Chapter 391: Treasure in Hand, Chen Xuan and the Yue Woman (12,000)

When Zhao Xing uttered the four words, 'My Lord, wait!' in the ancient Yue Luo language, the dark attendant, holding a fire-tipped spear, raised his hand and halted his subordinates' attack.

At that moment, Yu Tianqing's face was still filled with regret. He had just discovered his awakening innate divine ability, a power that promised an ascendant future, yet he now faced certain death. How could he not feel regret?

Jing Yan nudged Yu Tianqing with his elbow, winking as he said, "Look, our Brother Zhao is about to show off again."

It was good to know a lot. Jing Yan didn't understand the language Zhao Xing was speaking, but since it could stop the Book Puppet, he was sure Zhao Xing had a plan.

"Who are you?!" Lord Ming repeated his initial question.

"We are the Grand Tutor's people," Zhao Xing enunciated, word by word. The pronunciation of the ancient Yue Luo language was unique, designed to touch upon primordial power and follow a specific melodic principle.

As Lord Ming spoke his third sentence, Zhao Xing rapidly adjusted his pronunciation, making his speech patterns inherently closer to the historical Yue Luo True Words. Originally, he wouldn't have learned it so quickly, but necessity was the mother of invention. With Jing Yan's and Yu Tianqing's lives, along with half of his own wealth, on the line, Zhao Xing experienced a burst of potential and managed to achieve this feat.

"If you are the Grand Tutor's people, why are you forcefully entering the Imperial Palace?" Lord Ming continued to ask.

Hearing this, Zhao Xing's confidence soared, and his words flowed more smoothly: "The Emperor has lent an ear to slander, and the Grand Tutor is about to be executed. If the Grand Tutor dies, the nation will fall into turmoil and face the danger of collapse."

"I have heard of Lord Ming's renowned loyalty, bravery, benevolence, and righteousness. I implore Lord Ming to uphold justice and save the nation from its peril."

Zhao Xing's impassioned voice echoed through the empty Imperial Palace, then silence fell.

Jing Yan felt that Zhao Xing was radiating light at that moment, and he was utterly impressed. A few loud shouts, and this formidable Book Puppet fell silent and motionless. Was being learned truly so powerful?

Zhao Xing, meanwhile, stared intently at the opponent. From the information he had obtained from Du Yun, he had heard this person's name, title, rank, and deeds. The patterns and ancient script Yu Tianqing had described also matched this individual. This meant that Lord Ming, the Imperial Guard Captain named Jun Yichen, was a figure from the biographies of the ancient Yue Luo Kingdom. His heroic spirit's name was enshrined in history.

So, how did Jun Yichen's name become recorded in history? Du Yun's information on him was sparse, just a single sentence: "Stormed the palace to remonstrate, executed corrupt officials, clarified his resolve with death, unparalleled in righteousness." What he had remonstrated about and whom he had killed, Zhao Xing didn't know. He guessed that a figure who earned a positive evaluation in official history was unlikely to be a villain in the Grand Tutor incident. A person in charge of palace defense, if they were to storm the palace with even a hint of selfish motive, would surely be branded a 'regicide' and could never receive such an evaluation.

Considering Jun Yichen's actions and words—he kept asking about their identities, discerning who they were, rather than directly killing them—Zhao Xing speculated that Jun Yichen was a positive figure in the 'Grand Tutor's execution' event, perhaps even an aid in their current challenge. After all, a distinguished and highly meritorious Grand Tutor facing execution should surely have people pleading for him, perhaps even helping to stage a prison break, right?

"I am of humble standing and possess meager magical arts, unqualified to see His Majesty and unable to undertake such a task," Jun Yichen said gravely. "You have come to the wrong person."

"Lord Ming, does your sense of righteousness fluctuate with the extent of your abilities?"

"And are your loyalty, bravery, benevolence, and righteousness measured by the height of your position?"

These rapid-fire questions left Jun Yichen frozen in place, speechless. He could easily crush the three of them with a wave of his hand, yet his fire-tipped spear simply wouldn't strike.

Zhao Xing dared not delay for too long. He declared with conviction, "Now, I must seek a way to contribute my humble strength to the nation I love and uphold the righteousness in my heart. If Lord Ming wishes to kill us, we will not blame you."

"We are willing to die beneath Lord Ming's loyal and righteous spear."

With that, Zhao Xing strode resolutely past Jun Yichen. Jing Yan and Yu Tianqing didn't know what was happening, but they followed suit, adopting impassioned expressions, putting down their weapons, and walking towards the powerful Book Puppet. Since they couldn't win the fight anyway, they just followed Zhao Xing's lead. The three walked past the tip of Jun Yichen's spear, their gazes fixed straight ahead, making their way towards the Yue Luo Extreme Dao Palace.

