Chapter Ninety-Six: Treasure Hunt in the Vault

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Stars scattered across the sky, the sea of blood surged violently. In the air, the Three Sages combined the light of the sun, moon, and stars—the golden crow spread its wings, the jade rabbit leapt across the heavens, and a myriad of stars transformed into a dazzling Milky Way that forever accompanied the sun and moon. Below, the blood-red waters roiled, demonic lotuses bloomed, and countless demonic souls darted and danced recklessly within the sea of blood.

During this battle among terrestrial immortals, those whose cultivation did not reach the required level quietly withdrew, hiding within the palace to await the final outcome.

Three terrestrial immortal souls from the Xuan Sect faced off against the fifty-sixth combatant. Although the three relied on a treasured artifact from the Lingwei Sect, their primordial spirits had been retained for centuries, and the accumulated magical power within was no longer sufficient to rival true terrestrial immortals.

Moreover, the sea of blood suppressed the Xuan Sect’s cultivation arts, especially the Yang spirits of the three, which were particularly vulnerable to the blood-sea lotus. Ultimately, the terrestrial immortal wielding the Lingwei jade disc was swallowed by the blood sea due to a momentary lapse.

“The first one is down!” The fifty-sixth had intended to continue capturing others, but thunder nets were already laid outside the immortal mansion, with thunder dragons and lightning howling, signaling that the Tai Xiao Palace of the Xuan Sect was preparing to intervene.

“Forget it; one terrestrial immortal’s primordial spirit is enough. After demonic contamination, it will greatly enhance my power. If this drags on, I won’t be able to leave!” Aware of the dangers, the terrestrial immortal chose to retreat rather than risk death. The blood sea contracted, and the lotus closed into a seed pod, preparing to escape.

At that moment, two beams of immortal light appeared before him. The Xuan Sect’s scattered immortal “Qing Hong” and the Tai Shang disciple “Nameless” stood before him.

Enshrouded in mist, suddenly a silvery sword light flashed forth.

“Senior, taste my Sword of Virtue!” Nameless led the attack, his sword strike humble yet resolute.

Immediately, a refreshing breeze swept through, stirring the yin and yang energies.

The blood-sea terrestrial immortal intended to block the sword, but inside the lotus seed, the yin energy was diminished while the yang energy surged, transforming into an internal fire that burned at the root.

The workings of heaven and earth are ultimately a cycle of yin and yang, endlessly revolving. Yet with the Dragon Whisk Fan breaking apart the yin-yang path within the lotus seed, transforming it through the Four Symbols and Five Elements, and using the “Yellow Bud Pill” method to break the lotus’s embryonic shell, Nameless’s virtuous sword struck precisely at the lotus core.

Pfft—

Like a balloon losing air, the vital energy inside the lotus seed dissipated completely. Seizing the opportunity, the terrestrial immortal’s primordial spirit unleashed the Samadhi True Fire, burning the lotus seed in golden-red flames.

Under attack from inside and out, the three inflicted heavy wounds on the blood-sea terrestrial immortal.

“Heavenly Sword Subdues Demons!” At that moment, another terrestrial immortal spirit arrived. A white-bearded elder summoned a peachwood sword, which transformed into a blossoming peach branch in his hand. With a gentle sweep, the golden light of demon suppression extinguished the primordial spirit.

“This is bad!” Seeing the situation turn, the demonic sect’s members fled quickly toward the outside of the immortal mansion.

Disguised as Ji Feichen, Tushan cursed him bitterly in his heart: “Pretending to escape in your name only to be attacked by the Xuan Sect—it’s a huge debt you owe me! I’ll make you pay!” He fled with Tian Chengzi, simultaneously invoking the Drought Demon’s demonic flames, calling on Lady Chen for rescue.

Outside the mansion, the two sides faced off—one bathed in warm sunlight and gentle breezes, the other surrounded by swirling demonic clouds. Besides many immortal cultivators present, several high-level terrestrial immortals personally guarded the scene.

On the demonic sect’s side, they hid within the mist. Although no terrestrial immortal from the Yin Ming Sect appeared, two demonic dragons guarded the Black Pool elder.

