Sometimes what one yearned for ultimately amounted to nothing. He harbored ambitions of conquering the world, yet one day, he too would be buried beneath the earth. At that time, all the glory and wealth, all the magnificent landscapes, would be nothing more than a fleeting dream.
"Master, you said she transmigrated from another world. Are their worlds perhaps one life, one love, one person?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun recalled what Yao'er had said as she departed. Back then, she called it a dream, but now he wished he could believe it was their world's view: men and women loving each other for a lifetime.
"Among the myriad beings, this is not unusual. When love is deep, there is no room for a third person," said Chi Xia Lao Ren, moved by the sentiment. When love was profound, there truly was no space for anyone else.
A person only had one heart; how could they love so many people? Just like him, who was infatuated in his youth and missed his true love. So many years had passed, and he had never met another person he could love.
"Yes."
He smiled, a hint of moisture in his eyes. Was it true that missing someone meant missing them for a lifetime?
"Perhaps she and I are ultimately not from the same world."
Chi Xia Lao Ren looked at his beloved disciple, who always had ambitions of conquering the world, and spoke with fatherly affection.
"Zun'er, dripping water can wear through stone. Until the very end, no one truly knows. What you need to do is truly understand your own heart, what you truly need, and what you can let go of. Gain and loss are separated by a fine line, yet they can change a person's entire life."
Chi Xia Lao Ren spoke earnestly, his words like a lighthouse illuminating the darkness in Mu Rong Liu Zun's heart. His furrowed brow suddenly relaxed, and a slow smile spread across his face, warm as a flowing hot spring.
"Alright, stop thinking. Since you've come up the mountain, stay and chat with me properly. We'll go down tomorrow."
"Okay." Mu Rong Liu Zun, his heart now at ease, nodded. Whenever he ascended Tian Shan, his spirits lifted. His master would always be the brightest lamp in his heart.
...
W uqing Valley.
A month had passed in the blink of an eye. By the cold spring behind the mountain, someone sat by the bank, the zither's melody flowing out crisply, drifting over the tranquil lake and rippling its surface.
On the bank,
The woman's eyebrows were gently drawn, her dark hair flying, and her light purple long dress dancing freely.
The mountain was beautiful, the water was beautiful, and the person was even more beautiful. This scene truly was a painting.
Behind the woman sat a man quietly. He closed his eyes slightly, completely immersed in the zither's melody, listening to its divine charm.
His face, illuminated by the sun, was almost transparent, as clear and lustrous as jade crystal. His long eyelashes shaded his bright eyes, and his proud nose made his features exceptionally three-dimensional. His lips were rosy and moist, evoking a third part longing and seven parts desire.
A cascade of light enveloped them, a pair of stunningly beautiful man and woman, drawing all eyes.
Distant mountains, near waters, an endless horizon, lush willow branches, fragrant blossoms, all stirred by the gentle breeze. Willow catkins fluttered, dancing in the air like snowflakes.
Mo Chou walked over softly, holding Xiao Yu'er. The two were mesmerized. They exchanged a glance, and Mo Chou whispered softly.
"So beautiful, isn't it, Xiao Yu'er?"
Xiao Yu'er in her arms offered a big smile, seemingly agreeing with her words.
Mo Chou looked at Xiao Yu'er this way and had grown accustomed to it. The child seemed to understand adults' words. Though she couldn't speak, she understood others' intentions. Truly a strange child.
As the melody concluded, its lingering notes circled the lake.
Mo Chou walked over and praised, "Miss, your zither playing is wonderful, truly captivating."
Hearing Mo Chou's words, Qing Yao did not show pleasure. Instead, she turned to look at Wuqing on the side.
For the past month, he had been accompanying her to practice the zither, guiding her on her mistakes. Consequently, her zither skills had progressed at an astonishing rate, one could even describe it as a sudden surge.
Although she had played through the entire musical score, it seemed its power had not been truly unleashed. This was something she couldn't break through, causing her great anxiety.
"The musical score has been played in its entirety. If it were purely for appreciation, your zither playing undoubtedly possesses great skill, even earning you the title of a talented woman. However, if you intend to use the zither as a weapon, you are still far from it. The zither has not generated true power. To truly unleash the magic zither's efficacy, you must first become a demon yourself, or a god-slayer. Only then can the zither resonate with human intent, truly becoming a killing weapon. But remember, you must control the zither, not let the zither control you. If used improperly, it will only backfire, and the zither might even harm you."
Wuqing's clear voice echoed as he slowly explained the intricacies.
Upon hearing his words, Qing Yao's eyes lit up, and she eagerly asked,
"Then may I play it for you again?"
He smiled, never expecting this girl to become so obsessed with practicing the zither. It usually took ordinary people several months to master this score, yet she had grasped its essence in just one month. Now, it was merely a matter of deepening her internal energy. Moreover, the mastery of the zither could not be rushed; with continuous practice, she would become increasingly refined.
"Alright."
Wuqing nodded. A warm current flowed within his clear eyes as he gazed at her, her face radiant like peach blossoms, captivating to behold.
Mo Chou, overhearing their conversation, immediately exclaimed.
"Miss, I came to call you for lunch. Why are you playing again?"
"I'm not hungry," Qing Yao was completely absorbed, waving Mo Chou away and asking her to go first while she played another piece.
Mo Chou shifted her gaze to Young Master Wuqing. If Young Master Wuqing said a word, everything would be fine. But Young Master Wuqing always indulged the young lady.
"You go back first. Let her play one more piece."
Upon hearing this, Mo Chou rolled her eyes. See, she knew the Young Master would say this.
She had never seen a man dote on a young lady like Young Master Wuqing. Was he truly the bloodthirsty and heartless Young Master Wuqing in the eyes of the world? It was hard to believe.
In the days they had been in the valley, they had seen clearly. Most people in the valley were simple. Because they had little contact with the outside world, they were not scheming or plotting. Although they would kill, it was only when provoked that they would become enraged.
"Alright."
Mo Chou resigned herself and turned to leave, looking back as she walked.
Young Master Wuqing truly cared for the young lady. No matter what she did, he seemed unable to resist her.
He even gave her the best things. The zither she was playing now, the Huang Wei Qin, was a pair with Young Master Wuqing's Feng Wei Qin.
Even Qing Feng and Ming Yue did not know this. It turned out that the bottom of the Feng Wei Qin concealed another zither, this Huang Wei Qin. This zither was made of jade and was much more delicate than the Feng Wei Qin. It could be placed in the bottom of the Feng Wei Qin, fitting perfectly together.
Outsiders were completely unaware of the hidden marvel.