The light was too dazzling for Tian Peng to see clearly.
He couldn't tell if it was a living creature or something else.
Like a golden snake dancing wildly, or a swimming dragon soaring through the sky, its twisting body landed on the zither's soundboard, finally becoming still.
As the rosy clouds dissipated, two ancient characters suddenly appeared on the zither's surface.
Qing Lai!
"This is... the zither's name formed naturally?"
Tian Peng was filled with disbelief. Was this zither truly so extraordinary that heaven itself bestowed a name upon it?
So, the so-called dragon-shaped creatures dancing about were actually the imprints of heaven and earth's dao, naming this zither.
"Damn it, it's just a casual work from the master, and it received a divine name. If he had made it with serious intent, wouldn't that defy the heavens!"
Tian Peng gasped, not daring to probe further.
Then, he thought of this Qing Lai zither being used as a toy by a child, and his heart ached to the point of suffocation.
He secretly resolved to perform well in the future, perhaps he too could receive some "toys" one day.
A few days later.
Ji Mo, carrying the Qing Lai zither on his back, arrived in Baishou Town.
Upon reaching Yue'er's home, he learned that the little girl had already been taken away by people from the Lingxu Sword Sect.
He felt a sense of loss, unsure if they would ever meet again, but he was genuinely happy for Yue'er in his heart.
Ji Mo handed the Qing Lai zither to Yue'er's father, asking him to pass it on to Yue'er as his token of regard.
"Doctor Ji, my daughter is now a cultivator and will focus on her cultivation and the pursuit of the Dao from now on. I fear she will no longer play the zither," Yue'er's father declined.
"Practicing the zither can cultivate one's character, refine one's temperament, and is beneficial for cultivation without any harm. You mustn't let Yue'er abandon it," Ji Mo advised. Only then did Yue'er's father accept the Qing Lai zither.
And because of this Qing Lai zither, it almost brought a deadly disaster to Yue'er, but that is a story for later and will not be mentioned for now.
Qingfeng Garden was bustling with activity.
Wen Xi invited friends with her zither, hosting talents from all directions.
At this moment, countless young talents from renowned sects, sons of noble families, and literary scholars were gathered here.
The vast majority of people present were there for Wen Xi, hoping to display their talents, catch her eye, and thus soar to success.
The Wen family was a renowned thousand-year-old aristocratic family, but unfortunately, the current generation was in decline, with only two daughters.
Therefore, countless people racked their brains to marry into the Wen family. Now that a golden opportunity was before them, these people naturally tried their best to impress.
Zither music rose and fell, and the sounds of composing poetry and couplets were endless. Although it was a zither gathering, poetry and songs were also part of demonstrating talent. Everyone was like a peacock in heat, displaying themselves to the fullest.
Only those who were outstanding could receive an invitation to meet Wen Xi in the pavilion.
"We invite Young Master Huang Guangcai of the Burning Heaven Sect to the pavilion."
"Young Master Li Xiangong of Langya Academy, my lady invites you."
...
Xiao Lan's voice sounded from time to time, inviting those with outstanding zither skills and literary talent into the pavilion.
Some were happy, while others were sad.
Those whose names were called were overjoyed, while the rest could only beat their chests and stomp their feet, regretting the lost opportunity.
There were thousands of people attending the grand event, yet only a dozen or so could enter the pavilion, showing how discerning Wen Xi's taste was.
Inside the pavilion, over a dozen talented young men displayed their abilities, doing their best to please Wen Xi.
Huang Guangcai, with his skillful zither playing, gained some attention, but this also incurred the wrath of the crowd.
Everyone referred to him with a knowing look as "Young Master Streaker," revealing his embarrassing past, which made his face turn as red as a monkey's backside.
If not for his thick skin, Huang Guangcai would have fled on the spot.
Afterward, everyone began to expose each other's shortcomings and attack one another, all wanting to highlight themselves by belittling others.
After observing their performances, Wen Xi's face showed deep disappointment.
Why were all the men in the world like this?
"Sister Xueyi, are you able to find the peerless zither player you mentioned among the crowd?"
Wen Xi asked Tang Xueyi beside her, secretly hoping that the mysterious zither player would appear, perhaps to give her a surprise.
Tang Xueyi shook her head. She had already checked everyone who had entered Qingfeng Garden and did not find Ji Mo's presence.
That was right. With Ji Mo's realm of resonating with the Dao, why would he devalue himself by appearing here?
Li Xiangong of Langya Academy snorted, "They say there's no ranking in literature. Who in the world dares to claim to be peerless? I think that person is just a fame-seeker."
"That's right. If he truly had great talent, he would have shown himself long ago," many people agreed.
"Haha, that person is probably afraid of being exposed on the spot, so he dares not show up. We disdain to associate with him."
Huang Guangcai also chimed in with mockery, belittling Ji Mo to worthlessness.
Tang Xueyi's face tensed, and she almost couldn't resist teaching these people a lesson. However, considering Wen Xi's reputation, she could only hold back.
"Miss Wen Xi, why don't you play a piece and enlighten us?" everyone said.
"Then, I shall be clumsy."
Wen Xi, unable to refuse, could only nod in agreement.
"Zheng..."
Her slender jade fingers plucked the zither strings, and a moving melody slowly flowed out.
Wen Xi exuded a serene and tranquil aura. She and the zither seemed to have become one, her emotions flowing through the music.
The zither music was melodious, like a trickling stream, nourishing the heart, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze, and cleansing the entire soul.
When the piece ended, there was silence.
Then, thunderous applause erupted.
"It was so beautiful! The lingering sound of this piece is truly unforgettable."
"Miss Wen's zither skills are peerless, reaching the realm of man and zither becoming one, making us feel ashamed."
"With such superb zither skills, she is likely no less than Li Xiao."
Everyone spoke words of praise, vying to compliment Wen Xi, flattering her without reservation. Their expressions were exactly like fawning dogs.
At this moment, in the purple bamboo forest not far from the pavilion, Li Xiao was drinking heartily.
He had come at Wen Xi's invitation, but unfortunately, he didn't get along with others and was mocked, making him feel very unhappy. He could only hide here and drink his sorrows away.
While drinking, he played the incomplete piece "Flowing Water," his mood extremely depressed.
A master was slandered, and a clown was arrogant. How had the world come to this?
For supporting Ji Mo, Li Xiao's reputation had been ruined, and more than half of his disciples had left. Such a blow was immense for an old man.
"Old sir, that's not how you drink wine, and that's not how you play the zither."
A voice interrupted Li Xiao.
"Are you telling me what to do?"
Li Xiao looked at the young man before him and said irritably.
Had he really fallen to the point of being lectured by a young man who hadn't even fully grown?
Who in the world had the right to teach him to play the zither?
No, there was indeed one person, that mysterious master whose zither skills were unmatched in the world!
Ji Mo grinned, revealing his white teeth, "I wouldn't dare. I have a piece called 'Carefree Sigh' and would like to seek your guidance, old sir."
He had passed by Qingfeng Garden and, out of curiosity, came to join the fun. He unexpectedly encountered a down-and-out old zither player, who was playing his tune.
Meeting is fate.
Thus, Ji Mo decided to play a piece with positive energy to comfort the old zither player.
"Fine, I will guide you today. This is a great fortune for you, young man. I don't usually teach my zither skills easily."
Li Xiao found Ji Mo somewhat pleasing to the eye and decided to offer some guidance.
"Then, please guide me."
Ji Mo took Li Xiao's zither and began to play.
As the notes began, Li Xiao felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his mind going blank.