The audience watches with dismay, their faces pale and blank,
While Heaven and Earth for long bowed low and soared.
Swift as Yi shooting down the nine stray suns,
Graceful as flying dragons bearing heavenly lords.
Beginning like a sudden thunderclap silencing the rage of storms,
Ending like the boundless sea freezing in crystal light.
Red lips and pearly sleeves both left in quiet solitude,
Yet still her pupils spread abroad the fragrant art.
"A sword dance!" Muyin raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alin and Mo Ranchen, whom she hadn't seen in a while, and at Jiang Qianyue, whose face betrayed eager anticipation. "Do you want to watch?"
As the words left her lips, Mo Ranchen gave a slight nod, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. Alin smiled gently and drew the bamboo flute she always carried. "I'll play for you!" Jiang Qianyue, even more excited, unsheathed his own sword, his eyes flashing with eager light—looking nothing like his usual stern and decisive self in battle.
Chapter 158