CHAPTER 95: CHAPTER 92: THE MYSTERIOUS MISS FEIYIN (2700 WORDS)_1

The Sonic Sect.

Among the many branches of the Sanqing Immortal Sect, its status was a very special one. The cultivation techniques practiced by the disciples of this sect were generally not suited for combat. Instead, they used musical rhythm to provide support and buffs to their allies. The Sonic Sect had inherited hundreds of musical scriptures, each one elaborating on the different profound mysteries of the sonic arts, and each possessing its own wondrous use.

Some could gather spiritual energy through musical rhythm to increase cultivation efficiency. Others could amplify the morale of their side during battle, causing their teammates’ fighting spirit to soar. Still others could use music to disturb an enemy’s state of mind, drastically weakening their morale.

Of course, there were also techniques that directly used musical instruments to coalesce mana into energy blades to attack enemies. However, most disciples who entered the Sonic Sect disliked conflict and slaughter. Furthermore, the lethality of energy blades formed from musical instruments was significantly weaker than the ultimate techniques of branches like the Sword Sect or the Thunder Sect. If one truly loved a good fight, they could simply join another branch; there was no need to enter the Sonic Sect.

Therefore, the number of Sonic Sect disciples who specialized in offensive sonic arts was relatively small.

At this moment, the "Light Clouds Drifting Melody" that echoed through the Phoenix Perch Building was one of the Sonic Sect’s most renowned, top-tier techniques, ranking among its ten greatest skills. Its status was comparable to the Sword Sect’s "Heavenly Timing Sword Scripture" and the Thunder Sect’s "Seven Steps Dragon Slaying Technique."

The purpose of this sonic art was not combat. Instead, its rhythm allowed one to cast aside distracting thoughts and better enter a state of enlightenment. While in this state, comprehending Daoist scriptures and practicing spells would yield twice the results for half the effort. If the person playing the melody possessed a sufficiently high attainment in the sonic arts, and if the listener’s fortune was strong enough, it was even possible to trigger an epiphany. It was not at all impossible for a brief moment of listening to be worth ten, or even a hundred, years of arduous cultivation.

It was for this very reason that Lady Feiyin, having mastered the "Light Clouds Drifting Melody" to a minor degree of success, held such a high reputation in the Phoenix Perch Building. Every time she took the stage to perform, she would attract countless young prodigies from the city. There were even elites from various Cave Heavens and Blessed Lands who spent lavishly, tossing out a thousand Spirit Stones at a time, just to earn a smile from Lady Feiyin.

It was a pity, however, that no matter how ardently those prodigies courted her, they could never gain the slightest favor from Lady Feiyin, let alone capture her heart. They never even had the chance to see her true appearance from behind the screen.

That’s right. To this day, no one in Vermilion Bird City had seen Feiyin’s real face. "Feiyin" was merely her stage name at the Phoenix Perch Building. Within the Sanqing Immortal Sect, none of the Sonic Sect’s many True Disciples went by that name. Furthermore, there was no word of any True Disciple who was skilled in the "Light Clouds Drifting Melody" while also being at the Golden Core Stage.

In short, this Lady Feiyin of the Phoenix Perch Building was the very picture of mystery.

According to Lady Feiyin herself, "A friendship between gentlefolk is as clear as water. My humble appearance and identity are of no importance. I am not worthy of the concern of my fellow Daoists; it is enough that we interact through the discussion of the sonic arts."

However, if she were to truly encounter a kindred spirit who could understand the profound meaning hidden within her music, Lady Feiyin would personally invite them into her private chambers for a talk. After all, like high mountains and flowing water, a true confidant is hard to find.

***

Yes, that was Lady Feiyin’s own modest and dignified way of putting it.

In any social circle, however, a goddess is always the absolute center of attention. A "mysterious goddess," in particular, possesses an allure to the opposite sex that is simply off the charts. The more reserved and enigmatic Lady Feiyin appeared, the more intensely she attracted the numerous prodigies of Vermilion Bird City.

Many of these talents had a contrary streak: they loved what they couldn’t have all the more.

Countless people believed Lady Feiyin possessed a noble and pure temperament, a Saintess as flawless as a snow lotus on a high mountain. Rumor had it that her beauty was so stunning it could make the most stone-hearted assassin in the world fall for her. Others whispered that she was a once-in-a-millennium prodigy of the Sonic Sect, one of extraordinary status who was destined to inherit the position of sect leader.

The most widespread rumor, however, was this: Lady Feiyin had once said that her future Daoist partner must be someone who could understand her path of music. She would marry no one but her soulmate. Whether she had actually said this was, in fact, unimportant. As the rumors spread far and wide, her legion of admirers only continued to grow.

Innumerable talents dreamed of the day they would finally comprehend the feelings hidden within Lady Feiyin’s music, become her soulmate, and win the beauty’s heart.

***

Wang Xiu had actually heard bits and pieces of the rumors about "Feiyin" back when he was at the Sanqing Immortal Sect. However, even though he was a True Disciple back then, he was simply too far removed from Golden Core Stage seniors like Li Zuoyue and Feiyin, so he never paid them much mind.

