Throughout the journey, Mu Fusheng was quite helpless.
Fortunately, Jiu Bailu had disguised herself as a man. Although she was quite handsome, at least Mu Fusheng didn't feel too much pressure walking with her.
Originally, Mu Fusheng was delighted when Jiu Bailu told him that she was going to take him to learn about the other three major academy forces participating in the qualifying competition.
Mu Fusheng thought that Jiu Bailu, as a princess of the Nine Dragons Divine Dynasty, would definitely be more familiar with the ins and outs than he was, so he agreed.
As a result, it had been an hour or two, Jiu Bailu had been dragging Mu Fusheng around to various stalls like a curious child.
"Have you finished shopping? Shouldn't we get down to business?" After leaving one of the stalls, Mu Fusheng looked at Jiu Bailu and asked with a sigh.
Jiu Bailu frowned slightly and said irritably, "Take a good look around."
Upon hearing this, Mu Fusheng was taken aback and looked to the side, where there were far fewer stalls.
However, in its place stood a huge chamber of commerce.
Jiu Bailu explained, "This is a shop established by the Mo Clan, and one of the four academies participating in the qualifying competition is the Mo Clan's Mechanism Academy."
Mu Fusheng looked at the wooden house, which was covered with tiny protrusions all around, including crossbow bolts and cannonballs, making it look like a war fortress.
"Shall we go in?" Jiu Bailu asked.
Mu Fusheng nodded and walked inside.
We might encounter Mo Clan who use puppets, so we need to understand how puppets attack, how to control them, and what their limits are.
This was, after all, a relatively unfamiliar area for Mu Fusheng and the others.
Jiu Bailu chuckled softly and followed him inside.
There weren't many people inside.
Puppets were placed all around.
Those who purchase puppets are either Puppet Master, those preparing to go out on solo training and needing a pathfinder, or those who keep them within their sect as a backup plan for emergencies.
The reason is simple: the price is too high.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, cultivators prefer to purchase elixirs, array scrolls, and weapons to improve themselves.
Upon closer inspection, Mu Fusheng marveled at the exquisitely crafted puppets.
"There are so many intricate details involved, just like the meridians and Five Viscera of the human body."
Jiu Bailu chimed in, "The puppets released outwards are only of average quality; the puppets used by the Mo Clan family's main branch are a hundred times more refined."
Mu Fusheng nodded, and was about to touch the puppet with his hand when...
A loud shout came crashing down from the side, "Don't touch!"
Mu Fusheng withdrew his hand and, together with Jiu Bailu, turned to look at a cold-looking man behind them.
The man's brows furrowed, his expression like a volcano about to erupt. "The rules for selling puppets are: if you don't buy them, you're forbidden from touching them. Don't you know that?"
Mu Fusheng shook his head and said, "I don't know."
Jiu Bailu explained from the side, "Previously, a Rogue Cultivator Puppet Master came to the Mo Clan's shop. After touching the puppet, he learned about its internal structure and then perfectly replicated it, selling it to various sects at a lower price. This seriously infringed upon the Mo Clan's interests, which is why this rule was created."
Mu Fusheng suddenly realized.
No wonder it reacted so strongly to just a touch, like a frightened bird.
"But if you buy it and disassemble it, wouldn't you be able to figure out the internal structure and then replicate it?"
The man scoffed, "Now, if you disassemble or sense the core structure of the puppet, it will automatically become unusable. Preventing you from touching it is just to prevent the puppet from being destroyed."
"Besides, you're from the Chaotic Spirit Academy, and you're a disguiser. You're not welcome here. Get out."
The participating academies in the qualifying competition naturally also have their own intelligence networks.
It's not hard to know that Mu Fusheng is a contestant from the Chaotic Spirit Academy.
Mu Fusheng was not surprised by this.
Jiu Bailu's disguise skills weren't so good that they were impossible to spot, so it's normal that she was seen through.
At that moment, a refined-looking man dressed in a dark green robe descended the wooden stairs leading to the second floor.
The man smiled warmly and said, "I apologize to both of you, but those in disguise are not allowed to enter the Mo Clan's shops."
As for the Chaotic Spirit Academy...
He didn't think the intelligence the other side obtained here would be of much use.
The Mo Clan were arrogant and had absolute confidence in their own strength.
Upon seeing this, the angry-faced man quickly cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Lord Mo Xing."
He was merely a shop manager, so naturally he had to treat his own family members with the utmost respect.
Jiu Bailu glanced at Mu Fusheng, whose gaze was still sweeping over the puppets, then smiled and waved her hand over her face, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face to everyone.
Mo Xing was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "So it's Her Highness the Princess."
Jiu Bailu nodded slightly to Mo Xing, "It seems you're also a participant in this year's competition from the Mechanism Academy?"
Mo Xing nodded and said, "That's right. I have long admired Your Highness. I wonder if I would have the honor of inviting you to tomorrow's auction?"
After saying that, he took out a token.
This token is different from others; it has a speck of gold engraved on it.
This represents the most distinguished guest of this auction.
Whether it's the Nine Dragons Divine Dynasty or the Chaotic Spirit Academy, only deans can obtain such tokens.
Jiu Bailu politely declined, saying, "I will participate with him."
Mu Fusheng was pulled back to his senses, and after a moment of surprise, he stammered, "Ah... um."
Upon hearing this, the angry-faced man beside Mo Xing was taken aback, but Mo Xing smiled and said, "That's a pity, but I still hope to have the opportunity to travel with the princess."
The Jiu Bailu did not respond.
Mu Fusheng then said, "Let's go."
"Nailed it?"
"That's about it."
So the two left the Mo Clan shop.
Watching the two figures disappear, the angry-faced man turned to Mo Xing, "My lord, do you like Jiu Bailu?"
Mo Xing smiled faintly, "How many people don't like him?"
"Then why not be more assertive?"
Mo Xing smiled upon hearing this, "That's precisely what makes her special. She has talent and a unique appearance and temperament. If someone with a strong background could easily win her over, why would so many of the most talented individuals in the Chaos Realm still be so devoted to her?"
"Besides, didn't you notice there was a man next to her? When have you ever seen Jiu Bailu so close to other men?"
"This..." The angry-faced man scratched his head, "But his background and talent are clearly inferior to yours, sir!"
Mo Xing countered, "Doesn't Jiu Bailu know this? Yet she's willing to get close to him, which means she has feelings for him."
She has no shortage of talent, background, or ability.
"Goodwill is the most important thing. In that case, damaging that person's reputation and dignity in front of her will only worsen your image in Jiu Bailu's eyes, and might even turn you into an enemy."
"Besides... just how high are her standards? This person is probably not simple either..."
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PS: Four chapters today.