Gazing at the dragons, Tian Chengzi showed fear. These were magical dragon artifacts forged by elders from the Demonic Dragon Scripture, of terrestrial immortal caliber, clearly dispatched personally by the Lord of the Kanming Hall for protection.

Tushan’s heart stirred; he secretly sent a message to the Black Pool elder: “Uncle Master, the item is secured. Under Lady Chen’s instructions, I must temporarily leave. The Tai Xiao Palace terrestrial immortals are nearby; please provide cover.”

The Black Pool elder nodded knowingly, silently permitting Tushan and Tian Chengzi to depart. The demonic dragons seemed suspicious, but the elder found a casual excuse to dismiss their doubts.

Two demonic lights did not merge into the dark clouds but vanished in an instant, fleeing far away. The Xuan Sect found it strange, and someone asked, “Are those two disciples from the Yin Ming Sect? Are they heading straight back to the mountain? Should we send someone to pursue?”

“Forget it, just two juniors,” the terrestrial immortals were unwilling to cause trouble or gain a reputation for bullying the young.

“One of them should be Ji Feichen, the Demonic Dragon Scripture cultivator from the Yin Ming Sect. He is a favored disciple of the demonic sect. It’s not the time for open conflict,” a scattered immortal casually remarked.

Nearby, Tai Xiao Palace’s Wei Feng heard the name, casually calculated some astrological signs, and his gaze turned cold.

Regarding the recent attack on the Demon Suppression Tower, he had secretly investigated the Yin Ming Sect, narrowing suspicion to a few disciples with dark veins. Ji Feichen, skilled in Gui Water Divine Thunder and the Weak Water technique, was a prime suspect.

Moreover, when Tushan invoked the Drought Demon’s demonic fire, some traces were exposed. Others might not notice, but Wei Feng certainly did, having suppressed the Drought Demon female immortal for thousands of years.

“This brat is the very one who caused trouble at the Demon Suppression Tower!” Wei Feng, mindful of the Xuan Sect elders’ presence, could not reveal himself openly. Instead, he sent a subtle spiritual projection, transforming into a thunderbolt racing toward Tushan.

But halfway there, a fragrant breeze and rolling rosy clouds blurred the heavenly signs. When the thunderbolt arrived, Tushan and Tian Chengzi had already been taken away by Lady Chen.

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Wei Feng’s face showed murderous intent, but respecting his elder brother’s orders, he restrained himself: “My elder brother has made arrangements for her; I cannot continue the feud. As for these demonic sect scoundrels, their deeds will be recorded for Qin Wu and others of the younger generation to deal with.” With that, the thunder dispersed, and Wei Feng’s primordial spirit returned to his body.

The demonic sect disciples fled thoroughly, while golden mists billowed inside the immortal mansion—clearly the Xuan Sect had triumphed.

The mansion soared out of the valley, standing atop the mountain peak, where a vast influx of pure immortal energy greeted them.

Many demonic sect members felt the murderous qi within each other repel, frowning deeply.

“The Lingwei Sect, I have noted this matter!” The Demonic Consort raised the Sweet Dew Palace and led her followers to retreat.

This was not the time for slaughter; the Xuan Sect immortals did not wish to break ties openly and tacitly allowed their departure.

Seeing the demonic aura dissipate, the Tai Xiao Palace’s terrestrial immortals departed one after another.

A fellow cultivator called out, “Now that the Lingwei Sect has reclaimed their position, why not stay a while?”

“No, the mansion has an owner, the demonic sect has retreated. We shall take our leave immediately,” Wei Feng politely declined and led his disciples away. Their purpose had been to guard the Lingwei Immortal Mansion; now that it had an owner, they should withdraw honorably.

Within the mansion, Yu Ming stepped forward to communicate with the three primordial spirits. One of the spirits publicly disintegrated, transforming into a stream of light that flew into the Netherworld. The other two retreated deep into the mansion to recuperate, planning to eventually reconstruct their true forms and serve as the Lingwei Sect’s guardian terrestrial immortals.

