Vol 1 Chapter 3 (1/2)

Chapter 3 – Blade of Music (I)

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Spirit Magic was a different type of magic. First of all, one’s own spirit must be strong and powerful, afterwards a special method would be needed  to materialize it. It was possible to influence every aspect of the opponent’s own spirit. If elemental magic was utilized to destroy the opponent’s physical body, then spirit-empowered magic would destroy the opponent’s soul.

For zither music to strengthen the spirit it needed to be strong, allowing them to utilize the zither music to release spiritual force. The zither song’s different characteristics produced various spiritual sonics waves that could either be utilized offensively or for support. This was the secret of zither magic.

Inside the quiet bamboo forest, a magnanimously deep and low song unceasingly played, lightly resounding throughout. Six year old Ye Yin Zhu, apart from practicing dou qi, also studied the zither and the Pure Zither Heart, enabling him to be calm and ignore any distractions in whatever he did. He played the zither song <green water=””>> over and over again, with no regard towards the pa.s.sage of time. His whole being was immersed in the secret of the zither song.

Under the influence of the zither music, various kinds of small animals within the bamboo forest began to converge around the zither.  Although they only dared to observe from a distance, it was obvious that they had begun to be intoxicated with Ye Yin Zhu’s zither music.

“Yi, who are you?” Qin Shang, who had just returned from the bamboo house a few moments ago holding a bamboo basket full of food, suddenly grunted in a low voice. The zither music stopped, and Yin Zhu opened his eyes and followed Qin Shang’s gaze.

He did not realized until now that there was a little boy crouching down five meters away from Ye Yin Zhu. He was sitting there, blankly staring at Ye Yin Zhu’s zither. He appeared to be approximately the same size as Yin Zhu, but he fell far short of Yin Zhu’s good looks. The contours of his face, however, gave people a unique feeling of strength and resolution despite only being a child! He astonis.h.i.+ngly possessed extraordinarily unique violet hair. In the entire human race, violet colored hair was exceptionally rare.

Hearing Qin Shang’s voice, the little boy awoke from his trance, his originally lifeless eyes now displayed intense hostility. With fists clenched and lips pursed, he waited for Qin Shang to act without saying a word.

Yin Zhu excitedly ran up to Qin Shang’s side, taking the thin bamboo basket and laughingly said, “Grandfather Qin, look. My zither music attracted a person.” While speaking, he withdrew the freshly peeled bamboo shoots from the basket, handing over some to the violet haired boy as well. Facing him, he said, “Hi, this is a treat for you, but who are you?”

The little violet haired boy s.h.i.+fted his gaze to Qin Shang before a smile full of brightness and naivety broke out on his face as he turned to face Yin Zhu. Gradually, his fists began to unclench, and he took the bamboo shoot in Yin Zhu’s hand, nodding to him. Before Qin Shang could ask any more questions, the boy scurried off into the bamboo forest in the blink of an eye and disappeared.

Watching the violet haired boy’s back disappear, Qin Shang couldn’t help but frown, creasing his brow. Could it be that the Bewildering Footsteps Spell already lost its effectiveness? It appeared that the violet haired boy was quite hostile to him, but he  became relaxed with just one look at Yin Zhu? Could it be that he was really attracted by Yin Zhu’s zither music and thus came over? However, he was only a mage, and it was impossible for him to chase after the little boy so he had no other alternative but to allow him to escape.

During the day he played the zither with Qin Shang, and in the evening he practiced dou qi. This was Ye Yin Zhu’s simple life. However, the appearance of the violet haired boy has since then added a little color to his simple lifestyle.

Every morning, when Yin Zhu began to play the zither, the little violet haired boy would quietly appear and remain at his side motionlessly, listening to him play the zither. Yin Zhu’s study of the zither didn’t seem to be so lonely anymore with his audience of one.

Ever since the first time the violet haired boy appeared, he was unable to get him to speak a single word. In addition, it was only in Yin Zhu’s presence that he had a serene expression. When Qin Shang, Yin Zhu’s parents, or paternal grandfather arrived to see him, the violet haired boy would immediately leave.

