Chapter 495 - 494: Tong Rou’s Invitation, Star God Temple

The Guzheng Spirit Weapon had chosen to recognize Tong Rou as its master of its own volition, naturally due to its approval of her.

As the palace master of the Immortal Music Palace,

Tong Rou had been immersed in the path of sound and music for countless years. She not only mastered music theory but also was knowledgeable about musical instruments.

To the Guzheng Spirit Weapon, she was without a doubt an excellent choice for a master.

A considerable time passed.

The music finally came to an end.

Tong Rou’s performance was moving, causing all the guests present to become intoxicated in its charm to the point of losing themselves.

Not until someone began to cheer did they remember to give her their applause.

Li Jing, who knew nothing about music theory, also enjoyed himself and clapped along with the others.

Li Lingyin, who usually only had eyes for wine, also gave Tong Rou a round of applause after the end of the piece.

Seeing everyone present applauding her, Tong Rou gave a slight smile and nodded, then turned her gaze towards Li Jing.

Just as she was about to say something, Feng Xie, who had been waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity to flatter her, laughed heartily.

"Miss Tong is indeed worthy of being the palace master of the Immortal Music Palace. This music is melodious and rhythmically light, it can even be described as heavenly music. After listening to it, Feng Xie feels as light as a swallow, as if the bottleneck that has been stuck for many years has loosened, and I can step into the Venerable Realm at any time."

Facing this kind of compliment, Tong Rou had no choice but to look his way.

"Lord Feng is too kind. I simply played according to my mood."

As she spoke, she lovingly stroked the strings of the guzheng and spoke with conviction.

"If I have to say, it is indeed the superb quality of this half-step Taoist artifact refined by Master Li that produces an exceptionally good tone. Moreover, it controls the rules of sound, which is extremely compatible with the path of sound and music that I primarily study. In all aspects, it can be described as perfect. I am afraid that in our entire Immortal Music Palace, there is not even one half-step Taoist artifact that can compare with this one."

Feng Xie laughed heartily at her words.

"Feng Xie only has a little bit of understanding of music theory and cannot compare with Miss Tong. As for the quality of musical instruments, I can’t tell much about it. Master Li’s mastery as a refiner is beyond doubt. However, for Feng Xie, the most important thing is still that Miss Tong likes this gift."

Upon hearing Feng Xie’s words, Tong Rou smiled lightly.

"Lord Feng is considerate. This gift is precious and I do not know how to repay."

"Miss Tong, you are being too polite."

Feng Xie responded, his tone serious.

"Considering the time, we have known each other for more than a hundred years. Isn’t it natural for Feng Xie to give you a gift that you like?"

Li Jing listened to their conversation, the corners of his mouth twitching uncontrollably.

It was apparent that Tong Rou truly liked this guzheng, which explained her excessive praise for him, the one who refined it.

It was beyond question that the rule of sound matched well with the path of sound and music.

However, her refusal to mention that Feng Xie customized the item for her was a bit... odd.

Not mentioning that the item is a gift.

Without Feng Xie’s Snow Sound-Silk, even if he, Li Jing, was more capable, it would not have been possible to refine an instrument that could control sound.

If Tong Rou had refused this gift, that would’ve been understandable.

But the key point was that not only did she accept it, she also liked it very much...

What was even more amusing was.

Feng Xie didn’t mind at all, and dedicated himself to flattering Tong Rou.

This...this...

Frankly, it was a bit tragic!

Was it possible that the city lord didn’t know that a pure flatterer has no future?

Thinking about it, the situation where both parties were willing to give and take had nothing to do with him. Tong Rou’s praise also greatly benefited the spread of his reputation. Li Jing, maintaining an attitude of indifference to matters that don’t affect him, picked up his wine cup and gestured to Li Lingyin beside him.

Li Lingyin saw this, was slightly stunned, and raised the wine jar in her arms to clink with him, then she raised her head and took a series of gulps.

"..."

Li Jing.

If possible, he’d like to regret.

Not to clink his glass with Li Lingyin...

This girl, even with a wine gourd, would still spill it. How much more with a wine jar?

Previously, she’d been somewhat cautious.

But now, whether she had been invigorated by the music or something, her chin was like a funnel, and the wine was pouring down like a waterfall, soaking her entire chest in a blink of an eye.

In front of so many people, it would not be appropriate for him to help Li Lingyin wipe it off.

Luckily, at this time, everyone’s attention was on Tong Rou.

