Chapter 83: Zi Feng Zunzhe, the Treasure of Breakthrough

“This is...”

Seeing the dark, glossy treasure floating in the nearby void, Lu Qingshan couldn’t help but pause in surprise.

The recent spatial fluctuation was clearly the signature of transit from the Dark Universe back to the original universe—Lu Qingshan had experienced it countless times aboard his spacecraft and would never mistake it.

And precisely because of this, the strange treasure now hung suspended in midair.

“A treasure—this is definitely a treasure!”

After discovering that even the intelligent lifeform Deep Blue could not identify the strange object, Lu Qingshan quickly formed this thought.

After all, after clearing the Fourteenth Level of the Tower of Ascension, his authority within the Virtual Universe Corporation was still quite high, and Deep Blue had long since collected data on countless treasures from the corporation’s vaults.

“This treasure must have fallen from the Dark Universe during the clash between Yan Emperor and the Ice Peak Lord!”

Thinking of this, Lu Qingshan became even more excited.

After all, those were the Cosmic Lords standing at the pinnacle of the boundless universe—anything they casually dropped would be more than enough to benefit a lowly Marquis-level Immortal like him for eternity.

As he thought of this...

Whoosh!

Lu Qingshan’s form instantly shifted, and he swiftly seized the strange treasure in his hand.

It was a black cube roughly ten centimeters wide, its surface engraved with extraordinarily complex law runes, faintly radiating a subtle aura of pressure.

“Is this a Heavy Treasure—or even a Supreme Treasure?”

Lu Qingshan felt a flicker of anticipation, then quickly sent a thread of divine power into the cube, attempting to claim it as his own.

But when his spiritual imprint penetrated the interior of the black cube, it met an impenetrable wall—he could not complete the claiming process.

“It’s already been marked with another’s life imprint!”

Lu Qingshan sighed inwardly: “And the one who left this imprint possesses willpower far exceeding mine—I doubt I could erase their spiritual mark even after thousands or tens of thousands of years!”

After all, Lu Qingshan’s current willpower already rivaled that of a King-level Immortal—he could overcome even the life imprint of a peak King-level cultivator in half a day.

Yet the imprint within this black cube filled him with overwhelming helplessness.

“Even a Cosmic Sovereign’s imprint shouldn’t be this strong—could this be the mark of a Cosmic Lord?” Lu Qingshan thought silently.

Though he could not yet break the original owner’s imprint, Lu Qingshan was quite pleased.

After all, the stronger the original owner’s imprint, the more valuable the black cube must be.

As for the soul imprint inside, no matter how strong, it was water without a source—so long as Lu Qingshan kept striking it with divine power, he would eventually shatter it completely!

At that moment, a streak of light shot toward him from afar.

“Bad!”

Lu Qingshan was just about to store the black cube when the streak of light appeared before him.

The man wore a purple robe, appearing unremarkable—but upon sensing the immense aura radiating from him, Lu Qingshan dared not show the slightest disrespect.

For the aura emanating from this man was as deep and boundless as an ocean, a hundred times stronger than that of Lu Qingshan’s master, Lei Huanwang—he was clearly a powerful Cosmic Sovereign.

“I pay homage to the Sovereign!” Lu Qingshan bowed respectfully.

This man in the purple robe was none other than Zi Feng Zunzhe, who had accompanied the Ice Peak Lord here.

Originally, Zi Feng Zunzhe had merely intended to have his master negotiate with Yan Emperor—but he never expected the Ice Peak Lord to be so decisive, directly leading him to Yan Emperor’s stronghold.

Now that the Ice Peak Lord and Yan Emperor had entered the Dark Universe to battle, Zi Feng Zunzhe, to avoid being caught in the residual shockwaves, had not followed them in, instead remaining near Yanshen Star to guard against other Yanshen Clan cultivators.

But then he suddenly sensed a treasure emerging from the Dark Universe and returning to the original universe—and it was his own treasure.

So he immediately moved to reclaim it.

Yet the surrounding space remained sealed—even as a Cosmic Sovereign, he could not teleport, and could only fly slowly.

He had not anticipated that the treasure had landed near a Marquis-level Immortal, and that the man had instantly seized it.

“Hmm!”

After hearing Lu Qingshan’s greeting, Zi Feng Zunzhe nodded slightly: “You are an Immortal of the Virtual Universe Corporation?”

