Chapter 48

The Tang family's treasure pavilion was adjacent to Tang Yanshan's seclusion place. It looked rather simple, with only three levels—upper, middle, and lower. Inside, however, it was filled with a dazzling array of treasures, including martial techniques, weapons, and precious cultivation materials.

The first level was the largest, comparable in size to a soccer field, displaying the most common Mortal-level martial techniques, weapons with certain special functions, and armor. This level also served as one of the Tang family's financial storage areas.

The second level displayed the finer Mortal-level martial techniques, including some unique and interesting ones. There were also some armors and weapons, which were of a much higher grade and more diverse styles compared to the first level.

As for the third level, it housed the Spirit-level martial techniques and the most precious treasures the Tang family had accumulated over the years. Due to its importance, no one was allowed to enter without permission, even Tang Mingjing needed Tang Yanshan's approval.

Among the younger generation of the Tang family, Tang Qian was the strongest and most talented, reaching the Third Rank Martial Spirit at the age of seventeen. Tang Ying had just broken through to the Martial Spirit stage, while the others were mostly still at the Martial Master stage. Some lacked talent, while others were too young. In short, the younger generation of the Tang family was not as outstanding as their parents, with only Tang Qian and Tang Ying standing out.

Because of Tang Jun's presence, the guardian of the treasure pavilion merely gave them a strange look and did not make things difficult for Tang Yan. He handed over the key and left them alone.

"There are twenty-five Mortal-level martial techniques on the first level, ten higher-tier Mortal-level martial techniques on the second level, and four Spirit-level martial techniques on the third level. Do you want to go directly to the third level, or take a look at the first and second levels first?" Tang Jun's gaze grew increasingly strange. The old man actually allowed Tang Yan to enter the highest level of the treasure pavilion? And to choose freely? At first, he thought he had heard wrong. This was an honor even the eldest son did not have!

There must be some secret about Tang Yan! Otherwise, the old man wouldn't be so indulgent, almost to the point of absurdity!

"Let's go directly to the third level." Tang Yan glanced around casually and then headed straight for the third level.

The interior of the third level was clearly more intricate, with over a dozen stone platforms standing tall, each protected by a crystal dome that emitted a vibrant glow. As soon as they entered, they were greeted by a dazzling and splendid sight.

Tang Yan looked at one of the crystal domes that emitted a purple light and asked, "What martial technique is this?"

"It's called 'Heavenly Thunder Summon.' It was purchased at an auction for 200,000 gold coins. It's a rather domineering martial technique that can summon the lightning from the sky to use for oneself. It can be used to directly attack a target or become a part of oneself. Once mastered, it can summon the lightning from the sky to aid in cultivation."

"What about this one?"

"It's called 'Rock Forest Technique!' This Spirit-level martial technique was brought back by Tang Hao. It is said that he discovered it in a cave during a mercenary mission. After appraisal, it was determined to be one of the better Spirit-level martial techniques. The Rock Forest Technique uses spiritual energy to control underground rocks, turning them into offensive weapons. It can be used for ambushes or close combat. One of its unique characteristics is that, once mastered, these seemingly hard rocks can extend and twist according to the martial artist's will, attacking in a wild and unrestrained manner."

"Oh? That's quite good."

"May I ask, Young Master, are you planning to give it to Du Yang?"

"Is there a problem with that?"

"I heard about the Divine Spring Town incident. Du Yang's spirit vein mutated, giving him the petrification attribute, which shows he is a piece of unpolished jade that could achieve something with careful cultivation. However, I find his character cold and rebellious, and he is not someone to be deeply involved with." Tang Jun had spent a month with Du Yang and had some understanding of him.

"The more such a person, the more worth it to be deeply involved with." Tang Yan smiled silently, not explaining further. He walked to the front crystal dome, where a pitch-black, large knife was placed. It had no blade, just the outline of a knife, ugly and rough, covered in cracks, yet exuding an ancient and rugged aura. Even through the crystal dome, one could feel its weight and history.

Tang Jun introduced it, "It's called the 'Iron-Grinding Heavy Blade.' It has not been refined or forged, maintaining its natural shape. It is said to be the only weapon in the Northern Wasteland that can withstand the eightfold叠加 of the Tang family's Blazing Flame Technique. It was once the most cherished weapon of the old patriarch, accompanying him from the Martial King stage to the Martial Venerable stage. Though it looks ugly, it has been through countless battles, and countless strong opponents have fallen before it, witnessing the rise of the old man."

"Eightfold叠加 at the Martial Venerable stage??" Tang Yan's eyes flashed with shock. After a closer inspection, he noticed that the front part was irregular: "Was it originally like this, or did it break?"

"Originally, it was one and a half meters long, but now only half remains. It broke in the middle when the old man tried to叠加 ninefold Blazing Flame power. The front part melted completely, and the remaining half is no longer as resilient as before, making it a damaged weapon."

