Chapter 44

The four people's gazes simultaneously fell upon the ancient and elegant pavilion nestled among the bamboo grove. The pavilion was not particularly large, constructed from green bamboo, and faintly revealed some ancient objects inside, clearly indicating that this was once the residence of a significant figure in the先天圣殿 (先天 Sacred Hall). Otherwise, it wouldn't have such a scenic location.

The most troublesome thing, however, was that a faint light barrier now enveloped the exterior of the Tingtao Pavilion, blocking everyone's sight, perception, and movements to a considerable extent. Clearly, to enter, they would first need to break this light barrier. However, the existence of this barrier also indicated that the contents inside had not yet been claimed by anyone else.

Thinking of this, everyone, including Ye Zhong, had a somewhat feverish look in their eyes.

"Clang—"

Xiang Qiyu flicked her finger, sending a gust of wind toward the light barrier. Instantly, the barrier rippled like water, but showed no signs of breaking.

"What is this thing?" Xiang Qiyu frowned, clearly realizing that this light barrier was no easy opponent.

"This is a Spirit Talisman Array," Ye Zhong said, squinting at the barrier.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Qiyu and the other three women turned to look at Ye Zhong with surprise, and a glint of interest flashed in Qu Xuan's eyes.

"Ye Zhong, you actually know about Spirit Talisman Arrays? Could it be that you're a Spirit Talisman Master?" Xiang Qiyu looked at Ye Zhong with disbelief. This guy was already incredibly talented; if he were also a Spirit Talisman Master, it would be too much to bear.

"I'm not a Spirit Talisman Master, but I have had some exposure to Spirit Talismans," Ye Zhong said calmly. "This Spirit Talisman Array was likely set up by a Level 1 Spirit Talisman Master, and our current situation makes it difficult to break it."

Spirit Talisman Masters are also ranked, generally from Level 1 to Level 9. Although a Level 1 Spirit Talisman Master is just a beginner, their power is already formidable, equivalent to a Qi Spirit Realm expert, the first minor realm after achieving the先天 (先天) stage in martial arts.

Ye Zhong's current ability to勉强 (barely) draw a few Spirit Talismans did not qualify him as a Spirit Talisman Master; at most, he was a Spirit Talisman Apprentice.

"A Spirit Talisman Array set up by a Level 1 Spirit Talisman Master." Upon hearing this, Su Yu's face darkened.

"What do we do now?" You Siling's face also fell. If they had come all this way only to leave because they couldn't break the Spirit Talisman Array, it would be incredibly frustrating.

"I have no idea, but I think Miss Qu Xuan might have a solution," Ye Zhong said with a half-smile, glancing at Qu Xuan. This matter was originally driven by Qu Xuan, and if she didn't have some knowledge or preparation, they would truly be at a loss.

"Xuan, do you really know how to break this Spirit Talisman Array?" Xiang Qiyu turned to look at Qu Xuan, her face filled with surprise.

"I'm not sure, but when I received the note, I also received another item. Whether it can open this place or not, we'll have to try and see," Qu Xuan said hesitantly, then her fair hand flickered, and a translucent amber-colored bead appeared in her palm.

The amber bead shimmered with a moonlight-like glow, causing Ye Zhong's eyes to narrow slightly upon its appearance. The other three women might not have noticed, but he recognized that this amber bead was actually a Spirit Talisman, just shaped like a bead. If opened, it would reveal intricate runes inside.

Holding the bead, Qu Xuan hesitated for a moment before flicking her finger, sending the bead flying directly toward the light barrier.

As the bead landed on the barrier, it began to flash rapidly. Moments later, the barrier dissolved into points of light, quickly disappearing into the air.

"Creak—"

At the same time, the ancient door of the pavilion slowly opened inward, revealing the long-sealed Tingtao Pavilion to the light of day!

As the door opened, a dense medicinal scent wafted out, filling the air with anticipation.

"Medicine pills?"

Ye Zhong's eyes lit up. The familiar scent made his eyes glow with excitement. Although Alchemists were not as rare as Spirit Talisman Masters, high-quality medicine pills were extremely valuable. He hadn't expected to find medicine pills in the Tingtao Pavilion, but it seemed this trip would yield more than he anticipated.

