Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master Chapter 1418 - 568: Ning Zhuo: Artifact Spirit Vermilion Bir

Seeing Ning Zhuo refuse without hesitation, Cang Yazi’s eyebrows furrowed deeply.

A shadow fell over his face as he impatiently said, "Young friend Ning Zhuo, I can pensate you. What kind of pensation do you need? Spirit Stones? Treasures? Or a Cultivation Technique? Just say the word, and we can discuss it."

Ning Zhuo also had a stern expression as he shook his head without hesitation once again.

If he went along with the other’s words at this moment, it would be the greatest blunder!

Ning Zhuo took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Although the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit is not a Cultivator, merely an Artifact Spirit, it has its own will, emotions, and thoughts."

"It trusts me, which is why it recognizes me as its master. How could I, just to repay my own debts, have it do something like Spirit Awakening or Transformation?"

"In my eyes, it is my friend. I cannot sell out my friend for glory and wealth."

Ning Zhuo refused once more, but upon hearing these words, Cang Yazi’s tightly furrowed brows relaxed considerably.

The irritation and anger in his heart silently dispersed by more than half.

Why did Cang Yazi dwell alone?

Because between people, there is nothing but hypocrisy, scheming, and exploitation. He gave his true heart, but what he got in return was not genuine treatment.

Interacting with Pet Beasts was different! This made him feel the beauty of it.

Although Ning Zhuo refused him, the former was considering the Artifact Spirit.

Cang Yazi looked at Ning Zhuo with a softer gaze.

This young man was somewhat similar to himself.

Ning Zhuo keenly captured the change in Cang Yazi’s expression, being more certain of the correctness of his response in his heart.

He was skilled at reading expressions and understanding human nature. From the age of two, he began observing City Lord Meng Kui of Fire Persimmon Immortal City from the corners, studying the city lord’s words and deeds, pondering the subtleties within.

This foundation was not cultivated overnight.

People only saw how Ning Zhuo, at such a young age, advanced boldly amidst strong individuals, but they did not know how much effort he put in behind the scenes, painstakingly accumulating over the years.

To speak as a human to humans and as a ghost to ghosts; everyone understands this principle, but to truly achieve it is not so easy.

Ning Zhuo continued to speak, first expressing understanding for Cang Yazi’s desire to help his Pet Beast. Then he thanked Cang Yazi for proactively proposing this method to help Ning Zhuo address his debts.

Ning Zhuo said, "If the Spirit Awakening Technique would not harm the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, then I would be willing to assist Elder Cang Yazi essentially."

"But regarding this matter, after joining the Myriad Images Sect, I plan to borrow some books and delve into them before making this judgment."

Cang Yazi shook his head directly: "The books on this subject are of high specification, and as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, you will not be able to borrow them. Even if you are such a genius, it remains so."

"Matters related to spirits can easily touch a taboo in the Cultivation World."

"Even if I wanted to obtain them from the sect, I would have to pay a heavy price."

"But if you truly want them, I... can let you see them."

As he neared the end of his words, Cang Yazi displayed a hesitant expression.

Such obvious emotions were immediately captured by Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo quickly raised his hands, "One should not accept rewards without merits, Elder. Now that I have the Nanming Fire Furnace, I am indeed interested in Secret Books related to spirits to better care for the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit. I can purchase this knowledge; however... unfortunately, I am still indebted to you."

Cang Yazi was momentarily stunned, then quickly displayed a smile.

Ning Zhuo’s response dissipated his initial hesitation.

"I’ll just give it to you to read then." Cang Yazi waved his hand, much more relaxed in tone, "To be honest, using the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit to assist in the Spirit Awakening of my Pet Beast is indeed detrimental to it."

"But after the event, as long as it rests and recovers fully, the issue can be resolved."

"When Zhong Limei was repairing the Pill Furnace, two hundred years of Pill Qi was infused. Now that Pill Qi has merged into the fire furnace, it is especially beneficial for the recovery of the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit!"

"But your Nanming Fire Furnace is still about two-tenths away from plete restoration. Do not act carelessly; in the small test before, as we sought to win the recognition of the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit, we exerted all efforts, oblivious to the broader implications."

"In general, restoring such an artifact requires a prehensive plan and a plete restoration scheme. But now, we are all emphasizing individual merits, and the restored parts are not harmonized and cohesive."

"For this reason, the difficulty of the last twenty percent of the restoration has increased sharply, and we need to solve the current problem."

"I can find someone to help you; I have old acquaintances in the Artifact Refining Hall who can assist in the restoration on my behalf."

After saying this, Cang Yazi added again with concern, "Once the Nanming Fire Furnace is fully restored, its foundation will be even more abundant than before, providing immense assistance in nurturing and enhancing the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit."

"Using the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit to assist my Pet Beast in Spirit Awakening, at worst, would only deplete some Vital Energy, but it certainly won’t bring about its demise."

"In fact, consuming the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit and then letting it recover is akin to a Martial Cultivator training their body, accelerating the growth and rapidly changing the form of the Artifact Spirit."

Ning Zhuo hesitated, "Changing form?"

Cang Yazi said, "This is also my guess. The reason why the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit is in this form is mainly due to the Nanming Fire Furnace itself. Of course, it is also related to what kind of elixir pills the furnace has refined in the past."

