Chapter 16: Providing Inspiration

Xu Mo returned to the scene of the incident. There were still many people around, discussing what had happened before.

"Has the Magician been arrested?" someone who had just heard about the incident asked.

"No, he burned himself to death. This is retribution for the wicked," replied someone nearby.

"These people are too arrogant. They got what they deserved."

"Luckily, a young man warned us. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

No one discovered the Magician's real cause of death.

"Were the others arrested? What about the children?" Xu Mo walked over and asked.

"Yes, the Law Enforcement Team has most of the people under control. The children are fine," someone responded. He was new here and didn't recognize Xu Mo.

"It might not be that simple." A harsh voice sounded. Xu Mo glanced at the speaker and saw a middle-aged man with distinct facial features and piercing eyes. Standing there, he exuded an invisible aura of pressure.

"It's him," Xu Mo thought to himself. He had seen this man before and had fought with him. He encountered him in the black market. Xu Mo didn't expect to see him here.

"Things have been unsettled lately. Children are disappearing everywhere. Be careful," the middle-aged man said, seeming to sense something. He looked over at Xu Mo, who quickly averted his gaze.

The middle-aged man only glanced and then turned his eyes away, leaving.

Children are disappearing everywhere?

Xu Mo pondered this sentence with caution. Who could this middle-aged man be? Why did he come from the black market to here?

The security in the main city wouldn't be as good as Elsa had said.

Finding nothing useful, Xu Mo returned to the church.

......

Outside the white church, the crisp sound of children's voices echoed, pure and innocent, giving Xu Mo a rare sense of peace.

Xu Mo walked lightly up the stairs into the white church.

Ahead, a group of girls were singing in chorus, their voices ethereal. Behind them, a group played instruments to accompany their singing. To the right, a graceful woman sat quietly playing a piano-like instrument.

This woman was of similar age to Mia. She dressed simply and cleanly, not luxuriously, like a uniform that resembled an academic style.

There were many tables and chairs below, with many people quietly listening. Among them were the girls from the concert, some parents, and people praying at the church.

Elsa and Mia sat towards the back. Xu Mo quietly walked up and sat beside Mia. Even Yaoer was watching intently.

Mia smiled at Xu Mo without speaking as he returned. The church was silent, filled only with song.

The girls' voices were heavenly, giving Xu Mo a moment of peace. Since coming to this world, it was the first time he felt so relaxed, quietly listening to those pure, flawless songs.

The music gradually stopped, and the church erupted in applause.

The girl playing the piano stood up and walked to the girls, the Priest handed her a gift, and she squatted down to give it to the girls.

"That's Ms. Irina," Mia whispered in Xu Mo's ear, watching Irina gently ruffle the girls' heads. She smiled, "Ms. Irina must be very kind."

Xu Mo looked at Irina. Her smile was very genuine, not like a show.

The City State Councilman's daughter, she could probably get a pass. If Mia could befriend her, she might have a chance to go to the upper world.

The Priest took the girls away. Irina then looked at the crowd below and said, "A few days ago, I was lucky to hear a beautiful piece of music. Today, I'd like to seize the opportunity to play it here with friends, so more people can hear it, and also thank its creator."

With that, Irina bowed slightly, looking at the crowd with a smile. Many people went up with different instruments.

"Mia, it's starting," Elsa said to Mia, looking a bit excited. This music had been passed to Irina by her. To hear it performed in the church made her very happy.

"Yes," Mia smiled and nodded. She glanced at Xu Mo beside her, her smile bright.

The church gradually quieted down as the music started. Irina placed her hands on the piano keys and began to play. The moment the music started, it transported people to the ethereal beauty of "Wind Valley."

Xu Mo closed his eyes and listened quietly. Different times evoke different feelings when listening to music. At this moment, he felt exceptionally peaceful, letting go of stray thoughts and immersing himself in the music.

Even though the performers were just a group of girls, Xu Mo had to admit their musical skills. After refining the groundwork laid by him and Mia, this music was no longer inferior to the original.

The only regret was that Mia wasn't part of the Wind Valley performance.

The music stopped, and the people in the church stood up to applaud. Xu Mo, Mia, and even Yaoer clapped joyfully, looking adorable.

Irina and the performers stood up, bowing to the crowd.

