Divine Replication System

After a moment, Ruan Zhu managed to pull her gaze away, her face etched with inner conflict as she declined the offer.    

The storage ring Lin Xuan had given her contained a few treasures, each of extraordinary value.    

Among them was a High-grade Emperor Level black water attribute sword.    

There was also a High-grade defensive talisman capable of withstanding any attack short of the peak Emperor Level, which could be recharged for repeated use.    

Additionally, there were three bottles of Mid Emperor Level High-grade Medicinal Pills, perfectly suited for advancing from the middle to the late period of the Martial Monarch Stage.    

Any one of these treasures could be worth more than all of Ruan Zhu's savings, perhaps even more.    

Yet now, Lin Xuan had bestowed upon her an entire collection of them.    

They would not only significantly enhance her strength but also accelerate her cultivation progress, allowing her to reach the late period of the Emperor Level at a pace several times faster than before.    

Such an opportunity was unparalleled in her lifetime.    

She had never encountered a fortune that could rival the treasures within the storage ring.    

Ruan Zhu was immensely tempted and found it hard to let go.    

But her integrity and principles wouldn't allow her to accept rewards she hadn't earned.    

Despite the struggle, she ultimately decided to refuse.    

Strictly speaking, she and Lin Xuan had no significant interactions before today.    

Their most substantial connection was through her disciple, Murong Xingyue.    

Had it not been for Murong Xingyue's constant mentions, Ruan Zhu wouldn't have taken notice of Lin Xuan.    

"Hall Master Ruan, please accept them. These treasures might be precious to you, but to me, they are quite common.    

I could easily part with many more.    

You are now one of the people closest to me within the Elemental Spirit Hall.    

Whether it's for Xingyue's sake, for the grace you showed me in Devil Essence City, or for looking after the Elemental Spirit Hall, you deserve these treasures," Lin Xuan insisted, shaking his head.    

Now that he had risen to his current level, it was only natural for him to look after those with whom he had a past connection.    

Moreover, it was impossible to keep this matter a secret.    

Once the news spread, it would be akin to spending a fortune to acquire a prized steed.    

By broadcasting his character and principles, Lin Xuan could reassure the Emperor Level high-ups who had surrendered to him.    

This would also facilitate his efforts to bring other forces under his control in the future, reducing unnecessary resistance.    

It was truly a case of killing several birds with one stone.    

Ruan Zhu stood rooted to the spot for a long while before regaining her composure and letting out a wry laugh.    

Indeed, how could she have failed to recognize the level Lin Xuan had reached?    

The entire Elemental Spirit Sect had been overpowered by him and was now at his feet.    

This reality had surpassed her wildest dreams.    

For her, these treasures were incredibly rare and highly coveted.    

Yet, for Lin Xuan, they might not hold the same value.    

Regardless, the generosity of Lin Xuan's gift was overwhelming.    

She could not bear the thought of missing out on such an opportunity, knowing that if she did, she might never encounter such a chance again in her lifetime.    

Breaking through to the late period of the Emperor Level could take years, and she was well aware of her own capabilities.    

"Thank you for the generous gift, Hall Master. I will gratefully accept it and pledge to serve with utmost dedication, ensuring the prosperity of the Elemental Spirit Hall," she said, her face beaming with gratitude.    

Afterward, they continued their conversation for a bit longer.    

Then Lin Xuan dismissed Ruan Zhu.    

Leaving the grand hall, Ruan Zhu made her way back to her residence within the Mystic Yin Branch. Shortly thereafter, Elemental Spirit, Zhou Yu Xin, and several other high-ranking members sought her out.    

"Junior Sister Ruan, what did the Hall Master want to discuss with you?"    

"Junior Sister Ruan, is the Hall Master really who we think he is?"    

"Junior Sister Ruan, did the Hall Master give any further instructions?"    

The higher-ups inquired one by one.    

