Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1429: Chapter 578: Young People Don’t Know Their Own Limits

In the late stage of the battle with Situ Xing, Ning Zhuo used a large number of Mechanical Golden Swallows and Silent Thunderbirds. Although they charged the formation without shaking the Star Sword Formation, the actual results were excellent—Situ Xing had to expend more Divine Sense to control the Star Sword, attacking and defending simultaneously, ultimately becoming fatigued and pushed to the limit, unable to hold on.

The [Empty Valley Sound Green Mechanism Tube] contains many avian mechanisms, which Ning Zhuo can effectively pair with the Azure Bamboo Armor of a Hundred Transformations and the Hundred-Segment Langgan Whip, among others.

"In a short time, by developing according to this combat strategy, I will certainly be able to greatly enhance conventional combat power."

"In terms of close combat, the concept of the Defensive Wheel Slash Formation is good, but it’s too insufficient to fight against opponents like Situ Xing."

The direction for enhancement in this area is clear, with two obvious paths.

"Firstly, find Qingwu Langjun to purchase more high-quality Mysterious Armor. Secondly, gather similar battle formations for study and mastery."

"The Humbleheart Broken-Blade Guard is useful but lacks spiritual nature, requiring constant control from me."

"The Green Forest Python Chariot is indeed agile, but its base lacks strength, failing to reach the Golden Core level. In actual combat, I still have to use talismans to shield it. This area can also be improved."

...

Ning Zhuo’s thoughts became increasingly profound.

He is striving to enhance his combat power—the faster and more substantial, the better.

To enhance combat power, there are two main considerations.

One is inherent power, the other is the application of skills.

An inherent power of a hundred naturally surpasses a cultivator with a power of ten.

If skills are strong, they can bring out power to the fullest, even multiplying it, akin to a lever.

Situ Xing uses the sword formation to break through to Golden Core combat power. Ning Zhuo employs the Azure-Iron Han Armor: Golden Swallow Type to instantly attain Golden Core combat power.

The former uses formation and sword-dao techniques, the latter uses mechanical techniques.

Beast Taming Skill is also typical.

If a Foundation Establishment Cultivator can command a Golden Core-level demon beast, they immediately possess Golden Core combat power.

However, skills are not omnipotent. Any technique that acts as a leverage for combat power not only requires a cultivator’s years of hard practice but also comes with its own weaknesses.

These weaknesses are often hard to hide, and if targeted, a cultivator’s performance may suffer.

For instance, Ning Zhuo defeating Situ Xing is partly because Ning Zhuo has a master-level Array Dao, allowing him to easily discern various truths amidst illusions.

If a cultivator breaks the connection between a cultivator and their beast pet, it might even lead to the pet turning against its former master.

"Thus, inherent power is the foundation, the king’s way."

"Don’t be fooled by Tao Liang’s simple thoughts; his inherent power is actually ample. The ’Embrace Pill and Become Immortal Skill’ can elevate a cultivator’s realm in all aspects without any shortcomings."

"Truly in battle, Tao Liang’s combat power should not be underestimated!"

"Alas, with this Demon-infused Bloodline Technique, I have yet to comprehend the qualitative change node."

Ning Zhuo also wants to increase inherent power, but is hindered by demon skills.

In this aspect, he can only continuously comprehend, practice, and gradually master.

This is the Water Grinding Technique.

It inevitably requires time, and cannot be achieved overnight.

Fortunately, Ning Zhuo has never given up, maintaining a daily commitment to comprehend the Demon-infused Bloodline Technique tirelessly.

"The rumor at Flowing Cloud Peak is bound to stir up waves."

"In three days, forming an alliance, I as a core member will surely not be peaceful, facing many challenges."

"Mother has pointed out, this is the best way to alleviate tribulation fate, and also the fastest path to progress, so of course I cannot give up."

"The conflict at Flowing Cloud Peak differs from the Xingyun Trial or the Feiyun Conference."

"At that time, a life and death battle is inevitable!"

"It’s no matter."

"I also need to establish my footing with battle achievements, to show my might, only then can people truly regard and respect me!"

With the situation’s change, Ning Zhuo is determined to show his fangs, carving out a new path for development.

Evil Slaying Hall.

Zhong Dao buried his head in handling affairs while listening to the reports from his subordinates.

When it came to Ning Zhuo, the subordinate’s speech noticeably hesitated: "There’s some gossip leaking, saying Ning Zhuo wants to gather numerous cultivators in three days, forming an alliance to participate in the Flowing Cloud Peak battle."

"I sent people to verify and discovered the source of the news is a cultivator named Chen San. He has secret contacts with Ning Zhuo, speculating he is highly likely Ning Zhuo’s subordinate."

The Evil Slaying Hall is responsible for striking down evil demons and outsiders within Flying Cloud Country, uncovering the relationship between Ning Zhuo and Chen San is just trivial matter.

Zhong Dao paused in his handling of affairs.

The reporting subordinate held his breath; another cultivator, dissatisfied, shouted: "That Ning Zhuo really refuses to see sense! Our Hall Master has valued him so much, helping time and again, clearing up numerous troubles thanks to our name. Now with profit in sight, he turns to compete at Flowing Cloud Peak. What really is the position of our Evil Slaying Hall in his mind?"

Meanwhile, Zhong Dao continued handling affairs and remarked: "Why so noisy?"

The cultivator who had just shouted immediately quieted down, and the hall fell silent.

