Chapter 790: Chapter 790: Half Moon Zither_1
Upon getting licked by the Ice-scaled Purple Crystal Python, a chill ran down Qin Sisi’s spine, and she felt as if she would be swallowed by the monstrous snake at any moment.
"What’re you staring for? Hurry up and heal its injuries." Yi Rou impatiently urged her on, muttering to herself about Qin Sisi’s slow responses and wondering inelegantly if she could master her Music Magic.
Many in the Demon Sacred Realm could wield magic, but true magical talent was scarce especially those willing to practice Music Magic.
Music Magic was a type of auxiliary magic. In a direct battle, its attack and defence strength was inferior to the other nine attribute magics, hence most people focused on other attribute magics.
Only those with genuine love would forego time spent practicing other attribute magics to specialize in Music Magic.
Thus, Music Magic faced a crisis of having no one to take it up, much to Yi Rou’s concern.
Prompted by Yi Rou, Qin Sisi responded quickly and used her magic skill "Grass Shines Sunshine" to release a light green magic light from her palm. She gingerly ran the light over the python’s body, suppressing her inner fear.
The python found the Healing Magic’s light comforting, the fierce look in its eyes faded, and it coiled into a content heap, soaked in the therapeutic service provided by Qin Sisi.
Yi Rou observed the healing performed by Qin Sisi and secretly approved. Although her magical ability was somewhat weak and her skill application needed improvement, her control of the Magic Light was commendable, demonstrating her apparent magical talent. She proved to be firm by maintaining her calm demeanor despite her fear of the python.
As for Ye You’s claim about her having a musical talent, that remains to be seen in her following actions.
An hour later, Qin Sisi disengaged her Magic Light, wiped the sweat off her brow, and turned to Yi Rou, "Teacher Yirou, let’s conclude today’s healing session here!"
Noting the fatigue etched in Qin Sisi’s brows, Yi Rou didn’t press her. After all, one cannot fully heal from internal injuries in a single session.
She blinked her big glistening eyes and added, "You did well. The Ice-scaled Purple Crystal Python needs some rest now. Why don’t you play a lullaby for it? What instrument can you play?"
"The piano," replied Qin Sisi.
"Piano?" Yi Rou knit her brows, "I don’t have that instrument here. Try this instead."
With a twist of her wrist, an oddly shaped instrument appeared in Yi Rou’s hand.
The frame was fashioned from ivory-white wood material, one curved line and a straight line combined to form a semi-circle.
Inside were seven white strings which went from longer to shorter following the frame’s shape shift.
Indeed, the instrument was as beautiful as its unique shape. Qin Sisi admired it, curiousity peaked as she asked, "Teacher Yirou, what is this instrument?"
Yi Rou lifted her delicate fingers and plucked each string, which emitted a melodic note that danced like a silver bell.
Expressing satisfaction, she announced, "Aloft, I call it, half-moon zither."
Once Qin Sisi had the zither, she suggested, "You can start with this as a beginner. Once you’ve gained more confidence in your skills..."
Amid saying those words, she made a sound that was almost a chuckle, then muttered, "Let’s focus on the next three days first!"
After talking, she yawned and said lazily, "I stayed up late with the python last night, so I need some rest. Ask Wen Xuan if there’s anything you don’t understand. Remember, we’re in this for three days and three nights!"
Yi Rou stood up, swaying her arm enticingly, and then headed towards the staircase that led aboveground.
Qin Sisi inadvertently glanced at the man Yi Rou had been leaning on. Earlier, she was too focused on the python and didn’t notice him. Now, upon seeing his face, she was startled.
The man was tall and erect. However, his face was crisscrossed with deep scars, which were hard to look at.
He seemed to sense Qin Sisi’s gaze. Just as he turned to look at her, she quickly dropped her gaze.
By that time, Yi Rou had hiked two steps of the stairs when she paused, turning her head slightly to say, "And remember, you can’t seek the help of Ye You; you understand the consequences."
In a rush, Qin Sisi replied, "I understand."
With nothing more to say, Yi Rou, along with the man, left the python’s underground dwelling. Left in the dimly lit chamber were Qin Sisi, Wen Xuan, and the giant python.
Qin Sisi picked up the half-moon zither, scanned it closely, then turned to Wen Xuan and earnestly inquired, "Brother Wen Xuan, Do these seven strings correspond to the seven musical notes?"
Wen Xuan nodded. "Correct, you see these two small blocks," Wen Xuan pointed at the upper edge of the zither, "They are used to adjust the treble, alto, and bass. Try it."
Following his guidance, she parted with the two small pieces and experimented. The notes’ pitch indeed changed.
"Junior Qin, do you know any lullabies?" asked Wen Xuan, betraying some worry. He had always treated everyone politely due to his amicable nature. He presumed Qin Sisi, an outsider with weak magical power, would not know any of the songs from the Demon Sacred Realm.
Qin Sisi thought of the time she was in the Human World, and how Ye You had once taught her a lullaby.
So, she nodded and replied, "I have learned before. I would like to play it once. Would Brother Wen Xuan like to critique it?"
"Of course, please go ahead, Junior Qin." Upon hearing Qin Sisi say she could play a lullaby, Wen Xuan was taken aback. Without any hesitation, he accepted her request. One, because he was instructed to take good care of her, and two, he also wanted to verify if Qin Sisi indeed possessed the musical talent Ye You had proclaimed.
With the zither in hand, she precisely remembered the lullaby’s score and started strumming the strings, playing a piece of lullaby.
The piece brought about crisp, enchanting tones coupled with an elegant, soothing melody that seemed to twinkle like stars nestled amongst the clouds.
Gradually, the clouds grew heavier and thicker, the stars grew faint, and eventually disappeared, leaving only a hazy sky.
Wen Xuan marveled in secret. For a first-timer strumming the zither, not a single false note was sounded, although the change between high and low notes still needed some finesse. With time, she could perfect playing the zither.
