Full-time Artist Chapter 1325: Le Saint

With the entire world holding its breath, the highly anticipated May 20th has finally arrived.

On this momentous day.

An impressive red carpet, stretching for hundreds of meters, welcomed guests to the Central Continent Music Hall.

Not only were music industry titans and esteemed singers gracing the carpet, but numerous influential figures from across Blue Star's diverse fields also made dazzling appearances under the blinding flashes of the paparazzi.

Enthusiastic fans had gathered in droves outside the venue.

Their ecstatic cheers and shouts echoed, creating an unending wave of sound.

Amidst the whirlwind of photo-taking, reporters buzzed with excited speculation about the impending confrontation:

"It feels like ages since we've witnessed a gathering like this!"

"The caliber of guests here rivals even the Spring Festival Gala!"

"Look over there!"

"Representatives from the Literature and Art Association have arrived!"

In the distance, a contingent clad in official uniforms, proudly displaying the Literature and Art Association's distinctive emblem, were seen. However, they eschewed the main red carpet, opting for a discreet entrance through a side passage. Only two individuals at the forefront proceeded along the main path.

One was the distinguished president of the Art Association.

The other was the respected vice president of the Literature and Art Association.

"Tsk, tsk."

"The personal appearance of these two high-ranking officials clearly signals the immense significance the Art Association places on this showdown."

"Naturally, it holds great importance."

"What we're witnessing today is precisely the outcome the Literature and Art Association worked towards."

"However, Xianyu's popularity is truly astounding; the majority of the cheers are for him, effectively overshadowing Qin Zhen's fan base."

Inside the grand Central Continent Music Hall.

The atmosphere was electric.

Streams of attendees poured in.

The seating areas steadily filled with eager spectators.

Concurrently, the official webcast commenced as the audience began to take their seats.

Wow!

The online chat in the webcast was flooded with messages:

"It's about to begin!"

"I've secured a supreme VIP seat!"

"Hahahaha, are you talking about the VIP seats in the live broadcast room?"

"The lineup of invited guests is quite formidable!"

"I think I spotted Mei Xiaoge, who once dominated the dance charts. Do you think Daddy Yu will claim the top spot today?"

"Boiling Sheep is here too!"

Shadow had recently produced a cartoon titled "Xiyangyang and the Big Big Wolf," which was airing on the Children's Channel.

Within the show, there was a character named Boiling Sheep.

His resemblance to Fei Yang was uncanny.

As a result, internet users began affectionately referring to Fei Yang as "Boiling Sheep."

"What about Qin Zhen?"

"Where is Daddy Fish?"

"He should be getting ready backstage."

"Whoa!"

"Did you catch a glimpse of the private room upstairs? Was that him?"

"Huh!"

"It's his father!"

"His father is front and center; why is he here?"

"Dad Yu and Qin Zhen are truly pulling out all the stops!"

Indeed, it seemed they were, as numerous important figures were observed occupying seats in the main hall.

Typically, these prominent individuals would be seated in exclusive private boxes.

This unusual arrangement suggested that the status of those in the private suites today was even higher than those in attendance in the hall.

Seven o'clock in the evening.

Amidst the ongoing discussions both at the venue and in the live broadcast chat, the charismatic host, An Hong, made his grand entrance onto the stage!

The audience erupted in applause, clearly delighted.

An Hong had clearly become a national favorite, seemingly indispensable for any major event.

"Distinguished guests present and joining us via live broadcast, a very good evening to you all. I am An Hong, and it is my distinct honor to serve as your host for this monumental showdown in the music world. At this very moment, much like yourselves, I am filled with both a sense of nervous anticipation and eager excitement..."

Following his opening remarks.

An Hong announced: "To guarantee absolute fairness in today's competition, the order of performance will be determined by a live drawing of lots. I now invite Mr. Qin Zhen and Mr. Lin Yuan to please come onto the stage to participate in the draw!"

As his words concluded.

Lin Yuan and Qin Zhen gracefully ascended the stage together.

This momentous confrontation centered entirely around these two individuals, and luminaries from all sectors had gathered precisely for them today.

