High Mountains, Flowing Waters, Meeting a Soulmate

Zheng... zheng!

A string of clear, melodious guqin notes flowed out, reaching straight into the listener's heart. Ian Song's movements froze, and suddenly, the faces of several women flashed through his mind.

The melody gradually deepened, sometimes winding, sometimes mournful, infused with a thick sense of longing that could never be fulfilled...

Ian stood completely still, dazed. The images of those women in his mind grew clearer: Princess Jade Fox, stubborn and wholeheartedly devoted to him, who ultimately hanged herself after her kingdom fell;

Lila Quinn, charming and seductive, who died of qi deviation after he disappeared; and Qinxin, who loved him to the bone, always called him 'brother-in-law,' and searched for him for five years until her spirit withered and she passed away.

Unnoticed, tears slipped from Ian's eyes. His heart was filled with pain, guilt, remorse, and longing.

When the piece ended, Ian wiped away his tears. He had thought that after living through several worlds, he had gradually forgotten these women. But now it was clear—he hadn't forgotten them, only buried them in the deepest part of his heart.

"Jade Fox, Lila, Qinxin—don't worry. One day, I will resurrect you!" Ian silently vowed.

"Miss Cece, what is the name of this piece?" Ian looked at the veiled Miss Cece and asked.

"Longing Unforgotten." Cece softly spoke the three words.

"What a piece—'Longing Unforgotten.' And of course, Miss Cece's guqin skills are truly exquisite—few in the world could match them!" Ian praised. He was a Piano God in his previous life and had studied guqin as well, not to mention his powerful spiritual strength. Yet Cece's performance still stirred the deepest longing in his heart and drew him in, proving her artistry was on par with his own piano mastery.

"Thank you for the compliment, sir."

Cece replied calmly. She'd been praised countless times before and was used to it; nothing stirred in her heart.

"Sir, the performance is finished. I should take my leave now." Cece put away her guqin and prepared to rise.

"Wait a moment," Ian suddenly called out.

"Is there something else, sir?" Cece asked coolly.

"I know a little guqin myself. There's a piece I'd like you to appraise." As he spoke, Ian waved his hand; the bowls and dishes on the table flew aside, and a guqin appeared in their place.

Zheng! Zheng!

The sound of the guqin rang out. Although not as enchanting as Cece's performance, it carried a clear, spiritual aura. Cece was slightly surprised—she had never heard this tune before. Originally indifferent, she now focused intently.

Zheng! Zheng! Zheng zheng!

Ian's fingers plucked the strings, gradually entering a state of flow. Scenes from the Grand General's Residence flashed through his mind, one after another.

Slowly, Cece's expression grew serious. Listening to the music, she felt a resonance deep inside, as if she'd finally found a true soulmate who understood her heart.

"This piece...?"

Suddenly, the melody soared to its peak—Cece seemed to see quietly flowing water, rippling wave after wave!

After about half a stick of incense, the music stopped.

Cece looked up at Ian. "This piece is wonderful. May I ask its name, sir?"

"High Mountains, Flowing Waters," Ian replied as he put away the guqin with a casual wave.

"High Mountains, Flowing Waters?" Cece silently savored the name, then nodded. "It's a very fitting title."

"Actually, there's a little story behind this piece. Would Miss Cece care to hear it?" Ian continued.

"I'd be delighted to listen."

"In ancient times, there was a man named Byron Yu, a master of music and a renowned qin player. As a young man, he was bright and eager to learn, apprenticing under great teachers... When his skills reached their peak, one night he sailed beneath the moon, moved by the breeze and moonlight. His thoughts wandered, and he began to play. The music was sublime, gradually reaching a perfect state. Suddenly, he heard someone on the shore praising his performance. Byron followed the sound and found a woodcutter standing by the riverbank. Sensing a kindred spirit, he invited the man onto his boat and played for him with great enthusiasm.

Byron played a tune expressing lofty mountains. The woodcutter said it was magnificent and solemn, like the cloud-piercing Mount Tai. When Byron played about surging waves, the woodcutter responded...

This woodcutter was named Zach Chung. From that day on, the two became the closest of friends."

After listening to Ian's story, a look of longing flashed in Cece's eyes. "What a tale—'High Mountains, Flowing Waters, meeting a soulmate.'"

"It's rare to find a true confidant in life; a soulmate is the hardest thing to find across the ages," Ian sighed.

Hearing Ian's words, Cece felt something sealed in her heart stir. She blurted out, "Sir, I also have a piece I'd like you to appraise."

"I'd be honored," Ian replied with a smile and a nod.

Cece once again brought out her guqin. Her pale fingers plucked the strings, and a melody like a clear spring began to flow...

The music was pleasant and moving.

Unlike 'Longing Unforgotten,' which expressed longing, this piece conveyed self-pity and resentment, with a yearning for freedom woven throughout...

"Did you compose this piece as well, Miss Cece?" Ian asked when the music ended.

Cece nodded.

"With your cultivation, Miss Cece, can't you leave the Immortal Cloud Pavilion?" Ian asked again.

Cece realized Ian had heard the feelings hidden in her music. She gave a sorrowful smile, then gently shook her head.

Ian frowned slightly, then made a decision. "Miss Cece, I may not be that capable, but I do have some skills. If you need help, just say the word."

Cece's eyes brightened for a moment, but quickly dimmed again. Her tone turned cold: "Thank you for your kindness, sir. I appreciate it, but I must take my leave."

Ian's expression darkened. He knew she wasn't unwilling to accept his help, but feared dragging him into trouble.

Thinking this, he couldn't help feeling frustrated. If only he had the power of an immortal, he wouldn't have to worry about such things.

Just then—

Bang!

The private room door was kicked open, and a burly man in armor strode in with swagger. His gaze swept past Ian and Sam, landing directly on Cece's face. "Miss Cece, my young master has been waiting for you for a long time. Hurry up and come with me!"

Cece's face changed dramatically. She replied coldly, "Sorry, I'm not feeling well and can't perform again."

"What do you mean by that, Miss Cece?" The man's face and tone turned sinister. "You're willing to play for these two nobodies, but not for my young master? Are you saying my young master is beneath these two?"

What stray mutt dares to bark here? Get out!

At that moment, Ian stood up, his tone sharp and unfriendly.

Seeing Ian stand up for her, Cece's eyes flashed with gratitude, but soon filled with worry. She quickly said, "Sir, he's a servant of Aaron Jiang, Young Master Jiang. I appreciate your kindness, but please don't get involved!"

When Sam Niu heard the name Aaron Jiang, his face turned pale. He whispered, "Sir, Aaron Jiang is the little lord of the Duke of Qi Residence, a notorious little demon king. Please, don't act rashly!"