Chapter 5: The Five Tones and the Five Elements

The final and most formidable trial at the Mingyu Manor was about to begin—a test of pure strength. The site was a grand plaza, hewn entirely from stone of extraordinary hardness, with tiered steps rising on every side. Now, circling the elevated stage, stood twelve graceful young women. Though each was dressed differently, they all displayed figures of rare elegance. Their bright eyes and dazzling smiles, paired with such poise, made them beauties in their own right.

“I’ve heard that under Luo Mingyu’s command are twelve musicians, each a matchless beauty. Seeing them today, I find their reputation is no exaggeration,” Liang Xi said, his praise sincere and free of ulterior motive.

Ji Anran laughed. “It seems, brother, you truly admire them? That’s an easy enough matter. When all this is over, if you wish, as your sworn brother, he would surely gift them all to you.”

Gu Zhenzhen, watching quietly, thought the twelve musicians were indeed lovely, but a little too bewitching for her taste. Did Yuanhui really like such women? She could never learn to be like them. Having studied the Prayer Heart Method since childhood, her character was simple and pure. Yet, if Liang Xi truly did like such charms, she would try to learn. For a cultivator like her, mastering demeanor was as easy as breathing.

Liang Xi burst out laughing at Ji Anran’s words. He had no doubt that if he claimed to like the twelve musicians, Ji Anran would burst into tears on the spot and never see him again. As for Gu Zhenzhen, she might do the same. “What nonsense! The woman I like must be peerless in all the world. These twelve may be lovely, but none hold a candle to you.”

“Zhenzhen, don’t imitate them, either. They have their allure, but you are sprightly and sweet. Your beauty is beyond comparison,” he said.

Even knowing herself to be unparalleled, Ji Anran’s heart swelled sweetly at such heartfelt words from her beloved. Liang Xi also knew that these twelve musicians were far from being mere ornaments—they were Luo Mingyu’s fiercest disciples and bodyguards. Unless they truly favored you, any attempt at flirtation would be a death sentence.

Laughter rang out from the stands as a richly dressed man spoke. “I never imagined Luo Mingyu’s command included such exquisite beauties. When I leave, I’ll be sure to take them all with me.” He was Li Tiandao, famed for his mastery and accustomed to beauty, but the twelve musicians of Mingyu Manor had always been legends, never seen. Now, confronted with their reality, even he could not hide his excitement. The crowd inwardly scorned him: “Li Tiandao, a grandmaster, disgracing himself so openly—how shameful.”

“Does Master Tiandao truly find me beautiful?” One of the women, clad in pale blue, approached Li Tiandao with a bewitching smile. He flushed scarlet at her question, his composure shattered. Though he’d trained in the family blade since childhood and prided himself on his willpower, it now crumbled before her. His reply stumbled from his lips: “Be-beautiful… May I… know your name, miss?”

The blue-clad woman inwardly despised him but smiled even more sweetly. “My name is Wuyue, one of the twelve. You’ve stared at me from the start. Now, I’d like you to give me something—would you oblige?”

Li Tiandao was elated. Though his family was not as wealthy as the Liangs or Luo Mingyu, he possessed many treasures and resolved to give her anything she wished. “What would you like, miss? Whatever I have is yours. Just speaking with you brings me joy.”

On the stage, the other eleven women exchanged scornful, mocking smiles. Today, Li Tiandao would surely pay dearly. Wuyue, the boldest among them, laughed lightly. “In that case, please leave me your eyes.” Before he could react, a cold flash passed before him, and agony stabbed through his eyes. He let out a wretched scream—he was blind.

Wuyue’s strike was ruthless yet her smile remained captivating, the contrast chilling the crowd. “You wretched woman! I’ll kill you!” Li Tiandao, now raving, blood streaming from his ruined eyes, launched a flurry of attacks, but Wuyue seemed insubstantial, evading him with effortless grace—her movement art truly uncanny.

“Li Tiandao, how does it feel to lose your sight? My twelve musicians are not to be trifled with. That is the rule of Mingyu Manor. You’ve been here before—how can you forget? Today, let this be your lesson. I don’t care what you say of me behind my back. I care nothing for my own reputation, but insult my disciples, and I will never forgive it!”

