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Chapter 56

To Chen Ren's relief, neither the City Lord Li Baolong nor the Sect Elder Yan Xiu asked him about the golden dragon. They focused solely on praising his efforts and rewarding him for his actions. He'd no idea why it was so. Were they simply making their own guesses or was it something else.

Either way, it was a blessing in disguise, as he still didn't know how to explain what had happened.

True to their word, his rewards were presented immediately. He received a hundred spirit stones, an assortment of potent pills, rare herbs, and a vial of beast essence. He was also given a plot of land situated to the north of Cloud Mist City, near the border of this part of the empire. The location was remote, but Chen Ren saw potential in it. Even if it was some abandoned land, it was more than enough for him.

Afterall, he earned it and he deserved to use every bit of it.

For his cultivation manual, Chen Ren had already discussed his options with Yalan. They agreed on selecting a defensive technique. His current skill set lacked a solid method for blocking or mitigating attacks, and Yalan didn't have a suitable technique to teach him. This reward filled that gap and would round out his fighting style.

When it came to picking a weapon of his choice, he went along with a spear. While he had initially considered a bow, remembering his original plan of focusing on ranged combat, he decided against it. The spear was more versatile—it offered range in close combat and the ability to keep opponents at bay. Furthermore, Chen Ren had been formulating ideas for creating a better-ranged weapon in the future, so a spear felt like the right choice for now.

Once the rewards were finalized, the Sect Elder wasted no time. "Come," Yan Xiu said. "We'll head to the sect now so you can choose your reward from the inner sect treasury."

At those words, his excitement hit the roof. A sect's treasury wasn't a simple storehouse. The treasury of the Soaring Sword Sect would undoubtedly hold treasures of immense value—artefacts, rare cultivation techniques, and priceless materials that few could even dream of obtaining. Even in that, it wasn't the outer treasury, rather, the inner one.

However, in his enthusiasm, one critical detail slipped his mind: how were they going to get there?

The Soaring Sword Sect was deep in the mountains, a three-to-four-day journey by carriage. Traveling on foot was faster, but Chen Ren doubted he could keep pace with someone as powerful as Yan Xiu. The elder could likely cover the distance in a fraction of the time, but Chen Ren wasn't sure he could endure such a pace unless the elder deliberately slowed down.

As they stepped outside, Chen Ren glanced at Yan Xiu, who wore a calm expression. The elder's confidence only deepened Chen Ren's curiosity about what kind of journey this was going to be. For better or worse, he knew one thing: it wouldn't be ordinary.

In fact, he kept mulling over the logistics of their journey until Elder Yan Xiu gestured for him to follow. The elder led him through the busy halls of the City Lord's estate, finally stopping at the courtyard.

But as soon as they stepped outside, his eyes widened in disbelief.

There, shining under the sunlight stood a medium-sized ship, painted pristine white with the crest of the Soaring Sword Sect prominently engraved on its side. His first thought after disbelief was confusion—What's a ship doing here? There's no sea for miles.

Then, a fragment of the previous Chen Ren's memory clicked into place. This wasn't just a ship. It was a skyship, a marvel of cultivation engineering designed to float in the air. In other words, it was an open-air airplane, only powered by spirit stones and qi rather than engines.

Elder Xiu turned to him with an expectant look. "Get in."

Chen Ren didn't need to be told twice. He hopped inside, still gaping at the interior and the sleek, almost futuristic design of the vessel. The Elder followed him in, settling at the helm where a glowing red stone was embedded.

Without wasting another second, he placed his hand on the stone, and a swirl of qi emanated outward. The stone glowed faintly, and the ship shuddered for a moment before lifting off the ground.

As the skyship began to ascend, Chen Ren instinctively gripped the edge of his seat. The wind whipped past them, and the sensation of leaving the ground sent a surge of both excitement and anxiety through him. He felt his stomach churn in nervousness due to the open roof and lack of safety. Even as a cultivator, if he fell from such a height, he would suffer grievous injuries.

