“Hehe, the people here are fond of quiet, particularly at night. It would not be nice to disturb the others when they rest.” Cui De shook his head. “The two of you had better return quickly to rest as well.”
Shui Yanyu’s hand shook slightly, and she was just about to draw out her divine sword, yet Ling Han stretched out an arm to curl around her slender waist, and his hand tightened its grip. She had already developed a kind of tacit understanding with Ling Han, and knew the latter was signalling her to be patient.
“All right, we will go back,” Ling Han said with a smile, and shook his head slightly at Shui Yanyu.
Chapter 1021 - Island Master Pei Ji
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“It’s strange, and too suspicious!” Shui Yanyu declared immediately when they had returned to their own courtyard.
Ling Han nodded, and exclaimed, “My wife is brilliant!”
Shui Yanyu rolled her eyes at him in annoyance, and asked, “You are showing off your foresight, aren’t you?”
“All my achievements are inevitably linked to the teachings of my wife, you. Aren’t you my teacher?” Ling Han asked, smiling.
Shui Yanyu’s beautiful face involuntarily flushed. She had indeed been Ling Han’s teacher for a while, and in the end, Ling Han was close to dragging her into bed by now. Though the two of them were not master and disciple, but rather teacher and student, the mere thought of it still caused her much embarrassment.
“That Cui De obviously did not want us to go and investigate. According to him, the people here are accustomed to resting early, so how could he possibly be standing guard there at such a late hour at night otherwise? He is obviously monitoring us.”
Ling Han nodded, and said, “Unfortunately, I am, by nature, a curious person. The more you do not want me to know, the more I want to find out.”
This time, Shui Yanyu was supportive of Ling Han, and asked, “Then will we be sneaking out again later?”
“No, we’re sleeping,” Ling Han answered with a grin.
Shui Yanyu was about to be driven mad. ‘Have you begun your huge skips in logical thought process again?’
Ling Han kissed her, and replied, “On this first day, it is both the time when our curiosity is the strongest, as well as the time when the other side is the most guarded. I think the five people on the island should be guarding us. Unless we plan to completely become hostile with them immediately, we could not possibly leave tonight.”
“Tomorrow, then?” Shui Yanyu asked.
“We’ll play it by ear!” Ling Han answered seriously. This valley was easy to guard, but difficult to assault. There was only a single way of entry and exit, and it was a naturally formed place of danger. Since they had already taken the initiative to enter into this trap, they definitely could not be rash or reckless.
“En!” Shui Yanyu nodded. She was gradually leaning more and more towards having Ling Han make the decisions and take the lead in matters.
Just in case, they still entered into the Black Tower. Shui Yanyu began cultivating, whereas Ling Han continued to concoct his Heavenly Pearl Pill. He definitely had to finish concocting this alchemical pill as soon as possible.
Not only would it speed up the advancement of his cultivation level, it would also bring him a high income.
Cultivation was naturally inseparable from money to support it. At the beginning, it had been gold and silver, followed by Origin Crystals, and now, it had become True Origin Stones, but in essence, they were the same.
As the night passed, Ling Han revealed a smile of satisfaction. He was getting closer and closer to success.
The couple exited the Black Tower, and they walked out of their courtyard after having their breakfast.
In the case of Yang Tiecheng and the others, some had had a good night’s sleep, and appeared to be energetic and awake. Others, though, were still looking weary. It was obvious that they had not slept very well the night before. After all, those like Yang Tiecheng, Fan Yong, and the others, who had had a wealth of experience of journeying outside, knew the dangers of the world, and would definitely not trust anyone so easily.
In contrast, Jin Zhihui and the others lacked that kind of alertness in this area, and slept very soundly the night before.
They gathered again. Luo Wu and Fan Yong made no attempt to conceal their killing intent towards Ling Han. However, they were now freeloaders, and added with the fact that Yang Tiecheng was here, they did not dare make a move on Ling Han.
