"Lord of Reincarnation!"

"Beginning of all things!"

"Deities who rule over the realm of the deceased..."

"Your followers wish to pursue you eternally, should they betray you, they will surely fall into the endless abyss..."

Indeed.

As a sacrificial artifact, the inscriptions on the pottery were all praises for the Divine Spirits, numerous commendations, and malicious curses against traitors.

The language was not eloquent but straightforward and easy to understand, even rugged and direct, which aligns with the style of language and script from ancient times.

"It truly is Ancient Divine Text!"

Fang Zheng’s eyes were complicated.

The Ancient Divine Text of the Otherworld appeared on an antique in this world, indicating that there is certainly some connection between the two worlds.

"Indeed!"

He gently shook his head and sighed:

"Since I can travel between the two worlds, it’s possible others have done so before me. It would actually be abnormal if there were no connection between the worlds."

Stabilizing his spirit, he continued to look down.

The inscription still praised the greatness of the God they worshipped.

’You can devour ghosts and deities; you can walk between the two worlds; you are eternal; you are immortal...’

Huh?

Fang Zheng squinted, his fingers stopping at a particular spot.

"Walking between the two worlds?"

This description...

Isn’t it exactly like himself?

Fang Zheng’s expression remained unchanged, but his heart was in turmoil, with countless thoughts surging. For a moment, not even his cultivation could suppress them.

Could it be...

Long ago, someone traveled between the worlds much like him?

This would not be surprising.

After all, his ability didn’t appear suddenly; it was thanks to that bracelet. His uncle had gone to the Otherworld before but, unfortunately, met with disaster.

If they could go,

why couldn’t others?

"Hoo..."

Taking a deep breath, Fang Zheng steadied his mind and continued to look down.

The subsequent content was not noteworthy, but at the end of the inscription, the engraver mentioned the title of the deity.

It was a familiar term from the auction.

Yama!

"Yama?"

Fang Zheng raised his head, his mind filled with thoughts.

When Master Jiuyuan’s remnant soul first met him, it addressed him as Yama, and Fang Zheng’s cultivation method was the Yama Visualization Method.

Secretly,

there seems to be some connection.

"Sweet, it really is sweet..."

Just when he was lost in thought, a melodious ringing sound emerged.

"Old Master Cui!"

"Has the item been delivered?"

"I’ll come over right away!"

*

*

*

Old Master Cui possesses the Qi Observation Technique, able to discern things that ordinary people cannot and recognize treasures that others overlook. Over the years, he has naturally amassed considerable wealth.

Even a glimpse of this wealth could astound people.

Like houses.

He doesn’t just have a property worth billions in the Capital City; he also owns a luxurious villa in Hai Province, where land is extremely valuable.

The villa itself was nothing,

the items inside were even more astonishing!

"Knowing that you, Daoist, are interested in this item, I specially had it delivered here." Old Master Cui smiled in front:

"Honestly, the reason I acquired it was out of curiosity, but I haven’t figured out what it is after all these years."

"Eventually, I put it out of my mind."

"Please, this way!"

He gestured to lead, having his apprentice Su Jin push open a heavy door. The three entered a room filled with various antiques.

"Impressive!"

Fang Zheng glanced around and couldn’t help but praise:

"Old Master Cui, the items in this room are priceless, even those atop the wealth rankings would be hard-pressed to leave here."

"Haha..." Old Master Cui chuckled while stroking his beard:

"Daoist, you jest. They’re just external possessions."

"I have several places for storing collections like this. When you come to the Capital City, Daoist, let me show you around."

"You may not know," Su Jin interjected:

"Everyone knows Earl Haddon of the Commonwealth owns a castle full of antiques, famed as the top collector. But few realize my master possesses even more."

"If he really displayed them, who knows how many people would be shocked!"

"Su Jin." Old Master Cui shook his head:

"Don’t be arrogant."

"Daoist, you are not an ordinary person, and however many external possessions one may have, none can be taken with them posthumously."

With that, he sighed helplessly.

He genuinely loved antiques, and his hoarding tendency led him to amass so many collections.