Yet, neither of them displayed any trace of tension or apprehension; instead, their faces held an aura of profound calmness, complemented by faint, knowing smiles.

Judging solely by their mental fortitude, it appeared that both possessed an equal chance of emerging victorious.

The lottery involved spherical balls, with one marked '1' and the other '2'.

These two spheres were placed within a transparent container, which was then spun rapidly, making it impossible for the human eye to track their movement, let alone discern their markings.

After a vigorous thirty-second spin.

An Hong motioned for the two contestants to make their selections.

Qin Zhen offered a polite gesture of deference to Lin Yuan, indicating he should choose first.

Lin Yuan responded gracefully, "As the junior participant, I should show respect and allow the senior to go first."

"Very well, I shall proceed first then."

Without further ado, Qin Zhen reached into the box, retrieved a sphere, and carefully opened it.

The number revealed was "1."

An Hong made an announcement: "Mr. Qin Zhen will be appearing first, followed by Mr. Lin Yuan. Both esteemed teachers are requested to proceed backstage for final preparations. In five minutes, Mr. Qin Zhen's composition will commence."

Lin Yuan and Qin Zhen exchanged pleasantries before exiting the stage.

Studio.

"Daddy Yu is performing second!"

"Is this setting him up for the 'first mover advantage and loser' trope?"

"Hahahaha."

"Not necessarily."

"Because today features a symphony piece, and a symphony performance typically lasts at least half an hour. By the time it concludes, the audience will be saturated with the melodies of the initial performance. If the second symphony piece isn't sufficiently astonishing, people might find themselves momentarily disoriented. The impact of the first symphony can indeed sway initial judgments."

"That's what they call 'getting a head start'."

"Whether it's the first mover advantage or the first mover disadvantage, it's all speculative. The ultimate outcome hinges on the quality of the work itself. These two individuals are the caliber of masters who could very well secure both first and second place."

"So, what about the results?"

"Competitions like this don't reveal results on the spot. Once the works are presented, the true answers will naturally unfold over time."

"That makes sense."

"Look, the Qin Zhen Band is arriving!"

"The conductor is Chen Mi, Blue Star's premier conductor!"

"Wait a moment!"

"Who is that?"

"Good heavens, Qin Zhen is actually appearing as a musician!?"

Exclamations erupted from the crowd!

Many were taken by surprise that Qin Zhen would perform as a musician, appearing alongside the orchestra.

The instrument Qin Zhen was assigned to play was the flute.

The initial wave of surprise subsided quickly.

With just a minute before the performance, the audience fell into a profound silence, so quiet one could hear a needle drop.

The discerning nature of the audience was evident; no one dared to utter a sound, lest they disturb the performance.

Stage podium.

The renowned Blue Star conductor, Chen Mi, turned and raised his baton.

Prelude, Adagio, E minor.

This symphony is a composition in a grand, narrative style.

A sense of magnificence pervades the entire prelude section.

The strings!

The timpani!

The wind instruments!

The interwoven melodies from these instruments engaged in a vigorous interplay, creating a robust and spirited rhythm, marked by intense tension and a rapid tempo, delivering a profoundly impactful effect!

And within this powerful impact.

A subtle undercurrent of nostalgia seemed to emerge.

It became apparent that this symphonic work conveyed not only a grand narrative but also a potent emotional depth.

On the massive screen.

The title of the composition was revealed.

This marked Qin Zhen's eighth symphony, with its first movement titled "To the New World." The thematic core explored the transformations taking place with the merger of Blue Star's eight continents and their pervasive influence on contemporary society.

Lin Yuan listened intently to the symphony unfolding around him.

Qin Zhen was widely recognized as the most celebrated contemporary symphony master on Blue Star.

Such a master was naturally exceptional; describing his compositions as breathtaking would be no exaggeration.

Lin Yuan even mused that if a figure like Qin Zhen had existed on Earth, he would undoubtedly have become a towering legend in the contemporary music scene, incomparable to any other.

This was due to the lack of comparable contemporary masters on Earth.

If one were to seek a parallel, it would necessitate looking back at the most influential figures in global music history.

However, in this particular moment.

