Ink-Clad Creator

In the Bing-character courtyard of Zhuyunju, Li Xian was frowning as he looked at a newly delivered "Guide to the Secret Realm Trial".

"Trial Location: Thousand Machines Secret Realm, Outer Third District"

"Rules: Teams of three must survive within the secret realm for twelve hours and cooperate to complete at least three designated tasks. Tasks will be randomly selected and will be divided into three difficulty levels: 'Heaven, Earth, and Human'."

"Scoring criteria: task completion, teamwork, individual performance, and depth of exploration of the secret realm."

"Special reminder: Although there are protective mechanisms in the secret realm, real risks still exist. You are responsible for any injuries or fatalities; please act according to your abilities."

There was also a team registration form next to it, which required the team members to fill in their names and areas of expertise.

"Brother Li, how do we team up?" Peng Shitao asked, resting her chin on her hand. She and Xiao Lingshan had also received their forms.

Binglan, Bingwei, and the three brothers Shijian also gathered around at this time—they had also passed yesterday's preliminary screening. Binglan and Bingwei relied on their solid Ice Soul Mystic Art and practical experience, while the three brothers Shijian relied on the practical skills of the "Hou Tu Zai Wu Jue" and their ability to "modify the terrain on the spot," all of them obtained the qualification for the trial.

"The rules say three people per team," Xiao Lingshan analyzed. "There are eight of us, so we can form two teams, and we'll have two people left over."

"Shitao and I will definitely have to separate," Li said. "Our abilities overlap; we are both good at energy harmonization and healing. Leading the team separately will maximize the team's survivability."

He looked at everyone: "Me, Ling Shan, and Bing Lan are one team. Shi Tao, Bing Wei, and Shi Jian are another team. The rest are Shi Lei, Shi Yan..."

"We can be the 'support team'!" Shi Lei exclaimed eagerly. "I just inquired, and some teams can temporarily hire 'auxiliary personnel' if they're short-handed or have special needs. They earn credits based on their contribution to the mission! We brothers can take on that kind of work!"

Li Xian's eyes lit up: "Great idea. This way, our two main teams can move flexibly, and you brothers can serve as the mobile force, going wherever you're needed."

The team formation plan was finalized. Li first wrote down his team's information on the registration form:

Team name: Undecided

Team members: Li Mo (Specialty: Energy Analysis, Combat Adaptability), Xiao Lingshan (Specialty: Wood-type Resonance, Vitality Perception), Bing Lan (Specialty: Ice Soul Mystic Art, Melee Combat)

Peng Shitao filled it out quickly as well:

Team Name: Xinglin Tuwei

Team members: Peng Shitao (Specialties: Medical treatment, energy balance), Bing Wei (Specialties: Assassination with hidden weapons, intelligence gathering), Shi Jian (Specialties: Terrain modification, mineral perception)

Just as I finished filling out the form, a clear female voice came from outside the courtyard gate: "Is Li Mo here?"

It was Shui Liuli. Today she was dressed in a neat light blue outfit, her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and she was carrying a bulging cloth bag with a jade slip and several strange instruments peeking out from the bag.

"Li Mo, I'm here to discuss the team formation details for tomorrow!" She got straight to the point, pulling a rolled-up map from her bag and spreading it on the stone table. "This is a terrain map of the 'Outer Three Zones of the Thousand Machine Secret Realm' that I reconstructed last night based on publicly available information from the academy. It marks seven known common mission trigger points and sixteen dangerous areas. We need to develop at least three contingency plans..."

She spoke rapidly, her fingers leaping across the map, technical terms popping out one after another: "...Considering your energy traits have multi-frequency adaptability, I suggest you take charge of clearing the way and assessing the energy environment; my water-based techniques excel at controlling fields and buffering impacts, so I'll be responsible for mid-range support and crisis management; we also need someone with melee specialization or reconnaissance expertise to fill the third position..."

Li Xian and the others were stunned. This girl... her initiative is too strong.

"Um, Miss Shui," Xiao Lingshan gently reminded us, "Li Mo has already teamed up with us."

Shui Liuli paused in her movements. She looked up, her blue eyes filled with confusion: "It's all assembled? But you promised me yesterday."

"I agreed that we could consider forming a team," Li explained, "but I didn't say it would be a fixed team. Besides, the Secret Realm Trial requires three people per group, and I already have two teammates."

