Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1397: Chapter 555: Cheating

Standing alongside Ning Zhuo in first place was none other than Zhong Limei.

This old Nascent Soul Level cultivator was one of the Supreme Elders of Danxia Peak, a former Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall, and among the most seasoned Pill Masters in the entire Myriad Images Sect.

"As expected of Elder Zhong!"

"A truly exceptional performance,"

"With you here, we feel assured."

As soon as Zhong Limei entered the arena, he received congratulations from Jiang Ping, Shen Hongyao, Qin Ke, Qing Baizi, and others.

Some gazes turned towards Ning Zhuo.

Having previously been the sole number one, people were instinctively curious about Ning Zhuo’s reaction now that someone matched his standing.

Ning Zhuo remained unfazed and, with a wave of calm composure, cupped his hands in congratulations towards Zhong Limei.

Zhong Limei nodded slightly at Ning Zhuo and then at Jiang Ping and others before joining Tao Liang to converse.

As a Nascent Soul Level cultivator, he meditated alone before taking any action.

Tao Liang, known as the Furnace Immortal, was only at the Golden Core cultivation and generally avoided company. However, being approached by a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator like Zhong Limei, he had to pause his meditation and engage in conversation.

Zhong Limei’s expertise in alchemy was unparalleled, his cultivation far surpassed that of many, and he had just gained favor with the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit. This combination left Tao Liang feeling honored rather than disturbed by the interruption.

Especially since, during their conversation, Zhong Limei voluntarily shared his speculations about the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit and some thoughts on how to gain its favor, which made Tao Liang listen intently and feel greatly rewarded.

Ning Zhuo observed this scene, his eyes flashing with a glimmer of insight.

He speculated, "Danxia Peak is secretly rigging the contest to boost Zhong Limei’s prestige. Among all the cultivators participating in this trial, the Nascent Soul Level cultivation is the highest."

"Zhong Limei’s presence is enough to overshadow the Red Robed Guest, Chun Yangzi, Cang Yazi, the Nine Fire Dragon Lord, and others. Just from this point alone, Danxia Peak will ensure his advancement."

"Zhong Limei likely approached the Furnace Immortal to chat under Danxia Peak’s instructions. The Furnace Immortal is interested in the Nanming Fire Furnace, and Danxia Peak is more interested in him personally."

Ning Zhuo turned his gaze towards the pink light column, his expression unchanged, but he felt a heavy weight in his heart.

"If not for Danxia Peak’s behind-the-scenes manipulation, I would undoubtedly be the winner!"

Ning Zhuo had already used the Life Hanging Thread to control the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, concealing it with Monster Path techniques, ensuring no one else noticed.

The Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit had become Ning Zhuo’s inside ally. Even if others performed better than him later on, he would forcefully control the Vermilion Bird to prevent any reaction, even if they were truly destined ones.

From this alone, Ning Zhuo could eliminate all competitors.

But the problem was that Danxia Peak had its interests, manipulating the situation to their advantage with their home-field advantage.

The key issue was that no cultivators present noticed this secret manipulation!

Because detection techniques were prohibited.

If a cultivator suddenly scanned the Array, what would their intentions be?

If a trial participant did this, it would clearly appear as foul play and an attempt to cheat, wouldn’t it?

If an observer or pure spectator did so, what would they want? Were they distrusting the Myriad Images Sect? Had they been bribed by some trial participants? Were they trying to manipulate things for their gain?

No guessing was needed; Ning Zhuo could conclude with certainty: Danxia Peak would definitely be on high alert against any detection attempts, marking and immediately halting any found in the act, even openly allowing it to demonstrate transparency.

Even if someone detected Danxia Peak’s covert actions, most cultivators wouldn’t dare to point it out.

Jokes aside?!

This is the main mountain gate of the Myriad Images Sect.

Are you risking your life?

Doing so would undermine the Myriad Images Sect’s credibility and reputation, essentially undermining a Righteous Path’s pillar, an act of profound enmity.

Under such circumstances, with no one to accuse or testify, this was extremely troublesome for Ning Zhuo.

He could be sure that by the third round of this trial, it won’t be the last one.

His greatest concern was that the trial would be dragged out until three days later, which would be disastrous.

Buddhist Doctor Meng Yaoyin had clearly told Ning Zhuo: her Monster Path techniques could conceal things, but she also foretold that their concealment couldn’t be guaranteed after three days and might be exposed!

Ning Zhuo had been hesitant to use the Divine Power Life Thread precisely due to fears of its exposure, potentially destroying his reputation and image.

From now on, anyone associating with him would treat him with extreme caution.

This would severely damage and restrict Ning Zhuo’s growth along the Righteous Path.

Ning Zhuo didn’t dare to ensure that no one in the Myriad Images Sect could detect the Life Hanging Thread. The Myriad Images Sect was a super sect, the largest of its kind.

Buddhist Doctor Meng Yaoyin had previously hinted there were Refining Void Level experts hidden in the main mountain gate.

Moreover, this was during the current Feiyun Conference, with talents from all over gathered here.

"I will not take such risks after three days."

"If this situation arises, I would have to... destroy the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit!"

Ning Zhuo had already made up his mind.

The Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, with its Spiritual Wisdom, would inevitably leak information about someone possessing the Life Hanging Divine Power and secretly controlling it.

Ning Zhuo couldn’t risk such a critical clue being exposed, especially with divination experts certainly present within the Myriad Images Sect!