Qin Shi: I went astray in the Heavenly Sect

Chapter 127 A Melody of the Heartstrings, Jingni's Little Thoughts

Do you have a zither?

Handan City, Yuhua Pavilion.

Xiu Yuan suddenly spoke up and asked.

Yao Yi blinked, seemingly puzzled, but she didn't refuse, and then pointed behind the screen.

"There's one, my benefactor, is that what you want?"

Xiu Yuan's eyes flickered, and he continued, "When I was traveling, I learned a piece of music, which was just right for the occasion, so I thought I would play a tune on the zither."

Upon hearing this, Yao Yi carefully examined the young man before her. Seeing that he did not seem to be lying, she asked Xue Nu.

"Sister Snow Woman".

The snow woman nodded and did not refuse, because she herself was also somewhat curious about this boy.

"Alright, please come over here, young master!"

Xiu Yuan got up and went behind the screen. There was an exquisitely designed guqin by the window. Yao Yi also came to sit down next to Xue Nu.

The Snow Maiden glanced at her, and when she saw Yao Yi shake her head, her gaze became somewhat complicated. If Yao Yi were alone now, perhaps she wouldn't need to be so cautious.

On one side, Xiu Yuan sat down and his gaze became distant as he played the zither. In Xinzheng, he had studied with Nong Yu for a period of time. A piece of music involves the five tones and six rhythms, supplemented by techniques and controlled by pitch, in harmony with the natural world, and is thus a masterpiece.

This time, however, the piece he wanted to play was not an ordinary melody, but a melody that resonated with the heartstrings.

Yao Yi had some concerns. He saw the matter clearly and had thought about where the root of the problem lay. In the end, he concluded that it was the silver-haired girl in front of him.

The Snow Woman was skilled in music and martial arts, and he thought that she should be able to understand this piece of music, and that was his answer.

As his mind gradually emptied, Guo Kai and Gongzi Jia were still facing off outside the window, and the main hall of the pavilion was still noisy, but this room seemed to be another world altogether.

Xiu Yuan rested his hands on the guqin, his eyes slightly closed.

His demeanor suddenly changed, and a natural charm emanated from him. A true expert can tell a lot from a single move; this principle applies to both ancient and modern times.

The snow woman's beautiful eyes flickered slightly, a hint of anticipation appearing in them.

There are few people in the world who understand vocal music, and even fewer who are highly skilled. The natural temperament that the other person exudes reveals everything.

The next moment, Xiu Yuan exhaled softly, and his fingertips began to dance, flowing smoothly, but surprisingly, the strings did not move and no sound came out.

Upon seeing this scene, Yao Yi's expression suddenly became somewhat strange. Music and art are refined pursuits that only the wealthy and powerful can learn. The girls in the brothels and dance halls practiced diligently in order to curry favor with those nobles.

Xiu Yuan, who came from San Yang Village, was exceptionally intelligent, brave, and resourceful, but playing the zither was a bit of a challenge for him.

She thought that perhaps the young man was infatuated with her and wanted to show off after seeing the Snow Woman. However, for the Snow Woman, such a show of being in the spotlight was not a show of being in the spotlight, but rather a disgrace.

Thinking of this, Yao Yi subconsciously looked towards the Snow Woman.

The silver-haired girl had a focused gaze, and a strange glint flashed deep within her eyes.

The highest form of music is to hear its sound and understand its meaning.

But she also heard that there was another kind of music in the world, called the Melody of the Heartstrings, which connects all spirits and heaven and earth, and could not be seen except by chance.

In fact, Xue Nu was also taken aback at first. However, unlike Yao Yi, she understood vocal music. The young man's fingering was not amateurish. His brushstrokes, picking, hooking, flicking, and vibrato were all just right, which showed that he was taught by a master of the qin.

So she tried to incorporate this fingering technique into the strings, and the next moment, her expression changed.

The zither was not played, yet the music resonated on its own.

Invisible musical notes were dancing, and she felt herself being pulled into an incredibly mysterious illusion.

