CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 95 RUYI’S LIFE, AMBUSHED ON ALL SIDES (2500 WORDS)_1

Inside the Phoenix Perch Building.

Fragrant petals fluttered through the air, filling the space with sweet scents. Twelve young women stood with their faces veiled in light gauze, each with a graceful and lithe figure; they all looked like unparalleled beauties.

However, they were content to be the green leaves that set off the central figure, Tian Yu, whose presence soared in grandeur at that moment, as majestic as a celestial maiden descended to the mortal realm. For a time, she attracted countless old perverts.

"Graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a wandering dragon. What a peerless, enchanting young lady."

"I’ve long heard that the blessed land of the Miaoyin Immortal Sect has produced a prodigy unseen for hundreds of years. Now that I behold her, she is truly extraordinary."

"Silent for three years, only to startle the world with a single song; grounded for three years, only to soar to the skies with a single flight. This Tian Yu has been in secluded cultivation within the Miaoyin Immortal Sect and seldom makes public appearances."

"To emerge and directly challenge the Sonic Sect of the Sanqing Immortal Sect... what audacity."

"Initially, I thought hearing Miss Feiyin play the *Light Clouds Drifting Melody* would be a tremendous blessing today. Now, it seems there may be an even greater reward in store."

"Do you think Miss Feiyin will take up the challenge?"

"Isn’t that obvious? How could Miss Feiyin not accept? If she doesn’t, wouldn’t that be a blow to the prestige of the Sanqing Immortal Sect’s Sonic Sect?"

"I’m more curious now about which piece Miss Feiyin will choose to counter Tian Yu. Will she play something new?"

...

Inside the building, the majority of the onlookers were just there for the spectacle. Yet those with true insight had already become alert and were analyzing the situation.

This Tian Yu, Li Zuoyue thought, her expression grave. She’s young, yet her schemes run deep.

"When disciples of the Sonic Sect play their music, they expend not only mana but also the power of their mind and spirit," she explained. "Miss Feiyin has just finished performing the *Light Clouds Drifting Melody*. This is a time when she needs rest; she is not at her peak."

"Moreover," she continued, "the *Light Clouds Drifting Melody* is Miss Feiyin’s signature piece. Having just played it, if she were to perform it again in the subsequent competition, it would inherently make her seem as if she has no other tricks, weakening her momentum. Yet if she were to switch to another piece, her lack of preparation for this sudden challenge would put her at an even greater disadvantage."

Huang Yunqing also furrowed his brows tightly. His already dark-ringed eyes now appeared even more profound.

He said in a low voice, "Does this trivial Miaoyin Immortal Sect dare to provoke our Sanqing Immortal Sect and use the Sonic Sect as a stepping stone to climb higher?"

"This little tart," he muttered. "There must be Cave Heaven-level forces backing them. Should Miss Feiyin lose, I fear the setback for the Sonic Sect is just the beginning. In the future, an endless stream of challenges will be delivered to the Sword Sect, the Thunder Sect, and even to the doorstep of our own sect."

It had to be said that although they usually seemed unreliable, they were, after all, the Chief Disciples of their respective branches and possessed basic political acumen. Whether it was Li Zuoyue, Huang Yunqing, or even Li Longyou, their gazes were all grave. They felt not the slightest affinity for Tian Yu on account of her beauty.

This woman spelled trouble!

...

At that moment, undercurrents surged within the Phoenix Perch Building.

All the various powers were watching as the confrontation between Feiyin and Tian Yu silently began amidst their calm conversation.

"I have long heard that Junior Sister Tian Yu is a heaven-gifted prodigy of the Miaoyin Immortal Sect, one rarely seen in a century. My own skills are far too shallow to dare offer any guidance."

Behind the screen, a graceful figure slowly came into view. She sat poised at a low table, her posture upright. Though she had the form of a young woman, she exuded the demeanor of a great master of music, captivating countless prodigies and filling their hearts with longing.

My dear Feiyin is a goddess!

Slightly raising her head to look up at Feiyin in the high pavilion, Tian Yu revealed a cold smirk in her eyes.

Enjoy being high and mighty for a moment longer. After today, I will trample on your fame, Feiyin, and become the new star of the city!

Concealing the ambition in her eyes, Tian Yu put on a humble smile and said, "My master once heard you play the zither, Sister, and praised your music for possessing the air and charm of ancient sages. She specifically instructed me that once I achieved some success in my studies, I must often seek your guidance and spar with you."

"Now, I have studied diligently and believe I have gained a small understanding of the musical path. I wonder if I might have the honor of exchanging a few pointers with you, Sister?"

