Forging a Battle Puppet!

Number Five's patience was even worse than Wang Jixuan had expected.

It had only been a short while, yet she had already been unable to hold back and come looking for him.

During cooperation between two sides, whoever spoke first was at a disadvantage. It could be said that Wang Jixuan had already seized the initiative.

The girl said softly, "Um, well... my lady wants you to come over and talk about some matters of personal connections."

Wang Jixuan looked troubled.

He could sense that the girl possessed a strange spiritual resonance. Number Five was clearly watching through her.

He still had to put on an act. That was the minimum respect he could show Number Five.

Daoist Wang cleared his throat and seriously declined. "I really can't get away right now. I just finished a meeting, and I still need to forge battle puppets afterward... How about this? If the Fifth Spiritual Practitioner needs anything, just tell me directly. I'll definitely do everything I can to meet it."

"Ah, um..."

The girl's lips moved. In the end, she was simply too soft-hearted, and she said quietly:

"Then... could I write a letter home? My parents don't know I'm still alive. I want to write to them and let them know I'm safe."

Wang Jixuan asked strangely, "Your family doesn't know you're alive?"

"Yes," the girl said softly. "I originally had a terminal illness and only had a few months left to live. My father pulled some strings and sent me to Snow Mountain Base. They said that if I was converted into a Psionicist, I might recover my health. But I seemed to get worse at the time... Then they placed me before my lady's stone slab, and my lady healed me..."

Daoist Wang asked curiously, "Does your family have a lot of influence?"

"Well..." The girl blinked. "My grandfather is the deputy Commander-in-Chief of the D2 Comprehensive War Zone, and my maternal grandfather is the deputy chief of staff."

Understanding dawned on Wang Jixuan's face. He then gestured for Peony to send Ji Xiao a message and ask about it.

Come to think of it, the road home for the brothers Ji Xiao and Ji Yale had been full of twists and turns as well. The attitude of D2's upper echelon had been difficult to gauge, and the two had circled around in the air aboard a transport plane. Fortunately, they had returned safely in the end.

"So that's how it is. She's descended from court eunuchs—cough, from government officials."

Wang Jixuan said seriously:

"Express my apologies to Number Five. Once I'm done with my work, I'll definitely go speak with your lady at the first opportunity."

"Okay." The girl pointed toward the door. After Wang Jixuan nodded, she nervously turned and slipped away.

Wang Jixuan watched her retreating figure.

An A+ Psionicist who appeared weak and gentle, with ties to D2. She seemed capable of becoming a bridge between them and D2's upper echelon, perhaps even helping pull D2 into their camp...

Forget it. This has nothing to do with this Daoist.

The less I get involved in political matters, the better.

Wang Jixuan tilted his head back and yawned, then called Peony back to his quarters to rest.

He only slept for a while. In just over half an hour, he had fully recovered the energy expended in the chaotic battle outside and climbed up, ready to rush back to his workshop.

"Sir, you had previously arranged to meet Dragonfly Aunt and Beta."

"Right, I nearly forgot about Auntie." Wang Jixuan asked, "Has Bristle Bear been recovered?"

"He is still on his way back and has already linked up with the people we sent. D2 did not make things difficult for them."

"That's good." Wang Jixuan remembered the young girl. "Pass that girl's request to Dongfang Zhenghong. Investigate her identity first, then send everything over together."

"Yes."

Wang Jixuan stretched lazily and looked at the three sets of fresh clothes Peony had prepared beside him.

One was a suit, which was too formal. Wang Jixuan preferred Tang suits or Zhongshan suits as formal wear. There was also a tracksuit and a casual outfit. The former emphasized comfort, while the latter made him look younger.

Wang Jixuan decisively chose the casual outfit.

"Where is Ling Tong right now?"

"She is giving an inspirational speech at the front lines. Would you like me to arrange for her to return and meet you?"

"Not for now," Wang Jixuan said. "Once I finish my serious business, I'll go see her. I never expected being a hero to be this busy."

"Indeed." Peony smiled. "A hero in the Fortress Era must not only work hard to perform for and inspire the public and soldiers, but regardless of how terrible the actual situation is, they must also smile and convey the idea that 'we will certainly achieve victory.'"

