Chapter 180: Ten Poems In Ten Steps
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Hssss!"
The crowd inhaled a breath of cold air!
Composing a poem on the spot was young master Mo's expertise!
Someone then shouted out, "I've heard that young master Mo managed to compose a poem in just ten steps for the Fire Emperor. Do we have the fortunes of seeing such a skill?"
Everyone started to reveal cheers of joy and anticipation.
Most of them had heard of young master Mo's ten step poem before the Fire Nation's Emperor. If they manage to hear young master Mo compose a poem in ten steps once again, it would be a historical moment for everyone!
Once the poem was completed, it would also be a poem that would be recorded in the books of history.
Besides, young master Mo's talents in poem are undoubted. In fact, he was so good in poetry that he was the unrivalled Poem King within Fire Nations. Anyone who could witness his 'ten steps poem' would be deemed to be extremely fortunate.
Madam Ya was rather astonished as well. In previous banquets, the crowd would come up with their own topics of discussion, since they would have made preparations before coming and allow others to enjoy their work. Today, young master Mo requested for her to give a topic. He clearly wanted to win some of his pride and dignity back.
Although Madam Ya felt that agreeing in this wouldn't be fair to Xu Que, she badly wanted to witness young master Mo's ten step poem as well.
"Regardless of whatever topic Madam Ya gives, I will be able to complete a full poem within ten steps!" Young master Mo stood up, as he readied himself. His eyes were focused as he smiled and looked at Madam Ya.
Complete a full poem within ten steps!
Madam Ya was so excited by these words that her heart was hammering in her chest. Such confidence and exquisite talents caused her to go in a daze!
For a student to compose a good poem was the ultimate test of how brilliant and knowledgeable he was. If he wasn't the best student or the most talented, how will he ever dare to speak such big words to promise a complete poem within ten steps?
Hence, Madam Ya replied, "Alright. Since young mister Mo's so full of confidence, I shall come up with a topic!"
As she finished, she turned her head back to look at her surroundings before looking at the sky.
At this point, the sky was gradually turning dark as if it was about to rain anytime soon!
Madam Ya smiled gently as she spoke, "Since we're right on the brink of spring, everyone can look out and see that the clouds are dense and thick. Maybe we shall receive our first spring rain today. Let's have spring rain as the topic. What do you think?"
Spring rain?
When the students heard this, their eyes gleamed. This wasn't very hard!
However, even though this wasn't a difficult topic, it would be rather hard to compose a poem within ten steps!
To most of the students present, writing a poem would always have the comfort of their own homes. They would rack their brains and think for hours on end before they produce a work that's average at best. For someone to do it in within ten steps was practically impossible to them.
Xu Que was still standing by the side when he heard the topic of 'spring rain' and was elated.
Hehe... spring rain? Within my book of 300 Tang Poems, most of them can be linked to this topic. Besides, each and every poem in this book is a work of genius!
Even before Madam Ya could finish speaking her sentence, Mo Yun Shang walked out.
When he took his first step, everyone's expression was one of surprise.
"How... How is this possible?"
"Doesn't he even need to think?"
Even Madam Ya reacted to this in amazement. As soon as he heard the topic, he could immediately compose a poem. That was amazing. It's no wonder he's referred to as Poem King!
Mo Yun Shang's eyes exuded immense confidence in his own abilities as endearing dimples were able to capture the hearts of those who heard him. Mo Yun Shan reared his head up before taking his second step, "The spring rains are as fine as dust."
Soon after, he took his third step, "While the willow trees outside, a brilliant shade of yellow."
Even before the audience could ponder over his words, he took another step forward and recited the fourth line, "Curtains entwined with the gentle wind."
He was down to his last line. Everyone held their breaths in nervous anticipation as they watched his feet. He had three steps to go. Could he complete the poem within three steps?
Indeed, the contented look on Mo Yun Shang's face indicated that he was more than confident of achieving such a feat. He took a deep breath before finishing his last three steps. He then spoke loudly, "As the satin cloths sway in the mild breeze."
He took a total of ten steps and delivered such an amazing poem!
Clap clap clap clap…
The audience were filled with astonishment and were clearly impressed!
The sounds of applause were almost deafening.
"Great poem! What a great poem!"
"Indeed, he's the Poem King. He could compose a brilliant poem from scratch within just ten steps.
"The spring rains are as fine as dust, while the willow trees outside, a brilliant shade of yellow. Indeed, that is the scenery we get to view at this very moment across the great lake!"