Lin Yuan's thoughts were not on victory or defeat. He was immersed in the present, savoring the unfamiliar yet profoundly moving composition.

Following a brief transitional passage.

The second movement of the symphony commenced.

In the key of D-flat major, it featured an eight-beat structure.

Upon careful listening, one could discern distinct nuances within each of these eight beats.

Take the first beat, for instance.

The woodwind section of the orchestra took the lead, presenting a series of somber chords in the bass register. Following this, Qin Zhen's flute solo introduced an adagio theme, imbued with an ethereal beauty and a mystical quality. The strings provided a simple chordal accompaniment, evoking a sense of longing that brought to mind the artistry of Qin Zhou.

The second beat...

The third beat...

The second movement appeared to weave together eight thematic styles, reminiscent of the diverse musical traditions from the Qin, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Zhongzhou regions.

This concept, while striking, was not entirely unprecedented.

Nonetheless, the practical execution presented a daunting challenge.

Qin Zhen was tasked with harmonizing the musical styles of these eight distinct regions into a single movement.

Qin Zhen had succeeded in this endeavor.

At this point, Lin Yuan felt that Qin Zhen's standing in the Blue Star music community was truly remarkable!

A symphony typically comprises four movements.

Qin Zhen's Symphony also adhered to the standard structure of four movements.

The third movement.

This particular movement was considerably longer than the preceding two.

Adopting a scherzo style, it seemed to musically portray the transition between two distinct eras.

In the initial section.

The melody was light and spirited, evoking lively and capricious emotions. In those days, Bluestar had not yet unified, and each continent possessed its own distinct musical styles. Life for individuals in such a small world was relatively carefree.

Transitioning to the latter half.

The theme shifted towards a grander scale. While the focus on instruments and melody had clearly changed, the theme harmonized and echoed the preceding section, vividly showcasing the characteristics of the fifth scale!

To merge, or not to merge?

The answer remained unknown.

However, it was undeniable that everyone had adapted to the new era's momentum. The continents grew increasingly interconnected, transforming one's hometown into a complex tapestry. Indeed, this had evolved into a globalized society!

The conclusion of the third movement served as a subtle transition.

Typically, a noticeable pause exists between movements.

Yet, Qin Zhen's third and fourth movements were seamlessly linked.

As the former drew to a close, conductor Chen Mi initiated the performance of the fourth movement.

This marked the pinnacle of the entire symphony!

A quintessential Allegro!

Presented in a magnificent sonata form!

It was akin to a musical summation of Bluestar's ongoing unification, its majestic momentum surging to its zenith. Simultaneously, new themes emerged, intertwining to form a powerful torrent of emotion!

At this very moment.

The dawn of a new era imbued everyone with a profound sense of responsibility and purpose!

The primary theme of this movement, robust and commanding, was carried by the French horn and trumpet;

The secondary theme, a gentle and lyrical melody, was presented by the clarinet.

Following this extensive development, a glorious finale unfurled!

As the final note resonated, thunderous applause erupted, lasting for an extended period!

This was a symphony destined to define the current age!

It was a composition beyond reproach, truly a masterpiece!

Furthermore, it stood as a flawless testament, befitting the grand occasion of the Bluestar music summit showdown!

Simultaneously.

This was a piece that made Lin Yuan deeply thankful he hadn't underestimated his opponent and had decisively secured Beethoven's compositions...

Central Continent Music Hall.

The hall throbbed with resounding applause.

"Among Qin Zhen's symphonies, this one has impacted me the most!"

"The architectural brilliance of this symphony is divine, achieving the impossible. It's as if the music narrates the transformation of world history. Such a work should emerge during the transition of an era!"

"The only criticism I could offer is a slight commonality in its style, but even that is a stretch."

"The melody, the technique, even the overall scope are flawless—this is his latest magnum opus!"

"His personal performance on the flute, leading the flute section, was incredibly moving!"

"The principal flute's execution of the themes from Qinzhou and Zhongzhou was thoughtfully designed."

"Xianyu faces a significant challenge now."

"I'm even more eager for Xianyu's new work. The melody of 'Destiny' still resonates powerfully within me."