With this thought, Ye Zhong smiled and cautiously stepped inside.

After stepping into the Tingtao Pavilion and feeling no unusual movements, Ye Zhong waved to the three women and scanned the interior.

It was an ordinary room, with the first floor not containing any special items, just a set of table and chairs with tea utensils.

After a moment's hesitation, Ye Zhong and the others ascended to the second floor.

Upon reaching the second floor, their eyes simultaneously brightened.

On the western wall of the second floor, there was an elegant bamboo rack, on which various sizes of jade medicine bottles were placed. The bottle mouths were sealed with beeswax, but even so, a faint medicinal scent still permeated the air, indicating that the medicine pills had not lost their efficacy over time.

"Body Strengthening Pills, Spirit Condensing Pills, Blood Replenishing Pills..." Ye Zhong's eyes narrowed as he identified several extremely important medicine pills for experts at the ninth level of Body Strengthening. The value of the other auxiliary medicine pills was also significant.

Looking at these items, Ye Zhong smiled lightly. Even without the high-grade Spirit Artifact, this trip had been profitable enough.

The three women also brightened at the sight of the medicine pills, but after a moment, Qu Xuan softly said, "Ye Zhong, according to our agreement, these medicine pills are yours."

Ye Zhong nodded, not being overly polite, and walked forward to collect all the medicine pills. After securing them, he smiled and scanned the other directions on the second floor.

Unfortunately, the other directions, though containing some bamboo racks, mostly held alchemy tools with little value.

"Let's go to the top floor and see," Ye Zhong said, his eyes gleaming as he cautiously led the way up the stairs.

When the four people reached the top floor of the Tingtao Pavilion, they were momentarily stunned.

In the center of the top floor, there was a cushion, and in front of it, three translucent jade plates.

On the central plate, there was a small jade token, emitting a faint spiritual light. The word "先天" (先天) on the token was somewhat dazzling.

"先天 Token..."

Qu Xuan looked at the token with a peculiar expression.

"This belongs to you," Ye Zhong said, shrugging. Although he knew that the Red Cloud Martial Academy's actions were likely for this token, he had no greedy thoughts. No matter what, he couldn't bring himself to take something from three young girls.

Qu Xuan looked deeply at Ye Zhong, her aura like a delicate orchid in a secluded valley, and then nodded, bending down to pick up the先天 Token.

Seeing this, Ye Zhong pursed his lips and turned his gaze to the other two jade plates. One plate held a jade talisman, and the other held a Spatial Ring.

After a moment's contemplation, Ye Zhong took the jade talisman, examined it carefully, and then tossed it to Xiang Qiyu, saying, "This is a high-grade ordinary Body Strengthening Spirit Technique. Although it's not a legacy of the先天 Sacred Hall, it's still a good Spirit Technique. You three can have it."

"High-grade ordinary?" Xiang Qiyu took the jade talisman and her eyes widened in surprise. Clearly, they hadn't expected to find such a Body Strengthening Spirit Technique here.

"You don't want this Spirit Technique?" Xiang Qiyu asked after a moment, looking at Ye Zhong.

"I'm not suitable for this type of Spirit Technique," Ye Zhong smiled, not offering further explanation. "Alright, let's see if the last item is the high-grade Spirit Artifact."

As he spoke, Ye Zhong carefully took the Spatial Ring and scanned its contents. With a casual flick of his hand, a three-foot-long sword appeared in his palm. The sword was simple and elegant, crafted from a material like soft jade, but a faint glow shimmered within, captivating the eye.

On the blade, ancient runes carved the words "空冥" (Kongming). Sensing the aura emanating from the sword, Ye Zhong's eyes brightened. This was indeed a high-grade Spirit Artifact!

"Kongming Sword? What a great name!" Ye Zhong gently stroked the blade and couldn't help but smile. He then forced a drop of his essence blood onto the sword, and in the next moment, a sense of connection filled his mind.

After putting the Kongming Sword away, Ye Zhong smiled, stretched, and said with a hint of curiosity, "Alright, now you have the先天 Token, and I have the high-grade Spirit Artifact. Our cooperation is over. What are your plans next? You're not really going to climb the Nine Heavens Staircase, are you?"