Changes in the Treasury

Qin Yi could actually understand the emperor's inflated ego, which stemmed from his disregard for immortals. Both Lingxu and the monks of Da Great Joy Temple clearly displayed extraordinary abilities, yet they all treated him, the emperor, with great respect. The Celestial Maidens of Great Joy Temple even served him. Given this experience, he naturally felt that so-called immortals were nothing special; they all had to obey the emperor's orders.

But the emperor clearly had the wrong idea...

What people respect is never his power or strength. On the contrary, everyone is trying to shake and usurp his National Luck. Where is there even a shred of respect? The reason they haven't used extraordinary power against you is simply because they are hesitant to do so under certain rules. If someone like Guan Ji really wanted to go all out, turning your entire Dragon Abyss City into ruins would be a piece of cake. Who does the emperor matter?

Unfortunately, the emperor was clearly unaware of this.

Qin Yi, of course, didn't take him seriously and simply replied, "Whether or not I become the Imperial Preceptor is another matter. I've come here to report back after finding the source of the unusual dragon energy."

The emperor seemed to only then remember that the reason he had summoned the immortal was for this matter, and his mind was finally diverted. "Oh? What is the reason?"

Qin Yi said, "There must be something strange in the Inner Palace Treasury; we can get rid of it."

To Qin Yi's surprise, the emperor actually flashed murderous intent upon hearing this, but quickly composed himself and pondered, "In that case, Imperial Preceptor, please accompany the Immortal inside."

Although the murderous intent was fleeting and ordinary people might not be able to sense it, cultivators have incredibly sharp spiritual senses. Qin Yi could detect the hidden murderous intent without even looking.

The emperor wants to kill me?

I didn't mean it that way before. Did my words trigger something?

He remained calm and turned to Lingxu, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoist."

Lingxu laughed and said, "Not at all, fellow Daoist is also doing his best to help my Great Qian Dynasty."

The imperial treasury of the Great Qian Dynasty is far more impressive than that of the Southern Li. It doesn't house mundane items like gold and silver jewelry; instead, it contains special items that have been blessed and consecrated by successive "Imperial Preceptor" and "immortal masters." Some of these items are indeed top-quality magical Law Artifacts, and there's even a possibility that they contain high-grade treasures.

Even the treasure vault's structure isn't a simple storage room, but an underground palace with various mechanisms and formations. It was built by a true immortal master in the early days, and ordinary cultivators might not be able to enter and exit freely, so someone needs to guide them.

Lingxu led Qin Yi to the entrance of the treasure vault, ordered the guards to open it, and casually said, "Brother Dao, why don't you really stay and become an Imperial Preceptor? You can also take care of your little niece."

Qin Yi smiled and said, "Everyone has their own destiny. Since the little girl is already under His Majesty's care, I don't need to interfere too much... Just come and visit her when you have time."

As they spoke, the heavy iron door of the treasure vault opened, and the two stepped inside. In the brief moment when the light was dimmed as they entered, neither of them noticed a yellow rat darting out of Qin Yi's arms and disappearing into the shadows along a dark corner.

Qin Yi casually turned to the left, where he found a Weapon Display Room with many swords hanging on the walls, some of which possessed a Spiritual Qi or bloodthirsty aura.

Lingxu then said, "These are the swords worn by emperors throughout history and the weapons of famous generals. The Da Qian Kingdom originated from these swords."

Qin Yi looked around. "The Founding Sword isn't here?"

Lingxu knew what he was thinking. It was related to the Luck Dragon, and of course, it was highly likely to be the Founding Sword.

"Such a treasure would naturally be in the deepest secret chamber, not displayed here right at the entrance," Lingxu said with a smile. "If you, fellow Daoist, are interested in the swords here, it wouldn't be impossible to inform His Majesty and take one for your own use."

"Hmm..." Qin Yi saw a Wolf Tooth Club leaning against the wall, picked it up subconsciously, weighed it a couple of times, and then shook his head.

Too light... This doesn't even deserve to be called Wolf Tooth Club!

"Let's go." He casually tossed the stick aside. "Since the items related to luck are in the deepest secret room, let's just go check them out. I'm not here to hunt for treasures."

Lingxu didn't say anything and continued to lead him deeper into the area. They passed several secret rooms along the way, but didn't open them to look inside.

