Under One Person: The Puppet Immortal in the Tang Sect

Liang Wu rubbed his hands together, his face full of excitement at the challenge.

“No problem! This kind of novelty is the most interesting! But let’s make it clear first, you’ll have to get permission from the sect leader for the material costs and experimental expenses. I’m just a poor weapon refiner, I can’t afford to cover those.”

"Of course, besides, what we've done is for the Tang Sect. As long as we explain the situation, the Sect Master will definitely support us."

Cui Ming smiled and turned his gaze back to the exoskeleton armor whose framework had been initially set up.

The two became increasingly excited as they talked, and immediately threw themselves into their work with great enthusiasm.

Cui Ming was in charge of structural design and parts processing. His hands, honed through countless trials, were incredibly steady, and his grasp of dimensions was precise to the millimeter.

Liang Wu then used his best skills to inscribe intricate and mysterious runes on various parts.

Sometimes he concentrates his mind and calms his spirit, sometimes he wields his brush and splashes ink, his breath flowing with the tip of the brush and blending into the materials.

One day later.

The first batch of prototype armor components was quickly produced through the joint efforts of the mechanical arm and Cui Ming and Liang Wu.

These parts were mainly arm guards and leg armor. After Cui Ming put them on and activated the runes, he was able to easily leap onto the workshop beams with a light leap and land silently.

As the armor provided power, it threw a punch, creating a sharp, piercing sound as it cut through the air.

"The results are remarkable!"

Liang Wu felt that there was still room for improvement.

"However, the rune load still needs optimization; prolonged use still consumes a significant amount of Qi. And this is just a basic function; the loading mechanism you mentioned..."

"Take it one step at a time."

Cui Ming removed the parts and carefully examined the rune patterns and structural connection points.

"First, solve the core power and load-bearing issues, and then gradually add functional modules."

"If successful, it will greatly increase the sect's combat strength. We can also take the results directly to the sect leader and persuade him to continue providing us with resources so that we can continue our research."

After assembling the remaining parts, Cui Ming prepared to take Liang Wu to meet the sect leader and others.

But Liang Wu waved his hand.

"You're really tough, kid. I'm starting to feel the strain. I need to go catch up on some sleep and rest. You should take it easy too."

"Day after day...it's like there's a monster chasing after us, trying to bite us..."

With that, Liang Wu disappeared into the workshop and went back to rest.

Cui Ming paused in his hand, which was controlling the mechanical arm.

Then things returned to normal, the assembly was quickly completed, and they silently walked towards the direction of the sect leader.

If you want to wear the crown, you must first bear its weight.

Chapter 16 Undercurrents

With all distractions cleared from his mind, Cui Ming left the workshop with the simple, unfinished set of parts.

We walked through the winding stone path inside the Tang Clan towards the residence of the sect leader.

Along the way, the Tang Clan disciples they encountered, whether inner or outer disciples, all looked at Cui Ming with undisguised awe and curiosity, and took the initiative to make way and pay their respects.

Cui Ming simply nodded in response, his steps unwavering, as he pondered how to persuade the sect leader to support this costly but potentially transformative plan for the Tang Sect.

It's important to understand that continuing research and development will definitely require a large amount of funding.

While pondering, Cui Ming caught a glimpse of a disciple who had become disabled due to a mission, and a thought struck him.

After a moment of mental calculation and planning, Cui Ming came to his senses and arrived at the gate of the sect leader's residence.

Coincidentally, Tang Bingwen was playing chess with Tang Jiaren in the room, with black and white pieces scattered on the chessboard.

The two were not surprised to see Cui Ming visit, as if they had expected him to come.

"Disciple Cui Ming greets Sect Master and Lord."

Cui Ming put down the wooden box containing the exoskeleton armor parts and bowed respectfully.

Tang Bingwen put down the chess piece in his hand, looked at Cui Ming with one eye, glanced at the wooden box at Cui Ming's feet, and laughed.

"I heard you and Liang Wu have come up with some new gadgets recently?"

"That's right. In this period of time, the materials consumed in the warehouse inside the gate are almost equivalent to the amount consumed in half a year last year."

Tang Jiaren picked up the conversation and teased.

"Cui Ming, now that you have successfully mastered the Dan Shi technique, instead of consolidating your cultivation, you are obsessed with this path. What exactly do you seek?"

Tang Bingwen was somewhat puzzled.

Cui Ming straightened up, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Sect Master, Your Excellency, what this disciple seeks is the prosperity of the Tang Sect. The Dan Shi is the sharp blade protecting this disciple, and this item..."

Cui Ming pointed to the wooden box.

