Chapter 46

As Daoist Master Wu Mu spoke, Zhang Tianyuan also noticed that these field-yellow seals were very special. The characters carved on the bottom of the seals were actually the Daoist names of the Twelve True Immortals. On top, the original shape of the stones was skillfully carved into lifelike sculptures of immortals.

Just looking at the carvings, though they might not have been crafted by a master, the smooth use of the knife, without any signs of chiseling or polishing, made it seem as if all the stone carvings were completed in one go. Although some lines were slightly rough, it was precisely this roughness that showed the boldness of the work.

It's like calligraphy; characters written in one go look fluid and smooth, giving a unique feeling. Some so-called calligraphers, seeing their work as insufficient, would add strokes, making it more delicate but creating an awkward feeling between the first and second strokes, which would make true experts very uncomfortable. Only outsiders would consider it a treasure.

"Let me see. Here we have Guangchengzi, Chijizi, Huanglong Zhenren, Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Dafa Shi, Yuding Zhenren, Daohang Tianzun, and Qingxu Daode Zhenjun, a total of eight. Four are still missing!" Zhang Tianyuan glanced into the jar and confirmed that there were only eight field-yellow seals, not twelve! He found this strange. Could it be that when these were originally collected, there were only these eight?

"Limitless Heaven and Earth, it seems that Jiliu Sun, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, and Cihang Daoren are missing! These four later became Buddhists. Jiliu Sun became a Buddha, and the other three are the famous Wenshu Bodhisattva, Puxian Bodhisattva, and Guanyin Bodhisattva. This might not be a coincidence!" Daoist Master Wu Mu frowned and said.

"Brother Zhang, what are those small characters next to them?" a young Daoist suddenly asked.

"Small characters? What small characters?" Zhang Tianyuan was a bit puzzled. He had only paid attention to the characters carved on the bottom of the seals and the carvings on top, not noticing anything else. Now, hearing the young Daoist, he felt a mix of tension and curiosity.

"Right there, it seems there are two small characters at the feet of each sculpture. They look like ancient complex characters, and I can't recognize them," the young Daoist pointed to the small characters for Zhang Tianyuan to see.

Zhang Tianyuan didn't think much of it at first, but when he looked, he broke out in a cold sweat. The characters carved at the feet of the sculptures were actually "Shen Luo"!

Shen Luo Valley was their destination for this archaeological expedition, and Shen Luo Valley was where the ancient Shen Luo Kingdom had disappeared. The Shen Luo Kingdom had existed about eight hundred years ago, and it was possible that such field-yellow seals were left behind.

However, what was strange was why the characters were in Chinese, unlike some artifacts from other places where the characters were unfamiliar.

"Popular legend says that field-yellow stones are gems left behind by Nüwa when she mended the sky, or that they are transformed phoenix eggs. It is also said that field-yellow stones can ward off disasters and evil, and that those who keep them can live longer. Do you think this is true?" Daoist Master Wu Mu suddenly asked.

"That's impossible. Nüwa is a mythological figure, and the phoenix is a fictional creature. How could such things exist? These seals with the Twelve True Immortals are probably just a custom or a belief, and they likely have nothing to do with immortals," Zhang Tianyuan shook his head and denied it.

"I think the same. However, do you think if this is a complete set of seals, what were they used for? They don't seem to be for literary use," Daoist Master Wu Mu asked.

Zhang Tianyuan stroked his chin and said, "Field-yellow stones possess the six virtues of fineness, cleanliness, smoothness, greasiness, warmth, and cohesiveness, hence they are called 'Imperial Stones' and were used by the Qing Dynasty for sacrificial rites to heaven. Historical records show that during the Qing Dynasty, the Fujian governor carved a 'Three-Chain Seal' from a single piece of high-quality field-yellow stone, which Emperor Qianlong treasured and passed down through generations. When Emperor Xianfeng was on his deathbed, he gave Empress Dowager Cixi a field-yellow imperial seal. When the last imperial dynasty fell, Puyi did not take any treasures, only the 'Three-Chain Seal,' which he sewed into his coat. This is the earliest recorded history of field-yellow stones being used as imperial seals. However, I now suspect that this practice might have started during the Southern Song Dynasty, and the Shen Luo Kingdom might have considered field-yellow stones as imperial seals. Perhaps the twelve True Immortal seals were the imperial seals of the Shen Luo Kingdom."

