Chapter 549: Gift of Treasure

Wu Jinliang, having come from a poor background in the land of exile, had never even contemplated spending money to hire people for a fight, let alone splurging on top experts.

While the Six-Realm Universal Exchange notes were useless in the outside world, they held value in the Underworld. For individuals capable of traversing both realms, their utility in the Underworld effectively translated to utility in the outside world through trade and exchange.

In any case, Wu Jinliang felt it might be overly extravagant.

Chu Jingting and Lao Changtai, however, were dumbfounded. They had heard and understood, yet struggled to process the information.

"The Underworld?" Lao Changtai gulped.

Chu Jingting also asked, "Boss, are you referring to the Underworld that has been sealed for eight hundred years?"

Shi Chun nodded, "Is there any other Underworld?"

After Chu and Lao exchanged shocked glances, Chu Jingting questioned again, "Isn't the Underworld sealed? Even top-tier cultivators can't enter or leave..."

Shi Chun explained, "This is one of the main reasons we spent so long searching for the Corpse-Returning Incense. It can not only reanimate the deceased but also open a passage to the Underworld."

Wu Jinliang, standing nearby, secretly marveled. He hadn't expected the Boss to reveal even this secret to the two men.

On second thought, it made sense. Since this method would be used to send them into the Underworld, they would learn of it regardless, rendering any further concealment unnecessary.

It was evident that by divulging this secret, Shi Chun had no intention of allowing them to refuse. They would likely have to comply, whether they wanted to or not.

Chu and Lao were not foolish either. This was no minor secret; they themselves knew that even the most powerful cultivators could not access the Underworld, yet a method existed here. Upon hearing this, they realized they likely had no option to refuse and would have to agree.

"The Underworld isn't suitable for people from the mortal realm. We don't know if we'll adapt if we go," Lao Changtai said with a wry smile, which was essentially a non-rejection.

Shi Chun reassured them, "You are not ordinary folk who believe in tales of ghosts and deities. The Underworld is also inhabited by living beings; it's simply that their cultivation methods differ. While mortals indeed cannot endure the Yin realm, your cultivation levels pose no issue. Moreover, I'm not asking you to stay there indefinitely. I'm sending you to establish a foothold there. Once that is achieved, you can return at any time and re-enter only when necessary, without having to reside there permanently."

Chu Jingting also smiled wryly, "You should have told us sooner! We could have found some books about the Underworld beforehand and familiarized ourselves with the situation there."

Shi Chun replied, "There seem to be quite a few books about the Underworld in the Moon Hall's library. I'll find an opportunity to look through them later. However, this isn't the time for us to draw attention to ourselves. What the Underworld has become like over these eight hundred years certainly won't be found in books from the mortal realm; eight centuries are enough to cause earth-shattering changes."

As he spoke, he took out two stacks of notes and threw one to each man.

Chu and Lao instinctively caught the notes and couldn't help but examine them. Upon seeing they were one-million denomination notes, Lao Changtai instinctively mumbled, "Six-Realm Universal Exchange?"

Chu Jingting looked up and asked, "Boss, what are these?"

Shi Chun replied, "This is currency circulated in the Underworld. I heard from people there that these are likely the highest denomination. Each of you take one hundred million for now. One of the objectives of your trip is to ascertain the true value of this money. Jinliang and I briefly interacted with some people there, but we couldn't inquire much without revealing our identities as visitors from the mortal realm. However, observing how an Earth Immortal-level master was willing to work diligently for just a million, this currency could be quite valuable. Remember, do not expose your origins from the mortal realm during your journey. The secret of your entry and exit alone would be enough to put you in grave danger."

Both Chu and Lao, who had been listening intently, nodded slightly.

"On this journey, as long as matters are handled effectively, don't hesitate to spend money. If it's insufficient, I can provide more later. However, adhere to one principle: do not flaunt your wealth and attract trouble. Regarding hiring fighters, you must also consider carefully. Don't use just anyone; it's best to find reliable and trustworthy experts. Although the Underworld has been sealed for eight hundred years, many experts had frequent contact with the outside world before the seal. Many of them are likely old acquaintances with external masters. Once they are free, their reliability might be questionable. You need to assess this carefully. I believe your abilities will allow you to handle this matter appropriately."

