The zither music faltered.
Because Ning Que was utterly dumbfounded, a sense of absurdity surged within him.
What the hell is this?!
But he took a deep breath and quickly regained his composure. His fingers curled slightly—his hands, plump like pig’s trotters, somehow carried an inexplicable grace. Under his playing, the turbulent undercurrents abruptly contracted, merging into one.
A violent tremor of sound erupted in all directions, like overlapping mountain peaks and surging spring tides.
Five layers of zither music—those who hear it grieve, those struck by it perish!
Had this been before, Li Mo would have had no choice but to wield his sword like a hammer, relying on brute force to break through. There would have been no room for evasion or finesse.
But now, Li Mo distinctly felt that as the jade-feathered whistle sounded, its notes seemed to intertwine with the zither’s melody.
This was never an ordinary whistle...
The ethereal whistle transformed into a cyan luan, enveloping him. He could now clearly "see" the flow of the music, its resonance echoing in his heart.
Suddenly, Li Mo understood musical theory. The once-tangled zither notes now lay bare before him.
The essence of the Nine Swords of Dugu flowed through his mind.
A sword in hand, a sword in heart.
The blade moved with his thoughts, guided by his spirit. A single strike was like a celestial stroke—its origin unknown, yet its destination clear.
....
"He was fighting just fine—why did Li Mo suddenly start whistling?"
"Didn’t you notice? After he blew the whistle, he started handling the zither music effortlessly!"
"Now that you mention it... this tune from the Little Overlord is kinda... kinda hype. Makes me wanna dance."
"Bro, hold off on dancing. Look over there—your grandma’s already grooving in the middle of the street."
"Holy shit!"
The onlookers were baffled, but those well-versed in the art of music suddenly realized: "A luan’s instrument?!"
"What’s that?" someone asked.
A Penglai disciple explained:
"It’s something the luan tribe crafts over their lifetime, pouring their heart’s essence into it, waiting for their destined one. It carries their unspoken feelings—emotions they can’t express to outsiders."
"When one blows a luan’s instrument, they gain an innate understanding of music to some extent."
"Of course, it also depends on the luan’s own mastery..."
This was something many musicians could only dream of encountering.
It symbolized mastery of music, the unwavering devotion of a noble and elegant luan...
"Wait, where the hell did Li Mo get this?"
Someone’s question hung in the air, and the scene fell silent for a moment.
Countless eyes turned toward the pristine figure standing atop the platform.
More than a few clenched their teeth in envy.
Ying Bing remained oblivious. She was preparing to face her next opponent.
At this stage, no weaklings remained on the stage.
Her group included the Mystic Fairy Tian Miao, the Sword Maniac Xie Xuan—now more commonly known as the Heaven-Sundering Sword—and Guan Kong of the Dragon-Elephant Temple.
"I know I can’t beat you, but you keep looking over there—that’s just disrespectful."
Tian Miao, who had surprisingly joined the Hidden Dragon Tournament, crossed her arms in frustration.
"I wasn’t looking that much."
Ying Bing turned her head.
Her gentle, serene gaze suddenly turned icy, radiating an aura of untouchable sanctity.
Tian Miao: "......"
After a furtive glance at the jade disc at her waist, she broke into a cold sweat, her expression instantly clearing:
"Actually, you can look a little longer."
"?"
"That way, my chances of winning might go from zero to... nine deaths and one life." Tian Miao said earnestly.
Nine deaths and one life! Who cares about respect at that point?!
.......
The long-suffering Heaven-Sundering Sword let out an excited hum, piercing through the intricate web of music with precision.
Ssshh—
The lofty artistic conception shattered, allowing Li Mo to break through one layer and advance.
"Damn it!"
Ning Que was seething with frustration!
This piece, "Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water," was meant to await a kindred spirit. It had even birthed a legendary tale.
Its original owner, the Xining Hermit, once played it atop Penglai Mountain before the Penglai Star Sect even existed.
Back then, musicians across the land considered it an honor to ascend Penglai and meet this sage of music—yet none could pass the barrier of his zither’s melody.
Until one day, the renowned poet Young Master Shaoyun arrived during his travels and joined in with his flute.
The two became fast friends through their shared love of music—but they met only once. One died for his country; the other waited a lifetime.
It was a story steeped in elegance and poetic romance...
And it gave rise to the legend of "Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water" awaiting a kindred spirit.
But now?
The Little Overlord waltzed in humming that ridiculously catchy tune!
Was this the kindred spirit he was waiting for? No! Absolutely not, dammit!
"This isn’t elegant at all—stay the hell away!"
Ning Que was truly desperate now.
As his plump fingers bled, the invisible notes seemed to grow wilder.
Layers of emerald ripples swirled around him like blooming flowers, concealing boundless fury.
"Ninefold Melody of the Winding Stream!"
"Bring it on!"
Li Mo felt an inexplicable surge of excitement.
Music? Who says I can’t do it too?
Prepare yourself—take this, "The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style"!!
Of course.
More crucial was the Heaven-Sundering Sword, thrusting in perfect sync.
Li Mo guided the blade with his heart.
The sword’s light was like autumn water, cutting through intent and emotion, striking flawlessly at the core of the ninefold melody.
With this strike, Li Mo rode the sword’s momentum, ascending to new heights.
The essence of chivalrous swordsmanship fused within him—he was half a step from mastering the Nine Swords of Dugu!
Rrrip—
The fury dispersed. The sword’s gleam halted.
It hovered a hair’s breadth from Ning Que’s brow—close enough to feel, yet not a scratch.
Controlled by will alone, Ning Que’s pupils dilated in shock but remained unharmed.
"It’s over... I lost. Everything’s ruined..."
