Chapter 703
The Hall Was Shocked
The hall of the Divine Craftsman's Shop was deathly silent.
All eyes were focused on Shen Yuan, or on his figure, which was screaming desperately but unable to break free.
This Grand Elder of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion, a genuine high-level god, was now like an insect trapped in amber, firmly imprisoned in place by an invisible and powerful force. Not only was his divine power unable to circulate, but even his divine soul fluctuations seemed to be frozen. Only his wide-open eyes were filled with utter horror.
Shen Garden did not remain without resistance.
After the initial shock, he felt a cold and vast power instantly envelop his entire body. It was a divine power far beyond his comprehension, pure and refined, like the most solid divine metal shackles.
The divine power of the superior god within him surged wildly, attempting to break free of its restraints, but it was as if he had crashed into an invisible divine mountain, remaining completely still.
His prized spiritual power proved as fragile as a candle flame in a storm before the opponent's divine sense.
He could even sense that if the other party exerted just a little more force, they could easily crush his soul!
This is something that no first- or second-level Divine Inscription Master could achieve! He had only ever felt this kind of near-fundamental control over the power of Divine Inscriptions and the overwhelming sense of oppression from... only from a third-level Divine Inscription Master!
"hiss!"
After a brief, suffocating silence, a chorus of gasps filled the hall.
The city lord sat upright, leaning slightly forward, and for the first time, a look of extreme solemnity appeared in his eyes.
As a half-step God-King, how sharp are his senses?
The moment Zhang Lingfeng released the power of the divine runes, although it was only a fleeting moment, the aura that was as condensed as a substance and carried a unique law-like charm truly reached the level of a third-level divine rune master!
Moreover, it did not rely on external objects, but rather erupted directly from the very source of Zhang Lingfeng's soul.
This young man, whom he and Ma Dashuai considered to need protection, this level-five blacksmith who, in his impression, might have some talent but was ultimately a junior, was actually... a level-three divine rune master?
How can this be?
Even the city lord, who was well-informed, felt his understanding was greatly shocked at this moment.
Chairman Huang Youming's reaction was even more direct.
He suddenly stood up, his old eyes flashing with sharp light as he stared intently at Zhang Lingfeng, as if trying to see right through him.
As a level three divine rune master, he has the clearest perception of divine rune power.
Although that power was fleeting, its essence, its intensity, and the divine runes and Daoist charm it contained were absolutely genuine!
That wasn't borrowing someone else's power, nor was it a simulated fluctuation; it was a genuine, level-three divine rune master's original divine rune.
What alarmed him even more was Zhang Lingfeng's exquisite control over this power. It was directed solely at Shen Yuan and exerted almost no pressure on anyone else around him. Even he had to take this kind of control seriously.
"Level 3 Divine Inscription Master..."
Huang Youming muttered to himself, his voice slightly hoarse without him even realizing it.
He recalled Barkol's report, Murong Li's description of "Master Zhang" after becoming a Divine Inscription Master, and Zhang Lingfeng's registration in the guild under the name "Master Zhang," as well as his later help with Murong Li's baptism.
At the time, he and others thought that "Master Zhang" was a powerful figure behind Zhang Lingfeng, but now they are actually the same person.
Yun Zhongzi's cold smile had long since frozen, replaced by disbelief and a hint of undisguised astonishment and apprehension.
He was the one who knew the strength of a level three divine rune master better than anyone else.
Zhang Lingfeng's move just now was fast, accurate, and ruthless, without the slightest hesitation. He directly used the power of divine runes to completely imprison Shen Yuan, who was also a high-level god.
Although Shen Yuan may not be skilled in soul defense, Zhang Lingfeng's mastery of divine runes is definitely not low, given that he could achieve this level.
What alarmed him most was that he had not sensed any high-level divine inscription master's fluctuations from Zhang Lingfeng before.
what does this mean?
This means that Zhang Lingfeng either possesses an extremely sophisticated concealment technique, or... his spiritual level and control over power have surpassed his own.
Either way, it was enough to send chills down Yun Zhongzi's spine.
He had been so arrogant before, wanting to take the other person as his disciple. Now, thinking back, he was just a clown.
A mixture of shame, anger, and intense unease churned within him.
"impossible!"
Shen Pengyun subconsciously let out a low growl, as if refuting the facts before him, or as if comforting himself.
"How could you possibly be a Level 3 Divine Inscription Master? Zhang Lingfeng, stop playing tricks! Did your master, Zhang Tianshi, secretly help you get him out?"
He roared.
"Noisy!"
Zhang Lingfeng released the power of the divine runes, and Shen Pengyun was instantly rendered speechless, as if he had been imprisoned.
"This……"
Barkol stared in disbelief, his mouth agape enough to fit an egg.
He was already shocked when he learned that "Master Zhang" was a level three divine inscription master, but now, this "Master Zhang" is actually... actually Zhang Lingfeng, whom he had been trying to recruit and thought was lazy and unambitious.
This is simply a fantasy!
A level 5 peak blacksmith, and also a level 3 divine rune master?
