Chapter 147: Invisibility, Soul Binding, Explosive Detonation, Guardian – Four New Straw Puppet Techniques

"Straw Puppet Techniques are truly intricate. I never imagined they could reach such a level of refinement... Wait, why did my belt just fall off?" Cao Shuang was in the middle of studying a grey-colored straw puppet when he suddenly realized that his belt had come loose.

"Who... Who's casting spells?!"

Laughter erupted from those around him, and Zhao Xing walked up with a grin, snapping his fingers to make his Invisible Straw Puppet appear.

"Cao bro, we're all men here. What are you afraid of being seen?"

"It's you?" Upon seeing that it was Zhao Xing, Cao Shuang didn't get upset. Instead, he chuckled while fastening his belt. "Little brother, I'm not a woman. Why are you undoing my belt? Just so you know, I'm not into Longyang pursuits."

Zhao Xing laughed. "Your awareness is far too poor. If that Invisible Straw Puppet had a pair of scissors, you could have lost your most precious part. You'd have no name left—only a surname!"

Cao Shuang slapped his crotch and laughed heartily. "Ha! My brother, not only is it large and capable, but also hard as steel. You'd need at least a fifth-rank pair of scissors to cut it."

Zhao Xing grinned. "Then your wife must suffer quite a bit, haha!"

"Hahaha!"

The two laughed together as they walked to the side.

Between men, friendships are often forged in two ways: fighting shoulder to shoulder or... fighting together elsewhere.

Since the Martial Ars Training event, Zhao Xing had ignited the fighting spirit of his fellow Shennong. In just a month, he had become quite well-known, building good relationships with people like Cao Shuang, Jiang Tianming, and Zhuang Zhiqing.

"Little brother, I never expected you to have such talent in the Straw Puppet Technique," Cao Shuang said, his expression mischievous, almost inviting misunderstanding.

"Could you not look so sleazy when you say that? Whenever you talk about Straw Puppet Techniques, it just sounds... off," Zhao Xing chuckled. "I know military life can be tough, but don't use these techniques for weird things. It's unbecoming!"

"With my physique and looks, do you think I need to use tricks like that?" Cao Shuang puffed out his chest. "If I stood in front of the Weaver Division in Yang City, those seamstresses would be throwing handkerchiefs at me!"

Zhao Xing gave him a thumbs-up. Whatever Cao Shuang lacked in skills, he more than made up for in confidence.

"Enough joking around. How's your progress?" Cao Shuang asked.

"I've mastered one technique so far—the Invisible Straw Puppet. I came over to greet you. What about you? How many have you learned?"

"These mid-level puppets on the square are no joke. I've only managed to master one technique myself—the Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet."

"Oh?" Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow. "Where is it? Let me take a look."

"Right over there." Cao Shuang pointed. "Come, I'll show you."

Cao Shuang led Zhao Xing to the southern part of the square, where there was a bamboo forest. The leaves were green, but the bamboo stalks were a dark red. Scattered around were many split pieces of dark red bamboo.

"Firecracker Bamboo? And third or fourth rank at that," Zhao Xing said, surprised.

"Exactly. I was shocked too when I first saw it. An entire bamboo forest filled with firecracker bamboo, and so much of it piled up here. It's a wonder we haven't been blown to bits yet," Cao Shuang said, chuckling. "I've been studying here, feeling nervous the whole time."

"Relax," Zhao Xing said, pointing to a few uniquely shaped stone pedestals and strange beast statues around the forest. "That's a Four-Layer Black Tortoise Essence Locking Array. Even if the entire bamboo forest explodes, it won't hurt a thing."

"Oh? I didn't know you were so knowledgeable about formations."

Zhao Xing smiled. "Cao bro, I'm quite interested in this Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet. I'll stay here and study it. Want to join?"

Cao Shuang waved him off. "I'm heading over to practice the technique. If you go about a thousand meters south and then take a left, there's a courtyard where the straw puppets constantly blow themselves up. I'll be practicing over there. Once you've learned it, come find me."

"Alright," Zhao Xing nodded.

As Cao Shuang left, Zhao Xing began observing the demonstration of the Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet.

This technique was a restricted one.

Among mid-level techniques, it was particularly reliant on specific materials.

Typically, it required explosive materials like firecracker bamboo.

Certain plants with explosive properties could also be used as substitutes.

Without these materials, the puppet's power would be greatly diminished.

"The Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet locks the Five Elements energy inside, usually focusing on fire and lightning."

"Firecracker bamboo provides a large amount of fire energy and continuously compresses air within its nodes."

"When the tough bamboo nodes explode, thousands of fragments scatter, capable of turning a person into a sieve."

Zhao Xing had a vivid memory of using firecracker bamboo to kill Wu Mei of the Xuantian Sect in the past.

The Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet was far more versatile. While simple firecracker bamboo had to be buried to be effective, the puppet's mobility allowed for much more tactical flexibility.

