HYMN OF PAST (5)

"ONCE OUR STRING TOUCH, MY SONG IN HEART WILL GO BACK TO YOU," FROM ME. TO YOU.

The YinPing hall screamed an uneasy feeling and atmosphere for two minutes. All of the Ran Sect disciples heard their master's argument and couldn't help but feel the tension inside the room, so they all went quiet. Until Cian Xia decided to cut it short by saying,

"There is no need to fret about that matter. I accept your whole suggestions,” 

Which made the Elder three Masters glad, relieved, and happy, but Chao Fei, on the other hand, was concerned about him. He looked at Cian Xia with worried eyes and an expression, then sighed and asked. 

"A-Xia, are you sure?" 

Cian Xia looked at him with a plain face and an answer. 

"I am. Our laws are strict. If you bring people up to the mountain to become one of our disciples, we can't turn them down anymore. So, in other words, I am doing this because I don't have a choice and the other elder is right. We must prepare at all cost, "Cian Xia paused his words for a moment, and then continued. 

"We must not repeat what happened in the past. I will not allow anyone in our people or clan to sacrifice themselves anymore, "he said while his brows furrowed like a piercing needle. Chao Fei breathed out a heavy sigh then replied. 

"I understand," 

He sat back in his chair and apologized to the other Elder Master for his previous impolite behaviour. The Elder's superiors had recognized his previous behaviour and accepted his apology. He was only concerned about the health of Elder Master Xia.

The YinPing Hall comes alive with the cheerful sounds of all the disciples talking and laughing about something again while waiting for the anniversary program to begin.

The disciples in charge of cooking and organizing the event have finished putting everything in their proper places. The large bell outside rang to signal the start of the program. Everyone then fell silent, and the anniversary began. The first anniversary program required performing and demonstrating abilities.

Each residence of the Elder Master is responsible for selecting a representative to present their residence's prestige by performing traditional dances, singing, or playing instruments that represent their residence's symbol based on Ran Sect culture and practices.

The first to go is the Lingdao residence, which is managed by Elder Master Chao Fei. He selected fifteen of his best disciples and divided them into three groups. Each group has five members and is assigned a different task. The first group is tasked with representing a dance, the second with singing, and the third with playing their spiritual instruments based on what they have learned and understood through their years of training and cultivation.

Everyone was silent and enjoying the event. Except for Cian Xia. He didn't like being around extravagant events or places since his late lover died because he felt it was a waste of time. He preferred to stay at his pavilion alone to cultivate, practice martial arts, and care for his garden. However, because this event was unique and had been practiced since the beginning of Ran Sect, he couldn't refuse and fled.

The event is still going on, and the first representative has finished their turn. JiaoYu, managed by Elder Master Yao Lu, was the next residence to perform. He chose all of his disciples to dance while he played his spiritual instrument, Kudyapi.

All of his disciples are dressed in a see-through silk cloth and white long hanfu, with their hair tied back in a ponytail. Their appearance and uniforms are reminiscent of heavenly goddesses. His disciples formed a line and began to dance gracefully with symbols representing sad and happy emotions while he played his instrument with a smile on his face.

Not long after the JiaYu performance ended, some disciples cried upon understanding the meaning of the dance together with the sound of the Kudyapi instrument, while others looked at them with surprise and amazement. The dance and song they performed are called Zhangzheng zhong de Guang, which stands for light in war.

As the next representative went to perform, everyone applauded and praised them. KangFu, the next residence, was managed by Elder Master Lao Cu. He also chose to have all of his disciples perform at the same time, each with their own spiritual instrument. His ten disciples all have the flute as their spiritual instrument. The other fifteen disciples have the guqin, while the remaining ten have the kudyapi instrument.

His disciples were arranged in accordance with their performance formation. They all took a seat. And those who possessed Guqin and Kudyapi instruments had a small table placed in front of them so they could comfortably play their instruments. The flute was the first instrument to begin the first rhythm after everyone had settled down. The music is soothing and pleasing to the ears.

It took you away from your thoughts for a moment, but when the other instrument began to play its rhythm, you were back on track. The sound moved everyone inside, making them emotional and mesmerized. Their hearts began to beat in time with the rhythm of the instruments, and their emotions were captured. The sound of each instrument was beautifully mixed, and it caused you to sway with your emotions.

 As the instruments sang, a light blue colour emitted from the disciples who owned the instruments, forming an aura inside the hall that startled and shocked all of the disciples. After the aurora filled the room, a Pithecophaga representing the Ran Sect appeared.

A bird measuring 102 centimetres in length, 3 feet in height, and weighing 7 kilograms. Long crown feathers, a massive arched beak, and two bluish eyes distinguish it. These birds can see eight times the distance between their eyes and have better eyesight than humans. This is a vicious bird that can consume large amounts of meat. It could be a small or large animal. These were the characteristics of the Ran Sect symbol, which was visible within the light blue aurora.

The bird dances to the rhythm as it flies high up to the ceiling in YinPin hall, awestruck and mesmerizing all the Ran Peak disciples. Elder Master Lao Cu's disciples employ the illusion technique he taught those years ago with the help of their spiritual instruments. After witnessing and hearing such a wonderful performance and rhythm, all of the disciples in each residence felt happy and joyous.

The Zheng residence, which is managed by Elder Master Jao Shu, was the last to perform. He chose only four disciples to represent his residence, and he gave them free rein in terms of the type of performance they wanted to put on for the anniversary. His disciples decided on a dancing sword to demonstrate how their martial arts had improved over the years under each master's care. Elder Master Jao Shu was filled with pride as he watched his four disciples dance gracefully and flawlessly with their spiritual swords.

To be continued.