Zombie Bodyguard

Chapter 2144: Chapter 2141: Appraisal

"Look at this pattern, it’s not engraved nor painted on. It resembles an ancient method of ink immersion, where special ink is infused into the body of the zither. It’s usually invisible, only appearing under certain conditions, such as changes in temperature and humidity," Miss remarked in confusion.

Zhuge Cai Zhe was the first to shake his head, disagreeing: "I know the immersion technique you’re talking about. In ancient times, there was a similar method for tattoo patterns. A person’s totem tattoos only become visible when their body temperature rises."

"The craftsmanship of this ancient zither is marvelous and flawless; the pattern appearing under the zither belly has no influence on the zither’s sound quality. The artisan likely would not infuse a useless pattern onto it, as this does not align with a master zither maker’s pursuit of perfection."

Zhuge Cai Zhe dismissed the immersion theory based on the zither’s craftsmanship.

"Could it have a specific function similar to a demon exorcist’s rune?" Xiao Manxuan said quietly.

"That seems possible, but this pattern doesn’t look painted; rather, it appears to seep from inside. Of course, we can’t split open the zither, so the internal situation is unknown," Ling Zishan nodded slightly, somewhat agreeing with this idea.

"If someone could see through things, it would be great; we could see what’s inside," Ling Shuiyao suddenly interjected.

Lin Tian’s expression became a bit strange, as he actually had the ability to see through things. Unfortunately, even this ability couldn’t discern the inside of the zither, and he certainly couldn’t share this with others.

Ling Zishan glanced at Lin Tian and smiled: "Why? Did you think of something?"

"Ahem..." Lin Tian deliberately coughed twice to clear his throat before speaking: "The zither has manifested multiple phenomena. The first time was at the freshman welcoming party at Jinghua University, where Xuanxuan played the zither and attracted a gathering of birds."

"A gathering of birds?" Everyone’s eyes brightened, and Zhuge Cai Zhe was even more amazed: "I imagine the zither music must have been extraordinary. To think, a young girl with such advanced zither skills."

Old Man Zhuge seems very interested in matters of "zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting," even more so than in practicing Ancient Martial.

"Old Man Zhuge, we are discussing the zither now, not zither skills. If you’re interested in the girl’s zither skills, you can have a match later." Ling Xuesong eyed Old Man Zhuge unceremoniously, responding sharply.

Old Man Zhuge didn’t retort, merely smiled. It was clear that in front of so many juniors, he must maintain his image, unlike Old Man Ling, who carelessly disregards any such image.

In this regard, he resembles Tang Xuan Su a bit. Previously, Tang Xuan Su didn’t care about criticism of bullying the young, attacking Lin Tian by surprise. These bigwigs, having reached a certain level, act according to their own hearts without external distractions.

Lin Tian continued: "Another phenomenon occurred during a plan to capture a Secret Master. We used the zither to lure the Secret Master out. He tried to seize the zither and perform a blood sacrifice for forced recognition, and this blood sacrifice triggered the zither’s alien energy."

"When the zither’s alien energy was triggered, the alien energy within Xuanxuan resonated and erupted. Fortunately, she was unharmed. From this, I deduced that the two energies share the same origin." Lin Tian mentioned the pursuit of Secret Master Yasuo.

It was thrilling then; Yasuo performed the blood recognition, but regrettably, the zither despised recognizing him as its master and retaliated against Yasuo. Yasuo has now met his end at the Xu Family’s hands, bringing relief.

However, Xiao Manxuan seemed puzzled upon hearing this, evidently forgetting the part where she displayed great might. The little girl was even curious, wondering if she was truly that formidable.

After listening to Lin Tian’s words, everyone fell into a brief silence, seemingly pondering something.

"Honestly, I couldn’t sense the zither’s energy despite my level. If the words didn’t come from you, Lin Tian, I’d think you’re lying," Ling Xuesong said in confusion, his gaze sweeping over the zither, unable to discern anything.

"Grandfather, even with your level, you can’t sense anything? Then who in the Ancient Martial World can solve this mystery?" Ling Shuiyao blinked, feeling somewhat deflated.

She was curious about the zither’s origin and worried about Xiao Manxuan’s safety; both problems remained unresolved.

"Hold on a moment." Ling Xuesong’s expression became solemn, extending his right hand.

He closed his eyes slightly, seemingly concentrating his Divine Thought, radiating an invisible fluctuation from his body, grand and not oppressive.

Ling Zishan and Wang Wanxi, Mid Innate masters, when unleashing True Qi, would instinctively create pressure on those lower in level. However, Ling Xuesong’s control over his aura was more smooth and unobtrusive; sometimes, the absence of feeling is more dangerous.

Perhaps that’s why Lin Tian mistook him for an ordinary person, since the old man’s aura didn’t leak even a bit.

A celestial azure airflow appeared in Ling Xuesong’s palm. As his hand hovered over the zither, the flow just touched the surface, seeming alive, inhaling and exhaling, exploring.

Everyone held their breath, focused on the zither, but it showed no reaction. Ling Xuesong frowned, pressed his hand on the zither, and the airflow spread across its surface, quickly enveloping it.

Suddenly, Lin Tian sensed something, his brow furrowed deeply, and Ling Xuesong’s expression changed drastically, withdrawing his hand quickly. But it was too late; with a sound like "zheng," a string vibrated, and simultaneously, the zither emitted a red light like flowing flames, rushing toward Ling Xuesong’s hand. Ling Xuesong was very wary of the red flames, quickly retreating, urgently channeling True Qi to counter them. His hand shook, forcibly extinguishing the flames, but his hand had already turned red.

"Luckily, my old bones were useful; otherwise, I might have become grilled bear paw!" Ling Xuesong exclaimed in relief, unbothered about his Late-stage Innate master image.

"Lin Tian, I’m so hot..." Xiao Manxuan suddenly grabbed Lin Tian’s hand, whispered, frowning beautifully.

Through her clothing, Lin Tian also felt the heat from the little girl’s hand. He quickly lifted her face, startled by her eyes.

Deep in the little girl’s eyes, a red flame burned, a familiar yet terrifying aura brewing within her.

"Quick, retreat!" Lin Tian was shocked and yelled, waving his hand.

No one retreated. Instead, Miss ran forward, looking tense: "Xuanxuan, are you uncomfortable anywhere?"

"So hot..." Xiao Manxuan repeated the same words, grasping Lin Tian’s arm tighter as if only this way she felt safe.

"Miss, wait here." Lin Tian turned his head and shouted to Miss, picking up Xiao Manxuan and rushing out of the courtyard.

He was fast, and before others could react, he’d already headed down the mountain.

Lin Tian wasn’t heading to a hospital, knowing doctors couldn’t treat this. Passing a pond, he embraced Xiao Manxuan, both diving into the cool water.

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