Chapter 58: The Five Treasures

  The iron gate gradually turned white and emitted a soft glow. A creaking sound was heard, and the iron gate slowly rose up.

  Zi Xue said in surprise: "The things that come out of this sea are really different, I haven't been to the big sea yet."

  I smiled and said, "Next time I'll definitely take you there, I haven't seen the sea either. Before, people told me that the sea is just a very large lake that can't be seen to the edge, only the water is salty."

  Tanaka smiled and said, "The ocean is actually very beautiful. When I was young, I went with my family to the seaside. I don't know what's at the end of the ocean. We have several provinces along the coast where the dragon gods reside. The coastline is several times longer than that of the demon tribe and beastman tribe combined. When you go, be sure to call me, I also want to experience that magnificent feeling again."

  Ziyan said: "I don't know what's on the other side of the sea, Leixiang. Let's go explore together in the future."

  Tanaka's expression changed and he said: "Absolutely not, it's very difficult to tell directions in the vast ocean, and if we encounter a storm, it will be troublesome."

  At this time, the gate was already fully open. I said to Tanaka, "Lead the way."

  Tanaka shook his head and said, "You go in and get them yourself, I don't want my expression to affect your selection. Take five pieces, you can come out, everything depends on your luck."

  "Crafty," Zi Xue said, turning up her lip. She was the first to head towards the storage room. Afraid that she might have a slip-up, I and Zi Yan quickly followed after her. After passing through the iron gate and turning a corner, what we saw inside left us in shock. Because, unlike our imagination, there wasn't any treasure radiating brilliant light, although there were quite a number of items around, they all looked rather old and dusty.

  Zi Xue wrinkled her cute little nose and said, "How can this be? What kind of collection room is this? It's simply like a garbage dump."

  I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and smiled, "Don't worry, I think very few people come here, maybe it's because of the dust. You guys have noticed, although this place is sealed tightly, there are many hidden ventilation holes, otherwise, underground, we would definitely feel suffocated."

  Ziyan walked to one side and said, "You see, this collection room has a lot of armor and weapons, the rest are just decorations. Ah Xue, use a small water ball to clean that suit of armor." She pointed to the outermost suit of armor.

  Zixue nodded, stretched out her left hand, and the bracelet on her wrist that I had given her emitted a faint glow. "Gentle water, listen to my summons, water bullet." A small blue water ball appeared in her hand, and Zixue lightly waved it, sending the water bullet flying straight out and hitting the chest area of the armor specified by Ziyuan. Ziyuan released more light from the illumination technique in her hand, and we gathered around, only to see that the area where the water bullet had hit was now a dark black color. I tapped my finger on it, feeling a thick, heavy sensation that wasn't quite metal or iron. Zixue said, "It seems like it's really different now. Leixiang, do you want this armor? It should still be worth some money, hehe."

  I shook my head and said, "My armor is useless. As soon as I transform, it will be ruined anyway. Moreover, my skin is the best armor."

  Ziyan brushed off the dust on her armor and smiled, "The defensive power of skin and armor are two different things. There are many high-level armors that have a certain degree of immunity to some magic or special attacks, which are very valuable. There must be such high-level armors here, unfortunately you have wings after transforming, otherwise I really should get one set."

  I was stunned and said: "How come I've never heard of such attribute-bearing armor?"

  Zi Xue chuckled and said, "That guy's biggest mistake was letting Sister come with us to the storage room to pick things out. Sister is really knowledgeable, you know. She's basically read all the classics in the academy library."

  Ziyan's vast knowledge I have experienced before, it was under her guidance that I distinguished the uses of several gems. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said: "Then let our great talent help us choose what we need, anyway, they're all freebies. Don't keep Tianzhong waiting for too long."

  "Xue asked, "Xiang, why are you so trusting of that Tanaka? What if he's leading us into a trap? This is his turf, and if he tries any tricks, it won't be easy to deal with. Are you being too careless?"

