186: Transaction with the Mu family, puppet inheritance

Chen Cuo's intention to bring the Mu family on board was certainly not a casual decision; it was the result of careful consideration, as he coveted their Puppet Legacy.

According to many rumors, their Puppet Dao had its unique aspects, and it was equally extraordinary compared to the Sect's Legacy.

Unfortunately, the Puppet Legacy within the Sect was not specialized in this Dao; the Puppet Dao still differed somewhat from Artifact Refining.

Bai Tang agreed to ask the Mu family if they were willing to join his venture, a decision she made only after observing the Mu family's recent increased activity.

For instance, during the Grand Ceremony, he heard a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Sect mention a wonderful Puppet, which had originated from the Mu family, serving as further evidence of their declining Family circumstances.

After all, Mu Erhun failed the True Disciple assessment, and the resources invested in early preparations were a pure loss.

"Alright, then I'll make a trip out of the Sect, and while I'm at it, I'll go down the mountain to search for fire seeds."

Chen Cuo, who felt he had some methods, also felt uncomfortable with the recent stable Cultivation; deep down, he was still a Martial Artist, and besides, having come to the Cultivation world, he hadn't seen much of its scenery, which was truly a loss.

However, he still had to inform Yuanyuan True Man; True Disciples of Lingbao Mountain rarely went out for training, as the repair tasks of Butian Pavilion and its own Secret Realm were enough for Foundation Establishment cultivators to explore continuously.

Most Lingbao Mountain Disciples, like Yuanyuan True Man, were proper shut-in Cultivators, the kind who stayed at home and didn't go out.

They all liked to rely on their cultivated agents to handle various affairs for them.

Just like the relationship between Chen Cuo and the Bai Family, many True Disciples had their own cultivated forces and business networks.

Families like the Hua Family and the Zhao Family, and the Bai Family previously, all had Foundation Establishment cultivators and the background of True Disciples, which allowed them to naturally obtain the cross-world quotas.

Other Disciples, unless they reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, at which point the Butian Pavilion Secret Realm would no longer be of much use for Core Formation, could only go out for training and collect Core Formation Opportunities.

For example, Pavilion Lord Duan Canghai's Five Elements Spiritual Fire Sky Flame Lantern refining method was obtained by chance during an outside Opportunity; it was a Magic Treasure specifically used to avoid tribulations and perfectly suited his Cultivation Technique.

This was Opportunity.

After thinking for a while, Chen Cuo sent a message to Yuanyuan True Man, saying, "Revered Master, I wish to leave the Sect for a period of training. My Cultivation has been stuck at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, making no further progress, and I also have some trivial matters to attend to. I hope Revered Master will grant my request."

After a long wait, Yuanyuan True Man did not respond. Just as he was about to personally visit his Immortal Cave, a Spirit Crane chirped outside Chen Cuo's door. Ning Wushuang walked in, holding a jade Talisman in her hand.

At the same time, a thought appeared on it, which was from Yuanyuan True Man, essentially telling Chen Cuo to be extra careful and pay attention to safety when he went out.

This jade Talisman contained a trace of his magical power, which, once activated, was enough to kill a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, meant for his self-protection.

Chen Cuo finally understood what Elder's care meant: it was mostly useless.

Putting away the jade Talisman into his Storage Pouch, Chen Cuo arranged the Sect's affairs, especially the issue of Butian Pavilion's repair. The Longitudinal Chess World could not be moved arbitrarily; it should be allowed to evolve and repair itself.

It was that unknown Formation; its power was growing stronger and stronger. If other Disciples accidentally entered it, without the Longitudinal Chess World's recognition, the power of this Formation would not show mercy!

He had to make sure to instruct clearly.

Once everything was ready, Xiaobai and Xiaoling had been playing in the mountains, so he wouldn't bring them along.

Chen Cuo was very lenient with these two little ones; they were always fed medicinal herbs and beast meat without interruption.

