Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1400: Chapter 556: Countermeasure (Part 2)

The conditions proposed by Chun Yangzi were evidently conditions that Wang Yu could not agree to.

Next, Wang Yu attempted to propose different conditions to continue his in-depth discussion with Chun Yangzi.

The two engaged in back-and-forth banter, drifting from one topic to another, as time continued to pass.

One stick of Tranquility Incense burned in the censer, only to be replaced by another.

One pot of Xiaguang Tea was brewed in the teapot, then followed by another.

The candle flames flickered countless times, casting their shadows on the wall, lengthening and shortening, brightening and dimming intermittently.

Wang Yu’s gaze fell on the bronze censer in the corner, watching the smoke waft up and calculating time in his mind.

Originally, he wanted to discuss matters with several others by night—Cang Yazi, Nine Fire Dragon Lord, Red Robe Guest, and that Ning Zhuo. But evidently, Chun Yangzi had noticed this intention and was deliberately stalling for time.

One cup of tea after another, one topic followed by another. They drifted from one subject to another, neither rushed nor idle, providing Wang Yu with no opportunity to excuse himself.

"Chun Yangzi awaits the best offer before selling himself, making it difficult to finalize an agreement. Tomorrow’s minor trial can deal him a blow, undermine his confidence, and serve as a breakthrough," Wang Yu mused inwardly.

He also understood that the true assistance in the repair of the Nanming Fire Furnace would come from Foundation Establishment Cultivators like Ning Zhuo, Zhu Fenxiang, and Situ Xing.

That Cloud Wanderer could also be counted upon.

"Alas, I initially intended to personally engage with these individuals. But tonight... it seems that won’t be possible."

Bluestone Cave Mansion.

The discussions between Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong were continually being interrupted.

At times, they were interrupted by Flying Messages or envoys, either inviting Ning Zhuo, seeking to negotiate with him, or even issuing threats.

"This is even after I deliberately elevated the position of Zhu Fenxiang and Situ Xing, presenting it as if they are on par with me."

"If it were only me alone, the pressure would have surged at least tenfold, leaving me with no peace," Ning Zhuo remarked with a sigh.

Sun Lingtong: "We’ve been waiting, yet there’s no sign of envoys from Danxia Peak or the Alchemy Hall."

"It seems their main focus is on those of Nascent Soul or Golden Core level, especially Chun Yangzi, who has brought his entire sect with him to participate in the Feiyun Conference this time."

Ning Zhuo pondered, "By creating a facade with Zhu Fenxiang and Situ Xing, I’ve shared the pressure, lessening Danxia Peak’s covetousness."

"But three days mark my final opportunity. I must take the gamble, my dear friend."

Sun Lingtong nodded: "Yes, Little Zhuo, let’s proceed as you’ve planned! I support you!"

With that, Ning Zhuo sent out a Flying Message.

Moments later, Cao Gui arrived at the Bluestone Cave Mansion, filled with excitement.

Ning Zhuo reached out to him proactively, expressing his willingness to cooperate with the Commerce Hall: "In today’s competition, many are on par with me. Zhu Fenxiang, in particular, slightly surpasses me."

"I have already capitalized on the White Rainbow Righteousness Festival. Tomorrow’s competition will undoubtedly be more challenging, and to truly win, I must bring in external assistance."

"I have obtained Lord Zhong Dao’s permission to engage in partial and limited cooperation with the Commerce Hall. Let me clarify one thing, the ownership of the Nanming Fire Furnace will have no part belonging to the Commerce Hall."

Cao Gui couldn’t help but smile wryly: "Can we negotiate on this point?"

Ning Zhuo also smiled wryly, spreading his hands: "That is not something that can be negotiated with me. It requires Lord Zhong Dao’s approval, do you understand?"

Cao Gui nodded repeatedly: "Understood, understood."

He paused for a moment: "A portion of the ownership is a core clause. Young Master Ning Zhuo, I cannot make this decision on my own; I must first send a Flying Message."

"Please go ahead." Ning Zhuo gestured with his hand.

Cao Gui sent a Flying Message on the spot and soon received a response.

Cao Gui nodded and even handed the Flying Message directly to Ning Zhuo for review: "Our hall has agreed. Young Master, please elaborate."

Ning Zhuo smiled inwardly.

By himself, he lacked the strength to engage in an equal negotiation with the Commerce Hall. So, by invoking Zhong Dao, he easily compelled the strong-willed collaborator to make concessions and show understanding.

