271 - Elasia Saga

Inside the grand and silent hall, Fu Yan finally withdrew her gaze from the stone wall. To be honest, the latter part of the mural seemed a bit too melancholic, capable of unsettling any cultivator's heart and thus destabilizing their Dao heart. On the path of cultivation, nothing is more dreaded than self-doubt. For a brief moment, Fu Yan felt a flicker of wavering, but her strong Dao heart quickly helped her regain her balance and adjust her mindset. After casting one last glance at the surrounding murals, Fu Yan turned and strode back to the entrance of the hall before calmly looking towards the grand structure ahead. In this great hall stood dozens of pillars, intricately carved with lifelike patterns resembling various spirit beasts, all emanating a golden radiance. The hall was extraordinarily majestic; Fu Yan couldn’t see the ceiling even when she looked upward. Several beams of light, of unknown origin, slowly streamed down like cold frost. Fu Yan temporarily withdrew her gaze to properly survey her surroundings. After only a few steps, two statues of divine beasts came into view, situated on either side. Before Fu Yan could get closer, she was met with an intense spiritual aura. She paused slightly, directing her eyes towards the statues’ eyes. There, embedded within were spirit stones. Supreme-grade spirit stones! Presently, on the continent, the value of one supreme-grade spirit stone was akin to a million high-grade spirit stones, making them incredibly valuable, unattainable for most cultivators below the Mahayana stage. Supreme-grade spirit stones contain exceptionally pure spiritual energy, almost devoid of impurities, greatly enhancing cultivation. Fu Yan was facing several supreme-grade spirit stones for the first time. Such precious stones being used as the eyes of two statues seemed particularly lavish. Breath slightly heated, Fu Yan managed to keep her rationality intact, resisting the impulse to pry the spirit stones out immediately. Dismissing thoughts of potentially triggering dangerous mechanisms, Fu Yan chose not to meddle. Reluctantly shifting her gaze, Fu Yan stepped past the statues into the expansive hall beyond. Unexpectedly, she sensed another surge of intense spiritual energy. Instinctively, Fu Yan glanced upward. There, at the base of a pillar to the left, lay dozens of supreme-grade spirit stones, casually piled. In the dim light, they sparkled, as if discarded for lack of space. Fu Yan: "..." This tomb must have existed for millennia, during which supreme-grade spirit stones likely weren’t rare. Furthermore, the owner, being more formidable than the original Demon Lord, must have amassed considerable resources over a lifetime. The stones strewn about casually, indeed indicative of immense wealth. After regaining her composure, Fu Yan walked over and swept the stones into her storage. Not just there, other corners had one or two scattered around. Collecting them all, Fu Yan accumulated over a hundred supreme-grade spirit stones, though she left the eyes of the statues intact. After all, the statues served as a facade, removing the eyes would mar their appearance, and greed mustn’t lead her astray. Fu Yan soon reached the center of the hall. Despite the stillness, the center was particularly spacious, yet devoid of anything distinctive. The entire hall seemed barren apart from the pillars, imparting a sense of desolation. Fu Yan found this curious. Was this hall merely a record of the original owner’s life, serving no other purpose? If so, why was it part of the treasure vault? She recalled earlier events on the third level of the vault, where the turbulence from the Shark King's Pearl seemingly opened an entrance by happenstance. No wonder Fu Yan noticed something different about the Celestial Stairs. She wasn't entirely without gain, however. The supreme-grade spirit stones she collected alone were a substantial fortune. Once assured that nothing else of interest remained in the hall, Fu Yan turned, intending to return and continue her search within the vault, wondering if the mermaid had succeeded with the Shark King's Pearl. Given Lan Ning had reached the Mahayana stage, obtaining the Shark King's Pearl might drastically increase her chances of ascending to immortality. “Click—” At that moment, Fu