Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1374: Chapter 543: The Trial Begins, Part 2

Sun Lingtong continued, "I have gathered some information from the Artifact Refining Hall regarding Tie Kuang’s perspective. He once mentioned that there are clear indications to gaining the favor, and even trust, of the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit."

"The foundation of the Nanming Fire Furnace lies here, thus having the ability in alchemy, being a Fire Element Cultivator, or possessing a low cultivation level, are all advantageous."

Ning Zhuo heard this and looked slightly pleased, "Except for my weak alchemy skills, my cultivation is only at Foundation Establishment, and my Fire Realm is abundant, which is quite advantageous."

But this time, Sun Lingtong shook his head.

"Little Zhuo, the situation is not as optimistic as we previously anticipated."

"According to what I have found, a large number of cultivators have been attracted this time, and among them, there are many experts!"

"Let’s not even talk about Danxia Peak, they are certain to go all out to keep the Nanming Fire Furnace in their hands. Just in this area, the alchemists taking action are definitely among the top in Flying Cloud Country."

"In addition, Hundred Herbs Elder has explicitly stated he will make a move."

"The Nine Fire Dragon Lord has also come out."

"The one known as the ’Furnace Immortal,’ Tao Liang, has also emerged from seclusion, coming specifically for the Nanming Fire Furnace."

"Hundred Herbs Peak has dispatched a large number of people."

"The Internal Affairs Hall and Commerce Hall are directly offering high prices to hire capable individuals."

"The Inheritance Hall has organized about fifty people, mostly practicing Fire Element Techniques or some advanced alchemy techniques."

"As for the Artifact Refining Hall, Tie Kuang personally selected the personnel."

"The Medical Skill Hall hasn’t been idle either."

"You know the Confucian Cultivator Group. Dong Nishang will also make a move."

Ning Zhuo discerned, "Dong Nishang is not skilled in alchemy, yet she is a pillar among the Confucian Cultivator Group, currently the highest representative of musical arts. Does she intend to use her musical sound to move the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit?"

Sun Lingtong nodded, "Little Zhuo, you guessed it right."

Ning Zhuo squinted his eyes, "Since ancient times, medicine and food are inseparable. By this deduction, the Spirit Chefs will also take action, right?"

Sun Lingtong nodded again, "Indeed."

He spread out his small hands, "Who wouldn’t want to try their luck after hearing this news?"

Ning Zhuo’s expression also turned slightly heavy, feeling an invisible immense pressure.

He sighed, "Once the Nanming Fire Furnace is repaired, it becomes the foundation of a faction. If my Ning Clan Branch acquires it, it can immediately transform the family from top to bottom, inside out, allowing the family to soar from then on, benefiting endlessly!"

"From this perspective, it’s unsurprising that it draws so many people."

The value of the Nanming Fire Furnace is too great; even for a superpower to acquire it, it can enhance their foundation.

Everyone knows the Nanming Fire Furnace is severely damaged, and the possibility of healing the Artifact Spirit Vermilion Bird is extremely slim.

But even the slightest hope can stir countless hearts.

Ning Zhuo’s eyes moved slightly, "If that’s the case, why not let Gongsun Yan and Qing Chi participate too, to slightly increase our odds?"

Three days later.

The Xingyun Trial, centered around the Nanming Fire Furnace and the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, officially commenced.

Danxia Peak.

The sea of clouds surged like boiling water.

From the mountain gate downwards, the path stretching for dozens of miles was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder.

Various tunneling lights, like meteors chasing the moon, gathered from all directions, dyeing the sky in dazzling colors, as splendid as a woven tapestry. They then descended to the base of the mountain, merging into the vast streams of people along the paths.

Ning Zhuo, stepping on a white cloud, was also approaching Danxia Peak. Glancing over, he saw countless figures filling the sky like locusts, densely packed. Flying Swords, Spirit Boats, Cloud Carriages, Treasure Fans, gourds, feathers, Lotus Platforms... all sorts of Magic Artifacts and Magic Treasures shone with extraordinary light, dazzlingly outshining the sun itself.

Sun Lingtong was not with him; at this moment, a Divine Sense Transmission came from afar, "Such a grand scene! The Myriad Images Sect is indeed the top superpower in Flying Cloud Country, with magnificent presence."

"Yes." Ning Zhuo took a deep breath, suppressing the faint fluttering in his heart.

Though he was always steady, at this moment, the blood within his chest couldn’t help but surge. Not because of nervousness, but out of excitement—a thrill of being in the midst of a grand cultivation event, personally witnessing and participating in a grand occasion.

"Throughout all the Feiyun Conferences, such trials are rare. Regardless of the outcome, the Myriad Images Sect will relish it for decades to come."

Jiang Ping and others were now in an Array Space.

