Chapter 20: Listening to Music and Killing!

The Grand Theater is the largest and most luxurious establishment in the entire Cold Wind City.

With flying eaves and ancient charm, the pavilions and towers are beautifully preserved.

Not only does it occupy a vast area, but the decoration is also grand and magnificent, with a striking vermilion door.

On the door hangs a black plaque inscribed with three gilded characters:

"Moon Listening Pavilion."

Upon seeing Li Ran, a young servant by the gate hastened to approach.

"Esteemed guest, may I inquire if you are here for music or theater?" he asked.

He was skilled at judging people, with keen eyes that could tell this was undoubtedly a distinguished visitor based on attire and demeanor.

Li Ran handed him two tokens.

The servant took them and his eyes brightened involuntarily.

"So, you are a guest of the Heavenly Chambers!"

His attitude grew even more respectful, as he gestured for Li Ran to follow him inside.

"These are tickets for two people, so there should be another guest, right?" the servant inquired.

Li Ran glanced to his side and smiled, saying, "She will be here shortly. Please take me up first."

"Understood."

"A guest of the Heavenly Chambers!"

The servant announced loudly and led Li Ran into a lavish private room at the center.

The interior of the private room was even more splendidly decorated, with gold and jade radiating magnificently like a palace. The furniture, made of aromatic sandalwood, exuded a fragrant scent.

Even the tea leaves and fruits were more exquisite than those in the main hall.

It was evident that the owner here understood the psychology of the wealthy.

Li Ran and Leng Wuyan took their respective seats.

Only the two of them occupied the private room, elevated above and able to view the entire stage, yet hidden from the view of the guests in the main hall.

It carried a unique and intimate feeling.

For some reason, Leng Wuyan suddenly felt a bit nervous.

Li Ran poured her a cup of hot tea. "Sect Master, please enjoy the tea."

"Mm."

She lifted the teacup and asked, "What kind of melodies will we be listening to today?"

Li Ran pondered for a moment. "There are a total of five pieces. The first one seems to be called 'Spring Court, Autumn Moon.'"

"Very well."

They arrived relatively early and had to wait a while before the performance began.

A girl of exceptional beauty ascended the stage, carrying a pipa. She took a seat on a high stool at the center.

With the announcement made, the hall fell silent.

The melodious and mournful sound of the qin resonated throughout the theater.

It was as if a maiden in her prime stood in a courtyard, pouring out her grief to the ground covered in withered leaves. The only company she had was a solitary autumn moon.

This piece expressed the loneliness of love unattained. The skill of the musician was extraordinary, immersing the listeners in the scene.

Even Leng Wuyan's gaze seemed somewhat vacant.

She recalled the days of solitude in the past.

Cultivating, watching falling leaves, cultivating, watching snow...

Though those days were undoubtedly real, she had no distinct memories of them, and nothing could evoke her recollections.

On the contrary, the events and conversations that happened in the short two days after Li Ran's confession remained vivid in her mind.

When she was alone, Leng Wuyan believed that was the best choice.

However, after falling in love, she realized how difficult those days were.

She felt she could never go back to that state again.

Leng Wuyan sneakily glanced at Li Ran and saw that he was also deeply engrossed, his profile chiseled and rugged.

"If you can't go back, then so be it."

"This feeling... is quite nice."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

The piece concluded.

The audience remained immersed in their emotions, taking a while to regain their composure. Some even began to stifle their sobs.

"This musician is superb, displaying both skill and emotion. His performance was truly touching," Li Ran praised.

"Yes, indeed," Leng Wuyan agreed.

During the intermission, voices from the adjacent private room could be heard.

A boisterous voice exclaimed, "I mean, is this the best theater in the Cold Wind City? I find the quality rather average."

Others chimed in, "Young master Wang is right, it's really just average."

Young master Wang continued, "If they're playing music, they should choose lively tunes. Something like 'Midnight Song' or 'Song of the Untroubled,' those sorrowful pieces make it seem like they're playing for abandoned women!"

"Hahaha, you're absolutely right!"

"Midnight Song" and "Song of the Untroubled" were famous folk tunes known for their suggestive lyrics and melodies. They could only be heard in places of entertainment.

Li Ran and Leng Wuyan exchanged a glance and shook their heads with a smile.

No matter where you go, there's always no shortage of such people.

Young master Wang seemed to have had quite a bit to drink as he spoke unclearly, "Speaking of abandoned women, isn't there one on the nearby Mystic Spirit Mountain? That old woman seems to be suited for this kind of music."

"Is Young master Wang referring to...?"

"Who else but that witch with the last name Leng? Besides her, who could it be?" Young master Wang jeered, "I heard she's been unwanted for centuries and doesn't allow her disciples to fall in love. Isn't that twisted psychology?!"

"Hush! Young master Wang, please don't talk nonsense! That woman is a cultivator at the Emperor level. You can't casually discuss her like that. It's a beheading offense!"

Someone else hastily intervened.

"Look at your courage! There are countless people discussing her all over the world. Can she come and kill everyone? I bet she's old and ugly, which is why she's been single for centuries, right? Hahaha!" Young master Wang's smile was mocking.

"Young master Wang, please stop..."

"Drink, drink!"

...

A moment of silence enveloped the Heavenly Chambers.

After a while, Li Ran rose in silence and walked toward the door.

"Ran'er, what are you planning?" Leng Wuyan asked.

Li Ran's gaze turned as cold as steel.

"What else? I'm going to kill him!"

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