Chapter 376: Inside the Deep Pit! Feather Race World Tree! Mysterious Emperor Rank Expert

Chapter 376: Deep in the Pit! The World Tree of the Winged Race! A Mysterious Sovereign! Who Exactly is Qin!

The wooden door of the Extreme Martial Arts Hall slowly creaked shut, sealing off the clamor and shock of the outside world, as well as the gazes filled with awe and speculation cast from every corner of Liuyun Universe City.

Deep in the pit, Ling Feng lay upon the cold, jagged rubble, the agony surging like a tide against his nearly shattered nerves.

Yet, he felt not a shred of pain; his mind echoed only with that inconceivable scene and those words, plain yet seemingly imbued with supreme vitality.

"If you want to live, crawl inside yourself."

This was... an opportunity!

A chance at survival, bestowed upon him by a supreme existence beyond his wildest imagination!

A powerful will to live ignited once more from the embers of his nearly extinguished life force.

He gritted his teeth, summoning his last ounce of strength to channel the remnants of his divine power, beginning the arduous task of mending his broken organs and fractured wing bones.

Golden divine blood welled from his wounds, only to be forced back into his body by sheer willpower.

Using his only intact arm, he propped up his ruined frame, inch by inch, dragging himself toward the wooden door that stood both within reach and worlds away.

Every inch gained was accompanied by heart-rending agony.

Every forward movement was an ultimate test of his will and conviction.

But he did not surrender.

He knew the senior behind that door was watching. Perhaps this was the first, and final, test.

...

Inside the courtyard, beneath the ancient locust tree.

Qin Feng lay back upon his recliner, eyes slightly closed, as if in deep meditation.

Yet his vast, cosmic divine sense perceived every detail of what transpired outside.

He could "see" the depth of every wound on Ling Feng, "hear" every suppressed groan of pain, and "feel" the increasingly resilient, unyielding spirit deep within his soul.

"Not bad."

In his heart, Qin Feng offered a muted assessment.

Talent is important, but for a martial artist, a heart that never admits defeat is the foundation for walking the path further.

This Winged youth named Ling Feng had passed the test of character.

Time ticked away, second by second.

When the sunset’s glow bathed Liuyun City in a warm, golden hue, the tightly shut door was finally pushed ajar by a hand stained with blood and dust.

Ling Feng had crawled the hundred-meter distance almost entirely on willpower alone. His face was as pale as paper, his breath as faint as a candle in the wind, yet his silver eyes burned with astonishing intensity.

He used his final strength to roll into the courtyard, then collapsed, falling into a deep, unconscious state.

In his final moment of awareness, he seemed to see the black-robed senior still lying quietly beneath the locust tree, his posture unchanged.

Qin Feng slowly opened his eyes, glancing at the unconscious Ling Feng, whose life hung in the balance.

He did not rush to heal him.

He merely extended a finger and pointed gently toward the youth.

A single drop of blood, shimmering with crimson-gold light, flew from his fingertip and silently merged into the center of Ling Feng’s brow.

This was a drop of origin essence from his perfected Extreme Body.

The vitality and laws contained within were enough to bring a dead planet back to life, or to resurrect a dying sovereign.

To heal a mere Marquis was more than sufficient.

Having done this, he ignored the youth and closed his eyes again, as if he had performed nothing more than a trivial chore.

...

When Ling Feng regained consciousness, he found himself lying in a simple guest room.

Outside the window, moonlight like water spilled across the ground, cold and clear.

He instinctively moved his body, only to discover with astonishment that his fatal wounds had vanished without a trace!

Not only that, he felt his divine body was more refined and powerful than before the injury!

His broken wing bones had healed perfectly, becoming even tougher than before. The sea of divine power within him was fuller and purer than ever.

He could clearly feel a warm, vast life energy still flowing through his limbs, nourishing every cell.

"What... what miraculous means is this?"

Ling Feng was overwhelmed with shock.

He knew the severity of his injuries; even with the Winged race's top-tier medicinal treasures, it would have taken centuries to recover.

Yet, in just a few hours, he had not only healed but had his foundation greatly reinforced by this misfortune!

The senior's power had once again shattered his understanding.

He quickly rose, straightened his attire, and walked out of the room with a heart filled with trepidation and reverence.

The moonlit courtyard was silent.

The black-robed senior sat cross-legged beneath the ancient locust tree, his back to him, like a statue merged with the night.

Ling Feng dared not disturb him; he simply walked to a spot ten paces behind the senior, knelt respectfully, and performed the highest ritual of the Winged race.

"Junior Ling Feng, thank you, Senior, for the grace of saving my life and rebuilding my body!"

