Yuhu Xuanzong spent four hundred million spirit stones and obtained this combat puppet.

Though Xie Hongchen didn’t say it aloud, his favorable impression of Si Tianjian was zero. He ordered Xie Shaochong to move this puppet to the demonstration grounds for use in disciples’ sparring practice.

At first, everyone didn’t take it seriously.

Just a puppet—after all, it was a dead object. What use could it have?

Xie Shaochong, Nie Qinglan, Xie Li, and others looked down on this big thing quite disdainfully.

But helplessly, the sect had spent a great price after all. They couldn’t very well buy back a pile of scrap metal.

Xie Shaochong stood before the puppet, saying to Nie Qinglan, “Let’s try it.”

Nie Qinglan took the bronze key and inserted it into the puppet’s ear hole. The three held no hope, but other disciples were quite interested and watched from afar.

—Four hundred million spirit stones. Who had ever seen such a thing?

Watching the excitement was fine too.

Nie Qinglan stood on tiptoe, turning the bronze key. One rotation—no reaction. So he turned it another rotation, then another rotation.

“Could this thing be broken?” The words barely left his mouth when the puppet punched him in the right cheek. The movement was so fast he couldn’t react!

With a thud, Nie Qinglan only felt stars dancing before his eyes. He covered his face with his hand, but the puppet’s second punch was already swinging over.

Xie Shaochong and Xie Li were swept by the punch’s wind, also startled, and quickly dodged aside.

So Nie Qinglan was… chased and beaten by the puppet.

Xie Shaochong initially stood watching with arms folded, but gradually, the expression on his face froze.

—This puppet’s techniques were actually extremely precisely decomposed. It wasn’t as rigid and stiff as they’d imagined.

After all, Nie Qinglan was Xie Hongchen’s eldest disciple. After dodging several times, he also began trading moves with the puppet. And this puppet could actually fight with him quite impressively.

The surrounding discussion quieted down as other disciples watched intently, no longer speaking.

Xie Shaochong stared at the demonstration grounds. Gradually he realized—the sect’s four hundred million spirit stones probably weren’t spent too unjustly.

Meanwhile, at Yeyun Hall, Huang Rang was receiving personal instruction in techniques from Xie Hongchen.

Yeyun Hall’s inner courtyard had a small demonstration ground specifically for the Sect Leader’s practice or teaching.

Xie Hongchen sat at a stone table beside it, a cup of clear tea before him, his hands flipping through an ancient sword manual.

Huang Rang practiced swordplay in the grounds. Her sword remained domineering and sharp. The surrounding parasol trees were stirred by her sword energy, their leaves falling and flying.

Xie Hongchen occasionally looked up at her and saw flying leaves like flowers, while the beauty danced with her sword, dignified and brilliant.

He took paper and brush, dipping the brush in ink. He’d intended to create some sword formulas, yet what fell from his brush became a painting.

Because she was before him, Huang Rang paid particular attention to the aesthetic beauty of each move and stance.

Under Xie Hongchen’s brush, parasol leaves fell, scattered like flying flowers. Only the sword-dancing figure in the center was missing.

After all, he was a teacher and role model. To privately paint a small portrait of a female disciple—if it got out, what would others think?

The ink and brush reached this point and could not continue.

He raised his head and saw afternoon sunlight scattered like broken gold, parasol leaves drifting down, a beautiful woman wielding a sword, like martial arts yet like dance. He lightly sipped fragrant tea. This moment of tranquility was already the finest time.

When Xie Shaochong entered, he saw precisely such a scene.

The demonstration ground was very small, normally used for at most two people sparring. At the field’s edge, a parasol tree was lush with green. Under the tree, Huang Rang danced with her sword. Xie Hongchen sat at the stone table outside the field, holding a tea cup, watching the grounds.

The beauty like a painting—this scene held several points of romantic charm.

Of course, Xie Shaochong absolutely trusted Xie Hongchen’s character. He believed Xie Hongchen only had protective affection for his sole female disciple. He entered directly, saying, “Sect Leader.”

Xie Hongchen’s face showed no expression, yet in the tea cup in his hand, the amber-colored tea created a ripple.

He gently set down the tea cup, inconspicuously putting away the painting on the table, asking, “What is it?”

Xie Shaochong bowed respectfully. “Just now I tested that combat puppet with Qinglan and Ah Li.”

Xie Hongchen grunted, asking, “What was the result?”

