Chapter 2 – The Zither and Bamboo Combination (I)
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Ye Li picked up the kettle resting on the table, poured a cup of fresh water, and handed it over to Qin Shang, “This is fresh spring water from beneath the Desolate Jade Sea, you should taste it.”
Qin Shang took the proffered drink. Taking a sip, he sighed in admiration, “Refreshingly cool and sweet, delicious. You are living the life.”
Ye Li lamented, “We have not seen each other in 20 years, you old bastard. Coming to me now, whose fault is it to blame for what happened? You do know that the affairs of theBamboo Sect no longer concern me. It no longer has anything to do with me.”
Qin Shang smiled, saying, “I did not even say anything, yet you are already completely rejecting me. You are under the impression that I am seeking your return, but this time I am not.”
Ye Li’s eyes expressed his astonishment, “You no longer attend?”
Qin Shang nodded, “I have just returned from Blue Dias.”
Hearing the two words, ‘Blue Dias,’ Ye Li’s expression changed instantly, subtlety frozen. “You are still in attendance. Thus, you have already reached the violet rank, I presume?”
Qin Shang narrowed his eyes, flickering them up and down as he sized Ye Li up, “Aren’t you the same? Let me see why.”
Ye Li opened his eyes and glared at him grumpily with an air of arrogance and obstinance, a faint violet aura emerging and surrounding his body. The heavy pressure did not affect Qin Shang even as the brilliant rays of light intensified. “Well, you are at the primary level as well. It seems that neither of us have fallen behind.”
Ye Li said, “I am not your opponent. At this time, throughout the whole continent, there is not a single type of magic or Dou Qi that can best your zither magic. Were you under the belief that I was unaware of this?”
Qin Shang faintly smiled and said,”With my zither, it only takes me a third of the effort to utilize my full power. In these circumstances, it is impossible for you to defeat me! I can also hold you helpless in my grasp. Do you think I will allow you to escape? Will you allow me to give chase after you?”
Ye Li fiercely said, “Even at this distance, you don’t believe that I can kill you?.”
Qin Shang leisurely drank his fresh spring water, “I do not believe that.”
The two men glanced at each other and couldn’t help but laugh heartily. Neither Ye Li nor Qin Shang had felt this happy in a long time.
As their laughter subsided, Ye Li firmly said, “Old partner, speak honestly. How does Blue Dias make you feel?”
Qin Shang’s face sank. Sighing, he said, “You don’t need to ask, the Blue Dias Seven Story Pagoda is not as we had imagined. When I was passing through, I did not even get to see the Pagoda’s Master. .”
Listening to his words, Ye Li remained silent for a long time. Somewhat depressed, he said, “It seems that we will never have hope.”
“No,” Qin Shang’s eyes brightened as he recalled something excitedly. Ferociously standing up from his bamboo chair, he exclaimed, “Hope absolutely exists, in fact, it is right in front of you.”
Eyes burning ablaze, Ye Li spewed out, “What? Quick, tell me. Is there truly hope for us to contend against the Blue Dias Seven Pagoda?”
Qin Shang smiled, sitting down and remaining silent.
Ye Li impatiently demanded, “Why are you putting on airs? Quickly speak, or else I will use force.”
Qin Shang said with a smile,”You are still so temperamental, or in this case impetuous. I wonder how you are able to train your Bamboo Dou Qi to such a level. I was accepted by Blue Dias after my assessment indicated that I belonged to the violet rank, ascending theBlue Dias Rainbow Achievement List. When I left, the Blue Dias personnel requested that I assume an office, and I chose Arcadia because you reside here. Thus I have arrived, and if you agree, I wish to stay here for at least a decade.”
Ye Li’s expression changed. Somewhat suspicious, he voiced, “Old partner, why do I feel as if you have arranged this whole situation to trap me and curry my favor? Ah! If there was anything you needed to say, you should get right to the point. What is our hope?”
Qin Shang nodded, elaborating, “Well, bluntly speaking, your grandson is our hope.”
