Chapter 42: Chapter 41: Taking Action
Translator: 549690339
With the moonlight growing brighter, the ripples on the lake’s surface increased and sped up.
Then, the surface of the lake began to tremble as if water was reaching a boil, producing a bubbling sound.
Misty white vapor enveloped the area, and right in the center of the lake, a pillar of water three feet in diameter suddenly shot into the sky, reaching a height of over thirty feet in the blink of an eye.
Hovering right above this water column was a fist-sized, crystal-clear pearl.
This pearl, a product of the blessed land and a forbidden place, bestowed the ability to cultivate all the way to the Upper Three Realms without worry, once obtained.
“The treasure has surfaced!”
Observed the emergence of the treasure, onlookers were astounded, with exclamations rising from the crowd.
Faced with such a temptation, several martial artists immediately leaped towards the pearl.
“Sir, shall we…” Seeing others making their move, Gu San anxiously turned to Pei Xuanjing.
Enthralled, Pei Xuanjing laughed, shaking his head, “No need to rush.”
No sooner had he spoken than the pearl suddenly emitted a bright light, releasing a wave of the Five Elements, and sending the martial artists flying.
“Just as I thought!” Pei Xuanjing muttered to himself.
Gu San, puzzled, turned his gaze towards Pei Xuanjing, “Sir, why is this so?”
Pei Xuanjing sneered, “The treasure has a spirit, and without enough power, one cannot subdue it.”
So it was. He had always scoffed at the many accounts about the treasure and its mysterious attributes.
If before he had any doubts, at this point he could now certainly be sure.
These treasures born from the forbidden places and blessed lands might indeed benefit the cultivation of Martial Artists, allowing the possessors to easily advance to the Upper Three Realms as told in tales.
What was surely an exaggeration, however, was the so-called life-changing effects; such claims were absolutely groundless.
His earlier claims to Gu San about the treasure’s spirit were merely diplomatic.
The most fundamental reason was that those who possess the strength lay claim to such treasures.
So many people scrapping for a single treasure was a selective process in itself.
Among such a group of martial artists, he who obtained the treasure, whether on account of strength or of luck, had already proven himself exceptional.
Once in possession of the treasure, one could easily advance to the Upper Three Realms.
Now, suppose there were people capable of such, would they be unable to advance to the Upper Three Realms even if they didn’t possess the treasure?
The answer to this question varies based on who answers it.
“No wonder, Li Yuzhen said the treasure was a poison.” Pei Xuanjing thought to himself.
However, even though he was a bit indifferent to the treasure, since he had promised Gu Ji, he would certainly retrieve the treasure for him.
Moreover, he was becoming increasingly interested in the treasure. Even if he didn’t use it himself, he could still study it.
However, the current situation seemed to differ slightly from his original plan.
He said to Gu San and the others, “From here on, don’t intervene.”
Gu San attempted to say something, only to be interrupted by Pei Xuanjing, “The situation has changed. I will get the treasure for His Excellency. For the remaining time, it is best for you to stay away from me.”
For Pei Xuanjing, he was confident that he could seize the treasure and escape, but he lacked the ability to look after these people as well.
Hence, it was better for them to keep their distance, rather than becoming cannon fodder due to his actions.
Pei Xuanjing continued, “Of course, I won’t interfere with any decisions you make. All I want to say is, sometimes, being able to survive is the greatest victory.”
He would only go this far in advising them, as they were merely acquaintances.
But to request him to risk his life for them while also trying to seize the treasure They weren’t such close friends for him to do that.
Sorry, Pei Xuanjing wouldn’t be willing to do that.
If these few couldn’t see the situation clearly, Pei Xuanjing would watch them perish, and at best try to avenge them afterward.
Looking at the situation, Gu San and the others nodded in agreement and began to retreat silently.
While everyone’s attention was on the pearl, their sudden withdrawal seemed abrupt but met everyone else’s approval, as it was in their own interests.
As Gu San and the others retreated, several martial artists tried to seize the pearl, but not because
they lacked strength, but because they were held back by the numerous martial artists surrounding them.
The scene suddenly became a stalemate.
After all, no one wants to make the first move, only for someone else to benefit.
Looking at the people around him, Pei Xuanjing laughed heartily, “Since everyone is so ‘courteous,’ I won’t stand on ceremony.”
As he finished speaking, he leapt into the air, aiming straight for the treasure.
“You’re courting death!” “Dream on!”
“Take my blade!”
. The surrounding martial artists cursed and attacked, handling him just like they did the few others who had tried to seize the treasure before.
“Pei Xuanjing, you finally couldn’t help yourself.” Yuwen Leopard and Tie Mad watched Pei Xuanjing making a move, their anger replaced by joy.
As the saying goes, ants can bite an elephant to death.
Even faced with so many martial artists, both of them didn’t feel confident enough to act.
Earlier, they had been worrying about how to cause trouble for Pei Xuanjing. Now, they were pleasantly surprised that he had so anxious to jump out and reveal himself. This made them feel they had overestimated him.
“Friends, let us join forces and eliminate the biggest threat, Pei Xuanjing first.” Tie Mad was arrogant, but not foolish.
When he proposed to attack Pei Xuanjing, many people responded immediately.
“Heh, a bunch of rabble, what can you do to me?
Pei Xuanjing sneered. From his waist, the
Thousand Refinement Divine Weapon, the Flowing Flame Sword, was drawn. The swordlight was cold, and a ten-foot-long sword Qi fell from the sky, fending off the others.
“Indeed, it is a Thousand-Refined Divine Weapon.” Seeing Pei Xuanjing’s Flowing Flame Sword, Tie Mad’s eyes flashed with intense envy.
Being a member of the Tie Sect, he also has a Divine Weapon of Indomitable level, the Heavenly Silkworm Gloves, which even though being a Wonderful Door Type Divine Weapon considered more valuable than swords, is worlds apart from the Thousand-Refined Divine Weapon.
The reason he agreed to Yuwen Leopard’s invitation was to seize such a Thousand-Refined Divine Weapon. Even if he was not good at using the sword, he could still exchange it, adding a little something, for a suitable Divine Weapon or something else, which would be a good deal.
As Pei Xuanjing parried with his sword, his other hand collected the pearl.
[Detected a Taoyun item. Do you want to refine it?]
Receiving this prompt, Pei Xuanjing’s face flashed with delight, “My guess was right. This treasure indeed contains Taoyun.”
This beneficial treasure could help one break through to the Upper Three Realms.. Although the refinement was not yet complete, he estimated that it could yield a quantity of Taoyun equivalent to that provided by several top martial arts manuals!