Luo Mingyu’s love of wine and beauty was well-known, but his taste was discerning, and his twelve musicians, all of tragic backgrounds, owed him their rescue and rebirth. He hoped for them only self-respect and self-love. His care for them was that of a mentor, never a lover. In his heart, these beautiful women were worthy of honor.

Should any of them find true love, they were free to leave. Yet over the years, though many men had tried, none were sincere—save the young master. To the twelve musicians, their lord was the noblest of men, and for him they would lay down their lives without regret.

Now, after this gruesome display, no one dared harbor improper thoughts. The fame of Mingyu Manor owed half to Luo Mingyu, half to these twelve. Seeing Li Tiandao’s fate, who could still entertain any fantasy?

Luo Mingyu smiled. “No need to worry. Li Tiandao was a mere diversion. The real contest is about to begin.”

“I pondered for three days and finally devised the perfect arena. Yesterday, I hollowed out this massive platform, and now it rests atop twelve strands as fine as hair. This third trial will not be so easily overcome. Yuanhui, Liang Chen, you two are the only ones in the manor’s history to reach this stage. A normal platform would not suffice. Do you think a stage of mere threads is enough?”

“My twelve musicians have mastered the second realm of the Five Harmonies, the three tones of Qing Shang. As you two fight, you must not touch any of the twelve, or you will face their combined assault—a true melee. I doubt you want that. If anyone survives such chaos, my Falling Sunset Mingyu will belong to him.”

The faces in the stands grew grave. Luo Mingyu was known for his eccentricities; a simple duel had been twisted into a melee. “What? Didn’t you all come here seeking exactly this? I have obliged you. Or do you think my twelve musicians unworthy to compete?”

“Forgive me, I misspoke. On my grounds, you follow my rules. I want victory—and death. In battle, anything can happen. More importantly, I know neither of you will give up, just as your uncle never did, Yuanhui. So, fight for real. What do you say?”

Liang Chen laughed heartily. “Excellent! Now this is a match worth having. Liang Xi, your father always bested me, but I never accepted it. That’s why I chose the martial path. Now, at last, I can defeat the grandson of the ‘Madman’ Jun Daoxing. If you lose today, will your grandfather leap from his coffin in rage? If not now, when?”

With a leap, Liang Chen landed on the stage, three fathoms above the ground, balancing lightly on the thread. The threads were incredibly resilient, able to bear immense weight without yielding. Liang Xi, without hesitation, employed the Flying Bird Phantom Dance, aiming for the stage—but would Liang Chen allow it?

A wild force rushed at Liang Xi. “Think you can just get up here? Dream on! Take my Sky-Piercing Strike!” Liang Chen’s signature fist technique was famed for its overwhelming power. The spectators watched in suspense; Liang Xi, suspended in mid-air, seemed unlikely to withstand such a blow.

But Liang Xi showed no fear. With a cold snort, vapor swirled around him and he executed the Whale-Swallowing move from the Reverse Sea technique, a method that grew stronger against stronger foes. It is said: Only by disrupting the enemy’s rhythm can one seize a chance at life.

Though the Sky-Piercing Fist was formidable, it was nothing before the Water-Mastery technique. The fist wind was swallowed up instantly. However mighty, how could it compare to the vastness of the sea?

Liang Xi’s response stunned all present. Was this the legendary Water-Mastery technique that once shook the world? It was said that the Water Sage rose to fame by mastering water, attaining supreme renown. Now, the legend was proven true.

Liang Chen was aghast. What had just happened? That one move from the boy seemed to drain the blood from his body. Had he not reacted quickly, he might have died before the match began. Indeed, the Water-Mastery technique could control not only external water, but even the blood within the body.

Ji Anran was overjoyed to see her brother wield her mother’s technique so deftly.

Having fended off his uncle, Liang Xi landed steadily atop the thread. The twelve musicians, their gazes bright, recognized the mastery behind that move. Over the years, they had seen much martial prowess, and this display promised a fascinating contest.