Soon, they were out of the encirclement. Yu Tianqing was utterly astonished to see that their opponent truly did not act. What had happened? How had they just walked past? Jing Yan inwardly exclaimed about 'Old Zhao's' brilliance; he was truly impressed by Zhao Xing's performance this time.

Zhao Xing also breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't always be at a disadvantage due to his lack of knowledge; it was about time his erudition proved useful!

Just as the three believed they had escaped danger, Jun Yichen suddenly spoke: "Wait."

Their hearts trembled, and their spirits plummeted once more. Zhao Xing didn't turn around, only tilting his head. His mind raced, frantically searching for another way to save Jing Yan and Yu Tianqing. However, Jun Yichen made no move to attack.

"If the three of you go to the Yue Luo Extreme Dao Palace, you will not only fail to remonstrate but also only cause trouble."

Jun Yichen, holding his long spear, approached them step by step. Zhao Xing was slightly taken aback.

"Lord Ming, you..."

Jun Yichen remained silent, but with each step he took, the aura emanating from him grew twice as powerful. Yu Tianqing nervously transmitted a message: "Zha-Zhao Xing, his primordial energy fluctuations have reached a level I cannot identify. The Sun and Moon stars have appeared on that paper, and they've risen from the surface!"

Zhao Xing didn't know what was happening, but Jun Yichen's aura undoubtedly surpassed the Third Realm, reaching the Dao Domain Realm. By the time Jun Yichen reached his side, the man felt even stronger than the Great Scholar Zhuo En. And Zhuo En was in the Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm!

As Jun Yichen passed Zhao Xing, he paused and turned sideways, saying, "My righteousness has never changed. I was simply uncertain if the Grand Tutor was truly about to be executed."

"Do you carry a token of the Grand Tutor?"

Zhao Xing's heart sank; he didn't have any such thing. But at that moment, Yu Tianqing understood the question. He had never learned the ancient Yue Luo language before, yet through this brief conversation, relying on his innate divine ability, he was actually able to comprehend it.

"Yes," Yu Tianqing said, reaching into his robes and pulling something out. It was unmistakably a ceremonial headband and three ancient coins. Jun Yichen gestured, and the three items appeared in his hand.

"Indeed, it carries the Grand Tutor's aura."

With that, Jun Yichen flew in the direction of the Yue Luo Extreme Dao Palace. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from their sight.

"Huff... huff..."

It wasn't until ten breaths later that Jing Yan started panting. Yu Tianqing, too, began to tremble belatedly.

"Brother Zhao, are we... alive?"

"Yes." Zhao Xing nodded.

He looked at Yu Tianqing in surprise. "Brother, where did you get that just now?" Yu Tianqing, sweating, replied, "You said Bai Yang was possessed by the Grand Tutor's heroic spirit, and I once saw Bai Yang after he was possessed. He discarded some things that belonged to Bai Yang. I thought they looked useful, so I picked them up after he left. I—I was desperate and just hoped they might be useful."

"Frugality is truly a virtue," Zhao Xing couldn't help but exclaim. "It's a good thing you found these odds and ends worthwhile and picked them up."

The contest between Bai Yang and Ruan Chang was bound to have a victor. For Ruan Chang's heroic spirit to break Bai Yang's resistance, it would first have to remove some of his armaments. These items would inevitably be imbued with Ruan Chang's aura, which could then serve as a token. Zhao Xing guessed that Jun Yichen would sooner or later make his way to the Yue Luo Extreme Dao Palace. The difference was that he couldn't be fooled by a few words from Zhao Xing and his companions. They had to prove they were truly the Grand Tutor's people.

"If I've entered a historian's instance world now, then any activity within the Imperial Palace requires a thorough understanding of the ancient Yue Luo Kingdom's history. Besides that, there must be quest items related to the event, which means the Grand Tutor Ruan Chang's token..."

"Damn it, I hate these types of instances the most. They're such a headache," Zhao Xing grumbled.

"Stop swearing, brother. Let's quickly find another place. I feel very unsafe right now," Jing Yan whispered. He was afraid that 'someone' would return again.

"You're scared too?" Zhao Xing scoffed.

"Brother, my life is also precious," Jing Yan retorted, annoyed. "Having the courage to face death doesn't mean I'm not afraid of dying. Who wants to die if they can live? What kind of foolish question is that?!"

Zhao Xing inwardly grumbled.

Having escaped danger, the three quickly moved to another location. The Han Luo Army had been deployed elsewhere, and Jun Yichen, the Imperial Guard Captain, was also gone. Zhao Xing and his two companions' safety factor significantly increased. However, while searching for the three treasures of the Scribe, they still encountered many Book Puppets blocking their way. Fortunately, with Yu Tianqing's Eye of Breaking Illusions, they rarely encountered perfect Book Puppets afterward. And with Zhao Xing as their guide, although they faced battles, they managed to get through them without serious harm.

