Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1456: Chapter 593: Third Nascent Souls

Artifact Refining Hall.

"Report—! Two Nascent Soul Cultivators have already joined Nanming Village, both are Demon Cultivators." A subordinate reported.

Tie Kuang frowned, his eyes shooting with brilliance: "Oh?"

"Two Demon Cultivators? So soon?"

Tie Kuang analyzed in his mind.

The fact that the Nine Fire Dragon Lord joined first was within his expectations. But where did this mysterious Nascent Soul Demon Cultivator, Tu Yuanzi, emerge from?

"No matter if it’s backed by Ning Zhuo’s family or not, Nanming Village having two Nascent Soul Cultivators means my leverage over him is greatly diminished."

"Alas..."

Tie Kuang released a deep sigh from his heart.

He once hoped to use the last twenty percent gap of the Nanming Fire Furnace to intervene in this Spirit Treasure-level Pill Furnace. But his bluff was seen through by Ning Zhuo — Ning Zhuo also possessed excellent artifact refining skills.

Tie Kuang hoped that Ning Zhuo’s Nanming Village was all thunder and no rain, but now the two Nascent Souls are indeed a downpour.

Ning Zhuo is formidable; no longer is he a person who Tie Kuang can easily grasp.

Tie Kuang took a very pragmatic approach: "Given this situation, it is necessary to quickly contact Ning Zhuo and proactively help him repair the furnace."

"This way, he would owe me a not too large, not too small favor."

"On the contrary, if I delay, given his current power and the indirect connections brought by Nascent Soul cultivators, repairing the Nanming Fire Furnace is just a matter of time."

Tie Kuang had previously issued orders for the artifact refining experts in the Artifact Refining Hall to stay away from the Nanming Fire Furnace and not help Ning Zhuo make repairs.

Now, before Ning Zhuo realizes it, he decided to revoke this measure.

The opposing force is rising, and suppression is impossible.

On the contrary, cooperation is in the best interests of both Tie Kuang and the Artifact Refining Hall.

Heavenly Treasure Building.

At this moment, a new guest arrived at the main hall.

He was slim, with a slightly hunched back, and his hair was casually tied up, with a few strands falling over his forehead. His hands were rough as bark, with large knuckles, and his eyes were very bright.

The aura of a Golden Core Peak Cultivator was evident!

It was the Hundred Herbs Elder.

He also participated in the small trial concerning the Nanming Fire Furnace and paid the price, repairing the furnace.

This means he is also one of Ning Zhuo’s creditors.

The Hundred Herbs Elder walked up to Ning Zhuo: "Daoist Fellow Ning Zhuo, I wish to join Nanming Village as well."

Ning Zhuo was taken aback.

Many cultivators in the hall also felt surprised.

Because previously, the Hundred Herbs Elder was seen to be very close to the Hundred Herbs Peak, almost thought that the two sides had reached a tacit understanding and that he was going to join the Hundred Herbs Peak.

No one expected that at this moment, the Hundred Herbs Elder would actively propose to join Nanming Village.

What is he after?

Why not join one of the Eight Main Peaks like Hundred Herbs Peak? And instead, join a fledgling force aiming to impact Flowing Cloud Peak?

Situ Xing, Dong Nishang, and others, after realizing this, seemed thoughtful.

Brilliance flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes, and he thought of the most likely reason—the Hundred Herbs Elder wasn’t volunteering to join but was dispatched by the Hundred Herbs Peak from behind!

The Hundred Herbs Peak had funded the Hundred Herbs Elder; they were Ning Zhuo’s true creditor.

The Hundred Herbs Elder being sent to join Nanming Village was essentially an infiltration of Nanming Village by Hundred Herbs Peak.

"No matter! You infiltrate yours, I build my alliance." Ning Zhuo was prepared for this, and a smile immediately appeared on his face, "Daoist Fellow Hundred Herbs Elder, your joining is truly wonderful. Please take a seat first."

