Not only Xiaoxiao, but even Lin Luo found these puppets extremely strange upon seeing them, as these dozen or so figures possessed not only life and souls but also certain specialized abilities.

When those two white shadow puppets attacked earlier, and Qiqi seemed to pass through them as if traversing air, Lin Luo had already noticed that the white shadow puppets existed in an incorporeal state, unable to make physical contact. Thus, he surmised that the real puppets were hidden elsewhere, and to scare them away, they were projecting phantoms using an ability akin to a mirage to stage frights.

Of course, in reality, their abilities were slightly stronger than a simple mirage, as they could alter their projected external appearance to some degree. The strongest evidence was before him: these dozen or so puppets were all dressed in vibrant, colorful attire and looked exceedingly cute, with none of the terrifying white figures seen before.

However, while this ability was effective for intimidation, it held no substantive offensive power. Their only capability for inflicting real harm was their control over those large rats, and... that was the extent of it.

If they possessed a third ability, they certainly wouldn't have allowed Lin Luo to enter so easily.

Although Lin Luo suspected the puppets were orchestrating things, he had always assumed the troublemakers were merely spectral entities—ghostly puppets, existing without actual life, much like earthbound spirits... When people die, they can become vengeful spirits due to strong lingering obsessions. It was plausible that puppets who once lived, upon death, could manifest in this manner if their obsession was powerful enough, coupled with some alchemical aberration... A case with a different form but the same outcome: Medea!

But what he never expected was that those standing before him would be so beautiful, so cute, and undeniably alive!

Lin Luo could only describe his current feeling with one phrase: "I’ve beaten the ending, but I didn't realize there was a true ending beyond the ending."

As for whether these puppets were truly alive or existed in some other form, Lin Luo currently had no way of knowing.

“I’ve observed them closely; they are intrinsically linked to this castle,” Qiqi said to him at that moment.

“One with the castle?” Lin Luo paused, startled. Was this the Witch’s House? Where was Xiaowei?

Though Qiqi and Lin Luo shared a deep connection, she couldn't read his chaotic internal monologue. She nodded, “These puppets are indeed alive, possessing their own life and consciousness. I can even see the flame of the soul within their ‘bodies.’ However... their souls and lives are tightly bound to this castle. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it symbiotic unity. Therefore, while they live, their existence is confined to this castle. Should they ever leave it, they would undoubtedly dissipate into dust.”

Lin Luo finally understood. In the end, these puppets were still earthbound spirits, merely existing in a slightly different configuration.

But then again, how could such a phenomenon have been caused?

Lin Luo didn't know, but it didn't matter; someone who did was standing right in front of him.

Lin Luo took a few steps forward and addressed the largest puppet, who stood before her younger sisters like an elder sister, saying, “Little sister, what is your name?”

Lin Luo’s tone could not have been kinder, and the smile on his face was exceptionally gentle. They say no one strikes a smiling face; any other person, even if indifferent to him, would hardly respond with harsh words. However, this beautiful puppet, dressed like a princess and appearing exceptionally noble, spat out, “Bad man! Don’t come closer!”

Lin Luo didn't mind being called a bad man and continued to offer goodwill. “Little sister, you see, I am a Puppeteer. Since you are a puppet yourself, you must know that even two hostile Puppeteers, in dire straits, would not harm each other’s dolls. So, there’s no need for you to reject me.”

Lin Luo was not speaking empty platitudes. The most crucial element for a Puppeteer to create an excellent doll is love for that doll—a love that is genuine, truer than pure gold, and intolerant of any falsity.

Lin Luo had read a record in an ancient text about a Puppeteer who, unable to craft his ideal doll, was consumed by dark arts and transformed into a bloodthirsty demon, causing countless massacres. He even killed over a dozen other Puppeteers, yet until his own death, he never harmed a single doll. In fact, the reason this Puppeteer died was because he exhausted his strength saving thousands of dolls trapped in a sea of fire, only to be subsequently executed by his foes.

The account was written by the descendant of a Puppeteer whose entire clan he had wiped out.

In the record, the author’s hatred and animosity toward this demonized Puppeteer were evident in every word, painting him as utterly wicked. Yet, there was one thing the author never once refuted from beginning to end: the man’s love for his dolls.

This illustrates the profound weight of the statement, "The most important thing for creating excellent dolls is love for the dolls." If translated to the Xianxia world, it would be equivalent to swearing an oath to the Dao of Heaven; in a Sword Immortal world, it would be the true meaning of the Way of the Sword; and in a magical world, it would be the origin of magic itself.

