These puppets had reached Stage 3. But these puppets were only in Ecliptic Bound Sect—no other sect or Concord had used them yet.
Why? Because they were extremely expensive. Even a single Stage 1 puppet cost a fortune, even for Concords. A Stage 3 puppet was unimaginably costly.
Concords and others didn't even know puppets could have cultivation. They had only bought simple puppets from the store—basic helpers with no powers or advanced functions.
They hadn't unlocked higher tiers in the store yet. So they didn't know puppets can also have same strength as a Cultivator.
Their special AIs also hadn't informed their leaders to unlock higher tires. The AIs knew there was no immediate need for powerful puppets, and buying them would stretch finances too much. It wasn't worth it yet.
So the AIs never recommended or mentioned them.
Everyone in the game still thought puppets were just normal workers. They had no idea stronger versions existed.
So no one except Sanya's sect possessed Stage 3 puppets.
The burden on the game world was almost negligible.
They couldn't damage it. And if Ankit became stronger and upgraded the game world, even Stage 4 or Stage 5 players wouldn't be a burden.
But if someone reached Stage 4—or even Stage 5—while Ankit was still at Stage 5, they could potentially break free from the game world and emerge in reality. And it wasn't just about game players.
***
After receiving the wooden cube, Rudra entered his own secluded room.
He activated the cube. A 20-meter field formed around him.
He began receiving the details of the cultivation system directly in his mind.
Some time passed. Rudra opened his eyes. Awe filled them.
He murmured, "It's so amazing. I hadn't known the cultivation system is this complex. I thought it was just about gathering essence flow in the body…"
He closed his eyes again. Now he visualized his root core.
His innate talent wasn't good. But he had received proper care for many years and practiced the Mortal Foundation Scripture.
Because of these, he hoped to visualize a big root core.
The size wasn't just more essence—it shaped the future path of the Cultivator.
So Rudra tried his best. He focused on visualization.
He focused.
He focused harder.
Sweat poured down his forehead. His mind went blank from time to time, resetting itself repeatedly.
His eyes trembled behind closed lids, pleading for him to wake up from the intense focus.
But Rudra kept them tightly shut. He refused to give up on making a bigger core.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally opened his eyes.
In reality, only Fifty minutes had passed.
But for him, it had been endless. Every second stretched like hours, every failed attempt to visualise the core burned his mind. Tearing from the inside.
But he hadn't stopped.
Finally, he had visualized the core.
He exhaled slowly, chest rising and falling.
But he was disappointed. Even with all his advantages, his core was only slightly bigger than his father Kamal's.
He was far below his sister. But only a little above his father.
He shook his head and said, "Now I know—if I start cultivation in the real world right now, I will only make this much of a core. But I have to create a bigger one. I want to become much stronger."
"How can I do it? I don't have innate talent like my sister or mother, nor like any of brother's disciples. I only have the Mortal Foundation Scripture to change this. So I should focus on it. I will not start my cultivation journey until I am satisfied with my talent."
He now understood he wouldn't become very strong if he started his cultivation now.
So Rudra decided to wait until his talent improved.
Then he could begin cultivation more powerfully.
He didn't worry about not cultivating in the real world.
His brother and family would protect him even if he doesn't cultivate.
Plus, he could experience cultivation fully in the game world.
So he wouldn't miss out on anything.
Previously, he had desperately wanted to cultivate.
His brother had told him to wait, and Rudra had been excited for the day he could finally start—as soon as possible.
But now he could already cultivate in the game world.
His excitement for real-world cultivation was no longer high.
He didn't rush anymore.
He would only start when he was satisfied with his talent.
Rudra murmured, "But even if I want to use the scripture to increase my talent until I'm satisfied, my lifespan will be a problem.
So I should focus on increasing my lifespan first—so I can continue practicing without dying of old age."
He already had a plan to increase his lifespan.
But he would use that plan later.
For now, he was going to cultivate.
***
Rudra didn't remember that his brother had once told the family: "You can start your cultivation. I will later think of something." (Ch 139)
Ankit had said these words before—in front of Rudra.
But Rudra was small at that time, so he didn't remember much.
Even if he had remembered, he would likely still use this method.
Because he was already cultivating in the game world.
If he felt his lifespan was ending soon, he could easily start real cultivation.
He would already have so much experience from the game, plus better talent.
He could begin his real cultivation journey without much issue.
Kamal, Sanya, and Neelam had already started their cultivation.
So they couldn't use this benefit like Rudra.
But they still trusted Ankit completely.
He would help them.