Inside the Fengqi Pavilion.
Fragrant petals drifted through the air, their scent filling the space.
Twelve young women, veiled in light gauze, moved with graceful elegance, each a vision of breathtaking beauty.
However.
They willingly served as green leaves to accentuate Tian Yu in the center, elevating her status to that of a heavenly maiden descended to earth.
In an instant, she captured the attention of countless lecherous onlookers.
"Her movements are as graceful as a startled swan, as fluid as a swimming dragon. What a peerlessly beautiful maiden."
"I've long heard that the Mystic Sound Blessed Land produced a genius young maiden unseen in centuries. Seeing her now, she truly lives up to the reputation."
"A silent for three years, then stunning the world; a grounded for three years, then soaring to the heavens. This Tian Yu has been in seclusion cultivation within the Mystic Sound Blessed Land, rarely making public appearances."
"To challenge the Sound Vein of the Three Purity Immortal Sect upon her emergence—what audacity."
"I initially thought hearing Miss Fei Yin perform 'Qingyun Piaomiao Qu' today would be the greatest blessing, but it seems there may be even greater rewards to come."
"Do you think Miss Fei Yin will accept the challenge?"
"Isn't that obvious? How could she refuse? If she doesn't, wouldn't that diminish the prestige of the Sound Vein of the Three Purity Immortal Sect?"
"Now I'm more curious—what song will Miss Fei Yin use to counter Tian Yu? Will she perform a new piece?"
...
Inside the pavilion.
Most of the spectators were merely enjoying the show.
However, those who were truly astute had already grown vigilant, beginning to analyze the situation.
"This Tian Yu."
Li Zuiyue's expression was grave. "So young, yet so calculating."
"When disciples of the Sound Vein play their instruments, they not only consume their magical power but also their mental energy."
"Miss Fei Yin has just finished performing 'Qingyun Piaomiao Qu' and is in need of rest; her condition is not at its peak."
"Moreover."
"'Qingyun Piaomiao Qu' is Miss Fei Yin's signature piece. Having just performed it, playing it again in the subsequent match would inherently reveal her limitations and weaken her momentum."
"But if she switches to another piece, she'll be at an even greater disadvantage by having to face an unprepared challenger."
Huang Yunqing's brow was also furrowed.
His already dark circles appeared even more profound, his gaze deepening.
He said solemnly: "To think that the mere Mystic Sound Blessed Land would dare to provoke our Three Purity Immortal Sect, stepping on the Sound Vein to climb higher?"
"This little pest."
"There must be a cave-grade power backing her. If Fei Yin loses, the setback to the Sound Vein will only be the beginning."
"In the future, there will be a continuous stream of challenge letters sent to the Sword Vein, Thunder Vein, and even our own Hall Vein."
One had to admit.
Though they were normally utterly unreliable, as the chief disciples of various branches, they possessed a basic political sensitivity.
Whether Li Zuiyue, Huang Yunqing, or Li Longyou, all their gazes were grave now. They felt no closeness toward Tian Yu despite her beauty.
This woman came with ill intentions!
...
At this moment, beneath the surface of Fengqi Pavilion, currents were churning.
Various factions watched and waited, while the confrontation between Fei Yin and Tian Yu had already begun through their calm conversation.
"I have long heard that fellow disciple Tian Yu is a heaven-sent talent of the Mystic Sound Blessed Land, unseen in a century. With my limited knowledge, how dare I presume to offer guidance."
Behind the screen.
A graceful figure slowly emerged.
She sat properly before a zither, maintaining an upright posture. Despite her feminine demeanor, she possessed the bearing of a great master of the musical Dao, causing countless talents to be captivated.
Fei Yin treasure, YYDS!
Gazing up at Fei Yin on the high pavilion, a cold smile flickered in Tian Yu's eyes.
Let you remain high and mighty for a little longer.
After today, I will step on your Fei Yin's reputation to become the new rising star of this city!
Concealing the ambition in her eyes, Tian Yu's face revealed a humble smile as she said: "My master once heard you play and said your music possessed the bearing and charm of ancient sages."
"He specifically instructed me that when I have achieved some proficiency, I must seek opportunities to exchange knowledge with you."
"Now, after diligent study, I believe I have gained some understanding of the Dao of music. I wonder if I might have the honor of exchanging a few words with you."
The trap was sprung.
At this point, refusal was no longer an option.
Fei Yin's voice gradually grew colder as she said calmly: "In that case, please begin your performance, fellow disciple Tian Yu."
