[Just letting you know that the Perrafin does not have a name of her own.]
Lee let out a mouthful of air as he sat cross-legged. He took a glance at the white beast and asked Hudson-
'Is it important?'
[Not really. But since Fero has a name, it could give the feel of discrimination.]
'Then I name her Zena.'
A panel appeared notifying that the Perrafin's name had changed. The new name was automatically transferred to the beast and she raised her head and looked at Lee.
The thankful glance was bliss to watch. The feline facial features had an unusual aura when Lee observed the beast. Without any delay, the beast lowered its head and laid down.
[Zena says thank you.]
Lee nodded at Hudson's words and glanced at the horizon. The sky was brightening and the Map was still blank.
'I think this Lureland is quite enormous. Thus exiting this place very quickly is good for health.'
[People seems to disagree with you.]
Lee Shen then felt more than seven objects homing in on their position. He jumped up and commanded the students to quickly move out of the place. Lee Shen dashed into the forest and the students followed him.
After almost a minute, seven wooden puppets landed where they stood. Two among them were similar to a tiger in stature. The remaining five were stout and visible threatening.
The puppets did not find anything at the spot other than faint Mana trails. It belonged to the students who were recuperating their strength. But the trail soon scrambled and became unrecognisable.
After standing there frozen for a dozen seconds, four puppets went back the way they came. The remaining puppets stood there watching the two beast puppets and humanoid puppets leaving from the sight.
---
The scrambling of the Mana trail was Hudson's idea. He had experience with cultivators and their tracking techniques.
Due to Mana's integrity outside its host, it leaves a faint trail which would gradually dissipate. The trail is stronger and durable than Qi trail which barely leaves any pieces of evidence.
Thus when a cultivator commits a murder, the chance of encountering Qi trail is negligible. But when an adventurer kills, it leaves a trail that does not disappear easily.
"Long Sect pests."
Lee Shen muttered as he and his students hid almost a mile away from the standby puppets. The students observed the puppets standing by to detect any changes in their surroundings.
'Tell me, Hudson, can my students take them down?'
[It is risky. I also have reason to believe that this is a trap.
I suggest using your bow to take out these three puppets. It would send a backlash to the corresponding cultivator.]
Lee Shen turned around as he half-squatted on the ground. His students along with him were hiding inside a bush. Fortunately, they could see the outlines of the puppets.
"Don't make a sound."
Lee placed his index finger in front of his mouth vertically and his soft words made them nod. Then he turned to the puppets and almost pulled out his bow.
'Oh shit! I almost forgot that the bow is a pinnacle grade weapon!'
If Lee was to take the bow out of his storage now, the aura was sure to be detected by the puppets. This he retracted his hand and enquired Hudson for a solution.
'This aura of a weapon, is it concealable?'
[It might be. Since people tend to show off their powerful weapons, I have no idea about such a possibility.]
The Workshop was quickly summoned and Lee created a pendant. The lotus-shaped pendant was incredibly beautiful and charming. The design reflected a lifetime worth of sophisticated carvings with vibrant colours. Anyone who saw it would snatch it away immediately.
Lee Shen then enchanted the steel pendant with Aura Concealment. The Essence cost shot up and instantly entered two million. This demand was within Lee Shen's expectations, but what popped along with it was completely unanticipated.
=====
The object will not withstand the enhancement. Would you like to change the material 'Steel' to 'Arcanium'?
[YES] [NO]
=====
[Oh! So this is the simulation assistant that Dnekewy talked about. Helpful!
Arcanium. Where have I heard this name?]
Hudson was scratching his head while trying to recover his memories related to this name but in vain.
On the other hand, Lee was surprised to hear the name of a substance that he had not heard about before. Without thinking too much, he accepted the proposition and the panel faded away.
The main screen of the Workshop could be seen again. The pendant had no change in its dimension or colour. It was as if the pop-up was a scam.
But...the cost had skyrocketed to 110 million Essence!!
[The hell?]
Hudson frowned as his voice resonates in Lee Shen's ears. As he witnessed, the cost was paid in Essence and the screen vanished.
[The pendant is in the storage!!]
Hudson sounded unusually excited as he saw the pendant appearing in the storage. He was excited to the core after seeing the otherworldly beauty of the lotus pendant.
Lee quickly took out the pendant used View on it.
=====
Name: Lotus Pendant.
Master: Lee Shen.
Description: A lotus pendant made out of Arcanium, the most sacred alloy. Enchanted with Aura Concealment. Can conceal the aura of up to three Deity grade weapons when in contact with the master.
=====
Lee covered the lotus pendant while he wore the ornament around his neck. The chain along with the pendant was a simple alloy of steel.
He was cautious not to let the students see the pendant. Who knows if they unconsciously sucked in cold air and gave away their position.
"Move back slowly and carefully."
Lee Shen looked over his shoulder and conveyed them to move away. The students silently stepped away from the professor and kept on tiptoeing.
Once the pendant touched the body, Lee Shen could feel enormous energy rippling through his veins. He took out the bow and pulled back the string.
[Looks like the upgrading paid off!]
'Hell yeah!'