Ten Thousand Years in Seclusion
Chapter 7:A Long-Forgotten Artifact

Chapter 7: Chapter 7:A Long-Forgotten Artifact

Qi Tian slowly spoke the name of the bell.

"The Soul-Stilling Bell."

"The Soul-Stilling Bell?"

Zhou Shen froze.

He repeated the name under his breath, as if searching for something buried deep within his memory.

That name...

It sounded familiar.

His brows gradually tightened as he quickly went through the countless records he had read over the years.

Then—

His expression changed.

He remembered.

Years ago, while studying an ancient text known as Notes on Magic Artifact Appraisal, he had come across that very name.

The Soul-Stilling Bell.

A magical artifact said to protect the soul.

But the method of refining it had been lost for thousands of years.

In the present age, not only had no one seen its true form, most cultivators had never even heard of its name.

No wonder he had failed to recognize it.

Zhou Shen’s breathing became slightly uneven.

He looked at Qi Tian, his voice carrying a hint of disbelief.

"The Soul-Stilling Bell recorded in the ancient texts...?"

"You... are certain?"

Ancient texts.

A thought stirred quietly in Qi Tian’s mind.

So that was how it was.

This item now lived only in a few scattered words recorded in ancient texts.

Even a two-star appraiser who had studied countless books had only heard its name.

He had never seen the actual artifact.

"If you doubt me, test it yourself," Qi Tian said calmly.

"How?" Zhou Shen immediately asked.

Qi Tian looked at him.

"Your ancient text did not mention it?"

Zhou Shen shook his head.

"No."

"The book only contained a few brief lines."

He paused, recalling the exact words.

"The Soul-Stilling Bell is silent to the ears, yet it rings within the soul. A magical artifact that protects the spirit.’"

For an appraiser, memory was one of the most basic requirements.

A person in this profession had to remember countless details at a glance.

Qi Tian nodded.

"Exactly."

"This artifact can suppress inner demons and defend against attacks on the soul."

"It is a true life-saving treasure."

He glanced at the silent bronze bell.

"However, the protection it provides is limited."

"It can only withstand attacks on the soul from cultivators at the Foundation Establishment realm."

The moment those words fell—

The entire street fell silent.

A silence so complete that even the sound of breathing seemed to disappear.

Then, the crowd erupted.

"Did you hear that?!"

"It can defend against attacks on the soul! And even against a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s soul attack!"

Everyone’s expression changed.

In this cultivation world, the majority of cultivators spent their entire lives trapped at the Qi Refining stage, never able to take the final step into Foundation Establishment.

A magical artifact capable of protecting its owner against a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s soul attack...

Such a treasure was something that might not exist a second time in the entire city.

"What Soul-Stilling Bell? I’ve never even heard of it!"

"Who knows if that guy just made it up?"

"Enough. Zhou Master himself said he had seen this name in ancient records. Whether it is real or not, he can judge for himself."

The ragged man trembled.

His fingers tightened around the bronze bell until his knuckles turned white.

The artifact had not yet been tested.

The truth had not yet been confirmed.

But he trusted what Qi Tian said.

Deep down, he had never once believed his heirloom was worthless. Qi Tian’s words only made him more certain.