The two walked until they reached the end of the road; if they continued, they would reach the arena.
Lu Zhaozhao slowed her pace and stood still.
Bai Yuanshi also stopped, and this was the first time he had spoken since he started walking.
"Zen Buddhism disappeared from historical records for a thousand years. I don't know what the taboo was, but both my master and senior brother remained silent. If your Zen techniques were truly taught by Master Yunxian, then there shouldn't be much of a problem, but if not..."
He turned to face Lu Zhaozhao and said earnestly, "If it's not true, it absolutely must not be used again."
Hearing his words, Lu Zhaozhao's heart stirred slightly. She hadn't expected this to have such serious consequences. Fortunately, she hadn't exposed herself too early before Nian Zhi used the Formless Technique.
The Formless Technique was something she obtained from Ying Che. Although Yun Xian favored Nian Zhi, she wouldn't be so biased. She probably intended to teach it to Lu Zhaozhao after the Golden Palace Banquet, creating an information gap. However, Ying Che didn't know beforehand, and she ended up learning the technique by chance, which is easy to explain. But the Brahma Sound of Breaking Out of the Cocoon at that time...
This chanting was something she had jot down while listening to sutras and chants daily by Master Jingwen's side. The scene was complicated at the time, and she didn't know how many people understood the content of the chanting, or how many people doubted it.
Perhaps she was too preoccupied with her thoughts, because the expression on her face was unpredictable, sometimes sunny and sometimes cloudy. Bai Yuanshi thought that he had spoken too harshly and frightened her, so he quickly added, "You don't need to worry too much. Today was just a routine inquiry. Now that you've been released, we naturally won't pursue the matter any further."
Lu Zhaozhao was somewhat surprised. She looked up and met his eyes, but he blinked and looked away.
"Thank you, senior brother." Lu Zhaozhao hesitated for a moment before thanking him, and then said hesitantly, "But senior brother, it seems like they've been calling your name over there. It must be your turn to go on stage."
She pointed to the arena, where the arbitrator's disciple, looking utterly hopeless, loudly shouted, "Master Bai Yuan of Wenyuan Academy!"
For the first time, Bai Yuanshi's face showed panic; he hadn't even heard such a loud shout. He said goodbye to Lu Zhaozhao and immediately ran towards the arena.
Lu Zhaozhao watched his departing figure and then looked at another road.
In the end, she followed the same path as Bai Yuanshi.
"Never mind, I can rest anytime. I should go and observe the strength of the other opponents." Lu Zhaozhao thought to herself.
Bai Yuanshi was already standing on the stage. Perhaps because he had run all the way, the back of his ears was still flushed. However, he still tried to remain calm and maintain steady breathing.
His opponent was the only remaining disciple of the Tianyin Sect besides Yaotong. Lu Zhaozhao had never seen this person before, so he did not know how strong she was.
I glanced at the sign on the side; next to the three characters "Bai Yuanshi" were the two characters "Jihe" written in gold foil.
It's a beautiful name, evoking images of clear skies and gentle breezes, which, combined with the woman's cool and aloof face, makes her appear even more ethereal.
"This Fairy Jihe is no less beautiful than Fairy Yaotong."
"Fairy Yaotong is much better. Fairy Jihe looks too cold, just like Immortal Xianji back then, only to be admired from afar. I heard that as long as you talk to Fairy Yaotong, she will definitely reply. When she appears next time, we'll..."
People around them chatted casually, commenting on the two women's appearances, and even laughed. Lu Zhaozhao felt a little uncomfortable listening to this, so she said, "What does it matter what the fairies' appearances and personalities are? The Golden Palace Banquet is a place for competition. If you have any ideas, you are welcome to participate."
Upon hearing this, the two people in the conversation felt a surge of anger. They were the participants who had been eliminated in the first round of the competition, and they were already furious. They had hoped to see some beautiful female cultivators to relieve their anger, but instead, they were lectured. Just as they were about to lose their temper, they turned their heads and saw Lu Zhaozhao's face.
They weren't unaware of this recently famous figure; in fact, they had even watched a few of Lu Zhaozhao's matches, mainly for her face and figure. Subconsciously, they believed that no matter how powerful a female cultivator was, she couldn't be that strong.
But he couldn't reveal what he was thinking, especially since Lu Zhaozhao was backed by Emperor Huizong of Qing and the even more famous Yun Xian. So he could only force a smile and silently make a mental note of her actions.
