The indoor air was bone-chilling, with a thin layer of white frost congealing on the floor and walls.

The refining of the Xue Shu Yu Xie had reached its most critical stage.

This time, Ning Zhuo’s refining of the mechanical puppet was different from before. Not only did he summon Gongsun Yan to assist him, but he also boldly changed the refining sequence.

Previously, it was usually from the inside out, starting with the foundational core, then moving to auxiliary and general-purpose components.

But this time, he first refined most of Xue Shu Yu Xie’s finished outer form, and only now was he designing the most crucial central component.

This was because Xue Shu Yu Xie’s new core was made of Nascent Soul-level Yong Ji Xuan Bing, which presented a significant challenge for Ning Zhuo.

After all, he was only in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

Gongsun Yan once again activated his Tian Zi Xin Huo. The flame, like an extension of his arm, was extraordinarily agile, enveloping a piece of Yong Ji Xuan Bing and slowly licking at it.

Ning Zhuo, meanwhile, activated his spiritual consciousness, mobilized his tools, and began to sculpt.

His carving skills and refining attainments were far superior to what they once were. With the powerful assistance of the Xin Huo, the core’s form gradually began to emerge.

“Success!” After more than half an hour, Ning Zhuo exhaled a濁气 (turbid breath), feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

“We really succeeded!” Gongsun Yan’s face was filled with surprise, his body covered in sweat, brimming with a sense of accomplishment.

The two once again put down their tools and took a short break.

Processing Nascent Soul-level materials was still quite excessive for Ning Zhuo. The amount of Yong Ji Xuan Bing used for the core was not actually much.

However, Ning Zhuo found it time-consuming and arduous to process.

Although this step was successful, it also allowed Ning Zhuo to ascertain the limits of his current refining capabilities.

He found it difficult to control Nascent Soul-level materials.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t force it; for instance, this time, he had already avoided many refining difficulties by adjusting the design plans and other methods.

But in practice, he still found it very challenging.

“It seems I can only use Nascent Soul-level materials for a specific mechanical component.”

“And such a design cannot be overly complex.”

Ning Zhuo took out a Wu Xing Jin Dan Lun Pan, placed it inside the spherical core component, and finally embedded Ning Xie’s spirituality, thus forming a complete core.

At Ning Zhuo’s command, the spirituality immediately responded, using the Wu Xing Jin Dan Lun Pan to unleash a surge of Jin Dan-level magical energy. This energy, passing through the spherical casing, was immediately transformed into ice attribute energy.

The ice attribute magical energy rapidly covered and spread along the unfinished torso.

Ning Zhuo controlled the speed of the magical energy’s spread, then he and Gongsun Yan worked together, using molten Wan Nian Bing Xin Tie to quickly construct the final skeletal parts.

Afterward, they filled it with Xuan Bing Sui to serve as “marrow veins” for the flow of magical energy.

Having had previous refining experience, this time they completed the process swiftly and smoothly. Their control over the heat and timing was perfect.

Once this step was done, Gongsun Yan was responsible for inspection, carrying out repairs and improvements.

Ning Zhuo, with his fingers flying, continuously commanded Ning Xie’s spirituality, activating the ice attribute magical energy to condense threads of magical energy within the mechanical puppet’s body.

These magical energy threads crisscrossed, woven into a complex network of sinews, covering the skeleton. These ice attribute demon sinews were not only responsible for transmitting magical energy but also possessed extreme toughness and elasticity, providing additional power and cushioning for the mechanical body.

Under Ning Zhuo’s meticulous weaving, the mechanical puppet’s body gradually took shape, with smooth curves that combined strength and beauty. The Xuan Bing material made it crystalline and translucent, subtly emitting a deep, understated bluish glow.

The essence of the Yong Ji Xuan Bing Zhu Ti Mo Gong and the Mo Ran Xue Jin Gong was well embodied and integrated into this mechanical body!

Ning Zhuo suddenly had an insight: “Under normal circumstances, cultivators cannot simultaneously cultivate the Yong Ji Xuan Bing Zhu Ti Mo Gong and the Mo Ran Xue Jin Gong. However, in mechanical creations, the principles of these two cultivation methods can be cleverly integrated and presented!”

“Mechanics draw on the strengths of hundreds of schools of thought, like painting on a blank canvas, without the various constraints inherent in the human body.”

The production was not yet finished at this point.

Ning Zhuo retained the original design of the Liu Jiao Xuan Bing Jia in the blueprints. So, next, he refined a layer of hexagonal armor plates onto the ice-sculpted body.

The Liu Jiao Xuan Bing Jia formed a second layer of defense.

The Bing Jian Kui, which had reconnaissance capabilities, was re-refined with sharper lines.

The roaring Bing Chi Shou Shou at the shoulder armor was retained, but the aurora glass embedded in its eyes was specially treated, with more magical formations arranged to deepen control and increase the upper limit of the magical energy it could unleash. As a result, the cold light was contained and no longer conspicuous. Once it erupted, its power would undoubtedly be even more astonishing.