Xie Shaochong’s expression was grave. “Worth the price.”

Xie Hongchen was slightly startled, his brow furrowing lightly. Xie Shaochong said, “This object’s combat power is divided into three grades. Grade A combat power is for sword formations, requiring multiple people to fight. Grade B is suitable for sparring by those like Qinglan and Ah Li. Grade C is appropriate for beginning disciples. Looking at its mechanisms, there appear to be many other functions that still need to be tested one by one.”

He hesitated a moment before making his final statement. “This Di Yiqiu truly has talent. Possessing such combat puppets, no wonder Si Tianjian’s lower-level disciples have grown so rapidly these past few years.”

Xie Hongchen stood up, casually crumpling the painting he’d just made. His five fingers opened, and the paper became like powder, scattering with the wind.

“Let’s go see.” He took the lead walking out of Yeyun Hall, but didn’t forget to instruct Huang Rang, “Continue practicing swordplay. Wait until I return.”

Huang Rang agreed. Xie Shaochong glanced at her sword techniques and only felt that Xie Hongchen truly gave her extra care.

But ultimately, Huang Rang had won first place in the new disciple demonstration. For Xie Hongchen to value her especially seemed nothing objectionable.

At the demonstration grounds, Xie Hongchen personally sparred with this puppet.

Though this puppet’s martial power was extremely strong, it couldn’t withstand his level of cultivation. Soon this big thing was constrained everywhere, unable to deploy.

Nie Qinglan said, “The Sect Leader’s cultivation is profound. Si Tianjian’s super-A-grade puppet truly cannot withstand a single blow.”

Other disciples also agreed in succession. For a moment, it seemed Si Tianjian truly wasn’t anything remarkable.

While sparring with the puppet, Xie Hongchen easily adjusted its combat power level upward. And that puppet originally had no cultivation, purely responding with techniques, strength, and speed. In his hands, it was like a child’s toy.

The immortal sect’s first Sword Immortal currently held no sword in his hand, but his bearing was elegant and floating. His techniques’ gracefulness used lightness to overcome weight, making this puppet appear very clumsy and stupid.

The shock the disciples had felt earlier was now smoothed over by their own Sect Leader.

During combat, Xie Hongchen directly turned the key, adjusting combat difficulty from C to B, finally to A. He tested all three combat power levels. Truly like light clouds veiling the moon, drifting like flowing wind returning to snow.

All Yuhu Xuanzong disciples relaxed. Someone said, “Si Tianjian only has this much ability yet dares show off before our Sect Leader. Truly laughable.”

As soon as these words emerged, other disciples chimed in agreement.

The puppet’s offensive grew faster and faster, but indeed couldn’t match this immortal sect’s first Sword Immortal. Xie Hongchen still hadn’t drawn his sword. He concentrated his energy and force. Palm wind pushed the combat puppet to a corner of the demonstration grounds.

That puppet lost its target and could only stand dumbly.

Xie Hongchen turned around. One hand behind his back, his robes white as snow, his face coldly composed. “This puppet’s combat power is extraordinary. There’s nothing laughable about it.”

All disciples instantly quieted. Xie Hongchen surveyed everyone, saying, “Since Yuhu Xuanzong’s establishment, we’ve always emphasized cultivation. The heart seeking the dao is stronger than martial dao. Therefore, we don’t advocate puppet combat. But Si Tianjian belongs to the court, existing in the mortal world. Most of their officers come from commoner origins, without the qualifications to seek the dao. This combat puppet can rapidly train their officers, test sword formations, and improve basic combat power. For Si Tianjian to spend enormous resources forging this object is indeed necessary.”

Even evaluating opponents, his words were entirely upright and impartial. “Different environments require different responses. When you face ingenious and novel ideas, you should maintain respect in your hearts, not look down on them.”

“Sect Leader’s teaching—we will remember it in our hearts,” the disciples said solemnly, putting away their smiles.

Only then did Xie Hongchen nod. He looked again at the puppet in the corner seeking an opponent, suddenly saying to Xie Shaochong, “In several more decades, Si Tianjian’s combat power will be quite considerable.”

Xie Shaochong nodded, saying, “If the Sect Leader is concerned, we can purchase more puppets from him.”

Xie Hongchen looked at him. He said, “This Di Yiqiu seems to have quite a favorable impression of our Ah Rang. As long as Ah Rang speaks up, perhaps…”

“Not necessary.” Xie Hongchen coldly refused.

