Although the Celestial Sound Pavilion isn’t very prominent among the various sects, because the field of Sound Cultivation is actually quite niche, placing it roughly on the same level as the Sword Lodge.

Nonetheless, it is a bona fide, well-established major sect with a rich history spanning thousands of years.

The only somewhat awkward point is that the universally acknowledged "Music Saint" does not come from the Celestial Sound Pavilion; the pavilion is merely overseen by three Profound Profound Realm experts.

This contradicts the public perception of Xi Mengquan — although the life of the "Music Saint" is shrouded in mystery, he frequently appeared at the Celestial Sound Pavilion and had a good relationship with the Pavilion Master, leading most people to believe he did indeed join the pavilion, but left due to his nonconformist nature.

However, Chen Kuang now knows that the "Music Saint" never even passed the Celestial Sound Pavilion’s examination, and was even criticized as "deviating from musical principles, daring to play nonsensical music at the pavilion."

How could he be so certain?

Of course, because this incident happened right in front of him, practically orchestrated by himself.

Chen Kuang watched the Celestial Sound Pavilion Elder who stormed off, lost in thought.

It wasn’t even the recruitment season for the Celestial Sound Pavilion, but Chen Kuang, with his "justified and logical" passive stance, successfully persuaded an elder he cornered to believe that Xi Mengquan was an exceptional genius, and Chen Kuang himself was entrusted by some reclusive Celestial Sound Pavilion expert to send him there.

The elder, initially skeptical, reluctantly agreed to assess Xi Mengquan, but who knew, Xi Mengquan hadn’t even finished a single piece before the elder exploded.

Xi Mengquan’s hand rested on the strings, his expression calm and resigned, as if expected.

He looked at Chen Kuang and said, "See, I told you so earlier."

These major sects view themselves highly, hoarding their perceived treasures...

Chen Kuang deeply understood this point.

Yet, his impression of the Celestial Sound Pavilion was still favorable; previously, the purple-robed elder who helped during the battle with the Martial Saint left a good impression.

Most importantly, Xi Mengquan’s talent was just too remarkable. Putting himself in others’ shoes, if Chen Kuang encountered such a genius, there was no way he would let them slip through his fingers.

It was unexpected that the Celestial Sound Pavilion remained so stubborn even at this point.

Chen Kuang, having received Xi Mengquan’s true teachings, naturally knew his musical theory was entirely different from ordinary traditional music theory, truly qualifying as rebellious.

While the Celestial Sound Pavilion is an old establishment, it also means they have their own legacy and absolutely respect orthodoxy.

Two thousand years... a lot can change.

In stark contrast to this elder’s attitude, the later Celestial Sound Pavilion collected the Music Saint’s Fragmented Score everywhere, naively attempting to complete it, showing just how much they revered the Music Saint.

Chen Kuang thought that Xi Mengquan at this moment should have been enough to change the Celestial Sound Pavilion’s perception.

"It seems that joining the Celestial Sound Pavilion in the short term is off the table..."

Chen Kuang shook his head and pondered, "Other sects... maybe I could try to fool Sword Lodge?"

Xi Mengquan looked at him and asked, "Are you trying to gain access to the Pinggu Battlefield?"

Could he really guess that?

Chen Kuang raised an eyebrow, and Xi Mengquan continued to explain, "If you were simply trying to get me into the Celestial Sound Pavilion, you’d be quite disappointed right now, but it seems you’re thinking about which sect to send me to next..."

"There’s nothing else that requires joining a major sect other than the Pinggu Battlefield."

Chen Kuang nodded in acknowledgment, "I need to enter the Pinggu Battlefield, but it can’t be through my own identity."

Xi Mengquan thought for a moment and said, "Actually, there is an easier way."

"The Daqi Dynasty also has the qualification. As long as I become a Court Musician of Daqi, I could seek this opportunity from the Emperor."

Oh...

Two thousand three hundred years ago, even the Zhou Kingdom was just a small state. The true hegemon of the Central Domain was the Daqi Dynasty, which fell a thousand years later.

At this thought, Chen Kuang’s expression grew more peculiar.

Born as a Court Musician, doesn’t this path almost mirror his own at the time?

Chen Kuang glanced at the young man’s expression before him and said, "Entering a sect is to be a disciple, but entering the Imperial Palace is to be a servant... Are you willing to endure that?"

Xi Mengquan said, "I neither seek learning nor to be a disciple. Being a disciple or a servant is the same to me, as both are beneath others."

Wow, at such a young age, with such ambition.

What Xi Mengquan implied, Chen Kuang found his words audaciously limitless.

He thought he couldn’t enter major sects, not because of talent or lineage, but because he simply didn’t think any were worth his attention!

But this was indeed Xi Mengquan’s style...

Xi Mengquan continued, "Besides... trying to advance in these major sects also means being a servant to others."

He looked at Chen Kuang, and suddenly bowed sincerely, "Though I’m reluctant, given your grace in teaching me, I naturally shall return the favor earnestly."

"There are still three hundred years until the next Pinggu Battlefield opens. Before then, I will secure the qualification."

Chen Kuang felt a subtle complexity in his heart.

No matter what... though Xi Mengquan would later become a shameless old riddler, the young man before him displayed such a different character.

It felt like he might have wronged him earlier... 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Tsk, it’s the same person, how could it be wrong?

He suspected the guy was pretending, possibly detecting something, and was testing his attitude.

Chen Kuang gave Xi Mengquan a pat on the back of his head and naturally slung an arm over the young man’s shoulder, "Do you really think you have a choice? You speak as if I actually offered you options."