Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

This response immediately gave Sun Lingtong a direct impression of her.

Sun Lingtong nodded repeatedly, "You're absolutely right. Well done!"

"We now need to check all the warehouse goods. If there are any defective items, we will take them for further repair. Can you clear the way?"

The mechanical puppet, Rudiemother, shook her head slightly, "You two are quite strange. Even if you're insiders, do you need to stay invisible the whole time?"

"I've been here for many years, and I've never encountered inspectors like you two."

"Could it be that you're deceiving me?"

Sun Lingtong chuckled, "How could that be? Kids don’t lie to kids. If you don't believe me, let’s make a pinky promise!"

Yang Chanyu: ??

Rudiemother tilted her head and carefully looked at him, then… she extended her pinky finger.

The two made a pinky promise, and Sun Lingtong assured her that his identity was real.

Rudiemother agreed.

Then, she allowed the two to enter.

Yang Chanyu fell into silence. She didn't understand much about intelligent mechanical constructs, but Sun Lingtong, after his interaction with the Golden-Blooded Battle Ape, Dasheng, knew more about such mechanisms.

These types, although possessing intelligence, had very little, and they tended to be rigid about certain things.

This warehouse was quite small compared to the previous ones, noticeably different.

After scanning the area, Sun Lingtong excitedly sent a voice transmission to Yang Chanyu, "Yes, this is the place we're looking for!"

Sun Lingtong took the lead, walking to the shelf.

He extended his hand, taking out a jar of tea leaves. Without even opening the lid, he simply smelled the jar, and a serene sensation washed over him, as though he was walking on clouds, giving him a floating, ethereal feeling.

"This is superior-grade cloud tea. It's excellent, truly excellent! Just a sniff brings such a wonderful feeling."

"No wonder some people, after drinking it, can comprehend the laws of the cloud path!"

Sun Lingtong coughed lightly and said to Rudiemother, "Ah, the scent of this tea seems off. We'll take it outside to air it out; maybe it'll improve."

Rudiemother nodded, following beside him.

Meanwhile, Yang Chanyu focused on the myriad cloud seeds on the shelves.

"Being specially placed here and displayed alone, these must be extraordinary varieties."

Yang Chanyu, filled with anticipation and curiosity, began collecting all the myriad cloud seeds.

Seeing Rudiemother staring at her with wide eyes, Yang Chanyu coughed, saying that the myriad cloud seeds looked a bit yellow, and she needed to check if they were diseased.

Rudiemother let out an "oh" and nodded.

Yang Chanyu, seeing how easily fooled Rudiemother was, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.

Sun Lingtong opened a small jade bottle by himself.

He removed the stopper, peered inside with his large eyes, and saw three dew-like drops.

"Ruo Shui, it's the Supreme Virtuous Water, a treasure of water virtue. I’ve finally found it!" He was extremely excited.

Ever since learning of Ning Zhuo's plan, Sun Lingtong had wanted to steal the Supreme Virtuous Water for him. Now, he had finally succeeded.

The two of them stole almost everything in the warehouse.

The mechanical puppet followed them the entire time, staring in a daze and asked, "Are all these goods faulty? I can’t see anything wrong with them."

Sun Lingtong’s eyes twinkled as he turned around, sizing her up, and said, "It's not just the goods that have issues; you have issues too. Come with us."

"Huh?" Rudiemother was stunned.

Sun Lingtong, quick-witted as always, had developed numerous speculations about Rudiemother's identity during their heist.

Though she had intelligence, she was easily tricked and had no way to verify his and Yang Chanyu’s identities. Sun Lingtong speculated that she was also one of the goods here, intended to be sold at an auction!

Sun Lingtong said, "Did you forget? We’re the inspectors, aren't we?"

"Isn't it normal for us to detect your problems?"

Rudiemother grasped the hem of her dress, lowered her head, and asked anxiously, "Then, could you tell me… what’s wrong with me?"

Sun Lingtong replied, "You couldn’t even tell there were issues with these goods. Isn't it obvious your eyes have a problem?"

Rudiemother froze, touched her eyes, and then said, "You’re quite right."

Yang Chanyu: …

She silently watched as Sun Lingtong continued his act, tricking the mechanical puppet effortlessly.

