Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1589: Chapter 659: The Youth Sheds Tears!

The tip of Chu Xuangu’s pen abruptly halted, the final character inscribed onto the paper.

The last line of the poem reads, "Establish trust first, walk the path not alone!"

The poem flew from the plain paper, transforming into white letters, like ten stars suspended around Ning Zhuo, each one continuously revolving.

Dong Nishang’s piano sound suddenly shifted, becoming as deep and heavy as a rolling mountain, assisting in suppression.

Duanmu Zhang recited loudly, "A gentleman should have courage, also should have wisdom. With responsibility comes careful preservation. Abandoning the trust and walking alone is disrespecting the others. Disregarding expectations and seeking dangers is heartless. With creditors in front, allies by the side, and mentors protecting, Ning Zhuo, young friend, how can you pursue solitary action?"

These ten white letters, another Confucian Cultivator’s piano sound caused seven strings to emit white glow like thin threads, entwining Ning Zhuo’s Divine Soul Qi Mechanism. Someone unfolded a bamboo scroll,

Series of Confucian Skills took effect successively!

Literary Energy like ropes, piano sound like locks, poem letters like seals.

Ning Zhuo’s body suddenly sank, as if tethered by thousand-fathom weight.

He circulated Mana, the dense mechanism patterns on the Great Thousand Mechanism Sound Robe unfolded like living creatures, sending waves of blue-black sound to all directions.

But the next moment, Hundred Tempering Thousand Weight Hammer struck from nowhere.

Spirit Light burst forth, forging patterns resonating, Ning Zhuo’s Great Thousand Mechanism Sound Robe was firmly suppressed in an instant!

Ning Zhuo struggled, shouting loudly, "Everyone! What are you trying to do?"

The surrounding cultivators began to stir, none anticipated such a sudden change.

Tie Kuang strode to the outside of the Divine Domain and stood firm!

His hands were clasped at his back, his expression calm, even justified, "Ning Zhuo, young friend, don’t act recklessly."

He then slightly turned, scanning the entire square.

As the Artifact Refining Hall Master, his imposing presence immediately intimidated the audience.

Tie Kuang’s voice heavy like iron hammer strikes, clearly conveyed to Ning Zhuo’s ears, as well as to the ears of all present cultivators, "Ning Zhuo, this is your opportunity."

"We join forces to set up a Xingyun Trial for you. Since you wish to challenge the Three Brave of Xiang Sect, pass this trial first before proceeding."

Ning Zhuo’s expression tightened, "Trial? Senior, I have no desire to participate."

Tie Kuang solemnly said, "Pass this trial, and I, Tie Kuang, will support you in battle. Otherwise, you must obediently come with me to repair the Nanming Fire Furnace first!"

Speaking of this, a suppressed fire Qi could no longer be contained and surged forth, "Nanming Fire Furnace, though in your possession, has yet to see genuine repair actions. Ning Zhuo, young friend, you may endure patiently, but it irritates me tremendously!"

"The Nanming Fire Furnace originates from our Myriad Images Sect, embodying the painstaking efforts of numerous artifact refining and alchemy cultivators."

"As the Artifact Refining Hall Master, I am willing to assist in repairing the furnace, to reconstruct its foundation. This is personal interest, as well as public justice!"

"Should you perish, wouldn’t it hinder this significant matter?"

Ning Zhuo’s jaw slightly tightened, his chest heaving like bellows.

He suddenly turned his gaze towards Qinghuangzi, his voice carrying a slight tremor, "Senior Qinghuangzi, must it come to this?!"

Qinghuangzi stepped closer, his slender fingers gently stroking his sleeve, his face filled with bitter wrinkles, "You little rascal, you are the inheritor of my [Empty Valley Sound Green Mechanism Tube]. I’ve waited my entire life to finally meet someone truly suitable and excellent like you."

He looked up at Ning Zhuo, those clear eyes like springs harboring deep fatigue and worry, "You are too young, and overly ambitious. You say you’ll take responsibility, I believe. You say you’ll save the Red Robe Guest, I believe too. But I cannot stand idly and cheer as you walk toward the blades of the Three Brave of Xiang Sect."

