After leaving Burning Flame Valley, Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Yao Tianhuo parted ways. Yao Tianhuo headed toward the Pill Region's Ye City to handle the Ye Clan's affairs for the time being.
Meanwhile, Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian followed Luo Yinzhu and several Sound Valley disciples toward the valley's hidden location deep in the southeastern region of the Central Plains.
Ten days later, the group arrived at a place of breathtaking beauty—mountains like walls, streams weaving between them, and no trace of human habitation.
Two dark figures cut through the clouds above, fierce gales sweeping across the landscape as the massive flying beasts passed overhead.
Upon closer view, they were two enormous flying eagles, their backs bearing Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and the Sound Valley entourage led by Luo Yinzhu.
Recognizing the familiar landscape, Luo Yinzhu's beautiful eyes softened with a faint smile. Turning slightly toward Liu Xi, she said softly, "Master Liu, please look ahead. Not far from here lies the hidden sanctuary of my Sound Valley. Verdant mountains and crystal waters surround it—an ideal refuge of peace and spirit."
Hands clasped behind his back, Liu Xi stood atop the eagle's back, his gaze sweeping across the endless sea of green. The quiet scenery, untouched by mortal clamor, seemed like a paradise apart from the world.
With a faint smile of admiration, he remarked, "Indeed, this place is tranquil and serene—perfect for seclusion. Unfortunately, I'm far too worldly to endure such silence."
Hearing Liu Xi's light jest, the elderly crone of Sound Valley resting on her staff smiled respectfully and replied, "Master Liu, for one so young to have reached the realm of an 8th Tier Alchemist is no small feat. This is the age of your brilliance—when your name should echo across the continent. It would be a shame to see the world lose such splendor to seclusion."
Liu Xi chuckled, eyes glinting faintly with pride. Brilliance and legacy… Yes, he could truly carve his legend into this world. After all, since fate—or rather, the author—had given him a second chance, how could he not make something unforgettable of it?
As they spoke, the two flying beasts glided over several towering peaks before descending toward a vast basin surrounded by mountains, at whose heart lay a clear, mirror-like lake.
Luo Yinzhu pointed toward it with a soft voice. "We've arrived. Let's descend."
The two beasts circled before gently landing by the lake's edge. Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and the others leaped lightly to the ground.
"Please wait a moment, Master Liu."
Turning toward the elderly woman beside her, Luo Yinzhu said, "Aunt Yang, please open the spatial barrier."
The old woman nodded and stepped forward to the lake's edge, drawing out an exquisitely carved jade token. Dou Qi surged from her palm into it.
Ripples of invisible energy spread outward. Moments later, at the lake's center, the empty air distorted—and then split open.
Where water met sky, a massive spatial fissure appeared, humming with terrifying spatial power. Waves rolled violently across the surface, spreading in all directions.
Luo Yinzhu raised her pale hand and pointed toward the rift. "Master Liu, please follow me."
She stepped lightly onto the shimmering water, treading an arched path formed by rippling waves as she approached the rift.
Liu Xi smiled faintly. 'She's clever—leading the way herself so I wouldn't think this a trap.'
He exchanged a glance with Xiao Yixian, who nodded slightly. With that, Liu Xi stepped forward and followed Luo Yinzhu into the rift, Xiao Yixian right behind him.
The old woman—Aunt Yang—was last, guiding the remaining Sound Valley disciples as she murmured to herself, "The Valley Master finally has hope. The heavens haven't abandoned her. Otherwise, our Sound Valley might have remained buried in silence forever…"
The moment Liu Xi stepped through the rift, his vision blurred—and then brightened. A sea of emerald green unfurled before his eyes.
They stood upon what seemed to be an island surrounded by endless water, its center covered in lush foliage. Amidst the greenery rose elegant towers and pavilions, half-veiled by mist, while soft, melodious music echoed faintly through the air.
The tune was ethereal and graceful, and as the melody flowed, Liu Xi felt the surrounding world energy respond—coalescing, shifting forms, transforming into waves of force or invisible shields.
'Interesting,' Liu Xi mused. 'So Sound Valley truly wields sound as their core power.'
Just then, several white shadows flashed across the sky and stopped not far from them—graceful young women with delicate faces and poised figures.
The moment they saw Luo Yinzhu, their wariness melted away like frost under sunlight, revealing expressions of joy and respect.
"Miss Luo has returned!"
Luo Yinzhu, her veil fluttering lightly, gazed over them with calm authority. At once, the gathered disciples fell silent.
In a clear tone, she introduced, "This is Master Liu Xi, an 8th Tier Alchemist whom I personally invited. From today onward, none within the valley may act discourteously toward him."
"And this is Venerable Xian—Master Liu's companion. You will treat her with equal respect."
"Yes! We greet Master Liu! We greet the Venerable Xian!"
The women's voices rang out in unison—crisp, melodious, almost musical. The chorus of feminine tones made Liu Xi feel as though he had stumbled into a kingdom of women.
Turning back to him, Luo Yinzhu offered a graceful bow and said apologetically, "Master Liu, forgive me for being so forward. But I must trouble you to first examine my mother's condition."
Liu Xi's smile remained calm. "Of course. You're merely concerned for your mother—it's only natural. Lead the way."
"Thank you. Please, follow me."
A trace of relief flickered in her eyes before she rose into the air, her graceful figure flying toward the island's center.
Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian followed suit, soaring behind her.
Once they were gone, the valley girls immediately broke into excited chatter.
"Wow, Master Liu is so handsome—heehee!"
"Hmph, you've seen too little of the world. There are plenty of handsome men, but an 8th Tier Alchemist at his age? That's terrifying talent."
"And his follower—also so young, yet already a Dou Zun! When did the outside world become so full of monsters like this?"
Before the gossip could grow, a sharp voice interrupted them.
"What are you all standing around for? Get back to your patrols!"
Aunt Yang emerged from the rift, glaring at the chattering disciples.
"Yes, Elder!"
The group scattered instantly, their laughter fading into the valley breeze.
(End of Chapter)
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