Infinite Regeneration In The Apocalypse

The second shelf held rare materials and components of all shapes and sizes. There was everything from a fist-sized chunk of some kind of metallic ore that pulsed with silver light, to a blood-red crystal the size of an apple that seemed to contain swirling liquid inside it, to preserved beast parts and processed spiritual woods. These were clearly valuable crafting materials.

The third shelf had the fewest total items but potentially the most precious ones. It consisted primarily of several jade bottles that were each approximately one inch in height. These bottles presumably contained refined medicinal pills of extraordinary quality.

Vogue maintained his expressionless demeanor as he calmly swept his gaze across all the displayed treasures. He made mental notes about which items appeared most valuable while carefully keeping his face neutral and uninterested.

None of this actually matters to me, Vogue thought coldly. Let them get excited about trinkets and pills. What I truly need is information about restoring cultivation foundations and methods for rapid advancement. Material treasures are secondary.

Although the other cultivators similarly maintained outwardly calm appearances, Vogue could see the barely suppressed excitement in many of their eyes. Their spiritual senses were actively probing the treasures, mentally appraising values and imagining how each item might benefit their personal cultivation.

However, despite this intense interest, absolutely no one dared to simply reach out and start handling the items carelessly. They maintained their discipline and simply observed from a respectful distance.

After several minutes of this careful examination, Family Head Marcus stepped forward to take charge of the situation. He cleared his throat and addressed the group in an authoritative tone:

"I will now catalog these treasures on behalf of our expedition so that we may proceed with fair distribution. Please observe but do not touch anything until we’ve completed a full inventory."

Marcus began walking along the shelves, carefully identifying each item using his extensive knowledge of cultivation artifacts and materials. As he examined the treasures, he spoke aloud to inform the entire group:

"Alright everyone, let me clarify what we’ve discovered here. There are six ancient-grade treasures that can be used immediately at full power without requiring refinement. Additionally, there are ten magic-grade treasures that will need some personal refinement before reaching maximum effectiveness, but these were clearly powerful implements owned by formidable cultivators who fell to Master Cang Kun during his lifetime."

He continued his assessment: "Finally, there are eight shares of rare materials and medicinal pills, which I’ve organized into groups of roughly equivalent total value. Of course, what everyone desires most are undoubtedly the ancient-grade treasures, since those items can display their full combat strength immediately without any preparation. However, I should point out that these magic-grade implements are far from common either—they were all claimed from Master Cang Kun’s defeated opponents and rivals. Their inherent quality is quite high."

Marcus paused to let this information sink in before continuing: "Even if you can only manifest seventy percent of a magic treasure’s full capabilities after spending time to refine and attune it to your personal energy, the investment will certainly prove worthwhile. These are genuinely powerful artifacts."

He then addressed a specific concern: "As for the two lowest-ranking members of our expedition—Sean and Madam Violet’s assistant—you will each be allocated a single share from among the materials and pills rather than competing for the weapons and artifacts. Is this arrangement understood and accepted?"

Sean nodded without complaint, clearly having expected this limitation. The young woman also indicated her acceptance with a quiet gesture of acknowledgment.

Madam Violet, apparently unable to resist taking advantage of her seniority and the goodwill she’d earned by attempting to break the barrier, spoke up with blunt directness:

"As old as I am, how much time do I honestly have remaining to spend on the lengthy process of refining and attuning a magic-grade treasure to my spiritual energy? It would take years of dedicated effort! I’ll be selecting one of the ancient-grade implements that can be wielded immediately, thank you very much!"

The others present didn’t verbally respond to her straightforward declaration, but several of them smiled wryly or rolled their eyes slightly. Everyone knew perfectly well that Madam Violet’s claim about her advanced age limiting her options was somewhat disingenuous—Luminous Realm cultivators typically had centuries of lifespan remaining. But no one felt inclined to challenge her publicly over the matter.

