As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 237 Kui Immortal
"Young master, this city..."

Long Lian and Ming Chen entered the room and tidied up briefly. Ming Chen stood by the window, quietly watching the world outside through the second-floor window of the restaurant.

The vast river flows into the sea in the distance, with sails billowing on its surface.

"It's a bit messy."

After thinking for a moment, Long Lian gave this evaluation.

The chaos here is different from the chaos within Qian Yuan territory, where people suffer due to war and a corrupt bureaucratic system.

The people here can eat their fill, not because they are poor and starving, but because of something else—excessive indulgence? Lack of discipline and guidance?

Mingchen shrugged: "That's normal."

Greedy merchants who prey on customers, thieves who steal in pairs, drunkards fighting outside taverns, lecherous thieves...

In just one morning, Mingchen witnessed a string of extraordinary people.

There are all sorts of people in the world.

Such people do exist; you can always find their counterparts in the shadows.

However, Mingchen is new to this city, and in just one morning, isn't the frequency of these encounters a bit too high?
The old shopkeeper's seemingly casual remark just now reveals a lot.

What are the rules?
What about the law?
The fact that people indulge their desires without restraint, engaging in deception, theft, fighting, and adultery—actions that fall below the general moral standards of society—demonstrates that the government's control over these matters is extremely lax.

However, it's not like we can completely ignore it. As the shopkeeper just said, killing someone in the street is a crime.

But that’s about it.

In such a lax system, chaos is to be expected.

People need management and control. Relaxation and freedom will not allow people to live and work in peace and contentment; they will only breed chaos.

However, with the powerful military system of the Jinglan Alliance suppressing the situation, this place is peaceful enough, with minor skirmishes but no major incidents.

Moreover, the Jinglan Alliance is not plagued by the problems of a bureaucratic system. There are fewer corrupt officials and less exploitation of the people, or rather, the people cannot see the extent of the exploitation, and the business is prosperous enough.

This makes it look pretty good.

In other words, it was just a few unlucky individuals, but the grievances were directed at a specific person, and the hatred was directed at that individual, not at the Jinglan Alliance regime.

If honest and timid people cannot survive, beyond the boundaries of the Jinglan Alliance, to the north lies the militaristic and extremely xenophobic Beilie Kingdom, governed by strict laws. To the south lies the deeply entrenched and corrupt Chen Kingdom, where the Blood-Clad Army is advancing with overwhelming force, and war is constant.

Everyone is terrible.

In comparison, staying here is not a bad thing.

This is why the shopkeeper said it was "good in some ways, bad in others."

Beneath the bustling, prosperous city, beneath the wings of freedom, lies a barren and ugly wilderness of humanity.

Unrestrained freedom is the engine that propels the evil in human nature.

Mingchen gazed quietly at the wide river flowing into the vast ocean, then shook his head at Long Lian: "Long Lian, I came to this place two years ago; it was a poor city back then."

"An overseas force has integrated people from these different regions and achieved this in such a short time."

He sighed softly, "She's already very capable."

This alliance leader, whom Mingchen had never met, was probably the best he had ever seen in terms of seizing opportunities.

Foresight, wisdom, and decisiveness.

In everything you do, you can achieve the greatest benefit with the least cost.

While Hong Ling Shuang was studying Ming Chen, Ming Chen also saw everything that the alliance leader had done since logging in.

I haven't met him yet, so it's hard to say what his ambition and ideals are.

But in terms of sheer talent and qualities, this leader of the Ocean Blessing Alliance is stronger than anyone Mingchen has ever met.

This includes His Majesty, and the most threatening tiger-like ruler of Beilie.

Knowing when to attack, when to retreat, when to form alliances, and when to do what... all these factors lead to the greatest benefit.

This city seems to have quite a few problems.

However, given the current situation, the convergence of cultures from different regions is inherently fraught with conflict. It is no easy feat for a city impoverished by war to reach this level in such a short time.

The people's own moral issues are the simplest of all.

However... perhaps this is simply the way management works on the islands by nature.

To govern by doing nothing, and to indulge in freedom.

But whether the story ends in a utopian paradise or a land of sin remains to be seen.

"Let's go!"

Mingchen withdrew his gaze, patted the child's head, and smiled at Long Lian, "Let's go down and see if they have anything else special."

So what if it's chaotic?
He loved fists the most, for they were the ultimate form of justice.

The biggest thug here is just a hoodlum; whose fist is bigger than his?

The city is so big, how could you possibly see it all in half a day?

Mingchen doesn't want to be noticed by the Jinglan Alliance right now.

He was just a traveler, wandering aimlessly, not seeking any specific purpose.

It's quite nice to explore the different cultural customs, and see what unique foods and activities are available here.

The three of them went downstairs.

When the old shopkeeper at the counter saw Mingchen, his expression was no longer one of sighing.

