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Chapter 61: A Dream of Red Dust

Hmm… But, in this valley filled with celestial sounds, why does it always feel like I’ve heard a similar description somewhere before?

Leaving part of her consciousness in this seemingly real yet illusory dream as an anchor, Vilyric temporarily returned her main awareness to reality.

She opened her eyes again.

Around her, it had become exceedingly quiet, even the sound of a falling pin could be heard, creating a stark contrast to the previously lively atmosphere.

Vilyric looked around.

Everyone remained in their original positions, but their eyes were closed as if they had fallen into a deep sleep. Even Murong Yun, who stood beside her, and Mengrui, who sat on stage cradling her instrument, were no exceptions.

However, the latter now emitted a faint, hazy pink glow that echoed with the pink petals drifting around.

Sigh… This world of red dust… entering a dream, huh?

Not wanting to touch the body of a certain white-clad middle-aged man, Vilyric wandered around the large cabin and soon found Ling Feng and Bai’er, who were standing side by side in an inconspicuous corner, also deeply asleep.

These two were quite alert; even in their hypnotized dream state, they were still covered in several glowing strange talismans. While Vilyric didn’t understand much about the rituals in this area, it seemed they were simply protective wards to prevent their original bodies from being attacked or stabilizing and amplifying their consciousnesses in the dream.

It seems after sensing something unusual, they took the initiative to prepare before letting go of their resistance to enter the dream.

Well then, let’s go see what this so-called celestial music has that’s so extraordinary.

Returning to her original position, Vilyric closed her eyes and once again sank her consciousness into the dream where her divine awareness remained.

“Wow~”

The scene of the valley filled with celestial sounds reappeared before her.

The last time Vilyric entered this dream, she had already observed the surroundings; this valley had only one entrance, and in all other directions were barriers akin to walls of air, completely preventing anyone from wandering about inside at will.

Vilyric was not inclined to complicate matters by trying to break through the barrier to see what was outside. After surveying the situation again, she took a decisive step toward the entrance.

Soon, at the valley’s mouth, she discovered a stone tablet standing on the ground, inscribed with a small passage in the common tongue of the Ancient Spirit Realm.

“Only elegant guests and true friends may enter the Valley of Immortal Sound. If you wish to enter, please prove your qualifications first?”

The Priestess scratched her head in confusion.

“What is this?”

To be honest, it was a bit unreasonable; it was this side that forcibly pulled her into the dream, and now that she was at the threshold, they wanted her to prove something? Isn’t that a bit domineering?

Hmm… But speaking of it this way, the regular visitors she had seen on those celestial music ships were indeed all cultured, gentle scholars or nobles. Perhaps it was because they passed this verification that they entered the valley and got to see its true beauty, which made them come back time and again.

Although Murong Yun was a warrior, he was also a cultured guy and had quite a bit of knowledge about string instruments.

But even so, what exactly did they mean by proving qualifications? Surely they weren’t expecting Miss Vilyric to sing a song on the spot? Although she could actually sing…

At that moment, a light screen suddenly emerged from the stone tablet, projecting into mid-air.

“Damn…”

Vilyric looked at the new content on it, and her vision momentarily darkened; she even let slip a rare curse.

The light screen presented three questions.

【1: Please simply discuss the differences between the five-stringed qin and the seven-stringed qin based on your understanding.】

【2: What are the ten most famous pieces of music transmitted in the Ancient Spirit Realm to this day?】

【3: Who are the three greatest musical geniuses that have contributed the most to the music world till now in the Ancient Spirit Realm?】

What the heck! How could she possibly know such obscure theoretical knowledge and history!!!!

Alright, alright, fine.

Setting aside the facts, Vilyric could still notice that these three questions weren’t overly profound; anyone with even a slight understanding of music should be able to answer them. They weren’t being intentionally cruel to the questioner.

But unfortunately, she had only just arrived in the Ancient Spirit Realm about a month ago and didn’t have time to delve into such things.

What to do…

“Roar!!!”

Just as the Priestess was hesitating, a low roar, almost draconic, suddenly erupted beside her, overwhelming her with a powerful presence.

【Master, it seems you’ve encountered some difficulties.】

Vilyric turned in surprise to catch sight of the source.

It was a towering beast over three meters tall, with a curved horn resembling a sword, armored with hard scales, and its limbs flashed with icy light from its sharp claws and blade-like tail.

“Oh, so it’s Little Ya.”

It wasn’t surprising for her companion to appear here; having signed a contract with the Priestess, Ya Zi had established a direct mental connection with Vilyric, and dreams were a sort of embodiment of the spirit.

Despite Ya Zi’s imposing and powerful appearance, it was quite proficient in mental aspects and could even be described as exceptional, mastering the power of divine awareness without being at a godly level.

Thus, following their mental link into this not-so-secure dream space wasn’t a challenge for it.

After patting Ya Zi’s head, Vilyric gazed at this truly first wild pet she had captured from another world and smiled slightly.

Well, it certainly looks impressive; if only it were a bit cuter…

Though she thought this in her heart, what came out of her mouth was something entirely different.

“How have you been lately? Is life in that space boring and monotonous? If there’s anything you’re unsatisfied with, don’t hesitate to bring it up; since we’ve made a pact, we’re partners, so don’t hold back.”

【Uh…】

For some reason, Ya Zi’s formidable face suddenly froze for a moment, a hint of embarrassment flashing in its dark red eyes before it quickly shook its head.

【It’s very good. Although there aren’t many creatures to converse with, compared to the thousand years being sealed under the deep sea, this is far more comfortable and free. The rich light energy there greatly benefits my recovery, and Senior Snow Wing takes good care of me… I have no complaints.】

“Ha, Senior Snow Wing…”

The Priestess couldn’t help but chuckle.

She never expected that little creature would one day be referred to as ‘senior,’ but if one really thought about it, it could only be about two or three years old at most, while Ya Zi had spent a full thousand years in imprisonment.

But as for the relationship between pets, they could handle it themselves. Vilyric had no intention of personally intervening unless absolutely necessary, just like she never pried into how Snow Wing and Xiao Guang got along.

Although they were pets, they were also partners, and one must give them ample freedom.

【Master, what’s wrong? Why are you laughing?】

“Ha, it’s nothing. I just thought of something happy. Back to the main topic, why did you suddenly come here… Wait a moment, could it be that you actually have some musical talent and can help me solve these three questions?”

Hmm… That’s not right either. The civilization of the Ancient Spirit Realm was nearly destroyed during the chaos of evil demons a thousand years ago. The current culture was rebuilt by the four sages with the help of Lingyin Fairy Island.

Most of the cultural remnants that still existed today were basically from this millennium. Little Ya had been underground for so long; it couldn’t possibly know.

Suppressing the awkwardness on her face, Ya Zi raised its head again and looked deep into the valley of celestial sounds.

【I merely sensed a familiar aura. Do you know where this is, Master?】

Almost as if answering itself, the fierce beast soon emitted a nostalgic thought.

【How nostalgic… A thousand years have passed, and I never imagined we would reunite in this form, even if it’s just a dream… My brother, the beast of music, Liu Niu, is right here.】

 

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