Chapter 220: Going to the Royal Treasury, an unexpected discovery
Xiao Ling softly suggested to Zi Yan: "I will go to the Jia Ma Palace later. Do you want to go in with me? You have been to the Jia Ma Empire several times, but you have never visited the Jia Ma Empire's palace."
Hearing Xiao Ling's proposal, Zi Yan stopped talking to Medusa and turned to look at him, with curiosity flashing in her eyes. She touched her chin and asked playfully, "Is there anything delicious in the palace?"
Xiao Ling rubbed Zi Yan's head and replied with a smile: "This time I went to the palace, I was commissioned by the Jia Ma royal family to help them treat their guardian beast. Before that, I will go to the treasury to pick out some things. If you like something, just take it yourself."
When Zi Yan heard that she could go to the treasury to choose treasures, her eyes immediately sparkled with excitement. Although Xiao Ling, a wealthy man, was by her side, she was still full of anticipation for the novelty of choosing by herself.
She nodded eagerly and said excitedly: "I want to go, you must take me there!"
Medusa, who was standing by, saw that the two were about to leave and had no intention of staying any longer. She turned to Zi Yan and said with a smile, "Zi Yan, the snake people still have many matters waiting for me to deal with. I have to go back now, so I won't stay any longer."
Zi Yan gave Medusa a brilliant smile and said, "Sister Medusa, I will come to find you after Xiao Ling and I return from the palace."
Medusa smiled slightly, nodded, and said, "Okay, don't forget it."
Then, Medusa turned to Xiao Ling and said politely: "Master Xiao Ling, I will take my leave now."
Xiao Ling also nodded and said, "Looking forward to seeing you next time."
Medusa said nothing more. Her figure flashed and quickly disappeared in the air. After a few flashes, she disappeared from the sight of Xiao Ling and Zi Yan.
Zi Yan looked at the direction where Medusa left, with a hint of envy in her eyes: "The strength of Dou Zong is really strong, and he doesn't even need Dou Qi wings to fly. I don't know when I can recover to the realm of Dou Zong. By then, I should be able to restore my original body."
Xiao Ling patted Zi Yan's shoulder gently and said encouragingly, "Zi Yan, don't worry. You are now equivalent to the strength of Dou Huang Six Stars. With your talent, eat more medicinal herbs, and when the time is right, you will naturally break through to Dou Zong. However, your situation is rather special. You may not be able to recover your body immediately even if you reach the Dou Zong realm."
Xiao Ling didn't know much about Zi Yan's situation. Usually, once a magic beast reaches the seventh level or takes the transformation pill, it can have a human form and switch between the magic beast body and the human form freely. Most magic beasts prefer to practice or fight in human form after obtaining the human form, because it is more convenient.
Zi Yan's situation is somewhat special. In the original novel, even after she broke through to Dou Zong, she still remained in the form of a little girl and could only temporarily recover to her adult form. It was not until she took the Dragon King Origin Fruit, her bloodline evolved, and she became the Supreme Dragon Phoenix that she was able to maintain her adult form permanently.
Xiao Ling didn't remember clearly whether Zi Yan had ever recovered her original form in the original novel. However, after Zi Yan refined the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, her cultivation level broke through to Dou Sheng, and she should be able to recover her original form easily. But whether she could do this during the Dou Zong period, Xiao Ling didn't have a definite answer in his mind.
Zi Yan curled her lips. Although she knew her situation was special, she still held a glimmer of hope: "I don't know, but I have to give it a try. Maybe it will succeed."
Seeing that Zi Yan was a little disappointed, Xiao Ling smiled and comforted her: "Don't worry, Zi Yan, I will always be with you and help you find your family. Moreover, we will always be your family."
Hearing Xiao Ling's words, Zi Yan's face bloomed with a bright smile again. She snuggled up to Xiao Ling, hugged his arm tightly, and with a mischievous light in her eyes, she said coquettishly: "Humph, you must remember, this lady has decided to rely on you for the rest of her life, you are not allowed to regret it."
Xiao Ling smiled slightly, his eyes full of doting, and he responded softly: "Don't worry, how could I regret it? As long as you are willing, I am willing to accompany you even to the ends of the earth. As long as I have a bite to eat, I will never let you go hungry."
"Hmph, that's better." Zi Yan snorted, raised her fair and pretty face, and then said, "Okay, okay, let's go quickly. I'm looking forward to the treasures in the royal treasury."
