novelapdf Chapter 2010 Preparations before seclusion: The puppet takes charge!
Chapter 2010 Preparations before seclusion: The puppet takes charge!
"Now the chaos that plagued the human race has been completely quelled!"
There are no major problems to speak of in the short term.
Taking this opportunity, I plan to go into seclusion for a period of time.
From now on, all affairs of the Cultivator Association, large and small, as well as the governance of the human race's territories, will be entirely entrusted to you.
"During my seclusion, all major decisions of the Association will be decided by a collective vote in the Hall of Fame."
"Following the rule of majority rule, we will work together to govern the association."
After he finished speaking,
The group of half-saints below showed slight changes in their expressions, and they all stood up, wanting to ask about the details of the seclusion and express their concerns.
Cheng Buzheng, however, raised his hand preemptively, feigning a palm strike again, interrupting everyone's conversation, and continued calmly:
"No need for further words, my mind is made up."
Next, I will begin a long period of seclusion to attempt to reach a higher realm; you need not try to stop me.
"Of course, I am not completely abandoning all matters concerning the association."
Later, I will leave behind a puppet.
If you encounter any earth-shattering event that even your entire council cannot decide, and that could shake the very foundation of humanity, you may contact me through the puppet.
As for routine departmental scheduling, minor territorial disputes, and conflicts among cultivators...
There's no need for you to come and ask for instructions; you can discuss and decide for yourselves.
The voice just fell,
The newly appointed Hall Master of the Enforcement Hall, Tian Shu, who was ranked first, immediately stood up, strode out of the ranks, and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.
With a solemn expression, he raised his doubts:
"Since the president is willing to entrust the association to us, we will naturally shoulder this heavy responsibility and will not hesitate to die for it."
There is one thing I would like to confirm:
Is the president currently in seclusion at the association headquarters?
If it is to be held in seclusion at headquarters, we have no objection.
However, if the president is in seclusion far away, thousands of miles away, it is easy for unpredictable hidden dangers to arise.
I hope the president will reconsider.
The words of the Half-Supreme One Tian Shu awakened everyone.
Immediately, several half-saints rose in succession to echo their sentiments, and a chorus of admonitions resounded throughout the hall.
"Fellow Daoist Tian Shu is absolutely right!"
Puppets are ultimately external objects. There are countless techniques in the world, including secret methods and ancient formations that isolate the mind from the body and seal the puppet's senses.
If it falls into the wrong hands and is secretly exploited, it could very well cause turmoil within the association.
This undermines the foundation of the association!
"The world of cultivation is mysterious and unpredictable, and there are countless ways to sever the resonance between minds. Relying solely on a puppet is ultimately not enough to ensure complete safety."
We earnestly request that the president remain at headquarters for seclusion to reassure the troops!
"..."
The various semi-saints expressed their opinions, all for the sake of the association's stability and the overall interests of the human race.
Faced with repeated advice from everyone...
Cheng Buzheng's expression remained calm and composed. He silently raised his right hand and waved his wide white sleeve.
hum-
A low, subtle hum sounded.
A human-shaped figure appeared out of thin air and stood in the center of the hall.
This puppet was incredibly lifelike; its face, body, and robe patterns were indistinguishable from those of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The eyebrows and eyes are expressive, and the skin texture is lifelike.
Standing still, they looked just like real people.
There was no sense of stiffness at all.
Without careful examination, it is impossible to distinguish between the genuine and the fake.
Cheng Buzheng's gaze swept over the crowd below, and he slowly began to explain:
"This is a puppet I obtained during my early travels through ancient ruins, and it is completely bound to my original divine soul."
Our minds are connected by a single thought.
Not to mention the geographical barriers of thousands of miles,
Even with layers of ancient annihilation formations and spatial sealing arrays covering it,
It cannot sever the connection between us.
"No matter where I am in this world, you can find me at any time through this puppet."
There will never be a situation where we lose contact at a critical moment.
You can all rest assured about this.
"There is no need to worry about not being able to contact me at crucial moments."
The group of half-saints in the main hall looked at Cheng Buzheng's calm and composed appearance, and unconsciously glanced at him a few more times out of the corner of their eyes. He stood quietly, like a puppet who resembled a cultivator.
At that moment, they realized that apart from lacking a life force field, this puppet was almost indistinguishable from a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
of course.
They could tell something was wrong at a glance; the puppet wasn't a real cultivator, mainly because its cultivation level was much higher.
If it were a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the same level, they would not be able to detect anything unusual.
Even a Golden Core cultivator would find it difficult.
Only a Nascent Soul True Monarch could sense that something was wrong.
For this reason, the group of semi-saints believed about 70-80% of Cheng Buzheng's words.
Just then...
Lingbao, who had been indifferent and lifeless, suddenly had a flicker of light in his eyes.
He seemed to have suddenly discovered a hidden danger that had been forgotten by everyone for a long time, yet was of paramount importance.
His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly for a moment.
Immediately,
He stepped out of the queue, bowed deeply to the figure sitting on the high platform, and clasped his hands in a fist salute.
