Chapter 722: Lingbao Pavilion Room 108

As they flew through the air towards the Devouring Beast, Zhou Xian, next to Jiang Xueling, repeatedly glanced back. At this point, Ji Yuan was no longer visible due to the distance and the mist.

"Grandmaster, why are we leaving just after seeing Mr. Ji? Was it truly just to say hello?"

"He was simply taking a leisurely stroll on Jade Spirit Peak. There's no need to disturb his pleasant outing. We'll have plenty of time on the way to the Grotto-Heaven of Heavenly Secrets."

Jiang Xueling gave this perfunctory reply. Her junior, though knowing it wasn't the real reason, could only offer a resigned "Oh."

"Grandmaster, was that a fox demon just now? Although he didn't cultivate immortal arts, he seemed very intelligent and graceful. And the Kun he mentioned..."

"Yes, our Wei Mei Sect's Devouring Beast indeed possesses some lineage of the Kun. For many years, our sect has diligently cared for the Devouring Beast, striving to strengthen its bloodline. Xiao Xian, you will also be responsible for caring for the Devouring Beast in the future. You'll learn more about this eventually, but you must never speak of it outside the sect, nor even casually within it."

"Yes, Grandmaster! And Grandmaster, the fox demon also knows about Kun? Did Mr. Ji tell him? And you still haven't said what kind of creature a Kun actually is!"

Jiang Xueling flicked her whisk, and the surrounding clouds swirled, transforming into ribbons like giant whisk strands. They gently brushed the side of the Devouring Beast, causing it to emit a comfortable purr.

"It could only have been Mr. Ji who told him. As for the Kun, I can't quite describe it, but it's simply enormous."

"Oh..."

As the two from Wei Mei Sect flew away, Ji Yuan, on the other side, was also lost in thought.

It seemed that the Wei Mei Sect was indeed cultivating the Devouring Beast, and Jiang Xueling most likely knew what a "Kun" was. This greatly surprised Ji Yuan, as many high-level cultivators he had encountered were unaware of ancient mythical beasts and fierce creatures. This alone significantly piqued Ji Yuan's interest in the Wei Mei Sect.

Fortunately, the Devouring Beast was their mode of transport this time, offering ample opportunities to converse with members of the Wei Mei Sect. Jiang Xueling possessed profound cultivation and seemed to hold a respectable position within the sect. Moreover, she clearly had an exceptional understanding of the Devouring Beast, making her the ideal contact.

"Mr. Ji, shall we continue exploring? I imagine the sect will soon send someone once they hear you've arrived at Jade Spirit Peak."

As the main person in charge of constructing Jade Spirit Peak, Wei Wuwei's primary duty upon Ji Yuan's arrival was to inform the sect. Hence, his remark.

"Indeed. Let's head to a livelier spot, perhaps a market. By now, Jade Spirit Peak should have quite a few shops open, right?"

Wei Wuwei nodded.

"Precisely. Friends from various paths have gathered here, and naturally, they have their own needs. Jade Spirit Peak is arguably seventy percent ready. Even while seeking immortality and enlightenment, one can still conduct some business."

"Yu Huai Shan truly found the right person to put in charge when they tasked you with this!"

Ji Yuan chuckled, taking a step towards the liveliest source of sound in the distance. Wei Wuwei bowed to Zaoniang and the others beside him, then gestured for them to follow, ensuring everyone kept pace seamlessly.

Of course, Wei Wuwei wasn't the only one in charge of building Jade Spirit Peak. While the other Realized Immortals were indeed present, their primary focus remained on cultivation and their personal interests. They would have participated if absolutely necessary, but Wei Wuwei demonstrated such astonishing talent in this area that the others were content to enjoy their leisure.

Thus, when Ji Yuan called Wei Wuwei the main person in charge, Wei Wuwei himself didn't object. The path of immortal cultivation and inquiry emphasizes facing one's true self; there's no need for false modesty when stating a fact. Even the Realized Immortals of Yu Huai Shan wouldn't have disagreed.

It could be said that both Yu Huai Shan and Wei Wuwei possessed a certain 'ambition.' Jade Spirit Peak was being constructed meticulously, already exhibiting the scale of a city developed under immortal culture. In other immortal ports, Ji Yuan believed that initial forms only emerged through passive change, whereas Jade Spirit Peak's purpose was much more explicit.

As the main person in charge, Wei Wuwei naturally knew best what was worth seeing and where the good spots were. He guided Ji Yuan and the others on a tour, not only attending to Ji Yuan but also ensuring that Hu Yun, Zaoniang, and everyone else were taken care of.

Wei Wuwei dared not neglect anyone around Ji Yuan, especially those he hadn't met or didn't know well, such as Zaoniang and Jin Jia.

These two also displayed very unique temperaments. In Wei Wuwei's mind, the gentle and elegant Zaoniang clearly appeared to be a female immortal who had cultivated for untold years. She could offer a faint smile to everything, remained unperturbed by any matter, and was as steady and tranquil as an ancient evergreen tree.

The large man referred to as Jin Jia by Mr. Ji and others barely shifted his gaze, even amidst the colorful and bustling surroundings. He rarely looked up or down at anything, at most casting a sidelong glance, his eyes cold and disdainful, as if nothing could catch his attention. There was no doubt; this person's cultivation must be immeasurably profound.

In the distance, a tall pavilion glowed with a faint magical light. In addition to a plaque hanging at its front, a large banner shimmered with a soft golden light, floating above its roof.

"Spiritual Treasure Pavilion? This place is magnificent!"

Sun Yaya read aloud, gazing at the banner. Hu Yun, beside her, echoed the sentiment.

