nownovels Chapter 1022 Melodious Flute, A True Friend is Hard to Find
Chapter 1022 Melodious Flute, A True Friend is Hard to Find
Inside the jade carriage, there were sweet voices and laughter, and the room was filled with fragrance.
But as soon as Jiang Ruotong spoke, the other female cultivators inside the jade carriage fell silent.
Upon hearing Jiang Ruotong's offer to recruit him, the group looked at Chen Ping'an with anticipation.
Among them, the sweet-looking female cultivator in particular had a bright and sparkling gaze.
Our meeting today is but a chance encounter; if we part again, who knows when we will meet again.
But if Senior Xu could serve as the chief retainer within the sect, wouldn't it be much more convenient for them to have pleasant conversations and discussions in the future?
Her eyes sparkled with a vibrant, lively light.
To outsiders, the Celestial Queen may seem to hold a transcendent position, standing atop the clouds. However, in the presence of those within her own realm, this may not be the case.
Especially when the Heavenly Man is in the midst of cultivation.
A handsome, refined, amiable, knowledgeable, and like-minded celestial cultivator possesses an attraction for the opposite sex that is unparalleled.
In front of the sect disciples and deacons, she was a high and mighty sect elder, but in front of this Senior Xu, she was just like an ordinary woman, full of expectation.
Faced with Jiang Ruotong's sincere invitation, Chen Ping'an simply smiled faintly and politely declined.
"I am deeply grateful for Fairy Jiang's invitation. However, I am used to a life of leisure and have no intention of joining any faction. I can only appreciate your kindness."
"Fellow Daoist Xu"
Since Jiang Ruotong had extended the invitation, she naturally wouldn't give up so easily.
"Our sect's chief elder holds a position equivalent to that of a supreme elder. He does not participate in worldly affairs and will not interfere with Fellow Daoist Xu's daily cultivation. In addition, there is a regular annual contribution to the sect's treasury, which will be fully open to Fellow Daoist Xu for exchange with the highest authority."
Jiang Ruotong's words were sincere, and she threw out the bargaining chips and benefits with great ease. It was clear that all the conditions had been agreed upon in advance and were not decided on the spot.
It must be said that Jiang Ruotong's conditions were quite tempting. Especially her high status, comparable to that of a Supreme Elder, who did not interfere in the sect's mundane affairs, yet had crucial advisory power on important matters.
There are also all the necessary vault permissions and contribution quotas.
In terms of price, this is more than enough to invite a celestial cultivator.
just
Chen Ping'an's ambitions lie elsewhere, not to mention that he is currently acting under an assumed identity.
Faced with Jiang Ruotong's sincerity, he naturally had no choice but to refuse.
But clearly, Jiang Ruotong still wanted to fight for it, so she immediately offered an important bargaining chip.
"If Fellow Daoist Xu were to become a disciple of our sect, Ruotong could promise on behalf of the sect leader that all female cultivators in the sect, except for the sect leader, could play music, dance, and flute for Fellow Daoist Xu."
If, over time, feelings develop between them, the sect can facilitate a marriage for the fellow cultivators, allowing them to become partners or wives.
Jiang Ruotong's eyes were bright and clear, her face was as gentle as spring water, and all her words were sincere and heartfelt.
Upon hearing this, Chen Ping'an was taken aback.
this.
Joining the Luanming Sect comes with a guaranteed job assignment!?
While others assign jobs, the Luanming Sect goes straight to assigning Daoist companions and wives.
This is quite a gesture.
Chen Ping'an couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
As soon as Jiang Ruotong finished speaking, she looked at him with anticipation.
Inside the jade carriage, the other female cultivators also had bright eyes, eagerly awaiting Senior Xu's reply.
Especially that sweet-looking woman, her heart fluttered, wishing that Senior Xu would agree right then and there.
The jade carriage fell silent for a moment as everyone awaited Chen Ping'an's reply.
But clearly, Chen Ping'an's answer disappointed them.
"This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided in a short time. Fairy Jiang, please allow me to think it over carefully."
Chen Ping'an was elegant and gentle, speaking softly with a smile.
His demeanor was impeccable.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruotong felt a pang of sadness.
Fellow Daoist Xu's words were tactful, but in reality, they were a rejection.
Otherwise, the other party could simply give a deadline to demonstrate their sincerity.
