Abyss Walker

Chapter 50 A Serene Mind in the Bamboo Grove (Part 1)

“Indeed, but we can’t let our guard down. The jade pendant might give us some clues.” Yun Muhan took out the jade pendant and examined it closely. The pendant was carved with some strange patterns, which seemed to hide some kind of secret.

He tried to infuse his spiritual power into the jade pendant, and suddenly, the jade pendant emitted a faint light, and a message entered his mind.

"So that's how it is. This jade pendant is actually a token of the Ice Palace, and its holder can directly enter the competition." A hint of surprise appeared in Yun Muhan's eyes.

Dugu Jianling also smiled: "It seems our chance has come, but we can't be careless. After all, the competition in the Ice Kingdom is no child's play."

"We still have plenty of time. Want to kill some time?"

Dugu Jianling: I have a plan!

After careful deliberation, Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling decided to leave the city.

Yun Muhan returned to Sunset Forest first and explained the whole story to Ye Yunxi. Ye Yunxi agreed to let Yun Muhan participate in the competition, but she kept emphasizing, "Life is the most important thing!"

They returned to the Ice Kingdom, but this time they didn't rush to enter. Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling were chatting outside the city when they suddenly heard a melodious flute tune.

The two exchanged a glance and decided to go and investigate. The woman was dressed in a flowing blue robe, her clothes billowing in the wind, like a fairy descending to earth.

Her skin was as smooth as snow, her features exquisite, her eyebrows and eyes like a painting. Her hair was jet black and glossy, gently tied up with a jade hairpin, hanging down her back. Her figure was graceful and elegant, as if a gust of wind would carry her away.

Her eyes were clear and bright, as if they could see right through people. Her smile was as warm as a spring breeze, bringing comfort to those around her. Her demeanor was elegant and refined, as if she didn't belong to this world.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling were so captivated by the woman's beauty that they momentarily forgot to speak.

The woman spoke first, "Young masters, this is where I cultivate. What brings you here?"

Yun Muhan came to his senses, cupped his hands and said, "We heard the sound of the flute and came here. We did not mean to disturb your meditation, please forgive us."

The woman shook her head slightly, indicating that she didn't care.

Dugu Jianling asked curiously, "The tune you played, young lady, is so beautiful. What's it called?"

The woman replied, "This piece is called 'The Heart-Cleansing Mantra,' and it has the effect of calming the mind and soothing the soul."

Yun Muhan's heart stirred, and he said, "Would you mind playing another tune, young lady?"

The woman readily agreed and began playing the "Purifying Mantra" again.

As the woman's flute music resumed, the breeze in the bamboo forest seemed to soften, and sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, dappling the ground and adding a touch of mystery to the tranquil scene.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling sat on a flat rock, closed their eyes, and listened quietly to the beautiful melody.

Dugu Jianling said softly, "This 'Heart-Cleansing Mantra' truly lives up to its reputation. It is refreshing to listen to, as if all worries have been swept away by the wind."

Yun Muhan nodded slightly, feeling the tranquility brought by the music. A warm current surged in his heart, as if all his fatigue and unease had been washed away by the flute music.

Yun Muhan responded softly, "Yes, this music makes people forget the passage of time, as if we have become one with this bamboo forest."

The woman's flute playing was sometimes high-pitched, sometimes low, as clear as a mountain spring and as gentle as a night breeze. Her eyes were focused and deep, as if through the flute music she could converse with nature and resonate with heaven and earth.

As the music played, Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling began to talk quietly, sharing their experiences and insights.

They discussed the ever-changing world of martial arts and explored the true meaning of martial arts.

With the flute music playing, time seemed to become irrelevant; they simply enjoyed this rare moment of tranquility and conversation.

Dugu Jianling suddenly asked, "Young lady, your flute playing is so superb, may I ask who your teacher is?"

The woman smiled and replied, "I have been practicing in the mountains with my master since I was a child. My master not only taught me martial arts, but also taught me to play the flute. He said that music can purify people's hearts and allow people to live in harmony with nature."

Yun Muhan exclaimed, "It seems that the young lady's master is a master who can combine martial arts and music so perfectly."

The woman humbly said, "My master often says that martial arts and music are both ways to cultivate oneself. They complement each other and can help people achieve inner peace."

As the last rays of the setting sun faded into the horizon, the woman's flute music gradually ceased. Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling stood up and expressed their gratitude to the woman.

Yun Muhan said, "Thank you for the 'Heart-Cleansing Mantra', which allowed us to spend an unforgettable time in this bamboo forest."

Dugu Jianling also cupped his hands and said, "Yes, today's flute music will become a beautiful chapter in our memories."

The woman smiled slightly, put away her flute, and said, "It is my honor to share this moment of tranquility with you two. May you also find inner peace on your future journeys."

The three exchanged a smile. In this bamboo forest, time seemed to stand still, and their friendship and their understanding of martial arts and music were elevated at this moment.