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Inside the bamboo hut, the aroma of tea wafted through the air. The tense atmosphere caused by the sudden change in the weather had gradually eased with Yi Huawei's calm demeanor and the warm tea.

However, the shock in Shi Feixuan and Shi Qingxuan's hearts spread like ripples on water, never ceasing.

They chatted for a while about music and tea ceremony. Yi Huawei mostly listened, occasionally interjecting, but always hitting the nail on the head and saying things that no one had said before. This made Shi Qingxuan's beautiful eyes light up. She felt that this man's knowledge was so profound and his insights so outstanding that they were the only ones she had ever seen in her life.

Whether it was the melody of the flute that had just played stirred up long-dormant memories, or the presence of someone as refined as Shi Qingxuan that touched his heartstrings, Yi Huawei put down his teacup, his gaze falling on the verdant bamboo flute that Shi Qingxuan had placed on the stone table, and spoke gently:
"Master Shi's flute playing is divine, truly admirable. I, Yi, am but a humble man, having dabbled in string and wind instruments in the past, and possessing some skill in the zither. Today, the autumn light is just right, and the elegant room is serene and tranquil. I wonder if I might have the honor of borrowing Master Shi's esteemed space to play a duet with you on the zither, to repay your kindness?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingxuan's clear eyes lit up with surprise. She had a lifelong passion for music, regarding it as her very life, but few could truly connect with her on an equal footing, both technically and emotionally. Yi Huawei, with his extraordinary temperament and broad knowledge, had offered to play a duet, undoubtedly the highest recognition of her flute skills, and it had also piqued her great curiosity and anticipation.

"Alliance Leader, you are too modest. I would be most grateful to receive your guidance." Shi Qingxuan rose gracefully, her tone filled with rare joy.

Shi Feixuan was also quite surprised. Shi Qingxuan had extremely high standards; ordinary people would find it difficult to even hear her sing a single piece, let alone perform a duet. Yi Huawei's actions would undoubtedly reveal another unknown side of him. She sat quietly to the side, preparing to listen attentively.

Before long, Shi Qingxuan placed a seven-stringed zither, entirely black and with an ancient design, on the tea table. The zither was made of warm, smooth wood with subtle ice-like cracks, and its strings were as fine as silk. It was clear at a glance that it was no ordinary instrument, and it carried an air of vicissitudes that had been accumulated over the years.

Seeing Yi Huawei sit down, Shi Qingxuan composed herself, picked up her bamboo flute again, and stood gracefully to the side, waiting for Yi Huawei to begin playing.

Yi Huawei held his breath, extended his slender fingers, and gently placed them on the strings. He closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, and when he opened them again, his fingers twitched slightly.

"Zheng——"

A clear, resonant tone rang out, like a drop of water falling into a deep pool, breaking the silence of the room. Immediately afterwards, a soothing and melodious tune flowed from fingertips.

The sound of the zither is ethereal and expansive. At first, it is like clouds rolling and unrolling, or the wind blowing through the pines, carrying a sense of leisure and freedom. Gradually, it becomes like a stream in a secluded valley, murmuring and clear, reflecting the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds.

Shi Qingxuan listened intently, capturing every subtle shift and emotional expression in the music. She discovered that Yi Huawei's musical artistry didn't pursue complex techniques, but rather went straight to the essence of music; each note seemed to contain the truth of nature, touching the heart directly. She secretly admired him, and without further hesitation, brought the bamboo flute to her lips.

A wisp of flute melody, like moonlight falling from the heavens, gently merges into the murmuring stream of zither music. The flute's clear and melodious sound complements the zither's warm and expansive tone. At first, the flute's melody cautiously echoes and embellishes, like moonlight chasing the flow of water.

But soon, Shi Qingxuan felt the all-encompassing pull and unparalleled rhythm in Yi Huawei's zither music, and she confidently poured her emotions and understanding into the flute music. The flute music was sometimes high-pitched, like a crane's cry in a clear sky, echoing the pine waves in the zither music; sometimes low and lingering, like weeping and lamenting, sharing joys and sorrows with the secluded spring in the zither music.

Yi Huawei's piano playing was like a vast, solid earth, supporting and echoing Shi Qingxuan's cloud-like, ever-changing flute music. His fingering was incredibly skillful; at the slightest thought, the notes flowed naturally, as if he were not "playing" but "guiding" the melody itself. Occasionally, he would improvise a few exquisite variations, which Shi Qingxuan would always understand perfectly, connecting them with even more brilliant flute music, making their collaboration seamless.