  I was stunned for a moment, and indeed, I had never thought that Tanaka would be unfavorable to us in this regard. Ziyan answered on my behalf: "Tanaka may not be a very good person, but I don't think he's that kind of person. We don't have any deep grudges against him, and money is just material wealth. At first, I was worried, but after seeing Tanaka, my worries disappeared. He looks like the best gambler, one with a good sense of betting. People like him are often easier to deal with than those so-called gentlemen, so that's why I didn't stop Ah Xiang from coming over with him."

  I nodded and said, "Indeed, I don't know why either. I've never doubted him before, maybe it's intuition. His eyes always seemed very clear to me. Alright, our talented and knowledgeable Ziyuan, hurry up and choose, don't let them wait too long outside."

  Yi'an nodded and began to carefully examine the objects around her, while Zi Xue assisted her by using water magic to clean the items that caught Yi'an's eye.

  I didn't need to choose, I was happy to be idle, browsing around the collection room. This place is actually just a large empty stone room, with things placed here and there without any rules. Although this morning's match didn't leave me injured, it did make me feel somewhat tired. I found a corner, used water magic to rinse off, then used fire magic to dry off, preparing to sit down and meditate. Just as the ground was almost completely dry, I suddenly noticed something on the ground next to me flashing in the light of the fireball.

  Curiosity drove me to pick it up, and after dusting off the dirt, I found that it was a breastplate's dedicated heart mirror, round in shape with many card slots around it, which should be connected to the breastplate. The entire heart mirror wasn't made of metal, only the card slots on the edges were surrounded by an unknown metal. The texture of the heart mirror looked more like a giant gemstone, smooth and round, but pitch black without any luster. I don't know why, although it didn't seem to have any energy exchange with me like Mo Ming did, as soon as I held this heart mirror, I felt a strange sense of familiarity in my heart, as if it should be mine.

  "Ziyan, come and take a look at this Heart Guarding Jade!"

  Ziyan and Zixue heard my summons and hurried over, Zixue holding a string of necklaces in her hand, seemingly something they had picked out.

  I handed the heart mirror to Ziyan and said, "Take a look at this, I think it's special." Ziyan took the heart mirror and examined it carefully, saying, "It is very special. The heart mirror is inlaid with gems and should have some special effect on armor, but I've never heard of an entire heart mirror being made of minerals. Let's try to see if it has any properties." She suggested that I inject water, fire, earth, wind, and darkness magic elements one by one, waiting a while after each injection to observe its reaction. However, after trying all five types of magic, we were disappointed to find that no matter what was input, there was no response at all, as if it had sunk into the sea without a trace.

  Zixue said: "Sister, you try it out, maybe your light system magic will have a reaction."

  Ziyan nodded, stretched out her hand, and condensed a light ball, slowly inputting it into the Heart Mirror. The Heart Mirror seemed to tremble slightly, lit up for a moment, and then there was no reaction at all. I hurriedly asked: "Was that just now considered a response?"

  Ziyan shook her head and said, "It's just a slight reaction to the light element, this kind of ore is not enough to be used as the central part of high-grade armor, it should be useless."

  I picked up the locket again, and that familiar feeling flooded my mind once more. It was as if I had met a close relative. I reluctantly put it back in its original place. Ziyan smiled and said, "Ashang, what's wrong?"

  Nothing, I just really like this windshield.

  Ziyan smiled and said: "If you like it, just take it. We'll help you find other matching accessories."

  "I said doubtfully: 'But didn't you say it's useless?'"

  Her eyes were filled with tender feelings, and she said softly: "As long as you like it, what's the use of it? I've already picked out three things, plus this one makes four, just one more to go."

  When she said that, I was delighted to pick up the breastplate from the ground and put it in my arms, and searched with Ziyan and others. Unfortunately, after searching the entire collection room, we did not find any armor that could match it, so it seemed to be a single piece here. However, under Ziyan's encouragement, I still kept this inconspicuous breastplate.

