Five months passed in what felt like a blur of relentless refinement, quiet calculations, and carefully staged preparation.

By the time the exhibition day finally arrived, the Puppet Peak had transformed into something far grander than its usual industrious atmosphere. What had once been a place of research and craftsmanship now resembled a grand arena of prestige, ambition, and barely concealed greed.

Han Yu stood at the center of it all.

The wide demonstration grounds had been cleared and reinforced with multiple layers of defensive formations. Arrays shimmered faintly beneath the stone surface, ready to suppress any instability that might arise from the Jiangshi being displayed.

Elevated platforms had been erected for the elders, each seat carved from dark jade and etched with subtle protective runes. The air itself felt thick with anticipation, and that anticipation carried more than curiosity. It carried desire.

Elder Jurhanzi stood near the front, his expression bright with excitement. If anyone had been watching closely, they would have noticed that he looked more like a host at a grand auction than a dignified elder of the sect.

His enthusiasm had spread through the peak over the past weeks, drawing in more and more attention until even those who rarely involved themselves in such matters had decided to attend.

Thirteen High Elders were present, their auras steady and overwhelming even when restrained. Several Peak Heads had taken their places with composed expressions, though their eyes betrayed their interest.

Senior elders gathered behind them, while junior elders and core disciples filled the outer rings. Even a handful of Inner Court disciples had managed to secure entry through various connections, their gazes filled with anticipation.

When Han Yu stepped forward, the murmurs softened.

He did not appear solemn.

He did not appear cautious.

He smiled.

It was not the refined smile of a Legacy Disciple, nor the cold composure expected from someone of his status. It was the confident, almost brazen smile of a man who knew exactly what he was selling and exactly how much it was worth.

"Esteemed elders, respected seniors, and honored guests," Han Yu began, his voice carrying clearly across the grounds. "Welcome to the Puppet Peak's most exciting development in recent years. Today, you are not here to watch. You are here to choose."

The wording alone drew a few raised brows.

Han Yu clasped his hands behind his back and paced slowly, as if he were guiding them through a marketplace rather than addressing some of the most powerful figures in the sect.

"Let us begin with something reliable. Something stable. Something that does exactly what you want, when you want it, and never asks questions."

He raised a hand.

A Green Class Jiangshi stepped forward.

Its movements were smooth and controlled. Its posture carried a strange sense of composure that felt almost human, yet still retained the quiet weight of something unnatural. Han Yu gave a series of commands, each more complex than the last.

The Jiangshi responded without hesitation. It executed precise strikes, adjusted its stance mid motion, and even demonstrated controlled restraint when ordered to stop just short of impact.

Then Han Yu gestured toward a sealed chest placed at the center of the stage. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"Open it."

The Jiangshi approached, examined the latch, and opened it cleanly.

A murmur spread through the audience.

Han Yu turned with a grin.

But this was only the start he then got the Jiangshi to do more complex works such as sorting herbs, stirring alchemy cauldrons and more. This showed its true extent of capability. This made the people almost stand up.

"Precision. Obedience. Stability. This is the Green Class. For those who value control over chaos."

He did not pause.

"Now, let us talk about personality."

A Yellow Class Jiangshi stepped forward.

It smiled.

Several disciples instinctively took a step back.

Han Yu ignored their reactions entirely.

"Say hello," he said casually.

"Hello, Master," the Jiangshi replied, its tone unnervingly pleasant.

Han Yu chuckled lightly. "Charming, isn't it? Intelligence that grows. Adaptability that improves over time. A companion that learns. For those who prefer something… interactive."

The Jiangshi turned toward the audience and bowed.

A few elders leaned forward.

Han Yu caught the reaction immediately.

"Yes, yes, I can see the interest. Do not worry, it improves with time. Just imagine what it could become after a few years under your guidance."

He moved again before the interest could settle into analysis.

"Now we move into more specialized territory."

The Violet Class Fear Jiangshi emerged.

The temperature in the air seemed to drop.

Han Yu did not speak immediately. Instead, he allowed the Jiangshi's presence to fill the space. One of the junior elders stiffened slightly, his expression flickering before returning to normal.

Han Yu clapped once.

The effect vanished.

"Controlled fear. Targeted illusions. A weapon that attacks the mind before the body. Ideal for interrogation. Ideal for breaking resistance. Ideal for situations where brute force is inefficient."

He spoke the words as if he were listing features of a tool.

"Fully controllable," he added smoothly. "With proper handling, of course."

The High Elders exchanged brief glances.

Han Yu smiled wider.

"And now…"

He paused deliberately.

"Power."

The Red Class Anger Jiangshi stepped forward.

Its presence alone drew a ripple through the audience.

Han Yu pointed toward a thick slab of Thousand Refined Spirit Steel placed at the far end of the stage.

"Break it."

The Jiangshi moved.

There was no elegance. There was no finesse.

There was only force.

BOOM

The slab shattered.

Fragments scattered across the reinforced ground, some embedding themselves into the protective arrays.

Silence followed.

Han Yu spoke into that silence.

"Strength. Durability. Relentless aggression. For those who prefer their problems solved directly."

He turned, spreading his arms slightly.

"All of these… available."

Now came the part he had been waiting for.

"The price," Han Yu said, his tone shifting slightly, becoming sharper, more deliberate, "is one hundred thousand merit points per unit. Or equivalent resources."

A wave of whispers followed some in his support and some against him. There was also some agitation building up.