Cultivating as a Puppet Master

“This great river was once part of the Nine Prosperity Ridge in ancient times, or so the stories say. Later, the Earth Veins shifted, and the river changed its course, forcefully ‘slicing’ that area off from the main body of Nine Prosperity Ridge and forming a relatively independent exclave.”

“Therefore, although that region is now geographically separated from the main body of Nine Prosperity Ridge, its Earth Vein Spiritual Energy and the types of Demon Beasts within it still bear the strong imprint of Nine Prosperity Ridge.”

“There are indeed many Demon Beasts inside. Tier One are everywhere, and Tier Two appear from time to time. But Tier Three Demon Kings? They would never casually cross the Broken Dragon River to enter that area. This has been confirmed after repeated surveys by the Sect’s Golden Core Ancestors.”

Then, Han Bufan’s tone became reassuring. “Furthermore, the garrison at Broken River Plains, Broken River Castle itself, was built upon a naturally perilous cliff. A complete Tier Two Middle-Grade Defense Array—the Rocky Mountain Array—has been set up there.”

“This array’s Defense Power is extremely strong. Once activated, even Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators would find it difficult to breach. As long as you, Junior Brother, command the castle and rely on the Grand Array, you’ll have more than enough power to protect yourself and wait for reinforcements, even if you’re attacked by a Tier Two High-Grade demon beast.”

He paused, a hint of reminiscence and helplessness on his face. “Back in the day, the Sect was ambitious. We wanted to completely annihilate the Demon Beasts on the Broken River Plains, incorporate that relatively fertile land into our territory, and establish a new County.”

“Unfortunately, while the idea was good, the reality was harsh. The Broken River Plains are simply too close to Nine Prosperity Ridge!”

“If the Sect were to launch a large-scale extermination campaign, the commotion would be too great and could easily alert the powerful existences deep within Nine Prosperity Ridge. It might even attract the attention of numerous Tier Three Demon Kings. Was it worth risking an all-out conflict with the entire Demon Beast Influence of Nine Prosperity Ridge for such a small piece of land? After weighing the pros and cons, the Sect ultimately gave up on the idea.”

“However,” Han Bufan’s tone shifted, “the location of the Broken River Plains is indeed important. It guards a vital trade route to the northern Yani Country and also serves as an outpost for monitoring the movements of Demon Beasts on the outskirts of Nine Prosperity Ridge. It would be too much of a pity to abandon it completely.”

“Therefore, the Sect settled for the next best thing. We relocated some Qi Cultivation Small Clans and a large number of mortals there, establishing several settlements near Broken River Castle to cultivate Spirit Fields and gather resources.”

“At the same time, we established a permanent station at Broken River Castle and dispatched a Foundation Establishment Cultivator to serve as Commander, responsible for protecting the settlements, monitoring Demon Beast activity, and keeping the trade route open.”

“The previous Commander, Junior Brother Liuu, has been diligently stationed at Broken River Castle for a full thirty years! He doesn’t have much of his Lifespan left and urgently needs to return to the Sect to live out his remaining years in peace. Therefore, this burden must now fall to you, Junior Brother.”

After listening to this detailed explanation, most of Lu Zhao’s doubts dissipated. However, he still asked cautiously, “So, you’re saying that the place was once part of Nine Prosperity Ridge, but it’s now separated by the Broken Dragon River and has become its own entity. The Demon Beasts there are mainly Tiers One and Two. The Sect built a castle in a strategic, defensible location and set up a Grand Array. The main duty of the Commander is to rely on this array to protect the cultivator settlements and maintain the trade route?”

“Exactly!” Han Bufan affirmed. “Your summary is spot-on, Junior Brother.”

Lu Zhao fell silent, his fingers tapping unconsciously on his knee. Twenty, or even thirty, years was a long time, but for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator with a three-hundred-year Lifespan, it wasn’t unacceptable. ‘The key is, is it worth it? What are the risks and rewards?’

As if seeing through Lu Zhao’s calculations, Han Bufan presented the Sect’s terms at the perfect moment. “The Sect is well aware that this mission is far more time-consuming than usual. Therefore, we have prepared generous compensation especially for you, Junior Brother.”

“First, you may withdraw your entire Sect Salary for the next thirty years in one lump sum, in advance! This includes your annual Spirit Stone stipend and the Pills corresponding to your Cultivation. You can collect it yourself from the Merit Hall.”

“Second,” Han Bufan’s voice grew heavier, “the Sect has rated this mission ‘Class A Lower’! Upon completion, you will receive thirty ‘Great Merits’! These Great Merits can also be advanced to you, Junior Brother!”

Lu Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Receiving my Salary in advance means three hundred and sixty Water Jade Green Radiance Pills. Combined with the Pills and Spirit Water I already have, that would be enough to support most of my cultivation needs during the Early-stage Foundation Establishment!’