Ye Li was startled, “You must have spoken erroneously. You arrived here with Ying’er and her son. Could it be that you did not see that my grandson was naturally born with only eight fingers? Henceforth, it is difficult for him to even grasp a weapon tightly. So how could he be our hope. I just want the child to live peacefully, safe and sound.”
Qin Shang curled his lips, elucidating, “Naturally, that is your perspective, but mine differs vastly. A disciple born naturally with eight fingers is someone I have yearned for in my dreams. The absence of the interfering influence of the little fingers on both hands is a tremendous advantage for the zither. Furthermore, your grandson naturally possesses an exceptionally keen musical awareness. If you consent to him studying the zither under me, in the future he will be the hope that we desire. In all honesty, I chose Arcadia instead of the other powerful countries mainly because you were here. You are aware that when we reached the violet rank, progressing becomes extremely difficult. In addition, a Divine Music mage cultivating at the violet rank is capable of exhibiting formidably powerful zither magic, however, the disadvantage is equally enormous. Thus,I formulated an excellent solution, but this method requires your cooperation.”
Creasing his brows, Ye Li inquired, “My cooperation? I cultivate the Dou Qi of the Bamboo Sect. Why do you need my cooperation?”
Qin Shang explained, “Throughout the continent, only magic logically cooperates with Dou Qi. However, not many people can surpass the indigo rank. Nowadays, mages disdain practicing Dou Qi techniques. The method that I thought up has Dou Qi boosting zither magic, using Dou Qi to strengthen the sonic range and even directly boosting the sonic attack. Only Divine Music mages have the ability to practice such a possibility. And your Bamboo Dou Qi is a breath full of nature and the perfect accompaniment to zither music. I arrived at these conclusions and wish to accept a disciple, requesting that you instruct him in Bamboo Dou Qi as well. As a result, the two of us will produce a superior Divine Music mage. He may be able to breakthrough the violet rank barrier as well. I had just arrived here and had not selected a disciple yet when I met your daughter-in-law and your grandson. Ah! Being born with eight natural fingers is difficult to find in this world! I absolutely cannot allow this good opportunity to slip by. Old partner, throughout my life I have never asked for much . This time, I must make an exception. I request that you bequeath me the honor of being your grandson’s master.”
In one move, Qin Shang stood to leave, facing Ye Li and bowing courteously with an exceedingly serious look.
Ye Li evaded to the side, resolutely stating, “No, I disagree. I expect my grandson to inherit my legacy even though he was born with eight fingers.”
Qin Shang anxiously said, “Didn’t you say earlier that you wanted him to live as an ordinary person? What has changed your mind?”
Ye Li said, “Ordinary person, my Bamboo sect is full of ordinary people. My grandson is the future young Bamboo Sect Headmaster, and you want him to turn to the Zither Sect? What about my Bamboo Sect? Unacceptable. Unacceptable.”
Qin Shang unwillingly said, “Ye Zhong and Mei Ying are both young, don’t tell me that you are afraid that there will be no more future grandchildren? It is not likely that even a single person out of a million would be born with eight fingers. Old partner, looking back at our many years of friendship, please help me.”
Ye Li bitterly laughed, saying, “Not that I don’t want to help you, but I can’t. Correct, Zhong’er and Ying’er are both young, but they are likely to have only one son. Originally, Ying’er had a difficult birth with my beloved grandson. You must understand, Ying’er is that old Mei Hua’s daughter. Mei Hua and I asked old lady Lan Qing to personally come to deliver the child. Fortunately, Lan Qing was present as she was able to save both mother and child without mishap. Lan Qing said, however, that Ying’er cannot bear another child from now on. You can go ask Lan Qing herself.”
Listening to Ye Li’s words, Qin Shang couldn’t help but be disappointed, collapsing in his bamboo chair. The feeling when one’s heart was full of hope only to come to nothing was absolutely uncomfortable. For a long time, he and Ye Li did not speak, the both of them sinking into deep thoughts. At this time, a clear and melodious voice echoed from outside the door, “Father, I heard that a guest has arrived.”
