Sitting on the bed, Bubai was in deep... contemplation, trying to understand the abilities of his new servant while she showcased her skills by presenting a full-blown tribal dance...

The full-version of the "music" finally reached its crescendo, and the built-up tension finally found its outlet!

When the tension finally faded into oblivion, An Jali concluded the performance by whispering into his ear, “How was it, my king?”

“…”

Excellent. Bubai honestly didn’t expect her abilities to be so... top-notch.

An Jali truly highlighted the stark contrast that sets her apart from her former identity as Wang Fei.

Not only was the amazing skillset still there, her every motion and subtle reactions was filled with life, devoid of any mechanical feelings from before!

It was like her potential had been locked away as a puppet, but now, the restrictions had been removed, granting her finer control over her own body, transforming her into a real killer!

While she might lack the charm of WeiWei, her special physique granted her wild capabilities surpassing the level of a normal mortal.

She also responded to his commands with a maturity that bespoke extensive experience, the mark of a seasoned queen who had navigated through myriad plots and challenges.

Thus, Bubai was naturally satisfied by this seasoned queen. In fact, she was so good that even he couldn’t help but get sidetracked by this plot.

If this was a chapter in the story of his life, he won’t be able to resist doing the favorite job of authors: increase the word count and fill’er up.

Yes, that’s right, it will be a filler complete with in-depth plot… Ahem.

Well, that sufficed for plot development at the moment because it wasn’t his primary goal tonight.

“Enough.”

Upon hearing his command, An Jali, who had already snaked down to commence the tribal worship ceremony, merely threw him a playful glance, continuing to exhibit the skills befitting an experienced queen doing her utmost to praise her lord.

The command didn’t work? Bubai furrowed his brows slightly before he transmitted the same command through their intangible connection.

Enough.

This time, there was a reaction.

The wheat-skinned priestess adopted a noble expression as she gazed up at him with worshipful eyes, “My king, please let An Jali satisfy you. It is what An Jali is born for.”

Bubai stared down at the beauty, “Aren’t you a queen? Act like one.”

A noble smile graced her face. “My king, An Jali is a Queen to her people, but I am forever your person, body and soul.”

She then leaned back in, clearly disobeying her king’s orders.

“...”

What queen? This was clearly a troublemaker.

As far as he knew, outright disobedience of puppets was never heard of.

The dolls refined by the Shadow Sun method did possess enhanced versatility compared to a mere puppet, but the dolls still remained restricted to specific operation modes set by their owner - combat, collection, and the like.

Their autonomy wasn't extraordinary. Thus, they complied with their roles and rarely deviated from them.

While they might occasionally fail to execute a command due to their rigidness, never will they disobey their owner.

In fact, they were emotionless machines, and their displayed emotions were just the mirrored instincts of their original consciousness before refinement.

Even in the face of imminent danger or death, they operated without fear.

On the other hand, An Jali was clearly different. It appeared as though her original self had fully awakened, granting her a semblance of autonomy.

Bubai knew such a level of independence wasn't achievable in any of the lower-level dolls.

Perhaps the higher-level dolls in the rumors could attain a similar state, but he had no knowledge regarding them.

Regardless, this confirmed his tribulation seeds were far more special than he had initially thought.

If all these seeds yielded results like An Jali, it implied he could possibly transform up to nine dolls into truly conscious existences!

It’s important to note: Although most of these dolls were refined from mortal women, after refinement, they were far from ordinary mortals!

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Every inherent combat tool on their bodies had undergone focused enhancements.

Strengthened limbs, razor-sharp poisonous nails... Various other body parts had been transformed into combat machines!

This was a man-made fighter, capable of posing a significant challenge even to late-stage Qi-refiners in one-on-one combat!

Even cultivators of the Foundation Establishment realm may suffer if ambushed by a group or engaged in a war of attrition with them!

This was why, despite his strong physique, Bubai was still unwilling to linger too long in their encampment.

The longer he stays, the more reinforcements will appear, and they will pile onto him until he exhausts himself!

This was the true horror of the Shadow Sun method – known as the army style of the Sun Furnace sect!

Alas, like most one-man army classes in fantasy, the required investment of resources was immense.

Adding to the challenge, the critical resources required to practice this method were also monopolized by the Shadow Sun clan.

This was the reason why poor Bubai didn’t opt for this powerful army style even with his cheats.

But thanks to his momentary greed, he got his hands on one of these man-made fighter – an expensive supermodel he wouldn’t be able to afford even with all his meager wealth.

If he collects his own batch of dolls and grants them their unique autonomy… Bubai knew he could amass a small combat force, perhaps a force possessing the autonomy to handle covert missions on his behalf!

The dream of a one-man army style could be realized if he so desired!

Of course, Bubai wasn’t foolish enough to go down this path of plundering that would outright offend the Shadow Sun Clan.

