Shennong Dao Master
Chapter 80 - 74: The Fifth Incense Stick, True Monarch’s Saintly Revelation (Fourth Update)

Chapter 80: Chapter 74: The Fifth Incense Stick, True Monarch’s Saintly Revelation (Fourth Update)

"Right, I usually just lie in bed and listen," Zong Shichang said without shame, actually taking pride in it. "What else is there to discuss here?"

Zhao Xing pointed to the two people who had descended from the Heavenly Altar. "Everyone who watches is an observer, and if you return the courtesy, it indicates recognition, which allows the dancers and musicians to improve their skills."

"I guess they will also come to us to pay their respects. If you respond, you’re giving them face, but it’s okay not to," he said.

"The higher the level of the observers and their ability to appreciate, the more feedback the dancers and musicians get from their performance, and if they also receive gifts, their feedback is even greater, though there is a limit, of course."

The group that secured a place was stronger than the rest in the square. Naturally, Liu Muqing and Lu Qian would not miss this opportunity.

And sure enough, after they came down, they ran over to Zong Shichang’s group and paid their respects.

Zhao Xing felt that the two had performed quite well and gave them a salute with cupped hands as a nod of appreciation.

Lu Qian had been watching Zhao Xing closely, and when she saw him return the gesture, she pursed her lips.

Though this guy was detestable, he at least knew the proper etiquette.

It would be nice if he returned the Sparrow Feather Robe to her.

The rest also gave face; after all, these two ladies also came from families of high standing, and they knew Mr. Zong. They all returned the courtesy.

While everyone else’s response was very proper, Zong Shichang pulled out a silver note from his bosom and waved it towards Lu Qian and Liu Muqing, "Nice performance, ladies, take your reward!"

Watching Zong Shichang approach, Lu Qian gritted her teeth, as if she wished she could punch him, but ultimately held back and said through clenched teeth, "Thank you, Zong Shichang!"

"You don’t sound sincere at all; I’m not giving you the first prize," Zong Shichang said with a smile as he handed the silver note to Lu Qian and folded another into a fan, sticking it into Liu Muqing’s hairdo.

Liu Muqing returned the courtesy: "Many thanks, Mr. Zong."

"Miss Liu, no need for formalities," Zong Shichang replied earnestly with a salute, his voice much softer.

After the two left, Zhao Xing nudged Zong Shichang with his shoulder. "Got an eye for Miss Liu?"

Zong Shichang turned around. "Is it that obvious?"

Zhao Xing snorted and walked away. "You were all but staring her down; do you think everyone else is blind?"

Zong Shichang muttered to himself, "Yeah, even you could see it. Why can’t Miss Liu understand my feelings..."

....

In just a short time, the remaining stick of incense at the Heavenly Altar Square was claimed.

One of the claimants was named Gu Feng, an archer with arrows glinting silver, followed by four or five people.

Gu Feng’s expression changed upon locking eyes with Zhao Xing.

He was the archer who had attacked Zhao Xing during the day in a bid to snatch the Spiritual Beauty, not expecting Zhao Xing to have improved so much. After absorbing three portions of Spiritual Beauty, even Cao Qiushui was left behind.

After contemplating, Gu Feng decided not to proceed and instead waited his turn at the back.

The last to obtain a stick was a Mechanical Master accompanied by two Mechanical Beasts resembling tigers that were over two meters high. Their mouths sported fangs protruding two feet, gleaming coldly and looking extraordinary.

Following the tiger beasts, there were also four smaller Mechanical Beasts, oddly-shaped and looking like lizards.

"Third-tier top-grade Mechanical Beasts? And six of them?" Zhao Xing looked on in surprise.

The Mechanical School’s creations were driven by Arrays, and Mechanical Beasts were among the hardest techniques to master.

Unlike the Grassman Skill, Mechanical Beasts could exist indefinitely, had higher intelligence, and could even use hidden spells within their bodies.

Grassmen, however, had a limited duration, and at lower tiers, lacked any sort of intelligence.

But the Grassman Skill wasn’t picky; a handful of dead grass could do the job, allowing for immediate use with minimal effort and resources.

The materials for Mechanical Beasts, on the other hand, were much more expensive and required time and effort to research Arrays.

"This guy is called Hu Yang. To think he can create third-tier Mechanical Beasts at just over twenty years old, he really is a rare talent."

"No need to mention it, but I envy the officers of the Mechanical School, being able to create such powerful Mechanical Beasts; they’re much better than Grassmen," Zong Shichang said.

"I don’t envy them at all," Zhao Xing shook his head.

"Mr. Zhao, don’t be stubborn," Zong Shichang said with a hollow look. "Speak honestly, from the heart."

"How old did you say he was again?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Just over twenty, should be twenty-one if I heard correctly," Zong Shichang replied.

"Does he look twenty-one to you?" Zhao Xing asked.

"..." Zong Shichang looked at Hu Yang’s obvious forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and dark circles, opening his mouth but saying nothing.

"And take another look at the top of his head, see any hair left?"

"..."

Zhao Xing shrugged. "Now do you see why I don’t envy them?"

"There’s no such thing as effortlessly ’Heavenly Craft,’ it’s all about snatching Heavenly Craft at the cost of one’s life."

Zong Shichang was left speechless.

Zhao Xing chuckled, his gaze moving away from Hu Yang.

He would never study Mechanical Arrays, let alone create Mechanical Beasts!

To snatch craft at the cost of life was no joke.

The way of Mechanical Arrays, especially at the higher levels, often required the use of one’s own blood essence to inspire the treasures.

Like the swordsmith’s ’Bloodwork Sharpener.’

To put it bluntly, one’s lifespan was the price for enhancing the spirit and power of Mechanical Puppets.

With such Secret Techniques available, one couldn’t help but use them: a little today, a little tomorrow... Despite the Fortune Dynasty’s blessings and life-extending favors, it was impossible to keep up.

The above was still somewhat manageable, but some insane individuals seeking fame would sacrifice themselves all at once, even Gan Jiang and Mo Ye would commend their audacity.

Zhao Xing was adamant about not studying the Mechanical School Formation. He wouldn’t do anything to shorten his lifespan. Of course, he still liked using the treasures from the Mechanical School.

...

The crowd at Heavenly Altar Square was waiting for the second wave of incense, while those below were waiting for the fight between Yang Junxiong and Du Jiaojiao to conclude.