Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 6] Chapter 62

[Vol. 6] Chapter 62: If You Can’t Solve the Problem…

“Qiuniu…?”

A momentary fog clouded her mind, but then she suddenly understood.

Oh, right! The deep valley surrounded by ethereal music, unreachable by ordinary means… she had read about such a place in [The Spirit Veil Quest for Immortality].

The name “Xianyin Valley” had indeed been mentioned in that book.

According to the text, the author, a powerful cultivator had once stumbled upon the entrance to Xianyin Valley by chance. However, he was blocked by a mysterious force and couldn’t enter. When he returned later, fully prepared, the valley had vanished, and he could never find it again.

Of course, that referred to the Xianyin Valley in the real world, which might explain why things seemed slightly different here.

Back then, the stone tablet at the valley’s entrance didn’t display entry conditions. Instead, it recorded information about the [Nine Children of the Dragon], especially the eldest, Qiuniu.

Qiuniu was the first child of the [Ancestral Dragon], inheriting its extraordinary talent for art and music. Born with a love for melody, it was said to frequent places where divine music lingered.

Though not inclined to fighting, Qiuniu also possessed immense strength inherited from the [Ancestral Dragon] and was revered as the sacred guardian beast.

It was also Little Fang’s only older brother.

“You’re saying Qiuniu is here?”

The fierce beast lowered its blood-red eyes to examine the stone tablet at the valley’s entrance. Its massive form began to shrink until it was about the size of a tiger, standing at eye level with Violet. Then, it spoke words that stunned her.

[Qiuniu is dead.]

“…?”

[Heh. A thousand years ago, during the demon invasion, the entire continent of the Ancient Spirit Realm was swept into chaos. We, the [Nine Children of the Dragon], became prime targets for those creatures. The demons of that time were far more terrifying than the ones born from my residual evil energy in the inner sea. Among them were even demon saints whose strength rivaled mine.]

[As descendants of the [Ancestral Dragon], we were born proud and never stooped to forming alliances or gathering followers like other holy beasts. My brother Qiuniu was no different.]

[At the time, three powerful demonic beings joined forces to attack Xianyin Valley, where he resided. A brutal battle broke out. While Qiuniu managed to kill one and severely injure the other two, he ultimately fell to protect the valley from destruction.]

[We Nine Children have different personalities and rarely interact. I only learned about this incident much later from Yuan Qianqiu, and it was truly lamentable.]

“I see…”

Violet nodded but refrained from offering words of comfort.

Though Little Fang and Qiuniu were both born of the [Ancestral Dragon], their relationship seemed far more distant than that of typical siblings. Little Fang hadn’t even known his elder brother had been killed until long after the fact. Judging by his reaction, it was likely he’d never visited Xianyin Valley to pay his respects either.

Still, this was their personal family matter, and she figured it was better not to comment.

“So, can you think of a way to deal with the three questions here?”

[Of course. Please wait, My Lord.]

“Oh!”

Seeing Little Fang adopt a confident “no problem” demeanor, Violet’s spirits lifted immediately. She quickly stepped back, giving him space to take action. However, to her utter shock, Little Fang tilted his head, glanced briefly at the glowing screen behind the stone tablet, and then…

Without hesitation, he raised a claw and slammed it down on the stone tablet!

*BAM!!!*

The tablet shattered into pieces, as though it had been struck by a sledgehammer. The glowing screen displaying the questions also crumbled instantly, dispersing into sparkling fragments of light.

“…Huh?!!”

Little Fang turned to her, his expression as calm as ever.

[My Lord, you are the great Chosen One, blessed with unparalleled destiny and fortune. The fate of the Spirit Realm rests in your hands. For this desolate place, merely having the honor of your presence is already a great privilege. If they couldn’t even bother to roll out a welcome, how dare they trouble you with such nonsense questions?]

[This is merely an illusion based on the real Xianyin Valley. Even if Qiuniu were still alive, he would have to bow his head before you—the master of me, Little Fang. So what can this mere imitation do?]