His voice was filled with heartfelt gratitude.

Qin Feng did not turn, his calm voice echoing in the night.

"Your recovery was a vitality earned by your own will. It has nothing to do with me."

"Without the opportunity granted by you, Senior, I would already be a pile of dry bones. Your great kindness, Ling Feng will never forget!" Ling Feng bowed his head again, his attitude utterly devout.

Qin Feng was silent for a moment before speaking slowly: "You are a descendant of the Winged race's 'Wind God' lineage?"

Ling Feng was startled, quickly replying: "Returning to Senior, I am indeed the current successor of the Wind God bloodline."

"The Crimson-Eyed King hunted you for the 'Feather of the Wind God'?"

Qin Feng continued to ask.

"Yes."

At the mention of this, anger flared in Ling Feng’s eyes. "The 'Feather of the Wind God' is our ancestral relic. To curry favor with the alien 'Flame Demon God,' the Crimson-Eyed King betrayed our race to seize it as a tribute! I fought to the death and barely escaped."

Qin Feng nodded; he had no interest in the internal strife of the Winged race.

He had asked only to confirm one thing.

The Wind God bloodline excelled in speed and the mastery of wind laws; its path was swift, fierce, and unyielding—a fitting match for the domineering legacy of the Ancient Luo King.

"I saved you not without reason."

Qin Feng’s voice finally carried a hint of solemnity. "I have a promise to an old friend to find a successor and settle a debt of karma. I see your character is acceptable, so I shall bestow this legacy upon you."

With that, he flicked his finger.

A single point of golden light flew from his fingertip, instantly sinking into the center of Ling Feng’s brow.

"Boom!"

Ling Feng felt as if a universe had suddenly detonated within his mind!

An endless torrent of information, saturated with an aura of tyranny and slaughter, surged into the depths of his soul.

It was a supreme technique known as the [Guluo Sutra]!

Within it lay everything from the most fundamental arts of artifact refinement to the profound insights of the Great Dao leading directly to the peak of the King-tier!

There was even a terrifying martial art called the [Guluo Tyrant Hammer]; each move and stance seemed capable of tearing apart the galaxy, possessing a dominance that reached the absolute extreme!

Ling Feng was utterly stunned.

Though his cultivation was only at the Marquis-tier, he came from an extraordinary background with a vision far beyond his peers.

He could clearly discern that the value of this [Guluo Sutra] was immeasurable.

This was a complete, King-tier inheritance—one that would make any branch of the Feathered Race turn green with envy!

And the senior had just… given it to him, for no reason at all?

Following the immense shock came an indescribable ecstasy and gratitude.

Ling Feng trembled with excitement; he understood that this was not merely an inheritance, but a broad, golden road leading to the path of the strong!

Without hesitation, he performed the grand ritual of three kowtows and nine prostrations toward Qin Feng’s back.

"The grace of your teaching is akin to a rebirth! Disciple Ling Feng wishes to take you as his master, to serve by your side, and never to betray you!"

This time, he directly claimed the status of a disciple, hoping to be accepted into Qin Feng’s tutelage.

However, Qin Feng slowly shook his head.

"I am not your master."

His voice carried a remoteness that kept others at a distance.

"I am merely a transmitter of teachings settling a debt of karma. There is no bond of master and disciple between us. How much you can comprehend of this inheritance, and how far you can go, depends entirely on your own destiny."

"The matter here is concluded. You may leave."

Upon hearing this, Ling Feng was momentarily dazed.

He could not understand.

Such a precious inheritance, yet the senior had given it away so easily, refusing even the title of master? He was even driving him away?

"Senior..."

He wanted to say more.

"Go."

Qin Feng’s voice held not a shred of emotion. "Do not disturb my quiet cultivation here any longer."

Feeling the unquestionable will behind those words, Ling Feng’s heart was filled with loss and confusion, yet he dared not show the slightest defiance.

He knew that the gap between him and the senior was wider than the distance between heaven and earth. The senior’s actions had their own profound meaning, far beyond his ability to fathom.

He could only bury this monumental kindness deep within his heart.

For the last time, he bowed respectfully and knocked his head three times against the ground toward Qin Feng’s back.

"Your great kindness, Senior, Ling Feng will never forget. If I achieve anything in the future, I will surely repay a fraction of your grace!"

Having said this, he stood up, hesitated no longer, and unfurled the silver wings of light on his back—now fully restored—transforming into a streak of light that vanished silently into the night.

The courtyard returned to silence once more.

Qin Feng slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the night sky, as if conversing across space with the long-departed King Guluo.

"Your inheritance has been delivered. The karma between us is, from this moment, settled."