But within a minute, he realized his fears were useless.

The ship sailed smoothly, unaffected by turbulence. Despite the high speed, there was no sensation of jarring movement, and the wind, though present, didn't disrupt his balance.

Relaxing slightly, Chen Ren turned to Elder Yan Xiu and asked, "Is there a [Balancing array] on the ship?"

The elder rubbed his long beard, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You've guessed right. There are several arrays, actually. One for balance, another to shield against any storms or tornadoes, and a few more to ensure no one accidentally falls off."

Chen Ren nodded, his interest piqued. "That's fascinating."

Yan Xiu's smile widened. "It's one of the treasures of our sect. Only top elders and disciples are allowed to use it."

Chen Ren acknowledged the statement with a brief nod, though a small part of him wondered if this was another subtle attempt to sway him into reconsidering his decision about joining the sect. Still, he decided to let the comment pass, focusing instead on the breathtaking scenery below.

As the skyship glided effortlessly through the air, he looked down at the forests, rivers, and villages that passed beneath them. From this vantage point, the world felt vast and serene, and the experience was undeniably better than any airplane ride he remembered from his previous life. Especially with the wind hitting him in the face, and the clouds shifting when it moved through them.

The journey, however, was short-lived. Less than an hour later, the ship began to ascend sharply, heading toward the towering peaks of the mountains. Situated among the clouds, the sprawling expanse of the Soaring Sword Sect came into view.

Chen Ren leaned forward, captivated by the sight.

He didn't know why most sects chose mountaintops for their bases, but one thing was clear: the panoramic view alone was worth it. If he were to guess,the choice of location had something to do with the potent qi this high in the air.

The ship soared effortlessly through the mountain peaks, and as they passed different summits, he noticed figures in flowing red robes moving along narrow paths or practicing on top of platforms. The robes matched what he recognized as sect wear, similar to what Elder Xiu had worn, and their vibrant colour stood out against the serene backdrop of the mountains.

He kept observing everything from afar when the view got closer.

Soon, the ship approached what Chen Ren assumed was the inner peak, its significance evident in the grandeur of the buildings and the intensity of qi emanating from the area.

With a wave of Elder Yan Xiu's hand, the ship began to descend, the hum of its arrays softening as it lowered gently toward a wide courtyard in front of a grand three-story building.

Two figures stood waiting for them at the entrance. Their robes were a deeper, richer shade of red compared to the ones worn by the disciples Chen Ren had seen earlier. He immediately pegged them as inner disciples. As the ship came to a halt and they got off, both disciples bowed deeply to Elder Yan Xiu.

"Raise your heads," Elder Yan Xiu said in a commanding voice. It wasn't the usual friendly mask he had with Chen Ren. He gestured toward Chen Ren, who stood slightly behind him. "This young man here killed the demonic cultivator that plagued Cloud Mist City and earned the right to choose an item from the inner sect treasury."

Both disciples straightened and turned their gazes toward Chen Ren. Their eyes widened slightly as they sized him up, a mix of curiosity and respect flickering in their expressions. After a moment, they nodded in unison and stepped aside, granting them entry into the building.

Elder Yan Xiu stepped forward, and Chen Ren followed, his eyes wandering as they entered.

The interior had an ancient, almost timeless quality to it, similar to the aircraft. The wooden beams were covered with carvings and faint traces of qi emanated from the walls. Protective arrays, probably. Chen Ren continued to look around but a voice took his attention.

"This way. The second floor holds artefacts appropriate for your level."

Chen Ren nodded, trusting the elder's guidance. He trailed behind as they climbed a spiraling staircase, his hand brushing against the smooth wooden railing. The craftsmanship of the building was exquisite, blending functionality with artistry in a way that only innovative cultivators could achieve.