“Those primordial spirits who died in the Lingwei Immortal Mansion were not just these three, right?” Nameless murmured to himself. When Yu Ming invited the two others to join, Nameless dissipated into mist.

“Nameless Dao Brother is…” one asked.

“He prefers not to meddle in worldly affairs. Don’t bother him,” Ji Feichen said thoughtfully, wary of being recognized and unwilling to linger.

“Does that mean someone here knows his true identity?”

Ji Feichen met with Yu Ming and others. Yu Ming and the scattered immortal “Qing Hong” were close, and the group quickly apologized to Qing Hong for recent events.

“It’s nothing; I just happened to meet Dao Friend Yu Ming by chance. If I were in his place, I would have acted the same in a crisis,” Qing Hong dismissed the matter lightly.

Returning to the Thick Earth Hall, after Yu Ming expressed gratitude for their aid, he summoned pear fire jujubes to entertain them and invited everyone to enter the treasury to select treasures.

“The Patriarch once said that anyone who assists our Lingwei Sect may enter the treasury to choose one treasure,” Yu Ming said, holding the Demon-Subduing Banner. “Of course, the treasures you currently possess are your own fate and not counted.”

“As for you all—who have deep ties with our Lingwei Sect—you may choose one additional item,” he said to Li Xuange and others. Knowing their current affiliations, Yu Ming hoped granting extra treasures would settle old karmic debts, preventing future factions from using this as an excuse to covet the Lingwei Mansion.

Fang He, quick to adapt, humbly thanked on behalf of his juniors.

“Certainly, Dao Friends’ help to our Lingwei Sect is immense. You may select three items,” he concluded, addressing Qing Hong.

Qing Hong, holding a treasured fan, shook his head: “I have already obtained the heirloom left by our Dao lineage. I need not seek more.”

Gao Ning, having restored his body with the Golden Glow Pearl, sat beside Yu Ming and said immediately, “Dao Friend’s gift of the sword enabled our return to the Lingwei Sect. This grace is as vast as mountains and deep as seas; you need not refuse.”

Qing Hong, with an air of refined elegance, replied with the manner of a sage: “All actions are Heaven’s will. If your sect had not preserved my family’s treasured heirloom, I would not have aided the Lingwei Immortal Mansion. This is the good karma accumulated by your sect’s patriarch. Planting good causes yields good effects; this is the bond between our two lineages.”

His words skillfully placed both sects on the same side. More than any external treasure, Ji Feichen valued the Lingwei Sect’s intrinsic worth.

Currently, only Yu Ming upheld the Lingwei Sect’s reputation. Though diminished, it would surely regain terrestrial immortals, becoming a major blessed land within the Xuan Sect. Gaining their friendship was invaluable for future endeavors.

“Besides, what better chance to boost one’s reputation?” Qing Hong remained modest, declining further treasures.

However, Yu Ming and Gao Ning, heeding the Patriarch’s orders, insisted Ji Feichen enter the treasury. Reluctantly, he agreed to select two treasures.

“This scattered immortal lacks the stinginess common among wild hermits,” the Xuan Sect elders admired Qing Hong’s generosity.

Typically, scattered cultivators cared little for mansion ownership; a mansion was like a bone to a wild dog—they would leap to devour it. Even if the owner sought trouble later, they’d act like ruffians, forcing the owner to bear the blame.

Yet now, the Lingwei Sect offered treasures freely, and he refused.

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It is said that major Xuan Sect schools look down on scattered cultivators, but if the latter possess profound cultivation and noble character, everyone welcomes gaining such friends. Still, no one likes it when their treasures, prepared for disciples or reincarnations, are casually taken by others after their death.

Thus, the violent treasure-seizing methods of the demonic sect and some scattered cultivators have long been despised by the Xuan Sect, which is why the Tai Xiao Palace enforces the law impartially.

The Lingwei Sect treasury comprises several chambers, one of which—the Golden Glow Treasury—now floated on a cloud platform beneath auspicious clouds. One treasure after another rested atop white clouds, available for selection.

