Chapter 287 - 157: Refining the Magic Treasure: A Zhenren’s Legacy

Chapter 287: Chapter 157: Refining the Magic Treasure: A Zhenren’s Legacy

Xuzhuang had a sudden realization. Among Nascent Soul Cultivators, he might now truly be described as possessing ’boundless Magical Power’.

This benefit alone made the Moon in the Well live up to his expectations. But there was another reason why, when torn between the endlessly versatile and defensively powerful Plain Cloud Veil and the Moon in the Well, Xuzhuang had chosen the latter.

He channeled his Magical Power again. This time, he poured in more than half of it in one go, not stopping until his own reserves were nearly depleted. Then, with a gentle shake, he used what little Magical Power remained to manifest an avatar.

The moment Xuzhuang’s avatar separated from his true self, its brow furrowed. The feeling of weakness, with only a drop of Magical Power left, was deeply unpleasant. Without any need for communication, it took the Moon in the Well from his main body’s hands. Activating a spell to draw power from it, the avatar’s Magical Power immediately began to rise.

"Excellent!" Xuzhuang clapped his hands in praise as he watched the avatar’s Magical Power gradually recover. It was just as he had predicted. With the Moon in the Well, his avatar finally possessed the true ability to operate independently of his main body. It could at last live up to the name of a ’worldly sojourner’.

After calling his avatar to one side, Xuzhuang spent some time familiarizing himself with the use of the Moon in the Well before finally turning his attention to the Du Xu Palace.

The Moon in the Well had been a pleasant surprise, so he was naturally even more excited about this treasure, which had been his first choice. He began a Spell and started refining it, following the same procedure as before.

This time, however, it took considerably more effort. A full four days and three nights passed before Xuzhuang managed the initial refinement of one-tenth of the treasure’s restrictions. After taking a moment to feel its effects, as was his custom, Xuzhuang suddenly tossed the Du Xu Palace toward the floor.

As the Du Xu Palace flew through the air, it rapidly expanded and underwent a wondrous transformation. By the time it landed, it had become a gateway. Though Xuzhuang had limited its size to about ten feet in height, it still looked grand, stately, and magnificent.

Xuzhuang rose from his couch and ambled over to the gateway. He gave it a gentle push. Peering through, he saw that the view beyond was no longer the interior of the Jade Cauldron Hall, but an entirely new world.

Xuzhuang strolled through the gateway. Before him stood a White Jade Shadow Wall. He walked around it and found himself in a magnificent hall. Several hundred paces further on was a Jade Imperial Dao, raised six steps high. Atop it rested a jade throne, carved with feathers and painted with beasts.

"This is..." Xuzhuang walked up the Imperial Dao and studied the throne, a peculiar expression on his face. Its commanding, elevated design couldn’t help but remind him of an emperor’s seat in the throne rooms of the mortal world. ’Perhaps the one who forged the Du Xu Palace had a particular taste for this style.’

As he was surveying the grand hall, Xuzhuang’s gaze suddenly shifted. He turned to see that a White-robed Scholar had bizarrely appeared at the foot of the Imperial Dao. The man wore a Pure Yang Scarf and held a Fish Dragon Fan. He met Xuzhuang’s eyes for a moment before looking down, bowing respectfully, and saying, "So, the new Palace Master has arrived. I have been slumbering for a long time and failed to greet you promptly. Please, forgive my tardiness."

A look of surprise crossed Xuzhuang’s face. He slowly descended the Imperial Dao and asked, "Who are you?"

’I already knew from the refining process that while the Du Xu Palace had a full set of restrictions and endless miraculous uses, its innate spirituality wasn’t particularly strong. It was still an unknown distance away from manifesting a true form. This person couldn’t possibly be the palace’s artifact spirit.’

’And the notion that he’s an outsider is even more absurd. The Du Xu Palace isn’t a Pocket World; it’s a magical treasure whose restrictions I have personally refined. Even a Primordial Spirit True Man should be incapable of trespassing without my knowledge.’

The White-robed Scholar sighed softly and cupped his hands. "To answer the Palace Master, I am Guan Bin. I am a soul-form residing within the Du Xu Palace, and I served the previous Palace Master as Manager."

"Oh?" The Du Xu Palace had so many functions that Xuzhuang hadn’t had time to examine them all. He had only stepped inside for a quick look and was unaware that the treasure had this wondrous ability to house soul-forms. Hearing this, he focused his senses, probed the palace, and confirmed Guan Bin’s words were true. Only then did he nod and ask, "Just now, when I was probing the restrictions, I noticed there was more than one soul-form residing here. Is that correct?"

Guan Bin replied, "That is correct. The palace is also home to over twenty male servants, more than ten palace maids including one named Xiuyu, and two sprites... Does the Palace Master wish to summon them?"