Upon arriving at the outer Sect, Chen Cuo found Bai Tang and directly said, "Come with me to see the Mu family's Old Ancestor. I have already reported to Qingfengzi, and you can rest for a period."

"Yes!"

Bai Tang naturally agreed. Chen Cuo was not very familiar with the Mu family, so bringing Bai Tang would make things more convenient.

Riding the Spirit Wind Boat, the Mu family's main branch was in Huaguang Nation, one of the three nations of Lingbao Mountain, and was under the jurisdiction of the Hua Family, in a neither-up-nor-down situation.

The Hua Family's prestige was soaring, and the Mu family naturally wanted to rely on them, but the price to pay was too great, almost devastating to the Family's development, as the Mu family would be completely exploited, so they naturally refused.

The border of Huaguang Nation was the Mu family's ancestral land, and news about Chen Cuo had already reached the Mu family.

"Clan Chief Tianlong, will our Mu family joining the Hua Jian Trading Company help us overcome our current difficult situation? That True Disciple Chen's purpose should not be simple!"

"Alas, how could I not know? He must have his eyes on our Mu family's Puppet Legacy, but our Mu family sending Erhun to participate in the True Disciple selection under the Hua Family's nose has already greatly offended that old scoundrel in Huaguang City."

"Damn old thief, he thinks our Mu family can be easily bullied! Our Mu family is not his vassal."

Mu Tianhu, who was Mu Erhun's father, said angrily.

"Didn't Erhun write that he had already connected with a Foundation Establishment Elder? Could it be?"

"Useless. That person also harbors ill intentions, and he may not be able to protect us. The Hua Family is too powerful."

"But..."

"Stop talking. News from outside says True Disciple Chen has arrived!"

As Chen Cuo entered the Mu family's ancestral land, the surrounding mist gradually dispersed, and he stepped out of the Formation. The sight before him filled him with some emotion.

The towering giant trees had vanished, replaced by a Cultivation Family nestled in a valley.

The scenery was breathtaking, with green mountains and clear waters, birds singing and flowers fragrant. The Spiritual Qi was not dense, but it was sufficient for a Family's foundation.

Chen Cuo instantly felt the vast difference between this place and the Sect. These Cultivation families, struggling in the Cultivation world, were the backbone of the Cultivation world.

Just as he was absorbed in this beautiful scenery, a tall, thin figure walked out of the Family and approached Chen Cuo.

He was a middle-aged man with a refined Face, his eyes revealing wisdom and depth. He walked up to Chen Cuo, smiled slightly, and respectfully said, "Senior Chen, welcome to the Mu family's ancestral land. Please follow me!"

Chen Cuo regained his composure, returned a simple bow, and politely asked, "May I ask this Fellow Daoist?"

"I dare not accept such a title from True Disciple Chen. I am Mu Tianlong, humbly serving as the Mu family's Clan Chief."

The Clan Chief replied nervously. Facing Chen Cuo and Bai Tang, two Foundation Establishment cultivators, the grand Formation before him offered no sense of security, and his posture became even more humble, his manners impeccable.

Chen Cuo waved his hand, signaling Mu Tianlong not to be so polite, then pointed to the surrounding environment and said, "This place, as the Family's ancestral Cultivation Holy Land, has rich Spiritual Qi and beautiful scenery. No wonder the Mu family produces so many talents. My visit to the Mu family today is also a destined encounter with Clan Chief Tianlong."

Mu Tianlong's heart trembled upon hearing this, and he didn't know what to say.

He knew deeply how difficult and perilous the path of Cultivation was. He naturally understood the unspoken meaning in Chen Cuo's words: it was truly not easy for the Mu family to obtain such an Opportunity.

He took a deep breath and said, "True Disciple Chen and Senior Bai, please follow me. We will discuss inside."

Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in Bai Tang's eyes, and she said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Fellow Daoist Tianlong."

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

Facing such courtesy from two Foundation Establishment cultivators, Mu Tianlong dared not say more and was immediately overwhelmed with gratitude.

Chen Cuo and Bai Tang entered the Mu family's ancestral home, receiving a warm reception from the other party. They enjoyed Spirit Tea and had a pleasant conversation.