"Is our situation that bad right now?"

"The threat of the Blade Beasts and the threat of the Dominion Faction of Psionic Capital. Either threat alone is enough to be fatal."

"It's only temporary."

Wang Jixuan performed a chest stretch. "Keep an eye on Ling Tong's schedule for the week after next. It feels like we haven't seen each other in ages. Talking with Little Shen reminded me that relationships need to be maintained and warmed up too."

Peony blinked.

Then she would communicate with Sister Wan in advance and put her unconventional wingwoman abilities to use.

This time, lunch was held in a hangar on the Fortress Surface.

Peony had arranged for her "underlings" to set up a simple private room in advance and brought in some Blade Beast meat for Wang Jixuan to work his magic on.

After eating some charcoal-grilled Blade Beast meat and drinking a little industrial synthetic liquor, Dragonfly Aunt sighed. She did not beat around the bush and directly stated her request:

"Psionic Capital sent me word. They reported to the outside world that I died in battle.

"My trip to Snow Mountain Base was also described as reconnaissance conducted there, an operation led by the Naturalist Faction.

"Now I need a new appearance... So, do you have weight-loss surgery here? I really need it."

Wang Jixuan, Treant Beta, and Shaman, who was merely there to make up the numbers, all leaned backward at the same time.

For a moment, they could not tell whether Dragonfly Aunt had slipped in a personal request.

Daoist Wang said seriously, "As far as I know, there isn't any weight-loss surgery... Resources inside the fortress are precisely calculated, food is rationed, and obesity is rare. But if you have that need, Peony and the others can handle it after loading the appropriate module."

Peony raised her right hand, clad in a white lace glove, and covered her nose in disgust. "I don't want to come into contact with all that stringy fat."

Dragonfly Aunt immediately retorted, "Naturally grown fat isn't something simulation skin can imitate. Want to come touch it?"

"Is that all?" Daoist Wang asked.

Dragonfly Aunt ate a piece of Blade Beast meat. Her gaze wavered slightly, but she finally said it:

"Actually, I have classified intelligence regarding the layout of Psionic Capital's underground building complex, as well as an investigation and statistical report on the strength of the Psionicists hidden within Psionic Capital.

"I want to use this intelligence to trade D5 for something.

"Although I have now joined you, this is not a deal between us. It is a deal between me and D5, between the Naturalist Faction and Fu Jian."

Wang Jixuan smiled and asked, "What do you want in exchange?"

"A promise to fulfill the political demands sought by the Naturalist Faction," Dragonfly Aunt said. "We can cooperate with D5 to strike the Dominion Faction... This carries tremendous risk. We are the weaker side in Psionic Capital... If the Dominion Faction is defeated, if we join forces to resolve the Blade Beast crisis, and if the world returns to peace, the military will not wipe out our Naturalist Faction."

Wang Jixuan fell silent.

This was not something he truly dared to answer casually.

First, although defeating the Blade Beasts was still a distant prospect, the Daoist had confidence in it.

As long as he could safely reach the Nascent Soul Realm, he was confident he could survive the Blade Beasts' encirclement and extermination. Then things would become simple. He only needed to hide away in secluded cultivation, emerge after reaching a higher realm, and wipe out the Blade Beasts.

Therefore, humanity would certainly defeat the Blade Beasts—at least, that was how Wang Jixuan saw it.

Second, whether the Human World after peace could accommodate Psionicists.

This was a topic highly likely to lead to bloodshed.

The Human Military was vigorously developing Autonomous Mech Technology, while the birth of Psionicists came with enormous sacrifices.

Whether Psionicists could survive in a world without Blade Beasts was indeed unknown.

"You can go speak to Old Fu about this directly."

"The teachers discussed it and concluded that talking to you would be more effective." Dragonfly Aunt's gaze sharpened. "You represent the future."

"I can only represent myself."

Wang Jixuan lifted his wine cup and took a sip.

"D5 truly needs more help from the Naturalist Faction right now. I can feel it. After this Snow Mountain conflict, both sides will inevitably make moves.

