True Dragon's Eye (Part One)

Back at the Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince reported to the Emperor in great detail what had happened at Strange Stone Mountain. Although the Crown Prince did not embellish or praise Zhuge Xiang, but simply told the truth, his words still deeply shocked the Emperor and all the officials.

With his True Essence Realm cultivation—wait, no, he's now at the Gathering Origin Stage Realm—he single-handedly converted the Great Belly Ghost King, one of the Thirty-Six Ghost Kings of the Hungry Ghost Path? This ability is just too heaven-defying!

In the Great Hall of the Imperial Palace, everyone, including the emperor, stared intently at Zhuge Xiang. His face was unbelievably young; judging from his appearance, he was no more than twenty years old. How could he have achieved such a feat? Although they knew that Zhuge Xiang's Heavenly Demon Zen Sound ability was strong after the battle at the Heaven-Piercing Tower, they never expected him to be this strong.

"Indeed, His Your Majesty's vision is beyond our comprehension..." Gazing intently at Zhuge Xiang, many officials in the court sighed inwardly.

Previously, they had heard that two new enshrined members had arrived at the Hall of Honored Guests. In particular, these people felt very unbalanced towards Zhuge Xiang. With his mere True Essence Realm cultivation, what merit did he have to be able to enter the Hall of Honored Guests? But today, Zhuge Xiang proved himself with his own strength.

"Today's events at Strange Stone Mountain owe much to Zhuge Consecrated. May I ask what reward Zhuge Consecrated desires?" After nodding and learning about what had happened at Strange Stone Mountain, the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty spoke to Zhuge Xiang.

On the one hand, he wanted to continue to win over Zhuge Xiang's loyalty; on the other hand, Zhuge Xiang had indeed made contributions to the Great Tang Dynasty. As the monarch, he naturally had to be fair in rewarding and punishing him.

A reward? The emperor's words sent a whirlwind of thoughts through Zhuge Xiang's mind. Zhuge Xiang truly didn't know what kind of reward he should ask for regarding his cultivation needs.

Zhuge Xiang's cultivation relies on combat. Good weapons and equipment? Zhuge Xiang feels that his current equipment is enough. As for anything else? Zhuge Xiang really can't think of anything.

The Second Layer the Great Strength Bull Demon Technique requires the environment of the Nine Heavens Gale Force. Legend has it that this wind exists between the Human Realm and Immortal Realm; it can even Gale Force bones, and even a True Dragon can be blown away. To unleash the Nine Heavens Gale Force, one almost always needs Spirit Severing Stage level of at least the Nascent Soul stage. Why would the emperor send a Nascent Soul Spirit Severing Stage Spell proficient in wind-based magic to help him?

After thinking it over, Zhuge Xiang dismissed the idea. The atmosphere of the Great Tang Dynasty favored the elegance of scholars and literati, while his Great Strength Bull Demon Technique was a true Demon Realm Cultivation Technique. To cultivate it would require unleashing his Demonic True Body, which was indeed inappropriate.

After all, in the Great Tang Dynasty, there were still a group of old-fashioned guys who always waved the banner of Exorcise Demon demons and protecting the righteous path.

"I would like some materials related to forging and Pill Refining Technique. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission," Zhuge Xiang said after a moment's thought. Not wanting to waste this opportunity for a reward, he asked for materials related to life Skill.

Zhuge Xiang has no intention of neglecting life Skill. In many situations, strong life Skill can provide Zhuge Xiang with better resources to face battles.

"Materials for Forging and Pill Refining Technique?" No one expected that Zhuge Xiang's proposed reward would be this; not to mention, the entire court was stunned.

Even the emperor was slightly taken aback, a look of surprise appearing on his face. He asked, "Why do you need materials related to Forging and Pill Refining Technique? Could it be that you have a few close friends who Artifact Forger and Pill Alchemist?"

"No, I have some knowledge of Forging, Pill Refining Technique, and Appraisal Technique, and I've reached the intermediate level in all of them..." Zhuge Xiang replied frankly, shaking his head.

"..." Zhuge Xiang's answer was calm, but it made everyone in the Great Hall stare at him in surprise, stunned.

Was he telling the truth? To become a retainer of the Great Tang Dynasty at such a young age is already considered remarkable. To be able to convert a being like the Great Belly Ghost King with his Gathering Origin Stage cultivation is even more astonishing. But besides all that, this guy is also Intermediate Artificer? Pill Alchemist? and Appraisal?

Is this guy some kind of omnipotent? This was the first thought in the minds of almost everyone in the Great Hall.

However, their thoughts soon changed. He had reached the intermediate level in all three Life Profession, which meant he must have spent a considerable amount of time. Even so, he possessed such ability. So, what if he hadn't cultivated those three Life Profession? Wouldn't his strength have been even greater?

Thinking of this, the initial surprise vanished, replaced by a surge of anger and disappointment. This guy, with such talent, why waste his time cultivating Forging? It's a complete waste of time, a waste of his time!

"With your abilities, why bother cultivating Forging? You should focus your time on improving your own cultivation," the emperor advised Zhuge Xiang, without directly granting his request.