“?” Xie Shaochong was utterly confused. But quickly, he also reacted, saying, “True. How could the magnificent Yuhu Xuanzong have a female disciple come forward to ask for favors? My thinking was inconsiderate.”

Xie Hongchen didn’t mention the matter again, only saying, “Since this puppet has already been purchased, don’t let it sit idle. Gather the disciples and arrange combat sessions. If there are any problems, also have Si Tianjian send people to handle them promptly.” He glanced at that tall thing. Though his words were fair, his heart couldn’t hide displeasure.

Xie Shaochong bowed. “Yes.”

These past few days, Huang Rang hadn’t been able to see this puppet.

She stayed at Yeyun Hall practicing daily. Whenever Xie Hongchen had free time, he would carefully guide her. If it were ordinary master and disciple, with a disciple this beautiful accompanying him daily, rumors would surely have spread.

But not with Xie Hongchen.

From when Xie Hongchen joined Xie Lingbi’s tutelage until now serving as Sect Leader, there had never been any rumors of character flaws.

Such a person, noble as the moon—what selfish thoughts could he have?

Therefore, everything at Yuhu Xuanzong remained as usual.

Only Xie Hongchen himself knew—he wanted to see her.

At dusk, Huang Rang would leave.

After she left, all of Yeyun Hall would sink into silence. Xie Hongchen would lay out paper and brush again. After a long time, he’d lower his head and discover the painting under his brush. Still parasol leaves falling, scattered like flying flowers.

And under the flowers, a beauty danced with her sword, graceful with every glance.

He had finally painted her into the picture. Yet this thought could not be spoken to outsiders. He intended to destroy the painting. However, after pondering for a long while, he only rolled it up and stored it in his storage magical treasure.

When Huang Rang came out of Yeyun Hall and passed the outer demonstration grounds, she saw that puppet standing in the corner.

At this time, the disciples had already dispersed. In the vast demonstration grounds, only it stood forlornly.

Though Huang Rang had practiced swordplay all day at Yeyun Hall, her physical constitution had improved tremendously. Plus, being born an earth demon, she didn’t tire so easily.

—As Yuhu Xuanzong’s top grind, she wouldn’t rest easily.

She came before the puppet, turned the bronze key, drew out the sword called “Standing Alone in Excellence,” and continued sparring with it.

At the mountainside of Diancui Peak, Xie Shaochong passed by and couldn’t help but stop and observe—why was this girl so diligent?

He couldn’t understand.

All of Huang Rang’s various behaviors made her look like a martial arts fanatic.

But actually, she didn’t love martial dao. Every day she studied in extreme pain, gritting her teeth, yet never slacking off.

As if… some purpose was forcing her, unable to relax.

Si Tianjian.

The Director Jianzheng, carrying four hundred million spirit stones, didn’t use a transmission talisman, so it was already evening when he reached the capital.

—A transmission talisman worth three thousand spirit stones—unless absolutely necessary, the Director Jianzheng was too lazy to spend it.

At this time in Si Tianjian, officials had already left for the day. Only guards kept night watch in the four divisions.

The Director Jianzheng had been busy all day and was somewhat tired. After bathing, he wanted to go to bed and sleep. Though the viper’s blood had altered his constitution, his mortal body had an inexplicable obsession with rest.

Occasionally taking a little nap truly refreshed body and mind.

But the problem was, just as the Director Jianzheng was about to go to bed, he glanced at the Nine-Curve Spirit Eye.

At the demonstration grounds, though the sky had completely darkened, the magical treasure “Moon Illumination” provided radiance all around, so one could still see.

—Without such lighting, Huang Rang probably wouldn’t have come.

And now, she was sparring with the puppet.

The puppet’s combat power was grade C. Having fumbled with it for many days, she could actually fight it back and forth, quite impressively.

The Director Jianzheng watched for a while, then suddenly sighed deeply, abandoning thoughts of rest.

He changed back into fitted clothing, glanced again at the Nine-Curve Spirit Eye, and sighed resignedly. He made his way to Baihu Si’s practice grounds, activated a puppet, and began combat.

The viper’s blood was stimulated by his internal force. Golden snake patterns gradually appeared on his cheeks. The entire practice ground filled with gray poisonous fog.

The next day, when Li Lu and others came on duty, they saw their Director Jianzheng had already broken a sweat.

