Hongyu excitedly said, "That's the true meaning within the music."

"The intention within the music?"

"Guest, you really haven't understood at all." Hongyu giggled, "In fact, I can say you are a genuine prodigy in the Music Dao."

"Sister, you exaggerate."

Every "sister" made Hongyu somewhat intoxicated.

Fan Wubing asked again, "Could it be that sister is well-versed in music?"

Hongyu, having long been experienced in worldly affairs, felt shy in front of this young man, "I understand a little."

Fan Wubing smiled and said, "I actually feel sister plays better than those people at the Celestial Sound Workshop."

Hongyu's eyes showed slight intoxication, "Really?"

"Really. The performances at Celestial Sound Workshop lack vitality; it's like they're just working. Sister truly loves music."

"Little guest, you really flatter me."

Fan Wubing smiled and said, "I was thinking of learning more songs from sister."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Hongyu felt joy in her heart and sent a wisp of Qi to Fan Wubing, "This is where I live. I finish work at 7:15 PM. If you really wish to, come find me afterward."

"Certainly."

"I'll be waiting for the little guest."

Waves surged in Hongyu's heart... she felt that her fortune had truly turned this year.

Fan Wubing was also very happy, as now he had found a place where he could listen to various famous tunes for free. He truly thought Hongyu was more skilled than those at the Celestial Sound Workshop; at least Hongyu was someone who genuinely loved music.

Soon they arrived at the small market of Rare Treasure City.

The small market was open only to guests of Red Flood Dragon rank and above, so it was far quieter than the large market outside, with a few scattered people browsing, most of whom were obviously of eminent background or unusual cultivation.

The three of them reached the section where instruments were placed.

At a glance, the various instruments all exuded an ancient and profound aura. They all basically had unique shapes, flowing with a one-of-a-kind Qi, incomparable to the mass-produced instruments of the large market.

Just by feeling them, it seemed possible to experience the "emotions" unique to each instrument.

Dou Jianbai said, "These instruments were basically custom-made by great masters of the Music Dao and have accompanied many famous or private tunes. For various reasons, they have ended up here at Changle Pavilion, awaiting new owners. Please, guest, see if there's anything you fancy."

Fan Wubing walked to the platform where zithers were placed.

He walked slowly, passing by each zither. On one hand, he used the Unwarranted Qi Creation Skill to objectively sense the Qi, and on the other, he subjectively savored them according to his preference for music.

No,

No...

One by one, as he looked and felt, none were right.

The Unwarranted Qi Creation Skill could sense that some were very well-crafted and used excellent materials.

But he felt that perhaps influenced by "Rain Dragon Sky River Tune," these zithers might not be able to accommodate his playing style. If forced to play them, the result would likely be the same as with the previous Zhuohua Zither, where the strings couldn't withstand the passion and snapped.

"No, none of them work." Fan Wubing sighed.

"This... why don't they work?" Hongyu asked.

Fan Wubing said, "They're all good zithers, but they don't suit me."

Hongyu was a bit troubled, "But this is already all of Changle Pavilion's collection."

Fan Wubing looked regretful, "I see."

"No." Dou Jianbai's expression was steady, "Changle Pavilion has one more zither."

Hongyu paused, suddenly remembering something, her expression changed slightly, "Steward Dou, that... zither probably can't be used, right? Besides, its owner only stored it here. Does Changle Pavilion have the right to dispose of it?"

Dou Jianbai said, "Changle Pavilion can keep it stored for a hundred years, but its owner passed away three hundred years ago."

"Three hundred years ago..." Hongyu's brow twitched, "Is it that one?"

"Yes, the greatest musician of all time in Great Li, Jiang Nianshu."

"But it was rumored that her Bao Li Zither could only be used by her?"

Dou Jianbai smiled bitterly, "But it's the only zither left."

As the steward of the Rare Treasure City at Changle Pavilion, Dou Jianbai's duty was to serve any esteemed guest as best as possible.

Fan Wubing, who held the Purple Dragon Order, was undoubtedly a distinguished guest, and almost the most esteemed of them all.

After all, the highest-level Golden Immortal Order could only be issued by the Heaven and Earth Bank Headquarters. Changle Pavilion was ill-equipped to entertain such guests.

Dou Jianbai turned to Fan Wubing, offering a slight bow, "Young friend, there is but one zither remaining in this pavilion. However, it is very special, and I cannot assure you it will suit you."

Fan Wubing smiled, "We'll know once we try."

They walked deeper into the small market.

Arriving at a certain tightly shut room, Dou Jianbai took out a token and placed it on the door.

The door slowly opened, and an ancient, heavy aura surged forth.

The room was not large, about half a zhang in length and width.

Inside was only a single item.

A zither with a bizarre design.

It looked like an orange-red carp. It seemed almost alive, giving a sense that it could leap away at any moment.

"No strings?" Fan Wubing asked curiously.

Dou Jianbai said, "This zither is called the Bao Li Zither, the personal instrument of Great Li's historic first musician, Jiang Nianshu. It originally had no strings. Legend says the Bao Li Zither only revealed its strings to Jiang Nianshu."

"Jiang Nianshu."

In Hongyu's eyes, endless longing arose, "Many in the music community regret not living in the era when Jiang Nianshu was still alive. It was said that her music could make winter blossom with spring flowers, bring snow in summer, reverse the flow of great rivers, and overturn towering mountains."

Dou Jianbai smiled bitterly, "Young friend, please do not think we jest with you. Truly, Changle Pavilion has no other zither."

"No worries. Steward Dou has done all he can; I will surely be grateful."

Dou Jianbai breathed a sigh of relief, at least not having disappointed this Purple Dragon Guest.

Still, he did not hold much hope for Fan Wubing.

After all, many great masters of the Music Dao had come here trying to play the Bao Li Zither.

But in the end, none of them had even managed to make it reveal its strings, let alone play it.

Even Hongyu, who had a fondness for Fan Wubing, couldn't hold too much expectation.

After all, the Bao Li Zither moved only for Jiang Nianshu.

Who could compare to Jiang Nianshu?

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