Liang Xi stood tall upon the thread, glancing at Ji Anran with affectionate eyes. She felt his burning gaze and blushed, annoyed that even now he couldn’t help but look at her like that. She could never resist those eyes.

Liang Xi then fixed his gaze on Gu Zhenzhen, who believed in her brother Yuanhui without a doubt. At this moment, he was dazzling—bathed in a glow of confidence.

Liang Chen, regaining his composure, recognized that though his nephew was only sixteen, he was no easy foe. This battle would decide his honor—he must not lose, or all his hard-won achievements would come to nothing.

Suddenly, a white blur raced toward the plaza, carrying a young man who, unable to bear the speed, patted the blur and grumbled. The beast stopped—it was a snow-white tiger, bearing a young man whose face was pale. The newcomers were none other than Tian Ziling, the new sect master of the Celestial Shadow Sect, and his steed, Yue Mountain White Tiger.

Not long after, Bu Ye Tian arrived with his disciples, panting. “Ah, I finally caught up to you, Sect Master. You really are too fast.” He secretly thought that while the new sect master was good in many ways, he was too headstrong, acting on impulse. Never had Bu Ye Tian imagined the Celestial Shadow Sect would end up like this. Now, they were surely the laughingstock of all present.

Tian Ziling, covered in dust, grinned sheepishly. “My apologies, everyone. I’m late. Looks like the last trial has begun. I’ll just watch from the sidelines—don’t mind me.” Even the proud Yue Mountain White Tiger lay quietly beside him, feigning innocence.

“That’s the Yue Mountain White Tiger! You’re with the Celestial Shadow Sect! I should have guessed. The Celestial Shadow Sect and Liang Chen have always been thick as thieves. Neither of you are any good! All these years, you’ve done countless shady things—did you really think the world doesn’t know?” A man surnamed Liu, unable to hold back, shouted from the stands. Alone and unafraid, he said what others would not.

Everyone knew Liu for his bluntness; had he any real strength, it would be nothing, but being weak, it was a wonder he’d survived so long. Tian Ziling ignored him. “Brothers, find any seat you like. Today is truly a coincidence for all of us.”

Liang Chen, upon seeing the Yue Mountain White Tiger, was delighted—the Celestial Shadow Sect had finally arrived, and with them, his chances of victory soared. But when the dust settled and he saw a stranger leading the sect, with Bu Ye Tian and other familiar disciples in tow, he wondered if the old master, Tian Hao, had abandoned him. If so, he would never forgive it—the sect owed all its current power to him.

Tian Ziling pulled out a handkerchief, wiped the dust from his face, and changed robes in full view, transforming back into a handsome youth. Liang Xi was not surprised by such antics; he found Tian Ziling interesting, undaunted by Liang Chen’s darkening expression.

“Young master Tian Ziling, new head of the Celestial Shadow Sect, greets the elders. As for the former master, Tian Hao, he went mad attempting the seventh transformation of the Heavenly Demon Art and lost all his power. I was chosen as his successor and dared not delay—thus my hurried arrival. I am young and inexperienced but would never forget the sect’s debt to you, Elder Liang Chen. Now, please proceed as you wish. Leave the rest to me.”

Though only in his early twenties, Tian Ziling’s words rang with conviction, winning the crowd’s respect.

“Very well. Watch, then. I need no help for now. More importantly, I have never believed anyone but Tian Hao could aid me.” Liang Chen felt bitter disappointment. The story of Tian Hao’s final failure was nonsense—he knew Tian Hao’s abilities well, and now a young upstart was sent in his place. He would never entrust his fate to him.

Since the other would not trust him, there was no need to say more. In the end, Liang Chen would come begging for help. Tian Ziling nodded subtly to Liang Xi.

“Now that everyone is here, nephew, the old grudge between your father and me falls upon you today. I will make your father taste the agony of loss!”

Without another word, Liang Chen gathered the energy of heaven and earth in his hands—a swirling, snow-like aura forming a vast disc suspended in the air.

