Spending a few more minutes flipping through the skill, Zhen Shi turned to Isolde and asked, "Do you have a library where I can read some books?"
Realizing that he should gain as much information as possible to survive in the unfamiliar world, Zhen Shi had decided to make use of the scholarly library and gather as many books as possible.
Isolde paused for a moment and asked back with a nod, "Alright. Any particular subject matter you want to read about?"
Zhen Shi shrugged and spoke with a sly grin, "Not really. Just give me anything you have and... everything you have."
Isolde raised a curious eyebrow but continued with a smile, "Well, chances of getting access to the largest repository of books in the Lyonesse Kingdom, the Royal Library is basically impossible. But Grandpa Alec does have a sizable library himself and I'm sure that he won't refuse your request..."
Saying so, Isolde slowly stood up and clapped her hands. Instantly a side wall began to shake and rumble, opening up to reveal a few dozen bookshelves filled with books.
Seeing the horde of delicious books suddenly revealing themselves, Zhen Shi was unable to control his animalistic urges and dashed forwards like a suspicious old uncle soon beginning to ravage the poor books. But of course, he wasn't an uncivilized caveman, and so made sure to present Isolde with a polite thank you.
Nevertheless, considering the thousands of books available he soon realized that it would take him a few months to read through them all.
Huala!
As such, whenever he encountered a book that he found uninteresting or unimportant, he would simply flip through it and move on to the next, after making sure that it appeared within the Scholarly Library. And the sound of flipping pages filled the room...
Staring at the strange sight of a blurry figure flipping pages and reading books, Isolde couldn't help but raise another eyebrow.
But a slight smile began to play upon her lips as she realized something. Thinking back to that moonlit night where Zhen Shi had recited impossible stories that literally no one else knew, she could easily see that it would've been an impossible task for someone who lacked the passion and the patience to read through hordes of books...
----------------------------
In addition to reading, Zhen Shi also continued to train his finger and muscle strength from within the liquid diamond pool. He would also train in
One whole week passed by with Zhen Shi either training or reading books. And the only time he rested was when he had meals or spent time with Isolde, with the occasional presence of Old Butler Alec.
In one of the many meals he had enjoyed with Isolde, she suddenly asked nervously, "Zhen Shi, what does the Zhen Clan mean to you?"
Zhen Shi was surprised for a moment as old memories began to rise within his mind. Nevertheless, he grinned as he replied, "Hmm... I guess it's a love-hate relationship? Besides three people I don't really care for the rest of them. They may as well rot to death and I wouldn't blink... at least not much more than usual," with a smile.
Isolde nodded in a relieved manner and fell into thought muttering, "So besides those three people, your allegiance is not for the Zhen Clan..."
Raising her head she continued, "But isn't your surname Zhen? Are you perhaps not of the Zhen Clan?"
Zhen Shi suddenly realized her worries as a certain matter came to mind. As such, he smiled nonchalantly and replied, "Yes, I am. But don't worry. As long as those three people aren't involved, I wouldn't dream of opposing the Lyonesse Kingdom, especially when it might cause you trouble."
Isolde couldn't help but smile at that. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but feel relief as she thought that the Lyonesse kingdom would never target any of those 'three' in particular...
As such, she spoke with a relaxed smile, "Well, I'm sorry for having ruined the mood. Let's forget about this..." Zhen Shi smiled back.
And just like that, another week passed by, with Zhen Shi finally finishing Butler Alec's library.
He had gathered a huge repository of knowledge adding another sizable chunk of books to the Scholarly Library. He was able to gather a few miscellaneous martial skills and some day-to-day spells that weren't particularly worth practicing but might prove useful at some point. While it was generally very rare for cultivators to be both Mages and Warriors, he wasn't giving up any time soon. At the very least, if he couldn't be a real swordsman he was going to fulfill his dream of becoming a mage!
There were also some books that provided him a basic understanding of multiple fields ranging from pill refining to enchantment.
But, a topic that immediately caught his attention was the presence of other races and their relationship with the divine. Apparently, besides humans and demonic beasts, there were references to the existence of magical species including elves, dwarves, giants, beast-kin, fae, and even some that reminded him of supernatural stories back from earth.