Ye Zhong once secretly followed the violet haired boy, wanting to finally discover where the boy came from, but he only discovered that the violet haired boy lived in the Desolate Jade Sea in a location that was not more than two kilometer away from Yin Zhu’s zither cultivation area. He probably was not an ordinary child. Inside the bamboo forest, he survived off of the bamboo shoots. The lonely and icily arrogant violet haired boy was gradually acknowledged by everyone, but he still would not speak, even to Yin Zhu. Since he could not communicate, it was naturally impossible for him to influence Yin Zhu’s Pure Zither Heart. Thus, Qin Shang and Yin Zhu’s family accepted his existence. Yin Zhu leisurely pa.s.sed time by frequently talking to him and providing clothes for him to wear. He had his parents deliver food for the boy to eat, but the violet haired boy would merely accept it all silently, without saying a word. In Yin Zhu’s eyes, however, he became increasingly gentle and soft.

The seasons came and left, ten years pa.s.sed by in the blink of an eye. The handsome child matured into an attractive and good looking youth. Yin Zhu’s appearance resembled Ye Zhong’s in six aspects, but he also inherited his mother’s gentle beauty. At the age of 16, he was 1.8 meters tall with a well proportioned stature, wearing his white gown all year round. In addition, with his black hair draped down, he looked well cared for. He was a handsome young man.

“Little Violet, Little Violet, where are you?” Wearing a white chang pao, Ye Yin Zhu looked off to one side while walking, yelling loudly. The clear and melodious voice resounded inside the bamboo forest, resembling the elegance of zither music.

Yin Zhu shouted for half a day with no response. He could not help but pause his search, as he mumbled to himself, “Where did Little Violet go? How did he disappear without a trace?” A flash of light appeared in his eyes, and a smile emerged on his face. “I’ve got it!” As he said this, he immediately sat cross-legged on the ground. The middle finger of his left hand sparked with a silvery light. Suddenly, a zither appeared before him out of nowhere. The roundish zither’s body had a thick belt and was carved from Aleurites cordata wood. It was yellow and had an ancient quality chestnut lacquered carapace with a serpent belly grain pattern. It had the clam emblem, a round dragon pool, and an oval phoenix pond. The tiny dragon pool received sound prosperously, and the goose foot was made excessively of vividly red agate.

He stared at his zither for some time, his gentle and clear eyes immediately becoming somewhat infatuated. “The <three variations=”” of=”” yangguan=””>> song is peaceful and calm and is played in the Nine Heavenly Jade Ring Zither. I do not believe that you would resist listening to it.”

His eight fingers lightly stroked the zither, immediately a touching melancholic zither music emerged, sounding throughout the air. This was a representative farewell song, as seen by the touching mood created. In that instant, as the zither music emerged, Yin Zhu had already completely merged with the zither music and its artistic atmosphere.

A dark red radiance slowly encompa.s.sed him, spiraling around his body. Four circular sound waves formed and drifted throughout the air. Desolate Jade Sea did not have large animals, but at this moment, all of the birds and small animals quickly sped towards Yin Zhu’s direction to converge and listen to his performance. In just a moment, the sound of every kind of animal unceasingly crying out in lament echoed, and Yin Zhu’s surroundings gradually began bustling with noise and excitement.

<three variations=”” of=”” yangguan=””>> was a song of a reluctant farewell between friends, therefore the zither music brimmed with the mood of a unwilling goodbye. In Yin Zhu’s mind, he gradually began thinking about how he had not emerged out of the Desolate Jade Sea in 16 years. His eyes couldn’t help but dim and exude sorrow, making his graceful temperament feel somewhat melancholic.

The heart-rending song <three variations=”” of=”” yangguan=””>> concluded, and Yin Zhu’s hands pressed the zither for the lingering sound to gradually dissipate. Somewhat sorrowful, he said, “I’m sorry partner, I really must go. However, I will definitely come back to see you. I must unexpectedly leave, but both of my grandfathers told me that I must explore the outside world. This song is my farewell to you.”

