"That's true, I usually just lie on the bed and listen," Zong Shichang said, taking pride in it. "Is there anything else to discuss here?"
Zhao Xing pointed to the two individuals who had descended from the Heavenly Altar: "Anyone who sees is a spectator. If they return the greeting, it signifies acknowledgment, and the skills of the dance masters and music masters will improve."
"I guess those two will come to pay their respects as well. If you return the greeting, it’s a show of courtesy; if not, it doesn’t matter."
"The higher the level and appreciation ability of the spectators, the more feedback the dance masters and music masters receive from their performance. If they can also offer something, then their feedback will be even greater, though there is a limit to this."
The group that received the incense was a notch above those in the square, and naturally, Liu Muqing and Lu Qian would not let this opportunity slip by.
As expected, after coming down, they ran over to Zong Shichang's group and performed a bow.
Zhao Xing thought their performance was quite good and cupped his hands in acknowledgment, giving the two a nod of approval.
Lu Qian had been staring at Zhao Xing. Upon seeing him return the gesture, she curled her lips in disdain.
This guy, while detestable, at least understood manners.
If only he would return her Feathered Cloak.
The others also showed courtesy, as both of them hailed from prestigious families and were acquainted with the young master Zong, returning the bow in kind.
While others' bows were serious, Zong Shichang pulled out a banknote from his bosom and waved it at Lu Qian and Liu Muqing: "Ladies, good work! Here’s a reward!"
Lu Qian glared at Zong Shichang as he approached, her teeth grinding, wishing she could punch him twice, but ultimately she held back and gritted her teeth, saying, "Zong Shichang, thank you!"
"That sounds insincere; I won’t give you the first prize," Zong Shichang chuckled, handing the banknote to Lu Qian, while folding another and tucking it into Liu Muqing's hair.
Liu Muqing then performed another bow: "Thank you, Young Master Zong."
"No need for formalities, Miss Liu," Zong Shichang replied, cupping his hands again, his tone becoming much gentler.
After the two left, Zhao Xing nudged Zong Shichang with his shoulder: "Do you fancy Miss Liu?"
Zong Shichang turned back, surprised: "Is it that obvious?"
Zhao Xing scoffed and walked away: "You’re practically glued to her; do you think others are blind?"
Zong Shichang muttered to himself, "Yeah, even you can see it. Why doesn’t Miss Liu know my feelings…"
In the meantime, the remaining incense at the Heavenly Altar Square was snatched away.
One of the individuals was named Gu Feng, wielding a bow and arrow, glinting silver, accompanied by four or five others.
Upon meeting Zhao Xing's gaze, Gu Feng's expression changed slightly.
He was the bowman who had attacked Zhao Xing earlier, trying to seize the Lingxiu. He hadn’t expected Zhao Xing to have improved so much; after absorbing three portions of Lingxiu, he had even surpassed Cao Qiushui.
After some thought, Gu Feng ultimately chose not to advance, waiting behind instead.
The final incense stick was claimed by a Mechanism Master, who was accompanied by two mechanical beasts resembling tigers. These mechanical tiger beasts stood over two meters tall, with fangs protruding two feet, exuding a chilling aura, quite extraordinary.
Behind the tigers followed four smaller mechanical beasts, looking peculiar, almost like lizards.
"Third-tier high-grade mechanical beasts? Or six of them?" Zhao Xing observed, somewhat surprised.
The mechanisms of the artisans were driven by formations, and mechanical beasts were among the most difficult skills to master.
Unlike straw man techniques, mechanical beasts could exist indefinitely, possessing a higher degree of spirituality, and could even cast hidden spells within their bodies.
However, straw man techniques had a time limit and lacked spirituality at lower tiers.
Yet, straw man techniques were not picky; even with dried grass, one could perform them, allowing for on-site material collection, saving time and effort.
The materials for mechanical beasts were far more expensive and required considerable time and effort to study formations.
"This person is named Hu Yang. To be able to create third-tier mechanical beasts at just over twenty years old is truly a rare talent."
"To be honest, I envy the artisans; they can create such powerful mechanical beasts, far superior to straw men," Zong Shichang remarked.
"I don’t envy them at all," Zhao Xing shook his head.
"Zhao brother, don’t be stubborn," Zong Shichang said with a teasing tone. "Speak from your heart."
"What did you say his age was?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Just over twenty; if I’m not mistaken, he should be twenty-one," Zong Shichang replied.
"Does he look twenty-one to you?" Zhao Xing inquired.
"……" Zong Shichang looked at Hu Yang, noticing his obvious forehead lines, crow's feet, and dark circles, and opened his mouth.
"Look at the top of his head; does he even have hair left?"
"……"
Zhao Xing shrugged: "Now you know why I don’t envy him?"
