Chapter 1087: Civil and Military Affairs Reversed (Sixteen) [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Sheet music?
This answer exceeded Ning Yan's expectations.
Her guesses for answers were varied, but none of them had anything to do with musical scores. Besides, the war was currently intense, and the lord wasn't someone who liked music theory, so why would he suddenly want to get his hands on musical scores? Ning Yan asked, puzzled, "What does the lord need musical scores for?"
Shen Tang answered readily: "Play it."
Ning Yan nearly froze: "Now?"
Shen Tang retorted, "Otherwise what?"
Ning Yan: "..."
Based on common perception, Ning Yan's first reaction was that she couldn't connect music theory with war; the two were completely unrelated. If one were to force a connection, only objects like war drums and gongs could link the two.
Thinking about it carefully, I have heard that Chu Yao once studied sound attacks.
Shen Tang said, "Some people like to take things out of context, using the phrase 'shamans, doctors, musicians, and artisans are disdained by gentlemen' from the fragments of the Word of Power to make a point, concluding that everything outside of literature and martial arts is a skill. But what is the result? Besides literature and martial arts, there are also doctors and calligraphers, each with their own Word of Power, shining brightly one after another. If that's the case, why can't there be musicians? Music might also be a powerful weapon."
Under normal circumstances, sound is indeed the fastest and most efficient way to transmit information during wartime. For example, the sound of drums can not only boost the morale of the army, but also command the army to attack or retreat according to different rhythms and beats, thus keeping the rhythm of the battle in hand.
In his early years, Chu Yao had some whimsical ideas, believing that "musical sound" should not be limited to this, and might achieve the same amplification effect as other literary arts, but the results were minimal, and it remained at the theoretical level. However, he also followed this line of thought to open up other tracks. If there was no war, he would stay out of it, but if there was a war, he would definitely go to the front lines.
To paraphrase Wei Shou, if a general who goes berserk is like a mad dog without a leash, then Chu Wuhui is the most refined and elegant mad dog who even bites the leash himself. You can't tell from his appearance whether he is a human or a dog, normal or insane.
He appears calm and composed on the surface, but inside he's already bloodthirsty.
Shen Tang agreed with Chu Yao's approach.
Among the many temples of sages, there must be one dedicated to musicians!
Ning Yan was almost convinced by Shen Tang.
but--
She had never heard that the Lord was also skilled in music theory.
Out of caution, he asked, "How confident is Your Majesty?"
Holding the short flute she had swiped from Gu Chi, Shen Tang said confidently, "I'm not sure, but I've succeeded before."
She wasn't lying.
The one who succeeded was not her, but evil.
This matter can be traced back to the decisive battle of Yonggu Pass many years ago. Shen Tang led his elite troops to cause trouble in the rear of Shiwu, and Shiwu's main force failed in its attack on Yonggu Pass. Yonggu Pass was defended, and Shen Tang returned safely in triumph. At the victory celebration banquet of that battle, Shen Tang reluctantly accepted Xun Zhen, the money-devouring beast. In his great joy and sorrow, he drank a lot of wine, and his evil thoughts came out. He went to offer sacrifices to Yan An.
Gu Chi told him these details afterward.
Gu Chi also told her that the song "Soul Crossing" played by the evil spirit was quite good. Just as Shen Tang was secretly pleased that "she" was not only skilled in literature and martial arts but also in calligraphy and painting, Gu Chi poured cold water on her enthusiasm: "[She only knows one song, "Soul Crossing."]"
Shen Tang naturally did not believe Gu Chi's words.
How could someone have excellent music theory skills but only know one song?
Gu Chidao: [She admitted it herself, saying exactly, "I only know this one song," and "Nothing more, practice makes perfect."]
Even someone with poor music theory skills can play a pretty good piece if they practice just one song over and over again, as long as they are willing to spend the time and effort.
Shen Tang: [...]
She refused to believe it and secretly practiced afterwards.
Sigh, needless to say, the effect of playing it privately was terrible. Instead of the fish swimming in the water that Shen Tang had been hoping for, she got something that made fish sink and geese fall from the sky, and the moon hide its face and flowers blush with shame. This was the first time in her life that she had known the latter two idioms could be so vivid! Shen Tang was so angry that she broke the flute.
Why are we picking it up again now, even though it seems like a difficult decision?
It was naturally because of a thoughtless remark.
Gong Shuwu could summon heroic spirits to serve him using the will of a martial artist, a principle similar to Wei Cheng's plan. Shen Tang hoped to obtain a strategy for defeating the enemy from Gong Shuwu. Gong Shuwu's answer was conventional, much like Shen Tang had expected. However, Ji Moqiu offered another idea—if these souls could be appeased and released, their obsessions eliminated, the same effect could be achieved.
To truly solve the problem at its root.
Shen Tang asked him, "Does the High Priest have a brilliant plan?"
Ji Moqiu: [The solution lies in Your Highness's hands.]
Shen Tang pointed to herself: [Me?]
Ji Moqiu nodded: [You know that.]
