Chapter 89: Rites of the Soul, Protector Straw Puppet, and Anping Town's Harvest Festival

Zhao Xing turned around and saw that it was the musician, Jiang Jiuxian, who had walked over.

Before the banquet, Zong Shichang had introduced this man, a clerk from the Nanyang Music Hall and Lu Qian’s senior brother.

“Qianqian, don’t be so quick to trust others and let yourself be deceived,” Jiang Jiuxian said sternly, his gaze turning sharp as it landed on Zhao Xing.

“Senior Brother Jiang?” Lu Qian was displeased. “Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?”

Jiang Jiuxian noticed that Lu Qian didn’t seem convinced, so he quickly said, “Newly created battle lyrics and melodies are extremely rare. If someone were truly selling them, they would have to come from a great master. How could they possibly be found in a small place like Gu City? And besides, he’s not even a musician, just a lowly Shennong Officer.”

Zhao Xing wasn’t happy about that. What’s wrong with being a Shennong Officer?

Do you look down on Shennong Officers?

“Brother Jiang, calling me a fraud is one thing, but don’t attack my profession,” Zhao Xing retorted.

Jiang Jiuxian sneered, “Don’t address me as ‘brother.’ If not for Zong Shichang’s sake, I would have exposed you publicly long ago. If you have any sense, you’ll leave now before too many people find out. Stop putting on this charade.”

Jiang Jiuxian had disliked Zhao Xing ever since the performance ended.

Everyone had given gifts, but Zhao Xing had shown up empty-handed. Did he not understand the etiquette?

And now, his beloved junior sister had danced for this man, probably beguiled by sweet words. How infuriating!

Before Zhao Xing could respond, Lu Qian interjected, “Senior Brother, you don’t understand. He’s not what you think.”

Jiang Jiuxian felt even more bitter.

This is infuriating! What do you mean I don’t understand? How could you know him better than I do after just a short conversation?

“Junior Sister, wake up!” Jiang Jiuxian’s voice involuntarily rose.

Seeing that Jiang Jiuxian was still blocking their way, Lu Qian became irritated. “Jiang Jiuxian, I told you to stay out of this! I can judge the situation for myself. Yelling and causing a scene—how is that befitting a musician? Move aside!”

With that, Lu Qian pulled Zhao Xing along, walking right past Jiang Jiuxian.

Jiang Jiuxian was livid, feeling like his head was about to explode, his eyes blazing with fury.

Seeing that his persuasion had failed, he quickly ran off to find Liu Muqing and the other girls from the Music Hall.

With all the commotion he stirred up, the guests enjoying the moonlight on the top floor were soon gathered together.

“Brother Jiang, what’s going on? Why the urgent knocking?” Zong Shichang was annoyed. He had been about to hold Miss Liu’s hand, and now this fool was pounding on the door. Did he have no sense of timing?

“Brother Zong, Miss Liu, please come with me. Lu Qian is being deceived, and I couldn’t convince her. I need both of you to help her see the truth,” Jiang Jiuxian said.

“What?” Liu Muqing snapped out of her reverie. “Deceived? What do you mean?”

Jiang Jiuxian quickly explained what had happened.

Zong Shichang felt uncomfortable. Did you just call my sworn father a fraud? If he’s deceiving anyone, wouldn’t I know? Besides, causing such a scene, where’s my reputation in all of this?

“Brother Jiang, I think it’s best not to make a big deal out of this. I know Brother Zhao well; he wouldn’t make baseless claims,” Zong Shichang said, trying to dissuade Jiang Jiuxian from embarrassing himself.

After the earlier events, Zong Shichang’s confidence in Zhao Xing was through the roof.

But Jiang Jiuxian retorted, “Zong Shichang, you’re just a Shennong Officer. You don’t understand. The creation of battle lyrics and melodies is not something that happens easily.”

“…” Zong Shichang was even more irked, especially since Jiang Jiuxian was now attacking his profession. But out of respect for Liu Muqing, he held his tongue.

Seeing the gathering crowd, he reluctantly followed Jiang Jiuxian to find Zhao Xing and Lu Qian.

“Open the door!”

“Open up!”

“Miss Lu, is Brother Zhao in there?”

“Qian’er…”

Outside the private room, a group of people banged on the door.

“What are you all doing?” Lu Qian opened the door, looking bewildered at the crowd standing outside.

Zong Shichang said, “Brother Jiang claims you’ve been deceived. Is there any truth to this?”

Lu Qian’s gaze immediately turned icy as she glared at Jiang Jiuxian. “Jiang Jiuxian, didn’t I tell you not to interfere?”

Fueled by alcohol, Jiang Jiuxian ignored her protests. “Where is he? If he’s not a fraud, let him come out and prove it!”