The six Leng Gang Ji Guan Qiu also underwent an upgrade of their magical formations to keep pace with the improvements of the main puppet body.

Finally—

“It’s done, it’s done!” Gongsun Yan stepped back a few paces, his eyes wide as he stared at the Xue Shu Yu Xie before him. Although he was utterly exhausted, a strong sense of excitement filled his entire body, making him almost tremble.

The brand-new Xue Shu Yu Xie stood silently.

Her height had increased somewhat, to about six and a half chi. Compared to before, her appearance had not changed significantly. She still wore an ice helmet, was clad in Liu Jiao Xuan Bing Jia, and had Bing Chi Shou Shou at her shoulders. Six Leng Gang Ji Guan Qiu silently orbited her like loyal guards.

But Ning Zhuo had his own comparisons and easily discerned that this Xue Shu Yu Xie had undergone enormous internal improvements!

Cold qi solidified within her body, and faint azure spiritual light flowed subtly through the seams of her armor plates. A deep ice attribute power, like the hidden part of an iceberg at sea, made one eagerly anticipate the day she unleashed this power.

“You did very well this time. Go back and get some good rest,” Ning Zhuo praised Gongsun Yan. Without the latter, accomplishing this task would have probably taken at least twice as much time and effort.

In the most crucial step, refining and modifying the Nascent Soul-level Yong Ji Xuan Bing, Gongsun Yan’s Xin Huo provided immense help.

One should know that if one was even slightly careless with such materials, they could explode, releasing a sonic cold wave.

Cultivators dealing with these matters must be extremely cautious.

And Xin Huo was best at precise refining, making it perfectly suited for this aspect!

“This refining went exceptionally smoothly. To succeed on the first try is no easy feat,” Ning Zhuo was also very satisfied with this.

“However—” he looked at Xue Shu Yu Xie, “though the puppet is new, it requires practical combat testing.”

“Xue Shu Yu Xie has rarely seen real combat; in this regard, she’s not as good as Xue Cai Nü Hui.”

Ning Zhuo quietly planned his next step.

The refined mechanical puppet was just the starting point.

Next, it would need to be constantly tested, honed, and improved in actual combat until it reached a state where it could no longer be modified.

“Perhaps Situ Xing and Ban Ji are suitable training targets.”

Just as Ning Zhuo thought of this, Chu Lao tapped on the magical formation, informing him of a flying letter from Chen San.

Ning Zhuo received the flying letter, and with a sweep of his spiritual consciousness, he understood everything.

Chen San, responsible for intelligence gathering, brought Ning Zhuo two significant pieces of information this time.

One was about Ban Ji.

He was currently in secluded cultivation, consuming pills. The Ban family had acquired a Bai Lian Jin Shen Dan specifically for Ban Ji’s use.

The Ban family did not conceal this news but openly announced it to boost Ban Ji’s popularity and morale.

“In that case, we can ease up on Ban Ji for a bit.”

The second important piece of information concerned the Confucian cultivator group.

The Shanzhang of the Confucian cultivator group was now an outsider, Zhao Han Sheng. This was after Duanmu Zhang voluntarily abdicated in favor of a worthy successor, and Chu Xuan Gui and others showed no signs of opposition.

This information was truly strange and astonishing. Now, the Confucian cultivator group widely announced that they had hired Zhao Han Sheng as the new generation’s Shanzhang to promote Confucian Xin Xue. As per their agreement, Zhao Han Sheng would offer related courses.

The first three sessions would be open classes, with a warm invitation to all cultivators to participate.

“So that’s how it is.”

“Xin Xue—”

“What kind of school of thought is this? It must be incredibly valuable; otherwise, the Confucian cultivator group wouldn’t go to such great lengths!”

There was also a third piece of information, revealing Gu Qing’s recent activities. This genius cultivator from Hua Zhang Guo was very high-profile, using clones to discuss Confucian classics and arts with others, earning widespread praise. His prestige rose steadily, especially within the Confucian cultivator group.

Ning Zhuo stared at the flying letter for a full dozen breaths.

His brows furrowed tighter and tighter, falling into deep worry.

Ordinary cultivators might not perceive it, but Ning Zhuo, well-versed in the rules of the righteous path, was extremely sensitive.

He realized that after such a shocking change, he had already suffered considerable losses, and these losses were continuing, with future losses bound to be even greater!

“This is an exchange of interests.”

“The Confucian cultivator group of Wan Xiang Zong exchanged the position of Shanzhang for the teaching of Xin Xue.”

“The question is, what does Zhao Han Sheng want the Shanzhang position for? Ostensibly, it’s to fit his identity, to facilitate the teaching of Xin Xue. But in reality, this is just a grandiose excuse.”

