Chapter 22: Entrance Examination (Part 4)

The Xuanyin Qin Sect Disciples offstage were completely intoxicated, holding their breath in concentration; even some of the usually stern Elders revealed a rare tenderness.

Their eyes sparkled with light, their hearts filled with reverence and admiration for this performer.

Instructor Liu Qingwan stood to the side, her gaze focused and gentle, appearing deeply moved by Lin Chen's performance.

A look of gratification appeared on her face; the joy and excitement in her heart were hard to conceal. She had once harbored doubts about Lin Chen's performance, but at this moment, she was completely won over by the young woman's talent.

The three princesses each harbored their own thoughts. Princess Jin Xuan's expression gradually turned serious; she looked coldly at Lin Chen, comparing herself in her heart, attempting to find any flaws in her performance.

Princess Hu Qinlan pursed her lips lightly, a trace of imperceptible jealousy flashing in her eyes, yet she strove to maintain her elegance.

Yin Miaoxue's eyes revealed a hint of surprise and approval; although her expression remained indifferent, the turmoil in her heart was evident.

As the final note of the zither faded, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Almost all the Disciples stood up to clap, and even the Elders nodded in approval one after another.

Lin Chen's performance had undoubtedly won her the reverence and praise of everyone.

Just then, Princess Jin Xuan frowned slightly and questioned Lin Chen: "Why did you not finish the performance?"

Lin Chen smiled slightly and responded indifferently: "This piece was originally composed on a whim, and I have not yet thought of the lyrics for the latter part. I feel that knowing when to stop allows people more room for imagination."

Princess Jin Xuan's brows relaxed slightly, but there was still a trace of dissatisfaction in her eyes. She nodded, indicating understanding, but she clearly could not hide her competitive nature.

At this time, deep within the Xuanyin Qin Sect, Fairy Qimeng was sitting opposite someone in a quiet room. Under the hazy lamplight, sitting with her was the Grand Elder, Bai Youyou.

Bai Youyou wore a white gauze dress as thin as cicada wings, which clung to her body, outlining her exquisite figure. She leaned softly against the chair, her graceful posture stretching as naturally as if she had no bones.

Her beauty was peerless through the ages; her skin was as white as snow, and her features were as exquisite as if carved by celestial artisans. Her countenance was cold and aloof, her temperament elegant, as if she were untainted by worldly dust. Her eternal youth, combined with her Void Refinement Stage cultivation, made one's heart waver at a single glance.

Bai Youyou's face was slightly flushed from the zither music just now. She tried hard to restrain the excitement in her heart and said to Fairy Qimeng: "Sect Master Qi Meng, what do you think of this piece?"

Fairy Qimeng smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with appreciation: "This musical style is something I have never heard before; it is like the sound of heaven, flawless. Moreover, she triggered the sound of the Dao, something that no one in the Xuanyin Qin Sect has been able to achieve in thousands of years. She is undoubtedly the perfect candidate for our Sect's Personal Disciple."

Bai Youyou nodded, but a trace of worry flashed in her eyes: "Mm, that is indeed true. However, she is still young and has many areas that need polishing. Why don't you take her and instruct her properly? Would that be acceptable?"

"Of course. Sect Master Qi Meng will handle it immediately."

After Fairy Qimeng left, Bai Youyou sat alone in the dimly lit room, a hint of tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.

There was a touch of melancholy in her gaze: "This piece is so similar to my own experiences; it truly evokes many emotions." She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and whispered to herself: "She only played half of it, which makes me feel a bit of regret. It seems I must quietly go and ask her some questions."

After three hours of performances, everyone had finished their turns.

Instructor Liu Qingwan appeared on stage with all the Disciples. In the center of the vast performance stage, a delicate ballot box was placed in front of each person.

"Next is the voting session." Instructor Liu Qingwan smiled slightly, her voice clear like a spring bubbling over stones: "Everyone will have one chance to vote; please choose carefully."

The Senior Sisters and Elders offstage lined up one by one to go on stage, walking toward their preferred performers, preparing to cast their precious votes.

The three princesses stood to the side, their gazes burning. Princess Jin Xuan's expression was cold and stern, her eyes fixed on every voter on stage. Although Princess Hu Qinlan and Yin Miaoxue appeared calm on the surface, they could hardly hide their inner anticipation.

This round determined whether one could qualify to become an Inner Sect Disciple or even a Personal Disciple, so all three were hoping that the Senior Sisters and Elders would cast their precious votes for them.

"Voting begins!"

The audience passed by the three princesses in turn, finally walking toward Lin Chen's ballot box. Almost everyone stopped in front of her to cast their vote.

"Lin Chen, you are truly amazing!" a female Disciple said to her excitedly, "The piece you played was simply dreamlike!"

"Yes, it was so beautiful! Can you play it again? I still want to hear the part you didn't finish." Another Disciple chimed in, her eyes full of anticipation.

Lin Chen chuckled and responded gently: "I am still refining this piece, and the lyrics are not yet fully written. Once I have perfected it, I will definitely play it for everyone again."

"Really? Then I will definitely come find you!" Many Disciples were full of anticipation, their eyes sparkling with light.

Princess Jin Xuan stood to the side, watching this scene coldly. She couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy, yet she was helpless to do anything about it.

Time passed bit by bit, and the voting gradually drew to a close. The audience continued to walk toward Lin Chen's ballot box, which was almost stuffed to the brim.

Instructor Liu Qingwan walked to the front of the stage, raised her hand to signal for silence, and prepared to announce the results: "The voting has ended. Next, I will announce the vote counts for everyone."

She looked at Lin Chen first, her voice carrying clear appreciation: "Lin Chen, vote count… ninety votes!"

The entire venue erupted in an uproar. Everyone looked at Lin Chen, their eyes filled with astonishment. Such an overwhelming number of votes was practically an acknowledgment from everyone.

Lin Chen lowered her head slightly, revealing a modest smile.

Immediately after, Instructor Liu Qingwan continued to read: "Princess Jin Xuan, fifty-five votes; Princess Hu Qinlan, fifty-two votes; Yin Miaoxue, fifty votes."

The three princesses still performed well among the many Disciples, maintaining considerable competitiveness, but compared to Lin Chen's ninety votes, the gap was still obvious.

"Meng Li, forty-five votes; Cuier, forty-three votes."

Meng Li and Cuier also received favor from quite a few people. Although their vote counts were not as high as the three princesses, they were still notable enough.

As for the others, the most received a dozen or so votes, while the least received two or three, or even none at all.

After Instructor Liu Qingwan announced the results, she smiled and said to everyone: "Today's highest vote-getter is—Lin Chen! Congratulations, Lin Chen."

The applause and cheers from offstage surged like a tide. However, at this moment, a cold voice suddenly interrupted the fervent atmosphere of the scene.

"Wait a moment, Instructor Liu Qingwan!" Princess Jin Xuan said coldly.

Instructor Liu Qingwan frowned slightly, shifted her gaze to Princess Jin Xuan, and her tone remained gentle: "Princess Jin Xuan, what is the matter?"