However, most of these other species including demonic beasts were suppressed by humans and were rarely seen. But not a single person believed that they had died out... And this was due to the presence of the gods!
Almost every kingdom, clan, and sect had a patron god or goddess, let alone entire races!
It was said that a patron god would watch over anyone that worshipped them through totems and statutes, sometimes even granting the occasional wish. As such, no one thought that the other races had actually died out. Instead, it was said that the other races had isolated them within their own worlds...
Reading further into the abilities of the 'gods' Zhen Shi found some interesting information...
Totems of patron gods had the ability to transmit divine blessings to all those who joined an organization that worshipped a particular god. While it was necessary to be at the Nascent Soul stage to properly wield a divine blessing, like Xue Yuegui it can sometimes be used forcefully at the risk of destabilizing their cultivation. In other words, If Zhen had faced an actual Nascent Soul stage cultivator with a divine blessing, he wouldn't have stood a chance, Spatial tear sword or not.
There was also the rare case of personal divine blessings, which is a divine blessing that one is granted when they successfully impress a god and gain their favor. Unlike an ordinary divine blessing, the personally blessed would wield much stronger power and special abilities. Isolde's astounding ability to wield powerful healing magic is one such example.
Then there were also the powerful classes of cultivators that directly offered a part of themselves to the gods in sacrifice to wield the power of gods! Proclaimers who wield the divine word, "what they edict is what will happen", and Divine Prophets who wield the divine presence, "they are gods in their own right."
However, there was a common factor tieing in almost all of these factors. They all originated from the Divine Organizations who are referred to as 'the executors of the Gods' Will'. As organizations with access to the power to control the provision of divine blessings, armies of Proclaimers and Divine Prophets, several Sovereigns, and rumors of even stronger individuals, at least among the humans within the Central Plains they wielded nigh undeniable power.
Continuing to read with great seriousness, Zhen Shi found that there were four main divine organizations. There was the Divine Church based on Greek Gods allied with the Holy Pyramid that was based on Egyptian Gods. There was also the Heaven Palace based on Norse Gods which was allied with the Immortal Temple based on Chinese Gods.
But there were also references to some other gods lacking particular patron organizations...
While there were alliances among the divine organizations and they had occasional conflicts among themselves and corrupted matters like what happened to the former Zhen Shi might occur, the Divine Organizations did contribute to maintaining a certain level of civil peace.
It was their undeniable power that made the Central Plains a hubbub for peaceful human cultivators regardless of what conflict arose. But, of course, even in such a favorable situation humans are still humans, making it impossible to maintain a completely fair system.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Zhen Shi also realized that Isolde's initial surprise and disbelief at his god stories were well-founded. There was next to no personal information about any of the gods, besides the fact that they are 'all-powerful'. He should probably be careful about who he tells those stories to from now on...
Then came the glaring problems... There was neither evidence nor proper reference to confirm the presence of actual gods in reality, and yet the divine organizations continued to exist...
Furthermore, not a single divine organization dared stretch their claws beyond the Central Plains i.e. to the Northern Ice Lands or the Southern Ice Lands making both of them effectively lawless areas where power reigned supreme.
There was probably some mysterious reason behind this matter, but these books weren't sufficient to figure that out...
Moving on, Zhen Shi was unable to come across any more information about the two lawless areas in the North and the South. But he did come across a book on Solingrad, the kingdom of Tsun Rou, and the gateway to the Northern Icelands. It was apparently occupied by a dynasty of kings under the Sun Clan...
Wrapping up his spoils from the books, the final point that he noted was that the Berthelien forest was a suitable hunting ground for demonic beasts around the Mortal, Soul, and even Law Stages. There were some other places with less danger, but Zhen Shi felt drawn to this place for some strange reason...
During the last two weeks, considering Zhen Shi's training in the diamond pool he had made some great progress. He could now move within the diamond pool with only a slight activation of
He was also now able to use the divine bow without making use of
With all of these satisfying results, Zhen Shi was all smiles as he walked out of the hidden training room by himself since he had been given control as well.
As he continued to walk through the familiar mansion halls he couldn't help but be reminded of the last two weeks. The time he had spent here had definitely been fruitful and enjoyable. Of course, it was all due to the Beautiful Isolde and had nothing to do with the old man, Alec, who just ruined everything!