But now, in his twilight years, pondering the eventuality of parting with these beloved items prompts a complex emotion.

What was he tirelessly striving for all his life?

"Daoist!"

Stabilizing his spirit, he took out a three-foot-long ornate box, opened it, and retrieved a scroll from within, placing it on the table and slowly unfurling it.

"Take a look!"

Fang Zheng stepped forward, carefully observing.

"This item is also related to Zhong Kui." Old Master Cui explained:

"The most famous tale concerning Zhong Kui is about Zhong Kui capturing ghosts. It’s said he had a leopard head, round eyes, an iron face, and bristly beard, his appearance distinct."

"He was well-read and incorruptible, fearless of evil, upright with people, and after passing the imperial examination, he entered Jinluan Hall to meet Emperor Tang. But his ugly appearance startled Emperor Tang, resulting in ridicule, and he, unable to defend himself, angrily crashed into a pillar, dying. In the end, Emperor Tang buried him with the title of top scholar."

"Later, Emperor Tang dreamed of encountering a fierce ghost, being overwhelmed and devoured by it in his dream. Upon waking, Emperor Tang had a painting of Zhong Kui blessing and guarding the residence, hung in the palace to ward off evil monsters."

"I see."

Fang Zheng nodded slowly, his expression calm, lightly touching the scroll. Only when his gaze fell upon the text did a subtle different glow appear.

Indicating his emotions were not as calm as they seemed.

"Old Master Cui."

After a moment’s contemplation, Fang Zheng softly spoke:

"I am very interested in this item. Why don’t you name a price?"

"Uh..."

Old Master Cui hesitated for a moment, then laughed and waved his hand:

"Daoist, you’re joking. This item is of no use to me. If you’re truly interested, just take it."

"No need to discuss money!"

"Please!"

Fang Zheng shook his head:

"To be honest, the contents of this scroll are very useful to me. It would be best if you named a price, Old Master Cui, otherwise, I would feel uneasy taking it without compensation."

"No need."

Old Master Cui rejected again:

"Consider it a gift from me to you, and besides, I didn’t pay much when I acquired it. Daoist, it’s unnecessary to be formal."

Refusal after refusal, with earnest words, made Fang Zheng furrow his brows.

The scroll’s contents were very useful to him, even significantly so, which is precisely why he was reluctant to accept the gift.

After a long time.

Fang Zheng changed his tone, softly asking:

"Old Master Cui, where did your Qi Observation Technique originate?"

"Qi Observation Technique?" Old Master Cui pondered and replied:

"This technique comes from an ancient person. It was initially recorded as having been transmitted by an Immortal, but due to breaks in the lineage, the specifics are unclear to descendants."

Immortal transmission?

Similar to the Jia Family.

Fang Zheng nodded:

"Old Master Cui, there must be limitations to utilizing the Qi Observation Technique, right?"

"Yes."

Old Master Cui’s eyes moved slightly and said:

"Every time I use the Qi Observation Technique, in the days following, I feel weak and exhausted. If used continuously, this feeling becomes more pronounced."

"Actually..."

"I’m quite fortunate; my senior can only use it once every three days, and most people don’t even possess the talent to practice it."

With this, he glanced at Su Jin.

Throughout his life, he rarely encountered individuals with this talent, and Su Jin was one of them.

"Without mana, using magic requires spending the practitioner’s bodily essence and even lifespan." Fang Zheng spoke softly:

"Old Master Cui, your talent is unique; even without a cultivation skill, the backlash from using magic on you remains minor. People like you... are rare."

In the Otherworld, someone like Old Master Cui would be naturally skilled in magic, and if he were to receive training, he would almost certainly become a Mage.

Someday achieving the status of Great Mage, or even Master, wouldn’t be impossible.

Regrettably!

This isn’t the Otherworld.

"I see."

Old Master Cui understood.

"Bow your head," Fang Zheng instructed. Old Master Cui instinctively bowed, and soon a finger tapped his forehead, his Sea of Consciousness trembling. A doorway to a new world slowly opened before him.