Jiang Ruotong felt a pang of sadness, but she quickly regained her composure, looked at Chen Ping'an, and smiled.
"In that case, Ruotong will wait for Fellow Daoist Xu's good news."
Although she knew there was no hope, Jiang Ruotong still left a secret door.
If the opportunity arises in the future, it could be a chance to turn things around.
Upon hearing this, the others inside the jade carriage, though disappointed, knew what to do.
Everyone was radiant and smiling, and in no time, the atmosphere in the room returned to normal.
Wentian City has a vast territory. Although it is not as large as a single area, as a major city in the northern border, it still has the scale and influence it should have.
Although Chen Ping'an and his companions had already entered the territory of Wentian City, they were still a few days away from the majestic city.
Compared to Chen Ping'an's all-out escape speed, the speed of this jade carriage, although not bad, is obviously still much slower.
I thought that since the other party's invitation hadn't been accepted, after exchanging a few more pleasantries and giving both sides face, it would be about time to get off the carriage.
But who would have thought that Jiang Ruotong had no such intention?
Although their speech was rather subdued, they still maintained a high level of respect and courtesy on the surface.
The sweet-looking female cultivator, on the other hand, enthusiastically pulled him aside and chatted about the customs and traditions of various worlds.
Chen Ping'an had intended to exchange a few words before taking his leave.
However, after some discussion, he discovered that this sweet-looking female cultivator had considerable experience and insights, which would be of some benefit to him.
In addition, the other party also talked about the grand event in Wentian, and from there introduced many local customs, power divisions, and ecological patterns in Wentian City.
This includes some well-known small gatherings that are regularly organized.
This information made Chen Ping'an abandon his plan to leave early.
This led me to consider the idea of getting information for free.
While information about Wentian City and the Zhenfu Division's archives were mentioned, it was clearly less comprehensive than what the other party possessed. Even the information they had specifically inquired about before lacked the accuracy of what the other party claimed.
This took two days.
Normally, men and women are different, and even high-level cultivators, who are not bound by social etiquette, would find it inconvenient to be together day and night.
However, at their level, sleep is no longer necessary. Even if they take a short nap, it is only to replenish their mental energy.
This one point saves a lot of trouble.
Meanwhile, the female cultivators on the jade carriage were quite interested in Chen Ping'an and, having developed a liking for him, chatted amongst themselves, and time passed very quickly.
Thus, amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, the two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Inside the jade carriage, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air, and every now and then, the clear voice of a female cultivator could be heard.
After spending two days together, their relationship has grown even closer.
However, all good things must come to an end. Judging by the journey, with another day to go, we will probably arrive at Wentian City soon.
Under these circumstances, the sweet-smelling female cultivator took the initiative to suggest that she play a piece of music to entertain Senior Xu.
This move quickly garnered support from the other female cultivators present. After a brief exchange, they reached an agreement to play a duet for Senior Xu.
This is to express my gratitude to Senior Xu for his guidance and insights along the way.
"Senior Sister Jiang, your musical instruments are all ready, but they lack a bit of liveliness. If you have some free time, why don't you play a tune with me?"
The sweet-looking female cultivator blinked her bright eyes and looked at Jiang Ruotong.
"This"
Jiang Ruotong was taken aback, clearly not expecting that the flames of war would spread to her as well.
“Senior sister, it’s been a long time since we, fellow disciples, have played a duet together,” another female cultivator said casually.
“Yes, senior sister, this is a rare opportunity, come on!” A female cultivator in a colorful dress said with a smile.
"Without Senior Sister Qingdi's support, we dare not make any moves in front of Senior Xu."
Chen Ping'an sat upright on the soft couch, smiling as he looked at the scene before him.
Within a sect, as long as the cultivation level is the same and they belong to the same level, they can be classified as peers. Even if there were differences in seniority before, as long as they break through to the same realm, they can be classified according to their cultivation level.
For example, when one first enters the sect, with only internal energy cultivation, one can only be in the outer sect, with a status only higher than those of menial disciples.
Those who have reached the rank of Grandmaster can be addressed as Uncle-Master. Or they may be Grandmasters, who can be addressed as Ancestors.
But as long as one's cultivation level improves, one's seniority will rise accordingly.