“Everyone, it is really a coincidence. My master just happened to come out of seclusion today, and wishes to see you all.” Guo Xiuwen walked over. Naturally, he was still riding on that puppet tiger, just as if he had no idea how to walk without that toy.
However, on the other hand, puppets could be considered God Tools that could awaken themselves. Since he was riding around on a puppet all day, was he also carefully guarding against them?
“Hehe, then we must definitely visit Lord Island Master,” they all replied, smiling.
“Master is a very brilliant puppeteer, and is skilled at creating various rare and unusual objects. With Master’s help, we will definitely be able to create an excellent, well-built ship which will safely allow you to leave here,” Guo Xiuwen said.
These words immediately moved their hearts. None of them had any plans of living in seclusion in the woods.
With Guo Xiuwen leading the way, they arrived at the main hall of the manor. It was really a great hall. It was over 30 meters wide, and as tall as 15 meters—just like a palace. In the innermost part of the main hall, an old man was seated. He should be the master of Guo Xiuwen and his junior brothers.
The old man had a very tall build. Even if he was seated, he was as tall as an ordinary man who was standing. He could practically match Yang Tiecheng’s size.
“I am Pei Ji.” The old man did not stand up, and merely nodded at them. Then, smiling, he said, “I am not being rude here. I have long since lost my legs, so I cannot stand.”
He lifted his long robes. True enough, the part of his legs beneath the knee was gone, and thinking back on his words, they should have been chopped off by another, or perhaps some accident had happened to cause his handicap. He was not born a cripple.
“It’s all right, it’s fine.” Everyone quickly shook their heads.
Pei Ji said, “I already know what you have gone through. I just so happen to have some materials on hand, so I will spend a few days’ time to build a small ship for all of you. It will take me five days at minimum, and 10 days at most. After I am done, I will inform you. In these few days’ time, you can all take a good rest and enjoy a life of peace.”
“Thank you, Lord Island Master!” They were all very glad.
He was a puppeteer, so he would definitely have a pair of skillful hands.
Pei Ji nodded. “If you are interested in the process of puppet construction, you may chat with my disciples. I, too, hope that this art could be developed and promoted to allow more people to learn it.”
When these words were said, everyone was pleasantly surprised.
Puppetry and ultimate martial arts techniques were the same, and belonged to the category of secret treasures. However, Pei Ji was actually willing to share his knowledge. His generosity was really astonishing.
Even Shui Yanyu was wavering slightly. Had she and Ling Han been overly suspicious? How could this kind of person be a villain?
Pei Ji chatted with them for a while longer, but it was all pointless conventional talk. Soon, he expressed that he did not want to waste any more time, and wanted to begin building the ship.
Everyone was naturally pleased. The faster he got started, the better it would be, so they naturally all excused themselves.
“Everyone, if you are interested in the construction of puppets, you may come seek out myself and my brother disciples. We will take turns to discuss with you all, and as long as you have talent, we will definitely not keep our s
kill to ourselves,” Guo Xiuwen said, smiling.
Everyone was greatly interested, and indicated that they would be paying them a visit.
Ling Han, on the other hand, was not greedy. He was cultivating both alchemy and martial arts, and following two paths at the same time was enough to make him feel strained, what more when another art of puppetry would be tossed into the mix. Moreover, he was a firm believer in his own strength. No matter how strong puppets were, they were still external objects, unlike alchemy, wherein the alchemical pills he concocted could at least be used to strengthen himself.
Shui Yanyu, though, wanted to take a look and see if she had talent in this area. However, she was soon dissuaded by Ling Han. He had not dismissed his worries just because of this, so to avoid any accidents, it was best if the two of them did not separate.
He pulled Shui Yanyu with him out of the manor. By now, they would not have any reason to keep detaining him in the manor, right?
“Brother Ling and Miss Shui wish to go out?” When they came to the doors of the manor, they saw Bu Zhengyun approach them, riding on a black ape. That made Ling Han even begin to suspect whether these people lost their legs as well, just like Pei Ji.
