The wooden shelves were arranged in three rows, placed prominently in the center of the pavilion’s first floor, making everything clearly visible at a glance.
The first row was filled with ancient treasures and magical artifacts, each emitting a unique radiance—sixteen in total. The second row held rare materials of varying shapes and colors, ranging from fist-sized metallic lumps to blood-red, gemstone-like stones. The third row contained the fewest items—only a few small bottles, each a few inches tall, presumably holding medicinal pills.
Han Li swept his gaze over the treasures, his expression unreadable, betraying neither joy nor displeasure.
The others maintained their composure, refraining from impulsively handling the treasures, but their eyes were already assessing the functions and value of each item, preparing for the eventual division of spoils.
After a moment, Marquis Nanlong stepped forward to inspect the treasures on behalf of the group. The others engaged in seemingly amiable discussions about their origins and uses, though their true thoughts remained known only to themselves.
Meanwhile, Han Li glanced around, surveying the rest of the room. Aside from the shelves, there was only a meditation cushion and a pot of emerald-green grass placed by the pavilion window.
Just as Han Li was about to approach, a white-robed elder flashed past him, snatching up the cushion and examining it closely.
Frowning, Han Li instead walked to the window and studied the small plant.
“Ah, Senior Han is interested in this *Yin Condensation Grass*? Though rare, it serves as the best catalyst for refining yin-cold elixirs, enhancing their potency by thirty percent,” a soft, melodious voice spoke from behind him.
Han Li turned slowly to see Yan Ruyan standing gracefully behind him.
“Unlike other spiritual herbs, *Yin Condensation Grass* only reaches peak yin-cold potency at a hundred years of age. This one has been here for who knows how long—it’s practically useless now,” Han Li replied indifferently. His gaze flickered briefly to Wang Chan, who was whispering excitedly with Wang Tiangu, oblivious to their conversation.
“To think Senior Han is not only skilled in formations but also knowledgeable in alchemy—Ruyan is truly impressed!” Yan Ruyan smiled, her eyes sparkling.
Sensing her deliberate attempt to engage him, Han Li grew wary. “Alchemy? A trivial skill at best. More importantly, does Lady Yan not know of my relationship with your husband? Speaking to me so freely—aren’t you afraid of angering him?”
“Of course I know. But it is precisely because of this that I wish to mediate the feud between you two,” she replied, her smile fading into resignation.
“Mediate? The Demon Sect and our Heavenly Dao Alliance are natural enemies. There’s nothing to mediate,” Han Li scoffed.
Yan Ruyan sighed, about to speak again when Marquis Nanlong called out, “Fellow Daoists, let us first divide the treasures here before proceeding to the second floor.”
Without another word to Yan Ruyan, Han Li walked away. The beautiful young woman hesitated before following, her expression shifting uncertainly.
Wang Chan noticed her trailing Han Li, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, but he remained silent. Wang Tiangu observed the scene but showed no reaction.
“After inventory, we have six ancient treasures, ten magical artifacts, and materials and pills divided into eight shares. Naturally, the ancient treasures are most coveted, as they require no refinement to unleash their full power. However, these artifacts are no ordinary items—they were left behind by enemies slain by Supreme Master Qiong Kun. Even at seventy percent potency, they are worth refining. Choose as you wish. Fellow Daoists Wang Chan and Yan Ruyan, you may only claim one share,” Marquis Nanlong announced.
“This old woman has no time to refine artifacts—I’ll take an ancient treasure,” the elderly woman declared bluntly.
The others concealed their disdain.
Wang Tiangu then asked pointedly, “Fellow Daoists Nanlong and Yun, will you not claim your shares first? The second floor may not hold what you seek.”
“What do you mean by that?” Marquis Nanlong’s expression darkened.
The white-robed elder also glared at Wang Tiangu.
“Nothing. I merely thought it a pity if you missed your chance,” Wang Tiangu replied lightly.
“Hmph! There’s nothing here worth our priority. As for Fellow Daoist Han, the choice is his,” Marquis Nanlong said coldly.
“I’ll reserve my privilege for the second floor,” Han Li said casually.
“Then we divide these equally. Those who take an ancient treasure forfeit priority in selecting artifacts. Agreed?” Wang Tiangu proposed.
“Fair enough.”
The others nodded in agreement.
Han Li naturally chose an ancient treasure—a bamboo tube-like artifact of unknown power—while the white-robed elder and another cultivator opted for artifacts.
Once the first-floor treasures were divided, the group moved to the second floor.
Upon entering, they were met with the scent of sandalwood. A shrine stood in the corner, enshrining a golden statue of a three-headed, six-armed horned demon god, its ferocious visage lifelike.
Before the shrine, a small crimson censer emitted curling white mist—the source of the fragrance.
The sight of Supreme Master Qiong Kun worshipping a demon god shocked Marquis Nanlong and the others.
But Han Li’s heart raced—the statue bore an uncanny resemblance to the beast depicted on the copper fragment he suspected to be part of the *Vajra Sage Scripture*.
His gaze darted to the rest of the room.
To the shrine’s left stood a simple desk and chair, holding inkstones, brushes, and bamboo scrolls. To its right lay a jade bed radiating cold energy, likely carved from glacial jade. At its head rested three jade boxes of varying sizes.
This was clearly Supreme Master Qiong Kun’s private chamber.
Suddenly, the white-robed elder lunged for one of the jade boxes.
“Hold it!” Another figure intercepted, firing a black streak at the elder’s hand.
“What is the meaning of this? Seeking a fight?” the elder snarled, withdrawing his hand and glaring at the offender.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage