In the past, stand-up comedians would often start by singing traditional songs like “Peaceful Lyrics” (Tai Ping Ge Li) before performing their stand-up routines. Qi Shujiang pulled out two wooden blocks and began to play a simple melody on them. He cleared his throat and started to sing in a clear voice. The performers watched in awe as Qi Shujiang sang with such ease and confidence. Qi Shejiang tapped on the bamboo clapper and sang, “Leisurely wandering the five mountains, playing in the four seas, in the depths of smoke and mist lies a spiritual realm. Riding on a green lyre, mounted on a white crane, a lone traveler from Kunlun awakens. The immortals of the three realms all yield to him; born to transcend, a master of fire essence…” His singing was filled with charisma, especially since this was a song from his own school.
Because Qi Shejiang had a background in Peking opera, his rendition was even richer in expression. This was somewhat of a unique singing segment, but Qi Shejiang didn’t mention this, only stating that it had been lost to history. Yet, while singing, Qi Shejiang noticed that the other actors were opening their mouths and surprisingly started singing along!
“Jiao cuts two points to conquer the heroes, Lu Ya arrives to defeat Gongming.” “First battling Yu Yuan to break the fierce formation, flying daggers slay immortals with no false name.” Just like that, they harmonized four lines, growing louder and turning into a big chorus. Qi Shejiang couldn’t help but stop, a bit stunned, and asked, “How do you all know this?” The others exchanged glances and burst into laughter. “How novel! Isn’t this ‘Lu Ya Jue Gongming’?” the actor who initially questioned him said. “Bro, you should check, shortly after the New Xia era was established, Old Man Meng even sang this on the radio. Not only do I know it, my grandfather knows it too.” Qi Shejiang: “…………” Such a well-known segment, even abroad, wouldn’t those slightly interested in this field not know about it?
