Within the Immortal Mansion, Lin Fei was greeted by an astonishing sight. The water that surrounded the mansion outside was nowhere to be found. Instead, it resembled a typical, grandiose mansion one would expect on land. The air was fresh, and it felt as though he was standing above ground.
The Immortal Mansion's interior truly showcased its miraculous nature. Lin Fei deduced that the entire mansion was, in essence, a treasure unto itself. If it could be claimed entirely, it would be the most valuable acquisition. Yet, even the Taiyi Dao Palace, with its profound heritage, could not currently harness the entire mansion's essence.
Within the vast hall of the mansion, members from the various factions exchanged glances, sizing up potential rivals. The eyes of those from the Taiyi Dao Palace especially rested upon Lin Fei. However, none took immediate action. They were all aware that their primary objective was the treasures within, and initiating conflict without even locating the treasures would be premature.
Leading the way, the twenty-odd Foundation Establishment True Persons from the Taiyi Dao Palace advanced in one direction. Their figures soon vanished, seemingly melding with the mansion's intricate architecture. Their choice not to split up was a strategic one. Alone, they might be vulnerable to members from the Ancient Origin Sect, Red Hades Mansion, or Profound Light Cave Heaven. There was strength in numbers, and staying together was the safest option.
Profound Light Cave Heaven and Red Hades Mansion, however, looked at each other, sensing a palpable mutual distrust. They silently decided on diverging paths, ensuring they would not inadvertently clash.
Soon, the expansive hall was devoid of anyone but Lin Fei.
Taking his time, Lin Fei meticulously surveyed his surroundings. While the mansion was adorned with intricate carvings and various curious artifacts, none of these items appeared to be the treasures everyone sought. Had there been any, the members of the other factions wouldn't have left in such haste.
Making his decision, Lin Fei picked a pathway that seemed promising and ventured deeper into the Immortal Mansion, ready to uncover its hidden secrets.
The paths within the Immortal Mansion branched in all directions, resembling a labyrinth at first glance. Inside the Immortal Mansion lay treasures, the most coveted of which were undoubtedly the magic treasures.
Yet, Lin Fei held little regard for such magic treasures. Even though the Ancient Origin Sect wished for him to amass a vast collection of these treasures, Lin Fei had his plans upon entering the Immortal Mansion. His primary concern was enhancing his saber intent. Lin Fei's saber intent had already reached the level of Transcendence. Only by advancing it to perfection could he potentially evolve his Saber Momentum.
However, what within the Immortal Mansion could possibly elevate Lin Fei's saber intent? Lin Fei was as much in the dark about that as anyone. He could only press on.
After what felt like an eternity of wandering without encountering any perils, Lin Fei began to suspect that the Nascent Soul Great Being truly hadn't set any treacherous traps within the mansion. It made sense, after all. This wasn't some test; it was the Immortal Mansion left behind after the fall of a Nascent Soul Great Being, the very abode where they had resided. Who would lace their dwelling with snares?
Moreover, with a being as formidable as a Nascent Soul Great Being, even without defenses, who would dare trespass into their Immortal Mansion as long as they lived?
"Hmm? Is this... an herb garden?" Lin Fei's wandering suddenly brought him out into the open. Before him stretched an expanse of lush verdancy – an extensive herb garden. Qi cultivators, whether Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, or even Golden Core, all seemed to have an inherent affinity for alchemy. To craft various elixirs, an abundance of rare medicinal herbs was essential. Given that this Nascent Soul Graet Being had an Immortal Mansion, it seemed only natural for there to be an herb garden.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Though Lin Fei couldn't recognize many of the precious herbs in the garden, a mere whiff of many of them invigorated him, clearing his mind and refreshing his spirit. Without hesitation, he moved closer to explore.
With a swift "whoosh", a strand of saber essence shot out, slashing a vast stretch of plants before him, which Lin Fei promptly stashed in his storage bag. Though he hadn't found any magic treasures, these rare herbs were a good find. After all, such treasures that even a Nascent Soul Great Being valued couldn't be ordinary.
