Ink-Clad Creator

In late autumn at Wanxiang Academy, the maple leaves are turning red.

In the laboratory, Musheng and Lingyu were learning to walk, wobbling along. Lingyu would stumble after every three steps, while Musheng, like a little protector, would reach out to help her each time—even though he himself was not very steady on his feet. The two little puppets had been "born" for thirty days, could understand simple instructions, and could express emotions through body language. The eyes of the ink-painted puppets were becoming more and more expressive.

Xiao Lingshan and Peng Shitao sat nearby, tending to the animals while organizing experimental data. Sunlight streamed in through the window, bathing the entire laboratory in a warm golden glow.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

It was light, but very formal. As soon as Li Xian opened the door, he saw a middle-aged man in a blue official robe standing outside with a gentle smile on his face.

"Young Master Li, I apologize for disturbing you." Chu Huaizhou bowed respectfully. "I am Chu Huaizhou, the Director of the Innovation Department of the Academy."

Li nodded. The Director of the Innovation Department's personal visit must have important business to discuss.

As Chu Huaizhou was ushered into the laboratory, Li Xian noticed his gaze sweep across every corner, lingering for a moment on Mu Sheng and Ling Yu, in particular. Sensing the unfamiliar presence of the newcomer, the two little dolls quickly hid behind Xiao Lingshan, only peeking out with half their heads visible.

"The Institute of Geology truly lives up to its reputation." Chu Huaizhou withdrew his gaze and smiled. "Many institutes don't even have these kinds of equipment."

"It's all from Instructor Lu's accumulated wealth," Li Xian said calmly. "Please have a seat, sir."

Chu Huaizhou sat down and took out a gold-embossed document from his sleeve: "Let's not beat around the bush. The imperial court and the academy are forming a 'Cross-Energy Attribute Fusion Project Team,' and I am in charge. I've come today to formally invite you to join."

Li Xian did not accept the document: "Lord Chu is too kind. I am just a freshman and I am afraid I cannot be of any help."

"A new life?" Chu Huaizhou laughed. "A new life that can destroy the Spirit-Identifying Crystal, purify the Serpent Guardian in the secret realm, and even create 'that kind of thing'?"

His gaze swept over Mu Sheng and Ling Yu again. Li Xian's heart tightened.

Chu Huaizhou lowered his voice: "The imperial court has no ill intentions towards you. As long as you join the project team and contribute some of your research results, the imperial court can grant you the status of a 'specially appointed researcher,' with the salary of a seventh-rank official. You will receive a monthly salary, have access to all resources of the academy and the Ministry of Works, and be protected by experts."

The terms are very tempting: a seventh-rank official position, unlimited resources, and official protection.

Li Xian paused for a moment, then said, "I need time to consider."

"How about three days?" Chu Huaizhou's smile remained unchanged. "I'll come back in three days to hear your answer."

He got up and walked to the door, then suddenly turned back: "By the way, the project team's first topic is 'The Energy Conduction Characteristics of Star-Patterned Grass and Its Influence on Biological Consciousness.' The data has been delivered to your dormitory."

The door closed.

The lab fell silent. Xiao Lingshan looked at Li Xian with concern: "Brother Li, what are you planning to do...?"

"Let's take a look at the information first," Li said, "but I won't promise him... for now."

That afternoon, Shui Liuli rushed into the laboratory with an ancient book in her hand, her face not showing worry, but rather... excitement.

"Mr. Li! I've found something interesting!"

She unfolded the ancient book, pointing to a passage: "This is a fragment of the *Records of Strange Herbs* that I found in the library. It records the complete characteristics of the star-patterned herb!"

The crowd gathered around. Shui Liuli translated:

"Star-patterned Grass, born from a meteorite falling to Earth in the Western Hemisphere, has silvery-white veins and can absorb stellar energy. It can be used to enhance energy conduction and promote the growth of consciousness, but..."

