"Dong! Dong!"
The melodious and light zither music, accompanied by the clear mountain breeze, traveled through the forest, stirring up ripples in the lake, and the blooming lotus flowers swayed gently, creating a rather peaceful scene.
On the small clearing in front of the lake, a girl in a light blue dress knelt before an ancient zither, her fingers gently plucking and strumming the strings. The pleasant sound of the zither, like a clear spring, echoed continuously through the mountains and forests.
Before a table to the side, a figure with their upper body wrapped in layers of white cloth, with faint traces of blood visible, sat cross-legged. Their eyes were tightly closed, but a faint smile appeared on their face, as if immersed in the melodious zither music like a clear spring flowing.
"Dong!!!"
As the piece came to an end, the girl's slender jade fingers gently pressed on the strings. Seeing the faint smile on the young man's face, Ying Huanhuan's lips couldn't help but curve into a smile, and she said with a rather smug expression.
"How is it? Is this lady's zither skill not bad? Hmph, you are the first man besides my father to have the honor of hearing me play the zither. This is to repay you for saving my life before!"
"Miss Ying's zither skills are superb, like a clear spring flowing, and like floating clouds returning. It has both the stillness of rippling blue waves and the gentleness of a mountain breeze caressing the face. Admirable!"
Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes, and in those dark eyes, the emerald lake was reflected. Faintly, it seemed that a vigorous vitality was brewing in his eyes.
Half a month had passed since the Hundred Dynasty War, and Lin Xuan had been asleep for half a month, only waking up today.
After all, the space of the Ancient Battlefield was a fragment of heaven and earth. To use a not-so-appropriate analogy, it was like a small Plane of Origin. Of course, its function was limited to the Ancient Battlefield, and its power was much weaker than the Plane of Origin, and the burden on the body was also extremely great.
Compared to the power of the Plane of Origin, which was enough to crush the Ancestor Realm, the power of this fragment of the Ancient Battlefield was undoubtedly much weaker, and if it weren't for the power of the Four Sacred Beasts, it would probably only be around the Revolving Wheel Realm.
In the Ancient Battlefield, the most powerful thing was actually the power of the rules of the Four Sacred Beasts and the Four Fiend Beasts. If it were to erupt completely, it would be stronger than the Seven Kings Hall itself.
But that was the power of an entire space, and most of it had to be used to maintain the stability of the space itself and protect the bloodline inheritance within it. At most, only the power of an ordinary Reincarnation Realm could be mobilized, but it wasn't something that could be mobilized casually. The controller's body needed to be able to withstand immense pressure.
Normally speaking, with the strength of the Life Profound Realm Lesser Success stage, one could at most bully some experts who had just entered the Death Profound Realm. With the help of the power of space, they could be easily crushed. If one wanted to display the strength of the Yuan Gate Grand Elder, they had to use all means.
It was only because Lin Xuan's physique was special, and the sword bones in his Sword Body had a very strong ability to withstand pressure. At the same time, Lin Xuan himself had a certain understanding of the Revolving Wheel Realm and even the Reincarnation Realm, so he could maximize the power as much as possible.
Later, with the help of the Devouring Ancestor Symbol and the Darkness Ancestor Symbol, and with the blessing of many forces, he was able to barely fight against a Reincarnation Realm expert. If the power of the Heavenly Thunder hadn't gradually awakened Zhou Tong, he would have been defeated long ago.
The last sword that defeated Zhou Tong, including the half-sword that forced back the Seven Kings Hall, was already the limit of Lin Xuan's Extreme Realm Ascension. If Lin Xuan's attainments in the Nirvana True Meaning hadn't been second only to the Fire Saint Spirit, the Vermilion Bird, in ancient times, his body would have collapsed long ago!
As for saving Zhou Tong with that sword, it was purely a fluke. Lin Xuan had a clear understanding of his own strength.
It was because that battle was fought too hard that Lin Xuan lay in bed for half a month before waking up. After all, it wasn't just the pressure on his body, but also his mental strength, plus the weakness in the depths of his soul.
After hearing Lin Xuan's praise, a few smiles involuntarily appeared on Ying Huanhuan's face, and her clear eyes were slightly curved. However, the next moment, the girl frowned in dissatisfaction and pouted.
"Tch, not sincere at all. My sister's surname is also Ying. Who knows if you're praising me or my sister!"
Looking at the lively face with that charming expression, Lin Xuan was slightly stunned, and his whole body froze in place. In his eyes, it seemed that some special fluctuations were flashing.
