Ink-Clad Creator

As dawn breaks, the west gate of Wanxiang Academy is bathed in sunlight.

Six horses set off, treading on the autumn dew. Li Xian rode a chestnut horse, Xiao Lingshan and Peng Shitao shared a white horse, Bing Lan and Bing Wei each rode a black horse, and Shui Liuli rode a docile gray horse—she wasn't very good at riding and was very careful along the way.

The most striking thing was the bamboo basket hanging beside Xiao Lingshan's saddle. A soft cotton pad was lined inside, and Musheng and Lingyu were perched on its edge, their ink-like eyes curiously observing the outside world. This was their first time leaving the academy, their first time seeing such a vast sky and rolling mountains.

"Eeya—" Lingyu stretched out her little hand and pointed to a line of wild geese flying across the sky.

Musheng sat quietly, his little hands gripping the edge of the bamboo basket tightly, but his eyes shone with excitement.

Superman, Batman, and Arya accompanied the group, flying about ten feet above them to keep watch. The Dark Knight and Arya stayed behind at the laboratory to guard the house with the three Stone Brothers.

"Yunmeng Mountain is only thirty miles west of the capital," Peng Shitao said, flipping through the map. "At our current speed, we should be there before noon."

Shui Liuli adjusted the monitoring equipment on horseback—she insisted on recording the little doll's physiological data in real time during her first "trip." "Everything is normal so far, and its consciousness activity is even 2% higher than in the lab... The new environment definitely has a stimulating effect."

Binglan and Bingwei guarded the group one in front and one behind. Although they didn't say it outright, they observed the terrain the whole way, their hands never leaving their sword hilts—an instinct trained in Linghan Palace.

Li Xian felt the morning breeze on his face, and his mood was unusually relaxed. Since coming into this world, he had been constantly on the go, fighting, and researching, and rarely had a moment like this where he could simply travel.

"Brother Li," Xiao Lingshan called softly, "look over there."

Following the direction she pointed, a verdant mountain peak stood out prominently among the distant mountains. Its summit was shrouded in mist, gleaming with a faint golden edge in the morning light, resembling a fairyland.

"That's Yunmeng Mountain," Peng Shitao said. "I heard that the mountain is like spring all year round, with exotic flowers and rare herbs everywhere, and it's the place with the most spiritual energy near the capital."

The group quickened their pace. The mountain path grew steeper, and the horses began to pant. Li dismounted first and walked, taking the opportunity to stretch his muscles. The others followed suit, dismounting and climbing the mountain by the reins.

Halfway up the mountain, a set of blue stone steps appears ahead, winding upwards and disappearing into the clouds. Beside the steps stands a stone tablet inscribed with "Yunmeng Path, ascended by those with affinity."

"You have to walk from here," Mr. Li said.

He took Musheng and Lingyu out of the bamboo basket and let them perch on his shoulders. The two little dolls excitedly grabbed his collar, turning their little heads this way and that, finding everything fascinating.

The group tethered their horses in the woods beside the mountain path, leaving them with enough hay and water. After Superman scanned and confirmed that the surrounding area was safe, the group began to ascend the steps.

The stone steps were steep, but they were spotlessly clean, with ancient trees towering on both sides and birdsong filling the air. After walking for about half an hour, the clouds and mist suddenly dispersed, revealing a Taoist temple with white walls and blue tiles.

The temple gate was not large, but the three characters "Yunmeng Temple" above the gate were elegant and refined. At this moment, the gate was wide open, and the clear and elegant sound of a zither came from inside.

"The Daoist nun Miaozhen knew we were coming," Xiao Lingshan said.

Sure enough, as soon as the group reached the door, a young Taoist boy with his hair in two buns skipped out to greet them. It was the same exquisitely beautiful little girl they had met before.

"Layman Li, ladies, Master has made me wait here for quite some time!" the little Taoist boy said in a childish voice, his big eyes curiously examining the two small dolls on Li Xian's shoulders. "Oh, these must be Musheng and Lingyu, right? Master said they are very cute and told me to treat them well!"

