762 The Real Thing (1/2)

He didn't sleep well that night.

The sky had just begun to light up.

Ye Qingxuan sat in a chair by the door, watching people in the camp going back and forth, and thinking about what he should do next.

In the chaotic East, the civil war in the Empire of Aurora was like a raging fire. Ye Qingxuan had declined the invitation to the feast last night and had dinner at his residence alone. He had refused all invitations from the various patriarchs.

He did not want to get pulled into too many relationships here.

Especially not with Bai Heng.

Unfortunately, things were often not as he wished.

”The third son of the Zhangsun family, Zhangsun Jingming, here to see Master Ye.” The blue-eyed young man stood before him, blocking the light.

Ye Qingxuan looked up at him, ”What is it?”

Zhangsun Jingming grinned and made an elegant, polite bow with both hands clasped. ”I myself have little talent, as so I would venture to ask Master Ye for some advice.”

”You shouldn't. I can't play the piano, play chess, or paint, and I haven't the energy for poetry, writing, etiquette or music.” Ye Qingxuan waved his hand. ”Unless you are consulting me about mechanical engineering or history of the dark age musicians, you should find somebody else.”

Zhangsun Jingming was not dissuaded and still maintained his bow. ”I've heard that you have an illustrious reputation in the West and that you are in control of the present situation there. You are called the Hand of God, as well as bear the title of Grand Inquisitor and the crown of the King of Yellow. I wonder if I could receive the honor of receiving some instruction in music theory from you?”

”Forget it, I can't teach you anything. Really.” Ye Qingxuan sighed helplessly. ”And the weather is so bad today. It looks like it's going to rain, and it's still early in the morning. And with all this fighting and killing, it's no good.”

Zhangsun Jingming looked up and wrinkled his brow. For some reason, he sighed softly.

”Either way, Your Excellency is not willing to teach me?”

”Mhm.”

Zhangsun Jingming's expression became could. ”Are you scared?”

”Mhm.” Ye Qingxuan yawned listlessly. ”As you can see, I'm a thief who gained fame through undeserved means. Now you see what I truly am, why bother?”

Zhangsun Jingming closed his eyes. When he opened them again he had a dejected look on his face.

”Forgive my intrusion.” He lifted his hands, and the image of the huqin [1] Moon in the Well appeared behind him. Thunder and lightning brewed within it, giving the impression that Armageddon would reappear. The harsh sound rose into the sky.

In a flash, frost appeared on the muddy ground. The rain that had fallen last night froze into the soil, condensing into fine, delicate ice crystals which intertwined and spread out in all directions.

Then it suddenly stopped. The projection of the inherited artifact Moon in the Well was hidden, and its music theory disappeared without a trace. Armageddon had no time to appear and was thus nipped in the bud.

The frozen ice crystals melted and the morning dew evaporated.

”It doesn't matter.” Ye Qingxuan reached out and grasped his hand that was still held stiffly in the air. He smiled in a friendly manner. ”I forgive you.”

Zhangsun Jingming's face twitched slightly. He felt chilled down to the bottom of his heart. He did not dare to move. After a while, he finally relaxed and staggered back a few steps, smiling bitterly and cupping his hands in front of his chest.

”The light of a firefly cannot compare to that of the moon.”

Ye Qingxuan ignored him as he looked at the girl who was watching them from not far away. ”How about you? Do you want to try too?”

”No need.” Liu Ran, who he had once met in the Ultimate, rose slightly. ”I myself do not dare to strike you.”

”If there's nothing else, why don't you get out of here?” Ye Qingxuan sighed and waved his hand at the young people not far away. ”If you have something to do, go do it. Don't bother me. I came here to look, not to buy anything. There's no need to be so enthusiastic.”

The young people smiled bitterly and looked at each other. Last night, they had thought long and hard about the war. They knew that he could make a big difference, but they had never thought that Ye Qingxuan would not get involved. They had thought that with the inherited artifacts in their hands, how could the heroes of the world have any tricks left? As a result, they had lost before they had even drawn their weapons.

They had lost terribly.

Everyone on the battlefield suddenly felt a strong sense of frustration.

Among them, after a moment of silence, someone came forward carrying a sword.

”I am the eldest son of the Yuan family, Yuan He.” He nodded towards Ye Qingxuan and clenched the hilt. ”I would also ask Master Ye to instruct me.”

Ye Qingxuan could not help but sigh. ”Fine, I'll give you three moves… if you can move me one step, you win.”

Yuan He's expression changed, but he immediately suppressed his indignation, though his eyes went cold. ”Then may the best man win.” He went to draw his sword, but the hilt was held by a hand and he could not get it out. The hand was as firm as a rock, firmly pressing the sword into the scabbard.

He looked back in shock and saw his grandfather—Yuan Changqing.

”You should just admit the gap between the two of you, and not get tangled up in this like some hoodlum.” Yuan Changqing released him, and Yuan He bowed his head. He was not embarrassed, instead respectfully accepting his grandfather's admonition.

”Everybody, leave.” Yuan Changqing waved his hand and everyone retreated a few steps. But they did not leave as he had asked, but instead gathered at a distance, looking on curiously.

They watched Ye Qingxuan in the door and the old man in front of him.

”Don't bully the children, Ye Qingxuan.” Yuan Changqing's white hair was tied up casually behind his head. He rolled up his robe's sleeves, revealing the blackened skin and scars on his arms.