"As for the Golden Emperor, he is my enemy, and I shall kill him!"

...

Not long after Ling Feng departed, on the street outside the Limit Martial Arts Hall, the space rippled slightly, and the figure of an old man in white robes with white hair and beard quietly emerged.

It was the Lord of Liuyun Universe City, Emperor Baishi.

He did not approach, but stood far away in a dark corner, his gaze complex as he looked at the courtyard with its dim light, and the mountain-like, steady figure within.

He had been "watching" silently for a long time.

From the moment Qin Feng saved Ling Feng to the transmission of that tyrannical inheritance which made even his own heart race, he had seen the entire process clearly.

He did not use his divine sense to pry, for he dared not.

He merely used his keen perception of the laws as a Sovereign-tier powerhouse to "listen" and "feel."

During that brief transmission, the wisps of Dao rhyme leaking from the courtyard, though only the tip of the iceberg, had already left this veteran Sovereign who had been famous for millions of years feeling a sense of genuine reverence and awe.

The "Dao" contained within that inheritance was tyrannical, pure, and pointed directly to the origin!

And the senior’s effortless posture while teaching, as if expounding the fundamental truths of heaven and earth, made him realize that the senior’s realm had long reached a level he could only look up to—a level so high he could not even see the summit.

"The vastness of his knowledge and the depth of his understanding of the Great Dao are simply inconceivable..."

Emperor Baishi sighed sincerely in his heart.

He asked himself: though he was also a Sovereign, it would be no easy task to produce such a complete inheritance leading to the peak of the King-tier. Yet this senior had tossed it out like trash, simply to "settle karma."

What breadth of mind, what spirit!

He became even more certain that this senior was by no means an ordinary reclusive emperor.

After standing respectfully in place for a long time, until he was certain the senior in the courtyard had finished his affairs, Emperor Baishi straightened his robes, took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and walked forward slowly.

He stopped ten meters from the gate of the martial arts hall, not daring to move an inch closer, and then bowed respectfully.

"Junior Baishi, Lord of Liuyun City, pays respects to Senior. That the riffraff in the city disturbed your quiet cultivation earlier was due to my poor management; I have come specifically to ask for your forgiveness."

His posture was extremely low, positioning himself entirely as a junior.

From within the courtyard, Qin Feng’s voice drifted out, calm and flat.

"The fault is not yours. This matter is finished."

Receiving the senior’s response, Emperor Baishi felt slightly relieved, but still dared not stand up. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again, revealing the other purpose of his visit.

"I dare to ask, Senior, there is one more thing I must report."

"Speak."

"My Feathered Empire will host the once-in-ten-thousand-year [Ten Thousand Feather Heavenly Pavilion] grand auction at the imperial capital, 'Heavenly Feather Divine City,' one hundred years from now."

Emperor Baishi’s tone carried a hint of imperceptible anticipation.

"It is rumored that the finale of this auction is a drop of essence—the [Tear of the World Tree]—that fell by chance from our race’s companion divine object, the 'World Tree'."

"This item has the miraculous effect of cleansing the foundation of the Dao and purifying the divine soul. I suspect it might... be of some small benefit to your cultivation, Senior. Thus, I came specifically to inform you."

Having finished, he bowed again and waited quietly.

He knew that for a being of the predecessor’s stature, common treasures would long since have lost their luster.

Yet, he gambled on the singular, irreplaceable nature of the Tear of the World Tree.

And indeed.

After a moment of silence within the courtyard, Qin Feng’s voice resonated once more, this time carrying a hint of genuine interest.

"The Tear of the World Tree, you say... that is a fine thing indeed."

Hearing this, the White Stone Emperor felt a surge of joy; he knew his gamble had paid off.

He hurriedly retrieved from his spatial storage a delicate feather token carved from pure white divine wood, offering it up with both hands in a gesture of profound reverence.

"Senior, this is the highest-tier VIP token of the Myriad Feather Pavilion. With this, you shall enjoy the most distinguished treatment at the auction. I have already made all preparations for you; should you intend to attend, I am at your service to lead the way, and I would never dare show the slightest negligence."

This was his true objective.

To forge a bond of goodwill with such an unfathomable existence—even if only in the role of a guide—was a monumental opportunity for him, and for the entire Liuyun Universe City.

The courtyard gate creaked open, moved by a windless force.

The feather token was lifted by a gentle power and drifted slowly into the garden.

"I accept the token."

Qin Feng’s calm voice drifted out.

"In a hundred years, I shall go myself. There is no need for a guide."

Though the White Stone Emperor felt a flicker of disappointment, it was eclipsed by his overwhelming excitement.