"It's hard to imagine how talented young master Mo is. Even before the first drops of rain had descended, he's already painted a beautiful picture of spring in our imaginations that is so lifelike!"
Several students voiced out their opinions and were filled with respect.
Tang Liu Feng was sighing as well, "The title of Poem King is indeed not in vain. Today, my eyes have been treated to a sumptuous experience!"
Madam Ya was mildly trembling as her eyes twinkled in delight. She sighed, "Young mister Mo's poem is indeed the best poem to describe spring rain!"
"Pu!" Xu Que spat out an entire mouthful of tea on the floor, as his face contorted in disgust.
Fuck, how could this be considered 'best poem'? Are you trying to tease me?
Indeed, when he spat out tea, he had attracted the attention of everyone again.
Mo Yun Shan turned around and glared at him, his eyes emanated an icy stare and laughed coldly, "What? Could it be that Brother Li despises my poem?"
"Gulp… It's alright, but it isn't even worth my despise!" Xu Que wiped away some tea water on his lips and laughed dryly.
As soon as this words were spoken, the crowd's lips puckered in disgust.
It isn't even worth his despise?
Fuck me! Big brother, you're bragging a little too much here right?
The quality of this poem could even be the best in Fire Nation! And he even composed it all within ten steps. With the amount of talent it took to produce something like that, you even say that it's not worth your despise?"
Mo Yun Shang couldn't bear it any longer and burst out, "Since that's the case, I wonder if brother Li has a better piece of work?"
"Me? Of course I do. Are you sure you wish to hear it?" Xu Que blinked several times as his heart roared with happiness. This humble subject didn't wish to act tough, but you forced me to. I shall oblige you. Looks like sometimes, even when I don't wish to act tough, the career catches me off guard! So, don't blame me for putting on a good show!
The crowd looked at his face and had to suppress the inner urge to rush forward and beat his stinking face. Their hearts were filled with disgust and repulse for him.
A student then cleared his throat, "Young master Mo composed his poem in ten steps. If you can really compose a poem, it still won't mean that you're more talented than him!"
"Hehe… did you say ten steps?" Xu Que laughed coldly before shaking his head, "To me, that poem was utter trash!"
"You… What did you say?"
"The audacity! How outrageous! You dare to lose your mannerisms and speak in such a way!"
"If a ten step poem is too easy for you, are you going to compose a poem in seven steps?"
The crowd was enraged when they heard this and that Mo Yun Shan was truly being treated unjustifiably.
The ten steps poem was extremely difficult and he even managed to compose such a high quality poem, but you actually called it trash?
"Boom!"
Xu Que slammed the tea cup heavily on the table, as he smiled out, "Seven steps poem? What's the big deal with that? But I have to apologize. This humble subject won't just compose one poem in ten steps. Instead… I shall compose ten poems in ten steps!"
Chapter 181: This Shower, Is Life And Death!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Ten poems in ten steps?
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone around were roused!
The students were agitated and furious. Even Tang Liu Feng was afraid.
To compose a poem in seven steps was considered a great art form and required the poet to be extremely proficient. Being able to do this would cause many students sing great praise about the poet.
However, to compose ten poems in ten steps, how good can the poem be? This conversation wasn't about composing poems anymore. In fact, it seemed to the students that Xu Que was just trying to humiliate young master Mo.
"Outrageous Li Bai! You've got overboard this time!"
"You are not worthy of being called a student and are a disgrace to the educated. What a low down!"
"What a heretic. If you had been born a hundred years ago, they would place you on a stake and burn you to death. Outrageous!"
"Ten poems in ten steps, that's unbelievable. Who do you think you're kidding?"
"And you even dare to spout rubbish like this here in Madam Ya's banquet. You have no regard for anybody and are too arrogant"
The crowd started hurling abuses at him, clearly outraged by what he claimed.
Mo Yun Shang was elated at how the students were responding towards Xu Que. He looked at Xu Que in a mocking expression and asked, "Brother Li, I shan't add more comments. You went overboard earlier with your jokes. But now, you've crossed the line when it comes to calling yourself a student!"
"Arrogant braggart, you are nothing more than a joke!" The leader of the four great students, young master Zhao shouted out with an expressionless face.
In the blink of an eye, Xu Que was the butt of ridicule and insults once again as everyone shouted at him in rage.
Even Madam Ya was stumped by this. She had never imagined that Li Bai was capable of spouting such rubbish. It was indeed overboard for him to say something like that.
She opened her mouth, about to say something.
"Whoosh!"
All of a sudden, a rasping sound could be heard.
