"Travelers? I see. You came here to find the answers, is that right?"
"That makes things easier. You just need to attend the Sambala All-Knowing Assembly, and you'll know everything."
"That's right, that's right, the All-Knowing Elder Council guide you onto the right path."
Shiyu and Reiko exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes.
"What exactly is this Omniscient Assembly? And who is the All-Knowing Elder?" Shiyu asked again.
However, this time, no one around answered Shiyu's question.
"If you want the answer to any question, you must find the All-Knowing Elder. The Elder knows everything, and even outsiders are welcome to participate in the Omniscient Assembly."
"The All-Knowing Assembly was held in the Elder's house."
After learning this crucial information, Shiyu and Reiko began to inquire around. In the end, Shiyu figured out that the fishing village was called Dedesai Fishing Village. It was a village with beliefs and customs, and their beliefs and customs seemed to be related to the Sambala All-Knowing Assembly.
The conference selected some knowledgeable young talents, and then had an all-knowing elder answer every question he raised.
Shiyu didn't dislike this kind of village. In the past, every place he passed through was either full of intrigue and treachery, or the heirs killing each other over the throne, or even siblings killing each other. But this time, Shiyu obtained the next piece of information through knowledge, which filled both Reiko and Shiyu with curiosity.
Although the Dedesai Village wasn't particularly hospitable, it was willing to coexist peacefully with strangers. After eating something and resting for a while, Shiyu and Reiko arrived at the location of the elder.
"Travelers, the elders are aware of your arrival. You can strike this great drum and complete three challenges to be qualified to see the elders and participate in the Assembly of the Omniscient with the other Sages," said a person who looked like a guide.
"No problem, we have a lot of questions to ask the All-Knowing Elder." Without another word, Shiyu picked up the drumsticks and began to strike the drumhead.
"Dong dong dong dong!" Shiyu began to tap rhythmically, and at the same time, countless flames immediately rose up where the elder was.
"Ah, oh, oh!" Accompanied by the rhythm of the Shiyu, countless villagers began to sing, and they all started to dance around the fire pit.
"Haha! It's been so many years since we've seen any new faces! Over the years, our Dedesai Village must have produced many wise men! Two travelers from out of town have also volunteered to participate in our Sambala All-Knowing Assembly! Let's all welcome them with the warmest welcome!" A white-bearded old man suddenly appeared.
The old man's eyes were piercing, and his white beard, as white as milk, drooped down, giving him an air of otherworldly wisdom.
He held a stick in his hand, and his overall appearance was somewhat like Gandalf in his white robes.
Shiyu naturally knew that this person was the elder of this place, and also the omniscient one, who was said to know everything. After the elder appeared and welcomed Shiyu, the Dedesai people split into two groups and started a tug-of-war. After the tug-of-war ended, they started dancing and singing.
"Our custom here is that tug-of-war represents fairness, and dancing and singing represent mutual understanding and tolerance! I am an elder of the Dedesai Village, and also an all-knowing one. My name is Sambala! Now, you two travelers, according to the procedure, you may introduce yourselves to everyone!" Elder Sambala said.
Shiyu very gentlemanly let Reiko go first, and Reiko naturally introduced herself.
Shiyu also told everyone his name and background as a matter of courtesy.
The elder nodded, indicating his approval of the couple, Shiyu and his wife.
"May the God of All-Knowing bless you! Next, you must complete three challenges to prove yourselves, and then you will be qualified to participate in our All-Knowing Assembly," Elder Sambala said.
"The first challenge is a challenge of strength. You must defeat the strongest man in the Dedesai Village! The Strongman Hegdal!" As soon as Elder Sambala uttered the name Hegdal, the entire place erupted in cheers.
"Wow! It's our village's Great Strength God!"
"No way?! These two travelers are going to challenge Hegdal? Are you kidding me?"
"These two little guys are definitely no match for Hegdal!"
"Yes! Absolutely not!"
The surrounding villagers were also gossiping, but Shiyu ignored their criticisms and said confidently, "Come on! I've never lost a fight in terms of strength!"
Reiko replied, "It seems I can't help you with this challenge."
"It's alright, there are still two other challenges."
Then the Dali named Hegdal stepped forward. He was covered in strong muscles, like an ox, and his eyes were sharp, like an eagle surveying the world, giving off an aura of invincibility and unstoppable power.
Shiyu initially thought the fight would start immediately, only to realize later that he had made a mistake.
The original method for the two-person competition was that the two stood in front of a line and wrestled like sumo wrestlers in a ring. Whoever was stronger would stand in the other's territory and stay there for a sufficient amount of time to win the "strength" challenge.
Hegdal, shirtless, clapped his hands and did a simple warm-up, seemingly fully ready.
Shiyu walked directly up to Hegdal.
"This guy is a complete novice. It seems I'll win in no time. But he's a guest, so I'll let him have his way. Hegdal originally wanted to maintain a confrontation with Shiyu for a while, but in the end, he won a beautiful victory over Shiyu."
However, once their hands were clasped, Hegdal realized that no matter how much force he used, his opponent seemed completely unfazed and effortless.
"Ah!" Hegdal used three-tenths of his strength, then five-tenths, then seven-tenths, then eight-tenths. In the end, Hegdal didn't care about holding back anymore and used all his strength to try to push Shiyu to the edge in one go and win the game in one fell swoop.
However, reality disappointed Hegdal.
"No way, Hegdal, are you holding back?"
"Why not just use your strength to defeat him? Is it for the sake of a more exciting match?"
"It seems the Traveler is destined to lose. Everything appears to be under Hegdal's control; he's merely trying to save face for the Traveler."
Hegdal was incredibly frustrated; the truth was nothing like what those people saw!
"How can this guy be so strong?! It's a lie!!" Hegdal exclaimed, looking at Shiyu in front of him.