I Just Wanted to Live, but I Somehow Became Better Than the Main Character

Chapter 88: Little Clever

“According to Hua Ming, you are exceptionally talented in both music theory and painting, and you have a 7-colored foundation. you are a genius rarely seen every 10,000 years.”

When Mu Qing Yin said that Ye Yong was a “genius rarely seen every 10,000 years”, she meant someone with a 7-colored foundation and cultivated music and art.

Throughout history, both music and art have been niche areas, and a 7-colored foundation was rare, so this “10,000-year genius” label didn’t carry much weight. In fact, it was quite possible that Ye Yong was the only one in the past 10,000 years. However, Ye Yong didn’t care about these things. He just hoped that he wouldn’t be unfairly blamed, with merits falling onto him from the sky and receiving praise without doing anything.

“This is the Star Moon Ring Flute. With your current level of cultivation, you won’t be able to unleash its full power, but it will elevate your musical abilities,” Mu Qing Yin said, taking out a jade flute that emitted a faint spiritual aura.

The Star Moon Ring Flute was an earth-grade rank 3 artifact, and as a gift for their first meeting, it is quite substantial. After all, earth-grade artifacts were considered family heirlooms by many families.

“Thank you for the generous gift, Hall Master.” Ye Yong was polite when needed and direct when not. Since it was meant to be a gift for him, there was no need for false modesty. Refusing it would be like saying no to a red envelope during New Year while still opening their pocket. Just accepting it and skipping the unnecessary talk was more comfortable for everyone.

In fact, Mu Qing Yin found Ye Yong to be very perceptive. Polite refusals were a sign of respect, but excessive refusals could be annoying. Since the final result was always acceptance, wasting time with unnecessary flattery was pointless.

Ye Yong took the Star Moon Ring Flute in his hands. The texture of the flute was smooth and comfortable, and the star moon markings were dim, awaiting activation by its user.

“Would Hall Master mind if I…”

Ye Yong turned the flute in his fingers a few times, brought it to his lips, closed his eyes, and began to play.

The beautiful flute music resonated through the room, and as Ye Yong infused his spiritual energy, the star moon markings were activated. Although only one-third of its potential was realized, its effects far surpassed those of the previous mystery-grade flute he had previously used.

Ye Yong was playing Spirit Gathering Song, because that was the only spiritual musical score that he had bought. A large amount of spiritual energy flew into the cave, and even the teacups on the table trembled lightly.

Previously, Mu Qing Yin would never have believed that a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator could achieve this level, but now, witnessing it firsthand, she had no choice but to believe it.

Mu Qing Yin had loved music and art since childhood, and others had told her that she was a genius, and she had also considered herself talented. But after interacting with Ye Yong, she felt her confidence waver for the first time.

Ye Yong didn’t play for long. He was merely testing the flute’s feel and tone, and it was indeed an earth-grade artifact.

“To be honest, I also have a gift for the Hall Master.” Putting away the Star Moon Ring Flute, Ye Yong took out the plain box containing the Initial Feather Pen from his storage ring.

Mu Qing Yin had already learned through Hua Ming and Hua Xin that Ye Yong was bringing a gift for her and was curious about what he had chosen. As the “unaware” hall master, she had to be polite. “When does a disciple need to give a gift to the Hall Master? Your good intentions are enough.”

“The Hall Master is the leader of a mountain and takes care of us disciples. Receiving such a precious flute from you, I would feel uneasy if you didn’t accept it.”

“The flute is merely a reward. Even if I accept your gift, it doesn’t mean I will give you special treatment. Are you sure?”

“I have no such intentions. However, compared to the Hall Master’s gift, mine would be quite modest. I hope Hall Master won’t dislike it.” Ye Yong placed the box on the table and gently pushed it forward.

After the polite exchange, Mu Qing Yin moved the box in front of her and opened it to find a beautiful feather pen inside.

“What is this?” Mu Qing Yin, well-read and knowledgeable, had rarely seen such things due to her limited outings.

The feather was brilliantly colored and plump, processed into an ink pen with no modifications, preserving its natural beauty. Mu Qing Yin immediately liked it and was pleasantly surprised, not expecting such a gift. She had thought it would be a book or a albrtum or something related to her interests, like spiritual tea.

“Sparrow Silk Bird’s Initial Feather.”

When Ye Yong mentioned it, Mu Qing Yin recalled that she had seen descriptions of the Sparrow Silk Bird in some books. The initial feathers of these birds, two-colored and beautiful, were easy to erode with the wind and could not be artificially cultivated.

Though she had read many books, there were too many things, and she couldn’t spend time to get to know everything in detail.

“Why did you choose to give me such a gift?”

“That day, when I inquired with the two painting soul sisters, they mentioned that Hall Master likes poetry and art. I assumed you might have collected many famous books and artworks, so sending such items would be inappropriate. Instead, I thought since you love poetry and art, anything related to them might be appreciated, and they required the use of pens…”

“You’re a little clever.”¹ Mu Qing Yin nodded in satisfaction. Although she said that, she actually thought that Ye Yong had put in a lot of thought. “However, according to the book, the Sparrow Silk Birds are cautious and timid, and not many people collect its initial feathers. They are not easily found on the market.”

“Disciple was lucky to find it in a shop,” Ye Yong lied. He planned to tell the painting beauties later that he had actually found it on Spirit Specter Mountain. Telling it to the painting beauties was no different from telling it to Mu Qing Yin.

Ye Yong planned to split the favorability he received into two waves. Mu Qing Yin was happy now, so even if she learned that he had risked himself and went to the Spirit Specter Mountain to find the feather, there might not be a big increase in favorability. However, after Mu Qing Yin’s emotions settled down and she learned the truth, she would feel that he was humble and didn‘t like to show off, and her favorability of him would further increase.

Ye Yong glanced at Mu Qing Yin’s favorability score. It was 18 when they first met and had increased to 25 after receiving the initial feather, an increase of 7 points. The attitude was still the same, at [Rather Satisfied Disciple].

It’s harder than Qin Shi Meng, as expected of a woman who has lived for 600 years. At this moment, Ye Yong envied the male lead, who could gain high favorability instantly through saving the damsel in distress. He, on the other hand, had to work hard through daily interactions to gain favorability, and the increase was minimal.

Except for Wu Xue, who was very understanding and had self-improved her favorability score to 183.

Although the increase in Mu Qing Yin’s favorability was slow, the return on transcend points was substantial. Ye Yong estimated that 1 reversal point was worth about 500 points. And this was only within the range of 30 favorability points; what about after breaking through 50 or 100? Ye Yong dared not imagine.

“Disciple has a small request. This afternoon, senior and junior sisters are preparing a celebration banquet for me. I hope Hall Master can also attend.” Ye Yong had already planned to invite Mu Qing Yin to the banquet back when he thought of hosting it.

The reason was simple. Mu Qing Yin spent most of her time in her residence, learning about the outside world through books and paintings, so it was normal for her to encounter bottlenecks. Most poets and artists got inspiration from traveling and going on vacations. Perhaps having her make contact with people could bring her insights.