Chapter 706: 瓜分

The wooden shelves were divided into three rows, placed in the center of the attic's first floor, clearly visible at a glance.

The first row was filled with ancient treasures and magic tools, each radiating different glows, numbering as many as sixteen.

The second row, on the other hand, consisted of rare materials of various shapes and colors, including iron-like lumps the size of a fist, and blood-red, crystal-clear stones resembling gems.

The third row held the fewest items, only a few small bottles, each several inches tall. It seemed they contained various elixirs.

Han Li quickly scanned these treasures, his face expressionless, showing no trace of emotion.

Although the others maintained their composure, and no one rashly stepped forward to examine the treasures, their eyes, wherever they landed, began to assess the function and value of the items. They were calculating how to gain an advantage when it was time to divide the spoils.

A moment later, Marquis Nanlong stepped forward to inspect each treasure on behalf of the group, while the others seemingly amicably discussed the origin and purpose of these items. As for the ulterior motives brewing in their hearts, only they themselves knew.

At this moment, Han Li looked around, glancing at the areas beyond the shelves. Aside from a meditation mat and a pot of vibrant green grass placed by the attic window, there was nothing else.

Han Li's heart stirred, and just as he was about to step forward, a figure flashed. The old man in white robes had already flashed and reached the meditation mat first.

With a raise of his hand, he drew the meditation mat into his grasp and began examining it thoroughly.

Han Li frowned, then walked over to the small plant by the window and observed it carefully.

"Oh, Senior Han, are you also interested in this Shadow Condensation Grass?" a soft, pleasant female voice asked. "Although this grass rarely appears, it is the best medicinal ingredient for refining Yin-cold elixirs, capable of increasing an elixir's potency by thirty percent."

A flicker of surprise appeared in his eyes as Han Li slowly turned around, to find Yan Ruyan gracefully standing behind him.

"Shadow Condensation Grass differs from other spirit herbs," Han Li said indifferently. "Its Yin-cold medicinal properties are strongest only when it reaches a hundred years of age. This grass has been here for an unknown number of years now; it's practically useless." He then swept his gaze, seeing Wang Chan excitedly whispering something to his second uncle, Wang Tiangu, who was trailing behind him. They clearly hadn't noticed what was happening here.

"I never expected Senior Han to dabble in alchemy, besides being skilled in formations. Ruyan is truly impressed!" Yan Ruyan said with a soft smile, her bright eyes twinkling.

Seeing how eagerly this woman wanted to engage in conversation, Han Li's vigilance heightened, and he immediately retorted impolitely:

"Alchemy? A mere trivial skill. However, doesn't Fellow Daoist Yan know the relationship between this Han and your esteemed husband? Speaking to me so presumptuously, aren't you afraid your husband will be displeased?"

"How could I not know?" The smile faded from Yan Ruyan's face, and a look of helplessness appeared at the corner of her lips as she spoke. "It is precisely for this reason that I, though perhaps overestimating myself, wish to resolve the enmity between Senior and my husband."

"Resolve?" Han Li raised an eyebrow, a flicker of sarcasm crossing his face. "Your Demonic Dao and our Heavenly Dao Alliance have always been hostile. What is there to resolve?"

Upon hearing Han Li's words, Yan Ruyan showed a wry smile and was about to speak again when Marquis Nanlong in the distance suddenly called out:

"Fellow Daoists, please come over. Let's first distribute the treasures on this floor. Then we can all proceed to the second floor."

Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately disregarded Yan Ruyan and walked over on his own.

Seeing this, the beautiful young woman Yan Ruyan, her expression shifting between pleasant and displeased several times, gracefully followed.

When Wang Chan saw Yan Ruyan following behind Han Li, a hint of surprise and doubt naturally appeared in his eyes, but after a deep glance at Yan Ruyan, he, being shrewd, said nothing.

As for Wang Tiangu, he also witnessed this scene, but his expression remained as usual. He even acted as if he hadn't seen anything.

"Alright. We've tallied them," Marquis Nanlong said calmly, having gathered the items onto a shelf. "There are six ancient treasures and ten magic tools here. The materials and elixirs have also been divided into eight portions based on their value. Naturally, everyone desires the ancient treasures the most, as they can unleash their full power without needing to be refined. However, these magic tools are also extraordinary. They are tools left behind by Master Cang Kun after he defeated powerful enemies, and their might is considerable. Even if they can only unleash seventy percent of their power and require some time to refine, they are definitely worth it. Therefore, whether you want an ancient treasure or a magic tool is up to each of you fellow Daoists. Fellow Daoist Wang Chan and Fellow Daoist Yan, you two can only claim one portion each."

