Chapter 12: Treasury Exchange

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Dugu Feng glanced at Lin Yi with curiosity. "Brother Qingshan, are you really new here?"

"I'm level one. Can levels be fake?" Lin Yi replied. Then, noticing the militia uniform issued by Gu Chenghu, he nodded slightly. The quality of this uniform was far better than the rough novice clothes he wore.

Seeing that Lin Yi didn’t want to dwell on the topic, Dugu Feng smiled and said, "Looks like Brother Qingshan is no ordinary newcomer. From now on, we’ll be members of the same militia team—let’s help each other and grow together."

"Sure, no problem."

Although their time together was brief, Lin Yi had a favorable impression of Dugu Feng. It wouldn’t hurt to maintain a good relationship; it might prove useful someday.

After agreeing on the online time for the next day, Lin Yi parted ways with Dugu Feng and walked alone to a secluded willow tree by a pond within Gutang Village.

Seeing no one around, Lin Yi took a shovel from his spatial backpack and began digging in the muddy ground beneath the willow.

He had borrowed the shovel earlier from Gu Yongqiang’s house before heading out. The reason for coming here was clear: Lin Yi had just unlocked a new talent related to treasure hunting—a green talent.

Treasure Sense (Green Talent): You have a special ability to sense unattended treasures within a ten-mile radius. Once activated, it can only be used again after three days.

To be honest, since fixing the white talent “Bone Marvel,” Lin Yi had been drawing only white-quality talents in his talent space.

Today was the first time he refreshed a green talent. Considering its usefulness, he removed “Bone Marvel” and solidified “Treasure Sense” instead.

This was his first use of Treasure Sense, and he felt something beneath this willow tree attracting him—hence his arrival.

The soil under the willow was tough to dig due to numerous roots, and Lin Yi was careful not to make too much noise to avoid attracting attention.

After digging about half a meter deep, he uncovered a wooden box.

The box was intricately carved but appeared rotten on the surface from years buried in the damp earth.

Lin Yi didn’t rush to open it. Instead, he placed it directly into his spatial pocket, filled the hole, and quietly left.

Back at his firewood shed, Lin Yi finally opened the box and took out its contents.

It was a cool, red jade stone with a smooth luster.

Phantom Stone · Growth Soul Artifact: A soul artifact forged from the heart of a special phantom spirit doll. It can sense nearby phantoms and, when placed on the user’s heart, can be permanently bound to the Phantom Stone.

Note: This is a permanent growth soul artifact. Absorbing enough phantom ash will increase its sensing range.

Reading the description, Lin Yi furrowed his brow.

A soul artifact? And a growth-type one at that?

Moreover, it seemed unlike a spiritual artifact.

Yet, from the system’s description, this red jade was undoubtedly a valuable treasure capable of sensing phantoms.

Gu Chenghu had emphasized the threat of phantoms when introducing the dangers around Gutang Village.

Phantoms differ from demons; they are strange spirits that can shift between physical and spiritual forms.

Their danger lies in their ability to hide and parasitize within various objects, making them hard to detect.

If this so-called Phantom Stone could sense nearby phantoms, Lin Yi’s safety in Gutang Village would improve greatly.

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However, Lin Yi was cautious about binding the Phantom Stone right away. This world was perilous and full of unknowns.

Without understanding what a soul artifact truly was, he dared not experiment recklessly on himself.

Currently, the two most valuable items Lin Yi possessed were the Phantom Stone and the white-quality demon blood material given earlier by Gu Man.

The former required understanding before use, while the latter, now that he was a militia reserve member, he already knew how to utilize.

In Gutang Village, there was a treasure warehouse exclusive to the militia.

The warehouse was managed by one of the three village elders, Elder Gu Yuan.

Within the warehouse, extraordinary items could be exchanged for contribution points, which could then be used to obtain other necessary extraordinary goods.

Now that Lin Yi was effectively a militia member, he was naturally allowed to visit the warehouse to redeem items.

Beforehand, Lin Yi had learned that his “Low-Level Demon Blood · White,” though only white quality, was quite valuable since only a few high-grade demons dropped it, and its uses were extensive. It could be exchanged for 30 contribution points.

Of course, Lin Yi had no idea what could be redeemed with those 30 points.

Following the address given by Captain Gu Chenghu, Lin Yi arrived at the core area of Gutang Village.

The village’s temple, heritage sites, and treasury were all located here—the most strictly guarded area.

Upon his arrival in Gutang Village, Lin Yi had first encountered Elder Gu He nearby.

Outside the treasury stood two militia members on guard. Judging by their stern expressions, their levels were likely not low.

After verifying Lin Yi’s identity and purpose, they allowed him entry.

