For over half a month, the Old Ghost Immortal had been unconscious. Mo Lanyi, not daring to act recklessly, had been diligently working to improve her rapport with Lu Xingzhou and Lian Yuan.
To her surprise, the moment the Old Ghost Immortal awoke, he spoke of treasure!
Mo Lanyi's eyes lit up. "Really? Where is it?"
"It's right within your sect, to the east. Hurry!"
"Understood!"
Without hesitation, Mo Lanyi left her cavern, rented a bluebird, and headed east. However, as she approached, she was taken aback. Before her, a mountain peak was surrounded by a dense crowd of people and various flying spiritual beasts.
It wasn't just disciples present; even the peak lords and some reclusive elders had emerged.
The atmosphere remained subdued, despite the crowd, as the presence of these formidable figures deterred any commotion.
"Disciples, halt! You are not permitted to approach further!"
A steward dressed in a pure black robe embroidered with the emblem of Zhu Xing Peak stopped Mo Lanyi. She asked in surprise, "Respected Martial Uncle, what's happening up ahead?"
The steward, tense, replied, "Something emerged from the Sect Master's main peak—perhaps he has advanced in cultivation."
In Yunlan Sect, it was customary for anyone who reached the Tribulation stage to be exempted from sect affairs and enjoy their later years freely.
However, Lian Xing had only recently ascended to the Integration stage, so it seemed unlikely he would break through again so quickly.
So, what could this tribulation be?
Anxious, Mo Lanyi feared someone else might claim the treasure first.
But entering Zhu Xing Peak under the eyes of so many wasn't something she could manage.
While she was deep in thought, the first bolt of lightning struck down from the sky.
"Boom—"
The heavens trembled, and the onlookers collectively gasped in shock.
"Such ferocious lightning!"
"But it doesn't seem like a typical tribulation bolt, does it?"
Every cultivator was familiar with the signs of tribulation lightning, including its color, size, and even shape.
For instance, Foundation Establishment tribulation was red; Core Formation was orange; Nascent Soul was yellow; Soul Transformation was green; Integration was blue-green; Tribulation Ascension was blue; and Grand Completion was violet.
Yet this lightning didn't match any known type.
"What is this then?"
"I have no idea."
As they spoke, the second and third bolts struck in rapid succession.
"Boom! Boom!"
It was as if the lightning bore a grudge against the figure beneath it. After six bolts, the tribulation clouds gradually dissipated.
In that instant, a pillar of golden light shot into the heavens, piercing through the skies!
A celestial phenomenon unfolded, revealing a gargantuan talisman that overshadowed the sun and moon.
The head of Hongfu Peak, Zhan Fan, suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed in excitement, "It's not a breakthrough! It's a talisman treasure! A six-graded talisman treasure! Incredible!"
Talisman treasures were the ultimate evolution of talismans, possessing extraordinary power, reusable capabilities, and low production costs. They only required beast blood and hides to craft, yet their strength rivaled magical artifacts.
Unlike magical artifacts, talisman treasures did not require refining and could be used by anyone as long as their power endured.
Because of their overwhelming utility, the emergence of a talisman treasure always invoked heavenly tribulation.
This phenomenon, however, was only common in the higher realms like the Middle Three Thousand or Upper Three Thousand Worlds.
"A talisman treasure?!"
"A talisman treasure of all things! This is unbelievable!"
"Do we have such an unfathomable master within our sect?"
"Perhaps a guest invited by the Sect Master…"
While the peak lords speculated, Zhan Fan and Jin Fuxi exchanged a knowing glance, silently reveling in their shared secret.
No doubt, this was Xiao Wushuang's handiwork!
Mo Lanyi whispered to the Old Ghost Immortal, "I wonder who crafted this talisman treasure. If they could create one for us, it would be amazing."
The Old Ghost Immortal chuckled. "With your flourishing luck, you might just win their favor. Come, let's take a look."
As the residual lightning dispersed, everyone gathered at the main hall at the foot of Zhu Xing Peak. Since this was a momentous occasion, the peak lords refrained from dismissing the disciples.
After all, the stronger the sect appeared, the more confidence it inspired, drawing in prodigious talents to ensure a prosperous future—a virtuous cycle indeed.
One incense stick later.
A man descended from the skies clad in a resplendent robe resembling a cascade of shooting stars. His features were striking, his demeanor serene… if not for his hair standing on end, scorched and curling from the lightning.
Liu Rutai, the blunt-speaking head of Beast God Peak, couldn't hold back his comment. "Sect Master, is this a new look? Uh… no offense, but it's not very flattering."
Lian Xing: "…"
Everyone else: "…"
Yue Qing of Zilin Peak coughed lightly and intervened. "Peak Master Liu, the Sect Master's appearance is likely due to the tribulation."
"Oh, I see. Sect Master, what was the treasure? Was it truly a talisman treasure?"
Suppressing the urge to curse Liu Rutai, Lian Xing maintained his calm demeanor. He cleared his throat and unveiled a pristine, radiant talisman etched with six intricate patterns exuding divine aura.
Zhan Fan trembled with excitement but hesitated to touch the talisman, afraid of tainting it. His gaze was fervent as he exclaimed, "Such exquisite patterns… it's truly a six-graded talisman treasure! Sect Master, what's its purpose?"
Lian Xing, after a moment of thought, smiled. "This talisman, the Nine-Life Miasma-Repelling Charm, can shield against all natural poisons, corpse miasmas, and insect miasmas. Its effective range corresponds to the user's maximum spiritual sense."
Zhan Fan's jaw dropped. "Are you saying… if used by a Grand Completion cultivator, it could purify the miasmas across our entire sect?"
Puffing his chest with pride, Lian Xing nodded. "Precisely."
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
Such an extraordinary talisman treasure, co-crafted by their young ancestor and sect master, was a source of immense pride!
Zhan Fan, nearly moved to tears, stammered, "This is incredible… with this treasure, no miasma-filled secret realm will pose a challenge!"
Lian Xing inclined his head and looked toward the crowd. "Hall Master Tian of the Disciplinary Hall, step forward."
The Disciplinary Hall, directly answering to Zhu Xing Peak and the Elders' Council, was responsible for the sect's security. Its head, Tian, was a peak Integration stage cultivator known for his stoicism and integrity.
"Present."
"Take this talisman and safeguard it well."
"Understood."
As Tian received the talisman, a familiar aura washed over him. He froze, his gaze shifting incredulously to Lian Xing.
Could it be?
Was this talisman treasure… crafted by the Sect Master?!
But their sect master wasn't a talisman master!
Lowering his voice, Tian cautiously asked, "Sect Master… did you craft this?"
Feeling Tian's piercing gaze, Lian Xing forced himself to maintain his composure. He couldn't possibly reveal Ji Wushuang's involvement now. Resolving to keep up the façade, he coughed and replied with feigned nonchalance, "Indeed. Keep it quiet."
Zhan Fan, overhearing this, nearly spat blood.
Shameless! If you weren't the Sect Master, I'd have thrown you out by now!