In ancient times, there was a renowned singer named Qin Qing, whose voice was powerful and wide-ranging, attracting many aspiring singers to study under him.
A young man named Xue Tan came to study under the master singer Qin Qing. Xue Tan worked hard and improved quickly, soon becoming the top student, which pleased Qin Qing greatly.
Xue Tan, after studying for a while, grew arrogant, believing he had mastered all of his teacher's singing skills, and said to Qin Qing, "Teacher, I've learned enough, so I'd like to go home!"
Qin Qing knew that Xue Tan had great talent, but also recognized his arrogance. He decided not to dissuade him directly, saying, "Xue Tan, if you wish to leave, I won't stop you! Let me see you off and hold a farewell feast for you on the main road!"
So Qin Qing accompanied some students to see Xue Tan off on the main road. Qin Qing specially prepared wine and dishes to bid Xue Tan farewell. After drinking, Qin Qing said, "Xue Tan, I've composed a new song and planned to teach it to you later. Now that you're leaving, I'll sing it here once, consider it a gift to you!"
Qin Qing began to sing, keeping time with his claps. His voice was solemn and powerful, brimming with genuine emotion, as if even the trees by the roadside were moved, standing still to listen; as if the clouds in the sky were drawn to halt their drift, no longer moving.
After hearing his teacher's song, Xue Tan realized how far he still had to go. He knelt before Qin Qing, begging forgiveness, saying, "I was wrong to think I had mastered your art. Please let me stay and continue learning."
Xue Tan stayed on to continue learning singing from Qin Qing, and from that day forward, Xue Tan never again dared to mention returning home.
Later, the idiom "resounding to stop the passing clouds" came to describe a loud, clear voice or beautiful singing.
Source: *Liezi*, Chapter "Tang Wen"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "响遏行云" came to describe a loud, clear voice or beautiful singing.