20 Crossing the Golden Bridge

Zhen Shi walked into the main market area with Myne and Vivienne in tow. This location was completely unlike the market road and was as if they had walked into another place entirely. Zhen Shi stared wide-eyed at the scene that awaited them, as a strange calm washed over him.

The main market area was an island placed within a large expanse of blue water, and despite being in the middle of the Lyon city, the island and the peaceful lake perfectly blended into the background. The wind was calmly blowing over the lake causing the occasional tree on the island to rustle peacefully. The lake was completely free of ripples despite the wind and gave off a strange dangerous feeling. However, within this peaceful island, there was a single construction that seemed rather out of place. This was a towering and awe-inspiring golden pagoda with a large signboard floating above it with words written in qi, the Lyon and Turnbull Market Island!

Myne suddenly poked Zhen Shi on the chest and laughed saying, "Kid did you just lose yourself in that simple bewildering formation? Tsk-tsk. Disappointing..." Zhen Shi frowned and mumbled, "Of course not, I was simply analyzing the formation..." then with a mischievous grin he pointed out at some stones which were placed unassumingly along the shore, "those are the bewildering formation's external centers right?" Now it was Myne's turn to frown, "Fuck. My brother is indeed correct, but I was sure you were bewildered just then... " Zhen Shi continued grinning as he indeed had been effected for a moment, but had later used the knowledge from the skill book and the appraisal skill to turn things around.

Myne continued speaking while smiling again, "However... that is not just a simple bewildering formation, it is, in fact, a compound formation and contains a sealing formation along with another formation for attacking and defending. But those formation centers are hidden within some other illusory formations making it more difficult to detect." It was again Zhen Shi's turn to frown.

FUCK! How could I find formation centers with the appraisal skill, if I can't see them?

But now knowing that there was something more to look for, he activated to full effect turning one of his eyes into a deep golden hue. As a result, he was able to notice slight aberrations on some trees on the island as well as from deep within the still lake. Now with a rough idea, he spoke out confidently while pointing out the relevant locations, "Oh no... I sensed them before, but I just didn't say it because I thought that it was pretty obvious. I can sense formation centers from those trees and something else from the lake..." but he turned to Myne with a devilish grin, "But of course, how can I be more knowledgable regarding formations than the Great Merlin?"

And it was once again Myne's turn to frown, "FUCK! Bro, are you some reincarnated formation master? How on earth could you sense them by just being at the soul formation stage? Even an ordinary Law Holder couldn't have done it, and the only reason I can do so is because of my knowledge in the dao of formations gained over countless millennia." This caused Zhen Shi to grin proudly and puff up his chest. But almost immediately, Myne frowned at him angrily, "And... Who the fuck is Merlin?" and bunched up a shirt sleeve playfully getting ready to punch Zhen Shi.

Vivienne who had been silent the entire time, having noticed some people observing them, grabbed their collars with a light sigh. She whispered, "I think you've made enough of a scene in front of the Item Pavillion right?" with a deadly light in her eyes. Immediately, Zhen Shi and Myne went silent. But thankfully for them, one of the observers, an old man with long white hair walked over, causing Vivienne to let them go with a polite smile at the old man.

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This old man who was at the Soul Deification Stage and dressed in a white daoist robe, politely bowed while speaking out, "Greetings fellow daoists, this humble fellow is Hao Lei. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation and I am pleased to have discovered two talented cultivators of the Dao of Formations," while glancing at Myne and Zhen Shi in particular. Zhen Shi, Myne, and Vivienne bowed in greetings while introducing themselves as well. Now with the formalities completed, Zhen Shi hurriedly shook his hands in dismissal at Hao Lei and said, "Oh no, Senior, I am only a novice in the dao of formations. The real expert is this fellow brother of mine!" while hurriedly pushing Myne forwards.

Zhen Shi was sure that he knew nothing regarding the dao of formations besides finding formation centers. So unwilling to embarrass himself he had thrown Myne into the fire.