However, Chen Cuo's visit was certainly not for tea and small talk. After a while, he immediately stated, "Fellow Daoist Mu, you must know my intention. Previously, I asked Bai Tang to inquire whether your Mu family was willing to join my Chamber of Commerce. May I know your definitive answer?"

The Mu family's ancestral home was filled with an ancient and solemn atmosphere, surrounded by various Spiritual Plants and Magical Artifacts, everywhere revealing the Family's extraordinary heritage.

Mu Tianlong and Mu Tianhu stood by, exchanging glances, their minds already made up.

Mu Tianlong, with a touch of humble smile, put down his teacup, his eyes revealing a hint of deep thought.

In reality, he didn't have many choices. Now the Hua Family was pressing hard, and he was only a Qi Refining Late Stage Cultivator, his vitality already withered, with no chance of breaking through to Foundation Establishment. Could he afford to offend another True Disciple?

"True Disciple Chen, we have indeed seriously considered your proposal. As a local Family with a long history, the Mu family has long yearned for True Disciple Chen's favor. Now that the Hua Family is eyeing our Mu family like a tiger, I wonder if True Disciple Chen can..."

He paused, then continued, "The Mu family is renowned for its Puppets. True Disciple Chen's Hua Jian Trading Company has a strong reputation and powerful strength. Cooperating with you will undoubtedly bring new opportunities to the Mu family, but there are still some concerns within the Family..."

Chen Cuo nodded, signaling him to continue.

"We are concerned about the status of the Mu family after joining the Chamber of Commerce. Will it be like the Bai Family, acting as your agent, or will it be a complete dependency?

Furthermore, we also want to know what specific guarantees we can receive after joining the Chamber of Commerce."

After listening, Chen Cuo already had a plan in mind. He knew deeply that the Mu family's concerns were not unreasonable; any Family would consider carefully when facing major choices.

There was indeed a difference between the two options mentioned by the other party: if it was an agent, it was merely a cooperative relationship, but if it was a dependency, then it was a Revered Master-subordinate issue. Chen Cuo, gaining the Mu family's loyalty, naturally had to offer more protection.

However, he had no such intention.

Thus, he said in a deep voice, "I understand Fellow Daoist Mu's concerns. Please rest assured, my invitation is naturally based on cooperation. I will not forcibly interfere with the Mu family's affairs. After joining the Chamber of Commerce, the Mu family's development will still be autonomous, and it can maintain its independence. I will only provide corresponding support."

"Moreover, the person behind the Hua Family is one of my Senior Brothers. I believe he will be willing to give me some Face and will no longer trouble the Mu family."

After Chen Cuo finished speaking, at his signal, Bai Tang stepped forward and said, "Senior Brother Chen will visit the Hua Family later."

Chen Cuo nodded and continued.

"As for support and guarantees, I can assure you that once the Mu family becomes a member of our Chamber of Commerce, we will provide you with comprehensive support. Whether it's resource supply, market expansion, or safety protection, we will provide the greatest assistance."

"Including several special commodities of my Chamber of Commerce. Of course, the quota will be much lower than the Bai Family's, after all, your Family does not have Foundation Establishment cultivators."

Upon hearing Chen Cuo's reply, a hint of surprise flashed in Mu Tianlong's eyes. He truly hadn't expected Chen Cuo to offer so many promises.

He knew that what Chen Cuo said was true. Now, not only would the Mu family's crisis be resolved, but considering the Mu family's future development needs, he felt this was an Opportunity worth seizing.

Thus, he stood up and solemnly said to Chen Cuo, "Thank you for your favor, True Disciple Chen. Our Mu family requests Senior and Senior Bai's continued guidance."

With that, he waved his hand, and Mu Tianhu immediately left. In a moment, he returned to the main hall with a beautiful girl in the prime of her youth.

The girl held a jade plate, and on the plate was a Magical Artifact resembling a Rubik's Cube.

