As Tang Wulin hit his stride, the Heavy Silver Hammers in his hands swung faster and faster. His arms became two silver afterimages, each hammer strike precise and powerful. The dense barrage of blows blended together like a sudden downpour beating against banana leaves.
Yet the sound was neither noisy nor harsh. Instead, it carried a strange rhythm.
"Ding, clang, ding-clang..."
At first, individual strikes could still be distinguished, but soon the sound became a string of crisp, melodious notes. Clear yet rich in texture, it was like the finest jade gently tapping crystal, or a mountain spring dripping onto stone and producing lovely echoes.
"That sound..."
The students below the Arena had been holding their breath, tensely watching this contest of skill. Before long, however, they realized that only dull, oppressive booms came from He Xiaopeng's side, while Tang Wulin seemed to be performing a light, lively percussion piece.
"It sounds beautiful..." someone among the first-year students murmured.
Though quiet, the remark voiced everyone's thoughts. The wondrous hammering actually eased some of the tension, replacing it with an indescribable enjoyment of beauty.
On the dais, several Sea God Pavilion Elders who were normally stern and unsmiling could not help looking astonished.
"Not only is this boy's control of his strength exquisite down to the finest detail, but his sense of rhythm is this strong too?" Light-Dark Douluo Long Yeyue glanced sideways, appreciation flashing in her eyes. "Listen to it—crisp without scattering, focused and full of spirit. How is this forging? He's practically playing an instrument."
Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li was positively beaming. Watching the boy below sweat in torrents, she seemed to see the mischievous little fellow who had once caused trouble in the Sea God Pavilion. Now he had grown to this extent.
"This is called 'Resonance