"There’s no such thing as extraordinary craftsmanship; it’s all about sacrificing one’s life for it."
Zong Shichang was left speechless.
Zhao Xing chuckled, his gaze shifting away from Hu Yang.
No matter what, he would never study mechanism formations, let alone create mechanical beasts!
Sacrificing one’s life for craftsmanship was no joke.
As one delved deeper into the path of mechanism formations, many secret techniques required the sacrifice of one’s own vitality to refine treasures.
For instance, the 'Vitality Blade Technique' of swordsmiths.
In simple terms, it meant using one’s lifespan as a price to enhance the spirituality and power of mechanical puppets, among other things.
As long as such secret techniques existed, one could hardly resist using them. A little today, a little tomorrow, accumulating over time… even with the blessings of the Fortune Dynasty, it wouldn’t be enough!
What’s more, there were some madmen who wanted to make a name for themselves, directly sacrificing their lives in one go; even the legendary blacksmiths would have to say it was impressive.
Zhao Xing would absolutely never study artisan formations; he wouldn’t engage in life-shortening practices, though he did enjoy using the treasures of artisans.
The people at the Heavenly Altar Square awaited the second wave of incense, while those below waited for Yang Junxiong and Du Jiaojiao's battle to conclude.
Suddenly, Zhao Xing noticed the speed of the two slowing down, and the light and shadow gradually dimming.
"Clang!"
With a crisp sound ringing out, everyone’s ears trembled, and they quickly stepped back a few paces.
The two figures finally separated, revealing their true forms.
The battle between Yang Junxiong and Du Jiaojiao had finally reached a conclusion.
"Jiao sister!"
Lu Qian and Liu Muqing rushed over.
"I’m fine."
Du Jiaojiao panted slightly, her hair disheveled.
Yang Junxiong, on the other hand, looked completely unruffled, his breath steady, as if the battle had been effortless for him.
"She’s gotten stronger again," Zong Shichang remarked, "With such a beautiful red lip, no one dares to approach her, especially after knocking down a young man with a single punch."
"Zong brother, even entry-level martial artists have good hearing. If you don’t mind your words, the one who gets knocked down might just be you," Zhao Xing said lightly.
"Cough, cough." Zong Shichang quickly changed the subject: "What should we do now? Should we make a move?"
"Let’s wait and see."
Zhao Xing focused on the front.
He saw Yang Junxiong pointing his spear at the approaching Lu Qian and Liu Muqing: "If you continue to meddle, I will find a way to severely injure you and your friend."
"You, despicable!"
"Shameless!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Qian and Liu Muqing’s expressions changed.
Du Jiaojiao stopped the two, gazing at Yang Junxiong for a moment before nodding: "This first incense stick is yours."
Yang Junxiong sheathed his spear, clamped his legs together, and transformed into a streak of light, rushing up the steps and entering the temple.
"Didn’t expect Du Jiaojiao to be so loyal," Wen Zhao said, fanning himself. "She’s willing to give up the chance for the first incense for her friends."
"Indeed rare; no one remembers the events on the mountain, yet she still does this. Her intentions are pure; it’s no wonder her spear technique is so formidable," Zhang Boran remarked with some emotion. "But she probably also feels she has no chance of claiming the first incense, which is why she gave it up."
"Enough talk, prepare yourselves."
After Yang Junxiong entered the temple, Du Jiaojiao protected Lu Qian and Liu Muqing as they followed inside.
When entry-level powerhouses acted this way, no one dared to voice any objections.
They could only watch helplessly as they occupied the top four spots for worship.
Now, the positions for the first four incense sticks were filled.
The pressure immediately fell upon Wen Zhao and Zhang Boran.
The moment Du Jiaojiao and the others stepped onto the stairs, Zhang Boran immediately began to sprint.
Wen Zhao was chanting: "Your feet eastward, at the edge of the sky, your Qi stirs the universe, steady and far."
Zhang Boran’s speed suddenly increased, his momentum instantly rising to Gathered Essence Ninth Level!
On the hundred-step stone staircase, he almost rushed up in an instant.
However, just as Wen Zhao thought Zhang Boran would be the fifth to enter, he suddenly saw Zhang Boran turn back and run even faster.
"Cousin, what are you doing?" Wen Zhao was utterly bewildered.
Zhang Boran, expressionless, raised his hand and punched at Wen Zhao.
"What? Stop…"
Before Wen Zhao could finish his sentence, he was struck by a punch, his teeth flying, and he was sent flying, unconscious and unaware of his fate.
This bizarre scene caused the eager crowd to halt, filled with confusion.
What’s going on?
Zhao Xing glanced back at Yuan Bo beside Zong Shichang.
Just moments ago, this Yuan Bo, who had been very low-key, had made his move.