Mu Tianlong signaled, and the girl walked in front of Chen Cuo, looking pitifully charming, her large, watery eyes fixed on Chen Cuo.

"True Disciple Chen, this is our Mu family's Puppet Art Legacy. This is a memory Magical Artifact, the Puppet Knowledge Talisman. Please give us some pointers, Senior Chen, and see if there are any areas that need improvement."

This was handing over the Legacy on a silver platter, which was quite sensible of them.

Chen Cuo took the memory Magical Artifact, his fingertips lightly touching it. A faint magical power fluctuation emanated from his fingertips and flowed into the Magical Artifact.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. The craftsmanship of this Puppet Knowledge Talisman and the Puppet Art knowledge contained within it were even more exquisite than he had anticipated.

"I have long heard that the Mu family is proficient in the Puppet Dao. May I ask about the origin of this Legacy? Could you enlighten me?" Chen Cuo looked up at Mu Tianlong, his eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.

Mu Tianlong smiled slightly and began to recount the history and Legacy of the Mu family's Puppet Art.

The Mu family's Puppet Art originated from an ancient and mysterious Legacy, the Thousand Machine Sect. After generations of accumulation and refinement, it gradually formed into its current unique skill.

Their Puppet Art was not merely a technique for controlling Puppets in combat, but a comprehensive skill that integrated Artifact Refining, Formation, Talisman, and other aspects.

Chen Cuo listened intently, nodding occasionally to show his understanding.

He had read ancient texts and also heard of the Thousand Machine Sect. It was quite famous in the Cultivation world, an ancient Legacy. And the Mu family, as a leader in Puppet Art, their Legacy being related to it was naturally extraordinary.

However, how should one put it, the current Puppet Dao in the Cultivation world all had more or less a connection with this Thousand Machine Sect.

After listening to the Mu family's narration, Chen Cuo meticulously examined the Puppet Knowledge Talisman in his hand once more.

He discovered that this Magical Artifact not only contained rich Puppet Art knowledge but also some unique Puppet refining methods and Formation arrangement techniques.

"It's worth studying in depth."

These were all valuable materials he could hardly access elsewhere.

Chen Cuo secretly praised it endlessly, and at the same time, he looked at the Mu family in a new light.

He immediately said, "I would like to thoroughly study the knowledge within this Puppet Knowledge Talisman. May I borrow this Magical Artifact from the Mu family for a period?"

To demand someone else's Family Legacy in such a way could be considered a grave offense worthy of hostility.

Chen Cuo was not without consideration. Mu Tianlong had difficulty speaking, and Mu Tianhu beside him stammered, unable to speak.

Chen Cuo then continued, "I, Chen, will offer sufficient compensation. Mu Erhun is about to reach Qi Refining Perfection, right? I will provide him with a Foundation Establishment Pill. How about it?"

Mu Tianlong's expression became solemn, and Mu Tianhu visibly tensed up. Soon, Mu Tianlong gritted his teeth and said, "True Disciple Chen can borrow it to study for a longer period. Moreover, this granddaughter of mine has long received my true Legacy and has unique insights into the Puppet Dao. I wonder if True Disciple Chen would be willing to take her as a Disciple and give her some guidance."

"Since that's the case, thank you. As for taking Disciples? I currently have no such plans, but if she is willing, she can follow me to my Immortal Cave to Cultivate and be an assistant!"

"This..." Mu Tianlong was about to refuse immediately. The word 'assistant' was already self-evident.

Bai Tang's heart tightened, and she secretly cursed, "Truly, a lecher."

"Then never mind, let's talk about serious matters!"

Chen Cuo naturally began to inquire about questions concerning the Puppet Dao and discuss related issues for their upcoming cooperation.

As their conversation deepened, Chen Cuo developed an even stronger interest in the Mu family's Puppet Art.

He asked many detailed questions about Puppet refining and control, and Mu Tianlong dared not be stingy in sharing his experiences and insights.

As for the Chamber of Commerce cooperation, it was discussed by Mu Tianhu and Bai Tang.