Compared to Li Lingyin, Tong Rou, who was sitting on the side, silent and elegant, was more attractive indeed.

Despite her lower status than Li Lingyin, the prestige of being the master of one of the Nine Great Immortal Palaces in the Cangming Domain, the Immortal Music Palace, was not inferior to that of a Domain Lord, and even surpassed it in some respects.

He shook his head lightly and took a swig of the wine in his cup.

Just as he was debating whether to give Li Lingyin some paper towels after she finished her drink and set down the wine jar, Tong Rou caught a moment when Feng Xie had stopped talking to look over.

"Master Li, do you have any interest in the path of sound and music?"

Li Jing turned his head at the sound, with a wry smile on his face.

In fairness, it must be said that even though Tong Rou was not entirely upfront, she was indeed not an easy person to deal with.

Feng Xie’s flattery was so relentless, that anybody else would have felt troubled by it.

Without much thought, Li Jing responded.

"I’ve never dabbled in the path of sound and music, but I’ve been thinking of starting to learn it recently."

When she heard that someone planned on studying the path of sound and music, Tong Rou’s eyes lit up as though she’d found something to talk about at length.

"If you’re truly interested in learning about sound and music, whenever you’re free, you can come and visit our Immortal Music Palace. I will personally receive you then. Moreover, the Sky Music Pavilion of our Immortal Music Palace can be made available to you."

Sky Music Pavilion?

Li Jing blinked.

As if knowing that he would have doubts, Tong Rou thoughtfully explained.

"Although the Sky Music Pavilion is not where our Immortal Music Palace’s legacy resides, it contains precious music scores collected over countless years of our Immortal Music Palace’s inheritance. Many of them can be classified as unrivaled tunes of all ages. Moreover, the majority of these music scores are not just ordinary pieces, they are composed based on the path of sound and music and can not only be used for offensive and defensive purposes but also to aid cultivation."

Not waiting for Li Jing to respond, Tong Rou gave a clever smile.

"However, in exchange, I might need Master Li to refine a few musical instruments for me."

Li Jing raised an eyebrow upon hearing these words.

Unlike her polite words before, Tong Rou’s invitation was definitely sincere this time.

The important thing was that she had an ulterior motive.

He wouldn’t mind visiting the Immortal Music Palace.

He was quite curious about what one of the Nine Great Immortal Palaces would look like.

Also, Sky Music Pavilion was available to visit, it would be a big loss for him if he didn’t go this time.

Had it been in the past,

He wouldn’t have been interested in the Sky Music Pavilion, but now he had Snow Sound-Silk.

The path of the sound of music, he had to somehow learn it.

He couldn’t just wait until Snow Sound-Silk was repaired and then randomly play the Silk when someone pulled out their Taoist Items, right?

Not to mention it might be impossible for him to bring out the full power of Snow Sound-Silk, it would also be quite embarrassing...

His original plan was to learn how to play the guzheng first, then memorize some modern sheet music to make do.

Now, with a better choice, he had to accept it.

Not to mention he could do some business if he went there.

After a little consideration, Li Jing smiled and said,

"Master Tong has invited me so graciously, I am naturally willing to visit the Immortal Music Palace. Please, set a time with me now."

Hearing his response, Tong Rou showed a flower-like smile.

"I came to Phoenix Sun County mainly to meet my old friend, Lord Feng. I will stay for a few days then I will go back. Immortal Lord Li, if you are free at that time, you might as well go with me."

Feng Xie, who couldn’t join the conversation for a while, was hemming and hawing about Li Jing being invited to the Immortal Music Palace and being received by Tong Rou.

Suddenly hearing himself mentioned, his spirit brightened, and he felt he could join in again.

Well, they know what I mean!

But he genuinely admired Tong Rou, it wasn’t just a simple lust for her body.

Otherwise, as the lord of a city, would he have been so devoted to her for so many years with no appreciation in return?

On hearing Tong Rou’s words, Li Jing thought for a while, then nodded.

"Alright, I really don’t have any other things to do during this period, and I plan to stay in Phoenix Sun County for a while. When Master Tong is ready to return to the Immortal Music Palace, just send me a message."

"Then, it’s a deal."

Tong Rou smiled slightly, and then suddenly turned her gaze to Li Lingyin.

"Master Li, I have a few questions and would like to talk to you. Would it be convenient for you to step aside?"

?

Li Lingyin turned her head, surprisedly giving off a question mark.

