Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1319: Chapter 516: Golden Seal Jade Book (Part 2)

On the left, Master Tuoba of Ten Thousand Beasts Peak sat.

His towering physique was almost bursting the chair, the ancient bronze skin bore a fierce claw scar slashing from the left corner of his forehead to the right cheek, crossing the bridge of his nose. His black hair and beard, dense like a lion’s mane, grew wildly covering half his face, but couldn’t hide his sharp, hawk-like crimson eyes.

Heat emanated from his body, even while seated, a scorching aura filled the air.

On the right, present-day Peak Master Wang Yu of Danxia Peak sat with a smile.

The Danxia patterns flowed on his cloud-patterned Daoist robe, a horsetail whisk rested on his arm, displaying an ease and harmony. He glanced at Wei Ji, then Tuoba Huang, a profound gleam flashed in his eyes.

What the three were discussing was Zhao Hansheng and Qin De’s debate matter.

Tuoba Huang laughed heartily: "That scholar surnamed Zhao with his Heart Learning, lecturing all day long, I’ve long found him disagreeable! Now he’s been defeated by Qin De, scurrying out of Myriad Images Sect, what a relief."

His laughter echoed in the room.

Wei Ji’s expression remained unchanged, he merely nodded slightly.

"Qin De defeating Zhao Hansheng was indeed unexpected." His voice was flat, without discernible emotion, "For Myriad Images Sect, it is a good thing."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yu smiled and nodded: "Master Wei is right. If Confucian cultivators grow too swiftly within the sect, it might not be favorable for our peaks. With Qin De as ballast, they can’t stir up much trouble."

Tuoba Huang grinned, showing his stark white teeth: "If you ask me, finding the right way to rid Myriad Images Sect of all those scholars would be best! Get rid of Duanmu Zhang, Chu Xuangu, Song Taosheng... make it peaceful!"

Wei Ji and Wang Yu exchanged a glance, both smiling wryly.

It’s impossible.

Years ago, the previous Sect Leader of Myriad Images Sect personally invited Duanmu Zhang to join Myriad Images Sect.

This is well known, and people in the Confucian sect praised the former Sect Leader for his respect for scholars.

The fact is, Duanmu Zhang was practically poached from Feiyun Country by Myriad Images Sect.

If Myriad Images Sect were to drive out this group of Confucian cultivators, the loss would be too great.

First, people would think it was the previous Myriad Images Sect Leader’s mistake. Since he invited Duanmu Zhang, how could it be the fault of the current Sect Leader when Duanmu Zhang is expelled?

Secondly, Myriad Images Sect would lose its credibility as a righteous sect and be deemed untrustworthy. Those considering joining Myriad Images Sect would rethink, thus shaking the very foundation of the sect!

Thirdly, Myriad Images Sect would be seen as harboring malice toward Confucian cultivators.

Huazhang Country itself is a powerful nation, and the Confucian cultivator group scattered throughout the cultivation kingdoms is growing. In the entire cultivation world, it is becoming an increasingly formidable force.

If Myriad Images Sect expels the Confucian cultivators within, it would create a clear political statement, provoking hostility from all Confucian cultivators in the cultivation world.

The scattered Confucian cultivators would undoubtedly use various methods, directly or indirectly, to encourage countries to distance themselves from Myriad Images Sect.

Myriad Images Sect would immediately face a multitude of potential enemies.

And what would they gain?

Only the expulsion of some Confucian cultivators, not even eradicating their influence on Myriad Images Sect.

The problem is, the current influence of the Confucian cultivator group on Myriad Images Sect isn’t significant. Thanks to Qin De, Myriad Images Sect has been very successful in suppressing Confucian cultivators.

If Myriad Images Sect were to expel Duanmu Zhang and others, it would result in more harm than good, causing many unpredictable negative repercussions.

There was a brief silence in the chamber.

Wang Yu spoke: "The Confucian cultivator group isn’t the focus, I’m rather having new doubts about Qin De."

Wei Ji and Tuoba Huang looked at him.

Wang Yu continued: "His grasp of demonic studies far exceeds previous estimations. In this debate, the magic principles he utilized were intricate and deep, carrying a grand atmosphere."

Tuoba Huang was indifferent: "Qin De is a genius; otherwise, he wouldn’t have created the ’Saint Thief Scripture.’ After being confined for thirty years, tirelessly pondering over his heresies, coming up with something new isn’t strange."

Wei Ji shook his head slightly.

He stated: "Zhao Hansheng is a Great Scholar renowned in Huazhang Country. This time entering Myriad Images Sect with the prestige of new Heart Learning, he publicly lectured several times, demonstrating his strength. After meeting him for the first time, Duanmu Zhang willingly stood down."