Simply put, if Lin Luo were to harm these puppets before him, his love for dolls would vanish, and no matter how transcendent his cultivation might become, he would never be able to create an ideal doll again.

The tall puppet listened to his words. Though she still didn't offer Lin Luo a pleasant expression, her gaze softened considerably. Then she said, “Even if you could, I don’t like this one—make her go away!”

The person she referred to was Qiqi. Upon arriving at the castle, Qiqi first broke down the door and then executed all the large rats controlled by the puppets. Furthermore, she had attempted to break the door again earlier. It would be miraculous if the puppets did like her.

Qiqi was largely responsible for the puppet directing harsh words at Lin Luo.

Knowing she was unwelcome, Qiqi showed no anger or annoyance, nor did she wish to cause trouble for Lin Luo. Without waiting for him to speak, she shot up and vanished from the room, returning to the darkness of the castle.

As soon as Qiqi departed, the puppets’ expressions instantly relaxed; they were no longer as vigilant as before. Evidently, the one they truly feared was not Lin Luo, but Qiqi.

“Um... should I leave too?” Xiaoxiao first glanced at the dark passage, then at Lin Luo, asking timidly. Although the puppets hadn't rejected her, she worried that Qiqi felt uncomfortable being rejected and wanted to accompany her 'Little Mistress,' a gesture of her filial piety.

“It’s fine,” Lin Luo waved his hand, completely unconcerned.

Who was Qiqi? The unparalleled foremost existence in the current era, controlling the life and death of the heavens above and the fate of the Great Dao below. Could being rejected by a few small puppets truly cause her psychological distress? If so, she would be the biggest joke under heaven.

“You still haven’t told me your name.” After Qiqi left, Lin Luo first introduced himself and Xiaoxiao, then resumed his gentle smile and asked the large puppet again.

“Peacock,” the tall puppet replied solemnly, then signaled her sisters. Following this, the dozen or so puppets reported their names one by one—names like Little Bee, Little Phoenix—all named after creatures that fly in the sky.

Lin Luo was keen to know the reason these bird-named puppets had survived, but asking such a direct question felt impolite, so he suppressed it for the time being. Instead, he engaged them in light chatter, even recounting a few amusing stories... Half an hour later, everyone except Peacock, who remained curt with him, had grown somewhat affectionate toward him. The youngest one even climbed onto him to listen to stories.

Next, Lin Luo gave Xiaoxiao a look, signaling her to draw all the puppets away... Having served as his maid and assistant for over a year, Xiaoxiao had heard countless stories and could narrate them vividly. With Lin Luo’s cooperation, attracting these little ones was no challenge. Soon, the group of puppets surrounded her, calling out “Big Sister, Big Sister!”

Only Peacock was left behind by Lin Luo.

The main reason Xiaoxiao was so welcomed by the puppets, besides her storytelling, was that she herself was a doll... Just as Puppeteers genuinely cherish their dolls, dolls possess an instinctual closeness toward a fellow doll or its master.

What? You ask why Peacock was still giving Lin Luo the cold shoulder?

Can't you tell by now? Peacock's inherent trait is tsundere combined with a sharp tongue.

“Tell me, Peacock, how do you live here?” Lin Luo didn't immediately ask why they were alive but phrased it differently, though the meaning was largely the same.

“Because of Father, of course,” Peacock replied, looking up with an expression of pure pride.

“Oh? Tell me about it.”

“Uh...” Seeing Lin Luo’s interested expression, Peacock was momentarily tongue-tied. It wasn't that she didn't want to say; it was that she didn't know. Originally, after being created, they lived for a time, but soon after, they died. When they reopened their eyes, Father was already gone, yet they had gained eternal life. The exact reason remained a mystery they had discussed for a long time without resolution.

Lin Luo saw her bewilderment in her expression and was not disappointed. Instead, he pointed to a firmly closed door in a corner nearby. “Is that your Father’s room? Shall we take a look?”

Without waiting for her consent, Lin Luo directly picked Peacock up.

“Let go of me right now, you pervert!” Startled by being suddenly held, Peacock’s little face flushed crimson as she struggled and flailed.

Lin Luo reminded her seriously, “I am a gentleman.”

“Written as a gentleman, read as a pervert, hmph!” Peacock retorted dismissively.

“Oh, quite progressive,” Lin Luo smacked his lips.