Amidst the chaotic sounds, Luo Zhiheng remained kneeling quietly in the yellow sand for a long time. Even the competition organizers thought something had happened to Luo Zhiheng and were about to speak up to interfere with her performance when suddenly, a peculiar voice came from afar.
The sound was like a musical instrument, both gentle and strong, with a bright and melodious tone. The crowd scrambled to look in the direction of the sound, and were utterly astonished to find that the renowned, white-haired General Murong was holding a gourd-shaped object resembling a pipa—undoubtedly a musical instrument. But General Murong's hands, usually wielding swords and knives, were now playing it!
Who in the world has the honor and prestige to have General Murong play a piece for them? And who would have known that the renowned general could play such a strange instrument? And today, they are fortunate enough to hear the old general play it himself! Regardless of the quality of the performance, it is a work by General Murong himself; how could their feelings be the same? Even if the performance is not good, they will still be deeply moved!
In an instant, people's mood was no longer depressed or suppressed. Instead, it opened up, became joyful, and became excited as General Murong's melody gradually became a continuous line!
But that's not all; the most shocking part is yet to come.
Suddenly, everyone noticed that the woman who had been kneeling in the desert had finally moved! Someone exclaimed, and more and more eyes turned to Luo Zhiheng once more. Every movement she made seemed to be in sync with the music played by General Murong. This obvious scene told everyone that General Murong had actually condescended to accompany Luo Zhiheng!
At this moment, Luo Zhiheng's talent suddenly became clear: she was going to dance! And this dancer had even hired a big-name musician to accompany her, yet this musician was doing something completely out of character for him! Everything was so bizarre, yet so full of surprises. After the initial shock, almost everyone was in an uproar!!
It's like watching a tailor cook, a soldier take care of a child, or a blacksmith farm—everything becomes illogical, yet it's full of novelty and humor.
A renowned general with military power plays the zither, while a talented woman who has created a masterpiece dances. The impact of putting these two together is immense, and the visual effect is absolutely stunning! It instantly captivates the heart and mind, making it impossible for people to easily look away from this unique combination of young and old.
General Murong also put away his frivolous attitude. His rough, aged fingers trembled as he plucked and pressed down the strings, showing his unfamiliarity with the instrument. Yet, he played each note with such skill and natural flow, as if he had practiced it a thousand times in his mind.
The old man was also excited, his white hair fluttering gently in the air. He closed his eyes, completely abandoning his previous tension and awkwardness, and wholeheartedly immersed himself in the long-lost melody and atmosphere.
It wasn't without pressure. Given his status, Luo Zhiheng's request was completely impolite and excessive. Although he could disregard his reputation, if Luo Zhiheng lost the competition or performed poorly in the slightest, his reputation would be affected. He originally wanted to refuse, but his personality dictated it, and he genuinely missed playing musical instruments. Furthermore, the fact that Luo Zhiheng knew he was skilled at this instrument must have been because of Qian Chen, clearly indicating that Qian Chen wanted to help Luo Zhiheng. Considering all of this, he seemed to have no reason to refuse Luo Zhiheng.
But when the wet nurse, who had given him the nude photos, handed them to him, and when the familiar melody, so vivid it stirred his passionate memories, flowed from his hands, he stopped thinking about anything else. He just wanted to indulge himself; at least for this moment, he was enjoying it. It was as if his old friend from many years had returned.
The melody, starting slow and crisp, gradually becomes melodious and expansive, seemingly depicting a happy shepherd lingering on the vast grasslands. The blue sky stretches endlessly, pristine and immaculate, while the green grasslands are boundless and expansive. Yurts are everywhere, horses neigh, cattle graze peacefully, and the beautiful grassland girls sing with gentle and affectionate voices…
However, when the melody was placed on the woman who was slowly rising, it took on a mysterious quality. She was like a dark red datura flower slowly blooming in the desert, her body twisting gracefully into one exquisite curve after another as she slowly stood up, the tight cloak no longer able to contain her proud figure.
Her fair hands, like lustrous jade, stretched out like snow lotuses, their buds gradually opening in the light, spreading across her cheeks and rising above her head. With each light step, a lotus bloomed.
Boom! Boom boom! Two drumbeats suddenly rang out, and the dancer in the desert seemed to turn around to the beat of the drums.
