Free Web NovelChapter 1172: Chapter 790: Opportunity_2
After a brief loss of concentration, Sheng Yanlin started introducing the origins of the bone flute to Yang Xiao.
The previous owner of this bone flute was nicknamed Xuanyin Old Ghost, who was also a Netherworld Envoy. Although his strength was not as great as Sheng Yanlin’s during his prime, he wasn’t someone Luo Tianhe could handle. This person had no affiliation and was used to acting alone.
In truth, there was quite a bit of history between him and Sheng Yanlin. Around fifteen or sixteen years ago, he once disguised himself and infiltrated the Yiling Academy, trying to steal an ancient book but ended up alarming the Guardian Elder. Unable to break through, he was finally cornered by Sheng Yanlin and company.
After understanding the reasons, Sheng Yanlin did not make it difficult for him; instead, he generously gave him the ancient book, which also made them friends in another way.
Xuanyin Old Ghost wanted the ancient book because he suffered a backlash from a magic artifact. Sheng Yanlin frankly informed him that relying on an ancient book alone wouldn’t be much help, and suggested he better find some other solutions.
Sometime later, Sheng Yanlin heard some rumors saying Xuanyin Old Ghost appeared in Tibet, and then there were no more traces of him in the world of martial arts.
Upon seeing the bone flute now, Sheng Yanlin could roughly deduce what happened. Xuanyin Old Ghost must have encountered people from the Black Lama lineage while seeking a way to resolve the issue.
Additionally, he unfortunately came across the Spirit Treasure Master, and as a result of being unable to rival the opponent, he was killed, and thus the bone flute fell into the hands of the Spirit Treasure Master.
"Since you’ve met Xuanyin Old Ghost, you should also know the capabilities of this bone flute." His strength surpassed Luo Tianhe, making him a rather remarkable expert, and Yang Xiao was somewhat curious about him. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"As long as you play this bone flute, anyone within the range of the flute’s sound will be influenced, with severe cases losing all sanity and frantically attacking the nearest person." Even after over a decade, Sheng Yanlin still recalled the performance of the several elders influenced by the bone flute that night.
"It can attack mental states in range..." Yang Xiao thought about the Human Bone Staff in his hand; both belonged to the very rare type of magic artifacts capable of directly attacking spiritual power. frёewebnoѵēl.com
The Human Bone Staff contained a little girl’s spine, while this bone flute was made from an adult’s leg bone—all were utterly depraved items.
"Senior Sheng, given your strong spiritual power, I think this bone flute suits you." Yang Xiao tested.
But Sheng Yanlin shook his head and placed the bone flute back where it belonged, "This item is good, definitely a Nether-level Magic Artifact, but the backlash it brings is too frightening, and this item is ominous; all its previous owners met tragic ends."
"Before Xuanyin Old Ghost obtained it, it was in the hands of a Peak of Ghost Level Envoy in the Southwest Region, and before that, it was in Myanmar and Thailand."
"Now this item has come full circle back here; perhaps it’s fate that it should not be taken."
On top of the wooden rack besides the bone flute, there was also a box. Upon opening, inside was a rather odd white funeral garment.
After a simple inspection, Sheng Yanlin confirmed it was also a good treasure that could resist attacks from spiritual magic artifacts, but it’s a pity it wasn’t what he needed.
He was in urgent need of a weapon.
This innermost shelf had three layers in total, with only two boxes on top—a bone flute and a funeral garment.
The middle and bottom layers combined had seven boxes in total.
Sheng Yanlin was certain that the nine boxes stored the most precious artifacts in the entire secret chamber; however, none suited him.
The bone flute and white funeral garment were indeed Nether-level Artifacts, and the remaining seven boxes contained top-level artifacts from within You Level Middle, each with unique abilities.
Having not selected a suitable artifact, Yang Xiao felt somewhat regretful. As they left, Elder Pumi pursed his lips tightly, and Yang Xiao knew he was delighted inside, but it wasn’t convenient to show.
After confirming that the two of them didn’t need any artifacts, Elder Pumi quickly locked the door and promptly arranged for them to be sent back.
