Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8427: The second-generation (1)

A fully armored puppet clutched a massive shield in one grip while wielding a lengthy saber in the other. A cloak flowed from its rear. A helmet encased the puppet's head, and a mask hid its features. Yet this mask stood out as no common one—it bore the eerie likeness of a ghost.

Reaching around 2.5 meters in stature, the puppet brandished a blade stretching 1.5 meters. The shield loomed nearly two meters high, shaped as a triangular tower shield that screamed immense weight from afar. A carved spectral face etched into the shield gave it a truly horrifying vibe.

Thousand Blade and his companions fixed their gazes on the puppet, burning with curiosity about its might. Though it seemed far sturdier than the initial puppet models, they needed to witness its true fighting prowess firsthand. Still, without question, this puppet's look alone outshone the first-generation ones by a wide margin.

"Little Hai, this puppet appears truly impressive," Ha Jing remarked gravely. "But you must provide a thorough rundown. I'm eager to learn its standout features." Ha Jing showed clear fascination with the puppet, eyeing it with keen interest.

Zhao Hai grinned and replied, "Alright, Sect Master, Elders, allow me to explain this puppet. We'll start with its defenses. The armor grants exceptional protection on its own. Crafted from iron essence mixed with some gold essence, it boasts robust shielding. Furthermore, the armor plates interlock in a precise pattern, forming a magic array—a defensive one that bolsters the puppet's resilience. Other puppets handle the forging of these plates, assembling them afterward, making production straightforward."

Zhao Hai halted briefly, gesturing toward the puppet's helmet. "This helmet integrates into the defense array, unlike the mask. The mask holds a minor illusory array. In combat, should foes fixate on the puppet's face, they'll tumble into the illusion and meet certain doom."

Next, Zhao Hai removed the puppet's helmet and armor, exposing its core structure. Now everyone could see the puppet's frame wasn't overly intricate. It consisted of basic sections: head, torso, and limbs. The head linked to the torso via a neck-like connector. What stunned Ha Jing and the rest was how the puppet's vital components floated freely in space. Put another way, these parts didn't touch one another. How did that work?

Zhao Hai indicated the puppet's joints and explained, "These joint spots connect through energy from specific magic circles. That means, provided the circles within each body segment remain intact, the joints operate smoothly without issue. All magic circles reside deep inside the puppet. What we view as its body is merely inner armor. The actual circles etch onto a separate internal metal rod. This outer layer mimics human flesh and blood, while the rune-carved metal rod serves like bone structure. The flesh layer safeguards the bone armor. As long as the bone armor holds up, the puppet keeps battling. Plus, the bone armor and inner armor form independently, with the inner armor able to fold away." With that, Zhao Hai struck the puppet's arm. The upper arm parted suddenly, unveiling a metal rod thick as a dragon's eye, inscribed with numerous runes that shaped a highly intricate array.

Zhao Hai then directed attention to the opened inner armor. Arrays marked the inner surfaces of the arms. He highlighted them, saying, "These circles manage two energy forms. One handles defense, the other absorbs shocks. Should an assault overwhelm, they cushion the blow, preventing the inner metal bone armor from warping or snapping." Afterward, Zhao Hai reattached the inner armor to the puppet's upper arm, followed by the outer metal armor and helmet. The puppet resumed its full, imposing form.

Zhao Hai shifted focus to the tower shield, noting, "Two magic circles grace this shield. One generates defense, projecting a barrier over the surface to aid blocking. The other unleashes intense light. Though not overly potent, hoisting the shield against foes and flashing that light blinds them right away, stunning them briefly for an opening. The shield's rim stays razor-sharp too, perfect for slicing or ramming with great force."

Turning to the long blade, Zhao Hai added solemnly, "This saber features just two array types. One sharpens it to shatter enemy weapons and shields, the other imposes gravity. That gravity weighs down the foe's form relentlessly."