Xu Que flung his wrists as he opened the fan in his hands and fanned himself twice, allowing a gentle breeze to brush against his face. He looked extremely confident and at ease.
He then stood up as he cast his glance outwards before breaking out in uncontrollable laughter, "While others are teasing my madness, I am laughing at their short sightedness!"
Everyone paused, their faces revealed looked of shock!
Tang Liu Feng opened his mouth wide in a daze.
Even Madam Ya's eyes were wide open as her body trembled.
Young master Zhao's expression froze.
Young master Mo's smile froze before it faded off his face.
"While others are teasing my madness, I am laughing at their short sightedness!"
This line was extremely poetic, and was an attack at the students. The words he chose were intentional and had successfully made his point. This was an amazing line!
Indeed, when Xu Que took his next step, there was absolute silence within the hall as the students craned their necks to get a better look of him.
"Good rain knows its time well, and will fall once spring arrives. With the wind it steals the night, and silently dampens all things."
All the students present felt their hearts froze as their eyes bulged out of their sockets.
My god, this was an amazing poem, and… Every single line was an excellent combination of the right words. In fact, it was much better than young master Mo's poem!
Mo Yun Shang was dazed. He was aware of how great this poem was and he knew that it had completely crushed his own poem!
In that short time, Xu Que took his second step as he recited.
"On this piece of land, a thousand miles across, birds linger and flock in hues of red and green. In coastal villages and by the city walls, tavern signs flutter in the gentle breeze. Of the four hundred and eighty temples built in the Southern Dynasties, Most were shrouded in the hail of mists and rain."
The students within the hall inhaled deeply. This… This was another wonderful poem and it was such a scholarly piece!
"Dong!"
Xu Que took his third step.
"I wake up at the dawn of first spring, and hear birds everywhere sing."
"As sounded the wind and rain o'ernight, I wonder how many blooms alight."
It was a fantastically composed rhyming poem!
The audience were so shocked that most of them were afraid at this point. The expressions across most of their faces were so appalled that they looked extremely foolish!
"Huff puff huff puff!"
Right at this point, on a house across the Great Lake were several white birds spreading their wings before landing by the side of the lake. Leaves from fallen peach blossom plants lined the entire walkway. These birds would pick up fishes from within the lake with such agility.
"Dong!"
At the exact same moment, Xu Que took his fourth step as his lips curled upwards revealing a snarl.
"Before the Great Lake were several swallows, willow leaves and water entwined as they flowed."
"Green bamboo hats and woven jackets, once the rain falls, it never returns."
"Hsss…."
The entire crowd inhaled yet another breath of fresh air.
Damn it… This was indeed another brilliant poem.
And all it took was just for him to open his mouth, and take a step… And poems after poems were being composed!
Hence, at the moment, the audience were filled with anticipation infused with sheer shock!
Xu Que took his fifth and sixth steps without even pausing.
Line after line of brilliance came from the book which Xu Que had acquired. 300 Tang Poems had included many great works in relation to spring wind and all he did was to regurgitate these word after word.
"The drizzling rain falls like tears on the day of mourning, the mourner's heart is breaking while on his way…"
This was Du Gu's famous poem which was timeless and lasted through the ages!
"On a cold night within a small building, the sweet sound of autumn rain could be heard. Deep within an alley, a merchant sold flowers in herds…"
This was Lu You's poem!
"Startled by magpies leaving the branch under the moonlight, I hear cicadas shrill in the breeze at midnight. The rice fields' sweet smell promises a fruitful year. Listen, how frogs' croak pleases the ear. "
This was a poem by Xin Qiji!
All the way 'till he took his tenth step, Xu Que recited ten absolutely brilliant poems and had finished.
The crowd was beyond bewildered, as their hearts were still hammering in utter disbelief. They were still dreaming about the final poem which Xu Que had recited.
The entire hall was completely silent, a pin drop could even be heard!
"Drip drip drip…"
A strong wind blew, carrying several tiny raindrops.
The spring rain… Has finally arrived. This was the first raindrops in spring!
Some of the students were finally able to regain their senses after the tenth poem, but they were staring out at the rain in a daze.
Madam Ya had almost fallen to the ground, completely drained of energy. She was panting as her face blushed a deep shade of red.
Xu Que walked over to the door and stretched his hands out!
"Pi da!"
A few drops of rain descended down and onto his hands, wetting his palms!
