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Chapter 88: Wangyue Pavilion, The Gift of a Divine Song!
🕑 Added 2024-10-11 05:13:32 +0000 UTCThe Moon Festival, held after the Autumn Equinox, made Gu City especially lively.
Lu Qian and Liu Muqing arrived by boat, planning to attend tonight’s banquet at Wangyue Pavilion.
“You're really idle, always dragging me to Gu City for fun. Today, I finally granted your wish, yet you still seem a little unhappy,” Liu Muqing looked at Lu Qian.
Lu Qian wasn’t willing to reveal the real reason and casually replied, “Jiang Jiuxian followed us here as well.”
Liu Muqing remarked, “Jiang Jiuxian is considered one of the most outstanding talents in the Music Hall. His family background, taste—everything is top-notch. Many women admire him, so why don’t you like him?”
Lu Qian retorted, “Zong Shichang’s family background isn’t bad either. Why don’t you like him, Qing’er?”
Liu Muqing was momentarily speechless.
Lu Qian murmured to herself, “You like who you like. You don’t like who you don’t. There aren’t so many reasons, and I don’t like the way Jiang Jiuxian looks at me. He’s no different from other men.”
Liu Muqing shook her head. “I won’t argue with you. Since we’re already here, don’t think about those things and just relax.”
Wangyue Pavilion belonged to the Zong family, and tonight the first five floors were crowded with people. The upper three floors, however, were entirely reserved by Zong Dashao.
As the host, Zong Shichang had arrived early. Naturally, Zhao Xing, carrying his mountain cat, was also present.
“Brother Zhao, how do I look right now?” Zong Shichang asked.
Zhao Xing glanced at him, fiddling in front of the mirror. “If you add a bit more powder, you could compete with the girls downstairs in an opera.”
“What do you mean?”
“You look ridiculous.”
“…”
Zong Shichang, a little irritated, ruffled his hair and paced back and forth in front of a wardrobe filled with lavish clothes after taking off his current outfit.
Zhao Xing couldn’t bear to watch anymore. “Why are you panicking? Just act the way you always do. If you try too hard, how can you win over Miss Liu?”
“Be natural. Don’t push too much. Treat her like any other woman, act normal, and you’ve already beaten ninety percent of your competitors.”
Zong Shichang turned to him. “Will that work?”
Zhao Xing replied, “Think about whether what you’ve been doing has worked. If it hasn’t, why keep doing it the same way? Try something different; maybe it’ll suit Miss Liu’s taste.”
After a moment of hesitation, Zong Shichang decided to take Zhao Xing’s advice and changed into a simpler outfit.
One of Zong Shichang’s strengths was his willingness to listen to those he trusted.
Soon after, a servant came to inform them that guests had begun arriving.
Zong Shichang stopped fussing and went to greet the guests.
Even though it was a small private banquet for the Moon Festival, nearly a hundred people had been invited.
However, status determined seating arrangements. Those with lesser family backgrounds were seated on the lower floors.
Holding a cup of wine, Zong Shichang made his rounds downstairs, offering a toast at each table. By the time he returned upstairs, his face was flushed, and veins bulged from his temples.
Once he closed the hidden door between the floors and drew the curtains, the private box on the top floor became quiet, isolated from the lively song and dance below. Only the bright moon hanging high in the sky remained visible for all to admire.
Seeing everyone’s lingering gazes, Zong Shichang raised his wine cup and smiled, “The rouge and vulgar music outside are unworthy of the occasion. Tonight, I’ve invited friends from the Music Hall in the county to perform. Please, enjoy!”
Zhao Xing sat at the third seat from the left of the table. Below them was a small stage.
A silk curtain concealed the stage, and when it was drawn back, the bright moon in the night sky was revealed.
Following that, three musicians—two men and one woman—dressed in veils, began playing their instruments. The two men played the horizontal zither, while the woman played the willow lute.
Surrounded by mist, the three musicians remained hidden, leaving only the sound of their music and voices behind.
“The Emperor descends to the four seas, clouds of good fortune appear. His virtuous rule is as vast as the clouds, bestowing blessings upon all the people…”
As the music played, Lu Qian, along with three dancers, stepped onto the stage amidst the mist, dancing beneath the moonlight.
“One of the ‘Six Songs,’ the ‘Cloud Gate.’ I didn’t expect Zong Shichang to invite musicians and dancers to perform an official sacrificial dance,” Zhao Xing remarked, watching the stage.