He drew out silk to wipe his forehead. Li Lu and others rushed forward to clear the snake poison from the practice grounds.

This snake poison couldn’t see blood. If not removed, should other disciples get injured and bleed, they’d probably die on the spot.

The Baihu Si officers came early. Though they held official positions, they were ultimately different from ordinary officers.

Si Tianjian had many small puppets for individual combat. The Baihu Si Junior Director also arrived at the practice grounds early, preparing to begin the day’s training.

So on the demonstration grounds, the officers who arrived early began sparring practice with the puppets.

These puppets’ techniques were relatively simple and formulaic, but Xie Hongchen had spoken correctly—for these commoners, they didn’t have lengthy time for cultivation.

The two words “seeking dao” were even more distant.

These officers only needed to possess certain skills, plus protective magical treasures, able to handle difficult problems common people encountered.

So though these combat puppets’ techniques were simple and crude, they were very practical.

The Director Jianzheng stood by the practice grounds for a while, wiping sweat while watching his subordinate officers practice.

Baihu Si Junior Director Tan Qi was correcting mistakes one by one. Everything was orderly.

At the distant horizon, a mass of gold-red ignited. The sun tore open the rosy clouds, poking out its red face from the cloud layers.

The Director Jianzheng bathed in the rosy light, yet his thoughts fell on Yuhu Xuanzong thousands of miles away.

He wondered if she had rested yet.

He was lost in thought when suddenly someone behind him said, “Oh my, Elder Sun, how did you come?”

Di Yiqiu turned around and saw the great Elder Sun Jianzhong. He was the current court’s chief minister, advanced in years, his hair white, but his spirit vigorous. He strode inside quickly. The attendant behind him could barely keep up.

“What wind is blowing today for the Elder to personally visit?” Di Yiqiu was neither cold nor warm. Only because this Elder Sun had always strongly opposed Shi Wenyu’s establishment of Si Tianjian to resist the immortal sects.

He’d entered office at nineteen and had always found Si Tianjian displeasing.

Normally he frequently reduced Si Tianjian’s budget and got along very poorly with Di Yiqiu.

Now seeing the officers on the practice grounds sweating profusely, he also snorted coldly, saying, “Today His Majesty didn’t hold court again, and Director Jianzheng also didn’t attend court deliberations. This official has matters to discuss with the Director Jianzheng, so could only come in person.”

His words carried dissatisfaction because though Di Yiqiu was also a court official, he never attended court.

Di Yiqiu didn’t care. Shi Wenyu, seeking longevity, built the Yuanrong Tower and changed the era name to Chengyuan.

From early Chengyuan, he had lived long in Yuanrong Tower, rarely holding court.

Though Si Tianjian belonged to the court, it more resembled immortal sects and had no time to handle court affairs. So only Qinglong Si’s Junior Director Bai Qingyun attended court alone.

Normally he was also responsible for liaising with various court departments.

Therefore, Bai Qingyun was slippery beyond measure.

Few in court were willing to deal with him.

Elder Sun clearly was no exception. He continued, “Today Eunuch Fu sent a pill formula, requiring Si Tianjian to assist in pill refinement. Bai Qingyun refused to pass the message, so this official personally came to tell the Director Jianzheng.”

As he spoke, he drew that pill formula from his sleeve and handed it to Di Yiqiu.

Di Yiqiu took it in hand. Looking carefully, his brow was already furrowed, and he instantly understood why Bai Qingyun had declined.

This pill formula consumed enormously. How much silver could the court allocate to Si Tianjian?

Elder Sun’s face showed deep wrinkles, making him appear extremely dignified. He said, “You’re not unaware of the court’s situation. His Majesty has pursued immortality for years. Si Tianjian moreover supports a group of neither-immortal-nor-mortal people. The treasury has been empty year after year, expenditures exceeding income. For this pill formula’s silver, the treasury can only allocate one-fifth. The rest—your Si Tianjian must figure out yourself!”

Before Di Yiqiu could speak, Elder Sun immediately continued, “I heard the Director Jianzheng sold a puppet to Yuhu Xuanzong, obtaining four hundred million spirit stones. This can be used perfectly to refine pills for His Majesty. I imagine the Director Jianzheng, as both subject and son, should have no objection.”

Having said this, he turned and left.

“Elder Sun goes too far!” Tan Qi couldn’t help but say angrily. “His Majesty’s decree—why should…”

“Enough.” Di Yiqiu stopped him. “Continue practicing.”