This breaks the common sense that has existed in the God-level Continent for so many years.
He recalled how he had gone to great lengths to subdue Zhang Lingfeng, demonstrating the Dragon Soul Forging Technique, asking Yun Zhongzi to take him as a disciple, and even feeling that Zhang Lingfeng was ungrateful... Now, he realized that he had been showing off his limited skills in front of a reclusive master.
No wonder Zhang Lingfeng was unmoved by all his temptations, no wonder he dared to refuse Yun Zhongzi.
Because they themselves are at that level.
“Master Zhang…you…”
Barkol's voice even changed slightly. He looked at Zhang Lingfeng, who was still calm and collected, and then at Shen Yuan, who was restrained and unable to move and whose face was full of terror. He felt like his brain was not working properly.
The reaction from the people at the Divine Craftsman's Shop was even more remarkable.
General Ma was completely petrified. He first looked at the imprisoned Shen Yuan, then at Zhang Lingfeng standing in the center of the hall with a calm and expressionless face. The muscles on his face were twitching slightly.
He recalled Zhang Lingfeng's appearance when he first came to the Divine Craftsman's Shop, his "stubbornness" in refusing to become his apprentice and only wanting to become a Divine Inscription Master, his usual lazy way of playing cards, and his mysterious confidence after returning from his disappearance. Countless images flashed through his mind, eventually connecting to a truth that made him dizzy.
That junior whom he regarded as needing protection and guidance, that young man whom he always thought was idle and obsessed with the fantasy of divine runes.
It turns out... it was that mysterious and unpredictable "Master Zhang" with immense power who almost wiped out Shen Qiming and Shen Pengyun with a wave of his hand, and who scared the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion into taking the initiative to seek peace.
Level 3 Divine Inscription Master!
“Zhang… Master Zhang… Ling Feng… you… you really are…”
Ma Dashuai's voice trembled so badly that he could barely utter a complete sentence due to the immense shock.
Ma Fei, Master Yang, Master Wang, Master Liu, and others were even more distraught. The expressions on their faces changed from initial anxiety to shock, then to bewilderment and utter disbelief, and finally they all became completely stunned.
They usually treated Zhang Lingfeng like brothers, playing cards and drinking tea together. Sometimes they would even jokingly advise him to stop thinking about unrealistic divine rune masters all day long.
Looking back now, it's as if they were talking to a real dragon and asking, "Why can't you fly?"
"Am I...am I dreaming?"
Master Yang pinched his thigh, wincing in pain, but the scene before him did not disappear.
Shen Pengyun and the other elders of the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion were now ashen-faced and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.
Looking at the pitiful state of Elder Shen Yuan, who was completely at the mercy of others, and recalling the scene of Young Master Shen Qiming being silently killed inside the Divine Craftsman Pavilion, they realized that...
Everything makes sense!
Yes, only if Zhang Lingfeng himself is Zhang Tianshi, a level three divine inscription master, could he infiltrate the Divine Craftsman Pavilion so easily and kill Shen Qiming so precisely.
Only then could he threaten them so brazenly. All their previous fear, resentment, and scheming seemed so laughable and powerless at the moment Zhang Lingfeng revealed his strength.
The opponent wasn't some second-generation heir who needed to rely on his master's power; he was the most terrifying being in himself. The atmosphere in the hall was completely transformed by Zhang Lingfeng's seemingly casual act of restraint.
Previously, there was the humiliation and scheming of the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion, the excitement and worry of the Divine Craftsmen's Shop, and the weighing and witnessing of the city lord and the guild leader.
Now, everyone's attention is focused on that still somewhat lazy young man, filled with awe, fear, shock, and countless unanswered questions.
Zhang Lingfeng did not make things difficult for Shen Yuan further. With a slight thought, he withdrew the divine rune binding.
This wasn't out of kindness, but because he needed Shen Garden to control the Divine Craftsman Pavilion.
"thump!"
Shen Yuan lost his support, his legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, his back instantly soaked with cold sweat.
The look in his eyes when he looked at Zhang Lingfeng was no longer filled with the humiliation and hidden hatred of before; only a deep-seated fear remained.
He now finally understood why the city lord and the guild leader were unwilling to get involved, and why Zhang Tianshi acted so decisively and ruthlessly.
Faced with such a young yet powerful level three divine rune master, any resistance would be futile.
Zhang Lingfeng's gaze swept calmly over everyone, especially Yun Zhongzi, Chairman Huang, and the City Lord. He lingered on their faces for a moment before finally looking at the limp Shen Yuan and saying indifferently, "Now, can we talk about the matter of submission? Or do you need me to prove something else?"
His tone remained calm, but to everyone present, it carried an undeniable air of authority.
Yun Zhongzi's expression shifted rapidly. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
He is a level three divine rune master and a member of the Baruch family; he must not lose his composure because of this.
He stared intently at Zhang Lingfeng and said in a deep voice, "Zhang Lingfeng... no, perhaps I should call you Celestial Master Zhang. You've hidden yourself very well. However, to think that just that one move would make me completely believe you're a Level 3 Divine Inscription Master is far too frivolous! The Dao of Divine Inscriptions is profound and complex. Perhaps you used some special means or treasures to simulate the fluctuations of a Level 3 Divine Inscription!"