The sacrificial dance, also a type of battle dance, was a collaborative performance between musicians and dancers to honor ancient sages and offer sacrifices to their spirits.
The Cloud Gate honored the founder of an ancient dynasty, Emperor Xia, praising his creation of all things, his unification of the people, and his virtuous rule, as lofty as the clouds.
The pinnacle version of the Cloud Gate required twelve First-Rank musicians, thirty-two First-Rank dancers, and more than five hundred Second to Fourth-Rank musicians and dancers combined!
The full effect of this dance could summon the True Spirit Body of Emperor Xia.
However, Zhao Xing had never witnessed this firsthand. It was said that this battle dance could summon Emperor Xia’s spiritual body long ago, but even after assembling the necessary performers, the summoning no longer worked.
Even so, simplified and lower-tier versions of the Cloud Gate still had various effects, such as clearing the mind, boosting morale, and increasing soldiers’ endurance.
More advanced versions could summon the spirits of sages from the Xia Dynasty to exorcise demons and banish evil.
In any case, the effects of this dance had become diverse over the years.
For instance, as Zhao Xing listened to the music now, he felt his Soul become more solid, though it wasn’t particularly useful beyond that.
The dance concluded.
Lu Qian, along with the three dancers, Liu Muqing, and the two male musicians, bowed in gratitude.
The audience members each pulled out prepared gifts to reciprocate.
It was customary for dancers and musicians to receive gifts, which would enhance the power of the battle dance.
However, a simple gesture of thanks without a gift was also acceptable.
When Lu Qian approached Zhao Xing’s table and bowed gracefully, he merely clasped his hands in return.
“Hmph, stingy,” Lu Qian muttered to herself as she walked away.
Others couldn’t help but notice.
After all, most people had offered jade ornaments as gifts, while Zhao Xing’s simple gesture of thanks stood out.
The Shennong Officer Zhao seemed to be saying, Your dance was mediocre. My spiritual gratitude is already generous enough. You expect a reward?
When it was Zong Shichang’s turn to present his gift.
He gave jade pendants and other trinkets to Jiang Jiuxian, Lu Qian, and others.
But to Liu Muqing, he handed a sheet of paper.
A sheet of paper?
The audience’s attention shifted from Zhao Xing to Zong Shichang.
“Zong Dashao, today Miss Liu and Miss Lu traveled all this way just to perform for your banquet. You can’t be playing favorites now.”
“Exactly, why did you only give Miss Liu a sheet of paper?”
“What’s written on it?”
Zong Shichang clasped his hands and explained, “This is a poem I came across by chance. I thought it might be suitable for a musician to compose into a song, which could help Miss Liu advance her skills. As for the dancers, I haven’t found anything appropriate.”
“Oh? That doesn’t seem fair. There are three musicians, so why only give it to Miss Liu? What about Jiang and Fan?”
“Yeah, hahaha, why is Miss Liu so special?”
A wave of laughter followed. Clearly, everyone knew about Zong Shichang’s admiration for Liu Muqing and were teasing him on purpose.
Zong Shichang chuckled. “This poem isn’t suitable for men.”
“Oh?” Jiang Jiuxian, now seated, playfully asked, “What kind of magical poem is it that distinguishes between men and women? Zong Dashao, why not recite it for us?”
Zong Shichang smiled but didn’t respond, instead turning his gaze to Liu Muqing.
At this moment, Liu Muqing seemed stunned, indicating that the poem had had its desired effect.
The poem Zhao Xing had sold him was worth it!
Lu Qian found it strange. Liu Muqing wasn’t someone who was easily impressed, so why wasn’t she saying anything?
Unable to hold back, she walked over, took the paper from Liu Muqing’s hands, and began to read aloud:
“There is a beauty, whose face lingers in my thoughts.
A day without seeing her drives me mad with longing.
Like a phoenix soaring through the four seas,
I search for her, yet she is not by the eastern wall.
I use my zither to speak my heart,
Expressing my love through song.
When will I receive her promise,
To calm my wandering soul?
I wish to match her virtue,
To walk hand in hand.
If I cannot fly with her,
Then I shall fall to ruin.”
As soon as the first few lines were read aloud, the crowd erupted in laughter.
Everyone present had some level of literary appreciation, and it was obvious that this was a love poem.
