Chapter 52

Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, was a controversial tragic hero. Without discussing his massacres of Qin soldiers and cities, his bravery and military talent alone were enough to make him revered as a martial god in the world of Zhongyuan.

Yue Heng tried to immerse himself in the emotions of the song "Farewell My Concubine." It was a pure and touching tribute to a hero and his love, free from any impurities, a final lament of a hero.

The entire venue fell silent, and everyone watched Yue Heng's movements. After half an incense stick's time, a blue light flashed around Yue Heng's body.

"Drum!"

The Three Lives Stone was activated, and the power of the "Drum" character entered Yue Heng's body. It then spread through his divine palace's talent to the Thunder Hammer.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Yue Heng struck the war drum heavily, the drumbeats filled with the power of the character, amplified by the Thunder Hammer, stirring everyone's blood.

The musician played the huqin, creating a melody never heard before, complementing the drumbeats perfectly.

Ji Cong moved, brandishing his long sword. His handsome face showed determination, and his eyes were filled with a fierce resolve. His broad and powerful sword techniques portrayed a unique and charming Xiang Yu, different from He Yong's style.

"I stand,

In the fierce wind,

Hating that I cannot,

Sweep away the endless heartache!

Looking at the sky,

Clouds gather from all sides,

With my sword in hand,

I ask who is the hero of the world!"

Yue Heng struck the Thunder Hammer heavily, the power of the "Drum" character doubling his strength. He sang with a bold and majestic voice, portraying a martial god who defied the heavens. Ji Cong, like a descending deity, held his sword, the fierce wind and gathering clouds around him, lamenting that no one could match him!

Clang!

An illusion appeared, and Ji Cong, standing on the stage, seemed possessed by a martial god. He transformed into the image of Xiang Yu, clad in ancient Qin armor, with tiger-like eyes and a fierce demeanor, his roar unstoppable!

"I stand,

In the fierce wind,

Hating that I cannot,

Sweep away the endless heartache!

Looking at the sky,

Clouds gather from all sides,

With my sword in hand,

I ask who is the hero of the world!"

For the second time, the drumbeats intensified, and the other two drummers and five male chorus members joined Yue Heng, their voices resonating powerfully, stirring the crowd to a fever pitch!

Yue Heng's Thunder Hammer continued to strike, the song's longing for a worthy opponent transformed into a wave of sound that stirred the heart, evoking a sense of battle and unity. Each strike of the hammer made the audience's blood boil, making them wish to join the martial god Xiang Yu in a heroic cry.

Apart from me, the Overlord of Western Chu, who else in the world dares to call themselves a hero? Who dares to challenge me, Xiang Yu?

Suddenly, the music changed, and the huqin played a sorrowful and tender melody. Yu Ji fell into Xiang Yu's arms, pouring out her true feelings.

"In this world, there are a thousand charms,

But I love only you.

In sorrow, who can part without pain,

How many years of love have been buried in haste..."

At the Battle of Gaixia, Xiang Zhuang died, and his generals fell one by one. Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, was cornered, with only Yu Ji by his side!

A hero's tears, a woman's love—though he could order the slaughter of cities and kill tens of thousands of Qin soldiers without hesitation, there was still a place in his heart reserved for his beloved.

He spoke to Yu Ji in the gentlest tone, declaring his love for her alone, but this place was where their love would end. Even as the Overlord of Western Chu, heroes have their limits, and he could not help but sigh in despair, losing his will to fight. The tragedy of a hero could not be more profound.

Suddenly, the hero's mighty spirit was reined in, and he embraced his only love, weeping. The audience was moved to tears, especially those who cherished love, who wept uncontrollably at this mournful song.

"In my heart, you are the most loyal.

In joy and sorrow, we are together.

Your tenderness carves deep,

Exchanging for my boundless passion.

In my heart, you are the most loyal.

My tears rise to the sky.

In the next life, I will still be a hero,

As the sun sets, the sky is still bright!"

In the final part, Yue Heng himself was immersed in the illusion. Before his suicide, Xiang Yu was so reluctant to part. In the setting sun, he looked at his beloved, weeping, thinking of his defeated army and the end of the road, he could only cry out in despair: "In the next life, I will still be a hero, as the sun sets, the sky is still bright!"

Death was not terrifying; Xiang Yu had killed countless people and had long seen through life and death.

Failing to win the world was his greatest regret, but before his death, he poured all his emotions into love, elevating it to a hymn of love!

Boom!

The illusion vanished, and the状元阁 (Zhuangyuan Pavilion) returned to its original state. Ji Cong, with tears on his face, held "Yu Ji" in one arm and raised his sword, his body radiating the unwillingness of a hero's tragic end, causing the audience to weep again.

The entire venue was filled with sighs and sobs, even the most iron-willed high-ranking officers were wiping away tears.

