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Chapter Sixty-Three: Saint of Music Qilan

Um… so, in essence, it’s a mutually agreed trade, huh?

Since that’s the case, there’s no need to forcibly drag this guy out of his illusion. Murong Yun isn’t a fool; judging by his previous attitude toward the Fairy Flower Fair, he might have already picked up on some clues but just chose not to care.

Leaving someone behind to continue chatting with that white flower, Miss Vilyric no longer bothers with him and proceeds deeper into the valley with Ya Zi.

The flower demon is merely a flower demon; while they can morph into the appearance of women, they lack the ability to play music—that requires practice and cultivation. Therefore, the lingering sounds of music in this Valley of Immortal Sound must have another source.

Although this valley is filled with countless flowers, its overall area isn’t very large. As she watched various scholars engaged in lively discussions with flower-demon-transformed women or even playing instruments in dreamland, Vilyric continued to move forward with a composed demeanor.

Before long, a sudden clarity washed over her.

At the deepest part of the Valley of Immortal Sound, there were no blooming flowers at all.

Only one true woman, seated cross-legged on the lush grass, was playing the guqin with her eyes closed.

A melodious sound floated up, blossoming within this tranquil deep valley.

“With the flowers gone, the beauty fades…”

“In this life, one lifetime, one cherished person, a thousand years without a trace of time.”

“The three paths are distant, the world seems vast…”

“Only… a lament for the red dust.”

As the song concluded, allowing that enchanting voice to linger, the stunning woman in a gauzy gown and cascading black hair lifted her head, smiling as she gazed at the person and beast arriving on the grass.

“I didn’t expect tonight to be so lively; it’s been a long time since esteemed guests visited here. May I ask how you two are named?”

Not letting the other party steer the topic, Vilyric countered her question.

“And you? Who are you?”

“Hehe, even the questions are so similar.”

The girl chuckled, shaking her head, and stood up, holding her guqin while performing a slight bow. Her pure black hair flowed gracefully with her movements, her demeanor elegant and natural.

“My name is Qilan, just a mere ordinary person slightly versed in the path of music, hardly worthy of mention.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly turned her gaze to a spot nearby and smiled.

“Good technique.”

“Qilan? You are the Saint of Music Qilan, who appeared a thousand years ago and composed the number one among the top ten exquisite songs, ‘Carefree Travels’? A millennium later, and the Saint of Music still exists?!”

This exclamation obviously did not come from Miss Vilyric but was shouted by Miss Ling Feng, who suddenly appeared amidst the grass as if emerging from thin air at where Qilan was looking.

Her arrival seemed to not surprise the girl who called herself Qilan; instead, she nodded in appreciation.

“To escape from the illusion created by ‘Ten Directions Hollow Valley’ so swiftly, your musical sense and intuition are quite exceptional. I suppose you must be a rare talent in this present world, right?”

“I dare not claim the title of Saint of Music, but ‘Carefree Travels’ was indeed created during my youth when I was naive, and it has made the world laugh.”

Vilyric quietly sidled over to Ling Feng, nudging her arm and asking in a curious whisper.

“Hey, hey, what’s going on? Where did you just run off to?”

“Vilyric, you came too; it’s like this…”

Ling Feng did not hide anything and nodded, briefly outlining their previous encounter.

Just as the Priestess had speculated, she and Bai’er had also come to participate in the Fairy Flower Fair hosted by the Fairies upon receiving notification. However, when that Miss Mengrui played ‘Lament for the Red Dust,’ Ling Feng keenly sensed the special powers concealed within the melody and the flower petals, preparing a response in advance.

Afterward, she and Bai’er entered the dream of the flower demons, intending to investigate the underlying circumstances.

The ancient spirit realm is filled with all kinds of demons, including those that harm lives for the sake of cultivation. Therefore, Ling Feng and her companion made initial decisions based on the worst assumptions to cope with the current situation.

Upon entering the valley through answering questions, they, like Vilyric, chose not to disturb those lost in dreams with the flower demons but instead delved deeper into the valley, arriving at this source of sound.

They encountered this mysterious woman before them.

But due to… well… some impulsive action from the still-absent Miss Bai’er, this woman who is said to be the Saint of Music could only gently send her to a quieter place for a bit of rest.

During that process, Ling Feng naturally couldn’t ignore it, so she and Bai’er found themselves in the same predicament.

Of course, according to what was said, it was actually an illusion space, posing no danger. Thus, Ling Feng managed to break free again, especially after learning the other party’s name, she refrained from engaging in any further substantial actions.

As for who this so-called Saint of Music really is…

Ya Zi answered that question.

[A thousand years ago, I heard Yuan Qianqiu mention that when the Qiu Niu was searching for a beautiful sound, it encountered a music genius named Qilan, and upon spending time together, developed a deep bond, considering her a confidant, imparting his lifetime knowledge, and swore to protect her.]

[Initially, outside the Valley of Immortal Sound, it could have avoided conflict with foes but chose to protect certain things, resulting in a mutual downfall with those three evil demons…]

The ferocious beast’s dark red eyes fixated on the woman holding the ancient guqin, a smirk of mockery and regret twisting at the corners of its mouth.

[Obsessed with music, ultimately led to demise; my brother is still as stubborn as ever.]

Qilan’s expression turned to one of astonishment.

“Who are you…?”

[Ya Zi.]

“!? ”

Clearly startled by the implications behind this infamous name, the Saint of Music slightly trembled and instinctively took a half step back before quickly regaining her composure, revealing a sorrowful expression.

“So, you are the twin of Qiu Niu. Have you come to seek revenge because I caused your elder brother’s death…?”

“Roar…”

Ya Zi let out a low growl that resembled neither dragon nor beast, disdainfully stating.

[If I truly desired revenge, I would have acted a thousand years ago. Qiu Niu’s death at the hands of enemies was due to its own lack of strength; what does that have to do with others? A mere human should not think too highly of themselves.]

[Now, I have a master I serve. If my master wishes, I would naturally not refuse the destruction of this place, but humans can take solace; this is merely an illusion dream, and my master has a broad heart, not holding your ignorant offense against you… hmph.]

“Ya Zi… Master?”

Following the beast’s indication, Qilan turned her surprised gaze toward the black-haired girl.

“Yes, we are partners now.”

The Priestess confidently admitted.

“That’s truly hard to believe; the legendary unruly Ya Zi would actually bow to a human… It seems times have changed.”

After a long pause, Qilan finally seemed to grasp this shocking fact, remaining silent for a moment before nodding.

“I understand; you must have been brought here by that child Mengrui.”

She gently raised her hand, and the grass naturally grew, transforming into soft chairs for them to sit. Then, a round table with tea sets appeared in front of the three women and one beast as Qilan personally filled the cups.

Vilyric wasn’t surprised; in this dream, even the most unbelievable things could happen.

After a brief self-introduction, the Saint of Music explained while holding a tea cup.

“I found that child Mengrui when she was small, and she grew up with the company of many flower spirits. Although I’ve long since given up on life, sealing myself in this deep valley, the child is still young, with a bright future ahead of her. Therefore, I taught her all that I know, nurturing Mengrui as she grew.”

“Though I don’t wish to be repaid for my kindness, she always insists on wanting to do something for everyone, claiming that the name of the Valley of Immortal Sound should not fade into oblivion.”

“Over ten years ago, Mengrui’s skills blossomed, and she decided to travel the world. Before leaving, she combined her gifts with the flower spirits to dream up this valley, accessible only while dreaming, often inviting outsiders into the dream to showcase the beauty of the Valley of Immortal Sound.”

 

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