Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1173: Chapter 445: Confucian Cultivator Qi Fortune (2)

Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng, upon hearing this, were greatly relieved, and both bowed deeply: "We respectfully adhere to Mr. Duanmu’s teachings!"

Leaving this place, Chu Xuangu transmitted thoughts: "As we expected, a rising star of the Righteous Path like Ning Zhuo, an outstanding junior, is certainly someone Mr. Duanmu would value."

Song Taosheng responded with Divine Sense: "Now things are better, our biggest concern is gone, and we can support Ning Zhuo with more confidence."

Chu Xuangu said: "No, according to our previous plan, we will continue to help him twice more!"

"With Mr. Duanmu’s permission, we can easily persuade other fellow cultivators."

Song Taosheng laughed loudly: "Indeed! Since we are aiding him in secret, let’s do it to the utmost! The greater the favor, the better."

Another Cave Mansion.

Bai Jiyun and Kong Ran were exchanging their learnings.

Bai Jiyun slowly said: "The Confucius said, ’Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire,’ which is the foundation of the Path of Forgiveness. However, in my view, if one encounters a strong and tyrannical force, simply retreating and enduring may not be the way a gentleman should behave. Responding with directness to grievances and virtue with virtue reflects the essential balance of strength and gentleness."

Kong Ran nodded, then slightly shook his head: "The ’Ritual Records, Chapter of Ritual’ states: ’Ritual emphasizes reciprocity. If you give without receiving, it is not ritual; coming without returning is also not ritual.’ The Confucius’s Path of Forgiveness is not about unprincipled retreat but moderating oneself with ’ritual.’ When confronting tyranny, one should respond righteously in line with ’ritual,’ allowing the other to understand their limits, rather than retaliating with violence, which falls into a lower strategy."

Bai Jiyun’s eyes gleamed slightly, silently admiring the profound understanding Kong Ran had of their family’s heritage and the ritual’s intricacies, reflecting various classics.

Just as he was about to speak, a Spirit Light piercing through the window lightly hovered above the desk, transforming into a small Jade Talisman.

Both of them extended their Divine Sense to investigate, revealing expressions of interest.

"Ning Zhuo has defeated Ban Ji, haha." Kong Ran clapped his hands in praise.

Ning Zhuo had once treated him to a meal, which made Ning Zhuo a friend in Kong Ran’s eyes. Conversely, Ban Ji, despite being from the Ban Family, practiced the Demon Path and had a notorious past, which made Kong Ran, as a Confucian Cultivator, quite displeased.

The result of Ning Zhuo eliminating Ban Ji was something he relished with delight.

Bai Jiyun lowered the Jade Talisman, carefully reviewing Ning Zhuo’s challenge situation. His tone, carrying a touch of complexity, lamented: "Ning Zhuo indeed is not a Confucian Cultivator. His actions to eliminate Ban Ji, grasping the human heart riddled with calculations and sharpness, lack the moderation of ’harmony before all’."

His nature was laid back and carefree, quite different from Ning Zhuo.

Kong Ran, more fond of excitement, exclaimed: "Hehe, there’s going to be a good show to watch!"

"Geniuses like Ning Zhuo and Ban Ji, in which edition of the Fei Yun Conference haven’t they fought to the death?"

Bai Jiyun acclaimed his words, nodding in agreement: "Indeed. Geniuses competing, it has been like this since ancient times. With their current irreconcilable conflict, deep with resentments... there will likely be a real life-and-death battle at the Xingyun Trial in the Martial Arts Hall in the future."

Kong Ran’s eyes lit up, immediately chiming in: "Speaking of the Martial Arts Hall, there’s an exciting match today."

"Unfortunately, Situ Xing and Zhu Fenxiang haven’t publicly permitted it either and only invited a limited number of people to watch. We can’t see it."

Bai Jiyun gazed out the window, as if seeing the future, his voice growing more solemn: "The Xingyun Trials of past years have varied greatly, and the significance of winning each type is worlds apart."

"To be top of the Xuan Armor Cave is not light, but the Xingyun Trial in the Martial Arts Hall bears even more weight!"

"Geniuses will undoubtedly publicly duel, not just to make a name for themselves but also to vindicate the powers behind them."

"Let’s wait a bit; there will be no shortage of such Martial Arts duels, and we will gradually see them."

Competitions in the Martial Arts Hall do not prohibit life and death.

And in life-and-death battles, a cultivator’s nature, bravery, and most authentic combat power are more vividly displayed.

The geniuses standing at the forefront are the facades and the future of their respective sects and families. They enjoy the glory of being in the spotlight on one side but also bear the unyielding burden and expectations.

