In the jianghu, numerous factions, including Shaolin, Wendao, Shenmo, Lingmeng, Duanjian, Yunsheng, and Xuanmu, stand on equal footing with the imperial court, each keeping out of the other's affairs. Yet in this overgrown, turbulent world of martial arts, a widely believed legend has been passed down: In the Spring and Autumn period, the sage Confucius compiled the Six Classics: the Book of Songs, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, the Book of Music, and the Spring and Autumn Annals. But the Book of Music vanished into the vast river of history. They say it was lost because it recorded a little-known secret: the Song of Immortality. Unofficial histories claim that the book describes the Four Divine Melodies of antiquity: the first, Exorcising Ghosts; the second, Summoning Gods; the third, Commanding Mortals; and the fourth, Immortality. The last is a melody said to grant eternal life to anyone who hears it. Rumors of these Four Divine Melodies have swept across the jianghu, and sects of every size scheme to find this boundless treasure. Another rumor claims that clues to the Four Divine Melodies appear in Han Feizi. Volume Four of Han Feizi records: “Long ago, the Yellow Emperor assembled ghosts and gods atop Mount Tai. He rode an elephant-drawn carriage with six dragons, while Bifang birds served as outriders. Chiyou led the way, the Wind Earl swept the road, and the Rain Master sprinkled it. Tigers and wolves marched ahead, ghosts and gods followed behind, serpents lay coiled on the ground, and phoenixes spread their wings overhead. When the host of ghosts and gods had gathered, they performed the Qingjiao. Shi Kuang had no choice but to play it. At the first note, dark clouds rose in the northwest. At the second, a gale came, followed by a downpour. Curtains were torn, ritual vessels smashed, and corridor tiles shattered. Those seated scattered and fled, while Duke Ping cowered in a room off the corridor. A great drought then struck Jin, leaving the land barren for three years.”