Here, she seemed to see a sapling standing tall in the midst of a storm, growing tenaciously, and facing the scorching sun, bitter cold, wind, frost, rain and snow, it still stood proudly until it grew into a towering tree.

However, fate is fickle. The giant tree, which did not succumb to the harsh environment, eventually succumbed to fate. Yet, it did not give in. One morning after the storm, a tender bud appeared on the withered tree, which seemed like a new hope.

It wasn't until the Snow Maiden reached out and flicked away the tears that inadvertently streamed down her face that Yao Yi seemed to realize that the young man was indeed playing the zither, but she couldn't hear the music.

The boy paused for a long time, and the Snow Woman spoke again, asking leisurely, "What is the name of this piece of music?"

Xiu Yuan slowly opened his eyes and nodded inwardly. He was right; the Snow Maiden could understand the music. Then he looked up at the girl sitting opposite him and said softly, "This is a melody that touches the heartstrings. I haven't named it yet, but I have a message for you, Miss Snow Maiden."

The snow woman looked over, her gaze softening considerably.

Music is the soul of the heart; the young man opposite her played a heart-stirring melody that had already disarmed her.

"The Snow Woman wishes to hear the details!"

Xiu Yuan sighed softly.

"The world is full of hardships, but there are also times when flowers bloom. It is often said that those whose hearts are like flowers and trees can naturally grow towards the sun."

Upon hearing this, the Snow Woman remained silent.

She murmured softly to herself.

"The heart is like a flower or tree, growing towards the sun."

Although it was their first meeting, the boy seemed to have seen through her thoughts.

Yao Yi was right next to Xue Nu when she heard this. She seemed to understand something. In fact, these words would be useful to anyone.

"Can you tell me now?"

After sitting for a while, Xiu Yuan spoke again.

Upon hearing this, Yao Yi subconsciously looked at Xue Nu, her gaze seemingly questioning.

Xue Nu seemed oblivious to Yao Yi's gaze. After a long while, she spoke again, "What does Young Master want us to say?"

Xiu Yuan looked up at the fairy-like figure before him, and his brows furrowed slightly.

He wasn't sure if the other party was afraid or unwilling.

He then shook his head and stood up.

"If there's nothing else, then I'll take my leave."

Just before he finished speaking, Xiu Yuan suddenly stopped, then asked again, "By the way, Yao Yi hasn't said where Xiao Lin went yet?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Yi sighed softly.

"Lord Lao En is concerned, but Xiao Lin is no longer here. She has been taken away by a high-ranking official in the court."

"But please rest assured, my benefactor, this matter is entirely of her own free will! Love is a matter of mutual consent. Although she is only a concubine, she has at least found a home."

"As for that gentleman, his name is Zhao Yi, and he is the current king's younger brother. As for Xiao Lin... she has changed a lot. You will know if you meet her again, my benefactor."

Watching the boy's departing figure, Yao Yi turned around and went back into the house, then asked softly, "Why didn't Sister Xue Nu tell him?"

The Snow Maiden sighed softly.

“You’re right. He was indeed an extraordinary person. He mastered the art of playing the zither at a young age and was a genius in the art of playing the zither. He shouldn’t have died here.”

The melody, so touching, had already ruled out the possibility of him being an enemy, but it also stirred a sense of pity in Xue Nu, who didn't want this young man to get into trouble because of her.

Upon hearing this, Yao Yi shook her head with a wry smile.

The reason was that she had forgotten to tell the Snow Maiden that her little benefactor was not the kind of person who overestimated himself. When he saved her, he was a hypocrite who would abandon her and Xiaolin in times of danger.

She felt that if it was beyond her capabilities, this little benefactor wouldn't have intervened at all.

"Sister Xue Nu, it's true that he is Xiao Lin's and my benefactor, but he's not as compassionate as you imagine. When he rescued Xiao Lin and me from San Yang Village, he told us frankly before we left that if we encountered any insurmountable danger, we should each run for our lives."

Upon hearing this, the Snow Woman was taken aback.