At that moment, Sir Collins stepped forward and addressed Marcus and Mr. Yun with a serious, heavy tone:

"Will you two Fellow Cultivators not be exercising your priority selection rights now while we’re distributing these items? I feel compelled to point out that there may not be anything on the second floor that interests you specifically. It seems unwise to pass up guaranteed valuable treasures in favor of complete uncertainty."

Marcus’s expression immediately became darker and colder. His eyes narrowed as he responded with anger:

"Fellow Cultivator Collins, what exactly are you implying with that statement? Are you suggesting that Mr. Yun and I are planning some kind of deception?"

Mr. Yun similarly stared at Sir Collins with an unfriendly expression, clearly offended.

Sir Collins realized his words had been taken as an insult, and he backpedaled quickly. He forced a conciliatory chuckle and raised both hands in a placating gesture:

"No, no—nothing! I merely felt it would be regrettable if you decided against taking advantage of your earned priority with these treasures, only to discover nothing suitable on the upper floor. My concern was purely practical, not accusatory. Please don’t misunderstand my intentions."

Marcus studied the dwarf’s face for a long moment, trying to determine if this explanation was genuine or if Collins was probing for weaknesses. Finally, his expression softened slightly and he responded in a more measured tone:

"There’s no need for excessive worry, Fellow Cultivator. Mr. Yun and I have specific items we’re hoping to locate in this inheritance, and we have strong reason to believe those particular treasures are more likely to be on the second floor rather than displayed down here. As for Fellow Cultivator Vogue, he retains the option to use his priority selection privilege now or save it for later—the choice is entirely his."

He turned to address Vogue directly: "What would you prefer, Fellow Cultivator Vogue? Would you like to make your selection from these items, or would you rather wait and see what the upper floor contains?"

Vogue rubbed his chin thoughtfully, appearing to genuinely consider the options. After a brief pause, he replied in a casual, unconcerned tone:

"I’ll reserve my selection privilege for the second floor as well. Nothing on these shelves particularly calls to me at the moment." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Besides, Vogue thought privately, I have absolutely no intention of taking anything that these people know I’ve claimed. The moment we leave this ruin, they’ll just kill me and reclaim whatever I selected. Better to appear cooperative while preparing my actual escape.

Sir Collins accepted this decision with a philosophical shrug. "Since that’s settled, I propose we proceed with an equitable division method for the rest of us. If you want to claim an ancient-grade treasure, you must renounce your right to select any magic-grade implements afterward. This ensures fairness. Do all of you Fellow Cultivators agree to this approach?"

"That method seems perfectly reasonable. I agree!" Madam Violet quickly endorsed the proposal.

"Acceptable to me as well," another cultivator chimed in.

One by one, the other expedition members voiced their agreement with the distribution system Collins had outlined. It struck everyone as a fair compromise that balanced individual preferences with group equity.

The actual selection process proceeded smoothly from that point. Of course, Vogue made the deliberate choice to renounce any claim to the magic-grade treasures, maintaining consistency with his stated intention to wait for the second floor.

As for Mr. Yun and Sir Collins, they each decided to forgo the ancient-grade implements entirely. Instead, they each selected two magic-grade treasures plus one share of the materials and medicinal pills. Apparently they had calculated that the total value of multiple items outweighed acquiring a single more powerful artifact.

The remaining cultivators each took one ancient-grade treasure according to their personal preferences and combat styles.

Vogue himself acquired a bamboo tube that was approximately one foot in length and sealed at both ends with jade caps. When he had examined it briefly with his spiritual sense, the tube had shown interesting properties, though he couldn’t immediately determine its specific function or the level of power it contained.

Although Vogue didn’t actually know what abilities the bamboo tube possessed or how it was meant to be activated, he calmly placed the item into his storage space without showing any particular care or interest. He gave the appearance of someone going through motions to maintain appearances rather than someone genuinely excited about acquiring a treasure.

It doesn’t matter, Vogue thought dismissively. I’ll never actually use this thing. It’s just a prop to avoid looking suspicious.

In addition to the bamboo tube artifact, Vogue also selected one share of the medicinal pills and rare materials. These he examined more carefully since pills at least had obvious uses regardless of other circumstances.