  Zi Yan and the others were still enthusiastically selecting their last item, I was bored waiting on the side, finally, when I was already a bit drowsy, they came back.

  "Alright, I've found everything, let's go."

  Looking at their excited appearance, they must have picked out something they liked. As long as they like it, I don't care, and with the 'treasure' in my arms, I accompanied them out of the storage room.

  Tanaka sat alone, pitifully practicing his qigong in the correct lotus position. When he heard our footsteps, he took a deep breath, slowly opened his eyes and smiled: "How's it going? Have you guys found something you like?" Looking at him, it seemed as if he wasn't worried at all that we would choose the most valuable items.

  I nodded and said: "I've already chosen." As I spoke, I took out the protective mirror from my bosom and said: "This is what I chose. Although I couldn't see anything precious about it, I really like it."

  Tanaka walked over, took a look at the breastplate, and laughed: "Lei brother, you really know how to pick them. This might be the only thing in the collection room that's worthless, because our ancestors couldn't figure out what material this breastplate is made of or which armor it belongs to. As they say, 'it's tasteless when eaten, but a pity to throw away', but using it as a makeshift account book cover isn't bad, haha." I glared at him, ignoring his teasing, and stuffed the breastplate back into my pocket.

  Tanaka elegantly asked Ziyan: "Can I see what all the ladies have chosen?"

  Ziyan pouted and said: "Why should we show you? Don't you believe that we only took five pieces?"

  Tanaka smiled and said, "Of course not. I just want to see what you're all holding, so that when I get back, I can remove the names of these items from the collection room catalog."

  Tanaka's request is not excessive, I said: "Ziyan, you just show Tan brother a look, and also let Tan brother help you identify what specific things are." Ziyan and the others took out something that I wasn't very clear about. What I'm most concerned about now is whether they can maintain their cheerful mood. In this way, when we get back, it's more likely that I'll be able to obtain their forgiveness.

  "Alright, little sister, bring it out," said Zi Yan with a nod. Zi Xue glanced at her sister and pulled out a small cloth bag from her bosom. Tian Zhong was shocked and exclaimed, "A mustard seed bag! How did you two manage to pick that up? I'm done for, my big brother is going to scold me to death!" The excitement I felt earlier from picking the 'junk' item had undoubtedly been ruined.

  "I exclaimed in surprise: 'Isn't it just a small cloth bag? What's so extraordinary about it, even if it were made of gold, it wouldn't be worth much, why are you making such a fuss?'"

  Tanaka said with a bitter face: "Lei brother, you don't know, this is not an ordinary cloth bag. Its value can't be compared to gold. In the collection room, it's one of the top ten treasures. Since you've already chosen it, I have nothing more to say. Let's just consider ourselves unlucky."

  I asked further: "You haven't said what this is used for yet."

  Ziyan smiled and said, "Ah Xiang, let me tell you, I've seen this mustard bag in an old book before, that's why I recognized it. Otherwise, who would notice this unremarkable thing? The greatest effect of the mustard bag is to transform evil spirits into mustard seeds."

  "What is Mount Sumeru and what is a mustard seed?"

  "What is meant by '须弥' is simply boundless and infinite, whereas '芥子' is the opposite, referring to something infinitely small. This mustard seed bag can hold a lot of things, although I don't know exactly how much, but I feel that it's related to the user's ability - the stronger the ability, the more you can hold. It's very useful, look at the two spells on the bag, one is for storing things and the other is for finding things in the mustard seed bag. As long as you recite the spell while thinking about what you want to store or find, you can naturally use it, it's very easy."

  Not only was I stunned, but Tanaka also looked dull, "Miss Ziyan, as for this mustard bag, all I know is that it can store a lot of things. It's said to be made by the great demon master of ancient times based on spatial magic principles. Now, spatial magic has been lost, so its preciousness can be imagined. I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable, and I really admire you."