For such a Golden Core Peak Cultivator, Ning Zhuo treated him equally, without discrimination.

He watched the Hundred Herbs Elder choose a seat to sit, then glanced at Tao Liang and noticed the latter was filled with joy while watching the Hundred Herbs Elder.

Ning Zhuo: ...

He had hoped that Tao Liang might voluntarily join to alleviate the heavy presence of Demon Cultivators. As it turns out, the joining of another Elder achieved Ning Zhuo’s goal.

Tao Liang was now full of delight: "Nanming Village is getting stronger. I also chose this place!"

"I am foresighted, having signed the contract with Ning Zhuo early on."

"With the contract in place, I am not in a hurry, certainly here to join the village. Let’s see if more would join; if there were more Nascent Soul cultivators, it would be even better."

"Alas, I know it’s difficult. Just having two is really good."

Tao Liang could not help but have higher expectations, but with too much hope, he started to worry and fret.

Suddenly, a hint of dark red spread through the hall.

In an instant, it rapidly expanded like a drop of fresh blood in clear water, swiftly spreading, transforming into a bright red cluster.

A figure walked out of the crimson—

In the blink of an eye, the Red Robe Guest stood before Ning Zhuo!

His features were as captivating as a demon, lips crimson as if coated with fresh blood. He was still dressed in a scarlet robe, adorned with dark blood-colored serpentine patterns.

Along with his appearance, a strong scent of blood wafted through the air.

Many cultivators in the hall felt the overwhelming pressure to survive, causing inherent anxiety.

"Red... Red Robe Guest..." Cao Gui stammered.

Jiang Xiaobian kept the snack in his mouth, forgetting to swallow.

Cold sweat quickly soaked Niu Cheng’s back.

Situ Xing and others looked grave.

Ning Zhuo still smiled, slightly bowing to the Red Robe Guest: "Senior, you have arrived!"

The Red Robe Guest gave Ning Zhuo a deep look, then his gaze, like sharp knives, swept the surroundings, pausing briefly on the three Nascent Soul Cultivators at the main table.

Then, he spoke: "Nanming Village, I should take charge."

He spoke in a calm tone, his voice hoarse, yet he uttered words that filled the air with tension.

Everyone: ??!!

The Nine Fire Dragon Lord’s pupils contracted sharply, letting out a cold snort as he glared at the Red Robe Guest.

But the Red Robe Guest ignored him.

Just a mere Demon Cultivator.

"Discrimination is everywhere. That damned Human Clan superiority!" Che Zhuzi and the Nine Fire Dragon Lord both gritted their teeth.

The Nine Fire Dragon Lord quickly looked to Tu Yuanzi, seeking support from the latter.

But Tu Yuanzi was indifferent, only focusing on Ning Zhuo, as others were not within his sight.

The Nine Fire Dragon Lord squinted his eyes, staring at Tu Yuanzi, his gaze filled with inquiry — we Demon Cultivators are suffering discrimination and challenges. You should quickly align with me!

How could Tu Yuanzi comprehend it?

He still wondered internally: "What’s going on with this Dragon Lord? With a Human Clan Nascent Soul attending, why is he staring at me?"

The Nine Fire Dragon Lord, not receiving a response for a long time, felt discouraged, as if he was flirting with the blind.

The others were still in shock, while Ning Zhuo was the first to react, laughing heartily: "With the senior joining, my great endeavor is complete! Senior, please take the seat of honor and rest for a while."

The Red Robe Guest nodded, walked to the main table, glanced down at the Nine Fire Dragon Lord and Tu Yuanzi, then nodded to Han Muma before sitting down arrogantly.

The Nine Fire Dragon Lord clenched his teeth noisily, staring angrily at the Red Robe Guest.

Then, he looked again at Tu Yuanzi.

Tu Yuanzi’s heart tightened: "Why is this Demon Dragon looking at me again? Could it be that my disguise has been seen through?"