His words were both a question and a way to save face for himself and everyone else present.
After all, admitting that such a young level 5 blacksmith is also a level 3 divine rune master is simply too much of a challenge to common sense.
Upon hearing this, Chairman Huang Youming also recovered from his initial shock.
He frowned, carefully sensing the aura emanating from Zhang Lingfeng.
Zhang Lingfeng had already withdrawn all his power and appeared completely ordinary. But he was certain that he hadn't misjudged that power he had just sensed.
"What Master Yun Zhongzi said is not without reason."
Huang Youming spoke slowly, his sharp gaze fixed on Zhang Lingfeng.
“Young friend Zhang, this matter is of great importance. If you are indeed that Celestial Master Zhang, a Level 3 Divine Inscription Master, then many things will naturally be different.”
However, you should know that impersonating a high-level Divine Inscription Master is a serious crime in the Divine Inscription Master Guild.
You registered the name Zhang Tianshi in the guild and helped Murong Li undergo baptism, making him a Divine Inscription Master.
Murong Li is currently in the guild.
To verify this, simply summon her and confront her; the truth will then naturally come to light.
Huang Youming's words brought everyone's attention back to the forefront.
Yes, the most direct evidence is Murong Li, who was personally enlightened by "Master Zhang" to become a divine inscription master!
She was the one who knew Zhang Tianshi's appearance and aura best!
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingfeng revealed a half-smile on his face.
He had anticipated this question.
"can."
Zhang Lingfeng nodded, his tone as casual as if he were discussing today's weather.
"However, there's no need for the president to send someone to invite them."
With that, he flicked his finger, and a barely perceptible fluctuation of divine thought silently disappeared into an inconspicuous jade slip at his waist.
This was a special communication jade slip that Murong Li had left behind to facilitate his communication when he contacted her before. As long as he was in the city, he could contact her instantly.
A moment later, amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, hurried yet light footsteps echoed from outside the hall.
Soon, a beautiful figure appeared at the door. It was Murong Li, who had officially become a first-level divine inscription master and whose temperament was very different from before.
She was both surprised and delighted to receive Zhang Lingfeng's message, and immediately dropped everything and rushed over.
As soon as she entered, she sensed the solemn atmosphere in the hall and the presence of important figures she rarely saw.
Her gaze first fell on Zhang Lingfeng in the center of the hall, and her eyes instantly shone with a bright light and heartfelt respect.
She strode forward and bowed deeply to Zhang Lingfeng, her voice clear and excited: "Murong pays her respects to Celestial Master Zhang!"
The cry of "Greetings, Master Zhang!" resounded like thunder in everyone's ears once again!
Murong Li's actions, her demeanor, her genuine reverence, and the crystal-clear pronunciation of "Master Zhang" in her mouth were like a heavy hammer blow, striking the hearts of all the doubters.
Looking at Murong Li's heartfelt respect for Zhang Lingfeng, and recalling the details of Murong Li's description of "Master Zhang" baptizing her, the last trace of doubt in Huang Youming's heart vanished.
He sighed deeply, and his gaze toward Zhang Lingfeng shifted to one of solemnity and complexity, as if he were looking at a peer of great strength.
Yun Zhongzi's face instantly turned extremely ugly. His lips moved a few times, but he couldn't say a word.
The facts were undeniable, leaving him no choice but to believe them.
In fact, as a fellow level three divine rune master, how could Yun Zhongzi not see through the deception?
The city lord slowly leaned back in his chair, a profound look flashing in his eyes.
This Zhang Lingfeng... no, Zhang Tianshi, is hiding his true strength. He possesses such power, yet he is willing to remain hidden in the Divine Craftsman's Shop as an ordinary blacksmith. His ambitions must be considerable.
It seems that the landscape of Baidi City is truly about to change completely.
As for Shen Yuan, who was slumped on the ground, upon hearing Murong Li's address, her last shred of hope was completely shattered.
He closed his eyes, his heart filled with endless regret and coldness. The Divine Craftsman's Pavilion... was truly finished.
Ma Dashuai and the others were completely dumbfounded. Looking at Zhang Lingfeng, who usually joked around with them, and then at Murong Li, who was bowing respectfully to him, the huge contrast in their identities left their minds blank.
Zhang Lingfeng nodded slightly and said to Murong Li, "Thank you for your hard work. Please wait here for a moment."
"Yes!"
Murong Li obediently stood aside, staring intently at Zhang Lingfeng with eyes full of admiration.
Zhang Lingfeng then looked at Shen Yuan again, and at Shen Pengyun and the others behind him who looked ashen-faced. His voice was calm but carried an irresistible force: "Now, we can continue with the important matter. Do you have any objections to the matter of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion submitting to the Divine Craftsman Shop and appointing Commander Ma as the new pavilion master?"
The hall was completely silent.
All eyes were focused on the people from the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion.
Early Month: Requesting monthly votes! (End of Chapter)