Film and Television World Life Record

He wanted to verify Linghu Chong's character, so he secretly observed him. Knowing that he was innocent, he would not publicly defend him. Although upright, he was very low-key.

He plays the erhu very well. The erhu is a musical instrument that is usually favored by people who have suffered misfortune and fallen on hard times in the martial arts world.

This also explains the inner conflict in Mo Da's heart.

He lacked the ability to pursue imperial ambitions and was unwilling to smear his hands with blood. He also had to constantly guard against open and covert attacks, so he could only survive in the cracks. At most, he could stab the enemy in the back when they were not paying attention and help them when no one was looking.

The greatest sorrow is "nothing is more tragic than a dead heart, nothing is more distressing than a lack of will."

As one of the five major sword sect leaders, Mo Da was the only one who ruled by doing nothing, and the only one who preserved his own strength and that of his sect.

What's even more incredible is that he didn't even have an enemy, a rival, or a competitor. Whether it was Ren Woxing, Dongfang Bubai, Zuo Lengchan, or even Yue Buqun, they didn't even recognize him. As a result, while many masters perished one after another, he survived.

Thus, he became the only one among the leaders of the Five Sacred Mountains sects to die a peaceful death.

The two most famous pieces in this drama, "Night Rain in Xiaoxiang" and "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," one deep and the other bright, echo each other, one bright and the other dark, one rising and the other falling, just like this world of martial arts.

…………

In the afternoon, upon hearing that Li Mu was taking his leave and would be departing the next day, I wondered if it was because Li Mu had defeated all the second-generation disciples of Hengshan Mountain these past few days, displaying extremely strong martial arts skills and exceptional talent, or if people had guessed that Li Mu had dealt with Lu Lianrong.

This man was not only a disliked figure in the surrounding martial arts world, but also within the Hengshan Sect. Despite his best efforts to conceal it, being bullied by a younger generation was not a glorious thing, and he did not want to further tarnish his reputation.

However, the wounds on his body couldn't be completely concealed, especially the distinctive ones. As one of the Five Mountains Sword Sects, and one of the Five Swords of Mount Hua, the famous Iron Wire Sword Style was easily recognizable.

As the only Huashan disciple in the vicinity, and quite formidable, it's reasonable to assume that Lu Lianrong was dealt with by him.

As a result, Li Mu received even more attention. Liu Zhengfeng, a powerful figure in the martial arts world, also hosted a farewell banquet for him.

While Li Mu was surprised, he thought it made perfect sense.

Liu Zhengfeng was already very shrewd and knew well in the martial arts world for his ability to make friends. When he met his highly skilled and promising junior apprentice, he naturally wanted to cultivate a relationship with him and befriend him in advance.

Li Mudao did not refuse and gladly accepted the invitation.

…………

As the most prominent wealthy family in Hengyang City, the Liu family mansion was extremely luxurious, with vermilion gates, pavilions and towers, surrounded by flower streams, and nestled among artificial hills and strange rocks.

The banquet was held in a beautiful stone pavilion in the back garden. The environment was very quiet and secluded. Liu Zhengfeng was very hospitable and praised the guests before they took their seats.

After a few words of casual conversation, Liu Zhengfeng picked up a piece of bamboo shoot and said, "Nephew, please try this. It's a Guanyin bamboo shoot, a specialty of Hengshan. It's specially made by my cook using tender and thick bamboo shoots. It's quite a complicated process, but the taste is excellent."

Li Mu gently picked up a piece, put it in his mouth, and found the bamboo shoot to be tender and delicious with a unique aroma. He smiled and said, "Such a delicacy! Uncle Liu is very lucky!"

Liu Zhengfeng said, "Nephew, you are too kind. I would have made myself seem like someone who craves comfort."

Li Mu said, "Uncle Liu is too modest."

Liu Zhengfeng shook his head and said, "If possible, I would really like to find a place to live in seclusion, withdraw from the martial world, and live a carefree life. Unfortunately... retiring from the martial world is not easy."