Yan unexpectedly stepped on a stone tile, feeling it depress by half an inch, triggering a sudden tremor throughout the hall, accompanied by a deafening rumble. Startled, Fu Yan steadied herself, lifting her foot just in time to regain her balance. Simultaneously, a white beam of light descended from above. Reflexively, Fu Yan glanced upward, watching as a silhouette slowly fell into view. Calming herself, Fu Yan could make out what was amidst the light. It was a crossbow-like weapon, not made of traditional wood, but rather exquisite as if crafted from perfect jade—smooth, translucent, and snow-white—emitting a subtle aura of power. Feeling this pressure, Fu Yan's eyes widened in shock, her expression filled with incredulity. The light gradually receded, revealing the crossbow entirely, hovering mid-air at a fixed height. "This is... an immortal weapon!" half of Fu Yan's consciousness returned as she fixed her unsettled gaze on the crossbow, her voice trembling with awe. It was no wonder Fu Yan was incredulous, for if she saw correctly, the aura it emitted was indeed that of an immortal weapon. An authentic, bona fide immortal weapon! Unlike the shell Fu Yan owned, or the semi-immortal weapons seen at the central auction, this was a true immortal weapon, an item of immense power. Everyone knows how potent an immortal weapon is, capable of moving mountains and splitting the heavens, it is a treasured artifact that can incite covetousness among immortals, let alone ordinary cultivators. Fu Yan's only previous encounter with an immortal weapon was during the last battle against the demonic realm by several immortals. Seeing an immortal weapon here threw Fu Yan's thoughts into disarray. Her gaze locked on the crossbow, openly fervent. Once the crossbow ceased its descent, it began radiating a soft light, seemingly harmless. “This… truly is an immortal weapon!!” Finally regaining full clarity, Fu Yan took a deep breath, feeling considerably more composed but still thrilled. Yet, she hadn’t lost her reason amidst excitement. The presence of an immortal weapon in the tomb wasn’t overly surprising, but Fu Yan understood that seeing it and acquiring it were vastly different endeavors. To claim it would not be simple. Suppressing her burgeoning heartbeat, Fu Yan refrained from impulsively reaching for the weapon, opting instead to survey carefully for potential dangers. However, in the next instant, she sensed a gaze land upon her, prompting a quick turn. There, in the expansive hall, stood a giant white bear, its fur starkly snow-white, reminiscent of the polar bear Fu Yan once saw long ago. The bear loomed about ten meters away, its emerald eyes filled with a fierce gleam, its massive form seemingly capable of tearing someone in two with ease. Yet, in the next heartbeat, the once intimidating bear casually raised a paw to yawn, then languidly addressed Fu Yan, “Finally, someone has come.” Fu Yan paused, quickly recognizing the bear's identity, murmuring, “You are... the spirit of the immortal weapon?” The bear had appeared just as the crossbow had, both snow-white with similar aura fluctuations, a realization striking Fu Yan. Soon enough, she confirmed the truth. The bear was neither a mythical beast nor a spirit beast but the spirit of the crossbow itself. An immortal weapon possessing a spirit is hardly unusual, and while Fu Yan was momentarily surprised, she swiftly regained awareness. "A mere cultivator in the Illusory Stage can discern my true form?" The white bear seemed somewhat surprised by Fu Yan's words. However, it quickly noticed something amiss. With a sudden flick of its paw, a powerful wind blade swept towards Fu Yan. Instinctively, she lifted her sword to shield herself. Yet, the force was overwhelming, and despite her efforts, she was pushed back several meters, her sword unable to cut through the wind blade's advance. The bear, having realized something, now showed disinterest, commenting, "So you are merely a puppet avatar. I wondered why your power seemed so weak." Fu Yan: "..." "And what level is your true form?" The white bear hunched slightly, taking a couple of steps closer as it inquired. Fu Yan, using the shell's defensive capabilities, steadied herself as she met the bear's gaze, having little reason to hide anything: "Mahayana