His father?
Surprise flickered through Chen Changming's eyes.
He had never imagined that Marquis Xuangang's father, a member of the Ancient Human Clan, had been controlling the Silver Puppet all along. The man had guarded this cave abode day after day, year after year, screening intruders in search of someone suitable for his son.
Perhaps Marquis Xuangang's father had built the Silver Puppet with his own hands to protect him when he was young.
Chen Changming had dealt with the Ancient Human Clan's puppets many times, so he was not surprised to find an ancient human's spiritual consciousness inside one.
"Will you keep guarding this place, or leave with me?"
Chen Changming thought for a moment before asking, leaving the choice to him.
This puppet was powerful and carried some of an ancient human's memories. If Chen Changming took him along, he might prove useful someday.
But he respected the puppet's choice. This place held the last bond between father and son.
"I'll stay here."
The Silver Puppet answered without hesitation, his voice calm and firm. "Once you leave, I'll seal this cave abode completely. It will sleep forever deep underground, where no one will find it again."
"All right."
Chen Changming nodded silently and did not try to persuade him further.
At this point, he could hardly force the matter.
This puppet bore a father's last devotion to his son. Remaining here to guard this eternal silence might be the best resting place for him.
Chen Changming stepped aside, took out the Jade Slip containing the Undying Xuangang Scripture, and studied it carefully.
The Silver Puppet closed his eyes once more and fell deathly still. Like a statue bereft of its soul, he quietly guarded the empty stone chamber.
In the side chamber.
Dong Xueqi stood at the center