Volume Two: The Weapon Codex Chapter 109: Heavy Clouds Block the Path Ahead

“Heh heh heh, everyone, behold the power of my magic! What assassin dares to cause trouble on my Golden and Silver Island without asking this Second Master first?” Qian Jin scampered down the mountain excitedly. Here, the potency of his magic was nearly infinitely amplified; as long as there was enough treasure nearby, this spell could overwhelm opponents many levels above him.

This unfortunate Mountain Deer Spirit Binder had no idea this place belonged to Golden and Silver Island, where many strange beings lurked. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to single-handedly seize the Treasure Basin.

Failing to seize the weapon, he instead lost his life here. After Qian Jin’s magic faded, the scattered gold and silver made it impossible to find his body. Only with Li Jue’s golden light was his personal spatial pouch eventually located.

Compared to Liu Xiaoyi’s, his spatial pouch seemed rather meager, containing only a small one-zhang-square space with few items. Upon emptying it, Shangguan Baozi carefully examined the identification inside. From the collection of masks, it was clear this man truly belonged to the Mountain Deer rank.

Within the hierarchy of the Weapon Grave Spirit Binders, the most numerous were the Ghost Fox Scouts, with the Mountain Deer their next level. They were distinguished by animal masks, each uniquely refined. Even if others obtained these masks without permission, they could not activate their powers.

These Spirit Binders usually scattered across various places, disguising themselves under different identities. They only revealed themselves openly when encountering weapons from the Weapon Registry or other comparable artifacts.

They are called Spirit Binders because these weapons, having passed through many owners over long ages, had become sentient. Possessing their own spirit, these weapons could no longer be considered mere tools—they had autonomy, emotions, and unique thought processes, capable of harming others unwittingly.

Thus, Spirit Binders were seen externally as protectors of the people, and officials generally paid no special attention, assuming they were just common martial sect members.

The Weapon Grave had remained well-hidden for years. Liu Xiaoyi’s contact with them was a rare coincidence. Had it not been for the attempt to seize the Dragon Pearl treasure from Qin Huang, the recently arrived Ghost Foxes in Baiyu Capital would still be searching for scattered weapons, and their visit to Tianming Palace was likewise by chance.

Shangguan Baozi continuously formed hand seals, sealing the Treasure Basin with layers of talismans, afraid it might escape again. Although her small booklet could temporarily hold these weapons, they ultimately had to be returned to the Weapon Grave’s master.

These were temporary measures to weaken the weapon spirits. Some cunning spirits might feign weakness before seizing an opportunity to flee, so Shangguan Baozi went to great lengths, sacrificing expensive sealing talismans to prevent such an escape.

“Baozi, you don’t need so many; you’re almost suffocating the spirit,” Meng Qiaoqiao smiled, recalling her own early days learning magic when she saw Baozi’s nervousness.

“No! This is my first time successfully sealing a weapon. You have no idea how difficult it is to seal these weapons. Many senior brothers and sisters have lost control on the way back, their seals broken by the spirits, and then got scolded badly!” Shangguan Baozi said as she applied more talismans.

Only when the object’s shape was completely obscured did she stop the incantation, suddenly realizing her magical energy was nearly exhausted.

Fortunately, no enemies appeared. If someone tried to snatch the Treasure Basin now, they could take it without her needing to use magic.

Liu Xiaoyi looked at her helplessly but relaxed. For some reason, this little girl felt like a younger sister, awakening a desire to protect her from harm.

Both having endured hardship from a young age, there was an inexplicable kinship. Shangguan Baozi also found she could sleep more soundly by Liu Xiaoyi’s side.

Feeling Liu Xiaoyi’s gaze, she bounced over holding the Treasure Basin aloft, boasting, “Big brother, among so many Spirit Binders in the Weapon Grave, few have succeeded in sealing weapons. Now I’m definitely going to be the top Ghost Fox! Maybe I’ll even be promoted straight to Mountain Deer when I return!”

“Then why ask me for help? You’re about to become a Mountain Deer Spirit Binder—a major figure. You should learn to solve some things on your own,” Liu Xiaoyi pinched her cheek, already reading her mischievous thoughts from her eyes.

The girl never tried to hide her feelings, especially among friends, like a transparent mirror—everything clearly visible.

“Heh heh, as expected from big brother. We’ll face many troubles on the way to the Weapon Grave. I want to ask you to help me out, please? It’s on your way anyway,” Shangguan Baozi said, shaking Liu Xiaoyi’s hand coquettishly.

It was hard to refuse such sisterly pleading, so Liu Xiaoyi gently pushed her head away, saying, “Alright, hide well if trouble comes. As long as it’s not higher than Mountain Deer rank, we can handle it.”

Though the Treasure Basin was sealed, its faint aura could still be sensed by other Spirit Binders. If a bandit appeared, Shangguan Baozi alone wouldn’t manage.

Her earth-based magic leaned toward reconnaissance, and her offensive spells were still untrained, making them unreliable in battle.

“Young Master Qian, since we’ll likely attract trouble from these Spirit Binders, it’s best not to linger on Golden and Silver Island. Let’s set off now,” Liu Xiaoyi bowed respectfully.

Cai Wu was already waiting with a carriage on a small path, and they mounted their horses to depart, leaving Qian Jin behind wiping his tears.

“Everyone! Don’t forget to stay at my place for a couple of days when you return! My old man wants to thank you properly!” Shangguan Baozi waved vigorously, tears at her young eyes—too tender-hearted for farewells. Qian Jin’s increasingly emotional words even brought some sobs, making it unbearable.

“Travel a hundred li day and night. If the horses tire, just buy new ones. We have money, but no time to waste,” Liu Xiaoyi instructed.

The road ahead, lacking city protection, would be arduous. Having just encountered the Mountain Deer Spirit Binder’s prowess, solo battles were winnable but hard due to their unpredictable techniques.