He couldn't reveal any more details, as this was all he knew. Confused, Shen Tang scratched his head, trying to recall his own skills. When he still had no clue, he sought help from Shan Nian to brainstorm solutions.
For the first time, the three-year-old's good intentions came true.
Someone knows how to do what you're suggesting.
Shen Tang was overjoyed and her spirits lifted: [Who are you talking about?]
Three-year-old Shan Nian grinned and said, "【Evil thoughts!】"
Shen Tang: [...]
She suddenly felt like she'd been screwed over.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Shen Tang's mind, and she remembered this little episode from several years ago. Unfortunately, the only living person who had ever heard of "Soul Crossing" was Gu Chi. Shen Tang asked him for the musical score, but how could Gu Chi possibly provide it in a short time? He had only heard it once, and it would be too much to ask him to completely replicate "Soul Crossing" from memory.
The score was not finalized until just before the war began.
Shen Tang didn't place all his hopes on this, and prepared Plan B and Plan C to see how the battle developed before deciding which plan to implement. Unexpectedly, Wei Cheng and his uncle pulled some unexpected moves, rendering Shen Tang's backup plans useless.
Faced with the seemingly endless army of skeletons, as numerous as cockroaches, and with her combat power further weakened, Shen Tang had no choice but to initiate this seemingly absurd plan. Ji Moqiu was tasked with capturing the leader first, heading straight for the enemy's commander alongside Gong Xichou. Before he departed, Shen Tang cast several amplifying spells on him: 【Go.】
A hint of excitement flickered in Ji Moqiu's eyes.
It is Qiu's great fortune to be able to serve Your Highness.
Unlike Ji Moqiu's excitement, Gong Xiqiu rolled his eyes so hard they almost popped out of his head, muttering: "An extra that costs me money."
Sigh, my older brother is such a disappointment.
What is Mama's personality like?
Sigh, even stray dogs tuck their tails between their legs when they pass by, afraid she'll pluck all their fur. And this guy acts like being fleeced is a huge honor—he'll be squeezed dry eventually!
Ji Moqiu and his brother went to confront the Imperial Preceptor of the Eternal Life Sect. Shen Tang then went to Gu Chi to ask for the sheet music and took out a short flute.
Open the sheet music and look down to examine it closely.
On the surface, he appeared calm and collected, but inside he was in a complete panic.
They can read sheet music, know the rhythm, and even simulate the effect in their minds, but alas—they can understand everything when asked, but they can't do it when they try.
Shen Tang's hand holding the piccolo trembled with nervousness.
Making a mistake is no big deal, but losing face in front of the entire army is a serious matter.
Shen Tang wasn't the only one nervous; Gu Chi, who knew the truth, was also on edge. If it were driven by malice, he wouldn't be concerned, but the master was the one in control. His music theory knowledge was at a level where he was only half-knowledgeable. He shuddered at the thought of being bombarded with demonic music.
Shen Tang: "..."
She took a deep breath, finally unable to hold back any longer, and roared, "Shut your mouth if you don't want me to pull out a needle and sew your mouth shut!"
Despite his complaints, Gu Chi didn't reveal any important information.
However, since no one knew she was going to play a tune, even if it sounded terrible, it would only be a minor nuisance. Gu Chi, however, couldn't keep her thoughts to herself and internally criticized her for being completely ignorant of music theory. Didn't she, as the master, have any dignity? Shen Tang almost had murderous thoughts at this moment...
She took several deep breaths in a row.
It gave me a strange sense of déjà vu, like performing on stage at a school gala.
He even held the flute upside down at one point.
This feeling didn't last long, because the moment Shen Tang blew the first note, she instantly entered a magical, ethereal state. Her hands seemed to have their own consciousness, spontaneously playing this "Soul Crossing" piece. Shen Tang was slightly startled, resisting the urge to interrupt, and allowed herself to immerse herself in this state.
In an instant, a loud flute melody pierced the sky.
It was like a cold glint of light severing the howling, bloody chill of the battlefield.
Although it is meant to soothe the souls of the dead, this piece contains not a trace of heaviness, sorrow, or sadness, nor does it evoke any sense of melancholy. Instead, it conveys a feeling of exhilaration, open-mindedness, and carefree spirit. The moment the flute's melody enters the ears, even the heaviest body feels a bit lighter.
Even Shen Tang herself was immersed in the sound of the flute.
She closed her eyes in blissful ecstasy.
The first time, the sound of the flute only covered a portion of the central army.
The second time, the flute music was extended to all three armies.
Whether it was due to the music or not, the previously aggressive skeleton warriors visibly slowed their movements by a third, their strength diminished, and the murky flames flickering in their eye sockets gradually cleared. Ning Yan was the first to notice these changes and was horrified.
She confirmed several times that it wasn't her imagination.
Not only the scattered skeleton warriors, but also those skeleton warriors trapped in her spell illusion, who were like headless flies, became much quieter. Some even looked around blankly, as if trying to figure out where they were and what they were doing.
Ning Yan clenched her fists nervously.
The third time, the flute music was infused with a great deal of literary spirit, and it rode the wind away.
As the spread expands, the impact also doubles.