Buzz! 16.
Suddenly, the melody in General Murong's hands soared, its lingering sound carrying a sense of mystery, high-pitched, exhilarating, and urgent!
Everyone felt a blur before their eyes as the woman, who had been shrouded in a blood-red cloak, suddenly began to spin rapidly. After just one rotation, when she turned around again, everyone felt as if they were seeing a radiant sun, so dazzling that they couldn't help but squint. But when they opened their eyes, they were all shivering with shock and dumbfounded, as if they had seen a fairy riding on golden light descending to the mortal world.
With a whoosh, she unfurled her red cloak, finally revealing her figure beneath the blood-red robe.
The oppression is gone, the despair is gone, the darkness is gone!
She exuded an air of nobility, her beautiful long hair adorned with a headdress made of strung gold leaves. She wore a gold necklace, gold earrings, and gold bracelets. She wore a magnificent, narrow-waisted long dress embroidered with golden phoenixes, with sleeves of exquisitely beautiful gold gauze. Her waist was cinched with a chain of gold leaves, which jingled melodiously with her movements.
Despite being covered in gold, she didn't look vulgar at all; "jewelry" was the most fitting description for her.
It was midday, the time when the sunlight was strongest. The vast expanse of yellow sand, bathed in sunlight, resembled a shimmering golden Gobi Desert. The woman, radiating golden light, stood on this desert, seemingly blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, becoming breathtakingly beautiful, yet somehow ethereal and unreal.
Her beauty soared to the heavens in an instant, mysterious and noble, elegant and aloof, coldly gazing at the endless yellow sands of the Gobi Desert. The wind whipped up a wave of sand, golden and dazzling, just like her breathtaking and innate beauty at this moment!
At that moment, hundreds of thousands of people in the audience held their breath, trying to make out the face that was faintly visible in the golden light. And in that instant, Luo Zhiheng, with her precise calculations and schemes, finally won back everyone's attention!
Amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers, she swayed her hips, gradually splashing up the yellow sand. She moved gracefully amidst the sand, like a bewitching enchantress, softly singing to the accompaniment of General Murong's unique melody...
Second update! There will be an extra chapter today! Hua Sha will keep working hard. Love you all! Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets! Mwah, my darlings!
Chapter 210: Phoenix's Dance Amazes the Audience: Desert Goddess! (Part 2) Bonus Chapter for 12,000 Comments
Updated: 2013-07-27 19:53:15 Word Count: 3479
Her voice was melodious and delicate, like a nightingale's song. When she turned her brows and slightly narrowed her eyes, her voice sounded like that of a sorrowful young girl, troubled by something. Her slender fingers seemed to arrange enchanting flowers on her chest, yet it was as if she were quietly grieving, inexplicably melancholy. Her hair fluttered in the wind, the golden leaves on her head dazzling and bright, yet carrying a desolate rustling sound.
She murmured softly, a sorrowful lament of a bard: "My beloved, where are you? When will we meet again? Do you know we are destined to be together? I am here, waiting for you, waiting for you in solitude. When will you come and lead me out of this endless yellow sand..."
Everyone was instantly captivated by her unique, sorrowful, and poignant expressiveness, and by her chanting that was neither song nor poetry, nor lyrics. The unique way she presented the nude photos meant that, while ordinary dance, no matter how brilliantly performed, would simply be dance. But her approach was incredibly alluring. It made it clear at a glance that this dance was more than just dance; it could be a story, a beautiful and mysterious love story!
Her performance was so obvious, perfectly portraying a young girl in the throes of first love. What girl doesn't dream of love? What girl hasn't longed for romance? Her approach was bold and flamboyant; she was like a taboo, something you knew you shouldn't, yet you couldn't help but be drawn to, captivated by, and conquered by her!
General Murong's melody seemed sorrowful, but then a sense of brightness inexplicably appeared.
At this moment, Luo Zhiheng also changed her dance style. Like a cheerful elf walking on earth, she lightly leaped and twirled on the Gobi Desert. The gold ornaments on her body collided with light and pleasant sounds, and the girl's cheerful laughter suddenly came, as if a sweet spring had instantly filled people's sorrows.