Upon reaching the Celestial Realm, one becomes a powerful elder within the sect, and in the eyes of ordinary disciples, that is equivalent to a grandmaster.
This is quite different from family tradition.
Within a family, unless there is a significant difference in cultivation levels, normal blood ties and ethics must still be observed.
The longer a family has been passed down, the more generations there are.
After a few words of earnest conversation, the group finally persuaded Jiang Ruotong.
Under everyone's gaze, Jiang Ruotong gently reached out her hand, and suddenly a faint ripple of light appeared at her fingertips. Under the clear light, specks of light like clear radiance suddenly bloomed, and in an instant, they transformed into a jade flute that was as green as jade, which landed steadily in her palm.
Heavy treasure, green and slightly cold.
Snow clings to the verdant hills, a flute's clear melody echoes in the chill.
As Jiang Ruotong gently stroked the bamboo flute, a string of tassels appeared out of thin air beneath it, held by a jade pendant.
Chongbao, Qing Zijin.
Green are your robes, green is my heart.
Jiang Ruotong gently raised her hand and placed the jade flute to her lips. The sleeves of her white dress fell naturally like ripples on water, revealing a section of her fair wrist and forearm that was as white as snow.
Chen Ping'an's gaze lingered on it for a moment, then he inadvertently looked away.
He smiled gently, his gaze warm, as he looked at the people in the jade carriage.
At this moment, the group was in various poses, all in perfect formation, clearly ready.
The sweet-looking female cultivator held a flute and winked at Chen Ping'an.
Without much buildup, a single note from the zither shattered the silence of the room like a tearing cloth.
Then, as the ten fingers flew across the paper, it was as if a thousand horses had trampled a pool of spring water, producing overtones that were rapid, vast, and elegant, like jade beads falling onto a plate.
The elegant melody of music playing in unison rose and fell within the jade carriage, surging and turbulent.
The zither is the bone, the zheng is the water, the pipa is the flower, the xiao is the water, and the last touch of purity is the melodious flute.
The melodious and clear sound came over me, as if I were in the midst of high mountains and flowing water, and clear rivers and mountains.
In that instant, Chen Ping'an's mood brightened, celestial music filled his senses, and he enjoyed a carefree and leisurely time.
Inside the jade carriage, Chen Ping'an closed his eyes slightly, immersed in that wondrous feeling.
The music seemed to unfold vividly before him, as if a scene were playing out. Every rise and fall touched his heart, bringing him endless enjoyment. As the last note of the clear music faded, Chen Ping'an remained immersed in that feeling.
Jiang Ruotong gently stroked her hand, and a clear, ethereal light suddenly appeared, before the flute in her hand vanished.
Although she wasn't used to playing in front of people, she still made an exception this time.
At this moment, her mind was calm, and she couldn't express any particular emotion.
It's just that there was neither joy nor delight; it was merely like completing a task.
In fact, if it weren't for the lingering desire to win her over, even if her fellow disciples had persuaded her to offer some reward to Fellow Daoist Xu, she might not have participated.
"Having experienced this music, it should feel more real. This should increase the chances of winning them over in the future."
Jiang Ruotong felt relieved and suppressed the slight discomfort that remained.
Jiang Ruotong was like this, and the other female cultivators were naturally the same. Especially the sweet-looking female cultivator, who was eagerly waiting for Senior Xu to awaken from his enlightenment.
The female cultivator in the colorful dress found this scene amusing and couldn't help but reach out and tease her a bit.
The sweet-looking female cultivator glared at her fiercely, but ultimately didn't say anything to disturb her.
Inside the jade carriage, all was silent; no one dared to utter a sound to disturb the peace.
The celestial music was melodious and lingering.
After a long period of contemplation, Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw several fair-skinned and beautiful faces.
"Senior Xu."
The sweet-smelling female cultivator leaned closer: "How do you feel?"
Looking at the female cultivator in front of him, who had a look on her face that seemed to be asking for praise, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but smile.
Who says that celestial female rulers are all aloof and unapproachable? When they meet like-minded people, don't they have other appearances as well?
Seeing that the other party was eager for praise, and remembering his previous achievements, Chen Ping'an smiled elegantly and immediately praised him.
"The fairies' skills were superb, and their celestial music made me feel as if I were in a fairyland, and I lingered there, reluctant to leave."