She paused, a strange expression on her face: "But long-term use will cause the consciousness to develop 'star dependence,' which manifests in three characteristics: First, reduced consciousness activity in non-starry night environments; second, decreased absorption efficiency of conventional energy sources; and third, a brief state of 'consciousness haze' on the night of the new moon."

Peng Shitao breathed a sigh of relief: "It doesn't sound too serious?"

"It's not fatal," Shui Liuli said, "but it will affect growth. Moreover, the book states that if the dependence is too deep, the consciousness may... become 'unbalanced'."

"Uneven performance in certain subjects?" Mr. Li asked, puzzled.

"It's about overdeveloping certain traits." Shui Liuli pointed to a case in an ancient book, "For example, a tribe in the Western Regions used star-patterned grass to cultivate 'spirit puppets.' Three years later, the puppets were highly intelligent, but their emotional modules had hardly developed, making them like tools that could only calculate."

She looked at Mu Sheng and Ling Yu: "How long have they been using the Star-Patterned Grass?"

"Thirty days," Li Xian said, "0.1% powder will be added to the elixir, and it will be taken twice a day, morning and evening."

"According to the book, if the daily dosage exceeds 0.05% and is used continuously for more than forty days, it will lead to 'mild dependence'," Shui Liuli calculated. "That is to say, in another ten days, they may start to show symptoms."

Xiao Lingshan frowned: "Then what should we do? Stop using Star Pattern Grass?"

"Stopping it will slow down the growth rate," Shui Liuli shook her head. "The best way is... 'harmony'."

She turned to the next page of the ancient book: "The book suggests that after discovering symptoms of star-patterned grass dependence, one should supplement it with 'earth vein nurturing' and 'emotional immersion.' That is, use earth-based energy to stabilize the foundation of consciousness, while strengthening emotional connection, to help the consciousness establish a core of self that does not depend on external energy."

Li Xian seemed lost in thought. Earth element energy… he possessed the "Earth Bearing All Things Technique." Emotional connection… they did this every day.

"In other words, it's not a big problem," Peng Shitao concluded. "As long as we take care of them, they can grow up healthily."

"Yes," Shui Liuli nodded, "but there's someone who could be a big help."

"Who?"

"Yunmeng Mountain, Daoist Miaozhen." Shui Liuli's eyes lit up. "She donated the 'Records of Strange Herbs' to the library! Moreover, she cultivates the 'Supreme Forgetfulness Technique,' and is most skilled in nourishing the spirit and regulating consciousness. If we can ask her for help, Musheng and Lingyu's growth will be much smoother."

Yunmeng Mountain… Li Xian thought of that sacred mountain on the outskirts of the capital. It wasn’t far, only half a day’s ride on horseback.

As they were talking, Lingyu, who was on the worktable, suddenly swayed and fell to the ground with a thud. Musheng quickly went to help her up, but he also stumbled a bit.

Both little dolls looked puzzled—they were indeed a bit slower than usual today.

"It seems... the symptoms are starting to appear slightly." Shui Liuli crouched down to check Ling Yu's condition. "Her consciousness activity has decreased by 3% compared to the same time yesterday."

Li frowned. Although it wasn't fatal, he didn't want the two little ones to suffer any injustice.

Over the next few days, the lab was transformed into a "nursery".

To combat the side effects of the Star-Patterned Grass, everyone used their unique abilities.

Xiao Lingshan moved more spiritual soil from Qingmu Courtyard and created a small "forest" in a corner of the laboratory, planting several night-blooming jasmine trees that emitted a calming aura. Musheng and Lingyu loved this little world and often toddled hand in hand in the "forest."

Peng Shitao adjusted the recipe for the elixir, reducing the proportion of star-patterned grass and increasing earth-elemental crystal powder and calming herbs. The new elixir was light brown and tasted a bit strange, but the two little dolls were noticeably more energetic after drinking it.

Li Xian then began practicing the "Earth Vein Nourishment" method from the "Hou Tu Zai Wu Jue" (The Earth Carries All Things Technique). Every night at midnight, he would place his hands on the laboratory floor, channeling gentle earth energy into the ground, and then using the spiritual soil to nourish Mu Sheng and Ling Yu. This method was very mentally taxing, but the effects were remarkable—the two little ones' sleep quality improved significantly, and their eyes were brighter when they woke up.

