Yuan Dasheng’s monkey tail coiled around Qi Bai, throwing him off balance, then he kicked sideways, directly shattering Qi Bai’s kneecap!

Qi Bai’s magical tools and treasures struck Yuan Dasheng, leaving his mechanical body riddled with wounds.

The fierce confrontation was brutal.

But the problem was, Qi Bai was flesh and blood, while Yuan Dasheng was merely a mechanical shell.

In such an exchange, Qi Bai was at an extreme disadvantage!

He tried to create distance, doing everything he could, but all attempts ended in failure.

Qi Bai specialized in controlling ghostly generals and spirits while using spells and magical tools for ranged attacks. That was his main fighting style.

He wasn’t a body cultivator, and his defense relied on the Golden Thread Armor, but after being worn down repeatedly by Ning Zhuo, it had already shattered.

In his fight against Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong, Qi Bai had no weaknesses, but when facing Yuan Dasheng, his flaws were immediately exposed.

“If this continues, I’ll die!”

Qi Bai never expected the situation to turn so quickly.

At that moment, he was pushed to the edge of the cliff, and he could only risk it all in one final desperate move.

Hellfire Ignition!

His entire body ignited with pale blue Hellfire, an incredibly cold flame capable of burning anything to ash.

Qi Bai frantically activated the Heavenly Talent Ghostly Death Eyes and cast the Yellow Springs Protection spell.

The Yellow Springs steamed and hissed under the scorching Hellfire, producing large amounts of vapor, temporarily shielding Qi Bai.

But Yuan Dasheng had no such protection, and his entire body began rapidly disintegrating under the Hellfire.

“This is bad!” Sun Lingtong cried out, extremely anxious.

Yuan Dasheng’s combat power was rapidly decreasing.

If Qi Bai were given time to recover, the situation would surely repeat itself.

Yuan Dasheng suddenly let out a long howl toward the sky!

His entire skeletal frame began to glow brilliantly, radiating dazzling golden light.

Under the protection of the golden light, Yuan Dasheng’s body, which had been almost entirely burned down to a skeleton, remained intact.

Yet he still moved freely!

Immortal Talent—Righteous Bone Gold Frame!!

This was the first time Ning Zhuo had seen Yuan Dasheng use his Immortal Talent.

“Why can Yuan Dasheng use his Immortal Talent even in this new mechanical body?” Ning Zhuo wondered.

Even the terrifying Hellfire couldn’t destroy Yuan Dasheng!

Once again, Yuan Dasheng charged toward Qi Bai, their faces nearly touching.

Yuan Dasheng unleashed his ultimate martial technique.

He reached forward violently.

Seizing a vital point, Qi Bai was utterly horrified, a cold chill running through him.

“Wait…”

Sun-Crushing Hand!

In life, Yuan Dasheng had practiced endlessly, crushing wood balls, stone balls, iron balls…

And now, crushing a human!

So what if Qi Bai was a Golden Core cultivator? Even an immortal would be rendered helpless.

Besides, Qi Bai wasn’t a body cultivator.

Qi Bai's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, his face turning deathly pale as he let out an involuntary howl: "Ohhh—!"

If he were like Han Ming, having practiced the Immortal Zombie Life Creation Method, it might have been a different story.

But now…

The pain, excruciating pain, too much pain—unbearable!

He immediately fainted from the agony!