"Indeed, Duanmu Zhang seeks assistance, hoping to use Heart Learning to remove Qin De as ballast."

"But this also shows Duanmu Zhang’s confidence in Heart Learning and Zhao Hansheng!"

Wei Ji looked at Tuoba Huang: "We conducted discussions about Qin De based on the premise of ’Qin De’s inevitable defeat.’ We all thought Zhao Hansheng would surely win. What is the outcome now?"

Tuoba Huang was silent, slowly nodding: "Master Wei makes valid points. Qin De does need to be reassessed."

Wei Ji turned to Wang Yu: "What are your thoughts, Peak Master Wang?"

Wang Yu smiled slightly, gently waving the horsetail whisk: "Perhaps I should personally carry out a Soul Search on Qin De."

Wei Ji and Tuoba Huang both showed subtle changes in expression.

Though the Soul Searching Technique has its dangers, Qin De himself isn’t a member of Myriad Images Sect, but a prisoner, a tool.

Leaving some danger, then so be it?

After pondering briefly, Wei Ji and Tuoba Huang both agreed.

The main topics settled, the three relaxed.

Wang Yu lifted a tea cup, sipping lightly, suddenly said: "Speaking of which, recently the young one named Ning Zhuo has been quite active."

Wang Yu looked at Wei Ji, smiling: "That kid recently swept through many array formation trials, Nine Curves Corridor Array, Earth Fire Abundant Field Formation, Wind Thunder Formation, Five Elements Rotation Formation, Five-layered Gate Formation, Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Root Formation, Illusion Sea Formation, Heavenly Gang Beidou Formation, Qiankun Shift Formation... one after another, almost always taking first place. I heard he even had contact with your peak’s Wenren Yan?"

Wei Ji’s face stayed the same, he succinctly replied: "Indeed. Wenren Yan is very interested in him, has privately met with him."

Wang Yu raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Does Heavy Array Peak have intentions to recruit him?"

Wei Ji looked deeply at Wang Yu, didn’t answer directly but turned to Tuoba Huang.

Tuoba Huang’s expression was not looking good.

Everyone present understood the reason.

Tuoba Huang publicly gave Ning Zhuo a batch of heavy gifts, and openly declared it was merely a gift, not requiring Ning Zhuo like Zhong Dao did.

At that time, Tuoba Huang had a good impression of Ning Zhuo, having learned Ning Zhuo, to some extent, rejected Zhong Dao.

Meanwhile, having Wang Yu’s hint, didn’t want to see Ning Zhuo join the Evil Slaying Hall.

Also wanted to suppress Zhong Dao, as payback for making him uncomfortable during the Eight Peaks discussion.

Who knew, the heavy gifts sent were returned by Ning Zhuo publicly.

This move undoubtedly made Tuoba Huang lose face, naturally kindling Tuoba Huang’s displeasure.

But after all, he is the junior; Tuoba Huang might trouble Zhong Dao, but dealing with a Foundation Establishment cultivator would further damage his reputation.

Thus, he could only bottle up this resentment.

Wei Ji said to Tuoba Huang: "What Heavy Array Peak can offer Ning Zhuo, can’t compare to what Master Tuoba offered initially."

He paused, his voice still calm: "Perhaps that’s why he is unwilling to join Heavy Array Peak."

He touched on the uneasiness.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Tuoba Huang issued a cold snort.

Tuoba Huang: "Ning Zhuo is too slick, clearly waiting for the highest offer, I don’t like him."

Wang Yu laughed heartily upon hearing this.

Wei Ji regarded him with a calm and distant gaze: "Peak Master Wang is so attentive to Ning Zhuo, does Danxia Peak also have intentions to recruit him?"

Wang Yu retracted his smile, quickly waving his hand: "How could that be?"

"Master Wei jests," he said, "Although Ning Zhuo is exceptionally talented, he lacks skill in alchemy. My Danxia Peak desires alchemy talents, not array talents or mechanism talents, nor are Dao De standards high. I merely mentioned, that’s all. Ning Zhuo, this child, is not what I seek."

In the chamber, tea fragrance lingered.

At this moment, the jade pendants on the three simultaneously vibrated, emitting piercing brilliance.

The expressions of the three changed, Divine Sense penetrated the jade pendants, knowing it was an urgent summons from the Myriad Images Sect Leader.

"The Heavenly Cloud Cover Township Spirit Treasure has undergone change!"

"Is something threatening our sect?"

"Quick, let us go!"