Instead, it instilled a sense of awe.

There's already a thin barrier between them.

You can't judge a book by its cover; this young outsider won't be bullied here.

"Shopkeeper, what are your specialties here...?"

Mingchen arrived at the counter, just about to say something to the other party.

"Give it! Give it!"

"Don't worry, don't worry!"

"Hurry, hurry!"

“It’s about to start!”

……

Just then, a group of people rushed past outside the door, and there were sounds of pushing and shoving.

As they walked, a young man clung to the wooden door of the restaurant and shouted to the diners inside, "Hurry up and climb to the Heavenly Terrace! The Kui Immortal is playing music and performing!"

"What? It's true! She actually showed up? That's great!"

"I've heard so much about him, and I came to Bailing specifically for Kui Xian!"

"Shopkeeper, check please, I'm not eating!"

"Go, go, go!"

"No need for more food, I'm leaving now!"

"Hey... wait for me..."

……

The man shouted once and left, but then the noisy restaurant fell silent for a moment.

Immediately afterwards, people's expressions changed. They stopped drinking, putting down their bowls and chopsticks, and stopping everything they were doing. They stood up, their eyes filled with excitement, and began packing their things to leave.

The guests filed out, some without even paying their bills.

They quickly joined the wave of departure, running towards the very center of the city.

At this time, people were crowding around, and if those two brothers had gotten involved, they would probably have made a fortune.

"Kui Immortal?"

"Shopkeeper, what's the deal with this Kui Xian?"

Mingchen was, after all, located tens of thousands of miles away in Jiqu. Even if he had read Hong Ling Shuang's intelligence, it was impossible for him to know all the details. The intelligence Xiao Xin Yue gave him did not include these trivial matters.

Has a celestial being appeared here?
Mingchen watched the guests rushing out and asked the old man with great interest.

The old man didn't dwell on those who skipped out on their bills. Instead, he stood up and gave a few instructions to the shop assistant: "Tie Niu, you stay here and watch the door."

After saying that, he straightened his clothes and prepared to go out.

"The shopkeeper..."

Only the sullen doorman remained, opening his mouth with a hint of helplessness.

This is the fate of working people.

The old man is old and can't walk fast.

Mingchen was asking him questions, and he was getting a little impatient.

However, recalling Mingchen's swift and decisive slap just now, he softened and said to Mingchen, "Sir, do you know that our alliance leader does not despise musicians, singers, and dancers who entertain people? In fact, he quite admires them."

"She believes that art that brings pleasure should be appreciated."

"Eyes and sound are the ways people perceive the world, and pleasing these senses is a human pursuit. Musicians and singers are professions for people to express their inner charm."

Mingchen shrugged: "I know."

Different people have different ideas, and different cultures have different cultural characteristics.

There's nothing wrong with liking to listen to music.

In the Central Plains, artists were simply regarded as the lowest of the low, mere performers seeking rewards, with no dignity or social standing.

However, the situation was different for the Jinglan Alliance on the islands.

The leader of the alliance seems to be a very talented musician, so the status of musicians and singers on the islands naturally rose, and the performing arts flourished.

The conch shell that the leader of the alliance gave him could be used to play music.

The old man walked briskly down the street with Mingchen, explaining as he went, "The Alliance has built a Sky Platform in the center of White Spirit City, providing a stage for any performer to perform and showcase themselves."

"People can sit and listen to music in their spare time; the entire city's population are the audience and listeners of the performers."

"Everything is decided by the audience. If the performance is good, the performer will receive the fame and rewards they deserve."

"If the performance is not good, no one will care."

"Last year during the Spring Festival, the Jinglan Alliance held a grand gathering for ascending to immortality, which singers and musicians could participate in and enjoy for the people of the whole city."

"They perform on the Heavenly Platform. Whoever receives the loudest cheers, performs the most brilliantly, and plays the most moving music will be bestowed the title of 'Kui Immortal' and will also receive a reward from the Alliance Leader."

Mingchen: ...

Those cultivators rushed to serve the king, fight, and beg for a title of immortality.

The Jinglan Alliance is different; they ban someone just because they sing well.

In this era, concert talent shows have started to be held.

I wonder if this person with the title of "immortal" actually possesses the qualities of one.

The old man changed the subject: "However..." "The response that day was lukewarm, and the performances by the artists on stage were not outstanding."

"The weather was already cold, and even the leader of the alliance was getting drowsy. He left the venue in the second half of the event."

"But at that moment, a mysterious songstress took to the stage, played the konghou (a type of harp), and sang a piece of music that shook the heavens and the earth."

"I have the honor of having heard of it..."

