Shen Le was full of energy as he continued playing. Now he stood, now he crouched, now he knelt;
His footsteps advanced and retreated as he moved back and forth before the bell frame. He chanted in a drawn-out voice, singing an ancient and solemn sacrificial hymn. At times, he raised both arms high and gazed up at the heavens:
It could be said that, aside from not wearing ceremonial robes or a Nuo mask, and aside from not slaughtering animals as offerings like in ancient times, Shen Le had basically carried out the rites of sacrifice to perfection.
The newly restored chime bells did not disappoint him either. All thirty-nine bells trembled and rang in response, releasing long, solemn notes:
It was not merely sound on the physical level. Even on the spiritual level, they were stirred into motion, rippling outward in layer after layer.
The flowing skirts and wide sleeves spread open, floating through the air as they naturally danced to the music;
Lan Zhuang cast out sheets of colored light, building the most dazzling stage for this performance;
One by one, the Mud Figurines leaped out of the Brush Pot, lined up solemnly, and lowered their heads in tribute to this ancient set of chime bells;
Even the Ancient Residence stretched its body slightly, while Huang Yutong creaked and murmured softly:
[Ahhh—this sound—it's reaching deep into my bones—so comfortable—]
Its main beams and pillars showed phantom images, as though it could not resist giving itself a little wiggle.
Shen Le looked up in alarm. Fortunately, the Ancient Residence remembered there were people inside and quickly settled down again:
[Whew—it tickles a little—]
Then wait until I'm outside before you start moving around—
Shen Le spread out his spiritual power with all his strength, chasing after the music.