Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1690 - 907: Since Ancient Times, Heaven’s Will Is Hard to Fathom (Part 2)

"Hmm, you may rise."

With those words, Zhao Sheng glanced at Mu Zha and commanded, "Zhazha, leave a mirror body to manage the shop. Then, you are permitted to go out and explore!"

Overjoyed, Mu Zha leaped with elation. "Thank you, Master! Once I am out, I promise I shall not cause any disturbances."

Zhao Sheng, seeing Mu Zha's excitement, cautioned with genuine care, "You may play, but do not venture beyond this star system. Furthermore, should you encounter any peril, return immediately!"

Mu Zha nodded vigorously, its face already alight with eagerness and anticipation.

A moment later, Mu Zha unexpectedly bifurcated. One manifestation silently advanced to stand before the four individuals, while the other Mu Zha, with a joyful cry, vanished into the void.

Zhao Sheng observed, his gaze settling on the remaining 'Mu Zha' and the quartet, and transmitted a Divine Thought to them.

Then, taking a single step, he instantly evaporated from everyone's perception.

Mu Zha's demeanor shifted to solemnity as it sharply pivoted towards the four, stating with gravity, "Present your names, your cultivation levels, and the specific disciplines each of you has mastered."

"I am Zhaozhong Zhen, my cultivation rests at the Late-stage Nascent Soul. I specialize in dual cultivation along with song and dance, and I am adept in the Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Cave Room Techniques..."

"I am Zhao Hualin, at the Golden Core Perfect Realm. My expertise lies in Artifact Refining and identification, and I am versed in over one hundred and thirty distinct scripts, including..."

"I am Zhao Changyong, at the Divinity Transformation Ninth Layer, and I command nearly a thousand Demon Secret Techniques. I am also capable of erecting various high-tier formations, the pinnacle being the Sixth Rank Yin Yang Tai Chi Array..."

"I am Zhao Yue Ru, at the Nascent Soul Third Level. My strengths are in Alchemy and the Cultivation of Hundred Medicines. Yue’er can concoct more than twelve hundred Spirit Pills and is a master of both poisoning and Gu Technique..."

...

Three days elapsed, during which the shop's interior space expanded manifold. The interior underwent a complete metamorphosis; the shelves for medicinal goods and the counters transformed into stately rows of antique display racks.

Each antique rack was laden with an assortment of treasures.

These racks predominantly showcased rare artifacts and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, alongside a multitude of Magical Treasures and talismans. They also held countless 'specialties' from across the All Heavens, all gathered during Mu Zha's excursions accompanying its master through the myriad realms.

Mu Zha's discernment was exceptionally keen; any treasure that captured its attention was invariably an artifact of immeasurable value and rarity.

Finally, these meticulously collected treasures were being put to their intended use.

As Mu Zha surveyed the dazzling array of valuables now adorning the shop, a profound sense of accomplishment washed over it.

...

The subsequent day, as numerous establishments along Sea Treasure Road commenced their operations, Heavenly Will Square finally unfurled its doors.

With the gradual ascent of daylight, the thoroughfare teemed with an increasing number of pedestrians; certain shops swiftly welcomed their inaugural patrons.

As minutes turned into hours, individuals streamed past the entrance of Heavenly Will Square, yet none seemed to register its presence. This newly opened establishment remained unacknowledged.

Or, to be more precise, none possessed the ability to perceive Heavenly Will Square.

Passersby appeared to instinctively disregard its existence.

Perhaps, as the couplet inscribed upon the shop's frame suggested, only those touched by destiny could truly behold Heavenly Will Square.

Mu Zha assumed a composed posture behind the counter, its pale, delicate countenance adopting an affectation of maturity, projecting an aura of tranquility and seriousness.

At this juncture, Zhao Yue Ru and Zhaozhong Zhen stood demurely on either side of the counter, serving as passive adornments.

Meanwhile, Zhao Changyong and Zhao Hualin remained concealed behind distant antique shelves, discreetly engaging in their cultivation practices.

Mu Zha had long been aware of their clandestine endeavors but felt little inclination to intervene. After all, with no customers gracing the shop, secret cultivation could indeed be construed as a testament to diligence.

Three days swiftly transpired. Despite Heavenly Will Square's doors being ajar, not a solitary soul ventured inside.

This outcome profoundly dismayed the initially self-assured Mu Zha.

And then, another ten days elapsed!

Throughout this entire fortnight, Heavenly Will Square had effectively remained closed, never truly opening its doors to the public.

Mu Zha’s confidence eroded significantly, gradually declining into a state of profound dejection, its demeanor utterly crestfallen.

Zhao Hualin and Zhao Zhongzhen observed the unfolding situation with growing concern and disquiet.

Zhao Hualin, possessing the most robust cultivation base and the greatest ambition amongst them, eagerly sought to forge a closer association with Mu Zha.

Consequently, after half a month had passed, unable to contain his impatience any longer, he discreetly presented a suggestion to Senior Mu.

Little did he anticipate that instead of commendation, he would be met with a stern reprimand from Mu Zha.

The Master's decree was unequivocally clear: Heavenly Will Square was exclusively for the destined!

Zhao Hualin’s suggestion for the four of them to solicit customers was clearly not what the Master had in mind.

"What a devious thought you have. Do you truly believe Zhazha hasn't already considered such a straightforward tactic?

Return at once and clean the dust off the treasures on the racks. Can't you perceive the thick layer that has accumulated?"

Scolded and feeling dejected, Zhao Hualin quickly moved to a nearby antique rack. Raising his hand, he unleashed a bright luminescence, meticulously wiping away the 'non-existent' dust from the displayed treasures.

Witnessing this, the other three also approached the antique racks, feigning the use of a Dust Cleaning Technique as they removed specks from the items.

Mu Zha, with a look of puffed-up importance, resumed his seat. Using the edge of his posterior, he shifted on the chair, continuously monitoring the activities in the backyard.

For over twenty days, the Master had remained secluded in the backyard. During this entire period, he had neither called for service nor revealed himself, causing everyone immense worry!

...

As the days slowly ticked by, the rainy season finally descended.

Torrential rain lashed down ceaselessly, day and night, as though the heavens themselves had sprung a colossal leak, with water cascading like an unending waterfall.

With the escalating rainfall, the docks became a veritable swarm, teeming with vessels of all conceivable sizes.

High within Gaoya City, the prevailing mood grew increasingly somber. The majority of shops shuttered their doors, and the city's inhabitants remained confined to their homes, all yearning for the swift conclusion of the rainy season.

For more than twenty days, amidst this relentless downpour, a multitude of puddles formed across the surface of Sea Treasure Road. Filthy rainwater surged forth in every direction, and the city's subterranean drainage systems swelled to their absolute limits, even breaching their confines in numerous locations.