Though she knew the other meant ill.
As the chief disciple of the Sound Vein, Qin Guangling had his own confidence. Even if he couldn't display his Jindan nine-layer cultivation, even if his most skilled piece was inconvenient to perform.
But facing a mere younger girl, he refused to believe she could turn the sky upside down.
Tian Yu chuckled lightly: "As I am young, I wouldn't dare challenge senior sister alone. These fellow disciples are close to me and have heard of my wish to exchange with you, so they too wish to join in the fun."
"I wonder if senior sister would allow them to play alongside me?"
"Of course, if senior sister requires accompaniment, you may summon others as well. This time, I am not here to challenge your school, but to exchange knowledge."
"The outcome is unimportant; as long as I can make a friend who appreciates music like you, this journey will not have been in vain."
[Ding!]
[Detected someone bragging. Congratulations, host has gained magical power +66.]
Tsk tsk~
"The outcome is unimportant" — what a sweet-talking line.
If the outcome truly didn't matter, why challenge someone in such a public forum?
Wang Xiu curled his lip.
Having lived two lifetimes, he saw through this type of green tea bitch all too clearly.
If this musical duel caused Fei Yin to actually lose, it would definitely be the front-page news tomorrow.
And asking Fei Yin to find accompaniment?
Hmph.
These twelve female disciples were clearly all elites, their energies connected to Tian Yu, having undoubtedly practiced together for who knows how long.
Fei Yin had always played alone before—where could she find teammates to accompany her now?
Tui~
Shameless!
...
Tian Yu's "tea-like behavior" naturally couldn't fool those with brains.
However.
Did the truth matter?
Not really. There will always be more fools than clever people in the world.
Most people just wanted to see the excitement, eat the popcorn, and seeing beautiful women fight would be an even greater bonus.
And for the talented individuals of various factions with actual brains, they now hoped to see the two women clash, as regardless of who won or lost, it wouldn't be to their disadvantage.
"You may all play together. What does Fei Yin have to fear?"
Fei Yin's voice grew increasingly cold. Knowing the other meant ill, her hands gently rested on the zither.
Ready to strike.
Until she understood their techniques, the best strategy was to counter after they had made their move, responding to change with unchanging principles.
A triumphant smile appeared on Tian Yu's face as her emerald-green pipa vibrated. In an instant, intangible sound waves surged forth, spreading throughout Fengqi Pavilion.
The other twelve women, some holding konghou harps, some carrying waist drums, some holding willow zithers, some with flutes to their lips...
Sound waves erupted from their various instruments, merging with Tian Yu's pipa music to form a complex, intoxicating melody of pleasure and delight.
As the various instruments played, countless people in Fengqi Pavilion showed expressions of intoxicated obsession.
It was as if in this pipa music, they saw the prosperity of the mortal world, the bright lights and red wine, thousands of pear trees in bloom, and countless beauties approaching.
In that moment.
They wished only to immerse themselves, unwilling to awaken.
...
"'Ruyi Fusheng Qu' (Floating Life of Ruyi)?"
Clever move!
These people are indeed targeting me!
Qin Guangling sneered. The "Ruyi Fusheng Qu" of the Mystic Sound Blessed Land was famous.
It was a melody that used sound waves to guide the magical power within a cultivator's body, causing listeners to hallucinate and see countless illusions.
Whatever your greatest desire is, that is what you will hear in this melody.
Compared to the clear and detached "Qingyun Piaomiao Qu," this piece could be called the "Desire Melody," which in some ways was a natural counter to "Qingyun Piaomiao Qu."
If Qin Guangling hadn't been wary and allowed Tian Yu to strike first.
After he performed "Qingyun Piaomiao Qu," if she followed with "Ruyi Fusheng Qu," he would have almost no way to turn the tide.
After all.
He couldn't rely on his Jindan nine-layer cultivation to brute-force his way through, could he?
Winning such a musical duel that way would only invite ridicule for being crude.
These young women are not to be underestimated!
What melody should he use to suppress them!
Qin Guangling's brow furrowed.
After a long while.
Finally, he plucked the zither strings. In an instant, urgent music cascaded forth.
Though it was zither music, it seemed to contain: flying roof tiles, clashing metal, rumming drums, sword strikes, galloping horses and men...
For a moment.
It actually managed to dilute the decadent, illusory desire melody.
...
Sound Vein ultimate technique—"Ten-Sided Ambush"!
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