The bone-piercing chill made all the surrounding cultivators, whether Human Race or Demonic Evil Cultivators, feel an intense pricking sensation all over their bodies. It felt as if, should they remain any longer, they would surely be robbed of their lives within ten breaths and turned into cold corpses.

Without the slightest hesitation, a dozen Dao Experts took the lead in departing. Just moments ago, they were fighting so fiercely it seemed they wanted to skin and debone each other. But now, they turned and fled, their speed even faster than when they had arrived. Everyone fears death. The longer a person lives, the more they fear it.

Once the Dao Experts took the lead in departing, the remaining cultivators naturally understood that the Ancient God's words were no joke. In an instant, the place that had just been overcrowded with people and teeming with Demons scattered, its occupants fleeing in all directions.

In less than ten breaths, not a single figure remained. The area was empty, as desolate as usual.

Only the Merit Golden Pillar descending from the Sky Dome still roared, emitting a robust and profound aura of merit.

Within the Merit Golden Pillar, Qi Xiu's eyes were tightly closed, and the shape of the object above his head had grown ever clearer.

On his proficiency panel, the proficiency of Human Path Merit had risen to eighty percent in the Fifth Realm, seemingly about to break through to the Sixth Realm.

Just a bit more…

The treasure gestating within the Merit Golden Light behind his head was becoming increasingly solid. Qi Xiu vaguely sensed this treasure, coalescing through the power of merit.

A single sentence declaring death without mercy had frightened away all the cultivators present.

Elder Shui, resting his cheek on his hand, sat on the towering ice tree that had burst from the ground, watching Qi Xiu within the Merit Golden Pillar with great interest.

Merit Treasures. They have existed since ancient times, but they are extremely rare.

Firstly, accumulating merit is not easy; not every act receives the feedback of Human Path Merit. Moreover, merit is intertwined and nullified by karma. For the power of merit to accumulate enough to condense a Merit Treasure is as difficult as reaching the heavens.

Only someone like Qi Xiu, relying on the Divine Marvel of his proficiency, could gather Human Path Merit in such an almost unreasonable manner. He also possessed the Divine Marvel characteristic of proficiency, which prevented the power of merit from being neutralized by intertwining with karma. Thus, he gradually condensed this Merit Treasure, a rarity from ancient times.

This boy is deeply cunning and cautious, possessing a rare low-key and prudent demeanor for his age. Even the protective effects of Human Path Merit can shield against all divination and calculations. He really is a careful little fellow. Based on this reasoning, his Merit Treasure should likely be defensive.

During the era when he served the True Dragon, Elder Shui had seen a few powerful individuals who had condensed Merit Treasures. Most Merit Treasures were formed according to the master's inner obsessions.

Therefore, he speculated, based on the Temperament Qi Xiu had shown before, his Merit Treasure would most likely be defensive.

While Elder Shui was reminiscing about the years gone by, Qi Xiu's process of condensing the Merit Treasure was also coming to an end.

The merit phenomenon covering almost half of Dianchuan Province had already largely dissipated. The heaps of yellow clouds that had accumulated in the sky had all transformed into the Merit Golden Pillar, pouring into Qi Xiu's body to aid him in condensing the Merit Treasure.

With a shift in his gaze, Qi Xiu looked towards the proficiency panel.

100%!

The moment Human Path Merit stepped into the Sixth Realm, the hazy silhouette within the Merit Golden Light behind Qi Xiu's head instantly solidified. In a flash, myriad rays of light burst forth.

In the center of this radiant brightness, an object slowly materialized.

It was a candlestick. Its design was archaic and imposing, seemingly carved from a type of hard stone passed down from ancient times. It showed a primal and profound gray color, its texture as resilient as if it had withstood countless storms and still stood unwavering. Its base was wide and stable, and atop it stood a tall candle. The entire candle emitted a warm, gentle, antique, and profound yellow light.

Slowly extending his right hand, the candlestick born from the Merit Golden Light gradually descended into Qi Xiu's grasp.

Is this my Merit Treasure?

Looking at the archaic candlestick in his hand with a surprised expression, Qi Xiu's expression shifted slightly, and he exhaled a gentle breath.