  Ziyan gave him a triumphant glance and said, "Less nonsense, let me show you what we've got. Besides the protective mirror that Lei Xiang took and this mustard seed bag, there are three more things." It was just a simple incantation, but the mouth of the mustard seed bag opened wide, and three objects floated out, growing larger as they emerged. They were a blue cloak, a blue necklace, and a small pink gemstone. The fabric of the blue cloak was fluffy, with an embroidered flying phoenix in deep blue, and a faint magical six-pointed star on the entire cloak. Although it looked beautiful, there didn't seem to be anything special about it. If what Ziyan said was true, that it possessed very strong magical energy, then it should be a water-based protective gear. The chain of the blue necklace was made up of transparent small beads, crystal clear and translucent. It was called a blue necklace mainly because of the pendant, which was a natural hexagonal blue gemstone. Its color was much deeper than that of diamonds, and under Ziyan's light magic illumination, it sparkled and shone with an extraordinary charm. The pink gemstone was also a necklace, but its chain was just a thin white thread. If you didn't look closely, it would be hard to notice.

  As the three things appeared, Tian's face changed color and he trembled as he said: "You, you guys are also too good at picking, right?"

  Ziyan said, "I didn't choose anything too valuable either. The cloak and necklace are for my sister, the pink gemstone is mine. I just thought their energy fluctuations were quite intense, so I chose them. What's wrong with that?"

  Tanaka sighed and said, "It seems that fate is like this, nothing wrong with it, for you, it's simply too good. Among these three treasures, the Sea Blue Stone is the most precious, ranking second in my family's collection. It is especially helpful to water system magicians, allowing them to reduce their chanting time when casting spells, and has a 30% enhancement effect on water system magic. When using water system magic, the Sea Blue Stone will emit a protective barrier that can guarantee the caster's safety as long as the enemy's attack does not exceed its maximum load. Of course, it will consume some of the user's magical power, but it can solve the magician's biggest problem, so what's the point of consuming a little magic? Moreover, it also has the effect of avoiding water, and is absolutely a top-grade magic stone. The Chi Xue Shi that Lei brother used as a betting chip earlier is simply... Ah, Miss Zi Yan, I really admire you."

  "Great choice, sister! This is just what I needed!"

  "Ah Xue, don't rely too much on these items, having strong personal abilities is more important than anything else. Understand?" Seeing her sister's serious face, Ah Xue stuck out her cute little tongue and didn't dare to speak. I nodded and said: "Yes, what Ziyuan said is right, only when one has strong power can they have the greatest guarantee. Tian brother, please continue."

  Tanaka looked at us and said, "This cloak is called the Guardian of Water, its effect is defense, and it's suitable for water system magic users. Although it's much inferior to the Azure Stone, it's still a rare treasure. As for this pink gemstone, it's called the Love of Begonia. Legend has it that begonias were extremely beautiful flowers in ancient times, with a rich fragrance, but their blooming period was very short, usually only a few hours. This pink gemstone is made of unknown material, and inside it, a powerful magician set up a magic array. When worn, it will release energy to protect the owner when their life is threatened, but its weakness is that it can only be used once a day, like the begonia, which blooms for a moment and then disappears. It's basically a lifesaver. Among these three items, except for the Azure Stone, the value of the other two won't be lower than Lei Brother's top-grade Chicken Blood Stone, and the Azure Stone is priceless. With the mustard seed bag, you guys have made a profit this time."

  I took the Azure Stone from Ziyan's hand and carefully hung it around Zixue's neck. The deep blue gemstone looked exceptionally beautiful against her snow-white skin. Zixue exclaimed, "It feels so cool! But it's really beautiful." There isn't a girl who doesn't like gemstones; seeing her enchanted expression, I couldn't help but chuckle. I draped the Aqua Shield over her and laughed, saying, "Now your equipment is complete. By the way, did you guys make the Purple Crystal into a staff last time?"

