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

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.