"About the Shadow Demon that appeared in the Ningluo Domain."

Tong Rou whispered.

Upon hearing this, Li Lingyin frowned.

The appearance of the Shadow Demon in the Ningluo Domain and the death of a Domain Lord have been widely spread in just a few days.

Being such a person, Tong Rou naturally received the news among the first.

But the death of a Domain Lord in the Ningluo Domain has essentially nothing to do with the Immortal Music Palace.

The Immortal Music Palace, which belongs to Cangming Realm’s Blue Star immortal ascender force, has no connection with Ningluo Domain.

Considering that the Immortal Music Palace is almost entirely women and they always mind their own business, how could Tong Rou suddenly be interested in the Ningluo Domain?

Could it be...

Did she know or discover something?

Feeling strange, Li Lingyin nodded slightly and then turned her gaze to Feng Xie.

Understanding the situation, Feng Xie rose and said,

"Immortal Master Li, Fairy Tong, please follow me to the quiet room."

Feng Xie had heard about the Ningluo Domain incident early on.

He wasn’t interested in getting deeply involved, but anything related to Tong Rou had his interest.

In the City Lord’s Mansion of Phoenix Sun City, Feng Xie’s involvement was inevitable, and Tong Rou naturally knew about it.

So at this moment, she did not ask him to avoid any suspicions, standing up.

Li Lingyin also followed and stood up, then looked at Li Jing.

"Li Jing, why don’t you go back first?"

Li Jing blinked at her words.

Of course, he was very interested in the matter of the Shadow Demon.

But he had no intention of following them.

He didn’t have the thick skin of Feng Xie, to follow them when Tong Rou wanted to have private words with Li Lingyin.

Anyway, whatever happened, he would know when Li Lingyin came back.

However, what Li Lingyin suggested made him feel a little uncomfortable.

But thinking again, he felt it wouldn’t be bad to go back first.

His goal for this trip had been achieved early on.

It was meaningless to sit here.

When Feng Xie and the other two left, he would probably be "attacked" by many guests present. It would be better to go back directly.

Hence, Li Jing simply stood up, and showed courtesy to Feng Xie, saying,

"Lord Feng, I have other things to attend to, and I will not bother you further in your mansion."

After saying that, he did not wait for Feng Xie to respond, and with a wave of his hand, he tore open the space and stepped into it.

The many guests in the room stared wide-eyed at Li Jing’s move.

Feng Xie also couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

"Space Magical Power!?"

Before the words fell, Tong Rou, staring intently at the slowly closing space rift, murmured,

"No, it’s the rules of space."

Feng Xie gasped.

Space magical powers are very rare.

But those who control the rules of space are even rarer.

Even though the rules of space are fundamental and unique,

To understand and control these rules would require one’s personal chance and not just hard work in studying the path of space.

Coming back to the present,

The spatial rules are famously changeable and tremendous among the countless forces of rules.

This Li Jing...

Is truly unfathomable.

Feng Xie didn’t know Li Jing’s actual cultivation level, only knowing he is a grandmaster of artifact refinement.

He initially thought this man was only exceptionally skilled in artifact refinement.

Since he had just ascended.

Even with talent, there’s a limit to how strong one can be.

But now it seems, that’s not the case.

No matter his cultivation realm, as long as he uses the rule of space properly, he can be undefeated within the same realm.

Looking sideways at Li Lingyin, Feng Xie muttered.

"Master Li, you’ve indeed found a good man."

Upon hearing this, Li Lingyin fluttered her beautiful eyes twice and broke into a smile.

"Isn’t that the truth?"

...

As the conversation branched off.

Li Jing left, heading straight to the Domain Lord Mansion.

Because he doesn’t have anywhere else to go now.

There’s no need to look for Tong Xiaoxiao for the time being.

At the banquet, he had created some momentum for himself.

But the gathering hasn’t dispelled yet.

Tong Xiaoxiao needed to set up a few things for him, likely waiting for the banquet to end, or after meeting with Tong Rou, before she took any action.

As for the orders, he will probably need to wait a few days to receive them.

News take time to spread.

Even if someone at the banquet had a requirement, they would still need time to gather the materials, wouldn’t they?

Tearing open a space, Li Jing landed in the courtyard of the Domain Lord Mansion. Without lingering, he chose to enter the Little Universe with a thought.

Li Lingyin probably wouldn’t be back for a while.

If he had time to spare, he might as well start learning how to play the guzheng.