The Senior had accepted the token!

This meant the Senior had accepted his gesture of goodwill!

"Yes! This junior understands! Then... I shall not disturb your cultivation any further."

The White Stone Emperor bowed once more with utmost respect, then slowly retreated, not daring to show the slightest impropriety, until he reached the end of the alleyway, where he vanished silently into the fabric of space.

Inside the courtyard, Qin Feng toyed with the warm, jade-like feather token, his gaze fixed toward the direction of the imperial capital, the God City of Heavenly Feathers.

"The Tear of the World Tree..."

The final stop of his two-hundred-thousand-year journey of bitter cultivation was finally within reach.

...

After leaving Liuyun Universe City, Qin Feng did not choose to tear through space to reach the imperial capital at top speed.

To him, this final century was, in itself, a form of cultivation.

He put away his flying shuttle and, assuming the guise of an ordinary traveler, walked across the vast territories of the Feather Empire.

He boarded the "Heavenly Feather Ark," a vessel unique to the Feather race woven from massive luminous feathers, traversing the cities of divine wood that floated amidst the sea of stars.

He observed the customs and lives of the Feather people.

It was a race where elegance and pride coexisted.

They revered art and nature; every city was a garden of exquisite craftsmanship.

They were born with an affinity for the Laws of Wind and Life, moving with graceful fluidity in flight and striking with lightning speed in battle.

Their social hierarchy was rigid, with status dictated by the purity of one's bloodline, clearly demarcated from those with two wings to those with twelve.

Qin Feng walked through these cities like the most inconspicuous of passersby.

In the famous "Wind-Whisper Tavern" of Mingfeng City, he would order a glass of "Wind’s Whisper," brewed from morning dew and nectar, quietly listening to mercenaries and adventurers boast of their harrowing encounters in the Void Turbulence Zones.

In the "Light-Weaving Pavilion," the largest in Zhiguang City, he would admire how the Feather artisans skillfully wove starlight and the power of laws into magnificent, formidable garments.

He even climbed the "Prayer Mountain," watching young Feather boys and girls offer pious prayers to the distant, eternally radiant World Tree, hoping to awaken more powerful bloodlines.

From the perspective of an observer, he calmly scrutinized the operational methods, cultural depth, and social structure of this peak race. His Primordial Singularity recorded and analyzed it all, integrating it into his understanding of the universe.

This immersion into the mundane world rendered his Dao heart, already as firm as divine iron, even more profound and complete. His aura of a Sovereign, which had been slightly sharp and overflowing after his recent breakthrough, was thoroughly refined and tempered through these repeated walks and observations, returning to a state of simplicity and truth.

A century passed in the blink of an eye.

When Qin Feng’s feet finally touched the ground of the immortal God City—the Heavenly Feather God City—which floated at the very heart of the empire, guarded by a billion stars and bathed in the most concentrated radiance of the World Tree, no trace of a powerhouse remained upon him.

Black clothes, black hair, a restrained aura, and a calm gaze.

Walking on the streets paved with solid white divine jade, he appeared so ordinary and so out of place compared to the noble, light-winged Feather people around him.

The Heavenly Feather God City was truly worthy of being the capital of a peak race.

The spatial laws here were incredibly stable; all flight was forbidden within the city, and even a King-level powerhouse had to travel on foot.

The air was saturated with life energy and the Law of Wind, so dense it was almost tangible; a mere breath here could extend the lifespan of an ordinary creature.

Shops lined the streets, and the weakest among the passersby were at the Star-level. At the Planet-level, one was not even qualified to be called a "cultivator" here.

The occasional Marquis-level powerhouse one might glimpse was usually a haughty young noble or a fierce imperial guard.

Qin Feng’s goal was clear—the Myriad Feather Pavilion.

This auction house, famous throughout the universe, was located at the very center of the God City.

It was not merely a building, but a colossal white jade tree, billions of feet tall, seemingly piercing the firmament.

This tree was formed from a side branch of the World Tree, and it was, in itself, an immeasurable treasure.

Countless rare birds and beasts played among its branches, and staircases made of pure light wound around the trunk, leading to different sectors.

With the auction about to commence, the area before the Myriad Feather Pavilion was already a sea of people and carriages. Powerhouses and wealthy merchants from all corners of the universe gathered here, each possessing an extraordinary aura.

Holding the white feather token gifted by the White Stone Emperor, Qin Feng did not enter through the main gate, but walked toward the exclusive VIP passage to the side.

At the entrance, two Feather guards clad in silver armor, with four wings sprouting from their backs and auras at the mid-stage of the King-level, blocked his path with expressionless faces.