"Unbelievable!" Daoist Master Wu Mu said.

"Yes, indeed. It seems as if there is an unseen hand guiding me to uncover the secrets of the Shen Luo Kingdom, from the initial discovery of the 'Shangyangtai Stele' to now finding these eight seals. There seems to be a subtle connection between them all." Zhang Tianyuan suddenly felt that his trip to Yunnan might be fraught with difficulties.

But should he give up on the adventure?

That's impossible. Whether this is a blessing or a curse, it's too early to conclude. It might just be an opportunity.

"How do you plan to handle these eight seals?" Daoist Master Wu Mu asked.

Zhang Tianyuan thought for a moment and said, "I'll take them with me. They might be useful in Shen Luo Valley."

Although these eight seals might be worth a fortune, Zhang Tianyuan believed that since they were related to Shen Luo Valley, it would be best to take them. They might come in handy, but he needed to hide them properly. He would package them to avoid drawing unwanted attention. These items, potentially worth millions or even billions, could cause significant trouble if someone with ill intentions noticed them.

"Daoist Master, do you have anything that can protect these eight seals and keep them from being detected by others?" Zhang Tianyuan asked.

"Wait a moment." Daoist Master Wu Mu left for a while and returned with a wooden box.

This box had a special mechanism. At first glance, it seemed to have only one layer, but once the mechanism was opened, a second layer could be accessed. The eight seals fit perfectly inside, and they were protected with soft materials to prevent damage from collisions. Even if the box fell, the seals would be safe.

"The box is very sturdy, made from high-quality hardwood. Even if you hit it with an axe, it would take a lot of effort to break it, so you don't have to worry about it breaking. I've also placed some protective talismans and sachets inside to serve as a cover, so no one will find it strange if you carry an empty box," Daoist Master Wu Mu thoughtfully explained.

After Zhang Tianyuan placed the eight seals in the box, he didn't take the ink jar. He smiled and said, "Daoist Master, if this ink jar were auctioned, it would likely fetch at least a million. You should keep it. The temple needs money for repairs and other expenses. As for these field-yellow seals, don't worry. When I sell them, I'll send you half of the money."

"Limitless Heaven and Earth, if you say such things, you are insulting me! If I needed money, I would have sold this place to Mr. Du long ago. Why would I live in poverty here?" Daoist Master Wu Mu's face turned sour.

Zhang Tianyuan felt regretful. He had forgotten the old Daoist's temperament. This was not one of those fame-seeking so-called high monks or divine Daoists. This was a true Daoist practitioner. While it was unrealistic to say he viewed money as worthless, since he still needed it for daily necessities, the difference between a million and a thousand was not significant to him.

He bowed and said, "I apologize, I misspoke. Daoist Master, you are indeed a wise person, but I am just a commoner. You can't put me in a difficult position. In today's society, without money, it's hard to get by. These two children are still young and should be given more opportunities to study. Even if you hire teachers to come here, it will cost money. If they get sick, it will also cost money. Without money, troubles will follow. So, I sincerely hope you will accept my gratitude."

Listening to Zhang Tianyuan, Daoist Master Wu Mu seemed to be moved. Through today's events, he realized that without education, even in Daoist practice, one cannot find peace. It was indeed necessary for the two young Daoists to study. If he was worried about them being tainted by the secular world, he could invite respected people to teach them privately.

"Alright, if that's the case, I'll follow your arrangement," Daoist Master Wu Mu finally agreed.

"Great!"