Shui Liuli's expression shifted from confusion to disappointment, then to contemplation. She bit her lower lip, her finger unconsciously tracing circles on the map: "I see... But my mathematical model shows that teaming up with you is expected to increase efficiency by 23%, while with others it's at most 11%..."

Just then, a cold voice came from outside the courtyard gate:

"The third person is me."

A figure in white, carrying a sword, appeared at the doorway without warning. Jin Xuan stood there, his gaze sweeping over the people in the courtyard before finally settling on Li Xian's face.

"Me and Shui Liuli, I'll team up with you."

The entire courtyard was silent.

Li Xian blinked. Jin Xuan? That Gengjin sword body that keeps strangers at bay for three feet? He's proactively asking to team up?

Shui Liuli's eyes lit up: "Jin Xuan! Your sword aura is top-grade ninth rank, and your barrier-breaking ability is rated S+! If you join us, the team's overall combat strength is expected to increase by 37%! Moreover, your metal-type energy has a very good compatibility with my water-type 'metal generates water', which can form an energy cycle..."

She has already started mentally calculating the new formula.

Jin Xuan ignored her nagging and looked at Li Xian: "You broke the Spirit-Identifying Crystal yesterday, and you won both battles today without using your full strength. You are qualified to team up with me."

That's quite a direct way of putting it.

Li Xian exchanged glances with Xiao Lingshan and Bing Lan. Xiao Lingshan whispered, "Brother Li, this is an opportunity. Jin Xuan and Shui Liuli are both top-tier in strength. Teaming up with them will greatly increase our chances of passing the trial."

Binglan nodded: "We can make adjustments on our end. Lingshan and I could actually team up, and then find someone else..."

"No need," Jin Xuan suddenly spoke up. "The eight of you can be grouped like this:"

He actually started making arrangements: "Li Mo, me, and Shui Liuli will be a team. Xiao Lingshan, Binglan, and Bingwei will be a team, as wood and ice elements can complement each other. Peng Shitao, Shi Jian, Shi Lei, and Shi Yan will be a team, with healers and three earth elements, making them the most survivable."

He paused, then added, "Shi Yan can serve as a temporary support, taking on mercenary tasks from other teams."

This arrangement… is surprisingly reasonable! Li Xian looked at Jin Xuan in surprise. This aloof sword genius actually possesses such meticulous teamwork skills?

Shui Liuli was already excitedly calculating the efficiency of the new configuration: "With this grouping, the overall combat power distribution is more balanced, and the expected overall mission completion rate can be increased by 15%! Jin Xuan, you are a genius!"

Jin Xuan said expressionlessly, "It's just the optimal solution."

The matter was settled. Li Xian cast an apologetic glance at Xiao Lingshan and Binglan, but the two women just smiled and shook their heads. Peng Shitao was also very satisfied—she had been worried that her team lacked offensive power, but now with the addition of Shi Lei and Shi Yan, two strong earth-elemental men, she felt much safer.

With the team formation issue resolved, Shui Liuli's attention suddenly shifted to the corner of the courtyard.

There, five drones hovered silently. Superman, Batman, and the Dark Knight stood in a row, while Arya and Big Sister were slightly higher, their rotors slowly turning.

"These are the 'teaching assistants' you mentioned?" Shui Liuli leaned closer curiously. "I noticed them at the registration desk yesterday. Their levitation mechanism is quite unique; it's not based on wind formations or anti-gravity runes... Can I take a look?"

"Of course." Li nodded and winked at the drones.

—It's time to show off the real "skills".

Superman slowly flew forward, his mechanical arm gracefully bowing (a new action Li Xian had programmed for it last night): "Dear Miss Shui Liuli, hello. I am a teaching assistant type mechanical creation, number K-001. You can call me 'Little Superman'."

Shui Liuli's eyes widened: "It can talk?!"

"Yes," Superman said in a gentle electronic voice, "I have basic voice interaction, data collection, and logical analysis functions. Would you like me to demonstrate them for you?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Superman turned to a glass of cooled tea on the stone table: "Target scan: liquid, temperature approximately 25 degrees Celsius, main components: water, tea polyphenols, trace minerals." A beam of blue light shot from the tip of the robotic arm. "Initiating component ratio analysis..."

The beam of light swept across the teacup.

Suddenly, Superman shuddered, his electronic voice stammering, "Detection detected...unknown substance! Warning! Warning! Warning!" He began circling wildly in the air, his mechanical arms flailing erratically. "Danger! Danger! Immediate evacuation recommended!"

