Could it be that I am the cruel villain?

A huge commotion surged beneath the main peak.

An aura burst forth without any warning, a gentle force resonating with musical rhythm, like a spring breeze brushing against one's face, soothing and refreshing. Upon closer inspection, it was a beautiful lady whose age was difficult to discern.

Wrapped in a white dress, with simple adornments, she carried an elegant and graceful demeanor, with bright eyes and white teeth, exuding a striking charm. This was a face that seemed familiar, known as Jiang Feng's great benefactor.

The current Peak Master of Qingxia Peak, Lu Zaoxue.

Even the drowsy Mr. Jiang couldn't help but widen his eyes. Though he had encountered Earth Rank magical treasures, it was his first time witnessing a person of peak master rank controlling such a supreme treasure... excluding his senior sister.

Because his senior sister always slays with a single thrust.

Within the entire Cultivation World, magical treasures are categorized into Heaven, Earth, Mystic, and Yellow ranks. It is said that Immortal Grade treasures exist in this world, but until now, no one has dared confirm their existence. In truth, using an Earth Rank treasure at his current realm is somewhat wasteful.

Even when going all out, he could only exert two to three-tenths of an Earth Rank treasure's power. Even experts like Xuan Yinzi and Ying Ling at the peak of Core Formation could barely wield three-tenths. Upon reaching Nascent Soul stage, the initial capacity to manipulate its power is less than half.

Strictly speaking, Earth Rank treasures can only be fully utilized upon reaching the Divinity Transformation Stage. The lute, green with streaks of crimson, was held aloft continuously, finally placed upon the jade platform before Yuqing Hall.

Merely looking at it evoked a feverish excitement, eyes filled with greed and desire.

Mid-tier Earth Rank, they probably had never even heard of such a phrase.

Mr. Jiang, with his strong connections and being an Inner Sect Disciple, had some mental preparedness, roughly knowing the scope of the rewards. But those layers upon layers of Outer Sect Disciples outside were different.

Their cultivation realms weren't high to begin with, and upon hearing this, they've yet to calm down. Mid-tier Earth Rank is the limit ordinary disciples could reach, while Heavenly Rank treasures only exist in legends.

Observing the numerous disciples below, Sect Master Gu, donned in a purple crown, stepped forward, casting a very loving gaze upon the mountain disciples. Such a grand spectacle hadn't appeared for over a hundred years.

Since the failure of the grotto heaven a hundred years ago, the Purple Cloud Palace hadn't recovered its vitality for a full century. In recent years, it had always been in a state of recuperation. Seeing these youthful lads, watching their eyes filled with greed and longing, he was very satisfied.

Only greed, desire, and yearning can drive people to continually improve, become stronger, and progress, so he waved his hand.

"Everyone, please calm down."

The long, magnetic male voice seemed to have a certain allure, instantly silencing thousands of noisy disciples present, changing Jiang Feng's lazy demeanor in a flash.

That familiar feeling swept over him. His throat moved, but not a word could be uttered. Others might not have any reaction, but don't forget what Jiang Feng had once experienced.

"Word curse!?"

These three words prominently appeared in his mind.

As if perceiving his junior brother's shock, Liu Xianzi standing motionless on the Jade Stairs merely glanced at him, mouthed soundlessly, and instantly made him calm down, as if suddenly enlightened.

"Not a word curse, but somewhat similar."

"Sect Master cultivates techniques related to speech, action, conduct, and demeanor, with formidable power. His words are like gold, binding the body with spirit. If he wills it, not a single disciple on this mountain could speak."

"And Sect Master excels in Sword Dao, Five Elements, music, Divine Soul. His physical body is sanctified; equipped with weapons all-encompassing, any Daoist Skill or weapon is at his disposal."

While the senior sister and brother conversed secretly, Gu Yuanshan's gaze directly locked onto Jiang Feng!

Though it was only a moment, his benign expression clearly showed he had seen through their conversation, without any reproach, but rather encouragement. He stepped forward; the Second Elder retreated a few steps, saluting.

"Sect Master."

Even this seemingly weathered Second Elder was younger than Gu Yuanshan in age. According to seniority, he had to respectfully call him Senior Brother, indicating the considerable seniority of this Sect Master.

Unlike the stiff antiquity of the Second Elder, Gu Yuanshan's expression was much softer, under the purple gold crown, as he gazed at the numerous disciples below the mountain, full of affection. He took the scroll and continued announcing the reward.

"Rare long-bright lock, retrieved by our sect's protector Yang Ande from Yue State a hundred and forty years ago, after battling with the Yi Clan for five days. Facing danger, he finally escaped after slaying nineteen, successfully bringing back this item."

"This magical treasure is of exceptional quality, rated Earth Rank, lower grade; entirely silver with three parts copper green, forged from Cold Mountain Meteorite Iron. Its power can overturn mountains and earth; wearing it enhances strength, and once acquired by body cultivators, can temper the body."

"A hundred years later, Protector Yang Ande passed away peacefully twenty-three years ago. Per his last wish, the rare long-bright lock was handed into the custody of Lan Zhu Peak's Peak Master, waiting for the opportunity to award it to an outstanding disciple within the sect."

The voice wasn't loud, yet everyone could hear that profound, magnetic sound.

Undoubtedly, this was the proper approach. Even listening to these words, Jiang Feng began to harbor some expectations. As a legacy from a sect elder, and specifically designated to be handed to an exceptional succeeding disciple.

In terms of sect heritage alone, it already carried substantial value. Furthermore, Gu Yuanshan explicitly stated which cultivators this treasure was suited for, no doubt making numerous body cultivators present brighten with interest.