But as they continued listening, something felt off.
They had never heard this poem before.
And its quality seemed quite high.
The two male musicians and three dancers were also taken aback.
When Lu Qian read it aloud, they clearly felt a stir within themselves.
They had an overwhelming urge to compose music to accompany this poem—a feeling that only arose when they encountered exceptional or new poetry that could significantly boost their cultivation.
“You…” Lu Qian couldn’t help but ask Zong Shichang, “Is this a new poem? Where did you get it?”
She didn’t believe Zong Shichang had written it. Based on his abilities? Impossible!
“Just something I stumbled upon. Do you think it’s good enough for Miss Liu?” Zong Shichang smiled modestly, a stark contrast to his usual boastful demeanor.
Seeing him act somewhat normal, Lu Qian felt that something was ‘off.’
Is this still the Zong Shichang I know?
Liu Muqing was also deeply moved. Not only was her cultivation stirred, but the poem itself, describing love so profoundly, had touched her deeply.
Even in such an open-minded time, Liu Muqing blushed. After coming to her senses, her face turned red.
“Thank you for the gift, Master Zong,” Liu Muqing’s voice trembled, losing her usual calm and serene demeanor.
“Wait a minute, what’s the name of this poem?” Lu Qian asked.
“Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix,” Zong Shichang replied.
“Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix…” Liu Muqing muttered to herself as her fingers plucked the strings of her zither, instinctively wanting to compose a melody for the poem.
The melody was elegant, and soon she began to sing along.
During the first rendition, she stumbled a bit, but by the second, the song began to take shape.
By the third time, several people had already closed their eyes, immersing themselves in the melancholic longing of unrequited love.
One young nobleman couldn’t hold it together and, overcome with emotion, cried out the name of a woman as tears streamed down his face.
Zong Shichang, however, managed to maintain his composure, thanks to Zhao Xing’s many warnings to resist and avoid embarrassing himself.
“That’s enough, Miss Liu!” Zhao Xing interrupted.
Liu Muqing immediately realized her lapse in composure and quickly stopped playing.
“Zong Dashao, given the current situation, I think we should all go out and admire the moon,” Zhao Xing suggested. “It seems Miss Liu has been deeply moved by this poem. Perhaps you should take her to a private room for further discussion.”
“Miss Liu, please.”
“Mm.” Liu Muqing, still fully absorbed in her composition, wanted to find a quiet place to continue working, so she let Zong Shichang lead the way.
Seeing the usually cold and proud Miss Liu agree to be alone with him, Zong Shichang couldn’t help but shoot a grateful glance back at Zhao Xing. You’re the best, my good brother! No, my sworn father!
Meanwhile, Lu Qian suspiciously glanced at both Zong Shichang and Zhao Xing, her eyes narrowing.
Seeing Zhao Xing leave to admire the moon outside, she followed him.
“That poem, you gave it to Zong Shichang, didn’t you?” Lu Qian asked, standing next to Zhao Xing.
“Why do you think that?”
“Instinct. His feelings for Miss Liu match the sentiments in the poem, but there’s no way he could have written it himself,” Lu Qian replied. “At least he was smart enough not to claim he wrote it. Otherwise, when Qing’er asked, wouldn’t it have backfired?”
Zhao Xing didn’t turn his head or respond, simply continuing to gaze at the moon.
Lu Qian took a step closer. “Did you enjoy the dance earlier?”
Zhao Xing nodded. “It was alright.”
“Just alright?” Lu Qian pouted.
“For me, ‘alright’ is a pretty high compliment.”
“So you actually know something about dancing?”
“I know a bit.”
“Please, enlighten me.”
Zhao Xing replied calmly, “You danced the Cloud Gate from the Six Songs. The Cloud Gate is profoundly mysterious—not just a battle dance but a ritual that can summon spirits. Your strong movements were well-executed, but you fell short on the softer, more fluid parts.”
“When you lifted your sleeves toward the Heavenly Tower and soared toward the Nine Heavens, the techniques you used came from Cloud Gate: Heavenly Tower and Cloud Gate: Nine Heavens. But, as I mentioned earlier, your softer movements lacked refinement.”
“You seem to be more adept at dancing the Grand Shao, and that’s caused you to develop certain habits, which are difficult to break, right?”
Lu Qian raised her eyebrows. “You actually know this? Yes, I’m more skilled in the Grand Shao, and my teacher has said the same thing. But I still don’t know how to correct it.”