Ning Zhuo’s lips moved slightly, but no words came forth.

Qinghuangzi continued, "Resorting to this last measure, I feel guilty, and lacking strength, I sought allies for assistance. I thought a lot of persuasion would be required, but to my surprise, everyone agreed. The Confucian Cultivator Group agreed, the Zhu Family agreed, even Lord Tie Kuang agreed. Ning Zhuo, do you think today only you bear the responsibility?"

Ning Zhuo’s face became pale.

Zhu Fenxiang stood beside the Divine Statue, beads of sweat slowly trickling down her face, "Ning Zhuo, have you forgotten? My Zhu Family has a stake too. I am also a creditor."

She raised her eyebrows slightly, her gaze flashing sharply, "Should you die, whom shall I hold accountable? The Demon Soul of the Red Robe Guest? The Nascent Soul group from Nanming Village? Or retrieve your remains from the Martial Arts Arena?"

Zhu Fenxiang spoke bluntly, her words sharp as knives.

At the moment, Zhu Guizhi supplemented beside, gently saying, "Ning Zhuo, young friend, Fenxiang spoke directly, but the logic holds. You are connected to too many people now. Your life can no longer be weighed solely by you."

From the Confucian Cultivator Group’s side, Duanmu Zhang finally spoke. His face was square, his tone as steady as a mountain, "Ning Zhuo, young friend, the intention in your heart today, we recognize. But we must also ask you, what is responsibility?"

Ning Zhuo looked up towards him.

Duanmu Zhang’s gaze was solemn and righteous, "You only see the soul of the Red Robe Guest as immediate difficulty, yet underestimating the mentors, peers, creditors’ entrustments and expectations. This is the first."

Chu Xuangu, with a stern face, still held the Jade Pen, "You claim to bear responsibility for Nanming Village, yet place yourself in a life-threatening situation. Should you perish, who clears debts, who repairs the furnace, who upholds agreements, who assures hearts? The Saint said, a scholar cannot be without resolve and endurance, bearing heavy burdens with a long path. Those who bear weight, can they discard responsibilities, leaving others to clean up the aftermath? This is the second."

Dong Nishang strummed the piano strings, her voice slowly transmitted with the piano sound, "You receive Qinghuangzi’s inheritance, receive Cao Gui’s treasure, receive support from many comrades. Mentors support you with family, inheritance, reputation, wishing you to walk further, stand firmer. Saints say, gentlemen have lifelong concerns. By belittling yourself, you’re belittling the contributions of others, also overlooking lifelong concerns. This is the third."

Situ Gu unfolded the bamboo scroll, his eyes containing deep anger, "The brave know dangers and proceed, knowing when to gather strength. Our Confucian classic states, ’The wise are not perplexed, the benevolent are not worried, the brave are not afraid.’ Courage does not lie in momentary blood Qi, but in knowing difficulties, yet able to restrain sharpness and accumulate solid foundation. You are now at Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage, formidable enemy facing, your odds uncertain, yet hastily seeking agreement. Youth’s spirit is commendable, rashness lamentable. This is the fourth."

Finally, it was Li Guanyu: "Young Master Ning, you speak of the Righteous Path. Is the Righteous Path merely about facing death with head held high? Righteous Path must also protect those behind, also requires management and endurance. The ’Analects’ says, to see righteousness and not act, there is no courage. But after seeing righteousness, one must also achieve it. Should you die, others may praise you for three days, but Nanming Village will fall apart, and many fellow cultivators will suffer for three years, thirty years. This is the fifth!"

Five interrogations descended, each more profound, each heavier.

The Literary Energy of Confucian Skill descended, as each character weighed heavily on Ning Zhuo’s mind.

Ning Zhuo’s face quickly flushed red as if scorched by fire. He wanted to retort, but his throat was as if blocked by something invisible.

"I, I..." The young man, no longer composed and calm as before, appeared flustered and at a loss.

Duanmu Zhang angrily shouted, "Ning Zhuo, have you not found your way back from mistaken paths?"

