Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1025: Chapter 374: Confucian Cultivator’s Trial

Ning Zhuo put down the jade slip of the academy notes, furrowing his brows and murmuring, "This won’t do..."

"My perception in formation is not as good as Elder Brother, and I’m afraid it’s not as good as Shen Xi either."

"In talisman making, I’m not as good as Qing Chi. There must be many geniuses of my age leaving me behind."

"Speaking of which, I feel quite ashamed. My Ning Family is skilled in talisman making, yet I can’t even research these two demon talismans thoroughly."

"If I don’t find some methods, my cultivation will always lag behind."

"Moreover, my three cultivation techniques are closely linked with mechanical techniques. Mother also urged me to major in mechanical techniques. As mechanical techniques are a collection of the Cultivation Hundred Skills, I must learn all of them!"

"My perception isn’t great. With this learning speed, how can I master the Hundred Skills? It would take forever!"

Just as he thought about this, a flying message followed Ning Zhuo’s aura and flew outside the Bluestone Cave Mansion.

Sensing the flying message, Ning Zhuo immediately manipulated the token to slightly open the mansion’s door, letting the message in.

The flying message shuttled inside the mansion and finally landed in Ning Zhuo’s hand.

Ning Zhuo checked it first, finding no tricks, only then did he probe it with his divine sense.

"Indeed, it’s a letter from Wen Ruanyu." The mana aura on the flying message had already revealed the sender’s identity.

Wen Ruanyu mentioned in the second letter that his time on duty lasted longer than expected. According to the current trend, he has to be under house arrest for a while.

Based on various hints, Wen Ruanyu could confirm that different factions within the Myriad Images Sect were actively trying to interfere with the White Paper Immortal City.

Previously, it was only a few major factions; now, many minor factions are squeezing in whenever there’s a chance.

The reason was that some weaker factions from before actively brought in minor factions as helpers. Consequently, this led to leaks of information.

Wen Ruanyu used coded language to warn Ning Zhuo: his existence was not far from being exposed. Although Wen Ruanyu tried to hide it, this secrecy was nearing its limit.

Wen Ruanyu urged Ning Zhuo to make more preparations.

Additionally, he proactively found a way out for Ning Zhuo—

"Though I’m forced to stay home, I’ve connected with old acquaintances and learned much about the real internal situations of various sects."

Wen Ruanyu didn’t elaborate much here; discussing such matters in the letter was inconvenient. He only advised Ning Zhuo not to casually involve himself in the internal conflicts of the Myriad Images Sect.

Especially the former Four Peaks.

Anything related to Purple Thunder Peak in the former Four Peaks must be extremely cautious!

Wen Ruanyu’s reminder aligned with Ning Zhuo’s insight.

Ning Zhuo was steadier than he thought.

"It’s a pity I cannot send a flying message to Wen Ruanyu. He must be worried for a while."

Wen Ruanyu could send flying messages to Ning Zhuo because he had channels, old ties that allowed him to conceal for a while.

If Ning Zhuo were to send a flying message to him, it would be akin to self-exposure.

At the end of the flying message, Wen Ruanyu mentioned, "Within Myriad Images Sect, the number of Confucian cultivators is moderate, but they’ve always been tight-knit, befriending with literature and frequent exchanges."

"This time at the minor trial of flying clouds, many cultivators within the group are selecting juniors to draw new blood for the Confucian circle."

"Friend Ning, even though you have major cultivation techniques, you cannot also cultivate Confucian magic techniques. But I’ve made arrangements, you can join the Confucian cultivator group through this minor trial. In a short time, they will offer you some protection."

"Of course, they won’t come forward themselves, only caring for you secretly."

Ning Zhuo understood the caution of these Confucian cultivators.

He and Wen Ruanyu would become the vortex center of internal sect conflicts, with various factions competing and strategizing around them.

If they get involved too early, these Confucian cultivators would also be entangled in the storm.

As a Confucian group, they usually observe the situation. Those leading the charge are often not people like them.

But Ning Zhuo was quite satisfied!

Wen Ruanyu was capable!

He was indeed one of our own!

From Wen Ruanyu’s arrangements and the response from the Confucian cultivators, this group was not large within the Myriad Images Sect. If they truly had significant backing, the Confucian group would have fought for Ning Zhuo long ago.

The benefits of White Paper Immortal City are indeed substantial!

The cultivation techniques of Confucian cultivators are already established; they can’t fully change to cultivate the Myriad Phenomena Scripture, so most are also cultivating concurrently.

Confucian cultivators have their own pursuits or their path has already faced certain limitations. Due to this, entering the core layer of Myriad Images Sect is difficult.

Even so, the Confucian group was willing to protect Ning Zhuo, using the minor trial to care for him. This method was very clever.

Because this is the rule of the Myriad Images Sect.

Using rules to apply personal interests is also the tendency of Confucian cultivators when handling affairs—easy and safe.

"The Confucian group is somewhat ambiguous in status, and can’t be a suitable entry point for me joining the Myriad Images Sect."

"But since Wen Ruanyu recommended and arranged it, I should go!"

"In the short term, gaining their protection is beneficial to me."

"And... among the myriad cultivation families, Confucianism is most skilled in learning! Perhaps I might find a way to accelerate mastering the Cultivation Hundred Skills there."

The Four Arts of the Gentleman—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—are almost standard for Confucian cultivators.

In other words, as a Confucian cultivator, at least four skills should be mastered, and the more profound the better. This does not include the traditional Four Great Arts of pill, tool, formation, and talisman.

Confucian cultivators learn so much, far exceeding ordinary schools. One reason is Confucianism has significant research results in learning itself.

Many Confucian skills are designed specifically for learning.

The next day.

Dianmo Peak.

The dark rock wall is filled with natural ink marks, black pines stand tall, mountain mist is moist, and the path twists like a green jade belt.