21 Eyes and Ears everywhere

Zhen Shi smiled uncomfortably at this scene and thus just wanted to leave now. So under the eyes of the cultivators who were still managing to stand and the two elders of the Lyon and Turnbull market hall, he easily ran through the remaining half of the bridge. Besides pausing for a moment to activate and push off the pressure of the soul deification stage in the last few steps, the remaining half of the trial was completed easily.

But to Zhen Shi's surprise, almost everyone grimaced as the remaining cultivator's mental confidence collapsed on the spot.

Brother, could you at least pretend that this trial is difficult? It's okay to destroy god Caishen's pride but we have our own pride as well, you know?

Now realizing his mistake Zhen Shi could only grin as he walked back through the bridge to his group. As he walked over, Hao Lei was thinking, 'So this young fellow wasn't bragging at all! He was indeed speaking the truth, in fact, he was understating his own capabilities. What a good seedling for our Lyon family.'

Hao Lei was the first to walk over to him with a smile of satisfaction, "Congratulations brother Zhen Shi. Who would've thought that besides being a talented formation master you were also a skilled archer gaining the acceptance of the gods? This old daoist feels powerless in the face of your talent. Who would have thought that you were a dragon amongst men?" Myne visibly grimaced at Hao Lei's choice of words as he was reminded of an unpleasant incident due to a 'dragon', but thankfully no one else noticed. Hao Lei continued to speak with a laugh, "I am truly lucky to have been able to witness the personal divine blessing of a god! Even God Ciashen's divine manifestations were," and coughed awkwardly," helpless in front of you!"

Zhen Shi didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Divine blessing my ass! He hadn't received anything, as almost all of it had been gobbled up by the primordial chaos base. And the last gesture from that blurry shadow had only improved his manifestation of the art of archery.

Still, he was aware that people who were capable of obtaining personal divine blessings were treated differently than most. This was because such cultivators show rapid growth in their cultivation and in their respective skills. For instance, Isolde who had a personal divine blessing from Eir would be considered an important resource of the kingdom. So no matter what, the kingdom would not allow her life to be endangered. Similarly, he too would be sought after by various organizations now.

Hao Lei continued to grin happily while turning his head occasionally to look at Shu Yi with smugness and confidence in his victory. Shu Yi's face was now the epitome of failure as he kept turning his head between Samuel and Zhen Shi. Samuel who had been wallowing in self-pity shook his head with a smile. After all, when the gap between competitors is insurmountable, that rivalry turns into blind faith and adoration.

As such, Samuel and the majority of cultivators got up from the ground and came over to congratulate Zhen Shi. They talked about how Zhen Shi had to take care of them in the future, how his future success was set now, how happy his master would be and so on. Zhen Shi could only mindlessly grin and nod his head in agreement at their words.

Next, Samuel walked over and with a genuine smile he spoke out, "Brother Zhen Shi now that you have even exceeded the previous record holder, Prince Tristram, he might turn up to challenge you, honorably or dishonorably. After all, the entire kingdom knows about the prince's temperament." Zhen Shi nodded his head in thanks and spoke out, "I'll remember to keep brother Samuel's words in mind." As Samuel walked away, Hao Lei kept grinning proudly for having discovered this talent. Finally, Shu Yi walked over. He had been planning on inviting Zhen Shi over to the Turnbull family but under the vigilant look of Hao Lei, he could only leave after a few words of congratulations, with Samuel in tow.

Hao Lei turned over to Zhen Shi and said, "Fellow Daoists, come let me take you to the actual market hall," while guiding them over the wooden bridge to the island. But while they were going along Myne and Vivienne established a common mental link with Zhen Shi. Myne spoke out worriedly, "Bro you... did you actually get the divine blessing? We didn't tell you anything before as it was only supposed to be a spiritual blessing, but who would've thought that you would actually summon over a god for a divine blessing!"

Zhen Shi calmly sent back, "Oh, why what's the problem? No worries though, the primordial chaos gobbled all of the divine blessing up leaving me nothing... That divine blessing was only a farce!" Myne and Vivienne visibly relaxed and Vivienne sent back cryptically, "That's good... This is because divine blessings are simply traps laid out for cultivators..." Zhen Shi couldn't help but frown as Isolde and his sister Zhen Xixi who both had divine blessings came into his mind. "Explain..." he sent back. Myne grimaced and sent back, "Knowing too much isn't good for anyone. But... since it seems to be important to you, we'll tell you later tonight, in private." Zhen Shi nodded in acceptance but still was worried in his mind.

