353: I'm practically his apprentice.

Listening to Mu Qingxian introduce the few remaining high-level combat forces of Sound Valley—the gravely injured and dying grandmaster, the Supreme Elder using suspended animation to prolong his life, and the pair of loyal twin elders before them whose strength was still passable—an inexplicable melancholy arose in Jiang Donghua's heart.

This emotion came somewhat abruptly, yet it felt incredibly real.

His mind stirred slightly, and he immediately understood the source of this melancholy.

It did not entirely originate from him, but rather from the portion of Venerable Huanhai's memories and soul essence that he had completely absorbed and integrated!

Venerable Huanhai had poured his life's effort into Sound Valley.

In the depths of his memory, Sound Valley was so prosperous and glorious, with experts like clouds, tens of thousands of Disciples, and the Heavenly Sound Spirit Body shaking the Central Plains, truly a top-tier power capable of contending with a branch of the Hall of Souls.

Every blade of grass, every hall, and every pavilion there carried countless beautiful memories and his lifelong commitment to protect it.

Yet now, looking from the perspective of his inheritor, this once powerful sect had actually declined to such a state.

The top combat forces were failing to connect generations, relying entirely on a few old individuals desperately holding on by secret techniques, like candles flickering in the wind—strong on the outside but hollow within—to the point where even a few Heavenly Sovereigns from the Hall of Souls dared to set up such a killing formation.

This stark contrast between past and present, this sorrow originating from the depths of memory over his homeland's decline, infected Jiang Donghua's own resolute state of mind with the residual obsession belonging to Venerable Huanhai, turning into a nearly inaudible sigh.

"Alas..."

The sigh was very light, yet it seemed to carry the weight of ages, causing Mu Qingxian nearby to glance over, wondering why this senior had suddenly become so emotional.

Jiang Donghua quickly collected his thoughts, suppressing the trace of melancholy.

Now was not the time for sentimentality.

He turned his head, his gaze falling upon the Sect Master of the Five Poisons Sect, who was trying hard to appear calm but whose eyes still betrayed anxiety and a trace of unease.

Given Jiang Donghua's caliber, he naturally saw the Sect Master of the Five Poisons Sect's apprehension after learning the true state of Sound Valley.

Although this person was a fickle opportunist, his betrayal at the critical moment had indeed been effective.

Moreover, a Dou Zun Expert who was familiar with the Hall of Souls' methods and controlled a regional power still held value to him and Sound Valley right now.

He needed to give him reassurance.

He showed a calm yet unquestionable smile, looked at the Sect Master of the Five Poisons Sect, and spoke with a convincing tranquility.

"Five Poisons, rest assured. I, Jiang Donghua, always keep my promises. The item I promised you earlier will certainly be yours once this matter is concluded."

He pointed to an exquisite pavilion beside the plaza.

"Wait here for a moment; Valley Master Mu and I need to go inside and discuss some matters."

Hearing this, the Sect Master of the Five Poisons Sect immediately relaxed, as if he had swallowed a calming pill.

His face instantly filled with grateful and humble smiles, and he quickly bowed, saying.

"Venerable One, you are too kind! This junior is not in a hurry, not at all! Since the Venerable One and the Valley Master have important matters to discuss, this junior will wait here and absolutely dare not disturb you!"

While he said he wasn't in a hurry, his heart was burning with anticipation.

What Venerable Donghua had promised was a pill capable of raising a Dou Zun Expert's strength by one star!

That was at least a high-grade Seventh Grade Pill, and possibly even the legendary Eighth Grade Pill!

Such a divine item was something he wouldn't even dare to dream of in the past, yet now it was within reach!

As long as he clung tightly to this big shot, why would he fear a lack of future prospects?

So what if Sound Valley was weak?

With this Venerable One present, the sky wouldn't fall!

Thinking of this, the smile on the Sect Master of the Five Poisons Sect's face brightened further, even carrying a hint of flattery.

"Venerable One, please go ahead. This junior awaits your good news here!"

Jiang Donghua nodded slightly, said no more, exchanged a look with Mu Qingxian, and under her respectful guidance, walked toward the Tianyin Hall, the most magnificent structure deep within Sound Valley that radiated ancient rhythmic fluctuations.

The Sect Master of the Five Poisons Sect watched the two leave, and only after their figures disappeared at the entrance of the main hall did he slowly straighten up, wipe the non-existent cold sweat from his brow, and let out a long breath.

He looked around at the vibrant scenery of Sound Valley, and his eyes regained their resolve.

"I bet right! This time, I truly bet right!"

He thought to himself; the previous unease and regret had long been replaced by immense anticipation. He quietly walked over to the pavilion, sat down, and began to wait patiently.

At the same time, he secretly swore that he must firmly grasp this opportunity.

Stepping into the grand and solemn Tianyin Hall, a sense of antiquity containing ancient rhythmic fluctuations washed over them.

The hall was vast. Giant stone pillars were carved with various musical instruments and rhythmic runes. Above the dome, stars seemed to revolve, resonating with a mysterious rhythm.

As the Valley Master, Mu Qingxian naturally walked ahead to lead the way.

However, she quickly noticed something unusual.

The senior Venerable Donghua behind her walked through this great hall, which symbolized the highest authority and core inheritance of Sound Valley, with a composed stride, calmly sweeping his gaze over the surrounding furnishings.

