Stepping In to Keep Her

P. S.: Damn it, my home internet went down for no reason, so I had to come online to update this~~

Ding ding dong...

With delicate hands, she plucked the Qin Strings, and the clear and melodious sound of the zither rang in her ears, like jade beads falling onto a plate, Human Heart and soothing. However, Qin Qing's zither skills were already well-known in the Hundred Flowers Palace. Elder Meng came to Flower Full Building not simply to listen to the music, but to experience the artistic conception.

Whether she leaves or not, Qin Qing is completely absorbed in her music today, determined to prove her abilities through her actions.

The Distant Resonance and clear notes of the zither, lingering and tender, touch the Human Heart, as if one could see lovers embracing, or a man tilling the fields and a woman weaving, a simple life imbued with a sense of happiness. Then, in a moment, the music becomes rapid, as if one could see a passionate love story unfolding...

The sound of the piano touches the heart, evoking all sorts of emotions and feelings. It is no longer just about being pleasant to listen to, but about creating a state of mind.

Ding ding dong...

Flower Full Building is closed during the day, and its doors are always tightly shut. However, as soon as the music started, not only did the people inside Flower Full Building calm down, but even passersby Flower Full Building couldn't help but stop and listen. It was astonishing that such beautiful music could be heard coming from Flower Full Building even during the day.

"That's really strange. How can there be music coming from the Flower Full Building during the day? Aren't the girls in the Flower Full Building supposed to be resting during the day?" Some men stood in Flower Full Building, listening to the beautiful music, with puzzled expressions.

"Such beautiful music could only be played by Miss Qin Qing in the Flower Full Building."

"Who cares about all that? Anyway, I'm just passing through today. If I can hear this, I've already gained something."

Flower Full Building, many people stopped, listened intently, and discussed amongst themselves. However, they all consciously kept their voices down to avoid disturbing the beautiful music.

A piece of music, born from the heart, was played for the time it takes to brew One Incense Stick of tea before finally ending. The last note lingered in the Human Heart for a long time, seemingly unwilling to leave.

"Excellent! Beautiful music!" After a long silence, the people who had been standing Flower Full Building suddenly cheered, and then more people responded, the cheers echoing incessantly.

The cheers outside the door could be heard even by everyone inside the Flower Full Building. Qin Qing finished her song and stopped, her face expressionless, her demeanor calm and serene.

Whether it was because she wanted to prove herself or because Zhuge Xiang was beside her, Qin Qing could feel that she had performed exceptionally well this time.

Elder Meng, Purple Skirt, brightened slightly. Without offering any comment, she looked at Qin Qing and asked, "I don't think I've ever heard this piece before. What is it?"

Born into the Hundred Flowers Palace, Elder Meng, with his Nascent Deity Transformation, could easily discern the extent of Qin Qing's cultivation.

Although outwardly calm, Elder Meng was inwardly very excited. To be able to express one's state of mind through music, and even evoke various emotions in others, was a rare talent in the Hundred Flowers Palace. More importantly, the Hundred Flowers Palace had recently discovered a Cultivation Technique called "Sound of Nature," which required a disciple like Qin Qing to cultivate.

The Hundred Flowers Palace is just Small Sect, with all female disciples. Music is their path of cultivation. A few days ago, the Sect accidentally obtained a Cultivation Technique called "Sound of Nature" in the Secret Realm. It is also a musical score. The requirements for cultivating it are that one must be like Qin Qing, who can use music to express one's state of mind, and one's cultivation level cannot reach the Deity Transformation stage.

The Hundred Flowers Palace has countless disciples below the Deity Transformation stage. However, although all of them can imbue music with artistic conception, only a handful can express their own emotions. This time, the higher-ups of the Hundred Flowers Palace secretly traveled to various prefectures to find such geniuses. Unexpectedly, they encountered Qin Qing at Flower Full Building. It was truly a case of finding something without even looking for it.

The Hundred Flowers Palace disciples flanking Elder Meng, along with Lady Liu and the others, were all staring at Qin Qing. Even Lady Liu and the others had never heard this piece of music before.

Under everyone's gaze, Qin Qing shook her head and replied, "This piece has no name; I just improvised and played it as I pleased."

"Playing as one pleases? Improvising?"

Upon hearing Qin Qing's words, Elder Meng's eyes lit up even more. He then laughed three times and praised, "Although the piece itself isn't particularly outstanding, its value lies in its artistic conception and the breakthrough in its emotional expression. It actually uses music to express one's own shock and even evokes changes in the Human Heart. Come with me back to the Hundred Flowers Palace tomorrow morning."

Elder Meng's words brought a smile to Lady Liu's face, and she said happily to Qin Qing, "That's wonderful, Qin Qing, congratulations! You've been at Flower Full Building for over a year, and you can finally return to the Sect!"

"Congratulations, Junior Sister Qin Qing," several female disciples beside Elder Meng said in unison as Lady Liu finished speaking.

Hundred Flowers Palace is just a Small Sect, relying on the Yin Yang Demonic Palace, so it must be more united. Seeing that some people with potential have passed the review and returned to the Sect is a good thing for the Hundred Flowers Palace.

Can I go back? Qin Qing was stunned. When she was sent to Flower Full Building and left the Sect, she made up her mind to find a way back. Only by returning to the Sect could she concentrate on her cultivation. Otherwise, in Flower Full Building, even though she was a cultivator, she would eventually end up as a prostitute.