A strange look, unlike anything she'd ever seen before, appeared deep in her eyes. She was compassionate, but knew when to stop. Perhaps cooperating with someone like that was the best choice, at least she wouldn't feel burdened.

Yao Yi thought for a moment and continued, "If Xiu Yuan refuses to help, don't be too disappointed, sister. After all, in this world, no one owes anyone anything."

"Let me think about it again!"

The Snow Woman remained silent for a while, then sighed softly.

On one side, Xiu Yuan, who hadn't completely left, stood outside for a while. Hearing the conversation between the two girls, he gently shook his head.

Having compassion in this chaotic world of war is not necessarily a good thing. However, despite its flaws, he was not averse to it, since no one wants to save someone who is an ingrate.

Although the two women's conversation was brief, just as he had expected, they had indeed encountered a problem, a very thorny one, and were even worried that it might involve him.

On the second floor, Gongzi Jia and Wang Hu stepped into the room where Heishi was, accompanied by Li Sikou and a somewhat unfamiliar man.

After briefly examining Black Stone's body, Li Sikou shook his head slightly. Then he turned and bowed slightly to a man in a white robe.

"Mr. Muxue, there is something wrong with Mr. Heishi's body. There are suspicious circumstances. We ask Mr. Muxue for your help."

"Twilight Snow?"

Standing on the fifth-floor corridor, Xiu Yuan frowned slightly. Jing Ni had also mentioned this person; he was a master of the Biri Sect.

Mu Xue did not refuse Li Zaiyou's request. After all, he came here to investigate the truth of the matter. Although Guo Kai was a person who rose to a high position by relying on the favor of the Prince of Zhao, he was not a fool.

What Gongzi Jia said earlier also caught Guo Kai's attention. Heishi himself was very strong, while Wang Shan was just a young man. Even if Heishi tied his hands, Wang Shan probably would not be his match.

Looking at the black stone lying half-reclined on the ground, Mu Xue's eyes were dark and unreadable. He was no stranger to his colleague.

Although Black Stone was usually lecherous, he wasn't stupid. It was even more impossible for him to cause trouble at Jade Flower Pavilion. Yet today, the other party had unexpectedly come here and died here. There seemed to be something fishy about this.

Then Mu Xue squatted down and examined him carefully. After a moment, the eyes of this master who could block out the sun changed slightly.

"The person who made the move is a master." Mu Xue's eyes turned cold, and her heart skipped a beat. The meridians in Hei Shi's body were completely destroyed, and his dantian was directly blown up. Such methods undoubtedly showed that the other party was a master with extremely terrifying internal strength.

In his memory, there was only one master in the Zhao state who had reached this level, the great general Li Mu.

Seeing Mu Xue's sudden change in expression, Li Zaiyou suddenly had a bad feeling; the situation seemed to be more troublesome than he had anticipated.

Looking at Gongzi Jia, who was standing silently to the side, Mu Xue's eyes twitched twice. Was it because of what happened with General Lian Po that the general had angered him? Or were there other factors?
"Mr. Muxue, is there a conclusion?"

Lee Jae-yoo asked aloud.

Mu Xue's eyes flickered. After a moment of silence, he replied, "The one who made the move was indeed not Wang Shan, but someone with extremely profound internal strength. Such a person is rare even in the entire Seven Kingdoms, and even rarer in the Zhao Kingdom."

Upon hearing this answer, the people present were taken aback.

Wang Hu glanced at Gongzi Jia without leaving a trace, and in his heart, there was already someone who met the criteria.

"You mean you're talking about the Great General??"

Gongzi Jia stood to the side with his hands behind his back, his tone turning cold.

Mu Xue shook her head.

"I was merely stating the facts; I had no other intentions."

Gongzi Jia gave Mu Xue a deep look, then snorted and continued, "Yesterday, the northern border was in dire straits. The General had already set off, and Prime Minister Guo was aware of this as well."

Upon hearing this, Li Zaiyou echoed, "I also know that the General left yesterday, and I saw it with my own eyes. There is no doubt about it."

Upon hearing this, Mu Xue sighed softly and said nothing more.

