Chapter 872: Soulmates Sing in Harmony

When Ji Yuan and the Dragon Girl returned, the confrontational atmosphere of before was naturally gone. They came back harmoniously, riding white clouds, to the phoenix tree.

Even before they landed, the Dragon Girl spoke first.

"My abilities are far too inferior to Uncle Ji's; I have already conceded defeat."

Although many of the spectators on the phoenix tree already knew the Dragon Girl had conceded, she still formally announced the unsurprising outcome.

Ji Yuan, however, didn't utter polite phrases like "you've been too kind." Instead, as he landed on the phoenix tree with the Dragon Girl, he offered a direct appraisal.

"Ruoli's cultivation and techniques truly astound me; in time, she is sure to shine even more brilliantly..."

The old dragon chuckled heartily, stepped forward, and stroked his beard with a smile.

"Ruoli's performance indeed brings me great satisfaction. After all, this is only the Dragon Transformation Feast, and it's truly an honorable defeat for her. But Ji Yuan, weren't you a little too heavy-handed?"

Ji Yuan smiled helplessly; the old dragon was full of sarcastic remarks.

"If I had held back, Old Master Ying, you would have been the first to complain. Besides, Ruoli wouldn't have been pleased either."

As Ji Yuan spoke, the old dragon began to laugh, and the Dragon Girl beside them also chuckled, covering her mouth. The Dragon Mother, meanwhile, walked over to the Dragon Girl and draped a brand new red robe over her, covering some of the torn parts of her clothes.

"Master Ji's marvelous techniques are truly eye-opening!" "Indeed, witnessing this combat at the Dragon Transformation Feast was absolutely worth it!"

"If you have time, Master, you are welcome to visit my Dragon Palace in the North Sea!"

"I also hope you'll pay my place a visit."

Several Dragon Monarchs approached, inviting Ji Yuan while also remembering to congratulate the Dragon Girl. Everyone knew that although the contest was brief, the Dragon Girl's gains were significant.

Many of the surrounding guests and spectators bowed in congratulation to the Dragon Girl, as if she were the victor of the contest. The Dragon Girl herself, as the participant, showed no hint of dejection.

Even many of the surrounding birds politely bowed in congratulation.

Ji Yuan and the Dragon Girl walked together to True Phoenix Dan Ye and bowed their hands in thanks.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Dan Ye, for lending us this precious place for Ruoli and me to spar. How is the musical score coming along?"

Dan Ye smiled and replied candidly.

"The combat just now was truly magnificent. Master Ji's divine powers are indeed unfathomable, and Lady Ying also displayed her mastery. For a moment, I was utterly entranced and haven't had a chance to examine the score closely. Please allow me a little more time."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Dan Ye!"

The Dragon Girl offered a polite smile, and Ji Yuan also responded.

"Certainly, please take your time, Fellow Daoist. I will come to retrieve the score when the time is right."

On the phoenix tree, the avian beings and the external guests were clearly separated, occupying the eastern and western corners. After Ji Yuan and the Dragon Girl finished speaking with Dan Ye, they returned to the area where the Dragon Palace guests were gathered. The discussion about the recent combat had not ceased there. Their arrival turned the discussion into a simple exchange of insights, with the Dragon Girl primarily explaining her experience.

On the side of the avian beings, the Phoenix sat alone on a thick branch of the phoenix tree, wide as a plaza. All the surrounding birds turned their attention to the divine bird, curious about the miraculous musical score.

Ji Yuan's attention was divided: one half focused on True Phoenix Dan Ye, surrounded by birds in the distance, and the other half on the ongoing discussion nearby. Then, at one point, he suddenly turned to look at Dragon Prince Ying Feng, who was not far behind him.

"What do you think?"

The Dragon Prince had been intently listening to his sister describe the various changes that outsiders found difficult to comprehend. When he suddenly heard Ji Yuan speak, he instinctively knew the question was directed at him.

"I think Ruoli has truly proven herself worthy of being a true dragon. Oh, and Uncle Ji's divine powers are indeed unfathomable and boundless; that impresses your humble nephew even more."

Ji Yuan simply smiled.

"Flattery... I'll keep your match in mind for later. I look forward to your stunning performance then."

The Dragon Prince also replied with a smile.

"Then Uncle Ji will have quite a wait. Based on my own estimate, it will take at least two hundred more years."

The Dragon Prince's ability to utter such a statement so calmly and with relative confidence greatly pleased Ji Yuan, the old dragon couple, and even the Dragon Girl who was at the center of the guests.

"A good show is worth the wait..."

As Ji Yuan's words faded, he turned his head to the east, where Phoenix Dan Ye had already risen, holding the very musical score titled "Phoenix Seeks Mate" from earlier.

Upon seeing the Phoenix approach, the numerous guests and members of the Ying family on this side also fell silent.

"Master Ji, I have read the score, and it is truly magnificent. Just observing the piece moved Dan Ye deeply, and it highlights your musical accomplishments. No wonder I asked Master Ji to transcribe the song into a score."

