43: treasure

"Of course."

Qin Jin's voice was steady, yet imbued with determination.

Since he had already participated, he would strive to see it through to the end and become the ultimate winner.

This had always been Qin Jin's creed.

Chu Tianyi nodded with satisfaction.

"This Heavenly Selection selection is the biggest event this Mining Star has welcomed since its discovery by the Federation."

"The Mining Star's Five Major Survival Zones have the potential to produce outstanding local individuals, Martial Artists with exceptional talent."

"However, comparatively, your main opponents will be the scions of aristocratic families participating in this competition."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin's expression showed no surprise.

Chu Tianyi's eyes narrowed, and he turned around, looking out at the wilderness beyond the base through the Ship window.

"For ten thousand years, the Federation's exploration of the star sea has been continuous. The star sea contains myriad wonders, and because of this, it has given rise to many powers that can be called aristocratic families."

"In this Heavenly Selection selection, more than two handfuls of aristocratic families are participating."

"Many years ago, I was able to give Yan Gaoyuan a hint; these aristocratic families naturally wouldn't hesitate to have their direct bloodlines born on this Mining Star."

"With Federation oversight, basic fairness is maintained. Since their ancestors chose for them to be newborns on the Mining Star, they likewise won't receive additional help before the unsealing."

"In terms of talent, you are a genuine prodigy, second to none."

"However, aristocratic families have deep legacies. If you face them, you must be careful of any hidden trump cards they might possess."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin nodded and said, "I understand."

Inside the high-level quarters.

Chu Tianyi gave his earnest instructions.

After a conversation, Qin Jin left.

Inside the base, the number of young Martial Artists remaining was steadily decreasing.

This 'raising-gu' like competition, coupled with ample resources, allowed these young people to grow rapidly in a short period.

From the unsealing until the birth of the Star God, countless people on the Mining Star were in a state of full sprint.

Qin Jin left the base and returned to New Sheep District.

Just as he was about to head to the warehouse, his wristband vibrated, receiving a new message.

Qin Jin opened his wristband, and after checking the message, his eyebrows slightly raised.

The message was from Zhong Yi of Wu Yuan Academy.

...

Great Wilderness.

Spring Stream Tribe.

Ding Yang and Qi Ze were extremely patient.

After the former Sacrificial Spirit of the Spring Stream Tribe, San Xuan, left, they deliberately waited for a period until they confirmed he was far away before showing themselves.

After arranging for other members to stand guard at a distance, Ding Yang and Qi Ze approached the spring together.

Upon nearing the spring, even before touching the water, Ding Yang and Qi Ze exchanged glances, seeing the shock in each other's eyes.

Both of them had cultivated a Breathing Method.

As they drew near the spring water, they clearly sensed their own life energy stirring, becoming more active.

"If this spring water can assist our tribesmen in cultivating the Breathing Method, then its value is even more astonishing than we initially imagined!"

Qi Ze's tone was somewhat excited.

"First, confirm the situation."

Ding Yang said in a deep voice.

The two walked to the side of the spring.

As the origin of the Spring Stream Tribe's rise, the area around the spring was once built with stones, and above the stones were carved wondrous patterns, uniquely shaped, a scenic spot within the Spring Stream Tribe.

However.

After the Ancient Remnant Species rampaged through, everything was destroyed, and now the area around this spring was also in a dilapidated state.

After they approached, they exchanged glances. Qi Ze nodded slightly, and the Treasure Technique pattern on his left chest glowed softly. A gentle breeze stirred, enveloping his body.

He leaped up and plunged into the spring.

The spring water rippled.

The gentle breeze enveloping his body became a barrier, blocking the spring water, and Qi Ze swam down.

What he had awakened was precisely a wind-attribute Treasure Technique.

On the bank.

Ding Yang waited quietly while remaining vigilant.

Approximately ten-some breaths later.

The surface of the spring, which had calmed down, suddenly rippled.

As the ripples spread, Ding Yang's brows furrowed slightly.