"Brother Zhao, how did you know that the four-patterned Book Puppet couldn't leave a thousand-mile radius of the palace, and if it did, it would be hunted down by another guard?" Jing Yan asked.

"Even if this tomb owner belongs to the 'Nihilistic History' school, he must still base his settings on existing historical records. Truth mixed with falsehood, falsehood with truth—only then can the purpose of confusion be achieved. Besides, why would he waste the World-Mending Pen to fake minor characters?"

Jing Yan shrugged. "We've been too lucky, haven't we? Besides Jun Yichen, we haven't seen many powerful heroic spirits."

"The sky's clear, the rain's stopped, and you think you're hot stuff again?" Zhao Xing said contemptuously. "Who was it just now, trembling and saying they felt unsafe?"

"Was there? Who?" Jing Yan feigned amnesia.

Zhao Xing ignored the thick-skinned man and explained to the two: "It seems you haven't been to a Historian's Legacy Realm much. Let me put it this way: a Scribe's Legacy Realm defines 'protagonists,' 'side characters,' the main story, and its background system. Except for free agents like Yu Tianqing, both you and I have already been tagged. Yes, minor characters. Only someone like Jun Yichen can be considered an important supporting character. Bai Yang is unfortunate. He came fully prepared from the start, so once he entered, he played the role of the Grand Tutor. The World-Mending Pen focused its ink on Ruan Chang, meaning he faced far greater dangers than us. The entire world will target Bai Yang, the 'protagonist,' not us. Spark's objective this time is significant. I believe they are aiming for the Yue Luo Grand Historian's Crown, the World-Mending Pen, and the Scripture of Preaching."

Zhao Xing picked up two divine ability parchment papers and waved them. "It's certainly not for such trivial gains." Yu Tianqing felt his worldview refreshed. Even small divine ability parchments were considered trivial gains?

"Brother Zhao, have you ever been a protagonist in a Legacy Realm?" Yu Tianqing asked curiously.

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "Extremely dangerous."

"How dangerous? Tell us," Jing Yan pressed, insistent. They had just been through a battle and were now resting inside the 'Roaming God Realm,' the Twelve Roaming Gods' concealment barrier.

"I once ventured into a Legacy Realm," Zhao Xing began. "I cannot disclose the Venerable title of the Great Power, nor can I elaborate on the specific events. So, from now on, I'll refer to everything by pseudonyms." Jing Yan and Yu Tianqing indicated their understanding.

"A long time ago, there was an ancient kingdom called 'Qing,' ruled by an emperor named 'Fu Lin.' There was also a religious follower named 'Xing Sen.' This ancient kingdom's ruler neglected his duties, preferring to cultivate unorthodox paths, and he became acquainted with Xing Sen. One day, his beloved concubine died, and Emperor Fu Lin, heartbroken and swayed by Xing Sen's allure, made a decision: to abandon his kingdom and become an ascetic, unconcerned with worldly affairs. At that time, the ancient Qing Kingdom was plagued by unresolved internal strife and external threats, and its national destiny was unstable. If this fellow were to leave, it would surely lead to the kingdom's decline, perhaps even foreign invasion. In this Legacy Realm, some people played the role of Xing Sen, others were Xing Sen's teacher, some were Emperor Fu Lin's ministers, and some were his sons... Different factions had two types of missions: one was to prevent the emperor from abandoning the world, and the other was to entice him to abandon it. If you were in the 'World Abandonment' faction, you would have to constantly brainwash an emperor, face challenges and assassinations from the entire world, with the only supporter being that emperor. If you were in the 'World Salvation' faction, you would receive support from everyone except the emperor, but you might also pay the price of your life. For instance, Xing Sen's teacher died by self-destruction on a Sun Star after failing to prevent the emperor's departure. Regardless of the path, both were extremely perilous and fraught with difficulties."

Jing Yan wondered, "What kind of fool would abandon a perfectly good emperorship? How much did he love that woman?"

Yu Tianqing asked, "Brother Zhao, what was the outcome? Which side won?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "The 'World Abandonment' faction won. The ancient kingdom's ruler truly abandoned his cultivation and joined an ancient sect. However, there were no real winners in that faction either; 'Xing Sen' died, and his teacher also died."

"Could I be a prince?" Jing Yan asked. "Wouldn't being a prince be an easy win?"

"Sure, but once inside, you'd contract smallpox and be neither truly alive nor truly dead. You'd suffer greatly."

"What's smallpox?" Yu Tianqing asked.

"A potent disease that even Dao Domain Realm experts couldn't withstand. At that time, a plague called 'smallpox' swept across the star domain. Many challengers couldn't survive that trial; they died as soon as they entered. Many characters from the 'World Salvation' faction also died. A whole lot of imperial physicians who couldn't cure the beloved concubine also perished."