"You said this blade is naturally formed? What is its origin?"

"The old man obtained it by chance in a secret place in the Illusion Forest. It is made of some unknown mystic iron metal."

"Can it still be used?"

"Despite the severe damage, the old man calculated that it can still withstand the threefold叠加 of a Martial Venerable's power." Tang Jun was very forthcoming with information.

Tang Yan calculated silently. If it can withstand threefold叠加 at the Martial Venerable stage, wouldn't it be sixfold or sevenfold at the Martial King stage? At the Martial Ancestor stage, it could be used freely. "I want it."

Tang Jun smiled slightly, "The Iron-Grinding Heavy Blade weighs 999 pounds. It's not suitable for you to use for now. When you reach the peak of the Martial Ancestor stage, you might be able to try using it, but you need to build up your strength first. Actually, the old man didn't want it to lie here forever. He originally planned to give it to the eldest son, but now... you also have a chance. Whoever reaches that realm first will be the first to own it."

Tang Yan looked at the Iron-Grinding Heavy Blade quietly. Though it was ugly, the more he looked, the more he liked it. The ancient and rugged, yet wild and majestic aura deeply attracted him.

"Young Master?"

Tang Yan came back to his senses, gave the Iron-Grinding Heavy Blade one last look, and said, "Give me the Rock Forest Technique."

"Are you sure? The Rock Forest Technique is a Spirit-level martial technique, very precious. Even the old man once said it was extraordinary. If you give it to Du Yang, be careful not to nurture a tiger to your own detriment!"

"I have my reasons, don't worry. Uncle Tang Jun, have you heard of any powerful body-strengthening martial techniques? At least at the peak Spirit-level, preferably at the Earth-level." Tang Yan wanted to make his demonic spirit vein effective, which involved devouring the essence and souls of demonic beasts. To avoid problems during the devouring process, he needed to strengthen his body first.

"The Giant Elephant Academy, the Golden Elephant Technique!"

"Is it at the Earth-level?" Tang Yan's spirits lifted.

"It's considered a mid-tier Earth-level martial technique, the pride of the Giant Elephant Academy and the only Earth-level martial technique in Giant Elephant City. It is currently held by the academy's president, Dong, and only important figures in the academy and his personally chosen disciples have the资格 to practice it." This was common knowledge in Giant Elephant City, but Tang Jun did not mock Tang Yan and provided a detailed explanation.

Tang Yan's eyes flickered, "I understand."

Tang Jun, being shrewd, saw through Tang Yan's intentions, "Young Master, if you plan to use extreme measures to obtain the Golden Elephant Technique, I advise you to abandon the idea. President Dong of the Giant Elephant Academy is a Martial Venerable-level strongman, and his defense with the Golden Elephant Technique is unparalleled in the empire's outer regions. He is a battle maniac, and even the old man dares not easily provoke him. If you anger him, the consequences will be severe."

"Don't worry, I'm not arrogant enough to steal from the academy." Tang Yan put away the Rock Forest Technique and left the room.

Tang Jun reminded him again, "Young Master, it's best to stay in the family for now, and avoid brothels and taverns. Also, keep a low profile."

In the backyard, Tang Yan went to Du Yang's room and casually threw the Rock Forest Technique to Du Yang, who was lying on the bed, bored. "Here, a Spirit-level martial technique, for you."

Du Yang caught the wooden tablet and jumped out of bed, sensing it briefly. His eyes flashed with excitement, "Rock Forest Technique!! Spirit-level martial technique!! Are you sure you're giving it to me?"

"Here are five Spirit Source Liquids, all from peak Third Rank demonic beasts. They should help you a lot, but don't abuse them. Use them at critical moments when breaking through." Tang Yan had twelve Spirit Source Liquids, all collected during hunts.

Du Yang didn't hesitate, quickly putting them away and looking at Tang Yan with a half-smile, "Are you trying to win me over?"

"What do you think?"

"I said I won't rely on any family."

"By giving you Spirit Source Liquids and a Spirit-level martial technique, and asking you to keep my secrets, is this a fair deal?"

"Of course, very fair!!" Du Yang waved the wooden tablet, his smile deepening, and his heart was stirred. A Spirit-level martial technique!! For commoners, this was an unimaginable luxury! He never thought Tang Yan would be so generous!

"Also, because of the Zhou Lingwang incident, we might be together for a long time. When we encounter trouble, we need to handle it, and you mustn't stab me in the back."

Du Yang snapped his fingers, "No problem, deal!"

"Let's go!"

"Where?"

"Drunk Paradise, to drink and enjoy the company of courtesans!!"

Du Yang jumped up and followed quickly, "I don't have money."

"I, as the leader, do."

"Will your family allow you to go out?"

"Of course."

"You just came back, shouldn't you keep a low profile?"

"We're sneaking out, isn't that being low profile?!"