"Don’t look at me, don’t look at me."

Tu Yuanzi maintained a blank expression on the surface, but inside he was very anxious.

"Three, three Nascent Souls!" Cao Gui was extremely excited.

"So many Nascent Souls supporting Master Ning Zhuo, he truly deserves the title." Ahuo admired Ning Zhuo even more.

Sitting at the same table, Patchwork Sun, Zhang Dadan, and Jiang Xiaobian were all filled with shock and admiration.

Ye Qingming and Jin Mantang’s faces were as calm as water.

A force of three Nascent Souls!

This was rare across the entire Flowing Cloud Peak.

A newly established village had three Nascent Souls from the start?

How did it become like this?!

Obviously, Ning Zhuo was just a mere Foundation Establishment, and only a mid-stage cultivator. How could his influence be so ridiculous?

Or is the Nanming Fire Furnace truly so attractive?

It’s too unbelievable.

Everyone seemed to forget that this Spirit Treasure Level Pill Furnace still had flaws and hadn’t been repaired to a usable level.

Even Li Ku was filled with bitterness at the moment, which showed clearly.

However, when he glanced at the Flowing Gold Guest at another table, his bitterness eased considerably.

Indeed, happiness is by comparison.

Facing a table full of delicious food, the Flowing Gold Guest felt very flustered.

Three Nascent Souls.

These are three Nascent Souls!

He had been warned before taking on tasks for the Evil Slaying Hall. But facing the reality of three Nascent Souls, he still felt mountain-like pressure.

Previously, faced with the Nine Fire Dragon Lord’s questioning, he was already flustered.

Tu Yuanzi joined in without ever glaring at him, leaving the Flowing Gold Guest afraid to even breathe.

Now, the Red Robe Guest also joined!!

This guy is no good.

He is a genuine Demon Cultivator; even after joining the Myriad Images Sect, he was partially exiled, his demon nature unchanging.

Now causing trouble for Ning Zhuo is tantamount to becoming foes with the Red Robe Guest.

Too tricky, it’s really too tricky!

"A Nascent Soul, and a Human Clan Nascent Soul! Brother Ning’s great momentum has formed." Situ Xing saw this and hesitated no more, immediately standing up to salute from afar towards Ning Zhuo.

"Brother Ning, I request to join Nanming Village." Situ Xing uttered his request.

He hesitated no longer.

Ning Zhuo didn’t rush to respond but looked at Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong.

The two heirs of the prominent families both smiled and stood up, expressing their willingness to join simultaneously.

Ning Zhuo clasped his hands: "Having three friends join, my heart is very content."

At another table, Zhu Fenxiang watched this scene, pursing her lips.

The successive joining of several Nascent Soul cultivators aroused her desire to join Nanming Village. However, Situ Xing’s preemptive move dampened much of her impulsive thoughts.

Her mother, Zhu Guizhi, secretly transmitted thoughts with her Divine Sense: "Xiang’er, shouldn’t you clarify your relationship with Ning Zhuo? Even though he has only mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, his influence is too incredibly strong."

"Three Nascent Souls were influenced by him to join Nanming Village. This situation already surpasses the wildest estimations from outside."

"When this situation spreads, no one will gossip about Ning Zhuo anymore; they will only give a thumbs up and see him in a far better light!"

Zhu Fenxiang transmitted thoughts with her Divine Sense, sighing secretly: "No way. If we directly clarify the relationship, it would disrupt Brother Ning’s plans—it’s making enemies, not showing goodwill."

"We are a Secret Alliance; such a relationship is good enough."

Zhu Guizhi looked at her daughter, stopping herself from speaking.

She wanted to say: Ning Zhuo is so excellent; if the relationship isn’t clarified, you might regret it in the future.

But she also thought that Zhu Fenxiang, being a proud daughter of the heavens, has her pride, and advising her like this might be counterproductive.