“Yes!”

Learning that this man belonged to the same lineage as himself, Lu Qingshan felt considerably more at ease and quickly replied: “I am a member of the Transportation Division; my master is Lei Huanwang!”

“So you are the disciple’s disciple of Yao Guang!”

Zi Feng Zunzhe nodded slightly, instantly feeling a greater sense of familiarity toward Lu Qingshan.

He still had some memory of Lu Qingshan’s master, Lei Huanwang.

First, Lei Huanwang’s master, Yao Guang Zunzhe, was also a disciple of the Ice Peak Lord.

Second, among the human race, peak King-level cultivators were not numerous—and Lei Huanwang had not only received a suitable Divine General inheritance but also created his own peak secret art, placing him among the upper ranks of human King-level cultivators.

“Kid!”

Zi Feng Zunzhe looked again at Lu Qingshan: “I am Zi Feng Zunzhe. This treasure in your hand...”

Before Zi Feng Zunzhe could finish, Lu Qingshan immediately offered the black cube with both hands, bowing respectfully: “I humbly offer this treasure to the Sovereign!”

As the saying goes: “An innocent man is guilty for possessing a jade.”

After all, in the original novel, even Luo Feng, after slaying over a dozen King-level Immortals and earning the title Daohe Wang, still faced covetousness from others on the Outer Battlefield—only after he fought the Black Razor King to a draw did the envy cease.

Yet Lu Qingshan was merely a lowly Marquis-level Immortal, and the black cube in his hand was at least a Heavy Treasure—if no one had seen him obtain it, fine; but now that someone had seen it, he could never keep it!

Better to voluntarily surrender it to this Cosmic Sovereign—perhaps he might receive some compensation in return.

“Hahaha...”

Hearing Lu Qingshan’s words, Zi Feng Zunzhe laughed: “Kid, don’t worry—I wouldn’t rob you of your treasure! But this treasure originally belonged to me; it merely fell into the hands of another due to certain circumstances!”

This was no lie.

As a Cosmic Lord of the human race, though he possessed only three Supreme Treasures, he owned many other Heavy Treasures as aids.

This black cube was a top-tier sealing Heavy Treasure—he had exchanged 250 Heavy Treasure Points for it from the human race’s treasure vault, and carried it always to handle special situations.

Earlier, when he was slain by Yan Emperor on the Primitive Star, all his treasures naturally fell into Yan Emperor’s hands.

This treasure now appeared here because, during his battle with the Ice Peak Lord, Yan Emperor had been pushed to a disadvantage and accidentally dropped it.

In the Dark Universe, no object can remain still—once the shockwaves from Yan Emperor and the Ice Peak Lord’s battle dissipated, the treasure naturally transited back to the original universe, landing precisely beside Lu Qingshan.

“Here’s what I’ll do!”

Zi Feng Zunzhe continued: “Return the treasure to me, and I’ll compensate you with two hundred...”

Before Zi Feng Zunzhe could finish, a sudden disturbance echoed from the distant void.

“It’s my master and Yan Emperor!”

Zi Feng Zunzhe gazed far into the void: “They’ve returned to the original universe to resume battle—though the distance is great, it won’t reach here!”

Thinking this, he prepared to resume discussing the treasure’s ownership—but then he froze.

Of course.

Two hundred billion Hunyuan Units were an unimaginable fortune for a lowly Marquis-level Immortal like Lu Qingshan—but compared to this top-tier sealing Heavy Treasure worth 250 Heavy Treasure Points, it was less than a drop in the ocean!

If he exchanged it like this, wouldn’t he be no better than Yan Emperor, who traded a common Supreme Treasure for his Light-Flow Wings?

And the value gap between a common Supreme Treasure and Light-Flow Wings was far smaller than the gap between two hundred billion Hunyuan Units and this 250-Heavy-Treasure-Point artifact!

Would that mean he was even worse than Yan Emperor?

Yan Emperor did that—and his master, the Ice Peak Lord, personally intervened on his behalf—what if he did the same?

Moreover, this Lu Qingshan was Yao Guang Zunzhe’s disciple’s disciple; though Yao Guang and Lei Huanwang both had many disciples, strictly speaking, Lu Qingshan still belonged to the Ice Peak Lord’s lineage.

Though the Ice Peak Lord was now battling Yan Emperor, he might still be observing Lu Qingshan’s interaction with him.

