.
Soul power swept over the puppet's body like ripples, and the dark golden solution was slowly applied to every part of its body. For a moment, a foul-smelling white mist continuously emanated from the puppet's body, and the hissing sound of the high temperature contacting the skin was quite eerie.
When the solution was completely applied to the puppet's body, the cold gray-white color was replaced by a dark golden color. The golden light shimmered, giving it an extremely solid and strange feeling.
Glancing at the puppet covered in the solution, Xiao Ling let out a light breath. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, the strange fire surged out again, completely enveloping the puppet. The terrifying heat slowly seeped out...
As the heat continued to burn, the dark golden solution began to slowly penetrate the puppet's skin. As the erosion intensified, the puppet's body gradually turned silver, with a delicate luster, like flowing moonlight. It looked as if it were cast from pure silver.
Looking at the puppet, which had transformed to silver, Xiao Ling raised his brows slightly and muttered to himself, "Silver?! An Earth-level demon puppet? Not bad at all."
According to the bamboo slips, Celestial Demon Puppets were divided into three grades: Heaven, Earth, and Human. The best way to distinguish these grades was by observing their skin color: Heaven was gold, Earth was silver, and Human was copper. The color displayed by this puppet clearly indicated it was the second of the three grades.
Xiao Ling had anticipated that the body of this Dou Zun master wouldn't be directly refined into a Celestial Demon Puppet, so he wasn't overly disappointed.
The flames continued to scorch, the terrifying heat seeping out, slowly permeating the dark golden solution into the puppet's skin and withered muscles.
The method for refining this so-called "Celestial Demon Puppet" involved transforming these metal materials into a human's strength. A living person would likely explode and die on the spot after being subjected to such torture. However, this puppet, painless and unconscious, was able to ignore the incomparable pain. Therefore, if the refining was successful, it would be a success.
Although the puppet lacked the skills of fighting, its flesh alone was the perfect killing weapon.
As the dark-gold solution gradually absorbed the puppet, its once silvery skin suddenly began to shimmer with a golden glow.
The intertwining silver and golden light resembled the brightest stars in the night sky, appearing incredibly mysterious and magnificent.
Xiao Ling's gaze fixed on the puppet, noticing the gradual emergence of subtle golden lines beneath its silvery skin.
These golden lines not only added a mysterious allure to the puppet but also signaled its approach to the highest realm of the Heavenly Demon Puppet.
As the dark-gold solution slowly absorbed the puppet, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from it.
Xiao Ling retracted the strange fire and reacted swiftly, releasing a soul barrier to conceal the powerful aura and prevent it from spreading.
...
In Xiao Ling's courtyard, the night deepened, dotted with starlight. Han Yue, Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan, and Qing Lin sat in the pavilion, laughing and chatting.
Moonlight streamed through the cracks in the pavilion, casting a light upon them, bringing a touch of coolness but also a sense of tranquility and peace. The fragrance of the surrounding flowers grew fainter in the night breeze, accompanied by the chirping of insects, creating a unique atmosphere.
Although everyone had learned of Han Yue's impending departure, the atmosphere in the courtyard remained relaxed and lively, without much sadness or parting. They believed that this separation was only temporary, and that one day in the future, they would be together again.
Zi Yan swallowed a pill and asked casually, "Why hasn't Xiao Ling come out yet? It's been over a week. What gift is he preparing?" Her voice was filled with curiosity and confusion.
Qing Lin speculated, his eyes gleaming with admiration for Xiao Ling's skills. "I think it might be elixirs. After all, the young master is best at refining medicine. He spent so much time, so the elixir he prepared for Sister Han Yue must be of high quality."
Xiao Yixian shook her head, a glint of wisdom in her eyes. "You may be wrong. Before Xiao Ling entered the secret room, he visited the Demon Flame Valley. The gift he prepared must be related to that place." Her voice was low and mysterious, making people look forward to Xiao Ling's gift.
The three women's eyes involuntarily turned to Han Yue, their curiosity evident. Qinglin couldn't help but ask, "Sister Han Yue, did the young master tell you what the gift was?"
Han Yue shook her head helplessly, smiling, "I have no idea either. Xiao Ling always likes to surprise people, and this time is probably no exception." Her words revealed trust and expectation for Xiao Ling, but also a hint of sweet shyness.
Seeing Han Yue's expression, Ziyan suddenly asked out of the blue, "Han Yue, what is your relationship with Xiao Ling?" Her question suddenly made the previously relaxed atmosphere tense, and the air in the pavilion seemed to freeze.
Han Yue's smile froze slightly, her expression somewhat unnatural. She avoided Ziyan's gaze, her fingers gently caressing the rim of her teacup. She didn't answer, but this tacit understanding, and the complex emotions that flashed across her eyes, were enough for Qinglin and Xiao Yixian to detect the unusual relationship between her and Xiao Ling.
Qinglin, observing Han Yue's complex expression, felt a surge of envy. She imagined how happy she would be if she could also gain Xiao Ling's favor. She bit her lip lightly, a flicker of longing in her eyes, but then she smiled and shook her head, hiding her envy deep within her heart.
Zi Yan rubbed her arm uncomfortably. Compared to Han Yue, she felt petite and unremarkable, lacking the same allure that had captivated Xiao Ling.
She felt a pang of discomfort and sighed inwardly, resolving to diligently consume medicinal herbs from now on, striving to regain her adult form as quickly as possible.
Xiao Yixian sat quietly by the side, her thoughts shimmering. She knew her relationship with Xiao Ling was still murky, but she had her own plans and ambitions.
She had already begun scheming, resolving that the next time the opportunity presented itself, she would find a way to completely take Xiao Ling down.
A subtle smile curved her lips, and a determined glint flickered in her eyes.
Just as the atmosphere was beginning to feel awkward, the sound of footsteps approached, shattering the silence in the pavilion.
Everyone looked over and saw Xiao Ling slowly appear at the entrance of the pavilion, a gentle smile on his face.
(End of this chapter)