Chapter 398 - 208: Martial Uncle’s Gift (2)

Chapter 398: Chapter 208: Martial Uncle’s Gift (2)

"Exactly!" Gu You slapped his thigh. "So, I think the best way to handle it is to refine it."

He pointed at the puppet on the floor. "We can ask Third Senior Brother to intervene, erase any last, lingering trace of life or potential for growth, solidify its core energy circuits, and refine it into a combat puppet Magical Artifact."

"It might not be able to self-cultivate like the puppets of Taiyan Cultivators, but its ability to create a barrier powered by the Star God Core will remain. That would make it an exceptionally outstanding defensive and crowd-control Magical Artifact!"

"If you don’t want to refine it into a puppet, the core in its heart can be fused with and cultivated by one of our world’s Qi Cultivators. According to knowledge passed down from the Outer Realm, this ability can advance along with the Cultivator’s realm. In theory, it could reach the Third Realm, or even the legendary Fourth Realm!"

Yang Wenqing nodded gently. Star God Cultivators were uncommon in this world, but not unheard of. He had studied the relevant topics back at the Police Academy. The "Senior Brother Lu" and "Third Senior Brother" Gu You mentioned were the same person: Lu Song, the current leader of his master Qin Huaiming’s generation in the Xuanyue Lineage.

After speaking, Gu You looked at Yang Wenqing with a burning gaze, his face breaking back into that slightly teasing smile. "So, what do you think, Nephew Wenqing? I’m giving you this body as a first-meeting gift."

"Whether you choose to take a risk and raise it into a bodyguard that might develop its own ideas, take the safe route and refine it into a powerful puppet Magical Artifact, or dig out the core for one of your family members to cultivate with—it’s all up to you."

He spread his hands and added, "Of course, both refining and fusing require an expert’s help. You don’t have to worry about a thing. Your master and I will naturally take care of it for you. All you need to do is decide."

Silence fell in the hall. Qin Huaiming watched his disciple quietly, awaiting his decision. Lan Ying, sensing the turmoil in Yang Wenqing’s thoughts, gently nudged his ear with its beak, offering silent support.

Yang Wenqing’s gaze lingered on the puppet’s exquisite yet empty shell as he pondered.

It only took a moment for him to reach a decision. ’An orthodox Yuqing Cultivator’s Magic is versatile, balanced in both offense and defense. If I were to rely on an external object like a puppet, I would have to split my focus to control it. In a truly high-intensity duel or when facing a powerful enemy, it could actually become a burden and an easy target.’

Almost instantly, he thought of his younger brother, Yang Wenjian. ’Wenjian has a gentle temperament and has already begun Qi Cultivation. In the future, he’ll need to shoulder the family’s responsibilities. A powerful defensive ability would be most practical for him. Giving the core to Wenjian would not only strengthen my brother but also keep this fortuitous opportunity in the hands of a close blood relative. It’s the safest and most reliable choice.’

His mind made up, Yang Wenqing looked up, bowed to Gu You and Qin Huaiming, and said, "I am deeply grateful for your generous gift, Martial Uncle. Since I have already been inducted into the orthodox Yuqing lineage, a puppet Magical Artifact is not of much use to me."

He offered this explanation before stating his decision. "My younger brother at home, Wenjian, has a calm temperament. The barrier ability contained within this core is highly protective, which makes it perfect for him. I would like to gift this core to Wenjian to help him protect himself and establish his future, as well as to add another pillar of support for our family. I ask for your permission, Master, Martial Uncle."

Qin Huaiming smiled and nodded, his eyes filled with gratification. "Wenqing is right. For the orthodox Yuqing lineage, all techniques stem from the heart, and Magic is boundless. Over-reliance on external objects like puppets will only hinder the fine-tuning of your own Mana. It is good that you can see this."

Gu You stood up and shrugged nonchalantly, signifying his agreement on the gift’s final destination.

Then, he tapped the body on the floor with the tip of his foot. "So what do we do with this metal husk? Even after we dig out the Star God Core, it’s still a pretty good item."

He pointed to the open cavity. "Stick a sufficiently powerful Energy Stone in there, have an expert readjust the basic energy circuits inside, and it will most likely be able to move again."

"However, after changing the power source, it definitely won’t be able to use the barrier ability anymore. But casting some minor Magic, or just using this frame for basic physical protection to drive away a petty thief or two? It’s more than enough for that. Within Wanxuan, under the protection of the national Divine Artifact, public order is already good. Having a tireless lump of iron like this at home is more reliable than hiring ten guards."

