Chapter 27: A Performance That Stuns the Crowd

The performance began.

The sound of the konghou seemed to emanate from transparent water, causing even the surface of the water to vibrate slightly—clear, ethereal, and drifting. It caused everyone present to sink completely into it, as if their very souls were enjoying peace and tranquility.

Then, the bili began to play, its timbre deep, resonant, and mournful. Following the continuous, mellow, and undulating melody, people seemed to travel through history along with the instrument, meeting the ancients in the vast expanse of time and space.

Immediately after, the pleasant sound of the pipa rose, matching the heavy sound of the jiegudrum, solemn and elegant. A scene gradually emerged before everyone's eyes.

Returning geese over the vast desert, yellow sands of the Silk Road, foreign dancers spinning, dreaming of home.

Finally, the four instruments played in unison, the melody becoming pleasant, agile, and melodious.

Unanimously, a peaceful and prosperous age appeared before everyone's eyes, with incense smoke, the sound of flutes and drums, lights, and music. Talented scholars and beautiful women, famous figures, commoners in plain clothes, and dancing sleeves were all part of this prosperous scene, a constant stream of people.

Clouds bowed to the clear fragrance because of the white-headed drunkard, swords drifted everywhere because of the dancing beauty, and wine glared at the Emperor because of the Eight Immortals drinking.

Riding white deer to tour stone mountains, steering colorful cloud boats, climbing Yellow Crane Tower to play jade flutes. Every scene was tranquil and comfortable, prosperous and harmonious.

Leisure and luxury were both in this dynasty.

Then, the climax arrived, and the melody became impassioned and high-pitched.

Suddenly, a ten-meter-long yellow Divine Dragon emerged from behind Zhou Yi and his clone, and the surroundings were filled with Cloud Mist like a fairyland; the Divine Dragon played happily in the clouds, following the soaring melody.

It seemed unsatisfied, and as the Cloud Mist spread, the Divine Dragon roamed proudly throughout the hundreds-of-square-meter hall, during which everyone could feel the dragon weaving and moving right before their eyes, within reach.

Finally, the music ended on this intense and beautiful climax; Qiuniu let out a joyful, long roar, then gradually vanished before people's eyes.

The Cloud Mist gradually dissipated, and looking back at the hall, only Zhou Yi remained; he stood up and bowed to the crowd with a smile.

"This piece is titled 'Drunken Peace', thank you all for watching."

After speaking, Zhou Yi's figure also gradually faded, finally dissipating like dust before everyone's eyes.

However, the hearts of those watching were far from peaceful; they were still completely immersed in the performance just now, and the romantic scene of that prosperous age in their hearts could not dissipate for a long time.

After a long while, the crowd finally reacted, and thunderous applause erupted in the hall, with everyone asking each other who the person who played the music was.

The young ladies had eyes shining with excitement, wishing they could have a romantic date right away.

Qian Renxue, who had been invited, was also very shocked, her heart feeling extremely complex.

"Xiao Yi... is this the surprise you mentioned... you... you really are becoming more and more outstanding!"

Thinking of Zhou Yi's affairs, her gaze grew increasingly fervent, and a possessiveness she herself was unaware of gradually ignited in her heart.

Suddenly, Xue Ye Great Emperor patted her on the shoulder.

"This really gave me a surprise, Qinghe. How about we invite him to perform at the opening ceremony of the Continental Young Soul Master Competition in two years?"

Qian Renxue came back to her senses after hearing this.

"Father Emperor, your child feels your proposal is very reasonable, and since Zhou Yi is my friend, I can go and invite him."

"Oh? Hahahaha, I didn't expect you to know this young talent. Good, then I will leave this matter to you." Xue Ye was very happy to hear that the matter had a lead.

"Yes!"

The graduation ceremony ended smoothly, and every student received their graduation certificate from Yuexuan Master Tang Yuehua, happily throwing themselves into the arms of their loved ones.

Afterward, Tang Yuehua walked to the back hall and said to Zhou Yi, who was organizing the instruments, with a complex expression.

