This response was utterly unexpected by both Liu Buli and You Siqi, as the character Tan Wu had never appeared in the novel at all.
Therefore, from the very beginning of their meeting, both Liu Buli and You Siqi had already mentally categorized him as a useless passerby. Even when he appeared in the cave with Li Qingcheng, they hadn't actually expected him to accomplish anything.
It was precisely because of this that Liu Buli was stunned speechless upon hearing Tan Wu's self-recommendation. You Siqi, even more directly, questioned, "Daoist Tan, are you saying this because you possess a life-saving cultivation technique? Or perhaps you have strong regenerative abilities and are difficult to kill?"
If it were for either of those reasons, You Siqi would have decisively advised him to abandon the idea of helping. After all, the situation in this cave was far more terrifying than ordinary cultivators could imagine. Even they had to tread with extreme caution, and Tan Wu, as a mere passerby, would likely not last three seconds, even if he possessed some extraordinary techniques.
However, to You Siqi's surprise, upon hearing his question, Tan Wu smiled and shook his head, giving an even more unexpected answer: "I apologize, I am just an ordinary mortal, and I don't possess any exceptional recovery techniques. However, if you require expendable individuals, I have some puppets here who do not fear pain and cannot die. If using them can resolve your current predicament, wouldn't that be a solution, isn't it?"
He said this without any intention of being coy. He exchanged a glance with Li Qingcheng, who then retrieved a large puppet, as tall as a normal adult, from his Qiankun bag.
The puppet was exquisitely crafted. If one didn't look closely, they might mistake it for a living human.
However, at this moment, its eyes were closed, as if it were asleep, and its expression was exceptionally serene.
Tan Wu glanced at the puppet, then smiled at Li Qingcheng again. He took a deep breath and slowly raised his hands.
Spiritual energy flowed from his outstretched fingers, forming threads that entwined around the puppet's crucial joints.
Then, under everyone's tense and expectant gaze, he took another deep breath and began to move his fingers. The puppet, which had seemed to be in slumber, suddenly opened its eyes with his movements. It was as if it had truly become human and walked forward without hesitation.
The puppet was laced with spiritual threads, and it also possessed spiritual energy within its body. Thus, its movements were indistinguishable from those of an ordinary cultivator.
Whether observed by the naked eye or detected by spiritual energy, it was difficult to make a significant distinction between the two. Only upon careful examination and discovering that its body was made of wood could one perceive that it was indeed not human.
However, while this might be discernible to humans, it was not something that could be easily detected by the mechanisms of the secret realm, which relied solely on detecting spiritual energy.
Unsurprisingly, after the puppet had advanced about ten meters, a golden-red light suddenly erupted from the ground. Blazing flames, imbued with immense spiritual energy, surged from all directions towards the puppet's location. For a human, this would have been a certain death situation.
But Tan Wu merely moved his fingers slightly, and the puppet, which had appeared normal moments before, suddenly felt light. Like a wandering spirit, it floated back to the group with his movements in an instant.
The puppet's clothes and hair had been slightly scorched by the flames. However, overall, it had not sustained any significant damage. Tan Wu checked the puppet's condition and then turned to the others, asking, "Is this acceptable? If so, shall we let this child help scout the way?"
Hearing his question, the others exchanged glances, their eyes filled with undisguised joy. This was more than acceptable.
They had simply needed something to help them detect the location of the mechanisms. This puppet could even help them find the best path to avoid the traps and save them the trouble of disarming them. It was simply perfect.
The group nodded vigorously. Liu Buli even curiously leaned closer, his eyes almost shining with excitement. He eagerly asked, "Can this puppet only act according to your commands, or can it also use cultivation techniques like a cultivator, in addition to basic actions?"
"Naturally, it can use cultivation techniques. Otherwise, wouldn't it be like a mere toy?" Tan Wu smiled. He actually held a favorable impression of Liu Buli, his wife's savior.
Since Liu Buli had asked, Tan Wu answered truthfully, "In fact, our family has had a tradition of crafting puppets for a long time. However, the things made back then were just toys, as you just described. Later, thanks to my wife's suggestion, we came up with puppet techniques that use puppets as a method of attack. This puppet is essentially another me. It can perform any cultivation technique that I know. It's just a pity that my own cultivation is insufficient, otherwise, it might have been even stronger."
What he said was indeed true.
After all, he was a character who had no name in the novel, and his own cultivation techniques and power were not particularly high.
However, upon hearing his explanation, the light in Liu Buli's eyes grew even brighter. He knew very well that if he expressed a desire to learn, Tan Wu would absolutely not refuse.
This puppet technique looked incredibly cool. If he could learn it...
Before Liu Buli could even think it through, Lu Wuming, who had been silent for too long, could no longer suppress his anger and let out a low growl, "Master, you are not allowed to learn such things!"
His happiness, which had not yet begun, was forcibly cut short. Liu Buli, with a face full of reluctance, asked, "Why can't I learn it? Don't you think it's amazing?"
Hearing his remark, Tan Wu assumed he needed to be taught and immediately stated earnestly, "Daoist Liu, if you like it, I can give you a similar puppet. We also have records of the techniques we've developed. I can give you a handwritten copy, and I believe with your intelligence, you will be able to learn it."
Liu Buli was instantly ecstatic and desperately wanted to nod in agreement.
Unfortunately, Lu Wuming did not give him the opportunity.
With a somewhat forceful gesture, he reached out and pulled Liu Buli into his embrace. Lu Wuming tightened his arms, preventing any of Liu Buli's actions. Then, leaning close to his ear, Lu Wuming spoke in a tone brimming with jealousy, "Master, that thing clearly looks like a person! The space beside you is mine, and no one else is allowed to occupy it! Even if it's fake, it's not allowed. I will be jealous, and I will be unhappy if I see it. If you insist on keeping it, I will definitely find an opportunity to destroy it!"