Chapter 2 – The Zither and Bamboo Combination (II)
A tall silhouette outside the door walked inside. Naturally, the youth was tall and possessed an imposing aura, sharing at least eight similarities with Ye Li. Handsome and steadfast, he walked in and brought with him a breath of fresh air, a distinctive attribute of the Bamboo Sect’s Bamboo Dou Qi. It was Ye Li’s son, Ye Zhong.
Ye Li said, “Zhong’er, come greet your Uncle Qin.”
“Uncle Qin, hello. I heard from Ying’er that you seemed to have arrived here because of my son?” Ye Zhong greeted, before asking his query .
Qin Shang’s eyes slightly twinkled with radiance. Smiling, he said, “Zhong’er. I have not seen you since you were young. Pretty good, your Bamboo Dou Qi has reached the primary level yellow Bamboo rank. According to the Rainbow Ranking system, that is equivalent to a primary level green rank.”
Ye Zhong was evidently uninterested about his strength assessment, urgently inquiring, “I have heard from Ying’er that you believe my son is a genius, gifted in studying zither magic, right? If he is, can you accept him as your disciple?”
Qin Shang’s eyes opened while Ye Li’s jaw dropped in shock. He hastily said, “Of course I can, but your father did not agree.”
Ye Zhong turned towards Ye Li. Confused, he asked, “Father, why?”
Ye Li angrily said, “You come out here, daring to speak like this, and ask me why? You are such a child. The Zither Sect and the Bamboo Sect are vastly different studies for him to study in.”
Ye Zhong argued, “But he was born with only eight fingers; he does not have the disposition to inherit the Bamboo Sect Swordplay. Could it be that you do not want your grandson to become a powerful figure in the future? It will not be easy for him to learn our Bamboo Sect teachings, so won’t the Zither Sect magic be perfect for him? This is just your prejudicial parochialism. Did you not say……”
“You give me no choice,” Ye Li indignantly said, lifting his hand to form a fist to attack his son. Ye Zhong did not dare retaliate. Peng! In the midst of an explosion of brilliant rays of violet light, the bamboo door exploded, flying open as Ye Li’s eyes held a peculiar look. Evidently, Ye Li’s expression was quite serious, but he was actually only using dou qi to force his son to leave the premises. Afterall, what kind of father would actually beat his own son?
Qin Shang glared angrily at Ye Li, growling, “You see, your son is clearly more reasonable than you, Old Bamboo. Just a moment ago, I thought up a new solution, and I think that it would be better this way. You would allow your grandson to study zither magic while simultaneously teaching him Bamboo Dou Qi. In the future, he could return to your Bamboo Sect and its people while we, the Zither Sect, will be inconsequential. How about that?”
Ye Li’s face slightly eased, “On what basis should I believe that you can train my grandson to successfully contend against the Blue Dias Seven Pagoda’s power?”
Qin Shang firmly said, “At this moment, the continent, regardless of magic or dou qi, utilizes the Rainbow Ranking System. The Eight East Imperial Sects are the only exception, however, and regardless of whether or not it’s my four magic sects or your four dou qi sects, in the cultivation process, there are only three types of color transformations. Each color has nine levels, and combined together, it is similar to the Rainbow Ranking Systems. Likewise, the violet rank has nine levels. Despite our efforts, we could only cultivate to the violet rank. The ability to achieve this is a secret that cannot be found outside of our Eight East Imperial Sects, but after 50 years of effort, without innate skill, cultivating beyond the violet rank is easier said than done. The people living throughout the continent are only aware of the existence of Blue Dias and not of our Eight East Imperial Sects.”
Ye Li groaning, grousing, “What a load of crap, do you think I do not know this?.”
Qin Shang said, “Then tell me, what are the three colors and corresponding nine levels of our Zither Sect?”
Ye Li said, “So there’s the Red Zither Heart where you refine the zither heart soul, theYellow Zither Heart where you sharpen courage, and the Violet Zither Heart? You are currently at the primary level of the violet rank for the zither heart. In comparison to our Bamboo Sect, the Cyan Bamboo, the Yellow Bamboo, and the Violet Bamboo altogether has a total of 27 levels. The only difference is that the color of our first level is cyan, whereas yours is red, and that your zither magic is much better at intimidating others.”