"Yes, their pavilion is the most ostentatious; none of the surrounding buildings even have magical light."

"Mr. Ji, and everyone, this Spiritual Treasure Pavilion is one of the earliest immortal establishments to open on Jade Spirit Peak. It contains numerous rare and wondrous treasures, and its reputation has become quite prominent in the cultivation world over the years. Uh, however, this place isn't open for casual visits unless you genuinely have something to exchange. There's a good restaurant up ahead where we could sit..."

As Wei Wuwei spoke, Ji Yuan took out a jade token from his sleeve. Its back was covered in spiritual script, while the front bore the characters 'Spiritual Treasure Holder.'

"This Spiritual Treasure Pavilion certainly knows how to open branches."

Ji Yuan toyed with the jade token in his hand. Although he didn't urgently need anything, he felt an urge to go inside and look around.

"Sir, do you have a Spiritual Treasure Edict Token in your hand?"

Wei Wuwei was slightly taken aback but quickly regained his composure. After all, it was Mr. Ji before him; nothing he possessed would be surprising.

"I hear this jade token isn't just a treasure in itself, but it also grants immense authority. If anyone presents this token, the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion will go out of its way to assist them beyond mere business transactions."

"Is it hard to acquire?"

Hu Yun asked. Wei Wuwei, beside him, nodded in profound agreement.

"Extremely rare. A steward from this Spiritual Treasure Pavilion once said that this token possesses a 'Return Edict,' meaning it will fly back if stolen, lost, or if someone attempts to destroy it. It can only leave its owner if given as a gift or lent, and it even has the miraculous effect of shielding one from misfortune or death. In the past century, only one has been given out... Uh, Mr. Ji, surely it's not the one you're holding?"

Ji Yuan smiled, stroking his chin.

"Then it's likely this one is mine. In that case, let's go inside the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion and have a look. Zaoniang, Hu Yun, and Yaya, if you see anything you fancy, I will buy it for you this time."

Ji Yuan hadn't thoroughly researched the functions of this small jade token. He only knew it was certainly legitimate and would be convenient at the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion. The last time a person from the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion gave it to him, they likely avoided going into too much detail, perhaps to avoid being conventional.

The gates of the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion were wide open. As Ji Yuan and his companions passed through the pavilion's array and entered, a steward-like figure immediately greeted them with a smiling face. Although slightly surprised to see such a diverse small group, he showed no outward sign, performing a perfectly proper bow first.

"Fellow Daoists, may I know what you are looking for? Please feel free to tell me."

"I once visited a Spiritual Treasure Pavilion that was arranged according to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, containing 108 treasure chambers with various rare and precious items. This Spiritual Treasure Pavilion on Jade Spirit Peak has only recently opened; what is its layout?"

As Ji Yuan spoke, the steward's eyes lit up slightly. A knowledgeable expert had arrived.

"Senior, while each Spiritual Treasure Pavilion has its unique characteristics, their overall layouts only differ in the distribution of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, but they all contain the same number of treasure chambers."

"Hmm, may I see all of them?"

"Senior, it would be better if you told us what you're looking for, and we will find it and bring it to you."

The steward spoke politely, but his refusal was quite clear. However, Ji Yuan was openly intent on seeing what his jade token could do today, so he generously produced it.

"How about now?"

"This... A Spiritual Treasure Edict Token!"

The steward lowered his head to meticulously examine the jade token in Ji Yuan's hand. When he looked up at Ji Yuan again, he noticed the black jade hairpin in his topknot and vaguely discerned the pair of pale eyes.

'It's Mr. Ji!'

The steward didn't reveal it directly. After seeing the jade token and glancing at Ji Yuan, he immediately bowed again with utmost solemnity.

"With a Spiritual Treasure Edict Token in hand, such a minor request is certainly no trouble at all. Please wait a moment while I inform the other thirty-five Daoist stewards and the Realized Immortal in charge of the pavilion to open all the treasure chamber pathways!"

After speaking, the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion cultivator sent several streaks of magical light towards the pavilion. Ji Yuan expected to wait for a quarter of an hour or so, but after just a few breaths, shimmering, colorful patterns flashed through the surroundings, and the entire Spiritual Treasure Pavilion became brilliantly radiant.

Swish, swish, swish—layers of light expanded from the inside out. Ji Yuan looked around; the floor beneath his feet, the surrounding walls, and the ceiling above seemed to stretch infinitely. The already spacious ground floor hall of the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion was growing larger and brighter.

This sensation of the entire building expanding in all directions was both astonishing and wondrous.

As the building extended, more people appeared around them. There were visiting cultivators examining treasures, as well as stewards and ordinary cultivators belonging to the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion itself. All were 'encompassed' in this process, most of them with astonished expressions, unaware of what was happening to the pavilion.

After about a dozen breaths, all transformations ceased. Numerous treasure chambers stood with their central doors wide open, interconnected and separated only by thin, transparent light barriers. Pathways extended in all directions, and the combined radiance of the treasures themselves and their protective arrays created a dazzling, shimmering display, illuminating the vastly expanded Spiritual Treasure Pavilion with bursts of ethereal light.

Among these, several treasures in the very core stood out, protected by exceptionally formidable arrays. Ji Yuan's gaze immediately fell upon three copper coins suspended in mid-air, with a banner beside them labeled: 'Ruyi Treasure Coins.'

"Immortal Elder Ji, all 108 treasure chambers of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches in the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion are now open. Please, Immortal Elder, feel free to peruse them!"

Ji Yuan maintained a calm expression, but inwardly, he found it quite fascinating; he hadn't expected this kind of presentation.