“Uh… you do have a point, but we are outsiders, so being too aggressive doesn’t seem appropriate…”

[You don’t understand. “Flower spirits” are the type to show off and seek attention while bullying the kind and fearing the strong. Before dragging you into this place, did they even bother to ask for your permission?]

The beast let out a deep, low growl, then stepped forward, walking over the shattered remains of the stone tablet.

[Follow me. Let me clear the way for you.]

“Alright… if you insist.”

Truly, Little Fang lived up to his reputation as a fearsome beast, dreaded and respected by countless beings. While his strength might fall short of a certain dragon maiden’s, his commanding presence and unyielding attitude were second to none.

Following her new companion, the girl stepped into the valley.

Despite how recklessly Little Fang had smashed the stone tablet meant to test their eligibility, it seemed he was right. These flower spirits were likely the kind to bully the weak and follow the rules strictly, but they wouldn’t dare challenge an intimidating force like Little Fang.

Not a single creature or mechanism emerged to block their progress.

The enchanting music that echoed around them grew louder as they ventured deeper into the valley, and its breathtaking beauty gradually revealed itself to Violet.

It was a paradise of blossoms.

Brilliantly colored flowers, each exuding unique fragrances, bloomed in abundance. The deeper they went, the more distinctive the flowers became. Some elegant and serene, others bold and vivid, while some were pure and ethereal, standing apart like unrivaled beauties in the valley. The sight was captivating, like walking among a gallery of masterpieces.

This Xianyin Valley was, in fact, a valley of flowers.

As they continued, Violet suddenly spotted a familiar figure.

“Murong Yun?”

The white-robed man was seated casually on a stone platform by the path. He appeared to be softly conversing with a pale, six-petaled flower that exuded a fresh and natural fragrance. Judging by the smile on his face, he seemed to be in a good mood.

What was this guy up to?

Just as Violet was about to greet him, she hesitated. Her gaze shifted to the flower with its clearly extraordinary aura, and a thought struck her.

Wait a second… could it be…?

[My Lord, it’s a flower spirit.]

Little Fang, walking beside her, confirmed her suspicion.

[This is the flower spirit’s dream-inducing technique. Using its petals, pollen, and fragrance as mediums, it draws beings into its dream from thousands of miles away and absorbs their energy to nourish itself. In this person’s eyes, the flower likely appears as a young maiden.]

“Eh…”

So that’s how it works…

In essence, Murong Yun was chatting with a maiden formed by the flower in a dream. Most of the people aboard the [Music Fairy] ship who were drawn into dreams were probably experiencing something very similar.

Perhaps this is the true nature of the so-called [Music Fairy Flower Realm].

Music Fairy… Flower Realm… what an oddly fitting name.

This shared illusion was likely a collective dream formed by blending the spirits of all those present with the flower spirit’s dream-inducing technique. Naturally, such a vivid and immersive dream would have a master of the dream.

“……”

Considering the earlier scene where Meng Rui, the flower at the center of the dream, had drawn people in while appearing to be asleep herself, it was highly likely that she was the so-called “dream master”.

While Violet had seen through the illusion due to her stronger divine will, someone like Murong Yun, with a less acute perception, might not have noticed the key elements. Otherwise, he would have already gotten up to greet her.

Hmm… this feels a bit like the difference between playing solo and online multiplayer, doesn’t it?

“Little Fang, does this dream-inducing technique of flower spirits cause significant harm to the beings they draw nourishment from?”

The beast shook his head.

[That depends on the flower spirit’s intent and the level of immersion of the dreamer. The technique isn’t very forceful. Typically, if the dreamer feels a strong enough sense of danger and their will is intact, they can escape on their own. For this reason, most flower spirits only absorb a small amount of essence while offering a pleasant dream in return.]

[With this person’s mental strength, at worst he’ll feel a bit tired, but he’ll recover fully in a few days.]