I don’t understand this statement. If you’re using an ESP8266 as a Wi-Fi modem for your Arduino then you won’t be “looking at the ESP pins”.
In my setup, I don’t run Blynk on my ESP/Arduino devices at all, simply an MQTT client that communicates with my Node-Red server. Blynk runs in Node-Red and commands are turned into MQTT messages by my flows.
I also don’t centralise everything. I have ESPs located where the devices they are controlling are located, so I have around 20 ESPs around the home. Some are built into Sonoff devices to control lights, some act as gateways between MQTT messages and infrared or 433MHz transmitters. Others are connected to environmental sensors or attached to Nextion displays to allow touchscreen input and user friendly displays.
For me, Blynk is mostly used for control and monitoring when I’m out of the house. When I’m in the house then it’s usually Alexa voice commands or the Nextion displays that are used.
More info here:
If you want advice/support on direct digital pin manipulation (as in your original question) then you need to explain EXACTLY what you’re trying to achieve and the wiring and code that you’re using.
Pete.