Other musicians and dancers chimed in, “Qian’er, newly created battle lyrics and melodies are so rare. If it were me, I wouldn’t believe it either.”

“Creating just one of these is an extraordinary feat, but two at once?”

Lu Qian shot an irritated glance at Jiang Jiuxian. “What are you shouting about? He’s already gone.”

Gone?

Zong Shichang, Liu Muqing, and the others exchanged glances.

The rest of the guests were also puzzled. Could he have run away, afraid of being exposed?

Jiang Jiuxian, emboldened, continued, “If he weren’t guilty, why would he leave without a word? Junior Sister, can’t you see the truth now? He’s nothing but a…”

But before Jiang Jiuxian could finish, Lu Qian pulled out a folded piece of water-patterned paper from her sleeve.

The moment the water-patterned paper appeared, Jiang Jiuxian’s words were cut off.

He felt an intense sensation of premonition, so powerful that it made his whole body tremble, leaving him speechless.

The other musicians experienced the same effect, their gazes immediately drawn to the paper.

Even the dancers, who weren’t as affected by battle lyrics and melodies, were equally shocked.

It was clear: this was the feeling only an original piece could evoke!

“It’s real?”

“Do you feel that?”

“This could definitely cultivate up to the Seventh Rank, at least.”

“You’re underestimating it. With proper dissemination, its potential could be even higher!”

“It has to be an original. Only the true power of an original feels like this.”

Jiang Jiuxian’s face turned pale, his eyes vacant as he realized he had been utterly wrong.

Seeing this, Lu Qian folded the water-patterned paper back up and gave Jiang Jiuxian a cold stare.

“Jiang Jiuxian, I’ve called you Senior Brother out of respect for your early entry into the Music Hall. Do you really think your skills and judgment surpass mine?”

“How dare you treat me like a child!”

Lu Qian felt humiliated, as if Jiang Jiuxian had infantilized her, questioning her ability to assess value.

Jiang Jiuxian was at a loss for words, unable to respond.

Finally, Zong Shichang stepped in to smooth things over. “Alright, Brother Jiang is drunk. The misunderstanding is cleared up, so let’s move on. Come, let’s continue the music and dance. I still have something special to show you all. Let’s disperse, everyone!”

He quickly ushered the crowd away.

Liu Muqing, however, stayed behind as Lu Qian had asked her to. Of course, good things should be shared with a close friend, and the others would not have the fortune to see the original piece.

Once the door was closed, Liu Muqing fixed her gaze on the water-patterned paper. “Qian’er, this really came from Zhao Xing? You didn’t buy it from somewhere else?”

Smiling, Lu Qian opened the water-patterned paper. “Qing’er, there’s sheet music here. Play it, and you’ll know.”

The water-patterned paper unfolded, revealing two large characters: Rites of the Soul.

Liu Muqing walked over to the zither and began playing according to the battle melody.

“Ceremony of rites, drums resound.”

“Dancers take their places.”

“The graceful maidens begin their dance.”

“Spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums.”

“Endless and eternal, through all of time.”

As the melody and lyrics blended together, Liu Muqing felt as if she were witnessing an ancient ritual, a scene of sages offering sacrifices to the gods on the altar. The battle drums beat rhythmically, a flower goddess sang, and time flowed rapidly, cycling between spring and autumn.

Rites are for sacrifices, and the Soul represents the spiritual energy of the gods.

This was the Song for Sending Away Spirits, performed after the offering ceremonies to send the gods back.

The zither music resonated with the heavens and earth, seemingly possessing the power to dispel malevolent spirits and send away divine ones!

“This…” After playing through the piece twice, Liu Muqing was struck by a strange yet familiar feeling. “Could this have been derived from the Six Songs?”

“Indeed,” Lu Qian nodded. “That’s what he said.”

“If it’s an extension of the Six Songs, could there be more than just the Rites of the Soul?” Liu Muqing wondered aloud.

“I think so too. But just as I was about to ask, Jiang Jiuxian barged in and ruined everything. Zhao Xing left to avoid causing trouble for Zong Shichang… Jiang Jiuxian is truly insufferable!” Lu Qian fumed.

“Alright, let’s forget about Jiang Jiuxian. Qian’er, it seems you didn’t lose that Sparrow Feather Armor for nothing,” Liu Muqing teased. “You even got an original battle lyric and melody in return. I’d say it was a fair exchange. Maybe you should give up ten more of those!”

“You think it was free? I bought it!”

“Ah, what a shame. I was hoping you’d win his heart by offering yourself up in gratitude.”

“Qing’er, what nonsense are you spouting? You’re asking for a beating!” 