The crowd were still astonished, as all eyes were on Xu Que, who was gazing far into the distance. His face had an expression of regret and sorrow as he spoke, "These drops of rain were born of the heavens but died here on earth. Their lives spanned the entire duration it took for the raindrops to land. Hence, this showers that we're looking at, isn't heaven, neither is it earth, nor raindrops. We're actually looking at the lives of raindrops! This… is life and death!"
As soon as his words were spoken, Xu Que raised his palms higher into the air before he clenched his fists!
"Boom!"
In that second, the raindrops outside seemed to halt and were suspended in midair. It was almost as if time had reached a standstill!
Xu Que then walked out, as if he was a guest who had overstayed his welcome in this world. He left an impression that was lonely and regretful as he disappeared into the distance.
The entire hall was still silent.
The hearts of the students were trembling by Xu Que's revelations about how the showers were the lives of raindrops!
After Xu Que had walked some distance away from the hall, a series of system notifications rang out in his head.
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 90 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 120 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for superbly acting tough and acting 'super duper smooth'. The reward is 500 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully completing five achievements: 'Fleeing after acting tough', 'Acting tough superbly', 'Acting massively tough', 'Acting smooth' and 'Acting super duper smooth'. You have gained a new title, 'Act Tough Tyrant'. As a result, prices are permanently reduced by 8 folds. Additional sections in the system store has been added!"
Chapter 182: Comprehensive Chinese Couplets
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Tyrant?
Screw your sister! You are the tyrant! Your entire family are tyrants!
Xu Que had fled immediately after acting tough and heard the system beeps within his head when his face contorted in anger. He couldn't stomach the offensive new title and raged out at the system. Afterall, "Act Tough Tyrant" wasn't half as nice sounding as Act Tough Criminal!
But… Since this new title enabled him to purchase items from the system store at 80% reduction of the original price, he didn't argue for long and sunk into silence soon after.
(T/N : Apologies for the unclear 'eightfold' price reduction in the previous chapter.)
The lines which he had uttered earlier, '"These drops of rain were born of the heavens but died here on earth. Their lives spanned the entire duration it took for the raindrops to land."' wasn't actually original.
In fact, these lines were taken from the main character of a popular story. He had decided to use them at this opportune timing to great effect. Truth be told, a person of his nature wouldn't have been able to be so deep and eloquent sounding ever!
All this were done just to act tough and gain points. As for not deriving true understanding and comprehension of the phrase and its context, Xu Que didn't even care. After all, the way for him to become stronger and gain levels was through points and didn't require him to attain enlightenment or knowledge!
He walked past a wall and stood at the corner before calling out his system and entering the store.
Indeed, the prices of all the items in his sight had drastic changes. The prices had been significantly reduced and there were many more new additions too.
The first thing Xu Que's eyes caught sight of was the new educational and learning segment of the store. This section was new and was extremely comprehensive. It even included all the works of Confucius and his disciples along with other renowned philosophers.
However, the thing which made Xu Que the most excited was the availability of the book .
Seeing this filled him with immense joy!
"A book on couplets! Hahah! Looks like I can act tough once again! System, I wish to purchase the book !"
Xu Que thus purchased it without further hesitation and used it immediately.
Later on during the banquet, there would be a couplet competition. Xu Que knew that he was rather poor with couplets and thus had decided to flee earlier in order to save him the inevitable embarrassment. Now, however, he was filled with confidence.
Whoosh!
In that instant, the book vanished from his system inventory as it transformed into a ray of white light and swirled around his mind. Once again, his knowledge on the subject had increased many folds.
Along with the , this gave him many poetic lines and phrases. However, the most important aspect about this was that it also equipped him with the skill of writing poems and forming correct replies to couplets.
Additionally, Xu Que recalled the classes he was made to attend in his previous life and how he was forced to memorize poems as a child. Hence when he looked at these lines now, he didn't find them too strange or foreign to him.
After he had purchased the book, knowledge started to fill Xu Que's mind. His lips curled into a smile. At this point, he still wasn't particularly anxious to return and thus continued standing by the corner of the wall, exploring the other items within the system store.
Apart from this new educational segment, there were many other new items added to the system store.
For example, there were many strange spells manuals added which caused Xu Que to feel extremely bewildered. There was this strange and also .
Xu Que, who admits to have the purest of hearts and was the most innocent, was startled. He took mental notes on several of these books and their prices before checking out other items.
When he next explored the food section, he was stumped!
There were many other new items added into the food section. However, the prices of these items were very high. In fact, they were unreasonably high!
