Chapter 285 - 156: A Dazzling Array of Treasures: Du Xu Palace and the Moon in the Well

Chapter 285: Chapter 156: A Dazzling Array of Treasures: Du Xu Palace and the Moon in the Well

However, after the Plain Cloud Gauze, the third Magical Artifact brought Xuzhuang another surprise.

This treasure was called the Tai Su Yuanzhen Invisible Sword!

As its name suggested, this item was refined from Tai Su Yuanzhen and was naturally endowed with the ability to change its form and substance, making it a perfect match for the Tai Su Sword Qi, which could be both tangible and intangible.

However, as Xuzhuang was examining this sword, the mouth of the gourd at his waist suddenly spat out a flash of sword light. It shot out a hair’s breadth and let out a clear cry. The Taiyi Rainbow Sword was actually throwing a tantrum, conveying a strong sense of displeasure that made Xuzhuang chuckle.

"Hm?" Daochen Zhenren was slightly surprised. "Junior Brother, the spirituality of this Flying Sword of yours is quite remarkable," he said. "If the opportunity arises, it might even refine a true form. You have no need to choose the Formless Sword."

Xuzhuang cupped his hands and replied, "I understand. I have no intention of abandoning the Taiyi Rainbow Sword for the Formless Sword." Only after he said this did the Taiyi Rainbow Sword finally quiet down.

In truth, Xuzhuang was captivated by the Tai Su Yuanzhen Invisible Sword, but not because he actually wanted to choose it.

It was true that the Tai Su Yuanzhen Invisible Sword was a perfect match for Tai Su Swordsmanship, but the Taiyi Rainbow Sword wasn’t far behind. This Magical Treasure Flying Sword had been refined from a strand of celestial rainbow, making it easy to alter its form and substance. When it came to flight speed, it was likely even faster than the Formless Sword. Xuzhuang had no intention of abandoning the Taiyi Rainbow Sword for it.

Xuzhuang’s delight over the Tai Su Yuanzhen Invisible Sword was simply because this was the first time he had ever seen a Magical Artifact refined from Tai Su Yuanzhen.

Tai Su Yuanzhen wasn’t a naturally occurring substance. It was a type of "Yuanzhen" that could only be refined from vital energy by a Zhenren who had cultivated the Tai Su Taoist Technique to the Primordial Spirit Realm. Its uses were self-evident: it offered endless benefits to cultivators of the Tai Su Taoist Technique, and Magical Artifacts made from it were perfectly compatible with the art.

However, this substance couldn’t be obtained from the Ministry of Affairs Hall. With Xuzhuang’s current status, he could exchange for some at the Upper Dharma Hall, but it would only be enough for his own cultivation. If he wanted to refine a Magical Artifact with it... setting aside whether he had enough merit points, even the Upper Dharma Hall might not have a large enough supply to dispense.

’I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to refine a suitable Magical Artifact with Tai Su Yuanzhen,’ Xuzhuang thought. Shaking his head, he turned his attention to the origin of the fourth Magical Artifact.

This treasure was called Du Xu Palace, and it was an incredible item—a supreme treasure for both residence and travel. Not only could it anchor itself to a Celestial Acupoint and draw upon terrestrial qi to serve as a grotto-mansion, but it could also fly. It came with its own arrays and restrictive spells for both offense and defense, and even contained an Alchemy Room, furnace chambers, and various other functions. Its wondrous uses were truly endless.

Most impressively, this item could travel through the cosmos and roam the void. Traversing the cosmic void was a hallmark of a Primordial Spirit True Man; never mind surviving or flying within it, most Nascent Soul Cultivators couldn’t even escape their own world’s confines.

The moment Xuzhuang saw the Du Xu Palace, he made it his first choice.

For one thing, treasures that served as both a grotto-mansion and a Traveling Palace were typically the most valuable of all. For another, this item would be endlessly useful, whether for cultivating within the sect or for ventures outside.

Just considering some of the minor predicaments Xuzhuang had faced in the past, like having to borrow Earth Fire for a refining chamber... The Du Xu Palace had its own furnace chamber. By simply connecting to the terrestrial qi, it could generate Earth Fire, complete with restrictive spells for full control.

For another example, when he was recently away from the sect, he had run low on Magical Power after suppressing the Six-Eyed Demon Lord’s white carp. If he’d had the Du Xu Palace, he could have simply settled it over a Spirit Vein. Not only could he have activated its protective arrays, but he could also have refined Spiritual Truth to recover his strength or even continue his cultivation...

Therefore, in every respect, the Du Xu Palace was Xuzhuang’s best choice.

The remaining three Magical Artifacts were the Tai Su Yuanzhen Great Capture, the Fiery Fire Golden Wind Bag, and the Yin Yuan Cauldron.

The Tai Su Yuanzhen Great Capture was another treasure compatible with the Tai Su Taoist Technique, and it had even been refined using the Innate Tai Su Qi Grand Capture as a prototype. Unfortunately, this treasure was originally created for disciples who practiced the other two true arts and were unable to comprehend the Innate Tai Su Qi Grand Capture.