"I've heard many pieces, but this music remains one of the most beautiful. Many thanks to Miss Su Xi and her friends for creating it," Irina said, looking at Su Xi and others beside her.

Xu Mo and Mia's applause abruptly stopped, their smiles fading. No one noticed their reaction amid the enthusiastic applause and praises for the music.

Su Xi and her friends created this music?

Elsa was stunned. She looked at Mia, bewildered, clearly unaware of what had happened.

Mia looked at Xu Mo. It was evident that Su Xi had lied and taken credit for the music. But was this music original?

Xu Mo claimed he had heard it somewhere. However, from Irina's words and Su Xi's claim, Mia guessed that Wind Valley might be original.

"Mia, I don't know," Elsa whispered.

"It's not just my work; it took everyone's efforts and also the inspiration from my friend, Miss Elsa," Su Xi looked at Elsa and nodded with a smile, then continued, "And the final presentation of this music also owes to Ms. Irina, who is also a creator of Wind Valley."

This completely excluded Mia.

Moreover, Su Xi made this piece a social favor, making Irina one of the creators.

She desperately needed Irina's "friendship." Before she came, her parents had instructed her that this was a rare opportunity to establish a good relationship with Irina.

Elsa was at a loss for words, not knowing what to do.

Mia looked at Xu Mo, feeling wronged yet more angry. If this music was original, the rightful creator should be Xu Mo. Why did Su Xi claim the original creator's title?

"Miss Irina, may I say a few words?" Mia stood and asked Irina.

Irina looked over and smiled, "Of course."

"Miss Su Xi is not the creator of this music," Mia said, looking at Su Xi, "Miss Irina, if you don't believe me, you can ask Elsa."

The church murmured with hushed voices, debating the creator of the music.

"You must be Miss Mia?" Su Xi asked knowingly, smiling kindly. "I heard from Elsa that you also helped inspire Wind Valley. Thank you, Miss Mia."

With that, Su Xi bowed slightly to Mia, leaving her stunned and at a loss.

The surrounding people began to applaud and give praise. The Priest smiled and said, "May God praise Miss Su Xi's wisdom, kindness, and generosity, and also praise Miss Elsa and Miss Mia for their inspiration."

"That's not true..." Mia shook her head, "It's not hers."

All eyes turned to Mia. Su Xi asked again, "Miss Mia, are you claiming to be the sole creator of Wind Valley?"

"No..." Mia shook her head again.

"My father works in the City State Council, and my mother is a singer. I grew up surrounded by music, but even I think Wind Valley is something beyond my creation. It took many people's efforts. Miss Mia, I assume you too come from a distinguished musical family? Since Miss Mia does not claim to be the original creator, who created this music?" Su Xi, aware of Mia's family background, asked rhetorically.

Mia was speechless. Could the daughter of a general store owner create Wind Valley?

Or would anyone believe that Xu Mo, from a working-class family, created Wind Valley?

Seeing Mia lower her head, people turned away, murmuring among themselves, seemingly criticizing Mia.

"Jealousy is a part of human nature. As long as you recognize your mistake, God will forgive," the Priest prayed sincerely.

Xu Mo's goodwill towards the church vanished. He raised his head to look at the Priest and asked, "Has God told you the truth?"

The Priest was stunned, looking at Xu Mo.

"I hope God teaches you to discern right from wrong," Xu Mo said, looking at the dejected Mia beside him. The kind Miss Mia was clearly no match for Su Xi. He turned to Elsa, "Miss Elsa, aren't you going to say something?"

"I..." Elsa stammered, at a loss. She had met Su Xi through their elders. Her father once took her to visit Su Xi's house.

Xu Mo turned away and looked at Su Xi, "If musical talent is inherited, why should it be you creating good music?"

"Who are you?" Su Xi asked, looking at Xu Mo.

"I'm a servant from Miss Mia's house," Xu Mo replied immediately. Su Xi's eyes showed disdain and mockery, but she quickly masked it and asked, "What do you want to say?"

Xu Mo sneered at Su Xi, then looked at Irina, "Miss Irina, although Miss Mia isn't good with words, she is a true music lover. If you don't mind, I believe she can provide 'inspiration' for Miss Su Xi on the spot."

PS: Thanks to Ruoruoruoxou for the reward of the alliance leader!