“Second squad is even recruiting newcomers now? A level one, no less. The sun must be rising in the west...” one muttered.

"Seems Brother Man forging a spiritual artifact really shook up the second squad captain. Tsk tsk, born ones will become hot commodities in our village,” the other said.

“They’re special. Their kills of demons and phantoms drop finished materials. When we kill, even with militia professionals handling demon corpses, we lose much of the spirit essence.”

They complained openly before Lin Yi’s face, seemingly indifferent to his presence.

Lin Yi touched his nose and entered the treasury.

The Gutang Village treasury was underground. Lin Yi walked through a pitch-black corridor for over ten meters until reaching a brightly lit cellar.

The cellar was spacious, furnished with beds, wardrobes, wooden tables...

It looked like someone’s living quarters.

While Lin Yi puzzled over this, an elderly man with graying hair slowly rose from a dark corner and approached.

“Born one? What brings you to the treasury for exchange?” the old man asked.

He was hunched, pale, and appeared recently injured.

No wonder the cellar smelled of herbs.

Lin Yi blinked and asked, “Are you Elder Gu Yuan?”

The elder looked at Lin Yi. “I am. What’s your name, born one?”

Lin Yi stated his purpose directly: “I’m Qingshan Bulao. I’m here to exchange demon blood for contribution points and then redeem some useful items.”

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Seeing the somewhat foul-smelling “Low-Level Demon Blood · White” Lin Yi produced, Gu Yuan nodded slightly and pulled out a parchment scroll.

“Judging by the smell, this blood likely came from ghost demons. It has strong spirit essence but low quality. It can be exchanged for 33 contribution points. This parchment lists items available for exchange in the treasury. Look it over carefully. If you want something, tell me. If not, the points can be stored with you and redeemed later.”

Lin Yi took the parchment and studied it carefully.

There was a wealth of information and many treasures, making his head spin.

[Demon Skin Full Body Armor]: Made from the hide of a bloodthirsty wolf. Tough exterior, resistant to swords and blades. Includes helmet and armor. Not a spiritual artifact. Worth 100 contribution points.

[Spirit Fire Candle]: A candle imbued with divinity. When lit, it dispels darkness and restrains phantoms. Made from rare materials, scarce in quantity. Worth 150 contribution points.

[Coins]: Silver coins used in the Tianshui region, also accepted in Gutang Village. 1 contribution point exchanges for 100 copper coins.

[Diamond Sword]: A treasured sword forged from special mineral metals. Sharp blade capable of slicing most demon hides. Not a spiritual artifact. Worth 350 contribution points.

[Red Heart Fruit]: A wild spirit fruit that only sprouts and bears fruit after being infused with demon blood for a long time. Consuming one increases strength slightly (born ones gain 1 strength point). Rare and only obtainable outside Gutang Village. Currently three in stock, each costs 300 contribution points.

[Phantom Ash]: Basic material dropped when a phantom dies. 50 contribution points for 1 gram.

...

There were many items on the scroll, many potentially useful to Lin Yi.

Besides armor and weapons like the Demon Skin Armor and Diamond Sword, Lin Yi most desired the Red Heart Fruit to boost his strength. Unfortunately, at 300 points each, he was far short.

With only 33 points, not many treasures were available. Lin Yi continued scanning and finally found some useful talismans:

[Defense Talisman]: Handcrafted by the village chief. Crushing the talisman paper activates a shield lasting two seconds, capable of resisting attacks from demons below level eight. Ineffective against some demons and phantoms above level eight. Requires demon blood for crafting. Costs 80 contribution points.

[Phantom Detection Talisman]: Also made by the village chief. Burning the talisman paper senses phantoms within a 100-meter radius.

Note: Can detect only one phantom at a time. Burning it may provoke phantom attacks.

Costs 50 contribution points.

[Strength Talisman]: Handcrafted by the village chief. Activating it grants the user a small strength boost (born ones gain 5 strength points). Lasts one minute, followed by a period of weakness.

Costs 30 contribution points.

[Speed Talisman]: Also handcrafted by the village chief. Activating it grants a small speed boost (born ones gain 5 agility points). Lasts one minute, followed by a period of weakness.

Costs 30 contribution points.

There were four talismans in total. The first two were out of Lin Yi’s reach, but with his current points, he could afford one of the last two.

After some thought, Lin Yi decisively chose the Speed Talisman.

After all, facing demons and phantoms, his current strength increase wouldn’t help much.

But if he could run faster, that would solve his problems.

Last time he faced a ghost demon, his slightly quicker speed allowed a villager to take a fatal blow in his stead, letting him narrowly escape danger.