“This is the first realm of Spirit Sojourn—wielding the world’s energy as a weapon, invincible under heaven. Spirit Sojourn is a rare energy-cultivation art, rivaled only by Lingwei. No wonder he dares so much—he’s mastered such a divine technique!” Old Liu recognized it immediately.

“Sharp eyes. Indeed, this is Spirit Sojourn, equal to Lingwei. Nephew, no one will save you today. Since my Sky-Piercing Strike failed, try my world’s energy!”

From the disc, streaks of blue light lashed out. Energy cultivation did not use one’s own energy, but drew upon the world itself. Liang Chen would show no mercy; he had waited years for this moment—the death of Liang Xi.

Enveloped in blue energy, Liang Chen stalked forward, supremely confident. No matter how skilled Liang Xi was, he could not break this technique.

Liang Xi quickly employed the Flying Bird Phantom Dance, weaving through the narrow gaps between the blue lights. The world’s finest agility technique made such maneuvering trivial. Then, forming his fingers into a sword, he unleashed a torrent of sword energy—the first move of Sword Qi Arc: Rainbow Over Heaven! The surging energy shattered Liang Chen’s assault. World energy, for all its might, was ultimately borrowed; a moment’s carelessness could spell doom. How could it compare to Shang Ruyi’s supreme sword art?

Liang Xi’s counterattack seized the advantage. He followed with Sword Drawn for Merit, a lightning-fast strike, combined with his agility. Onlookers saw only afterimages and flashes of swordlight. They were stunned—how could a sixteen-year-old possess such mastery? Liang Chen, so impressive at the outset, was now forced onto the defensive, unable to retaliate.

The platform filled with surging sword energy. Liang Xi was simply too fast—Liang Chen could find no opening to strike! Yet Liang Chen was ruthless; when victory eluded him, he redirected his fury. Gathering world energy, he formed a tiger and sent it hurtling at Yuzao, one of the musicians.

It was a move from the second realm of Spirit Sojourn. Though rushed, it was still deadly enough. Luo Mingyu, bound by oath, could not intervene—otherwise, Liang Chen would never dare such a thing. Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen shouted from below, calling him shameless, but Liang Chen didn’t care. So long as he could win, what did insults matter? Rules meant nothing to him.

Just then, Liang Xi arrived, countering the tiger with Azure Dragon Emerges from the Water-Mastery art. Water against energy—who would prevail? Vapors exploded outward. Yuzao, though experienced, had been caught off-guard and nearly panicked.

The clash of dragon and tiger was awe-inspiring—the two forms, though different, were truly equal. Even with his protective arts, Liang Xi felt his blood surge. Liang Chen forced down his own injuries and closed in, world energy gathering in his fists, then striking Liang Xi’s abdomen with brutal force. Liang Xi felt as if his body was being torn apart, blood spraying as he was hurled to the ground.

“Nephew, how do you like my Starshatter move? People think energy cultivators can’t fight up close—they’re wrong. It’s just a matter of timing for a killing blow. Had you not tried to save that woman, you’d be unharmed. But your soft heart is your undoing. To me, nothing matters but victory!”

“For your father’s sake, I’ll send you off myself. Rest assured, I’ll tell him everything. I’m almost looking forward to his face when he hears of your death!” Liang Chen’s expression was now crazed and triumphant.

“What are you waiting for? I’m bound by oath, but are you all fools too? If Liang Xi dies, we’ll all be guilty!” People believed Luo Mingyu, once the world’s most eligible bachelor, had lost his former spirit, but they forgot—though he’d lost a bet to Lord Beifeng, his drive was undiminished. His shout startled all.

Yuzao finally recovered, her fingers flying across the zither, sending forth a chilling melody. As the chief among the twelve, her grasp of the Puyu Tune—the strongest of the Qing Shang trio—was unmatched. At once, the stage was engulfed in icy air.

“As long as I, Yuzao, am here, you won’t touch a hair on this young man’s head! Want to fight? Test my Puyu Tune! Let’s see how you withstand this cold!”