The zither and flute played in harmony, blending seamlessly together.

The harmonious music seemed to come alive, swirling and rising within the bamboo hut, sketching a transcendent landscape painting: the majesty of towering mountains, the tranquility of lush bamboo groves, the bright light of a gentle breeze and a clear moon, and a sense of carefree detachment from worldly affairs, a quiet melancholy that comes from having seen through the hustle and bustle of life.

Shi Feixuan closed her eyes and listened, feeling as if her mind and spirit were being cleansed by the beautiful music, all distracting thoughts vanished, and even the true energy of the Sword Canon within her body seemed to become more lively and agile. She was overwhelmed with shock; Yi Huawei was not only a master of martial arts, but his musical skills had also reached such a transcendent level! His duet with Shi Qingxuan was no longer a contest of skill, but a resonance of their hearts and minds.

As the music ended, its lingering notes echoed in the air for a long time.

The bamboo hut was completely silent, except for the rustling of the autumn wind through the bamboo leaves outside the window, which seemed to be accompanying the celestial music that had just been played.

Yi Huawei slowly withdrew his hand, the last tremor of the strings subsided, and he looked up at Shi Qingxuan with undisguised appreciation and joy in his eyes: "Master Shi's flute playing has reached the wonder of nature. It is truly my honor to be able to play with you all."

Shi Qingxuan put down her bamboo flute, a faint blush rising on her exquisite face from excitement, making her even more breathtakingly beautiful. Taking a deep breath to suppress her surging emotions, she looked at Yi Huawei with the joy of having found a true kindred spirit: "Alliance Leader's musical skill is truly 'close to the Dao.' My previous playing was merely that of a frog at the bottom of a well; today I realize the vast and boundless ocean of music. Thank you for your guidance, Alliance Leader. Please call me Qingxuan; I am unworthy of your esteemed title!"

Her words came from the bottom of her heart. Playing this piece with Yi Huawei had opened a new door for her understanding of music.

Yi Huawei smiled and shook his head: "Master Shi, you flatter me. We are just confirming each other's points."

By this time, the sun was rising higher, nearing noon. The warm autumn sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room brightly.

Yi Huawei's gaze swept past the few chrysanthemums blooming proudly in the autumn sun outside the window, a slight stirring in his heart. He then looked at Shi Qingxuan's exquisite and otherworldly face, and an idea surfaced. He said gently, "Today I have heard your divine music and been deeply honored by your kindness, Qingxuan. I have no way to repay you. If you don't mind, I would like to paint a small portrait of you as a memento. What do you say?"

Shi Qingxuan was slightly taken aback, then a faint blush crept up her ears, but more than that, she was pleasantly surprised. Although she disliked being ostentatious, it was in a woman's nature to care a little about describing her own appearance, especially when it was written by someone like Yi Huawei. She nodded gently: "Then... I'll trouble the Alliance Leader."

Shi Feixuan was also quite interested and wanted to see what kind of skill Yi Huawei had in painting.

Shi Qingxuan took out drawing paper, brushes, and paints. The drawing paper was as white as snow and of exceptional quality; the brushes were of varying thicknesses and the wolf hair was soft; the paints were even more vibrant and full of color, with a subtle, ethereal quality.

Yi Huawei told Shi Qingxuan to remain seated on the futon by the window, in a natural posture. Shi Qingxuan complied, sitting down with her bamboo flute in her hand, placed on her lap. Her gaze was slightly lowered, and she turned her face to Yi Huawei. The autumn light outside the window illuminated her cheeks and hair, as if casting a soft halo around her. Behind her were the faint shadows of bamboo and the scattered autumn chrysanthemums, creating a beautiful scene.

Yi Huawei observed quietly for a moment, capturing in his heart Shi Qingxuan's unique temperament, charm, and the artistic conception of the surrounding environment.

Then, he picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and with his wrist suspended in the air, he wrote with the speed of the wind!

The movements were no longer as gentle as when brewing tea or playing the zither, but instead carried the decisiveness and precision of a swordsman drawing his sword. The brushstrokes were fluid and unrestrained, sometimes using fine strokes to outline the hair and clothing, revealing every detail; at other times, splashing ink to depict the bamboo shadows in the background, expressing the spirit of the subject.

When painting, Yi Huawei's eyes are focused, as if his whole mind is immersed in the world under his brush, and he naturally exudes the demeanor of a master.

Shi Feixuan and Shi Qingxuan both held their breath, afraid of disturbing him.

