The Way of Spiritual Journey

Chapter 28, Incense Burning and Lyrics Composed

"One last question. You guys are all quite capable. Dealing with Nalan Mingyue should be easy for you. How come you spent so much money here and couldn't even get a glimpse of her? Could it be that Nalan Mingyue is also a Spirit Master?" Li Lang asked his last question.

"That's a good question." Shi Butong nodded again. "Nalan Mingyue is not a spirit practitioner. She is delicate and frail, yet she becomes the vessel for a spirit practitioner. The wonder of the Spirit Body lies in the path of dual cultivation. Both parties must be in love and extremely excited to have their spiritual energy flowing freely, only then is it possible to open the spiritual aperture."

"During this time, if the woman shows the slightest unwillingness, with just a thought, the man will not only fail to obtain spiritual essence, but it is also common for him to die on the spot. Therefore, using force is like wishing to die too slowly."

"Ah! So dangerous?" Upon hearing this, Li Lang was shocked, not expecting that this spiritual body would be such a dangerous thing.

"That's right! This is no joke. One wrong move and someone could really die. I don't know what you people are arguing about?" This time, Ma Zi regained the right to speak, and there was a hint of resentment in his eyes as he looked at Shi Butong.

"You don't know anything! The saying goes, 'A noble lady seeks danger in danger.' Didn't you see all those people sitting here? Aren't they all powerful figures? They're all sitting there obediently, hoping to win a smile from the beauty after displaying their talents." Shi Butong rolled his eyes at Ma Zi and said irritably.

"These people tonight are probably your strongest competitors." Hearing this, Li Lang's eyes darted around as he glanced at the seated people and teased Shi Butong.

"Hmph, that old man is the abbot of Peach Blossom Temple, who calls himself Peach Wood Taoist. He's a powerful martial artist, skilled in bedroom arts, and quite wicked. This old codger doesn't have many years left to live, yet he's thinking of using Miss Mingyue to open a spirit-stealing device. He'll be struck by lightning sooner or later." Shi Butong glanced at the old man, his expression and words full of disdain.

"And those two inhuman monsters, known as the Black and White Duo, high-ranking officials of Prince Jing's mansion, ruthless killers. How dare they compete for the title of courtesan? Are they tired of living?" Shi Butong continued to complain.

"That's true. If Miss Mingyue is to choose, she should choose a talented young man like you." Li Lang nodded and smiled.

"Hehe, you can't say that." Shi Butong's face turned slightly red when he heard this. "Let's not even mention that pregnant fat pig next to her. She's disgusting to look at. I'll just refuse her on behalf of Miss Mingyue."

"But you, young master, are eloquent and have an unparalleled talent. If you were to create another amazing piece and win the top prize, you would undoubtedly be the one to admire the moon tonight!" Shi Butong said, his words tinged with a hint of jealousy.

"Hehe, you flatter me. Isn't there an even more handsome young man sitting over there?" Li Lang laughed and glanced at the beautiful woman with fair skin who had taken her seat.

"Her? She's a woman, from the palace," Shi Butong said dismissively, pursing his lips.

"From the palace? They're also interested in this?" In fact, Li Lang had already figured out that the beautiful woman was a woman, but he didn't know her background, hence the question.

"Of course, the palace is the most concerned about this matter. The emperor also wants to become a spirit, but he doesn't dare to gamble!" Shi Butong's expression became serious at this point, and his voice lowered a few decibels as he said softly, "I heard that two years ago, Nalan Mingyue's father was convicted in court, and it was the emperor who pushed for it."

"Clang!" Just then, a crisp sound rang out from the front desk again.

Then, the sound of strings slowly drifted out.

The music, like a celestial sound, plucks at the heartstrings; at first, it's like a gentle breeze caressing willows, delicate and soothing, containing glimpses of sunset and rising stars, the radiant moon, the joy of life, and a toast to the heavens. Finally, it transforms into a grand spectacle of changing stars, sweeping away all ailments, and restoring the ability to rise and fall...

This piece is played gently, with its ups and downs, yet it is also long and lingering, like a babbling brook asking about the rushing Yangtze River; its cadence is delicate and gentle, like a lovelorn person searching for their beloved; its twists and turns are still on the main road, and even if one encounters many dangers, one can still return home.

When the music ends, the lingering notes resonate, captivating the heart and soul, leaving one unable to tear themselves away.

"This music should only exist in heaven; how often can it be heard in the mortal world!" Even a well-traveled transmigrator like Li Lang couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion upon hearing this music.

"Nalan Mingyue is truly a rare and wonderful person!" In that instant, Li Lang almost wanted to redefine his goal for the night.

"Miss Mingyue has said that within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, whoever can compose lyrics for this song on the spot will be the best to dance for her and enjoy the moon together." At this moment, Rou'er, a girl in a white dress, stepped forward. Her melodious voice was sweet and pleasant, and her words were deeply moving. "Light the incense!"

The incense had been lit, and no one objected anymore. This was an absolutely impromptu topic. No one had heard the tune before, so it must be a new piece. Lyrics could be written on the spot, which would convince everyone.

With brush, ink, paper, and inkstone already prepared on the table, this is the benefit of sitting down; no money is wasted.

"Spread out the paper and grind the ink!" Li Lang gave the order, and Shi Butong immediately got up to spread out the paper, while Ma Zi began grinding the ink.

After a moment's thought, Li Lang dipped his brush in ink and began to write. In this life, the scholar's calligraphy was a skill honed since childhood; in his previous life, Li Lang could recite poems fluently.

After a moment, Li Lang put down his pen and handed the paper to Shi Butong.

When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the heavens, wondering what year it is tonight in the celestial palace. I long to ride the wind and return, yet fear the jade towers and crystal palaces, where the cold is unbearable at such heights. I dance with my shadow, how can it compare to being in the mortal world?

......

When Shi Butong saw this, his expression suddenly changed, and then he became so excited that he trembled all over, and the paper almost fell to the ground.

"Brother, dear brother, no, dear father, is this the surprise you were talking about? This is an incredible surprise..." Shi Butong was a little incoherent.

"Do you like it?" Li Lang rolled his eyes, too lazy to correct his form of address.

"I love it, I love it so much! If this were released, it would definitely be a masterpiece that will be passed down through the ages." Shi Butong nodded, his eyes never leaving the paper.

"This poem is neither named nor signed. I wonder if Young Master Huaiyu would be interested?" Li Lang asked again, glancing sideways.

"Yes. Of course." Shi Butong nodded without hesitation, then realized what he meant, "Who? Who did you say? That fat pig? You mean to give him this masterpiece?"

"It's not for him, it's sold to him." Li Lang shook his head, correcting Shi Butong's incorrect wording.

"Why? By what right?" Shi Butong was furious, his neck ramrod straight.

"Sigh, he's even taken out gold notes. I believe he's really rich and willing to spend money." Li Lang sighed, as if he was forced to do so by life's circumstances.

"Pah! Do you think I'm broke? I'm a rich man, I'll buy this. Who do you think you are?" Shi Butong's eyes turned red as he clutched the paper to his chest, as if afraid Li Lang would snatch it away.

"Sigh, it's no use for you to have it. This is only half a poem. The money hasn't arrived yet, so I probably won't be able to come up with the second half." Li Lang shook his head again, a hint of regret in his eyes.