His eyes did not show the curiosity and scrutiny of a first-time visitor; instead, they carried an indescribable sense of familiarity, and even a hint of faint reminiscence?

He occasionally paused slightly before an ancient mural, his gaze lingering for a moment on the depiction of Sound Valley's predecessors practicing supreme sonic Dou Techniques, or when passing a certain stone pillar, his fingertip would unconsciously brush over an inconspicuous rhythmic rune.

All these subtle actions filled Mu Qingxian with suspicion.

This senior seemed too familiar with Sound Valley?

Could his connection to Sound Valley be deeper than she imagined?

Just as her thoughts raced, Jiang Donghua suddenly spoke, asking a question that shook her greatly.

His voice echoed in the great hall, calm yet possessing a strange penetrative power.

"Valley Master Mu, I wonder if anyone in your esteemed Valley can still refine the supreme venerable pill?"

"The supreme venerable pill?!"

Mu Qingxian's steps halted abruptly. She whirled around, her beautiful eyes wide, looking at Jiang Donghua in disbelief.

The supreme venerable pill!

This was the secret inheritance of Sound Valley, an extremely ancient and obscure, yet heaven-defyingly effective, Eighth Grade Pill!

Its effect was naturally to allow a Dou Zun Expert to increase his strength by one star.

For a sect, its strategic significance even surpassed many other Eighth Grade Pills!

Precisely because its refining method was extremely complex, the demands on the Alchemist were impossibly strict, and the necessary medicinal ingredients were incredibly rare, even during Sound Valley's peak, those capable of refining this pill were few.

By her generation, apart from the Supreme Elder who had fallen into suspended animation using a secret technique to guard the sect's final foundation, who might still possess the Pill Formula and refining memories, even she, the Valley Master, had only heard the name and knew nothing of the specific refining method!

"Senior, how do you know about the supreme venerable pill?"

Mu Qingxian's voice trembled; this was one of Sound Valley's most core secrets!

Jiang Donghua looked at her shocked appearance, smiled faintly, and his tone remained calm.

"Not only do I know about it, but if your esteemed Valley can gather the necessary ingredients, I can personally refine a few for Sound Valley."

Boom!

This sentence exploded in Mu Qingxian's mind like a thunderclap!

He could refine the supreme venerable pill?!

How was this possible?!

This was the unique, non-transmitted secret of Sound Valley!

Unless... an unbelievable thought flashed across her mind like lightning!

Having ties to Sound Valley's ancestors, being so familiar with Sound Valley, knowing about, and being able to refine the supreme venerable pill.

All the clues instantly linked together, pointing toward a possibility that made her heart race!

She could no longer suppress the excitement and curiosity in her heart, and her voice carried unprecedented urgency and respect, even using honorifics.

"Senior! May this junior boldly ask, which ancestor of my Sound Valley do you have a connection with? Could you possibly be a senior from Sound Valley who has been living in seclusion?"

She stared intently at Jiang Donghua, awaiting the long-anticipated answer.

Jiang Donghua was silent for a moment, his gaze seemingly piercing through the hall and looking toward the distant past.

Finally, he sighed softly and spoke in a tone tinged with reminiscence and complexity.

"If we truly have to define it, I am Venerable Huanhai's... half-Disciple."

"Ancestor Huanhai?!"

Mu Qingxian cried out in surprise, standing frozen as if struck by lightning!

Venerable Huanhai!

That was the previous generation's Valley Master recorded in Sound Valley's history, who had mysteriously disappeared hundreds of years ago!

He was a figure from her grandmaster's generation!

He was the astonishingly talented legendary expert who once led Sound Valley to another glorious peak!

"Is the Ancestor still alive?"

Mu Qingxian's voice became choked with extreme emotion.

If Ancestor Huanhai were still alive, given his talent back then, hundreds of years later, he would likely have reached the Semi-Saint realm or higher. Why would Sound Valley ever fear the Hall of Souls again?

However, Jiang Donghua slowly shook his head.

Seeing Jiang Donghua shake his head, the light in Mu Qingxian's eyes instantly dimmed. Following the immense hope was deeper disappointment, and she murmured with a bitter smile.

"That's right. Hundreds of years without any news—this junior should have realized it sooner!"

Jiang Donghua looked at her expression and did not elaborate on Venerable Huanhai's final state, merely stating calmly.

"By chance, I obtained a portion of his inheritance. Because I owe him a debt of gratitude, I am helping today. You only need to know this; there is no need to spread the word."

Hearing this, Mu Qingxian immediately composed herself and nodded solemnly.

"This junior understands! Senior, please rest assured, absolutely no third person will know about this!"

She now clearly understood.

So, this senior Venerable Donghua had received Ancestor Huanhai's inheritance from across generations!

This perfectly explained his familiarity with Sound Valley, his mastery of the supreme venerable pill, and his unfathomable strength!

Since he considered himself Ancestor Huanhai's half-Disciple, in terms of seniority, he could even be considered her martial uncle!

This connection was far deeper and more intimate than the ancestral acquaintance she had previously guessed!

With this relationship in place, senior Venerable Donghua and Sound Valley were practically family!

Immense joy and relief flooded her heart. When Mu Qingxian looked at Jiang Donghua again, her eyes held not only respect but also a greater degree of heartfelt closeness and trust.

Sound Valley had finally welcomed a true and powerful guardian!