Chapter 275: 275. Finally reach the Jin Wulou Realm
Liao Ya secretly dug up 3,000 taels of gold, ready to present it as a congratulatory gift, which was the minimum requirement for entering the "Golden Body Realm" in Jin.
But Yu Yanmei hadn't left her closed-door cultivation the next day, her aura slowly diminishing.
This was a good thing! The retraction of the aura back into the body was a sign of completely mastering the realm!
Nobody was in a rush. They practiced their martial arts and played their instruments, not feeling lonely in the slightest.
At this moment, taking advantage of the downtime while replenishing their Inner Breath, each member of the family chose an instrument they liked to learn. Discover hidden stories at empire
Li Pei was playing a long and dignified melody on the cello, precisely "Air on the G String."
This royal lady had received Western elite education from childhood and naturally mastered the concepts of music.
And the cello, with its rich and full sound, suited her noble aura particularly well.
A beautiful person playing a beautiful tune, the piece ended almost unnoticed.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, and Li Pei stood up, bowed, and then smiled, "Next, I will teach you how to play instruments, starting with the two sisters from the Liao Family."
She began teaching methodically, starting from the most basic musical principles, followed by techniques for playing the instrument.
Liao Ya played the flute, and Liao Qe played the xiao. The sisters took their learning very seriously, their fair little hands pressing and holding the instruments, while their cherry lips blew and bit...
Lu Yao watched with a burning heart and a gleaming gaze! Harbouring inappropriate thoughts~
The two sisters were earnestly learning when they suddenly sensed the malicious gaze and looked up to find it came from Lu Yao.
They both demanded in unison, "What are you up to!?"
"Nothing, nothing~ You must have sensed wrong," he replied offhandedly, idly strumming the pipa's strings.
He had originally chosen the suona, but Li Pei firmly objected, even threatening to cut off his supply of "face wash."
Lu Yao loved cleanliness; he needed his sisters to wash his face every day, and without the "face wash," how could he manage?
Immediately following his heart, he switched to the pipa.
The pipa first appeared during the Qin Dynasty, with a history of more than 2000 years, also an enduring traditional instrument.
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After teaching the two sisters, Li Pei sat next to Lu Yao to instruct him.
The whole family were Spirit Refining Experts, all possessing the ability for "the body to follow the intent." Instruments also relied on body movement for sound production, making the learning process exceptionally smooth.
In less than half a day, they were able to play tunes fluently, and "precise" melodies flowed through the courtyard.
Li Pei nodded, "You could say you've learned it, but it's full of craftsmanship. Next, you should try infusing the music with an atmosphere."
This was difficult, relying on the rather abstract concept of "musical talent."
Some musical masters could achieve this as early as five or six years old. But most ordinary people could only be "music artisans," playing precisely according to rhythm and score but lacking soul.
Fortunately, Lu Yao wouldn't encounter this issue.
After reaching the Fetal Breath stage, his Mind Force could be extended. Following the methods from Zhou He's book "Tranquil Springs at Dawn," he effortlessly entwined his Mind Force with the strings, merging it with the sound of the music.
Under Li Pei's guidance, Lu Yao first played a rather ordinary "Ambush From Ten Sides." Although the melody was precise, nothing special stood out.
For the second piece, he played his own rendition of "Blue and White Porcelain."
As his fingers flew, an ink painting of a misty Jiangnan landscape with a hint of longing and delicate sorrow appeared before one's eyes.
The three sisters applauded and cheered again and again.
Liao Ya exclaimed in surprise, "Your playing has the effect of calming the mind and nurturing the Divine Soul."
Liao Qe agreed, "Indeed, indeed, it feels so comfortable in my head after listening~"
Li Pei's beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration, "My lord, you are an expert in Spirit Refinement of Divine Fetal Breathing, and the music of a Spirit Refining Expert naturally possesses various magical effects."
Everyone had witnessed Daoist Zhou He masterfully playing various musical instruments against foes and, after a moment of astonishment, they urged Lu Yao to play another piece.
He paused to think briefly and then, with the power of his mind force, he entwined the strings and played another piece, "Fearless".
This tune was fiery and passionate, and when played on the pipa, it was especially spirited and stylish.
The sound waves turned tangible, spreading outwards, and even three Spiritual Sparrowhawks landed on a tree, curiously listening.
Liao Ya looked at her hands in surprise and said, "The speed of my inner breath recovery surged, and my qi and blood are flourishing... The music of a Spirit Refining Expert is indeed miraculous."
Liao Qe echoed, "The tales say that, on ancient battlefields, Spirit Refining Experts would beat the drums to bolster the fighting spirit, decisively crushing the enemy. It's called 'a surge of spirit with the beating of the drums'."
The three girls stared at Lu Yao, who was still playing, growing more fond of him by the moment, while the three Spiritual Sparrowhawks also squawked strangely, as if applauding.
After the piece ended, Lu Yao put down the pipa amidst applause. After feeling the effects for a while, he mused,
"The more I merge the power of mind force into the music, the more deftly I can control it, flowing smoothly as if following my heart's desire.
"This mind force was all a gift from Kotaro Komura, not something I cultivated myself. I must thoroughly hone it to truly make it my own!"
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After playing the instruments for half of the day and their physical strength and inner breath restored, they were about to resume martial training when suddenly, a beautiful and elongated howl came from the harbor!
The howl pierced the skies, startling countless birds into flight.
A dazzling figure shot towards them rapidly, it was Yu Yanmei.
Lu Yao focused his gaze and saw Grandmaster Yu standing tall and chilly, like a Moon Elf, seemingly no different from before.
Her life force was previously surging, and her qi and blood were as vigorous as a blazing torch, her True Qi moved like a sharp sword.
But now all her qi, blood, and True Qi circulated within her, forming her own universe, leaving no hint of it on her exterior.
Only her occasional breathing resonated with the outside world.
Li Peixin shouted excitedly, "Congratulations to master for reaching the Flesh Realm without leaks, advancing to the Flesh Realm!"
Lu Yao and the others also congratulated her with clasped fists, "Congratulations, Grandmaster Yu!"
Yu Yanmei let out a long sigh of relief and lamented, "The pipa piece from Lu Xiaozi was a great help to me."
Her expression carried a sense of relief as if she had just survived a grave ordeal; her retreat was not as smooth as it appeared.
Li Pei was initially scared, but then his fear was overwhelmed by joy, "Master is now an expert of the Jin Wulou Realm, you could enjoy longevity and stay at the peak for 150 years~"
The lifespan of someone in the Jin Wulou Realm is around 180 years, and before the age of 150, one can remain at their peak, with a great life to enjoy.
But this realm is but a precursor to even greater challenges that lie ahead!
Yu Yanmei ruffled her disciple's head with a smile, "The real journey starts now, and I too must go and earn gold."
Li Pei hurriedly handed over a purse, "Here's the 120 taels I've saved up… What are your plans, master?"
Yu Yanmei spoke indifferently, "I'm planning to head down to South Ocean or adventure in New Australia Continent."
Gold was incredibly precious, and even Martial Artists who wished to acquire it had to risk their lives!
Li Pei deeply regretted that his family had fallen on hard times when it was far from opportune. If it were even a year later!
His master wouldn't have to risk her life in a foreign land!
Yu Yanmei pinched her disciple's cheek reassuringly, "You've become much fairer, and you seem to be in good spirits. It looks like Lu Yao has treated you well, and knowing that, I can leave with peace of mind."
"Ahem," Lu Yao interrupted, "Grandmaster Yu! I have a congratulatory gift here, a token of my appreciation for your support and guidance."
With that, he handed over a small wooden box.