The surroundings quieted down, and the competition began on the stage.
Surprisingly, Jihe's weapon was also a seven-stringed zither.
The seven-stringed zither was beautiful, but it wasn't a particularly powerful weapon, and very few people in the Tianyin Sect used it. It wasn't until Yao Tong played it with such skill that the zither came into the public eye.
Very few people use the seven-stringed zither as a weapon. First, with the legendary Yao Tong and Zhu Yu preceding them, it seems strange for others to try their best. Second, it is not an advantageous weapon, and if it is made of ordinary materials, it is even more inferior.
Therefore, Ji He's playing of the seven-stringed zither caused another uproar from the audience.
Ji He was already used to such scenes.
She had been using this seven-stringed zither since she began her cultivation, even longer than Yao Tong. However, due to her lack of natural talent, she had only reached this level and gained some fame through hard work over the years. The outside world only thought she was imitating Yao Tong, and even fabricated rumors of discord between the two.
It's laughable. They're from the same school and both practice the seven-stringed zither. They have endless things to say about it in private, and they've even attended events together. But people only believe what they believe. The rivalry between the two women makes this storybook sell better than other versions. Neither of them cares about these things, and they haven't tried to explain, so the rumors have only grown louder.
She didn't need to guess what the people below were discussing; it was nothing more than the entanglement and infighting between the two women, which was quite boring.
Ji He turned her attention back to the field. Her opponent was Bai Yuanshi from Wenyuan Academy. Before Lu Zhaozhao of Emperor Huizong of Qing Dynasty emerged, Bai Yuanshi had always been the undisputed champion. She knew there was a big gap between them, but she was unwilling to admit defeat easily.
"This zither is named Songxue. I would like to ask you for your guidance today."
Ji He spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, showing no lack of proper etiquette.
Bai Yuanshi, with his keen hearing and sharp eyesight, had already overheard the discussion below the stage, and thus spoke even more than usual: "Lei Wei encountered a blizzard and went alone to Mount Emei to drink to his heart's content, wearing a straw raincoat and hat as he entered the deep pine forest. He heard the continuous and melodious sound of the pines, felled them, and carved them into a zither, which he named 'Pine Snow.' Now, holding a bamboo flute, I am fortunate to hear the sound of the zither and let us compete to see who is better."
Jihe was somewhat surprised that he would say these things. Although her Songxue was also a famous zither, it was not as well-known as Yaotong's Jiuxiao Peihuan. Most people had never even heard of it, let alone know any of its stories.
Her icy expression seemed to melt away, making her appear much more approachable.
Lu Zhaozhao was also stunned as she listened from below the stage. She didn't know much about the art of the zither, only knowing the famous ones like Jiaowei and Dasheng Yiyin, but she only knew their names.
Her gaze toward Master Bai Yuan couldn't help but hold a touch more admiration. Ever since their trip to East Lake, Master Bai Yuan seemed to know everything. Although most of the disciples of Wenyuan Academy were well-read, it was truly rare to find someone as comprehensive and knowledgeable as him.
It seems I need to be more careful in the future, lest I be seen through too easily.
While Lu Zhaozhao was still pondering, the fight had already begun.
Ji He took the lead, and the clear, resonant sound of her zither, carrying with it frost and snow, lowered the temperature of the entire venue by several degrees.
Looking at the frost flowers on her eyelashes, Lu Zhaozhao recalled Bai Yuanshi's words and sighed, "Truly worthy of being a deep pine tree born in the snowy Emei Mountains."
The sound of the zither condensed into an attack, striking towards Bai Yuanshi.
Long, slender fingers rested on the black jade bamboo tube, which resembled white jade, making the bamboo tube appear even more vivid.
He flicked his wrist, drawing a stunning image. As it fell, a barrier appeared in mid-air, emitting a faint, woody fragrance.
"To ensure a tree grows tall, its roots must be firmly established."
Lu Zhaozhao's gaze darkened. The "Admonition to the Emperor" was a trump card that had never been used in the previous competition, and everyone guessed it would be a last resort. Yet, it was used at the very first moment.
This is a unique skill of Wenyuan Academy, which ordinary people may never see in their entire lives. She was fortunate enough to fight against it during the Battle of Minghai. Although Master Bai Yuan had just entered the field at that time, its power was already terrifying.
So many years later, what kind of strength will Master Bai Yuan, who has become increasingly proficient in this art, demonstrate?
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