FRGNM -Chapter 236 Demon-Slaying Zither

“Mother.” A clear, crisp voice rang out from a distance. On the second floor stood a figure shrouded in white silk—the same celestial being who had been playing the zither earlier.

The man tossing money puffed up with pride, slapping his chest. “Fairy Girl, don’t worry! This brat used your zither, and we will definitely drive him out.”

“Exactly, Fairy Girl! We’ll help you! That brat—he will definitely be beaten out of here!”

“Brat! Get out! This is the Fairy Girl’s place! If you want to play your zither, go elsewhere. Who is your so-called beloved? Can he even compare to the beauty of the Fairy Girl?”

Luo Mingyu… rubbing his temple with one hand, Ling Ruoxi let out a bitter laugh. This man! She muttered, “Mingyu, forget it, let’s go. I only came because the song was beautiful.”

The moment she spoke, all eyes turned toward her—but no one dared to say a word.

The woman in simple attire radiated no trace of dust or pretense. Her clear, sparkling eyes gazed forward—not the dazzling beauty of a fairy, but with a pure, graceful charm.

“Beautiful? Heh, you think that song just now was beautiful?” With a flick of his right hand, the zither erupted in sound. The man seated there gave a sly smile, glancing at her. A sharp gleam passed through his eyes.

Even a single note shook the hearts of all who heard. Compared to the celestial being, his zither was lower, deeper, yet radiated an irresistible, seductive aura—enough to rival the fairy herself.

The figure upstairs froze slightly, delicate fingers pressing against the white silk, long eyelashes trembling. “Let him play, Mother. I want to hear it.”

“Heh, my apologies. My zither can only play for the one I love. Others… are not worthy.” Both hands swept across the strings, and the commanding notes spread outward, filling the space with an oppressive power.

Those standing back stepped aside, yet he rose slowly, taking Ling Ruoxi’s hand without hesitation.

The celestial upstairs was slightly stunned, quickly pulling aside the silk veil. “Wait, young master, perhaps we’ve offended you, but… please, play.”

“I won’t.” He turned to the people behind him, revealing a face that made countless men swallow hard. His brows were as inked lines, phoenix eyes upturned, eyes filled with emotion. His nose was delicate, lips slightly parted, teeth like snow, staring blankly forward.

Yet the man in white smiled coldly, ignoring her completely, still leading Ling Ruoxi in another direction.

She… had been rejected!

Even the other men froze in shock, staring at the departing pair. Just like that? That man had even refused the most beautiful Fairy Girl of Qingzhou City! This brat was utterly lawless!

A flash of cold light gleamed in the eyes of those watching. One quickly let go of the veil and turned to leave. That brat, that woman—daring to disgrace him!

“You stole someone’s seat and slapped someone in the face—truly ruthless. But that woman is beautiful… I thought you’d play for her.” Ling Ruoxi chuckled softly, lips curling upward.

Luo Mingyu pinched her cheek lightly, whispering, “What, are you jealous? But that person is dangerous—best to avoid contact.”

“Dangerous?” Ling Ruoxi tilted her head, puzzled.

Luo Mingyu dragged his jaw with one hand, shaking his head. “The piece he plays is strange. He can use Dou Qi to confuse those around him. I don’t know his purpose, but I certainly wouldn’t be interested in a man.”

“What?!” Ling Ruoxi nearly spat blood, eyes wide. Wait a minute—man? That ‘Fairy Girl’ was a man!

Luo Mingyu nodded, smiling. “Yes. A man. Have you ever seen a woman that tall? Plus, his voice is artificially projected with Dou Qi. Probably has a booming voice—might scare people if he speaks normally.”

A cold glint flashed in Luo Mingyu’s eyes. Smelling the faint fragrance lingering, he whispered, “He’s coming.”

Before Ling Ruoxi could react, the peerless man appeared. He carried an ancient zither on his back, a long sword at his waist. His face was stern, peach-blossom eyes upturned, lips curved slightly. He extended a hand to stop them. “Are you two newcomers to Qingzhou City?”

“Yes… so what?” Ling Ruoxi sensed the aura in front of her, immediately understanding. She smiled faintly and nodded.

Luo Mingyu hooked her shoulder, chuckling. “Yes, we just arrived. Do you have business with us?”

“Not much. I was in the flower pavilion earlier and heard your zither. Quite impressive. But I wonder—can you play my zither?” He revealed the ancient zither in front of him. Gently plucking, there was no sound.

Eyebrows raised, Luo Mingyu laughed lightly. “And your name?”

“Call me Jianxin.” He handed the zither over.

“Jianxin? Heh, good. There’s a saying—Sword Heart, Zither Soul. Sword Heart exists, but Zither Soul is missing. A zither that can’t be played… you’re giving it to me?”

“If you can play it, I will.” Jianxin said coldly.

Luo Mingyu plucked the strings lightly. No sound. As expected—the zither’s strings were made of dragon sinew and recognized only its master. Ordinary people couldn’t make a note.

Ling Ruoxi, curious, placed her fingers on the strings. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you good at zither? Let me try.”

She plucked casually.

“Buzz!”

The dragon sinew strings trembled violently. A harsh note erupted, carrying a piercing chill. Ling Ruoxi nearly got thrown back but steadied herself.

Luo Mingyu stepped back with the zither, astonished.

Even Jianxin was shocked, cold light in his eyes. “It’s you! You’re the one who can play this zither?”

“What? You couldn’t play it?” Ling Ruoxi asked, plucking again. This time—nothing. No sound, no aura.

Jianxin gasped, stepping forward to grab her wrist.

He was fast. Luo Mingyu faster. A flick of his right hand restrained Jianxin’s wrist. “What’s wrong, Fairy Girl? Trying to lay hands on my person? Your scent still lingers—don’t rush to act.”

“You!” Jianxin’s face changed, pulling free and disappearing into the crowd in a blink.

Ling Ruoxi touched the strings, puzzled. “Why can’t I make a sound anymore?”

“Heh, because you weren’t focused.” Luo Mingyu pressed the zither to his chest, collecting it calmly. “Want to learn zither in the future? I’ll teach you.”

“No need. Having you play is enough.” Ling Ruoxi laughed.

Outside, two waited at the street corner. Another, a man around twenty, held a whip, leaning dejectedly on the carriage, silent.

“You’re back. Ugh, a weird smell. Get in, Li Gongzi came to fetch us.” Silver Wolf pinched his nose, suspiciously looking at Ling Ruoxi. “Did you two squat together? Smells awful.”

“….”

The blue-clad one chuckled, also pinching his nose. “This smell… quite tempting.”

“What smell?” Ling Ruoxi sniffed herself—no strange scent.

Luo Mingyu tugged her cheek, whispering, “Of course, the scent of a sly little fox.”

“Yes, Li Gongzi, please, lead the way.” The blue-clad one gestured.

Li Lei frowned, covering his nose, holding the whip. “Can’t you two change clothes? So stinky, how can you ride? Forget it, I’ll lead on horseback. Get on!”

“Much obliged.” Luo Mingyu nodded, boarding the carriage.

Li Lei mounted, whipping the horse. What’s with the old man inviting these kids home? Who are they? They look about his age. Still, he’d wait for them. The more he thought, the angrier he got, striking the horse hard, charging forward.

At the Li residence, others waited inside, meals prepared. But the main guests hadn’t arrived, so no one touched the food.

“What the hell? Why am I waiting for them?” Li Lei kicked the stool angrily, standing, face full of rage.

Li Yi frowned. “Lei’er, don’t be rude. These are important people; don’t act rashly!”