Zhao Xing turned his head slightly. “If you don’t mind, you can dance for me again.”
“Alright!” Lu Qian didn’t hesitate and immediately started dancing again.
Although there was no accompanying zither music, a dancer didn’t always need music to perform, and the melody already existed in her heart.
So, despite the absence of music, the quality of her performance wasn’t much different from before, though it lacked a bit of impact.
Zhao Xing observed Lu Qian’s movements with his Five Elements technique.
After letting her dance twice, he called her to stop.
“That’s enough.”
“What did you notice?” Lu Qian asked eagerly.
Zhao Xing replied, “At the critical moment when you reach the Nine Heavens section, your Qi Sea always surges too forcefully. As I mentioned earlier, this habit comes from dancing the Grand Shao. Correcting it is simple: you just need to suppress the surge of energy in your Qi Sea Acupoint, and the transition will become smoother.”
Lu Qian instinctively touched her abdomen, looking somewhat sheepish. “That’s exactly it. My teacher has told me this many times, but I still can’t fix it.”
“There’s no shortcut. You’ll have to gradually adjust.”
Lu Qian lifted her head. “Now I’m even more certain that the Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix was your work. Do you know why I wanted to meet you?”
“I do.” Zhao Xing nodded. Since she brought it up, he couldn’t dodge the question any longer. Solving the issue now would be best, especially since he had found a way to profit from the situation. If push came to shove, he could always return the Sparrow Feather Armor.
“I don’t have any other intentions,” Lu Qian said. “I’m not here to ask for the Sparrow Feather Armor back. What happened on the mountain stays on the mountain. The Forgetting Stele was meant to help us forget those troubles. I… I’m just curious about the kind of person you are. I hope my invitation hasn’t caused you any discomfort.”
To his surprise, Lu Qian was quite sincere and straightforward.
Since Zhao Xing didn’t respond, Lu Qian quickly found another topic to ease the awkwardness. “Do you have any more poems? Giving one to Zong Dashao is a waste—he doesn’t even appreciate it. You could sell them to people in the Music Hall.”
“Hmm?” Zhao Xing was taken aback. He actually did have poems suitable for Lu Qian, and selling them would be the same as selling them to anyone else. Besides, he was in need of money to buy Dao-passing paintings.
“I do. How much are you willing to pay?”
Now it was Lu Qian’s turn to be surprised.
She had only been asking casually.
She didn’t expect Zhao Xing to actually have more.
“Well, it depends on the quality. If it’s as good as the last one, capable of stirring emotions, it could easily be exchanged for a Fourth Rank treasure.”
“I have one derived from the Six Songs that includes both lyrics and melody,” Zhao Xing said. “It’s definitely better than that last one. At its peak, it could help cultivate up to the Fifth Rank. How much do you think it’s worth?”
“If that’s the case, it could easily be worth a Fifth Rank treasure, maybe even more.”
Zhao Xing thought for a moment and nodded. “I can let you feel the power of the battle lyrics and melody first.”
“Alright, follow me,” Lu Qian said, clearly intrigued.
Zhao Xing intended to sell her the Rites of the Soul. Unlike the cheap poem he had given to Zong Shichang, the Rites of the Soul was one of the nine songs that evolved from the Six Songs in later generations.
It was a legitimate, fully developed spell and was one of the Nine Songs, known as the Song for Sending Away Spirits.
As the saying goes, summoning spirits is easy, but sending them away is difficult.
The strength of the Rites of the Soul lay in its ability to banish evil spirits and send away other spirits summoned by different professions, making it incredibly useful.
Zhao Xing only remembered the battle lyrics and melody for the Rites of the Soul, which were things players in his previous life could memorize. As for the battle dance, which required the manipulation of energy, that wasn’t something he could recall—knowing the moves wasn’t enough.
When he gave Zong Shichang the cheap poem, he had already tested some of his other ‘findings,’ and they had been recognized by his panel.
Even though it was still far from the complete version, as it lacked the crucial battle dance, it was good enough. Selling it for a bit of money would suffice.
What kind of battle dance Lu Qian could come up with wasn’t his concern.
Things were resolving much more smoothly than Zhao Xing had expected.
Could his streak of bad luck be over?
“Wait a moment!” A voice suddenly interrupted Zhao Xing and Lu Qian’s conversation.
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