Jing Yan couldn't shake the feeling that Zhao Xing was spouting nonsense. Zhao Xing was merely in the minor Origin Realm, yet the historical realm he described was supposedly on the level of 'Imperial Annals.' But he had no proof, so he just took it as entertainment.

"In any case, we're quite lucky. Bai Yang is taking the brunt, and we have Tianqing's help," Zhao Xing chuckled. "This tomb owner is only in the Dao Domain Realm and wants his records to be passed down, so our chances of survival are high. Some astral historians are truly ruthless. They deliberately fabricate myths and legends to trap people. It's impossible to complete their tasks or succeed in their trials. You die as soon as you enter; nine lives wouldn't be enough."

"That path deserves to be forbidden," Jing Yan fully agreed. It was only right that this profession was weakened; it was too deceitful.

"Tianqing, have you rested enough?" Zhao Xing asked.

Yu Tianqing opened his eyes. "Barely enough."

Jing Yan quickly pulled out a radiant red spiritual fruit and sincerely said, "Brother, please don't push yourself. If it's not enough, we have more, and we can wait." Although he didn't know why, Jing Yan could tell Yu Tianqing was special. Without him and Zhao Xing, he wouldn't be able to leave this place. "Barely enough?" That wouldn't do!

"Eat as much as you need. Zhao Xing and I may not have much else, but we have plenty of survival supplies," Jing Yan said. "Please get proper rest, Brother Yu."

Yu Tianqing was amused by Jing Yan, taking the fruit with a touch of embarrassment. "Then I'll recuperate for another three to five months."

"Alright, alright."

Yu Tianqing's innate divine ability was extremely draining to use. Among the three, he was the most exhausted. Zhao Xing, with his robust physique, barely expended his own primordial energy during combat. What was a 'Great Yang' indeed? Jing Yan had recovered over a dozen times, yet Zhao Xing's Great Yang clone's spiritual energy hadn't even dropped below half. He had attacked no less frequently than Jing Yan.

"Qi Sect martial artists are truly damn useful," Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh. Especially their survival capabilities in dangerous situations, which were several tiers higher than those of mages. To put it simply, if Zhao Xing weren't trying to get Jing Yan and Yu Tianqing out, he could simply find a corner and wait here. He could wait until one day, the people from the Primordial Heavenly Palace opened this tomb. There would be no need to worry about starving or being trapped to death. But Jing Yan and Yu Tianqing couldn't do that. Zhao Xing's main body couldn't either, if he didn't cultivate the Primal Sea Realm.

Half a year later, Yu Tianqing finally fully recovered. His strength had also greatly improved. Before entering the ancient tomb, he was in the early stage of the Minor Divine Ability Realm; now he was in the late stage. "Just over two years, and he's broken through several minor realms." Zhao Xing felt a twinge of envy just by looking. "When Old Yu takes off in the future, I'll ask him to make a copy for me. The cost for him at that time won't be too significant, so he should agree," Zhao Xing thought to himself. Investing in a future national ruler, this deal was absolutely a net gain. How much money had he even spent? Originally, he had only spent ten million to redeem Yu Tianqing. Later, taking Yu Tianqing to fight monsters, and even borrowing money for equipment this time, hadn't cost much.

"Le Yao is truly a talent. I should visit prisons more often in the future," Zhao Xing mused. "For example, that Wu Tian, his Five Finger Mountain divine ability, is also a good thing."

The twelve arching bridges flew back to Jing Yan, and the surrounding visual field slowly faded. They saw the outer palace again. The three set off once more, beginning their search for the Scribe's three treasures.

"Brother Zhao, I think I've found the place," Yu Tianqing suddenly said, looking in a certain direction.

"What do you see?" Zhao Xing asked.

"A book. It has a black cover, with thirty-six Sun Stars on the front and seventy-two Moon Stars on the back. I can't see through the cover to what's inside; a powerful force is obstructing my probing. However, it emits many rays of light, some disappearing into the sky, others into the ground."

"That must be the Scripture of Preaching," Zhao Xing said. "It's the systemic foundation of the entire Legacy Realm. All its spells—like the Book Puppets, or divine abilities such as memory alteration, seeing but not perceiving, hearing but not listening, and misattribution—all draw their core essence from it. It's like the core chamber in a Realm Boat. Taking it will reduce the danger coefficient of the entire Legacy Realm."

"Brother Zhao, what level is it?" Jing Yan asked.

"It should be a Sun Dao Armament," Zhao Xing mused. "If it were an Annals Realm, it would need to be supported by a Primordial Divine Armament."

"A Sun Dao Armament!" Jing Yan's face showed greed.

"Brother Yu, can you see where the Grand Historian's Crown is?" Zhao Xing asked.

"A hat?" Yu Tianqing said. "I see many hats, many styles. I don't know which one is the Grand Historian's Crown."

"The