Choosing treasures, the Condensed Arrow Ice Box

With Huyan Zhen's departure, the atmosphere grew a little livelier.

To be honest, the few people still present were quite grateful to Huyan Zhen.

Faced with a divine artifact, how many could restrain their own selfish thoughts?

That was a divine artifact. For all they knew, it might even help someone become a god.

As for offending Dugu Bo...

In the face of the temptation to become a god, that was hardly worth mentioning.

But now, they could see clearly that this god valued Gan Lin far more than most. Not only had the god placed protection around Gan Lin in advance, but even the weapon he had been given could not be taken from him.

Huyan Zhen had tested the waters for them, and the price had been so great that even they could not afford to pay it.

Heaven knew how many more times the harmless-looking boy before them could wield such "divine might."

Of course, grateful as they were in their hearts, there was no possibility of them offering anything tangible in return. It was good enough that they didn't throw stones at him when he was down.

"My ministers, if there is nothing else, let us conclude this Martial Soul Awakening here."

Xue Ye slowly rose from the imperial throne, his dignified, measured voice carrying across the hall. His gaze paused briefly on several people, and his tone softened. "Your Majesty Dugu, Gan Lin, Miss Dugu Yan, and... Miss Ye Lingling, sorry for the trouble, but please stay a moment."

As his voice fell, everyone present understood.

Gan Lin remained composed and gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Beside him, Dugu Bo's aged eyes flickered, and he and Dugu Yan stood quietly where they were.

Outside the hall, people streamed past as sect masters and noble families bowed and took their leave. As they departed, every one of them deliberately slowed their steps, passing by in groups of two or three. Their gazes fell repeatedly on the young Gan Lin, and they smiled and cupped their fists in greeting, displaying the utmost warmth and humility.

He was only six years old, yet he had displayed such a spectacle at the Martial Soul Awakening ceremony and was highly likely to become a god in the future. With a person like him, even becoming a familiar face and forging the slightest good connection now could become a heaven-sent opportunity later. No one was willing to let the chance slip by.

In only a short while, the bustling hall fell completely silent.

The crowd that had filled the hall had all dispersed, leaving only Xue Ye, Gan Lin, Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling, who had been standing quietly all along.

Ye Huixin glanced over the people in the hall and gave Ye Lingling a few gentle instructions. Then she bowed and quietly left the hall without lingering.

At that point, no outsiders remained in the hall.

Xue Ye raised a hand to smooth the folds of his dragon robe and looked at Gan Lin. With evident regret, he said slowly, "Young friend Gan Lin, the imperial family was negligent in many ways at today's ceremony and allowed you to suffer. I feel ashamed and will give you three of the imperial family's most precious treasures as an apology, to make amends for today's mistake."

He turned to the white-robed youth standing at his side and gave a gentle order. "Qinghe, personally take young friend Gan Lin to the imperial treasury and accompany him throughout. Let him choose any three treasures. You are not to stop him or interfere."

"Your son obeys."

After making the arrangements, Xue Ye turned to Dugu Bo and raised a hand with a smile. "Your Majesty Dugu, come with me to the side hall for a chat. It has been a long time since we last had a good talk, and today is a fine chance to catch up."

Dugu Bo understood. The emperor wanted to befriend him in private. Although he rather disliked such things, the emperor was giving Gan Lin a benefit, so he could hardly deny him face. He nodded calmly at once, then took Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling with him as he followed Xue Ye toward a side hall of the palace.

The two groups parted ways.

Xue Qinghe led the way with a modest bearing, deliberately slowing his pace to match Gan Lin's childish steps. The two walked side by side toward the treasury deep within the palace.

The long corridor was secluded and deep, its carved beams and painted rafters displaying the full splendor of the imperial household. All was quiet along the way, save for the faint echo of their footsteps.

"Young friend Gan Lin, your talent is unparalleled, enough to astonish all of Heaven Dou. Would you be willing to remain in Heaven Dou in the future, receive the imperial family's support, and become an honored elder of our dynasty, protecting the peace of the land?"

Gan Lin wasn't really just six years old, so he understood at once.

"Your Highness, I'm still young. For now, I just want to focus on cultivating and growing stronger. As for everything else, let's talk about it later."

He avoided the central question of where his allegiance lay, neither committing himself nor refusing, and taking no side.

A glimmer flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes, but he did not give up. After a short pause, he brought up another subject as though by chance. "Today, Spirit Hall's power reaches the heavens, intimidating the great sects and empires. What do you think of the way Spirit Hall conducts itself, young friend?"

"Spirit Hall? I've heard of it, but I don't know much about it."

Looking at the six-year-old before him, who seemed pure and innocently bewildered, Xue Qinghe could not detect the slightest flaw, calculating and shrewd though he was. He simply assumed Gan Lin was still young and pure of heart, concerned only with cultivation and free of complicated political allegiances or designs.

He reined in his urge to probe further, though a warm, faint smile remained on his face. Asking no more questions, he led the way in silence.

Before long, the two arrived outside the solemn, heavily guarded imperial treasury.

The massive black iron doors were ancient and imposing, engraved with intricate runes and wreathed in faint fluctuations of Soul Power. Security was tight. Xue Qinghe raised his hands and formed a seal, unlocking the treasury's restrictions. With the low rumble of a mechanism, the doors slowly opened to either side.

A rich, pure wave of Soul Power washed over them. Treasures shimmered faintly within, countless rarities arranged neatly in a dazzling display, all visible at a glance.

"This is the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's central treasury. It holds the rare treasures the empire has accumulated over a thousand years."

Xue Qinghe stepped aside and raised a hand, briefly explaining the treasury's rules in an even tone. "His Majesty has permitted you to choose any three items. No matter how precious, you may take them as you please. Feel free to make your selection, young friend."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Gan Lin nodded slightly and thanked him politely, then walked inside.

Before long, Gan Lin had made his selections.

The first was a yellowed, ancient thread-bound book. Though its pages were somewhat worn, they were wreathed in spiritual essence, and the title, Compendium of a Hundred Herbs, was clearly visible. It recorded methods for identifying, gathering, refining, and combining the continent's myriad spiritual medicines. It was a supreme text on cultivating spiritual herbs, and its value was immeasurable.

The second was a jade box, lustrous white all over and covered in frost and snow. Wisps of cold air escaped from it, and it was icy to the touch. It was called the Condensed Arrow Ice Box.

The third was a Left Arm Soul Bone that glimmered with pale violet light and bore fine, regular markings. Thick, powerful Soul Power filled the bone, and it gave off an ancient, distant presence. It was in excellent condition, a top-grade Left Arm Soul Bone with a full ten thousand years of cultivation.

Gan Lin put the three treasures away securely and turned to Xue Qinghe beside him, his expression open. "Your Highness, I've made my choices."

"Oh? So soon? Won't you give it a little more thought?" Xue Qinghe offered a well-meaning reminder. "There are plenty of fine things in the treasury, but you should choose what suits you."

"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness, but these will do."