Then he suddenly spoke again: "Nephew, you've been in Hengshan for a few days now. Have you heard the rumors of the great discord between my senior brother and me?"

Li Mu nodded: "I have heard of him, but Master Mo is a reclusive master, a free spirit, and my uncle is a great hero in the martial arts world with friends all over the world. They are all outstanding figures of their time."

"You may have differences of opinion, and disagreements may not necessarily be real."

Liu Zhengfeng's eyes lit up and he said, "Nephew, you see things clearly. There's nothing to it. Rumors in the martial arts world say that my senior brother and I are not on good terms, and that it's because of some difference in wealth! We are indeed not very close on weekdays, but it's definitely not because of any difference in wealth."

"Speaking of which, my senior brother and I both love music, so we should be closer. However, the erhu that my senior brother plays is no longer the same, and the tunes all go down the path of sorrow."

"However, good poems and lyrics are meant to be joyful without being licentious, and sorrowful without being tragic. The same applies to good music. His erhu playing is so mournful that it brings tears to people's eyes. It is inevitably vulgar and has a common touch. As soon as I heard it, I wanted to stay away from it."

"As time went on, we grew increasingly estranged. To outsiders, this became evidence of discord between us, my fellow disciples. I don't know what my senior brother was thinking; perhaps he believed those rumors, because he has had less and less contact with me over the years."

At this point, Liu Zhengfeng couldn't help but sigh heavily again!

Li Mu said, "I see. We have different interests and differing ideas, but it's not a struggle for interests or power, so it can't be considered a feud. Mr. Mo should not misunderstand."

Liu Zhengfeng said, "I hope so. I really can't stand the constant sorrow in his erhu playing. I don't know why you like it so much, senior brother."

Chapter 536 (541) A Timeless Masterpiece

Li Mu said, "Perhaps it's because my uncle and Master Mo had different experiences growing up, and their perspectives on things are also different. Uncle Mo often mingled among the common people and came into contact with ordinary folks, so he must have felt something when he played the erhu."

"My uncle comes from a prestigious family and is a renowned figure in the martial arts world. He associates with refined people, so it's natural that he's not used to it."

"However, music is a matter of personal taste. Whether it's elegant or vulgar, the result is the same, and there's no inherent superiority or inferiority in it."

Liu Zhengfeng smiled wryly and said, "What you said makes sense, nephew. I have learned something."

The two chatted for a while longer, from music to swordsmanship, and after discussing the Five Swords of Mount Hua, they started talking about the swordsmanship of the Hengshan School.

Liu Zhengfeng suddenly sighed and said, "Among my Hengshan sword techniques, the 'Returning Wind and Falling Wild Goose Sword' and the 'Thirteen Forms of Hundred Transformations and Thousand Illusions of Clouds and Mist' are certainly extremely skillful, but the most skillful set of sword techniques in my Hengshan is the 'Hengshan Five Divine Swords'!"

Li Mu pondered for a moment and said, "But what about the five sword techniques: Heavenly Pillar, Hibiscus, Purple Canopy, Stone Granary, and Zhurong?"

Liu Zhengfeng nodded and said, "That's right! Of the seventy-two peaks of Hengshan, these five are the highest. Therefore, Hengshan has five sword techniques named after these five peaks: Tianzhu, Furong, Zigai, Shilin, and Zhurong."

"My 'Hengshan Five Divine Swords' is a combination of these five sword techniques, which are transformed into five moves: 'Spring Echoes Like Lotus,' 'Crane Soars Over Purple Canopy,' 'Stone Granary Recites Like Books,' 'Heavenly Pillar Clouds,' and 'Wild Geese Return to Zhurong.' Each move encompasses one style, integrating and simplifying the essence of dozens of sword techniques within a single move. This single move contains both offense and defense, and its power is the greatest among Hengshan sword techniques. Therefore, these five sword techniques are revered as the 'Hengshan Five Divine Swords.'"

Li Mu suddenly realized and said, "I see. I've learned something new. I'd love to see it for myself sometime."

