Chapter 4: The Dream of Songs
Jia Yuan was confused. He had never had a dream as vivid as
this before. In fact, the dream was so vivid that he almost felt that he was
awake. Only a quick pinch of his cheek confirmed that he was asleep. Also, he was
sure that he had never seen this elderly man before.
“Who are you?”
“I am the Song of Swords.”
Jia Yuan was confused. The
Song of Swords? Is he a scroll?...Ah! Is he the Song that I saw in the cave
earlier today?
“Indeed, I am the Song you saw earlier today. Fret not, I am
in your mind, so I can hear your thoughts. I have decided that you are a worthy
candidate.”
Jia Yuan was ecstatic.
“However… you lack an understanding of the way of the Song.
Your speed of comprehension when it came to the Dance can be said to be above
average, even close to that of a genius, but your comprehension of the way of
the Song… is nonexistent.”
“As such, I am here to give you my creator’s ability to
understand of the way of the Song. With this, you will have a comprehension far
above the common martial practitioner. With it, you should be able to learn
this Song at a rate comparable to how fast other people learn their songs.
However, as for the strength of this Song… you will have to see for yourself.”
“Now I will show you the truth of the Song.”
At this moment, in Jia Yuan’s head, the dream changed, and
the image of the Elder faded away. In his place were four identical replicas of
Jia Yuan. The first image brandished a golden axe and was surrounded by a
raging inferno. Every time this image moved, it brandished the axe in a violent
manner, and each movement seemed to possess the power to destroy the world. The image might as well have been the embodiment of a raging
volcano.
The second image held an azure sword, and flowed from one
stance from the next, portraying a scene of endless fluidity. Despite its seemingly tranquil nature, each slash of the sword was accompanied by a violent
outburst of water. Although Jia Yuan did not know it yet, this was the
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.embodiment of the saying ‘a raging river may conquer even the largest boulder.’
The third image held a long bamboo staff and moved even more
swiftly and smoothly than the previous image. In fact, the image moved in such a way that
Jia Yuan felt that this image was almost carried by the air itself. The swift movements of the bamboo staff, accented by outbursts of wind, enhanced this feeling. Each swing of the staff seemed to hold the power
to challenge thousands of soldiers, yet still held elegance of royal
performer.
The fourth image carried a two handed hammer. It did not move.
After a few seconds, the image seemed to come alive and delivered a hammer
strike in a swinging fashion. It then controlled the backswing of the hammer,
and used the accompanying force to deliver a stronger forward hammer strike. Soon after,
each swing of the hammer created outbursts of rocks. After a
minute of swinging, the area was soon filled with enough flying boulders to
level a city.
At this point, the voice of the Elder sounded for the last
time in Jia Yuan’s head.
“This is the Truth of the Song, but not the complete Truth.
I have shown you but the tip of the iceberg. As for the rest, you will have to
understand on your own. Now go back to the cave in which you found me. I am
willing to accept you…do not fail me.”
Jia Yuan woke up with a start. He looked at his
surroundings. He felt as if the world around him was surreal. After seeing evidence
of such strong power in his dreams, he possessed an unquenchable thirst to become
stronger. Before, his goal had only been to surpass Dou Di, his older
brother.
But now.
Now, Jia Yuan understood just how weak he and Dou Di had
been. Dou Di may have been able to become a candidate for the Burning Legion,
but at the end of the day, he was simply a specialized foot
soldier.
No.
Jia Yuan felt a burning desire in his heart..
I will understand the
way of the Song.
I will become the
strongest in the Continent of the Five Elements.