In a flash, the amber-colored candle on the candlestick ignited, its faint flame flickering steadfastly. The rising candlelight seemed to have been given life as it spilled out various colors. Sometimes it was a deep, wise gray; sometimes it transformed into a hopeful, pure white; and occasionally, an exploratory, unknown blue light flashed.

His pupils reflected the colorful flicker of the candle flame, and this simple gaze caused Qi Xiu's heart to tremble. The seemingly simple dancing flame mirrored the very laws that governed all things. Standing before it for just a moment, one could feel one's spirit cleansed, and thoughts becoming nimbler and clearer.

This candlestick's light can enhance a person's understanding and wisdom!

Instantly understanding the marvelous effects of this archaic candlestick, Qi Xiu was greatly astonished, his arm holding it trembling slightly.

Even though he had read mountains of books, with rare volumes piling higher than small hills, he had never heard of anything that could increase a person's wisdom and understanding. How marvelous this was.

Wisdom and intelligence were the greatest miracles that distinguished the Human Race from all other creatures. Otherwise, with their frail human bodies, incapable of overcoming even some fierce beasts, how could the Human Race claim the role of main character of Heaven and Earth? How could they leave such bold, heavy strokes in the vast expanse of history?

He had stumbled upon treasure!

Realizing the marvelous effects of the archaic candlestick, Qi Xiu immediately knew he had struck it big this time. A treasure that could enhance understanding and wisdom—if outsiders learned of it, even Primordial Spirit Bosses might come to snatch it personally.

Stepping on clouds, Elder Shui approached with a beaming smile. "Child, what treasure have you condensed? Come, let this deity appraise it for you."

"It's just a small trinket that can increase understanding and wisdom. I'm afraid it's not worthy of your Dharma Eye, Elder."

Qi Xiu did not hide the truth from Elder Shui, candidly revealing the marvelous nature of his Merit Treasure. After all, during the time he had been condensing his Merit Treasure, had it not been for Elder Shui's protection, the countless people who had rushed in would have long since torn him to pieces. Even if he had survived and successfully condensed the Merit Treasure, he likely would have been forcibly taken away. This place was far from Shenxiao Sect. Even if his Master and the Sect Master wanted to come to his aid, they would likely have been too late.

Given such protective kindness, he certainly could not repay Elder Shui with ingratitude.

Moreover, for some reason, it seems the Dianchuan Water Monarch might soon disappear from the human world forever...

"Oh, a trinket that can enhance understanding and wisdom, that's nothing special... Wait a minute! What did you say?"

Hearing Qi Xiu's indifferent tone, Elder Shui had really thought it was some mediocre Merit Treasure. But when he fully digested the words and pondered them, his expression suddenly turned strange.

In an instant, Elder Shui appeared before Qi Xiu, gazing intently at the candlestick with his deep blue, crystal-clear eyes, and slowly extended his hand. "May I take a look at it?"

"Of course." Without hesitation, Qi Xiu handed the archaic candlestick to Elder Shui.

Elder Shui received this unheard-of, unseen Merit Treasure. It was something that, even in his long life, he had never encountered. He looked at the candlestick and then at Qi Xiu. Suddenly, he leaned close to the young Daoist and, in a careful, low voice, asked, "Tell this deity secretly. Are you the illegitimate child of the Lord of Heaven?"

"Huh?" Looking at Elder Shui's complex expression, Qi Xiu gave a wry laugh, "Do you think I look like it?"

"You do! You look just like it. Even this deity is quite envious of your fortune."

After fiddling with it for a moment, Elder Shui handed the archaic candlestick back to Qi Xiu, "This treasure is excellent. If used correctly, it will benefit you immensely. However, its marvel is too shocking; you'd better not mention it to a second person. No wall is without a crack. That goes for even your closest kin. Once news of this item spreads, the rest of your life will likely know no peace. Right, you should give it a name as soon as possible. Divine Objects possess spirits; the sooner you name it, the more attuned to you it will become."

Examining the archaic yet grand candlestick in his hand, Qi Xiu pondered for a moment. Soon, his eyes lit up slightly as an idea formed.

This candlestick was born because of me, so it should naturally follow my Dao.

I purely cultivate the Mixed Yuan Path, walking the road of governing the Ten Thousand Laws.

With this treasure to light the way, my Dao Path will be even smoother and brighter!

That being the case...

It shall be called...

Hunyuan All-Encompassing Luminance!

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