"Halt! This is the VIP passage. Those without status, please register and enter through the main gate."

One guard’s voice was cold, carrying a hint of barely concealed disdain.

In his eyes, this human with such a mediocre aura could not possibly possess VIP qualifications.

Qin Feng said nothing, simply handing over the white feather token.

The guard had initially been indifferent, but when his gaze touched the unique patterns carved from the World Tree’s branches on the token, his expression changed instantly!

He hurriedly took the token, his divine sense probing into it for a careful inspection.

A few moments later, his cold face was replaced by sheer shock and terror!

"This... this is... the highest-tier 'Heavenly Feather Token'!" he gasped, his eyes changing completely as he looked at Qin Feng.

The other guard, hearing this, was equally horrified; he rushed forward to inspect it, only to reveal the same look of utter disbelief.

The VIP tokens of the Myriad Feather Pavilion were divided into Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow grades.

But above these was a legendary token, bestowed only upon those who had made immense contributions to the Feather race or whose strength reached a level that even they had to look up to—the Heavenly Feather Token!

Those who held this token were few and far between, and every one of them was a titan who shook the universe!

They were, without exception, Sovereign-level powerhouses.

Yet this seemingly ordinary human standing before them actually held one!

"My... my lord! Please forgive our blindness and our grave offense!"

The two arrogant, King-tier guards no longer dared to show the slightest negligence, bowing low with a humility that bordered on the extreme.

"It is of no consequence." Qin Feng withdrew the token, his tone indifferent.

"My lord, please, follow me!"

One of the guards hurried to lead the way, his demeanor profoundly respectful. "Guests bearing the 'Heavenly Feather Token' are received personally by the highest-ranking steward of our pavilion!"

Guided by the guard, Qin Feng stepped into the exclusive passage constructed of pure light.

Within the passage lay a world apart. It did not lead to the mundane auction hall, but to an independent space brimming with the vitality of life.

Beneath his feet lay soft turf, and the air was filled with drifting motes of radiance. In the distance, an elegant pavilion crafted from divine wood and vines stood silently by the edge of a crystal-clear lake.

A woman of the Feather race, clad in a verdant green gown with six wings unfurled at her back, stood waiting before the pavilion. Her features were exquisite, her temperament as gentle as flowing water.

Her aura was unmistakably that of a peak King-tier powerhouse!

In a place like the Heavenly Feather Divine City, a peak King-tier could only hold the position of a steward, a testament to the profound foundations of the Feather Empire.

"Respected guest, welcome to the Myriad Feather Heavenly Pavilion."

The six-winged woman bowed slightly, her voice like the chime of a mountain spring, refreshing as a gentle breeze. "I am the steward here, Lu Wei. May I ask how to address you?"

"Qin."

Qin Feng uttered the single syllable.

"Lord Qin."

Lu Wei maintained a perfect smile. "City Lord Baishi has already sent word to inform us of your arrival. In accordance with the protocols of the 'Heavenly Feather Token,' we have arranged for you the finest 'Heart of the World Tree' suite, as well as the number one private box, which commands the best view for the upcoming auction."

"I am obliged."

Qin Feng nodded.

"This is the token for your private box."

Lu Wei presented a credential fashioned from a verdant leaf with both hands. "There are three days remaining until the auction commences. During this time, you may meditate in your suite or tour the Heavenly Feather Divine City. Should you have any needs, you may contact me at any time through this token."

"Furthermore..."

Lu Wei paused, her tone carrying a hint of hesitation. "By convention, we are required to conduct a brief verification of strength for guests holding the 'Heavenly Feather Token' to ensure we provide the highest level of security and service. Of course, this is merely a formality, with no intent to offend. If it is inconvenient for you..."

"Proceed."

Qin Feng cut her off directly.

He understood this was a necessary procedure.

The capital of a peak race could not allow an unknown powerhouse to move freely through its core regions.

"My thanks for your understanding, my lord."

Lu Wei breathed a sigh of relief and respectfully produced a crystal ball the size of a fist, entirely transparent.

Within the sphere, a miniature galaxy seemed to churn.

"My lord, you need only infuse a sliver of your aura into it."

Qin Feng glanced at the crystal ball, recognizing it as a secret treasure specifically designed to measure the intensity of laws and the level of one's life force.

He did not release his vast, abyssal Imperial Laws; that would be far too shocking.

Instead, he simply flicked a sliver of the pure, physical blood-energy naturally exuded by his perfected [Limit Body] into the crystal ball.

That sliver of blood-energy appeared as a faint, crimson-gold hue, no larger than a speck of dust.

Yet, the moment it entered the sphere!

"Hummm—!"

