Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Di Ling’er did not suspend in mid-air but headed to the battle arena. The martial artists from the Phantom Race had long washed the battle arena clean of any bloodstains. A ring on Di Ling’er’s finger lit up as she retrieved a wooden table and stool as she sat on the latter. She placed her zither on the table, raised her head, and smiled.
Although Di Ling’er wasn’t considered an absolute beauty, the airs she carried with her were considerable. She had a sweet kind of aura like that of a neighbor’s daughter. At this moment, a light breeze fluttered her dress as her beautiful hands started to play on the ancient zither; there was something moving about that scene.
Ding-dong!
She casually played a note as it resounded out loud. Then, she closed her eyes and started to play a piece peacefully. The entire area suddenly grew quiet. However, many people started to get curious: so many extraordinary mystical abilities had been displayed before this; why was this young mistress playing her zither? Also, there was nothing special about the way she played. Could it be she was using it to attract the attention of some young masters?
“Divine Voice Heaven Skill!”
Jiang Yi, however, felt a distinct difference to Di Ling’er’s playing. Her playing indeed contained an additional bit of emotion; it was hidden very well though. As Jiang Yi’s Divine Sound Heaven Skill had reached a certain stage, he immediately could sense it. However, martial artists with passable soul spirits would probably unwittingly fall for it, right?
As expected!
As time went by, many people suddenly grew pensive; some people’s eyes also became glazed. The music was extremely downcast and bleak; it made everyone feel as if it was trying to recount a story, one of a love that was not to be.
Di Ling’er kept her eyes closed as a sweet smile appeared on her face. However, everyone seemed to be able to feel the loneliness and bitterness in her. It seemed as if this piece was narrating her story, her love and affection for someone that before it started had already ended. It seemed to be lamenting all their destinies, that young mistresses from great family clans like herself could not control their own marriages; they could only marry someone they didn’t like.
“Little Eagle King!”
Jiang Yi thought of that arrogant, sharp man. It seemed as if the Little Eagle King’s open declaration of love for Qi Qingchen had hurt many young mistresses’ hearts. He glanced around and realized that many great family clans’ young mistresses were all crying silently while many men were staring at that frail and lonely figure on the white-jade battle arena as they suddenly felt a silver of affection for her. Many of them seemed to want to hug her in their embrace and give her some warmth.
As more and more people’s eyes started to become dazed, although Jiang Yi had very strong defenses against the Divine Sound Heaven Skill, after seeing this scene; he was also slightly affected. He thought of Yi Chan and the others in the Stellarsky Domain, of how they were probably yearning for his return. He also thought of Jiang Xiaonu being so close to him and yet not being able to recognize him and about the bent figure that was Yi Piaopiao he saw on the eighteenth level of the Saint Prison as his eyes also became cloudy.
Di Ling’er’s Divine Sound Heaven Skill had not reached a high level; she had probably not realized it as deep as Jiang Yi. However, her soul spirit was very strong and as her technique was very well hidden, many people unwittingly fell for it. Di Ling’er had not even finished her piece, and there was only a minority left in the three spectator’s stands that were still lucid. These few people also looked rather downcast as they had been affected as well.
In the pavilions to the north, many young mistresses’ eyes were welled up as tears fell silently. Mo Huaisang’s dress was already damp with tears. Jiutian Wen and Qin Huan, who did not have too strong feelings for Di Ling’er initially, also started to look at her differently at this moment; they were deeply captivated by her.
As the piece ended, Di Ling’er smiled sweetly, held her zither, stood up, and bowed at everyone.
Many people quickly regained their senses. Following that, thunderous applause could be heard from not only the three spectator’s stands but also from the pavilions to the north. Di Ling’er’s mystical ability might not have been the most powerful, but she definitely received the most applause.
Di Ling’er started to look a little shy as she bowed once again and flew back into her pavilion. After she entered, she was surprised to see that Jiang Yi’s eyes were still closed. Mo Huaisang and company had woken up as well. They were all looking at her differently now. Before this, Xuanyuan Wudi and the others thought that Di Ling’er was one grade lower than Mo Huaisang. Now, they definitely felt as if they could sit shoulder to shoulder.