Stage." This revelation caused the bear’s eyes to twitch with a hint of disdain. "How weak you are, aspiring to claim an immortal weapon without having ascended." Fu Yan felt a bit helpless but didn't show any fear. She sheathed her sword and explained calmly, "My presence here is mere happenstance." The white bear, being the spirit of the immortal weapon, had slumbered for so long it had lost track of time. It understood that entering this place required a stroke of fortune. With this realization, the white bear sighed softly, its eyes fixed on Fu Yan as it spoke, "To obtain the immortal weapon, you must first defeat me." Defeat the spirit of the immortal weapon? This rule was indeed a conundrum for Fu Yan. With her current abilities, defeating such a formidable spirit was impossible, even if her true form were present, it would offer only a slim chance. "Alright," Fu Yan replied. The white bear observed her with amusement, tilting its massive head. "Then let's begin." Fu Yan gripped her sword tightly, knowing this was a fight she could not win. Yet, with an immortal weapon at stake, she couldn't simply walk away. She was willing to try, even without hope. Clang! A piercing sound of sword clangs resonated through the hall. Fu Yan leaped forward, her sword brimming with power as she launched an all-out attack against the white bear. Unperturbed, the bear lazily lifted a paw, sweeping a chilling force forward. Fu Yan felt like a leaf caught in a storm, struggling to stabilize herself. "Bang!" Fu Yan's Star Sword was sent flying, and she crashed into a pillar behind her. Quickly recovering, Fu Yan flipped mid-air, summoning countless sword shadows. Without allowing herself a moment's respite, she unleashed her true energy entirely. With a swish, the fallen Star Sword returned to her grip. Her eyes gleamed with determination as she traced a perfect arc with her sword, causing the shadows behind her to shudder violently. In an instant, as Fu Yan gripped her sword, the sword shadows coalesced mid-air, forming a gigantic sword above her head. The terrifying aura caught the bear’s attention, its eyes finally flicker. Fu Yan raised the Star Sword above her head and slashed downwards, the massive sword following suit. From afar, the gigantic sword rushed towards the bear. Yet the bear remained motionless. As the sword descended, it merely pointed a finger at it, launching an arrow of force. “Buzz—” The entire hall seemed to tremble slightly. The tiny arrow firmly halted the sword, the sound of shattering sword aura echoing. The small arrow, piercing with ease, shattered Fu Yan’s sword aura and attack. “Indeed, it's futile…” Landing back on the ground, Fu Yan conceded. As a puppet, she stood no chance against the spirit of an immortal weapon, even with supportive spiritual tools. "Your swordplay is refined, yet your strength is lacking." The bear lazily retracted its paw, offering an honest critique. Though slightly disappointed, Fu Yan composed herself. After consuming a few recovery pills, she acknowledged honestly, “It seems I am truly unworthy of the immortal weapon.” The bear chuckled softly and, after a pause, continued, “I see potential in you. If you can master this sword formation in three days, I will allow you to take it.” With that, the bear reached into the void near a pillar and pulled out a book on sword formations, tossing it to Fu Yan without a glance. “But remember, it’s only to take it with you," added the bear. "I've slept here too long and wish to see the world outside. Missing this chance, who knows when the next visitor will arrive.” Even so, the bear would not easily let anyone take its true form. Fu Yan would need to pass its test. Upon hearing she could take the immortal weapon, Fu Yan's initial excitement was tempered by the bear’s final stipulation. Merely taking it meant that without sufficient power, she couldn't wield it. If a more suitable master appeared, the bear would prioritize them. Understanding the bear's intent, Fu Yan had no further thoughts. Taking it away was still a gain. Once she ascended to immortality, she believed she could wield it. "Alright," Fu Yan replied, accepting the book earnestly. The sword formation bestowed by the bear was far more complex than Fu Yan's Seven Suspended Sword Formation. Fortunately, her