Hearing Zi Yan's urging, Xiao Ling replied with a smile: "Okay, then we'll set off now."
Afterwards, Xiao Ling took Zi Yan's hand, got on the Xiao family's carriage, and headed towards the Gama Palace.
……
The carriage moved slowly forward in the morning light, the wheels rolling gently and making a slight creaking sound, as if telling the long history of the Gama Empire.
After about ten minutes, the magnificent palace finally came into view. Its magnificence and solemnity were awe-inspiring.
Xiao Ling and Zi Yan got off the carriage and stood in front of the gate of the imperial palace, looking up at the towering city walls and the magnificent palace.
The sunlight shines on the glazed tiles of the palace, reflecting dazzling light, as if every tile is telling the glory and splendor of the royal family.
Zi Yan's gaze wandered over the magnificent buildings of the imperial palace, her eyes full of admiration.
Different from the academic buildings of Canaan College, the palace in front of her attracted Zi Yan's attention with its magnificence and solemnity. She couldn't help but sigh from the bottom of her heart: "Wow, this palace is really magnificent, much more magnificent than those houses in Canaan College!"
Xiao Ling smiled gently and said to Zi Yan, "The Jia Ma Empire has gone through hundreds of years of development, so the construction of this palace is naturally magnificent. Although Canaan College is not short of money, it is an institution after all. Its architecture focuses more on academic atmosphere and practicality, rather than pursuing luxury and majesty like the palace."
The two walked up the long stone steps, with neatly lined guards on both sides. They were wearing armor, holding spears, and guarding the safety of the palace expressionlessly. When these soldiers saw Xiao Ling, they immediately saluted him to show their respect.
Xiao Ling just nodded in response, not paying too much attention. He was already very familiar with the environment here. After all, it was not the first time that he came to the Gama Palace.
As long as it is not a particularly confidential place, Xiao Ling will not be stopped. His reputation and status allow him to enjoy a certain degree of privilege in every force in the Jiama Empire.
Zi Yan noticed the guards' attitude and whispered to Xiao Ling, "It seems that you have quite a lot of prestige in the palace."
Xiao Ling smiled and replied, "In the palace, respect and privilege are often proportional to your contribution to the royal family. I have helped the royal family solve problems many times, and naturally gained their trust. Moreover, with my status, which force in the Jiama Empire would not give me face?" Xiao Ling and Zi Yan walked in the palace for a while, passing through a long corridor with exquisite murals and sculptures on both sides. Each work showed exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage. They walked for a while, and the red carpet under their feet extended to the deep inner palace. Every step seemed to be stepping on the echo of history.
At this moment, a graceful figure appeared in their sight. It was a woman with a noble temperament and elegant steps. It was the eldest princess of the royal family, Yao Ye.
Yao Ye appeared here because he received the news that Xiao Ling had arrived at the palace and came here specially to entertain him.
Yao Ye smiled and first performed an elegant courtesy to Xiao Ling: "Master Xiao Ling, welcome to the Jia Ma Palace again."
Xiao Ling also nodded in return, with a calm attitude: "Your Highness the Princess, I'll have to trouble you to lead the way next." Xiao Ling really didn't know the location of the royal treasury. After all, he had been paid directly before, and this was the first time he went to the treasury to choose by himself.
"Master Xiao Ling, what are you talking about? It's Ye'er's honor." Yao Ye then made a gesture of invitation and said, "Master Xiao Ling, please follow me. I will take you to the royal treasure house."
Xiao Ling and Zi Yan followed Yao Ye and walked lightly through the palace gates. When the guards around saw Yao Ye and Xiao Ling, they saluted them, but their eyes also revealed vigilance and seriousness.
The defense of the palace was indeed strict, with guards guarding every corner and entrance to ensure the safety of the royal family.
Soon, they came to a magnificent building, which was where the royal treasure house was located.
The door of the treasure house is closed, and the surface is carved with complex patterns, looking solemn and mysterious.
Zi Yan's eyes were gleaming with anticipation. She gently tugged at Xiao Ling's sleeve, her tone carrying a hint of irrepressible excitement: "Xiao Ling, I can feel a lot of medicinal herbs in there!" Her Taixu ancient dragon bloodline gave her extraordinary treasure-hunting abilities. Even the heavy stone door could not stop her from being sensitive to the scent of medicinal herbs.
