Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Sun Lingtong's silence made Ning Zhuo feel a bit awkward.

He hurriedly changed the topic, "Alright, let’s not talk about this. I have something important to discuss."

"Boss, I plan to go all out and refine a Mechanical Ape."

"A Golden Core-level Mechanical Ape!"

Even though Sun Lingtong had always fully supported Ning Zhuo, upon hearing this, he still felt that Ning Zhuo's idea was somewhat fanciful.

If it were a Foundation Establishment cultivator creating a Golden Core-level item, it would only be one level apart, and there would still be a chance of success with some difficulty.

But Ning Zhuo was still in the Qi Refining stage and outwardly only displayed the cultivation of the third layer of Qi Refining.

To surpass an entire realm and refine a Golden Core-level mechanical construct?

"What will you use to refine it?" Sun Lingtong asked directly.

Ning Zhuo chuckled, "Even though my cultivation is a bit low, there are others who can refine it for me."

Sun Lingtong asked again, "Can you persuade a Golden Core cultivator to help you?"

Ning Zhuo shrugged, "I can get someone at the Foundation Establishment stage to forcefully refine a Golden Core-level construct. It’s doable."

"I plan to ask the Zheng Family to refine the components, the Ning Family to create the talismans, and the Zhou Family to set up the formations."

Sun Lingtong thought for a moment, starting to understand, "You know, you might actually be able to pull this off."

He stared at Ning Zhuo with wide eyes, "With your current reputation and connections, you really might succeed!"

"But if you ask others for help, won’t your mechanical designs be leaked again?"

Ning Zhuo nodded, "I've thought about that."

"I’ll have them each refine different mechanical parts and components."

"I’ll personally refine the key components and ensure they’re kept strictly confidential."

"In the end, I’ll personally assemble everything and turn it into a Golden Core-level mechanical construct!"

Sun Lingtong’s eyes lit up as he realized, "Yes, this is a mechanical construct, not a magic weapon or a regular weapon. It’s not a single entity; it can be split into parts."

"This is indeed feasible!"

Ning Zhuo continued, "Additionally, there aren’t any particularly intricate designs for this Mechanical Ape."

"I’ll be using some classic structures."

"The key is to use premium materials!"

"I’ll use almost all the Golden Core-level materials I have on hand to create this Mechanical Ape!"

Ning Zhuo indeed had quite a bit of Golden Core-level materials at his disposal.

Some came from what Sun Lingtong had accumulated over the years in the black market, another portion came from Qi Bai’s storage bag, and a third portion was extorted from the Ning Family Patriarch not long ago.

If there were still any materials missing, Ning Zhuo could even trade with the Zhou Family, Zheng Family, or secretly with Fei Si.

At this point, he was no longer the marginalized figure he once was.

Becoming the master of the black market and participating in the joint operations of the three major families had already allowed him to leverage various resources for his own use.

Sun Lingtong said, "Over the years, as the black market leader, I’ve accumulated quite a few good materials."

"I’ll take them out now for you to use in your refining."

"But how will you give these materials to the others for refining? Have you thought about that?"

Ning Zhuo responded, "I’ve thought about it."

He took out a map, spread it out, and pointed to a specific location for Sun Lingtong.

"I plan to set up an operation here, destroy the warehouse, and find a large cache of treasure in the underground chamber. Publicly, I’ll claim that it’s your old treasure trove. What do you think?"

Sun Lingtong carefully asked a few more questions, then thought it over for a moment, "The clues and testimony are all perfectly arranged. However, with such a sudden large windfall, you’ll need to consume these treasures quickly, or else the longer they sit around, the more greed and coveting they’ll attract."

"I understand, Boss!" Ning Zhuo nodded heavily.

Sun Lingtong suddenly smiled.

Ning Zhuo looked up, puzzled, "Boss, what’s the matter?"

Sun Lingtong stroked his chin, "I used to look down on the so-called righteous cultivators, thinking most of them were hypocrites."

"But now, looking at you, I suddenly find that mingling with the righteous path can actually be quite convenient."

Ning Zhuo laughed heartily, "The righteous path isn’t something to mingle in."

"I believe it’s more of a positive life attitude."

"You see, those from the demonic path are always fighting and killing each other, risking life and death. It’s too dangerous and unpleasant."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I prefer seeing people get along, seeking common ground while respecting differences. Even when there are conflicts, they can tolerate each other, co-exist peacefully, and enjoy the beauty of cultivation."

Ning Zhuo spoke earnestly.

At that moment, Sun Lingtong realized the naivety in Ning Zhuo and remembered that he was only a sixteen-year-old boy.

"Have you found it?" Sun Lingtong asked.

Ning Zhuo: "Hmm?"

Sun Lingtong: "Have you thought about what your situation will be after you obtain the Lava Immortal Palace? By that time, have you found a way to peacefully coexist with the other people and forces?"

"Uh…" Ning Zhuo fell silent.

Sun Lingtong’s expression turned serious, "Zhuo, I know you. With your nature, you always think ahead."

"So, what have you figured out?"

Ning Zhuo smiled bitterly, "I’m trying…"

Sun Lingtong interrupted, "So, you're trying to use ‘Life Hanging by a Thread’ to build your own power, hoping that by leveraging the family’s strength, you can force the various factions in the Immortal City to acknowledge you as the master of the palace?"

"Heh."

Sun Lingtong sneered, "You’re too naive!"

"Even I know that this simply won’t work."

"Neither the Ning Family, nor the Zhou Family, nor the Zheng Family has any reliable connections in the Southern Dou Court."

