Chapter 335: Gaining a Scabbard

Deep inside Wang Sheng's plain-looking Crane-Spirit Treasure Pouch was Yaoyun's Qiankun Ring, a genuine celestial storage artifact. It had been placed in Wang Sheng's care for the time being. Since Yaoyun believed that she would remain a sword spirit for quite a while, she allowed Wang Sheng to make use of the ring as he wished.

Still, Wang Sheng never took advantage of the favor. He had sealed the ring away and never once thought of claiming it.

It didn't matter to him how large a storage artifact was as long as it had enough space for all his essentials. After all, he did not own thousands of dresses, long robes, or embroidered shoes.

Whenever he recalled the "grand scene" in Yaoyun's ring, he couldn't help but feel as though the present cultivation world was still several civilizations away from a true golden age of immortality.

When they reached Ma Zibin's private laboratory, Ma Zibin eagerly laid out the lavish gift that he had prepared for him.

The upgraded version of the Flowing Celestial Robe wasn't a Daoist robe; it was two sets of tights. The fabric was soft, flexible, light, and cool to the touch. According to Ma Zibin, the garments could withstand spells, hasten the absorption of primal qi, and greatly reduce the impact of physical force.

The Flowing Cloud Robe could be worn over the tights to stack their defenses, forming quite a powerful protection. With these garments and his Dao Body, which he had tempered through heavenly tribulations, he'd have truly formidable resilience.

This battle attire was not exclusive to Wang Sheng. A second set had been specially prepared for his senior sister as well. Clearly, the authorities already recognized the unbreakable bond between the martial siblings.

"This material is a tier lower than what we used for the Flowing Celestial Robe," Ma Zibin explained, "but thanks to improved craftsmanship, its defensive performance under various conditions is equal to the Flowing Celestial Robe."

Wang Sheng asked, "Does this attire have a name?"

"

Mm...

Celestial Combat Garment!"

Wang Sheng didn't know what to say.

That sounds improvised.

Along with the two garments were several smaller items. Most of them were meant for women, such as wooden hairpins, ribbons, earrings, and other ornaments. Each was a finely made artifact of excellent quality. A few among them could already be considered true treasured artifacts. After all, the research institute largely made up for the shortcomings of the cultivation world in artifact crafting.

In total, Wang Sheng received sixteen treasures. Apart from the Celestial Combat Garments, the one that pleased him most was the scabbard that he had requested in the past. The research institute had specifically forged it for Spiritless. It was heavy, and it exuded a faint, cooling aura.

When introducing it, Ma Zibin sighed. "We spent enough funds on this scabbard to arm an entire platoon with the latest Light-Edge series weapons. Do you know what the directive from above was? Ignore the budget. Use the best materials available. Young Man, the higher-ups really value you."

Though Ma Zibin was simply teasing him in an elderly tone, Wang Sheng could not bring himself to laugh. News of Yaoyun becoming Spiritless's spirit seemed to have already reached the higher authorities. They simply chose not to question Wang Sheng for the time being.

Strength brought privilege and better treatment.

Wang Sheng removed the sword case from his back, lifted out Spiritless, and slowly slid it into the new scabbard.

The sound of its blade brushing against the sheath rang softly in the air. He could feel the subtle pressure of the scabbard's embrace along the sword's edge.

"

They certainly thought this through. They even used so many Moonlight Spirit Jades,

"

Yaoyun languidly whispered. "

Mm... This is far more comfortable than that sword case.

"

Ma Zibin smiled. "Well? How does it feel?"

Wang Sheng nodded. Caressing the scabbard with his palm, he smiled faintly. "Amazing. It's perfect."

Two girls with ponytails ran over and handed Ma Zibin a coded case. They cast shy glances at Wang Sheng before quickly lowering their heads and hurrying away.

"Come, pick three items," Ma Zibin said as he opened the case. The objects inside resembled a jeweler's box, each one brimming with treasures. "Storage artifacts are the most commonly used. Choose one for your senior sister and your younger sister."

Wang Sheng murmured, "Uncle Ma, do you even have the clearance for this?"

"Of course... not." Ma Zibin chuckled. "But even if you take a piece of every latest invention here, the higher-ups will not hold it against you. Don't worry about it and just take what you need."

This was clearly a reward sanctioned from above, granted in recognition of his displays of might during the two heavenly tribulation incidents. Instead of standing on ceremony, Wang Sheng simply accepted them all.

He chose a jade bracelet storage for his senior sister. After some thought, he then selected a jade pendant for himself, which would allow him to access his items while concealing the action with his robes.

Wang Sheng thought back to the first generation of Crane-Spirit Treasure Pouches, which measured dozens of centimeters in every dimension. He then looked at the elegant modern storage artifacts, each with an interior space of seven or eight cubic meters. He felt deep admiration rise in his heart.

The Cultivation Research Institute was becoming increasingly outstanding.

The remaining items were set aside for Wang Xiaomiao to choose from once she returned. In the meantime, Wang Sheng conversed with Ma Zibin about the changes that were sweeping through the Hua Republic's cultivation world.