Mu Sheng and Ling Yu seemed to sense the goodwill and waved their little hands at the young Taoist boy.

The group followed the young Taoist boy into the temple. The inner courtyard was much larger than it appeared from the outside, with artificial hills, flowing water, plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums arranged with great elegance. The most peculiar feature was a clear spring in the center of the courtyard, its water crystal clear, with several silvery-white leaves floating on its surface—these were star-patterned grasses.

The music was coming from a bamboo hut next to the main hall. The young Taoist boy led everyone to the hut and bowed, saying, "Master, our guests have arrived."

The music stopped.

The bamboo curtain was lifted by a slender white hand, and the Daoist nun Miaozhen stepped out gracefully.

Today she wasn't wearing a Taoist robe, but rather a moon-white casual dress, her black hair loosely tied up with a single wooden hairpin, giving her a more relaxed air than when we last met. She still looked young, but her clear eyes held a wisdom far beyond her years.

"Young Li, you keep your word," Miaozhen laughed, her gaze sweeping over the group of women behind him. "You even brought so many pretty girls to keep this humble Taoist company. How thoughtful of you."

She walked up to Li Xian, carefully examined Mu Sheng and Ling Yu, and her eyes flashed with approval: "Not bad, you've grown a lot since the last time I sensed them. The dependence on the Star Pattern Grass... well, there are indeed some traces, but it's not serious."

"Please enlighten me, nun." Li Xian bowed solemnly.

Miaozhen waved her hand: "No rush, let's settle them down first. Yunxiang, take the guests to the east wing. Li boy, come with me, let the girls rest first."

The bamboo hut is simply furnished with a table, a chair, and a couch. Several ink landscape paintings, all by Miaozhen, hang on the wall. The most eye-catching item is a guqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument) in the corner, its body dark and gleaming with a warm luster.

"Sit." Miaozhen sat cross-legged on the bamboo couch and pointed to the futon opposite her.

Li Xian placed Mu Sheng and Ling Yu on the table. The two little dolls sat obediently, curiously looking at Miao Zhen.

"You handled the Star-Patterned Grass matter well," Miao Zhen said bluntly. "Reducing the dosage, supplementing with earth-type nourishment, and strengthening the emotional bond—you got all three steps right. However…"

She reached out and lightly touched Mu Sheng's forehead with her fingertips. A soft white light flowed from her fingertips and entered Mu Sheng's body. Mu Sheng's body trembled, and Mo Dian's eyes shone even brighter.

"Their consciousness structure is more complex than I imagined." Miaozhen withdrew her hand, lost in thought. "You used 'Five Elements Resonance' to create them, which gave them an excellent foundation, but also left hidden dangers."

"Hidden danger?" Li Xian's heart tightened.

"If the five elements are not completely balanced, there will be a long-term imbalance," Miaozhen explained. "For example, Musheng has a strong metal element in his body, so he has a calm personality, but it may affect his emotional development. Lingyu, on the other hand, has an excess of wood element, making him lively but lacking in focus."

She looked at Li Xian: "You brought them here because you want me to help you with your treatment?"

"Yes." Li Xian nodded. "In addition, we also need a place to settle down. The academy is good, but it is not a long-term solution."

Miaozhen smiled: "I knew you had this in mind. You can stay in the courtyard in the back of Tingyu Tower. However... I have a condition."

"Speaking."

"Let these two little ones stay in Yunmeng Mountain for a month," Miaozhen said earnestly. "I will use the 'Supreme Forgetfulness Technique' to regulate their consciousness and completely balance their five elements. At the same time, you all need to cooperate with me in a 'resonance experiment'—this will benefit their growth and your relationships."

Li Xian hesitated, "A month...wouldn't that be too long?"

"Not long," Miaozhen shook her head. "Consciousness manipulation requires a gradual process; it can't be rushed. Besides..."

She suddenly gave a mischievous smile: "You young people need time to get to know each other. Don't think I can't see that the unspoken understanding between you hasn't been broken yet."

Li was immediately embarrassed.

