Chapter 3780: The Fifth Gem
The path up the staircase felt like a journey through the rise of humanity.
The humans depicted in the murals were vastly different from the ones Lin Moyu had come to know.
The history portrayed in the murals was ancient so ancient that it seemed impossible to trace its origins.
But history, after all, was just history events that had already passed and were no longer of immediate importance.
What truly mattered now was the present and the final image in the mural: the Catastrophic Scepter.
This time, it was the genuine Catastrophic Scepter not a replica fabricated by the Hell Master.
The human figure standing atop countless spirit beast corpses, towering above all others, held the true Catastrophic Scepter in his hand.
On this scepter, five gems were intact.
Buzz!
With a resonant hum, the walls on both sides of the staircase vanished, revealing a palace ahead.
Lin Moyu realized he had unknowingly reached the end of the staircase.
Before him lay a vast plaza. In the distance, faint light mixed with mist hinted at structures hidden within.
This was clearly part of a palace seeing buildings here wasn't surprising to Lin Moyu.
His gaze fell upon a colossal statue standing at the center of the plaza.
The plaza was immense and empty save for this thousand-meter-tall statue that towered over everything.
The statue wore distinctly human attire and stood with its back to Lin Moyu, exuding an aura of solitary pride.
Lin Moyu felt a sense of loneliness emanating from it as if this figure stood alone against all under heaven.
What truly caught his attention was the material of the statue it was crafted entirely from innate primordial material.
Even a fist-sized piece of such material was incredibly valuable how much must have been used for this thousand-meter-tall statue?
Calling it extravagant would be an understatement.
---
Instinctively, Lin Moyu glanced down at his left hand.
The Undying Flame still burned brightly but the sentient material he held showed no signs of melting.
Sentient materials were far more resistant to refinement than ordinary ones.
Comparing this small piece in his hand to the massive statue before him the difference was staggering.
"If I brought this statue's material to Discernment Beast it might even choke on it," Lin Moyu mused humorously as he moved closer to examine the statue's face.
He wondered who could have erected such a monument in a place as terrifying as the Crossing Calamity Boat.
Whoever it was might surpass even figures like the Human Sovereign or World Tree Emperor.
As he approached within several hundred meters a formless barrier blocked his path.
"You are not qualified to see him!"
A deep and resonant voice echoed from all directions its source indiscernible.
"The master has finally appeared," Lin Moyu muttered without surprise. He had expected someone to control the Crossing Calamity Boat and this voice likely belonged to its master.
Lin Moyu asked politely, "May I ask why Senior brought me here? What instructions do you have for me?"
"I have no instructions I just wanted to see you," replied the voice.
"Just. see me?" Lin Moyu froze momentarily, baffled by such an answer.
Was he hearing things? Bringing him here just to observe him?
Suppressing his disbelief Lin Moyu maintained composure: "And what does Senior think now that you've seen me?"
"Not bad," came the indifferent reply.
Lin Moyu sighed inwardly at this casual evaluation: "If Senior has seen enough may I leave now?"
"Take out your scepter I want to see it," commanded the voice.
Resigned Lin Moyu retrieved his Catastrophic Scepter without hesitation.
He had already seen an image of it in the murals and now that this mysterious figure had directly mentioned it there was no point in hiding it further.
As soon as he revealed the scepter the statue began glowing faintly and atop its head a gem appeared.
"The Catastrophic Scepter's gem!" Lin Moyu exclaimed in surprise. He hadn't expected to find another gem here.
Since acquiring three gems earlier he had found no trace of a fourth one until now.
And yet here lay another gem the fifth one!
Previously, he had obtained gems representing Soul, Elemental, and Balance attributes but what attribute did this new gem hold?
Suspended atop the statue the gem showed no intention of moving toward him and Lin Moyu couldn't approach due to the invisible barrier blocking his way.
Still the fact that this figure had revealed its existence suggested an intent to give it to him eventually otherwise, there would have been no need for such theatrics.
Lin Moyu asked cautiously, "What must I do for Senior to grant me this gem?"
"This is the fifth gem of the Catastrophic Scepter," explained the voice. "Once you find the fourth gem I will give you this one."
"Is there a specific order for acquiring these gems?" Lin Moyu wondered silently but didn't voice his doubts aloud instead asking, "Does Senior know where I might find the fourth gem?"
"You'll have to find it yourself," replied the voice curtly offering no further guidance or clues.
Whether out of ignorance or unwillingness it left Lin Moyu with no choice but to search on his own.
By now it was clear that whoever controlled this boat bore him no ill will as they claimed they merely wanted to observe him.
Lin Moyu asked, "If I locate the fourth gem how should I return here?"
"Figure it out yourself," came another cold response a clear dismissal of any further questions or assistance.
Though frustrated Lin Moyu took solace in knowing where one more gem lay even if retrieving it would take time and effort.
---
As he waited for permission to leave Lin Moyu studied the statue closely it radiated an indescribable aura suggesting its creator was extraordinary.
Perhaps even responsible for crafting both this statue and the Crossing Calamity Boat itself.
Moments later the distant mist brightened slightly as some dispersed revealing an exquisite palace ahead.
Narrowing his eyes slightly Lin Moyu recognized it immediately:
"I've seen that palace before."
It was identical to one he encountered while merging ten Small Spirit Domains a palace whose corner had exploded violently back then.
Surveying carefully he spotted damage on one corner matching what he remembered exactly.
"So it really is that palace," Lin Moyu confirmed inwardly. "Could innate virtual treasures and this boat be connected? And might emperors' primordial materials also relate somehow?"
As these thoughts swirled within him the soft light around him intensified briefly before fading entirely.
When his vision cleared the Crossing Calamity Boat had vanished into Soul Void's depths once more.
---
Lin Moyu found himself back outside in an unfamiliar Great Spirit Domain.
Reflecting on everything he'd witnessed aboard that ancient history etched into murals filled him with awe but also strengthened his Dao heart with newfound resolve.
Releasing Little Python from storage he slapped it awake while scanning their surroundings cautiously.
For now all he knew was that they were somewhere new and figuring out where would be his next challenge.
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Usually, I just say thanks for the donation and move on—I don't want anyone who donated before to feel like I'm treating people differently. But in this case, PAC really deserves some extra praise. Thanks a lot, man!
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