These first few words were standard practice, but what followed caused a slight change in the expressions of the people present.
"The sound of the flute played by Fairy Yun was mellow, gentle, quiet, elegant, clear, and melodious, captivating Xu. Fairy Cai and Fairy Wen played the zither like a sudden rainstorm and the pipa like pearls. These were originally two extremely competitive musical instruments, but when played by the two fairies, they blended together perfectly, as if they were a natural masterpiece."
The zither's melody was melodious, as if it wanted to say something but hesitated.
And then there was Jiang Xianzi's clear flute, which, along with the xiao and dizi, rose and fell, bright and dark, yet far from disrupting the harmony, it added a touch of ambiguity. To have several fairies play together, to hear such celestial music, is truly my great fortune.”
As he spoke, Chen Ping'an stood up and bowed.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, you actually understand music?"
Jiang Ruotong's eyes lit up, feeling as if she had met a kindred spirit.
"I've dabbled in this before and know a little bit, but it's nothing special." Chen Ping'an waved his hand gently, his eyes calm and composed, his demeanor exuding a unique elegance.
"Fellow Daoist Xu is too modest."
Jiang Ruotong's smile is gentle and graceful, her black hair is as black as ink, and she exudes a refined beauty.
"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Xu has consulted any ancient musical scores before?"
"I do have some knowledge of it." Chen Ping'an nodded slightly, his posture elegant. "During my travels in the Western Wilderness, I had the opportunity to hear a powerful ancient melody, which I then borrowed to observe."
Inside the jade carriage, Chen Ping'an spoke eloquently, his demeanor elegant and refined, exuding the scholarly grace of a literati, yet also displaying a free and unrestrained spirit.
The eyes of the female cultivators from the Luanming Sect lit up, and their gazes toward Chen Ping'an held a hint of something indescribable.
Many people have heard of playing this instrument, but it is truly rare to find someone like Senior Xu who makes them feel like they have found a kindred spirit.
The majority of them were women! Even the few men who were present were far less knowledgeable and profound than Senior Xu.
This kind of profound knowledge and experience is something that those who are pretentious and affected cannot compare to; it is the accumulation of knowledge and experience over a long period of time.
Like fine wines, they become richer and more mellow with age.
Once opened, the aroma of the wine fills the air, making it irresistible.
"Jiang Xianzi's words are indeed reasonable, but I, Xu, believe that the way of music lies not only in elegant melodies and strings, but also in the universe. As the saying goes, 'The greatest sound is silent, the greatest form is formless,' this is the essence of ancient music. In the past, there were no written compositions, and ancient tunes were created by chance amidst the beauty of nature. Now, we..."
Inside the jade carriage, Chen Ping'an was gentle and refined, unhurried and composed, like a gentleman of jade.
Jiang Ruotong lowered her eyes slightly, a faint smile on her face, listening intently.
Towards the end, Chen Ping'an smiled gently and spoke softly.
"I have spoken too intimately with you, and I apologize for my overstepping my bounds."
"Fellow Daoist Xu speaks so kindly. I am more than grateful and would never take offense." Jiang Ruotong's eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.
"My understanding is rather shallow, and I am unworthy of such praise from a fairy," Chen Ping'an said with a gentle smile.
"Fellow Daoist Xu quoted extensively from classical texts, drawing on a wide range of sources to express profound truths, which I greatly admire."
From the time we discussed it earlier, more than half a day has passed.
But she didn't feel the passage of time at all. The other party was very knowledgeable and knew all about ancient books, old stories, and musical matters like the back of his hand. In some aspects, his familiarity with the way of music was even better than hers.
Such profound knowledge is truly admirable. It must have taken far more than a few years to achieve.
When conversing with the other party, it's like a fish in water, a natural understanding; some things don't need to be explicitly stated, the other party already understands.
Some topics, barely started, were already understood by the other party, and their conversation was perfectly in sync.
Such an experience was something she had never had before.
A kindred spirit seeks a kindred spirit amidst towering mountains and flowing waters.
That probably describes the current situation.
These feelings are truly wonderful, bringing joy and immense peace of mind.
Most importantly, the other party doesn't just blindly agree; they may have different understandings on some points. But in the end, they all arrive at the same conclusion, often striking a chord with her.
That feeling was extremely mysterious.
With such a close friend in life, what more could one ask for?
