Refining War Puppets!

The patience of the Fifth Spiritual Practitioner was even worse than Wang Jixuan had expected.

It hadn't been long before she couldn't help but come over.

In any cooperative endeavor, whoever spoke first was at a disadvantage. Wang Jixuan now held the initiative.

The girl whispered, "Um, well... our leader wants you to come over for a chat about some personal matters."

Wang Jixuan put on a troubled expression.

He could sense a peculiar spiritual aura from the girl. The Fifth was clearly eavesdropping.

He still needed to act the part; it was at least a show of respect for the Fifth.

Daoist Wang cleared his throat and earnestly refused, "I'm really tied up here. I just finished a meeting and still need to refine War Puppets... How about this: if the Fifth Spiritual Practitioner has any needs, just tell me directly, and I'll do my best to satisfy them."

"Ah, this..."

The girl's lips moved. She was too soft-hearted, after all. She whispered, "Okay then... Can I write a letter home? My parents don't know I'm alive. I want to write them to let them know I'm safe."

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

"That's right," the girl said softly. "I was diagnosed with a terminal illness and only had a few months left. My dad pulled some strings to send me to Snow Mountain. They said that if I could be transformed into a Psionicist, there was a chance I could recover. But my condition seemed to worsen back then... Then they placed me in front of my leader's stone tablet, and the leader healed me..."

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

"This," the girl blinked, "My grandfather is the Deputy Commander of the D2 Comprehensive War Zone, and my maternal grandfather is the Deputy Chief of Staff."

Wang Jixuan looked enlightened, then signaled Peony to send a message to Ji Xiao to inquire.

Speaking of which, Ji Xiao and Ji Yale's journey back was also fraught with twists and turns. The attitude of the D2 high command was unpredictable. The two brothers had been flying around in transport planes, but fortunately, they returned safely in the end.

"So that's how it is. A descendant of a eunuch, cough, a descendant of an official."

Wang Jixuan said seriously:

"Please convey my apologies to the Fifth. Once I'm done with my work, I'll definitely go find your leader to chat as soon as possible."

"Okay," the girl pointed to the door. After receiving a nod from Wang Jixuan, she turned and slipped away nervously.

Wang Jixuan watched the girl's retreating figure.

An A+ Psionicist with a seemingly gentle personality, a connection to D2 power, could become a link for them to contact the D2 high command and strive to bring D2 into their faction...

'Never mind, this has nothing to do with this Daoist.'

'As for political matters, it's best not to get involved if I can avoid it.'

Wang Jixuan yawned, then called Peony to return to his dormitory to rest.

He had only slept for a short while, less than half an hour, and had fully recovered the energy spent on his recent chaotic battle. He got up, ready to rush back to his studio.

"Sir, you had an appointment with Dragonfly Aunt and Beta earlier."

"Right, I almost forgot about Auntie," Wang Jixuan asked, "Has the Bristle Bear been retrieved?"

"It's still on its way back. They've met up with the people we sent. D2 didn't make things difficult."

"That's good," Wang Jixuan remembered the young girl. "Relay the previous girl's request to Dongfang Zhenghong. Investigate her identity first and forward it together."

"Yes."

Wang Jixuan stretched, looking at the three sets of clothes Peony had prepared for him.

One was a suit, which was too formal. Wang Jixuan preferred Tang suits or Zhongshan suits for formal wear; one set of sportswear and one set of casual wear. The former prioritized comfort, while the latter made him look younger.

Wang Jixuan decisively chose the casual wear.

"Where is Ling Tong now?"

"She's giving an inspirational speech on the front lines. Do you need me to arrange for her to come back and meet you?"

"Not for now," Wang Jixuan said. "I'll go see her after I finish my important matters. I didn't expect being a hero to be so busy."

"Indeed," Peony smiled. "Heroes of the Fortress Era not only have to work hard to perform for the people and soldiers, inspiring them, but also have to smile and convey the idea of 'we will definitely win,' no matter how bad the real situation is."

"Is our current situation that bad?"

"The threat of the Blade Beasts, the threat of the Dominion Faction of Psionic Capital, each threat is potentially fatal."

"They are only temporary."

Wang Jixuan did a chest expansion exercise. "Help me keep an eye on Ling Tong's schedule for a week from now. It feels like it's been a long time since we last met. Chatting with Xiao Shen reminded me that relationships also need to be maintained and warmed up."

Peony blinked.

Then she would communicate with Sister Wan in advance and play her unofficial role as a wingman.

The location chosen for lunch this time was the hangar on the fortress's surface.

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

After eating some charcoal-grilled Blade Beast meat and drinking some industrially synthesized wine, Dragonfly Aunt sighed and got straight to the point, "I received a message from the Psionic Capital. They reported me as dead to the public."

"I'm going to the Snow Mountain Base, and they're calling it an investigation trip, an activity led by the Naturalist Faction.

Now I need to change my image... So, do you have any weight loss surgeries here? I really need one."

Wang Jixuan, Treant Beta, and the Shaman who was just there for show leaned back simultaneously.