After a while, Li Zaiyou sent someone to bring the body back. When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped, sighed softly, and turned to Gongzi Jia and said in a deep voice, "Young master, please do not forget the ten-day agreement. I will take my leave now."

The ten-day agreement.

It is said that Gongzi Jia agreed to the condition that the case be solved within ten days.

After Li Sikou left, Gongzi Jia's expression turned somewhat grim. The ten-day agreement he had previously made was a last resort, since someone had died at Yuhua Pavilion, and if he didn't offer any explanation, Guo Kai wouldn't let it go easily.

However, the actual situation is quite complicated.

Originally, he planned to find a scapegoat and hand him over to Guo Kai, but he did not expect Mu Xue to come to such a conclusion. Where could he find someone with profound internal strength in just ten days?
If such a person truly existed, he wouldn't have been so short-sighted as to hand him over to Guo Kai.
"Sir?"

Seeing that Gongzi Jia remained silent, Wang Hu couldn't help but ask.

Gongzi Jia waved his hand, stood by the window looking at the bustling street, and said in a low voice, "It seems that trouble is brewing in Handan again!"

On the way back, Li Zaiyou noticed that Mu Xue hadn't said a word and her expression was a bit strange. This time, they couldn't be considered to have failed, so why did she look so sullen?

"Mr. Muxue, you don't seem happy?"

Mu Xue sighed.

"Li Sikou, what can I do for you?"

Lee Jae-yoo sighed softly, recalling what the other party had said earlier.

"Mr. Muxue once said that this matter might be related to General Li Mu. In the court, the Prime Minister and Li Mu are irreconcilable enemies. If we take advantage of this opportunity..."

Mu Xue shook her head.

"I really think it was Li Mu who did it!!"

Lee Jae-yee was taken aback, a hint of doubt rising in his mind. If the other party also had this idea, then why was he unhappy?
What does Mr. Muxue mean?

Mu Xue tightened her grip. The imperial court and the martial world were two different worlds. If Li Zai were not in the martial world, he might never know what Li Mu meant to the entire martial world of Handan.

"Lord Sikou, for Handan, is it easier to control a general who is in the open, or is it more terrifying to have a hidden master unknown to anyone?"

Upon hearing this, Lee Jae-woo narrowed his eyes, but his heart skipped a beat.

"If they were able to kill Black Stone so quietly today, they might be able to kill Amber, me, and even the Prime Minister tomorrow."

Upon hearing Mu Xue's explanation, Li Zaiyou's expression finally changed drastically. After a moment of silence, he asked uncertainly, "Would a thief have such audacity?"

Mu Xue shook her head again.

"I don't know, but this situation doesn't mean it won't happen. Just thinking about such a scenario makes me restless. It seems like a storm is brewing in Handan, a very strong one."

"So I have been thinking about how to report this matter to the Prime Minister. If such a master were to commit violence in Handan, no one could stand up to him except for Li Mu himself."

Upon hearing this, Li Zaiyou's expression suddenly became somewhat unnatural. Just now, he was considering whether to make a fuss about this matter, but now it seemed inappropriate.

"Isn't Mr. Muxue overthinking this? Although half of Zhao's military force is in the north, there are still tens of thousands of troops in Handan. Surely such a force can't defeat a martial arts master?"

A bitter smile appeared on Mu Xue's lips.

"What Lord Sikou said is not without reason. One person's strength is indeed limited when facing thousands of troops. But the key question is, will that person fight the army head-on? The terrain of Handan City is complex. The army will not have time to deploy and form an effective suppression. The enemy will retreat after a single contact. Such a fighting force will be a real headache."

Li Zaiyou sighed inwardly. No wonder the imperial court almost never formed deadly feuds with those masters in the martial arts world. Clearly, once a deadly feud was formed, the final result would probably be mutual destruction.

"So, are there really no ways to deal with this person?"

Mu Xue's gaze shifted slightly.

"That's not the case. It's just that finding this person might come at a great cost. The decision on this matter rests with Your Excellency!"

