"Tenth place, Zhao Shilan: one Foundation-Building Pill, one second-grade spiritual weapon, one first-grade spiritual weapon, and one treasure from the first floor of the Treasure Vault."
"These are the rewards for the top ten disciples. Additionally, each peak has been granted access slots to the Moon Cleansing Pool—claim your token from the Affairs Hall accordingly!"
"All other disciples may leave. The top ten will remain."
The sect leader waved a hand as he finished speaking, the scroll of names vanishing in an instant. His gaze then turned to the ten disciples standing at the front, eyes filled with barely concealed satisfaction.
The surrounding disciples dispersed, though many still cast glances at the top ten as they left.
"Junior Sister! We'll throw a celebration for you soon!" Just as Chen Jinshu finished storing her reward bag, her senior brother's voice rang in her ears.
Looking back, she saw her master departing with her senior brothers and sisters.
"I'm sure you've all heard that the top ten are allowed to choose a treasure from the first floor of the Treasure Vault. I won't repeat the details."
"But I must remind you—never let down your guard. Even after you gain a spiritual treasure, don't flaunt it. You'll only draw jealousy. Those of you at the peak of Qi Refining, once your foundation is stabilized with the pill, choose an auspicious date to break through."
"In a moment, I'll guide each of you into the Vault to choose your treasure. You may only pick one. Do not take more."
"Most of the treasures in the Vault have their own spirits. You must earn their approval before taking them. If you try to take one by force, you might leave with nothing."
The sect leader's tone was solemn and instructive.
Chen Jinshu absorbed every word. Fortunately, she had researched the known items on the first floor beforehand. There was one in particular that held great personal meaning for her. Soon, the sect leader led the top ten disciples to the back of the Scripture hall, where the Treasure Vault stood.
Though the Vault was only half the size of the library, its architecture was more conservative—and far more heavily guarded. Golden Core elders took shifts to protect it.
This Vault housed Xuanming Sect's most valuable treasures and artifacts. If anything were stolen, the losses would be catastrophic. The building was enveloped in a massive golden barrier. As Chen Jinshu and the others approached, they found themselves completely immobilized, unable to get closer.
"Stay here. I'll first discuss things with the elders on duty," the sect leader said, holding a token as he stepped smoothly inside.
The sect leader was at the early Nascent Soul stage. As a direct disciple of the previous sect leader, he had inherited the position.
That former sect leader had long since retired, now counted among the ancient patriarchs of the sect. His exact cultivation was unknown—rumored to be at the Soul Transformation or even Tribulation Transcendence stage. The truth was tightly sealed by the sect.
Soon, the sect leader returned, smiling warmly.
"You'll go in one by one. Feng Lingchuan, you're first."
"Yes, Sect Leader!" Feng Lingchuan cupped his hands and was led to the Vault.
Roughly fifteen minutes later, Feng Lingchuan returned with a slight smile. The sect leader, clearly pleased, patted him on the shoulder.
The process continued until it was finally Chen Jinshu's turn, fifth in line, just as the sky darkened.
"Nervous?" The sect leader walked ahead, looking back at her.
"A little. My cultivation isn't high. I'm afraid the treasures won't accept me," Chen Jinshu said shyly.
"Haha! Don't worry. If you made it to the top five, you've got the strength."
"Whether a treasure will accept you or not—it starts with you accepting yourself."
The sect leader's words held deeper meaning. He led her to the front of the Vault, where the Golden Core elders stood watch.
"A sixth-level Qi Refining child made it to the top ten?" One elder raised a skeptical brow, having sensed her cultivation.
The previous contestants were all at the ninth level of Qi Refining. Chen Jinshu's presence stood out.
"She subdued a peak Qi Refining disciple with just three songs. Her strength is not to be underestimated," the sect leader responded calmly, with a hint of pride.
"Is that so? Then I misjudged." The elder's gaze softened, losing its earlier disdain.
Chen Jinshu was unfazed. She knew that strength always dictated standing—wherever one went.
"It's getting dark. Let's move along."
"Yes." The sect leader gestured for her to follow.
"Don't take it personally. These elders are among the sect's oldest members. Their talent or fortune was lacking, and they've yet to reach the Nascent Soul stage. They're here to comprehend the Dao."
"The others were all peak Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment disciples. You're the only one at sixth-level Qi Condensation."
His tone seemed to suggest she had every reason to be proud.
Chen Jinshu chuckled softly, lips curling with quiet confidence.
Soon, with the sect leader's guidance, she passed through several layers of barriers and arrived in a room filled with a dazzling array of items.
A glowing white jade orb lit the chamber, illuminating everything clearly. Lingbao lined the walls and central stone platform, each radiating a unique aura. Chen Jinshu could faintly sense a familiar presence—similar to the sword spirit in her courtyard.
"They really do have high chances of housing spirits."
"These treasures have waited years for a suitable master. You must connect with them in your own way. Let them choose you. If it doesn't work, I can help you select one with better affinity, but the bond won't be as strong."
"Thank you, Sect Leader. I'd like to try."
She retrieved her Lüqi Zither from her storage bag. Brushing her fingers over the cool strings, she placed her middle fingers on the resonance points—and began to play.
'Ding ding…'
The notes flowed into the air, transforming into colorful butterflies. The piece was Butterfly Dream of Zhuangzi, a melody that changed with her state of mind. This time, it evoked a dreamlike joy, enveloping the listener in peaceful serenity, as though transported to a place their heart yearned for.
The sect leader closed his eyes slightly, visibly enjoying the performance. Then—suddenly—a green jade orb with a tassel lifted from a distant pedestal and floated toward her. Its radiant emerald glow responded to her music, the tassel swaying gently to the rhythm.
When the song ended, Chen Jinshu opened her eyes and saw the orb before her. Its tassel was embroidered with intricate patterns, glowing faintly blue, gently shimmering.
"This is Wusheng, the Lark-Tassel of the Zither!"