When Xu Que saw these prices, he was enraged, "System, explain to me something. Why did the smelly tofu and other food items cost me only 1 act tough points in the past and yet the new food items release are being sold at such an exorbitant price? You're actually selling a single item for 100 act tough points now? Why don't you rob the bank or something?"
"This system has decided on prices set for each item in a fair and absolute manner!" The system replied plainly.
"Fair and absolute? Fuck me. Are you learning how to act tough from me now?"
Xu Que was clearly upset at this point as he replied the system, "Then why don't you tell me, why would a packet of cigarettes costs 100 act tough points? Likewise, a bottle of beer also costs 100 act tough points, why?"
"Ding! Smoking cigarettes is bad for your health!"
"What?" Xu Que's expression revealed a look of astonishment, "Then what about beers?"
"Ding! Alcohol will cause you to screw things up!"
"..."
Xu Que had no retort for that. Afterall, the system was correct in its replies. Xu Que actually had absolutely nothing to say.
It was true that smoking cigarettes was indeed harmful. But what on earth did drinking beers have anything to do with screwing things up? Could drinking a little beer ruin my acting tough career?
Damn it. It's so obvious that you've realized how rich I am now and are trying to cheat me, huh? But isn't it just 100 act tough points? Money is something I have. Since you're trying to dissuade me from purchasing it, I shall damned well purchase it!!
The more Xu Que thought about this, the angrier he became. At last, he waved his hands and purchased a packet of cigarettes!
"Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing a packet of cigarettes. The cost is 100 act tough points! Do you require a lighter for your recent purchase? After the 80% discount, it only costs 20 act tough points!"
"Fuck! You are indeed a scammy, cheating, damned system!" Xu Que scolded harshly as he flicked his robes.
A lighter? Why would I need a lighter? I am a cultivator. I can conjure fire anytime I wish!
Back at the dining hall of the banquet, after Xu Que had left, the entire hall slumped into silence.
Everyone was still pondering the deep essence of Xu Que's last words as their hearts hammered fiercely within their chests!
"It was hard to fathom how a common rain was able to enlighten brother Li and direct him to speak such words." Tang Liu Feng sighed as he muttered under his breath.
Another student was filled with regret, "Looks like we've all misunderstood brother Li. Although he looks like an unrestrained and improper student, that's just his character! In actual fact, he's such a talented individual!"
"While others are teasing my madness, I am laughing at their shortsightedness. This sentence was an actual depiction of his life. In the past, I didn't understand him at all. But I think I do now."
"That's right . Although he's an obstinate and arrogant person, the ten poems which he had recited was indeed the best I've ever heard! Even though we're unable to see past his flawed character, we have to admit his brilliant talents!"
"These drops of rain were born of the heavens but died here on earth. These words had caused me to reach a new level of understanding and I've learnt quite a fair bit from it. In fact, after several more days of secluded meditation, I should be able to break past my bottleneck and finally ascend in cultivation. Brother Li's words are truly wise!"
More students started opening their mouths to speak objectively and impartially about Xu Que's talents.
Those ten poems managed to convince many students! Nobody around dared to say that they weren't good poems. Absolutely nobody!
Even Mo Yun Shang wasn't able to say anything negative about those poems. Instead, he sat on his seat, his expression was one of utter disbelief. Despite the sense of dissatisfaction within his heart, he couldn't say anything in rebuttal of these words of praise for Xu Que.
As for those ten poems, he couldn't find a single flaw in it. This was to say that in their poems sparring session, he had lost. Or rather, he had lost extremely badly!
Madam Ya's heart was trembling in fear and she was left reeling in a daze. She had never met a more talented young man in her life. His talents were undisputed and were extraordinary. His personality and character was unique. The fact that he was so stubborn and arrogant was… Extremely charming!
The fact that Madam Ya was completely bowled over by Xu Que was compounded by her inherent condition. She was overwhelmed by such talented individuals, and had absolutely no resistance for people like these. At this point, her face was a deep shade of red as she stared at the empty door frame. There was an unspeakable strangeness lingering within her heart.
The way that Xu Que was forceful, agitated, impassioned and at the same time, cheerful, lingered within her mind. She was unable to forget the expressions on his face for a very long time.
The only person present who was still able to cling onto his composure and calmness was the leader of the four greats, young master Zhao, who was known for his proficiency in couplets.
Chapter 183: Eh? Are You About To Discuss Couplets Now?
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Although young master Zhao was clearly astounded by Xu Que's performance, he didn't reveal the slightest hint of it on his face. He stood at his original place, his expression was unmoving. He picked up a cup of tea and took a sip before placing it down on the table.