"There's something else. The matter at Zuimenglou is a bit suspicious..."

Time flies by, and before we know it, the city lights are on again.

In a room on the fifth floor of the Drunken Dream Pavilion.

Xiu Yuan stood by the window, looking out at the bustling street.

Ni Chang stood beside him, also admiring the night view of Handan. However, compared to usual, she felt that Handan seemed to have a special charm tonight.

"Help me investigate something."

After standing there for a while, Xiu Yuan spoke.

Ni Chang didn't even ask Xiu Yuan what he wanted to investigate before nodding.

Seeing the other party's attitude, Xiu Yuan couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

"Are there no restrictions on your use of the Net?"

The Luo Wang was a killer organization deployed by the Qin state to control the six states. It was also an intelligence organization, and no secret could escape its surveillance.

Ni Chang shook her head.

"Limited to the State of Zhao only!"

“In Zhao, among the people sent by Luo Wang, I currently hold the highest rank. According to Luo Wang's rules, I can command everyone below the Heavenly Rank within Zhao to serve me. However, if the matter you wish to investigate extends beyond the boundaries of Zhao, then I am powerless to help you.”

Hearing this answer, Xiu Yuan was somewhat surprised, because most of the people in the Luo Wang were desperate criminals, and would those desperate criminals really be so obedient?
"Will they obediently follow orders?"

Upon hearing this, Ni Chang's lips curled into a smile for the first time ever.

"Young master is joking. How could I possibly obey obediently?"

At this point, Ni Chang changed the subject and continued, "However, those who disobeyed have all been killed by me!"

Upon hearing this, Xiu Yuan remained silent. So, the rest of the people were all obedient?

The rules of the Luo Wang organization truly broadened his horizons, but he didn't say much about it this time. Every place has its own rules and survival laws. Since these are the rules of the Luo Wang organization, he really has nothing to criticize.

"I need information on Yu Hua Ge Xue Nu, Yao Yi, and Xiao Lin."

Ni Chang was somewhat surprised. Just from the names, she knew these were three girls, and she was quite familiar with Xue Nu. As the top courtesan of Yu Hua Ge, she was renowned in Handan for both her beauty and her dance.

The fact that they investigated three girls at once made Ni Chang feel a little jealous.

"Young master, you are so heartless. I was the one who arrived first."

Since being warned by the boy in front of her that morning, Ni Chang changed her mind. Back in Xinzheng, South Korea, she had noticed that there was a girl with him who was very close to her.

This means that the person in front of her is not the kind of Taoist disciple who has no feelings for men and women. If she doesn't want the other party to use that soul-separating secret technique on her, their relationship should naturally be as close as possible, especially in this situation where she has no way to resist.

As a top talent in the Luo Wang organization, she has her own unique insights into the art of survival.

Xiu Yuan frowned. Just as he was thinking, the girl next to him hugged him from behind. Feeling the smooth touch from behind, his body stiffened instinctively.

Having been at the Drunken Dream Pavilion for almost three years, Ni Chang was naturally no stranger to matters between men and women. Sensing the changes in Xiu Yuan's body, a smile flickered across her eyes. She was equally confident in her appearance.

In this chaotic world, most girls marry at a young age, with many even getting married at thirteen or fourteen. The same is true for boys, who are at most one or two years older. In other words, if this little guy had been born into an ordinary family, he would probably already be married.

A breath of hot air brushed against Xiu Yuan's ear, and an incredibly charming voice came through.

"Young master, this humble servant..."

Before Ni Chang could finish speaking, the world suddenly went dark. When Ni Chang came to her senses, she found herself frozen in place.

Looking at the boy who had turned around and was looking at her, Ni Chang suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

She remembered that the girls at Zuimenglou flirted with their customers in the same way, so why didn't it work on her? Besides, compared to those girls, she was far more beautiful.

Seemingly still resentful, she kept her eyes open, staring at the boy opposite her, until he shook his head in apparent helplessness. Only then did Ni Chang finally admit her mistake with satisfaction.

"Young master, I know I was wrong."

"..."

(End of this chapter)