At an unknown point in time, a tall figure appeared behind Yin Zhu. Listening to the zither music, the expression on his face couldn’t help but stiffen slightly. He  subconsciously lifted his right hand to grab Yin Zhu’s shoulder.

Chapter 3 – Blade of Music (II)

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Yin Zhu seemingly already knew he was behind him. Lowering his head, he said, “Little Violet, I must leave.”

The silhouette flashed, and the tall figure behind him had already arrived in front of Yin Zhu. 16 years old and 1.8 meters tall, Yin Zhu was not short when compared to an ordinary person. But standing next to this man, there was a significant height difference. With his disarrayed violet hair, this tall, strong person appeared to be br.i.m.m.i.n.g with explosive power. His chiseled facial features portrayed a man of steel and stability. A pair of violet eyes resembled the stars in their brightness. His broad shoulders seemed to be able to carry everything.

As Ye Yin Zhu grew up, so did Little Violet. In ten years, his body developed rapidly, making Ye Yin Zhu’s family gasp in amazement. His height exceeded 2 meters, making him look more mature than Ye Yin Zhu. He didn’t have the slightest bit of purity radiating from his eyes like Yin Zhu’s eyes. Instead, his eyes held a deep profoundness.

Both of his hands grabbed Yin Zhu’s shoulders. Little Violet’s eyes were puzzled and curious.

Feeling the scorching heat of Little Violet’s hands, Yin Zhu raised his head to look at him and sadly said, “I truly must leave to practice the zither. I specially came to bid you farewell. My two grandfathers said that I have finally practice the Pure Zither Heart to the ninth level and am on the verge of entering the Courageous Zither Heart realm. I no longer need to remain isolated from the outside world. They have allowed me to attend school to study outside knowledge and adapt to the outside society. Therefore, I must leave at once. Ah, Little Violet, what is the outside world like? I still haven’t gone outside, but grandfather says that in order for me to understand the outside world better they won’t see me off when I leave.”

The puzzlement in Little Violet’s eyes gradually disappeared, and he nodded slowly. He released Yin Zhu’s hands. “I will go with you.”

“Really? That’s truly fantastic,” Ye Yin Zhu said with exultation. Like a child, he jumped up and stood, only to rapidly become aware of Little Violet’s abnormally strange action. “You, you spoke?”

Yes, this was the first time that Little Violet had spoken ever since he had come to Desolate Jade Sea ten years ago. Up until this point, everyone considered him to be mute, but he had just spoken. The low and sonorous voice gave people a very depressing feeling, but this voice, to Yin Zhu’s ears, gave him a sense of security.

Little Violet patted Yin Zhu’s shoulder, saying, “Go.” While talking, he was already beginning to walk in the direction of the Desolate Jade Sea.

Originally on the verge of starting a lonely journey and being somewhat terrified, Ye Yin Zhu was now br.i.m.m.i.n.g with excitement. He spent practically every day with Little Violet for ten years. Even though Little Violet never spoke, they communicated through meaningful gazes. Little Violet was his only audience for ten years, so he already considered him to be one of his most trusted people and his best friend. The unknown outside world no longer appeared to be so frightening now that he had Little Violet accompanying him.

Cheering, Yin Zhu moved and caught up to Little Violet in a flash, so that they could walk together towards the outside world.

“Little Violet, what is your real name?” Yin Zhu inquisitively asked as they walked side by side. Apart from playing the zither and studying Bamboo Sect things, in regards to the outside world affairs, he was like a blank sheet of paper. His childhood was carefree and without worries. And now, before Yin Zhu even left Desolate Jade Sea, he has already almost forgotten about separating from his family. Having Little Violet accompany him, his heart was no longer panic-stricken. All that remains was curiosity and excitement. After all, this was his first time leaving Desolate Jade Sea.