Miaozhen laughed heartily: "Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore. Go and discuss it with them. If they agree, we'll start today."

In the east wing, the women reacted differently after hearing Li Xian's account.

Xiao Lingshan blushed slightly, but nodded: "For the sake of Musheng and Lingyu, I agree."

Peng Shitao whispered, "I agree... but what is an emotional resonance experiment?"

Shui Liuli was the most excited: "Is it research on interactions at the level of consciousness? I want to record the data!"

Binglan and Bingwei exchanged a glance, and Binglan spoke up: "We'll listen to Mr. Li."

Li Xian felt a warmth in his heart and looked at everyone: "Then... shall we stay here?"

"Stay here!" the women shouted in unison.

After lunch, the experiment began.

Miaozhen led everyone to a clear pool at the back of the mountain. The pool was emerald green and bottomless, surrounded by seven ancient pine trees arranged according to the Big Dipper constellation.

"This is the 'Seven Stars Nourishing Spirit Array,' which is most suitable for nurturing consciousness." Miaozhen pointed to a round stone in the center of the pool. "Li boy, you take Musheng and Lingyu to sit on the stone. Girls, you sit cross-legged around the pool, each of you corresponding to a pine tree."

Everyone took their places as instructed.

Li Xian, carrying two small dolls, stepped onto the round stone. The stone was warm, its surface smooth as a mirror. Mu Sheng and Ling Yu seemed to like it here, and they quieted down as soon as they sat down.

"Now, close your eyes." Miaozhen's voice seemed to come from a great distance. "Empty your mind and feel each other's presence."

Li closed his eyes. At first, he could only hear the sound of the wind, the water, and the birdsong. But gradually, he sensed five gentle energy fluctuations around him—the consciousness of Xiao Lingshan and the others.

Xiao Lingshan's consciousness is like a gentle spring breeze, tender and inclusive; Peng Shitao's is like a light rain, delicate and lingering; Shui Liuli's is like a rushing stream, lively and dynamic; Bing Lan's is like a plum blossom braving the snow, clear and firm; Bing Wei's is like a deep pool, calm on the surface but profound within.

Five consciousnesses surrounded Li Xian, gradually merging with him. The feeling was incredibly wondrous—without language, yet he could clearly perceive each person's emotions, concerns, and... that deep-seated affection.

On the round stone, soft, five-colored light emanated from Mu Sheng and Ling Yu. The light intertwined and flowed, forming a perfect balance within their small bodies.

"Very good." Miao Zhen's voice rang out again, "Now, Li boy, extend your consciousness and connect with each and every one of them."

Li Xian tried to do it. He first touched Xiao Lingshan's consciousness, and her gentle sense of acceptance made him feel at ease; then Peng Shitao, whose delicate concern was like spring rain nourishing him; Shui Liuli's liveliness made him smile; Bing Lan's determination gave him strength; Bing Wei's profundity allowed him to see another side of beauty.

The five consciousnesses were completely connected to him. In that instant, Li Xian seemed to see five fragments of memory—

Xiao Lingshan practiced her martial arts late at night in Qingmu Courtyard, but what she was thinking was, "I need to become stronger so that I can help him."

Peng Shitao stayed up all night in the pharmacy preparing medicine, muttering to herself, "This prescription should relieve his fatigue."

Shui Liuli was searching for information in the library, her eyes shining. "He'll definitely be interested in this theory."

Binglan was sweating profusely in the training ground, her resolute face reflected in the sword light: "I must protect them."

Bingwei plays the flute under the moon, the melody carrying a tenderness unknown to anyone: "This is good, being able to stay by his side."

These fragments of memory came like a tide, then quietly receded. But that sincere emotion has been deeply imprinted in Li Xian's consciousness.

After an unknown amount of time, Miaozhen's voice woke them up: "It's ready."

Li opened his eyes and saw that the sky was already ablaze with the colors of sunset. The five women by the pool also opened their eyes one after another, each with a blush on their face and shifty eyes—clearly, through their shared consciousness, they had also seen each other's feelings.

