C2 Give Me Some Stimulation!

"Since you've advanced so quickly, you should focus on your cultivation. There are pressing matters in the palace that require my attention, so I must leave you to it." Wu Ji rose and departed, her silhouette graceful. Watching her leave, Qin Xuan couldn't help but think that his betrothed was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the dynasty.

In the realm of martial arts, the levels progress as follows: Houtian, Xiantian, Pulse Forging, great master level, grandmaster, Venerable Sage, and ultimately, the mythical land immortal and Holy Lord. Yet, since his arrival in this world, Qin Xuan had never encountered anyone above the rank of grandmaster. The land immortal and Holy Lord seemed to be mere legends. In most dynasties, having a few individuals at the great master level was considered extraordinary. Such formidable beings rarely made an appearance unless the dynasty's very existence was at stake.

Qin Xuan was aware that his father harbored two experts at the great master level who had rendered invaluable services during the battle for succession.

"System, is it possible to conceal my realm?" Qin Xuan pondered. The realms of the weak were easily discerned by the strong, and if his thirteen brothers discovered that he had left the ranks of the inept, they would likely resort to poisoning him first.

Ding!

Your realm concealment is now complete. Your realm's aura is undetectable.

"Not bad at all," Qin Xuan said, stroking his chin contentedly. The system indicated that his music skill proficiency could improve with others' recognition, which would concurrently enhance his own realm.

So, if he were to play the guqin in the streets outside the Imperial Palace, the more listeners and recognition he received, the quicker his proficiency would grow?

And consequently, his realm and cultivation would rise more rapidly?

Qin Xuan examined himself in the mirror, "Hmm... Not bad at all. With clear brows, bright eyes, and a handsome face, I certainly have the makings of a performer. Tomorrow, I shall venture out and entertain!"

"Master, you... You're truly planning to leave the palace to perform?" The next day, the young eunuch was so astounded by his master's plan that he immediately knelt down. "Master, I implore you, have mercy on me. The last time I helped you sneak out, the Crown Prince nearly crippled me upon his return. He claimed your misconduct was a result of my influence. Master, what mischief is this? I beg you, I cannot risk taking you out of the palace again."

Last time, Qin Xuan realized he had never visited a brothel in his life. Curious, he had his young eunuch escort him to one, intending to critically observe the place. Unfortunately, the Crown Prince misunderstood his intentions and, without a word, severely punished the eunuch accompanying him. If Qin Xuan hadn't intervened in time, the poor fellow might well have met his demise.

The young eunuch was still visibly shaken by the incident. Qin Xuan gently coaxed him, "There's no need to visit a brothel to perform. Besides, I'm doing this to connect with the common people. Our brother has always taught us to practice benevolence and share in the people's joys. Even if he and the others find out, they won't hold it against you."

His family's young master had little interest in politics, preferring instead to stir up mischief.

Having been duped by Qin Xuan on several occasions, the young eunuch lacked confidence. "Master, can we... can we make it a quick visit and return early?" he asked hesitantly.

"Look at the size of your courage," Qin Xuan said with a grand gesture, brimming with bravado. "Lead the way. Today, this prince will perform at the largest restaurant in Eshago!"

His declaration caught the attention of other eunuchs and maids passing by, who couldn't help but stare.

Squirt, Qin Xuan's personal eunuch, wished he could vanish into a tree hollow. "Master, performing isn't exactly a prestigious affair. Must you act as if you're heading into a glorious battle?"

Nevertheless, Squirt was a diligent and faithful attendant. As they rode through the streets, he diligently introduced Qin Xuan to the various trades and industries of Eshago.

They arrived at the Golden Feast, one of the grandest restaurants in the city. Though it wasn't mealtime yet, the establishment was already bustling with patrons.

"Master, this place is frequented by merchants and members of prominent sects who come to exchange information. Please, let's just sit for a moment and then leave. Don't put me in a difficult position. I have an elderly mother of eighty and younger siblings who all depend on me," Squirt pleaded, his face etched with distress as he found them a window seat on the second floor.

"Don't worry, with me here, you're not going to die," Qin Xuan assured as he ordered a pot of tea and selected a few pastries. He then instructed Squirt to place the guqin on the table, and he began to play with abandon.

After the piece ended, the enthusiastic applause he had anticipated was conspicuously absent.

Qin Xuan's mouth twitched in confusion. What was happening? Was my music not captivating enough?

"Master, most of the people here aren't just idly chatting. Take a look; they're mostly discussing business, not simply here for leisure. With your performance, only a few are truly listening," Squirt, who had been with Qin Xuan since childhood and had picked up some understanding of music, commented. He knew that while Qin Xuan's playing might not be top-notch, it was certainly a cut above the musicians in the palace.

"In that case, perhaps something more stimulating?" Qin Xuan mused aloud, lost in thought.

Drawing from memories of his past life...

"I've got it!" A spark of inspiration lit up Qin Xuan's eyes. He suddenly stood, cleared his throat, and addressed all the patrons on the second floor with a bow, "Friends, I am Qin Xuan, also known as Foundation Establishment. I've heard that many among you are visiting merchants. As guests, your presence here is a delight. As a resident of Eshago, it is my duty to extend hospitality. Allow me to play a local Eshago tune to enhance your experience. May I?"

After his introduction, the crowd on the second floor instinctively turned their gaze toward Qin Xuan.

The handsome young man who had been seated at the table playing the guqin now cradled the instrument in his arms, stepped onto a stool, and began to play with one hand while holding the guqin with the other!

"Friends, I present to you 'Phoenix Skydance'—enjoy!"

In that moment, he captured the attention of everyone present.

This zither music was unlike any they had heard before; it was chaotic, like a torrential downpour on plane trees, utterly baffling. Yet, inexplicably, after listening for a short while, they found themselves with an irresistible urge to dance.

In the private room, two women of modest elegance yet striking beauty peered through the beaded curtain at the reveling patrons outside. Moments before, these patrons had been perfectly composed, but they were now utterly entranced by Qin Xuan's "Phoenix Skydance." Some formed groups to dance, while others erupted in cheers and howls.

"Miss, this gentleman is causing quite a stir. What 'little tune of Eshago'? He's just playing a jumble of notes!" exclaimed the young lady in the goose-yellow muslin dress.

Sitting across from her was none other than Wu Ji, the Great General Qian, who had encountered Qin Xuan at the palace the day before. Clad in a light purple court dress, Wu Ji gracefully sipped her tea, casting her gaze over the patrons Qin Xuan had whipped into a frenzy. Unable to contain her curiosity, she turned to her guard and instructed, "Go and investigate whether the 14th Young Master has recently met with any foreigners. I want to know who taught him this captivating zither music and these playing techniques."