However, after persisting for more than a year, the moment has finally arrived, and Qin Qing is stunned.

We've waited and persevered for over a year, all for what? Isn't it all for today?

Qin Qing opened her mouth, wanting to agree, but then, seeing Zhuge Xiang beside her, she couldn't bring herself to say it. In the end, she just shook her head and said, "I don't want to go back to the Sect yet. I... I feel that staying at Flower Full Building will allow me to improve more."

"The Sound of Nature" is the most suitable Cultivation Technique for the Hundred Flowers Palace. The Palace Master even personally ordered that no expense be spared in finding a disciple qualified to cultivate "The Sound of Nature." Today, he encountered Qin Qing at the Flower Full Building. Elder Meng originally thought that taking her back would be effortless, but he never expected that Qin Qing would refuse.

As disciples of the Hundred Flowers Palace, why would they rather stay at Flower Full Building than return to their Sect? This was incomprehensible to everyone. For a moment, both the disciples of the Hundred Flowers Palace and Lady Liu and the others at Flower Full Building were stunned.

"Qin Qing, do you know what you're saying?" Lady Liu exclaimed in alarm.

"Oh? Staying here actually leads to greater advancement? Why?" Elder Meng narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at Qin Qing as he asked. She'd rather waste her time in this Flower Full Building than return to the Sect? Does she want the Sect to nurture her?

"I... I..." Elder Meng's eyes seemed to see through everything. With her Nascent Deity Transformation and powerful Divine Sense, Qin Qing felt as if she had no secrets left under her gaze. She stammered and couldn't speak, only glancing at Zhuge Xiang with her eyes hidden.

Qin Qing knew very well that her breakthrough was due to Zhuge Xiang. However, her feelings for him were very weak. If she could truly fall passionately in love with him, then her breakthroughs in musical skills and artistic conception would be considered Merit. Therefore, Qin Qing was unwilling to leave. Only by experiencing more could she play the most Human Heart pieces.

Although Qin Qing's gaze was very subtle, Elder Meng, a Nascent Deity Transformation, was watching her intently; how could he not see through it?

Turning his head, Elder Meng's gaze fell on Zhuge Xiang, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.

Elder Meng knew that Zhuge Xiang had been staying by his side, but he hadn't paid him any attention. Now, however, his presence was affecting Qin Qing's fate, so Elder Meng had to pay attention to him. Qin Qing's music was filled with the flavor of love, and Elder Meng could easily understand the meaning behind her concealed gaze.

"Boy, come here," Elder Meng said, his gaze falling on Zhuge Xiang.

Elder Meng's attitude made Zhuge Xiang frown slightly, but he didn't say anything. He stood up, walked over, and said, "I wonder what brings you here, Senior?"

"Qin Qing is a disciple of my Hundred Flowers Palace. If she wants to further her studies, returning to the Hundred Flowers Palace is the best choice. The Sect will definitely take care of her and cultivate her. Staying here in Flower Full Building will only waste her time. What is your opinion on this?" Elder Meng asked Zhuge Xiang after looking at Qin Qing.

Although her words were directed at Zhuge Xiang, her meaning was clear: it was best for Qin Qing to return to the Hundred Flowers Palace; if you insisted on keeping her here, you would only be harming her.

"Regarding Qin Qing's departure, I respect her personal decision. Since she herself does not wish to leave, then she should stay." So what if she is a Deity Transformation Cultivator? Back then, when facing Purgatory Elder of the Asura Sect, Void Realm Great Expert, Zhuge Xiang did not feel nervous. To Elder Meng's question, Zhuge Xiang answered frankly.

Zhuge Xiang's answer made Qin Qing's eyes light up. He was also willing to stay? That was enough.

However, a look of displeasure flashed across Elder Meng's face, and his expression darkened. His voice also turned cold as he said, "I see you are also a Cultivator. How could you not understand that the most important thing for a Cultivator is cultivation level? By letting him stay in Flower Full Building, you are ruining her life. As an elder of the Hundred Flowers Palace, I absolutely cannot allow such a thing to happen."

The Deity Transformation Stage Cultivator was displeased, and all the Qi Refining Stage disciples would surely be nervous. However, Zhuge Xiang showed no fear or trepidation whatsoever. Instead, he burst into laughter, as if he had heard the funniest thing in the world.

"Haha, you mean going to the Hundred Flowers Palace would be best for Qin Qing? But why did the Hundred Flowers Palace still put her in the Flower Full Building? It's a fact that she didn't break through in the Hundred Flowers Hundred Flowers Palace, but she was able to break through in the Flower Full Building, but you still say that going to the Hundred Flowers Palace would be best?"

He laughed loudly, without the slightest hint of tact. Facing a Nascent Deity Transformation Cultivator, Zhuge Xiang was utterly impolite. His words caused Elder Meng's face to darken, and Lady Liu and the others beside him were horrified. How dare he speak to Deity Transformation Stage Cultivator like that?

"Boy! How dare you! You think you can spout such nonsense at the Void Splitting Realm?" Elder Meng's disciples on either side of him were enraged. One of them, a disciple at the Innate Realm, couldn't help but attack. A Jade Green flute, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, pointed towards Zhuge Xiang. (To be continued...)