In Lin Xuan's perception, the cold aura in the girl's body seemed to be getting clearer and clearer. However, in the brief contact, Lin Xuan could feel a lively and cheerful spirit from the girl that was completely different from the cold and indifferent nature of the ice.
It was as if the girl in front of him and herself were two completely opposite people, yet two completely different people, but Lin Xuan felt that this was one person!
Two sides of the same coin!
Not only Ying Huan... the Ice Master, but also the previous Lord of Life and Death.
At that time, Lin Xuan's strength was still very weak. Although he claimed to have some understanding at the time, it now seemed that he hadn't even entered the door, so he couldn't perceive too much.
But some time ago, Lin Xuan had communicated with Yan and had some understanding of the Lord of Life and Death. The eldest senior sister among the Ancient Eight Rulers was actually a very kind but strict person. Unlike the unrestrained Devouring Ruler, the Lord of Life and Death had even once controlled the entire Tianxuan Continent. She was a decisive woman with great wisdom.
Uh, although Yan said that the Lord of Life and Death seemed to be a little different when facing a certain junior brother.
But the Jiang Yinyin that Lin Xuan knew was completely different, though equally kind.
Reincarnation, reincarnation, it seems to be more than just life and death...
Seeing that Lin Xuan didn't even respond to her words, Ying Huanhuan couldn't help but pout her lips. Looking at that annoying ice-block face, she snorted softly, directly put away the zither in front of her, and prepared to get up and leave.
This soft snort woke Lin Xuan up. Seeing that Ying Huanhuan seemed ready to leave, his heart stirred slightly, and he quickly spoke.
"Ying... Miss Huanhuan, Lin Xuan misspoke. Miss Huanhuan's zither skills are the best Lin Xuan has ever seen!"
"That's more like it!"
Ying Huanhuan muttered softly, a smile involuntarily appearing on her face, but in the next second, she forcibly retracted it, snorted softly, and said with a look of indifference.
"Forget it, no sincerity. This lady doesn't care. Besides, offering courtesy for no reason is either a trick or a theft. Suddenly changing your tune, who knows if you have something to ask of this lady!"
"Miss Huanhuan is indeed amazing. Lin Xuan does have something to ask."
Under Ying Huanhuan's gaze, Lin Xuan didn't hide anything. He got up, cupped his fist in a salute, and said softly.
"Lin Xuan wants to learn zither skills. I wonder if you can teach me?"
Lin Xuan wasn't interested in many things. Apart from the Sword, he originally only found wine interesting, but after listening to Ying Huanhuan's zither performance today, he felt that this zither was also an interesting thing.
Sword Heart and Zither Soul, from Ying Huanhuan's zither music, Lin Xuan could even feel a touch similar to what the Sword gave him, not just because the person playing the zither was the Ice Master, but also from the zither music itself.
"You want to learn zither from me?"
Hearing Lin Xuan's words, Ying Huanhuan was obviously stunned. The path of the zither was very unpopular, and it wasn't like other Spiritual Treasures. The path of the zither required diligent practice before one had the opportunity to cultivate related martial arts. Therefore, generally speaking, almost no one would suddenly switch to practicing the path of the zither, as the cost was too great.
However, if it was Lin Xuan, with his talent, it shouldn't be a problem, right? Ying Huanhuan didn't think that there was anything in the world that could stump this cold-faced guy.
"But, this lady doesn't want to take disciples, and besides, this lady is still young. Being called 'teacher' will make this lady feel old."
Looking at the guy who didn't speak, just stood there with a serious and sincere face, Ying Huanhuan cursed inwardly, bit her lip, and then spoke.
"How about this, you call me 'Senior Sister,' and I'll teach you, how about that!"
"Senior Sister!"
Lin Xuan didn't hesitate at all. This was no less than imparting the Dao. Not to mention 'Senior Sister,' if Ying Huanhuan was willing, he would call her 'teacher' without any problem. After all, he really didn't understand anything about the path of the zither.
"Idiot!"
Hearing that unhesitating answer, Ying Huanhuan's beautiful eyes widened, and she felt a burst of anger in her heart. She quickly waved her hand and said.
"Forget it, you're our Dao Sect's Senior Brother. If elder sister finds out, I'll get scolded again. Since you want to learn, then this lady will be merciful and teach you!"
Dao Sect Senior Brother, this was Lin Xuan's special status in the Dao Sect. Lin Xuan joined the Dao Sect in the end to seek the Dao, so he was naturally a disciple, but his strength was something that even Ying Xuanzi was very polite about.
In the end, he became this special Senior Brother, nominally a Senior Brother, but in reality, his position in the Dao Sect was extremely special, and even the Four Hall Masters were extremely polite to him.
