Heaven, Earth, Me Chapter 1552. I Don’t Believe I can Catch Her!
Previously on Heaven, Earth, Me...
The quartet ambled through the thoroughfares, engaged in light conversation. Sierra observed Chen Tian with a sigh. "Chen Tian..."
Chen Tian's smile preceded his words as he interjected, "Sister Sierra, I comprehend. Rest assured, I shall not engage in any foolish actions."
Evelyn, glancing between the two conversing individuals, displayed a flicker of bewilderment. "What troubles you? Are you embarking on something perilous, Chen Tian?"
A hint of helplessness laced Sierra's grumble. "Exceedingly perilous. He might court death if he underestimates his own capacity."
In reality, Sierra held no aversion towards Chen Tian. He was, by all accounts, an exemplary individual: possessing strength, considerable talent, and striking good looks. Furthermore, he boasted both intelligence and impeccable manners, all while hailing from an extraordinarily potent background.
Sierra privately conceded that were Chen Tian her own son, she could only experience immense pride and contentment. Had Yasenia not been a factor, Sierra would have long since prepared Evelyn, gift-wrapped, and dispatched her to his doorstep!
It was precisely this foresight that deterred her from allowing Yasenia's awareness of him. Based on Sierra's recollection, Yasenia's possessiveness was legendary; she would not permit even a speck of dust to tarnish her beloved's gaze.
Zephyrith, attuned to Sierra's sentiments towards the gifted and courteous young man, regarded him and spoke with marked gentleness. "Chen Tian, should the moment arrive in the future when you face that critical juncture, adhere strictly to our counsel and guidance, will you not?"
Chen Tian, fully acknowledging that both Sierra and Zephyrith acted out of genuine concern for his welfare, inclined his head in agreement. "I understand, Sister Zephyrith."
Meanwhile, Evelyn, her thoughts wholly occupied by Yasenia, shifted her gaze back and forth, her comprehension of the unfolding conversation remaining notably absent. "What precisely are you all discussing?"
It is vital to recall that our dear Evelyn had scarcely experienced the allure of romantic attention from the opposite sex. She had, until recently, been a girl of plain features, a flat physique, and a somewhat boyish demeanor, lacking conventional attractiveness. This newfound state of being – displaying beauty, adorned with subtle yet captivating curves – was a novel development for her, made possible by the persistent "nourishment" imparted by our dragon.
Consequently, Evelyn interpreted Chen Tian's attentions as mere playful teasing. This explained her casual dismissals, such as spitting on the ground or swattering him playfully like an bothersome insect when he expressed his affections. In essence, Chen Tian's earnest endeavors were akin to a master musician performing a symphony to a deaf ox.
"Speaking of which..." Chen Tian ventured, seemingly disregarding Evelyn's inquiry. "I've heard whispers that the current tailoring competition features a distinguished guest."
"A special guest?" Evelyn's interest was immediately ignited, eclipsing any lingering curiosity about the trio's cryptic conversation. "What manner of special guest?"
Chen Tian offered a smile. "As you are aware, these high-caliber tailoring contests traditionally proceed with either a male or female model. This standardization ensures a universal point of reference for all participants during the dress creation process."
Evelyn regarded him, seemingly at a loss for words. "Your explanation is rather… circuitous. Are you instructing a novice, or perhaps the reigning multi-champion, on the fundamental rules?"
Accustomed to Evelyn's characteristic quips, Chen Tian chuckled softly and shook his head. "I am merely setting the context. Do you prefer that all matters be summarized in a mere two words? This, you understand, is termed 'conversation'."
Evelyn playfully rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Mister 'Most Charming Prince of the Realm'."
"Oh? You perceive me as handsome, then?" Chen Tian's demeanor brightened considerably.
Evelyn met his gaze with an expression tinged with amusement. "Have you forgotten that my cultivation and inherent strength surpass yours? My vision has yet to deteriorate to the point where I perceive you as anything less than comely."
