Chapter 906 - 689: Death Hawk
This was a Puppet Eagle, its design completely different from those sold on the market.
Its body was just over one foot in length, its lines smooth throughout, its wings formed by overlapping thin-feathered wooden plates as thin as cicada wings, their edges glinting with a metallic cold light.
The most wondrous thing was its pair of eagle eyes, refined from two small pieces of Bright Spirit Crystal, within which micro sensory array patterns were embedded; they could not only clearly capture scenes dozens of miles away, but were also exceptionally sensitive to fluctuations of Spiritual Power.
Yet what truly transformed it was that small launching device on its back.
Its structure was exquisitely precise, able to load several Thunder Spirit Pearls the size of longan fruit.
Simply inlay a Spirit Stone to activate it, and it could continuously fire the Thunder Spirit Pearls, detonating them in midair hundreds of zhang away.
"The concept of drones from my previous life—wonder how effective it will be in this realm?"
With a slight movement of his mind, Shen Xuan split off a wisp of Divine Sense and attached it to the puppet.
The Puppet Eagle’s eyes flashed red, its wings gave a light tremor, and it silently rose into the air, then began to nimbly weave through the Practice Room.
Its flight path was erratic, its speed rather fast, with not the slightest sluggishness in its turns.
He controlled the Puppet Eagle to carry out several complex maneuvers, secretly evaluating it.
"The speed is acceptable, but there is still room for improvement."
"The field of view is reasonably clear, but its observational ability at night and in complex environments needs strengthening."
"The power of the Thunder Spirit Pearls is only about twenty percent of a Foundation Establishment Stage Thunder Technique; it’s somewhat lacking against High Tier targets."
"Still, the prototype is formed, and the potential is promising."
The true advantage of this item lay in high-altitude high-speed flight and its indifference to casualties.
Used against Demon Beasts on the ground, it could attack with ease from above.
Even when facing flying demon birds, its agility and long-range attack capability could inflict tremendous damage.
For any invention or creation, so long as the direction was correct and the first-generation product demonstrated its value, there would be infinite possibilities for improvement afterward.
Given time, this Puppet Eagle could be made cheaper, faster, and carry more munitions.
He recalled the Puppet Eagle into his palm, a trace of satisfaction flashing through his eyes, which quickly turned into self-mockery.
"As I am now, I really do resemble Li Ruyi from back then in some ways."
"A bit too idealistic, perhaps."
The Demon Race of the Demon Realm remained a shadow hanging over his head, impossible to dispel.
Raising the overall combat power of the Human Race Cultivators in the Profound Origin Realm, especially the survival and fighting ability of the lower-level cultivators, was subconsciously his way of resisting the Demon Race invasion.
"No matter what, if this can be accomplished, it will count as having done something tangible for the lower-level cultivators of the Profound Origin Realm."
He thought of the new-type Puppet Dog he had given the Yang Family, then looked at the new-type Puppet Eagle in his hand.
If he could bring down the cost of these new puppets, increase their power, and equip them widely—
Even Qi Cultivation Cultivators, with a new-type Puppet Dog and Puppet Eagle, would have the strength to fight Tier Two Demon Beasts and Foundation Establishment Demon Race.
"Fortunately, I have the Artifact Refining Inheritance of the Divine Weapon Pavilion. Craftsmanship is something that improves as you practice; if you keep at it, you’ll always advance."
Putting away the Puppet Eagle, Shen Xuan rose and walked out of the Practice Room.
The Cave Mansion was quiet, with only the faint humming of circulating Spiritual Qi.
Two years of unceasing closed-door cultivation had not felt long, yet there was inevitably some dullness.
He looked out the window; in Mingyan Immortal City the lights were just being lit, and in the distance a region of blazing lights, faint music and song was particularly eye-catching.
"I’ve been here two years, yet I’ve still never seen that Fairy Pavilion famed throughout Qin Country."
Rumor had it that within were not only peerless beauties, but also eccentric figures gathered from all directions, a den of luxury where information and amorous affairs coexisted.
Having buried himself in cultivation all this time seemed somewhat a waste of this Immortal City’s splendor.
"There’s no time like the present."
Shen Xuan brushed his sleeve, walked out of the Cave Mansion, and a glint of brightness flashed in his eyes.
"Today, I’ll go have a look for myself."
Not long after, Shen Xuan arrived at the Fairy Pavilion.
He saw a lofty building, with carved beams and painted rafters; the glazed lanterns hanging from the eaves had already been lit early, bathing the entrance in a warm, flowing radiance.
On the multi-story verandas were all manner of graceful figures in light gauze dresses of many colors, leaning on railings and waving their sleeves, their soft, coquettish words drifting down on the wind.
The calls of "Brother" and "Fellow Daoist" were incessant, sweet and soft, drilling straight into one’s ears.
Shen Xuan’s expression remained unchanged as he stepped inside.
The scene before him suddenly opened up.
The interior of the building was quite spacious, warm incense mixed with the aroma of wine rushing toward him.
Though night had yet to fall, the first-floor hall was already almost full.
Cultivators of all kinds moved back and forth—there were elderly men with snow-white hair and beards, as well as high-spirited youths; luxurious brocade robes mingled with simple Daoist garments; noise and laughter rose in a cacophony, the din of voices filling the air.
Young maids in thin gauze skirts flitted about like butterflies.
Their steps were light, jade plates filled with Spirit Fruits and fine spirit wine in their hands, as they slipped nimbly through the gaps in the crowd.
Their snow-white arms and slender waists were faintly visible beneath the gauze, from time to time drawing teasing remarks and lingering gazes from the cultivators at nearby tables.