A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

"Young friend Zhou, are you sure this puppet is the same one we saw in the Jin Clan?"

Yuan Zhengze turned his head to look at Zhou Ping and asked.

"Senior Yuan, I know nothing about the art of puppetry and cannot be certain, but this puppet does look exactly the same as the one I saw in the Jin Clan."

Zhou Ping carefully recalled what he had seen and heard in the Jin Clan that day, and said with slight hesitation.

After listening, Yuan Zhengze showed a thoughtful expression, his gaze lingering on the puppet for a moment before he spoke.

"This puppet is no ordinary artifact; I'm not entirely sure myself. Could you perhaps store it in your storage bag?"

"This junior's storage bag is too large to hold this big thing, please accept it, senior."

Upon seeing that the other party wanted him to take the puppet, Zhou Ping's expression immediately changed, and he hurriedly replied.

He had already sensed from the other party's tone that this puppet was no ordinary thing.

Even if he could accept it, he would never dare to.

In front of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Zhou Ping was completely clear-headed and had no greed whatsoever for the puppet.

Seeing Zhou Ping's frightened expression, Yuan Zhengze couldn't help but find it amusing, and then explained,

"If I am not mistaken, this puppet is an artifact of Jin Wanxuan of the Jin Clan, and should have been obtained from a great figure within the clan."

"This involves causes and effects that we are unaware of. I, Yuan, would never bully the weak or engage in any domineering or tyrannical acts. You can rest assured."

"If this item came from the Jin Clan, it should have been inherited by you. If you are unable to accept it, I will keep it for you. Once you return to the sect, it will naturally be returned to its rightful owner."

After Yuan Zhengze finished speaking, Gong Yiyi, seeing that Zhou Ping was still somewhat hesitant, couldn't help but tease him.

"Uncle Yuan, since he is unwilling to accept it, why not lend it to Yiyi for a few days?"

A high-level puppet is undoubtedly extremely attractive to cultivators in the Qi Refining stage.

With Gong Yiyi's knowledge, she naturally recognized the extraordinary nature of this item. Even some Foundation Establishment cultivators would probably covet it upon seeing it.

"You little rascal, you're quite the schemer. The senior who crafted this puppet is probably a level above your aunt in terms of cultivation. You mustn't cause any trouble."

Yuan Zhengze looked at Gong Yiyi, smiled, and shook his head.

"Uncle Yuan, Yiyi was just joking. Who told this blockhead to be so boring?"

Gong Yiyi pouted and began to complain about Zhou Ping.

Zhou Ping scratched his head awkwardly, remaining silent. These two people were both very powerful, and he dared not offend either of them.

"It's settled then. Since Young Friend Zhou's storage bag is limited, I, Yuan, will collect it on his behalf and return it to its rightful owner when we return to the sect."

Yuan Zhengze waved his hand and directly put the dark green puppet into his storage bag.

"It's all up to Senior Yuan's arrangements."

Zhou Ping naturally had no objections.

"The cultivator you mentioned is currently missing. Just in case, we will split into two groups. You and Yiyi will secretly escort your Zhou family back to Tianyan Town. I have already learned the exact location of the Qingzhu Sect from you, so I can make the trip by myself."

Yuan Zhengze estimated the time and gave instructions to the two of them.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ping's face immediately showed a hint of gratitude, while Gong Yiyi, standing to the side, seemed indifferent. So, he asked with some concern,

"I am deeply grateful for Senior Yuan's arrangement, but... the other party is at least a cultivator in the late stage of Qi Refining. Is it inappropriate to have Miss Yiyi with me? If any danger were to occur, I would not be able to bear the responsibility."

Gong Yiyi was slightly surprised to see that Zhou Ping was actually worried about her safety, and she couldn't help but take another look at him.

I never expected that this seemingly simple-minded blockhead would actually be so kind-hearted.

"Hahaha, young friend Zhou, do you think his third uncle dared to let this girl come along hoping I would look after her?"

"To put it bluntly, with the treasures this girl is hiding, even I might not be able to do anything to her!"

Yuan Zhengze knew the woman's special status in the Tai Su Xuan Sect, and laughed and joked.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ping's eyes showed surprise, while Gong Yiyi pursed her lips slightly and did not refute what Yuan Zhengze said. The other party knew her identity very well and was not exaggerating.

"Alright, you two can go after her now. As for how to proceed, it's up to you, young friend Zhou. Yiyi, you'll have to suffer and accompany her. Your Uncle Yuan will definitely make it up to you later."

Seeing that Gong Yiyi did not object, Yuan Zhengze felt slightly relieved. He was really afraid that this young lady would throw a tantrum.

Given the woman's special status in Tai Su, he would make some gesture before she left, no matter what.

For Yuan Zhengze, cultivating a good relationship with a future prodigy of the Tai Su Xuan Sect would be entirely beneficial.

........

In the heart of a magnificent mountain, two figures, one old and one young, are leisurely walking along a winding path.

Looking at the breathtaking scenery around him, the boy's face showed signs of fatigue, but his eyes were full of curiosity.

"Old man, it's unbelievable that you've been to so many places!"

Duan Yu glanced back at the unassuming Ma Liuyun, and was truly puzzled.

His cheap master was becoming more and more mysterious. During this time, he had taken him all over the country, covering an unknown distance. He was no longer as ignorant as before, and seemed to have vaguely sensed that the other party was not ordinary.

"Keep your distance and be careful; there are many wild and venomous animals around here!"

Ma Liuyun seemed to be in a bad mood, and he reminded his disciple in a deep voice.

"Wild beasts and poisonous creatures? Perfect, I'll take them for a snack!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu showed no fear whatsoever; instead, he confidently spoke loudly.

During this time, he traveled with Ma Liuyun, and the other party gave him an unknown incantation to practice. Combined with the Floating Shadow Step he had learned before, he underwent a tremendous change.

Duan Yu could clearly feel the changes in his body, as if he had suddenly become enlightened. Not only was his Floating Shadow Step becoming more and more proficient, but his physical qualities and spirit were also becoming more and more resilient and vigorous, no longer as weak as he had been at the beginning.

Therefore, his confidence swelled up, and he became arrogant, thinking he was the best in the world.

"You ignorant child, you'll have your day."

Ma Liuyun had already noticed the change in his apprentice's mentality, but instead of correcting him, he showed an expression of waiting to see a good show.

Just as the two were idly bickering, a faint stream of light flew rapidly toward their location from the vast sky, only to disappear in the blink of an eye.

At this moment, Ma Liuyun changed his previous nonchalant demeanor and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

A small, exquisite teapot suddenly appeared in his outstretched hand, as if it had never left his grasp.