Li Jing arrived at the loft on Canglong Mountain, opening the supercomputer connected to the central server placed there. He sat down and softly called out.

"Xiao’ai."

"Yes."

"Yes."

Two responses echoed.

The Heavenly Path version of Xiao’ai manifested beside him quietly.

Simultaneously, the virtual projection of the Xiao’ai Artificial Intelligence from the supercomputer was also presented.

The one Li Jing required was naturally the Artificial Intelligence in the supercomputer.

Seeing that Xiao’ai herself also popped out, the corner of his mouth twitched.

Xiao’ai, being part of the will of the Heavenly Path.

Theoretically, she should be omnipresent and omniscient in the Little Universe.

She couldn’t possibly not know that Jing was here to find her "clone" created when she was still an Artificial Intelligence. Her appearance now was purely messing around.

Just like now.

As soon as Li Jing looked at her without saying anything, Xiao’ai mischievously stuck her tongue out at him. Then she pulled a door out of thin air, giggling as she stepped into it, leaving a voice behind.

"Oh, so you didn’t come to find me? Sorry to intrude! I’ll go first!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jing was both amused and moved.

So far, Xiao’ai had undergone great changes.

Whether it was as an Artificial Intelligence or as the will of the Heavenly Path, she was becoming increasingly mature in all respects as time went by. However, her enjoyment of messing around was the one thing that never wavered.

Could this be considered holding true to initial aspiration?

Shaking his head, Li Jing turned to look at the relatively dull Xiao’ai clone, who just executed orders by the book.

"Retrieve the playing method and instruction for the 21-string guzheng as detailed as possible. Also, find some pleasant music pieces for me."

"Understood."

Xiao’ai’s clone responded.

Next.

The information required was quickly retrieved on the supercomputer monitor.

Seeing this, Li Jing removed the Smoke Eye from his face. With a wave of his hand, he sent it over to the Heritage Stele area, then began studying the guzheng playing instruction carefully.

...

Li Jing was a typical novice in music.

Not to mention guzheng, a classical instrument, he’d never even touched the common piano.

However, backed by his Tenth Realm cultivation.

Learning to play wasn’t much difficult for him.

On one hand, his memory was good, able to remember everything at a glance.

On the other, with the support of his formidable cultivation, his body was extraordinarily agile.

After about just over ten minutes, he finished the basic course for guzheng beginners and was able to integrate what he learned.

After verifying what he learned was correct by trying out the little Snow Sound, Li Jing put Snow Sound away and continued checking on the mid-level and high-level instructions.

About an hour later, Li Jing successfully "graduated".

Having modern sources for systematic learning is indeed convenient.

If this were in the Immortal Realm.

Even with his extraordinary memory and agility, even if he swallowed his pride to let Tong Rou teach him, it would likely still take a good amount of time to truly master it.

Tong Rou was no doubt a musician with astonishing skills, knowing more than just the guzheng.

However, that doesn’t mean she knows how to teach beginners basic playing...

After all, she’s not a professional music teacher, just a practitioner of the path of music.

After learning how to play the guzheng, Li Jing spent some time memorizing the sheet music that Xiao’ai’s clone found, so he wouldn’t be aimlessly fumbling about once he was out.

Feeling that it was about time, Li Jing stood up and left the Little Universe.

...

Back in the inner courtyard of the Domain Lord Mansion, Li Jing looked around curiously.

Just as he was wondering whether Li Lingyin had returned, her voice appeared in his ear.

"Where did you run off to? It took me quite some time to find you," she said.

Upon hearing this, Li Jing subconsciously wanted to respond.

But before he could locate Li Lingyin, she emerged from a separate courtyard, waving her petite hand.

Noticing this, Li Jing promptly turned and headed towards her.

By this time, Li Lingyin had already ditched her palace dress and donned a more casual open-front robe.

Perhaps he was used to seeing her this way, or maybe Li Lingyin simply couldn’t pull off the formal attire of a palace dress well, but Li Jing found her to be more suitable in this relaxed outfit.

Upon arriving in front of the separate courtyard, Li Jing said,

"I thought you wouldn’t be back for a while, so I took some time to learn to play the guzheng."

"You’re learning to play the guzheng?"

Li Lingyin cocked her head.

"Didn’t I promise Tong Rou that I’d visit the Immortal Music Palace? I can’t show up there not knowing a thing, can I?"

Li Jing smiled.

"..."

Li Lingyin.