In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yi Huawei had already put down his pen.

"Please review."

With a mix of nervousness and anticipation, Shi Qingxuan got up and approached. When her gaze fell on the drawing paper, she froze, her beautiful eyes widening in disbelief and shock.

On the painting, a woman in green robes, holding a bamboo flute, sits by a window. Her face is exquisitely beautiful, her expression serene yet tinged with a subtle loneliness. Her eyes are clear, seemingly holding a thousand words, yet remaining unspoken. The vividness of her expression and the lifelike quality of her demeanor even surpass the beauty of the woman herself, adding a touch of ethereal beauty. The sparse bamboo shadows and the chrysanthemums defying the frost blend perfectly with the figure. The painting is not only lifelike but also captures her spirit, especially the cool elegance and ethereal beauty that emanates from the depths of Shi Qingxuan's soul, as if her very essence has been imprinted on the paper!

Beside the painting is a line of elegant and upright calligraphy: "An orchid in a secluded valley, its pure sound travels far. — Written by an anonymous author at a secluded forest cottage." This...this is simply a stroke of genius!

Shi Qingxuan had never seen anyone paint her so vividly, so...touching the depths of her soul. She stared at the painting, momentarily mesmerized.

Shi Feixuan also stepped forward to look, her heart filled with amazement. Yi Huawei's painting skills had reached such a pinnacle! The value of this painting could no longer be measured by worldly standards.

"Alliance Leader...this painting is by Qingxuan..."

Shi Qingxuan raised her head to look at Yi Huawei, her voice trembling slightly, momentarily at a loss for words to express her gratitude and shock. This gift was too heavy, too heavy for her to bear.

Yi Huawei smiled calmly: "If you like it, that's good. It's fate that this painting has found its true owner."

Looking at the sky, the sunlight was already a bit dazzling, so he said, "It's getting late, I should take my leave. I've troubled you for a long time today, thank you for your hospitality."

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingxuan felt a pang of reluctance, but being of a cool and aloof nature, she was not good at making excuses. She simply rolled up the painting carefully, held it tightly in her hand, and said softly, "Alliance Leader, you are too kind. Today, I have benefited greatly from discussing tea and playing music with you, and I am deeply grateful for this masterpiece. I hope that you will visit this secluded forest retreat again when you have time in the future."

"Definitely." Yi Huawei cupped his hands in greeting.

Shi Feixuan also bid farewell to Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Qingxuan escorted the two to the edge of the bamboo fence, watching the two figures, one in green and one in white, walk further and further away along the path covered with fallen autumn leaves, eventually disappearing into the depths of the bamboo forest.

She stood alone in the autumn wind for a long time before slowly lowering her head, unfolding the scroll in her hand, and looking at the woman in the painting who was as aloof as an immortal, yet whose eyes and brows carried the same faint loneliness as her own. Her jade fingers gently brushed over the inscription on the painting, and a complex and indescribable emotion quietly rippled in the depths of her heart, which was as clear as a lake.

The secluded cottage in the woods has returned to silence, with only the autumn chrysanthemums still blooming quietly in the sunlight.

………………

The two left the secluded forest cottage and embarked on their journey home along the path strewn with fallen autumn leaves.

The sunlight stretched their shadows long on the path strewn with golden fallen leaves. The light in the woods softened, carrying a hint of warmth, yet it couldn't conceal the inherent desolation of a late autumn evening. The wind was cooler than when they arrived, swirling the fallen leaves and making a soft rustling sound.

Shi Feixuan walked side by side with Yi Huawei in silence for a while. Her mind was still filled with the events of the day—the inexplicable changes in the heavens and earth and their effortless resolution, the masterful zither playing, the divinely inspired painting, and the seamless harmony between him and Shi Qingxuan during their duet. All of this only deepened the mystery surrounding Yi Huawei.

She turned her head to look at the man beside her, dressed in a blue robe, with a composed and unhurried gait. His face still held that calm and unwavering expression.

After a moment's hesitation, Shi Feixuan finally couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Yi, what do you think of Miss Qingxuan?"

Her question was subtle, but her meaning was clear. She wanted to find out Yi Huawei's opinion of someone like Shi Qingxuan—whether he admired her talent, pitied her background, or had... other deeper thoughts.

Yi Huawei kept his gaze fixed on the winding path ahead, his steps unwavering. Upon hearing this, he merely gave a faint "hmm," his tone flat and devoid of any discernible emotion.
"His flute playing is divine, and his temperament is ethereal; he is a remarkable person."

