Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1446: Chapter 590: Jin Mantang

Kong Ran looked at Situ Xing and the other two, suddenly transmitting thoughts with Divine Sense, "Brother Bai, Brother Liu, shall we go over there for a chat?"

Bai Jiyun thought for a moment and nodded. He had traveled the Flying Cloud Country before and was hosted by the Lin Family and Situ Family, finding the chat with Situ Xing and the others quite interesting.

Liu Fushu saw the two had such intentions, naturally not wanting to remain alone at the original spot, appearing high and solitary.

The three immediately took action, walking over to Situ Xing and the others, receiving a warm welcome, and sat down to chat. For a moment, the hall became much lively.

Che Zhuzi no longer had to force intermittent awkward smiles.

Jin Mantang, as the fifth Golden Core to arrive, stepped into the grand hall.

As he entered, the candlelight in the hall brightened—not because of his cheerful face, but because of the golden satin robe he wore that reflected the light.

The robe was covered with Copper Coin patterns, glistening under the candlelight and dazzling the eye. At his waist was a golden waistband adorned with Spirit Stones, large and small, densely arranged, colliding as he moved with a delicate sound.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists!" He said while walking, cupping his hands.

Then he stopped in front of Ning Zhuo and saluted, "Young Master Ning Zhuo! Jin Mantang from Floating Life Association, here on behalf of the president to offer congratulations!"

Brimming with jewels!

That was Ning Zhuo’s first impression of Jin Mantang, and a very deep one.

The youth carefully observed, noting Jin Mantang’s stocky figure, round face, large ears, and double chin.

His skin was white and smooth, cared for extremely well, like someone who had never known hardship or toil.

His eyes were squeezed into slits by the flesh on his face, yet the eyeballs within those slits were rolling with an unmasked cleverness.

Ning Zhuo also cupped his hands, "Daoist Jin Mantang."

Jin Mantang’s smile widened, "Congratulations, congratulations! The alliance established at Heavenly Treasure Building, such a major event! At your young age, to achieve such accomplishments, your prospects are boundless! The entire Floating Life Association holds you in high regard."

"Therefore, the president specially sent me with a substantial gift!"

He took out a square box wrapped in satin from his sleeve, opened the lid, revealing a stack of Jade Scrolls inside.

These Jade Scrolls were entirely emerald green, with gilt edges, inscribed with the words "Floating Life Association" on the front, and on the back were dense patterns, likely the manifest of Array Patterns for counterfeiting.

"Our Floating Life Association wishes to maintain good relations with Young Master Ning Zhuo!"

"With the Jade Dishware, cultivators can become esteemed guests of our Floating Life Association, participating in almost any event we have."

"Within our association, there are various exchange activities like buying and selling, and with contribution points in the Jade Dishware, corresponding discounts can be enjoyed."

"There are twelve pieces here, you can distribute them to cultivators you favor, and they will enjoy the same privileges."

"Furthermore..."

Saying this, Jin Mantang deliberately lowered his voice, but ensured everyone present could hear him.

"Should anything go awry, you can rely on these Jade Dishware and settle at our Floating Life Association! Hahaha."

Niu Cheng, Zhang Dadan, Ahuo, and others felt a considerable goodwill rise toward Jin Mantang upon hearing these words.

"This person is quite decent."

"It seems Floating Life Association is friendly towards Young Master Ning Zhuo and Nanming Village."

Gu Huaijiu, Kong Ran, and others’ expressions turned cold.

Ning Zhuo’s heart was filled with a coldness.

To some extent, Jin Mantang was even more detestable than Ye Qingming!

He deliberately used words of goodwill to dress up his true intentions. If Ning Zhuo were to generously distribute the Jade Dishware, what would it mean? What influence distributes external factions’ benefits so broadly?

By then, would Nanming Village still be independent? It might be seen by many as merely a branch of the Floating Life Association.

Especially that last sentence, the Floating Life Association wished for Nanming Village to fall apart, so they could seize the opportunity to swallow it and strengthen themselves.

Though Jin Mantang’s face wore a smile, even an endearing demeanor, he truly held no hope for Nanming Village’s future, wishing for this alliance to fail!

Situ Xing squinted his eyes, closely observing Ning Zhuo’s reaction.

Lin Jinglong suppressed his displeasure, knowing Jin Mantang was a malignant guest, but Ning Zhuo as the host here could not show his disdain without losing composure.

Shen Xi, however, wore a smile, among the three, having explored Ning Zhuo the earliest, understanding him the deepest, thus possessing the greatest confidence.

On Ning Zhuo’s face was an unfazed, serene smile, as if he had not heard anything,

The youth cupped his hands, expressing sincerity, "I’m newly arrived, forced by debt to construct this alliance. Today, just conducting the ceremony, and already having such support from the Floating Life Association, has alleviated much anxiety and tension, spontaneously boosting my confidence. Indeed, there are still good people in this world!"

Jin Mantang felt a hint of doubt flash within, replying perfunctorily, "Well said, well said."

Though he knew some information about Ning Zhuo, it was his first time dealing with him, still uncertain of Ning Zhuo’s approach.

But next, he thoroughly understood that Ning Zhuo was not someone to be trifled with.

Ning Zhuo said, "Today, while we formed an alliance at Heavenly Treasure Building and established Nanming Village, there’s still a critical treasure not fully restored."

"Daoist Jin Mantang surely knows, that is the Nanming Fire Furnace."

"The Nanming Fire Furnace is currently 80% restored, but another 20% remains damaged. The Floating Life Association is wealthy and well-networked; if you could fund the restoration of this 20%, you’d become my biggest creditor!"

"If successful, I would nominate the current president of Floating Life Association to concurrently serve as the Great Village Chief of Nanming Village, taking the top seat."

For a moment, Jin Mantang’s pupils constricted.