SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

Each floor of treasure trove palace was a hub of chambers and corridors, filled with an array of treasures that glittered and hummed. The walls were adorned with ancient runes, and the air thrummed with the energy of countless Dao threads binding the treasures in place.

Jia moved with sole aim and she ascended from one floor to the next. Kent and Tata Lan trailed behind her, their eyes wide with wonder at the treasures displayed on each floor.

There were swords that glowed with inner fire, amulets that radiated protective auras, and scrolls inscribed with forbidden spells. Your next read is at empire

"Sister, where are you taking us? There are so many treasures here. Why not collect them before others snatch them?" Tata Lan asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Jia smirked at Tata Lan's words, not breaking her stride. "Do you think they are mere trinkets to be snatched up by anyone? It takes immense effort to claim even one item. The more you acquire, the harder it becomes to obtain another. Even the strongest individuals can't take more than three treasures in the longest time possible.

We need to focus on items that are truly useful to us. I'm searching for a spiritual wand that suits me. You can stop if you find something that calls to you, but Kent should follow me until I get my desired item."

Both Kent and Tata Lan exchanged looks and followed her with a sigh. As they continued their ascent, Jia bypassed numerous treasures, ignoring even the wands that seemed to call out to her.

Kent, too, kept an eye out for a spiritual bow, but so far, none had appeared. The sheer variety and power of the treasures left him in awe, but he knew Jia's advice was sound. They had to be discerning.

On the thirteenth floor, Tata Lan suddenly halted. Her eyes fixed on a whip displayed on a pedestal, its entire length a deep, sinister black. The handle was inscribed with the words "Devilish Hand," and it pulsed with a dark, magnetic energy. She felt an irresistible pull towards it.

"Big brother, I've found my treasure," Tata Lan said, her voice filled with determination.

Kent nodded, understanding her choice. "Be careful. Many people will catch up this place soon. If you encounter any strong encounter, give up the treasure and come to me. Okey?"

"I will, Big Brother." she replied, her gaze unwavering from the whip.

Kent left his two loyal pets, a swift Fire Kirin and Serpent beast, to guard Tata Lan. "They'll protect you," he assured her before turning to follow Jia.

As Kent and Jia ascended to the next floor, the atmosphere began changing as the quality of treasures also changed. Jia's determination seemed to intensify with appearance of these treasures.

Kent felt a mixture of anticipation and excitement. They had witnessed so many treasures, yet Jia had dismissed them all in her relentless quest for the perfect wand.

Meanwhile, Kent's gaze wandered, still searching for a spiritual bow. He knew that his moment would come, and when it did, he needed to be ready. The treasures in this palace were not just objects of power; they were legacies, waiting for the right person to claim them.

Frustrated by Jia's ignorant behaviour Kent finally opened his mouth. "There were several spiritual wands we already passed. Are you searching for something specific?" Kent asked, his eyes scanning the treasures situated along the palace walls as he closely followed Jia.

"I know what I'm doing. Don't worry, you'll be on your own after I get my first treasure," Jia replied, quickening her pace.

Upon reaching the 33rd floor, Jia abruptly stopped. She rushed forward, her eyes locking onto a wand adorned with several gold rings, each inscribed with an animal spirit rune. Her face lit up with a rare smile as she read the name "Aqua Serpent's Embrace."

"Stay on guard. I want this wand," Jia declared, taking the Lotus Position. She hovered before the wand in a meditative posture, her eyes closed as she began the arduous process of refining the treasure.

Kent stood beside her, bow in hand, his fingers resting on the bowstring.

Time passed slowly, the air thick with tension. Soon, other disciples began entering the palace. Many low sect disciples, lacking the knowledge to choose their treasures wisely, started unlocking any random treasure they encountered.

Meanwhile, members of the major sects and families began pushing others away from the powerful spiritual treasures.

Several strong groups passed by Tata Lan's side, but none of them used whips, so they didn't attempt to take her treasure.

