**CHAPTER 23 — The Vault of Xueyin Pavilion**
The main vault of the Xueyin Pavilion was located beneath a fortified compound on the northern hill of Qinghe. Guards in dark-gold armor saluted as Lily approached, each recognizing her status instantly.
Leon elbowed Jason. "VIP treatment. Bro, you're marrying up."
Jason sighed. "Please stop."
"I refuse."
Lily led them through various gates reinforced with arrays, frost seals, spiritual detectors, and more. Jason observed with interest—this Pavilion's security rivaled that of ancient sects.
At the final gate, two elders awaited. Both bowed deeply to Lily.
"Miss Xueyin, we received your authorization message. The vault is ready."
"Thank you," Lily replied politely.
Jason and Leon exchanged surprised glances.
'Miss Xueyin'—not Chen.
So she *was* of the main branch.
The elders opened the final barrier.
Inside was a vast hall glowing with blue light. Rows upon rows of relic cases lined the walls, each containing weapons, artifacts, sealed scrolls, and rare materials.
Leon's jaw dropped. "I have never—NEVER—seen this much treasure. If I die today, bury me here."
Jason nudged him. "Focus."
Lily led them straight to a secluded chamber. She opened the iron case within and produced something wrapped in silk.
"What is it?" Jason asked.
Lily slowly unveiled—
A pendant.
But not ordinary.
It emitted a faint hum of spatial energy.
Jason frowned. "A teleportation device?"
"More than that," Lily said quietly. "This is a Bound-Return Pendant. It can pull someone back from spatial disintegration for a short moment. Just enough time to escape."
Leon whistled. "That's… insanely rare."
Lily walked closer to Jason. "Wear it."
Jason blinked. "Lily, this is—"
"You need it more than I do." Her voice softened. "The Hollow Abyss destroys everything. Even souls."
Jason hesitated—but seeing her trembling fingers, he nodded and allowed her to secure the pendant around his neck.
Lily smiled faintly. "Good. Now you're allowed to go."
Jason touched the pendant lightly. "Thank you."
Leon coughed. "Okay, okay, romance moment over. Can we steal—I mean, admire—more treasures?"
"NO," both Lily and Jason said in unison.
They prepared to leave the vault, but an elder rushed in.
"Miss Xueyin! Urgent message!"
Lily took the scroll, brows knitting as she read.
Jason asked, "What happened?"
Lily's face paled. "Not what. *Who.*"
Jason stepped closer. "Lily."
She looked up, eyes worried.
"My father… is arriving in Qinghe."
Leon froze. "Wait—THE Pavilion Master Xueyin?! One of the richest and most influential men in the entire world?!"
Lily nodded.
Leon grabbed Jason by the shoulders. "BRO. BRO. This is the father-in-law test. This is a boss fight!"
Jason felt a headache forming.
Lily whispered, "We… might have a problem."
Jason sighed.
"Let him come."