Chapter 69: The Emergence of a Peerless Treasure

Their respect was not truly directed at the several Nascent Soul cultivators before them, but at the esteemed predecessor behind them! There was a hint of conflict in the eyes of An Yue’er and the others. For a moment, Yu Qiushui did not know whether to agree or refuse.

“Qianxue, what do you think?” Their acquaintance with Senior Zhu was all thanks to Leng Qianxue’s introduction. Even An Yue’er was very clear in her heart that receiving a gift from Senior Zhu was entirely due to Leng Qianxue’s presence; without her, none of this would have been possible.

After some thought, Leng Qianxue finally raised her head resolutely and addressed those present: “Senior Zhu has always disliked being disturbed by too many people. He is accustomed to a peaceful life in seclusion among the mountains. I think he would probably not wish to be troubled during his cultivation by such a crowd.”

“However, we could visit the Senior when we return and ask his opinion. What do you think?” Both Yu Qiushui and An Yue’er nodded repeatedly.

“Esteemed ones, we wouldn’t dare to make a hasty decision regarding such matters. Why don't you wait for us to consult with the Senior first, and then we’ll inform you,” Yu Qiushui explained.

Supreme Ziyang and Supreme Lingji both nodded. “Then we shall wait. We hope you’ll kindly assist us!” No one showed any displeasure, nor did anyone dare to. Even Ye Qingchen was silent, though there was unmistakable disappointment in her gaze.

“Everyone, since there’s nothing more to be done here, shall we depart?” Supreme Lingji suggested.

Now that the Ascension Platform had been destroyed, everyone felt a weight lifted from their hearts; nothing could stand in their way any longer. With Supreme Lingji’s words, they began to prepare to leave.

“Wait!” Suddenly, a Supreme among the crowd turned, eyes filled with excitement. “There’s blood of a True Immortal on the ground—shouldn’t we collect it? Such treasures are exceedingly rare!”

Hearing this, both Supreme Ziyang and Supreme Lingji looked toward Leng Qianxue. “Miss Leng, may we take the True Immortal’s blood from the ground?”

Whether they could or not, they had to ask Leng Qianxue, for she was associated with Senior Zhu. Leng Qianxue immediately waved her hand. “Seniors, please decide as you see fit, there’s no need to ask me.”

At this, Supreme Ziyang and Supreme Lingji were overjoyed! Many Supremes stepped forward, preparing to gather the blood from the ground.

“I never expected this to be our true fortune! True Immortal’s blood is so precious!”

“Even a single drop could help a sacred land produce several more powerhouses!”

“All thanks to that Senior!”

Everyone was smiling with genuine joy.

“Senior, do you not want any?” Leng Qianxue noticed Ye Qingchen standing aside, unmoving. If she was already half a step into immortality, then with the True Immortal’s blood, perhaps she could become immortal in the blink of an eye!

Ye Qingchen only shook her head, her gaze not on the blood but on the papers in An Yue’er’s hands. She spoke: “I have already witnessed true strength. As for acquiring this blood, it is of little consequence to me.”

Of little consequence? Leng Qianxue immediately understood: this white-haired woman intended to seek out Senior Zhu. With such a peerless figure ahead, the True Immortal’s blood truly paled in comparison.

As everyone continued excitedly collecting the blood, a sudden explosion erupted from within the Supreme’s tomb. A beam of light shot out, flying straight toward Leng Qianxue and the others.

“What is that?”

“Hurry, protect our goddess!”

People rushed toward An Yue’er and her companions, some even stepping directly in front of her, fearful they might be harmed. If Senior Zhu were to blame them, none could bear the consequences!

Yet the beam of light did not harm Leng Qianxue and the others; instead, it stopped before them. Within the light, the shapes became clear—a zither and a brush.

The zither seemed ancient, worn by time, as did the brush—even the grip was chipped and faded. Yet both radiated a palpable majesty.

“What are these?” The crowd was puzzled.

“They are the zither and brush left behind by Kong Jue,” Ye Qingchen said calmly.

A chill ran through everyone present. They had always thought it mere legend; who would have believed it was real?

“Kong Jue the Immortal’s zither and brush? The legendary treasures left in the Tianwu Realm for future generations?”

“I can’t believe it’s true!”

“These two treasures are extraordinary! No wonder the Sacred Land of Kong Jue in Central State used any excuse to launch a holy war against us in the Southern Wilds!”

“But why are Kong Jue Immortal’s treasures suddenly appearing now? What does this mean?”

These were not ordinary items—these were immortal artifacts! If word spread, who knew what storm it might cause! If people from the Sacred Land reclaimed them, their power would surge overnight, for these immortal artifacts held many secrets to ascension.

“I think the treasures are seeking a protector, and we are likely unworthy,” Supreme Lingji stepped forward, gazing at the zither and brush. “In the entire Tianwu Realm, only that Senior could inspire these artifacts to choose their master. As for the rest of us…”

He left his words unfinished, but everyone understood his meaning. What they all desperately desired, the treasures themselves dismissed, wishing only to follow another.

“Master, what should we do now?” Leng Qianxue asked Yu Qiushui.

Yu Qiushui could not immediately offer a solution.

“Why not keep these two treasures, and later present them to Senior Zhu?” An Yue’er and Leng Qianxue both nodded in agreement, stepped forward, and took the treasures into their keeping.

Every Supreme present looked on with longing, but none dared to act or even entertain thoughts of seizing them. To do so would be courting death—Senior Zhu had slain a True Immortal with ease, what hope did lesser cultivators have?

Better not to seek destruction.

Once the treasures were taken, the crowd resumed collecting the True Immortal’s blood. This was the most practical matter at hand.

Only when every last drop of the blood had been gathered were they satisfied enough to leave.

…

At that moment—

An army surged toward the Nanling Mountains like a tidal wave, banners of the Sacred Land of Kong Jue billowing in the wind, striking fear into all who beheld them.