From the outside, Rudiemother was extremely beautiful!

She was humanoid, small in stature, about three feet tall, with an exquisite and graceful figure resembling a young maiden in her prime.

Her face was like a painting, her eyes clear and gentle.

On her head was a butterfly-shaped silver crown, adorned with delicate pearls and gems, light and elegant.

Behind her, a pair of wings extended like those of a butterfly, their edges thickly bordered in black, giving a sense of resilience.

In the sunlight, the wings shimmered with a rainbow of colors, and with a gentle flap, they stirred waves of wind.

She wore a long dress of plain gauze, with a jade belt tied at her waist.

In her hands was a small jade bottle, intricately carved with floral patterns, and from its mouth wafted a faint milky fragrance.

Rudiemother's appearance was exceptional, and even Yang Chanyu, a woman, found herself moved by her beauty.

Sun Lingtong had long set his sights on this intelligent puppet, thinking to give it to his younger brother. He knew he would absolutely love it!

Moreover, tricking such a puppet was a novel and thrilling experience in his thieving career, and he found it highly amusing and exciting.

So, he continued, "Rudiemother, quickly enter sleep mode. I'll put you in my bracelet and take you out to repair you."

Rudiemother stared blankly at Sun Lingtong and Yang Chanyu, her soft voice asking, "Are you really going to take me with you?"

Sun Lingtong blinked his large eyes, full of innocence, "Of course. It’s our duty. You’re lucky to have run into us."

"Don’t worry! Once we take you out, we’ll definitely fix your eyes."

Rudiemother nodded, "Then, I really must thank you. You’re a good person!"

Sun Lingtong grinned, looking up at Yang Chanyu with pride.

Yang Chanyu, seeing his smug expression, couldn't help but roll her eyes, feeling speechless. But she also had to admit, Sun Lingtong’s methods were impressive.

However, in the next moment, Rudiemother’s expression suddenly changed, becoming extremely serious. Her eyes shone with a blue light, and her voice turned cold.

"If you truly want to take me with you, then please state the secret code!"

Sun Lingtong’s eyes widened slightly, not expecting this turn of events, and his heart was filled with shock.

Rudiemother’s gaze locked onto him as she continued, "Since you want to take me with you, and claim to be inspectors, you must know the secret code."

"Now, please say it."

"Heh heh heh." Yang Chanyu, standing to the side, couldn’t help but laugh at seeing Sun Lingtong in a bind.

Rudiemother urged him, "Say it now. Otherwise, you’re a big liar, a bad person, and bad people must be punished!"

At this, the butterfly wings on Rudiemother’s back glowed faintly.

The seven-colored radiance quickly spread, enveloping the entire warehouse space, transforming it.

In an instant, Sun Lingtong and Yang Chanyu found themselves surrounded by countless fragments of colored glass.

The edges of these fragments gleamed with seven-colored brilliance.

"What kind of move is this?!" Yang Chanyu’s face changed, her heart filled with alarm.

She had been "tricked" by Rudiemother.

Yang Chanyu had secretly probed Rudiemother before and found that her main materials were all Foundation Establishment-level, so she hadn’t paid her much mind.

But now, Rudiemother had suddenly released a quasi-Golden Core-level spell, and the spell had been cast instantly, with no prior signs of preparation.

This greatly exceeded Yang Chanyu’s expectations, causing her to become highly alert.

"Things just got a little tricky!" Upon further inspection, Yang Chanyu made a new discovery.

Rudiemother's wings were quite extraordinary, with layers of intricate formation patterns. They had not been apparent before, but now, with their ability activated, the patterns were visible to the naked eye, leaving Yang Chanyu stunned.

How excellent must the craftsmanship be to assemble a collection of Foundation Establishment-level materials and make them release quasi-Golden Core-level power?

Yang Chanyu glanced at Sun Lingtong, signaling with her eyes, silently agreeing to attack Rudiemother together.

Sun Lingtong, however, waved her off.

His face had turned pale, realizing he had gotten in over his head.

They couldn’t start a fight inside the cloud whale. If they alerted the whale, they would be in big trouble. After all, the cloud whale was a Nascent Soul-level creature.