"The furnace explosion left less than ten percent, and now it has been eighty percent restored. During this process, the quality of the furnace itself has changed a lot. For the final twenty percent restoration, the treasure materials used will certainly differ from the original ones, requiring the integration of the current furnace’s materials into one."

"The dramatic change in the quality of the furnace will certainly alter the form of the artifact spirit. This change process is exactly the process of the artifact spirit adapting to the furnace again. The faster it changes, the quicker it determines its new form, which is beneficial for both the spirit and the furnace."

Ning Zhuo was hearing this for the first time, and immediately bowed, "Thank you for the guidance, senior! Your teaching is invaluable to me!"

Cang Yazi waved his hand, "It’s nothing. When I return, I’ll show you the Spiritual Scripture I collected and organized."

From Cang Yazi’s perspective, his goal aligns with Ning Zhuo’s—to quickly restore the Nanming Fire Furnace. Since that’s the case, one should lend a helping hand without worrying too much.

Cang Yazi is straightforward and eccentric.

Ning Zhuo, however, enjoys dealing with such people.

Because straightforwardness saves him the trouble of guessing. One’s thoughts are clear, with no disguise. Once you understand the quirks of an eccentric person, you can more quickly form a genuine friendship and bee a trustworthy ally.

Ning Zhuo shook his head, "Thank you for your generosity, senior, but I can’t accept such a heavy gift without any reason. It’s a family tradition that we don’t accept rewards without earning them."

Cang Yazi nodded.

At this moment, the image that appeared in his mind was Ning Zhuo’s figure radiating vast energy.

Ning Zhuo took on huge debts and even rejected Zhong Dao and Tuoba Huang before. These actions are the best evidence of Ning Zhuo’s character.

It is precisely these things that made Cang Yazi overlook the fact that Ning Zhuo only possesses a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation level.

Who wouldn’t respect such a gentleman?

Cang Yazi said, "Such a family tradition is truly admirable. But I still have to remind you, the price of my Spiritual Scripture is quite exorbitant if we have to price it."

Ning Zhuo’s expression was solemn, "No matter how expensive, there will be a day when the debt is settled. People should do some things and not do others."

"The reason our family’s tradition is as it is because each of us starts with ourselves to maintain it!"

"Furthermore, if I covet the Spiritual Scripture, it would certainly make me feel guilty. In the future, dealing with the Vermilion Bird Artifact Spirit would make me feel uneasy, always considering myself a thief. That’s not good."

Cang Yazi was silent for a long time before nodding, "Alright. I’ll go back and retrieve the Spiritual Scripture."

He stood up and left directly.

Watching the elder from Ten Thousand Beasts Peak leave, Sun Lingtong’s divine sense followed the Life Hanging Thread and conveyed, "Little Zhuo, Cang Yazi is so eager to return and fetch the Spiritual Scripture, he seems to need something from you. Why didn’t you mention your Flowing Cloud Peak plan?"

Ning Zhuo responded with divine sense, confidently smiling, "Boss, this matter varies from person to person. For Cang Yazi, it can’t even be mentioned!"

"The relationship between people is quite delicate. Some seem close but are far away, while others seem distant but are actually near."

"But don’t worry, I have a good grasp on Cang Yazi. Even if he doesn’t join us in the future, I can still leverage his strength and connections."

"Since Little Zhuo has said so." Sun Lingtong relaxed immediately, "Hehe. Speaking of it, you’re quite lucky. Cang Yazi actually voluntarily exposed himself."

Ning Zhuo frowned slightly, pondering in his heart, "Actually, it’s not that surprising."

"These cultivators participating in the small test managed to persist until the final round, which says a lot. Cang Yazi and Chun Yangzi, among others, must have significant motivation or strong reasons to take the initiative."

"If I can uncover the reasons behind them, it’ll definitely yield twice the result with half the effort!"

So far, the Nascent Soul Cultivators had all finished their exchanges.

The next person Ning Zhuo was going to meet, the sixth creditor, was a Golden Core Cultivator.

The Furnace Immortal Tao Liang.

Tao Liang was not talkative, so after Ning Zhuo exchanged a few pleasantries to warm up the atmosphere, they proceeded to the main topic.

He first handed over the debt details to Tao Liang, who carefully reviewed them twice before nodding slightly, "Little friend Ning Zhuo, when can you repay?"

Ning Zhuo responded with a bitter smile, "Talking with several Nascent Soul seniors before, repaying your debt, Daoist Tao, likely has to be postponed quite a bit."

"Firstly, the debt I owe you is indeed not much. Secondly, their status and identity are there, if I don’t repay them first but prioritize my debt to you, it might cause a lot of trouble."

"Thirdly... Alas, I don’t have money. Even if I earn money to repay you, Daoist, it might take forever."

Tao Liang’s face darkened.

From his perspective, peting for the Nanming Fire Furnace to make a name for himself emptied most of his fortune.

Ning Zhuo acknowledged the debt, which calmed him a bit, but hearing that repayment could be a long way off soured his mood.

"However, there might be a way for me to repay your debt earlier, senior, and the Nascent Soul seniors wouldn’t mind." Ning Zhuo suddenly said.

Tao Liang naturally turned curious, "Oh? What way?"