Her alluring figure spun and spun, then suddenly stopped. Her slender, fluorescent wrist was raised lightly before her eyes, half-concealing her face. Her shy face was hidden behind her palm, and her delicate fingers gently peeked out from behind the gaps. It was as if an innocent girl had suddenly seen something that surprised and apprehensive her, secretly observing it while her eyes were full of spring, and she couldn't help but giggle.
She twirled, displaying her expressions and delicate movements to everyone in every direction. She danced, telling a story within the dance. Her emotions were subtle, capturing the fluttering heart of a shy young girl upon first meeting her beloved, the playful antics of a kitten, a mixture of reproach and joy, a coy shyness and evasiveness.
However, she suddenly lowered her hand, her pretty face carrying the unique pride and reserve of a noble woman, while her beautiful eyes revealed a hint of shyness, like a proud princess who was unwilling to accept defeat, shy and unwilling for the man she admired to laugh at her timidity and shyness.
Her lifelike movements and expressions were so captivating and stunning.
However, the once beautiful princess gradually lost her radiance. She lay languidly in the yellow sand, her posture as comfortable as if she were on a soft princess bed, quietly gazing at the sky with her chin in her hand, her eyes filled with melancholy longing. She sang again, her lips still carrying the sweet and sour melody of a young woman's heart: "Where did he come from? Where is he going? Does he miss me? When will I see that handsome lover again..."
The princess seemed to have fallen asleep in longing. She lay in the yellow sand, quiet, small, mysterious, and alluring.
Suddenly, the music shifts, becoming bold, passionate, and fiery, like a young man boldly expressing his love to a beautiful woman. The rhythm is upbeat and intense, striking the heart and making one's heart flutter!
The woman on the yellow sand suddenly rolled over, picked up a cloak beside her, and with a whoosh, unfurled it, revealing a golden cloak underneath. She swayed the cloak gracefully in front of her, a blissful and content smile on her face, and sang a shyly sweet melody instantly recognizable as one of happiness: "My amorous lover, I am here, you love me, love me like the sand in the wind, you love my golden allure, you love the enchanting beauty of my fleeting glance, my heart, why do you beat so passionately? Should I accept your love? My subjects, my friends, my kin in the sand kingdom, should I answer him…?"
Perhaps her performance was so brilliant and vivid, so captivating that people forgot reality, or perhaps they were so engrossed in watching and moved by the love story she portrayed, that someone actually shouted excitedly, "Say yes!!" after she asked the question.
And it wasn't just one or two people shouting; it could be thousands, or even tens of thousands! Among them, Princess Yu shouted the loudest. The little girl even stood up excitedly, waving her fists and shouting loudly, as if afraid that the reserved and proud princess would miss out on the good Erlang who admired her because of hesitation.
This spontaneous shout from people is a completely involuntary response, as if two friends are exchanging ideas, one asking and the other responding naturally, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The sound of a nightingale's head. But this is a competition! Luo Zhiheng's question didn't need a response. The responses from thousands of people combined were definitely not quiet, and in such an emotionally charged and excited atmosphere, the combined voices carried a sense of urgency, anxiety, and joy. Strangely, this made the performance even more real and immersive, as if everyone was participating, not just watching! 16.
These sounds finally jolted the people who were immersed in this magnificent and unprecedented performance back to reality! Some people were just excited, some felt ashamed, and some were so captivated that they couldn't extricate themselves. Others stared at Luo Zhiheng with fascination. But those who regained their senses all changed their expressions. If this group of people made a sound, it might disturb Luo Zhiheng's performance.
However, this situation did indeed occur, but Luo Zhiheng handled it flawlessly. She was genuinely surprised by the group's reaction, and her face showed a look of astonishment. But then she put on a shy yet proud expression, gracefully twirling around with the hem of her skirt, which billowed in the wind, layer upon layer, seemingly displaying the pride and reserve of a princess.
She sang naturally, with a mixture of joy and feigned anger: "Say yes? But he is a foreigner, my subjects, are you willing to accept him as your master?"
Luo Zhiheng had cleverly utilized this unexpected situation! She had actually drawn everyone into the competition! This kind of interaction was unprecedented and unparalleled!
The King squinted, Elder Tong stared wide-eyed, and the Emperor was dumbfounded! Everyone's eyes were opened!