Due to their innate gifts, the twelve musicians specialized in the second realm of the Five Harmonies—the Qing Shang trio. The Puyu Tune was the first, known for its deadly chill. Though the jade flute was ideal, the zither sufficed in a pinch, and its martial tone matched Yuzao’s mood perfectly.

“Forming a tiger from energy? No matter how mighty your beast, I’ll turn it into a sick cat!” The icy notes struck at Liang Chen, relentless. He had little strength left after his earlier moves, barely able to use the Soaring Steps technique.

With Soaring Steps, he could evade Yuzao’s assault, but then Wuyue joined in, playing the Crane’s Scream on her jade flute—a jarring, unnatural sound that drove listeners mad. Yet, strangely, the Crane’s Scream and the Puyu Tune, so different, merged perfectly.

Wuyue, still furious from Li Tiandao’s affront and her sister’s close call, couldn’t restrain herself. Many in the stands could not endure the combined assault, faces twisting in agony; some fell into madness at the first note.

Only the Celestial Shadow Sect, Luo Mingyu, Ji Anran, Gu Zhenzhen, and the wounded Liang Xi remained unaffected. All others were plunged into chaos. Liang Chen, battered by Liang Xi’s dragon, then his own tiger, and now these twin melodies, could no longer endure.

With a final scream, he succumbed—his inner energies raging out of control. If the second realm alone was so terrifying, how powerful must Luo Mingyu, the creator of the Five Harmonies, truly be? The thought struck all present.

“Enough!” Luo Mingyu, now satisfied, addressed Liang Chen. “Did you think my oath to Beifeng prevented me from dealing with you? As you saw, I could kill you here and none would dare object. What do you think the others feel now? They blame you for their suffering. Do you really expect to leave unharmed?”

Even now, Liang Chen’s defiant spirit did not waver. “Outnumbered—what kind of skill is that? If you have the guts, fight me yourself!”

Luo Mingyu laughed. “I learned from you. Didn’t you say that nothing matters but victory? So, you can ambush my disciples, but if they fight back, that’s unfair? How amusing! Very well, I’ll make you admit defeat!”

“Yuanhui, get up. I know you’re protected by the Cloud Atlas; his moves, however fierce, can’t harm you. Come help me teach Liang Chen a lesson. I’ll teach you the Five Harmonies in full; with your talent, you’ll quickly master it. Here’s the complete manual—read it now. You have half a stick of incense. Can you manage?”

“Don’t worry—unless one is a master of music, the manual is impossible to decipher. Only I have ever integrated music and martial arts. My twelve musicians are masters of music, but lack the martial talent. You, born to wealth, with fortune and the Cloud Atlas, will learn quickly.”

“A brute like Liang Chen could never grasp my art! Hahaha!” Luo Mingyu, born with a love for music, later created the Five Harmonies, an unrivaled technique. Yet, he lacked an ideal heir, and had always felt regret. Today, fate had brought him a worthy successor in Liang Xi.

Liang Xi, skilled in music, had never imagined it could be the foundation of supreme martial power. The Five Harmonies comprised five realms: Palace, Shang, Jue, Zhi, and Yu. The Puyu and Crane’s Scream belonged to the second, the Qing Shang trio—the third being Ghost Willow. Beyond Qing Shang, the first realm was Shifting Palace and Feather, altering surroundings and hearts; the third, Dead Wood Revives, embodied resilience and healing; the fourth, Clear Light Illuminates, harnessed fire; the fifth, Cold Heart Shatters Jade, channeled water—perfect for one who had mastered the Water-Mastery art.

After half a stick of incense, Liang Xi had finished the manual. “I knew it—this art is perfect for you. Now, burn it. Neither of us needs it anymore. Use what I’ve taught you to give Liang Chen the lesson he deserves.”

Having absorbed the Five Harmonies, Liang Xi found it unforgettable—built on the five elements, mirroring the five tones.

“Uncle, you seem gravely wounded. Your ally is here—why not call the Celestial Shadow Sect’s master to join you? The two of you together—let me test my skills on you both!”

“Arrogant, just like me. Very well, if that’s what you want. Tian Ziling, how long will you watch? If not now, when?”