As one of the key figures driving these changes, Ma Zibin opened Wang Sheng's eyes to new perspectives.

"The greatest changes are not within the cultivation world, but in the secular world." He smiled. "After the return of primal qi, we dedicated ourselves to making sure everyone benefits from it. Fortunately, the Daoist cultivation methods from the Daoist heritage of the Heavenly Court were far richer and superior than the cultivation methods of other nations.

"Moreover, our system's strength lies in concentrating power and resources, then redistributing those resources to every citizen. No capitalistic country can do such a feat.

"The Universal Cultivation Method is a prime example of that. We have already completed research up to the third stage. Once gradually implemented, it will allow our citizens to reach an average lifespan—not just life expectancy—of one hundred and fifty years. Those with constitutions especially suited to primal qi may even live for two hundred years or more. This is the most perceptible benefit we can offer every individual."

"I've been wondering about that. If lifespans increase so drastically, wouldn't that affect the population?" Wang Sheng asked.

"Don't worry. There will be no uncontrolled population boom. The authorities will conduct macro-level regulation, and with increased lifespans, the retirement age can be raised as well. Moreover, the emergence of primal qi has already brought a revolution to agriculture. Feeding the population will not be an issue.

"What does require reform is our education system. In the future, we have to guide those who grow weary of their jobs after reaching eighty or ninety, giving them new skills and allowing them to shift into other fields. Many are studying these interesting topics, and we are confident we can solve them."

Wang Sheng slowly nodded. Whatever he could think of, the countless think tanks and high officials had surely already considered in full.

Though these discussions were not directly related to cultivation, they brought him inspiration and insight. All laws returned to the Dao, and all Daos shared one origin. That was the truth of it.

As their discussion became lively, the laboratory door opened quietly. Wang Xiaomiao slipped inside, face flushed. She hid behind her brother and pressed her forehead repeatedly against his back.

Now, she was wearing a silver-white tight combat suit.

Concerned, Wang Sheng asked, "What happened just now?"

"Don't say a word!" Xiaomiao puffed her cheeks. "If you do, I'll explode!"

Wang Sheng and Ma Zibin nearly burst out laughing.

Wang Sheng quickly shifted the topic. "Well, just pick a storage artifact for now, then."

The sparkling case immediately drew Xiaomiao's attention away.

"Aren't storage artifacts all just little pouches?" she asked in amazement. "That was all I could find on the internet, at least. Have they already advanced this far?"

Wang Sheng and Ma Zibin smiled warmly.

Perhaps all girls her age shared the same fascination with earrings. Xiaomiao picked up a pair of earrings, holding them happily in her hand.

"Remember to keep it safe," Wang Sheng told her.

"

Mm,

don't worry, Brother! I know how valuable this is!"

He patted her head, then pointed at the other artifacts. "If you like, take a few more."

Xiaomiao smiled and shook her head. "I don't need them. I have no use for them right now anyway. Cultivation depends on one's own effort, not on external things."

Ma Zibing gave her a thumbs-up. "Your awareness is admirable. As expected of the Heavenly Tribulation Wielder's sister."

"Of course!" Xiaomiao squinted happily. "I can't embarrass my brother too much. A little every now and then should be fine, though."

Wang Sheng flicked her forehead and then indicated to Ma Zibin that it was time to leave.

"Not staying for a meal?" Ma Zibin asked with a grin. "Our cafeteria has just developed a dish called Mind-Clearing Stir-Fried Shrimp. It's delicious! You should try it before you go."

"That sounds more like dark cuisine," Xiaomiao muttered softly.

Wang Sheng shook his head. "Thanks, but no thanks. Right now, I could break through at any moment. I want to return early and prepare."

"You're heading to the lakeside?"

"Yes. I'll go into seclusion there. Now that the outside world is stable, I can finally focus on breaking through. Once I'm done, I'll seek out those wielding Blood-Dissolving Divine Swords."

Ma Zibin's expression grew solemn. "Very well. If you need equipment or any particular weapon, tell me in advance. I'll do everything in my power to forge it for you."

"This scabbard alone is enough." Wang Sheng patted Spiritless and slung the scabbard across his back. He now looked far more composed than when he had to carry the bulky sword case.

Xiaomiao circled him twice, clicking her tongue in admiration. "Brother, will I be able to wear long robes one day, too?"

"Of course." Ma Zibin smiled. "Girls look even better in dresses, though."

Xiaomiao thought for a moment, then declared, "I prefer Daoist robes. They give off a more professional air."

Ma Zibin and Wang Sheng burst into laughter.

After securing Professor Ma's generous gifts, Wang Sheng took the chance to switch his storage artifacts and hang the jade pendant around his neck.

With Xiaomiao's master chosen and their artifacts obtained, the time had come for them to return and go into seclusion. Wang Sheng had assumed the trip back would be uneventful.

However, after he and Xiaomiao bid farewell to Ma Zibin and headed to the landing pad of their private aircraft, they found a suited man standing before a sparrow-hawk aircraft. He seemed to have been waiting for some time.