The once-calm crystal ball erupted with an unprecedented, blindingly brilliant crimson-gold radiance!

The miniature galaxy within the sphere boiled and collapsed under the intensity of the light! Countless phantom stars flickered in and out of existence, as if unable to withstand even a fraction of that power!

On the surface of the crystal ball, fine cracks appeared at a speed visible to the naked eye!

"Crack!"

With a sharp sound, this precious treasure—at the very least a top-tier King-grade artifact—shattered into pieces!

The perfect smile on Lu Wei's face froze completely.

She stared blankly at the fragments in her hand, then at the black-clad youth whose aura remained utterly unremarkable. Her beautiful eyes were filled with a shock and terror that defied description!

The [Star-Gazing Orb] in her hand was a secret creation of the Feather race; its capacity was sufficient to precisely measure the law intensity of a top-tier Emperor!

Yet now, a mere sliver of the opponent's power—not even a "law," but merely "blood-energy"—had overwhelmed it to the point of destruction?

What did this signify?

Lu Wei’s heart hammered wildly.

She only knew that even the supreme titan of the Feather race, known as the "War Emperor," whom she had once been fortunate enough to glimpse from afar, seemed to possess an aura that was... no greater than this.

"My apologies. I was careless."

Qin Feng’s flat voice pulled her back to reality.

"No... no! It is... it is the orb that was of too low a grade to bear your supreme divine might!"

Lu Wei hurriedly regained her composure and bowed again. This time, her back bent even lower, and her voice carried an unconcealable awe and tremor.

"Lord Qin... your strength has been... confirmed."

She no longer dared to probe further, having already categorized this mysterious human, "Lord Qin," among the most forbidden existences—those who must never, under any circumstances, be provoked.

"Your suite is prepared. Please, follow me!"

Her attitude was ten times more respectful than before.

...

Guided personally by Lu Wei, Qin Feng arrived at a luxurious suite located at the very summit of the White Jade Divine Tree.

It was named "Heart of the World Tree," and it lived up to its reputation.

The entire room seemed built within the branches of the World Tree; the walls were natural wood grain, exuding a rich, vital aura.

Through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, one could overlook the entire Heavenly Feather Divine City and the brilliant galaxy in the distance. The view was peerless.

"Lord Qin, if there are no other instructions, I shall not disturb your rest."

After settling everything, Lu Wei retreated respectfully, not daring to linger for even a second.

Qin Feng closed the door, and the world finally fell silent once more.

He walked slowly to the window, watching the bustling scene of the immortal city below, his eyes as still as an ancient well.

"The [Tear of the World Tree] must be mine."

But to bid for a treasure of that caliber, the wealth required would surely be an astronomical figure.

Although Qin Feng had accumulated vast resources during his travels, most were divine materials and ore veins, which were inconvenient for direct trade.

He needed to transmute these "dead things" into liquid "hard currency."

With a flicker of thought, his divine sense delved into his storage space.

There lay the spoils of a million years, the remnants of countless fallen powerhouses.

Among them were the entire fortunes of the three Star Pirate Emperors of the Chaotic Horn Star Sea, the spatial artifacts of the three divine path prodigies—King Guyu, King Zhanwu, and King Shencan—as well as the gear of the countless nameless kings and marquises he had casually erased along his journey.

The secret treasures within were piled high as mountains.

There were over a thousand king-tier treasures of every conceivable attribute.

There were even more than a dozen emperor-tier treasures!

To him, these things had long since become useless.

His "Ultimate Body" was the sharpest blade.

His "Ultimate Divine Light" was the deadliest strike.

"Perfect, I shall put this waste to use."

Qin Feng sat cross-legged and began to organize his spoils.

He withdrew the treasures one by one.

Most of these artifacts still bore the lingering soul imprints of their former masters or were stained with the chaotic aura of karma.

To auction them directly would risk exposing their origins and inviting unnecessary trouble.

Qin Feng reached out, and the "Golden Emperor Divine Fire" quietly manifested in his palm.

The golden flames radiated the supreme majesty of an emperor.

He cast a king-tier war blade of the Corpse Race, thick with the stench of death, into the fire.

"Hiss—"

Under the searing heat of the Golden Emperor Divine Fire, the soul imprints and karmic traces on the blade were instantly purified into nothingness.

The blade itself, tempered by the imperial flame, even saw its quality subtly elevated.

For the next three days, Qin Feng remained in the suite, never stepping outside.

Using the Golden Emperor Divine Fire as a furnace, he refined every treasure he intended to sell, erasing all traces and transforming them into "clean," brand-new, top-tier goods.

Once finished, he contacted Lu Wei through his token.