Two hours elapsed, and many groups were busy refining their treasures. Suddenly, Kent noticed a large group rushing towards him. The words "Celestial Water Family" were emblazoned in gold on the badges fixed to their shoulders.

Without any warning, they launched their attacks. Kent reacted instantly, unleashing his own attacks to counter them. The 33rd floor shook with thunderous noise as the battle raged.

While fighting the mob, Kent failed to notice an invisible figure passing from his side. A lady using an advanced spirit grade treasure moved towards the wand chosen by Jia.

"You lowly fellow, we are from the Celestial Water Family, one of the prime families supported by the Wizard Association. Run-away now, or we will hunt down your entire family once we leave this place!" shouted a slender guy, his voice filled with arrogance and menace.

The Celestial Water Family disciples used powerful treasures granted by the Wizard Association, making them formidable opponents. Kent fought valiantly, but he was struggling to kick them against their combined might. The clash of powers resonated throughout the floor, the intensity of the battle drawing attention from other disciples.

Suddenly, Kent heard a click sound from behind. His heart sank as he turned to see a tall girl unlocking the Aqua Serpent's Embrace wand with an Abyssal Key.

Jia, still in her meditative state, was helpless to stop her. The girl's eyes gleamed with triumph as she reached for the wand, her hand extending toward the treasure that Jia had been painstakingly refining.

"No!" Kent shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber. He pushed forward, but the Celestial Water Family disciples blocked his path, their attacks growing more vicious.

Desperation fuelled Kent's movements, his arrows flying with deadly precision, but the onslaught was relentless.

Jia's eyes snapped open as the girl's fingers brushed the wand. Her aura flared with a fierce, protective energy, but it was too late. The girl's hand closed around the wand, and a surge of dark energy from the Abyssal Key intertwined with the wand's power, causing the room to tremble.

With a roar of defiance, Kent summoned all his strength and unleashed a powerful inheritance Asthra imbued with his Lightning Dao. It streaked through the air, striking the girl's hand and forcing her to drop the wand. The Celestial Water Family disciples retaliated with a barrage of attacks, their anger palpable.

Jia, now fully awake and aware, rose to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination. She extended her hand. In the next instant, the weapon spirit, an aqua dragon materialised before Jia and bowed her head in response.

With Jia's binding spell, the Aqua Serpent's Embrace responded to her call, the golden rings shimmering with energy. The wand flew into her grasp, and Jia's aura merged with its power.

The Abyssal Key can only unlock a treasure. But the treasure spirit should acknowledge its owner. Unknowing the princess of Celestial water family wasted her Abyssal Key. The princess purchased Abyssal key in the auction where peak master Porus advised Kent to give up on the Abyssal key.

"Enough!" Jia's voice rang out, commanding and fierce. The room fell silent as the energy around her intensified, the air crackling with her power. She pointed the wand at the Celestial Water Family princess, her expression cold and resolute.

"This is your only warning," she said, her voice steady. "Leave now, or face the consequences."

The Celestial Water Family princess hesitated, the aura of the Aqua Serpent's Embrace daunting even their arrogance. With a final, hateful glare, she retreated, followed by her group.

Before leaving the lady glared angrily at Kent and gave a threatening look.

Kent, breathing heavily, lowered his bow. With a sigh, he turned towards Jia.

Jia nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you for your help. You didn't disappoint my grand-father's expectation." Jia said while holding her weapon tightly.

"Do you need any more assistance?" Kent asked directly as also excited find a suitable treasure.

"My sole purpose of coming here this wand. Now, my task is fulfilled. Our deal ended now and you successfully completed your end of bargain. From now onwards, you owe nothing to me. Please, go on your path." Jia replied in a determined tone and walked away.

Kent stood on the same place for a long time. After adjusting his thoughts, he began his quest for a powerful spirit bow. But what he don't know was, an invisible divine treasure spirit already began trailing behind him.