It wasn't just limited to firecracker bamboo either. Zhao Xing now had access to a variety of fascinating plants with unique properties.

In his previous life, Military Shennong players had developed many variations of this technique.

For instance, there was the Poison Detonation Puppet, a variant of the Explosive Detonation Puppet.

Some players even came up with outrageous modifications, like filling the puppets with filth.

"A puppet covered in dung—anyone it touches is done for. Even if they don't die, they'll be sick from disgust!" Zhao Xing's lips curled into a grin as he recalled some of the technique's creative applications.

[You have observed the demonstration of the Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet.]

[Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet: 1/9999]

[Effect: Utilizes the explosive properties of plants to trigger the Five Elements energy.]

"Zhao Xing, practice the Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet elsewhere."

Just as Zhao Xing was about to test the technique, a puppet marked with the character "Liu" spoke up from beside the bamboo forest.

"Understood." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in respect and left, heading to find Cao Shuang.

Meanwhile, several new figures arrived at the palace square.

One of them was particularly familiar.

"Li Feng?"

"So this kid really does love summoning techniques. He's already made it to the third trial of the straw puppet course."

Zhao Xing glanced over at him but then continued on his way.

Li Feng also caught sight of Zhao Xing's retreating figure.

How did he recognize him so easily from just a back view? Because he hated him.

Damn it, I couldn't beat him, and I've been tricked by him multiple times.

Once during enrollment, then again at the branch academy, and lastly during the advancement battle where Zhao Xing completely derailed his progress.

It wasn't just the back view. Even if Zhao Xing turned to ashes, Li Feng would still recognize him!

"Good, good, good! I finally have a chance now." Li Feng's face lit up with glee. "I may not be able to compete with you in other techniques, but the Straw Puppet Technique? That's my specialty!"

"Even the commander said I have a natural talent for it."

Li Feng smiled confidently.

Because of his passion for the Straw Puppet Technique, many of his other skills naturally leaned toward summoning methods.

"I'll focus on learning for now. When it comes time for the ranking competition, I'll definitely challenge him."

Li Feng quickly joined the square to start studying a new straw puppet technique.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xing followed Cao Shuang's directions, walking a thousand meters south and then turning left. There, he found a courtyard sealed by various formations, and inside, Cao Shuang was practicing the Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet.

The faint sound of explosions echoed from within, but the formations contained all the force, leaving the courtyard unharmed.

Cao Shuang stood inside a circle, right in the blast radius, yet remained unscathed.

In fact, standing so close to the explosions allowed him to observe their full effects up close.

"Zhao Xing, what brings you here? Don't tell me you haven't mastered the technique yet and need me to teach you... Wait, you've already learned it?" Cao Shuang had assumed Zhao Xing came to ask for guidance, but instead, it turned out Zhao Xing was ready to practice the technique. It had only been two incense sticks' worth of time, and Zhao Xing had already mastered it? That was absurd!

"Just lucky," Zhao Xing said modestly. "I'd seen the Explosive Detonation Puppet before and had worked with firecracker bamboo. What about you, Cao bro? Have you made any progress?"

In this context, progress meant advancing the technique to the first transformation.

Seeing the power of Cao Shuang's Explosive Detonation Puppet, Zhao Xing could tell he had reached that level.

Given that it was only the morning of the 23rd, Cao Shuang had made impressive progress within just three hours.

"Just barely reached the first transformation. The Explosive Detonation Puppet is tricky. The internal Five Elements energy cycle is delicate. Even the weaving method is crucial. If it's too loose or too tight, all sorts of problems arise."

"Take your time. There's still plenty of time left, and most of the others won't reach the third trial for a while. You're already ahead of the game. With your talent, you're bound to stay ahead. It's just straw puppets after all—easy work for you!"

"Haha! Zhao Xing, if you sweet-talked women the way you talk to me, you'd have them all falling for you," Cao Shuang said, his previously gloomy mood lifted by Zhao Xing's easygoing charm.

"I'll be in the neighboring courtyard practicing. Feel free to come by if you need help."

"Of course."

Boom, boom, boom, boom!

Inside the neighboring courtyard, Zhao Xing also began practicing his Explosive Detonation Puppet technique.

His progress was rapid.

Thanks to his system, he could track his learning. If he made significant progress after each practice, it meant he was on the right track.

If his progress slowed or halted, it meant he needed to adjust his approach.

There were countless wrong paths to take, but Zhao Xing always managed to get back on the right one quickly—his Derivation Three fortune played a big part in that.

Even if he picked randomly, he wouldn't stray too far from the correct path.

As a result, Zhao Xing learned everything at lightning speed. It wasn't just talent—it was a combination of his luck and his unique edge.

"Three transformations already."

Zhao Xing glanced at his system panel.

In just one hour, he had advanced the Explosive Detonation Puppet to the third transformation.