“You can call me Zi.”

“Oh, Zi, where did you come from? I heard grandfather say that you are not one of us from the Desolate Jade Sea. Grandfather Qin that you are not malicious to me and like my zither songs, and that was why you stuck around, right?”

Zi’s reply was not complicated as he merely nodded.

Yin Zhu was perhaps too excited. Today, in particular, he asked questions incessantly throughout the journey, but Zi would not talk; many times he would just nod or shake his head in response all the way to Luna City where Yin Zhu began to slightly calm down.

“Wow, this is the city? It seems really big and beautiful.” Looking at Luna City’s city walls and the endless stream of people, Yin Zhu was unable to express his excitement. He quickly proceeded in the direction of the city gate.

“Desolate Jade Sea is the most beautiful place.” Looking at Yin Zhu running ahead, Zi lightly shook his head.

Luna City contained almost everything Yin Zhu had never seen. In order to cultivate his Pure Zither Heart, for 16 years he did not leave the Desolate Jade Sea. Now with his curiosity and excitement, it felt like his eyes were not sufficient enough to see everything.

“Where must you go to school?” Zi, who rarely spoke, asked Yin Zhu a question.

Yin Zhu subconsciously said, “Grandfather Qin told me to go to the Luna City Magic Guild to retrieve an item. He gave me a map. I will be able to find the college by following the map’s instructions, and then I’ll need to hand over his letter to the headmaster.”

Zi extended his hand out and said, “Map.”

Originating from his heart, Yin Zhu trusted Zi . Without the slightest of hesitation, he fished out from his bosom a special sheepskin map, handing it over to Zi.

Zi unfolded the map and discovered that it depicted a drawing of the whole continent. On the map was a red line that starts from Luna City and ends at a different location. At the endpoint were tiny characters, reading “Milan Inst.i.tution for Magic and Martial Arts.”

Wrinkling his brow, Zi said, “You must go to the Milan Empire; your grandfathers must really be worried.”

Yin Zhu was unfamiliar with the local geography, and not understanding, he inquisitively asked, “Milan Empire? Is it really that far?”

Zi nodded, saying, “To get to Milan, you’ll need to pa.s.s through the kingdom of Wavast, which is located in the southern border of Arcadia. While Milan is considered to be in the northern region of the continent, further up north from Milan is the Northern Wasteland.” As he discussed the Northern Wasteland, his pupils slightly dilated all of a sudden, but it instantly returned back to normal. Nevertheless, Yin Zhu still noticed this change.

“Zi, you need not be afraid. Even if the place is distant, you have me. I will protect you.” While saying this, Yin Zhu childishly pounded his chest.

Zi stared blankly. “You?”

Yin Zhu earnestly nodded, “Yes! I will protect you. Grandfather Qin said that I am already a qualified mage.”

Looking at Yin Zhu who was a head shorter than him, a faint smile emerged on Zi’s face, making the rigid lines of his face seemingly soften.

“Wow! Zi, you smiled. How rare, I don’t think I have ever seen you smile before.” Yin Zhu seemed to have discovered a whole new world as he gazed at Zi’s fierce look.

Zi helplessly said, “Well, we should go to the Magic Guild.” Fortunately, the Magic Guild in Luna City was the most well known place in the city. Zi asked a random person on the roadside for directions, leading Yin Zhu to the place.

Even after ten years, Luna City’s Magic Guild was still desolate without even a janitor. Yin Zhu and Zi followed the road and walked for half a kilometer to arrive quickly outside the door of the guild hall. Even without entering, they could hear quarreling voices inside.

There were nine individuals altogether inside the hall, divided into two factions. Di Ya La led one faction and behind him was Pi’er Luo and another Fire mage. The opposing faction was composed of six other mages, their mage gowns and attire distinctly different. From their mage gowns, it could be discerned that there was one Indigo Rank Mage Scholar, two Green Rank Great Mages, and three Yellow Rank Advanced Mages.

Chapter 3 – Blade of Music (III)