Chapter 396

Chapter 396: The Temptation of the Magical Altar

There was no denying it—Bird Bro burned with genuine fury over this grave incident!

While Fang Lie might not have fully grasped the severity, the old bird—Mo Sect’s ultimate guardian who treated the sect as his home—raged like a storm. Treasures born from Mo Sect’s hands now flowed to outsiders, potentially becoming weapons to slaughter Mo Sect disciples in silent betrayal!

How could the old bird endure such humiliation? The current crisis cut deeper. Divine Marrow stood as the sect’s foundational treasure—only three to five existed worldwide. Should Mo Sect Leader Mo Qianxun claim one as his life-bound treasure, the title of world’s strongest might change hands.

This meant more than prestige—it represented sect strength. Why did East Kunlun disciples swagger through the world? Because their Sword God Sect Leader held the undisputed top rank.

That such a fate-shaping treasure nearly slipped away—or already had—proved unbearable. Thus the old bird resolved to shake heaven and earth for answers. Should Divine Marrow have leaked, no cost outweighed its recovery.

For Fang Lie, this meant wielding heaven’s own execution blade. With Bird Bro’s backing, he’d dare strike down even Thunder Tribulation Immortals and Semi-Immortals alike!

Excitement surged through Fang Lie. Long constrained, he finally tasted impending vindication. Without delay, he ordered harsh interrogations for the captured Four Great Gangs higher-ups, demanding lists of recent treasures.

Bounties followed for lower cultivators’ testimonies—firsthand handlers who might reveal hidden prizes.

After issuing commands, Fang Lie grinned. "Bird Bro, this three-foot Divine Marrow even makes Semi-Immortals drool. How should I wield it?"

"You?" The old bird’s voice quivered. "Giving this to some Qi Sea cultivator? Wouldn’t you feel shame?"

"Why? Mine to claim, mine to use!" Fang Lie retorted shamelessly.

"Submit it to the sect for grand rewards," the old bird urged.

"My current wealth scorns sect trinkets," Fang Lie sneered.

The old bird sighed. "Wasted on you—it merely hastens cultivation. But our Sect Leader could become supreme, revitalizing Mo Sect!"

"Tch!" Fang Lie scoffed. "Entrust Mo Sect’s revival to me. Our brilliant Sect Leader lacks ruthlessness. When Bai family pillaged Iron-Walled Jin City’s treasures, he feigned ignorance to preserve brotherly ties. Compromising principles for sentiment—how can such a man lead us?"

The old bird fell silent. Truth rang clear—Mo Qianxun’s tolerance enabled Bai family’s treason. By rights, all treasures belonged to the sect for fair claiming. Instead, Bai clan hoarded essence for external profiteering—outright betrayal.

After contemplation, the old bird conceded. "Perhaps you’re right. Mo Qianxun’s genius falters beside your potential. This treasure may not resurface for millennia. Since fate delivered it to you, don’t squander it."

"Never!" Fang Lie vowed. "By heaven’s witness, I’ll never abuse power! Else strike me dead, body and soul perished!"

"Good words," the old bird approved. "Though Semi-Immortals crafted Divine Marrow into magic reserves, for you…an ancient magical altar proves best."

"Magical altar?" Fang Lie blinked. "None made in millennia! They boost spell power, but modern battles favor treasures over incantations."

The old bird chuckled. "Treasures dominate now, but altars hold untold power. They magnify spells and nurture treasures alike!"

"What? There’s such an ability?" Fang Lie asked in surprise, "How come I didn’t know?"

"Because I was talking about high-tier magical altars. Those are rare – most are low-tier ones. Low-tier altars can’t nurture treasures, only enhance spell power!"

"If magical altars are so powerful, why has no one used them anymore?" Fang Lie asked, confused.

"Sigh…" The old bird sighed. "They’re too costly. They span dozens or hundreds of feet, requiring massive amounts of Fifth Rank or higher treasures from heaven and earth. Even the smallest altar needs materials for a hundred top-grade treasures, yet only benefits one person – which makes it a poor investment. In ancient times, high-grade materials were plentiful, but they’ve become scarce over time. Now few can afford them!"

"I see!" Fang Lie chuckled. "So when you suggested using Divine Marrow to build an altar, is there special reasoning?"

"Exactly!" The old bird said. "I possess an ancient blueprint for a Great Five Elements Yin-Yang Altar. Its core material determines its effects. With Divine Marrow as the core, you’ll gain unlimited magic and accelerated cultivation!"

"Unlimited magic makes sense from the Divine Marrow. But what’s accelerated cultivation?"

"It means unimaginable cultivation speed. Sitting on the altar, the Divine Marrow will flood your body with innate Spiritual Energy, constantly boosting your magic! Given your locked Qi Linglong Tower requiring a 120,000-mile Qi Sea before age 100 to survive, you need impossible cultivation speed. This altar makes that achievable!"

"But you said gathering the innate five great nascent fetuses would work?" Fang Lie pressed.

"Ahem." The old bird coughed. "I said it might work, with low odds. But with this altar, your chances rise above forty percent!"

"Only forty percent with Divine Marrow?" Fang Lie grimaced. "What was it before?"

"Five percent."

"Might as well say I’m doomed!" Fang Lie growled.

"Wait!" The old bird urged. "Who knows what miracles might happen? You already obtained Divine Marrow – a once-in-millennia treasure! With more such gains, success becomes likely!"

"You think I’m stupid? Such treasures are rare! And you wanted me to give this to the sect? What were you thinking?"

"I…I meant well for the sect!" The old bird smiled awkwardly. "You refused anyway!"

"Almost fell for your trick!" Fang Lie huffed.

"Enough. As reward for your Major Merits to the sect, I’ll help forge this altar."

"Altars need Fifth Rank materials. My stock isn’t enough. You must compensate me!"

The old bird laughed bitterly. "Now you’re extorting me?"

"Well?"

"I’ve none. But ask the Sect Leader – he owes you for saving the sect. Recover a lost Divine Marrow, and I’ll let you use Mo Sect’s Secret Vault divine materials to build the ultimate altar!"

"What?" Fang Lie’s eyes turned wolfish.

The Secret Vault held at least Seventh-rank treasures. Using those materials might create a Ninth-Rank altar!

Blood surging, Fang Lie roared: "For MY altar, I’ll reclaim every lost treasure!"