Chen Tian emitted a low hum, his eyes reflecting evident delight. Who, after all, dislikes being complimented on their appearance, particularly when it originates from the object of their affections?
"Nonetheless, as I was endeavoring to convey, it appears that this particular, and indeed numerous other, tailoring competitions have been unconventionally infiltrated by a mysterious expert."
Evelyn's eyebrows arched. "Pray tell, how so?"
Chen Tian conveyed his lack of definitive knowledge with a shake of his head. "I possess no concrete details. However, from the accounts I have gathered, this individual is reputed to possess unparalleled beauty and a figure of exceptional symmetry. Consequently, despite her rather abrupt intrusion, no one deemed it appropriate to expel her. On the contrary, wherever she appeared, the organizing administrators welcomed her with palpable eagerness and undisguised pleasure."
Evelyn's jaw dropped slightly. "Who would dare such effrontery? Moreover, for tailoring contest administrators to be so completely captivated by her allure… she must possess truly magnificent endowments!"
Sierra felt an urge to physically reprimand Evelyn, her forehead visibly twitching. "Would it not be more appropriate to remark upon her extraordinary beauty, or a similar attribute?"
Evelyn retorted, her eyebrows raised in challenge. "A beautiful woman inherently possesses ample advantages!"
Sierra countered, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. "Lady Tatyana."
Evelyn fell momentarily silent.
"Cecile."
Evelyn's silence deepened.
"Eira, Leila, Zephyrith..."
"Enough, enough," Evelyn conceded with a dismissive harrumph. Then, a playful glint appeared in her eyes as she offered a triumphant, smug smile. "Every single lady you've named, however, flaunts a truly commendable posterior."
Sierra sighed, a sound laden with exasperation. "Incorrigible."
A smile played on Chen Tian's lips, finding Evelyn's candid nature most endearing. Her willingness to voice her thoughts, regardless of reception, was a quality he cherished. Disgruntled by her pronouncements? Then simply tune them out! He had spent his entire existence as a paragon of virtue, and Evelyn, with her vibrant spirit, was a splash of color that brought laughter and joy into his world.
"So, getting back to our discussion," Evelyn interjected, her tone shifting. "When exactly did this impudent woman make her grand entrance?"
Chen Tian paused in thought. "It wasn't too long ago... perhaps a month? Maybe two? My memory is hazy. All I know is as I've told you: she possesses peerless beauty, wields immense influence, and none dare oppose her, for defiance spells calamity. Even my own father treats her with utmost caution."
Evelyn's usually serene expression tightened, her brows knitting together. "Such overbearing power? Isn't your father one of the world's foremost powerhouses?"
"He is. That's precisely why he advised me against showing disrespect. When even Father harbors fear, it's wise to avoid provoking her."
Evelyn let out a thoughtful hum. While she felt no apprehension towards Chen Tian's father, her own cultivation having long surpassed this world's zenith, she knew the folly of underestimating an adversary. She recalled instances where overconfidence had led to her downfall. 'Even with a divine inheritance, arrogance is a pitfall! That ridiculously strong dragoness trains relentlessly. Am I truly less gifted than her? Bah.' Evelyn conceded that her transformation after reaching the Sixth Realm was profound, yet she refrained from comparing herself to the formidable dragon.
"And that colossal structure in the distance? Is that the venue?" Evelyn inquired, her gaze fixed on the vast stadium-like edifice. A hint of curiosity tinged her voice. "I don't recall seeing anything of that magnitude in this city before."
Chen Tian chuckled. "The woman I mentioned is offering incredibly generous rewards to attract tailors from across the globe. She even constructed these special venues to amplify the grandeur of the events. This marks the third competition she has graced with her presence and..." He surveyed their surroundings, a subtle shift in his expression. "Have you not noticed anything peculiar?"
"Hm?" Evelyn followed Chen Tian's line of sight, her eyes widening as she suddenly registered the scene. "Where did all these people spring from?"