For a moment, they couldn't tell if Dragonfly Aunt was being completely honest.

Daoist Wang said seriously, "As far as I know, there are no weight loss surgeries... The resources within the Fortress are precisely calculated, and food is rationed, so obesity is rare. However, if you have such a need, Peony and the others can load a module to do it."

Peony raised her right hand, which was covered in white lace gloves, and disdainfully covered her nose. "I don't want to come into contact with that kind of flocculent fat."

Dragonfly Aunt retorted, "Fat that grows naturally can't be simulated by synthetic skin, you know. Why don't you try touching it?"

"Is that all?" Daoist Wang asked.

Dragonfly Aunt ate a piece of Roasted Blade Beast Meat, her gaze wavering slightly before she finally spoke:

"Actually, I have a piece of secret intelligence on hand, regarding the structure of the underground complex in Psionic Capital, as well as a statistical survey of the strength of psionicists hidden within Psionic Capital.

"I want to use this intelligence to exchange for something with D5.

"Although I've pledged my allegiance to you now, this isn't a transaction between us, but between me and D5, between the Naturalist Faction and Fu Jian."

Wang Jixuan asked with a smile, "What do you want to exchange for?"

"A promise to fulfill the political demands of the Naturalist Faction," Dragonfly Aunt said. "We can cooperate with D5 to strike at the Dominion Faction... This actually carries great risk. We are the weaker party in Psionic Capital... If the Dominion Faction is defeated by us, and we jointly resolve the Blade Beast crisis, and the world returns to peace, the military won't eliminate our Naturalist Faction."

Wang Jixuan fell silent.

He really didn't dare to respond to such a matter casually.

Firstly, although victory against the Blade Beasts seemed hopeless now, the Daoist had confidence.

As long as he could safely reach the Nascent Soul Realm, he was confident he could survive the Blade Beast encirclement. Then things would be simple; he would just need to hide away in secluded cultivation, and after reaching a higher realm, he would come out and sweep away the Blade Beasts.

So, humanity would definitely defeat the Blade Beasts – that's how Wang Jixuan saw it.

Secondly, whether the human world could accommodate psionicists after peace.

This was a topic that was highly likely to lead to bloodshed.

The Human Military was vigorously developing Autonomous Mech Technology, and the emergence of psionicists was accompanied by immense sacrifice.

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

"You can go directly to Old Fu to discuss this."

"The result of the teachers' discussion is that talking to you would be more effective," Dragonfly Aunt's gaze sharpened slightly. "You represent the future."

"I can only represent myself."

Wang Jixuan picked up his wine glass and took a drink.

"D5 does indeed need more help from the Naturalist Faction right now. I can feel it; after this Snow Mountain conflict, both sides will definitely make some moves.

"But such a grand promise, even if I give it, what happens if it's not fulfilled later? There are no constraints."

Dragonfly Aunt's lips turned down. "This is the predicament of the Naturalist Faction. We insist on not walking the path of ruling humanity, revering psionics, revering nature. Previously, some advocated for attempting to negotiate with the Blade Beasts, wanting to demarcate territory and coexist. Later, it proved to be wishful thinking; the Blade Beasts disdained to communicate with us... Actually, as long as you give a promise, they will fully support Fu Jian and you."

Wang Jixuan's eyes flickered slightly.

After a few minutes, Daoist Wang smiled with a relaxed air.

"You should still talk to Old Fu. I'm not avoiding the issue, I just don't want to bear responsibilities that don't help my strength improve.

"I do have a sense of belonging to D5, and I will help in any way I can.

"Fighting Blade Beasts, fighting evil psionicists – these are things I can and will do.

"Anything else, I won't concern myself with."

Dragonfly Aunt asked in confusion, "But you've already made great contributions. You've already started changing the power structure of the human world..."

"We cultivators do not seek merit or fame; wealth and status are fleeting. Freedom can bring peace."

Wang Jixuan handed two skewers of roasted meat to Dragonfly Aunt.

"Exterminate demons in chaotic times, return to the mountains in times of peace – this is my principle of conduct."

"Ah, this... Alright, although I don't understand, I respect it."

Dragonfly Aunt picked up the roasted meat and took a couple of bites, then glanced at Treant Beta, who was watching with emotion, and clicked her tongue in amazement.

"I didn't expect those old generals to eat Beta's hair to extend their lives."

Wang Jixuan: ...

That was rather impolite.

This was a natural spiritual herb culture medium! In their cultivation world, it would generally be treated as an elder's privilege, protected as a sect's treasure!

"Let's drink! Later, I'll refine a batch of conditioning pills for you to give to your teachers."

"Thanks! Beta, cooperate well and continue to contribute to humanity."

Treant Beta raised his cup, which contained plant nutrient solution.

His life's value had been easily realized.

After finishing his worldly affairs and having a brief chat with Ling Tong, Wang Jixuan announced he would be in secluded cultivation for a few days, and Peony put him on do-not-disturb.

'Xing Tian' sat in the corner of the second floor of the studio the entire time.

The Mechanical Maid brought over two screens, creating a simple secret room.

Wang Jixuan and 'Xing Tian' sat facing each other.