Lao and Chu both nodded slightly again, their thoughtful expressions indicating they had taken everything in.

Shi Chun then produced a mother-child talisman and tossed it to Chu Jingting. "Just now, after Jinliang and I entered the Underworld, we met a fifth-rank Underworld General named Lao Xi in a place called Langdang River. This is the mother-child talisman for contacting him..."

He then recounted the detailed circumstances of their meeting with Lao Xi.

Shi Chun believed it was crucial for the two men, who were about to enter, to know the preceding details. This would enable them to assess the true nature of the relationship with Lao Xi, facilitate appropriate future interactions, and offer an indirect understanding of the Underworld's customs and practices.

After explaining, he added, "One of the keys to the Corpse-Returning Incense reviving the dead is likely retrieving the original owner's soul from the Underworld, seemingly from a nearby location. Conversely, as long as one controls a corpse's soul, it might be possible to use the Underworld as a passage to directly meet the corpse, regardless of where it's transported. Lao Xi and his people should possess methods for soul detention. We are currently confined to Juku Continent, and you should understand the implications of this."

Lao and Chu appeared thoughtful, with Chu Jingting slowly stating, "Does the Boss mean we should find Lao Xi to obtain a method for soul detention...?"

Wu Jinliang also understood why Shi Chun was eager to send the two men into the Underworld: he wanted to swiftly prepare a contingency.

Seeing that all three understood the gravity of the situation, Shi Chun ceased further discussion and instructed Lao Changtai to procure another earth wolf.

He was unsure if a deceased earth wolf could repeatedly die and have its soul repeatedly detained; he would save that for later experimentation. For now, he prioritized caution to avoid any unforeseen complications.

For a seasoned martial cultivator, catching an earth wolf was a trivial task, and soon, one was brought back, held by the neck.

Fearing that using the earth escape technique in the same spot would cause the previously burned Corpse-Returning Incense's scent to emanate from the ground, Shi Chun led them to a different location before having Wu Jinliang use his earth escape technique to descend.

Upon reaching a deep underground chamber, Shi Chun didn't immediately kill the earth wolf. Instead, he first produced a sleek, dark banner.

Wu Jinliang recognized it and mumbled, "The Boundless Banner?"

Shi Chun nodded to him, "Burn it. Let's see if it works."

Wu Jinliang then retrieved the Corpse-Returning Incense again, hooked a piece out with his fingertip, and once more used a fire-element cultivation technique to ignite it.

Chu Jingting and Lao Changtai watched, dumbfounded. Wu Hehei actually knew fire-element cultivation? Was he truly this secretive? Why didn't he absorb the divine flame in the Divine Fire Domain then?

But then, they reconsidered: this large man didn't just know fire-element cultivation; he had clearly demonstrated earth-element cultivation moments ago.

Shi Chun disregarded their thoughts. Upon reactivating his right eye's special ability and seeing the smoke from the Corpse-Returning Incense, he immediately cast a spell to gather the dispersing smoke and use it to fumigate the Boundless Banner, encircling and enveloping it.

There was no immediate reaction, at least outwardly. However, Shi Chun's special right eye detected subtle movements of light and shadow within the Boundless Banner, occasionally stirring, as if a dormant heart was slowly awakening.

Therefore, Shi Chun waited patiently.

A moment later, the Boundless Banner subtly moved of its own accord. Shi Chun then announced, "Extinguish the fire."

Wu Jinliang promptly extinguished the flame. The Corpse-Returning Incense was limited, so it was crucial to conserve it. As he withdrew his hand, he asked with sparkling eyes, "Is it ready?"

Shi Chun nodded, "It should be. Let's try."

He briefly waved the Boundless Banner in his hand, then held it aloft with both hands, closed his eyes, and began casting a spell. Using his spiritual will, he worked to complete the consciousness of the artifact spirit within the banner. This was not his first time doing so; he was already well-versed in the process.

Shortly after, he opened his eyes and raised the banner, which suddenly swelled and billowed.

Wu Jinliang chuckled, knowing that the Boss had successfully subjugated another magical artifact and was now familiarizing himself with its spirit to master its control.