His tone was steady, yet tinged with a cautious probing:
"President, what should be done with the group of Half-Venerable Daoists who redeemed themselves in the previous great battle?"
Please advise, Chairman.
The moment these words were spoken...
All the half-saint cultivators in the entire hall raised their eyes in unison, dozens of powerful and imposing gazes converging on Cheng Buzheng on the high platform.
No one remained indifferent as before.
The atmosphere inside the hall froze instantly.
Even the thin spiritual energy flowing in the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Obviously,
This is a common concern in the hearts of all the semi-respecters present.
It is also a huge weight that has been pressing on everyone's hearts for a long time.
It should be noted that the president is about to go into seclusion for further study and will no longer concern himself with the association's daily affairs.
Those half-saints are the group of powerful figures who have the highest cultivation level and the most influence on the surface.
However, now within the association, there is a group of cultivators who bear original sins and whose cultivation has also reached the half-saint realm.
These people had committed serious crimes in the past, but they were able to fight to atone for their crimes and were lucky enough to save their lives because of the war between the two tribes.
They were already dissatisfied with the association and had absolutely no loyalty to it.
Moreover, the difference in cultivation level between cultivators of the same realm is negligible, so there is absolutely no chance of winning in a one-on-one confrontation.
Even though they were all veteran half-sages of the association, they still couldn't achieve a crushing and unifying effect.
Only by relying on numerical superiority and surrounding the weaker force can they barely suppress them.
However, such methods are ultimately only treating the symptoms, not the root cause.
Disaster could occur at any time.
On the high platform, Cheng Buzheng, dressed in a black Taoist robe with flowing clouds, stood tall and leaned lazily against the ancient and heavy throne.
His face was cold and expressionless.
There was not a trace of divine transformation power emanating from his body.
Yet, they possess an aura of superiority that looks down upon all living beings.
Upon hearing Lingbao Banzun's question, he did not answer immediately. Instead, he gently raised his fingertips and calmly tapped the cold chair armrest.
Thud...
Thud...
Thud...
The rhythmic, deep tapping sound echoed slowly through the spacious hall.
Each sound seemed to strike the hearts of the semi-saints, making them even more uneasy.
No one dared to interrupt the great man's thoughts.
The long silence lasted for several dozen breaths before the crisp tapping suddenly stopped.
Cheng Buzheng slowly opened his narrow eyes, a deep, dark light flashing in their depths. He appeared calm, but in reality, he had already weighed all the pros and cons.
His thin lips parted slightly, and his indifferent voice slowly echoed throughout the entire hall:
"This group of half-saints who were guilty of crimes charged ahead during the great battle, resisted on the front line, and killed many demon cultivators. They did make great contributions."
Even earlier, they had voluntarily handed over all the resources accumulated by their sect over thousands of years.
Having rendered meritorious service, if I were to turn my back on them and kill them afterward, it would not only chill the hearts of the cultivators,
They will also be branded as mean and ungrateful.
This damages the association's prestige.
He paused slightly,
Cheng Buzheng's gaze swept over the crowd below, and he announced his final decision:
"Therefore, I have decided to send all the half-saint cultivators who have redeemed themselves through meritorious service to [Sealed Sea Immortal City] to oversee their duties."
They are prohibited from leaving the city at will for life.
Firstly, it allows them to calmly recuperate and hone their skills.
Secondly, it can also be used to guard the border.
This adds another layer of top-tier combat power to the Sealed Immortal City.
Do you all think this plan is feasible?
Upon hearing this, Lingbao, the half-venerable one, felt a great weight lifted from his heart. He immediately straightened up and, without hesitation, loudly echoed:
"I believe it's feasible!"
Fenghai Immortal City is located on the border, and with these half-saints guarding it, the safety of the border is assured.
The president's move was extremely thoughtful.
The voice just fell,
A clear, cool female voice rang out from beside her. Half-Venerable Huan Yue stepped gracefully out of the ranks, her brows furrowed with thoughtful consideration, and respectfully offered her words:
"President, I believe that although this arrangement is sound, there is still a flaw."
The current city lord of Fenghai Immortal City is merely a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, a vast difference in their cultivation levels.
Those half-saints, burdened with guilt, were arrogant and unruly, and a mere Nascent Soul junior simply couldn't command them.
If a sudden change occurs within the city, and the city lord is unable to control the situation, it could lead to a major disaster.
In my humble opinion, we must appoint another half-Venerable to personally guard Fenghai Immortal City.
He has full authority over the [Sealed Sea Immortal City].
These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall.
"Fellow Daoist Huan Yue is absolutely right. Only with a Half-Saint from the main branch in charge can the situation be kept under control!"
I recommend Zhanfeng Banzun.
Fellow Daoist Zhanfeng is decisive and ruthless, making him most suitable for guarding the border!
"inappropriate,
Fellow Daoist Zhanfeng, you are constantly engaged in battle and it is not advisable for you to stay in one city for too long.