Although it had unexpectedly become a Magical Artifact of immense power, it wouldn’t enhance Xuzhuang’s own Innate Tai Su Qi Grand Capture, so he ruled it out.

As for the Fiery Fire Golden Wind Bag and the Yin Yuan Cauldron—one an offensive treasure, the other a cultivation aid—they were certainly impressive, but Xuzhuang had already made up his mind, so they held little appeal for him.

After Daochen Zhenren finished his introductions, Xuzhuang didn’t hesitate for long. He cupped his hands and said, "Sect Leader, I choose the Du Xu Palace."

Daochen Zhenren laughed heartily. "Junior Brother, you have a good eye. The Du Xu Palace is indeed the most valuable of these seven Magical Artifacts."

He pointed a finger, and the restrictive spell on the Glazed Jade Plate lifted, revealing a tiny palace no bigger than his palm. Within it, jade pavilions and stacked terraces shimmered with a verdant glow. Carved balustrades, jade steps, and vermilion pillars with engraved rafters were all perfectly distinct. Its appearance alone made it an extraordinary work of art.

"This is the Sacrificial Refining Method. Take it, Junior Brother." Daochen Zhenren released the seal on the Du Xu Palace and pointed again. This time, his gesture manifested a vast golden scroll that flew straight toward Xuzhuang.

Xuzhuang, of course, had no reason to resist. He accepted the golden scroll, running its contents through his mind. After contemplating it for a few moments, he opened his mouth, his lips moving as he silently recited a Spell. The Du Xu Palace reacted at once, leaping into the air. It spun in a quick circle, shrank even smaller, and flew into Xuzhuang’s sleeve.

Having acquired such a wonderfully versatile Magical Artifact, Xuzhuang couldn’t hide his delight. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Sect Leader, for this treasure."

Daochen Zhenren shook his head and said with a smile, "One of the Six-Eyed Demon Lord’s Primordial Spirits is incredibly valuable. That alone is worth the Du Xu Palace. You’ve rendered great service to the sect, Junior Brother. I was still wondering how to properly reward you."

At Daochen Zhenren’s words, an idea sparked in Xuzhuang’s mind. After a moment of careful thought, he spoke up. "Speaking of which, I actually have a Magical Artifact that I have no use for and would like to offer to the sect."

"Oh?" Daochen Zhenren gave him a wry smile. "Magical Artifacts... Many Zhenren from minor sects or freelance cultivators don’t even possess one or two. You’re quite fortunate, Junior Brother."

"Take it out and let me have a look. Does it come with a Sacrificial Refining Skill? What does it do? If it’s too niche, it won’t be worth many merit points."

Xuzhuang smiled faintly and took a lustrous black pearl from his sleeve. Presenting it, he said, "Senior Brother, please take a look. I obtained this from the Celestial Waterfall Realm. It’s called the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl, and it has the ability to generate a force field."

"Oh?" Daochen Zhenren magically lifted the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl to examine it. He smiled. "Forces of attraction and repulsion... seemingly drawn from stellar gravity. Quite interesting."

He rolled the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl between his fingers, then suddenly smiled. "So tell me, which Magical Artifact do you want to trade it for?"

Xuzhuang was overjoyed. "I would like ’Moon in the Well’," he said.

He had obtained the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl when he raided the Celestial Permanence Sect’s Grotto Heaven, acquiring its Sacrificial Refining Method at the same time. He had intended to keep it for himself and had already refined ten or twenty percent of its restrictive seals.

The Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl could generate a force field. If he were to wield it, he could create a sizable domain. Once he had mastered its use, he could deploy this domain in battle, manipulating the force field to gain a considerable advantage from the very start.

However, after obtaining the ’Innate Grand Purity Qi Great Capturing and Combing Machine’ in Langhuan Pavilion, mastering the Heaven-locking Earth-locking Method, and even conceiving of further applications for it, the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl suddenly became redundant to him.

Therefore, turning in the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl to the sect in exchange for another Magical Artifact was by no means a loss.

Daochen Zhenren hmphed softly. "The Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl is not enough to trade for ’Moon in the Well’."

Xuzhuang raised an eyebrow, thinking, ’Then in your opinion, Senior Brother, which Magical Artifact *can* I get for the Primordial Yin Cave Eternal Pearl?’

Daochen Zhenren pointed at him and burst out laughing. "Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. If it weren’t for your merits, do you think I’d offer you such a good deal as a trade-in for another Magical Artifact?"

"Since I’ve already made an exception for you, I’ll let you pick whichever you want," Daochen Zhenren said with an air of complete composure. "However, after you trade for this Magical Artifact, there will be no other rewards."

"Thank you, Sect Leader! I understand," Xuzhuang said joyfully. "In that case, I still choose ’Moon in the Well’!"