But so was the silence and solace in the building. There were no guards, no bustling activity—just the two of them and the faint hum of qi-infused air. His eyes darted to the details around him: the glowing runes etched into the walls, the faint glimmers of light that danced across the ceiling, and the subtle hum of power that seemed to resonate from every corner.

"Elder Yan Xiu," he began as they ascended, his curiosity getting the better of him, "why is it so quiet here? I'd expect a place like this to be heavily guarded."

The elder glanced back with a knowing smile. "The arrays embedded in this building are more than enough to deter anyone foolish enough to try and steal from it. Only those with permission can pass beyond the first floor. Without it, the building itself will defend what's inside."

Chen Ren swallowed, nodding. It made sense, and the faint pressure of qi in the air served as a constant reminder of the power housed within these walls.

When they finally reached the second floor, the elder clasped his hands in his front.

For a treasure trove as significant as this, he had expected at least a few disciples stationed outside. Yet the elder didn't seem concerned, stopping only when they reached a massive, intricately carved wooden door.

"Take your time," Yan Xiu said. "Choose wisely. Every artefact here has been curated for disciples like you—practical, powerful, and invaluable in the right hands. But know that, you may choose only one artifact. Just one. Whatever you walk out with will be yours, but no more than that."

Chen Ren nodded, swallowing his rising excitement. The elder pushed the door open, and as it creaked aside, Chen Ren stepped in—and froze.

Right in the center of the vast room, an enormous pile of coins shimmered in the faint light, glinting like a golden sea. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he could only stare in awe. It was almost as if he'd walked into a gold mine. But no, they weren't the most valuable thing in the room.

Around the room, neatly arranged on shelves, pedestals, and stands, were weapons, manuals, and artefacts. His eyes wandered towards them, knowing they were the real

treasures.

Forcing himself to focus, Chen Ren walked toward the section with manuals first, reasoning that these might hold the key to unique cultivation techniques. He picked up a random scroll, unrolling it to read its name aloud.

"[Eternal Tide Barrier]."

He frowned, setting it aside and reaching for another. "[Storm Saber Technique.]"

One after another, he scanned through the names, his curiosity growing.

"All the manuals here are Earth-grade," Elder Yan Xiu said, stroking his long beard. "Whatever you pick will aid your cultivation greatly."

Chen Ren nodded, his eyes still glued to the books at hand.

Still, after reading through a few more of them, he set the manuals back on their pedestals. He was tempted, but his current goal was survival. He needed something practical—something tangible that could protect him in a fight.

Turning his attention to another section, he wandered over to the artefacts and weapons. Swords, staffs, copper disks, and even what looked like ninja stars were displayed neatly, each radiating a faint, mysterious glow.

As he inspected them, Chen Ren couldn't help but hesitate. A part of him wished Yalan were here to offer advice. But he quickly dismissed the thought; there was no way the elder would have allowed her to enter, and hiding her presence would have been impossible.

His gaze roamed over the items until they landed on a piece of armour tucked away in the corner. Intrigued, he approached it and picked it up. To his surprise, it was lighter than it looked. The armour gleamed a dull silver, its surface etched with intricate runic inscriptions that pulsed faintly with power.

Elder Yan Xiu stepped closer, a hint of approval in his eyes. "That piece is called the Shatterguard Plate. Earth grade armour. A sturdy piece of armour, heavily enchanted. It's resistant to most qi-based attacks and provides excellent physical protection. But that's not all."

Chen Ren raised an eyebrow, waiting for the elder to continue.

"It has a unique enchantment," Elder Yan Xiu explained. "In dire situations, you can activate it to… explode."

"Explode?" Chen Ren echoed, his tone incredulous.

The elder chuckled. "Yes. Many cultivators who face demonic beasts or enemy cultivators find such enchantments useful. If they're certain of their demise, they can activate it to take their foe down with them. A last resort, but a potent one."

Chen Ren looked at the armour again, his fingers tracing the runes thoughtfully.

"Interesting," he said. "I do need good armour, but I'm not sure if this is the right one for me."

