Word of what had happened on the long street spread. Many people were stunned that such a thing had occurred when dark clouds hung over the city and tensions were already running high.
"If he goes to that gathering, something's bound to happen."
"Yan Chifeng will probably set out on the Starry Ancient Road because of this. He's lain low for so many years. It's time he moved."
Beautiful hills and clear streams were rare within a city, but here towering peaks rose above strange ancient trees. Water babbled and birds called softly, lending the place an air of seclusion from the mortal world.
Lin Yi dismounted before the mountain gate, handed over his invitation, and went straight in. He passed through a grove of ancient trees and came to a grassy slope covered in unusual flowers.
Tall pines stood on the cliff. Clear springs gushed from it and spilled down in little waterfalls of many colors, wreathed in mist and rosy light.
Several people sat cross-legged before the meadow. A jade table stood before each of them, set with spirit fruit, fine wine, and other delicacies that gleamed in their jade vessels.
Ahead of them, a lively young woman played the zither. A hint of mischief showed in her expression as her slender fingers danced over the strings, drawing out a lovely melody.
As though sensing that many cultivators had arrived, she began to play in earnest. Wisps of ethereal music drifted over the flowers, making them bloom at once. The notes skimmed the springs, raising shimmering mist, then rose into the sky and drew birds of every kind to dance around her.
Many cultivators were astonished. They sensed no fluctuation of Dao power, only the clear, tranquil resonance of the zither, yet it had produced such a sight.