Tap! Tap! Tap!
In the darkness, steady footsteps echoed through the corridor, the sound drawing closer and closer until, at last, a faint light flickered ahead.
It came from a luminous pearl in Luo Yinzhu's hand, casting a soft glow that illuminated her features along with those of Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian.
After walking for a few more minutes, the end of the passage came into view — a pitch-black stone door loomed before them. Luo Yinzhu suddenly stopped, standing straight before the door.
"Beyond this stone gate lies Sound Valley's First Treasure Vault," she said with a light smile. "For a thousand years, every treasure most precious to our valley has been kept within."
Raising her hand, the night pearl floated up into the air. Her now-free fingers weaved rapidly through a series of complex hand seals.
"Open!"
A wave of invisible energy rippled outward, seeping into the door. A moment later, the sound of internal mechanisms clattering to life echoed from within.
Rumble—!
With a heavy grinding noise, the massive stone door rolled upward like a curtain. A blinding radiance spilled outward in an instant.
Liu Xi narrowed his eyes slightly, his body tensing on instinct. No matter how calm he appeared, vigilance was something he never neglected.
Sensing his shift in stance, Xiao Yixian took a half-step forward, subtly positioning herself ahead of him. Her pale-violet eyes narrowed as she stared into the chamber beyond.
Luo Yinzhu, oblivious to their subtle movements, waited until the door had fully lifted before retrieving the night pearl and stepping gracefully inside.
"Master Liu, Venerable Xian, please—come in."
After confirming there was no danger, Liu Xi followed her inside. The vast chamber of the treasure vault unfolded before him in its entirety.
The walls were built from granite as hard as refined steel. Row upon row of wooden shelves stretched across the hall, each one neatly lined with exquisitely carved jade boxes.
Every shelf was wrapped in a translucent barrier that shimmered faintly with spatial energy—a protective enchantment of the highest grade.
"What an impressive setup. Every jade box has its own spatial shield. Seems like every single one holds something truly precious."
Liu Xi's gaze swept across the rows of shelves, his tone filled with genuine admiration.
Hearing his praise, Luo Yinzhu smiled proudly. "Of course. This vault holds Sound Valley's treasures accumulated over a millennium. But even all this cannot compare to my mother's worth."
"Besides, aside from the ingredients required for her detoxification, the rest of the medicinal materials are stored right here."
She lifted her delicate hand, and a jade token appeared. Stepping close to Liu Xi, she offered it with a respectful bow. "This token can deactivate the spatial barriers. Simply press it to the protective film, and it will dissolve temporarily. I now entrust it to Master Liu."
Liu Xi took the token, scanning the shelves around them with a faint smile. "Then I won't hold back."
He strode to the first row of racks, Xiao Yixian at his side, while Luo Yinzhu followed, softly explaining as they walked.
"Master Liu, this section contains our musical treasures—Sound Valley's finest instruments, most of which were crafted by renowned masters. For us, these instruments serve as both weapons and shields of unmatched power."
Liu Xi glanced into one of the shimmering jade boxes, where a zither-like instrument rested quietly.
"This is the Youlian Zither," Luo Yinzhu explained. "Its body was carved from Moonshade Wood, and its strings spun from Celestial Silk. When played, its music can pierce directly into the soul, stirring emotion—joy, rage, sorrow, and delight—entangling the listener's heart until they cannot escape."
Liu Xi shook his head lightly. A treasure indeed, but one that manipulated emotions to such a degree wasn't suitable for him—nor for Xiao Yixian, who relied on poison and Dou Qi, not melody.
Still, as his gaze slid to Luo Yinzhu, he silently acknowledged the valley's unique strength. Their Dou Techniques were channeled through sound itself—attacks that could rend the heavens, defenses born of harmony, or melodies that could sway the hearts of others. Perhaps Sound Valley's true depth far exceeded what he had imagined.
"These instruments aren't for me. Let's move on."
They continued deeper. Another set of shelves came into view—this time filled with scrolls neatly stacked within jade boxes.
"These are musical compositions and sound-based Dou Techniques unique to our valley," Luo Yinzhu explained. "For example, the Thirteen-Fold Sword Melody, whose sound transforms into countless sword shadows capable of cutting down all foes; or the Gentle Breeze Purging Tune, whose harmonies become storms that sweep through heaven and earth."
Listening to her, Liu Xi gained a clearer understanding of Sound Valley's heritage. But to master such techniques required exceptional comprehension of musical theory—something he neither possessed nor intended to study.
"Forget it," he said with a small smile. "I'm an alchemist, not a musician. Let's skip these."
Luo Yinzhu gave a sheepish smile. "Understood. The next section contains our Qi Methods, but I doubt even our core art would interest you. We'll skip ahead—inside are high-grade pills, even a few of the 8th Tier, though Master Liu likely has no use for them."
"After that is our collection of rare medicinal ingredients. I believe that's where you'll find something to your liking."
Following her lead, Liu Xi bypassed several rows of shelves until they reached the innermost section.
Here lay herbs and spirit materials of extraordinary rarity. The moment he saw them, a pleased smile curved his lips. For an alchemist, nothing in the world was more precious.
"Moonshade Orchid, Tianshan Snow Lotus… Human Origin Fruit—hmm?"
Liu Xi's footsteps halted abruptly. His eyes widened as he stared at a milky-white fruit within a jade box—its shape eerily resembling that of a sleeping infant.
'The Human Origin Fruit… born from heaven's essence and nourished by the sun and moon's light. A peerless treasure said to reverse human talent itself.'
'A person's innate aptitude is determined by birth, and the older one grows, the harder it becomes to change. Yet this fruit can alter destiny—restoring vitality even to the old and granting new potential where none remained.'
Liu Xi's gaze blazed. Pressing the jade token to the barrier, he watched as it rippled, then dissolved. He reached out and retrieved the jade box, carefully lifting the miraculous fruit within.
A smile spread across his face, unable to be contained.
Seeing his delight, Luo Yinzhu said softly, "This fruit was found by my mother long ago. Its form was strange, and its fragrance sweet beyond compare—she always knew it was something extraordinary. Now that it's found its destined owner, it will no longer gather dust in our vault."
Exhaling slowly, Liu Xi looked at her, brows relaxed, his tone warm. "I'm very satisfied. For this single fruit alone, this trip has already been worth it."
Tucking the Human Origin Fruit safely away, Liu Xi's mood was buoyant. He collected roughly half of the other medicinal treasures, selecting only the rarest herbs while leaving the rest untouched.
As for Qi Methods, Dou Techniques, and instruments—he ignored them entirely. For him, such things were of little use.
(End of Chapter)
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