Shui Liuli was startled: "What's wrong?"

Li suppressed a laugh: "Sometimes it...makes a wrong judgment. It's okay, just restart it."

He walked over and pressed a hidden button on the side of Superman (actually, he pretended to press it; he was actually restarting the character via telepathy).

Superman stopped spinning around and resumed stable hovering. His electronic voice returned to normal: "Sorry, there was a brief system malfunction. It has been restarted and is running normally."

Shui Liuli breathed a sigh of relief, but her eyes lit up with even more interest: "It has a fault mode! This means its logic judgment module has a flaw! This is so interesting, can I take it apart and take a look?"

Superman: "..." (drifts half a meter backward)

Just then, Daya and Erya flew over.

Da Ya said in a sickeningly sweet electronic female voice, "Sister Shui, please don't dismantle Xiao Chao, it's very afraid of pain~ Or do you want to watch Er Ya and me perform? We can dance!"

Er Ya: "Yes, we can sing too!"

Two pink drones began circling in the air, their rotors rhythmically shifting speed and emitting a "buzz-buzz-buzz" melody. Daya sang off-key: "The academy scenery is beautiful~ Every student is great~ Tomorrow we're going to the secret realm~ We must pass the test~"

Er Ya chimed in (also off-key): "Passed! Passed!"

The people in the courtyard: "..." (trying hard to suppress their laughter)

The three Shi brothers couldn't hold back anymore, clutching their stomachs and laughing so hard their shoulders shook. Xiao Lingshan covered her mouth, while Peng Shitao buried her face in Bingwei's shoulder.

Shui Liuli, however, took out a jade slip with a serious expression and recorded: "The sound wave frequency is unstable, and the pitch deviation exceeds 15%, but the rhythm control is precise... Is this an intentionally designed entertainment feature, or an algorithmic flaw?"

She turned to Li Xian, her eyes shining: "The 'personality simulations' of these mechanical creations are so vivid! Especially the malfunction and the off-key singing—if they were intentionally designed, they're genius; if they're real flaws, then those flaws themselves are extremely valuable for research! Li Mo, where did you get these treasures?"

Li Xian said in a serious tone, "These are some family heirlooms... trinkets. Please excuse their poor quality, Miss Shui."

"No, no, no, this is so interesting!" Shui Liuli was completely captivated by the drones. "Can I bring them to the trial tomorrow? I want to observe their performance in a real combat environment! I can help carry the big one (referring to Superman), my bag still has plenty of room..."

Superman: "..." (Silently takes another meter back)

Finally, Li Xian agreed to bring one or two drones as "auxiliary reconnaissance tools" during the trial. Shui Liuli was satisfied, and left contentedly with her map and jade slip. Before leaving, she arranged to meet Jin Xuan at the entrance to the secret realm the next morning.

Jin Xuan stood with his sword clasped behind him the entire time, his face expressionless. But Li Xian noticed that during the drone performance, the corner of this aloof swordsman's mouth... seemed to twitch very slightly.

At noon, as agreed with Peng Shutao, everyone arrived at the "Hundred Flavors Dining Hall" in the outer courtyard of the academy.

The canteen was a three-story wooden building with upturned eaves and an impressive appearance. The first floor was the general dining area with dozens of long tables; the second floor had private rooms; and the third floor was said to be the dining area for teachers and VIPs.

Peng Shutao and Shen Aonan had already occupied a large table in a corner on the first floor, with three other men and two women sitting around the table.

"Shitao! Over here!" Peng Shutao waved.

Everyone took their seats. Peng Shutao introduced them, "These are all classmates from Xuan Shui Academy and Bai Lian Hall, and also members of our Peach Blossom Village hometown association in the capital."

A round-faced, slightly chubby boy with a friendly smile stood up and clasped his hands in greeting: "I am Zhao Xiaoyuan, a second-year student in the Xuan Shui Academy, majoring in 'Water Cycle Engineering'. Junior Sister Shu Tao often mentions you all; meeting you today, I can see you are all truly outstanding talents!"

Another tall, slender girl wearing glasses pushed up her frames: "Liu Qingsi, a third-year student at Bailian Hall, specializing in 'water-based metal forging.' I heard that Brother Shi Jian is a descendant of the Earth Sect? I'm very interested in Xirang Gold; perhaps we could exchange ideas sometime?"

Shi Jian nodded earnestly, "Okay, okay!"

