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Chapter 697: Division of the Realm

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The wooden racks were arranged in three rows, placed in the center of the first floor of the attic. The first row was filled with ancient treasures and magical artifacts, totaling no less than sixteen. The second row contained rare materials of varying shapes and colors, ranging from iron blocks the size of a man's fist to blood-red, translucent stones resembling precious gems. The third row held the fewest items—only several small bottles, each a few inches in height—clearly containing medicinal pills. Han Li glanced over the array of items with a composed expression, showing no visible emotions of joy, sorrow, or excitement. While the others maintained a calm demeanor, no one immediately stepped forward to examine or handle the items, though their eyes were already assessing the functions and worth of each object. After a while, the competition for advantageous positions during the distribution began to intensify. Soon afterward, Nan Long Hou stepped forward to represent the group and personally inspected each item, while the others engaged in polite discussions about the origins and purposes of the treasures. As for how his thoughts began to shift, only he himself truly understood. At this moment, Han Li started glancing around, surveying the areas beyond the shelves. Aside from a cushion and a small green plant placed by the window of the upper floor, there was nothing else. Han Li's mind stirred, and as he was about to take a step forward, a sudden movement revealed the white-robed elder who had already stepped gracefully to the cushion. He lifted his hand, drawing the cushion into his arms and turning it over and over, examining it carefully. Han Li frowned slightly, then walked over to the small plant by the window, studying it closely. "Indeed, Master Han, you seem quite interested in this 'Yin Ning Grass'? Though rare, this plant is the ideal ingredient for preparing cold and Yin-based pills, enhancing their potency by an extra third." Just as Han Li glanced at it, a soft, pleasant female voice echoed from behind. A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes as he slowly turned around—there stood Yan Ruoxian, gracefully poised behind him. "The Yin-Condensed Grass differs from other immortal herbs in that only when it reaches its hundred-year milestone does it fully manifest its cold, nourishing properties. Now, this herb has remained here for so many years—its potency has long since faded, and it serves no purpose at all." Han Li spoke calmly, then glanced slightly, noticing Wang Chan following behind Wang Tiangu, excitedly whispering to him—her second uncle—without paying any attention to the scene around them. "I didn't expect that, aside from being an expert in array techniques, Master Han also has some knowledge of alchemical medicine. Lady Yan, I truly admire that!" Yan Ruyan smiled gently, her bright eyes sparkling with youthful charm. The smile on Yan Ru Yan's face faded, and a look of resignation appeared at the corner of her lips. "Resolution? Our magic sect and your Heaven's Way Alliance have always been at odds from the beginning—what could possibly need resolving?" Han Li arched an eyebrow, a hint of scorn flashing across his face. Upon hearing Han Li's words, Yan Ru Yan let out a wry smile, opened her lips to speak further, when suddenly the Nanan Marquis stepped forward and called out, "All of you, come this way. First, let's distribute the treasures from this floor, and then we'll proceed to the second floor." At once, Han Li turned away from Yan Ru Yan and walked off on his own. Seeing Yan Ru Yan follow him, the stunning young lady's expression shifted between joy and concern several times before she gracefully joined him. When Wang Chan noticed Yan Ru Yan following Han Li, a subtle expression of surprise appeared in her eyes. Yet, after a careful glance at Yan Ru Yan, she remained composed and said nothing. As for Wang Tian Gu, he too observed the scene, yet his expression remained unchanged—he simply paid no attention at all. "Very well. We have counted them—there are six ancient treasures and ten divine artifacts here. The materials and pills have been divided into eight portions based on their value. Naturally, everyone would most desire the ancient treasures, as they can fully exert their power without needing to be refined. Yet these artifacts are no ordinary items; they were left behind by Master Qiongkun when he defeated his formidable rivals, and their power is truly remarkable. Even if they only achieve seventy percent of their full potential and require some time to be fully integrated, they are absolutely worth it. Therefore, whether each of you prefers the ancient treasures or the artifacts is entirely up to your personal preference. Master Wang Chan and Master Yan, you will each receive only one portion." South Long Marquis had gathered all the items onto a single shelf and calmly announced this to the group. "I am already quite