Daily life of a cultivation judge Chapter 1480: A tomb’s request (1)

Yang Qing’s apprehension was confirmed as Tang Xiadan inclined his head. "Indeed, the coins were quite instrumental in my discovery of that location," Tang Xiadan confessed, pausing momentarily to take a sip of his wine.

A relaxed smile gracing his lips, he continued, "However, I do not require the coins to gain entry. Even just one would suffice. And considering the perils that await within, I doubt the coins would significantly enhance my chances of survival once I'm inside."

"Yet, having more of them couldn't possibly be detrimental," Yang Qing pressed. "As you've mentioned, a single coin grants outer sect disciple status, and two achieve the same. But with three..." He trailed off, his gaze fixed intently on Tang Xiadan and the coins before him.

"One can exchange them for the esteemed position of an inner sect disciple. And we are all aware that the disparity in treatment between outer and inner sect disciples is vast. The latter group enjoys considerably more privileges. Therefore, who can say? Possessing more coins might afford you greater benefits and specific advantages within that realm, benefits that one or two coins simply cannot provide."

It wasn't that he disdained the coin. On the contrary, the coin was precisely the sort of artifact that would have him beaming and boasting for years to come. This particular coin was imbued with two of his most cherished qualities: it was ancient and steeped in legendary history, and simultaneously, being crafted entirely from Ancestral Dragon Jade, it was incredibly valuable. He was certain that if he were to present such an item to the Order, in exchange for merit points or any other commodity, he could readily barter it for a mid-tier to top-tier gold-grade formation array. If he felt particularly audacious, he might even negotiate a year's leave from his duties as part of the deal, and knowing the Order and the coin's immense worth, they would likely agree.

Thus, naturally, he desired to keep the coin. His sole concern at this moment was the growing suspicion that Tang Xiadan might harbor a hidden motive, beyond mere gratitude for assisting with the Soulfrost Sequoia and rectifying the damage to his body.

Perhaps Tang Xiadan was genuinely expressing his thanks, and Yang Qing was merely succumbing to paranoia. However, given the coin's extraordinary value, such an assumption was unfeasible.

"Your reasoning holds merit, but..." Tang Xiadan's eyes narrowed subtly. "That is only applicable if the Treasure Coin Palace operates under normal conditions."

"Fellow Daoist, allow me to inquire," Tang Xiadan began. "Within the Order, I presume you possess your own identity tokens, correct?"

"We do," Yang Qing confirmed with a nod.

"Should someone pilfer that token from you, would they be able to access restricted areas within the Order that you had clearance for, or were there safeguards in place to ensure their immediate apprehension, or worse, capture the moment they attempted to use it?" Tang Xiadan probed.

His question elicited a soft chuckle from Yang Qing. "They would be apprehended," he stated, amused, grasping the implication of Tang Xiadan's inquiry. There were certain precincts within the Order that he himself could not enter without his Gold Eagle Medallion, such as his courtroom, for instance. Every function within his courtroom, from access permissions to the activation of the formation arrays, was intrinsically linked to the medallion. Without it, he possessed no authority.

Conversely, without his presence, the medallion's capabilities would remain inert. The two were seamlessly bonded, rendering the medallion an extension of his very soul. It would require the hijacking or incapacitation of his soul for another to wield his medallion, and even then, success was not guaranteed due to the numerous fail-safes the Order had meticulously implemented for precisely such contingencies.

"As you can see, possessing additional coins does not necessarily alleviate the burden once inside."

Yang Qing nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "Let us assume that is true. While it may not significantly aid in evading dangers, it is not inconceivable that it could unlock certain areas. Yes, verification of the coins might be necessary, as you've indicated, but who is to say they do not offer distinct advantages?"

"And I am confident that someone with your depth of experience has already considered this," Yang Qing added, interlacing his fingers and resting his chin upon them.

"Let us be direct, Fellow Daoist Tang Xiadan. Why did you bestow this coin upon me?" Yang Qing inquired, opting for unfiltered honesty regarding his reservations.

"Yes, I comprehend your desire to repay a debt, and I would not be so arrogant as to diminish the significance of my intervention," Yang Qing stated, pausing as his gaze met Tang Xiadan's. "However, considering the affluence you have displayed, the locales you have visited, and the bountiful harvests you have undoubtedly reaped from your extensive adventures over the years, I am certain it would not have been challenging for you to offer something else. Something that, while perhaps not equivalent to a coin forged from Ancestral Dragon Jade intrinsically linked to the Treasure Coin Palace, would still possess considerable value nonetheless."

"Why offer?" he asked softly.

Tang Xiadan gazed intently at Yang Qing, a sigh finally escaping his lips. A wistful smile touched his features. "I am a Gold Jade Treasure Mouse," he declared, suddenly pulling back the sleeve of his robe to reveal his left arm. The limb underwent a startling metamorphosis, transforming into the paw of an animal – a rodent’s, to be exact. It was adorned with lustrous silver fur, as smooth as silk, with a golden undertone shimmering beneath its surface.

Yang Qing’s focus then shifted from the transformed arm to Tang Xiadan’s face, which had also undergone a remarkable change. He now possessed the head of a mouse, its fur mirroring the sheen of his arm, complete with golden whiskers, golden irises, and pupils that swam within a silver sclera. A distinctive, zigzagging black mark stretched across the bridge of his nose, connecting the inner corners of his eyes.

It appeared as if meticulously drawn there, yet it was an inherent feature.

Yang Qing couldn't identify the exact nature of the mark, but he could sense an ethereal power emanating from it. This sensation was akin to the faint sigils that would illuminate parts of his own skin when he activated his unique physique. However, Tang Xiadan's marking was far more pronounced and seemed to be a permanent aspect, unlike Yang Qing's, where physical manifestations only appeared at certain levels of physique activation.

The creature's ears were silver, with delicate golden edges.

Tang Xiadan’s entire aura underwent a profound shift. The unassuming presence of a mere rogue dissipated, replaced by an air of nobility, radiating profound wisdom and timeless elegance.