The Real Qi Ji

May, year three of the Genesis Era. Hidden Dragon City, Hidden Dragon Commandery.

In just two or three months, the world had erupted into upheaval. The situation shifted like clouds across the sky, so quickly it was hard to keep up. Reports about rebel armies poured into Hidden Dragon City without pause.

Chen Sheng had declared himself king, taking the title King of Chen, and cried, "Are kings, nobles, generals, and ministers born to their stations?" His words spread across the world and rang through the ages, stirring countless ambitions and desires. They were one of the chief reasons rebellion now blazed throughout the Divine Land.

Yet Jian Shang was in Hundred Flowers Valley with Qi Ji, Yu Ji, and the others. Surrounded by blossoms and greenery, in a place as lovely as a paradise beyond the world, he enjoyed a life of peace and happiness.

"Ding, ding, dong, dong..."

Clear, lilting notes from a pipa echoed through Hundred Flowers Valley, like water flowing down a mountain or an oriole singing in the trees. The sound lingered in the air, so captivating that listeners could scarcely pull themselves away.

As the music swelled and circled, countless flowers in the valley budded, grew, bloomed, and withered, repeating the course of a plant's life. The enchanting melody and beautiful scenery drew everyone in, yet left them with an inexplicable sense of wistfulness.

Meanwhile, mist curled through the valley. Within it, birds sang, flowers gave off their fragrance, butterflies fluttered, and dragonflies spread their wings. It was a scene of refreshing beauty.

"Clang..."

A resonant note rang out, clear as jade striking stone. The piece ended. Qi Ji pressed her pale, jade-like hands against the strings, but the music lingered on and on...

"My lord, do you remember what I said when we