Ji Yuan could only smile. Could he admit that before, his understanding of music was merely at the appreciation level? However, when music reaches a certain realm, it aligns with the Dao, so it was not surprising for Ji Yuan to grasp it with such extraordinary insight.

"Many thanks."

Dan Ye returned the musical score to Ji Yuan. Many of the surrounding water creatures were quite curious about the book, but before anyone else could speak, Dan Ye spoke again.

"It's a pity, though, to only read the score and not hear the music. This should be a piece for the *xiao*, shouldn't it? Master Ji, did you bring your *xiao*?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan understood the Phoenix's intent. Truth be told, playing the *xiao* by himself in Jū'ān Pavilion was one thing, but performing a piece in such a setting made his back tingle slightly, especially in front of Dan Ye, the very True Phoenix who was the original inspiration for the song.

At that moment, Hu Yun, from the crowd, excitedly whispered to Yin Qing and the fish basin he held.

"Finally, we'll get to hear Master's complete 'Phoenix Seeks Mate'! That purple bamboo *xiao* hasn't even played a single full tune yet! Big Green Fish, Yin Qing, let me tell you, it's incredibly beautiful, but the ordinary *xiao* I used a few times before, bought from the music store, would crack after only a short while of playing..."

Hu Yun was murmuring behind them. Although his voice was very low, those around Ji Yuan knew exactly who he was, and most heard him clearly, especially Phoenix Dan Ye, whose eyes glowed with a bright, fiery yellow.

"Master Ji, please perform a piece. I will personally accompany you with my song!"

Ji Yuan initially felt a slight nervousness, but it wasn't due to a lack of confidence in his musical abilities. However, upon hearing that the Phoenix would harmonize, he knew such an opportunity was rare in the world, and his heart naturally stirred with excitement. Looking around, he saw "anticipation" written in everyone's eyes.

So Ji Yuan no longer demurred. He reached his left hand into his right sleeve, and when he withdrew it, he was holding a long, dark purple *xiao*. Some observers clearly noticed the faint etching of "Ji Yuan" on the instrument; only true affection would lead to such an inscription.

"Since that is the case, I shall make a humble display today, considering it a congratulation to Ruoli on her dragon transformation."

Compared to the others, Phoenix Dan Ye appeared particularly excited. He bowed respectfully to Ji Yuan, then gestured to the side, inviting him over.

"Master Ji, please. Let us go to that branch."

"Please!"

Ji Yuan could feel Dan Ye's profound excitement. Perhaps for countless years here, the Phoenix had sung alone; "Phoenix Seeks Mate" might also be interpreted as a yearning for a true kindred spirit. Now, with Ji Yuan, and after having seen the score for "Phoenix Seeks Mate," Dan Ye's anticipation had reached its zenith.

Ji Yuan felt immense pressure. If his *xiao* music failed to meet Dan Ye's expectations, the lonely Phoenix would surely experience a profound sense of disappointment. He hadn't been this nervous even when sparring with the Dragon Girl moments ago.

As the two walked, neither the birds nor the guests followed them. With each swing of Ji Yuan's arm, the *xiao* emitted faint, melodious "woo-yanyan..." sounds, revealing the instrument's mystical quality and further heightening everyone's anticipation.

Ji Yuan and Dan Ye ascended a branch of the phoenix tree. As they climbed higher, the phoenix branch became progressively narrower, transforming from a width like a street to that of a pine or cypress tree, finally reaching a thickness comparable to an adult's thigh at its end. The massive phoenix leaves were artfully arranged like overlapping canopies.

The two stopped there. Dan Ye stepped forward, his body radiating colorful light. As he ascended, he transformed into a phoenix, fanning layers of shimmering light as he soared around Ji Yuan.

"Master Ji, you lead the melody, and I will provide the harmony."

Ji Yuan casually flipped through "Phoenix Seeks Mate" before simply tucking the score into his sleeve, then nodded to the Phoenix.

"Very well, let us begin!"

As his words fell, Ji Yuan wasted no time. He rotated the *xiao* and placed its mouth to his lips.

"Woo-woo-woo-woo-yanyan"

The moment the melodious and distant *xiao* sound began, it spread in all directions as if ignoring distance, instantly bringing a sense of tranquility to everyone's hearts.

Ji Yuan, too, entered a profound state the moment he began to play. Following his inner understanding and recalling the Phoenix's original song, a sense of the Dao realm naturally began to manifest within the melody.

The Phoenix merely danced around, without uttering a sound. Yet, from its graceful movements, the myriad birds and external guests knew that it was not disappointed, but rather, waiting in anticipation.

Indeed, as Ji Yuan's *xiao* music ascended higher, the Phoenix's call rang out at the most opportune moment, its voice seemingly able to penetrate metal and stone.

"Qiang—"

After that single harmonizing call, the Phoenix no longer remained silent. Its dance guided the rosy light, and its calls blended with the *xiao*'s melody. This scene unfolding on the phoenix tree branch, with its harmonious sounds, was as captivating as the Phoenix's dance amidst the shimmering light.