Such a unique performance, such unparalleled creativity, suddenly ignited the passion and excitement of the people who were initially embarrassed. They were fortunate enough to participate in such a magnificent, beautiful and breathtaking dance, and everyone felt not just participating, but honored!
In their eyes, Luo Zhiheng at this moment was no longer Luo Zhiheng, nor the young princess of the Mu Dynasty, nor even a contestant today. At this moment, Luo Zhiheng was their queen! Their princess! Their goddess! Luo Zhiheng had led them into a mysterious golden kingdom! The desert! Luo Zhiheng was their desert goddess!
They worshipped her madly, their blood boiling for her. She was so beautiful and noble, like a golden phoenix descended from the heavens, wandering the desert for a thousand years, finally finding the man who captivated her heart! They were her subjects, and when the goddess spoke, they were honored and answered fervently, "We are willing!"
Luo Zhiheng stamped her foot in the desert, her slender and upright figure revealing her exquisite and graceful figure. With a whoosh, she unfurled her golden cloak, and as it fell, the appearance on her face had changed!
Gone was the sweet happiness and pride of moments before, gone was the charming liveliness and vivacity of a young woman. Her face was filled with sorrow, like a lifeless, dying person struggling with something. Her steps faltered, her head swayed gently, her beautiful eyes filled with such sadness and anguish. Her hands were so beautiful, as if she were trying to grasp something, and before her seemed to be someone, a man she loved.
Everyone felt as if they could hardly breathe. The sorrow on the goddess's face made them feel immense sadness as well, and for a moment, a thick atmosphere of gloom filled the entire place.
The wind suddenly rose stronger, ruffling the goddess's long, shimmering golden hair. She danced a disheveled yet melancholic and beautiful dance, then reached out, only to grasp at nothing. Her trembling hand clenched tightly in the air, her gaze shifting from sadness to melancholy to silence, and finally, resignation. Her hand, in the end, slowly released itself, falling limply into the air.
She stood alone in the desert, as if abandoned by the world. Only her sorrowful, low singing could be heard: "Go, go, since you've chosen the battlefield, I won't stop you. But I will wait for you, wait for your return. You cannot take away my right to wait for you, you cannot. I will wait for your triumphant return, and then dance our love dance for my beloved..."
Suddenly, she turned around and stood alone in the boundless desert. She felt as if the world was spinning, spinning and spinning wildly, her graceful dance turning into chaos. Her golden phoenix dress unfurled, fluttering and billowing, until finally, she collapsed onto the Gobi Desert.
"Ah!" People couldn't help but gasp. Those who were seated stood up. In that instant, everyone's heart tightened. They seemed to have forgotten that she was just performing. But at this moment, who remembered what year it was? Who could remain unaffected by this visual feast?
Luo Zhiheng was like a child who had finally lost her support, all her pride shattered. She finally covered her face and wept, singing with unwavering devotion: "I will wait for you to come back, I will wait for you to come back, forever and ever. Even if the yellow sand is swept away by the wind, I will still be here, waiting for you..."
After Luo Zhiheng finished speaking, the entire scene completely spiraled out of control!
A heart-wrenching, desperate cry filled the hall. Each person's sob might be quiet, but the combined sound was terrifying. As if afraid to disturb the grief-stricken goddess, their weeping transformed into a suppressed, mournful wail. 16434188
A dance, a love story—magically, it completely captivated people's emotions, making them happy, distressed, and weep along with Luo Zhiheng's character. In this moment, Luo Zhiheng was, in fact, a success.
However, Luo Zhiheng doesn't like tragedies, she loves comedies!
Bonus chapter! My darlings, please vote, leave comments, and give me monthly tickets! Group kisses! Love you all!
211. A truly authentic performance! (Calling for monthly votes)
Updated: 2013-07-28 23:58:02 Word Count: 7710
People's emotions are collapsing. In this golden desert, in these swirling winds, on this battlefield filled with blood, tears, and true feelings, crying has become the most genuine and poignant language.
The golden goddess, prostrate on the Gobi Desert, slowly, slowly curled up to the mournful melody, quietly wrapping herself up. The wind whipped her hair and long dress into disarray, making her look so desolate and tragic. In that instant, people's hearts were gripped tightly, aching with pain.
The goddess's beloved lover has left, gone to the battlefield. The two lovers are separated by the merciless war. They miss each other and worry about each other.
