Longevity: My Talents Are a Bit Abundant

Chapter 979: Chapter 708: Flood Dragon Transformation

Tiger Roar Peak Cave Mansion, the meditation chamber was deep and secluded.

Shen Xuan sat cross-legged, regulating his breath, when a Sound Transmission Talisman flew in.

The gentle voice of the maid Incense greeted him: "Master, True Master Miao Lian is visiting."

Shen Xuan opened his eyes, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

Perfect timing.

Shen Xuan steadied his breath, adjusted his robes, and casually walked into the outer mansion’s guest room.

"Fellow Daoist Guo!"

True Master Miao Lian, who had been waiting there, immediately stood up, her smile radiant. Today

she had changed into another outfit, a long pink dress that set off her snow-white skin, adding a touch of tender charm.

Shen Xuan smiled and nodded, taking the main seat.

"Fellow Daoist Miao Lian, your esteemed visit, is it regarding the ease of handling the Thunder Peng Puppet?"

True Master Miao Lian curtseyed gracefully, her eyes filled with gratitude: "I must thank Fellow Daoist Guo! This puppet is extraordinarily miraculous. Miao Lian has been practicing recently and finds it increasingly easier to control, its power exceptional. The artifact refining skills of Fellow Daoist are truly beyond comprehension."

"I’m glad it suits your needs."

Shen Xuan’s expression was calm.

"So, shall we settle the refining fee now?"

"Ah?"

Miao Lian’s smile froze instantly.

She hadn’t expected Shen Xuan to bring up this matter so directly.

Having focused on her master’s assigned task, she had completely forgotten about the payment due.

Seeing True Master Miao Lian’s surprise, Shen Xuan furrowed his brow slightly, speaking in a displeased tone: "What, is Fellow Daoist Miao Lian perhaps thinking of defaulting on the debt?"

"No, no! Fellow Daoist misunderstood!"

Miao Lian hurriedly came back to her senses, an embarrassed blush appearing on her face as she waved her hands.

"It was careless of Miao Lian! I wonder what amount Fellow Daoist Guo feels is appropriate? Please specify."

Shen Xuan’s expression softened slightly, saying seriously: "Guo has spent six years of effort on this puppet, researching day and night. You have seen its power first-hand, unparalleled compared to ordinary Golden Core True Masters."

He paused, looking directly at True Master Miao Lian.

"Guo does not ask for much, a Tier Three Upper Grade Fire Attribute Demon Beast Inner Core as payment, that isn’t too much, is it?"

"Not excessive, reasonable."

Miao Lian breathed a sigh of relief but soon showed a troubled expression.

"However, this type of Inner Core is rare, and Miao Lian currently does not have one. Could Fellow Daoist kindly extend the deadline, allowing Miao Lian to find a way to gather it?"

Shen Xuan glanced at her and slowly nodded: "Alright."

After speaking, he did not say more, picking up the Spirit Tea beside him, lowering his head to sip it, seemingly indicating it was time for the guest to leave.

The room fell silent for a moment.

True Master Miao Lian did not leave though, still standing there, her fingers subconsciously twisting her sleeves, her expression hesitant, wanting to speak but holding back.

Shen Xuan secretly laughed.

This task assigned by True Monarch Red Lotus couldn’t be avoided.

Shen Xuan set down his teacup, raised his eyes to look at her, giving her an opening: "Does Fellow Daoist Miao Lian have another matter?"

"Yes, indeed there is one more thing I wish to ask."

True Master Miao Lian made up her mind, her voice softer.

"Miao Lian has a very close friend who saw the Thunder Peng Puppet and loved it greatly, also wishing to ask you to refine one. But, her cultivation is still shallow, only Foundation Establishment Realm. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Guo could find a way to create a Thunder Peng Puppet she could manage?"

"Impossible."

Shen Xuan replied decisively, leaving no room for maneuvering.

"Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s strength of Divine Soul and Spiritual Power control can only manage Tier Two Puppets at most. The Thunder Peng Puppet is intricately constructed and seals a wisp of the Three-Eyed Thunder Roc King’s soul, enhancing its spirituality, demanding high control. As a Golden Core Cultivator, having personally managed it, surely Fellow Daoist Miao Lian knows the intricacies?"

Miao Lian’s smile turned slightly bitter, biting her lower lip, probing: "Then, if some constructions were simplified, omitting the Thunder Roc soul, could the Divine Soul burden be eased so that a Foundation Establishment Cultivator might use it?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Xuan showed a contemplating expression.

A moment later, he still shook his head: "Difficult. The Thunder Roc soul is the highlight of this puppet, giving it its spirituality and partial instinct. Removing the Thunder Roc soul would make the puppet lose much of its charm, becoming clumsy and dull, greatly reducing its power, unsuitable for major use."

He picked up the teacup and took another sip, his brows showing thought.

"However, if the goal is merely to slightly lessen the control demands, reduce unnecessary Divine Soul and Spiritual Power consumption, Guo might attempt some adjustments."

Miao Lian’s eyes brightened, her face suddenly shifting from cloudy to clear, blossoming with joy: "Really? Then please trouble Fellow Daoist Guo to dedicate your efforts!"

"Don’t be too pleased,"

"Guo merely said ’might try,’ even if successful, it would only slightly ease the burden. Hoping for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator to effortlessly control such a Tier Three Puppet is absolutely impossible. This is a cultivation gap, not something skill can overcome."

"Miao Lian understands! Fellow Daoist, please proceed boldly; regardless of success or failure, Miao Lian will be grateful and fully support you!"

True Master Miao Lian promptly expressed her stance, her eyes showing delight.

Enabling Guo Shiyan to continue researching improvements meant she was fulfilling her master’s task.

This kind of matter couldn’t be accomplished overnight.

"Then, in some time, once Miao Lian has prepared the relevant Thunder Peng Puppet materials, I’ll discuss the details with Fellow Daoist."

She immediately decided on follow-up actions.

The Bright Flame Sect and Southern Wilderness Demon Race have fought for years, stockpiling many materials of the Three-eyed Thunder Roc King.

"Hmm." Shen Xuan was non-committal.

"As for this time’s Thunder Peng Puppet fee, a Tier Three Upper Grade Fire Attribute Inner Core, Miao Lian will surely find one soon, absolutely no delay!"

True Master Miao Lian solemnly promised.

With the business settled, the atmosphere in the room seemed somewhat relaxed.

True Master Miao Lian’s eyes glimmered as she suddenly took a small step forward, getting closer to Shen Xuan.

Her long eyelashes quivered, beautiful blushes appeared on her cheeks, and her voice was tinged with a touch of feminine charm and shyness.

"Fellow Daoist Guo, Miao Lian also heard that you reside here on Tiger Roar Peak, rarely venturing out, with no one to attend to your daily needs. Do you not feel lonely with the long nights and the chilling cave mansion?"

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