Sun Lingtong’s heart raced, his forehead breaking

out in cold sweat.

He licked his dry lips and continued his act, "The secret code? Of course, I know it, don’t worry."

"But the question is, which code do you need?"

Rudiemother was taken aback, "What do you mean? I only have one secret code."

Sun Lingtong shrugged, spreading his hands, "To you, of course, there’s only one secret code."

"But not for us."

"We know far too many secret codes. Since we’re inspectors, when we encounter situations like yours, we need to use secret codes."

"Because we know so many, we’ve kind of forgotten which one you need."

Rudiemother froze.

Sun Lingtong continued, "So, could you give me a hint about the code? I need a reminder."

Yang Chanyu: …

Rudiemother’s expression changed as she pondered, "What you’re saying does make sense."

"Then I’ll tell you."

"The secret code is… Cloud flies, cloud flies... Wait a minute!"

"If I just tell you the code, wouldn’t I be directly revealing the secret to you?"

She finally realized, widening her eyes and glaring at Sun Lingtong angrily.

Her aura rose continuously, ready to strike.

Sun Lingtong quickly waved his hands, "Wait, don’t be so hasty! I only asked for a hint, not the entire secret code."

Rudiemother interrupted, "But you just said—"

Sun Lingtong interrupted her, "What I said earlier might not have been clear, and you misunderstood."

"But none of that matters, right?"

"Look, I’m just a kid. Isn’t it normal for me to not speak clearly?"

"You just need to give me a small hint. That’s all."

"I didn’t ask you to tell me the entire secret code."

Rudiemother tilted her head, staring at Sun Lingtong and scrutinizing him.

Sun Lingtong gazed back at her with wide, innocent eyes, full of sincerity.

Once again, she was swayed, thinking that such a child couldn’t possibly be deceitful.

After thinking for a long time, she finally said, "I still have some doubts about you, but I’m willing to give you one last chance."

"My hint for you is that the secret code is a nursery rhyme."

Sun Lingtong exclaimed, "A nursery rhyme, huh…"

"It seems like we’re out of time. No more wasting it, Sun Lingtong, let’s make our move!" Yang Chanyu secretly transmitted.

Suddenly, Sun Lingtong’s eyes lit up as he waved off Yang Chanyu.

"I’ve got it."

"Thanks for the hint. I know your secret code!"

"Just listen to me sing."

The next moment, Sun Lingtong cleared his throat and began to sing softly.

Clouds fly, clouds fly,  

Flying over mountains and emerald peaks.  

Streams trickle around the great trees,  

Sunlight spreads across the green grass heaps.  

…  

Clouds fly, winds chase,  

Flying over rivers and starlight’s grace.  

The sky high, the earth vast, colorful and bright,  

Clouds gather and disperse, blown by the wind’s embrace.  

…  

Clouds fly, hearts tire,  

Flying past rainbows and the sunset’s fire.  

The light of the clouds slowly fades,  

Moonlight quietly reflects the night’s shade.  

…  

Clouds fly, dreams return,  

Flying through longing and sorrow’s turn.  

In dreams, a mother pulls you back home,  

Returning to the village, where you peacefully sleep alone.  

…  

Rudiemother’s expression softened as she deeply bowed to Sun Lingtong, "I wronged you. Please, take me out."

"Of course, of course." Sun Lingtong smiled.

In the next moment, Rudiemother closed her eyes and truly entered sleep mode.

Sun Lingtong promptly stored her in his bracelet.

Now, Yang Chanyu completely viewed him in a new light!

Before this journey, she had thought she would be the main force. But throughout the trip, Sun Lingtong’s performance had constantly surprised her.

Yang Chanyu, full of curiosity, directly asked, "How did you know that nursery rhyme?"

Sun Lingtong chuckled, "It’s the most widely spread nursery rhyme in the Feiyun Country. It’s often used as a lullaby by mothers."

Yang Chanyu pressed, "How do you know it?"

"Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles. Some knowledge can't be gained just from reading." Sun Lingtong grinned, but his eyes flickered with a brief moment of reminiscence.

…

A two- or three-year-old Ning Zhuo was curled up in bed, crying softly.