"Xiao Yi, your performance today truly exceeded my imagination. To be honest, even I was startled."

Tang Yuehua had taught him for a year, and she was the person who most intuitively felt Zhou Yi's extraordinary genius. However, she was clearly shocked today as well.

"Haha, Teacher, don't say that, it's embarrassing."

"By the way, what was up with that Divine Dragon? I heard others say that the appearance of the Divine Dragon had no soul power fluctuations. How did you do it?"

"This involves one of my unique arts. However, if it is you, Teacher, I can pass it on. This is a unique art that can be performed without soul power. Teacher, do you want it?"

Looking at the earnest gaze of her proudest student, she subconsciously believed his words, but immediately hesitated—perhaps out of disbelief, perhaps out of excitement.

She no longer had her composed demeanor at this moment, and like a little girl, she asked timidly.

"A unique art that doesn't require soul power? Does such a thing really exist? Can I... really learn it?"

Looking at the anticipation in her eyes, Zhou Yi smiled slightly.

"Of course you can."

Saying this, he directly pressed his forehead against Tang Yuehua's, broke through the mental barrier, and imprinted the cultivation method of the Divine Ability into her mind.

Due to receiving a massive amount of information instantly, her reaction was a bit sluggish; when she came to, she hurriedly stepped back, her ears turning slightly red.

She had grown up to this age, and apart from her relatives, no man had ever been in such close contact with her. Looking at the gentle and handsome youth in front of her, she could only keep hypnotizing herself that he was just a child, her student.

However, what child could be 1.8 meters tall and act so mature~

"Teacher, thank you for teaching me music for a year. This Divine Ability is a gift for you; I hope you like it."

After finishing, he didn't even look at her reaction and walked away with a smile.

Watching Zhou Yi's back, Tang Yuehua felt a mix of emotions; the things she taught were not worth mentioning compared to the gift Zhou Yi gave, yet even so, he gave it away just like that.

She did indeed like this gift very much; it was a gift that could change her life.

When Zhou Yi left the back hall, he found Qian Renxue waiting for him.

"Xue Dage, you could have just come in if you were looking for me, why wait here?"

"Hahaha, no matter. Xiao Yi, your performance this time truly shocked me. I didn't expect you to learn music to this extent in just one year. I really didn't misjudge you."

"Not at all, I'm still far from good in this regard." In fact, Zhou Yi wasn't wrong; the Dao of music was broad and profound, and he had only learned the basics, though it might sound a bit like 'humble-bragging' to others.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, and then Qian Renxue began to talk about business.

"Xiao Yi, my Father Emperor also came this time, and he holds you in extremely high regard. I have been entrusted by him to invite you to perform at the opening ceremony of the Continental Elite Soul Master Competition. I wonder if you have the willingness?"

"No problem, Xue Dage. For such a small matter, you just need to say the word, and I will definitely get it done for you."

Just like that, the two walked and talked, and before long they left Yuexuan. Qian Renxue still wanted to spend more time alone with Zhou Yi, but as they walked, she discovered Zhu Zhuqing had come to find Zhou Yi, and she could only leave in disappointment.

"Xiao Yi, since your friend has arrived, I won't disturb you any further. Remember to come find me to hang out when you have time next."

"Alright, take care, Xue Dage."

Beside him, Zhuqing watched Qian Renxue's back in silence, her mind deep in thought.

In truth, she had met this Crown Prince more than once; although he spoke to her with refinement and approachability on the surface, for some reason, she always sensed a faint, lingering hostility from him.

She had previously dismissed it as an illusion, but today, she felt this hostility once again; it seemed that, though she did not know why, this Crown Prince was indeed dissatisfied with her, he simply did not show it.

However, she could not worry about that now; she had indeed come here to find Zhou Yi for a matter.

"A-Yi, Rongrong has run away from home, and Uncle Ning wants you to go find her."

"Hm?... That's interesting~ I understand. Thank you for your trouble, I will head over in a while."