The most terrifying aspect of the Heavenly Demon Puppet technique lay in the transformation of flesh into metal — reforging a corpse into an indestructible body of steel, immune to blades and spears, impervious to harm.
To fuse molten metal with flesh and blood was a process so excruciating that even a Dou Zong expert would be burned alive by the agony. Only the body of the dead — void of sensation — could endure such torment.
Within the cyan flames, the molten dark-gold liquid seeped into every inch of the corpse's muscles and veins. Slowly, the body began to harden, its surface turning a dim azure hue, resembling tempered bronze.
Watching the process calmly, Liu Xi felt no disappointment. 'If a Human-tier Demon Puppet already possesses Dou Zong-level strength, then once it undergoes heavenly lightning tempering and ascends to the true Heavenly Demon Puppet rank… wouldn't that mean it could rival a Dou Saint?'
He couldn't help but smile faintly. 'Now that would be something.'
According to the bamboo slip's records, Demon Puppets were divided into three ranks — Human, Earth, and Heaven — marked by the colors black, silver, and gold respectively. The one before him had turned a dark shade of black — the prototype of a Human-tier puppet.
Time slipped by quietly.
Soon, the dark-gold liquid was completely absorbed by the body of the Earth Demon Old Ghost. Faint silver light began to flicker beneath the dark surface, glowing brighter and brighter as a tremendous aura swelled within the puppet.
The pressure in the chamber surged violently — reaching the peak of a 5-Star Dou Zong… and then, with a thunderous pulse, breaking through to 6-Star.
But it didn't stop there.
The silver glow flared once more, the energy within the corpse roaring like a rising tide. In moments, the aura climbed again, surpassing 6-Star peak and advancing straight into 7-Star Dou Zong — the level the Earth Demon Old Ghost had once held in life.
Only then did the overwhelming power begin to stabilize. The silver brilliance flooding its body gradually condensed, leaving only faint traces of shadowy blue-black on its metallic surface — a mark of transformation complete.
Now, it was no longer a crude shell, but a true Earth Demon Puppet.
As the aura settled, it grew deeper, more restrained. Though the puppet stood motionless, its stillness exuded an oppressive might. The power within that frame had become dense and explosive — like a volcano sealed beneath ice.
Within the flickering cyan flame, the puppet slowly rose upright. Its feet lifted from the ground, floating weightlessly in midair. Its eyes — twin pools of endless black — reflected not a shred of emotion.
Liu Xi bit his tongue lightly and spat out a droplet of blood imbued with his Spiritual Power. The blood hovered briefly before drifting to the puppet's forehead, sinking in and imprinting his will deep into its soul core.
A faint shimmer rippled across its eyes — a spark of faint awareness flashing and then fading.
Then, the puppet landed soundlessly, dropping to one knee before Liu Xi, its head bowed low in silent obedience.
A pleased smile tugged at Liu Xi's lips. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
This Earth Demon Puppet was perfect — utterly loyal, bound by his blood imprint. Even if ordered to self-destruct, it would obey without hesitation.
"The aura matches a 7-Star Dou Zong," Liu Xi murmured, circling the silver figure. "With this indestructible steel body, even a 9-Star Dou Zong would struggle to defeat it."
He chuckled softly. "If that old ghost knew that after death his strength not only returned but even surpassed his peak… I wonder what he'd think of it."
He stretched lazily, the corners of his mouth curling. "Ah well — not like he can complain."
(Earth Demon Old Ghost: Complain? You refined me into a puppet, and you expect me to thank you?!)
Liu Xi's smile widened. "Your body came from the Earth Demon Old Ghost, your soul from him, your Monster Core from him, and even the refinement method was his. Hmm… from now on, you'll be called Ah Da."
The faint amusement in his tone echoed in the cave. Somehow, even the once-terrifying visage of the Earth Demon Old Ghost now felt strangely familiar — almost endearing.
With the perfect fusion of body and soul, and a 7th Rank Monster Core at its heart, the puppet had fully restored its former power. While it might not defeat a 9-Star Dou Zong, its near-invincible frame could certainly hold one at bay.
Liu Xi's gaze swept over the puppet's gleaming dark-silver body, and a satisfied light flickered in his eyes. Turning, he strode toward the exit, Ah Da following closely behind, each heavy step echoing like muffled thunder.
The ground cracked beneath its weight, forming web-like fissures with every stride. The sheer force radiating from the puppet filled Liu Xi with a profound sense of safety.
'Heh. Even men need their sense of security.'
The heavy stone doors creaked open, and warm sunlight spilled into the cave, casting a golden glow over Liu Xi's handsome features.
Outside, Xiao Yixian had been waiting. The moment she sensed movement from within, her figure flashed forward — just in time to see him emerge, framed by the morning light.
For a heartbeat, she was dazed — her beautiful eyes shimmering with gentle warmth, her lips curving softly as she gazed at him with quiet affection.
Liu Xi caught her look and smirked teasingly. "What's wrong, Xian'er? Why that look on your face?"
A faint blush colored Xiao Yixian's cheeks, but she met his teasing tone boldly. "What else? My Young Master looks far too good not to stare at."
Liu Xi stepped closer, his voice low and amused. "Then keep looking… for a lifetime."
Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed behind him. Ah Da stepped out from the cave — the air rippling faintly around his silver figure, emanating a restrained yet terrifying might.
Xiao Yixian's eyes widened slightly. "Young Master, this is the Heavenly Demon Puppet? What a terrifying power…"
Her voice carried both awe and disbelief.
Liu Xi smiled lightly. 'If it weren't for her condition right now, I'd have already carried her back into that cave and kept her there for half a month.'
He explained calmly, "The Heavenly Demon Puppet has three ranks. This one is an Earth Demon Puppet, equal to a 7-Star Dou Zong. I've named him Ah Da."
Xiao Yixian blinked, surprise written across her delicate face. "Just an Earth-tier puppet already wields such strength? Then… a Heavenly Demon Puppet must rival a Dou Zun!"
Liu Xi nodded, his eyes gleaming. "Exactly. With Ah Da holding the line, even if we face that 7th Tier Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion Beast, we'll crush it with ease."
Xiao Yixian's lips curved into a gentle smile, her eyes full of tenderness. "Mm."
"Big Brother!"
A cheerful voice called from afar. A flash of violet light streaked across the air — Zi Yan, brimming with energy as always. She stopped a few steps away, eyes wide in wonder.
"Big Brother, you're finally out! Whoa, this silver lump — that's the Heavenly Demon Puppet, right? It looks insanely strong!"
Her amethyst eyes gleamed with excitement and challenge. "Big Brother, let me fight it! I want to see who's stronger!"
Liu Xi chuckled, shaking his head. "No way. What if you break it?"
Zi Yan clenched her small fists, puffing her cheeks. "I'll be careful! I won't damage it, promise!"
He reached out and ruffled her hair with a soft smile. "If it breaks, I don't care — but if you get hurt, that I can't allow. You're my precious treasure."
Zi Yan froze, her cheeks turning pink as she stared at him with wide, shimmering eyes. "Then… I won't fight it."
At the side, Xiao Yixian quietly pursed her lips. 'Just moments ago he was sweet-talking me — and now he's calling another girl his "precious treasure"…'
'Hmph. Men.'
(End of Chapter)
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