Daily life of a cultivation judge Chapter 1479: Fate changing coins (2)

"So, you've discovered something connected to the Treasure Coin Palace?" Yang Qing inquired, instinctively moistening his parched throat. The question was almost redundant; the evidence was vivid and undeniable.

"Mmh," Tang Xiadan confirmed, his expression darkening. "I've found indications of what seems to be one of their locations, but I haven't had the opportunity to confirm it yet," he stated, his gaze fixed intently on Yang Qing.

"Due to the peril involved?" Yang Qing ventured, his eyes shifting meaningfully to Tang Xiadan's chest. Considering the Soulfrost Sequoia and Tang Xiadan's fervent, risky actions, it was logical he'd encountered something linked to the Treasure Coin Palace.

While Yang Qing himself abhorred death and its associated consequences, had he possessed even a fraction of Feng Xin's reckless intensity, he might have echoed Tang Xiadan's choice if it was the sole path to accessing a discovered Treasure Coin Palace link.

"Mmh," Tang Xiadan nodded. "There were no obvious signs, but my senses were blaring a warning that entering as I was would likely be my final endeavor," he confessed, reaching for one of the coins. He carefully extracted it, a zealous gleam in his eyes, bringing it closer for inspection.

"I nearly perished where I discovered this," he mused, turning the coin over. One side was stark black, while the other depicted a sprawling tree laden with gourd-like fruits.

Tang Xiadan spun the coin between his fingers. "Have you encountered them before, fellow Daoist?" he inquired softly, his eyes still captivated by the artifact, much like Yang Qing's.

"I don't believe I have. Would you be so kind as to elaborate?" Yang Qing asked. In truth, he had heard the term, but his knowledge was scant, and he deemed it unwise to forego potentially crucial information due to a hasty affirmation.

Taking this as his cue, Tang Xiadan began, "It is said that the Treasure Coin Palace used to cast these coins into the world, seeking individuals destined to find them."

"Those who retrieved them could bring them back to the palace," he explained, pausing momentarily to place the coin on the table, gourd-tree side facing up.

"For a single coin," he reiterated, his index finger resting on it, "one could opt to join the palace as an outer disciple. Alternatively, the coin could be exchanged for a top-tier gold-grade cultivation art, or another manual—such as a recipe, formation formula, or technique of equivalent value. It could also be traded for a supreme ascendant-grade artifact tailored to you, or a natural treasure of the same caliber."

"And with two coins," he continued, retrieving another coin from the wooden box and placing it beside the first, "you gain entry as an outer disciple, just as with one. Or," he drew out the word, "you may exchange them for a purple-grade art, or techniques and formulas of comparable worth. Alternatively, they can be traded for a saint-grade artifact or natural treasures."

"If you possess three," he proceeded, drawing out the final coin and positioning it with the others, "you can present them to the palace and become an inner sect disciple. Or, should you choose differently, you may collectively trade them for a purple-grade art, a top-tier saint-grade treasure, an artifact of the same rank, gain the privilege of cultivating within their sacred grounds for a decade, or secure a single favor from one of their Elders."

He paused, his gaze drifting towards the box that had housed the coins. Yang Qing's eyes followed suit. The box featured carved indentations within, precisely shaped to cradle coins. The box contained indentations, clearly designed for six coins.

"Regarding four to six coins," Tang Xiadan murmured, his voice distant and dreamy, "legend has it that exchanging them can fundamentally alter one's fate and fortune."

he whispered wistfully. "For a colossal entity like the Treasure Coin Palace, what possibilities might that unlock? Could they transform me into a dragon, a kunpeng, or perhaps a Qilin, if I offered them six coins?" he mused, half in jest.

Yang Qing regarded him with curiosity, suspecting Tang Xiadan’s words might have been purely a jest. “Perhaps,” Yang Qing replied, his attention returning to the coins. “If three coins could grant a purple-grade art, a top-tier saint-grade natural treasure, and an artifact of similar standing, then for four coins, to surpass what three provided… it must be extraordinary,” Yang Qing mused, his gaze seeming to drift into a state of contemplation.

For a few minutes, both man and mouse were lost in the enchantment of the coins until Tang Xiadan finally broke the silence. His expression grew serious as he pushed one of the coins forward.

“For the life-changing favor and opportunity you have just bestowed upon me with your intervention, Fellow Daoist Yang Qing, I wish for you to have this,” Tang Xiadan declared, extending the coin towards Yang Qing, who appeared on the verge of refusal, sporting an awkward, astonished smile.

“Fellow Daoist Tang Xiadan, this…”

“The favor of granting someone the chance to reach the Domain Realm is immeasurable. Moreover, it includes the life-saving aspect. When viewed from that perspective, a single coin, even one crafted from Ancestral Dragon Jade, is a price many would readily pay,” Tang Xiadan stated, a smile gracing his lips.

“Please,” Tang Xiadan urged gently, nudging the coin further towards Yang Qing.

After a brief pause, Yang Qing let out a sigh, acknowledging the unyielding seriousness in Tang Xiadan’s smiling countenance. “I suppose I shall shamelessly accept Fellow Daoist Tang Xiadan’s generous gesture,” Yang Qing conceded with a smile as he took the coin.

“But will this not jeopardize your chances of accessing that place you discovered?” Yang Qing inquired suddenly, briefly inspecting the coin. “Your discovery of that place… I surmise the coins played a role in it, didn’t they?” he continued, casting a meaningful glance at Tang Xiadan. His earlier mention of the story couldn't have been coincidental.

If the tale surrounding the coins held true, then they served as a form of token, enabling one to become either an outer or inner sect disciple of the Treasure Coin Palace. It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that the coins might contain a method of connection or guidance to a location associated with the Treasure Coin Palace, much like how his gold eagle badge reacted when he neared branches of the Order. And if needed, that badge could even direct him to certain safe houses. The coins likely possessed a similar functionality.