experience aided her practice, allowing steady progress. Soon, three days flew by. The bear awoke to the sound of sword clashing. With drowsy eyes, it saw Fu Yan leaping gracefully, surrounded by swirling sword shadows, an awe-inspiring sight. In just three days, Fu Yan had comprehended the sword formation. After recollecting her sword aura, Fu Yan took a deep breath and walked toward the bear, sweat-soaked hair plastered against her forehead from three days of intense training. “Not bad,” the bear remarked blandly, lifting a brow. Fu Yan looked at the immortal weapon and asked, “May I take it now?” The bear laughed softly, gesturing as the crossbow slowly descended into Fu Yan’s hands before its form vanished from the hall. Holding the crossbow, Fu Yan felt content despite not being able to use it yet. Having acquired the immortal weapon, Fu Yan didn’t linger and promptly returned to the third level of the treasure vault. Upon arrival, she found no trace of the seawater, the merwoman, or the Shark King's Pearl. Realization struck her—Lan Ning had succeeded in claiming it. Her suspicions were confirmed when Lan Ning, now in human guise, emerged from a shimmering portal nearby. Lan Ning approached, thanking Fu Yan sincerely, "Thank you," and then introduced herself, “Lan Ning.” Fu Yan nodded, accepting the gratitude as she reciprocated, “Fu Yan.” Meanwhile, Shui Liu Qing and Ji Qing Jue, who had also surfaced, stepped through another portal, one behind the other. For some reason, Fu Yan sensed a change between them—a subtle, lingering interaction laden with deeper emotions. Realizing the nature of their newfound connection, Fu Yan couldn't help but smile. In just a few days, these two had pierced the veil of ambiguity. "Palace Master," Shui Liu Qing addressed, passing Ji Qing Jue with a subtle brush of fingers against his hand. Ji Qing Jue followed, his calm eyes masking a flickering uncertainty, soon affecting a nonchalant demeanor as he asked Fu Yan, "Shall we head out?" Feigning ignorance, Fu Yan nodded calmly, "Considering the time, we've been in the tomb over a month. Many likely have already departed." With that, Fu Yan ascertained the location of the Shuānghuá Palace entourage. Indeed, they had left the depths of the Ghostly Waters. With this, the group wasted no time and swiftly prepared to leave the treasure vault. Upon returning to the rear courtyard, Shui Liu Qing seemed to recall something important and furrowed her brows slightly. She turned to Fu Yan and said, "Palace Master, if we just remove the barrier caused by the bell ringing, won’t it..." She trailed off, but everyone understood her implication. They had shielded the treasure vault, and now there were bound to be people waiting outside, poised to ambush. If Fu Yan and her group stepped out, they'd become instant targets. Even if they managed to escape by chance, as long as their identities were exposed, they would be plagued by troubles afterward. Reflecting on this, Fu Yan glanced at Lan Ning beside her, raising an eyebrow playfully as she suggested, "Why not sing another song?" Lan Ning: "..." Having said that, Fu Yan turned to the pair behind her and instructed, "Remember to shut off your senses and hearing first." Shui Liu Qing and Ji Qing Jue: "???" … Meanwhile, outside the tomb's entrance. Just as Fu Yan predicted, over the past few days, waves of people departed from the lake's depths, eventually returning to the surface. The number of cultivators remaining inside the tomb was dwindling. Shortly after, the male lead, Fang Yu, arrived at the tomb's entrance, flanked by a group of Sword King Sect disciples. "Senior Brother Fang is truly formidable!" Many disciples looked at Fang Yu with admiration as they followed behind him. “Buzz—” At that moment, the shielding layer outside the tomb began to tremble violently. Everyone paused, and before they could react, they saw numerous disheveled cultivators retreating hastily. Before they could grasp what was happening, one of the retreating individuals shouted, "It's terrible! There's really a dragon, dozens of meters long, at the bottom of Ghostly Waters Lake!" "What? A dragon?" "What should we do? That dragon's blocking the exit, and we dare not venture out!" Panic rippled through the crowd gathered at the tomb's entrance.