This space was not large, merely about three meters in circumference, with transparent spirit light forming its walls. From inside, the views of the mountain paths, the sky, and the scene in front of the mountain gate were clearly visible, as if viewing the lines on one’s palm.

This was a viewing platform prepared by Danxia Peak for the main team.

This wasn’t cheating; rather, it was the advantage of being the host.

Jiang Ping stood in front of the Spirit Light Wall, hands clasped behind him, continually scanning the cultivators on the mountain path and in the sky.

Today he wore a brand new danxia-colored Daoist robe; the pill furnace pattern embroidered on the hem shimmered with a faint luster under the spirit light’s illumination.

Normally, he wouldn’t wear such ostentatious attire, but today he had to step up as the ’captain’ of the main team.

As Wang Yu’s disciple, he was naturally bound to take on this role, without any shirking.

"Vice Hall Master Jiang, can you see what’s going on?" The voice’s owner emphasized the word "Vice," stepping lightly to Jiang Ping’s side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

Jiang Ping didn’t turn his head, already knowing it was Shen Hongyao speaking.

Shen Hongyao, as usual, wore a red dress, resembling a burning flame. The hem was embroidered with large red medicinal flowers, the petals layered and lifelike, as if they would flutter away at the slightest breeze.

Her hair was tied high with a red ribbon, revealing her smooth forehead and fair neck. Her almond-shaped eyes exuded a piercing brilliance, consistently ostentatious.

Jiang Ping then turned to the side, "Alas, there are too many cultivators, it’s dizzying, and I can’t see clearly."

Shen Hongyao met his gaze, but despite the collision of their sights, Jiang Ping’s breath remained calm, making Shen Hongyao feel as if her strike landed on cotton.

Unwilling, Shen Hongyao emphasized, "The Nanming Fire Furnace is the foundation of our Danxia Peak; we must join forces to keep it here, no room for missteps. Vice Hall Master Jiang, as the captain this time, what strategies do you propose? Speak up quickly."

Her nature was aggressive and bold, leading to multiple punishments for furnace explosions, but her straightforwardness in competing and exceptional talent gave her a significant influence in Danxia Peak.

Jiang Ping appeared weak, sighing again, "Oh, it’s just a matter of using water to cover earth and soldiers to block warriors, doing one’s best and leaving the rest to fate."

Shen Hongyao immediately frowned, highly dissatisfied with Jiang Ping’s weakness, and was about to say something.

A voice behind them spoke, "This time, our Danxia Peak and Alchemy Hall have summoned us for this heavy responsibility. The pressure is like a mountain. Only by working together and setting aside past grievances can we maximize the possibility of success."

Jiang Ping and Shen Hongyao turned to look, seeing Qing Baizi sitting cross-legged on a green stone, eyes slightly closed, his face calm as water.

Qing Baizi was a Guest Elder at Danxia Peak and possessed Nascent Soul Cultivation, naturally lending weight to his words.

Both Jiang Ping and Shen Hongyao nodded, indicating their agreement.

Qin Ke leaned by the side, arms crossed, saying nothing. His gaze pierced through the Spirit Light Wall, falling upon the crowd below the mountain, his eyes serene and mysterious.

Gu Lianjie then took out some pastries, distributing them with a warm smile to everyone present.

The aroma of the Spirit Food was enticing, but Qin Ke shook his head, showing no interest.

Both Jiang Ping and Shen Hongyao accepted a portion, greatly easing the atmosphere among everyone.

As Qing Baizi accepted, he fully understood the dynamics within the main team.

"Shen Hongyao, one of the stewards of the Alchemy Hall, is bold and competitive, desiring to rise by defeating others. The more people she beats, the greater her prospects for promotion."

"Jiang Ping, as Wang Yu’s disciple, solely due to that identity, is undefeated. In his view, there’s no need to take risks, so he prioritizes stability. Thus, he frequently tolerates and steps back from the sharp Shen Hongyao, which is both his nature and wise. Yet unfortunately, due to this very identity, he’s now compelled to be involved too."

"As for Gu Lianjie, being an Outer Disciple with the thinnest foundation and background, he speaks up last and tries to maintain relationships."

"Qin Ke, a Danxia Peak-trained alchemist, has Elder Sun as his teacher, often engrossed in his own world, with a solitary and aloof character."

"As for myself..."

Qing Baizi chuckled softly.

Being a Guest Elder with Nascent Soul Cultivation, and essentially an outsider, he maintained a semi-detached status. Thus, both Jiang Ping and Shen Hongyao wouldn’t offend him.

In the main team, the highest-ranking Zhong Limei wasn’t present.

As the former Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall and now one of Danxia Peak’s Supreme Elders, he naturally had the credentials and background not to attend the enemy observation now.

"Hmm? Who is that?" Suddenly, Qing Baizi’s expression slightly tensed, sensing a strong surge of Elixir Qi.