Zhang Yu set down the jade slip. With a slight sensing, he saw a trail of misty radiance circling above the hall platform. He opened the gates and let it enter.
The wisp of misty radiance entered the hall and landed, transforming into an exquisite table. Mystic Chaos Cicada patterns were carved on the guards to either side. Atop the table stood two three-legged jade cups, one large and one small, with a glimmering light spilling from their mouths. Beneath the table was stored a small gold-bronze pill furnace.
Daoist Ming Zhou said, "Guardian of Rectitude, according to the Profound Court's stipends, each Guardian of Rectitude may receive three cauldrons of 'Mystic Grain' and one furnace of Spirit-Transporting Pills every ten days. Since you captured Zhu Ci this time, the Profound Court has additionally bestowed thirty measures of Mystic Grain. However, should you need to refine any magical treasure, you may also entrust this Mystic Grain to me in exchange for various treasure materials."
After looking it over for a few moments, Zhang Yu reached into one of the jade cups and grabbed a handful. What fell into his palm were plump, smooth jade grains like rice kernels, gleaming with flowing splendor. Yet every single one was incomparably weighty, as heavy as a mountain.
He mused, So this is Mystic Grain...
Before coming to the Upper Layer, he had asked Dai Xuanzun about the affairs of the Profound Court, and Mystic Grain had been among the matters discussed.
It was said that Mystic Grain contained "primal substance." It was the mysterious transformation of heaven and earth, the primal essence of all things. Once true cultivators refined it, they could stabilize themselves and elevate their cultivation. When profound cultivators refined it, it could replenish their divine essence. It could be called