Qin Shang nodded and said, “Correct, these three colors and nine levels, for a total twenty-seven levels, correlate with the 27 levels of the Rainbow Ranking System. The refinement of the zither heart’s soul throughout its nine levels is most important step according to our Zither Sect. At the Red Zither Heart level, any distracting thoughts are expelled to allow only zither music to penetrate the mind, gradually enhancing cognition and strength towards the Zither.. This is the Orthodox Zither Sect method of cultivation. For a person with ordinary talent, it generally takes them approximately six years to completely refine the soul of the zither heart to begin advancing through the nine levels. However, to refine the soul of the zither heart, a solid foundation is needed, otherwise ascension is challenging.However, how could the cultivation of this Red Zither Heart be compared to a body born with an innate Zither Heart?”
Ye Li doubtfully said, “I am still not very clear on what you mean.”
Qin Shang’s eyes shined brilliantly with resolution, “If you agree to allow your grandson to be my disciple, I will have him refine his zither heart soul to begin his cultivation and, unlike anyone before him, he will practice with a Pure Zither Heart.”
“Eh?” Ye Li, startled, looked over towards Qin Shang, “Your Zither Sect’s secret magical score that was recorded to have never successfully been cultivated? Are you insane?”
Qin Shang unflinchingly said, “I am not insane. In fact, the Pure Zither Heart is the genuine Zither Sect’s cultivation path to enlightenment. Because this method is extremely demanding and incredibly difficult to practice,no one has been able to successfully cultivate it so far. But your son is different. He was born with eight fingers and a high sensitivity and perception of music. I believe that he will succeed. Also, because I am at the violet rank, there is a 70% chance of success. The Pure Zither Heart is vital to refining the zither heart soul. Although it is difficult for many to cultivate, if it’s successful, the door to genuinely cultivate the Zither Heart will open immediately. Thus, it is possible to attain the Violet Zither Heart rank in a short period of time. In addition to this, as long as he is hardworking, he could possibly advance to the highest and most mysterious zither heart found only in legends. And according to my studies, it appears that Dou Qi will be of great assistance to this method. The Blue Dias Seven Pagoda will no longer be terrifying.”
Ye Li’s voice deepened, “And if you fail?”
Qin Shan unenthusiastically said, “Even if I fail, he has been practicing your Bamboo Sect’s Dou Qi all along. You can make him renounce the zither, and there will still be time for him to refine your Bamboo Sect Martial Skills. The Pure Zither Heart is not difficult to understand. If I guessed correctly, during the cultivation of the Pure Zither Heart, his dou qi enhances the tempo to an extraordinarily high velocity sufficient enough to complement late martial skill. Old Partner, this opportunity for our Eight East Imperial Sect is a once in a lifetime chance. Do you really not want to try it? If you agree, my Zither Sect is willing to exchange anything.”
Ye Li’s eyes flashed violet. Waving his hand, he said, “There is no need for an exchange. I will promise you that I will agree, but you must promise me three conditions.”
Qin Shang, without the slightest hesitation, agreed, “Yes, elaborate.”
Ye Li said, “First, in the event that he succeeds, he will be the Lord of both the Zither and the Bamboo Sects when he grows up.”
Qin Shang nodded, saying, “No problem, if he possess sufficient strength, no one can oppose him. Besides, the inheritance of these sects are ours to determine.”
Ye Li continued, “Second, in the premise of success, your Zither Sect’s five most renowned zithers are to be given to my grandson.”
Qin Shang stared at Ye Li with wide eyes, “You are a good old man; you are not greedy. You know how important our Zither Sect’s five most renowned zithers are? The Zither Sect’s five most renowned zithers are similar to the Blue Dias Seven Pagoda mages’ staves. Naturally, they are comparable to the existence of divine tools.”
