Tongtian asked, "Bai Jin, what is this treasure called?"
Bai Jin hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Master, this treasure is called the Treasure Dropping Coin. I happened to obtain it when I went to Mount Wuyi to look for tea trees."
Tongtian laughed heartily and said, "Your filial intentions have benefited you as well." He did not doubt this explanation. Innate Spiritual Treasures belonged to those fated to obtain them; before they emerged into the world, no one could know where they were. Naturally, Bai Jin could not have gone searching for it specifically.
Bai Jin said modestly, "It is all thanks to Master's and Martial Uncle's blessings."
"This Treasure Dropping Coin is rather interesting. It can consume fortune to forcibly seize others' magical treasures, but every time it takes a treasure, it consumes more than half one's fortune, leaving the rest in utter chaos. Better not to have such a treasure! It does you no good." Tongtian's tone carried a trace of disdain.
Master wanted to confiscate my treasure? How could that be?! Bai Jin hurriedly defended the Treasure Dropping Coin. "Master, that happened because the Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger is too precious. It was refined from the vital essence of seven Great Witches, and its power of slaughter already surpasses most Innate Spiritual Treasures. It is understandable for the cost to be a little higher.
"Besides, Senior Disciple Brother is not the Treasure Dropping Coin's owner, so the Treasure Dropping Coin was a little greedy. If I used it, I estimate one-third of my fortune would be enough!"
Tongtian said with an amused smile, "One-third? Are you sure?!"
Bai Jin gave an embarrassed laugh. "Half, at most half. And it definitely will not cause my fortune to become chaotic." He looked at his master eagerly. Master, please give the Treasure Dropping Coin back to me!
Tongtian said with a chuckle, "Since you are confident you can control it, then keep the Treasure Dropping Coin! But be sure to use it well. Used properly, this treasure benefits you; used poorly, it harms you."
Eh? Master was not confiscating his treasure after all. Bai Jin nodded repeatedly and replied delightedly, "Yes!"
Tongtian flicked his finger, and the Treasure Dropping Coin flew out in a streak of light, hovering before Bai Jin.
Bai Jin happily took the Treasure Dropping Coin in hand and turned to Duobao. "Senior Brother, do you still want this?"
Duobao said calmly, "Since it is Junior Brother's treasure, naturally I will not take what you cherish."
Bai Jin put away the Treasure Dropping Coin. What do you mean, not taking what I cherish? You are just too scared to take it, aren't you?! Cowardly little fatso.
Tongtian's voice rang out. "I must contemplate the sacred path. You may all leave!"
Bai Jin and Duobao rose at the same time, cupped their hands in salute, and said, "This disciple takes his leave!"
The two walked out of Shangqing Palace, exchanged a glance, and snorted at the same time before flying off in opposite directions.
Bai Jin flew all the way to Taiqing Peak and landed before Taiqing Palace. He knocked on the door with three loud raps and called out, "Disciple Bai Jin requests an audience with First Martial Uncle!"
"Come in!" An aged voice sounded, and the palace doors creaked open.
Bai Jin stepped into the main hall, knelt on a cushion, and bowed respectfully. "Disciple Bai Jin pays respects to First Martial Uncle."
Taishang smiled from the seat of honor above. "Rise."
"Thank you, First Martial Uncle!" Bai Jin rose and sat cross-legged on the cushion.
Taishang said, "In the future, do less sneaking attacks. If one's conduct is improper, then one's body is improper; if one's body is improper, then one's heart is improper as well."
Bai Jin respectfully replied, "Thank you for First Martial Uncle's instruction. This disciple will keep it in mind."
Taishang nodded, then said, "During the duel, I sensed your intent to kill. Why did you hold back at the last moment?"
Bai Jin replied solemnly, "The immortal path values life and saves all beings without measure. I did not wish to be ruled by anger, so this disciple withdrew at the end."
Taishang smiled in satisfaction. "Very good!"
Bai Jin secretly relaxed. First Martial Uncle is satisfied. That was not easy!
"What brings you here this time?"
"Junior Sister Shi Ji fought despite knowing she was outmatched in order to uphold Master's and Martial Uncle's honor, and she was severely injured in the duel. Therefore, this disciple has come to request a healing pill."
Taishang laughed heartily. "You little fellow, playing tricks before me now? She was injured while protecting Master's and Martial Uncle's honor. If I do not grant you a pill, then it would be my fault."
Bai Jin gave an embarrassed laugh. "As expected, First Martial Uncle saw through me again."
Taishang shook his head with amusement and pointed at Bai Jin. With a wave of his hand, a jade bottle and an exquisite wooden box flew out from beside him and hovered before Bai Jin. "My pills are not given away for free. Take this bottle of pills, then deliver this box of tea to Nuwa."
Bai Jin said in surprise, "Empress Nuwa~"
Taishang nodded. "Nuwa said last time that she liked tea very much. I have freshly picked some, so take it to Buzhou Mountain."
Bai Jin said with a bitter expression, "First Martial Uncle, where is Buzhou Mountain? I do not know the way!"
Taishang said seriously, "Buzhou Mountain is the center of the Primordial World, the pillar of heaven and earth. You need only silently recite its name in your heart, and you will sense where Buzhou Mountain lies."
Bai Jin nodded and replied, "Yes!" He reached out and took the jade bottle and wooden box.
Taishang said, "Go quickly!"
Bai Jin rose and respectfully saluted him. "This disciple takes his leave." Then he turned and departed.
Inside a palace on Shangqing Peak.
Shi Ji was sitting cross-legged on her bed, healing her wounds as azure immortal light enveloped her body.
A knock sounded at the door.
The immortal light around Shi Ji withdrew. She opened her eyes, frowned, and asked, "Who is it?"
"Junior Sister Shi Ji, it is me!" Bai Jin's voice came from outside.
Shi Ji looked surprised. Senior Brother? She hurriedly rose and drifted to the doorway. Opening the palace door, she saw Bai Jin standing outside.
Shi Ji hurriedly cupped her hands and bowed. "Greetings, Senior Brother~"
Bai Jin raised a hand and supported Shi Ji's arms before she could bow. "Junior Sister, you are injured, so there is no need for such formality."
Shi Ji did not insist on bowing again. She stepped aside and said, "Senior Brother, please come in so we can speak."
Bai Jin said with a smile, "There is no need."
He extended his left hand, and a jade bottle appeared in his palm. "These are healing pills bestowed by First Martial Uncle. Take them and recover properly."
Shi Ji accepted the pills and gave Taiqing Peak a deep bow from afar. "Thank you, First Martial Uncle."
Inside Taiqing Hall, Taishang smiled and nodded.
Bai Jin instructed, "Junior Sister, focus on recovering properly. You need not attend morning lessons for now.
"I have matters to attend to outside for a few days. If you need anything, go find Senior Sister Wudang, or Master will do as well. Though Master usually keeps a cold face, he is actually cold on the outside and warm within. Deep down, he has no idea how much he dotes on us."
Shi Ji nodded and murmured in agreement, saying emotionally, "I know. Master is like a father to us."
Inside Shangqing Palace, Tongtian seemed to sense something and looked downward. His gaze passed through layer upon layer of space, fixing Bai Jin with displeasure. You have grown bold, haven't you! Discussing even your master behind his back.
Bai Jin suddenly felt a chill run through his entire body. He immediately shut his mouth, feeling uncomfortable all over. With a dry laugh, he said, "Well, Junior Sister, recover well. Senior Brother will be taking his leave first."
Without waiting for Shi Ji's reply, Bai Jin turned and strode outside, as though a proud, temperamental dragon were baring its fangs and claws behind him.
Before you continue