old. What time do I have left to refine these artifacts? I shall settle for just one ancient treasure!" The elderly woman spoke with no hesitation, confidently asserting her seniority. Upon hearing this, the others maintained a composed expression on their faces, yet all silently chuckled within themselves. But at that moment, Wang Tiangu suddenly asked the Nanlong Marquis with deep intention. "Nanlong friend and Yun friend, why haven't you chosen the treasures yet? Perhaps by the second floor, neither of you will find anything you desire." "Wang brother, what do you mean?" Nanlong Marquis, upon hearing this, grew visibly alarmed, but then his expression darkened and he spoke coldly. The white-robed elder also fixed a stern gaze upon Wang Tiangu. "Nothing at all. I merely feel that if neither of you chooses now, there would be a real pity." Wang Tiangu remained undisturbed, merely offering a light smile. "Hmph! Here, there's nothing particularly worthy of me or Yun friend choosing first. As for whether Han friend wishes to exercise this privilege, that shall be up to Han friend." Nanlong Marquis said, his tone somewhat frosty, as though the earlier remarks had caused discomfort. "I shall also exercise this privilege at a later time. Let's discuss it at the second floor," Han Li said casually, stroking his chin. "Then, these treasures shall be equally divided among us. Anyone wishing to take an ancient relic shall automatically forgo their choice of the lower-tier法宝. What do you think, my friends?" Wang Tian spoke without hesitation. "This arrangement is excellent. I agree." "Then let's go with this!" The others also found it fair and readily approved. Han Li naturally had no interest in selecting any of the法宝, and ultimately it was the white-robed elder and the scholar of the Yu surname who gave up their ancient relics, opting instead to choose two items they particularly liked and claim their respective materials and pills. As for the ancient relics, Han Li and the others each made a selection, one per person. Han Li received a relic in the form of a bamboo scroll, though he had no clear idea of its power or magical capabilities. Nevertheless, he took it without hesitation and stored it in his satchel, along with his own share of materials and pills. Once Han Li and the others each took one more item, the first layer of treasures was fully distributed. As for the cushion, Han Li noticed that it had already been casually tossed to the ground by the white-robed elder, who had never looked at it again. Clearly, it wasn't anything special! Several people also stopped to carefully examine the Yin Ning grass, identifying its origin, only to find it unimpressive. Witnessing this scene, Han Li couldn't help but chuckle internally. It was evident that no one was foolish—these Yuan Ying elders would never skip checking any item in the attic. After all, aside from the obvious treasures, there might well be something hidden within. After a thorough search, the group found no unexpected discoveries and thus moved on toward the second floor. Upon entering the second floor, Han Li, like the others, was momentarily stunned. For as soon as they stepped inside, a strong scent of sandalwood immediately filled the air. And as he lifted his head, he immediately saw that in the corner near the stairwell, there stood a shrine housing a golden statue of a three-headed, six-armed, one-horned demonic deity, its face fierce and lifelike. In front of the shrine, there was a small red incense burner, from which soft white vapor rose, carrying the fragrance of sandalwood. It was truly astonishing to the southern Llong侯 and others that this elder, Cangkun, should enshrine a demonic deity. Yet upon seeing the three-headed, six-armed statue, Han Li's heart suddenly began to race—this statue bore an exact resemblance to the mythical beast he had long suspected to be the true essence of the Buddhist saint, even in its fierce gaze and the way all six arms were raised toward the sky. Without further thought, Han Li quickly turned his gaze to the other corners of the second floor. There, several feet to the left of the shrine, he spotted a seemingly ordinary desk and a wooden chair, upon which lay inkstone, brush, and bamboo scrolls. On the corresponding side of the altar, there stood a bed of pale blue jade, exuding a cool, chilly atmosphere even at such a distance—clearly carved from some kind of cold jade. At one end of the bed, three jade boxes of varying sizes were placed side by side, standing out prominently. It seemed that this upper level was indeed the private quarters of Master Ang Kun! A figure suddenly materialized before the cold jade bed, the white-robed elder reaching out to grasp one of the jade boxes. "Hold on!" As he spoke, another figure appeared beside the bed and launched a streak of black light directly at the elder's wrist. "What's this? Do you intend to spar with me?" The cloud-named elder swiftly withdrew his arm, evading the surprise attack, his eyes blazing with surprise and indignation as he fixed them firmly on the other man.