Elder Yan Xiu nodded, letting him mull over the decision. "Take your time. Choose wisely. An artifact is only as useful as its wielder's intent."

Chen Ren set the armor back gently, still unsure. There were so many options, and he only had one chance to pick the right one. He sighed quietly. It was a good piece, no doubt, but something gnawed at him. Could he really not do better?

His thoughts turned to the logic of countless Xianxia tales he had read in his previous life. In those stories, protagonists always seemed to stumble upon legendary artifacts in the most unassuming corners of treasure rooms like this.

A spark of inspiration lit in his mind. Turning away from the central displays, his eyes roved over the room, searching for something less obvious. That's when he noticed it—a dusty box shoved into a dimly lit corner, its contents haphazardly strewn about. Necklaces and trinkets spilled over the edges like discarded junk.

Curiosity piqued, Chen Ren walked over.

"Those are just one-use enchanted items," Elder Yan Xiu said, waving a dismissive hand. "Talismans in necklace form. They're not worth much and certainly not suitable for someone like you."

"It's fine," Chen Ren replied with a shrug. "I'm just looking."

Kneeling by the box, he began sifting through its contents. As expected, most of the items were unimpressive—necklaces with faint enchantments, likely intended for quick escapes or minor attacks. Still, he didn't stop.

He rummaged deeper, his hands brushing against cold metal, worn leather, and fragile beads.

And then, something hot touched his palm.

Chen Ren froze. His fingers closed around the object instinctively, and he pulled it out.

It was a large, irregularly shaped black gem, its surface glossy yet veined with faint red lines that glowed dimly, like embers smoldering in the dark. The heat emanating from it wasn't searing but enough to make him grip it carefully.

"What's this?" he muttered, turning the gem over in his hands.

Elder Yan Xiu's gaze sharpened as he stepped closer, squinting at the gem. After a moment, he reached out and took it from Chen Ren, holding it up to the light.

"I… don't know," the elder admitted, his voice tinged with surprise. "I've never seen this before. It doesn't seem to be a typical artifact. Judging by its shape and faint aura, it might be… a dead beast egg."

"A beast egg?" Chen Ren repeated, his brow furrowing.

The elder nodded. "Yes, though if it's here, it must have been considered useless. Likely dead for centuries, its energy long dissipated. I've no idea who would have placed such a thing in the treasury, or why."

Chen Ren turned his attention back to the gem, now identified as a possible beast egg. His mind churned with possibilities. Could it really be dead? Something about it tugged at him, a faint, inexplicable feeling that there was more to this object than met the eye.

If the elder's assessment was correct, why hadn't anyone discarded it? Why was it even here among Earth-grade treasures?

His instincts screamed that this wasn't ordinary. If Xianxia logic held true, then an overlooked "dead" egg could very well turn out to be something extraordinary.

Chen Ren turned the gem over in his hands, still feeling the faint warmth emanating from it. An idea struck him, and he glanced at Elder Yan Xiu. "What are you planning to do with this?"

Elder Yan Xiu furrowed deeply. "That thing? I'll throw it away. It doesn't belong here. Useless clutter in the treasury."

Chen Ren smiled. "Then… can I take it? Not as my reward, but as a souvenir. I study alchemy, and I might be able to use it for something. Even if it's dead, it could have its uses."

The elder studied him, his gaze thoughtful.

"You're an odd one, aren't you? Fine, take it. Better than letting it gather dust or tossing it out."

Chen Ren's face lit up with a grin. "Thank you, Elder Yan." He took it from his hand and carefully slipped the black gem into his pocket before striding back to the armour he had examined earlier. Without hesitation, he picked it up and said, "I'll take this as my reward."

Elder Yan Xiu's lips curved into a slight smile. "A wise choice."

Without wasting any time, Chen Ren donned the armor. Its snug fit surprised him, as if it were tailored for him, and its lightweight made it feel almost like a second skin. He rolled his shoulders, testing its flexibility, and found it perfect for combat.