Otherwise, why would they be riding on puppets all day long?
“That’s right. We’re going out for a walk since it’s so rare to see such beautiful scenery,” Ling Han answered, smiling.
“Hehe, then let me accompany you both.”
Chapter 1022 - Malice of the Puppets
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Whether Ling Han and Shui Yanyu were willing or otherwise, Bu Zhengyun was obviously determined to go with them.
In his words, as the host, he naturally had the duty to accompany his guests and introduce the surroundings to them.
He accompanied Ling Han and Shui Yanyu. Wherever they walked to, he would be close behind. He could be considered very cordial, but could also be considered to be monitoring them closely.
Initially, Ling Han had been planning to go and look around the various houses in the village, but the moment he left the main road, Bu Zhengyun would speak up to stop him from progressing further. He would stop them from going over by providing the excuse that the people here did not like being disturbed, and even forbade the couple from talking with the passersby they saw on the streets.
His attempt to conceal things only made it more conspicuous, and caused Ling Han to be even more suspicious.
However, because he had no plans to have a complete falling out with the forces of the Island Master, Ling Han did not take any drastic actions. After taking a simple tour around outside, he returned to the manor.
Luo Wu and Fan Yong had both gone to seek out Guo Xiuwen to learn the art of puppetry. What if they really had talent in this area? If they returned to the Imperial Capital after learning this art, their status would definitely advance to another level.
One would be able to obtain an influential position in his clan, whereas the other would no longer have to follow Zhao Lun, and could be independent, becoming qualified to establish his own faction.
Hence, the two of them were very proactive.
At the beginning, Liu Ying did not seem very interested, but afterwards, it seemed like she was moved, and went out constantly.
In comparison, Yang Tiecheng’s whole mind was focused on returning, and only swordsmithing existed in Jin Zhihui’s eyes. Meanwhile, Yin Yuanxiang led a secluded life, and had always been very unsociable, whereas Fu Tian had completely no interest in areas outside of cultivation.
Day after day passed. Luo Wu, Fan Yong, and Liu Ying simply did not return, as if they had become addicted to learning the art of puppetry.
By the seventh day, Guo Xiuwen came to invite Ling Han and Shui Yanyu to look at the puppet he was close to finishing.
Ling Han did not have any interest in learning puppetry, but was very curious about the uses of puppets. Hence, he agreed readily, and went to the workshop inside the manor with Shui Yanyu.
There was a total of two workshops here, a big one and a small one. The small workshop was Pei Ji’s private area, and even his five disciples would have to obtain special permission before they could enter, whereas the big workshop was the very place they arrived.
Pei Ji taught his disciples how to build puppets here. Usually, they would practice here as well.
The workshop was separated into a considerable number of rooms, and the soundproofing was excellent here. Otherwise, with the constant hammering sounds in the workshop, would the people in other rooms still be capable of thinking in peace?
“In puppet construction, there is much need for care and attention, from the choice of raw materials to engraving of formation patterns and the filling of True Origin Stones,” Guo Xiuwen introduced as they walked. He led Ling Han and Shui Yanyu into a room which was his personal territory.
It was a huge place, and there were various materials and tools laid out all around them.
“I have been building a human-shaped puppet these few days, and have just about reached the final stage.”
This time, he was finally not riding on the tiger-shaped puppet anymore, though it was still following close at his side. Merely looking at the back, it was really no different from a real tiger, but from the front, its two eyes were obviously too fake. Two red gems had been inlaid in place of the eyes—they were not real eyeballs.
He pointed at a human-shaped puppet, an obsessed expression appearing on his face.
This puppet was completely wrapped in white bandages, so it was only clear that this was a human-shaped puppet. However, it was indistinguishable what materials it had been built from.
“The achievement of a puppeteer would be building a puppet that could be passed off as real.” As he touched this semi-finished puppet, he looked excited. He continued, “Please feel free to admire it.”