  Zi Xue nodded and said, "We're doing it now. Because we couldn't find the right ingredients, my sister and I sent the purple crystal into the palace, and Prince agreed to help us make a beautiful magic wand."

  Ziyan smiled and said: "With this equipment, sister's magical strength will probably increase by at least two levels."

  I took the Dawn Blossom from her hand and carefully put it on her, the stunning beauty of Zi Yan's face paired with the pink gemstone's shimmering misty light left both Tanaka and me staring in a daze.

  "Look at what? Shall we go now?"

  We finally came to our senses, Tanaka turned around and walked to the edge of the door, pressed a few times on the wall, and the huge iron gate slowly fell. The creaking sound started again, and it changed back to its original shape, the key that was stained with blood red color turned white again and retreated, Tanaka carefully put it away. "Let's go, be careful when we leave, all the mechanisms here are deadly traps."

  Ziyan handed me the mustard bag and said, "You take this, you have to keep one of the five treasures that's useful, I chose it for you, since you're always on the run outside, with this, you won't need to carry a big load."

  The mustard bag is indeed useful to me, and I won't be polite anymore, so I stuffed it into my bosom. Tanaka suddenly turned his head and said: "By the way, there's something that must be told to you, the mustard bag can only store items, living things are not allowed, because the magical world inside is airless, if you put a living thing in, it will probably suffocate to death soon."

  "I nodded and said: 'Thank you, I know.'"

  We carefully and safely exited the underground tunnel and returned to the edge of the pond. I was surprised to find that it had already gotten dark, apparently we spent a considerable amount of time down there. After this trip to retrieve treasure from the underground, my good impression of Tian Zhong deepened even further. Being able to watch someone take away your family's most precious treasure without making excuses to stop them is also a rare quality.

  Tanaka saw us off to the gate of the government office, and Ziyan suddenly said: "Tanaka, thank you."

  Tanaka was taken aback at first, then smiled wryly and said: "You guys be careful with these things, next time I'll have a chance, I will definitely make another bet with Lei brother to win back these treasures."

  Zi Xue smiled and said: "With Ah Xiang protecting us, who can snatch it away."

  Tanaka nodded and said, "This is indeed the case. In Xileng City, there are only a handful of people who can defeat Leigong. I'm worried about myself now. I don't know how to explain it to my brother yet. You guys go ahead."

  Looking at him, I felt a pang of sympathy in my heart. I took out a piece of ink crystal from my bosom and handed it to him, saying: "Do you know what this is?"

  Tanaka's eyes lit up as soon as he saw the ink crystal, and he quickly grabbed it, excitedly saying: "This, this is a magic tribe-produced ink crystal? How did you get it?"

  I smiled slightly and said, "I also got it unintentionally, I only know that this thing can be eaten, and it should have some benefits for cultivating dark magic, you can try it." Mo Jing can change a person's physique, not only widening the meridians, but also cultivating Tianmo Jue, dark magic and dark magic power are far inferior compared to it. If Tanaka eats it, his dark magic will definitely be greatly improved.

  Tanaka said stupidly: "You mean, this... is a gift for me?"

  I nodded and said, "Let's make up for some of your losses then."

  Tanaka still couldn't believe it and said, "But I lost to you, you don't have to give me something so precious."

  "I said seriously: 'Brother Tian, although we haven't known each other for long, I think you're a friend worth making. Consider this a gift between friends.'"

  Tanaka's eyes were slightly red, and he muttered to himself as he held the ink crystal: "Thank you, this is simply too good. With this, my dark magic will definitely make rapid progress. Lei brother, you don't know, I've liked dark magic since I was a child. Perhaps, I should have been born in the demon clan."

  Looking at him, I felt relieved in my heart and smiled: "Then so be it, Brother Tian. It's getting late, we should head back."

  Tanaka's eyes were filled with gratitude, "Lei brother, in the future if there is a place where I can be of use to you, just come find me, I will definitely..."