"I am already old," the old woman said unceremoniously, taking the lead and presuming on her age. "How could I still have time to refine magic tools? Just one ancient treasure will suffice!"

Upon hearing this, the others' expressions remained unchanged, but they secretly sneered in their hearts.

But at this moment, Wang Tiangu suddenly asked Marquis Nanlong a question with deep meaning.

"Fellow Daoist Nanlong and Fellow Daoist Yun are not picking treasures first? There might not be anything you two desire on the second floor."

"Brother Wang, what do you mean by that?" Marquis Nanlong's expression greatly changed upon hearing this, but then his face darkened, and he said coldly.

The old man in white robes, upon hearing this, also glared at Wang Tiangu with an unfriendly expression.

"Nothing," Wang Tiangu said with a soft chuckle, acting as if he hadn't noticed their reactions. "I just thought it would be a shame if the two of you didn't choose now."

"Hmph! There's nothing here worth Fellow Daoist Yun and me picking first," Marquis Nanlong said with a rather frosty expression, seemingly displeased by the previous words. "As for whether Fellow Daoist Han wants to exercise this right, that's entirely up to him."

"I also won't use this right now," Han Li said casually, rubbing his chin. "Let's wait until we reach the second floor."

"Since that's the case, we'll divide these treasures equally," Wang Tiangu said unceremoniously. "Those who want ancient treasures will automatically forfeit their right to choose magic tools. What do you all think?"

"That's a good method. I agree."

"Let's do it this way!"

The others also found it fair and agreed one after another.

Han Li naturally wouldn't choose any magic tools. In the end, it was the old man in white robes and the cultivator surnamed You who gave up the ancient treasures, prioritizing two favored magic tools and claiming their portions of materials and elixirs.

As for the ancient treasures, Han Li and the others simultaneously acted, each taking one.

The ancient treasure Han Li obtained was like a bamboo tube, its power and supernatural abilities unknown. But he nonchalantly put it into his storage pouch, along with his share of materials and elixirs.

After Han Li and the others each took another magic tool, the items on the first floor were completely divided.

As for the meditation mat, Han Li noticed it had been casually tossed onto the ground by the old man in white robes and was no longer given a second glance. Clearly, it wasn't anything good!

As for the Shadow Condensation Grass, a few people also went up and carefully looked at it; after recognizing its origin, naturally, no one was interested anymore.

Seeing this scene, Han Li gave a few bitter laughs internally. It seemed no one was a fool; these Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't give up inspecting every single item in the attic. After all, besides the obvious treasures, something might be hidden within the attic.

After these old Nascent Soul monsters searched thoroughly, finding no unexpected surprises, the group gave up and proceeded to the second floor.

As a result, upon entering the second floor, Han Li, like the others, was somewhat stunned.

Because upon entering the second floor, a scent of sandalwood immediately wafted towards them. And with a glance upwards, they immediately saw a shrine placed in the corner facing the staircase. Within the shrine was a golden statue of a three-headed, six-armed, single-horned demon god, its face ferocious and remarkably lifelike.

In front of the shrine stood a small, fiery-red cauldron, from which wisps of white mist emerged, the scent of sandalwood emanating from this white mist.

That Master Cang Kun would actually worship a demon god truly astonished Marquis Nanlong and the others.

But when Han Li saw the three-headed, six-armed statue, his heart suddenly pounded.

The appearance of this statue was exactly like the demonic beast on the copper fragment Han Li had long suspected to be a piece of the Sacred Vajra Scroll, even sharing the same wide, furious eyes and all six arms raised towards the sky.

Without time to think further, Han Li's gaze shifted from the shrine opposite him, and he quickly surveyed the other corners of the second floor.

He saw that several yards to the left of the shrine, there was a seemingly ordinary desk and a wooden chair, on which lay a stack of items including an inkstone, a brush, and bamboo slips.

On the corresponding side of the shrine lay a blue jade bed. Even from such a distance, one could feel the chilling aura it emitted. It seemed to be carved from some kind of cold jade.

At one end of the jade bed, three jade boxes of varying sizes were placed side-by-side, drawing much attention.

It seemed this second floor was actually Master Cang Kun's sleeping chambers!

A figure flashed, and the old man in white robes suddenly appeared before the cold jade bed, reaching out to grab one of the jade boxes.

"Wait!" As this voice was uttered, another figure also arrived before the jade bed and casually flicked out a black light, directly shooting towards the old man's hand.

"What do you mean by this? Do you want to spar with this old man?" The old man surnamed Yun retracted his wrist, dodging the sneak attack, but in his shock and anger, he glared fiercely at the person.