"But for such a major promise, even if I made it now, what could anyone do if it was not honored later? It has no binding force."

Dragonfly Aunt's lips turned downward. "That is the Naturalist Faction's predicament. We insist on not taking the path of ruling humanity. We revere psionic power and revere nature. Some people previously advocated trying to negotiate with the Blade Beasts, hoping to divide territory and coexist. Later, that proved to be wishful thinking. The Blade Beasts disdain communication with us... In truth, as long as you give us a promise, we will fully support Fu Jian and you."

Wang Jixuan's gaze flickered slightly.

A few minutes later, Daoist Wang smiled freely.

"You should still discuss it with Old Fu. I'm not avoiding this issue. I just don't want to shoulder responsibilities that do nothing to improve my strength.

"I do have a certain sense of belonging to D5. I will definitely help with whatever I can.

"Fighting Blade Beasts and fighting evil Psionicists are both things I can do and will do.

"As for everything else, I won't concern myself with it."

Dragonfly Aunt asked in confusion, "But your contributions are already enormous. You have already begun changing the power structure of the Human World..."

"We cultivators seek neither merit nor fame. Wealth and rank pass away on their own, and only freedom brings peace."

Wang Jixuan picked up two skewers of roasted meat and handed them to Dragonfly Aunt.

"During Chaotic Times, eliminate demons. When peace returns, go back to the mountains. That is my code of conduct."

"Ah... fine. I don't understand it, but I respect it."

Dragonfly Aunt picked up the grilled meat and took two bites, then turned to look at Treant Beta, whose eyes were full of emotion. She clicked her tongue in amazement.

"I never expected those old generals could extend their lives just by eating Beta's hair."

Wang Jixuan: ...

That was rather rude.

This was a natural Spirit Herb cultivation medium! In the Cultivation World, it would generally receive the treatment of an elder and be guarded as the sect's treasured artifact!

"Just drink your liquor! Later, I'll refine a batch of restorative pills for your teachers."

"Thanks! Beta, cooperate properly and keep contributing to humanity."

Treant Beta lifted his drink. Inside the cup was, unmistakably, plant nutrient solution.

The value of his life had been effortlessly fulfilled.

After finishing his mundane affairs and having a brief chat with Ling Tong, Wang Jixuan announced to the outside world that he would enter secluded cultivation for several days and had Peony activate Do Not Disturb mode.

"Xing Tian" had been sitting in the corner of the second floor of the workshop the whole time.

The mechanical maids brought over two folding screens, creating a simple secret chamber.

Wang Jixuan sat facing "Xing Tian."

This puppet body had already been meticulously cleaned by the mechs and changed into a loose robe. Its missing leg and foot could later be modified using D5's Half-Human Mech Technology. Peony would be responsible for maintenance, and it would noticeably enhance Wang Jixuan's own strength.

After careful consideration, Wang Jixuan had come up with a method beneficial to his cultivation.

He could use the mana of his main body as a guide, use himself as the foundation, and draw the already partially refined but impurity-filled mana within "Xing Tian" into his main body. Once it was fully refined, he could send it back into "Xing Tian."

This way, his main body could also benefit and rapidly increase its total mana reserves.

The drawback of this method was obvious—it consumed mental energy.

Wang Jixuan was currently troubled by his insufficient cultivation, so spending some mental energy was nothing. He simply wanted to increase his strength as quickly as possible.

Outside the screens, Peony skillfully arranged twelve formation bases and set up a simple Spirit Gathering Formation.

Wu Man, Ji Xiao, and Ji Yale stood ready outside at all times. As long as Black Energy seeped out from behind the screens, they would begin reciting Buddhist scriptures.

Gao Huating, who had gradually adjusted to the rhythm of her new life, waited nearby with a wooden guitar in her arms.

She was responsible for helping everyone harmonize their psionic power, and she could assist Wang Jixuan at critical moments.

Daoist Wang instructed them:

"Peony, remember to replace the crystal cores inside the formation bases. Change them about once every three and a half hours."

"Understood."

"Mm. I'm starting."