Although he hadn't witnessed its power firsthand, he had heard from Xu Anlong, the Four Cauldrons Sect disciple who originally possessed it, that this artifact could subdue a hundred other treasures.

He also knew that Shi Chun had coveted this artifact for a long time, frequently mentioning it. His primary motivation for seeking the Corpse-Returning Incense this time likely stemmed from this very treasure.

As the three bystanders watched Shi Chun wield the black banner, repeatedly changing its size and controlling it for a while, they grew somewhat impatient. Suddenly, a black light flashed on the banner, and then a pile of clattering objects fell out.

The three men peered closely and saw a vast pile of emerald-green, shimmering swords and similar artifacts. There were so many that if Shi Chun hadn't instructed Wu Jinliang to greatly expand the underground space, they would have been buried.

Shi Chun cradled the Boundless Banner, stroking it with immense satisfaction. This was the ultimate treasure the Demonic Dao had bestowed upon the Four Cauldrons Sect for their entry into the Divine Fire Domain. Now, it was truly in his possession. His heart was deeply contented, feeling that his journey had not been in vain and that years of diligent pursuit had finally paid off.

Once spiritually satisfied, he finally put away the banner and began rummaging through the pile of shimmering green swords. He eventually unearthed a dark purple metal disc, the size of a millstone. Its sharp edge featured three equally spaced openings, resembling three battle-axes joined back-to-back, with a central hole for easy handling.

Standing atop the pile of swords, he brandished the disc and announced, "This artifact is called 'Sudden Slash,' a fifth-grade magical treasure. It's the ultimate heirloom given by the Refining Heaven Sect, the foremost artifact-refining sect, to Zuo Zisheng, their disciple leading the team into the Divine Fire Domain. Old Chu, this treasure is yours."

With that, he tossed it directly to Chu Jingting.

Chu Jingting fumbled to catch it, then pointed at himself in disbelief, seemingly asking if such a precious artifact was truly being given to him just like that.

Not just him, even Wu Jinliang looked astonished. They had concealed themselves for so long and expended so much effort; wasn't it all for these treasures? To give them away as soon as they were acquired?

Shi Chun nodded slightly. "Going to the Underworld, I don't know what dangers await. Take it for self-defense. This artifact's spirit is undamaged, and Zuo Zisheng is still alive. The spirit remains under Zuo Zisheng's control, but due to the separation of realms, he cannot manipulate it now. This is a perfect opportunity for you to erase Zuo Zisheng's spiritual consciousness, infuse your own, and claim the artifact as your master."

Unable to cup his hands in a traditional salute while holding the artifact, an excited Chu Jingting clenched a fist and pounded his chest, declaring, "Thank you, Boss! I, Chu, will certainly dedicate all my effort to this journey and not fail your trust!"

He was genuinely overjoyed, never having imagined he would have the chance to wield a fifth-grade magical artifact in his lifetime, especially one that was the ultimate treasure bestowed by the Refining Heaven Sect upon its disciples entering the Divine Fire Domain. The power of this artifact was immeasurable.

Shi Chun pointed to the artifact in his hand, gesturing for him to stop talking and quickly figure out how to make it recognize him as its master.

He then pointed to the pile of shimmering green swords on the ground and addressed Lao Changtai, "Changtai, this artifact is called 'Heavenly Net Sword Bone Umbrella.' It's the ultimate treasure given by the Extreme Fire Sect, the fourth largest artifact-refining sect, to Yin Tianlu, their disciple leading the team into the Divine Fire Domain. This artifact is immensely powerful, perhaps no less than Old Chu's 'Sudden Slash.' It's for you; take it for self-defense. The core of this artifact should be an umbrella-axis-shaped item; you can search for it yourself."

Lao Changtai's face glowed with excitement, mirroring Chu Jingting's enthusiasm. He cupped his hands and bowed, declaring, "Thank you, Boss! I will certainly exert every effort on this journey. Should I falter, death would be no regret!"

Shi Chun gestured towards the pile of swords, urging him to hurry.

Meanwhile, Yin Tianlu, who had been sitting somberly under an eaves, suddenly looked up and stood, his eyes wide with shock. "The Heavenly Net Sword Bone Umbrella is nearby!"

A guard quickly approached, questioning, "What's wrong?"