Merit Refines Treasure

Inside Yuqing Palace, Tongtian sat in the main seat, while Bai Jin sat cross-legged on a futon below.

Tongtian glanced subtly in the direction of Taiqing Peak and Yuqing Peak. What had Duobao said to them? Why had both senior brothers suddenly gone into seclusion? No, he had to get rid of this one below quickly.

Tongtian said, "The wondrous uses of merit are endless. It can be transformed into a Merit Divine Wheel to protect the body and spirit.

It can also be refined into a Merit Divine Artifact, allowing one to kill without incurring karma.

Your Master has already taught you the method for refining Merit Divine Artifacts. How you choose depends on your own decision. Different choices will lead you down different paths, so proceed with caution."

Bai Jin hesitated for a moment and asked, "Master, can I integrate merit into the four Qing Tian Swords?"

Tongtian shook his head and said, "No! Innate Spiritual Treasures possess their own innate, indestructible spiritual light. Integrating acquired merit will instead obscure the innate power of the Innate Spiritual Treasure."

"Yes! Disciple understands," Bai Jin replied respectfully.

Tongtian said, "Nuwa has achieved sainthood, and you have gained considerable merit. You must choose wisely."

"Yes! Disciple will definitely consider it carefully, but can Master give me some advice?"

"Do you know what my philosophy for teaching disciples is?"

"Teaching without discrimination?"

"Hands-off!"

Bai Jin: "⊙﹏⊙" I really want a different Master.

Tongtian chuckled and said, "Go! Your senior brother and sister are waiting outside."

"Disciple takes his leave~" Bai Jin bowed respectfully, rose, and walked outside.

The grand doors of Shangqing Palace creaked open halfway, and Bai Jin's figure emerged. He immediately saw two people sitting cross-legged under a tree in the distance.

Bai Jin smiled and bowed apologetically, saying, "I didn't know Senior Brother and Junior Sister were waiting outside. Junior Brother's dullness caused me to delay Master's time a little. Please, Senior Brother and Junior Sister, do not take offense."

Jinling said with a giggle, "I don't mind! I'm idle anyway."

Duobao stood up from the ground and said expressionlessly, "Junior Brother, Master is currently comprehending the path of a saint. It would be best if you came less often in the future."

After speaking, he strode proudly into Shangqing Palace. The doors of Shangqing Palace boomed shut.

Bai Jin looked at Jinling in confusion and asked, "Junior Sister, what's wrong with Senior Brother? Why does he act like he's the second most important person in the world? So arrogant!"

Jinling shook her head and said, "I don't know! Senior Disciple Brother has always been like this, right?"

Bai Jin nodded in agreement, "The domineering Senior Disciple Brother is certainly something!

I just received guidance from Master and had a realization. Senior Brother will take his leave first."

Jinling giggled and said, "Safe travels, Senior Brother!"

Bai Jin rode the wind through the air, drifting down gracefully.

A moment later, Duobao emerged from Shangqing Palace with a joyful expression. The grand doors of Shangqing Palace boomed shut, shimmering with Shangqing Immortal Light, completely sealed.

"Haha~" Duobao couldn't help but laugh heartily. Master also approved of my method. I truly am a genius.

"Senior Brother~" a faint voice called out.

Duobao turned around, his face beaming, and said, "Junior Sister~ Is there something?"

Jinling stood up and looked at Duobao calmly, saying, "Senior Brother, I arrived first."

Duobao smiled and said, "Thank you for your courtesy, Junior Sister."

Jinling pointed at the sealed Shangqing Palace and said faintly, "Senior Disciple Brother, could you explain to your little sister what is happening now?"

Duobao turned to look at Shangqing Palace, which was shimmering with Shangqing Immortal Light. He was instantly stunned, suddenly realizing that he had seemingly cut off his Junior Sister's path to seeking guidance from Master.

Jinling looked faintly at Duobao, opening her mouth to reveal two small fangs.

