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

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  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.