This caused the Hao Lei to raise an eyebrow in surprise. What a humble young fellow! He isn't acting proud of having reached the soul transformation stage at his age and he even gave up the chance to impress me to his senior brother!

With a smile, the Hao Lei spoke out, "Of course not, I'm sure that the junior generation has much to teach us old folks. Still, I wonder what exalted master could bring up such wonderful disciples like you three?"

The three of them laughed and in almost practiced motion Myne spoke out, "Our master is a very reclusive character. So I'm not sure if this fellow daoist has heard of him. He goes by the name of Myrden."

This caused Zhen Shi to raise an eyebrow and with a smirk, he sent mentally to Myne, "Myrden? Hmm... I wonder what great mage had that name at birth? Could it be... Merlin? Fuck! I can't believe that my brother was shameless enough to make himself his own master.... along with Sis Vivienne and me!"

Myne's eye twitched ಠ_ಥ

How on earth does this kid even know that? Besides me, only Vivienne knows my true name, and she would never have told him!

But the Hao Lei noticed nothing of this as he continued to speak, "Indeed I have not heard of your exalted master. Well as my apology for being unaware, let me personally guide you into our Lyon and Turnbull hall!" Myne and Vivienne spoke out in thanks but Zhen Shi hurriedly said, "Senior, what is that golden bridge?" while pointing at one.

There were two bridges leading to the island and while the large wooden bridge was being used by almost everyone, there was one smaller golden bridge leading to the other side. A large number of cultivators at the soul formation stage were seated in front of it. Hao Lei smiled as he spoke, "That is the golden soul bridge set up by our Lyon and Turnbull hall to test young cultivators. Any cultivator below Soul Transformation can attempt to cross it. Anyone who can complete half of it will receive a divine blessing from our hall's patron god Caishen to strengthen their soul, and anyone who reaches the end will receive a 50% permanent discount from all their purchases from our hall. Would this junior Daoist like to give a try?"

But even before Zhen Shi could speak out the Hao Lei continued, "Many geniuses have attempted it but they have all stopped after a few steps beyond the halfway point, and in the last millennia only Prince Tristram reached the end. He is indeed a genius, but his character is..." Hao Lei paused for a moment in thought, but smiled again as he said, "So what is this junior's decision? I must warn you though, the first half brings out the spiritual pressure of soul transformation, while the latter half leads up to nascent soul and even the soul deification stage in spiritual pressure."

Zhen Shi grinned nonchalantly as he pridefully spoke out, "Of course I can complete a task of that level!" After all, he had fought with Vivienne at the Law Holder stage and had held on.

But this caused Hao Lei to frown unhappily. Maybe I was mistaken? Braggarts like this fellow won't make it too far in their cultivation. How could he expect to dismiss such powerful pressure while just being at the first stage of soul formation?

Still, he nodded and led the way to the golden bridge. The official in charge of the golden bridge hurriedly bowed seeing the arrival of Hao Lei. There were hundreds of soul formation cultivators in front of the golden bridge. After all, this wasn't just a chance to save money on purchases. If you could complete this test your reputation would immediately increase and you would receive invitations from all sorts of lucrative organizations! These cultivators turned to look at the new arrivals but stayed silent noticing Hao Lei's status. But there was another old man wearing a black daoist robe who was looking over the trial. He stared hatefully at Hao Lei for a moment and proceeded to ignore him with an inaudible curse. However, Hao Lei too ignored him and lightly flicked his hand asking the official to continue. The official bowed in agreement and started the test for the examination.

Hao Lei could have easily had Zhen Shi take the test first. But had not done so just to test Zhen Shi and his fellow disciple's patience. Noting Zhen Shi who patiently stood by the side with Myne and Vivienne without a word of complaint, he was impressed once more.

I suppose even braggarts can be patient... let's see how he measures up on the golden bridge!

