Chapter 20: Discussing 'art' with the Song Maiden
Throughout her playing experience, a young girl named Lyu Lyu kept an eye on the audience. Her beautiful blue eyes shone brightly, but not seeing any reaction to her song, she was somewhat disappointed.
It was true that being a beauty, everyone initially focused on her face, and her skills on the zither were ignored, understandable since few could grasp the beauty of the music. The audience began to awaken from their state and showered her with applause, but their attention was not on her performance, only on her.
Huang Jing, who was sitting in the distance, was somewhat puzzled that even after so much time, Xie Qing had not awakened. The only thing Huang knew was that he was breaking through a level, but he couldn't understand which one exactly.
Soon it became too noisy, and Huang Jing looked at the golden dome. Fortunately, he had set up the item in time so as not to be disturbed during his breakthrough. The party continued, and the revelry was at its peak.
Lyu Lyu did not leave the stage and sat there, occasionally playing something, but the other performances were not as bright as the first, as if she had lost the motivation to do anything.
It was nearing three in the morning when Xie Qing opened his eyes. He looked around and saw the golden dome around him, slightly surprised.
"Oh? Hmm... a protective dome for cultivators. Who used it on me?" Xie Qing wondered.
Such items were sold in large quantities, and there were several quality levels. What surrounded him could absorb noises and even redirect Qi to one point. It was a very expensive item!
Ding!
[Analysis... status report]
[Name: Xie Qing
Age: 18/380
Cultivation: Foundation Building (5th stage)
Talent: Divine
Physique: Golden Dragon Body
Cultivation Technique: Basic cultivation technique (low efficiency), Nine Golden Dragons Technique (perfect compatibility)]
"Ugh... straight to the fifth stage? That was incredible," Xie Qing thought, then looked at the notification that appeared when he closed his eyes. He raised an eyebrow, "Hm? Heavenly melody? Is it because of that girl's performance?"
Xie Qing was pleasantly surprised. Coincidentally, the dome disappeared after he completed the breakthrough. Huang Jing revealed his face, looking at the young man as if he were a monster.
"Darn... your talent is just amazing. You broke through three stages in one sitting... darn monster!"
"Hehehe..."
Xie Qing didn't say anything, just chuckled and grinned. Huang Jing didn't press further either.
Upon seeing this spectacle, the other disciples were also stunned. Suddenly, they grabbed their glasses and raised them, saying, "To your talent, Brother Xu!"
...Needless to say, they quickly changed their opinion, a common occurrence in the cultivation world. Talent and strength decided everything, so harboring enmity towards someone with a bright future was a foolish choice.
"Of course. Let's drink to brotherhood!" Xie Qing raised his glass in response, smiling brightly. He didn't bother reminding the disciples of their earlier behavior; it didn't make much sense. It was better to earn their respect and establish good relations, which would undoubtedly help him in the future.
After they drank, Huang Jing patted Xie Qing on the shoulder in surprise.
"Listen, Brother Xu, if you don't mind, have you managed to grasp the depth of the Song Maiden's music?" Huang Jing asked with a serious face, adding, "By the way, she performs only for high-class guests, and her musical instrument is a spiritual item, so it has a special property that helps relax and provides incredible efficiency for cultivators."
"Oh? Indeed... the Song Maiden is truly amazing. Her music was so beautiful that I immersed myself in a mysterious state. I remember there was a sea in front of me, it was night, and the moon was shining brightly in the sky."
"Hm?"
Huang Jing and the others suddenly froze in place, as did some guests in the room. Xie Qing's words were loud enough to attract the attention of others, who stood still as if they had heard nonsense.
Even the Song Maiden, Lyu Lyu, showed genuine surprise on her face.
"What? Why are you all looking at me like that?" Xie Qing tilted his head, asking, "Didn't you feel the same?"
"N-no, listen... the miraculous effect was just a rumor. Few could experience that state, and I've never heard of such cases in my experience. If you're curious, falling into such a state is only granted to talented individuals. And even I didn't have the fortune to fall into that category," Huang Jing said, stuttering.
He added, looking at Xie Qing with admiration, "And you, it seems, managed to grasp that special effect. It's incredible."
"He-eh?"
Xie Qing raised an eyebrow, now understanding the reason for their shock. If there was such an effect, it seemed that few could fully utilize it; otherwise, the listener would only fall into a slight stupor, and that's it.
