Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"Harley, what on earth is that?" Jaxon stared at the Celestial Energy Crystal that Zachary held, not recognizing that it was an elite Imperial Level treasure.

To be fair, everyone else also glued their eyes to the crystal in his hand. It was clear from all their dumbstruck expressions that no one could identify the treasure and its origin.

"Master Jaxon, it seems even you are unfamiliar with this treasure." Zachary raised an eyebrow, amused. So, it was indeed a treasure so rare that even a Sage Level warrior like Jaxon had trouble recognizing it, at least at first sight.

"This is certainly something unusual, or else I should be able to recognize it. Truth be told, I have no clue what it is!" Jaxon bent down slightly to take an even closer look, to no avail. He shook his head then turned to Daniel. "Do you know what it is?"

"I can feel the energy inside it bursting out, so I'm betting it's at the peak of Imperial Level. With that said, there are a few such treasures, and I'm afraid I have never seen this particular one before," Daniel admitted. In fact, the only thing he was sure of was that if he and Jaxon—with all their experience and qualifications—didn't know what it was, then there was little chance that anybody else had the answer.

"Who can tell what it is? If anyone can, I'll give it to them as a present." Zachary scanned the crowd, his face brimming with generosity.

Everyone started to whisper amongst themselves, but it seemed that in fact, nobody knew anything past speculations.

"Don't act like it's all rare. It may contain some strong essential power, but it may not be different from ordinary treasures at all. Besides, such power can't be easily absorbed, so no matter what way you view it, it's incomparable to my essential spiritual energy." Saul looked at Zachary like he was challenging him, but he didn't bite.

"I guess I'll answer it myself, then," Zachary said instead. Staring back pointedly at Saul, he lifted the crystal high up in the air and declared, "This is a very rare treasure—an elite Imperial Level one, produced of course by an elite treasure beast."

The warriors looked at each other with doubtful expressions. After all, if most of them had never even heard anything about such a creature, how were they supposed to im

, however rare, that could directly enhance their strength. Thus, discoveries like the Centennial Shura Fruit, worth three months of practice, was a rare and high-demand finding within the Supernal Continent. As such, one could only imagine the Celestial Energy Crystal's subsequent value.

Jaxon's confirmation of its existence was a monumental breakthrough.

"It's quite something, then, isn't it?" exclaimed Vivian, who now stared in awe.

Anthony, on the other hand, scowled at Zachary's return in the limelight.

Saul bit his tongue and ground his teeth in pure vitriol. How was it possible for Zachary to pull off a miracle once again? Coming out with a treasure on par with his essential spiritual energy—it was unacceptable! "Saving a year's worth is no big deal. After all, it doesn't necessarily mean that we directly go up one grade. What's more, the cultivation of the spiritual soul is much more difficult. I'm sure my essential spiritual energy is far better than this so-called elite treasure."

"Are you sure? I apologize, but I forget to tell you that I have more than one of these—three more, to be precise. Four pieces together should be enough to go up one grade. Actually, scratch that. Maybe even two," Zachary paused, then smiled wordlessly. And then the space around him shook. Almost instantly, the three other aforementioned crystals flew out of nowhere.

The whole hall was shocked to complete and utter silence within a split second. As if one wasn't enough, Zachary had now brought out four!