Chen Tian offered a wry smile. "They've all been captivated by that woman's allure."
Evelyn felt a fresh wave of surprise. 'Heavens... this woman is becoming increasingly enigmatic. She might rival Yasenia in sheer presence.' To amass such a devoted following so rapidly was a phenomenon Evelyn had only witnessed when Yasenia herself appeared in public. "Well, regardless, I shall meet her when she graces us with her appearance," she declared, her eyebrows arching with unshakeable confidence. "With me competing, will anyone truly stand a chance against me?"
Chen Tian fought the urge to scoff at her perceived arrogance. Yet, he couldn't deny the truth in her words; Evelyn had, at one point, effortlessly outshone every tailor in existence. While widely known as the "Black and White Storm Goddess," those within the craft also revered her as the "Divine Thread Fairy." Such was the impact of her skill that even esteemed experts who initially dismissed her were decisively defeated in their own arenas, prompting some to react with animosity. However, how could they possibly contend with Evelyn when her prowess was so overwhelming?
Upon arriving at the venue and registering under the name Nyleve, Evelyn let out a suppressed giggle. 'Using my name in reverse for the competition... I bet only Yasenia would be as delightfully absurd when registering for something, haha.' Still, she had chosen this alias to honor her esteemed Dravory lineage!
Observing the name Evelyn had adopted, Chen Tian, Sierra, and Zephyrith exchanged glances, regarding the proud young woman with peculiar expressions. Chen Tian sighed and approached the registration official, murmuring a few words to ensure the name wouldn't be widely publicized. Evelyn was, after all, a wanted individual in many territories, and while Chen Tian had full faith in her abilities, a touch of discreet protection, just in case, seemed prudent.
The quartet proceeded into the venue and made their way to the designated seating areas. From their vantage point, Evelyn scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. However, her brow soon furrowed. "Chen Tian, why are none of the seasoned masters participating?"
"Ah, right. I neglected to mention it. There's a maximum age limit of 3,000 years for participants. For reasons unknown, those exceeding this age are barred from entry."
"Three thousand? So young?"
Evelyn blinked in surprise. She was well aware that most respected masters boasted millennia of experience, often tens of thousands of years. This stipulation effectively excluded seasoned cultivators, effectively limiting the competition to less experienced tailors. Oddly enough, it would even preclude Chen Tian himself from participating.
Despite his youthful appearance and status as a Young Master of the Chen family, Chen Tian was well over 8,000 years old and had achieved the 4th level of the Transcendence Realm. Within this Heavenly Layer, he was regarded as an exceptional prodigy.
It’s growing more and more peculiar. What could this woman possibly want?’ Evelyn’s sharp intellect rapidly connected the dots. ’She materialized out of thin air, summoning all tailors with an age restriction… isn’t this a rather extravagant selection process? Is this woman seeking a specific individual, or is she scouting for exceptional talent?’
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Oh well, it’s hardly my concern."
Meanwhile, in the main reception hall of the avenue nearby, a woman cradled a little girl on her lap, appearing quite relaxed. "I truly hope we manage to see that girl this time."
A gracefully beautiful woman with striking red eyes chimed in with a laugh, "Didn’t I mention before? Some of them are occupied with their own matters, making it difficult for you to meet her easily."
The woman who was reclining shifted, and her alluring features turned undeniably captivating. "Even so, shouldn’t Alaia have been aware of her whereabouts?"
Standing attentively nearby, a dragon woman adorned with azure and yellow scales lowered her head, her expression etched with remorse. "My sincerest apologies, Young Miss. I hadn’t anticipated your sudden arrival, and thus, I permitted Lady Evelyn to explore on her own as she usually does."
Gazing at the buxom dragon lady, Yasenia let out a sigh, followed by a gentle smile. "It is not your fault, Alaia. We will find her eventually. I simply refuse to believe that the girl can resist making an appearance when I’ve laid out so many treasures, offering her an easy path to victory!"