When Lu Wei entered the suite again and saw the mountain of treasures "tossed" casually on the floor, each radiating a formidable aura,

this peak-king-tier manager, accustomed to rare and precious items, was once again deeply shaken.

It was not merely the sheer quantity piled on the floor that mattered, but the quality!

Every single treasure emitted pure and powerful fluctuations of the laws.

Even the lowest among them were exquisite pieces of mid-tier king-grade quality.

The majority were high-tier or peak-tier king-grade treasures.

And what made her heart race with terror were the dozen or so items emanating a faint imperial pressure!

Emperor-tier treasures!

Any one of them could trigger a bloodbath in the outside world, enough to drive a powerful cosmic empire to madness!

Yet now, they lay scattered on the floor like worthless stones, discarded by this mysterious Lord Qin.

What she found even more inconceivable was that the aura of these treasures was exceptionally "clean."

So clean that they seemed to have just been birthed from the origin laws of the universe, devoid of any historical traces or karmic entanglements.

For ancient treasures that had circulated for eons, this was an absolute impossibility.

The only explanation was that these treasures had undergone some unfathomable, god-like process of purification and reshaping.

Recalling the "Star-Gazing Orb" that had shattered from a mere thread of his blood energy, Lu Wei’s awe for this Lord Qin deepened several layers.

This lord was not only unfathomably powerful, but his wealth and heritage were as vast as the sea!

"Dispose of these."

Qin Feng’s calm voice broke the silence of the room. He gestured toward the pile of treasures, his tone as if he were handling a heap of scrap.

"Exchange them for your Feather Race’s universal currency."

"Yes... yes, my Lord!"

Lu Wei snapped out of her shock, took a deep breath to steady her hammering heart, and replied with professional reverence: "My Lord, for a transaction of such magnitude, the rules of our Ten Thousand Feather Pavilion require us to invite our top team of appraisal masters to conduct an on-site valuation. Please wait a moment; I shall arrange it immediately!"

"Hmm." Qin Feng nodded, said no more, and returned to the chair by the window, closing his eyes to rest.

Lu Wei dared not show the slightest negligence and immediately sent an emergency communication to the highest echelons of the Ten Thousand Feather Pavilion.

...

Only a quarter of an hour later, the suite door was knocked upon again.

Lu Wei led three Feather Race elders, whose auras were ancient and profound, into the room.

All three elders possessed eight wings and wore moon-white robes symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.

Though they did not intentionally release their power, the seamless way they moved in harmony with the laws of heaven and earth revealed their terrifying cultivation—at the very least, peak emperor-tier!

They were the chief appraisal masters of the Ten Thousand Feather Pavilion, renowned throughout the entire universe.

Ordinarily, even standard emperor-tier treasures might not be enough to summon all three of them at once.

But today, upon learning that a mysterious guest holding the "Heavenly Feather Token" wished to conduct an unimaginably massive transaction, they had come together without hesitation.

"Greetings, Lord Qin."

As the three elders entered, their eyes fell immediately upon Qin Feng.

A flicker of imperceptible astonishment crossed their eyes, which seemed capable of peering into the origin of all things.

They could not see through him.

To their perception, this black-clad human was like a "singularity" that could not be defined by any law—profound, silent, yet containing a terrifying power that made even them tremble.

The three dared not be remiss and bowed to Qin Feng in unison.

Qin Feng merely nodded slightly in response.

His gaze remained calm as he looked at the three elders, though his heart stirred.

While their auras were powerful, they were born of accumulated knowledge rather than pure killing intent.

Each was an old monster who had lived for countless epochs.

The heritage of the Feather Empire was truly well-deserved.

After the three appraisal masters finished their salutations, they turned their attention to the pile of treasures, their faces instantly alight with professional fervor.

They did not touch them immediately but walked slowly around the pile, their eyes burning like torches, shooting beams of "appraisal" law-light that swept over every treasure.

"Hiss... such pure law fluctuations! This 'Blade of the Dark Night'—it has not a single lingering vengeful soul. This is simply incredible!"

"This 'Heart of Lava' imperial armor—its laws of fire are condensed to the absolute limit, possessing almost no impurities! In all my years appraising tens of thousands of imperial treasures, I have never seen one so 'pristine'!"

"And this 'Void Beacon,' its spatial laws are as clear and legible as a textbook... Heavens, from which master artisan did these treasures originate?"

The three seasoned masters grew increasingly astonished, their voices filled with irrepressible wonder.

They had initially assumed this was merely a transaction of great quantity.

But now, they realized they were mistaken.

The value of this collection could not be measured by conventional standards! For any cultivator walking the corresponding path, these treasures—with their absolute purity—were not merely weapons, but supreme "artifacts of enlightenment."

