Chapter 49: Choosing a Treasure
The next day, it rained again on Lingyun Peak. The rain had started in the middle of the night. Unlike the light showers of the past, this time it was a torrential downpour, with large raindrops hitting the ground, making loud cracking sounds.
Ye Jingcheng didn't know how long it had been since he last saw such heavy rain. When he opened the doors and windows, all he could see were puddles, leaves washed away by the rain, and a mist rising over the mountains.
Life on Lingyun Peak was different from that in the Taihang Market. The formation here didn't block the rain, and Ye Jingcheng once heard his fourth brother say it was for a better alignment with the natural Dao.
Though the meaning of those simple words eluded him, Ye Jingcheng still found himself pondering them.
As per his routine, Ye Jingcheng began feeding the spirit beasts. After all, it had been a tough competition recently.
First, the Scarlet Flame Fox received two Spirit Nourishing Pills, one Green Spirit Pill, and a large piece of spirit beast meat. After eating, the fox leaned forward, allowing Ye Jingcheng to feel the heat from its forehead.
Ye Jingcheng happily patted it twice before infusing the treasure light from his book into the beast. The fox lay down slowly, its scarlet paws stretching lazily in front of it.
Next came the Golden Scale Beast. Its meal was two Spirit Nourishing Pills, a Body Refining Pill, and a large piece of spirit beast meat. Its performance in the competition had been impressive, and while it devoured the meat, Ye Jingcheng infused more treasure light into it.
Unlike before, when Ye Jingcheng had only infused a sliver of power, now that the beast belonged to him, he could freely channel a significant amount, almost as much as he did for the Scarlet Flame Fox.
This was largely due to the fact that his treasure book had opened two pages, both capable of storing treasure light.
The treasure light now stored in the book was considerable, and Ye Jingcheng gave it freely to the Golden Scale Beast and the Scarlet Flame Fox.
He understood that the book's power, beyond healing, played a significant role in nurturing the young beasts, improving their absorption of spiritual energy and food.
While a cultivator might absorb 80% of a spirit meal through their techniques, spirit beasts could only naturally absorb 50%. However, with the help of the treasure light, they could absorb it fully—more than many ordinary cultivators.
This was why Ye Jingcheng's beasts grew faster than others.
After feeding the Golden Scale Beast, Ye Jingcheng took out the Jade Ring Mouse. It received only one Spirit Nourishing Pill, a small piece of meat, and a bit of treasure light. Its potential was limited, but the mouse squeaked joyfully. Life in the Qingyun Mountains was usually bleak, so this treatment was luxurious for it.
Ye Jingcheng didn't skimp on the treasure light, though.
Once all three beasts were content and back in their spirit beast pouches, Ye Jingcheng found himself eager to leave, despite the rain still falling heavily. After casting rain-repelling and speed-enhancing techniques, he headed toward the Treasure Pavilion.
Today was the day for receiving rewards, and since he had won first place, he expected the prize to be substantial.
Ye Jingcheng hoped for a powerful cultivation technique, though he wouldn't mind another spirit beast either.
Walking along the winding stone path, the Treasure Pavilion soon appeared before him. Cloaked in mist and rain, the pavilion seemed even more mysterious than usual. Many other cultivators were already gathered outside, waiting to claim their rewards.
Upon entering the pavilion, Ye Jingcheng noticed that it wasn't Elder Ye Haiping who was distributing the rewards, but a relative from the "Star" generation, Ye Xingqi. Dressed in the family's traditional long robe, Ye Xingqi was busy handling things.
"Jingcheng, your eighth uncle is on the second floor of the Treasure Pavilion!" Ye Xingqi kindly reminded him when he saw Ye Jingcheng's questioning look, even while staying busy.
"Thank you, Uncle Qi!" Ye Jingcheng nodded and headed to the second floor. This was his third time here, but this time, his anticipation was much greater—he would be allowed to choose a Profound Grade technique.
In the Great Yu cultivation world, techniques were divided into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow, with each grade further divided into four sublevels: Ultimate, Superior, Medium, and Lower.
[Translator: sauron]
His current technique, the "Leaving Fire Technique," was only of the Yellow Grade Medium level. Its only advantage was its decent power and simplicity of practice.
Even though Ye Jingcheng had four spirit roots, the enhancement from his spirit beasts meant he no longer needed simple techniques.
Upon reaching the second floor, Ye Jingcheng saw his family members, Ye Jingyu, Ye Jingteng, and Ye Jingyong.
"Uncle Fifteen, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Fourth Brother!" Ye Jingcheng greeted them all and then respectfully saluted Elder Ye Haiping, saying, "Grandfather Eight!"
Elder Ye Haiping glanced at Ye Jingcheng and finally spoke. "Alright, it's time. We can begin now. Everyone, stay where you are, and follow me one by one."
"There is a formation set up here. It's different from usual," he warned.
Ye Jingcheng nodded, noticing the changes in the arrangement of counters and the glowing inscriptions on the stone pillars. Everyone else also acknowledged the elder's words.
The first to go was Ye Jingteng, who, having won first place in the late Qi Refining competition, was the first to claim his reward.
Ye Jingteng soon returned with a disappointed expression, clearly unimpressed by the available techniques.
"How did it go, Eldest Brother?" Ye Jingyong asked, though Ye Jingyu remained silent.
Ye Jingteng shook his head, looking like he wanted to say something but held back.
Next, Ye Jingyu and the Star generation relative followed Elder Haiping, and they too returned with looks of disappointment.
Then, it was Ye Jingcheng's turn.
Taking a deep breath, he followed Elder Haiping closely, walking to the end of a wooden shelf and entering a small compartment.
Inside, there was only a wooden rack with some jade slips on it. Once they were inside, the door closed, and layers of spiritual light shimmered, forming a tight and seamless barrier.
"Show your spirit mark!" Elder Haiping ordered sternly.
Ye Jingcheng hesitated, his expression confused. Seeing this, Elder Haiping remained composed, but then revealed two three-inch spirit beast marks on his hand.
"Not bad. Always be cautious."
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Ye Jingcheng then revealed his own five-inch spirit beast mark, which had a small spirit image of a Scarlet Fox engraved on it.
"Five inches, as expected," Elder Haiping nodded in approval.
"The techniques here include Profound Grade and Yellow Grade Ultimate techniques. We didn't give you any Yellow Grade ones. Remember, while you can choose any technique, you must not reveal even a trace of it to anyone!" With a wave of Elder Haiping's hand, several more jade slips appeared on the shelf.
Seeing the jade slips, Ye Jingcheng felt a bit embarrassed, understanding now why Ye Jingteng had been disappointed. The family had precautions in place, and Ye Jingteng likely hadn't been aware of the spirit beast mark's significance.
Ye Jingcheng became curious about how the family judged who was qualified to learn the spirit beast marks.
"Additionally, you can also check out the spirit beasts. You may choose one if you prefer, but it's not recommended," Elder Haiping added, handing him another jade slip.
The information on the spirit beasts wasn't presented in physical form but displayed through the jade slip.