No one had ever done this before—viewing the Battle of Gaixia from a love perspective, a hero who was also tender.

In the past, the martial god Xiang Yu was only described as "lifting mountains and covering the world," "Xiang Zhuang's sword aimed at Pei Gong," and "not judging heroes by success or failure."

Now, there was "In joy and sorrow, we are together," a complete and vivid portrayal of the martial god Xiang Yu.

Yue Heng held the Thunder Hammer in both hands, walked to He Junbei, and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Thank you, Lord He, for the divine object..."

He Junbei's expression was complex, and he took the Thunder Hammer with both hands, his lips moving but unable to speak.

Then, Yue Heng turned to the Chancellor of Literature, respectfully returning the Three-Colored Stone: "Thank you, Lord Wen, and Mr. Zeng..."

The Chancellor of Literature, deeply moved, was already in tears, sighing, "Yue Heng, throughout history, no scholar has dared to evaluate the martial god. You have done the unprecedented, analyzing him through love. You have succeeded, and it is remarkable! I thank you on behalf of the scholars of Hong County and Mr. Zeng! Keep the Three-Colored Stone as a memento. I have not used it in three years, and today it has produced another battle song. Mr. Zeng's spirit will be at peace..."

Yue Heng put away the Three-Colored Stone, which had exhausted its character power, and bowed in gratitude. He had heard this song many times before, finding it inspiring and beautiful, but singing it in the world of Zhongyuan made him feel not only awe but also deep reflection.

He had put himself in the shoes of the tragic hero Xiang Yu, and the "immersive experience" and "heart path" almost made him lose himself. It was truly moving.

There was one more person to thank. Yue Heng walked to the stage and bowed to Ji Cong: "Thank you, Brother Ji, for your sword dance. You are a great talent, and I admire you..."

Ji Cong's eyes were red, and he sighed, his expression complex, filled with gratitude and envy: "Brother Yue, you are the great talent. I should thank you for giving me the opportunity to dance. Do you know how many people have benefited from this battle song?"

Yue Heng then realized, his consciousness entering the divine palace, where he found the space had increased, and the brightness of the "Life" and "Spring" characters had increased, filling him with a strong sense of battle, and his talent had improved.

Looking around, the martial artists were overjoyed, the civil officials smiled approvingly, the military officers were no longer hostile, the craftsmen applauded, the scholars on the second floor cheered, and even the spirit masters nodded frequently. Minister Min Xuhuai raised his wine glass in a distant toast, and everyone was affirming him!

Zhang Junbei sighed deeply, moved: "Young Master Yue, you have given me another difficult problem!"

Yue Heng was puzzled and followed his gaze, seeing He Yong's face red with anger, his fists clenched, looking at him as if he had seen a ghost.

"What's so difficult?"

Yue Heng laughed and turned to He Yong: "Young Master He, put aside your prejudice and tell me who incited you. We can still be good friends."

He Yong gritted his teeth, saying nothing. He Junbei, standing beside him, looked uncertain, staring at He Yong's mouth, as if ready to strike if he said anything.

Seeing that He Yong still refused to speak, Yue Heng's mood worsened. Just as he was about to press further, Cui Shilang suddenly walked over, signaling him to be quiet.

"He Yong, you should know the importance of battle songs to martial spirits. Today, you have received a great favor from Yue Heng, and his status as a teacher is now part of your martial spirit. If you still have thoughts of harming him, the divine spirits of Xuanyuan will destroy your martial spirit and disrupt your meridians. Can you bear such divine punishment?"

"Perhaps you have sworn to the martial god Guan Yu, vowing loyalty and righteousness, and breaking this vow will bring divine punishment, destroying your righteousness?"

"Since that is the case, the decision is yours. In our world of scholars, if anyone dares to betray the ancient traditions of 'heaven, earth, kin, ruler, and teacher,' they will be personally executed by us scholars before divine punishment even arrives!"

Cui Shilang's words were simple yet threatening. Xunzi said in "The Treatise on Rites": "Heaven and earth are the source of life; ancestors are the source of lineage; rulers and teachers are the source of governance."

In the world of scholars, the teacher is revered alongside heaven, earth, and rulers. Betraying a teacher is considered a grave sin, and no divine spirit would favor such a person, bringing divine punishment.

He Yong's head grew larger at this threat!

On one side was Yue Heng, who had taught him, and on the other was the vow of righteousness to the martial god Guan Yu. He Yong was torn, his face red with embarrassment as he faced Yue Heng and Cui Shilang's questioning.

Everyone watched Yue Heng, unsure how he would handle He Yong's refusal to admit fault.

Yue Heng said calmly, "If you are wrong, admit it. If you are to be punished, stand straight. Since you dare not break your vow, then bow and apologize to all the scholars here."

He Yong tried to argue, but He Junbei kicked him, sending him flying several yards, gasping for breath and unable to speak.

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