He greeted the familiar mansion staff with friendly nods as he finally reached his stop, a vibrant green meadow, full of life, and a mystical aura. This was the mansion gardens, where he and Isolde usually had meals in, unless of course, that DAMNED OLD MAN decided to jump in and disturb them.
At the very center of this garden was a fountain with the statue of a cherub, which is basically a baby angel similar to cupid in appearance. The cherub was bent in a graceful posture with a stream of shimmering water trickling out of its mouth.
And reclining at the edge of the fountain was an actual angel, *cough* Isolde. Her hair was lightly wafting in the air and her lips were slowly curving into a smile as she saw Zhen Shi approaching.
During their time together, Isolde would ask Zhen Shi at least once every day, to join the mansion guard and work in a lofty position as her personal bodyguard. As much as he would enjoy the cliche princess falling for the guard scenario, Zhen Shi had always refused.
And this time instead of her usual request Isolde posed a question, "Zhen Shi tell me, why are you so adamant about this? Since you have no particular obligation to be loyal to the Zhen Clan there won't be any problems. Everything would be perfect!"
Zhen Shi had already learned that the relationship between the Lyonesse kingdom and the Zhen Clan, the top clan of the Lyonesse region was anything but good. There had been many attempts at peace and they had all ended up in failure so far. The only reason they weren't at each other's throats was due to the Divine Organizations...
Regardless of this matter, Zhen Shi had no intention of settling down in this place. Thus, he lightly replied, "I don't wish to shackle my wings and lose the right to fly. After all, what is the purpose of life if you live it for others and not yourself?"
Isolde was speechless at his reply. This was truly inspiring to her who had lived her entire life for her father, the kingdom, and to make up for old mistakes...
Honestly what Zhen Shi said was only part of his real feelings, and most of it was bullshit!
The real reason he refused was that he won't be able to gain much exp if he stayed within a city where killing was prohibited. He could also deduce that the system wanted him to travel and improve as fast as possible.
But he couldn't say that... So he had improvised and gathered a bunch of instances in stories where events like this were common to make the perfect excuse.
'System ain't I awesome!?'
System: "..."
Isolde shook her head and smiled sadly, "Zhen Shi only you can say something like that... I truly admire your ideals, but I have my father and Grandpa Alec who I can't leave. Some other problems hold me back as well..."
Zhen Shi smiled and grabbed her shoulder reassuringly. During the time he had spent with Isolde he had already realized that there were some dark times in her past. Nevertheless, he replied, "Don't worry. No need to be so serious either. Solve all these problems first, and I'll help when I can. I'll come to visit you as soon as possible, and when you're ready, you can join me on an epic adventure all over the world!"
Isolde was truly happy with his suggestion. She could almost imagine her joining Zhen Shi along with Grandpa Alec to journey the world and watch on as this shameless fellow grew stronger with this peaceful and satisfying feeling lasting within her heart. But, she frowned and asked with sorrow and disappointment in her eyes, "Wait, what? Come visit me as soon as possible? Zhen Shi, are you leaving so soon? Where will you go?" asked Isolde with sorrow and disappointment in her eyes.
Zhen Shi replied, "Although I don't follow the will of the Zhen Clan, my parents and sister are still there. And right now, I'm going to train in the Berthelien forest. But I'll be back before I go to the Zhen Clan."
"Sister...?" Isolde frowned momentarily but pushed it out of her mind and said with a pout, "Fine. But are you really going back to the place where you almost got mauled to death? Just know that I won't heal you again if you come back injured!"
Zhen Shi couldn't help but laugh, "Is that how the Healing Princess should treat her patients? What will the poor people think when they realize that their princess is such a monster?"
Isolde grimaced and continued through grit teeth, "You better keep your promise. I'll be bored without you... And shouldn't you say goodbye to Grandpa Alec as well?"
"Eh? Who cares about some old man?" saying so he leaned close to Isolde's face and continued boldly, "Come, give big brother a kiss for good luck!"
Isolde's face blushed red and surprised by his sudden action, she took a step back... which caused her to trip and fall into the Cherub Fountain!
SPLAASH!
