Chapter 743 - 113: The Copper Token and Mountain-Water Reveal the Underground Palace
Although Fang Zhenlu studied the "Xuanze Zhenmiao Shangdong Skill," after condensing the True Imprint of Dharma Power, his approach to combating enemies prioritized transformation. When he struck, it lacked the sharpness and domineering nature of the Shaoqing disciples, which could crush through defenses effortlessly.
At this moment, he wanted to destroy the prohibition in one fell swoop and, like Brother Kang, shatter the Dharma Treasure afterward. However, it was not as easy as it seemed.
Nonetheless, since the two were not engaged in life-and-death struggles on the battlefield, Fang Zhenlu could take a small detour. As long as the scenario appeared satisfactory, that was sufficient.
Having made up his mind, he swept his wide sleeves lightly across the prohibition. Without any visible movement from him, a gentle breeze passed, and the layer of talisman golden light covering the altar dissipated instantly, exposing a stone pestle-like Dharma Treasure within.
Among those present, all possessed keen eyes. Upon careful observation, they noticed faint cracks beginning to appear on the surface of the stone pestle-shaped Dharma Treasure, its Treasure Qi thoroughly dispersed. Clearly, it had been destroyed. A few among them couldn’t help but feel surprised, unable to discern whether Fang Zhenlu or Kang Tong was truly more skilled.
Brother Kang’s face revealed a subtle smile, and he remarked, "Senior Brother Fang, truly adept."
Fang Zhenlu simply smiled, shaking his head, and cupped his hands, saying, "You flatter me, Brother Kang."
Fang Zhenlu’s seemingly casual sweep of his sleeve was in fact executed in two strokes—first deploying Elixir Evil to destroy the prohibition, then exerting force to shatter the Dharma Treasure within. Though his technique lacked the fiery precision of Fang Kuantong’s singular sword strike, he excelled in his composed and elegant demeanor, emitting not even a trace of worldly exertion, rendering it impossible to determine a clear victor.
At this moment, a disciple, sensing the atmosphere, gave a slight cough to break the tension before speaking, "Everyone, this tower must be the treasure storage site of the Yao Yin Sect. Judging by the orderly arrangement of items here, it seems there was no external invasion. Why then, one wonders, did they abandon this place back in the day?"
Standing behind Fang Zhenlu was a Chen Clan Elder, who chuckled and said, "I’ve heard a thing or two about this matter. It’s said that back in the day, Yi Jiuyang had a task of guarding something and was ordered by Taiheng Ancestor to establish this sect. The disciples within the sect numbered fewer than a hundred. According to my conjecture, something must have changed regarding the thing they guarded, or Taiheng Ancestor issued another command, thus they abandoned the place."
Fang Zhenlu nodded and remarked, "Aside from that, there’s not much else that could explain it."
He then turned to Kang Tong and said, "We’ve reached the fifteenth floor. I wonder what lies above on the topmost level. Why don’t we go up and take a look? Brother Kang, what do you think?"
Kang Tong, who practiced one of the Shaoqing Three Veins—the vicious Slaughter Sword technique—required a pure Heart Realm. His entire life revolved around wielding a single sword, disregarding all other Dharma Treasures. Even faced with a True Artifact, he would remain unmoved.
His original intent for entering this realm was to sharpen his blade against Demon Sect disciples. Where to go mattered little to him, so he casually replied, "Since Senior Brother Fang is interested, I won’t disappoint; let’s go together and take a look."
Fang Zhenlu smiled and exchanged pleasantries with Kang Tong before taking the lead, heading to the uppermost floor. The seven or eight cultivators behind them whispered a few words before following together.
Zhang Yan also began ascending the stairs. Though he outwardly appeared unremarkable, his cultivation in Hua Dan was undeniable, keeping others from approaching recklessly. One young cultivator standing closer even respectfully gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
After a short while, the party stepped onto the sixteenth floor. Zhang Yan surveyed the surroundings and noted the setup resembled the fifteenth floor, with over twenty Spiritual Artifacts placed neatly. The Treasure Light shimmered, suffusing the air with vibrant colors.
Initially, Zhang Yan didn’t pay much attention to these Dharma Treasures. But inadvertently, his gaze fell upon one object, and his eyes flashed with sudden brightness.
It was a copper token, half a foot tall and over two feet in length, arch-shaped and engraved with rows of Erosion Text. The inscriptions were not overly complex, and within moments, Zhang Yan deciphered them, his heart surging with joy.
Glancing around to ensure no one paid attention to him, Zhang Yan discreetly took a few steps forward toward the altar. Extending his hand, he deployed Elixir Evil, transforming Qi into a blade. With one swift slash, he broke the prohibition and retrieved the copper scroll, tucking it into his sleeve.
The sudden vacancy on the altar caught the group’s attention. They realized a Dharma Treasure had been taken. However, as these items were unclaimed, anyone capable could take them without objection. Instead, the incident seemed to inspire the others, prompting them to each select a treasure and begin refining the prohibitions at their own pace.