Gao Ning said, “This treasury was prepared by the Patriarch for you all. Feel free to choose from these treasures. But since we are all Xuan Sect immortals, let us maintain harmony. First come, first served; latecomers may seek other treasures.”

Everyone saw the many treasures gleaming with immortal light and brimming with spiritual energy, momentarily unsure how to choose. Even those from major sects rarely gained such free access to treasury sanctums.

In the end, Jing Xuan lifted a white cloud and took a miniature pavilion carved from spirit wood—a spatial artifact that could transform into a portable immortal abode, essential for traveling cultivators.

Zhang Yuanchu selected the Crane-beak Yin Yang Sword. Yu Ming smiled, “I remember this was a treasure forged by senior brother in his youth?”

Gao Ning nodded, “I comprehended yin and yang back then and forged these twin swords. If you like, take them.”

His gaze swept over the Dragon Whisk Fan in Ji Feichen’s hand.

Ji Feichen’s heart stirred, thinking: These swords were forged inspired by the Dragon Whisk Fan?

Noticing his distraction, Yu Ming asked, “Dao Friend, haven’t you chosen yet? Not to your liking?”

“Nothing,” Ji Feichen stepped forward to select his treasure.

More than the treasure’s quality, he wished to leave the Lingwei Sect indebted. So he did not pick the highest-grade items but casually wandered, choosing what caught his eye.

Suddenly, he paused beside a treasure pearl. This spirit pearl rested on white clouds, shimmering like a moon hidden among colorful clouds.

“This is the Moon Essence Spirit Pearl, condensed from the pure energy of the Taiyin Moon Essence. It is a rare treasure fallen from the Celestial Moon Palace. Yet it is merely a spiritual item, not a true treasure. You might want to choose again?”

“No need, this will do,” Ji Feichen said, deliberately adding, “My Moon Yang Garden aligns with the sun and moon’s numbers. I will place this inside as the bright moon.”

Zhang Yuanchu, putting away the sword, asked curiously, “By the way, I never asked which sacred mountain senior brother cultivated on?”

“Nowhere in particular, just the ancient battlefield at the edge of the southern frontier.” Revealing a bit of the mansion’s information, Ji Feichen inwardly chuckled: The Huangyang Demonic Sect occupies the immortal mansion; freeing my hands will surely bring trouble. It’s just right to rely on the Xuan Sect’s major schools to help guard it.

“There? Isn’t that where the demonic sect and scattered cultivators gather?” Li Xuange ran over, “Brother, haven’t they harassed you there?”

“Of course. Earlier, some came to the mansion seeking treasures, but my junior sister and I dealt with them,” Ji Feichen suddenly looked a little shy. “We were young and fierce, killed all intruders, and even took some sweet dew spirit medicines from the scattered demonic folk for cultivation.”

Upon hearing this, some felt uneasy. Yu Ming said, “If they came to cause trouble and got killed by you, that’s their own fault. Who has time to scheme over others’ immortal mansions every day?”

His words stung, as if mocking those coveting the Lingwei Mansion, implying their demise was deserved.

Zhang Yuanchu quickly added, “My family has an elder who loves exploring ancestral ruins. But whenever he finds an immortal mansion, he helps find successors to preserve the lineage. By my count, he has helped four or five minor sects establish their bases. Such a person understands restraint and is acceptable.”

Everyone relaxed somewhat.

Li Jingxun chose a vermilion brush and approached. “Brother, what about the other treasure?”

Ji Feichen casually picked up a sword: “This one.”

The two treasures chosen made Yu Ming think silently: This Dao Friend is truly a gentleman. The treasury contains eighteen treasures refined from terrestrial immortals and 365 weapons forged by human immortals. Yet he selected only the Moon Essence Spirit Pearl—suitable for making treasures—and a flying sword, clearly leaving room for the Lingwei Sect.

Others like Fang He, with discerning eyes, ignored most treasures, picking only rare terrestrial immortal relics. Most followed a similar pattern.

Ji Feichen’s selected treasures were modest, arguably the lowest grade among the group. (To be continued.)