This puppet body had been meticulously cleaned by the mechanical body and dressed in loose robes. The missing leg and foot could be modified later using D5's Half-Human Mech Technology. Peony would be responsible for its maintenance, which would significantly boost Wang Jixuan's own strength.

After careful consideration, Wang Jixuan thought of a method beneficial to his cultivation.

He could use his main body's magic power as a guide, with himself as the base, to draw the partially refined and impure magic power within 'Xing Tian' into his main body. After completely refining it, he would send it back into 'Xing Tian'.

This way, his main body could also benefit, rapidly increasing its total magic power.

The drawback of this method was obvious—it was mentally taxing.

Wang Jixuan was currently struggling with insufficient cultivation, so expending some mental energy was acceptable. He wanted to improve his strength as quickly as possible.

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

Wu Man, Ji Xiao, and Ji Yale were on standby outside, ready to recite Buddhist scriptures as soon as black energy seeped out from beyond the screens.

Gao Huating, who had gradually adapted to her new rhythm of life, waited nearby, holding a wooden guitar.

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

Daoist Wang began to instruct:

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

"Understood."

"Alright, I'm starting now."

The Daoist gently exhaled, gazed at the puppet body before him, slowly closed his eyes, and began to integrate his own perspective with that of the strange soul, simply adapting to multitasking.

Subsequently, the puppet body gradually circulated its energy, absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy.

This process was bound to be long, and Wang Jixuan was prepared to go seven days and seven nights without eating or drinking.

Compared to gradual cultivation, this was already a shortcut.

Soon, streams of black energy began to surge out from 'Xing Tian's' body. Wang Jixuan's main body emitted streaks of green light, the two waxing and waning, vying with each other.

Wang Jixuan attempted to harmonize them, then abandoned the idea. Instead, he began to suppress the demonic energy, extracting the magic power from the puppet's body, channeling it into his main body for purification and refinement, expelling impurities from his palms.

During this process, Wang Jixuan was also comprehending the Dragon Python Swallowing Heaven Technique. He interacted continuously with the Dragon Python's strange soul, gaining more insights in his heart.

Gradually, Wang Jixuan's main body and the puppet body began to connect in terms of aura, with their magic power initially intermingling.

Sun rose and set.

The guards on standby could no longer hold on, yawning continuously and starting to take shifts.

Peony and the Maid Group stood ready nearby. They did not experience fatigue, only requiring periodic maintenance of their mechanical bodies.

This continued peacefully for over thirty hours.

Wu Man and the others could feel:

Wang Jixuan's internal 'psionic energy' had significantly increased;

Although the psionic energy within the puppet's body had slightly decreased, it gave them a distinct illusion of it becoming stronger.

In fact, it was not an illusion.

Although the total amount of magic power in the puppet's body had decreased, its quality had steadily risen by a level, and its overall strength had indeed increased somewhat.

The Fifth Spiritual Practitioner sent the young girl again. Seeing that Wang Jixuan was indeed busy, she returned somewhat dejectedly to wait.

The Fifth wanted Wang Jixuan's technology.

D5's attack plan was progressing rapidly, and D3 would soon become a battlefield. It was currently the stage where Fu Jian was engaging in a game of chess and negotiation with D3's high command.

Wang Jixuan had been in secluded cultivation for over seventy hours. In Xingrui Wilderness, within the D3 Integrated War Zone, dense flashes of fire appeared.

Joint multi-zone cross-regional law enforcement suddenly bombarded a branch of the Biological 13th Institute; D3 reacted swiftly, immediately lodging a protest with the D5 Comprehensive War Zone.

This had some elements of acting.

The joint forces deployed hundreds of medium and small armored units, with dozens of half-human mechs as assault troops, launching a ground offensive on Fortress 012, Xingrui Wilderness, and engaging in intense combat with a large number of psionicists. Psionic Capital continuously dispatched reinforcements, and the joint forces began to advance and retreat, using a tactic of adding fuel to the fire to attract more psionicists to this location.

The two sides quickly engaged in a tug-of-war.

The Three Great Space Fortresses and the major war zones that had not participated called on Fu Jian and the Six Elders to exercise restraint and not deplete the strength of the Human Faction.

However, the fighting will displayed by both sides this time was unexpectedly firm, and neither side yielded.

Psionic Capital's Ball of Silence cleared the area, and all psionicists except the Six Elders left the Ball of Silence.

This was a clear signal from the Six Elders that they were prepared to go all out.

Fu Jian convened an online meeting of the D5 Comprehensive War Zone. Ling Tong delivered a speech on behalf of the military, pointing out that the 13th Institute had been conducting inhumane human experiments, causing numerous deaths, and that some psionicists had colluded with Blade Beasts. Their current military action was to stop the 13th Institute's evil biological experiments.

Fu Jian clearly stated that his side would fight to the end.

While both sides continuously escalated, they were also controlling the scope of the conflict. At this moment, it was still mostly probing.

Just as the D3 Integrated War Zone was in heated combat, Daoist Wang's Fortress No. 76 received some uninvited guests.

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