Chapter 581: Nothing but a Source of Noise

When Chu Liang arrived at the South Melody Conservatory, he found it completely empty. Just as he was about to leave, a figure quietly emerged from the shadows—it was Shen Qingyan.

While her expression conveyed wariness, she relaxed the moment she saw that it was Chu Liang.

"Miss Shen, what’s going on?" Chu Liang asked curiously. "Why are you the only one here?"

"The South Melody Conservatory rarely has the chance to participate in the Battle at the Imperial City, so they all went out to feast and celebrate," Shen Qingyan replied.

She invited Chu Liang to take a seat, and they spoke face-to-face.

"Why didn’t you join them?" Chu Liang inquired, then added, "From your expression earlier, it seemed like you were wary of something."

"

Haaaaaaa

," Shen Qingyan sighed softly.

After a brief pause, she replied, "I guess it doesn't matter if I tell you. After all, you are the one who told me about my origin."

As she explained, Chu Liang realized that she had been filled with doubts ever since she obtained the jade pendant engraved with the character "Shen" and learned of her origin. Eventually, she questioned her esteemed teacher.

It was then that the Master of the South Melody Conservatory revealed the truth—Shen Qingyan was indeed a descendant of the Shen Family.

𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The ancestor of the Shen Family was a high-ranking official during the previous dynasty. When the dynasty was on the verge of collapse, they prepared a contingency plan by collecting treasures from the state treasury into one hoard, with the intention of using them to restore the empire someday.

Eventually, as the chancellor of the previous dynasty fled south with the young emperor, fully aware that they would be pursued, he entrusted the treasure to an ancestor of the Shen Family. Only he knew its whereabouts and the method to access it.

The Shen Family eventually settled in Shaonan Town, hiding their identities and passing down their legacy for centuries. As the years went by, the existence of the treasure became forgotten.

Everything changed when certain events took place, and someone reported the Shen Family’s secret to the imperial court.

The officials of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau did not go there to confiscate a precious bottle containing a wish-fulfilling spirit; they were there to investigate the ancient treasure. This ultimately led to the massacre of the Shen Family, with the master of the South Melody Conservatory taking away the surviving infant as she passed by.

Had this matter not been associated with the previous dynasty, how else could a mysterious case from a small town have garnered the attention of the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner?

At that moment, the master of the South Melody Conservatory struck a deal with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, ensuring that nothing about the child's past would be revealed, treating her as an innocent infant. Thus, the matter of the Shen Family was buried in the dust of history.

Who would have thought that after only a little over ten years, the seal would be broken, bringing those old events to light once more?

While Shen Qingyan knew nothing of the Shen Family’s legacy or the treasure from the previous dynasty, once her identity was revealed, it would inevitably draw the attention of scheming individuals. Thus, the master of the South Melody Conservatory had always kept the truth from her for her own protection.

Now, Shen Qingyan believed that there must be others, apart from the master of the South Melody Conservatory and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, who were aware of her background.

"Last time, the person who appeared out of nowhere and took the jade pendant clearly had a cultivation level well above ours, yet he simply fled without making a counterattack. I believe that person hiding in the shadows has been keeping an eye on me the entire time," Shen Qingyan explained.

Chu Liang agreed with her on this.

The black-clad figure who suddenly appeared last time was clearly at the sixth realm of cultivation, perhaps even at the peak of the sixth realm. If he had fought back even slightly, it would have been impossible for Shen Qingyan to injure him. Yet, he chose to endure attacks and simply fled.

It was indeed strange.

If his goal was solely the jade pendant, it made little sense. Chu Liang and Shen Qingyan had met by chance that night; no one could have predicted he would give her the pendant then.

It could only be called a coincidence.

So, what was all of this for?

It was quite perplexing.

Now, considering Shen Qingyan's origin, Chu Liang suddenly speculated that someone might have long known her identity and was keeping watch to find clues related to the treasure.

But if they knew her well, they would also know she had no knowledge of her own origins.

In any case, it was very strange.

"For a long time, I’d sensed something was amiss, like I was being observed whenever I went out." Shen Qingyan frowned. "Yet, I hadn’t been able to find any evidence.