It was worth noting that the power of the spiritual item was no joke, and many would fight to the death for its possession, tearing each other's throats out.
"Amazing..."
"He looks so young, beautiful, and so talented... Heavens, are you punishing me for betraying my wife? I need to spend my honeymoon with her immediately and go purify my karma..."
Ignoring the shocked looks of the audience, Xie Qing poured himself another glass of wine. Although he didn't want to admit it, he had developed a slight taste for alcohol due to his interactions with his master.
While he was drinking, a small commotion erupted, sounding much louder than usual. Xie Qing suddenly turned his head, sensing a presence beside him, and saw the Song Maiden.
"How may I assist you, esteemed fairy?" Xie Qing asked, smiling and friendly. He had a good impression of this girl who helped him break through three stages, so he was very respectful and friendly towards her.
The Song Maiden Lyu Lyu looked excited, her delicate hands trembling slightly, and her voice so soft that it couldn't be heard.
"I... would like to discuss art with you. Alone, if possible," said the Song Maiden, blushing.
"Huh?"
Huang Jing made a strange sound and then turned to Xie Qing, who looked like he didn't understand the meaning of Lyu Lyu's words.
"Sigh..." tapping his forehead, Huang Jing whispered to Xie Qing, "It means she wants to give you her virginity. Act!"
Xie Qing was rendered speechless, then turned his gaze to the embarrassed Lyu Lyu, who, despite blushing, remained determined.
"Could it be that I will finally attain enlightenment?" thought Xie Qing and stood up, taking Lyu Lyu's hands and gently saying, "Of course. I'll be delighted to discuss your art with you."
"O-o-oh...!"
Enthusiastic cheers erupted behind them as they left the floor and headed to another.
***
Xie Qing lay in his bedroom, enjoying the sight of the lavishly decorated room. Compared to his room, this place looked ten times more luxurious and richer.
Lyu Lyu had asked him to wait in the room while she changed into suitable attire.
The act of giving away one's virginity was an important stage in the life of the Song Maiden. It was optional, but if a girl found the right person, she might choose to give herself. In a sense, it was the only positive aspect of the red-light district.
"Ugh... I remember trying to get into such a place, but the Xie family's guard caught me and forced me to return home, telling my father everything... hehe, but then that guard had diarrhea for a week. I slipped him some good stuff in Baijiu," thought Xie Qing, smiling.
While lost in thought, a creaking sound interrupted him, and she appeared in the doorway.
"Oh..."
Her body was covered by a thin robe that clung to her figure, barely hiding anything.
Lyu Lyu's nipples pressed against the fabric, and her face was red, emitting a pleasant fragrance. With makeup washed away, her natural beauty only improved.
Her face was cute – round, with small cheeks and bright eyes. The pleasant blush on her face created a beautiful picture.
She looked like a fairy descended from heaven.
"I would like to talk with you a bit before starting the ceremony," she suddenly said, approaching and sitting on the bed next to Xie Qing. She added, blushing, "Of course, if it doesn't bother you."
"No, not at all," replied Xie Qing, standing up and then smiling at her. "I'm very curious to talk with such a professional like you."
"D-do you think so?" the girl said with eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Yes. I'm sincere. Your music was mythical and allowed me to enter a state of enlightenment. I was stunned by it. Moreover, the way you played and the passion in your eyes conquered my heart as a listener. The way your fingers delicately moved, leaving phantom traces behind, made me admire your art, and every note made my heart beat faster..."
His words didn't stop there, and Xie Qing continued to praise her. Not because he wanted to win her attention with flattery, but because he spoke from the heart.
In Xie Qing's life, there was no more enjoyable music than this. He was amazed and in love.
Every word seemed to hit Lyu Lyu's heart directly, and at some point, the sweet feeling made her tremble, and tears began to fall from her eyes.
"And now... huh? Why are you crying?" Xie Qing exclaimed in surprise, inadvertently touching her shoulder.
"N-no, I..." Although Lyu Lyu wanted to explain that everything was fine, she was too emotional and just leaned against Xie Qing's chest, who was first stunned and then hugged her shoulder, pulling her closer.
And so, after five minutes, Lyu Lyu calmed down. Suddenly breaking free from his embrace, she pushed Xie Qing onto the bed, crawled onto him, and smiled gently.
"My name is Lyu Lyu... and yours?"
"My name is... Xie Qing."
Lyu Lyu smiled gently and repeated his name several times, looking very cute. Then she leaned in for a kiss.
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