Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 6] Chapter 41

[Vol. 6] Chapter 41: The Nine Children of the Dragon and the Mysterious Name

Retracting the light extending from the Holy Staff and temporarily dispersing the power of the [Purification Rain], Violet stepped forward.

Before her stood a crystal palace, forged from glass as clear as jade, emanating a soft glow in the depths of the sea. It’s a light unlike that of the sun or moon, or any lamp, but rather a radiance akin to that of a night pearl, naturally glowing in the darkness.”

It was already extravagant to use night pearls and night stones for lighting, but to construct an entire underwater palace using these precious gems as building materials is a level of opulence that could only be compared to the legendary [Dragon Palace].

Approaching the “Dragon Palace” unharmed, Violet glanced at the wide-open gates and lifted her foot, ready to step inside.

“Hey! Wait a second!”

A low, familiar exclamation suddenly broke through the surrounding seawater. A slender, pale, and surprisingly strong hand emerged from the nearby coral, grabbing the hem of the black-haired girl’s white robe to stop her.

As if she had anticipated this, Violet neither struggled nor launched a counterattack. Instead, she turned her head slightly, a faintly mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“Oh my~, fancy meeting you here. What a coincidence~”

“Could you be more convincing?”

Behind the speechless Bai’er, Ling Feng also emerged, her expression solemn as she shook her head at the priestess.

“Violet, you can’t just go in there directly. It’s far too dangerous.”

“Alright, alright, a pre-battle meeting, is it? I get it~”

Violet had always approached the unknown with due caution and vigilance. While she had confidence in her own strength, she saw no harm in heeding the advice of Ling Feng, who was, after all, the host in this situation.

The fact that both Bai’er and Ling Feng had managed to venture this far into the inner seas was already proof of their competence.

The three women gathered behind the coral. Before Bai’er, who had a talisman pasted on her forehead, seemingly granting her the ability to breathe and speak underwater, could say anything, Violet seized the initiative to dive straight into the heart of the matter.

“So, what’s the deal with this palace and this underground inner sea? Don’t tell me you two know nothing about it. Since we’ve made it this far, isn’t it time to unveil the mystery?”

Ling Feng, who also had a talisman on her forehead, nodded slightly.

“Violet, have you ever heard of the legend of the [Nine Children of the Dragon]?”

“The [Nine Children of the Dragon]…”

The black-haired girl’s expression turned pensive.

Logically speaking, as a newcomer to this land, Miss Priestess naturally wouldn’t know much about the local legends. However, as it happened, the book [The Spirit Veil Quest for Immortality] that Zeng Xianzhi had gifted her contained relevant details.

This book was an intriguing autobiography. It not only documented information about [Spirit Veil Immortal Island] but also chronicled the lifelong journey of a person who, about 400 years ago, set out from their hometown, traveled across various lands, sought out the immortal isle, and ultimately became a renowned master.

Since [Spirit Veil Immortal Island] played such a pivotal role in this individual’s transformation, it dominated much of the book’s content, which is why it was titled [The Spirit Veil Quest for Immortality].

While the immortal isle was a separate matter, the details about the [Nine Children of the Dragon] came from an extraordinary encounter this person experienced during their youth, long before they discovered Spirit Veil.

In this world, the dragons of the [Ancient Spirit Realm] were entirely different creatures from the dragon race like Xiao Guang’s kind. They didn’t seem to be a species but rather referred to a singular, unique being.

The [Ancestral Dragon].

It is said that the [Ancestral Dragon] was one of the most powerful entities in this world, capable of moving mountains, filling seas, and reversing the natural order. Its majestic power transcended mortal comprehension and could rightfully be called a God.

The [Ancestral Dragon], along with [Spirit Veil Immortal Island], appeared in this world ages ago but mysteriously vanished a thousand years ago.

The [Ancestral Dragon] left behind nine offspring, each unique. They inherited different aspects of the dragon’s powers, or rather its authority. Thus, each of them became a mighty being worthy of being called a holy beast.

Just like the holy beast [Pixiu] from the [Northern Origin Cosmic Kingdom], though there is no absolute evidence, one theory suggests that it is also one of the [Nine Children of the Dragon].

However, much like the [Ancestral Dragon] itself, the [Nine Children of the Dragon] rarely appear in the view of the people of the [Ancient Spirit Realm]. Most of the information about them is merely legend or unverified speculation, with numerous versions that are difficult to use as reliable references.