Their value was at least thirty to fifty percent higher than any treasure of the same rank!

After several hours of rigorous, cross-verified assessment,

The white-browed elder, acting as their leader, held a crystal chip containing the final figures and approached Qin Feng with a heart full of awe and agitation.

He bowed deeply once more, presenting the chip with both hands, his voice trembling slightly.

"Lord Qin... after our final calculations, the total value of your collection is..."

He paused, carefully weighing his words.

"Thirty-seven trillion... Feather Empire gold coins."

As the number fell, even Lu Wei, who had braced herself, could not help but gasp, her chest heaving.

Thirty-seven trillion!

What kind of figure was this?

It was enough to purchase ten, perhaps twenty, remote cosmic cities like the Flowing Cloud Universe City!

It was enough to arm a terrifying legion of thousands of King-ranked powerhouses!

Even for a behemoth like the [Myriad Feather Pavilion], this was a sum that required the highest level of authorization to mobilize on short notice!

"Very well."

Yet, faced with a number that would drive any emperor to madness, Qin Feng’s expression remained entirely unruffled.

He merely nodded faintly, as if thirty-seven trillion were no different from thirty-seven stones.

This detached, serene demeanor caused the awe in the hearts of the three masters and Lu Wei to climb to a new, dizzying height.

This was the true, supreme powerhouse who viewed wealth as nothing more than dust!

"My Lord."

The lead elder grew even more deferential. "For such a vast sum, we shall deposit it into a 'World Tree Gold Card' of the highest tier. This card is valid within the territories of any peak race in the universe. Please wait a moment; Manager Lu Wei will handle all the formalities for you."

"Proceed."

Qin Feng spoke only a single word.

The rest was no longer his concern.

Lu Wei and the three masters gathered the treasures from the floor with the utmost care, as if handling the most sacred of relics.

Before leaving, the lead elder hesitated, then could not resist asking, "If I may be so bold, Lord Qin... will there be... any follow-up to this collection?"

His eyes were filled with undisguised longing.

The quality of these treasures was simply too high!

For the [Myriad Feather Pavilion], this was not just a transaction; it was a golden opportunity to elevate their reputation and influence!

If managed correctly, it would make this [Myriad Feather Pavilion] auction the most successful in history!

Qin Feng glanced at him and replied indifferently, "We shall see."

"Yes! Yes! This junior understands! I dare not ask further!"

Having received this ambiguous yet hopeful answer, the three elders bowed excitedly once more before departing in a hurry, clutching the treasures with immense satisfaction.

They had to return immediately to devise the perfect auction strategy for these "heaven-sent" top-tier lots!

Inside the room, only Qin Feng and Lu Wei remained.

"Lord Qin, your 'World Tree Gold Card' should be ready within the hour. I shall deliver it to you personally."

Lu Wei said respectfully.

"Mm."

"Also..."

A flicker of curiosity and anticipation danced in Lu Wei's eyes. "Beyond auctions, our [Myriad Feather Pavilion] also acquires rare intelligence and ancient legacies. I wonder if you, My Lord, might possess..."

She did not finish, but her meaning was clear.

Could an individual capable of producing so many treasures hold even more precious, intangible wealth?

Qin Feng looked at her.

He knew she was probing his background and seeking a deeper level of cooperation.

He pondered; he did indeed possess many legacies.

From the Ancient Luo King to the Venerable Yaoguang, and the "Dao" of the three God-Path prodigies—any one of them, if revealed, would cause a sensation.

But he had no desire to do so.

Legacies carried karma.

His karma with the Ancient Luo King was already settled.

The legacy of Venerable Yaoguang had been a guiding grace.

As for the three God-Path prodigies, their "Dao" had already been parsed and absorbed, becoming fuel for his own growth.

He did not wish to entangle himself in new karmic threads.

"I do not."

He refused, crisp and clean.

"Understood, Lu Wei apologizes."

A trace of disappointment flashed in Lu Wei's eyes, but she masked it quickly, maintaining a perfect smile. "Then I shall not disturb your rest, My Lord."

With that, she bowed and withdrew.

When the door clicked shut, the suite finally returned to total silence.

Qin Feng walked to the window, overlooking the immortal divine city below, ablaze with brilliant, flowing light.

Thirty-seven trillion.

This vast fortune was enough for him to bid on anything he desired at the upcoming auction.

Including the final, crowning item—the [Tear of the World Tree].

His preparations for this journey were, at last, complete.

Now, he only needed to wait.

To wait for the grand event that would draw the eyes of the entire universe to finally begin.

(End of this chapter)