"The Lava Immortal Palace is such a great treasure, essential for suppressing Mount Huoshi, the foundation of Huoshi Immortal City, and its residents. Southern Dou will never allow you to control the palace."

"Just like the Recruitment Decree said, they’ll force you to relinquish the position of city lord and make you hand over the palace before they stop!"

"Don’t hold onto unrealistic fantasies!"

"Zhuo!"

"Since you’ve taken this path, there’s no turning back. You must be decisive in your actions, or you’ll bring harm to yourself and others."

"In the future, if you seize the Immortal Palace, immediately control it and leave this place!"

"I know what you're worried about."

"The Immortal City’s protective formation will still function. It can continue to suppress the volcano."

"Southern Dou will undoubtedly intervene with full force, as Huoshi Immortal City has countless foundations and citizens."

Sun Lingtong's words plunged Ning Zhuo into deep silence.

Sun Lingtong had seen through Ning Zhuo’s thoughts and plans and gave him the most appropriate advice.

The next day.

Ning Zhuo’s residence.

In the underground cultivation chamber.

Ning Zhuo was enveloped in floating clouds, his expression solemn as he took out the Harmonization Talismans.

The Harmonization Talisman was a rectangular strip of paper, resembling yellow jade, with red edges around it. In the center of the yellow paper was a long series of intricate symbols.

The symbols coiled like dragons and serpents from top to bottom, with three silver rings representing the three seas: the Sea of Spirit in the upper dantian, the Sea of Qi in the middle dantian, and the Sea of Essence in the lower dantian.

A straight line ran between the rings, gleaming with golden light, resembling both a sword and a bridge, connecting the three rings.

Ning Zhuo calmed his mind and focused, holding the talisman in front of him.

He operated his mana, channeling it into the talisman.

The talisman began to emit light, and soon the talisman paper self-ignited, turning into ash in an instant.

Amidst the smoke and flames, the talisman's brilliance swiftly entered Ning Zhuo’s Sea of Qi in his chest.

Following the same method, Ning Zhuo used two more talismans, sending their light respectively into the Sea of Spirit in his brow and the Sea of Essence in his abdomen.

With the three talismans working together, they resonated with each other.

Ning Zhuo’s three vital energies—essence, qi, and spirit—each emitted a mysterious aura, slowly intertwining and merging together, eventually permeating into the other two dantians.

This state continued for the time it takes to brew a pot of tea before gradually subsiding.

"The Harmonization Talisman… its effect is truly remarkable!"

This type of talisman was specifically used to harmonize the three dantians.

For a Qi Refining cultivator preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, this step was crucial.

Doing so could significantly increase the success rate of breaking through in cultivation.

"But since I’m cultivating the Three Sects’ techniques, I have to use the Harmonization Talisman before I reach the seventh layer."

"For those cultivating a single dantian, they only need one talisman. But

I need three at once!"

"Still, to be honest, it’s very effective."

Ning Zhuo carefully sensed the changes in his body, realizing that the resonance between his essence, qi, and spirit had become noticeably different from before.

Previously, it was as if three individuals were breathing independently, their breaths out of sync, like separate entities. But now, the three vital energies were working together, synchronized, as if they were one entity in three parts.

To be safe, Ning Zhuo used another set of three talismans, perfectly harmonizing the coordination between his essence, qi, and spirit.

"Now is the time!"

Ning Zhuo’s face showed a determined expression, and he focused all his attention, simultaneously activating the techniques from the Three Sects.

Sea of Spirit—Mirror Platform Spirit Technique!

Sea of Qi—The Five Elements Qi Regulation Art!

Sea of Essence—Demonic Blood Tendon Technique!

With all three techniques activated at once, his cultivation, which had been at the peak of the sixth layer, finally broke through, advancing to the seventh layer all at once.

Three Seas Reaching the Seventh Layer!

Ning Zhuo had officially entered the late stage of Qi Refining.

Moreover, with the blessing of the Three Sects’ techniques, his overall strength far exceeded that of cultivators at the same level.

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit had been watching Ning Zhuo.

Seeing this scene, the spirit's expression grew extremely solemn.

This little monster!

He had both natural talent and extraordinary skills in mechanics, coupled with creative brilliance.

He possessed the great treasure of the Immortal Palace—the Buddha Heart Demon Seal!

While still in the middle stage of Qi Refining, he had mastered a complete divine ability—Life Hanging by a Thread!

Now, he had even advanced to the late stage of Qi Refining.

So fast, too fast!

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit was filled with emotion, amazement, and a trace of unease.

It glanced at Meng Chong.

Meng Chong was also in the cultivation chamber, cultivating furiously.

Electric light surrounded him, clearly showing that he had activated the celestial ability, Wild Sprint Thunderclap, accelerating the refinement of his mana.

"I broke through!" he suddenly opened his eyes, "Haha, I’ve reached the fourth layer of Qi Refining."

He walked out of the cultivation chamber, immediately receiving countless words of praise.

Everyone congratulated Meng Chong.

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit gritted its teeth in frustration, its claws scratching the ground, wanting to rush over and roar in their ears, "You idiots!"

"Someone has already reached the seventh layer, the seventh layer!!"

"And you still think you’re leading the pack?"

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit was filled with anger, but at the same time, a growing sense of helplessness overwhelmed it.

It was bound and not free!

It couldn’t reveal any information about the trial disciples, its authority was too limited.

As the only spirit with a clear understanding of the overall situation, it watched as Ning Zhuo drew closer and closer to it, step by step, making it feel—fear!

"Don’t come any closer, don’t come any closer."

"Someone, notice him, quickly realize who’s hiding the deepest!"