  I raised my hand to stop him from continuing, saying: "I consider you a friend, so don't say these things. A gentleman's friendship is as thin as water. I didn't ask for anything in return for the ink crystal, goodbye." After finishing speaking, I pulled Ziyan and Zixue's small hands, turned around and walked towards the direction of Xilun Academy. Behind me, Tianzhong was still somewhat bewildered.

  Ziyan and Zixue got what they liked, both looking very happy. Passersby on the street saw me holding hands with two such beautiful girls, all of whom looked at me with envy and jealousy.

  As they walked, Zixue suddenly said: "Ashang, did you know? When my sister told me you were a beastman at first, I felt especially uncomfortable in my heart."

  My eyes dimmed as I said, "I know I'm not worthy of you all. After all, we're not the same species. Although I have human blood in me, but..."

  Zi Xue covered my mouth and said, "Fool, why would you think that? I'm hurt because you didn't tell me the truth, not because of your identity or race. Do you remember? Back then, you asked me what I would do if one day you left Long Shen and never came back. I told you that no matter where you went, I would follow you there. What I love is not your status, position, martial arts, or magic, but you as a person. Don't you understand?"

  I stopped in my tracks, staring blankly at Purple Snow. Her words had moved me deeply, but also caused me immense pain. I couldn't bear the thought of hurting this girl who loved me so deeply. But as for Mo Yue's matter, I had to tell them. I nodded heavily and said, "Purple Snow, I understand, I understand everything."

  Zixue grasped my hand tightly and said with deep feeling, "Later on, sister consoled me, saying that you also had difficulties, being in a foreign country and not being able to reveal your identity at will. I thought about it and forgave you. You're doing well, actually secretly winning over sister too, humph! What do you say we should do now?"

  Facing Zixue, I didn't have any temper at all. I turned my head to look at Ziyuan and gave her a pleading gaze, but she just smiled silently with an "enjoying the show" expression, watching how I would respond. I sighed and resignedly said: "Whatever you want, whatever you say, fine."

  Zi Xue smiled and said, "I won't tease you anymore. Actually, I'm so happy that you can catch up with my sister. Since childhood, the relationship between me and my sister has been the best. This time, we don't have to be separated again. I want to thank you, but it's not enough, haha, you've been fooled."

  I was stunned for a moment, then suddenly understood, and pretended to be angry: "Good, you little girl, dare to tease me, see if I forgive you." As I said that, I reached out my hand to scratch her itch. Zixue let out a surprised cry, giggled and dodged away, and like this, we laughed and played our way back to Xilun Academy.

  Ziyan suddenly stopped and said, "Ashang, my sister and I will go back first and wait for you in her room. You go see Fengwen first. Since they found out you were missing, your friends have been very anxious, especially Fengwen. He's almost gone to the military department every day to ask about your news. He should be awake by now."

  These friends at Tiandu College are all very good to me, when Ziyan mentions Fengwen, my heart warms up, I say: "Yes, I should go take a look at him, I'll come find you guys in a bit."

  "Ah Xiang, although I don't know what you want to tell us, maybe that thing is confusing and puzzling you, but anything can be discussed, we'll wait for your return to tell us, don't avoid it, okay?"

  My heart suddenly sank, the good mood just now floated away. I nodded and said, "I will, ah... you guys go back and wait for me, Feng Wen lives in that room."

  Ziyan said: "In the first room on the left." After finishing speaking, she pulled Zixue away who still wanted to say something.

  I stood there for half a day without moving, Mo Yue's question had been bothering me, it was time to confess to them, Zi Yan just said they could discuss it, but would they really forgive me?

  I walked to Fengwen's room door with a depressed mood and knocked lightly on the door. A somewhat weak voice came from inside: "Come in, the door is not locked."

  I pushed open the door and walked in, Feng was lying on the bed, his face a bit pale, and there was a faint smell of medicine in the room. Seeing me, he got very excited, struggling to sit up, I hurried forward, supporting him with a pillow behind his back, "Brother, I'm back."