Chapter 104

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 104: Xu Fan’s Treasure

“The scan is complete. We can start building now.”

“The construction will take 15 days. We’ll need 1,000 tool puppets, 300 processing puppets, 300 flying tool puppets, and 20 spirit fire puppets,” the Heart of the Puppet announced after scanning the grand image.

As soon as the Heart of the Puppet finished speaking, over a thousand puppets appeared atop the giant peak, and more than a thousand points of light shimmered on its surface.

The puppets scattered and began their tasks with clear division of labor.

Everyone was stunned, their jaws dropping in amazement. Even the usually calm and collected Li Xingci was visibly shocked.

Xu Fan looked at the astonished crowd and said something profound.

“What you think you know is just the tip of the iceberg.”

At Que Tian Gate, even Xu Fan’s four closest disciples only knew that their master was skilled in puppet techniques, but they never expected him to be this extraordinary.

“Big Brother Xu, I thought after all these years as brothers, I knew you inside out.”

“But I never imagined that decades of friendship would still feel so shallow.”

Wang Yulun slapped Xu Fan’s shoulder heavily and said, “Tell me, how can we deepen our bond?”

Brothers should be open with each other; there should be no secrets. I’ve shared everything, even the things I shouldn’t have, while drinking with you. Yet, you’ve hidden so much from me.

At that moment, Wang Yulun felt like a brother who grew up side by side, only to discover that Xu Fan had someone even closer to him. It felt like a betrayal.

Deepen our bond? Xu Fan brushed off the ridiculous suggestion.

“You never asked, so how could I tell you? I’m not one to show off,” Xu Fan said with a smile, enjoying the shocked expressions around him. This time, it felt just right.

By now, the powerful construction capabilities of the tool puppets had already laid the foundation for the mountaintop palace. Hundreds of flying puppets were transporting processed wood to the peak.

“Alright, the living quarters are sorted. Now, the rest of the tasks require you to pitch in,” Xu Fan said to everyone.

“Yulun, Xu Gang, you two will scout the entire giant island first. If you encounter any beasts above the Foundation Establishment Stage, eliminate them on the spot.”

“After that, check the surrounding waters for any Nascent Soul Stage beasts. If you find one, take it down if you can.”

After assigning the first task, Xu Fan turned to Xu Yuexian and said, “Yuexian, your main job is to locate large spirit iron ore deposits in the lakebed and see if there are any other resources.”

“Xiangchi and Xingci, your task is to recruit disciples. Xingci will handle the assessments,” Xu Fan said, handing Li Xingci a jade slip.

“Follow the assessment standards in the jade slip. Anyone with spirit roots passes. Aim to recruit 100 initially.”

Xu Fan had slightly lowered the assessment standards, unsure if they could manage to recruit 100 disciples.

“As for my sister-in-law, Xiao Ling (Wang Yulun’s daughter), and Little Xi, keep an eye on the working puppets. They’re not combat-ready, so just drive away any beasts that show up,” Xu Fan instructed.

After arranging everything, Xu Fan headed to a nearby peak, not far from the giant peak, and took out a puppet resembling a soil-eating beast. This tool puppet was designed specifically for excavating mountains, and Xu Fan planned to store his treasures, crafted over the years, here.

One palm-sized farm automation assembly line.

One Artifact-level firearms production line, specifically for crafting weapons for his puppets: three Foundation Establishment Stage puppets wielding rifles, capable of taking on Golden Core Stage beasts. Unfortunately, for now, it could only produce a basic rifle.

Additionally, there was a bullet production line, which could currently only produce artifact-level bullets, but that was sufficient for now.

Looking at the fruits of his labor over the years, Xu Fan finally felt a sliver of security. However, he still wasn’t satisfied. The world felt too dangerous. Those great beings and respected elders could obliterate him with a single displeased glance.

Because of this, Xu Fan had been steadily reinforcing his defenses over the years.

“It won’t be long now. There’s not much I can do at the Foundation Establishment Stage. Only when I reach the Golden Core Stage and become a master craftsman will my true strength emerge.”

“No rush; there are still 50 years until the Golden Core Stage. Let’s focus on building the sect first.”

Two hours later, the soil-eating puppets Xu Fan had sent out returned and stood by, their task complete. The secret chambers inside the mountain were ready.

Xu Fan then moved in and set up the three production lines inside the mountain’s secret chamber.

A month later, Xu Fan and Wang Yulun were enjoying tea at the dojo atop the mountain.

“Big Brother Xu, are these puppets you created controlled by that black ball?” Wang Yulun asked, glancing at the tool puppets repairing the road at the foot of the mountain.

Though the main peak was complete, there was still much construction needed outside. Even if everything could fly, roads were still necessary.

“I am called Black Spirit. You may call me Little Spirit or Little Black,” the Heart of the Puppet said as it flew to Wang Yulun’s side. According to Xu Fan, it was now considered a young adult socially (in terms of intellect).

“What if I absolutely have to call you Black Ball?” Wang Yulun asked, curious to see how the spirit would react.

At that moment, the Heart of the Puppet projected ten images into the air, all showing Wang Yulun looking at his son, Wang Xiangchi, with eyes full of a father’s love.

“What are you trying to say?” Wang Yulun asked, puzzled, as if the spirit was proving he was a good father.

The Heart of the Puppet then released five video clips, all featuring Wang Yulun, Murong Qianer, Wang Xiangchi, and Li Xingci together. In these clips, Wang Yulun didn’t so much as glance at Li Xingci.

Wang Yulun’s expression shifted slightly as he looked at Xu Fan, as if to say, “Are you selling me out?”

“What are you thinking? I wouldn’t do that. It’s just that your behavior has some flaws,” Xu Fan said casually, sipping his tea. He was pondering a question: when Li Xingci reached the Nascent Soul Stage, would he use a reincarnation secret technique on his father?

Just as the Heart of the Puppet was about to release more images, Wang Yulun stopped it.

“Hello, Black Spirit,” Wang Yulun said formally.

“Hello, Wang Yulun,” the Heart of the Puppet replied before flying off into the distance.

“Big Brother Xu, what kind of spirit have you raised? It’s too cunning,” Wang Yulun said, exasperated. His deepest secrets had been exposed by a spirit, and he felt his privacy was no longer safe.

“It’s not pleasant to have your secrets uncovered, is it?” Xu Fan remarked, glancing at Wang Yulun as he continued to sip his tea.

“It’s not that it’s unpleasant; I just regret it,” Wang Yulun sighed.

“You’re just a reluctant scoundrel. Don’t blame yourself too much. Just be more careful in the future.”

“Once I reach the Golden Core Stage, I’ll be able to suppress your image, and then such things won’t happen again,” Xu Fan said.

“For now, you should worry about how to explain things to Xingci.”

“Let’s just try to stall for a day if we can,” Wang Yulun replied helplessly.