On the round stone, Mu Sheng and Ling Yu slept peacefully. The five-colored light on their bodies had subsided, but their overall demeanor had become much more harmonious.

"The first resonance was a success." Miaozhen nodded in satisfaction. "From now on, come here at this time every day. After a month, the consciousness of these two little ones will be completely stable. And you..."

She looked at the six of them and smiled meaningfully: "It's time to have a proper talk about the future."

From that day on, life on Yunmeng Mountain became regular and warm.

Every morning, everyone cultivated their own skills. Li Xian practiced the "Earth-Bearing Technique," Xiao Lingshan tended the herb garden, Peng Shitao studied medical books, Shui Liuli recorded data, and Binglan and Bingwei practiced swordsmanship. Mu Sheng and Ling Yu toddled around in the courtyard, with the little Taoist boy Yunxiang becoming their best playmate.

The afternoon was a time for emotional resonance. The connection of consciousness by the Seven Star Pool became increasingly smooth, and the tacit understanding between the six grew stronger day by day. Mu Sheng and Ling Yu were growing at a visible pace—on the twentieth day, Ling Yu uttered her first clear syllable: "Mother... dear..."

Although the shouts were directed at Peng Shitao, everyone's eyes welled up with tears of emotion.

Evening is the most leisurely time. People sit around under the old plum tree inside the temple, sipping tea and chatting. Miaozhen occasionally joins in, sharing her insights on spiritual practice or interesting anecdotes from the capital. Drones fly through the mountains, recording ecological data of Yunmeng Mountain.

During this time, Li Xian sent a message to Miss Chunmeng. Three days later, Chunmeng led more than twenty sisters from the Holy Gate to Yunmeng Mountain.

When Chunmeng saw Musheng and Lingyu, this usually strong woman softened her expression. She knelt down and gently stroked Lingyu's head: "This is our...child?"

"Yes," Li nodded.

Chunmeng stood up, looked at the group of women behind Li Xian, and suddenly laughed: "Li Lang, you're becoming more and more like a proper lady with your family in tow."

The sisters of the Holy Gate set up camp outside the temple, helping to manage the temple and patrol the mountains and forests every day. Yunmeng Mountain had never been so lively.

On the evening of the thirtieth day, by the Seven Star Pool.

Musheng and Lingyu stood on the round stone, radiating a harmonious five-colored halo. They could walk steadily and speak simple words, and their ink-spotted eyes sparkled with lively light.

After a careful examination, Miaozhen announced, "The treatment is complete. The five elements are now perfectly balanced, and the dependence on the Star-Patterned Grass has been eliminated. From now on, they are complete and healthy 'spirit puppets'."

The crowd cheered. Mu Sheng and Ling Yu seemed to share the joy, holding hands and spinning around on the rock.

That evening, Miaozhen held a banquet inside the temple to celebrate.

The banquet was simple, but the atmosphere was lively. The sisters of the Holy Gate showcased their culinary skills, preparing over a dozen dishes with desert flavors. The young Taoist nun Yunxiang served up her homemade plum blossom wine, its aroma filling the air.

After a few rounds of drinks, Miaozhen suddenly said seriously, "Young Li, you should consider your next step."

Li Xian put down his wine cup: "What does the Daoist nun mean?"

"The capital is nice, but it's not a place to stay for long," Miaozhen said slowly. "The court's eyes and ears are everywhere, and various forces are eyeing us covetously. Your family is too conspicuous; sooner or later, you'll be targeted."

She looked at Li Xian and said, "I suggest that you leave here and find a truly peaceful place to live when Musheng and Lingyu are a little older."

Li Xian's heart stirred: "Does the Daoist nun have any suggestions?"

Miao Zhen smiled mysteriously: "You'll find out then. But before that..."

Before she could finish speaking, her expression suddenly hardened, and she looked up at the night sky.

Almost simultaneously, a long-forgotten voice echoed in Li Xian's mind—cold, mechanical, yet with a hint of amusement:

"Host, it's been a long time."

The managers have awakened.

(End of Chapter 65)