Having experienced many events this night, Yang Xiao couldn’t sleep, so he went to sit in Sheng Yanlin’s room for a while, and this incident clearly changed Sheng Yanlin’s attitude toward Yang Xiao.
There was less superficial courtesy and more calmness and sincerity.
"Yang, though I couldn’t pick out a desired artifact, I appreciate your kindness. If there’s anything I can do for you in the future, I’ll do my utmost." Sheng Yanlin poured hot tea, which Yang Xiao accepted with a smile. "Dean Sheng, you’re too kind. Since I’ve promised you, I won’t go back on my word. Together in the future, I hope you can guide me."
"It’s just a pity..." Yang Xiao sighed with regret. "Your artifact might be delayed."
"Perhaps not." Although Sheng Yanlin didn’t choose a desired artifact, he seemed to be in a good mood. "We are now in Lixuan City, the fortress city closest to the Dharma Sect’s border and ranked third in the Esoteric Sect’s territory. There are three such fortress towns belonging to the Esoteric Sect."
Listening attentively, Yang Xiao immediately understood, "So this implies that there are at least two more treasure secret chambers of similar scale to the previous one?"
"Yes, and that’s only within the three fortress towns. The best items surely reside in Royal City Jia Zhan, which is the core of the Esoteric Sect." From this moment, Sheng Yanlin completely regarded Yang Xiao as one of his own, and truthfully informed.
"Hiss—" Yang Xiao couldn’t help but be amazed by the Esoteric Sect’s strength. Truly a formidable power, with such precious items hidden merely in one city.
It was imaginable that the good treasures in the Royal City would only be more numerous and of higher quality.
After a brief moment of longing, Yang Xiao returned to reality and candidly said to Sheng Yanlin, "Senior Sheng, and just as I’ve said, I’ll do my utmost to fight for the artifact for you. But if the High Priest doesn’t offer it actively, I won’t ask for it."
"I understand. Regardless of whether this matter succeeds or fails, I’ll lend a helping hand." Sheng Yanlin was also a straightforward person, and fully understood Yang Xiao’s attitude toward him.
"Get some rest. In a few days, you will enter the Nightmare World; take care of your body, I’ll await your return." Sheng Yanlin had full confidence in this young man before him.
Moreover, this time he could obtain support from the Dharma Sect; with their help in gathering intelligence, as long as it’s not particularly obscure Ghost Scripts, there is a substantial chance for survival.
Of course, all these were merely Sheng Yanlin’s visions. Rather than saying Yang Xiao luckily acquired the Hundred Demons Coffin Clothes, it was more accurate to say the Coffin Clothes chose Yang Xiao. His future path is destined to be fraught with difficulties, unless...
As he stared at Yang Xiao’s departing back in a daze, just as Yang Xiao was about to push the door open, Sheng Yanlin suddenly called out to him.
Yang Xiao turned around, "Is there anything else?"
After hesitating for a moment, as if making a certain decision, Sheng Yanlin spoke up: "Yang Xiao, if I guess correctly, the High Priest will soon summon you individually and mention Sutana."
"Act cautiously and wisely, I understand." Yang Xiao nodded, having the consciousness of living under others’ roofs.
Sheng Yanlin’s expression grew somewhat peculiar, as if there were some things hard to say but had to be said, his voice lowered: "The High Priest will talk to you about some very special matters, don’t interrupt, just listen."
"If... if he is to present you with an opportunity, remember, above all else, prioritize yourself."
"Honor and obligations are these virtual things. No matter what choice you make, no one will blame you."
"I wouldn’t, and I think Professor Cui wouldn’t either. You will always be our friend."
This speech left Yang Xiao bewildered. What did it mean that nobody would blame him? Why did it sound as though he was going to wrong everyone?
But based on Yang Xiao’s personality, he would never do such a thing.
"Senior Sheng, feel free to speak directly," Yang Xiao vaguely sensed a foreboding.
Yet Sheng Yanlin seemed to have suddenly woken from a dream, smiling as he shook his head, "Nothing. When people get old, they overthink. Don’t take it personally. Go rest, I’m an old man; I need to sleep."
Despite the doubt in his heart, Yang Xiao didn’t pursue it further. If what Sheng Yanlin said was correct, then the choice was in his hands, and he knew what to do.