The most interesting were the Binglan and Bingwei sisters. They borrowed a simplified version of the "Ice Soul Tranquility Array" from the Xuanfa Academy—a few pieces of ice jade that emitted a gentle chill—and placed them beside the little doll's bed. The low-temperature environment could slow down the metabolic rate of the consciousness, reducing the irritability caused by the dependence on Star Pattern Grass.

The three Shih brothers were also busy. Using the special clay from Houtuyuan, they sculpted various small toys for Musheng and Lingyu: little houses, small animals, and even a miniature version of "Uncle Shih." The two little dolls were adored, especially Lingyu, who spent all her time hugging the crooked clay rabbit.

The drones act as "guardians." Superman records various physiological data, Batman listens to the two little ones' consciousness fluctuations, and the Dark Knight monitors changes in environmental energy. Arya and Big Sister are the most popular—they play with the little puppets, comb their hair with their mechanical hands (even though the puppets don't have hair), and tell "stories" (actually, they play fairy tale audio from the database).

That evening, Li Xian finished his earth vein warming treatment, his forehead covered in fine sweat. Xiao Lingshan handed him a towel, and Peng Shitao brought over some warm medicinal tea.

"Brother Li, take a rest," Peng Shitao said softly. "You've been working too hard these past few days."

Li Xian took the tea and looked towards the corner. Mu Sheng and Ling Yu were sitting in the "woodland," playing with clay toys that Shi Jian had made. Ling Yu handed the "rabbit" to Mu Sheng, while Mu Sheng pushed his "house" towards Ling Yu—the two little ones were sharing.

"It's worth it," Li said.

Xiao Lingshan sat down beside him and looked at the two little dolls: "Sometimes I wonder what they'll look like when they grow up a bit more."

"It can run and jump, it can talk, and it can call us 'Daddy' and 'Mommy'," Peng Shitao replied, blushing.

Li Xian laughed: "Then we have to teach them to talk first."

"Soon," Xiao Lingshan said. "Yesterday, Lingyu was already able to make 'ee-ya' sounds. Although Musheng doesn't like to make sounds, he learns movements very quickly."

Just then, Binglan and Bingwei pushed open the door and came in, carrying a food box.

"The cafeteria has roasted venison today, so I got an extra serving." Binglan placed the food box on the worktable. "There's also rock sugar lotus seed soup for Shitao—she said you've been staying up late a lot these past few days and need to nourish your lungs."

Bingwei walked over to the little doll, took out two strings of crystal-clear ice bead bracelets from her sleeve, and carefully put them on Musheng and Lingyu's wrists: "These are made with 'Tranquilizing Ice Crystals', which can calm the mind."

The two little dolls looked curiously at the "jewelry" on their wrists. Lingyu even held it up to the light, and the ice beads refracted colorful light spots.

The laboratory was warm and inviting. Outside, the autumn wind was growing chilly, but inside, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.

Three days later, Chu Huaizhou arrived as promised in the early morning.

Li Xian met him in the small reception room on the first floor of the Gewu Academy. Lu Qingzhou was also there, leaning back in his chair yawning, still holding his wine gourd in his hand.

"Young Master Li, what's your decision?" Chu Huaizhou asked with a smile.

Li Xian stood up and bowed solemnly: "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, but I am not qualified to shoulder this important responsibility. Please forgive me for not being able to participate in the project team's affairs."

Chu Huaizhou's smile remained unchanged, but a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes: "Young Master Li, have you thought this through? The resources of the imperial court are not something that just anyone can obtain."

"I understand," Li Xian said. "But my ambition lies in the study of things, and I wish to lay a solid foundation first. It will not be too late to serve the court after I have achieved some mastery of my knowledge."

These words were perfectly worded. Chu Huaizhou stared at Li Xian for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled: "Fine, everyone has their own ambitions. But the project team's door is always open for you. If you change your mind, you can come find me anytime."