Even this time, he only did it after a careful analysis of the situation and a calculated assessment of the risks involved.

Bubai didn’t fully comprehend the mysteries of the cultivation method, but he grasped the crux of the summoner style. It was heavily reliant on minions for combat effectiveness.

Therefore, as long as he managed to separate himself from the effective range of the minions, it essentially translated to a successful escape.

Without the support of his minions, the Foundation Establishment old man stationed at the establishment certainly didn’t dare to chase him too aggressively.

After all, cultivators weren’t foolish enough to fight a battle where they lacked an advantage.

Just like this time, both sides had reservations.

On one hand, Bubai was confident in his own powerful physique, yet he still didn’t want to fight against the old man because he lacked air superiority.

Conversely, his speed left the opponent's dolls far behind, and the old man understood he couldn’t keep Bubai even if he managed to catch up alone. So, why fight?

In battle, there were always other considerations, especially for old fritters who avoided going to the secret realm for one reason or another.

Between Foundation Establishment realms, full-blown conflicts rarely happen.

Instead, it was more common for conflicts to be reported upwards, allowing the higher echelons to make decisions and resolve the matter.

For cultivators lacking a notable background, mere suspicions was enough to indict them, and the outcome needed no explicit mention.

But if there was a reputable background, it usually became a battle of sophistry and evidence.

This was precisely why Bubai was unwilling to leave behind clear-cut evidence.

Without concrete proof, even if there were suspicions, the opposing side couldn't apprehend him without reason unless they wanted to offend the old lady standing behind him.

At most, they might mark him down and set up a net, patiently waiting for him to walk into it.

That is why he can’t go back for another heist. The risks had increased drastically after they had been alerted.

Moreover, even if he acquired more puppets, he wasn’t willing to waste all his seeds on them.

Though their combat effectiveness wasn’t bad, it still can’t be stronger than his own.

Besides, puppets were just external aids, and relying on his abilities is the best route to success.

After all, there is no road to mightiness for those using borrowed strength…

Well, it’s a bit ironic to say it himself, considering his use of his golden finger… but that could be considered his own, right?

Er… then extending this logic: the tribulation seeds were his own… which meant so was the puppet…

Perhaps, he could also become a monarch in the future? Arise… ahem.

But for the time being, he couldn’t afford to squander his seeds for this illusory dream.

The full extent of the mysterious tribulation seeds' capabilities was still unknown, and they might hold more valuable applications elsewhere.

So, each seed was a precious asset for his future experiments until he fully comprehends the extents of their powers and discover a method to stably attain more.

Until then, he had to plan carefully for each test, taking it one step at a time.

And now, there is still one final test he still needs to perform with this new queen of his...

Reaching out his hands, he firmly grasped her head, ready to do the final experiment…

Naturally, this test was definitely not something unsuitable for children. If this was a story, this would definitely be a very important juncture in the plot.

It was an inevitable development that Bubai had long foreseen. It was just a matter of when. Will today be the day?

Unable to hold back his anticipation, Bubai released his divine sense, capturing every detail in the process.

The strong suction force activated, and moments later, An Jali vanished from the room!

“It worked!” Bubai's eyes flashed, his consciousness detecting the new occupant within his storage space. The confused expression on her face mirrored the blankness of the walls in the new, unfamiliar environment.

He couldn’t store her before, but now he could! What does this mean?

It suggested that his mysterious tribulation seed could overcome the restriction of his space’s inherent rejection towards living creatures!

Of course, this still needs further testing to confirm.

After all, the dolls of the Shadow Sun clan were originally storable in spatial storage pouches, and this factor might have contributed to the success this time.

There were also many other variables he had to consider.

Even if he could store living creatures, his limited space doesn’t have much air, if any at all.

The only reason that An Jali was fine is due to her specially refined body – an almost unaging form with the flexibility to adapt to various abnormal conditions and intense situations.

If it weren’t for their human shell, these dolls couldn’t even be considered human anymore.

So, she was perfect to be his first experimental subject.

With a mere thought, Bubai transmitted a message to the perplexed An Jali. “This will be your new home. Rest here until I need you.”

An Jali’s intelligent eyes surveyed the surroundings before she looked up toward the heavens of the space.

Donning an expression of worship, she folded her hands like a butterfly, placing them on her waist before curtsying, “As you command, my king.”

Following her response, with a dignified expression, she moved to the only unoccupied corner and languidly laid down on the ground, adopting a graceful coffin pose - arms folded and clasped over her chest.

Bubai’s senses immediately detected her body’s reduced activities. The doll had entered dormant mode.

Returning to reality, Bubai ran his fingers over his rugged face, tracing the grin that gradually appeared.

Having successfully eliminated any incriminating evidence, it was now time to proceed with the big matter he had initially planned for.