"Thank you, Miss Huanhuan, for your generous teaching!"
Ying Huanhuan once again took out her emerald green zither from the Universe Bag, held the zither, and walked to the table in front of Lin Xuan.
However, as soon as she got close, Ying Huanhuan smelled a faint fragrance of wine. Looking down, she saw something shaped like a teapot on the table, with two cups next to it.
"You still drink?"
"Lin Xuan isn't interested in much. Wine is one thing, and now there's also the zither."
At the end, Lin Xuan added a sentence, which made Ying Huanhuan's originally not-so-good expression ease up a bit.
Listening to that calm tone as if stating a fact, and staring at Lin Xuan's face that was so calm it seemed natural, Ying Huanhuan's expression gradually stiffened, and she lightly snorted.
"Your injuries haven't healed yet, you're not allowed to drink alcohol, and you're not allowed to argue. This is essential for practicing the zither. You're not allowed to drink alcohol while practicing the zither, did you hear me? If you want to drink, then drink tea! Here, this one!"
Lin Xuan looked at the cup in front of him, hesitated for a moment, and then chose to put it away. Although he felt that alcohol shouldn't affect practicing the zither, after all, it had never affected his sword practice, and sometimes, it even often inspired him.
But after all, it was Ying Huanhuan who said it, and as a beginner who doesn't understand anything, he still had to maintain enough respect.
Seeing Lin Xuan's actions, the corners of Ying Huanhuan's mouth slowly curved into a smile. She felt like she had found a way to deal with this guy.
"Very good, next, I'll teach you how to identify the five tones, Gōng, Shāng, Jué, Zhǐ, Yǔ, come..."
Great Purity Region, Taiqing Palace.
Ling Qingzhu, dressed in a plain long dress, was sitting upright on an Azure Lotus, closing her eyes as if she was cultivating. However, from the turbulent aura around her, it could be felt that Ling Qingzhu's heart seemed a little chaotic.
All of this had to start from learning about the news of the Hundred Dynasty War. Ling Qingzhu never thought that that person would directly leave her behind so quickly. His growth rate had completely surpassed Ling Qingzhu's understanding of a monster.
Although that was because of the special nature of the Ancient Battlefield, Ling Qingzhu still felt extremely shocked. Not long ago, she still regarded him as an opponent, as a goal for her to pursue, but how long has it been?
Even if the special nature of the Ancient Battlefield was put aside, that person's swordsmanship was enough to amaze Revolving Wheel Realm experts. His Life Profound Realm minor completion strength seemed to be only one level higher than her Nirvana Realm Peak, but with Ling Qingzhu's understanding of that person, she was afraid that even she, whose strength was not below him, would not be able to withstand even one Sword.
"Qingzhu, are you still thinking about him in your heart?"
The figure of the Taiqing Palace Master quietly appeared behind Ling Qingzhu at some unknown time, but strangely, Ling Qingzhu didn't feel the slightest surprise, but instead asked.
"Master, I heard that that day, that person, took the initiative to save Ying Sect Leader's daughter?"
The Taiqing Palace Master frowned slightly upon hearing this, and a faint feeling of unease arose in her heart. However, looking at Ling Qingzhu's aloof and cold face, the Taiqing Palace Master, who knew the latter's stubborn and strong character, could only sigh secretly in her heart and nodded to explain softly.
"That's right, that day, the Sword Saint took the initiative to save Ying Sect Leader's daughter from the Yuan Gate Grand Elder's hands. Perhaps, he couldn't stand the Yuan Gate's actions."
Ling Qingzhu shook her head slightly. She knew that person very well. His heart was as cold as his Sword, so there must be some special secret to the Ying Huanhuan he saved, or rather, to the Yuan Gate.
"Dao Sect Ying Sect Leader sent an invitation, saying that he wants to have another exchange and discussion. Last time, Ying Sect Leader went in person. This time, I plan to take you and Su Rou and a few other disciples to Dao Sect."
The Taiqing Palace Master hesitated for a moment, and finally chose to speak out. However, she didn't explain that Ling Qingzhu was personally invited by Lin Xuan. Originally, Ying Xuanzi and the others were just thinking of letting the Taiqing Palace Master find an excuse to go to Dao Sect to discuss important matters.
After all, judging from the current situation, the Taiqing Palace Master was worried that if she told the truth, she was afraid that her disciple would overthink and get more and more deeply involved.
However, Ling Qingzhu, whose mind was on Ying Huanhuan, didn't notice these things at all, and just nodded in response.
"Master, Qingzhu understands!"