Lin Fei harvested the herbs vigorously. Had a Golden Core True Person been present, they would've surely accused him of being wastefully extravagant. Many of these divine and earthly treasures required special harvesting methods. Lin Fei's direct approach, slashing them with his saber, undoubtedly damaged many. It was truly heart-wrenching for any cultivator to see. However, Lin Fei was indifferent to whether he diminished their efficacy; he just wanted them all.
Suddenly, a refreshing aroma caught Lin Fei's attention. Looking up, he spotted a tree situated at the garden's prime spot. Strangely, this tree bore only a single fruit. And even more oddly, this fruit bore the resemblance of a human face – vivid and lifelike. Just as Lin Fei reached out to pluck it, the fruit unexpectedly opened its eyes. Yes, just like a human.
Lin Fei's eyes tightened, and his saber essence was on the brink of launching. But then, the fruit spoke, "Don't be alarmed. I am but a Human-faced Fruit. What harm can I possibly cause you? You're a martial artist, aren't you? Good, martial artists won't eat me, nor use me for pill concoction."
This fruit, referring to itself as the Human-faced Fruit, surprisingly had a voice, which was youthful, much like a little girl's.
"A Human-faced Fruit? Why can you talk?" Lin Fei inquired.
"I am the Human-faced Fruit. Planted here by the Seven Sacred Daoist in the Immortal Mansion, I don't know how many years ago. Over time, I gradually gained consciousness. In essence, I am a spirit object! If you promise not to eat me or refine me into a pill, I can guide you to any place within the Immortal Mansion. Having been a spirit for so long, I understand the mansion much better than newcomers like you, especially a warrior like yourself. To be honest, there's hardly anything in this entire Immortal Mansion that would be of use to you."
"The only thing that might be of use to you in the Immortal Mansion is the prison," the Human-faced Fruit continued. "Many fearsome individuals were once held there, all captured by the Seven Sacred Daoist. Among them are powerful martial artists, many times stronger than you, even a hundred times more potent!"
Lin Fei's eyes lit up at this revelation. Anyone that much stronger than him was undeniably a Martial Sovereign.
"So the Seven Sacred Daoist is the master of the Immortal Mansion? That Nascent Soul Great Being?" Lin Fei inquired.
"Yes, the Seven Sacred Daoist is the lord of the Immortal Mansion," the fruit affirmed.
Lin Fei, with a glint in his eyes, pressed on, "Such a prominent Nascent Soul figure planted you in this medicinal garden, in its prime spot no less. That means you are held in high regard. You must not be just an ordinary spirit."
The Human-faced Fruit appeared visibly flustered at Lin Fei's deduction and hastily replied, "Indeed, I'm not ordinary. I have a specific use for Nascent Soul cultivators, particularly for those in the Dao of Immortality. As a martial artist, even if you consumed me, it wouldn't benefit you. As long as you spare me, we can negotiate. I can guide you to the prison in the Immortal Mansion, where you might find what you're seeking."
This fruit did not dare to conceal anything. As merely a spirit object, anyone could consume it. All it wished for was survival.
"So, I should just pluck you?" Lin Fei asked.
"Yes, I'm mature and have become a spirit. Just pluck me and store me in a box. As long as I can absorb spiritual energy later on, I'll remain in this state," the fruit answered.
Lin Fei nodded and, with a flick of his finger, used his saber essence to cut the Human-faced Fruit from its branch.
"Oops!“
The fruit let out a yelp as it tumbled to the ground. Lin Fei ensured that it was unharmed before picking it up again.
"Lead the way to the prison in the Immortal Mansion," Lin Fei ordered with a calm demeanor.
Despite the rough handling, the Human-faced Fruit didn't dare complain. Complying with Lin Fei's directive, it began guiding him deeper into the Immortal Mansion, towards the prison.