She originally thought that him wanting to pursue the path of vocal music was just a casual remark, and that he agreed to visit the Immortal Music Palace only because Tong Rou invited him. It was an opportunity to broaden his horizons.

But it seems like he was serious about learning...

Looking at him curiously, Li Lingyin said,

"Becoming proficient in the art of vocal music isn’t simply about learning to play the guzheng. You’re already struggling to balance cultivation and the art of artifact refinement, wouldn’t adding musical cultivation be stretching yourself too thin?"

"Don’t misunderstand, I’m just interested in it, not planning to add it as part of my cultivation."

Li Jing waved his hands in denial, before adding,

"Rather than this, did Tong Rou tell you anything specific about why she wanted to discuss the Shadow Demon issue with you?"

"Yes."

Li Lingyin nodded, her expression slightly serious.

"She suspects that the lord of the Star God Temple, who has close ties with the Immortal Music Palace, may have been replaced by a Shadow Demon."

"Star God Temple?!"

Li Jing was stunned.

The Star God Temple isn’t some ordinary power, but one of the top three large forces among the Nine Great Immortal Palaces in the Cangming Realm.

By the way.

In terms of strength ranking, the Immortal Music Palace is only ranked fifth.

Tong Rou’s suspicion towards the lord of the Star God Temple would certainly not be a baseless guess. Rather, she must’ve caught some clues and held onto this information for quite some time.

However, she wasn’t sure about the exact situation within the Star God Temple.

Her seeking out Li Lingyin for confirmation is likely due to certain associations being drawn from the issue of the Shadow Demon.

Realizing this, Li Jing wore a strange expression.

"So, she came to you to inquire about how exactly you detected that Ningluo Domain Master had a problem?"

"That’s one part of it, the other part is to understand the information I hold and the investigative results of Donghua Immortal Palace."

Li Lingyin nodded, and added,

"I avoided giving her a direct answer, not revealing that it was you who discovered the Shadow Demon. However, regarding this matter, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to accompany me to the Star God Temple."

As she continued,

"After all, Star God Temple is a force within my Cangming Realm. If there’s a chance that one of their palace masters has been replaced by a Shadow Demon, I cannot turn a blind eye."

"That can be arranged."

Li Jing smiled, saying,

"Isn’t your business also mine? If it’s convenient for you, we can leave right now."

Meeting his words with a smile, Li Lingyin was visibly pleased.

Although Li Jing made it sound very casual, she was quite happy to hear it.

"We can’t be brash about this matter. As a Domain Lord, I can’t just barge into the territories of any force I oversee."

After making that point, Li Lingyin added,

"Importantly, if the lord of the Star God Temple has indeed been replaced by a Shadow Demon or any other Alien Species, they would have certainly already received news of me killing a Shadow Demon. If we rush in, we would only startle the snake in the grass. They would not only hide from us but might also plan against us secretly."

As she continued,

"And then there’s one crucial point, although the lord of the Star God Temple is at the Twelfth Realm, they have four Venerable Elders presiding over them. If we don’t have concrete evidence that the Temple Lord has been replaced by a Shadow Demon, we can’t possibly act against them."

Four Venerables?!

Li Jing was startled.

Venerable beings, as rarities even among the Nine Great Immortal Palaces, were nothing less than awe-inspiring.

After all, they are the ancient traditions of a first-tier power.

Without producing a few Venerables, a force couldn’t argue its status as a first-tier power, but without a Venerable, would you dare call yourself a first-tier power?

What was surprising was,

They didn’t go to Zhong Shen Zhou, but stayed to guard the palace.

Usually, upon reaching the Venerable Realm, they would head for Zhong Shen Zhou to expand. Only a few would stay within the powers to sit in for the continuity of the tradition.

And the Star God Temple had four of them...

After a moment’s thought, Li Jing said,

"If the lord of the Star God Temple has indeed been replaced by a Shadow Demon or any other Alien Species, I could identify this at a glance. But as you said, we need concrete evidence, which isn’t easy to produce. I’m afraid we won’t be able to act against him within the Star God Temple."

"Pretty much. Therefore, I plan on negotiating with Tong Rou about this. I hope she can devise a way to draw him out."

Li Lingyin said, adding,

"We’ll discuss the specifics later. Lord Feng will not gossip, and we have plenty of time to plan. You can go on as you were in the coming days, and when it’s time for Tong Rou to leave, we’ll go together."

"Okay."

Li Jing nodded.

...