The zither music, clear as a spring, spread through the workshop like flowing water.
Upstairs and downstairs, the crowd watched as the beautiful zither player's slender, fair fingers continuously plucked at the strings of an instrument resembling a pipa.
The crisp rhythm, accompanied by the other musicians beside her, became all the more ethereal and beautiful.
Flute notes, bamboo clappers, and the soft low hum of a young girl.
With all these layered together, Shuyun Workshop fell utterly silent. No one had the heart to make a sound and disturb this spirit-like melody.
Soon, the piece came to an end.
The zither player slowly rose, smiling as she bent her knees in a bow to the audience before turning and leaving the stage.
A master of ceremonies came up from behind to take over the proceedings.
The zither player walked backstage, where several young and beautiful women came forward to greet her.
"How did it go?" she asked quietly.
"We have already investigated the exact location. That bastard has four experts under him in total." One of the women answered softly as she handed over a slip of paper.
The zither player accepted it and lowered her gaze to read it.
The note clearly read: Cold Poison Master Ouyang Zhao, Twin Fists Xu Fei, Nine-Section Sword Xu Lu, Green Frost Fist Zhan Heng.
"The first two are Xunri experts, while the latter two are Liuye experts. These four are Zhu Chen's capable lieutenants, trusted aides he brought directly from the Prefectural City. Three are at Organ Refining, and one is at Bone Forging." A beautiful young woman gave the introduction solemnly.
"Four men. Three Organ Refining martial artists—truly formidable. Did you find the information on those people I asked about before?" The zither player turned into her private resting room