The divine image in his eyes vanished, appearing behind Zhang Boran.
With arms outstretched, he completely adhered to Zhang Boran, controlling him like a marionette.
"Invoking the spirit generally means summoning it to one’s own body, yet Yuan Bo can summon the Yin Spirit onto another? Quite impressive," Zhao Xing had initially planned to intervene, but upon seeing Zhang Boran’s situation, he stopped.
"Young master, you may enter now," Yuan Bo, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke, his tone somewhat eerie.
Zong Shichang looked at Zhao Xing, offering the opportunity for the fifth incense: "Zhao Sanjia, you go first; it’s not appropriate for you to stay behind."
Zhao Xing glanced at Yuan Bo, who showed no reaction. "Alright."
Zhao Xing didn’t hesitate, immediately enveloping himself in a chilling wind, floating towards the steps like a ghost.
Behind him, Gu Feng tightened his grip on his silver bow but ultimately didn’t dare to act.
Some had noticed Yuan Bo’s uniqueness; acting now might not guarantee them the fifth incense.
Hu Yang, standing between the two mechanical beasts, remained indifferent.
He hadn’t intended to compete for the top five, as the incense after the fifth was nearly the same, with little difference, making it unnecessary to fight for it.
Thus, after Zhao Xing entered, Zong Shichang, Uncle Cang, and Uncle Hu all entered safely.
Next were the bowman Gu Feng and the Mechanism Master Hu Yang.
Zhang Boran, however, was the last to enter.
Once Yuan Bo released his control, Zhang Boran regained consciousness. Although he didn’t understand what had happened, the last spot was right in front of him, and he couldn’t care less about his cousin still being unconscious; he rushed into the temple.
After Zhao Xing entered the temple, he didn’t see the first four individuals.
On the altar were offerings of three sacrificial animals, and a divine image holding a戒尺 gazed into the distance.
Zhao Xing focused his thoughts, and the incense in his hand suddenly ignited, bowing three times before placing the incense in the incense burner.
He murmured: "Agricultural Affairs Clerk Zhao Xing, seeking True Lord’s manifestation."
As the incense burned, a thin wisp of smoke suddenly enveloped the entire hall.
When he looked up again, the surroundings had become shrouded in thick mist, and the light dimmed.
The divine image on the altar had vanished, replaced by a living giant.
It radiated golden light, standing a full three zhang tall.
This was the manifestation of the Yin Spirit.
"Requesting this deity to manifest, what is your wish?"
Zhao Xing cupped his hands: "I seek the True Lord to teach me how to obtain the Lingxiu of the Golden Cup guarded by the mountain cat."
He didn’t elaborate, as the Yin Spirit oversaw everything on the mountain and naturally understood what he meant.
Based on the effects of the fifth incense, if the golden cup was a mid-grade Lingxiu, the True Lord would generally tell him the answer directly after manifesting.
However, the mountain cat’s guardian was clearly not a mid-grade Lingxiu but a high-grade one.
Thus, he would have to undergo the Yin Spirit’s test.
"The golden cup is a high-grade Lingxiu. If you wish to seek this method, you must pass the test."
"Once the incense burns out, if you fail the test, it will count as a wasted opportunity."
"If you seek a mid-grade Lingxiu, I can directly inform you of a location, and you won’t need to exert any effort."
"Have you made your choice?"
Without hesitation, Zhao Xing cupped his hands: "I choose to accept the test; please instruct me, True Lord."
The three-zhang spirit said: "One day, a fruit tree planter came to East Lake Mountain. He offered the first incense, praying that there would be no wind these days, as his pear orchard was in bloom."
"The second incense was offered by a boatman, who prayed for more river winds, as the boat needed the wind to sail."
"The third incense was from a traveler, who was about to set off on a long journey, praying that there would be no wind or rain."
"The fourth incense came from a farmer, who said the fields were dry and needed rain to plant seedlings, praying for a heavy rain today."
After speaking, the three-zhang spirit fixed its gaze on Zhao Xing: "I have granted the wishes of these four; how will you resolve this?"
Zhao Xing, as an Agricultural Affairs Clerk, dealt with winds and rains, which could be seen as a test of his understanding.
However, these four individuals had conflicting wishes: one wanted wind, while another did not; one wanted rain, while another did not.
If he couldn’t provide a satisfactory answer to the Yin Spirit before the incense burned out, it would be a wasted opportunity.
Yet, Zhao Xing didn’t ponder for long; almost as soon as the Yin Spirit finished speaking, he provided an answer.
"I have a method that may relieve the True Lord’s worries."
The three-zhang spirit reminded: "There’s still time; you may think it over before answering."
Zhao Xing smiled slightly, confidently stating: "Rain at night, clear during the day; wind along the water’s surface, not entering the pear blossom garden."