"If a ninth-transformation Explosive Detonation Puppet explodes while clinging to someone, even an eighth-ranked martial warrior might not survive. The only exception would be a defensive genius from the Black Tortoise Martial Division."

The Black Tortoise Martial Division specialized in defense.

Many of their eighth-rank talents trained in the Black Tortoise Shield, honing their physical resilience to incredible levels. Their blood and energy were as dense as mercury, and their bones had begun to turn silver—making them incredibly tough to kill.

"However, if I coat the Explosive Detonation Puppet in poison, the situation would change."

"Crushed Thunder Vine, Yellow Springs Pollen, Aconite—all of these could be made into lethal toxins. If the puppet explodes inside someone's body, not even a sixth-rank military doctor could save them. Only the Ghost Gate's Thirteen Needles could keep them alive for another twelve hours."

Standing inside the safety of the formation, shielded from the blasts, Zhao Xing continued refining his technique.

Two more incense sticks' worth of time passed, and his Explosive Detonation Puppet reached the fourth transformation.

Zhao Xing decided to pause his training. Progress had slowed, not because of mistakes but due to insufficient accumulation.

Advancing further would require broadening his understanding by studying other techniques.

The Palace of Myriad Techniques certainly had no shortage of straw puppet techniques.

Leaving the courtyard, Zhao Xing noticed that Cao Shuang was still diligently practicing, so he wandered through the Palace of Myriad Techniques, continuing his exploration.

Eventually, he stopped near the training grounds.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~"

An ash-colored straw puppet unleashed sword energy from its finger, launching it toward a nearby dark grey puppet.

Just before the sword energy struck, a turtle shell shield appeared, blocking the attack.

It was the Black Tortoise Shield, a martial technique.

"A Guardian Puppet."

Zhao Xing had encountered another familiar technique.

Back in Gucheng, Chen Shijie had assigned him a Guardian Puppet for protection.

The Guardian Puppet could store a single martial or magical technique.

A ninth-transformation Guardian Puppet could store nine different techniques, though not body techniques—unless it was a fusion technique like the Divine Travel Guardian Puppet.

A puppet could also store multiple instances of the same technique, though the power wouldn't stack. The puppet's upper limits were determined by the person whose technique it stored.

For example, if Zhao Xing asked Xia Jing to lend him a sword technique, the puppet's power would be based on Xia Jing's skill level.

Of course, stronger puppets could store higher-level techniques.

Though Guardian Puppets could store high-level techniques, the materials were expensive, and the puppet had to be able to contain the energy without leaking, or it wouldn't be worth the investment.

Guardian Puppets were often used to store defensive martial techniques since Shennong could cast their own spells.

Learning the Guardian Puppet technique was mainly to compensate for their vulnerability in close combat.

In critical moments, a Guardian Puppet could save your life.

This was a technique Zhao Xing had to master.

He spent two incense sticks' worth of time observing the demonstration. Though the Guardian Puppet was easy to learn, it was difficult to master.

To make significant progress, the puppet had to store external techniques.

Storing his own techniques wouldn't help much.

Since he was already familiar with his own techniques, the learning effect would be minimal—like testing yourself with your own exam questions.

To really advance, he needed to store techniques from others, preferably martial techniques.

Satisfied with his progress, Zhao Xing left with a Guardian Puppet and continued wandering the palace.

After aimlessly exploring for a while, he found himself in front of a grand hall. The building's architecture was solemn, with black and white as its dominant colors.

Seeing two straw puppet guards at the entrance, Zhao Xing was about to leave but paused.

"Hmm?"

He looked back at the two puppet guards, staring for a moment. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

"I misjudged—they're Soul Binding Puppets?"

Soul Binding Puppets were designed to combat spirits.

As the Zhou Dynasty expanded its territory, its main enemies were the barbarian tribes and the sects beyond its borders. Among the sects, many excelled in necromancy and spirit manipulation, using techniques like the Soul Reaping Banner.

Experts like the Blood Spirit Lord, who was likely a third-rank Primordial Soul cultivator, specialized in soul arts. As long as his followers provided enough blood offerings, his soul would continually reform, making him nearly impossible to kill. His methods were insidious and hard to counter.

Outside the Zhou Dynasty's borders, without the protection of Zhou's Spirits of Fate, these techniques were even more dangerous.

Soul Binding Puppets could effectively counter such methods.

However, they were somewhat taboo.

Among the Eighty-One Techniques, the Soul Binding Puppet was often criticized as a sinister art. The imperial court had removed it from public teachings long ago.

"Lord Liu," Zhao Xing approached a puppet with the "Liu" character on its clothing.

The puppet paused for a second before responding, "What is it?"

"May I learn the Soul Binding Puppet technique?"

The puppet paused again for a moment, as if it were experiencing a delay. "You may, but you must remember three rules."

"Lord Liu, may I ask what those three rules are?" Zhao Xing inquired.