Ye Li lazily said, “If they are not, I don’t want it. Does our Bamboo Sect not deserve those treasured objects? Your Zither Sect must allow me to examine the five zither scores. Anyway, if my grandson also belongs to your Zither Sect he is the future head. Why are you so miserly? The Cry of the Phoenix Zither, the Song of the Dead Forest Dragon Zither, theMusic of the Lost Emperor Zither, the Nine Heavenly Jade Rings Zither, and your frequently used Thundering Spring Zither gather together harmoniously. Is this not what you have told me? The better matched the zither and the song are, the greater the zither magic. It is improbable for you to have forgotten this.”
“Extortion, you blackmailing bastard,” Qin Shang furiously swore.
Ye Li laughed darkly, “After all, that is the final condition, or do you not agree?”
Chapter 2 – The Zither and Bamboo Combination (III)
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Qin Shang resolutely opened his eyes, glaring back at Ye Li as he helplessly nodded. Clenching his teeth, he gritted, “Very well, I accept your condition.”
With his hands folded behind his back, Ye Li smiled, eyes creasing into thin slits as he said, “This last condition is very simple. Cry uncle.”
Qin Shang stared blankly, “You……”
Ye Li smiled and said, “Was I mistaken? As you wish to be my grandson’s master, you are naturally inferior to my generation. Crying uncle should not matter”
“Well, old bastard, you’re kidding me.” Qin Shang fiercely advanced towards Ye Li in a rush, feeling no apprehension to the other’s violet ranked warrior strength.
Ye Li did not even employ a dou qi martial skill technique. The two old, violet ranked men far exceeded the age of 60, yet they unexpectedly began grappling each other inside the bamboo house. Neither of them gave way to the other, and fortunately there were not many items inside the bamboo house to create a mess.
Nonetheless, Qin Shang was a mage, and even with all of his power, his strength was inferior to Ye Li. Dong. Once again, he was pinned against the ground by Ye Li. Flying into a rage of humiliation, Qin Shang said, “No more fighting, I am extremely exhausted.”
Ye Li released Qin Shang, offering a hand and watching as Qin Shang gasped and took deep breaths. He could not refrain from having a full smile on his face.
Ye Li’s eyes exuded a cunning light, kicking his own son, “Hurry, thank your Uncle Qin. The Zither Sect’s origin cultivation meditation song is something everyone in the continent desires to listen to.”
Qin Shang happily said, “I see, you are the idiot. Do you think I care about Yin Zhu less than you? He is the hope I have been searching for throughout my entire life. Even if I injure myself, he will not be injured. Before he is three years old, it is impossible for him to study dou qi. Before he is five years old, it is impossible for him to study the zither. During this time, however, it is of utmost importance for me to play the zither everyday to allow him to listen attentively to my complete zither heart. The child still needs to be taken care of, so Ye Zhong and Mei Ying are permitted to stand to the side and listen in. Therefore, the child will be taken care of, and additionally, their dou qi cultivation will also somewhat benefit.”
Ye Li repeatedly shook his head, “No way, no way. Did I not say that I understood your aural zither power? If my grandson suffers a spiritual magic injury from your aural zither magic, I fear that he will turn into an idiot.”
Qin Shang’s hands rested behind his back as he pretended to look disdainfully at his old friend, “Who said that the infant cannot learn? Even if he cannot learn to play, who said he cannot listen? You think the Pure Zither Heart is that easy to cultivate? No, while he is still a child, we must take advantage of his innate vital energy and not waste his early years. How else can he possibly succeed?”
“Are you feverish? He is barely a month old! How can he learn right now?“ Ye Li opened his eyes to look at Qin Shang, who was in front of him. He did not understand this person’s heart or desire.
Over the next ten days, Ye Zhong strived to build the bamboo house to Qin Shang’s specifications.
Although it was simple to construct a bamboo house, Qin Shang’s requirements were very specific, comprising of the bamboo’s angle as well as the house’s dimensions, and that even required him to return to Delicate Dew City to purchase special material to use. Afterwards, Ye Zhong, still confused, demanded Qin Shang explain the reason why the bamboo house had to be built with such stringent requirements. It was to produce the best quality resonation for the zither in the bamboo house.