The dagger was revealed. With the conversation having reached this point, there was no room left to refuse.

Feiyin’s voice grew cool as she replied calmly, "In that case, please begin your performance, Junior Sister Tian Yu."

Even though I know she comes with ill intent... Qin Guangling thought. As the Chief Disciple of the Sonic Sect, he had his own confidence. Even if he couldn’t display his Ninth Heaven Golden Core cultivation, and even if it was inconvenient to play his most proficient piece, he refused to believe that a slip of a girl younger than him could actually turn the tables.

Tian Yu laughed lightly. "I am still young, so I dare not face you alone, Sister. These junior sisters are very close to me, and when they heard I wished to spar with you, they wanted to join in the fun. I wonder if you would permit them to perform with me? Of course, if you need accompaniment, Sister, you may call for them as well. This little sister is not here for a formal challenge, but a friendly spar. Winning or losing is not important. As long as I can befriend a kindred spirit like you, this trip will not have been in vain."

[Ding!]

[Detected someone boasting. Congratulations to the Host for gaining Mana +66.]

Tsk, tsk. Winning or losing isn’t important? Such classic manipulative talk. If winning and losing were truly unimportant, why issue a challenge in front of such a large audience?

Wang Xiu curled his lip. Having lived two lives, he could see right through such green-tea schemers. If Feiyin really lost this musical duel, it would undoubtedly be front-page news tomorrow.

And she tells Feiyin to find accompaniment? Heh. These twelve female disciples are clearly all elites, and their auras are linked with Tian Yu’s. Who knows how long they’ve practiced together? Feiyin always performs solo. Where is she supposed to find teammates to accompany her on such short notice? Ptooey! Shameless!

...

Tian Yu’s "tea artistry" naturally couldn’t deceive those with a discerning eye.

But did the truth matter? No. There are always more fools than wise people in the world. Most people just wanted to watch the spectacle and see some drama unfold. Getting to see beautiful women fight was an absolute win for them.

Meanwhile, the prodigies from the major powers were also eager to see the two women clash. After all, regardless of who won or lost, it would be no loss to them.

"Come at me all at once. What do I, Feiyin, have to fear?"

Feiyin’s voice grew even colder. Fully aware of their ill intent, her hands were already lightly resting on her zither, poised to strike.

Not knowing the opponent’s strategy, it is best to bide my time and react. Responding to a thousand changes with a steady hand is the surest path to victory.

A triumphant smile appeared on Tian Yu’s face. The emerald pipa in her hands gently vibrated, and in an instant, invisible sound waves burst forth, spreading throughout the Phoenix Perch Building. The other twelve maidens—some holding a konghou, some a waist drum, some a liuqin, or with a xiao held to their lips—joined in. Sound waves surged from their various instruments, merging with Tian Yu’s pipa to form a tune of endless variation, a mesmerizing and intoxicating sound of pleasure.

As the music filled the hall, the eyes of countless people glazed over with rapturous intoxication. It was as if, within the music, they saw the ephemeral prosperity of the mortal world, the dazzling lights and fine wine, thousands upon thousands of pear trees in bloom, and beauties descending like clouds. For a moment, they wished only to immerse themselves in it, never to awaken.

...

The *Carefree Life Melody*? A clever move! These people are definitely targeting me! Qin Guangling sneered inwardly. The Miaoyin Immortal Sect’s *Carefree Life Melody* was infamous. It used sound waves to influence the mana within a cultivator, causing listeners to hallucinate and see a myriad of phantasms. Whatever your heart desired most was what you would hear in its notes.

Compared to the heart-purifying, desire-quelling effects of the *Light Clouds Drifting Melody*, this piece is the very ’Melody of Desire.’ In a way, it’s the perfect counter. If I hadn’t been cautious and let Tian Yu play first—if I had played the *Light Clouds Drifting Melody* only for her to follow with the *Carefree Life Melody*—I would have had almost no chance of turning the tables. After all, I can’t just rely on my Ninth Heaven Golden Core cultivation to overwhelm them with raw power. A musical duel won that way would just get me laughed at for being crude. These girls are not easy to deal with! What piece should I use to suppress them?

Qin Guangling’s brow furrowed in thought.

After a long moment, he finally plucked the zither strings. In an instant, a torrent of urgent notes poured forth.

Though it was the sound of a zither, it seemed to contain a multitude of other sounds: falling roof tiles, clashing metal, the thundering roll of drums, the strike of swords, and the charge of men and horses. For a moment, it actually managed to significantly dilute that lavish, mesmerizing sound of desire.

...

The Sonic Sect’s ultimate technique—*Ambush from All Sides*