Chapter 1518 - 1078: "Peach Blossom Spring

Chapter 1518: Chapter 1078: "Peach Blossom Spring

Indeed, something was wrong. Jiang Yuan couldn’t see the opponent’s health bar, and the system didn’t provide any details.

Either the system had shut down after entering the Secret Realm, or the opponent didn’t truly exist and wasn’t recognized by the system as a "monster" to attack.

But typically, before a system shutdown, there would be a prompt indicating that they’d have to rely on themselves from that point on, just like entering the Ghost Realm or the branches of the World Tree. Since there was no prompt, it could only mean the latter — the opponent indeed posed no potential threat.

Furthermore, the "waste accumulation point" left by a sect that had long since collectively relocated had an entrance array that was so perfunctory. The array was so simple that it allowed a small amount of demonic energy to invade, and he didn’t think any ridiculous danger would arise.

Most importantly, everything in the Storage Bag was normal.

Teleportation Talismans and Teleportation Scrolls could be used at any time; there was also a stack of spare Resurrection Talismans piled in the warehouse. With a single thought, two contracted Puppet Tool Persons could be stored in their special storage slots.

Jiang Yuan considered the worst-case scenario — at most, he would use a Resurrection Talisman and then bring back two damaged puppets.

However, after Yun Shu’s special experience with the black hole in the Void last time, genius refiner Leng Yutang was adept at repairing puppets. As long as they weren’t shattered into pieces, there should be no problem.

"Uncle Niu!" The little girl swam to a meadow, emerged from the water, and shouted to the man punting a boat not far away, "There’s a peddler here to buy things! Please ferry them across the river!"

Upon hearing the crisp call, the man wearing a straw hat looked up, shaded his eyes with his hand, looked around, and said with a smile, "Alright! Coming over now!"

Skillfully and lightly maneuvering the bamboo pole, the small boat glided over, causing ripples in the water like an arrow leaving a bow.

The setting sun leaned slightly, and the sunlight spilled over the water as if someone had sprinkled a handful of Gold, shimmering splendidly.

Yun Shu and Yun Ying, facing such a beautiful scene, only felt nervous. Instinctively, they moved closer to him and asked in a low voice, "Sir, what should we do? Should we really go in?"

Glancing back at the array that had been cracked and could be entered or exited at any time, Jiang Yuan softly reassured them, "Let’s see what exactly is going on with them. Our goal is the Puppet’s Heart blueprint or a semi-finished product; only by going in can we find clues.

Do you two have enough Immortal Jade? If not, replenish it quickly so you can leave anytime with mana at hand."

The small boat rocked leisurely and unhurriedly drifted over. In the meantime, the two of them took Immortal Jade from their Storage Bags to recharge themselves.

This place was completely different from the outside world’s gray, sunless sky and desolate and harsh environment.

Blue skies and white clouds with fresh air. A gentle breeze ruffled the pond’s surface and carried the faint smells of earth, grass, and flowers, with slight hints of delicious food scents.

From a distance, faint smoke rose from the pastoral buildings on the mountain tops; returning fishing boats were fully laden; farmers in the fields carried hoes and bundles of green vegetables or two fish, chatting leisurely as they walked home;

A little girl, like a fish, happily swam to her friends. They laughed and played, and two of them lay on a small boat under the lotus flowers, kicking their feet and peeling lotus seeds;

Everyone appeared content, with genuine smiles on their faces. The idyllic life, enveloped by the sunset, gave rise to a feeling of comfort in one’s heart.

"Actually, just watching the green hills and clear water and the carefree people living here, without thinking about what this place should be, this picture really brings joy to the heart," Yun Shu felt relieved and was quickly affected by the atmosphere.

Yun Ying nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, living secluded in a corner like tranquil clouds and wild cranes. If mortals could find such a paradise to spend their life, it would indeed be a blessing."

The small boat swayed gently as it docked by the shore. Niu, a man in his thirties with dark skin and a sturdy build, smiled openly and said, "Where do esteemed guests come from? At Puppet City, what kind of goods do you wish to buy?"

He seemed to ask offhandedly, not really expecting an answer, and continued on his own, "Quickly get on the boat; we need to hurry into the city. First, the city gates close after dark to prevent wild animals from wandering in and endangering the citizens.

Second, if we’re fast enough, we can catch the Eldest Sister Wang’s freshly made fish soup at Bluestone Lane. The taste is amazing! Both the elderly and children love her skill, and if you arrive late, it might be sold out!"

Though there was no Spiritual Energy here, there was no Demonic Energy either. Both Jiang Yuan and Yun Shu, as well as Yun Ying, could easily control their swords and reach the city.

However, to understand what exactly was being schemed, it was better to go along with their pace.

The three of them boarded the boat, and Niu punted them back onto the lake again.

"Do you often have outsider peddlers here?" Jiang Yuan surveyed the surroundings as he chatted with Niu.

Niu slowly retracted the bamboo pole and paddled ahead as he responded, "Years ago, before the Ten Thousand Puppet Sect moved away, there were many peddlers from the north and south. In recent years, it has become rare, and it’s been a long time since anyone came to do business. Do you happen to carry any intriguing items from outside? If you have good goods, you can trade for quite a lot of great stuff."

Jiang Yuan retrieved a couple of small handicrafts made from shells from the Undersea World from the warehouse linked to his Storage Bag, the exquisite trinkets emitting a faint spiritual energy.

"Here, are these goods from the sea considered intriguing?"

Niu glanced at them and laughed, "Wow, how beautiful! I’ve never seen shell patterns and designs like these. If you take these to Eldest Sister Wang’s shop in Bluestone Lane, I guarantee you’ll taste the best fish soup!"