by Feng Yue
If anyone violated the law, the most lenient punishment was that both professor and student would be thrown into the Mithril Cellar and never be able to come into contact with aether ever again. If Abraham had really bypassed the agreement’s restrictions with some trick and taught the School of Abstinence to his students…then not even the Royal Academy of Music would tolerate him anymore!
Abraham suddenly became everyone’s target. He froze in bewilderment as if he had not yet processed everything.
After a long time, he looked at Ingmar and asked uncertainly, “You… have you misunderstood something?”
191 Let’s Go Back Together
“Misunderstand?” Ingmar sneered. “Was the image in the melody not from the School of Abstinence?”
“How could it be?” Abraham shook his head and said earnestly, “I’ve never taught him any of the battle scores from the military or from the School of Abstinence. This is proof.” With that, he raised his prosthetic limb and showed them the unbroken seal. This was the eternal shackle the military had put on him. Unless he received royal permission and amnesty, Abraham could not get around the agreement.
“This entire time, I have only taught him the Revelations music theory that I know, as well as how to decipher ancient texts. Yezi is a good student that I don’t need to worry about. He grasped the interpretation method quickly and has a natural talent for Revelations. I think he’ll be a good scholar in the future, so there must be a misunderstanding.”
The direct rebuke came from Abraham’s straightforward speaking style and had a nice effect. After all, everyone knew that this guy basically had nonexistent social skills and was the worst at lying.
Ingmar’s expression instantly darkened. The quiet principal also stood up and poured salt on Ingmar’s wounds. “Abraham has reported to me every class he gives. Everything he taught follows the school rules. Ingmar, you don’t have to target Abraham. Please don’t bring private matters into this.”
The last sentence was practically accusing Ingmar of not separating public and private matters to his face, causing Ingmar’s expression to change. He squeezed out a smile and nodded, clenching his jaw. Finally, he glared at Abraham and scoffed.
Interpretation method? He understood completely what Abraham was doing now! That d*mn b*stard…he wanted to make his students a heretic like him! An Abstinence musician under the guise of Revelations? No, this was not all…Abraham could be telling him the truth.
It was okay even if he did not teach the School of Abstinence to his student or give him any music scores. He had already taught the ‘interpretation method,’ which contained all of his findings and realizations, giving Ye Qingxuan a stable foundation.
For the rest, Ye Qingxuan only had to fathom on his own…With only a bit of guidance, he would be able to comprehend and grasp the following steps by himself. He looked like a Revelations musician, but was a true Abstinence musician in disguise! And he was a musician killer without the constraints of any laws or agreements. A silent musician free from the Silent Authorities? This was every musician’s nightmare!
Ingmar’s eyes grew icy. “Seems like this honest man has started to use tricks to make a name for himself too?” He clenched his fist and swore to himself, “Abraham, someday you’ll be taken to the gallows! Someday…”
But now the question was: how could they slow down the Eastern creature’s reaping? Thankfully the change in illusion disrupted his second round of reaping. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Now, the professors of the major schools in the conference room all had uncharacteristically uncomfortable expressions. Nothing this laughable had happened in the centuries since the Royal Academy of Music’s establishment.
No one had thought that the Eastern kid, the disgrace of the Academy, was actually a beast under the disguise of a human. He had forced down the scores of all graduating students in a few short minutes! This meant that no one would be able to receive higher than an A during this year’s graduation test. If he continued…he might be able to wipe out all graduating students in the first round of trials!
“This can’t continue.” The bearded Egor from Modifications furrowed his brows and said soundlessly in the secret language, “We must stop him.”
“Stop him? How?” Ludwig, coach of the School of Summoning, could not help but laugh. “We can’t do anything to what’s happening in the Requiem enchantment. He hasn’t cheated either. Should we personally break the rules?”
Ingmar, his expression ruthless, cut in, “If we unite and question the fairness of this trial, an emergency stop might be possible.”
“Don’t be stupid. The three of us isn’t enough. If the School of Royalty’s coach doesn’t join, the school board won’t be able to use its veto power.”
The School of Royalty was its own school, independent from the other three schools, and undoubtedly held an important position in the Royal Academy of Music. Though Thomas, the one in charge this generation, was an Elite, he rarely ever participated in these things. If not for the fact that the principal had once forcefully expelled a concertmaster and caused too much trouble, Thomas would not have even joined the school board.
Moreover, after teaching his final disciple Gavin, he had already decided not to worry over school matters anymore and focus on his symphony of predestination to try for the Scepter level.
If he succeeded, Thomas would be the fourth saint since the establishment of the Academy. It would be an amazing thing for both the School of Royalty and Anglo. If they disturbed him because of such trivial matters, they would have to face the blame and probably be rejected.
Hearing this, Ingmar could not help but scoff and asked, “Do you have any better ideas? Are you going to let the disgrace of the academy continue his mischief?”
An argument began in the secret conversations channel. In the end, Ludwig cut them off. “Stop arguing!” Ludwig glared at them and sent the message, “That Eastern kid has already stopped.”
“Stopped?” Ingmar blanched and looked at the aerial display in disbelief.