He cut open the chest of the puppet. It was completely empty inside, and 12 opposing rib bones could be clearly seen. However, they were not white in color, but rather pale gold.
“The bones have gone through a special process, and were inlaid with a layer of Godly metal. Because the raw materials of a puppet have different levels, the levels of the Godly metal are also different. In the case of this puppet, it would be sufficient to use Level Three Godly metal.” Guo Xiuwen continued to explain to Ling Han and Shui Yanyu as he quickly processed the puppet.
“Look, there are formation patterns engraved on each bone. This is extremely crucial. After all, this is not a living creature, and every part could only be activated by depending on the formation patterns. Furthermore, there needs to be comprehensive consideration. Otherwise, the fist could punch out, but the feet would be retreating, and this is naturally unacceptable.”
Guo Xiuwen was full of zest, and did not care whether Ling Han and Shui Yanyu understood and were interested. He was merely talking excitedly all by himself.
“The last step is to insert the True Origin Stones in order to activate the formation patterns.” He brought over a dozen True Origin Stones, then turned to Shui Yanyu, and said, “Miss Shui, would you like to personally insert the True Origin Stones to activate this puppet?”
Shui Yanyu shook her head quickly. Though she knew that it was only a tool, with the idea that it was a “human”, she naturally felt that doing such a thing was very disgusting.
Guo Xiuwen laughed, and did not attempt to persuade her any further. Instead, he said, “No matter what kind of powerful existence, they would have the end and die, and no matter what kind of beautiful woman, she would have the moment when she would wilt and fade.”
He stuffed the True Origin Stones into the stomach of the puppet one by one. Then, he stared at Shui Yanyu, his eyes becoming heated. “Miss Shui, you are so beautiful and captivating. With that kind of appearance, and that kind of figure, you should be frozen eternally, and should not age. Otherwise, that would be a sin!”
“This is unrelated to Brother Gu
o, I think,” Ling Han interrupted.
“Hehe, I forgot myself and my manners!” Guo Xiuwen quickly apologized as he closed up the chest of the puppet. Naturally, he was not using needle and thread, but rather multiple metal rings which buckled up the chest. Upon a closer look, the other end of the metal rings penetrated into the puppet’s spine.
“Now, please admire!” He took a step back, and showed a fanatical expression.
Weng , this puppet suddenly snapped its eyes open. Then, it swiftly stood. It seemed to be slightly dazed as it looked around.
“In that Earth’s Core Cave, once every year or so, a kind of material would seep out. We call it ‘Divine Mist’, and by blending the Divine Mist into our puppet, an unexpected effect could be induced, such as…” Guo Xiuwen related from the sidelines.
This puppet suddenly focused on Ling Han, its gaze no longer wandering. In the slits between the bandages, its eyes could be seen to exude the light of a fearful wolf.
“He!” The human-shaped puppet released a low roar, and kicking out its legs, it suddenly charged towards Ling Han.
Its burst of speed was extremely swift. One of its hands stretched out, and it was visible that there were two fingers that had not been wrapped in bandages. They were like metal, and the tips of its fingers were incredibly sharp as they exuded a cold light.
Ling Han was unafraid, and greeted the incoming attack with a punch.
Peng!
With that exchange of blows, Ling Han involuntarily took a few steps back, while that puppet merely shook slightly, its figure quickly regaining balance. It released another shrill roar, and charged towards Ling Han once more.
‘Strength on the level of the middle stage of high extreme, or even late stage of high extreme of Mountain River Tier,’ Ling Han estimated. As the divine patterns of gravity activated, the puppet suddenly stumbled, and almost fell.
Yet Ling Han frowned as well, feeling very strained.
His opponent merely had the strength of the high extreme, yet caused him to feel so strained. Then there was only one reason for that, and that was because it was too heavy!
Alchemy Emperor of the Divine Dao c1-1294 Page 524