The Heavenly Armory?
Chen Mo had heard of it before.
They said it held centuries of the imperial household's accumulated treasures: countless cultivation techniques, weapons, and spirit materials. Only those who had rendered great service were allowed inside.
Eunuch Jin stepped forward and drew an Imperial Edict from his sleeve. A flash of light passed over it, and the tightly shut doors opened by themselves.
The two black-armored guards remained motionless from beginning to end.
"Centurion Chen, come with me."
Eunuch Jin gestured for him to follow.
Chen Mo followed him inside.
A deep corridor stretched before them. Stone statues stood on either side, some depicting armored soldiers with weapons at the ready, others fierce-looking exotic beasts. Bronze wall lamps were set into the walls, their dim candlelight dispersing the darkness ahead.
As they walked, the hairs on Chen Mo's arms slowly rose. He felt as though someone were watching him.
At the end of the corridor, they passed through a translucent curtain, and the space opened up before them. Hundreds of luminous pearls hung from the domed ceiling, illuminating the vast hall. Rows of display shelves stood in neat order, holding jade slips, spirit materials, and treasures—an dazzling array, each faintly glowing with divine light.
Various weapons were displayed in cabinets against the walls, their chilling aura almost tangible.
A wooden table stood nearby. An old man with a slightly hunched frame sat behind it, propping his chin on one hand as he dozed.
He had a pale, clean-shaven face, a web of wrinkles, and wore a black robe with wide sleeves, unadorned by any insignia.
Eunuch Jin placed the Imperial Edict on the table.
The old man raised his eyelids slightly, glanced at it, and said, "First floor. Half an hour. Three treasures."
Chen Mo understood.
He stepped