Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1304: Chapter 509: Cultivation

Zhao Hansheng’s residence.

"Hmm?" The jade pendant at his waist trembled lightly again.

But this time, the feeling it brought was entirely different.

This was not a warning, but a reminder.

"Hmm? As I sit in the room, does good fortune come from the heavens?" The pendant’s spiritual mechanism stirred Zhao Hansheng, simultaneously plunging him into confusion.

Soon, Duanmu Zhang’s figure slowly appeared.

Zhao Hansheng was surprised to see him arrive privately and use stealth techniques. In his memory, Duanmu Zhang’s personality was rigid, always acting straightforwardly, yet this time he changed his usual style, acting cautiously.

This was very uncommon.

"Could it be that my good fortune lies with him?"

Zhao Hansheng’s heart stirred slightly, and he rose to greet him.

"Daoist Brother Duanmu, your grand visit, apologies for not welcoming you from afar." Zhao Hansheng performed the Confucian rites.

Generally speaking, among cultivators, the most common gesture is to clasp fists and bow. In solemn occasions, it’s a Daoist salute. Here, since both are Confucian cultivators, this ceremony is more suitable.

Duanmu Zhang returned the courtesy: "Fellow Daoist Hansheng, no need for formalities. I have come uninvited to discuss an important matter."

Zhao Hansheng smiled slightly, inviting Duanmu Zhang into the cave mansion.

The two settled at the stone table, with Zhao Hansheng personally pouring the tea.

Duanmu Zhang didn’t beat around the bush, directly stating his intention.

After hearing him, Zhao Hansheng’s eyes flashed with brilliance, then returned to normal.

"Qin De... ’Saint Thief Scripture’..." He murmured to himself, feeling a surge of joy in his heart, privately thinking, "Yes, yes. This is my fortune!"

Duanmu Zhang sighed, showing a grim expression: "This villain has been imprisoned in the depths of the Cloud Prison for thirty years. But his heretical doctrine persists like a festering wound, difficult to eradicate. I have pondered long and hard and can only ask Fellow Daoist Zhao to take action, to theoretically confront him and crush him with Heart Learning!"

Zhao Hansheng, being also a Great Scholar, understood the cause and effect through their conversation.

"The size of the Confucian Cultivator Group of the Myriad Images Sect is not large; that’s what held them back."

"The Myriad Images Sect captured Qin De but didn’t kill him, using this handle to restrain Duanmu Zhang and others."

"And Duanmu Zhang left Huazhang Country to spread Confucianism. He was originally supposed to serve Flying Cloud Country, but it was the previous Sect Master of the Myriad Images Sect who personally invited him, leading to his eventual residence at the Myriad Images Sect."

"No wonder he welcomes our master and student, opening doors of convenience for me. I see!"

"This is an excellent opportunity, an excellent opportunity indeed!"

Thinking of this, Zhao Hansheng looked at Duanmu Zhang with a serious expression: "Daoist Brother Duanmu, this matter is of grave importance. Although Qin De is imprisoned, I’ve never heard of the ’Saint Thief Scripture.’ Here, the Confucian cultivators look up to Daoist Brother Duanmu, and for so many years, have not debated him down. I am new here; how can I take on such a responsibility?"

Duanmu Zhang looked at him, his gaze steady: "Mr. Zhao, if you are unwilling, I will not force you."

At this point, he chuckled.

We are all adept; he saw in an instant that Zhao Hansheng’s heart was already moved, and he must be moved. The refusal just now was a negotiation tactic.

Duanmu Zhang paused, speaking meaningfully: "If successful, Fellow Daoist Hansheng’s status among us Confucian cultivators will be unshakable!"

"Oh? Please elaborate." Zhao Hansheng leisurely propped up the tea, taking a gentle sip.

Soon after.

Zhao Hansheng personally escorted Duanmu Zhang out of the cave mansion with courtesy.

Duanmu Zhang left the "Saint Thief Scripture" to Zhao Hansheng.

Zhao Hansheng, before parting, assured Duanmu Zhang: "Although I am new here, I am also a disciple of Confucianism. Qin De, this villain, defiles the sages, earning the wrath of gods and men alike. How can I, Zhao, stand by idly? This time, I will debate scripture with all my might to clear barriers for our Confucian cultivators!"

Duanmu Zhang sighed again: "Then I entrust it to you, fellow Daoist."

Returning to the cave mansion, Zhao Hansheng began meticulously studying the "Saint Thief Scripture."

Know yourself and the enemy, and you will be invincible in a hundred battles.

"This time, I must debate scripture and win, thereby truly mastering these Confucian cultivator groups. The merits obtained might be arranged for Qing’er."

"Let’s take a look at the heretical doctrine content first."

Bluestone Cave Mansion.

Ning Zhuo was engaging in his daily practice.

His divine sense submerged into the Divine Sea of the Upper Dantian, his thoughts like countless small mirrors suspended between heaven and earth.

As Ning Zhuo contemplated, these mirror-like thoughts rose and fell, living continually.

Ning Zhuo slowly opened his eyes, releasing a large number of mechanical mirrors, diverse in type. He deployed his divine sense, manipulating these mechanical flying mirrors, practicing various techniques.

Previously, he swept through formations and found that divine sense paired with mechanical flying mirrors was quite practical. Therefore, afterward, he specifically increased this exercise in his daily lessons.

Of course, the practice duration was very short.

After a moment, Ning Zhuo gathered his divine sense and flying mirrors, switching to the Five Elements Qi Regulation Art.

Five Elements Life and Death Technique!

Gold generates Water, Water generates Wood, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Gold. In an instant, the five elements cycle, doubling mana.

Gold beats Wood, Wood beats Earth, Earth beats Water, Water beats Fire, Fire beats Gold. In an instant, the five elements reverse, reducing mana.

Between life and death, all exists within the mind.

Ning Zhuo operated the Five Elements Life and Death Technique repeatedly, maintaining his touch.

As the saying goes, familiarity breeds skill, and skill breeds ingenuity.

Even with the Five Internal Organs Temple Spirit God’s blessing, Ning Zhuo’s Five Elements Realm is profoundly enigmatic; even executing unfamiliar spells can be extremely precise and proficient.

However, this is just proficiency, not yet reaching a state of ingenuity.

The vast majority of Five Elements Magic, Ning Zhuo has no time to practice them. But Lifebound Techniques still require some time and energy investment.

This is worthwhile.

After practicing the Five Elements Qi Regulation Art, Ning Zhuo focused on the Demon-infused Bloodline Technique!

He used essence blood, elevating blood qi, weaving various blood vessels and adding them throughout his body.