Xuzhuang waved his hand. "Why are all of you residing in the Du Xu Palace?"

Guan Bin said, "The servants and maids in the palace were all wretched souls in life. They received the previous Palace Master’s grace, and upon their deaths, they were unwilling to reincarnate and depart. They were fortunate to be allowed to reside in the palace, where they could continue to serve. As for the sprites, they each have their own stories. If the Palace Master wishes to know the details, I can compile a list and report them to you one by one."

"Oh?" Xuzhuang asked, "You’ve explained about them. What about you?"

He could see that Guan Bin possessed a sliver of authority over the Du Xu Palace. ’Of course, this authority was granted via the treasure’s restrictions, and I can revoke it at any time. Still, this suggests Guan Bin must have been someone the previous Palace Master trusted deeply.’

’But the previous Palace Master’s trust is not the same as my trust. I naturally have to get a clear answer.’

Guan Bin fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "I was a fellow Daoist and friend to the previous Palace Master during his life. After I died unexpectedly, I came to reside in the palace."

"Oh?" Xuzhuang nodded thoughtfully. Guan Bin’s words were vague and hinted at more, but Xuzhuang didn’t press him. Instead, he abruptly changed the subject. "And who exactly was the previous Palace Master?"

Guan Bin was slightly taken aback. ’He didn’t expect this new Palace Master to not even know who the previous one was.’ But after a moment’s thought, he understood. Cupping his hands, he replied, "The previous Palace Master was a cultivator of the Tai Su Orthodox Sect. His Daoist title was Master Zhaokong."

"Master Zhaokong?" Xuzhuang repeated the name, his expression turning solemn. "You mean the ninth-generation Ancestor Grandmaster?"

’Master Zhaokong is one of the ninth-generation Ancestor Grandmasters enshrined in the Ancestral Hall. But unfortunately... in every generation, aside from the Sect Leader who is invited into the Ancestral Hall upon retirement, typically only Ancestor Grandmasters who have already passed away are enshrined there. This Master Zhaokong, I’m afraid, is no longer among the living.’

Thinking this, Xuzhuang couldn’t help but cup his hands in a gesture of respect. "So I am in the presence of a senior. I am Xuzhuang, with the Daoist name Dao Miaozhi, a twelfth-generation direct disciple of Tai Su. I greet you, Senior."

Guan Bin gave a wry smile. "I am merely a soul residing in this palace. How could I be worthy of such a respectful title from the Palace Master? If you are concerned about seniority, perhaps it would be better to simply call me ’Fellow Daoist’."

Xuzhuang cupped his hands at the suggestion. "Fellow Daoist Guan."

A nostalgic look flickered across Guan Bin’s face upon hearing the address. He cupped his hands and replied, "Yes, Palace Master."

Xuzhuang nodded slightly. "Fellow Daoist Guan, you resided in the palace to act as Manager for Ancestor Grandmaster Zhaokong. Now that I am in control of the Du Xu Palace, what do you intend to do?"

Guan Bin hesitated. "I wonder... would the Palace Master be willing to release me to reincarnate?"

"Of course," Xuzhuang replied without hesitation. "If that is your wish, Fellow Daoist, I can release the restrictions at any time to allow your departure."

Guan Bin let out a breath, though whether of relief or something else, it was hard to say. After a moment of thought, he said, "The Palace Master has only just taken control and is likely unfamiliar with the palace’s affairs. I have lived here for a very long time and know it intimately. I can help you get everything in order before I leave."

"Excellent." Xuzhuang gave a slight bow with one hand. "In that case, I do have an attendant of my own. Why don’t I summon her here at a later time? You can explain the palace affairs to her, and it will not be too late for you to depart after that."

Guan Bin bowed. "That would be excellent."

Xuzhuang nodded. After a moment’s thought, he added, "Then, would you be so kind as to give me a tour of the palace, Fellow Daoist?"

Guan Bin asked, "There are more than ten side halls in the palace. Where would the Palace Master like to visit first? Zhakong Hall was the previous master’s personal residence. Other than that, there are two Alchemy Rooms, a forging chamber, a treasury, a library..."

Xuzhuang’s eyes lit up. "The palace has a library? Are there still Daoist Scriptures inside?"

’As a sect ancestor and a Primordial Spirit True Man, Master Zhaokong’s collection of books is something I can’t help but covet. As for the treasury... I don’t even have to think about it. Its contents were surely emptied into the vaults of the Upper Dharma Hall long ago.’

Guan Bin replied, "Members of your esteemed sect did indeed come to inspect the library. They made copies of the various books but did not take the originals."

Xuzhuang hadn’t anticipated such a wonderful surprise. He clapped his hands and beamed. "Excellent! In that case, let’s head to the library first!"