The old man seemed to be thinking of something wonderful. He shook his head, his wrinkled face flushed, and his expression was one of rapture. He said to Mingchen with a sigh, "The singing is melodious and the lingering sound is enchanting. How can I describe it? Truly... indescribable. It's so captivating, like being immersed in pure beauty, as if I've entered a dream of paradise..."

"As the song ended, the dream faded away, and the once bustling square was now eerily silent."

"So she won the ascension to immortality and was bestowed the title of 'Kui Immortal'."

"No one knows her name or where she came from; they just call her by her title, and she never appeared again."

"The people of Bailing City are proud to have heard Kui Xian's song."

"Oh? Really? So beautiful, so lovely to listen to?"

The little bird fluttered its wings and landed in Mingchen's hand. Mingchen stroked the bird's head and kept asking questions.

His Fuyao'er sings quite well too.

While dipping the beans...

"Of course! Sir, let's go and see for yourselves, and you can listen to what I've said and see if it's true!"

Just listen to them, and they all fall silent!

The old man shook his head, seemingly sighing, "If one doesn't listen to a song by the immortal Kui, even a hero is wasted."

Upon hearing this, Mingchen narrowed his eyes, as if he had thought of something, and asked the old man, "I've heard that the Alliance Leader is also a top-notch singer! Has the shopkeeper ever heard the Alliance Leader perform?"

"Eh~"

The old man trembled upon hearing this, seemingly becoming more lucid: "That's the Alliance Leader!"

"How could you sing songs for us mere mortals? You must be joking, sir!"

"Hey!"

"If she hadn't sung, how would she have gained fame and become known as a top-notch singer?"

Mingchen chuckled and said, "Then I think it's more like, if a person doesn't listen to the Alliance Leader sing a song, then even a hero is in vain!"

"you!"

The old man paused, glancing around unconsciously. Unable to argue further, he could only say, "You're incredibly bold!"

To have a king sing and perform—this person really dares to think of such a thing.

The old shopkeeper's shop was located quite close to the city center. As we talked, we walked briskly with the crowd, and from afar we could see the bustling area, which was the so-called Ascending to Heaven Terrace.

It has a ring-shaped structure with high edges and a low center.

It does look somewhat similar to the arena in Beilie. After all, both are for people to watch performances, so naturally there needs to be a height difference to get a clear view.

It can't compare to the stages and venues of the past, but in the context of today's era, it's already quite good.

In the very center was a huge blue stone platform, where people filed in. Although the laws were clearly lenient, the people here were extremely disciplined, lining up neatly and surrounding the platform.

Mingchen and his group arrived at the perfect time, standing in the middle of the crowd, where there were already several thousand people ahead of them.

Although the song "Kui Xian" is famous far and wide.

But after all, in this era, information was not readily available, and people relied mainly on word of mouth as they passed by. This city was not as excessively prosperous as Yueyang City. Several thousand people were already a lot; it couldn't gather the tens of thousands of people that had been present at a concert in my previous life.

The fact that so many people have appeared now is enough to prove the value of this Kui Immortal.

Normal dynasties would not hold such meaningless events; with so many people involved, a slight mishap could lead to serious trouble.

Ironically, the management and laws are very lenient here. This strange sense of laxity has created this situation.

"It's really her!"

"Kui Immortal! Kui Immortal!"

"Are we going to sing a song?"

"Who exactly is Kui Xian?"

……

At noon today, the sun was shining brightly, the sea breeze was slightly salty, and seagulls flew in from the sea and circled in the sky.

People stared intently, their eyes filled with anticipation, and some even with idol worship, as they looked at the person in the center of the stage.

Where everyone's gaze fell, stood a slender woman. Her face was not the kind of beauty that was considered stunning; rather, it was rather ordinary. Her features were soft, and she had an ethereal air about her, but she was not exceptionally beautiful.

"Yeah!"

"It's her, it's her!"

"Sir, you are truly blessed!"

The old man stood beside Mingchen, his face flushed with excitement and anticipation, and kept talking to Mingchen.

This old shopkeeper, at his age, is still a fan of celebrities!
The woman on stage hadn't performed yet, so Mingchen was only observing her appearance. He had excellent eyesight; he could see the chaotic battles below Yueyang City from the high mountain, and he could also see the woman's face now.

This person exudes one word from head to toe: fake!
An expert can see the details. Mingchen is skilled in the art of disguise. This woman's appearance seems very ordinary, but in Mingchen's eyes, there is something somewhat incongruous.

The woman's current appearance is not her true form.

She held a guzheng, slowly sat down, accepting everyone's gaze, closed her eyes, and remained calm and natural.

She didn't introduce herself, didn't say anything, didn't ask for anything, and didn't say anything more.

She simply raised her hand, her fingers gently plucking the strings of the guzheng. The strings trembled slightly, and the melody, carried by her playing, reached everyone's ears.

In an instant, the entire square within a radius of 100 meters fell silent.