Realizing his defeat, Ning Que looked dazed, like a disheveled bride after a rough wedding night.
"......"
Li Mo sheathed his sword, lost in thought. The insights from the battle lingered in his mind.
After a moment, he opened his eyes and saw Ning Que, who seemed on the verge of a mental breakdown.
"Brother Ning, didn’t you say this was a gentleman’s duel? Losing once isn’t the end of the world..."
"No, you don’t understand."
Ning Que clutched his head. "I’ve lost my elegance. My 'Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water' was broken by your... vulgar tune. I’m no gentleman anymore."
Li Mo: "......"
Why did he suddenly feel like he’d stubbornly insisted on being the "Little Li Swordsman"?
Damn, even his recent misfortunes had changed—was "The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style" really that potent?
"Ahem, that’s not true. Didn’t you feel happy listening to that tune just now?"
"Happy? Sure, but..."
"Elegant music is for the refined few—that’s fine. But bringing joy to everyone is also noble. Isn’t that the essence of 'Great Music is Faintly Heard'?"
Li Mo gestured with his chin.
Ning Que blinked, following his gaze to the crowd below. A woman in green robes, surrounded by sunflower seed shells, was still swaying to the rhythm.
A carefree dancer, exuding the composure of a seasoned artist.
"Look how happy she is."
"What can one person prove..."
"Uh, let me introduce—she is the Phoenix Clan Leader."
"......"
[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully invested in 'Ning Que,' enabling him to gain insight into the Dao of Music.]
[You have a pending investment reward to claim.]
young master of the Shen family—a figure of immense power and wealth beyond measure—and awakened the "Destined Ultimate Villain System"! His starting scenario? Running into his icy fiancée who shows up with a mountain-descending divine doctor to break off their engagement. The divine doctor arrogantly taunts: "What does your Shen family have besides a bit of stinking money? You're not even worthy of tying Qingxue's shoelaces!" Shen Fei just smiled. He completely defied the usual script: "Fine, I agree to break off the engagement. Also, notify the finance department to withdraw all investments from the Su family." Minutes later, with its capital chain severed, the Su Group teetered on the brink of bankruptcy! The once aloof and proud ice queen CEO was thrown into utter panic. That very night, she went to Shen Fei's villa, casting aside all dignity to beg and plead desperately... From then on, in this world teeming with Sons of Destiny, Shen Fei embarked on a path of extreme dimensional suppression! A mountain-descending divine doctor? Peerless medical skills? Shen Fei: "Reporting you for practicing medicine without a license! I'll gladly take your ancient medicinal cauldron and twin sister assassins." The Crooked-Smiling Dragon King? Commanding a hundred thousand soldiers with a single order? Shen Fei: "Illegal assembly and suspected treason! Let a fleet of attack helicopters sanitize the area and teach you what the state apparatus really means!" A reborn tycoon? Knows all the golden opportunities of the next decade? Shen Fei: "A trillion in capital to reverse and pump the stock market, making you blow your margin and jump on the very first day of your rebirth!" What Chosen Ones? What bearers of Heavenly Fortune? In Shen Fei's eyes, they're all just chives (i.e., suckers/marks) waiting to be harvested! Shen Fei: "Sorry, but as the Destined Ultimate Villain, I don't play by the rules of honor. I only play the game of dimensional suppression."
for mindless slaughter, this isn't for you.] My name is Ye Shu, and I'm a transmigrator. It seems I'm supposed to be the protagonist, but that feels pretty unlikely. This world has been invaded by a system. The antagonists on the other side have suddenly become pure, flawless saints. The female leads have been force-fed the so-called "original plot," making them think they've been reborn. Now, everyone thinks I'm scum. Including the old lady in my ring. And here I am, in the Monster Beast Mountain Range, braising pork. To put my situation in perspective— It's as if, the moment Xiao Yan stepped into the Monster Beast Mountain Range, the Soul Emperor already knew he would become the Flame Emperor, and Yao Lao had been turned to the enemy's side. I have nothing right now. Oh wait, that's not true. I do have a white-haired loli child-bride who's the Heavenly Dao, and her only skill is acting cute. So, tell me guys... what are my chances of making it to the end?
saw a female celebrity tied up and stuffed in the trunk! Little did he know, countless cameras were aimed at him at this moment - this was a new type of reality show. The first randomly selected passerby was caught in less than an hour. But when Xu Moru was selected, things started to take an unexpected turn. "Damn, this isn't how the script goes. This Xu Moru is too bold, he's not following the rules at all." "Crap, is this guy taking it seriously?" "The female celebrity has been scared to tears!"
rowess are unmatched, commanding a million-strong army! Yet, the Emperor wants to depose him for the sake of a false prince? Hold on, are you throwing me into some female-oriented romance plot? How can I tolerate this? With a grand wave of his hand—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! Slander the Emperor? Very well, all of you shall die! ... The False Prince: "Although I am not the biological son, Father and Mother love me more. The throne should be mine!" The Female Lead: "Qin Xiao, you are the Emperor, and I am a commoner. If you wish to marry me, you must abdicate. Otherwise, you will never have me!" The Empress: "After we divorce, you must give me half the empire!" The Transmigrator Consort: "You worthless Emperor, why should I kneel to you? All men are equal—I advise you to be kind!" The Great General: "The enemy general is my childhood sweetheart. For her sake, I willingly abandon the frontier defenses!" The Retired Emperor: "Although Yu'er was adopted, I prefer him. Qin Xiao, you should abdicate and let him become Emperor!" ... Very well! So this is how you want to play? Facing this twisted world of female-oriented tropes, Qin Xiao grins and raises his hand to unleash—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! I am the Emperor. Why would I bother reasoning with you? Seal the gates! Leave none alive!