The official led up the soul cultivators but almost every one collapsed just before the tenth step, which was ten more steps away from the halfway point. They all walked away dejectedly but formed into a group of spectators as they continued to watch the other cultivators. Afterward, there were occasional cultivators who walked further than most, but none was able to obtain the divine blessing, much to the displeasure of the spectator group who had now grown substantially.

Hao Let shook his head and muttered, "Looks like we won't have too many successes in this trial either..."

After around an hour of failures, a young noble with brown hair and an axe on his back attempted the trial. He had cultivation just on the verge of ascending to the Soul Transformation stage. He walked up the steps slowly but surely and stopped only at the precipice of the half-way mark. After several minutes more of struggling, he was finally able to take a step on to the halfway point immediately falling onto his knees.

Even still he had achieved the first objective and under the cheers of the spectators a terrifying black tiger materialized out of pure god aether over the golden bridge, and it roared with its eyes on the noble. The tiger shot a silver aura from its mouth which covered the young noble's body. Moments later, he slowly stood up as his soul strength improved. After the tiger manifestation dissipated, with renewed confidence, he took one more step forwards but immediately collapsed onto his knees. And as such, he walked back the same way he had climbed. Although he had failed the second objective he was still successful and as such, he returned with a smile of confidence.

Hao Lei was considering whether he should go and invite this talented young noble himself, but considering that it would be rude to the guests who he was already accompanying, he decided against it. But almost immediately that black-robed old man who had cursed at Hao Lei walked over to this noble and spoke out, "Young Master Samuel your talent is truly astounding," he smiled satisfactorily while looking at Hao Lei," since the Lyons seem to be considering that your talents are below their 'standards', will the young master take up my invitation on behalf of the Turnbull family?"

Samuel frowned unhappily as he glanced at Hao Lei who in turn smiled at him and spoke out, "My apologies, young master. It was simply that I had to entertain this fellow daoists of mine. Master Samuel has no need to join up with the Turnbulls as I, too, will present an invitation to you on behalf of the Lyon Family."

Samuel's frowned deepened as he felt unsatisfied despite his success. He eyed the trio who were the 'fellow daoists' in displeasure. He turned around and walked over to the black-robed man and spoke out, "I'll accept the Turnbull family's invitation, but I hope that this senior will allow me to witness the remainder of this event?" The black-robed man immediately agreed happily, and he turned to look at Hao Lei with a malicious smirk of self-satisfaction.

Hao Lei frowned, 'Damn that Shu Yi! How dare he sully our Lyon Family's name? Still, that Samuel wasn't worth much either way... So his support will only give the Turnbulls a momentary gain.' He glanced at Zhen Shi, 'Now let's see whether this braggart lives at least up to half of his words...'

The remaining candidates finished up within half an hour but no one was able to go as far as Samuel. Finally, it was Zhen Shi's turn. Under the watching eyes of the crowd, he walked over to the bridge. Samuel was watching calmly, confident of the fact that this random cultivator would not amount to much.

But to his surprise, Zhen Shi calmly walked up the steps as if he was going on a stroll completely neglecting the pressure. He reached the step just before the half-way point. With a mischievous grin, he turned to look at Myne and Vivienne and waved his hand, causing them to struggle to stifle their laughter. Even the old Hao Lei couldn't help but grin...

And under the displeased gazed of Shu Yi and Samuel, Zhen Shi turned back to the bridge and easily took the last step on to the half-way point. Immediately the terrifying figure of the black tiger formed from God Aether appeared. And under the cheers of the spectators, just like before it started to roar sending silver energy on to Zhen Shi. Zhen Shi closed his eyes in expectance of the improvement of his soul, but surprisingly the primordial chaos base in his dantian hurriedly absorbed all of the silver soul energy from the divine blessing, while rapidly growing in size.

Zhen Shi was surprised but since the primordial chaos was growing he didn't complain and sat down in a lotus position. But surprisingly the torrent of soul energy didn't end as the primordial chaos base continued to forcefully pull the energy from the tiger. As the primordial chaos reached a limit in its expansion it proceeded to contract and continued absorbing more of the energy. Gradually the tiger's appearance and roar started changing...