He rose to take his leave. "By the way, if there's any progress in your research on Star-Patterned Grass, you're welcome to come to the Heavenly Crafts Academy for exchanges. We do have some insights in this area."

After the person left, Lu Qingzhou lazily spoke: "Kid, you refused decisively enough."

"The instructor did a good job," Li said with a smile.

Lu Qingzhou took a swig of wine: "Chu Huaizhou is a man... with a deep mind. His invitation today is secondary; his real purpose is to test you. He wants to see your attitude towards the court, and he also wants to see the details of your two 'little things'."

"That……"

"Don't worry, he won't be able to tell anything." Lu Qingzhou waved his hand. "I've set up three layers of restrictions on the lab; anyone below the Divine Origin Realm can't even peek inside. However..."

He looked at Li Xian: "Regarding the Star Pattern Grass, I suggest you go to Yunmeng Mountain. Although Daoist Miaozhen has an eccentric temper, she is indeed an expert in this area. Moreover..."

He gave a meaningful smile: "Haven't you been worried about not having enough money to rent a courtyard? Miaozhen has several properties in the capital. If she's willing to help, your whole family's housing problem will be solved."

Li Xian's eyes lit up.

Lu Qingzhou stood up and swayed as he walked out: "Tomorrow's a day off, let's go. It'll only take half a day on horseback. Remember to bring those two little ones, and... bring plenty of people too."

Why?

"Because Miaozhen likes lively atmospheres." Lu Qingzhou turned back at the door, "especially young and pretty girls. The more girls you bring, the happier she'll be."

The door closed. Li Xian stood there, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

That evening, a short meeting was held in the lab.

"Yunmeng Mountain?" Peng Shitao blinked. "I remember, it's in the western suburbs of the capital. It does take half a day to get there on horseback."

Xiao Lingshan nodded: "Nun Miaozhen...we've met before, on our way to the capital. She's a very nice person."

Shui Liuli exclaimed excitedly, "She donated the 'Records of Strange Herbs'! I must go and consult her!"

Binglan and Bingwei exchanged a glance: "We'll escort them."

The three Shi brothers scratched their heads: "We'll stay here and watch the house; someone needs to guard the lab."

Li Xian finally made the decision: "We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning. Ling Shan, Shi Tao, Liu Li, Bing Lan, and Bing Wei will come with me. Shi Jian, you all stay behind, and leave half of the drones with you."

He looked at Musheng and Lingyu, who were playing with clay toys in the corner: "You two... go too."

The two little dolls seemed to understand, and looked up at the same time, their eyes flashing with anticipation.

Late at night, Li Xian was packing his things alone in the laboratory.

The bright moon hung high outside the window, and he suddenly remembered the ancient texts that described "the night of the new moon as a time of hazy consciousness." Tomorrow was the new moon, and he had to get to Yunmeng Mountain before nightfall.

Just then, the laboratory door was gently pushed open. Xiao Lingshan and Peng Shitao walked in together.

"Brother Li, please take these medicines with you." Peng Shitao handed over a small cloth bag. "There are medicines for external injuries, antidote pills, and ginseng slices to refresh you."

Xiao Lingshan held up two small cloaks: "I made these for Musheng and Lingyu. It's windy in the mountains, so they won't catch a cold."

Li Xian accepted it, feeling a warmth in his heart: "Thank you."

Xiao Lingshan said softly, "Brother Li, along this journey... we really feel like family."

Peng Shitao nodded in agreement: "Once we return from Yunmeng Mountain, we'll go find a courtyard. Then, Musheng and Lingyu will have a real home."

Looking at the gentle faces of the two women under the lamplight, Li Xian felt an unprecedented sense of peace.

Yes, we are family.

There are little lives that need care, partners who support each other, and common goals to strive for.

This is everything he wants to protect.

"Once we're settled," he said, "we'll plan our future properly."

The two girls blushed slightly, but their eyes were full of anticipation.

A gentle autumn breeze rustled the maple leaves outside the window.

(End of Chapter 64)