"Besides, its brain..." He pointed at the puppet’s currently smooth, featureless head. "It’s empty. We can load some things into it. No need for a complex consciousness or personality, just some of the most basic commands and knowledge, like how to identify friend from foe, how to activate defenses, a complete copy of the *Basic Guide to Qi Cultivation*, an illustrated guide to common medicinal herbs, and even foundational texts like the Hundred Family Surnames and the Thousand Character Classic!"

Gu You looked at Yang Wenqing and chuckled. "This way, if you place it with your parents, it’ll be the most loyal guard and household assistant. Placed with the Yang family, it’ll be a tireless, patient, all-knowing introductory teacher that can give the younger generation of your family the best possible foundation."

After hearing this, Yang Wenqing said sincerely, "Your considerations are most thorough, and your plan is perfect, Martial Uncle. On behalf of my parents and my family, I thank you for your profound kindness!"

"Haha, we’re family, what’s there to thank me for!" Gu You waved his hand magnanimously, clearly enjoying the praise. "Then it’s settled. Third Senior Brother most likely won’t be returning to the sect this time—after all, he holds a high position with great authority now. I’ll go find him after the grand tournament is over, have him remove the core, and then arrange for the puppet’s memory programming. I guarantee I’ll get it all handled perfectly."

Just then, Qin Huaiming turned to Yang Wenqing. "Wenqing, take Lan Ying and go for a walk."

Yang Wenqing immediately understood that his master wanted to discuss important matters with his martial uncle. He bowed, took his leave, and slowly walked out of the grand, empty pavilion with Lan Ying.

The playful look on Gu You’s face subsided. He casually sat cross-legged on the floor, pulled a flat silver flask from his robes, uncorked it, and took a long swig, letting out a satisfied sigh. Then he looked at Qin Huaiming, his eyes filled with unconcealed admiration.

"Junior Brother Qin, you’ve accepted a fine disciple. He has a steady temperament, sees what’s truly important, and understands how to balance the bigger picture with family bonds. What’s rare is that he doesn’t have a hint of arrogance or impetuousness. He’s leagues better than those so-called geniuses at Headquarters."

Qin Huaiming sat down across from Gu You, a heartfelt smile appearing on his face at the praise. "Wenqing came from humble beginnings. In his early years, his innate aptitude was merely average. He worked his way up step by step in the local administration, starting from the most basic security posts. He has seen all walks of life, dealt with the wickedness of the human heart, and experienced life-and-death battles."

"This has taught him the complexity of human nature, the hardships of the world, and the limits of power and the weight of responsibility. Because of this, he knows how to cherish what he has and is better able to focus his mind. Compared to those chosen ones who’ve had everything go their way, his path may be slower, but every step is solid. He will be able to avoid many unnecessary detours on his future cultivation path."

Gu You nodded in deep agreement and took another swig of wine, his gaze growing distant. "Yes. Only by understanding human nature can one master power, instead of being mastered by it."

After that moment of reflection, the smile on Qin Huaiming’s face gradually faded. He held out his hand, and Gu You tossed the flask over. Qin Huaiming caught it and also took a drink.

"Senior Brother..." Qin Huaiming’s voice grew low. "Is there truly no room for de-escalation with the Jade Whale Sect?"

The relaxed expression on Gu You’s face vanished completely. He shook his head. "De-escalation? Difficult. We are all just pawns, forced to move against our will."

He turned his head, his gaze seeming to pierce through the pavilion walls toward the distant sea. "There’s more than one power backing the Jade Whale Sect. Some people feel Wanxuan has developed too quickly in recent years and want to reach in and probe our true strength. Or perhaps they simply want to see just how tough this ’hard bone’ really is. The Jade Whale Sect is merely the pawn they’ve pushed forward to test the waters."

Gu You’s tone was firm and resolute. "Everyone is preparing. Our side is mobilizing resources, strengthening coastal defenses and intelligence networks. Their side is also mustering its forces, looking for an opportunity."

"The reason things haven’t completely devolved into open war yet is, one, because the current leader of the Jade Whale Sect is a sensible man. He knows full well that even if they could gain a temporary advantage in an all-out war with Wanxuan, they would ultimately suffer devastating losses, perhaps even sect-wide annihilation, only to have paved the way for others."

"And two..."

Gu You’s voice dropped even lower. "They’re waiting. Waiting for the current head of the Jade Whale Sect to step down, and for a change of leadership within Wanxuan. A time of both internal and external instability—that’s when certain people see the perfect opportunity to make their move."