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By now they had crossed the bridge and was a single step away from the island in the lake. They took the last step forward. Zhen Shi felt as if he had passed through a light protective membrane and even calmly sensed the formation with his spiritual energy. But he couldn't learn much from it alone. As such he shifted his concentration on to the island itself.

The island lay before them in all it's glory. The wind passed lightly through the land causing the trees in the forest to rustle about. There were strange unusual trees and plants of various colors, all of which Zhen Shi recognized. The wind broke off the leaves of these trees causing them to colorfully dance about in the wind. Zhen Shi inhaled the smell of the various flowers and walked forwards delighting in this explosion of natural beauty. Behind this forest of wonderment was the awe-inspiring golden pagoda showing off its power to all.

But suddenly, *cough*. Myne had coughed with a victorious grin while staring at Zhen Shi. Myne grinned and spoke out, "So, did Bro get enticed by the bewitching formation again? Hmm?" Zhen Shi was speechless but with a light golden hue in his eyes, he immediately began to point out at several locations saying, "The formation centers are--" But Myne hurriedly stopped him, "Geez. Fine. Fine. You don't have to show off all the time," with an unhappy frown. Zhen Shi grinned in victory and Vivienne unable to hold back finally laughed at this situation, causing Hao Lei who too had been entranced in the beauty of nature to finally wake up.

Having just shaken off the formation effects, he embarrassedly looked at the trio who seemed to be completely fine and spoke out, "The junior generation indeed surpasses us of the old. I apologize for inadvertently getting enraptured in our own formation. We put it up to provide a calm and beautiful backdrop for the customers, but it seems it might have been too well done," with a calm laugh. Zhen Shi and the rest hurriedly spoke out saying there was no need for an apology. Hao Lei smiled once again as he led the trio away from the forest and along a clear path towards the entrance to the Item Hall.

But suddenly Hao Lei frowned and hurriedly turned to the trio speaking out apologetically, "My apologies. A problem seems to have come up and the elders of the Lyon family are being summoned. Thus I'll have to leave momentarily." Noticing the inquisitive looks on their faces and considering it a chance to earn their favor he continued speaking in explanation, "The Lyon and Turnbull market hall is jointly managed by the Lyon and Turnbull royal families. The first masters were very good friends and thus started this venture together. But under continuous generations of power struggles, the relationship between the families in each market hall has deteriorated. As such the first masters put forth a competition. Accordingly, the younger generations of the direct descendants of each branch hall will compete in their knowledge of item appraisal and the winning family of each branch hall will hold the monopoly of overall decisions. In fact, our Lyon family could have easily won this time..."

He grimaced while tightening his fist, "That Shu Yi and his Turnbull family! Seeing their obvious loss under Josef Turnbull they had him arrested, so they would have a chance at victory! Now they are suggesting bringing in external experts to solve the problem. How ruthless... "

Myne's face went pale when he heard this, while Zhen Shi and Vivienne had to hold back from laughing. Hao Lei, however, continued speaking with ignorance, "Once again I must apologize. But I already notified my niece. She'll arrive shortly. Now, I'll be taking my leave, fellow Daoists," and bowed immediately before walking away. Now alone Zhen Shi couldn't help but rub it in Myne by saying, "So.. bro of mine, I must admit that the scrying crystal is indeed powerful!" and laughing. Myne could only scowl unhappily as Vivienne too spoke out, "Hubby, your old habits seem to have brought troubles in the present time," with a victorious smile.

But Myne was saved from this by a hurrying figure of yellow and white. This figure hurriedly grabbed Myne's hand and spoke out pitifully, "Big brother our Lyon family is troubled because you got Josef Turnbull arrested. So won't you help us solve this problem to our advantage?"

Zhen Shi observed this new arrival. She was a very beautiful young girl with shoulder-length purplish-black hair. She was dressed in an embroidered dress of yellow and white lace which showed off her young figure. However, Vivienne seemed to be about to go into full-on devil mode while Myne was completely frozen in the face of this sudden arrival holding on to his hand. As such, Zhen Shi hurriedly jumped in to save his brother.

He grabbed the girl's hand freeing Myne and spoke out, "Pretty Lady, don't bother that heartless brother of mine. He isn't moved by any woman besides his wife beside him. So, I'll make sure to help you out in his stead!" with a nonchalant grin.

