The strings of the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin were made from the sinews of Qinghai Flood Dragons, while its body was crafted from Phoenix-Wutong wood that grew in the Far East. Gold patterns were etched onto its surface, making it incredibly beautiful and lustrous under the sunlight.
Upon its appearance, all the female guests attending the birthday banquet’s eyes lit up with admiration.
Wang Biyun reached out and fiercely pinched Xiao Yi’s arm, her eyes blazing with a voracious intensity.
She was an instrumental cultivator, and her life-bound magical treasure was also a Qin.
Could this Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin have been prepared especially for her?
"Ow! It hurts! Senior Sister Wang, it really hurts!"
Xiao Yi's piercing cry instantly yanked her back from her fantasy.
As soon as Wang Biyun regained her senses, she noticed several well-dressed cultivators frowning in her direction. Burning with shame, she lowered her head and furiously berated, "I only pinched you a little, why are you so impatient! You've completely embarrassed the face of Mingyue Pavilion!"
Xiao Yi clutched her arm, her eyes red, but she dared not retort.
Senior Sister Wang was so fierce; she should not have followed Senior Sister Wang out if she had known.
She missed her master.
"I have treasured this item for a long time and have been seeking a suitable owner for it. Today, I must also thank all of you for fulfilling this old man’s wish."
Elder Jian's words always made people feel joyful.
Smiles graced the corners of the guests' eyes and brows.
Elder Jian followed suit, channeling a stream of spiritual light into the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin.
The Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin rose into the air, its strings trembling without anyone to play them, a melodious tune drifting through the banquet hall.
"Mine! It's mine!"
Wang Biyun stared intently at the sky, repeating the same words in her heart.
Beside her, Xu Yi’s eyelids twitched. A vague premonition suddenly arose within her, an intuition that this Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin would ultimately fly to her.
This premonition came subtly, with no discernible origin.
Xu Yi mused that if this were indeed the case, she would be stealing the spotlight this time.
After playing a complete short melody, the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin slowly drifted downwards.
It did not possess the impetuousness of the Wind-Fire Chain Link Ring; instead, it resembled an elegant, classical woman gracefully passing by everyone, seeking a suitor to her liking.
The guests held their breath, silently watching the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin float past one cultivator after another.
"It's coming, it's coming!"
Wang Biyun's premonition grew stronger.
This Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin was perfectly compatible with her, so it must be coming for her.
Recalling that she was about to become the center of attention, Wang Biyun subconsciously adjusted her facial expression, displaying a fitting smile. Her already straight back became almost rigid.
Even other guests began to wonder if the banquet hall had better Feng Shui in the back, as if the treasures were all moving towards the rear.
Elder Jian watched with a smile as the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin drew closer to Xu Yi, and his heart skipped a beat.
It wasn't that he minded his treasure being taken by Xu Yi, as he had intended to gift all three treasures this time anyway.
What bothered him was the possibility of the same owner claiming all of them.
Although he knew he had not interfered in any way, nor colluded with Xu Yi, the treasures choosing their owners was entirely based on their own volition.
However, he feared that people might not believe him. His reputation, built with years of effort, could not be ruined by this unexpected turn of events.
Elder Jian even began to regret ever coming up with such an idea in the first place.
Now that the arrow had been shot, there was no turning back, even if he wanted to.
He could only hope that things would not develop according to his initial plan.
"Senior, that Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin is moving towards both of us."
Wang Yang was somewhat excited. He didn't particularly like these flashy magical treasures, but his junior sister definitely would.
If this treasure chose him, he would give it to his junior sister when he returned, and she would surely be overjoyed.
Xu Yi responded, her eyelids beginning to twitch again.
She was now almost certain that her earlier premonition was not baseless.
She instinctively looked up towards Elder Jian, only to find him looking at her as well. They exchanged polite nods, both sensing a hint of awkwardness in each other's eyes.
When the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin reached Wang Yang, he grinned, his eyes displaying two large words: "Choose me!"
The Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin paused before him, seemingly evaluating whether he could satisfy it.
Wang Yang's grin widened further, as if he were about to bare his gums.
The Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin vibrated slightly and, with a flick of its tail, glided past him.
A smelly man, don't think I'll choose you just because you have a wide mouth.
Wang Yang's expression fell, feeling wronged. Hadn't his master said his smile was most appealing? Why wasn't this move proving effective?
When the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin arrived before Xu Yi, she was still contemplating whether to accept the treasure.
Elder Jian's birthday banquet was clearly a meticulously prepared event by the Jian family. If she caused any imperfection in this banquet, would the Jian family consequently hold a grudge against the Fire Talisman Sect?
After all, she was currently holding the status of an elder guest of the Fire Talisman Sect.
However, Xu Yi did not anticipate that the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin would not give her a chance to refuse.
As the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin floated before Xu Yi, its body instantly emitted brilliant radiance, and its strings began to play again.
It had previously played a lighthearted, melodious tune, a short piece whose name few could identify.
But this time was different. Shortly after the music began, someone recognized the melody it was playing. Some cultivators, fond of romantic themes, even began to sing along with the tune.
"There is a beauty, whom once seen, I cannot forget. A day without her, and I am driven to madness."
The Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin was directly playing "Feng Qiu Huang" before Xu Yi.
Xu Yi: ...
The overt declaration of affection from the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin clearly indicated its choice.
As the music ended, the Dragon String Phoenix Tail Qin lunged towards Xu Yi.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xu Yi had no choice but to reach out and catch it, then offer everyone an awkward yet polite smile.
It was only then that everyone suddenly realized that this treasure had once again chosen this guest elder of the Fire Talisman Sect named Xu Yi.
Many began to murmur amongst themselves.
It was said that good birds choose trees to perch on, and treasures naturally chose wise masters.
Did this person possess something extraordinary?
While most guests were surprised by the outcome, few suspected any foul play.
After all, Elder Jian was renowned, and everyone believed he would never do anything that would tarnish his sect's reputation.
However, there are always exceptions.
Wang Biyun's eyes were now bloodshot, appearing quite horrifying.
Her palms were bleeding from how hard she had been pinching them; she feared she would let out a scream if she didn't.
She refused to believe that this woman named Xu Yi could be this lucky. There had to be something fishy going on; perhaps she had an unspeakable relationship with Elder Jian. Otherwise, why would it have chosen her twice!
This was unfair! It was too unfair!