If he acted too greedily, he might earn his master’s displeasure!

Besides, 250 Heavy Treasure Points were not especially precious to a Cosmic Lord like him—he had no need to resort to Yan Emperor’s thievery!

“Enough. Let this kid have some luck.”

Thinking this, Zi Feng Zunzhe continued: “Return the treasure to me, and I’ll compensate you with resources and treasures worth two hundred Heavy Treasure Points.”

“Two hundred Heavy Treasure Points?”

Hearing Zi Feng Zunzhe’s compensation offer, Lu Qingshan was momentarily stunned.

After all, he was no ordinary Marquis-level Immortal—he was familiar with the original novel and understood Heavy Treasure Points and Supreme Treasure Points well.

For example, in the original novel, the Virtual Universe Corporation paid Luo Feng only five billion Hunyuan Units for half ownership of Earth—and even that was to be paid in three installments.

At that time, Luo Feng was already a member of the Original Secret Realm, his status within the Virtual Universe Corporation no less than Lu Qingshan’s as a Marquis-level Immortal!

This Zi Feng Zunzhe never appeared in the original novel—he was merely a Cosmic Lord; even if his treasures were valuable, they paled beside Earth.

So Lu Qingshan had expected perhaps a few billion Hunyuan Units as compensation—but now the man offered two hundred Heavy Treasure Points?

Was this Zi Feng Zunzhe insane?

Seeing Lu Qingshan’s stunned expression, Zi Feng Zunzhe assumed he didn’t understand Heavy Treasure Points, and quickly explained.

“Heavy Treasure Points are a unit commonly used by Cosmic Sovereigns!”

Zi Feng Zunzhe smiled at Lu Qingshan: “If converted to Hunyuan Units, one Heavy Treasure Point equals roughly ten trillion Hunyuan Units—even your master Lei Huanwang’s entire fortune wouldn’t reach one Heavy Treasure Point!”

“Of course, when I originally exchanged for this top-tier sealing Heavy Treasure from the clan vault, I spent 250 Heavy Treasure Points—but this treasure is useless to you. Moreover, contributing to the clan vault and exchanging from it carry a ten percent price difference. And even Lei Huanwang lacks the authority to enter the clan vault—you certainly don’t.”

“If you hand over the treasure to me, I can help you exchange for any treasure you need from the clan vault—and I won’t tell anyone you possessed it.”

Zi Feng Zunzhe chuckled teasingly: “As for the twenty-five Heavy Treasure Points I’m shortchanging you, consider it my courier fee and silence fee. How’s that?”

Hearing this, Lu Qingshan bowed respectfully: “I leave it entirely to the Sovereign’s discretion!”

What nonsense?

A 250-Heavy-Treasure-Point treasure, and Zi Feng Zunzhe was willing to exchange it for a 200-Heavy-Treasure-Point treasure perfectly suited to him!

In Lu Qingshan’s eyes now, was this Zi Feng Zunzhe insane?

He was clearly the most selfless man in the entire human race—even the Chaos City Master had to step aside!

So Lu Qingshan immediately agreed, as if afraid Zi Feng Zunzhe might change his mind.

"Hahaha, you're quite an interesting little fellow!"

Master Zifeng smiled and said: "Speak up—what do you wish to exchange? Something to save your life? A treasure to greatly boost your strength? Or perhaps some rare resources?"

As he spoke, Master Zifeng waved his hand, and immediately, vague descriptions of several treasures appeared before Lu Qing.

"According to clan regulations, you are not permitted to know the details of these treasures!"

Master Zifeng continued: "But even these vague descriptions are enough for you to determine the type of treasure best suited to you. I will personally help you exchange for the most suitable one."

"I strongly advise you to exchange for more life-saving items. After all, your strength is weak. Even if you acquire powerful treasures, once word gets out, countless powerful beings will covet them!"

"Thank you for the warning, Master!" Lu Qing quickly replied with deep respect.

Then, as Lu Qing studied the treasure descriptions on the screen, he silently pondered which treasure he should exchange for.

His first thought was of his third son, Lu Hongwen, who was soon to perish due to the end of his lifespan.

Previously, he had lacked the ability to help him, but now, by chance, he had obtained this precious treasure—and here before him was Master Zifeng, willing to assist him in exchanging for the right item. Naturally, he must find a way to give Lu Hongwen another chance.