Once satisfied, he turned to Elder Yan Xiu and gave a deep bow. "Thank you for this opportunity, Elder. I'll make the most of it."

He nodded, a rare flicker of respect in his eyes. "You've earned it. Few young cultivators are as brave—or as resourceful—as you."

As Chen Ren straightened, Elder Yan Xiu hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Do you truly not wish to study under me? My guidance could help you learn more about the golden dragon that aided you."

Chen Ren froze, the mention of the dragon sending a chill through him. He had known this would come up eventually, but not like this. Keeping his expression neutral, he responded with a question of his own. "How do you know I don't already know about the golden dragon?"

Elder Yan Xiu chuckled, the sound deep and knowing. "I looked into your background. Nothing about it suggests you should possess the blessings of something so powerful. Dragons are legends, lost to time. For you to have formed a contract with one makes you... unique.

"One reason I offer you my discipleship is because the legend of the Dragonheart will spread. When it does, more sects will come looking for you. While I am amiable, many in the Soaring Sword Sect are not. They will use threats and force to claim you for themselves."

The words settled heavily in Chen Ren's mind. He had hoped to keep his connection to the golden dragon quiet, but with the tournament and its reveal, things were turning messy. He hesitated, weighing Elder Yan Xiu's words about the other sects. The stories he'd heard of their politics and schemes didn't sit well with him.

A sect backing might help stop anyone trying to take advantage of him, but did he really want that? He didn't think so. Joining a sect meant getting trapped inside it and not being able to progress his Dao of Money.

He met Elder Yan Xiu's gaze firmly. "I appreciate your warning and your offer, Elder. But for now, I prefer to walk my own path."

Elder Yan Xiu studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. Just know that when the time comes, the doors of the Soaring Sword Sect will remain open to you. Though, what's your reason to reject my offer? I know City Lord Li hasn't offered you anything."

Chen Ren nodded, debating whether he should tell the truth or not, but in the end, he decided that there was no use hiding the information since it would be easily accessible to someone like him. "Actually, I'm already part of a sect… though it's an unofficial one that I'm building myself. So, I can't enter any others."

Elder Yan Xiu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A sect of your own?"

Chen Ren nodded. "Yes. I know other sects might come for me, but I believe my path is one I need to walk with people who truly trust me. If someone comes with bad intentions… Well, it just means I need to get stronger, faster."

After a moment of thought, Chen Ren added with a wry smile, "Besides, I can't run my businesses if I'm tied to a sect. Sect economies are a headache I don't want to tackle right now."

"Businesses?" Elder Yan Xiu asked, tilting his head and stroking his beard.

Chen Ren's grin widened. "It's something I'm passionate about. A legacy from my ancestors, you could say. I enjoy creating things, trading, and watching them grow. It's a different kind of cultivation for me."

Elder Yan Xiu thinned his lips. "You're… unique, Chen Ren. I can respect your decision, even if it's unconventional. Very well, walk your own path. One of the disciples guarding the treasury will escort you back to the city."

Chen Ren bowed deeply. "Thank you again, Elder Yan."

As he turned to leave, the elder's voice stopped him. "Wait. What's the name of your sect?"

Chen Ren paused, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Divine Coin Sect."

With that, he walked out, the treasure room's grand doors closing behind him.

***

Elder Yan Xiu remained in the treasury, gazing thoughtfully at the now-quiet room. His fingers brushed the carvings of the nearest artifact as he muttered, "Divine Coin Sect… and the Golden Dragon. A rogue cultivator who rejects the offer of a Soaring Sword elder to walk his own path."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. It's the first time anyone's turned me down like this. What an intriguing young man.

Turning his gaze toward the array of treasures, his lips curled into a faint smile. "Interesting times are ahead of us. I suppose I should keep my eyes open and do some studying of my own."

With that, he strode out of the treasury, the name of the Divine Coin Sect lingering in his mind.