Ning Zhuo stepped back and shook his head, his voice hoarse, "No, no... I have no intention of belittling anyone. I just..."

Chu Xuangu coldly stated, "Whether you have that intention or not, and whether this matter resulted in such a consequence, are two different things."

Ning Zhuo clutched his chest, his face turning pale.

Tie Kuang spoke solemnly, "Boy, today we trap you, not to ruin your path. If you truly have the skills, then come out of this trial. If you can’t, then stay with me and refine the furnace. Once the Nanming Fire Furnace is ready, the foundation of Nanming Village will be stronger, and then we can discuss soul-saving and challenges; your confidence will naturally be greater."

Ning Zhuo’s body swayed, and he collapsed to the ground, not surprisingly.

Countless gazes were fixed on him, some were astonished, some puzzled, some gloating, and some watching with curiosity...

"I, I..." He began, clenching his fists, his expression gradually becoming grim.

Chu Xuangu shouted again, "Boy, you focus only on the dead, your capacity is so narrow. What can you accomplish in the future? Open your eyes and look at Qinghuangzi!"

In his confusion and helplessness, Ning Zhuo turned his eyes toward Qinghuangzi.

Qinghuangzi was decrepit, like a withered bamboo in the mountain breeze, "Today, under the True Words Bell, I reveal my sincere intentions. I, an old man, have little time left and sincerely wish for a smooth inheritance. Ning Zhuo, my young friend, you are the only descendant of Qingzhu Peak. If you die, how can I face the ancestors in the afterlife?"

"Today’s drastic measures are because of my selfishness, only hoping you might care for Qingzhu Peak, okay?"

DONG.

The True Words Bell rang, verifying Qinghuangzi’s true and sincere intentions!

Ning Zhuo felt as though struck by lightning, his body trembled greatly.

His eyes reddened as he looked at Qinghuangzi, then two lines of hot tears rolled down his cheeks, "S-Se, Senior!"

"I, I..."

Ning Zhuo’s lips moved, and he finally managed to utter the words, "I was wrong."

"I was wrong..."

"I was wrong, indeed."

Ning Zhuo apologized three times.

Under everyone’s gaze, the young man choked with emotion, wiped his tears, and bowed deeply to all.

"Esteemed seniors, fellow disciples, Ning Zhuo was narrow-minded." His voice quivered, revealing his intense emotions.

"I was reckless and impetuous, a foolish courage."

"I, I claimed responsibility, yet I only thought of facing the trials of Red Robe Guest Senior first, forgetting the seniors and friends who truly support and expect from me."

"Senior Qinghuangzi, I feel ashamed before you!"

As he spoke, tears continued to pour, and he buried his face, crying in lament.

Black Stone Plaza fell silent.

The cultivators observing the ceremony never imagined such a twist, most wore strange expressions, watching the spectacle with keen interest.

On the side of Flowing Cloud Peak, the expressions of many cultivators became peculiar.

Tu Yuanzi exhaled a long breath in the crowd, his eyes red as if smoked, "This is better, this is better."

Situ Xing, Shen Xi, and Lin Jinglong exchanged glances.

Chun Yangzi had a look of astonishment on his face.

Duanmu Zhang stroked his beard, "Knowing one’s mistakes and correcting them is tremendous indeed."

Tie Kuang laughed heartily, "Good! Acknowledging mistakes was not in vain after all. Ning Zhuo, from now on, participate well in the Xingyun Trial in this domain. This field isolates inside from outside; you can only rely on yourself."

"If you can break out within seven days, I’ll accept it!"

Saying this, he pointed to the Hundred Tempering Thousand Weight Hammer hovering in the air.

This Lifebound Spiritual Treasure abruptly descended, transforming mid-air, merging with the domain in front of everyone, serving as its Suppressing Artifact!

Tie Kuang extended his five fingers, grabbing thin air.

The domain transformed in the next moment into a dark red light sphere, the size of a baby’s fist, incredibly solid, thrown into his palm where he held it.

Finally, Tie Kuang cast a cold glance at everyone, soared into the sky, and left as a streak of light.