“…”

That night, Zhao Xing returned to his home in Pingkang Ward under the moonlight.

At this time, Zhao Ruide and his family had gone out for some fun and hadn’t returned yet.

“Wangyue Pavilion wasn’t a wasted trip. I resolved a problem and earned a few Dao-passing paintings in exchange,” Zhao Xing said, washing his face.

After giving Lu Qian the Rites of the Soul, she had promised to procure at least two Dao-passing paintings for him.

Combined with the one Zong Shichang had mentioned, plus the money Zhao Xing still had, he could probably afford a fourth painting.

Was it worth the trade? In Zhao Xing’s opinion, it definitely was.

These battle lyrics and melodies wouldn’t be of much use in the future. When the dynasty of fortune collapsed, Ritualists, Musicians, and Dancers would all fall into obscurity, reduced to minor professions.

As times change, some professions rise, while others fall. Right now, he needed money, so selling it to get through this period was the right move. After all, he had acquired them for free.

“Let’s hope Zong Dashao and Miss Lu bring back some good Dao-passing paintings.”

Putting that matter aside for now, Zhao Xing began practicing the beginner chapter of The Great Dream of Spring and Autumn.

[You have absorbed the Sleep Bug from your Soul. You have gained insight into the Sleep Bug Technique. Progress +10.]

[You have absorbed the Sleep Bug from your Soul. You have gained insight into the Sleep Bug Technique. Progress +12.]

[You have released the Sleep Bug...]

...

After practicing the Sleep Bug Technique for half the night, Zhao Xing drifted off to sleep. The next morning, he followed his usual routine and headed to the Shennong Office for training.

Although progress with the Four Techniques of Heavenly Timing had slowed, Zhao Xing hadn’t given up.

He believed that daily training wasn’t in vain. Even if the progress was minimal, with time, he would eventually break through the bottleneck.

The little mountain cat lazily sprawled on a locust tree branch, then reached out with its paws to pull a locust leaf and took a bite.

“Meow~”

Not tasty, it spat the leaf out again.

“Did you think that would taste good? You must be starving. Come on, I’ll take you to get something to eat.”

Zhao Xing checked the time and decided to take the mountain cat to the Chen residence to scrounge for a meal.

The Heavenly Origin pear tree he had planted at home was still far from flowering and bearing fruit.

“Meow.” The mountain cat’s ears perked up. Hearing about food, it immediately leaped onto Zhao Xing’s shoulder.

Shennong Officers usually ate well.

When Zhao Xing arrived, Chen Shijie was already dining on a grand feast.

“Top-grade Second Rank yellow croaker? You even added cooked rehmannia root and clear goji berries?”

“A white eel and yam stew? It strengthens the lungs and boosts vitality?”

“And silver ear peng bird? Wow, it smells delicious!”

“Hey, why did you put clear goji berries in the slow-cooked brocade chicken? That’s another tonic for vitality. Lord Chen, you should rest a little. Don’t overexert yourself…”

Chen Shijie glanced at Zhao Xing. “Where did you learn that annoying, sarcastic tone? Can’t you just eat your meal in peace?”

“Hehe.” Zhao Xing stopped teasing him. Judging by the food, it was obvious that Lady Gui had been staying at Chen’s residence these past few days.

The two of them devoured the feast voraciously, a habit cultivated from their time in the military.

Suddenly, one of the large yellow croakers jumped off the table and wriggled across the floor.

The yellow croaker was twice the size of the mountain cat, which bit onto it, its entire body hidden by the fish.

Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie ate quickly, so fast it could be described as a whirlwind, another habit from their military days.

“Tomorrow is the Harvest Festival. Are you going out of the city?” Chen Shijie asked after finishing the meal.

“Yes.” Zhao Xing nodded. “Anping Town is my responsibility for taxation. The last batch of prime rice is being harvested, so I have to inspect it.”

“Take Shen Zhui with you. I’ll also give you a protector straw puppet,” Chen Shijie said, waving his hand.

From the back of the hall, a straw puppet wearing a straw raincoat and a bamboo hat came running out.

Zhao Xing examined it but couldn’t discern anything remarkable about it.

“It’s a protector straw puppet,” Chen Shijie explained. “It contains two sword energies, engraved with a sword technique from one of my military friends. This protector straw puppet can’t even be made in all of Nanyang County.”

Though it was unlikely the Xuantian Sect would make a move in September, Chen Shijie still gave Zhao Xing this extra layer of protection just in case.

“Impressive.” Zhao Xing gave him a thumbs up. The protector straw puppet was a mid-tier spell and notoriously difficult to create. Chen Shijie’s version was extraordinary—when Zhao Xing used his Five Elements technique to inspect it, his eyes actually hurt from the sharpness.

