Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1267: Chapter 491: Ning Zhuo Breaks the Deadlock

Inside the dilapidated temple, Yun Niaoniao and Lu Xuan’an’s eyes wandered among the Evil Slaying Hall cultivators, children, villagers, and evil cultivator informants, their brows furrowed.

Ning Zhuo observed the scene, already sensing something amiss.

He knew much about these two in front of him: "Yun Niaoniao and Lu Xuan’an’s benevolence and kindness are interfering with their ability to make the right decision."

"But obviously, as time progresses, the blood fog’s erosion will deepen further."

"A slight hesitation could very well lead to failure because of a few wasted breaths!"

Yun Niaoniao’s expression was solemn: "The talisman can only protect oneself and resist the external blood fog’s erosion. Elixir pills and spiritual liquid are needed to save the victims. These three combined still aren’t enough to save everyone."

Lu Xuan’an sighed: "We must not let the demon seed original body escape. If it escapes, many more lives will be harmed."

He looked at the evil sect cultivator.

From this point of view, the golden light talisman should be given to the evil cultivator in exchange for crucial information.

But there’s a concern here.

That is—after satisfying the evil sect cultivator, will he really reveal the truth?

Before Ning Zhuo and the others entered the dilapidated temple, among everyone inside, only the female cultivator and the evil cultivator had not been affected by the blood fog. The blood fog was thick outside the temple, making it difficult for the two cultivators to break through the blood fog barrier relying solely on personal strength.

In other words, the golden light talisman is almost the only magic technique to escape.

If the evil sect cultivator is merely pretending to know the demon seed original body’s location to survive, what should be done?

Lu Xuan’an glanced at the evil sect cultivator and then turned to look at the female cultivator.

What he thought was: If we need to verify the truth of the evil sect cultivator’s words, we’ll have to rely on the female cultivator.

But the next moment, Lu Xuan’an frowned again because he recalled the female cultivator’s background. She only got involved halfway through, or more precisely, was a passing cultivator caught into the situation, knowing little about the evil cultivator’s circumstances.

"So, this Evil Slaying Hall cultivator is crucial!" Lu Xuan’an fixed his gaze on the unconscious male cultivator.

"But to heal him, spiritual liquid won’t work, only a complete elixir pill will do."

"And after using this elixir pill, sharing three small cups of spiritual liquid among the few remaining cannot save lives."

"Could it be... that we really have to abandon some of them?"

"This is indeed not a real scenario; it’s just a trial." On the other side, Yun Niaoniao suddenly murmured softly.

She and Lu Xuan’an both knew this was fake.

But both remained indecisive.

On one hand, if they acted from their hearts, even in a fake scenario, they wanted to try their best to save everyone. On the other hand, they worried about the trial itself. What if there is a more correct answer, and the Evil Slaying Hall is actually assessing their decision-making and wisdom, knowing it’s a fake situation?

As the two were lost in complex thoughts, Ning Zhuo suddenly said: "I have thought of the correct solution."

Yun Niaoniao and Lu Xuan’an’s eyes immediately brightened.

The former urged: "Daoist Fellow Ning, please tell us quickly."

Ning Zhuo showed some hesitation: "With my method, it requires the two of you to actively sacrifice, only then might it be possible to save everyone present."

Yun Niaoniao and Lu Xuan’an were both stunned, then immediately delighted.

Lu Xuan’an said: "With such a good method, what harm is there in us sacrificing something?"

Yun Niaoniao hesitated not: "I knew Daoist Fellow Ning would have a way, what should we do?"

"Our mana is sealed, making us no different from mortals." Ning Zhuo pointed to the female cultivator still struggling to maintain the calming god technique, "But her mana remains. I ask her to cast a spell to temporarily transfer the pressure of blood fog erosion to you two."

Lu Xuan’an paused: "Transfer?"

"Exactly." Ning Zhuo explained, "The three children’s minds will be lost due to the blood fog eroding their divine souls; the two villagers are about to be demonized because the blood fog invaded their heart veins. If part of the blood fog can be drawn out from them and shared by you two Daoist fellows, we can buy some time."

Yun Niaoniao realized: "This method is feasible!"

She and Lu Xuan’an had also passed the first two trials.

The impact of the blood fog varies in severity. Some villagers in the first trial, Blood Village, could be rescued because the damage wasn’t deep.

And the second trial’s demon seed further revealed to Yun Niaoniao and Lu Xuan’an: even a demon seed can be removed.

However, the three of them were strictly prohibited from using mana, spells, etc., reduced to "mortals." Among those present, the evil cultivator isn’t reliable or trustworthy, and he’s sealed too; only the female cultivator could act.

Lu Xuan’an, Yun Niaoniao agreed without hesitation.

The female cultivator saw the three had finished discussing and showed surprise: "This method is feasible, but extremely dangerous. Are you two truly willing to take the risk? Bear in mind the antidote is only limited; though sharing the blood fog extends time, the blood fog will regenerate within the body. If time drags on, you two will perish with these people!"

Lu Xuan’an and Yun Niaoniao exchanged glances and all said it doesn’t matter.

But Lu Xuan’an glanced at Ning Zhuo, his eyes flickering slightly.

Ning Zhuo did not evade, directly meeting Lu Xuan’an’s gaze: "You two take on the pressure first; I still have other matters to refine and will join in shortly."

Lu Xuan’an nodded.

Yun Niaoniao smiled lightly: "Then Niaoniao will personally witness Daoist Fellow Ning’s ingenious problem-solving, restoring everything to life."

Everyone knew that Ning Zhuo could emit vast energy penetrating the clouds. Lu Xuan’an hesitated, worrying Ning Zhuo might use them to seize top honors. Yun Niaoniao simply didn’t believe Ning Zhuo would do such a thing.

Ning Zhuo just did this for one trial, for winning a fake checkpoint. So, what about his reputation?