The girl's face instantly reddened in embarrassment. When she first arrived, she had immediately recognized Myne who was responsible for sending Josef into the kingdom jail. As such seeing an opportunity to help out the Lyon family, considering these fellow student's abilities and their mysterious master about whom she had been informed by Hao Lei, she had jumped without thinking. Now realizing that she had grabbed onto a married man in front of his wife, she was deeply embarrassed.

Still, she hurriedly freed herself from Zhen Shi's hand and bowed elegantly while speaking out, "My deepest apologies, elder brother Myne and big sister Vivienne. I, Laura Lyon, acted without thought. So forgive me... But, this Zhen Shi also grabbed onto my hand!" Now turning onto Zhen Shi with a devilish smile she spoke out, "Will you take responsibility? Or will you pay for mental damages?"

Zhen Shi was flabbergasted. FUCK! Is this a gold digger in the guise of a pretty flower? He hurriedly sent out to Myne, "Bro, hand me one of your scryer crystals. I'll use it to get this girl off my back." But Myne sent out, "Hell no! Vivienne is on MY back! I'm staying out of this matter..." Zhen Shi grimaced as the expected backup failed to deliver, but almost immediately he himself grinned devilishly.

He wagged his index finger in the face of Laura confidently and spoke out, "Laura, Laura... You are a bit too young to make us pay. Let's say that my actions cancel off yours. After all, you grabbed a married man and I have pretty good proof..." while bringing out the scryer crystal he had received from Myne before in the market street. He hadn't used it to record anything, he was hoping that this girl knew about how Myne had handled Josef and would assume he had done the same.

Laura couldn't help but grimace. She had been brought up as a student of business and as such tried to always make a profit. But she couldn't help but accept defeat in the face of these fellow students and their scryer crystals. This must be the wise teachings of their master, Myrden!

If Zhen Shi had heard that thought he would've vomited blood for three days and three nights. Still, he didn't and so was still celebrating his victory.

Laura bowed in defeat and spoke out, "It will be as big brother Zhen Shi says," but she immediately looked up with a smile and shining eyes, "I didn't expect that the genius archer and formation master who even exceeded Prince Tristram's record on the golden spirit bridge, to also be talented in item appraisal!"

Even though he won his gamble, Zhen Shi could only smile helplessly as he wondered, "Shit. I was almost sued by this lady but I still have to help her?" Myne and Vivienne couldn't help but grin at his helpless face...

Laura ignored all of them as she smiled and spoke out, "Well, fellow brothers and sister before the appraisal event tomorrow, you must've come here to purchase some items? Just tell me and I'll ensure you get the best of the best. No need to peruse the items yourself. Since you're helping our family I'll even add an additional 10% discount to your purchases."

Immediately, Myne and Vivienne walked forwards and handed out two pieces of paper. Laura quickly went over the lists and spoke to Myne, "We do have all of these materials, but the sap glass is very rare and we have a high demand for it. I suppose we'll let you have it as thanks for your help," she turned over to Vivienne, "All these ingredients are available even the insects, but why do you need them?" since Vivienne only mysteriously smiled she continued, "As for the pill furnace, it would be best if sister Vivienne came along with me later to chose one." Vivienne spoke out with a smile, "Very well. I'll expect you to treat me to a meal afterward for trying to steal my husband."

Laura couldn't help but blush in shame at her reply, but she nodded with a grin nevertheless. Now with all their matters handled Laura called out to Zhen Shi, "Big brother, aren't you going to buy anything?" Zhen Shi shook his head helplessly, "I want to buy something, but I don't know if I could afford it." Laura frowned, "Well if you tell me, I might be able to help you get it for cheap or even on loan. After all, what organization would refuse to have a genius owe them a favor?" and said. Zhen Shi nodded thankfully causing Laura to smile confidently.

But her smile disappeared as Zhen Shi spoke out, "Okay, if little sister is so sure, then I am free of worries. I want to buy... you," pointing at her and continued, "to take home to cook and take care of myself!"

Laura was flabbergasted as she realized he was just joking around, and with her face red in anger, she spoke out, "You--you, shameless wolf! Now, you MUST pay me for mental damages!" Zhen Shi continued to grin nonchalantly as he brought out the scryer crystal and played around with it mischievously. Myne and Vivienne couldn't help but laugh at this ridiculous situation.

Laura sighed once again in defeat thinking, 'This master Myrdern is truly peerless' while eyeing the scryer crystal that Zen Shi had with him. As such she spoke out in an annoyed manner, "Fine... Brother Zhen Shi, you win." But she almost immediately returned to normal and smiled saying, "I suppose you must be tired from your travels. Since the appraisal competition will be held next week, we have arranged rooms for you. If you need anything, just tell us."