The Daoist gently exhaled, stared at the puppet body before him, slowly closed his eyes, and began integrating the perspectives of himself and the strange soul, simply adapting to dividing his attention.

Then, the puppet body gradually began circulating its heavenly cycle, absorbing the spiritual energy around it.

This process would inevitably take a long time. Wang Jixuan had already prepared himself to go seven days and seven nights without food or drink.

Compared to cultivation step by step, this already counted as taking a shortcut.

Very soon, waves of Black Energy surged out from "Xing Tian's" body, while rays of Azure Light bloomed from Wang Jixuan's main body. As one waxed, the other waned, and they contended with each other.

Wang Jixuan tried to harmonize them, gave up on harmonizing them, and instead began suppressing the demonic energy. He extracted the mana from the puppet body and sent it into his main body for purification and refinement, expelling the impurities through his palms.

Throughout this process, Wang Jixuan was also comprehending the Dragon Python Swallowing Heaven Technique. He constantly interacted with the Dragon Python Strange Soul, and new insights gradually arose in his heart.

Gradually, Wang Jixuan's main body and the puppet body began to link their auras, their mana initially flowing between them.

The sun rose and the moon fell.

The people guarding his cultivation could no longer endure it. They all yawned repeatedly and began taking shifts on watch.

Peony and the Maid Group stood ready nearby. They did not feel fatigue, though they required regular maintenance.

More than thirty hours passed in such calm.

Wu Man and the others all sensed it:

The "psionic power" within Wang Jixuan had increased noticeably.

Although the psionic power within the puppet body had diminished somewhat, it gave them the clear impression that it had grown stronger.

In truth, it was not an illusion.

Although the puppet body's total mana reserves had decreased, its quality had steadily risen by an entire level. Its overall strength had indeed increased somewhat.

The Fifth Spiritual Practitioner sent that young girl again. Upon discovering that Wang Jixuan was truly busy, she could only return to wait in disappointment.

Number Five wanted Wang Jixuan's technology.

D5's assault plan was advancing at a feverish pace. D3 would soon become a battlefield, and Fu Jian was currently in the stage of maneuvering and negotiating with D3's upper echelon.

After Wang Jixuan had been in secluded cultivation for more than seventy hours, dense firelight appeared across the Xingrui Wilderness of the D3 Integrated War Zone.

A joint force from multiple war zones carried out cross-zone law enforcement, suddenly bombarding a branch of the Biological 13th Institute. D3 reacted swiftly and immediately lodged a protest with the D5 Comprehensive War Zone.

There was, to some extent, an element of acting involved.

The joint forces deployed hundreds of small and medium-sized armored units, using dozens of Half-Human Mechs as assault troops to launch a ground offensive against Fortress 012, Xingrui Wilderness. Fierce battles erupted against a large number of Psionicists. Psionic Capital continuously sent reinforcements, while the joint forces advanced and retreated repeatedly, using a fuel-feeding strategy to draw more Psionicists to the area.

The two sides quickly entered a tug-of-war.

The three Space Fortresses and the major war zones that had not joined the fighting called on Fu Jian and the Six Elders to exercise restraint and avoid exhausting the strength of the Human Faction.

Yet the fighting will shown by both sides this time was unexpectedly resolute. Neither side was willing to yield.

Psionic Capital cleared out the Ball of Silence. Other than the Six Elders, all Psionicists left the Ball of Silence.

The Six Elders were making it clear that they were prepared to make a last stand.

Fu Jian convened an online conference for the D5 Comprehensive War Zone. Ling Tong spoke on behalf of the military, pointing out that the 13th Institute had long been conducting inhumane Human Experimentation that had caused numerous deaths, and that some Psionicists had colluded with Blade Beasts. Their military operation this time was intended to stop the 13th Institute's evil biological experiments.

Fu Jian made his position clear: they would fight to the end.

Even as both sides continued escalating, they controlled the scope of the conflict. At this point, there was still more probing than anything else.

Just as the D3 Integrated War Zone was engulfed in fierce fighting, Daoist Wang's Fortress No. 76 received a group of unwelcome visitors.

"Are you sure? Xing Tian is in this place?"