Golden Soul Tower! . . .
The most vexing aspect for Ling Wuxie was that even though they had no choice but to give it to Feng Monarch, the treasure wouldn't be treated as a gift. When the day came to hand it over, Feng Monarch would undoubtedly say, "I never asked for it. You can't take it back. I don't owe you anything, do I? But you owe me a massive favor! What will you do to repay that debt?" Such a scenario was inevitable.
Ling Wuxie had only known Feng Monarch for a brief time, but he was well-acquainted with his shameless and cunning personality. He fully expected Feng Monarch to act in precisely this manner. This knowledge filled Ling Wuxie and the two ladies with a sense of impending doom.
Gritting his teeth, Ling Wuxie asked, "Feng Monarch, do you have any idea how rare that treasure you're talking about is in the Human Realm Upon Heavens?"
Ling Wuxie's heart ached because he was the sole possessor of such a treasure among the three of them. If anyone had to part with it, it would be him, and thus he would be the one to suffer a loss.
Feng Monarch responded nonchalantly, "Why should I know? I don't believe such a magical item exists. However, if I can't obtain something that can protect me from that accursed lightning, I won't risk my life making those dan beads for you. You understand, Brother Ling."
This forthrightness left Ling Wuxie astonished. He couldn't help but think, "That's one way to put it," while also experiencing the internal shock of understanding the gravity of the situation.
Wan of the Clouds chimed in gently, "Lord Ling, in reality, Feng Monarch isn't asking for much from us. Moreover, providing a treasure capable of defending against lightning strikes is a simple task for someone of your stature."
Her implication was clear: "Come on, Ling Wuxie, you're a renowned figure. Surely you have many treasures at your disposal. Just give him one, and the problem is solved."
Wan of the Clouds had good intentions, but she vastly overestimated Ling Wuxie's resources.
Ling Wuxie felt like crying. "I wish it were as simple as picking something up and dealing with him. I don't just have one lying around! The treasures I have with me are all top-class, and each one could make a significant impact in the Human Realm Upon Heavens."
He couldn't fathom parting with any of them without receiving gratitude or thanks in return. The thought left him with a profound sense of impending loss.
"Very well," he eventually conceded, his heart heavy with the decision. "Bai Chen is my brother, and I owe him this." He glanced at Feng Monarch. "I will give you the treasure. After I make it work, if it fails to protect you from the divine punishment, we will leave. You won't owe us anything, and we won't bother you again."
Feng Monarch responded enthusiastically, "Good! Excellent! Well said, Brother Ling! You are truly a man from the upper world, and it's a pleasure to make a deal with someone like you. Dealing with women is always so finicky; they tend to create trouble."
This remark incited an immediate and indignant response from Wan and Xiu. They both exclaimed angrily, "Who are you referring to?"
Ling Wuxie couldn't hold back his frustration. He pondered, "He praises Ling Wuxie, fine. He takes a big advantage from him after all. Why did he insult us? We are not going to let him say that! I won't bear it!"
Clearing his throat, Ye Xiao delivered a stern warning, "Ahem. Last warning. When men are making a deal, you should stay aside. If you interrupt again, I will have to end this deal immediately!" He then turned his attention back to Ling Wuxie and inquired, "I wonder what this treasure is? What is it called, and how is it used?"
Ling Wuxie sighed and reluctantly revealed, "It is called the Golden Soul Tower."
"Golden Soul Tower? What a splendid name. It must be something extraordinary," Cha Eun Xiao's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"I've only had it for a short time... It's still new to me," Ling Wuxie's expression soured. He had intended to flaunt this defensive treasure in front of Master Bai, but now it would belong to someone else.
He believed there would never be any situation perilous enough to warrant the use of such treasures, which is why he had brought this one as a showpiece.
The things brought down for show, naturally, were the finest.
"So, shall we take it out? I don't like talks!" Cha Eun Xiao was impatient.
Inside, Ling Wuxie's heart bled. He sighed heavily, even more so than Feng Monarch.
This was a sigh of sincere despair. Anyone who heard it would feel compelled to weep, but not Cha Eun Xiao, Wan, and Xiu. They had no reason to grieve for Ling Wuxie.
Reluctantly, Ling Wuxie ground his teeth, saying, "Fine. I must owe Bai Chen from a past life..." He closed his eyes, and from his hand, he produced a small tower no larger than a finger.
Cha Eun Xiao hesitated, "Such a small thing... Can it truly defend against divine punishment?"
Ling Wuxie explained, "This Golden Soul Tower is constructed from ninety-nine types of Star Hearts. It can change size as needed."
However, he didn't want to part with it, and he was visibly upset about it.
He continued, "I must clarify something. My Golden Soul Tower is extraordinary, but most of its functions can only be activated once you reach the next level in cultivation. For now, you can only use it to automatically activate its defensive shield with my assistance. Unfortunately, it won't last long."
Cha Eun Xiao was bewildered, "Under your help? Automatically activate the defensive shield? Won't last long?" He scrutinized the small tower with confusion. "So, under your help. Fine. But what use is it if it can't last long? I'll have to endure fifty divine punishments to make all those dan beads, and that will take quite some time. How can I rely on it then? Are you trying to deceive me?"
Ling Wuxie appeared disheartened. "Hmm... So..."
The sorrow was evident in his demeanor, and he appeared to be bleeding emotionally.