After hearing this, Xiao Ling just nodded slightly. It seemed that Zi Yan's special ability played a role. He knew in his heart that the Jia Ma Empire had experienced hundreds of years of prosperity, and the treasures accumulated by the royal family must be extraordinary, among which there were naturally many rare medicinal materials.
Yao Ye walked slowly to the door of the treasure house and lightly touched a mechanism hidden in the pattern. With a "click", the door slowly opened.
As the door opened, a rich aroma of medicinal herbs and the luster of treasures immediately filled the air.
The treasury was brightly lit, reflecting countless gold, silver, jewels and rare antiques. Gold coins piled up like mountains, reflecting an alluring luster; gems shone with colorful light, like stars falling into the mortal world; there were also various rare refining materials and ancient books, each of which was a priceless treasure in the Jiama Empire.
Zi Yan was deeply attracted by the scene before her. Her eyes wandered around the treasure house, as if she wanted to see every treasure clearly.
Although Xiao Ling didn't care about these treasures, he couldn't help but admire the wealth and taste of the royal family.
Seeing that the two were interested in the treasures in the treasury, Yao Ye introduced with a smile: "These are treasures accumulated by our Jia Ma Empire over the generations. Each one has its own unique story and value. Master Xiao Ling, you can choose whatever you like."
Before Xiao Ling could speak, Zi Yan said to Yao Ye anxiously, "Hey, you, take us to the medicinal materials collection area." Her voice was filled with eager anticipation for those royal collections of medicinal materials.
Yao Ye sensed Zi Yan's urgency and turned his gaze to Xiao Ling, seeking his confirmation. Xiao Ling responded with a simple nod, obviously agreeing with Zi Yan's proposal.
Although the gems and various jewelry displayed here are extremely gorgeous in appearance, they are only of decorative and collection value and are not particularly attractive to Xiao Ling.
As for the mountains of gold coins, Xiao Ling had no interest in them at all. The thing Xiao Ling had the most was money.
After receiving Xiao Ling's signal, Yao Ye led them through the front hall of the treasure house and headed for the medicinal materials collection area. Her steps were light and confident, and it was obvious that she knew every corner of the treasure house like the back of her hand.
As they walked, the aroma of the medicinal herbs became stronger, and Zi Yan's eyes flashed brighter. She couldn't wait to start picking those precious medicinal herbs as soon as possible.
Xiao Ling followed closely behind, his eyes sweeping over the treasures that passed by, including pill recipes, protective gear, weapons...all kinds of items.
At this moment, Xiao Ling's attention was suddenly attracted by an item in the corner of the treasure house, and his eyes involuntarily fell on a coffin there.
As Xiao Ling's gaze shifted, Yao Ye noticed his interest, and with a gentle smile, he told Xiao Ling the story.
"Master Xiao Ling, the coffin you saw originated from an adventure more than 300 years ago. At that time, a loyal subordinate of the Jia Ma royal family accidentally discovered an ancient Dou Zong ruins while traveling in the empire. After some exploration, the predecessor not only obtained many rare resources, but also brought back the remains of a Dou Zong strongman. Due to its special nature, we have not been able to find a suitable use for this skeleton, so we placed it here and it has been passed down to the present day."
Xiao Ling's eyes flashed with excitement, and his mouth unconsciously curled up into an interested smile. For others, Dou Zong's remains may not be of much use, but for him, they are of great value.
After all, the remains that have reached the Dou Zong level can be used to refine the Heavenly Demon Puppet, and the remains in front of us are undoubtedly very suitable.
Xiao Ling turned to Yao Ye, with a hint of expectation in his tone, and asked with a smile: "Your Highness, Princess, I am quite interested in this Dou Zong's remains. I wonder if the royal family can give it up?"
Although he asked, Xiao Ling had already made up his mind that if the royal family did not agree, he would take the remains of Dou Zong into his possession even at a cost.
Yao Ye nodded slightly when he heard Xiao Ling's request, and responded in a gentle tone: "Since Master Xiao Ling needs this item, we will naturally not be stingy. Please feel free to use it."
After receiving a satisfactory answer, Xiao Ling felt much better. He looked at Yao Ye with a more pleasing look and said with a smile, "Thank you very much, Your Highness the Princess."
(End of this chapter)