She led them away from the main item hall and towards the forest which they had previously walked away from. Within a short time, they came across a worn forest path which they followed. Zhen Shi tried to sense the path or the surroundings with his spiritual energy but was unable to do so. Still, he walked closer to Laura and spoke out, "Laura, you're a Lyon right? So are you the one from the main family who was supposed to go against Josef Turnbull?"

Laura was surprised at his sudden question and answered grumpily, "Humph. What? will you regret your actions if I am of the main family?" Still, she shook her head and answered, "No. I'm only a Lyon from the second family. Uncle Hao Lei is my mother's brother and my father is only from a side family. The one who was supposed to fight against him was sister, Dorothy. She was born of divine birth time and was immediately blessed by the patron god Caishen, like you. In fact, she has never made loss of even a single coin to the Item Hall!" with adoration in her eyes. Zhen Shi nodded in acknowledgment but brought out the scryer crystal and played around it, much to the annoyance of Laura.

Thankfully for her, the rest of the journey was short as they soon arrived at a clearing in the forest with a complex of several luxurious pavilions. The blazing midday sun shone relentlessly on the pavilions causing the golden walls and silver roofs to glisten like gems.

There were many guards of the soul transformation stage adorned in golden-red armor surrounding the pavilions. But noticing Laura and the rest they immediately moved to the side with a slight bow. Laura showed them to one of the pavillions at the very center of the complex which was much larger than most. Now, with her task complete she left with a promise to deliver the required items and to come back later to take Vivienne for the purchase of the pill furnace. But before she left, she angrily glared at Zhen Shi who was still playing with the scryer crystal...

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The pavilion was rather open and at the very center, there was an open-roof garden. Besides the intricately planted plants and trees, there was a pond to which the water was flowing in and out through a small stream. Moments later, Zhen Shi, Myne, and Vivienne sat down in the main central hall from where they could easily observe the central garden.

Zhen Shi was the first to speak, "So will you explain the situation regarding divine blessings?" Myne signaled for him to be quiet and brought out a talisman. He threw it upwards as it formed a spherical dome of qi surrounding the three of them. Immediately, Vivienne moved into a seated position and formed various hand signs while mumbling an incantation which sent out surges of energy that combined with the dome of qi strengthening it.

Myne now began to talk hurriedly, "I can't explain everything to you just yet. None of our cultivations are sufficient right now to completely block out their observation if we mention them directly. In fact," he turned to Vivienne who nodded in support, "we believe that even Vivienne's mother Diana might have been under their orders when she used the divine curse to trap us. Most probably, they are those that are truly in power in the various organizations of gods. They have eyes and ears everywhere and if it wasn't for this," he pointed to the dome of qi, "I wouldn't dare speak. Their weakest members would exceed the law stage in power. All I can say right now is that a divine blessing is most probably just as bad as being attacked by a divine curse, if not worse. So make sure your loved ones stay away from them."

He grinned slightly and said, "But you don't have to worry about it yourself. You might have figured it out already, but it seems that primordial chaos absorbs divine blessings."

Zhen Shi frowned and asked in worry, "What about the people who I care about who already have divine blessings! My sister and even Isolde both have divine blessings! How can I save them?"

Myne and Vivienne frowned helplessly. Finally, Vivienne smiled lightly, "Little bro, it's not possible to get rid of divine blessings with mortal power. So, all we can say is, become stronger..." Myne grinned supportively and said, "Yes, just become stronger. You already have never before seen abilities and a primordial chaos base! If someone or any divine blessing gets in your way and your loved ones, just beat them with sheer power!"

Zhen Shi nodded in agreement as he fell into silent thought while staring at the central garden. Myne and Vivienne canceled the dome of qi wordlessly as they noticed his desire to be alone. They got up and started to walk away, leaving Zhen Shi alone in the central hall. But Vivienne paused for a moment saying, "Little Bro I know that it's easier for you to improve your cultivation the way you do, but it might be a good idea to cultivate normally and become more familiar with your own body. After all, you can't be too sure when treading on paths walked by none before..." Myne also spoke out, "Oh yeah, since you want to learn blacksmithing and..." but strangely paused as he turned to look at Vivienne. She smiled and nodded. Thus Myne continued to speak, "pill refining as well, we'll be back once we get the materials."

Zhen Shi simply nodded once more. As Myne and Vivienne walked away, he stared at the stream of water being bathed by the afternoon sunlight while jumping along the rocks. His eyes glowed and his fists tightened involuntarily...