Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1586 - 657: Beneath the True Words Bell

The Flowing Gold Guest looked at Ning Zhuo, and a wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth: "I am now staying here with you, eating your food, living under your roof, and being sheltered by your Nanming Village, so by rights, I shouldn't be saying these demoralizing words."

He paused: "You've defeated me three times, but although I, the Flowing Gold Guest, have fallen on hard times, I am not petty enough to watch someone who bested me walk into a dead end and still clap in approval."

A hint of self-mockery appeared in his eyes, "I initially joined you because I thought you, kid, were shrewd and ruthless, capable of surviving for long in a place like the Myriad Images Sect. Now, it seems my judgment may not be as accurate as I thought."

"Is it worth forcing yourself in front of the Three Brave of Xiang Sect for the sake of a Demon Soul? You've already made your mark. Nanming Village has just been established, five Nascent Soul cultivators have joined you, and you've even convinced me. Your name, Ning Zhuo, is already loud enough. What's the point of making it even louder if it costs you your life?"

Silence fell among the few present.

Ning Zhuo said: "I am grateful that Brother can say these things. But this time, I must go."

The Flowing Gold Guest's frown deepened.

Ning Zhuo said slowly: "Reputation is, of course, important. But today, there's more than just that."

The Flowing Gold Guest stared at him: "What else is there?"

Ning Zhuo's gaze was as clear as a mirror: "My path of Dao."

The Flowing Gold Guest's frown deepened further: "Path of Dao? You call this a path of Dao? Seeking a path to death is also a path of Dao?"

Qing Chi immediately glared at him, and Huoniao'er listened with rising Fire Qi, but Gongsun Yan placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

Ning Zhuo did not get angry: "This is my Righteous Path!"

The Flowing Gold Guest's chest heaved several times. He couldn't comprehend!

But seeing Ning Zhuo's steadfast eyes and feeling his resolute determination, he finally let out a low sigh: "You're really a troublesome person."

Ning Zhuo chuckled: "To make Brother worry about me shows that sparing you back then was not in vain." The Flowing Gold Guest's face darkened: "Stop flattering yourself. I'm just worried that if you die, Nanming Village won't be able to protect me, and I'll be dragged out for reckoning."

He shook his head: "I can't persuade you."

Ning Zhuo nodded: "Brother has done his best."

The Flowing Gold Guest sighed and stepped aside: "Then go."

Ning Zhuo stepped forward.

Chef hurriedly caught up and stopped, his lips quivering: "Young Master..."

Chef eventually just bowed, his voice rough as gravel: "This old man will wait in the Cave Mansion for the young master to return. Today's Spirit Food will always be kept warm for you."

Gongsun Yan's eyes turned slightly red, and he lowered his head: "Young Master, I'll continue checking the Mysterious Armor and mechanical materials. Just give the command, and I'll act immediately."

Huoniao'er: "I'll follow Brother Gongsun's arrangements."

Ning Zhuo nodded: "Thank you all for your hard work."

Seeing everyone's expressions, Qing Chi then walked to Ning Zhuo's side: "I'll go with you, Young Master. Wherever you go, I go. Be it the True Words Bell, the Martial Arts Arena, or the Three Brave of Xiang Sect, I'll follow."

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "Qing Chi, stay in the Cave Mansion today."

Ning Zhuo raised his hand and gently patted her shoulder, then turned to walk out of the Cave Mansion.

Outside the Cave Mansion, the daylight was at its peak.

A molten golden sun hung high in the sky, dyeing the countless clouds in layers of warm hues.

The Verification Peak was deep within the Myriad Images Sect.

This peak's mountain form was not elegant, but entirely black as ink, standing out from a distance like a piece of iron coldly yanked from the depths of the earth, jagged and angular.

The mountain was covered in scorch marks from Fiery Fire, black and heavy, exuding an aura of scorched dryness that had lingered for millennia, as if the entire peak had once withstood a heaven-consuming blaze, yet remained standing, its scars serving as its inscriptions.

From the mountain's foot to its peak, there were a total of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine stone steps. Each step was broad and rough, with irregular edges that gave a gritty sensation underfoot.

The mountain wind blew up from the cloud sea below, bringing the peculiar chill and vastness of the heights. There were no railings on either side of the stone steps, only the deep Cloud Qi rolling like white waves, revealing the contours of the Myriad Images peaks between opening and closing, like a long scroll constantly turned by the wind.

Standing on this mountain path, one naturally felt there was only the way upward, with no other way back.

The cultivators noticed Ning Zhuo, sparking a commotion.

"He really came!" someone whispered in awe.

"This kid actually dared to come to Verification Peak. There's no turning back once he swears under the True Words Bell."

"For the Red Robe Guest's Demon Soul? The Red Robe Guest hailed from the Demon Path after all; even having been in the Myriad Images Sect for years, why would Ning Zhuo go this far?"

"What do you know? Nanming Village was just established, and the Red Robe Guest died because of it. Ignoring it would instantly ruin the Righteous Path reputation he had built."

"Reputation is reputation, life is life. Who are the Three Brave of Xiang Sect? They're fearsome enough to hunt down Nascent Soul cultivators!"

"In truth, retreating today would already be incredibly difficult for Ning Zhuo. He should've never been so arrogant as to want to rescue a Demon Soul."

The voices in the crowd were low yet densely interwoven, like the wind passing through countless fissures in the rocks.

Some felt pity, some excitement, some thought Ning Zhuo was utterly foolish, some had hidden respect in their eyes, while others watched the situation develop with detached interest.

Situ Xing stood beside an outcropping of black rock halfway up the mountain.

He watched as Ning Zhuo climbed step by step, his eyes flickering slightly.

Beside him, Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong watched with arms crossed.

Shen Xi sighed softly, his brows cloaked in worry.