He knew in his heart that the Five Divine Swords of Hengshan had probably been lost in Hengshan, but some might be found in the secret caves of Jade Maiden Peak. Now that his swordsmanship had a foundation and his internal strength was not weak, he could go to the Cliff of Contemplation to look for them after returning to Huashan.

Liu Zhengfeng sighed, "Alas... I'm going to disappoint my junior disciple. It's a pity. Back when my Five Mountains Swords were dueling with the Demonic Sect at Jade Maiden Peak of Mount Hua, my grandmaster and grand-uncle both died. My master was still young at the time. He had learned most of the five sword techniques: Heavenly Pillar, Hibiscus, Purple Canopy, Stone Grinding, and Zhurong. But the Five Divine Swords of Hengshan, which can be used to encircle one Lu, was too profound and mysterious to be passed down. I never thought it would be lost forever. Alas..." Liu Zhengfeng sighed deeply as he said this.

Li Mu said, "That's a real pity. I really wanted to see the splendor of the Five Divine Swords of Hengshan."

Liu Zhengfeng said, "To be honest, my abilities are limited. My late master said that the five sword techniques—Tianzhu, Furong, Zigai, Shilin, and Zhurong—complement each other and are as complex as the universe. If one were to learn all five sword techniques, a person with exceptional talent might be able to integrate them and comprehend the Five Divine Swords of Hengshan. However, I am dull-witted and, although I have learned these five sword techniques, I have not been able to grasp their mysteries. I am truly ashamed!"

Li Mu said, "Uncle-Master, there's no need to belittle yourself. The 'Five Divine Swords of Hengshan' is profound and cannot be easily comprehended. Just let things take their course."

Liu Zhengfeng smiled wryly and said, "What my junior brother says is true. I have lived half my life, but I am not magnanimous enough in this matter."

The two chuckled, clinked glasses, and chatted as they ate and drank.

Liu Zhengfeng suddenly changed the subject and said, "Brother Yue is truly blessed to have taken in such a remarkable person as my nephew. I have spent half my life wandering the martial world and have met many people, but few can compare to my nephew. I also get along quite well with my nephew. Why is my nephew in such a hurry to leave? Why not stay a little longer!"

Li Mu chuckled and said, "Thank you, Uncle-Master, but no need. I've been away from home for many years, and this trip down the mountain is also to go home and visit."

Liu Zhengfeng nodded: "I see. Going home is the priority, so I won't keep you any longer."

After chatting for a while, the banquet was about to end when suddenly a hearty laugh rang out. A figure, like a wisp of smoke, approached from afar and quickly floated down.

"Brother Liu, I've revised a new section of the melody. Give it a listen and see."

Liu Zhengfeng's expression changed slightly, but he quickly returned to normal. He secretly glanced at Li Mu and, seeing that Li Mu looked normal, breathed a sigh of relief.

Liu Zhengfeng then stood up and said, "Junior nephew, this is my good friend, also a master of music. We became friends through music. We have been working together to create a piece over the past few years. It is still rough and needs to be revised from time to time. Please forgive my poor performance."

Li Mu said, "Oh, so you are a master of music. I am very fortunate to hear you today!"

He secretly wondered if they were talking about Qu Yang. Judging from this, they must have known each other for quite some time. If it was a piece they co-wrote, could it be the legendary "Swordsman Song," which was only known by name but never heard?

At this moment, Li Mu finally saw the person who had come: a tall hat and wide belt, white hair and a youthful face, slightly sunken eyes, a pair of deep brown eyes that shone brightly, full of spirit, with excellent demeanor and bearing.

Upon seeing Li Mu, he paused slightly, but seeing that Liu Zhengfeng didn't react, his expression returned to normal.

Liu Zhengfeng quickly introduced Li Mu, saying that he was a junior disciple of the Huashan Sect, and so on...

After some polite exchanges, Li Mu quickly witnessed how the two were completely obsessed with each other, oblivious to his presence, and perhaps even forgetting he was there.