The skeleton soldier loosened his grip, and the weapon clattered to the ground.
This scene seemed to spread like wildfire, from one to ten, from ten to a hundred, with more and more skeleton soldiers stopping fighting or dropping their weapons. This left the Kang soldiers, who had been fighting to the death not long ago, completely bewildered.
No, what happened?
[Waaaaaah...]
Just then, Ning Yan heard a series of whistling sounds. At first glance, it sounded like the wind, but upon closer listening, it sounded more like someone crying. The sound was mournful and plaintive, as if it contained endless grievances and sorrow, making one's nose tingle with emotion. Tracing the source of the sound, it turned out to be a skeleton!
The skeleton soldier, having lost his weapon, covered his face with his hands.
Even the flames pulsating in his eye sockets turned into a wriggling, glowing liquid, which rolled down his eye sockets one by one.
Qian Yong was so shocked that his mouth gaped open, big enough to swallow two eggs in one gulp.
Look at a bunch of skeletons, then look at Shen Tang.
He slapped his thigh: "It really is weird!"
I knew better than anyone that I made the right choice back then!
Before long, the flute music began its fourth time, this time covering a wider area than the third, encompassing the large crater and reaching the battlefield of the High Kingdom. Perhaps due to their simpler thoughts and lighter obsessions, the third wave of skeletons was affected the last, yet their reaction was the strongest. When they were no longer driven by instinct, they looked around to see where they were, clutching their heads and shouting, their emotions running high.
Gao Guo also belatedly realized that something was wrong.
They were thoroughly tormented by these skeleton soldiers; with almost every breath, a familiar comrade would fall, his body riddled with pale bones. The blood splattered onto the skeleton soldiers' bones was instantly absorbed, making them even more agile.
The front lines were forced to retreat again and again.
The enemy's scale grew larger with each battle, and within two hours, nearly 20% of their forces had been killed or wounded, with morale on the verge of collapse. The Gao Kingdom reacted and organized a counterattack, but the results were less than expected. It wasn't that the Gao Kingdom's fighting strength was truly that bad; in fact, the Gao Kingdom's elite soldiers were mostly from respectable families, ensuring their combat effectiveness. However, they couldn't overcome the fact that some of their own men were shirking their duties and not giving their all—Wu Xian had previously alienated his men by currying favor with the Eternal Life Sect's Grand Preceptor and suppressing dissent.
When morale is low, it's hard to lead a team.
It's easy to imagine how vulnerable the army's cohesion and morale would be; once the situation turned unfavorable, it would be impossible to reverse it.
Wu Xian was furious but helpless.
He himself was like a clay bodhisattva crossing the river, barely able to save himself.
The intervention of the Jimo Qiu brothers saved his life, but it didn't mean Wu Xian was completely safe; he was still surrounded by enemies.
"What happened?"
Wu Xian was covered in blood. He had almost been cleaved in two by the skeleton that had ambushed him. If he hadn't avoided vital organs, his body would be cold by now. As his strength waned, he became increasingly powerless.
Gong Xiqiu, this scholar with a literary mind, completely refused to help him in his time of need.
Even a single incantation cannot obtain it.
Gong Xiqiu listened carefully: "It's the sound of a flute."
Wu Xian felt that he was focusing on the wrong thing.
"Haven't you noticed that these skeletons aren't as good as they used to be?"
Gong Xichou said, "No."
He really didn't notice anything different.
Wu Xian almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
"...Oh, I asked the wrong person."
He shouldn't have asked Gongxi Chou; that guy with the braid looked too relaxed to be fighting. He carried a strange wooden staff the whole time, tapping on bones and scattering things around. The skeletons were terrified of him; they couldn't even get close enough to avoid him.
Gong Xichou naturally felt no pressure.
When Wu Xian couldn't hold on any longer, he would go to Gong Xichou's side. Although it was humiliating, at least he was safe. Losing face was better than losing his life.
After Wu Xian reminded him, Gong Xiqiu belatedly realized the truth.
Splash—
The skeleton chasing Wu Xian suddenly fell apart without warning.
Wu Xian's eyelids twitched, and he increased the distance between them.
Some of these skeleton soldiers retained their cunning from life, taking advantage of their ability to regenerate after being scattered. They deliberately allowed Wu Xian to hit and scatter them, then launched a surprise attack while Wu Xian was engaged by other soldiers or let his guard down. Wu Xian hadn't expected them to be so cunning and fell for their trick. If Gong Xi Chou hadn't intervened, Wu Xian would have been dead even with several lives on his hands.
He waited anxiously for several breaths.
The time exceeded the longest possible time for the skeleton to regenerate.
The pile of bones remained unresponsive.
Splash—
There was another noise.
A few, a dozen, dozens, hundreds...
Finally, one skeleton after another fell apart.
Everywhere you look on the battlefield, there are rows of white bones.
Only the sound of the flute remained, echoing through the sky.
_(:3」∠)_
Sigh, I feel like the job market is even tougher this year than last year. Several of my elders are looking for new jobs, and they're getting older, so it's not easy to find one... I wonder how many more years I can stay full-time. *sigh*
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