"Pa da!"
The base of the teacup on the table broke the silence within the hall.
Young master Zhao then spoke, "Ten poems in ten steps, that's too ridiculous and incredulous. Something as absurd as that cannot be real. This person must've already composed these works earlier before he came. When the occasion arose, he then took out the pre-composed poems to recite! Or else, these poems weren't written by him. He probably copied it from somewhere unbeknownst to me. Don't be fooled by him!" As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was awakened from their delusions!
Mo Yun Shang who was feeling extremely down and dissatisfied, along with the other students who had been made a fool of by Xu Que finally reacted as soon as they heard this.
That's right. Ten poems in ten steps, that's way too absurd.
How was it ever possible that a person was able to compose ten poem and each one of them were extraordinary? That was impossible to achieve!
"Young master Zhao is right. As for that Li Bai, this humble subject finds it extremely hard to believe that he's capable of writing something as exquisite!"
"Indeed, that's the case. Also, if everyone was to think about it carefully, all the ten poems shared different sentiments. How was a person able to feel so much and gain so many insights in just ten steps?"
"This Li Bai is incorrigible and arrogant. This humble subject also refuses to believe that those were his own original words. It must be that he had obtained it from elsewhere and used it here today!"
"Outrageous! This man's actions are too despicable!"
Many students stood out and lashed out in anger.
The group of students who had voiced their support for Xu Que earlier frowned and objected, "Everyone, such words of accusations shouldn't ever be spoken. If these works were truly written by someone else, based on how extraordinary they are, why haven't we heard about it before then?"
"That's right. You know Li Bai as well, he has a strange temperament and personality. He could be honorable at one moment, and a rascal the next. Just based on the fact that he's very talented, it wouldn't be impossible that he has the ability to compose ten poems in ten steps. In fact, it would be rather normal for someone as exquisite as him!"
"We have no proof that he plagiarized from someone else. Hence it would be improper for us to assume that just based on subjective ideas and thus negate the effort and works of brother Li!"
"Eh, this humble subject agrees with you!"
With the varied discussions and opinions, the hall started becoming noisy once again.
Madam Ya sat by the corner and gradually regained her senses. When she came to, she saw an entire group of students quarreling, unable to get along with each other. She couldn't help but frown as she interrupted them, "Everyone, there's no need to quarrel further. This is just a simple banquet for all of us to become friends through poems. We don't have to remain friends based on personalities or characters after!"
As soon as she had finished speaking, everyone paused in shock. Even Madam Ya's expression looked rather displeased. At once, everyone shut their mouths and didn't dare to speak further.
Afterall, it was known that scholars often disparaged each other. These students had witnessed Xu Que reciting ten poems in ten steps without the need for much preparation. In fact, every single poem which he had recited were of excellent qualities. This caused the rest of the students to feel jealous and envious of his achievements, and thus suggested that these poems weren't written by Xu Que himself.
However, they had absolutely no proof to substantiate their claims. All they could do was to be sour about it and vocalize their suspicions. This thus caused Madam Ya to tell them off in a rather fierce and displeased tones. The rest of the students scurried to retrieve their orderly expressions filled with regret and respect.
Madam Ya's warmth only returned after she saw that the rest of the students had ceased bickering. With a grand gesture, she stood up and spoke, "Regardless of whether the poems were composed by young mister Li or not, there's no need for us to probe further. After all, this meeting was supposed to be about artistic talents and poem recitals. We're all here to enjoy the poems. What does everyone think about this?"
The students present all nodded their heads in agreement, "Madam Ya is right. We were being rude!"
"Since that's the case, shall we proceed with the banquet? Is there anyone here with another poem to share with us?" Madam Ya asked.
Indeed, nobody present dared to open their mouths as they looked down.
There were several students who had prepared poems to recite and yet didn't dare to recite any at this point.
In all honesty, this couldn't be helped. After Xu Que had recited his ten poems, who would dare to recite anymore poems and make a fool out of themselves? If Xu Que hadn't recited this brilliant poems, they could still read it out and might be viewed as passable. What about now?
If none of them would compete in poetry, their self esteem wouldn't be harmed!
Even the Poem King, Mo Yun Shan looked down in embarrassment as well as he muttered under his breath but didn't speak. If it had been a normal incident where a poem was needed to rival the previous poem, he would definitely have stood up and competed. He would've racked his brains for an inspiration to achieve victory over the previous poem.