"If successful, it will be an opportunity to enhance the overall strength of our Tang Clan."

After saying that, Cui Ming opened the wooden box and took out the set of arm and leg armor engraved with runes.

It also briefly explained the creative concept behind this exoskeleton armor.

Furthermore, by combining mechanical arts, runes, and the essence of the Black-tailed Armor, it enhances the user's physical fitness, mobility, and even the ability to recover Qi.

To demonstrate more intuitively, Cui Ming put on some of the parts on the spot.

Without using its own Qi, it relied solely on the mechanical power of the armor base.

With a light leap, Cui Ming silently darted to the top of the house, his figure as swift as a swallow.

Then, using the hooks extending from the arm guards, it was hung on the roof of the house.

Then, like a falling leaf, it slowly fell with an extremely high degree of air suspension.

Upon landing, the sound of air being cut was heard as he threw punches and kicked, demonstrating a significant increase in power.

Tang Bingwen and Tang Jiaren were both discerning people, and their expressions gradually became serious.

Tang Jiaren stood up, walked to Cui Ming's side, and carefully touched and examined the material and rune patterns of the armor.

"Ingenious structure... these runes seem to have the effect of gathering Qi?"

A glint of light flashed in Tang Jiaren's eyes.

"Your Excellency is wise."

Cui Ming nodded.

"This is a preliminary attempt, drawing on some principles of the Earth and Wood Flowing Technique, which can passively assist users in restoring their Qi."

"However, the current effect is still minimal and the load is relatively large, requiring further optimization. But if it can be improved, it will greatly enhance capabilities in areas such as protracted warfare and stealth attacks."

Tang Bingwen pondered for a moment before speaking.

What do you need?

"Support from both sides."

Cui Ming hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

"Firstly, logistical resources. Research and development requires a large amount of metal, jade, and spiritual ink materials for inscribing runes."

Secondly, a suitable assistant is needed to jointly test and improve this armor.

This disciple believes that Senior Brother Li Ding is the best candidate.

"Li Ding?"

Tang Jiaren raised an eyebrow.

"Among those within the sect who have mastered the Black-Tailed Armor, he is indeed the only one who can do so. His experience and feedback are crucial. You want him to be the first tester for this armor?"

"Exactly."

Cui Ming affirmed.

"Senior Brother Li's understanding of the Black-tailed Armor is unmatched within the sect, and his advice can save us from many detours. Moreover, if this armor can be combined with him, its power will surely reach a new level."

Tang Bingwen and Tang Jiaren exchanged a glance.

They saw the potential of this armor and understood that Cui Ming was not just talking nonsense.

Improving their overall strength would be ideal for these assassins who survive through bloodshed, which is exactly what they, as sect leaders and elders, hope to see.

"Granted!"

Tang Bingwen made the final decision.

"You can take the required materials directly to the warehouse with my warrant, and report the quantity as needed. I will personally discuss the matter with Li Ding. This matter concerns the future of the Tang Clan, so I hope you and Liang Wu will do your utmost."

"This disciple will certainly live up to the expectations of the sect leader and the master!"

With a firm resolve, Cui Ming spoke again.

"This disciple has one more matter..."

......

Just as Cui Ming and Liang Wu began to further improve the exoskeleton armor, some changes in the Tang Clan's exterior also began to quietly appear.

Several Tang Clan disciples, equipped with Cui Ming's improved assassination crossbows, specially made arrows, and Shadow Spider puppets, demonstrated unprecedented efficiency and stealth when carrying out missions.

During a cleanup operation targeting a clan of supernatural beings who were colluding with foreign enemies, three Tang Clan assassins used Shadow Spiders to infiltrate the target's residence in advance and set up explosives.

Then, use explosive arrows to remotely detonate and create chaos, and finally use the piercing arrow to accurately target the key figures who are fleeing in panic.

The entire process was swift and seamless. The target family was unable to mount any effective resistance and collapsed under the cover of night. The three Tang Clan assassins escaped unscathed.

In another mission to escort important items, the team was ambushed.

The disciples responsible for the protection used Cui Ming's attack-specialized Shadow Spider puppets to hold back six or seven skilled fighters, buying time for their companions to counterattack.

Even when the opponent was destroying the Shadow Spider, the puppet self-destructed, and the resulting eerie green flames and poisonous mist took away three of the opponent's members.

The rest were also seriously injured, and they too perished under the combined attack of the remaining members of the squad.

After completing their mission, the disciples returned to their sect, all marveling at how practical the puppets Cui Ming had created were, and they all went to the workshop to express their gratitude.