The main entrance of Spiritual Treasure Pavilion bustled with activity, with voices mingling in the air.
“Daoist Nie, my Locking Spirit Nails have finally been completed by Master Yi Si. It’s likely a high-grade sixth-tier artifact!”
“What?! Master Yi Si, a renowned fifth-tier artifact craftsman? Daoist Lin, how did you manage to secure his services?”
“Haha, Master Yi Si has some ties with my sect, so the cost was significantly reduced.”
Despite his modest tone, Daoist Lin couldn’t hide his pride. Daoist Nie’s expression betrayed a mix of admiration and envy. A sixth-tier high-grade artifact like the Locking Spirit Nails was a formidable weapon, capable of severely hindering Nascent Soul cultivators. Facing an opponent wielding such a weapon would undoubtedly place one at a disadvantage.
“Daoist Lin, please, after you. Having this artifact in hand will surely make our venture to Wuzong Island much smoother.”
“Daoist Nie, you’re too courteous. Naturally, I’ll be relying on your expertise for our journey.”
After a few rounds of polite insistence, the two entered the pavilion, brushing past Chen Xun and his companions.
Chen Xun glanced at them with a calm expression before turning his gaze toward the pavilion’s entrance. The interior was obscured by layers of formations, their auras formidable and unyielding, frequently patrolled by powerful cultivators.
<hr> Upon entering, the scenery transformed into an ethereal realm. Verdant spiritual trees lined the pathways, their leaves shimmering with otherworldly light. Birds chirped melodiously while waterfalls cascaded down distant hills, creating an atmosphere even richer in spiritual energy than outside.
The expansive interior was meticulously arranged. Prominently displayed artifacts sat on elevated pedestals, each accompanied by glowing information plaques. Surrounding them were cultivators of various races, quietly exchanging thoughts via spiritual transmission.
This floor catered exclusively to cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage, as evidenced by the inscriptions and the clientele. Yet the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion was no ordinary establishment—it spanned dozens of floors, with restricted areas likely housing treasures beyond imagination. The building itself was a marvel, undoubtedly a ‘Blessed Land’ or ‘Cave Heaven’ constructed with immense resources.
Staff members, uniformly dressed in white robes embroidered with the character “Treasure,” patrolled the area, maintaining decorum. Their professional demeanor matched the pavilion’s grandeur.
<hr>
“Impressive,” Chen Xun remarked, his gaze sweeping over the artifacts. “Let’s explore a bit.”
“Moo~” Brother Ox’s eyes gleamed as he sniffed the air, moving toward a particular display.
“Big Brother, look over there!” Sister Crane’s voice was filled with excitement as she tugged on Chen Xun’s sleeve and pointed toward a pedestal. “It’s called an Image Stone. It can record memories!”
“Let’s take a look.”
Chen Xun smiled warmly, taking her hand and guiding her closer. Glancing back, he called to Xiao Chi, “See anything you like?”
“Huh? Big Brother, I’ve got no spirit stones...”
“You and Brother Ox can pick something. Don’t be shy—just keep it under ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones.”
“Moo~” Brother Ox gave a hearty snort, nudging Xiao Chi with encouragement.
Xiao Chi hesitated before grinning broadly. “Thank you, Big Brother! Thank you, Brother Ox!”
Chen Xun chuckled, lifting Xiao Chi and holding him under his arm as they approached the pedestal. On it floated a small black stone, covered in intricate inscriptions that emitted faint light.
When Chen Xun infused his divine sense into the nearby information plaque, detailed specifications of the Image Stone streamed into his mind.
<hr>
Yellow-Tier Image Stone: Forged from refined Su Guang Green Essence Stone, engraved with three foundational formations. Capable of preserving twelve hours of recordings for up to a thousand years. Price: 1,000 low-grade spirit stones.
Mystic-Tier Image Stone: Superior craftsmanship, capable of preserving recordings for 5,000 years and storing up to a month’s worth of footage. Price: 1,000 mid-grade spirit stones.
Earth-Tier Image Stone: Crafted from the finest Su Guang Green Essence Stone, capable of storing a year’s worth of recordings and lasting 10,000 years. Price: 10,000 high-grade spirit stones. Considered a legacy item, invaluable for preserving teachings and stabilizing one’s Dao Heart.
Heaven-Tier Image Stone: Not available for sale.
<hr>
Sister Crane marveled at the concept, her eyes shining. “It’s like capturing memories perfectly. But the recording stays in the stone and can’t be moved elsewhere.”
Xiao Chi’s gaze was contemplative as he spoke. “Big Brother...”
“Hmm?”
“I’d like to buy one of these. It’d be nice to have something to look back on.”
Chen Xun smiled, ruffling Xiao Chi’s fur. “The Mystic-Tier, then?”
“Just the Yellow-Tier. We can always get better ones later when we’ve earned more spirit stones.”
Chen Xun nodded approvingly. “Alright. We’ll make the purchase later, once we’ve finalized our list.”
Xiao Chi beamed, his initial reluctance replaced with excitement. Sister Crane gave him a sidelong glance, her smile serene but knowing. Brother Ox snorted softly, lost in thought as he gazed at the stone.
“If only we had these back then,” Brother Ox murmured, “perhaps we’d still have some memories of old friends.”
Chen Xun’s expression remained inscrutable, his eyes reflecting profound calm.
<hr>
They came across another artifact nestled within the hollow of an ancient spiritual tree. The object was octagonal, its dark green surface etched with countless runes. Despite the dense patterns, it radiated an aura of precision and order.
Chen Xun’s interest was piqued. “The Void Transference Sound Plate?”
“Moo~” Brother Ox nodded, leaning closer to examine it. “Seems far more intricate than our sound transmission jade slips.”
Curious, Sister Crane and Xiao Chi infused their divine senses into the information plaque, eager to learn more about this mysterious device.