Even someone like Tan Qi was burning with rage. “These years, how much silver has the court allocated to Si Tianjian total? Now he has the nerve to…”

Di Yiqiu said softly, “Enough.”

Elder Sun strode out of Si Tianjian. The attendant behind hurried to catch up, wanting to support him, but was pushed away.

Only after leaving Si Tianjian’s main gate did Elder Sun finally let out a long breath.

The attendant behind quickly had sedan chair bearers come over. Elder Sun’s heart burned with fire. Turning back, he glanced once more at Si Tianjian’s gate, murmuring, “Perfectly good people, insisting on cultivating immortality. In the end, neither immortal nor mortal, drawing a tiger yet resembling a cat, only suffering the kingdom and common people.”

The attendant helped him into the sedan, saying softly, “Actually these years, the Director Jianzheng hasn’t had it easy either. The court’s funds can’t be approved. He supports the many officials of the four divisions. I heard he doesn’t even own a single private residence.”

Elder Sun said angrily, “You’re quite good at speaking for him!”

That attendant smiled. “To be honest with you, sir, my father injured his leg on the battlefield when young and couldn’t walk for many years. Over ten years ago, when His Majesty sent the Director Jianzheng to comfort old soldiers, seeing my father’s situation, the Director Jianzheng made him a pair of prosthetic legs.”

This was the first Elder Sun had heard of this matter. He asked, “Prosthetic legs?”

That attendant said, “Precisely. At first, I was also skeptical, but later my father indeed could walk without difficulty. Actually, the Director Jianzheng then was only fifteen years old. My whole family has always been grateful for his kindness. These years, I’ve been fortunate to follow you, sir, occasionally seeing the world. So I can always see some of his good points.”

Elder Sun sighed deeply, saying, “Truly speaking, this old man has no personal grudge against him. These years of court allocations weren’t intentionally withheld, but truly people’s lives are difficult. Now quality seed prices rise daily. Lower-level common people’s days aren’t easy. If I don’t keep a tight grip on funds, who will consider them?”

That attendant said, “The Elder’s concern for the world—I naturally know this.”

Elder Sun grunted acknowledgment, lifted the sedan curtain, glanced once more at Si Tianjian, saying, “If he truly cannot manage, this pill refinement funds—allocate half.”

The attendant praised, “The Elder’s benevolent heart is truly admirable.”

However, Di Yiqiu didn’t seek him out again.

Only the next day, using his son’s tenth birthday and successful tribulation crossing as reasons, he sent out invitations everywhere. From court officials to immortal sect friends, he invited them all.

Those who received invitations were bewildered—this Director Jianzheng had always lived in official quarters, a solitary man. Where would a son come from?! And ten years old?

Also, what tribulation would a ten-year-old cross?

Due to this curiosity, on the day of the celebration feast, everyone still rushed over.

If people came, gift money was naturally indispensable.

The Director Jianzheng wasn’t polite either. If he discovered someone’s gift was insufficient, he’d make sarcastic and mocking remarks. Everyone was somebody with face—how could they endure this?

So later people all learned their lesson, and the gift money became quite generous.

At the banquet, facing everyone’s curious gazes, the Director Jianzheng finally brought his son before everyone.

—A gaudy, colorful slug caterpillar.

This slug caterpillar ate well and grew plump and white.

And to extend its lifespan, the Director Jianzheng fed it spirit pills daily. Now it was robust and sturdy, its colors increasingly vivid.

The attending Minister of Revenue, Minister Zhou, asked, “This is… the Director Jianzheng’s beloved son?” The implication was simple—you can actually produce this thing?

The Director Jianzheng said unhurriedly, “Godson.”

“…” Everyone cursed inwardly but couldn’t say anything aloud.

The Director Jianzheng held his godson, indulgently feeding it some spirit pills before everyone, carrying it around to show off while collecting gifts.

Having suffered this loss, everyone could only eat their meal sullenly.

Just then, Li Lu pointed at his palm, saying, “Director Jianzheng, this…”

The Director Jianzheng lowered his head and saw the slug caterpillar forming a cocoon in his palm, then breaking out of the cocoon, transforming into a green-winged moth with golden-trimmed skirt—a green stinging moth.

This process was slow yet gentle.

The Director Jianzheng gazed down, unknowingly holding his breath.

Ah, the caterpillar she’d given him back then—at this moment, it broke its cocoon and became a butterfly.