"He is now a first-class genius, and all parties are increasing their investigation of him. Surely, important information will be gathered soon."
Zhao Hansheng returned the Flying Message to Gu Qing, "What do you think?"
Gu Qing glanced at the Flying Message in his hand and smiled calmly, "I understand."
"Ning Zhuo’s situation is actually quite similar to mine."
"He came to the Myriad Images Sect, earning the reputation of a top-tier genius, yet he hasn’t proven himself in the Martial Arts Arena, in front of the public."
"Without proving he can fight, can achieve Golden Core level combat power, the public will always harbor doubts about his strength."
"His reputation as a genius will remain superficial and insubstantial."
After a pause, Gu Qing continued, "Ning Zhuo’s two top rankings were gained from small Confucian Cultivator tests. His favorable impression of Confucian Cultivators and Confucianism is quite natural."
"And from his performance in the Xuan Armor Cave, he is most likely from a Righteous Clan, with a good understanding of human nature, capable of using words to fend off enemies. Though not a Confucian Cultivator, he possesses the demeanor of one."
"If he wishes to befriend me, I’ll oblige him."
"In this encounter, I’ll carefully control my strength and fight him to a ’draw.’ I estimate that just a bit of persuasion, and he will become one of my allies."
Zhao Hansheng nodded, "If that’s the case, go ahead."
Martial Arts Hall.
Many cultivators gathered here, discussing the upcoming battle.
"This time Gu Qing will use his Painting Dao Avatar, while Ning Zhuo uses his Mechanical Puppet. Who will win?"
"Gu Qing’s ability to use his Painting Dao Avatar to socialize everywhere and subdue many cultivators showcases his Confucian learning. Whether it translates to actual combat remains to be seen."
"Similarly, there are rumors that Ning Zhuo has a Golden Core Level Mechanical Puppet, but reliable information about its capabilities is scarce."
"Look, Gu Qing is here!"
Numerous eyes immediately focused in his direction.
Gu Qing, clad in a moon-white Confucian robe, ascended the stage gracefully.
Below the stage, the cultivators were silent for a few breaths, followed by a low murmur of praise.
"Truly a talent from Huazhang Country, his demeanor is indeed extraordinary."
"I’ve heard his Painting Dao Avatar is stunningly exquisite; I wonder how it compares to his true self."
Gu Qing smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, displaying great friendliness.
However, in his heart he contemplated, "Ning Zhuo... hasn’t arrived yet?"
As he finished this thought, he saw a cultivator in a hooded cloak emerge from the crowd and step into the Array Space.
"So Ning Zhuo has been here all along?" Gu Qing’s heart stirred, and he immediately cupped his hands and loudly proclaimed, "I, Qing, am honored to spar with Daoist Fellow Ning Zhuo today; truly a delight."
The figure then voluntarily removed the hood, causing a wave of gasps throughout the venue.
It turned out this was not a living person, but a Mechanical Puppet.
She was clad entirely in Mystic Ice, standing six and a half feet tall. Her head was adorned with the Ice Mirror Helmet, her lines sharp as if chiseled by axe. Beneath her eyes were two slowly rotating deep blue whirlpools, bottomless.
Her Hexagonal Mysterious Ice Armor fit seamlessly, with azure Spirit Light flowing, circulating like blood through the joints of the armor plates.
Her shoulder armor sported a pair of fierce Ice Chi Beast Heads.
Six Cold Steel Mechanism Balls silently floated out, orbiting her, exuding a faint chill.
"What an impressive Ice Attribute Mechanical Combat Puppet; just its appearance speaks volumes!"
"Indeed, it has the aura of a Golden Core."
"But... why hasn’t Ning Zhuo come?"
"Has he only sent his Mechanical Puppet?"
"Or is he hiding among us?"
"No need for that. He emerged as a prominent talent; hiding among us offers no advantage. Quite unsporting."
"Look closely, the threads maintaining this Mechanical Puppet are cast into the void; they must be Void Spider Silk!"
Key locations on Snow Core Control·Xie were maintained by Void Spider Silk, penetrating into the void.
Gu Qing’s true self had noticed this detail, causing his eyes to narrow slightly.
He felt some displeasure.
Originally expecting Ning Zhuo to appear in person, only for a Mechanical Combat Puppet to arrive, left Gu Qing’s true self feeling a bit embarrassed.
Nevertheless, Gu Qing’s smile did not wane, instead becoming even more welcoming and warm.
He continued, "Daoist Fellow Ning Zhuo’s Mechanical Puppet must be extraordinary. Witnessing its might today, I am truly fortunate."
Snow Core Control·Xie’s voice rang out, "Fellow Daoist Gu, I apologize. I am in seclusion, dealing with urgent matters; I cannot currently leave."
"After this battle, I will visit you personally to make amends."
"Please do not take offense, do not take offense."
Upon hearing Ning Zhuo speak thus, most of Gu Qing’s displeasure and some doubts dissipated.
Gu Qing extended his palm, "I, my true self, am here, and Daoist Fellow has yet to arrive. I, Gu, have an advantage. In the ensuing fight, I promise to only use my Painting Dao Avatar, ensuring fairness, befriending through combat. Please direct your puppet, and make the first move."
He believed Ning Zhuo’s Righteous Path skill meant the battle was already pre-planned—a public exhibition match of mutual understanding.
Snow Core Control·Xie paused briefly, then cupped her hands, "Brother Gu Qing is remarkably generous, allowing me to demonstrate my skills first."
Gu Qing nodded slightly. To him, Ning Zhuo’s straightforward agreement conveyed a message—I understand your intent; you wish for a harmonious battle, and so do I!
The Void Spider Silk stirred, and Snow Core Control·Xie charged towards Gu Qing.
Gu Qing’s true self retreated several steps, each spanning several yards, swiftly to the battle’s edge.
What remained was his Painting Dao Avatar.
Pounding sounds...
Snow Core Control·Xie and the Avatar clashed, using only physical movements in a simple Martial Combat.
Ning Zhuo was indeed in the Bluestone Cave Mansion, observing from a distance, controlling the Void Spider Silk, all true.