The three-zhang spirit nodded with a smile: "Good."
With a whoosh, the thick smoke dissipated.
Zhao Xing regained his senses, finding himself no longer in the temple but standing under a tree.
Before him was the cave where the mountain cat resided.
He also held a wind chime in his hand.
"Thank you, True Lord, for bestowing the method."
Zhao Xing bowed towards the mountain.
The personal connection had been established, preventing unnecessary disputes upon exiting the temple. Thus, after completing the incense offering, he would be directly transported to the desired location.
Holding the wind chime, Zhao Xing walked straight into the cave.
Not long after entering.
"Ha~" A roar echoed, and a shadow darted in like lightning.
However, just as the attack was about to reach Zhao Xing, it suddenly halted.
"Clink~"
The wind chime in Zhao Xing's hand shook, producing a crisp sound.
"Meow?"
The mountain cat paused, looking curiously at the wind chime in Zhao Xing's hand.
At this moment, Zhao Xing also saw the true form of the mountain cat.
It was quite small, about the size of a normal house cat.
With a fluffy little head and two pairs of pointy ears, its gray tail swayed gently, and its big eyes sparkled with curiosity.
It seemed puzzled as to why Zhao Xing had the wind chime from the Mountain God Temple.
"Good kitty, come with me from now on," Zhao Xing crouched down, waving the wind chime at the mountain cat.
The mountain cat shrank its head slightly, seeming hesitant, but the wind chime emitted a glow that made it unable to resist approaching.
The wind chime from the Mountain God Temple carried the aura of the True Lord, meant to tame the mountain cat.
The mountain cat was the guardian of the Yin Spirit, overseeing the four types of Lingxiu.
This was also why the mountain cat could attain entry-level status even in its cub phase.
The Lingxiu in the mountain, the mountain cat had consumed countless.
However, the Yin Spirit had also given the mountain cat the right to choose.
If it was unwilling to recognize a new master, Zhao Xing could only obtain the Fortune Golden Cup.
If it chose to recognize him, he could take the mountain cat along.
"Do you remember the vine-scented berries and white fragrant grass I fed you last time? You can eat as much as you want from now on. If you’re willing to come with me, just come over," Zhao Xing said softly.
"Meow~" After much hesitation, the mountain cat approached, rubbing its little head against Zhao Xing's palm.
"Clink~" The wind chime let out a final crisp sound, then transformed into golden light, dissipating in the wind, merging into Zhao Xing and the mountain cat's bodies.
A connection was established between the person and the cat.
[Mountain Cat (Cub)]
[Bloodline: Spirit Variant (Transformed from consuming various mountain Lingxiu)]
[Grade: Mid-Level Nine]
[Talent Abilities: Divine Speed, Nine Recoveries]
[Secret Techniques: Thunderclap Rending Claw (Mid-Level Eight Transformations), Wind Command Heavy Tread (Mid-Level Seven Transformations)]
Exotic beasts are not governed by the Fortune Dynasty's system, so the mountain cat's grade does not follow the Great Zhou's founding emperor's established nine grades and thirty levels but is calculated according to the ancient cultivation system's four small tiers: 'Early, Middle, Late, and Perfection.'
Humans under the Fortune system are measured by nine grades and thirty levels, which is a significant difference.
Looking at the data about the mountain cat on the panel, Zhao Xing grinned, placing the mountain cat on his shoulder: "Little one, you won’t regret this choice."
"Meow~" The mountain cat responded.
Zhao Xing clapped his hands and walked deeper into the cave.
Having been there once with the straw man, he was already familiar with the interior.
He arrived again before the massive skeletal remains, vaguely piecing together what had happened.
Another exotic beast had battled the mountain cat's mother, and in the end, both were severely injured, leaving only this cub alive.
"Where did you hide that golden cup?" Upon reaching a fork in the path, Zhao Xing asked.
"Meow~" The mountain cat extended its paw, pointing to one of the paths.
"Hidden in the Cold Ice Lotus Pool? You’re quite clever, taking precautions," Zhao Xing chuckled, pointing down the path: "Go, bring it here."
"Whoosh~" Zhao Xing felt a weight on his shoulder, and then the mountain cat darted down the path like lightning.
In a breath, the mountain cat returned, holding a cup larger than its head in its mouth.
"Meow meow?" The mountain cat jumped onto Zhao Xing's shoulder and rubbed against him.
"Yes, that’s the one." Zhao Xing took the golden cup, examining it in his hand.
The cup felt smooth, resembling jade, with faint mysterious patterns on its surface, as if containing the mysteries of heaven and earth.
As Zhao Xing looked inside, the previously empty cup suddenly revealed a stream of golden Qi, which quickly thickened, resembling liquid.
(End of Chapter)