Chapter Fourteen: Ascending the Celestial Pavilion

When he left Willow Leaf Village, Young Master Sun had thoughtfully prepared a carriage for Chen Jiu, so he could travel faster. From the village, heading south led straight to Xinyang County, but the distance between the two was several hundred miles. If Chen Jiu were to walk, he’d likely arrive only by the next month. Moreover, the route was sparsely populated, with very few inns along the way. Considering Chen Jiu’s welfare, Young Master Sun gave him his own carriage.

Daylight had fully broken, and all around them stretched endless forests, interrupted only by a road barely a yard wide winding through the wilderness. Dust billowed on the main road as the carriage sped forth.

Chen Jiu estimated that, judging by the horse’s speed, he would reach Xinyang County in about seven days.

Chen Jiu had many reasons to visit Xinyang County. First, Sun Bai had told him of the “Tower of Ascension,” operated by the Bureau of Public Welfare in the county town, a place exclusively open to cultivators. In this so-called “Tower of Ascension,” only practitioners were allowed entry, and inside, one could purchase magical artifacts and talismans with merit and longevity coins.

Sun’s family happened to have a connection within the Tower, so he wished Chen Jiu to visit, hoping they might look after him.

The second reason was Chen Jiu’s own desire to go to the county. He intended to gather intelligence—such as where the weakest monsters could be found, or where merit might be gained most easily. This would be far better than wandering aimlessly like a headless fly.

Sitting in the jolting carriage, Chen Jiu took out the “letter of introduction” from his bosom and couldn’t help but feel that Sun Bai was truly a good man; their first meeting had brought him such a generous gift.

Suddenly, the coachman glanced back and asked, “Master Taoist, can you fly or travel underground?”

Chen Jiu chuckled lightly, “How could a humble Taoist possess such abilities? Those belong to immortals.”

The coachman smiled and said nothing more, focusing on the road ahead.

Chen Jiu’s cultivation was extremely low, not even having reached the “Minor Elixir Embryo.” The “Minor Elixir Embryo” merely generates spiritual power, allowing one to use magical tools and talismans, but not to perform “flight techniques” or “escape arts.” To soar freely through the skies or burrow through the earth, one must at least step onto the second floor of immortality.

Secretly lamenting his lack of cultivation, Chen Jiu cleared his mind and began meditating with eyes closed.

At this moment, the pale yellow blossoms of the “Tree of Eternal Spring” within his elixir chamber were blooming more vividly…

…

Ten days later, Chen Jiu stood before a quiet courtyard, gazing intently at the three bold characters painted in vermilion above the gate.

“Tower of Ascension…”

—

Strictly speaking, it was not a tower at all; what lay before Chen Jiu was a sprawling compound. After entering through the main gate, four tall buildings were lined up from east to west.

These buildings were named “Alpha,” “Beta,” “Gamma,” and “Delta.”

The treasures in the “Alpha” building were the finest and most expensive, and only those of distinguished status could enter. Ordinary cultivators like Chen Jiu could only access the “Delta” building, hoping to find some hidden gems.

Just then, an elderly man in gray robes shuffled out from the courtyard.

“Master Taoist, do you have a certificate?” he asked, bowing politely.

Chen Jiu quickly took out his certificate from his bundle and handed it to the old man.

The elder glanced over it and then raised his dim eyes to examine Chen Jiu.

“Is your master Li Feng well?” he suddenly inquired.

Chen Jiu’s heart stirred and he replied, “My master is very well. Thank you for your concern, elder.”

The old man snorted coldly, “Concern? Ha! I’d be glad never to see that scoundrel again!”

Chen Jiu’s expression shifted—why had the elder suddenly grown so cold?

Moments later, the elder composed himself, his anger fading to indifference. He cast Chen Jiu a sidelong glance and cautioned, “Let me warn you, young one: your master has made many enemies in Jin. You’d best be careful in your travels…”

Chen Jiu’s face changed instantly, bitter thoughts rising in his stomach. His master was good in all respects, except for his greed; if he had enemies, it was surely over money!

Could it be that this elder had been swindled as well?

“Recently, the Tower of Ascension has opened both the ‘Gamma’ and ‘Delta’ buildings to the public. Though you haven’t reached the first floor of immortality, you may still enter. Follow me…”

With that, the elder strode off without waiting for Chen Jiu.

“Gamma” building open to visitors?

Chen Jiu’s heart stirred. The “Delta” building was the least impressive, likely with few treasures, but the opportunity to see the “Gamma” building was tempting.

He couldn’t afford anything yet, but broadening his horizons and preparing for the future was invaluable.

One day, when he had the means, he would surely explore every corner of the Tower of Ascension!

He hurried after the elder in a half trot.

…

—

Chen Jiu first entered the “Delta” building.

It had four floors; the lower two were for trading talismans and magical tools. In each display case lay an array of dazzling treasures, all marked with fixed prices—no bargaining allowed.

The trading method was quite novel: once one selected an item, placing the Public Welfare Token before it would automatically deduct the corresponding merit and unlock the item’s restriction, allowing the buyer to take it.

Buyers were not forbidden from competing for items. If disputes arose, specialized staff would intervene.

Chen Jiu marveled at the high level of automation in the Tower of Ascension!

The upper two floors were reserved for cultivators to trade magical treasures and share tidbits of information.

Upon learning this, Chen Jiu became alert; after all, his purpose in coming to the county was to find out where weaker monsters might be found. He certainly wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

After familiarizing himself with the Tower’s operations, Chen Jiu left the “Delta” building and proceeded directly to the “Gamma” building.

The “Gamma” building was far superior to “Delta,” and there were many more cultivators inside.

Most visitors were disciples from various families: some studied at academies, others had taken monastic vows, while some served in the Bureau of Public Welfare; only a few were Taoists.

The hall was filled with well-dressed young men of wealthy families, their waists adorned with short swords and jade pendants, their attire elegant and refined, gathered in small groups before the displays.

The aura emanating from them was fierce; clearly, they were accomplished cultivators.

“Where did this rustic Taoist come from, dressed so shabbily, daring to enter the ‘Gamma’ building?”

Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out.

Chen Jiu’s expression remained unchanged as he moved toward a nearby display.

The young man who had mocked him looked coldly at Chen Jiu. Seeing that Chen Jiu ignored him, he felt humiliated in front of his friends and snorted disdainfully.

“I’m talking to you, filthy Taoist!” he stepped forward, blocking Chen Jiu’s path.

Only then did Chen Jiu take notice of him.

Clad in pale blue brocade, with a short sword at his waist, a silver coronet on his head, and a jade hairpin tucked into it, his features were sullen and forbidding—clearly not someone to be trifled with.

Chen Jiu’s mind raced; now was the time for retreat in order to advance. Best not to stir up trouble.

“Sir, you’re blocking my way…”