Chapter 9: Thousand-Year Spirit Crystal

Yun Yi finally realized that it was the piece of material in her hand, the "ice crystal" of unknown origin, that had caused the space to react this way.

Yun Yi had intended to throw the ice crystal away, but looking down, she saw that it had undergone a drastic transformation; it was now brighter than a diamond.

It had become as clear as crystal, and its texture no longer felt icy, but rather like high-quality jade—warm, smooth, and seemingly seeping something into her body bit by bit.

Yun Yi was stunned. What was happening? She felt no other sensations besides comfort as her body absorbed it, which put her mind at ease. At the same time, the space returned to its calm state.

There were no major changes to the space, but the density of the spiritual energy had clearly increased, making it feel even more comfortable. She stared at the now-translucent ice crystal in her hand for a long time, until the sensation of it seeping into her skin faded away.

Since she couldn't figure it out, she decided to stop worrying about it. She went into the small building, intending to put the item away, but as she looked up, she saw the object she had tentatively called a "jade bowl"—which she hadn't had time to put away the other day—still sitting on the Eight Immortals table. Yun Yi thought that since they were both mysterious items, she might as well put them together.

However, the moment she placed the ice crystal into the bowl, the jade bowl radiated a brilliant white light, and the characters on its base lit up. The words "Treasure Appraisal" appeared in her mind, followed by a rapid influx of information regarding the ice crystal.

*Snow Spirit Crystal: Formed only after a thousand years of nourishment by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. A rare treasure in this world. It is Yin in nature; prolonged contact by ordinary mortals affects fertility. It must be tempered with spiritual energy to neutralize the ice crystal's properties.*

*Only then can it truly become a wonder of the world, capable of nourishing the body.* Yun Yi was delighted. *Could it be that I’m a lucky charm? Hahahaha.*

Only then did she realize that this unassuming object was called a "Treasure Appraisal," which, as the name suggested, meant it could identify treasures. *Heh, interesting. I’m a bit dazed.*

*Just what kind of place have I transmigrated into? What is the situation now? Where am I? No, no, I need to find a place to clear my head.*

***

Qingfeng Courtyard

The Heir’s wife, Madam Feng, was in the inner room looking over account books when a maid reported, "Reporting to Madam, Nanny Zhang has returned."

Madam Feng set down the account book, rubbed her temples, and said softly, "Let her in."

Nanny Zhang followed the maid inside, bowed to the Heir’s wife sitting on the *kang*, and said, "Reporting to Madam, I have delivered the items to the one in Zhudi Residence as you instructed. She is already much better than before.

However, it seems it would be more appropriate for her to recuperate for a few more days to avoid gossip, lest people say we cannot tolerate the legitimate daughter of the second branch. Besides, she has the Old Madam of the Marquis’s estate and the Duke of Wu’s estate backing her; it would be best for you to remain cautious, Madam.

I noticed today that the Third Miss seems much sharper than before. You should give it some thought, Madam, to be on the safe side."

After hearing Nanny Zhang’s words, Madam Feng said dismissively, "Sharper? Perhaps. A child without a mother who has just suffered such a serious illness—one that nearly cost her her life—is bound to grow up a little.

But you are right, it is better to be safe. Have someone keep an eye on that side. What did the Third Miss say about the matter of Qingliang Mountain?"

Nanny Zhang replied, "I couldn't discern any hidden thoughts. She listened quite calmly and even asked me to thank you on her behalf, saying she would remember your kindness."

Nanny Zhang then recounted everything that happened at Zhudi Residence today, including her encounter with the steward, Li De, and the words the Third Miss had spoken. Whenever she missed a detail, the head maid, Wen Lan, would fill it in.

Madam Feng narrowed her eyes upon hearing this. *Could it be that she really has become sharper after this illness? No, that’s impossible. I’m overthinking it. A teenage girl like her couldn't possibly be hiding her true self so well.*