Thinking this, Lu Qing quickly bowed respectfully and said: "Master, does the clan treasury possess any treasure capable of helping a Domain Lord break through to Immortality?"

Upon hearing this, Master Zifeng’s expression showed slight surprise: "For a relative?"

"Yes!" Lu Qing nodded urgently.

"Looks like you're still quite young!" Master Zifeng chuckled. "To have become a Marquis Immortal at such a young age, you still have ample opportunity to further strengthen yourself!"

Lu Qing still had close kin alive—he had cultivated for no more than ten million years. To Master Zifeng, he was still very young!

Then, Master Zifeng waved his hand again, and multiple treasure descriptions appeared on the screen: "These are the treasures available to you in our human clan for helping a Domain Lord break through to Immortality. Choose whichever you wish to exchange for."

Hearing this, Lu Qing immediately turned his gaze to the screen.

Fire Dragon Fruit: When consumed by a Domain Lord at the peak who has received the acknowledgment of the Flame Primordial Law, there is a ten percent chance of comprehending the complete Flame Primordial Law. Price: 0.2 Heavy Treasure Points.

Ice Heart Fruit: When consumed by a Domain Lord at the peak who has received the acknowledgment of the Water Primordial Law, there is a ten percent chance of comprehending the complete Water Primordial Law. Price: 0.2 Heavy Treasure Points.

Azure Sky Fruit: Consuming one is sufficient to give a Domain Lord of the ninth stage who has comprehended the Metal, Wood, Water, Earth, or Flame Primordial Law a fifty percent chance of becoming an Immortal. Price: 9 Heavy Treasure Points.

Ice-Fire Fruit: Consuming one is sufficient to give a Domain Lord of the ninth stage who has cultivated the Flame or Water Primordial Law a fifty percent chance of becoming an Immortal. Price: 9 Heavy Treasure Points.

Seven-Colored Immortal Fruit: Consuming one is sufficient to give a Domain Lord an eighty percent chance of fully mastering their most proficient Primordial Law and breaking through to become an Immortal Deity. Price: 100 Heavy Treasure Points.

Looking at the many treasures on the screen before him, Lu Qing silently marveled.

Of all these treasures, the only one he had even slight knowledge of was the Ice-Fire Fruit.

It was a rare treasure that could only be produced once every ten million years within the Ancestral God Sect. After the Great Axe’s death, when the human clan and the Allied Forces fought a bloody battle and emerged victorious, the Dual-Faced Ancestral God had once served Luo Feng wine distilled from 128,000 Ice-Fire Fruits.

As for the other treasures, he had never even heard of them!

But this was only natural. If the Ancestral God Sect could produce Ice-Fire Fruits, then other rare treasures surely existed elsewhere in the vast universe.

Among these treasures that aid Domain Lords in breaking through to Immortality, some are meant for those who have received Primordial Law acknowledgment, others for ordinary Domain Lords. If their breakthrough probabilities are equal, their prices differ by roughly threefold.

The higher the breakthrough probability, the higher the price naturally becomes!

After careful thought, Lu Qing quickly said: "Master, I wish to exchange for one Tianxuan Fruit (consumed by a Domain Lord who has received acknowledgment of the Metal, Wood, Water, Earth, or Flame Primordial Law, sixty percent breakthrough chance, price: 15 Heavy Treasure Points), six Azure Sky Fruits, and three Shangling Grasses (used by a Domain Lord who has received acknowledgment of the Lightning Primordial Law, thirty percent breakthrough chance, price: 1 Heavy Treasure Point)."

The Tianxuan Fruit was naturally intended for his third son, Lu Hongwen, who had received acknowledgment of the Metal Primordial Law; the Azure Sky Fruits, with a ten percent lower breakthrough chance, were for his wife and other children who had not received Primordial Law acknowledgment; the three Shangling Grasses were prepared for his three favorite disciples!

Of course, though he had prepared these treasures for them, Lu Qing would never give them the treasures until their lifespans neared their end.

First, if several Immortals were to emerge within the Leiguang Sea Star Region in a short time, it would surely draw the attention of those with ulterior motives—someone might guess he possessed rare treasures.

Second, many of his wife and children still had long lifespans ahead and could further strengthen themselves. If any of them received Primordial Law acknowledgment and broke through to Immortality directly, wouldn’t that save him a great deal of resources?

(End of Chapter)