In truth, Chen Jinshu had already learned about the Qinsui Wusheng before arriving at the Treasure Pavilion. However, because this spiritual artifact was related to a musical instrument, it wasn't widely known outside—only a few rumors about its origin circulated.
The Qinsui Wusheng had originally been an ordinary second-tier Zither tassel. A fourth-tier artifact refiner from the sect had accidentally downgraded it from third tier due to a mistake.
Later, a zither cultivator from the Xuanming Sect purchased the tassel. Since it had originally been a third-tier item that was only downgraded by error, it could be restored to its original grade with the right materials.
This zither cultivator was no ordinary person either—he was the very genius who once suppressed tens of thousands of demonic cultivators all by himself. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. When the sect's support arrived, all they recovered were his broken Zither and the fallen Qinsui Wusheng.
After acquiring it, the cultivator reforged the tassel using high-grade Wusheng Jade, returning it to third tier.
After his heroic sacrifice, it seemed as though his spirit and intent had influenced the tassel. Traces of true intent seeped into the Zither tassel, and the sect elders later discovered it had developed significant potential for birthing a spirit.
Thus, they placed it in the Treasure Pavilion.
The Qinsui Wusheng had impressive effects. Beyond stabilizing the performer's state of mind, it could also indirectly raise the quality of a Zither, nurturing its own spiritual awareness. That very cultivator's Zither had once developed a spirit—though it degenerated after a great battle.
"Do you want this Qinsui Wusheng?" the Sect Master asked.
"It was damaged during the righteous-demonic war years ago. The benefits it now provides aren't as pronounced."
The Sect Master wasn't surprised to see the tassel fly toward Chen Jinshu from its display platform. Given her talent in zither cultivation, the tassel's attraction was understandable. However, the Sect Master didn't believe this artifact was her best option, knowing its current state.
Chen Jinshu had come specifically for this item. Although its effects were less than she anticipated, it greatly enhanced her Lüqi Zither.
She had not yet broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, and the Lüqi Zither still had several years of strong usability left. But once she advanced, if her instrument remained a low-grade first-tier, it would become a burden. She would never allow that to happen.
"Sect Master, I've made my decision. I'll take the Qinsui Wusheng," Chen Jinshu replied calmly with a nod.
The Sect Master sighed but nodded as well.
Chen Jinshu extended her hand, and the tassel obediently floated into her palm. The moment she touched it, a sense of closeness bloomed in her heart.
"It seems the tassel recognizes you. I hope you can at least reflect a portion of its former master's brilliance," the Sect Master said, his eyes flashing with the memory of the dazzling zither genius from years past.
There weren't many zither cultivators in Xuanming Sect—perhaps two or three per peak—but renowned ones were extremely rare.
"Once you've chosen, let's go."
The Sect Master then led Chen Jinshu away from the Treasure Pavilion and quickly rejoined Feng Lingchuan and the others.
"Next," he called, turning to the sixth ranked disciple and leading them toward the Pavilion.
About half an hour later, the Sect Master finished distributing artifacts to the top ten disciples. As promised, none of them left empty-handed. Half an hour later, Chen Jinshu left the Treasure Pavilion and returned to Ink Plum Courtyard.
She was utterly exhausted—having fought five matches that day. The first three were manageable, but the fourth had drained her dantian entirely. Thankfully, she won the final round through clever tactics. Otherwise, it would've been a major loss.
Her first order of business upon returning was soaking in the hot springs behind her residence to relax. There, she consulted her sword spirit about the conditions required for a spiritual artifact to birth a spirit.
"What are the requirements for a spirit to form within a spiritual artifact?" she asked curiously after bathing, standing before the blue sword spirit.
Though the Qinsui Wusheng had high potential for developing a spirit, it wasn't guaranteed. If the necessary conditions weren't met, it would remain just a lifeless tool.
"At the very least," the sword spirit began, "the materials used to forge the artifact must be entirely born of heaven and earth. Those artificially cultivated with secret techniques don't contain enough spiritual energy to produce a spirit."
"You mean the materials have to be naturally grown?" she asked.
The sword spirit nodded.
"Any other conditions?"
"The artifact's grade can't be too low. And it must be refined under favorable timing and circumstances. Take the bell in your hand, for example—its faint sentience likely came from the immense merit and virtue of its former master."
"This is a Zither tassel, not a bell!" Chen Jinshu said, sweatdropping.
"There's not much difference between the two."
"Also," the sword spirit added, "this tassel will need to be nourished by heaven and earth's spiritual energy over time. It's best if you wear it often—let it absorb your spiritual essence."
"So you're saying, as long as I use it while doing good and righteous deeds, the artifact will be influenced by that too?"
"Assuming the artifact is of high enough quality, yes."
"Thanks! Once I reach Foundation Establishment, I'll find a good sword for you!"
Delighted by the information, Chen Jinshu returned to her room.
She tied the Qinsui Wusheng to her Lüqi Zither. Immediately, the previously dull Zither radiated a soft, verdant glow—as if infused with life. Though faint compared to the tassel itself, it gave Chen Jinshu hope that her guqin might one day develop a spirit too.
"The tassel is slightly damaged. I don't know how long it'll take to raise the Zither's grade… I'd better look into supplementary methods."
Having taken care of her instrument, Chen Jinshu collapsed onto her bed and fell asleep.
The next morning at the hour of Chen (7–9 AM), Chen Jinshu received a summons from her master to visit Biyi Palace.
She guessed it likely related to her placing in the top five of the outer sect competition. She was excited—she had secured two extremely important treasures in a single day. A short while later, she arrived at Biyi Palace, where several senior brothers and sisters had also just gathered. Her master had already brewed tea.
"Come, Jinshu, have a seat!" Shui Huanmeng called out warmly, handing her a cup of spiritual tea.
"I summoned you all here today not only to congratulate Jinshu for securing fifth place, but also for another reason."
"This is the Golden Lantern Flower, which I won from a bet with an elder—consider it a gift for your impressive performance," she said, taking out a small potted plant.
A golden blossom, shaped like a lantern, bloomed at the center.
"This flower has the power to protect its master and calm the mind, shielding you from demonic influence. Recently, demonic energy has been leaking in various places across the sect. This flower should keep you safe."
Chen Jinshu's eyes lit up with golden joy as she received the flower with both hands.