Throughout the continent, warriors were ranked similarly to mages as they were also subdivided into seven levels, a variant of the seven colors of the rainbow: warrior, intermediate warrior, advanced warrior, Earth warrior, Heaven warrior, War master, and Great War master. Although the Bamboo Sect cultivated unique colored dou qi, Ye Zhong only recently entered the Yellow Bamboo Realm, equivalent to the rainbow rank of a primary level green rank. Naturally, this made him an Earth Warrior.
Although Ye Li was the leader of the Bamboo Sect, he lived in the Desolate Jade Sea with his entire family. Ye Li’s wife was deceased, so it was only him, his son, his daughter-in-law, and his grandson, four people in total. The inclusion of Qin Shang only added another person. Of course, the bamboo house was spacious, but Qin Shang was determinedly unwilling to live together with them. At his request, Ye Zhong build a bamboo house 500 meters away from their residence. As a green ranked Earth warrior, this was a simple matter.
Qin Shang returned to Delicate Dew City to quickly prepare some simple arrangements. Early in the morning the next day, he immediately returned to Desolate Jade Sea. Even though he had just recently become president of the Magic Guild, it was quite clear that he would not spend too much time and effort on the Arcadian Magic Guild. In his heart, there was nothing except for the desire to mentor his disciple, the naturally born genius with eight fingers, which was a far more important affair.
The two formidable men who never ran rampant in the continent glanced at each other, unhurriedly staring into the other’s eyes. Finally, there was a glimmer of hope for their envisioned future. Naturally, Ye Yin Zhu was their vision for the future, for the Eight East Imperial Sects as well.
Qin Shang shot Ye Li a glance, “At least you are sincere.”
Ye Li delightedly said, “Good, I promise you. Well, aren’t you worried about the issue of seniority? To the outside world, you are his master, and when we are alone, I allow the baby to call you grandfather too.”
Qin Shang wistfully said, “It will not forever be out of the question. Until he reaches the age of 15, you must not teach him any martial skills to avoid any distractions. If, by the time he turns 15, he is incapable of attaining the nine levels of the Pure Zither Heart, I’m afraid that I have failed.”
Ye Li said, “Forbidden from ever learning martial skills? Without any Bamboo Sect martial skills, how would he become the Bamboo Sect Leader?”
Qin Shang elaborated, “The Pure Zither Heart is extremely difficult to cultivate. To successfully cultivate, it is necessary to do as much as possible immediately to allow the baby to maintain the purity and innocence. In other words, he is not allowed to have contact with the outside world as much as possible. It is vital that even you maintain the minimalist of contact with him apart from Bamboo Dou Qi. Unless I consent, you must not teach him any martial skills. Fittingly, after he turns three years old, every week you can only see him once, and he cannot be told of external matters. By deliberately concentrating on his purity and innocence, he will rapidly cultivate his Pure Zither Heart successfully.”
Ye Li looked at Qin Shang, conscientiously standing up and nodding as he said, “Explain.”
Qin Shang snappily replied, “I’m not like you! I am only looking out for the baby’s well-being. Of course, you will never mention again the matter about me being inferior to you in this generation; to each his own opinion.”
Haha. Ye Li laughed, saying, “Why? Are you already seeking compensation so soon?”
“Old Bamboo, I promise to uphold your conditions. As a result, you consent to me being your grandson’s master, and you must also promise me a few conditions as well.”
“You……” Looking at Ye Li’s pleased expression, Qin Shang just realized that he had indeed been deceived and unfortunately once again left with no other alternative.
Ye Li snorted, saying, “Who told you to visit and look for me? Ye Zhong is a foolish boy, not understanding how to maximize the benefits. There is no need to advocate parochialism, as I originally stated. If I did not promptly expel him outside, he would have exposed himself. How would I have maximized my benefits then? Two sect leaders must prioritize the Eight East Imperial Sects first. Haha.”
Qin Shang furiously asked, “Then why are you deliberately making things difficult?”
Ye Li blatantly nodded, saying, “Ah, yes!”
Qin Shang suddenly grabbed Ye Li’s beard, very fiercely saying, “You should have agreed to my request from the beginning.”
“Old Qin, bestow a name upon my grandson. This boy is barely a month old, yet he still has no name.”