Liu Zhengfeng took out his xiao (vertical bamboo flute) and put it to his lips. Qu Yang also took out his seven-stringed guqin (ancient zither), tuned it a few times, and the two smiled at each other, their mutual appreciation undisguised.

Then, they actually started playing music on the spot.

The sound of the zither was very elegant, accompanied by the melodious sound of the xiao (vertical bamboo flute). Then, the sound of the zither gradually rose higher, while the sound of the xiao slowly lowered. However, the sound of the xiao was low but continuous, like a wisp of silk floating in the wind, yet it was continuous and unending, which added to the feeling of being deeply moved!

One played the zither, the other the xiao; the melodious sounds of the zither and xiao blended harmoniously. Suddenly, a clanging sound emanated from the zither, seemingly carrying a murderous intent, while the xiao's melody remained gentle and graceful.

After a while, the music gradually softened, the two notes rising and falling, and suddenly the zither and flute music changed abruptly, as if seven or eight zithers and seven or eight flutes were playing music at the same time. Although the sounds of the zither and flute were extremely complex and varied, each sound was melodious and moving.

After listening for a while, the sounds of the qin and xiao changed again. The xiao changed its main tone, and the seven-stringed qin became just a tinkling accompaniment, but the xiao sound became higher and higher.

The zither and flute played in harmony, a mournful melody lingering in the air. As they played, the two looked at each other and smiled. Suddenly, a sharp, clear sound rang out, and the zither music stopped abruptly, as did the flute music.

In an instant, all around fell silent, everyone was immersed in it, and did not wake up for a long time.

It took Li Mu a long time to come to his senses, and he was deeply impressed by Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang's qin playing skills.

It's truly rare for two people to find such a rare kindred spirit, and for their personalities to be so compatible. Unfortunately, they belonged to opposing factions of good and evil, which led to the destruction of their family and the loss of their lives.

Liu Zhengfeng suddenly smiled and said, "Nephew, this piece is not yet complete. This is the first time that the two of us have played it together in front of others since we composed it. What do you think of this piece?"

Li Mu sighed, "It is like heavenly music, and words cannot fully describe its wonder. If my uncle were to complete this piece, it might be able to rival the timeless masterpiece 'Guangling San'."

Qu Yang laughed heartily and said, "In the past, when Ji Kang was about to be executed, he played a tune on his zither and lamented that the 'Guangling San' would never be heard again. But he didn't know that the zither has seven strings, with the first string being the lowest note. If you tune the second string to the same pitch as the first string, the tone will be deep and powerful. But the first string is also called the 'ruler string.' Tuning the strings in this way can be said to be 'a subject offending his ruler.' People only know that Ji Kang never taught this piece, but they don't know his reasons!"

Li Mu said, "So there's another reason why 'Guangling San' is said to have been lost."

Qu Yang laughed and said, "Has the Guangling San melody really been lost?"

Li Mu said, "Oh!"

Qu Yang said, "I have indeed seen the score of 'Guangling San'."

Li Mu also knew about his tomb raiding and search for music, but he did not reveal it at this time. He said, "Isn't it said that since Ji Kang, 'Guangling San' has been lost forever?"

Qu Yang stroked his beard and said, “This matter is true, but it underestimates the people of the world. Ji Kang was a very interesting person. Historical records say that he was ‘magnificent in his writing, fond of Laozi and Zhuangzi, and admired the extraordinary and chivalrous.’”

Zhong Hui, who was a high-ranking official at the time, went to visit Ji Kang, who was also busy forging iron, but Ji Kang ignored him. Zhong Hui, feeling slighted, had no choice but to leave.

Ji Kang asked him, "What did you hear that brought you here, and what did you see that made you leave?" Zhong Hui replied, "I came because of what I heard, and I left because of what I saw."

Zhong Hui was a man of intelligence and talent, but unfortunately, he was too narrow-minded. He was angry about this matter and spoke ill of Ji Kang to Sima Zhao, so Sima Zhao had Ji Kang killed.