“Gu Qing is making widespread, high-profile appearances, also just to rapidly increase his fame. Most of the discussion partners he chooses have vastly different Confucian attainments from him. For him, there’s no value in sparring or exchanging ideas.”

“But Gu Qing is making widespread appearances, and moreover—”

Moreover, Gu Qing had never visited Qing Shi Dong Fu, showing no intention of even contacting Ning Zhuo.

This once again made Ning Zhuo sense an ominous atmosphere.

“With this change in the Confucian cultivator group of Wan Xiang Zong, their support for me will undoubtedly plummet!”

“A group that was originally leaning towards me is undergoing a shift in attitude. This loss will only grow larger.”

“How long will Zhao Han Sheng stay here? In this matter, he holds complete initiative!”

“This is difficult.”

“With him becoming Shanzhang, the power of the Confucian cultivator group will be difficult for me to leverage in the future.”

“Unless I contact him and Gu Qing to reach some private agreement.”

But this would be very difficult.

The Confucian cultivator group, due to their own values, and for Wen Ruan Yu, and for the interests of Bai Zhi Xian Cheng, helped Ning Zhuo.

But would Zhao Han Sheng?

To persuade him to help, Ning Zhuo would inevitably have to pay a greater price.

In contrast, did the previous Confucian cultivator group require Ning Zhuo to pay a price? Almost none!

Comparing the two, the difference was immediately apparent.

Ning Zhuo had always been seeking the most suitable entry point to join Wan Xiang Zong.

The Confucian cultivator group was located in the middle tier of Wan Xiang Zong and possessed value. But now, this entry point option was slipping away from Ning Zhuo.

And everyone understood the principle that those who possess the Dao gain much help, while those who lose the Dao gain little.

Demonic cultivators act by fighting, killing, and charging headlong. If they are in a bad mood, they act capriciously and arrogantly. Demonic cultivators often use force to break a stalemate. If they cannot break it, their end is often miserable.

The righteous path is not played this way. It is gentler and more complex.

True righteous path masters begin planning very early. Moves made decades, even centuries ago, ultimately lead to a long-term strategic victory.

Ning Zhuo focused on learning this in Huo Shi Xian Cheng.

He studied books, observed families, and the City Lord’s Mansion. When reviewing, he found that many things that seemed to happen in the present had their most important causes laid down many years ago.

The most appropriate time to solve many problems is not when the problem erupts, but at an appropriate point in time beforehand.

“The appearance of Zhao Han Sheng and Gu Qing was an accident.”

“But one of them took the highest position, and the other became the most prominent genius among the younger generation.”

“Because of them, my connection with the Confucian cultivator group is rapidly weakening, even tending to be severed.”

The Confucian cultivator group was supposed to arrange four Xing Yun Xiao Shi for Ning Zhuo, but looking at the third Xiao Shi, it was clearly no longer centered around Ning Zhuo.

Many times it is like this.

There is only one position.

If someone else occupies it, you don’t have it.

Most cultivators might not be aware of this, but Ning Zhuo realized his situation and began to ponder: “Perhaps I should do something now, instead of just watching things get worse.”

However, Zhao Han Sheng was a renowned great Confucian, whose debates surpassed Duanmu Zhang. Gu Qing was even famous throughout Hua Zhang Guo, an absolute genius.

Ning Zhuo was only in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. The Confucian cultivator group, on which he originally relied most, was now rapidly aligning with Zhao and Gu.

“What should I do?”

Ning Zhuo deliberated for a long time before writing to Chen San, outlining his plan.

Upon receiving the plan, Chen San was immediately shocked: “Why does Young Master want to target Zhao Han Sheng and Gu Qing, these powerful individuals like crossing-river dragons?”

“Never mind, Young Master must have a reason for doing this.”

“As a subordinate, I’ll just follow orders.”

Such matters belonged to political struggles, which ordinary people indeed found difficult to comprehend.

But Chen San immediately acted, and soon, a wave of rumors arose.

“Gu Qing is truly a born genius! In one day, he convinced over a dozen fellow cultivators, including Bai Ji Yun, Liu Fu Shu, and Kong Ran.”

“Hua Zhang Guo is a holy land for Confucian cultivation. Gu Qing, at such a young age, has his genius widely proclaimed throughout the nation; he is a genius among geniuses!”

“A famous teacher produces brilliant students; the ancients truly did not deceive me! His teacher, Zhao Han Sheng, upon arriving at Wan Xiang Zong, completely subdued the great Confucian Duanmu Zhang and seized the position of Shanzhang. Tsk, tsk, how impressive!”

For a time, the names of Zhao Han Sheng and Gu Qing filled the public’s ears and eyes.

The rumors were extremely dense and became increasingly exaggerated.

As a result, the public quickly grew universally annoyed.

How come it’s these Confucian master and disciple again? Why are they everywhere?

Isn’t it too exaggerated? Is the actual situation really like this?

Just like that, the situation began to undergo a subtle shift.