Luo Zhiheng's soft body slowly rose in the wind, so desolate. She gazed at the horizon and the endless desert, as if waiting for her beloved to return quickly. Her graceful body danced in the wind, soft and light as if swaying from side to side by the wind. She continued to dance, using this breathtaking dance to express her longing and pain.
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept in, causing the golden goddess to sway violently. Amidst a rapid and mournful melody, she looked up in shock, her slender fingers trembling as she brushed her forehead and cheeks. Despair filled her alluring eyes. Suddenly, she sang a heartbreaking lament: "No! How could he be dead? He promised me he would come back. I love him, my beloved. This servant's words are lies, lies! You must be somewhere, waiting to return to my side, searching for the way back to me. I will wait for you, wait for you to come back..."
Heartbroken, she collapsed into the yellow sand. The howling wind shattered her choked sobs, and she lay prostrate on the desert for a long, long time, as if she had never recovered. People's hearts were gripped with dread once again!
My beloved, goddess, has he fallen on the battlefield? How heartbroken must she be? She has waited so long, so very long…
The suppressed sobs in the entire arena ceased at this moment, leaving only the sound of the wind. Hundreds of thousands of eyes were glued to Luo Zhiheng, watching her intently, worried whether the stunning goddess could pull herself together. The men's hearts ached, and the women were in tears, as if they were experiencing the same pain as their beloved husbands, as if they too could never return to their side. They were grieving, they were desperate, they wept.
At this moment, regardless of age or gender, everyone in the audience was captivated by Luo Zhiheng's dance, their hearts filled with tears, a wave of sorrow and despair washing over them. Each person was gripped by the story told in the dance, unable to accept that such a beautiful love story ended because of the man's death on the battlefield, unable to bear the thought of their goddess losing her beloved and enduring countless years of loneliness alone!
Luo Zhiheng softly raised her arm, like a vine growing alluringly, then suddenly fell back down. She seemed unable to rise. She gently stroked the yellow sand, her cheek lightly caressing it, as if stroking the face of her lover. Her words of longing were sung in a desperate sob: "My love, I am here. I will stay here and wait for you. If you do not return for a thousand years, I will stand here alone and lonely for you for a thousand years. I am willing to be buried in this endless yellow sand, turned into a stone statue, remaining here to remember you. I am willing to be buried here for you, buried, buried..."
The goddess's final lament, like an eternal lament of giving up the struggle, was sung on your word "buried," melodious and poignant, echoing for a thousand years...
The goddess gave up everything for love, wanting nothing more. Unable to find her beloved, she dared not leave alone, dared not go out to search, and could only stay here to wait. Even if she became a stone statue, she would rather be buried in this place with her beautiful memories of her lover. Even if the world changes, she will never regret her devotion!
At this moment, everyone on the ancient war site finally erupted in a deafening cry. The overwhelming sorrow, the frustration and despair of fighting against fate with force, were all perfectly portrayed by Luo Zhiheng! It also stirred up the soft spot in people's hearts that had been obscured by selfishness and darkness, making people weep and wail for this dance-love story, feeling heartbroken and deeply moved!
Almost everyone thought this love story was destined to be a tragedy. Countless love stories have been told throughout history, but none have been so openly and movingly portrayed, evoking such profound sadness that just thinking about them brings heartache and a hollow, aching feeling in one's heart.
Princess Yu had never seen such a performance before, and she was completely drawn into Luo Zhiheng's portrayal. It was as if she had traveled back a thousand years to the most desolate and mysterious Gobi Desert, witnessing firsthand the Desert Goddess's unforgettable love story. She was almost brought to tears by the plot and the dance and singing, and with tears streaming down her face, she grabbed her aunt's arm and cried out, "Why must they be separated? Don't do this! Let them be together! Let the goddess's beloved man come back! Don't let her beloved lover die!"
Murong Qianxue's eyes were also red-rimmed as she stared at the woman prostrate in the desert, unable to recover for a long time. A sharp pain pierced her heart. At this moment, she didn't even know what year it was, or where she was. She couldn't tell if the Luo Zhiheng before her was the Luo Zhiheng she knew, or an illusion. She even had a fleeting feeling that Luo Zhiheng wasn't real, that she really might be a goddess? A real goddess, from the ancient desert, searching for her lover lost for millions of years?!