Zhong Dao slowly spoke: "For a genius, this kind of disposition is quite normal. Ning Zhuo is the pinnacle talent of this generation; having acquired that fire furnace, he holds his head high—a surprising thing for no one."

"I know you harbor much discontent, but do you know why I value him highly?"

"Look at what he accomplished this time. If you were in his place, could you achieve the same?"

Zhong Dao shook his head.

He sighed, "This brat has excellent foresight and his methods are not bad. If we recruit him, he will definitely be a pillar of our Evil Slaying Hall."

"However, his successive victories have made him arrogant, and he’s starting to underestimate our Myriad Images Sect."

"The youth being clueless is merely characteristic of being young."

"Let him take on challenges and polish his character; it’s a good thing."

The cultivator who had been clamoring quickly changed his tone, "The Hall Master is magnanimous and discerning. Ning Zhuo meeting a patron like you is his good fortune earned over several lifetimes."

"Alas, he is blessed but unaware of it."

Zhong Dao interrupted, "In three days, he plans to form an alliance publicly. Three days... Do we have anyone to use in our hall?"

The subordinate who had just reported immediately answered, "We do, Hall Master."

Zhong Dao: "Tell me about them."

"Taohua Daoist has just finished planting peach trees and is in the peach grove waiting for your command."

"Fire Lady is at the late stage of her seclusion, a single flying message could bring her to action."

"As for Flowing Gold Guest, he has refined the Heavenly Gold secretly gifted by our hall and has long sent a flying message asking how he might repay this favor."

The subordinate recommended three people, each one a Golden Core Cultivator.

It is well-known that Ning Zhuo possesses Golden Core Combat Power.

Zhong Dao pondered: "Taohua Daoist buries corpses to plant trees for every person killed, he’s too bloodthirsty and uncontrollable, never mind."

"Let Fire Lady continue her seclusion; finding trouble for Ning Zhuo at this juncture without reason is wasting her current undercover status."

"Just Flowing Gold Guest. Let him challenge Ning Zhuo publicly in three days."

The subordinate quickly received the order.

Zhong Dao never ceased his actions in managing affairs.

Danxia Peak.

Wang Yu and Zhong Limei were admiring the night view.

Wang Yu informed Zhong Limei of Ning Zhuo’s intent to form a public alliance in three days.

Zhong Limei: "Did Ning Zhuo deliberately spread the news? Ultimately, he only leaves us three days to consider?"

Wang Yu nodded, "Exactly. Three days isn’t too long nor too short, hitting just the right measure. How does Elder Zhong view this matter?"

Wang Yu is the current Peak Master of Danxia Peak, yet Zhong Limei has long been an elder at Danxia Peak, with deep experience.

Zhong Limei sighed deeply, "My life is nearing its end. I wish to use my remaining time to contribute more to my peak. Why not, in three days, join Ning Zhuo directly and secure the alliance leadership for my peak?"

Seizing the top position means becoming the foremost debtor, enhancing one’s influence on Ning Zhuo to the utmost. More precisely, the influence over the Nanming Fire Furnace will be the greatest among debtors.

Wang Yu shook his head, "Elder Zhong has labored diligently for our Danxia Peak and deserves a peaceful retirement. If you join in, the entanglement is too significant and would be interpreted externally as—Danxia Peak wants to intrude upon Flowing Cloud Peak! That wouldn’t be good."

Zhong Limei chuckled softly, "For someone who’s lived as long as I have, there exist some false identities among evil demons and outsiders. Blending into Ning Zhuo’s side won’t stir any gossip."

"In fact, I could simply ’pass away’ beforehand; it’s workable."

Zhong Limei, at life’s final juncture, increasingly wished to leave some legacy and make new contributions.

Wang Yu’s expression showed hesitation and contemplation, "Isn’t this too much of a grievance for you, Elder?"

Zhong Limei smiled gently, "By then, Elder ’Zhong Limei’ will be dead, what grievance could there be?"

Wang Yu clapped with laughter, "Marvelous. If so, I’ll make other arrangements to support Elder Zhong."

Zhong Limei: "I won’t use my real identity; as a newcomer, becoming a new debtor would be best."

Wang Yu: "Understood. Danxia Peak will support you, Elder, assisting you in approaching Ning Zhuo."

Zhong Limei continued, "’Zhong Limei’ won’t become leader, nor can he be leader. Which person does the Peak Master favor then?"

Wang Yu: "With Pure Yangzi over there, I will communicate once more."

The two discussed quietly, then parted ways.

Moments later, Wang Yu summoned Pure Yangzi.

These past days, Pure Yangzi has been negotiating and bargaining with Wang Yu, discussing conditions to bring the entire Pure Yang Sect into Danxia Peak.

"You suggest we join Ning Zhuo’s side?" Pure Yangzi was surprised, "It appears Danxia Peak is very concerned about the Nanming Fire Furnace indeed. Of course, it is a Spirit Treasure-Level Alchemy Furnace, after all!"

He immediately shook his head, "Ning Zhuo’s skills are outstanding, but I will not fall in his trap."

"Peak Master Wang Yu, if you can’t meet the conditions I previously put forth, then let’s not talk further."

"If I bring the sect to pledge allegiance, not all factions are as petty as Danxia Peak!"

Wang Yu waved his horsetail whisk, "Daoist Pure Yangzi, don’t be impatient, and listen to the conditions I’m offering first."

Pure Yangzi snorted coldly but still said, "Speak."

The result was, Wang Yu’s first words slightly changed Pure Yangzi’s expression.