At this point however, under the crushing pressure of Xu Que's amazing ten poems, Mo Yun Shan looked down without an answer for the first time ever. In fact, not only was a poetic reply lost on him, his courage was lost as well.
However, he was thankful that Xu Que had departed right after reciting his poems. If not, the students who had mocked Xu Que earlier would be subjected to repeated humiliation.
Seeing that everyone around was silent, Madam Ya's eyes revealed an expression of disappointment. She looked outside the hall as her heart sank.
After Xu Que had left, the only person who felt upset and regretful was Madam Ya!
She sighed deeply as her beautiful eyes looked towards young mister Zhao, who was silent and unspeaking. At last, a hint of a smile revealed across her face.
Even though young mister Li had left, she still had four of her great students, who might surprise her later on.
Thinking up to this point, she opened her mouth to speak, "Since everyone doesn't wish to discuss poetry any longer, let's proceed with antithetical couplets! The aim of this banquet is for everyone to share ideas and brainstorm together, so that we can all profit from this discussion!"
Couplets?
When everyone heard this, their eyes lit up as they broke out in discussion once more.
When it came to poetry, most of them knew that they didn't stand a chance. However, when it came to couplets, the field was more even. There was even a chance that they might impress.
The eyes of everyone landed on the leader of the four great students, young master Zhao.
They all knew that couplets were young master Zhao's strongest suit. He even had the title of Couplets King. However, the students all knew that young master Zhao had a mild and mellow temperament. He never liked to be the first person to kick start the discussion. Instead, he prefered to sit back and vocalize the second half of the couplet.
Hence as soon as Madam Ya mentioned the word 'couplet', everyone started to get excited once more.
They knew that even if they were to be bested by young master Zhao, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. After all, this person was the Couplets King, and was also the leader of the four great students.
On the other hand, if they could somehow baffle young master ZHao, they would almost certainly gain a reputation for themselves. This was such a great opportunity, and nobody in their right frame of minds would miss it.
Hence the students around all started becoming lively once again. Regardless of the circumstances, everyone was willing to try a couple of phrases and show their faces in a bid to increase their own reputations.
As everyone was rubbing their palms in excitement, ready to voice out a clever phrase which they've been thinking about for several months, Xu Que's shadow had appeared right at the entrance. Nobody had noticed this, but he stood there, his face was filled with a sly grin.
"Eh? Are you about to discuss couplets now? Truth be told, this humble subject's forte isn't in poems. It's actually in couplets!"
When the audience turned their heads to see who was speaking, they almost fainted.
Fuck, big brother, haven't you already left? Why have you returned!
And…. Poems aren't your forte? Your damned forte is in couplets now?
Are you here to discuss couplets, or here to incite a riot?
Can you give us all a chance to perform and excel?
Chapter 184: With cigarettes and beers, my powers have no peers
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Xu Que's arrival caused the entire crowd to slump into despair once again.
The person who could just summon the inspiration to recite ten poems effortlessly had actually said that poems weren't his forte, and that his forte was actually couplets. Nobody dared to breathe a word after that shocking statement.
Of course, the group of students who were saying that Xu Que had no talents and had plagiarized the work of others were sniggering and mocking him!
This included young master Zhao, who had long seen through Xu Que, and surmised that he was a talentless man. The ten poems all had different meanings and emotions. Just one look and he concluded that he had recited it from elsewhere and pooled all these poems together.
However, when it came to couplets, there was absolutely no way of memorizing or replying to a couplet with a random answer. Excelling in couplets required the person to truly be talented and witty. It even needed a person to be able to think on his feet!
Hence, young master Zhao's eyes which had always looked neutral and indifferent, now shone with a gleam of mockery.
He was confident that in competing with couplets, he would truly be able to expose the true nature of Li Bai for the quack that he was.
"Young mister Li, where did you go earlier? I thought that you've already departed and won't be returning!"
At this point, Madam Ya opened her mouth to speak as she laughed out. Her eyes were showing clear signs of admiration, and she was clearly unable to hide it.
However, to the old and experienced Xu Que, such a look in her eyes meant that she was clearly looking for a one night stand. Watching Madam Ya as she stood up with excitement, he laughed and replied, "Madam Ya spared me too much consideration. This humble subject only went out for a short stroll to find the true meaning of existence and life in the rain!"
"Hehehe…. Young mister Li is indeed refined and elegant!" Madam Ya laughed, losing her sense of propriety.
Everyone else glared at him with hot hatred burning within their hearts.