A spray of water burst out. Zhen Shi's eyes widened as Isolde's figure collapsed into the water. He had been only teasing her and she had ended up falling into the fountain... He hurried over to help and grabbed her hand to pull her out.
And out came an Isolde with an unhappy frown on her face... her wet hair and dress sticking tightly to her body. Isolde already knew that Zhen Shi had only been playing around and wasn't that mad, but wasn't willing to completely forgive him either. As such, she laughed and splashed a wave of water at him as well.
Zhen Shi glanced at the wave of water splashing towards him... almost in slow motion. With his advancement in Wind aether, he was much faster, even without using [Draconic Wind Steps]. And even if he was unable to dodge, he could easily make use of Water aether to control the water and make it stop. However, for Isolde's sake, he smiled and let the water splash all over him.
But, of course, he retaliated by controlling water aether to splash more water at Isolde. This resulted in a chain effect where neither side gave in and continued to attack... the pitiful reality of all battles.
This ferocious battle continued for a while with both sides launching savage suicidal attacks and facing terrible losses... to each other's dryness. This battle would later go down in history as the famed and epic, 'Battle in the Cherub Waters'. At least for Zhen Shi and Isolde, it would...
But the terrible losses to both sides were not sufficient to prevent either of them from laughing as they ended up soaked to their bones.
Now completely satisfied, Isolde had a simple smile on her face as Zhen Shi gathered a stream of wind and fire aether and instantly dried his clothes.
Isolde frowned playfully and shouted in mock anger, "Hey, shouldn't the world's undefeated gentleman help a lady out first?"
Zhen Shi grinned as he leaned towards her once more, but of course, this time, Isolde who was used to it didn't react by falling into the fountain.
"BECAUSE I'm a gentleman I can't help you. How can I take away something that makes a lady so much more beautiful?" said Zhen Shi with a satisfied smirk, "Alas, I should leave now. If I stay any longer I might never leave your side. However, I am not heartless. So here's a small gift to remember me by..."
With a decades practice of flicking a certain someone, Zhen Shi's hand swerved around Isolde in a blur causing her to almost fall back into the fountain once more. But she quickly balanced herself and when he took his hand back, a familiar necklace was wrapped around her neck...
This was the semi-law tier artifact that Hephaestus had given him as a complimentary gift! Being reminded of that matter, Zhen Shi couldn't help but praise the wonderful customer service of the gods once more...
Either way, while the neck was valuable and extremely useful, he might've died if Isolde hadn't saved his life. This was the least he could do... And there was also the problem where the necklace looked like women's jewelry. So it was killing two birds with one stone!
"Try to keep the necklace with you all the time. Well, I'll be going now, but I'll definitely be back!" said Zhen Shi with a laugh as he waved his hand and disappeared in a familiar gust of wind.
As the wind blew for the last time, a few smirking words breezed through Isolde's ears, "Where I'm from, we have a certain special contest. And I can promise you Isolde, in my book, you'll definitely win any Wet t-shirt contest!"
Isolde was confused at his statement... but her eyes revealed a hint of sorrow as she grasped the necklace around her neck and stared at the spot where a figure had been just a moment before. But almost immediately she realized something off in his words and hurriedly stared at her own reflection in the fountain. She couldn't help but gawk at the sight of the woman with a wet dress clinging on to her body.
She finally understood what Zhen Shi had been going on about and blushed a crimson red. As she retreated back to the mansion she couldn't help but wonder whether there was actually such a perverted contest over in Hubei City and the Zhen Clan...
----------------------------
In a balcony, on a higher floor of the Brishman mansion, a familiar old man was looking down on to the garden and the cherub fountain. This was the only other witness of the legendary 'Battle in the Cherub Waters', Butler Alec!
He lightly muttered in disappointment, "Ugh... That little bastard didn't even come to say goodbye to his teacher... Is this how his parents taught him how to behave?"
With a disappointed shake of his head, "I really seem to have horrible luck and keep selecting unfilial inheritors..." he began to leave the room in search of the young lady.
But he paused in surprise as he noticed a light blue envelope, poking from underneath his door. On it were the words, "To that annoying old man"
A grin crept onto Butler Alec's face, "Maybe this time will actually be different..." and he bent down to pick it up...