Ruan Zhu had anticipated that the Elemental Spirit Hall's senior members would come to her with questions.    

Following the Elemental Spirit Sect's submission, it had been relegated to the status of the Elemental Spirit Hall under the Tianyuan Palace.    

The circumstances had changed dramatically.    

Whether for her own survival, the future growth, or the legacy of the sect, she knew she had to strive to understand more.    

With the Elemental Spirit Sect's surrender and subsequent demotion to the Elemental Spirit Hall within the Tianyuan Palace, their entire situation had drastically changed. Whether for their own survival, future prospects, or the legacy of their sect, it was crucial to gather as much information as possible.    

After Lin Xuan had dismissed the other Emperor Level Martial Cultivators, he notably retained Ruan Zhu. Clearly, there was a significant connection between them. Ruan Zhu's relationship with Lin Xuan was evidently closer than with the others. Lin Xuan had promoted Ruan Zhu, who was only in the middle stage of the Martial Monarch Stage, to a position equivalent to that of a Vice Sect Master—a rank some late-period Emperor Level cultivators had not even achieved. This move clearly indicated a deep relationship between them.    

Whether to glean more information about Lin Xuan or to cultivate a good relationship with Ruan Zhu, a visit was necessary. Initially, Ruan Zhu, despite being a female Emperor Level Martial Cultivator with a beautiful appearance, did not stand out among her peers in the Elemental Spirit Sect. Now, however, she had become a highly sought-after figure, attracting the personal attention of the ancient Elemental Spirit himself. Previously, Ruan Zhu had only seen these figures a few times at large sect meetings, without ever engaging in conversation. But now, she was greeted with smiles and treated as an equal.    

This stark contrast in treatment was not lost on Ruan Zhu, who was moved by the realization that indeed, strength was everything. She would never forget who had bestowed this upon her, nor would she overlook the many years of nurturing by her sect. She still harbored affection for the Elemental Spirit Sect and thus chose not to conceal anything, responding earnestly to everyone's inquiries.    

"Could it really be... the direct disciple from the Zhenwu Branch?!" they asked in disbelief.    

"His talent is exceptional; he's one of the top geniuses in our entire sect. Yet, I never imagined I had still underestimated him," they mused.    

"Such talent is unmatched across the entire continent, isn't it?"    

"It's terrifying. Had it been Ancient Times, he surely would have possessed the stature of an emperor. At just over twenty years old, he already has the power to defeat a peak Emperor Level Martial Cultivator!"    

The Elemental Spirit, Zhou Yu Xin, and the others were rooted to the spot in stunned silence as they confirmed their suspicions about Lin Xuan's true identity. Despite having had their theories based on Lin Xuan's previous actions and words, the confirmation left them in a state of indescribable shock.    

The sight before them was one of unparalleled astonishment, their faces painted with shock. Although they had some inkling of what was to come from Lin Xuan's actions and words, the confirmation of their suspicions still left them with an indescribable sense of extreme amazement. Had they not witnessed it with their own eyes and experienced it firsthand, they would never have believed it, nor could they have accepted it.    

Here was a young man, barely in his twenties, who had not only advanced to the Martial Monarch Stage but whose combat prowess soared above the Emperor Level. He could effortlessly vanquish those at the pinnacle of the Emperor Level—a feat unprecedented on the Dongyuan Continent in thousands of years.    

Such accounts were only found in fragments of ancient texts and ruins, speaking of a time when martial arts flourished, spiritual energy was abundant, and the laws were intact—during the Ancient Times. Even in that era, which far exceeded the imagination of the present day and boasted the existence of Emperor Level Martial Cultivators, this caliber of talent was among the elite.    

Time marched on, and with it came the near ancient times, marked by world wars and monumental shifts. The martial arts waned, spiritual energy dwindled, and the laws fractured. Emperor Level experts became the stuff of legend, and even the notion of Emperor Levels had vanished since the Middle Ages.    

Chapter 18 - The Ancient Times