After approaching the spring, his life energy had become exceptionally active, stirring.

But now, that sensation of stirring had disappeared, and his life energy had returned to calm.

He gazed at the rippling water, accumulating power, the Treasure Technique patterns on his body emitting a faint glow, already prepared to strike at any moment.

Another ten-some breaths passed.

Just as Ding Yang was growing impatient and preparing to investigate actively, as the water surface rippled, Qi Ze suddenly rose to the surface. He swam to the edge of the spring in a few strokes, a gentle breeze surrounding his body, keeping him dry.

Seeing this, Ding Yang quickly reached out and pulled him up.

At the same time...

He saw Qi Ze's other hand tightly clutching something.

"How is it?"

Ding Yang asked.

"A great discovery!"

Qi Ze's expression was serious as he handed the object in his hand to him.

It was a fragment about a foot in length and width, bronze-colored, appearing to be a remnant of a large cauldron-like vessel. Exquisite patterns were carved on it, seemingly fish and birds at play, but the fragment's area was limited and incomplete.

Most importantly...

This bronze fragment was emitting a soft glow.

Ding Yang took the fragment.

The moment he held it in his hand, his life energy became extremely active, surging wildly within his body.

"This is?!"

Ding Yang's face showed shock. He handed the fragment back to Qi Ze, then bent down, cupped the spring water with both hands, and drank it.

He closed his eyes slightly.

"The special feeling I used to get from drinking this spring water is completely gone."

Ding Yang murmured, looking at the fragment in Qi Ze's hand: "This fragment... is the source of the spring?"

"Exactly."

Qi Ze nodded, excitement in his voice: "This spring isn't large, but it's not shallow either. After I dove deep and found the spring's eye, I saw this fragment deliberately placed above the spring's eye."

"You also know the feeling of touching it."

"No wonder."

Ding Yang mused: "No wonder only the Chief and a few priests of the former Spring Stream Tribe could approach the spring."

"They must have known the secret of the spring and made arrangements, fearing others would discover it."

His gaze fell on the fragment, and Ding Yang's expression became solemn: "We must return to the tribe as soon as possible and give it to Lord Sacrificial Spirit."

"This fragment can create another spring for the tribe, and it also seems to help with cultivating the Breathing Method."

"With its help, the tribe can quickly become strong."

"Let's go."

"Return now!"

Towards the end, his tone was decisive. He cupped his hand to his mouth and emitted a bird-like cry. The tribesmen stationed as lookouts quickly approached.

Beside him.

Qi Ze's excitement subsided. He watched Ding Yang's actions, his expression becoming more serious. After a moment of silence, he spoke: "Ding Yang, this was, after all, once a treasure of the Spring Stream Tribe, you..."

"The Spring Stream Tribe is gone."

Ding Yang looked back at him: "When Sacrificial Spirit abandoned us, the fate of the Spring Stream Tribe was already sealed."

"Now, I have joined the Si Huo Tribe."

"This thing, of course, must be brought back."

"Under its influence, even the spring water has an extraordinary effect. If it stays here, and San Xuan discovers it later, wouldn't it help him recover from his injuries?"

At this point, he clenched his fist slightly, looking into the distance: "Such an act of aiding the enemy must absolutely not be done."

"If I hadn't joined the Si Huo Tribe, I would never have thought that Lord Sacrificial Spirit would be willing to pass down a cultivation method."

"I now have a direction for improvement. One day, I will personally cut down that fellow."

...

New Sheep District.

Qin Jin returned, looking towards his residence. From a distance, he saw a beautiful figure standing outside the door.

It was Zhong Yi.

She was in casual clothes, leaning against the door, arms crossed, resting with her eyes closed.

Qin Jin approached.

Footsteps sounded, and Zhong Yi opened her eyes, looking at Qin Jin, just about to say something.

But at this moment.

Her gaze sharpened, and the words she had prepared abruptly stopped.

She stared at Qin Jin intently for several seconds, then said with some disbelief: "You..."

"You've condensed your intent?!"