Now, arriving at the Phoenix Perch Building and hearing Lady Feiyin play the "Light Clouds Drifting Melody" for the first time, even as a man who had lived two lives, Wang Xiu had to admit that the song was truly the music of the heavens. The crisp notes of the guqin seemed to pluck directly at one’s heartstrings, irresistibly pulling one’s thoughts along with the melody, making one forget all worries, the mortal world, and everything else around them. Immersed in the profound and mysterious music, it was impossible to break free.

Gradually, the music reached its zenith. The once-raucous Phoenix Perch Building grew quiet, as if everyone was instinctively holding their breath, unwilling to disrupt such a heavenly sound.

The music was exquisite. Its rhythm was elegant and refined, like high mountains and flowing water, like a gentle breeze and drifting clouds. It was like a clear mountain spring washing over the heart. Before long, the melody grew light and brisk. It felt as if countless birds were singing within the tune, perfectly blending the most beautiful sounds of nature into the composition without a hint of disorder. Instead, it was perfectly balanced, a masterpiece of sublime skill.

Listening to the piece, smiles bloomed unconsciously on the faces of the many guests in the Phoenix Perch Building. They seemed to have forgotten everything, completely lost in the beautiful music.

On the eaves outside the window, countless birds of various species and vibrant colors had landed at some point. They had all tucked their wings and cocked their heads towards the pavilion where Lady Feiyin sat, as if they too understood the music and had stopped to listen, utterly enthralled.

A long time passed.

The music ended.

Countless people took a deep breath, an emptiness blooming in their hearts. They were struck by a sense of loss, wishing they could have remained immersed in the music forever.

"Lady Feiyin’s guqin is truly the music of the heavens, a sound rarely heard in the mortal world," Li Zuoyue sighed. "High mountains and flowing water, ethereal drifting clouds... to be able to capture the essence of our sect’s immortal mountain scenery and embed it so harmoniously within a melody is incredible. She even drew a hundred birds to a standstill just with her music. Her attainments in the sonic arts have already reached a transcendent realm. Given time, she may well comprehend the ’Light Clouds Drifting Melody’ to the stage of great success and become a grandmaster of her generation."

Li Longhao nodded in agreement. "It certainly sounds good. Listening to Lady Feiyin’s music, even my desire for a fight has faded quite a bit. I wonder which senior sister from the Sonic Sect she really is."

"It’s been half a year since I last heard Lady Feiyin’s music, and it’s as intoxicating as ever," Li Longyou added. "Second Brother, what do you think? Second Brother? Second Brother?"

Li Longji was fast asleep, a line of drool on his chin.

Well, then. Just as I expected, the guy fell asleep listening to the music. So blissful.

***

Sensing the admiration and longing for Lady Feiyin in the words of the three Li brothers, Wang Xiu found it both funny and exasperating. Since ancient times, heroes have been helpless against beautiful women. Even the most fearless swordsmen would melt in their presence.

Unfortunately, having lived two lives, Wang Xiu knew all too well that for ’idol-like goddesses’ such as Feiyin, who were adored by thousands, the mysterious veil was often their most alluring quality. If her true self were exposed, she might not possess the same charm. Her persona might even shatter, leaving countless jaws on the floor. Of course, the entire Phoenix Perch Building was full of Feiyin’s fans, and the men before him were likely among them, so he naturally chose his words carefully.

"Lady Feiyin’s music is truly astonishing, the work of the heavens," he sighed. "It was truly eye-opening, utterly enchanting."

An idea seemed to strike him.

Wang Xiu’s eyes shifted slyly towards Huang Yunchong. "Senior Brother Huang is the number one handsome man of the Chamber Sect, a heartbreaker to countless junior sisters in our sect. He also frequently descends the mountain to temper his heart in the mortal world, making him a walking encyclopedia of the world outside. He must know all the secrets of Vermilion Bird City. I’d guess that Lady Feiyin’s identity is no secret to Senior Brother Huang. Right, Senior Brother?"

Huang Yunchong stared blankly.

I do come down the mountain to listen to music often, but the places I go aren’t exactly these kinds of proper establishments! If you were to ask me which brothel in Vermilion Bird City has the most ’accommodating’ girls, I could talk for three days and three nights. But you’re asking about Feiyin’s identity? How the hell would I know which Junior Sister from the Sonic Sect she is?

***

Huang Yunchong’s first instinct was to say, "How should I know!"

But... my Junior Brother just called me the number one handsome man of the Chamber Sect, a walking encyclopedia of the world outside! If I said I couldn’t guess Feiyin’s identity, wouldn’t that be humiliating? How would my Junior Brother see me then? As a giant moron who knows nothing but how to visit brothels? It’s rare for someone to worship me like this! I can’t let my image collapse now!

Faced with Wang Xiu’s ’admiring’ and ’expectant’ gaze, Huang Yunchong’s face flushed slightly.

In the end, he chose to suck it up and bluff.

He cleared his throat. "Ahem... well... Lady Feiyin’s true identity... I... I know it, of course."