Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Su Lingkou hesitated, looking towards Lin Jinglong in front of him.

Lin Jinglong was similar to Shen Xi, both being renowned young talents. Su Lingkou knew of this person's identity, but at this moment, his heavy gaze was focused more on Gongsun Yan.

Gongsun Yan was standing beside Lin Jinglong, serving as Lin Jinglong's subordinate.

This person had a unique appearance, somewhat non-human, surrounded by a fiery aura that, even after a short stay, could raise the surrounding air temperature.

His skin was like bronze, covered with lava-like cracks. His right arm was wrapped in Dragon Scale Fire Calico, while the muscles and bones of his left arm were exposed, showing a dark golden luster. His ankles were locked in Cold Marrow Shackles.

What truly caught Su Lingkou's attention was the intelligence related to Gongsun Yan.

"It is this very person, who possesses Low-class Talent Melting Heart. Ah... if only my cousin could have such talent, how wonderful it would be."

Lin Jinglong, tall and lean, still wearing a blue robe with gold embroidery, smiled slightly at Shen Xi: "Brother Shen, where is that Ning Zhuo you recruited? What happened to our duel?"

It turned out that Shen Xi had a gathering with Yu Heye and Ning Zhuo at Panshi Cave Mansion, and upon returning, informed Situ Xing, confirming that Ning Zhuo indeed had the qualifications to join.

To increase persuasion, Shen Xi also directly presented the Ghost Dao Golden Core that Ning Zhuo had given him.

However, Situ Xing frowned slightly, "Even though Ning Zhuo gave you a Ghost Dao Golden Core, it doesn't prove his own strength is formidable."

Situ Xing continued to speculate, "Ning Zhuo's every move seems to align with our influential family's style. But he's never acted himself, which makes me think it was his elders who subdued Yu Heye."

"Alternatively, a more likely scenario is that he used some treasures or materials to successfully bribe Yu Heye."

At this point, Situ Xing looked straight at Shen Xi's Ghost Dao Golden Core, almost expressing suspicion—whether Shen Xi too was bribed, thus promoting Ning Zhuo and helping him join.

Situ Xing had his own pride, knowing that his alliance with Lin Jinglong and Shen Xi would surely shine at the Feiyun Conference.

Recently, many cultivators had actively sought him out, eager to join. Those who bribed Situ Xing weren't few either.

After all, joining a powerful group allows for a more relaxed approach to the Feiyun Conference.

Su Lingkou, raising her brows, immediately retorted, "This Ghost Dao Golden Core isn't cheap. It was my cousin who gave up a Magic Treasure in the formation to repay a favor!"

"Situ Xing, don't make baseless speculations."

Situ Xing snorted coldly, unwilling to argue with a young woman.

He neither refuted Su Lingkou nor let go of the opportunity to make things difficult.

Situ Xing, also a child of an influential family, quickly devised a way to put others into a bind.

He stared at Shen Xi, bringing up old matters, mentioning how he had previously defeated Shen Xi and Lin Jinglong to take first place, yet the two did not settle their duel.

"Now, as we establish a base, fair and clear arrangements are naturally required."

"But if Brother Shen and Brother Lin go against each other again, it wouldn't be decorous. Instead, Brother Shen, since you strongly recommend Ning Zhuo, let Ning Zhuo participate."

"As for Brother Lin, he brought the most subordinates among us, surely he can pick a capable warrior."

Shen Xi pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded in agreement.

He had deep confidence in Ning Zhuo.

Thus, the scene at the Martial Arts Hall unfolded.

Yet unable to reach Ning Zhuo, it seemed as if the battle was a loss without fighting.

Lin Jinglong cupped his hands, "In that case, I accept your concession, Brother Lin."

Shen Xi was naturally unwilling.

Previously, he gave up the top position to manipulate Situ Xing to take the lead. But he always desired the second position.

How could he assure his interests as the third?

The second position was just right, without much risk yet offering considerable benefits. To Shen Xi, it was an ideal spot.

However, coincidentally, Lin Jinglong held a similar view.

An elite child of an influential family is never simple, is he?

"Brother Ning didn't arrive on time, there surely was a reason," Shen Xi reasoned, "but to claim victory just because the opponent didn't show, does Brother Lin truly wish to take this cheap win?"

Lin Jinglong's smile faded slightly.

Shen Xiao seized the opportunity and suggested, "How about a best-of-three; let this round count as your win."

Lin Jinglong pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.

Shen Xi, understanding the art of compromise and negotiation, acknowledged the gains on Lin Jinglong's side while preserving his chance to continue vying.

Lin Jinglong agreed, "Let's do it this way."

But Su Lingkou protested, "Where's the cheap shot there! If Ning Zhuo isn't here, there's still me!"

She then turned to Shen Xi, "Cousin, let me fight this time, I'll secure the first victory for you!"

Shen Xi hesitated, "This…"

Su Lingkou wiped away the usual docile demeanor, her eyes flashing with the fire of battle, "Cousin!"

Shen Xi gave a wry smile, gently patting Su Lingkou's forehead, "Alright, be careful. If the situation looks bad, concede. Losing to Fellow Daoist Gongsun Yan is losing to Brother Lin, it's no disgrace."

Being a child of a great family, he spoke politely, maintaining harmony.

Lin Jinglong's eyes flickered sharply, quickly offering a few polite words, expressing anticipation towards Su Lingkou.

Subsequently, he turned to Gongsun Yan, "Brother Gongsun, I'm entrusting this to you."

Gongsun Yan responded in a deep voice, "Once it's done, my agreed wood cannot be less."