Duobao quickly said, "Junior Sister, listen to my explanation! I really didn't do it on purpose."

Jinling flicked her immortal robe and said, "I won't listen, I won't listen. You are the Senior Disciple Brother, you don't need to explain to me." She stepped onto an auspicious cloud and flew downwards.

"Junior Sister~" Duobao called out from behind, watching Jinling fly away. He muttered to himself, "Forget it, if she doesn't want to listen, she doesn't want to listen. When Master and Martial Uncle attain the Dao, she'll understand."

Bai Jin walked along the quiet mountain path. Since those outer sect disciples had their cultivation sealed, the entire Shangqing Peak had suddenly fallen silent. The disciples with sealed cultivation were all holed up in their respective halls, cultivating their character. At least for now, they didn't dare to cause trouble.

Bai Jin walked all the way back to his own palace and sat on his bed in contemplation. His Master's words still echoed in his mind. Merit was an extremely special power in heaven and earth. Having merit bestowed upon one could not only protect the soul but also bring good fortune in times of disaster.

Merit could be used to refine a Merit Golden Elixir, which, when consumed, could enhance comprehension and temporarily achieve unity with heaven and earth.

Merit could be used to refine offensive divine artifacts, allowing one to kill without karmic entanglement, or defensive divine artifacts, repelling all evil and remaining untouched by any method.

It also had numerous other wondrous uses, truly a versatile item like a universal solvent.

Most people, upon obtaining merit, would refine it into a Merit Golden Wheel to protect their soul. However, Bai Jin had no intention of refining it into that. He had a secret plan in mind.

Bai Jin extended his hand, and the Treasure Dropping Coin appeared in his palm. It was round on the outside and square on the inside, with two cute little wings growing from it, hovering in the air.

Bai Jin muttered to himself, "It should be able to succeed, right?" He closed his eyes and concentrated. A ball of golden clouds appeared above his head, churning with auspicious energy.

The Treasure Dropping Coin suddenly ignited with an invisible soul fire. The Merit Golden Cloud separated a thread and flew towards the Treasure Dropping Coin. It passed through the square hole in the center of the coin, and a Xuanhuang-colored coin dropped from the other side.

That thread of merit was immediately severed, and the Treasure Dropping Coin let out a buzzing sound of dissatisfaction, appearing very unwilling.

Bai Jin ignored its petty tantrum, beckoned, and the Xuanhuang-colored merit coin flew over, landing in Bai Jin's hand.

The front of the coin depicted a Taoist palace. A small square hole was located at the palace's grand entrance, as if the doors were flung wide open. Faintly visible on the palace's small plaque were three characters: Zixiao Palace. The reverse side featured a circular pattern of Taoist script, exuding an aura of profound mystery. Bai Jin had no idea what it truly meant, but it certainly looked impressive.

Bai Jin examined the Merit Coin he had created, stroking his chin. Was this copyright infringement against Lord Hongjun? he wondered. Maybe I should ask Master later if this is okay?

Bai Jin tossed the coin in his hand. The Xuanhuang Merit Golden Coin flew up and into the Merit Golden Cloud above his head, then vanished into his spiritual platform along with the cloud.

Bai Jin's face lit up with joy. It could indeed be stored in his spiritual platform. He could feel that the refined Merit Coin was more solid than ordinary Merit Clouds, and thus its effects were stronger.

A knocking sound came from the outer gate, followed by a cheerful voice from outside: "Senior Brother, Bai Jin Senior Brother~"

Bai Jin put away the Treasure Dropping Coin with a flick of his wrist. With a wave of his hand, the palace gates boomed open, revealing two figures standing outside: Bai He the Attendant, dressed in pink and looking delicate, and Shi Ji.

Bai Jin floated down from his bed and asked in surprise, "Bai He, what's wrong? Is Second Martial Uncle looking for me?"

Bai He shook his head. "No! Master is in seclusion. I was bored, so I came to play with Senior Brother."