Chapter 143
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Chapter 143: Guidance, the Silent Master Meng Rui
The Twin Sisters who had awakened intelligence had clashed with Mu Lin multiple times in the small courtyard, even insulting him as a fool. Now, Mu Lin would collar them as their master.
"Sister… are we really becoming this fool—Mu Lin’s tools? Can’t we beg…"
"Silence."
The more mature Flower cut off Butterfly, who still clung to hope. Forcing a smile, Flower sighed, "Don’t panic. Maybe Master Mu Lin will show mercy and overlook our past rudeness."
While Flowers and Butterflies resigned themselves to fate, others couldn’t accept the outcome.
Qin Yuan wasn’t the problem—though crushed by his defeat against even a single paper figure of Mu Lin, he acknowledged the loss with grudging respect. The true turmoil came from Zuo Li. His confident smirk vanished as his worldview shattered.
"Why? The prophecy declared Qin Yuan the victor. The leader’s vision can’t be wrong!" He muttered, desperately seeking flaws in his calculations.
His companion frowned. "Young Master Zuo, without Qin Yuan claiming first place or securing Puppet Twin Sisters Flowers and Butterflies, what becomes of our plans? You insisted they’re crucial for Anping City’s strange realm…"
After a long pause, Zuo Li decided, "We wait. I’ll consult the leader before acting."
…
The assessment concluded. Master Meng Rui, having glimpsed Mu Lin’s potential, abandoned pleasantries and summoned him immediately to the backyard.
Their discussion began with the Starry Paper Figures.
"Specify your requirements for the paper figures."
Mu Lin answered plainly, "Just prepare the base material—I’ll handle the folding. The paper must retain Sui Mu paper’s properties alongside stellar attributes."
"Simple enough. Ancient tombs hold star-aligned relics we can refine. Anything else?"
"Add dense Fortune of a Dynasty if possible."
"Fortune of a Dynasty?" Master Meng Rui studied him briefly before nodding. "Done."
She clapped, summoning Flowers and Butterflies. "They’re yours now. Beyond combat, they know basic artifact crafting, talisman-making, and puppet techniques. Use them freely."
Mu Lin hesitated, then blurted, "But Master—you taught that profound puppetry requires treating puppets as family. Why give them away?"
His unfinished question hung in the air—why would she part with such companions?
Master Meng Rui smiled lightly and said, "I do consider puppets as family, but not every puppet qualifies. Only the most perfect creations earn that honor."
Mu Lin fell silent, suddenly recalling the rigid class divisions of their feudal society. People here naturally sorted humans into hierarchies – apparently Puppet Masters did the same with their creations.
The finest puppets, those requiring immense effort and skill, would be cherished like children by Master Meng Rui. Ordinary ones never caught her eye.
As Mu Lin pondered this, the master spoke again. "Flowers and Butterflies show decent potential. They’re half-family to me. Giving them to you or Qin Yuan isn’t abandonment – it benefits them."
"I’m too busy managing countless combat and service puppets to nurture them. If they stayed, they’d remain servants forever. But you two could help them grow."
Mu Lin had to admit the logic held. Flowers and Butterflies needed caretakers, while he and Qin Yuan needed protectors. A practical arrangement.
When Mu Lin tried to leave after this explanation, Master Meng Rui stopped him. "Show me how you draw the Vajra Strength talismans. I’ll offer guidance."
"You’ve already seen me draw them," Mu Lin blurted in confusion.
Master Meng Rui’s genuine puzzlement made him demonstrate. His brush moved with fluid power, transforming the talisman into a seething dragon-scene – every stroke radiating draconic might.
The master’s calm demeanor shattered as she watched. She’d intended to critique his basic skills, expecting at best competent execution after one month’s practice.
But when the first brushstroke hit paper, she shot upright. "Intent and rhythm? That’s master-level technique!"
Her mind reeled. A month to reach this level? Impossible! She checked her spiritual state, certain she must be hallucinating. Yet reality confirmed the unbelievable – not only had Mu Lin mastered the technique, he’d improved upon her original design.
"A month… and he’s surpassed me?" Master Meng Rui sank into stunned silence, her world view crumbling before this prodigy.
