Chapter Sixteen: The Lotus Throne

If he were to devote himself to cultivation now, it would take at least half a year before he could hope to break through to the “Little Pill Embryo” stage. Only then could the “Everlasting Tree” in the pill chamber bear golden fruit.

Thus, in such a lengthy period, he must acquire a magic artifact capable of protecting his life at any time, anywhere.

Magic artifacts, after all, are not only portable, but defensive ones are rarely restricted in their use, and their number of uses is not easily exhausted.

Having surveyed the magic artifacts here, Chen Jiu had only set his sights on the “Five Thunder Disc.”

“What’s this? Judging by your calm demeanor, are none of the treasures here worthy of your attention?” Sun Fourth Master teased.

Chen Jiu offered a sheepish smile. “To tell the truth, I only have a single Longevity Coin to my name. I am so poor that the sound of it echoes…”

Sun Fourth Master glanced at the staircase leading to the second floor, then said, “Daoist, let’s go up to the second floor. There, you’ll find a treasure that is the most mysterious in all our establishment.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiu’s expression stirred.

The lower two floors of every building were reserved for cultivators to select magic artifacts and talismans; the items on the second floor always surpassed those below.

Yet he shook his head. “Your kind intentions are received, senior. Frankly, I am here only to inquire after some news; the rest is of little consequence.”

Sun Fourth Master raised a brow, somewhat displeased. “You are a friend of Sun Bai, which makes you my junior. If you have questions, ask me. If you go up and ask those young scoundrels at the top, won’t they fleece you mercilessly?”

Chen Jiu felt a bit embarrassed. He did want to ask, but feared leaving a bad impression.

After all, the Sun family carried considerable weight in the “Ascending Immortal Tower.” If he wished to obtain intelligence and information, he certainly could not afford to make enemies here.

“I failed to consider properly. Please, senior, do not be offended.”

Sun Fourth Master waved him off and raised his head. “Come on, I’ll take you to see the second floor. Afterwards, you can ask me whatever you wish.”

The old man in blue robes then slowly ascended the stairs alone.

All around, some people noticed Chen Jiu and began to whisper among themselves.

“That Daoist seems to have a close relationship with Steward Sun. What’s his background?”

“Perhaps he’s a recent cultivator from the Sun family…”

Chen Jiu sighed inwardly. In the world outside, having a backing could save one a great deal of trouble.

…

On the second floor, Chen Jiu’s eyes were opened to even greater wonders.

Not only were there mysterious talismans like the “Translocation Talisman,” “Five Elements Spirit Talisman,” and “Concealment Talisman,” but also numerous powerful magical artifacts. What amazed him most was a supreme-grade sword: even from afar, he could sense its terrifying sword intent and piercing sharpness.

“The item I mentioned is right there,” Sun Fourth Master indicated with a nod of his chin, directing Chen Jiu’s attention to the center.

There, a table covered in red cloth stood, upon which rested a half-open sandalwood box.

Inside the box lay a dried, blackened lotus platform.

“What is this…” Chen Jiu’s face showed confusion, but his heart was roiling with waves of shock.

For at the very instant he saw that lotus platform, the vertical eye on his brow seemed uncontrollable, itching to appear!

Fortunately, he managed to suppress it, preventing his “Heavenly Eye” from manifesting.

Still, the scare was considerable—if he revealed his “Heavenly Eye” in public, it could bring trouble and unwanted attention.

Yet he was also deeply puzzled.

Why would his “Heavenly Eye” react so strongly to such an unremarkable lotus platform? Was there some hidden mystery?

“This lotus platform was brought back from a distant land by the previous Master of the Bureau of Peace. Though the Master possessed impressive cultivation and deep magic, he could not see through this item. But one thing is certain,” Sun Fourth Master’s seemingly clouded eyes sharpened,

“That is, its durability far surpasses ordinary magical artifacts!”

Chen Jiu’s expression changed. “How durable, exactly?”

Sun Fourth Master chuckled. “The previous Master was of the Second Floor of Immortals, with a Jade Pill cultivation. Even so, he could not destroy the lotus platform with all his strength!”

Chen Jiu’s face shifted, astonishment overtaking him.

Even a cultivator of the Second Floor could not shake it!

Combined with the strange phenomenon his “Heavenly Eye” just displayed, Chen Jiu could assert this lotus platform was not as plain as it appeared.

Of course, the fact that it was placed so prominently suggested the master of Ascending Immortal Tower also knew its value.

“Why have you brought me to see this item, senior?” Chen Jiu suddenly asked.

Sun Fourth Master surely wasn’t simply being hospitable, taking him on a tour of the Ascending Immortal Tower.

The old man in blue chuckled, then shook his head in good-natured exasperation. “You’re quick-witted.”

“Indeed, I have some private matters.” Sun Fourth Master looked at Chen Jiu, his eyes glinting.

A strange light flashed in Chen Jiu’s eyes. “Please, speak freely, senior.”

As long as it didn’t require risking his life, he could accept it.

“This lotus platform is immeasurably precious, but its high price keeps many cultivators at bay… However, for this year’s Grand Ascension Tournament in Tai Nan, the master has made it the highest reward.” Sun Fourth Master said meaningfully.

Chen Jiu pondered—Sun Fourth Master truly had some plan.

The Grand Ascension Tournament was about to begin, and only those at or below the Little Pill Embryo stage could participate, keeping cultivators like Sun Fourth Master out.

After all, to be a steward of the “C” building, one needed at least a Great Pill Embryo cultivation to keep things in order.

“If you manage to come out on top at the tournament and obtain this lotus platform, I suggest you consider making a deal with me…” Sun Fourth Master eyed the lotus platform beside them, a hint of greed flickering in his gaze.

An item that could withstand the full force of a Jade Pill cultivator and remain unscathed—who wouldn’t covet such a treasure?

Chen Jiu suddenly understood.

So Sun Fourth Master hoped Chen Jiu would have a stroke of luck and win the lotus platform, then sell it to him.

Not that he overestimated Chen Jiu. Even if Chen Jiu was miraculously lucky enough to win it, he would never give it up…

“One week from now is the tournament registration. Make sure to find me here then!” With these words, Sun Fourth Master headed downstairs, not caring to hear any refusals from Chen Jiu.

As if Chen Jiu could only nod obediently in his presence.

Thus, Chen Jiu’s impression of this kindly, enthusiastic senior instantly collapsed.

Indeed, the old hands in the world of cultivation were never as amiable as they appeared.

As for his own abilities, Chen Jiu was clear-eyed.

Most of those participating in the Grand Ascension Tournament would be Little Pill Embryo cultivators, mainly young returnees seeking the Dao.

“I’ll try my luck and see if some miracle happens…” Chen Jiu muttered.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

He had meant to ask about a few matters, but Sun Fourth Master had slipped away on the sly…

“That old man did it on purpose, didn’t he…” Chen Jiu was left flustered.

Now, not only had he failed to get his answers, but he seemed to be stuck in a predicament.

Casting another glance at the pitch-black lotus platform, Chen Jiu prepared to head to the third floor.

But just then, a figure clad in purple blocked his path.

“Hey, melon-faced Daoist, you’re interested in that lotus platform too…?”