Yi Huawei's answer was extremely concise, offering only an objective evaluation from the perspectives of art and temperament, without any hint of personal bias, and without mentioning Shi Qingxuan's complicated background.

Shi Feixuan wasn't surprised by his reaction, but she was also somewhat helpless. Yi Huawei's thoughts were as deep as the sea, and she couldn't possibly fathom them with just a few indirect questions. She then sighed softly, her tone carrying a sincere sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing regret, regret, and sympathy), and changed the subject:

"Only today did Feixuan realize that not only is the master's cultivation unfathomable, but he also possesses such extraordinary attainments in the art of tea ceremony, zither playing, and painting. Each of these is almost 'the Way,' truly something Feixuan has never seen before in her life. The master's talent is truly... unfathomable."

Her words came from the bottom of her heart. Any one of the talents that Yi Huawei displayed today would be enough to make an ordinary person famous, but he seemed to do them effortlessly and with mastery.

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei's lips curled into a slight, enigmatic smile, a smile carrying an indescribable meaning, almost self-deprecating. His gaze fell upon an old tree ahead of the road, its branches gnarled and bare of leaves, and his tone carried a calmness beyond his years, tinged with… a hint of etherealness:
"Feixuan flatters me. All skills in the world, whether literary or martial, are nothing more than 'proficiency'. The longer one immerses oneself in them and the more one sees, the harder it is not to become 'master'."

"Immersed for too long? Saw too much?"

Shi Feixuan pondered to herself, Yi Huawei looked to be only in his early twenties. Even if he had started cultivating from the womb, how long could he possibly be? Unless... he had some kind of magic to preserve his youth, and his actual age was far greater than he appeared? Or perhaps he had some incredible stroke of luck that allowed him to master all the schools of thought in such a short time?
She naturally couldn't have imagined that what Yi Huawei said was true. Having traversed several worlds and accumulated hundreds of years of time, he had enough time and resources to immerse himself in various refined arts; having reigned supreme in the world of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" for a hundred years, possessing the four seas and collecting all the classics in the world, he had even more time to squander on these "minor arts".

With Yi Huawei's mind and spirit honed through countless worlds, he could learn anything by focusing on its core essence, achieving twice the result with half the effort. Over hundreds of years, let alone the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, even the most obscure skills had reached a level of unparalleled mastery. For him, this was indeed merely "proficiency," having long since transcended the level of simple technique and incorporated an understanding of the "Tao."

Ignoring Shi Feixuan's contemplation, Yi Huawei continued walking slowly. The afterglow of the setting sun gilded his blue clothes with a warm golden edge, but it could not dispel the sense of alienation emanating from him, a sense of being out of place in this world and originating from the long river of time.

Looking at his profile bathed in the sunset, Shi Feixuan felt that the person in front of her was becoming more and more mysterious and unpredictable. She had countless questions in her heart, but she also knew that some answers could not be obtained in a hurry.

Just as she was about to suppress her many thoughts, Yi Huawei, who was walking ahead, suddenly spoke:
"Feixuan seems to be quite interested in my conversation with Miss Qingxuan?"

Shi Feixuan felt a slight chill in her heart, but maintained a calm expression: "Qingxuan is Feixuan's good friend. I am happy for her to have met a kindred spirit."

"Really?"

Yi Huawei didn't stop walking, his gaze still fixed ahead, but his tone held a hint of amusement: "Judging from your words and actions today, it seems less like you're happy for your friend and more like... a cautious observation and assessment. Fei Xuan, your 'friendship' with Shi Qingxuan doesn't seem to be as pure and simple as it appears."

Yi Huawei turned his head slightly, glancing at Shi Feixuan's frozen face out of the corner of his eye, and said calmly, "It is a good thing that the successor of Cihang Jingzhai has the world in mind. But do not let this mind get too involved in such a refined place, and do not... pretend to be clever in front of me."

These words, like a sudden cool breeze sweeping through the twilight, caused Shi Feixuan to stiffen almost imperceptibly. She opened her mouth, wanting to explain, but found that under the gaze of those all-seeing eyes, any words seemed pale and powerless.

Yi Huawei was not angry, and his tone was not even harsh, but the insight and warning contained in his calm words were more frightening to her than any harsh words.

Yi Huawei withdrew his gaze, said no more, and continued walking leisurely.

Shi Feixuan silently followed, her heart churning with turmoil, unable to find peace. (End of Chapter)