Even the mischievous children remained silent, staring intently at the person in the center of the platform, their eyes bright, listening intently, afraid of disturbing the music.

The sound of the guzheng rises, like a gentle breeze rustling through a bamboo grove in the mountains, ethereal and far-reaching, its lingering notes seemingly able to transcend time and evoke beautiful memories. It is like distant mountains shrouded in mist, or a stream flowing gently under the moon, tender and poignant, its lingering melody captivating the listener and leaving a lasting impression.

The rhythm of the prelude already draws people into a beautiful fantasy, which is enough to prove the woman's worth.

is her!

It must be her, Kui Xian!
Only she could play such music, surpassing even the most skilled musicians in the world.

Her slender fingers plucked the strings of the zither. Suddenly, the woman in the center opened her eyes. Her bright eyes swept over the crowd below the stage.

He slowly opened his mouth.

"Pine soot stains the ink, old texts lie pressed on the inkstone. I write of the snow-capped peaks, yet my temples remain untouched by the dust of the world. I carry my zither up the mountain, where I find no one in this world. The three-foot moon on the strings may illuminate your robe and pillow..."

The ethereal and melodious sound, accompanied by the sound of the guzheng, entered people's ears.

She didn't shout; her red lips parted slightly, her voice soft but melodious like a gentle drizzle, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

In an instant, beautiful sounds rippled outwards, reaching everyone's ears. Everyone stood there, speechless and unable to comprehend it. From the highest heavens to the deepest underworld, they had never heard such celestial music.

It was as if a bird yearning for freedom had sprung up in my heart and soared high into the sky.

Those who hear it seem to be captivated by it, lost in a beautiful, dreamlike illusion, unaware of its meaning.

Everything was excessively peaceful and beautiful.

The harmonious scene before us seems to be the very image that monarch ultimately sought.

Mingchen stood in the crowd, listening quietly.

The more knowledgeable, the higher the status, and the broader the perspective of a person, the less easily they are shocked or surprised.

Mingchen has experienced quite a lot, and even when facing gods, he can remain calm. Naturally, he is different from the ignorant common people around him.

However, at this moment, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This trip was definitely worth the price of admission.

Mingchen considered himself rather vulgar, not the refined type who had a persistent pursuit of art. His visits to brothels were more about admiring the beautiful women singing.

But at this moment, he was completely absorbed in it.

The melodious singing and graceful tune seemed to make him temporarily put aside his scheming and immerse himself in the imagery of the lyrics, as if he could see the scenes depicted in the song.

It was truly an auditory treat.

He never imagined he would be able to attend a concert in this era. And a concert of such magnificent and exquisite beauty that even the stars of his past life couldn't match.

The woman was singing a poem called "Floating Life Oar," which was written by a scholar from Beilie and later adapted into a poem.

Most of the music from this era is like that.

The song's general meaning is about giving up fame and fortune, pursuing freedom, and enjoying a peaceful and carefree pastoral life. Mingchen had heard the girls sing this song when he visited brothels in Beilie Qingcang City.

The melody and lyrics are neither good nor bad, just average.

The girls make a living from this, and they sing quite well.

Of course, it can't compare to the one in front of me.

That's the difference between mortals and immortals.

Oh, woman blessed by the sea...

As the woman sang, her bright eyes swept over the crowd below, who were captivated by her song, but she couldn't help raising an eyebrow, a hint of smugness flashing in her eyes.

This time, her gaze carefully surveyed her surroundings, but finally settled on one person.

Having met many people, she became intelligent and quick-witted, with a keen eye for detail. Among the mediocre crowd, her handsome and bright personality stood out.

Eyes facing each other.

Although they never spoke, it was as if they had a conversation that transcended space.

Interesting person!

She couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips into a smile.

"I once envied the wings of the Kunpeng, soaring through three thousand fathoms of waves. Now I see fishermen and woodcutters talking, their lives adrift on the water, each to the east and west... Drunk before the falling blossoms, that is my little world. When the wind rises tomorrow, I will continue the journey of those who have not yet returned."

Before we knew it, the last syllable fell, and the clear and melodious song gradually came to an end.

The lingering sound echoed in the air, never ceasing.

The Ascension Platform was eerily quiet.

People stood there, mesmerized.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Listening to this piece is truly an ultimate enjoyment.

The sun shone brightly on the dome, and seabirds seemed to be attracted, circling overhead and dancing to the song.

Kui Xian truly lives up to his name.

To be able to hear such a piece of music in this lifetime is truly a blessing.

Unlike last time, Kui Xian did not leave without claiming her glory and reward after finishing her performance.

She simply sat on the stage holding her guzheng, her gaze fixed on one person, and said softly, "Young master, may I come up on stage?"

Having always used vulgar language and acted recklessly, this was the first time she had been so polite.

(End of this chapter)