Although Intermediate Artificer and Pill Alchemist are rare, they are nothing compared to the emperor.

"Besides cultivation, one should also have some other forms of entertainment to relax on the path of cultivation," Zhuge Xiang replied, shaking his head in response to the emperor's advice, treating Forging and Pill Refining Technique as his own hobbies.

When it comes to cultivation, the most taboo thing is interference from others. Since Zhuge Xiang has already said so, even if the emperor feels it is inappropriate, he can't say much. Besides, since the other party can reach such strength at this age, perhaps his methods will be useful to him?

"Very well, since that's the case, so be it. Someone, take Zhuge Consecrated to the Treasure Vault and let him choose any three materials," the emperor said, instructing the Eunuch beside him to lead Zhuge Xiang to the Imperial Clan Treasure Vault to select the rewards he desired.

"Zhuge Consecrated is indeed an extraordinary man. Today's battle at Strange Stone Mountain will surely spread the name of Zhuge Consecrated throughout the entire Great Tang Dynasty, and even to other neighboring countries. He has truly become famous in one battle..." The Eunuch beside the emperor, who was leading the way for Zhuge Xiang, spoke up, praising Zhuge Xiang without any attempt to hide his admiration.

"As you said before, this battle concerns the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty's royal family. Since I am paid by the emperor, I should naturally share his burdens. Today's battle may make me famous, but the most important thing is to preserve the royal family's honor," Zhuge Xiang replied with a smile, displaying a righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor.

It wasn't that Zhuge Xiang being hypocritical; this was indeed what he truly thought. Although Zhuge Xiang came to the Great Tang Dynasty ostensibly for Bai Qi's mission, ultimately, he wanted the Great Tang Dynasty to be fully aware of the theft of its National Fortune. For the good of the Great Tang Dynasty, Zhuge Xiang did not want any turmoil to occur.

"Zhuge Consecrated's loyalty is truly worthy of Heaven and Earth's witness..." Upon hearing Zhuge Xiang's words, the Eunuch's eyes narrowed with a smile. Perhaps because he had entered the palace at a young age and shared the emperor's burdens, this Eunuch truly had a heart that cared about the country and its people.

"We've arrived. Zhuge Xiang, please select three materials that you fancy." Soon, led by the head eunuch, Zhuge Xiang arrived at the imperial treasury of the Tang Dynasty.

The Treasure Vault of a large national Imperial Clan contains treasures that are all extremely rare in the world. Therefore, this Treasure Vault is truly guarded every five steps and sentry every ten steps.

Especially at the entrance to the Treasure Vault, an old man with cloudy eyes stood guard. Zhuge Xiang couldn't even discern his level information, yet his cultivation seemed comparable to that of the Great Belly Ghost King.

"Greetings, senior..." Zhuge Xiang did not enter the Treasure Vault directly, but bowed to the old man guarding the entrance and spoke.

In the Cultivation World, the strong naturally deserve respect, especially this old man. He possesses unparalleled strength, yet he is willing to stay in this small Treasure Vault. Zhuge Xiang himself cannot do what he does, but that does not diminish Zhuge Xiang's admiration for him.

"Hmm, you're quite good, lad. Your future achievements are limitless..." The old man, with white hair and beard, unkempt appearance, and cloudy eyes, showed no signs of being a powerful figure. His gaze was dull, as if he were lost in thought. But when he saw Zhuge Xiang bow to him, the old man's cloudy eyes lit up slightly, and he praised him with undisguised admiration.

"Thank you for your praise, senior. If there's nothing else to say, I'll head into the Treasure Vault to select some treasures." Zhuge Xiang showed no pride or joy in the old man's praise, remaining calm and composed.

"Wait..." Just as Zhuge Xiang was about to enter the Treasure Vault, the old man suddenly spoke, stopping him, and said, " On the First Layer of the Treasure Vault, in a corner, there's a dark, unremarkable stone. Help me bring it out."

"I will not fail in my mission..." After a moment's thought, although this would waste one of his three treasures' slots, Zhuge Xiang nodded. It was worth it to exchange a treasure slot for building a good relationship with such a powerful figure.

"Zhuge Consecrated, is that Old Man Li no ordinary person?" As Zhuge Xiang entered the Treasure Vault, the Eunuch couldn't help but ask Zhuge Xiang in surprise. The Old Man Li he was referring to was naturally the old man guarding the entrance to the Treasure Vault.

Everyone knew of Old Man Li's existence, but for decades he had remained the same old, toothless man, and no one paid him any attention. They simply assumed it was a favor from Your Majesty, a nominal position to earn a living. After all, the safety of the Treasure Vault didn't require the help of an old geezer like him.

However, as Zhuge Xiang along, he hadn't even glanced at any of the powerful guards, but he had bowed respectfully to Old Man Li at the gate, addressing him as "Zhuge Xiang senior," which surprised him.

Could it be that I've been misjudging him all these years? Could that old codger Old Man Li actually be a peerless expert? (To be continued...)