Qin Shang knew that this was Ye Li’s genuine promise just now. A flash of enlightenment graced his mind, and he said, “Call him Ye Yin Zhu, the successor of my zither and your bamboo.”
Ye Li laughed, “Very well, he is called Ye Yin Zhu.”
Chapter 2 – The Zither and Bamboo Combination (IV)
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Since the day Ye Li made a fool of Qin Shang, it could be said that Ye Zhong greatly admired his father. Laughing darkly, he hastily pulled Mei Ying and Ye Yin Zhu into his embrace, stepping forward to thank him.
Qin Shang stared blankly. He just realised that he was clearly deceived once again, unfortunately left with no alternative against Ye Li. Pointing at Ye Li, he said, “So, you inferred that I would use my origin cultivation meditation song, you! You! Now, I finally understand that you are actually an old crafty bastard.”
The origin cultivation meditation song was tremendously beneficial for martial practitioners. With the song, there was no need to worry about dou qi revolving too quickly and then magically bursting into flames, and it could eliminate distracting thoughts in one’s heart. These two effects were precisely why martial practitioners yearned for this even in their dreams. Experiencing the zither music drew heaven and earth into motion, attracting elemental energy which would strengthen the foundation of one’s cultivation.This in turn greatly increased the martial practitioner’s cultivation speed. As the Zither Sect Clan leader, Qin Shang’s performance of the origin cultivation meditation song was highly coveted by everyone for its benefits.
Even if Qin Shang was the newly-appointed Arcadian Magic Guild President, he immediately moved to the Desolate Jade Sea to live there. As such, little Yin Zhu grew up with the sound of leaves dancing in the spring breeze and the echo of the gurgling clear autumn waters as he slowly matured……
Six years later.
As the first rays of sunlight entered the bamboo house, it was accompanied by the deep and low soft notes of the zither. Ye Yin Zhu slowly awakened from his meditation. He couldn’t help but groan as he aroused from the warm and cozy state he was in.
The six years old Ye Yin Zhu, was pretty, resembling a girl. Black hair draped over his shoulders, scattering loosely behind his back. Blessed with a pair of huge black eyes that were bright and full of emotions, he wore a somewhat oversized white gown, however, it didn’t influence his temperament which possessed the elegance of the heavens. None of his movements lacked a graceful air. Even someone of nobility could not be compared to him. Although he was still a child, sitting there, his bearing indicated that he was impervious to desires and passions, his serene expression was indeed startling. A faint cyan and red aura that encompassed his whole body gradually dispersed and dimmed, the cyan radiance was slightly prominent and strong, but the red light was richly dark.
The sound of the zither stopped, Qin Shang withdrew his hands as he looked slightly exhausted. “Yin Zhu, it appears that your dou qi has improved once again.”
“Yes! Grandfather Qin, yesterday grandfather arrived and talked to me for some time. It seems as if I have already entered the last Cyan Bamboo rank.” Little Yin Zhu excitedly bounced up from the ground to stand up, his face full of childish sincerity. He ran up to Qin Shang and imploringly asked, “Grandfather Qin, shouldn’t you teach me a new song today? I studied with you for a year, and you have only taught me one song, nothing more.”
Qin Shang faintly smiled, saying, “The moment has still not come. You must understand that the principle of studying hundreds of songs is useless. Only by genuinely understanding the secrets of the zither heart will your talent continuously improve.”
Six years had passed by. Qin Shang painstakingly poured all of his efforts into grooming Ye Yin Zhu. Every day, he would play the zither near Ye Yin Zhu for at least half a day so he could listen. The zither sound was mystical, Ye Yin Zhu’s graceful and efficaciously elegant temperament became increasingly distinct. From the age of three, Ye Yin Zhu followed his Grandfather Ye Li to practice Bamboo Dou Qi where Ye Li persistently used his own tremendous dou qi for a year to assist his grandson in unblocking his meridians, enabling Ye Yin Zhu to improve effortlessly and efficiently since the beginning, finding a knack for it. When he was five years old, Qin Shang impart on him the secret of zither magic. Up until now, for a whole year, Qin Shang only taught Ye Yin Zhu the basic fundamentals of fingering the zither and the most simple zither song >, nothing more.