The remaining three introduced themselves: Sun Tao from Xuanshuiyuan, Li Tie from Bailiantang, and Zhou Wenyuan, who was studying theory at Gewuyuan.

The group ate and chatted. The food in the canteen was unexpectedly delicious and affordable—a set meal of three dishes and a soup cost only two copper coins, and the ingredients were of high quality. They could also vaguely feel the gentle energy contained in the food, which was beneficial to their cultivation.

"The academy provides substantial subsidies to its students," Shen Aonan explained. "Most of these ingredients are produced in the academy's own spiritual fields and animal gardens, making them inexpensive. It's said that this is to ensure students have no worries and can focus on their studies."

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out at the entrance of the cafeteria.

A group of students, about a dozen in total, dressed in matching black outfits with golden tiger heads embroidered on their chests, filed in, looking quite menacing. Leading them was an arrogant young man in brocade robes, a long sword at his waist. His gaze swept across the cafeteria, pausing when he saw Peng Shutao's table.

"They're from the 'Golden Tiger Society,'" Zhao Xiaoyuan said in a low voice. "It's a very powerful student club in the inner academy, with its main members coming from various martial arts families and military families. The leader is called Han Meng. His father is the Vice Minister of War, and he himself is a third-year student at the Golden Peak Academy, a high-level Earth Origin cultivator. It's said that he's expected to break through to the Heaven Origin realm before graduation."

Han Meng led his men straight over.

"Junior Sister Peng, Junior Brother Shen," he greeted with a forced smile, "I heard that Peach Blossom Village has a few newcomers this year? Introduce them?"

Peng Shutao stood up, neither humble nor arrogant: "Senior Brother Han, these are my family and friends. They just passed the initial screening today and will participate in the secret realm trial tomorrow."

"Oh? A secret realm trial..." Han Meng's gaze swept over Li Xian and the others, lingering especially on Xiao Lingshan, Binglan, and Bingwei for a moment. "You junior sisters have quite good aptitudes. Are you interested in joining our Golden Tiger Society? We have the best cultivation resources and guidance from seniors, which is much better than figuring things out on your own."

Bingwei coldly replied, "Not interested."

Han Meng's face darkened: "Junior sister, don't speak so confidently. In the academy, having more friends means having more options. Especially for freshmen, without anyone to protect them, it's easy to... suffer losses."

This is a blatant threat.

Shen Aonan stood up: "Senior Brother Han, the academy has its own rules. Freshmen have their own paths to follow, so there's no need for you to worry about it."

"Rules?" Han Meng laughed. "Shen Aonan, do you think you're qualified to talk to me about rules just because you've joined the Hundred Refinements Hall? Every year, the Hundred Refinements Hall needs the approval of the Golden Tiger Society to apply for a quota for the 'Earth Fire Chamber'."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Just then, a lazy voice came from the side:

"Han Meng, are you bullying the freshmen again?"

Everyone turned their heads and saw a young man in a loose-fitting teaching uniform with messy hair walking over carrying a large plate of braised pork. He looked to be in his late twenties, with a stubble beard, but bright eyes.

Han Meng's expression changed slightly upon seeing this person: "Instructor Lu... Instructor Lu."

"Oh, you still recognize me." Instructor Lu placed the braised pork on Li Xian and the others' table, sat down without ceremony, picked up his chopsticks and started eating. "This table's on me. Any objections?"

Han Meng gritted his teeth, but was clearly wary of Instructor Lu. In the end, he snorted and left with his men.

Instructor Lu didn't even look up, continuing to eat his meat. After a few bites, he finally glanced at Li Xian: "You're the kid who broke the Spirit-Identifying Crystal?"

Li Xian clasped his hands in greeting: "Junior Li Mo greets Instructor Lu."

"Don't give me that." Instructor Lu waved his hand. "Do your best in the secret realm trial tomorrow. I'm watching you."

After saying that, he picked up the plate and swayed away, leaving everyone at the table looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Instructor Lu Qingzhou, one of the eccentrics in the Academy of Sciences," Zhou Wenyuan whispered. "It is said that his knowledge is unfathomable, but he has a strange temper and is often drunk. However, few people in the academy dare to mess with him, and even the president of the Golden Tiger Society avoids him."

Peng Shutao breathed a sigh of relief: "With Instructor Lu's words, Han Meng shouldn't dare to cause you any trouble in the short term."