Ning Zhuo’s expression turned slightly serious, and he lowered his voice: "With things at this stage, let me speak candidly."

"I have a Magic Technique that can communicate with the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, allowing it to cooperate and facilitate a minor repair of the Nanming Fire Furnace."

"In the minor event tomorrow, I plan to use this technique to publicly repair some parts of the fire furnace to convey my intentions to the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit. Knowing that I am aiding it, the Artifact Spirit will surely become extremely close to me. It might very well help me seize victory!"

"If I do indeed acquire the Nanming Fire Furnace, I will undoubtedly engage in deep cooperation with the Commerce Hall."

Cao Gui was taken aback, showing a look of skepticism as his tone dragged out: "Unexpectedly, Young Master has such astonishing means?"

Ning Zhuo nodded: "I understand you have questions, so allow me to explain slowly."

"First, the reason I retained this method is because I must be in direct contact with the furnace body and directly face the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit. This was not an environment provided in the previous minor events."

"Second, once I communicate with the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, it will inevitably expose the foundation of my Cultivation Technique, which is not something I wish to reveal."

"Third, the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit is extremely frightened, fearing harm from others. This is my opportunity and also an opportunity for others. However, once I employ this method, it will likely greatly alleviate the Artifact Spirit’s state of fear, providing more opportunities for others to exploit."

Cao Gui, having heard everything, showed a look of sudden comprehension.

Ning Zhuo continued: "I know Danxia Peak has significant control over the Commerce Hall. By collaborating with you, in some sense, it’s also cooperation with Danxia Peak."

"I need Danxia Peak to modify the environment for tomorrow’s minor event to provide me with favorable conditions."

"If possible, I wish to be the last to act."

Cao Gui cupped his hands: "This is a significant matter, Young Master. Please allow me to send another Flying Message."

"Please go ahead." Ning Zhuo smiled and gestured.

The reply quickly arrived at the Bluestone Cave Mansion.

After reading the letter, Cao Gui appeared excited: "Young Master, Danxia Peak has generally approved. Further developing the Array is feasible because the competition’s rules include no such restriction."

"However, your sequence of turns cannot be changed. This is because it was publicly announced at the end of the third round."

"If they were to change their decision suddenly, it would likely tarnish the Righteous Path’s reputation of Danxia Peak."

Ning Zhuo gritted his teeth, pondered hesitantly for a moment, and then finally nodded: "So be it, let it be so."

He then looked at Cao Gui: "Repairing the Nanming Fire Furnace is no simple matter. I lack suitable materials, and I need you to provide them."

Cao Gui laughed heartily: "On that matter, I can make the decision. Young Master, on behalf of the Commerce Hall, I can promise you that right now!"

The two conversed further, and Ning Zhuo instructed the Chef to see Cao Gui off.

He then picked up the Divine Statue, secretly contacting Zhu Fenxiang.

Upon receiving the message, Zhu Fenxiang was greatly astonished, not daring to make a decision independently and quickly sought out her mother for consultation.

Her mother analyzed, "Ning Zhuo has a bright future and is a rising star of the Righteous Path, capable of releasing such a Vast Energy Pillar. He wouldn’t deceive us on this matter. What he says should be true."

"Since that’s the case, why not take the chance? I’ll contact the family immediately to have them send the appropriate Treasure materials!"

The next day.

At the peak of Danxia Peak.

The cloud sea churned like boiling water, with the morning light peeking through the horizon, tinting the entire cloud sea with a brilliant red-gold hue.

In the Void Eaves Courtyard, the pink light pillar from yesterday had dissipated, replaced by a damaged Pill Furnace—the body of the Nanming Fire Furnace.

The furnace body was shattered, with less than one-tenth intact. Charred cracks crisscrossed like a spider web, stretching from the furnace’s mouth to its bottom, with some parts even completely broken, making it a pitiful sight.

Around the Pill Furnace, the Array Masters from the Array Hall had set up an Array overnight, with Array Patterns inscribed using Spiritual Liquid, gently flowing with a faint golden glow in the morning light.

The purpose of the Array was to provide protection for both the Pill Furnace and the Artifact Spirit, while allowing cultivators to directly engage with the furnace fragments and body, facing the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit head-on.

In the arena, cultivators gathered once more.

In the outer sections, a large number of cultivators crowded around, perched atop various clouds, once again becoming spectators.