"But when that person stole the jade pendant, that affirmed my suspicions."

The feeling of being tracked and watched by a highly stealthy individual must have been unsettling.

Fortunately, Shen Qingyan was not a weak woman without any background. She possessed a strong cultivation level and had the support of her sect and esteemed teacher. In addition to the cultivators at the South Melody Conservatory, many others throughout the world would be eager to assist if the South Melody Conservatory reached out for help.

No one would dare to take action against her lightly.

"I have an idea," Chu Liang said as he contemplated. "So far, the only individuals aware of your origins are your esteemed teacher and the officials of the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, neither of whom would have a reason to track you. If there’s a third party involved, it could be the one who reported the Shen Family to the bureau. That thief must have known about the Shen Family and your origins. That person is likely still alive..."

"Ah." A sudden realization flashed in Shen Qingyan's eyes as she quickly exclaimed, "Yes! If this person is still alive, they must know everything... But who could it be?"

"The Imperial Supervisory Bureau should have documentation of this case. Miss Shen, you can look into it later," Chu Liang said.

Given his connection with the Imperial Supervisory Bureau, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to inquire, but since this was someone else’s affair, it would be inappropriate for him to dig too deeply.

The main reason for his visit was to seek help from the South Melody Conservatory.

After listening to Chu Liang’s analysis, Shen Qingyan asked, "Young Hero Chu, what brings you to us?"

It was at that moment that Chu Liang shared why he had come.

"I’d like to request assistance for our cultivation."

...

The disciples of the Mount Shu Sect were somewhat surprised when Chu Liang came back with four ladies from the South Melody Conservatory.

They assumed he would simply ask Xue Lingxue for another performance of "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves

,

" but instead, he returned with a whole ensemble. One might not even see such a lineup during a South Melody Conservatory tour.

In reality, Chu Liang hadn’t intended for it to be so extravagant; he simply wanted Miss Xue to perform a single piece.

Upon hearing his request, Shen Qingyan quickly agreed, saying that she would join in as well, along with Miss Xue.

When the other ladies returned from their celebrations and learned of Chu Liang’s request, they all eagerly volunteered.

Xue Lingxue and Yu Xiang’er, old acquaintances of Chu Liang, were more than willing to join.

While Tie Chui hadn’t known him before, she had fought alongside him in the illusory realm. She struck her chest proudly and proclaimed, "Good sisters are loyal to one another! If Young Hero Chu needs help, I’ll be the first to step forward!"

They truly embodied the bold spirit of the martial world.

Their act of loyalty had little to do with past friendships. Unless that rival had helped them advance, even the closest friends wouldn’t come to the aid of a rival with the Battle at the Imperial City happening soon.

Looking back at the later stages of the Competition of a Hundred Sects, it was clear that if Shen Qingyan had not chosen to ask the question and join Chu Liang’s alliance, the South Melody Conservatory would not have had the opportunity to advance to the round of the Battle at the Imperial City.

Since that’s the case, they naturally wouldn't fuss over these things with the members of the Mount Shu Sect.

With their guqin, drum, flute, and pipe, the ladies immediately positioned themselves and started playing the uplifting "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves."

With a sweep of his large sleeve, Wang Xuanling set up a restriction, ensuring that the sounds and sights within would remain contained, thereby preventing the other immortal sects from learning about it.

Chu Liang, Jiang Yuebai, and Xu Ziyang sat cross-legged in the back courtyard, immersing themselves in their cultivation. Their Sea of Qi swelled more vigorously than before, and as their qi circulated through their meridians, it reached a boiling point.

Boom—

The ensemble's performance of "Morale-Boosting Melody: The Rise of the Azure Waves" had a far greater effect than when Xue Lingxue played alone. Shortly thereafter, the circulation of qi reached its peak, and smokes of five colors began to swirl out.

Ling Ao sat at the entrance of the main hall, vigilantly watching for anyone passing by. He had never attained Perfect Qi Circulation before, and as a physical cultivator, he would not benefit from it. Thus, he assumed the role of a guard to ensure no one intruded on their cultivation.

As the saying went, people experience joy and sorrow in their own ways. To him, the lovely melody was nothing but a source of noise.