But Li Xian became even more wary. Why was Lu Qingzhou paying special attention to him?

The next morning, the entrance to the Mysterious Realm of a Thousand Machines.

This is a massive stone gate located in a valley behind the mountain. The gate frame is cast from an unknown black metal, and its surface is covered with ancient runes. Inside the gate is not a solid entity, but a slowly rotating, vortex-like energy light curtain.

More than three hundred candidates gathered in the open space in front of the gate, standing in rows. Instructor Zhao Tieshan stood on the high platform, giving his final instructions:

"The Secret Realm Trial begins now! Upon entering the Secret Realm, you will be randomly assigned to one of the three outer zones. Each person will receive a 'Quest Jade Token,' which will display three random quests. Completing these quests will earn you points, which will directly affect your final ranking and resource allocation after enrollment!"

"Remember—there are real dangers within the secret realm, and the protective mechanisms are not foolproof. If you are in mortal danger, crushing the jade talisman will teleport you out, but it will be considered as abandoning the trial!"

"Now, proceed in order! Good luck!"

The procession began to move, with groups of examinees stepping into the light curtain and disappearing from sight.

Li Xian, Jin Xuan, and Shui Liuli stood in the middle of the group. Shui Liuli carried her bulging bag, which contained various instruments and two drones. After "friendly negotiations," Superman agreed to come along (mainly because Li Xian promised to upgrade its sensors after the trial). Daya also volunteered to "protect Sister Shui."

Jin Xuan remained with his sword, eyes closed, seemingly resting. But Li Xian noticed that his right index finger was unconsciously tapping lightly on the scabbard—a sign that a swordsman was adjusting his state.

Soon it was their turn.

"Li Mo's team, advance!"

The three of them stepped into the light curtain side by side.

The world spun around.

The next moment, stand firmly on the ground.

They appeared in a dense, foggy forest.

The trees were astonishingly tall, their trunks requiring several people to encircle them, their crowns hidden above the thick fog, their height obscured. The ground was slippery, covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves and moss. The air was filled with a mixture of humus and some strange floral scent.

"Location confirmed," Shui Liuli immediately took action, pulling a compass-like instrument from her bag. "Based on the energy flow direction and geomagnetic declination, we should be in the southeast of the 'Misty Forest' in the third area of ​​the secret realm. The nearest known quest location, the 'Ancient Tree Altar,' is about three miles away."

She then took out the mission jade talisman and infused it with energy. The talisman lit up, projecting three lines of text:

[Human-level Quest: Collect ten 'Mist-Hidden Flowers'. Reward: 50 points.]

[Local-level mission: Investigate the source of the unusual energy fluctuations deep within the 'Misty Forest'. Reward: 200 points.]

[Heavenly Rank Quest: Defeat the 'Serpent Guardian' protecting the 'Ancient Tree Altar'. Reward: 500 points.]

"A Heaven-level mission!" Shui Liuli's eyes lit up. "The anaconda guardian is a native creature of the secret realm, with strength roughly equivalent to a high-level Earthly Realm cultivator, but it has thick skin and strong regeneration capabilities. Our setup can counter it—Jin Xuan's sword energy can break through its defenses, my water-based techniques can slow down its regeneration, and Li Mo, your multi-frequency energy can interfere with its perception."

Li Xian frowned: "No rush. Superman, scout the surroundings."

Superman flew out of the water glass capsule (it had been playing dead), rose to treetop height, and activated its optical sensors and sonar simultaneously.

"Environmental scan in progress... Fog composition: 87% water vapor, 13% unknown energy particles, with mild hallucinogenic and energy shielding properties. Energy filter recommended."

"Biosignal detection... Within a radius of 100 feet, there are seventeen life responses. Thirteen of them are small animals, and four are... moving, larger in size, with energy responses equivalent to the initial stage of the Earth element."

As soon as he finished speaking, a rustling sound came from deep within the thick fog.

Something is approaching.

Jin Xuan opened his eyes and placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword.

Shui Liuli put away the instrument, formed a hand seal, and a light blue mist rose around her.

Li Xian closed his eyes, the orange-gold mark between his brows glowing faintly, and activated the "Hou Tu Zai Wu Jue" (Earth Vein Listening Technique) at full power—

He "heard" it.

Four heavy footsteps approached in a fan shape. With each step, the ground trembled with a certain... rhythm?

Not a beast.

He is a well-trained... hunter.

(End of Chapter 59)