In [The Spirit Veil Quest for Immortality], the account focuses on [Qiuniu], the eldest and relatively more well-known of the Nine Children. [1]

[Qiuniu] is a holy beast that loves music and beauty, symbolizing art and harmony. It is mild-mannered and does not delight in conflict or bloodshed.

At the time, the author of the book had accidentally wandered into a secluded mountain valley. The valley was inexplicably filled with celestial music. Intrigued, he ventured closer and discovered inscriptions at the entrance, which described the valley and mentioned [Qiuniu]. Yet, it seemed as though a mysterious force blocked his path, preventing him from entering further.

In the end, he had to leave regretfully.

According to the inscription, the place was called [Valley of Celestial Music]. When the author made preparations and attempted to visit again, he found the valley completely transformed. It had become a flat plain.

By the time he wrote [The Spirit Veil Quest for Immortality], he still hadn’t unraveled the mystery of the [Valley of Celestial Music].

This demonstrates the profound mystery and power of the [Nine Children of the Dragon].

“So, is this inner sea and the crystal palace also the work of one of the [Nine Children of the Dragon]?”

Ling Feng hesitated, shaking her head, then nodding after a moment of thought. She spoke in a low voice.

“Yes… you could say that. This place is connected to the most violent, battle-hungry, and dangerous of the Nine Children: ?Yazi?.” [2]

“Violet, you remember, don’t you? I mentioned that beneath this [Tidal Deep Valley] lies a [Yokai-Suppressing Seal]. The [Yokai] being suppressed here beneath the sea is that ferocious creature.”

Raising her gaze thoughtfully, the black-haired girl caught sight of the vague, shadowy figure high above.

“The [Yokai-Suppressing Seal], does it take the form of that solitary island?”

“Not entirely wrong, but not entirely correct either,” Ling Feng replied.

“……”

Although the words were somewhat ambiguous, as Violet thought of the stone coffin and Yuan Zhi conducting some kind of ritual under the Qilin’s protection, she began to piece together a rough understanding of the situation.

“Is this Yazi really strong? How strong are we talking?”

“Hard to say. But considering that even the first Western Saint, together with the Qilin, chose to seal it here rather than slay it, I think that alone speaks volumes.”

“I see…”

Not pursuing the topic further, the girl dressed simply in plain clothes yet exuding an unmistakable air of nobility, fell silent for a moment. Her soft voice rippled through the water as she finally spoke.

“Violet, can I… trust you?”

The priestess shrugged.

“Who knows? Whether I say yes or no, you’ve probably already come to your own conclusion, haven’t you?”

“Heh… true.”

With a faint, bitter smile, Ling Feng handed over a jade token.

“This is a [Evil-Repelling Jade], the highest-grade talisman of its kind, with fewer than ten in existence across the entire [Ancient Spirit Realm]. By keeping it on your person, you can withstand the corrupting aura of Yazi. This isn’t a personal possession, so I’ll need you to return it after everything is resolved.”

“Can’t you just give it to me outright?”

Joking lightly, Violet accepted the white jade token from Ling Feng’s hand. Even underwater, the moment she touched it, a gentle warmth emanated from the jade, forming an invisible barrier that naturally repelled the sinister aura in the surrounding seawater.

“Hmm, seems like a pretty decent item,” she mused.

She studied the jade token in her hand briefly and, out of habit, activated [Information Detection]. However, the results made her pause ever so slightly, her expression briefly freezing as unexpected information surfaced before her.

—– —– —– —– —– —– —– —–

Crafted personally by Western Origin Spirit Maiden Hen using millennial Yang essence jade. This [Evil-Repelling Jade] provides protection through Yang energy, shielding the wearer from malevolent forces. Initially ten were made, though three were destroyed during an incident. The remaining jades are divided between Western Origin Spirit Kingdom’s Saint and the Spirit Maiden.

—– —– —– —– —– —– —– —–

This short description sent shockwaves through Violet’s mind.

What? Western Origin… Hen?!

Notes:
[1]
Qiú niú (Chinese mythology), a mythical creature said to be a hybrid between a cow and a dragon. It said to be fond of music, often seen decorating lutes

[2]
Yazi, a mythical creature in ancient Chinese mythology, is the second son of the dragon. Born from a dragon and a hyena, it has the body of a hyena and the head of a dragon.
Source: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E7%9D%9A%E7%9C%A6/1525774