‘Furthermore, the ninety Middle-Grade Spirit Stones in my Salary are a huge fortune, more than enough to purchase rare Spiritual Materials or powerful Magical Artifacts.’

‘And those thirty Great Merits are even more valuable. They’re enough to exchange for several powerful Foundation Establishment Stage Secret Techniques in the Library Pavilion, and might even grant access to the fringes of some core legacies!’

But Han Bufan’s next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head. “However, you must remember, Junior Brother: if you accept this Salary and these Great Merits but ultimately fail to complete the garrison mission, or if the mission fails due to your own reasons… then not only will you have to return all the Great Merits in full, but the Sect will also mete out severe punishment!”

“This punishment will be far from as simple as docking a few Spirit Stones or Pills. You must think this over carefully, Junior Brother!”

The heavy pressure, accompanied by immense temptation, weighed down on Lu Zhao’s heart. The great hall fell silent, with only the wisps of steam from the Spirit Tea rising between the two of them.

Lu Zhao closed his eyes, his thoughts racing in his Sea of Consciousness.

‘Risks: Being far from the Sect’s core, a harsh environment, surrounded by Demon Beasts, the loneliness of a long-term post, and the terrible punishment for failure. Broken River Castle has a Grand Array, but Han Bufan also said that Tier Two Demon Beasts appear from time to time. What if I encounter a massive siege of Tier Two Demon Beasts, or if the Grand Array is unexpectedly destroyed?’

‘Benefits: Thirty years of Salary paid in advance—a huge, freely disposable resource! And more importantly, thirty Great Merits! That’s enough to exchange for a great deal of rare Tier Two Spiritual Materials, Magic…!’

‘Besides, Han Bufan mentioned there are many Demon Beasts there, especially Tier Two Demon Beasts! Those are the core materials I desperately need to break through to become a Tier Two Puppet Master!’

‘How difficult is it to legally obtain a large number of Tier Two Demon Beast corpses within the Sect’s heartlands? But in the Broken River Plains, as the Commander, hunting Demon Beasts is part of my duty—it might even be the norm! This is a godsent opportunity!’

Time trickled by. Han Bufan didn’t rush him, merely sipping his tea quietly, his gaze profound as he watched the “young” Foundation Establishment junior brother before him. He knew the weight of this decision.

A quarter of an hour later, Lu Zhao slowly opened his eyes. All hesitation and calculation had vanished from his gaze, replaced by a resolve as calm and still as water. He stood up and gave Han Bufan a solemn bow.

“Brother Han, I, Lu Zhao, accept this mission! When do I depart?”

A flicker of imperceptible approval and relief flashed in Han Bufan’s eyes. He set down his teacup, his smile broadening. “Excellent! Junior Brother Lu is indeed straightforward! Considering the long duration of this mission, the Sect has granted you half a year to handle personal matters, bid farewell to friends and family, and make thorough preparations. As for your Salary and Great Merits, you can go to the Merit Hall at any time and present this mission’s Jade Talisman to collect them.”

As he spoke, he took out a palm-sized, jet-black, unadorned Jade Talisman with the two words “Broken River” carved on its face and handed it to Lu Zhao.

“Half a year from now, you must take this talisman to the Long Journey Hall of the Logistics Bureau. A Flying Ship there will take you to Broken River Castle for the handover. I wish you a smooth journey and great success, Junior Brother!”

Lu Zhao accepted the heavy Jade Talisman. It was cool to the touch, as if heralding the weight of at least twenty years of hardships. He cupped his hands in a fist again. “Thank you, Brother Han. This junior brother will take his leave.”

Leaving the solemn and majestic great hall of the Recruitment Bureau, the light outside seemed a little brighter. Lu Zhao didn’t linger, heading straight back to his Cavedwelling.

Back in his Cavedwelling, Lu Zhao closed the heavy stone door and activated the Guardian Array. The inside of the cave instantly fell silent.

Lu Zhao walked to the meditation cushion in the center of the Quiet Chamber and sat down cross-legged, but he didn’t begin to cultivate immediately. He caressed the “Broken River” Jade Talisman in his hand, his expression complex.

‘Twenty years, or even thirty.’

‘Far from the Sect’s core, guarding the desolate frontiers, living as neighbors to Demon Beasts.’

‘Risk and opportunity coexist; loneliness and growth go hand in hand.’

‘But for those thirty Great Merits, for the Tier Two Demon Beast Materials, for the sake of advancing my Puppetry further…’

“Broken River Castle…” Lu Zhao murmured the name, the last ripple of emotion in his eyes calming until only a rock-like determination remained.

“Let’s see what you have in store for me.”

He put away the Jade Talisman and began to silently plan how he would use this precious half-year in his mind:

‘One, exchange for Pills, Talismans, and Arrays…’

‘Two, purchase supplies, refine my Puppetry, and improve my Cultivation…’

At that moment, the winds of the Broken River Plains, seemingly carrying the foul stench of Demon Beasts, seemed to faintly drift into his Cavedwelling.