Like the witch of Boat Tower Night, Sels, whose image has long been passed down in various legends as a mature woman wearing a black veil, frequently accompanying boats, like the mythical guide of the Netherworld River.
As an ancient witch born in the era of the rcury Dynasty, Sels experienced a long passage of ti. Unlike other witches, she was discreet in her actions, seldom appearing in the public eye. If not for the records left about her in the moirs of several witches, many might not even know of her existence.
Initially, Jian Xin'er was especially eager to find this witch's relic, but when she actually t this witch, whose existence was akin to wraiths, she didn't know how to interact. Should she just say she ca treasure hunting? Or chat with her about distant pasts and futures.
In the underground cave, the sound was particularly quiet, only the gentle sound of the Dark River water. After Jian Xin'er asked the first question, the other did not answer, still sitting under that lantern, her gaze distant.
"When you see the imagery I left behind, a long ti must have passed."
"For witches, ti is a hard-to-asure entity, sotis precious as silver, sotis despicable as iron."
"I have lived through long ages, experienced the passing of many friends, and foresee the day of my own end."
"I wonder whether in thousands or even tens of thousands of years later, you all will have lived lives of happiness and joy. In my youth, I experienced considerable turmoil, and spent much of my early life in war; those tis, many familiar friends had gone." The other had a kind and nostalgic expression.
"Rowing the boat, gathering those familiar friends one by one, sending them to rest far away is what I've always done. Occasionally using my authority to communicate with their lingering souls, then engrave their life experiences on the tombstone."
...
Sels began to slowly recount her life, as if witches have this habit near their end—to record mories of their life and preserve them for so possible future heir.
Due to their special longevity and constitution, witches generally have no descendants, only predecessor-successor relationships among their kind, and heirs to their relics.
The narrative of a witness of ancient history brought Jian Xin'er a rare and nostalgic feeling, as she slowly imrsed in Sels's extensive mories, shedding tears for her once happiness and joy, and her endured hardships.
These genuine historical recollections made Jian Xin'er feel like gaining rare treasure, even if today she didn't find the witch's relic, she wasn't regretful.
Ti passed in Sels's storytelling, as Jian Xin'er listened continuously, unaware of fatigue, sleep, or everything external.
Until the end when her vision blurred, only vaguely seeing the dim light of the orange lantern dispersing a faint halo in the darkness, then her tired eyelids closed, consciousness drifting into sleep.
...
...
...
"Miss Jian Xin'er!"
"Lady Jian Xin'er!"
Soone beside her urgently called her na, then a shake, finally waking the black-haired and black-eyed songstress.
She rose and surveyed around, then looked at herself, hands and body covered in residual water, body soaked, presumably just pulled from the river by companions.
"How long from the ti I entered the water until now?" She looked up and asked those nearby.
"An hour has passed."
"Initially you were still swimming underwater, we thought you were searching for sothing, then seeing you slowly sinking, we hurriedly pulled you up."
"The doctor checked and said your body condition is very good, only fell asleep." Saying this, the few had strange expressions, why one can fall asleep underwater was beyond their understanding.
"I understand." Jian Xin'er held her forehead, sensing and checking her body's state.
As a songstress, her spiritual will far exceeds ordinary people, almost impossible to be brainwashed by illusions, or hypnotized unknowingly, but today, what just happened seed all too real.
Could it be there really is the witch's relic here? She pondered, then dived again underwater.
The black veil dress swayed in the water like a goldfish tail, as she floated along the dark river flow, then closed her eyes, keenly sensing the surrounding differences.
In several minutes, from initial expectation and excitent, to later calmness, she gradually detected a faint and imperceptible subtle feeling.
It was a flow of so emotional consciousness, an undetectable ripple of activity at the psychic level.
Following this subtle and barely perceptible feeling, she continued downstream, approaching the dark river bottom, exploring bit by bit.
About three hours later, the songstress erged from the water again, shaking her soaking wet long hair, placing an antique iron lantern on the ground, then wringing out her skirt.
In the splashing water sound, the companions gathered, curiously watching the lantern on the ground.
"Can't see anything different." Jian Xin'er comnted in jest.
"Basically no magic power or authority remains, only past emotions and residual mories."
"Then this?" The companions asked regretfully.
"Though, it remains a treasure, it is the relic of Witch Sels." After a mont, Jian Xin'er had dried herself, then picked up the lantern on the ground.
"I really like it, for I heard the past witch's mories reflected upon it." Saying so, she affectionately and fondly touched the black lantern.
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