I believe that Xuan Chen, the Half-Venerable, is more suitable!
The group of semi-saints each held their own opinion, recommending their own close associates.
There was an undercurrent of tension in their words; no one was willing to personally go to the desolate and remote Fenghai Immortal City to guard it.
The border region offers harsh training environments, scarce resources, and is far from the association's power center.
Being stationed here is tantamount to being marginalized.
The group of semi-respecters were all self-interested, so they naturally made all sorts of excuses and only wanted to recommend others to go.
The crowd argued incessantly, and the clamor of their discussion filled the hall.
The once solemn council hall became chaotic.
On the high platform, Cheng Buzheng quietly watched the crowd below, shirking responsibility and engaging in heated arguments, his patience gradually wearing thin.
His brows slowly furrowed tightly.
An invisible pressure from the Nascent Soul stage quietly emanated from his body.
next moment,
A voice devoid of any emotion, cold and indifferent, suddenly resounded throughout the hall.
Like a thunderclap in the cold, it instantly silenced all other noises:
"quiet."
Just those two words silenced the entire room instantly.
All the semi-saints froze, immediately shutting their mouths and lowering their heads, a chill rising in their hearts.
They dared not have any more arguments.
Cheng Buzheng's cold gaze swept over the crowd, seeing through their ulterior motives at a glance. Too lazy to maneuver or make excuses any further, he directly set the rules:
"I know that none of you are willing to go to the border to guard the frontier."
Since that's the case, a shift system for guarding the area will be implemented.
The duration of a single shift is limited to ten years.
The term is ten years, with rotating shifts to ensure fairness and impartiality.
For this first round of duty, the Half-Saint of the Surveillance Hall will go first.
The half-saints in the Surveillance Hall wore slightly bitter expressions, but dared not disobey the orders of the Nascent Soul Guild Master. They could only bow in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized:
"We obey!"
Then,
Cheng Buzheng spoke again, his voice carrying an undeniable authority, to complete the subsequent arrangements:
"I will issue an exclusive decree shortly, ordering all guilty half-saints to depart for Fenghai Immortal City within three days."
At the same time, an ironclad rule was established:
Without a garrison order, no guilty half-saint is allowed to step outside the city limits of Fenghai Immortal City.
Anyone who dares to disobey orders and cause trouble may be directly reported to me by the garrison commander.
I will personally take action to settle this matter and show no leniency.
I've heard of this strict, ironclad rule...
All the half-saints below breathed a sigh of relief, their worries completely dissipating.
With the president's decree to suppress it, and with deities taking turns to guard it,
Furthermore, those who violate this rule will be punished personally by a powerful Nascent Soul cultivator.
This group of corrupt and dangerous half-saints were completely locked up within the Sealed Sea Immortal City.
No longer able to threaten the association headquarters
It is even more impossible to shake their position.
The biggest worry is over.
The group then began asking questions one by one about various practical issues, such as the division of authority within their respective departments, cross-departmental collaboration responsibilities, and the revision of ambiguous regulations.
Cheng Buzheng answered each question calmly and clearly, clarifying the ownership and liability disputes.
Time slowly passed by...
Three hours passed in the blink of an eye.
After all matters were discussed, the group of half-saints bowed and took their leave, disappearing into the long corridor outside the hall.
Until the last half-figure disappeared completely from the hall, the hall returned to complete emptiness and silence.
Cheng Buzheng slowly withdrew his gaze from the distance.
He looked down at the soul puppet standing quietly to his side.
Then, he raised his hand and waved it gently, causing subtle ripples in the space. The soul puppet that had been standing in place just moments before vanished into thin air.
Followed by.
Cheng Buzheng stood up, his white robe brushing against the armrest of the chair.
next moment.
Cheng Buzheng, who was standing in front of the throne, instantly shattered into tiny white stardust, which dissipated into the air of the hall with the wind, leaving no trace of him.
Looking again...
Deep within the headquarters of the Cultivator Association, in the air above the forbidden palace, space slightly distorted, rippling outwards.
Then, Cheng Buzheng's figure silently reappeared.
After appearing, Cheng Buzheng did not hesitate for a moment. He raised his hand and released the soul puppet again, letting it stand quietly below the high platform of the main hall.
Then, he lightly touched the air with his feet, his figure became ethereal again, and he completely disappeared from the forbidden palace without leaving a trace.
In the vast forbidden hall, only a soul puppet stood there blankly.
The deathly silence lasted for several breaths.
The puppet, which had been closed and seemingly devoid of consciousness, suddenly opened its eyes wide, a sharp, intense glint flashing in them.
Where is even a trace of the puppet's sluggishness?
It raised its eyes and locked onto the empty throne atop the high platform, its steps steady as it ascended the steps one by one.
Finally, he calmly took his seat on the chairman's throne, replicating the posture Cheng Buzheng had adopted earlier.
Then his eyes closed again, and his breathing returned to normal.
The main hall fell silent once more.
It was as if nothing had ever happened.
...(End of this chapter)