Ye Yin Zhu discontentedly said, “But, I already mastered the song!”
Qin Shang indifferently smiled and said, “Did you truly master it? Very well, come and follow me.” Stretching his body, Qin Shang carried the Thundering Spring Zither as he rose, bringing Ye Yin Zhu away from the bamboo house.
Ye Li’s whole family kept their word and only came to visit Yin Zhu once a month ever since Yin Zhu started to study zither music under Qin Shang. Naturally, the occasional secret visits to see Yin Zhu were unavoidable.
Coming out of the bamboo house to face the vast bamboo forest, Qin Shang stopped walking, and asked, “Yin Zhu, what are the three types of zither sounds and their meanings?”
Ye Yin Zhu, already accustomed to Qin Shang’s evaluations, unhesitantly answered, “The three types of sounds are the open string, the vibrato, and the harmonic. The open string is produced when the right hand plucks a string, the sound wide and thickly timbre. The vibrato originates from the left hand pressing and sliding slightly against the strings on the left side of the zither, while the right hand plucks the string; it emits a soft, graceful, and mellow timbre. The gentle harmonic is produced when both hands pluck the strings of the instrument in tandem, the tone loud and crystal-clear. These three types of sounds blend together to make a zither song.”
Qin Shang nodded and said, “Correct, playing the zither has varying difficulties. There are the most basic harmonics at the seven strings and thirteen emblems producing 91 different notes. In addition, these open string and vibrato notes have many pairings, groupings and various combinations that are far too numerous to count. If you do not understand the fundamentals of good practice, in the future how would you be somewhat successful?”
Yin Zhu cutely nodded and said, “Grandfather Qin, I know my mistake. I will continue to cultivate my basic skills.”
Qin Shang faintly smiled. Even though his words criticized Yin Zhu, his disciple took them to heart, to his satisfaction. Although Ye Yin Zhu only studied the zither for a year, ever since he was a month old until he was five years old, he grew up listening to the sound of the zither. As far as he was concerned, it could be said that he was very familiar with the sound of the zither and not inferior to Qin Shang’s own familiarity. As well as being a genius in studying the zither to an unprecedented high at such a young age, he has already obtained such deep understanding and comprehension. He was absolutely a genius among geniuses.
Qin Shang handed the Thundering Spring Zither to Ye Yin Zhu, permitting him to sit at the bamboo table in front of the bamboo forest. He said, “So, if you are capable of employing the > song, all of the animals in the forest will gather at your side and consider you to be their most intimate friend. I will teach you a new song if this occurs. Well, you can start practicing while I pick up breakfast for you.”
Ye Yin Zhu nodded, resting the Thundering Spring Zither on top of the bamboo table delicately. Sitting upright and still, both of his hands reached out to play. As his eight fingers were just about to touch the stringed instrument, his temperament changed once again. His innocent face was still present somewhat, but now matured with a tranquility and grace way beyond his age. As his eight fingers strummed the song >, the sound gently echoed out towards their surroundings.
The zither music was sinuous and pleasant to the ears, however, Qin Shang puckered his brows. “The heart and the zither lack synchronization. If you cannot synchronize the zither resonance, your zither notes will eternally be incapable of attracting any living creature’s spirit.”
Ye Yin Zhu raised his head to look at Qin Shang, hand movements not pausing, but his eyes swiftly closed instead. His small beautiful face exuded a faint smile, and even though the zither song was still >, the aura of the surroundings had already slightly changed. His whole person seemed to be immersed in the green hills and clear waters. A faint red radiance emerged from his body, floating in the air and releasing into the surroundings.
Watching this scene, Qin Shang nodded, pleased. In his heart, he secretly sighed. ‘Ye Li, ah! You only knew that the Zither Sect’s zither magic was a uniquely strong magic. You did not know, however, that the spirit is strongly connected to magic, especially for Divine Music mages. You absolutely cannot imagine the difficulty of this cultivation method.’