After a while, the terrifying dark black tiger's roar had turned into nothing but a high-pitched screech... The manifestation of the tiger seemed to have become a pitiful cat as it stared at Zhen Shi pleading to let it go... but Zhen Shi could only smile awkwardly, as he was unable to control the primordial chaos by himself. He pitifully spoke out with great sorrow, "I am sorry kitty, but I can't help you."

This caused all the cultivators including the two elders to almost cough up blood, but they changed their mind and paused to listen as Zhen Shi kept talking sagely, "Cultivation is an arduous path... It is the duty of those with ability, to teach those who make mistakes. Unlike a certain someone, I have a sense of pride. As such, I am duty-bound to teach you and rid you of this bad habit of spewing your silver-white spit all over everyone." But all the spectators vomited out the blood once he finished the sentence.

Fellow Cultivator, can you let Lord Caishen's manifestation off with some degree of pride?

Not only the cultivators even the Black tiger seemed to have become furious as it let out a final powerful roar. Suddenly, a thin yellow figure with a wide golden rod emanating a strong and godly aura manifested by the side of the Black Tiger. He pointed the rod and started to send forth torrents of golden energy towards Zhen Shi while shouting out garbled words. The primordial chaos base continued to greedily guzzle up this energy as Zhen Shi watched on helplessly.

The group of cultivators including the two elders watched on in amazement. Such an unprecedented event had not taken place even for Prince Tristram's trial! Myne and Vivienne were smiling helplessly at this situation.

After a while, besides the screeching black cat, there was a yellow figure screaming garbled words while desperately trying to hold on to the golden rod which was being pulled away by the primordial chaos base.

The onlooking cultivators watched in stupefaction. Did God Caishen take a break today and leave the god of comedy to take care of his efforts?

Now, the yellow figure too seemed to be pleading by screaming garbled words, alongside the screeching black tiger. Zhen Shi was still helpless to do anything and as such he spoke out, "I believe I have finished teaching my lesson to the black kitty..." All the cultivators and the two manifestations seemed to heave a sigh of relief. But, Zhen Shi continued to speak, "But a certain someone is unable to keep his 'golden rod' where it should be..." the cultivators were confused for a moment as Zhen Shi continued to speak, "And he kept shamelessly spraying this 'yellow liquid' on me. As such, I'll have to cure that bad habit as well!"

Now, finally, understanding his meaning the spectating cultivators fainted sideways on the spot. Fellow Daoist, do you have some immeasurable grudge with God Caishen?

A while later, just when the black tiger and golden rod wielding figure were on the verge of dissipating, and the primordial chaos had gone throught mutiple cycles of expansion and contraction, a blurry figure appeared generating a terrifying aura. The entire market island seemed to vibrate as even Zhen Shi was frozen on the spot.

The hundreds of cultivators were stupefied, with the majority fainting on the spot. Samuel was wallowing in self-pity, so wasn't much affected...

Hao Lei and Shu Yi stared with their mouths open struggling to stay standing themselves.

Even Myne and Vivienne stared with wide eyes.

Because this had to be the figure of A GOD!

This figure lightly grabbed the tiger and the golden rod and freed them allowing them to pitifully take their leave. Then lightly gazing at Zhen Shi he pulled the air in his direction and immediately disappeared.

Suddenly, the manifestation of the bow which Zhen Shi had formed within his dantian was pulled out and materialized as a large figure of a bow externally. This bow seemed to be growing and improving, but Zhen Shi ignored it as he had to struggle to keep the title of within his body as it too was being pulled out by the force. After a while, the manifestation of the bow returned back to his body, and the force disappeared along with it.

Zhen Shi calmly stood up and looked around at the fainted cultivators and the still-standing few. Seeing this situation and how he'd have to eventually deal with it, Zhen Shi did the only thing he could do...

"System, this is all your fault..."

System: "..."