The materials used to weave the puppet weren’t ordinary, filled with the power of metal elements. Its intricate structure completely sealed the two sword energies inside.

Such a protector straw puppet could last for years, maybe three to five years, as long as it wasn’t destroyed.

Using his Five Elements technique, Zhao Xing could barely sense the sharpness within from up close. The puppet’s secrets remained hidden.

Chen Shijie, pleased with Zhao Xing’s praise, was eager to show off his skills. He wanted Zhao Xing to join him in the military, so he was keen on revealing his talents to attract him.

“Well, I’ll take my leave,” Zhao Xing said, swiftly departing after the meal. He knew Chen Shijie disliked unnecessary chatter.

Around the Autumn Equinox was the time for the final harvest of the prime rice.

By October, if the rice wasn’t harvested, it would rot in the fields, and the common folk wouldn’t be able to plant the next crop.

Anping Town was also under Shen Zhui’s jurisdiction for law enforcement, though he didn’t need to be there often. Minor disputes among the townsfolk didn’t require a high level of martial power to resolve.

Zhao Xing and Shen Zhui rode in an official carriage. The carriage itself was Third Rank in defense, and the horse pulling it had the bloodline of a mystical beast, with a horn-like protrusion on its head and strong black-purple limbs.

“A purple-horned horse pulling the carriage? Brother Shen, you’ve come up in the world! You even have a ride like this now,” Zhao Xing joked.

“Don’t mock me. It’s just a breed. It only carries a trace of mystical beast blood,” Shen Zhui replied.

If it had a pure bloodline, the horse would have a fully grown purple horn, and its hooves would be a pure purple, not this black-purple mix.

A true purple-horned horse was a warhorse. Even so, for Shen Zhui to be given one of these, it showed the Martial Office’s recognition of his abilities.

“Giddy up!”

The carriage sped along the official road, reaching Anping Town in less than half an hour.

At that moment, the fields were golden, farmers harvesting prime rice, women threshing grain on the grounds, and children gathering ears of rice to hand over to their elders with joy.

The scene was peaceful and serene, just like the name of Anping Town.

Suddenly, the sky darkened as clouds rolled in from a distance, threatening rain.

“Brother Zhao, hurry!” Shen Zhui urged.

“What’s the rush?” Zhao Xing smiled, pointing at the sky. A golden light enveloped a pearl, which flew into the clouds.

It was none other than the Fourth Rank Donghu Pearl.

Although this Donghu Pearl had ice attributes, it could also absorb rainwater and cloud energy.

A typical Shennong Officer would use a Cloud Rain Pearl, a standard-issue treasure designed specifically to control rain for Shennong Officers.

This Donghu Pearl wasn’t specifically for controlling rain, but its higher rank made it just as effective.

In a short while, the dark clouds began to thin, and within fifteen minutes, they had dissipated into white clouds.

“Shoo~” The ice pearl returned to Zhao Xing’s hand, its blue glow even more vibrant.

The farmers, who had been scrambling to gather the grain, returned to their tasks with calm smiles.

“Impressive technique, Brother Zhao,” Shen Zhui said, steering the carriage as they continued to inspect the fields.

At the Niu family’s fields in Anping Town…

A group of seasonal workers rested in the shed after finishing the rice harvest for the family.

Among them, a middle-aged man with an unremarkable face, high cheekbones, and sturdy limbs sat with a woman who had sallow skin, a barrel-like waist, and a headscarf, whispering quietly.

“We can’t make a move in September,” the middle-aged woman whispered. “The timing is too tight. They plan to act in November.”

“November is the last yang month. If we don’t move then, we’ll have to wait until next year. I estimate they’ll act around the Winter Solstice.”

“If they’re not making a move, why did they send us here to suffer?” the middle-aged man grumbled, rubbing his back. “I can’t even use my real strength. My back is about to break.”

“Anping Town is Zhao Xing’s territory. He’s responsible for agricultural inspections. It’s good to scout the area in advance. Besides, we come here every year as seasonal workers. It’d be strange if we didn’t show up this time.” The woman handed him a water bottle. “Here, drink this.”

“Sigh, living like a mortal is unbearable. Even after all this time, I still can’t get used to this mundane suffering,” the man complained, looking up at the clouds.

“Enough. Someone’s coming,” the woman said, pretending to stand up and stretch her legs.

At that moment, the Niu family patriarch arrived, riding in a sedan chair, followed by a few men carrying boxes.

“Chen Deshun, Wu Chen-shi, come here. It’s time to pay wages!” someone called from a distance.

The middle-aged man and woman quickly stood up, pretending to be excited. “Coming, coming!”

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