At last, Zhao Hai indicated the cloak, explaining, "This isn't mere flair—it's modeled after the Fang clan's carefree blanket. Though less mighty, it carries several arrays. A wind-type one accelerates the puppet or alters its path. A sword-type launches strikes at enemies. A support array lets the puppet hurl fire spells, thwarting insect assaults from foes. Finally, a poison absorption array draws in any toxins the enemy deploys."

Having covered everything, Zhao Hai faced the Sect Master and Elders once more, continuing, "These puppets pack tremendous power. Even without refining them into Yin souls, we can wield them directly for formidable results. A single one matches a magic refinement realm cultivator's strength. Handled smartly, it rivals peak magic refinement realm might. Controlling them does pose challenges, though. Magic usage realm disciples manage five at most, magic essence realm ones handle around ten. Refinement realm experts cap at fifty—beyond that proves impossible. Yet, deployed wisely, their battle effectiveness surpasses the first-generation puppets hands down."

The Sect Master and the others absorbed Zhao Hai's explanation in stunned silence. They never imagined he'd craft puppets reaching such heights. The shock hit hard—be it in attack or guard, this puppet excelled remarkably.

Zhao Hai regarded the Sect Leader and companions, then said, "What sets these puppets apart most is their unbreakable loyalty—they'll never turn against us. Thus, we should ramp up production ahead. Station them in the sect's restricted zones for watch. Stockpile extras too, unleashing them in times of war. Naturally, crafting them demands top materials—we can't skimp with junk."

Dao Qianzhan rose abruptly, declaring deeply, "Let's head out to some secluded spot and test this creation's might." The other Elders agreed without hesitation, rising as one. Zhao Hai nodded, stowed the puppet, and trailed Thousand Blade and the group from the chamber.

A forbidden zone existed on Blood Slaughter Island, honoring departed Blood Slaughter Sect ancestors. Plenty of serene, deserted spots dotted the area too. Still, Dao Qianzhan and company deemed training on the island unwise. They guided Zhao Hai off the isle and into the Blood Sea.

Though prolonged exposure to the Blood Sea harmed cultivators, Thousand Blade and his peers, with their prowess, could endure the blood waters for months unscathed. Entering briefly posed no threat. For Zhao Hai, practicing the Blood Sea God-Slaying Technique, the Blood Sea felt like home.

Once inside the Blood Sea, Dao Qianzhan swept his hand, dispersing the blood mist to uncover a vast open patch. He instructed, "Little Hai, test it here. I crave the full display." "Yes," Zhao Hai affirmed. He flicked his wrist, summoning the puppet, then channeled a spell into it. Red glow ignited in the puppet's eyes, and its frame stirred to life.

Zhao Hai gestured again, sending ten standard puppets soaring forth as sword forms to assail it. Spotting the incoming sword-puppets, the new puppet hoisted its enormous shield, shielding itself fully. As the shield lifted, a protective barrier shimmered over its form, enveloping it completely.

The first-generation puppets' greatswords clashed against the shield, yet it stood firm without yielding. Instead, the blades glanced off to the sides. Thousand Blade and the rest noted the shield wasn't utterly static—it shifted subtly. Facing an incoming greatsword, the shield tilted precisely, deflecting the blade's fiercest edge while catching the flat. Thus, it neutralized the first-generation assaults effortlessly.

Soon, the first-generation puppets unleashed a follow-up barrage, whirling their frames to slash at the second-generation puppet with their blades. The second-generation raised its shield to parry, then countered with a sweeping cut, cleaving the attacker in two. The bisected puppet detonated, but the second-generation endured unharmed, shield up to absorb the blast's fury without a scratch.

Meanwhile, another first-generation puppet wheeled about, striking from the rear. The second-generation's cloak gleamed white, birthing a storm of sword Qi that pelted the assailant. Sword scars riddled the first-generation's body instantly, punctured by several gashes. It exploded on the spot, yet the second-generation's cloak quivered like a billowing banner, coiling sharply to repel the blast, leaving the defender untouched.