"Literature and art often possess an intangible quality. Do you believe this composition surpasses Xianyu's 'Destiny'?"

"If a definitive winner is to be declared, Xianyu will need to present a truly divine masterpiece."

"Perhaps Xianyu's 'Destiny' was merely a fleeting moment of brilliance, and this new work might not achieve the same heights."

The atmosphere buzzed with intense discussion.

Distinguished figures from every field were present.

Including the esteemed 'Music Father'.

And dedicated aficionados of pure music.

Meanwhile, in the live broadcast room.

The chat feed was already in a frenzy.

"The climax of the fourth movement was absolutely exhilarating!"

"The third movement, depicting the transition between two centuries, the design is simply ingenious!"

"I detected the essence of Qinzhou!"

"I recognized the Middle-earth element!"

"It's more than just those two continents; it seems he's incorporated the musical characteristics of all eight Blue Star continents. Yet, they blend so harmoniously that not a hint of discord can be perceived."

"All I know is that Qinzhou's music is truly magnificent!"

"I believe I've developed a fondness for symphonies. This is my first time truly appreciating this genre of music!"

"Symphony is the music within music!"

"Can Fish Daddy secure the victory?"

"It feels like a fifty-fifty chance, maybe even forty-sixty. Qin Zhen's piece is incredibly formidable!"

"It's alright, Father Yu is still young. Even if he doesn't win this round, it's not a major setback, given how terrifyingly strong his opponent is this time!"

"Indeed."

Qin Zhen is undoubtedly the most formidable adversary Xianyu has encountered since his debut!

Considering this particular composition.

Qin Zhen slightly edges out Yang Zhongming and Russell.

A fifteen-minute intermission.

Allowing the audience a moment of quiet reflection.

For the initial fifteen minutes, the host, An Hong, remained largely silent, naturally introducing Xianyu to the stage as the designated time arrived.

in the game.

It is customary for a host not to take sides when two performers face off.

Then, after An Hong announced, "We now invite Mr. Lin Yuan to the stage," Lin Yuan, casting aside all distractions, led his band towards the podium.

Instantly.

The audience erupted in astonishment!

"What!"

"Why is Xianyu heading straight for the podium?"

"Where is the conductor?"

"Could he be directing it himself?"

"That can't be right!"

"Does Xianyu even know how to conduct?"

"In such a critical match, why didn't he seek assistance from a renowned conductor like Chen Mi?"

"Given his standing, shouldn't the world's top conductors be eager to collaborate with him?"

"Didn't he enlist the help of Teacher Wei Shujing for Destiny last time?"

"I heard Teacher Wei Shujing fell quite ill, so unwell that he couldn't perform on stage."

"Ah, I see. Even so, he could have found another conductor. Surely, he could find a conductor on par with Wei Shujing. What's going on?"

Those familiar with symphonic music understand the pivotal role of a conductor.

From the studio.

Similar exclamations arose.

Not every viewer grasped the significance of a conductor's role within an orchestra.

However, as explanations appeared in the comments, the audience quickly came to understand the implication of Lin Yuan occupying the podium.

"Oh, this is unexpected!"

"What does it signify?"

"Can a conductor truly impact the performance's quality so directly?"

"Then why did Father Yu take the podium himself?"

"Even if he possesses conducting skills – given his multi-talented nature – he likely cannot match a top-tier conductor, can he?"

"This is quite the enigma."

"The conductor's influence is undeniably substantial. What is Father Yu contemplating?"

"Let's have faith in him!"

"Since he's standing there, he must have his reasons. After all, this is the most crucial competition he's faced since his debut!"

Regardless of public speculation, the stage preparations proceeded without interruption.

As the orchestra took its time to adjust, each musician meticulously completed their final warm-ups.

Simultaneously, an observation was made:

A choir had, in fact, ascended the stage.

At this point, even those with some understanding of symphonic structure, let alone the uninitiated, were filled with bewilderment.

Such doubt was entirely natural.

The vast majority of symphonic works on Earth do not feature a chorus.

Only a select few symphonic compositions are enhanced by a live choir.

And on Blue Star, n