Qin Yi had been sensing the location of the treasure that suppressed the fortune, and sure enough, it was in the deepest part ahead. However, the deeper he went, the more underground he became, surrounded by darkness and countless traps. It was indeed a good place to set up a trap to ensnare people.

He became even more cautious.

Nothing unusual happened along the way. Lingxu led Qin Yi through several turns until they finally arrived at a Golden Gate at the end of the road.

Lingxu pressed a button somewhere by the door, and the Golden Gate slowly opened.

The secret room was small, containing only an incense table upon which rested a gleaming sword. Adjoining the sword on the wall behind it hung a painting depicting the Universe Mountains and Rivers, perfectly complementing the sword's significance.

There was nothing else.

Qin Yi clearly sensed that the faint, strange power that Luck Dragon and preventing it from flying away was indeed emanating from this secret room. As soon as the door opened, the dense aura of fortune was unbelievably strong.

Lingxu was looking at the sword.

Qin Yi is looking at the painting.

The sword and the painting were intertwined, shrouded in an aura of destiny, making it impossible for anyone to discern their origin. Anyone else would likely conclude that this Founding Sword was Treasures Suppressing Luck, but only Qin Yi knew otherwise.

It's a painting.

The mountains, rivers, and states depicted in the painting are the true treasures that ensure the enduring existence of this land.

Qin Yi was all too familiar with the painting style and the aura it contained; it was clearly the work of the same person as the monkey painting on his body.

This is a painting created by Ju Yunxiu's master—who is also Qin Yi's nominal master.

Ju Yunxiu once thought that the painting she gave to her friend in the Great Qian Dynasty was not a treasure. However, it turns out that this painting is the highest grade among the paintings she has collected so far.

It may not have the ability to harm anyone, but its value is greater than that of harming anyone.

Qin Yi could see even more clearly that the meaning of the mountains and rivers in the painting was this vast land, this magnificent landscape, and it was meant to suppress the land and the people covered by the country called "Da Qian," not the Da Qian Emperor family.

My goals completely aligned with my "master's" intentions, and I had no more doubts.

Qin Yi stepped inside.

Lingxu didn't follow, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

The secret room was small. Qin Yi reached the incense table in a few steps, touched the sword, and turned to smile, "Brother Dao, it may indeed be this item."

Lingxu's eyes widened in surprise, and he walked forward curiously, as if trying to get a better look.

Just as he walked up to Qin Yi suddenly turned and flew away.

Just before the futons where the two were standing, a sudden burst of array light erupted from the ground, like a prison cell rising up, instantly trapping Lingxu inside. At the same time, the sword shone with a sharp light, and a piercing Sword Qi hurtled down towards Lingxu, ferocious and incomparably powerful—at least a strike capable of taking on the clouds!

"Clang!"

Lingxu seemed to have some preparation, but due to insufficient cultivation, he was in a very sorry state. He managed to summon a Bagua plate to block the sword, but the Bagua plate was destroyed. However, the Sword Qi did not weaken much and pierced through his shoulder, pinning him to the wall.

If he hadn't been prepared, that blow would have been enough to kill him!

With a "thud, "Lingxu fell to the ground along the wall, clutching his injured shoulder and vomiting blood. Clearly, the injury was not only to his shoulder, but also to his internal organs, which had been damaged by the Sword Qi.

He stared at Qin Yi intently, wanting to say something but unable to utter a word.

Lingxu couldn't understand why Qin Yi could touch the sword without any problems, but he triggered the restriction just because he curiously went up to take a look.

Qin Yi smiled slightly, "Brother Dao, next time, whether you advance or retreat, be decisive. Hesitation will lead to defeat."

As he spoke, he retreated again.

In the air above the secret chamber, it was as if an invisible giant bell had suddenly descended upon it.

If they had let their guard down, thinking that the Sword Qi they just witnessed was the only barrier here, they would have been doomed. But Qin Yi seemed to have anticipated this; his Wolf Tooth Club suddenly appeared in his hand, and he swung it fiercely behind him. "Master Ci Hui, is your neck alright?"

The corridor behind them, which had been completely empty and devoid of any sign of life, suddenly emitted a crisp metallic clang, and Ci Hui appeared, holding up his Zen Staff.