Yes, Ye Qingxuan really had stopped. The score that had shot up like a fountain was stuck at nine-thousand and seven-hundred and no longer moved. It was as if he had already become bored of this unchallenging trial. There were no terrifying meteor showers in the village that the illusion had turned into. The ominousness had disappeared.
All graduating students ran to spread the good news with tears streaming down their faces. It had been short, but the hellish ten minutes had finally ended!
“Yes, he stopped…” Ingmar studied the wandering black dot. He furrowed his brows, feeling a bit unsettled again. “Is he preparing something strange again? What does he want?”
“I don’t know.” Egor shook his head. His expression was troubled. “It looks like…he’s looking for something?”
“What is he looking for?”
“Who knows?” Ludwig sighed. “But it’s finally over, right?”
Yes, the ridiculous trial was finally ending soon.
-
At dusk, the streets of the crude village were still. It was just like the countless villages Ye Qingxuan had seen before. Its ground was muddy, and chickens and ducks ran amok, but they seemed to be scared of him and went the other way when they saw him.
The village was crude, and there were scorch marks on the crumbling walls. Under the setting sun, smoke rose from all the low-rise houses. The air was filled with the smell of burning firewood and cooking rice.
The dusky sunlight shone lazily on the people. It seemed to chase away all unhappiness and gloominess, making one’s footsteps lighter. Ye Qingxuan strolled through the village. He constantly stopped the students he passed and asked them something.
Some shook their heads; others were blank, while even others pointed in an unclear direction after pondering. And so Ye Qingxuan walked toward the village’s center square.
A group of kids ran around in the square. They played with simpl
e toys or fought for candy. Their faces and bodies were covered in mud. It seemed that they had too much fun.
A clown with a colorfully painted face danced in the middle of the group of children. As he laughed, he played a three-stringed instrument and sang a country song.
“It rained hard this morning and the flowers scattered all over. Ah, but so what? We’re happily together…We’re together, holding hands, laughing, singing and going on a trip. Don’t care if it’s sunny or rainy, we’re happily together…”
Ye Qingxuan remembered that this was Charles’ favorite children’s song. He seemed to have sung it when he was drunk, and it would make one feel safe and warm. As if all sadness had vanished.
“So you’re here…” Ye Qingxuan’s footsteps stopped in the distance. Looking at the silver-haired girl with her back to him, he could not help but sigh.
During this long trial, he had found practically everyone in the Academy, but could not find Bai Xi. The mimicry of the graduating students could not fool Ye Qingxuan, but he was helpless faced with this little girl.
He had never imagined that she would be the biggest challenge in this game of hide-and-seek. Now, she sat on the grass and propped her chin on her hands, spacing out in boredom. Sometimes, she would look up at the playing kids. Like a child who had had an argument, she only looked from afar, but her eyes were wishful.
Sometimes, Ye Qingxuan really felt that even if there were one-hundred girls that looked like Bai Xi put together, he would still be able to find her. She was always the most antisocial child.
Her eyes were always like that—stubborn and determined. She liked to stare directly into other’s eyes, as if wanting to see clearly if they were lying. She was not polite and not very likeable. If one got close, she would distance herself. If one made her scared…she might never look at them again.
Ye Qingxuan sighed and snuck over, standing beside her. Bai Xi saw him and looked away. Ye Qingxuan raised his hand, but Bai Xi’s shoulder trembled and tensed.
He froze. The accomplishment and pride in his heart disappeared and he could not help but feel sad. Scratching his head, he said softly, “I looked for a long time.”
“Okay,” was Bai Xi’s quiet reply after a long pause.
Ye Qingxuan reached out and opened his hand before her. “Let’s go back.”
Bai Xi looked up at the hand. After hesitating for a long time, she nodded lightly. “Okay.”
She grasped Ye Qingxuan’s hand and allowed him to pull her up and knock the dirt and dust off her. Finally, the broken ribbon was tied around her messy hair again. She looked immature and laughable, but even more like a little girl.
She allowed Ye Qingxuan to hold her hand and start on the way back.
“You’re not allowed to run away when you’re mad in the future,” Ye Qingxuan suddenly murmured. “If I can’t find you, I’ll get angry.”
“I know.” Bai Xi lowered her head and kicked him lightly. “Such a nagger…”
192 Another Crisis
The setting sun, withered vines, old tree, evening crows, and a heartbroken man at the horizon.
“I heard that you were caught by that white haired guy?” a crow asked quietly, standing above the old tree in the backyard.
“Yeah.” The tree’s branches trembled as if it was reminded of a nightmare. It asked in a hoarse voice, “And you?”
“I was caught too.” The crow was heartbroken.
“Me too.” The withered vine asked in a low voice, “How many times for you?”
“Twice. You?”
The withered vine was quiet for a while before replying, “Three times.”
The crow looked at the withered vine pitifully and raised its wing to pat the vine. “Don’t be sad. I heard someone was caught four times.” The old tree burst into tears, and the crow was shocked. “Bro, what’s the matter?”
“The guy who was caught four times was me.”
“That’s sad.” The crow shed tears of sympathy.