“Ay…”
Di Ling’er sat back down and was just about to slap Jiang Yi awake when Mo Lingqiu’s voice transmission rang out: “Don’t touch him; I think he has realized something.”
“Realized something?”
Di Ling’er was shocked. She did not expect Jiang Yi to have any realization now. Could it be her piece had triggered something? She could not think of a reason, but she did not bother Jiang Yi anymore as she sat there quietly.
Mo Lingqiu and the others must have heard Mo Lingqiu’s voice transmission as well. However, they had no intention of talking to Jiang Yi at all. They went back to watching the showcases outside.
As time passed by, there were fewer and fewer people heading up to the battle arena; not many were that eager anymore. The mystical abilities and secret arts showcased before them were too powerful; if they didn’t have the confidence in trumping those that had come before, they would just be embarrassing themselves if they still went.
Xuanyuan Wudi and the others had actually wanted to display their talents at the start. However, they decided to take it easy and just be a spectator this time. Although the number of people that went forward had lessened, the mystical abilities and secret arts displayed towards the end were no less magical. It was a pity that Jiang Yi was in seclusion and did not have the good fortune to observe and learn.
Two hours later, more than a hundred people had participated in the Wen Fight. At this time, no one new had appeared after five minutes. Yi Tu waited for a moment as he flew forward, stood straight in mid-air, and asked, “Anyone else?”
There was utter silence. Yi Tu looked about and then at the highest eighteen pavilions to the north, and said, “Since no one else is coming forward, then let’s start the grading to choose the top three!”
“Wait!”
A shout traveled from one of the pavilions in the middle of the second row. Following that, a man wearing black battle armor flew out. He wore a silver mask that under the reflection of sunlight made him look exceptionally awe-inspiring!
“Jiang Yi, what are you going up for? If you dare to fool around, I will take you down immediately!”
Mo Lingqiu’s voice transmission rang out immediately. Jiang Yi’s gaze turned towards one of the pavilions higher up and locked onto Mo Lingqiu as he said, “Rest assured, Lord Mo. I am not here to fool around. I will also not expose myself. I just want to get first place in the Wen Fight!”
“Uh—”
Mo Lingqiu was a little speechless. Had this lad gone crazy? After seeing so many special mystical abilities, Mo Lingqiu and the others had already decided the top three placing. Jiang Yi wanted to show off his mediocre skills?
“Wow!”
Jiang Yi’s appearance created a commotion among the pavilions in the north. Jiang Yi was too mysterious. Qi Qingchen had actually sat next to him that day? Little Eagle King had also paid extra attention to him? Furthermore, this mysterious mask was also very peculiar; many people had a deep impression of him!
“He actually went forward? Does he want to embarrass himself?”
Mo Huaisang sniggered coldly as Jiutian Wen and the others rolled their eyes as well. Jiang Yi had only ascended how many days ago? He was just going to disgrace the Earth Emanations Domain.
Yi Tu took a few looks at Jiang Yi, slightly displeased. After all, Jiang Yi had only appeared when he was about to announce the results. However, as Jiang Yi had been together with Qi Qingchen that day, he did not want to show any disrespect to Qi Qingchen. He nodded and said, “Alright, since you want to perform as well, please start!”
Jiang Yi flew down onto the battle arena as he thought for a moment and looked back into his own pavilion. He said, “Young Mistress Ling’er, can I borrow your old zither?”
“Chi…”
Many people started to mock Jiang Yi from the three spectators’ stands. He did not even have his own zither and wanted to play? Was he here as a joke?
“Great Minister of Public Works, here you go!”
Di Ling’er flew out of the pavilion, took out her zither, and threw it over. Jiang Yi received it with both hands. He didn’t even bother taking out a table from his ring as he sat on the floor and placed the zither on his thighs. He then tested the zither and let out an ugly sound.
Many people watched as Jiang Yi was clumsily trying to get a hang of the zither; he was obviously testing out the various notes. They were speechless. Jiang Yi did not know how to play the zither; was he here to cause trouble?
Yi Tu watched for a while and after he realized that Jiang Yi was still trying to master the technique of playing the zither, his brows knitted as he grew impatient. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Qi Qingchen’s voice transmission rang out: “Don’t disturb him. If I am not mistaken, the Wen Fight first place… only he deserves it!”