They cannot retreat.

Kong Ran calculated the time, muttering: "It’s already Hour of the Monkeys. Has the fight between Situ Xing and Zhu Fenxiang not ended? I am very eager for the result of this duel, having already purchased this intelligence in advance from the Commerce Hall. Eh?"

While speaking, Kong Ran used his Divine Sense to quickly verify Ning Zhuo’s challenge, slightly stunned.

"Ning Zhuo’s learning speed and comprehension are a bit exaggerated, aren’t they?"

"Wait a minute."

Kong Ran naturally thought of the transaction with Ning Zhuo he almost concluded.

"Ning Zhuo said he had a friend who, like me, possesses Early Wisdom Talent."

"So, he previously wanted the Ideograph Brush to trade with me for Divine Power surrounding Early Wisdom Talent."

"Now, it seems his ability to learn might also be due to some kind of talent. The ’friend’ he mentioned may likely be himself?"

Kong Ran kept this speculation hidden in his heart, feeling a bit tempted.

"Before, when I suggested the trade to my father, he flatly refused it."

"But now, if it concerns Ning Zhuo himself, would he agree?"

"Geniuses like Ning Zhuo, with backing from influential forces, are destined to be strong in the future. Keeping a good relationship with such individuals is mutually beneficial."

"This has significant weight... Yes! I’ll write to my father at the first opportunity!"

Kong Ran still couldn’t forget about the Ideograph Brush.

Cardinal Cave Mansion.

From the Nine-layered Profound Armor shimmered seven-colored brilliance, radiant as the aurora, and as silky as satin.

This phenomenon is a manifestation of True Intent and principles.

The seven-colored brilliance traversed the air, ultimately converging into Ning Zhuo’s body.

Ning Zhuo’s brows were tightly furrowed, sweat streamed down his body, he swayed slightly, his face resembling gold, nearing a certain limit.

"The Way of Cardinal!"

"The control of Mechanical Artifacts shouldn’t just be constrained to externals, limited by threads, Hanging Thread, Mana, Divine Sense, etc., but should have their own circulating core, self-regulating..."

One result of this thought is the Mysterious Armor.

When Qingwu Langjun imparted the True Intent of his Mechanical Techniques to Ning Zhuo, he inevitably passed on the mechanism ideas embedded in the Mysterious Armor.

Although there was no clear blueprint or refining technique, Ning Zhuo’s abilities passed muster; given time, he would surely replicate it!

However, Qingwu Langjun cared little for this.

Should he become a Martial God and progress further, he could employ more effective strategies to gather his followers’ understanding of Martial Arts. That is far more efficient than the Mysterious Armor.

To him, the Mysterious Armor was no longer a core interest.

If Ning Zhuo were to craft a Mysterious Armor himself, it would also be a mutually beneficial affair. Xuan Armor Cave’s power couldn’t wish more for everyone to wield a Mysterious Armor.

The seven-colored brilliance in the air slowly dissipated.

Ning Zhuo opened his eyes, visibly exhausted.

Qingwu Langjun, quite pleased with him, saw all as part of his grand advancement in the Martial Arts.

Qingwu Langjun appreciated Ning Zhuo ever more: "Now I am sure; you are indeed a Mechanism Cultivator. Among Refining, Soldier Dao, and Mechanisms, you absorbed the Truths and principles of Mechanisms fastest."

Ning Zhuo rose to express his gratitude: "I sincerely thank Langjun from the depths of my heart!"

Qingwu Langjun shook his head slightly: "It is you who have helped me. Without your unique body, achieving such results would be extremely troublesome for me."

"You may leave now."

"The Xingyun Trial is a major opportunity for you. There’s no need to stay with me any longer."

"In the future, when you join the Myriad Images Sect, we can converse in more detail."

"Take this Jade Token; in the future, you can use it to enter and exit the Cardinal Cave Mansion and meet me directly."

With his heart relaxed, Ning Zhuo sighed in relief over Qingwu Langjun’s sensibility and took the chance to leave.

"Refining Master Level, Military Craftsman Level, Mechanism Master Level!"

"What a huge gain, what a huge gain!"

These are unexpected windfalls.

Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but marvel: "First Qinghuangzi, then Qingwu Langjun... these were the two most beneficial experiences in my participation in the Xingyun Trial. In hindsight, perhaps Ban Ji is my lucky star?"

"Aside from the realm breakthrough, there are also three Truths accompanying me. That my physique could reach such a stage is astonishing! The urgent task is to return to the Cave Mansion and contemplate thoroughly."