Sun Lingtong walked to the bedside, curiously asking, "What’s wrong? Why aren’t you asleep?"

Little Ning Zhuo peeked his head out from under the blanket, "I-I miss my mother."

Sun Lingtong felt at a loss. He wanted to say something comforting, but stuttered, unable to find the right words.

The more Ning Zhuo spoke, the sadder he became, his tears flowing, "I-I can't sleep. Whenever I can’t sleep, my mother sings to me. Can you sing to me?"

Sun Lingtong’s lips twitched as he thought, "I, a dignified disciple of an evil sect, how could I do… uh."

Under Ning Zhuo’s eager, longing gaze, he gave in.

"F-Fine. What song do you want me to sing? I don’t know any…"

"It’s okay, I’ll teach you. Clouds fly, clouds fly…"

Sun Lingtong sighed deeply, "Alright, I’ll only sing it once. You’d better fall asleep afterward, got it?"

Little Ning Zhuo, tucked in the blanket, nodded weakly.

Sun Lingtong sat by the bedside, his legs dangling naturally, slightly turning to the side, suppressing a sense of shame as he softly sang, "Clouds fly, clouds fly…"

"Sunlight spreads across the green grass—"

Little Ning Zhuo interrupted, "You sang it wrong, it’s grass heaps, not grass spread."

"Oh, oh. I’ll start over… What was the first line again?"

After many stops and corrections, he finally finished the song, stumbling through it.

Sun Lingtong was drenched in sweat.

"Why aren’t you asleep yet?" He looked at Ning Zhuo’s bright, alert eyes, feeling uneasy.

Little Ning Zhuo frowned, troubled, "When my mother sings, it’s not like this. Her voice is smooth, light, and very gentle. You singing like this makes it even harder for me to sleep."

Sun Lingtong sighed, "Fine, I’ll sing it again."

…

Inside the cloud whale.

Yang Chanyu’s voice pulled Sun Lingtong’s mind back to reality.

She wasn’t so easily fooled and asked suspiciously, "Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles, that’s true."

"But don’t you seem a little too familiar with that nursery rhyme?"

"Even if you heard it from somewhere, how could you remember it so perfectly and sing it so smoothly?"

"It feels like you’ve sung it many times…"

Sun Lingtong’s mouth twitched, "How could that be?!"

"Let’s not talk about that."

"We’ve got the goods. Time for the next step!"

A few days later.

At the peak of Mount Huoshi.

Ning Zhuo and the others gathered.

Zhu Xuanji and the others stood guard nearby.

They had all cast spells to conceal their presence.

Then, Meng Kui personally took action, smashing the demon beasts besieging the Lava Immortal Palace, drawing them away and creating a gap in their formation.

"Now!" Zhu Xuanji and his group, with Ning Zhuo in tow, successfully approached the Lava Immortal Palace.

Once they reached a certain distance, the palace emitted radiant treasure light, pulling everyone into the palace.

The defensive power of the treasure light was astounding, and even though the demon beasts detected and attacked, it was futile.

"Entering the Immortal Palace... we’re finally inside!" Ning Zhuo’s plan had come to fruition. Zhu Xuanji and his team’s actions didn’t surprise him.

"Ning Zhuo, Ning Zhuo, he’s finally here." The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit was overjoyed. During this time, Ning Xiaohui’s progress had been outstanding, and she was approaching the success mark needed to join the Historical Records Pavilion.

"Little Zhuo is here. I need to find an opportunity to secretly hand the Supreme Virtuous Water to him." Sun Lingtong, with Yang Chanyu's help, had snuck into the Immortal Palace a day earlier.

One had to admit, the No-Void Sect’s stealth techniques were truly unparalleled.

Ning Zhuo and his group’s entry caused quite a commotion, drawing the attention of the cultivators guarding the Immortal Palace.

Ning Xiaohui, leading the Ning family cultivators, took the initiative to greet them.

Her eyes flashed, her emotions somewhat complicated, "Even if you've entered the Immortal Palace, you can’t surpass my achievements! Here, I am the leader, and you are all the ones trying to catch up!"

She scanned the crowd, her gaze lingering briefly on Ning Zhuo.

(End of chapter)