BTTH: I have a key to travel to Wu Dong Qian Kun.

Chapter 182: The Choice

"Hum!"

With a wave of his sleeve, Ying Xuanzi caused three beams of light to fly out from his sleeve, suspending in mid-air.

"These three treasures are not ordinary. You may choose one of them," Ying Xuanzi said.

Xiao Tian looked up at the three light clusters. The first light cluster contained a small fiery-red ruler, covered in flame-like patterns, exuding a scorching and violent aura. The energy it emitted was evidently much stronger than the Black Dragon Sky-Sealing Stamp, indicating it was a top-grade Heavenly Treasure.

In the second light cluster was a black armor, about the size of a human head. Wisps of black energy seeped from it, like serpents slithering on its surface, indicating it was a defensive treasure. Its energy was just as strong as the fiery-red ruler, also a top-grade Heavenly Treasure.

These two treasures, if placed in the outside world, would undoubtedly cause a fierce scramble.

Xiao Tian's gaze then fell on the third light cluster, which contained a black wooden plaque about the size of a palm. This wooden plaque, etched with some obscure runes, seemed ordinary compared to the other two treasures. However, with his powerful soul force, Xiao Tian could sense its extraordinary nature.

At this moment, Ying Xuanzi waved his sleeve again, causing the lake to split in two. A giant formation appeared in front of Xiao Tian, with radiant light enveloping the entire lake. Waves of astonishing energy emanated from it.

In the center of the formation stood a black sapling, about half a meter tall, emitting tiny glimmers that resembled stars, making it incredibly beautiful.

"The Celestial Yuan Tree!" Xiao Tian immediately recognized it.

"This formation is a Spirit Locking Formation, capable of drawing the world's elemental energy within the Dao Sect. The lake's bottom is connected to four Dan Rivers of the Dao Sect, specifically to nourish the ancient tree," Ying Xuanzi explained. "Another reward option is to allow you to train within this formation for a month. The vast energy here should significantly enhance your strength.

"You may choose any one of these four rewards. Which will it be?"

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Tian pointed to the wooden plaque, saying, "I choose this wooden plaque."

Ying Xuanzi's eyes flickered with surprise at Xiao Tian's choice. Smiling, he asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am," Xiao Tian nodded.

While top-grade Heavenly Treasures were powerful and rare, they were not indispensable to Xiao Tian. If it were a Pure Yuan Treasure, he would have chosen it without hesitation, as such a treasure would still be beneficial even at the Dou Saint level. However, Heavenly Treasures would become less effective at that stage, regardless of their grade.

As for the formation for cultivation, Xiao Tian had little interest. His own space contained a complete Dan River, allowing him to cultivate as he pleased.

The black wooden plaque, on the other hand, was a unique treasure with considerable value to him.

Seeing Xiao Tian's choice, Ying Xuanzi smiled, retrieving the other two light clusters back into his sleeve and tossing the wooden plaque to Xiao Tian.

As Xiao Tian caught the wooden plaque, its light faded away, revealing numerous obscure and mysterious runes etched on its surface. These runes seemed to have a life of their own, flowing slowly across the plaque.

"In ancient times, there was a divine artifact called the Stasis God Monument. Once activated, it could freeze time and space, leaving its victims helpless," Ying Xuanzi explained. "The wooden plaque you hold is a replica of the Stasis God Monument, named the Stasis Plate. Although it's just a replica, it surpasses those top-grade Heavenly Treasures, though it falls short of Pure Yuan Treasures. It can momentarily freeze opponents, which, for experts, is enough to inflict severe damage or even kill."

Pausing, Ying Xuanzi continued, "Your choice shows your keen insight. This treasure requires substantial soul power to activate, which you seem to have. Now, it is an unowned object. A drop of your blood will bind it to you."

Without hesitation, Xiao Tian pricked his finger, allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the Stasis Plate. A faint blood light spread, linking Xiao Tian to the plate.

"Shoom!"

The Stasis Plate shone brightly before turning into a stream of light and entering Xiao Tian's forehead. He closed his eyes, his mind entering his spiritual domain, where he found the Stasis Plate amidst his swirling soul power. Gradually, he infused his soul power into it, feeling its intricate mysteries.

After several hours, Xiao Tian opened his eyes and stood up. "Thank you, Sect Leader, for the treasure!" he said, bowing.

"You have earned it through your contributions to the sect," Ying Xuanzi replied with a smile. "In less than half a month, the Great Desolate Monument will open. You should be aware of the power of the Great Desolate Scripture. I hope you can gain something from it."

"Yes, Sect Leader," Xiao Tian responded.

"Since you have received your reward, you may leave now," Ying Xuanzi said, heading towards the center of the lake.

Xiao Tian turned and left the hall. Upon returning to his residence in the Desolate Hall, he gave a Celestial Yuan Fruit to Lin Dong and two to Medusa. Lin Dong would break through to the eight-yuan Nirvana stage, while Medusa would reach the peak of nine-star Douzong after refining the fruits.

After distributing the fruits, Xiao Tian opened the space gate and returned to the Dou Qi Continent. His soul power needed strengthening, and the best way to do that was to raid the Soul Hall.

The Soul Hall had been capturing souls all over the Dou Qi Continent, amassing vast soul power. In the original story, the Soul Clan used the Soul Hall to produce two individuals with Emperor-level souls. Xiao Yan, the protagonist, also used the soul power from one of the Soul Hall branches to reach the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Soul stage.

With such an example, Xiao Tian wouldn't let the opportunity pass. He and Yao Lao were not yet fully exposed to the Soul Hall and Soul Clan, making a surprise attack feasible without revealing their identities.

(End of Chapter)

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