The withered vine nodded too. “Yeah, really sad.”
“Don’t worry, it’s all over.” The three fellow victims huddled together in the cold, crying on each other’s shoulders. “It’s all over now.”
But footsteps and voices could be heard faintly in the distance. “How many did you get?”
“Not even one. I even got points deducted because I damaged the scene.” The girl’s voice sounded a little disappointed. “There’s only ten left.”
“Well, then I’ll look for a few to let you raise it a little.”
“Great!”
In the distance, the last glimmer of light was about to disappear. It was a sign of the arrival of the long night.
When the white moon rose to the sky, everyone was relieved for some reason. The f*cked up first day was finally over.
“Students, I am so pleased!” The excited principal at the podium whistled, ignoring Her Highness who was beside him, and the gloomy Sydney and other coaches behind him.
“Everyone did great today! Chef? Chef! Add a chicken leg to everyone’s dinner to replenish their energy!” Maxwell waved widely and increased the benefits for all of the students.
Unfortunately, no one cheered because they were all exhausted. But Maxwell was not in a hurry and instead gave a mysterious smile. “Next, I have good news to announce…In order to help everyone keep up the good work in the next two rounds of trial, the royal family prepared a prize for first place in today’s trial.”
Maxwell paused. Looking back at the girl behind him, he smiled. “The prize is a complete set of materials needed for the sublimation ritual! It includes the resonance rails unique to the School of Anglo, and the highest quality aether crystals. It can turn any music movement into a Heart Mark, and allow the musician to accept the knowledge during the sublimation ritual!”
The audience was silenced instantly, followed by an explosion of noise. Everyone’s eyes grew wild, but more people were lamenting about their unluckiness, forcing them to be so far behind.
The jealous eyes that fixed on Ye Qingxuan in that instant were almost too much for him to bear.
Among the secret rituals mastered by countless musicians, the “sublimation ritual” was undoubtedly the most popular one. It was highly sought after due to its excellent effects and near-absence of side effects.
The recipient in a “sublimation ritual” would submerge his mind in the aether ocean and fall toward the Originator.
This was the optimal opportunity, close to Deva sensing. In one short hour, the recipient would gain as much in music theory and power as others would in several months. The sublimation rituals held by different schools were never the same. The School of Anglo had a special sublimation ritual. It lasted the longest and practically took an entire night.
By consuming huge amounts of material and aether, the musician’s strength would be improved as well. The effect was three to four times that of a regular sublimation.
Many rhythm level musicians sought ‘inspiration’ to no avail, but received inspired during the sublimation ritual. Then under the Deva sensing, they stepped into the third stage and officially entered the musician level.
It was also the best way for ordinary people who had limited talent and found it difficult to improve. It must be known that a sublimation ritual was practically the only hope for the majority of students to become musicians! The ordinary man could not afford its high cost and precious material. Even an elite family would feel the loss too…
Furthermore, this time, the royal family had also provided the aether crystal, resonance rails and other treasured materials to produce the Heart Mark.
The Heart Mark! This was a creation unique to the School of Mind. It was an alternative modeled after the once-in-a-lifetime ‘nirvana’ that Scepter level musicians of the School of Mind experienced.
As the name implied, the Heart Mark was passed on by the heart, rather than words. Its purpose was to pass down the feelings of a music score and allow instant acquisition
of the score. The musician could skip months and years of studying and practice, especially since some music scores above the Resonance level chose its owner!
If a musician could not comprehend the spirit of the music score, he could be stuck even after decades of hard work, but if a musician studied with the Heart Mark, he could directly obtain the sentiment and essence left by the creator, thus omitting the years of practice.
It was just as Ye Qingxuan had inherited his Heart Mark through the notes left by his father; however, Ye Lanzhou was so unique in his accomplishments of the School of Mind that he could even attach his Heart Mark in his signature for fun.
The Heart Mark even contained compounding pieces of music, hiding Moonlight within Black Friday. The precision of the structure and law, and clearness of the music theory was jaw-dropping.
For most musicians, the inheritance of a Heart Mark depended on one’s fate, so there was no need to emphasize its preciousness. There was no doubt that Ye Qingxuan was most likely the one to gain this opportunity since he had an absolute advantage over Banner in second place, with four thousands points between them. Therefore, those envious eyes were basically understandable.
Ye Qingxuan looked at the principal helplessly. Why did the principal have to roast him like that?
But Maxwell was not done enjoying himself and added another remark. “At that time, I’ll invite a musician with unmatchable skills in alchemy to hold the ritual. The music scores needed for the Heart Mark will be provided by the library. The recipient can choose any Resonance level score!”
Boom!
Ye Qingxuan practically saw fire falling from the sky. Now, all the students in the academy seemed to be ignited by the sudden prize. If they were warm before, they were frenzied now. A resolute look flashed through everyone’s eyes as they looked in Ye Qingxuan’s direction. Irreconcilable hatred was written all over their faces!
This included the cold eyes from Banner behind him. The sublimation ritual was not a big deal for the Adrian family. Gavin had used it many times. It was also the reason why Gavin could enter the Musician level. But the Resonance level music scores from the library was a different story…