Jiang Ruotong's eyes were bright and clear, as gentle as spring water, and she felt that life was too wonderful.
Who could have imagined that a trip to Wentian would lead to meeting a kindred spirit like Fellow Daoist Xu?
"Fellow Daoist, there's no need to be so formal. If you don't mind, just call me Ruotong."
Jiang Ruotong gently stroked her hair, suppressing her shyness and forcing herself to remain calm.
“In that case, I, Xu, have overstepped my bounds.” Chen Ping’an smiled elegantly, his tone light and natural.
The slight enchantment and unease vanished completely with his laughter.
At this moment, he also vaguely sensed that the renowned Fairy Jiang Ruotong in front of him was different from before, and that her emotions seemed to have changed slightly.
With a slight understanding, he grasped the meaning in his heart.
For a refined woman like Jiang Ruotong, who has been immersed in the art of music since childhood, simple power has limited appeal.
On the contrary, it is in her eyes that like-minded, tacit and comfortable conversations are what are truly worth pursuing.
The spiritual connection, emotional resonance, and soul-to-soul connection that she experienced was incredibly alluring and seductive.
In addition, the other person is surrounded by admirers, and wherever they go, they are not lacking in people who flatter them.
Such situations are commonplace and nothing to be surprised about.
On this basis, taking a different approach and being slightly different can actually make the other party look at you in a different light.
Furthermore, if these differences are reasonable, these emotions will be amplified!
All of these factors combined have led to the current situation.
Although the factors involved seem simple, they are actually extremely difficult to implement in practice.
After all, being different without a foundation is no different from being a clown trying to attract attention.
Furthermore, without a good impression, many situations are not valid.
But unexpectedly, all the necessary elements were present in his unexpected turn of events.
this.
Upon realizing this, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
To be honest, he really hadn't thought of these things before.
He didn't come to Wentian City to flirt with women; he had absolutely no such intention.
Fortunately
We're almost at Wentian City.
As his emotions shifted, Chen Ping'an spoke much less.
Before setting off for Wentian, Chen Ping'an had never imagined that he would encounter such a situation on the way.
The surroundings were filled with the sounds of birdsong and elegant music, creating a sense of ease and comfort.
Furthermore, back then, when he first met Jiang Ruotong at Beishan Pass, he also imagined what it would feel like to hear celestial music.
Unexpectedly, in less than a year, he was completely satisfied and his wish came true.
This ensemble performance by female cultivators of advanced musical skills was truly extraordinary.
It brings joy, peace, and tranquility; such feelings are like swallowing a large dose of tonic, making one feel invigorated and extraordinary.
Even the previously blocked understanding of the essence of the music has now begun to loosen up a bit under the experience of that rhythm.
This experience will save Chen Ping'an a lot of hard work.
I once heard people say that the way of music is extremely mysterious, especially when one reaches the realm of celestial beings, it is even more extraordinary.
The benefits and strategic value of a top-tier female music cultivator are beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
A piece of music that requires great effort can have effects that are even more wonderful than some elixirs that protect the mind and clear the spirit.
In retrospect, it was indeed true.
This harvest is truly substantial.
These musical pieces were played in unison by several celestial female cultivators. Under normal circumstances, such a price would be considered exorbitant.
Even if you have a good enough price, without the right connections and networks, you can only imagine it.
Even if you manage to gather all the necessary items, if the other party is not willing, you can only sigh in vain.
Now that I'm on the jade carriage, it's a free experience, and this feeling is truly exhilarating.
Besides
Jiang Ruotong, at the half-step Grand Cultivator realm, together with the other women, played a melody that gave him this experience, as if he had swallowed a tonic for his soul.
I've heard that the top cultivator of the Luanming Sect, Fairy Luanyue, is exceptionally skilled in music and is an extremely rare top-tier female cultivator among great cultivators.
What if the other party makes a move and gets to hear the celestial music?
Could we help him break through the barriers in his spiritual realm and take a step forward?
Or perhaps, the previously obscure and profound meaning was completely and thoroughly understood in that instant!
Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted as he gazed out at the jade carriage, a sense of anticipation rising within him.
Luanming first revised, Xiao Luanyue
As Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, the jade carriage sped along, and a majestic city perched on the earth gradually emerged from the clouds.
We've arrived at Wentian City. (End of Chapter)