The gorgeous features and beautifully toned body of Madam Ya was said to be unrivalled within the entire Imperial City. She was obviously the dream of many students, and was the unspoken desire of their hearts, which they all fantasized about in the depths of the night.
However, the lofty and regal status of Madam Ya meant that nobody around had dared to even glance at her the wrong way.
At the present, Madam Ya didn't even bother hiding her admiration and liking for Xu Que. Many students had actually felt like their own woman had been stolen by Xu Que.
Even Young master Zhao was not excluded from such feelings as he gave a cold stare towards Xu Que.
Xu Que however, was extremely calm and as unbridled as the wind despite the tense atmosphere within the hall. He leaned against the door, with a rather elegant posture as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He then proceeded to pull out a stick and place it on his lips.
"Pah!"
He snapped his fingers as a small flame flickered on his finger, lighting up the cigarette. He took a deep drag and expelled smoke from his lips.
At the next moment, he whipped out a bottle of beer and tilted his head back and took a deep gulp. His face revealed a look of utmost satisfaction and bliss!
...
When the audience looked at him, they were stupefied. What the hell was this guy doing? Why was he sucking on a piece of paper?
And what was he drinking? It looked rather strange, and yet there was a certain smell similar to their rice wine.
"Brother Li, what's that you're sucking on?" Tang Liu Feng asked curiously.
"Pu!"
Xu Que spat out a mouthful of beer from his mouth as his eyes burned hot with rage, "Suck on your sister! Tang Bo Hu, can you bloody not speak such slandering words? This is called a cigarette. With cigarettes and beers, my powers have no peers. Do you understand?"
"....."
When the students heard this, a black line ran down the side of their faces.
With cigarettes and beers, powers have no peers?
Does this kid even know how to use couplets? He clearly didn't come here to fight, and he actually used strange devices to increase his powers?
Young master Zhao was laughing as he shook his head, "Vulgar claptrap trying to please the crowd. How ignorant!"
Mo Yun Shan revealed a look of displeasure as he turned to the crowd, "Everyone, let's begin matching couplets. There's no need to bother about thugs by the door!"
When everyone heard this, the hurriedly regained their senses and started nodding their heads. Afterall, they were here for the banquet and to participate and not to watch Li Bai doing strange things!
Madam Ya glanced at Xu Que in curious intrigue. She was joined in by several other female students, as they lost themselves while watching Xu Que.
For some strange reason, the man leaning against the door, blowing smoke rings and drinking beer was extremely captivating and charming!
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"
The system beeps rang out in Xu Que's mind as he recovered the initial cost of the cigarettes just like that.
The cigarettes were good stuff!
The beer was even better!
Everyone has heard of the phrase, Li Bai with wine produces hundreds of poems. Today, it was 'Xu Que with cigarettes and beers, his powers have no peers.'
Hearing the notification go off in his head, Xu Que was encouraged by it. He thus took a deep drag from it, before blowing thick smoke in the direction of Madam Ya and the few female students.
Tu tu tu…..
The smoke actually formed the shape of a heart under Xu Que's control, where it floated nearer and nearer towards Madam Ya.
It floated gracefully towards her!
When it finally reached her, Madam Ya closed her eyes and inhaled the heart shaped smoke. The smoke almost made her choke, and yet it gave a strange sense of gladness and excitement.
Additionally, apart from the smell of smoke, Madam Ya could smell the bodily scent of young mister Li. This new and invigorating experience caused Madam Ya to feel like she was floating, as her pores tingled.
However at this point, nobody else was paying attention to Xu Que's strange antics which included beer and cigarettes!
The students had already launched themselves into preparations for the couplets as they focused their attentions, thinking about the best lines to use in order to stumble students who attempted to reply their lines.
A student first stood up in full confidence, "This humble subject has been thinking about the first half of a good couplet. I shall speak it now in hopes that someone can complete it. Listen up everyone."
He paused for a second before speaking out in a clear voice, "Heaven and earth, wind and rain. Land faces the skies, mountains faces the seas. The flaming red sun opposes the blue sky domes!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone broke out in discussion.
Their brows were furrowed as they sank deep in thought.
This couplet sounded like it was easy to match since there were many things to speak off, and yet the last verse was rather strange, which made it harder to match accurately.
There were originally many students within the crowd who had planned to stand up to complete the couplet and impress everyone around. After hearing the contents of the first half, they shook their heads in bitterness, unable to proceed.
Seeing that most of the students around weren't confident of completing the couplet, young mister Zhao's lips curled into a smile as though he didn't even need to contemplate the first half. He then replied, "River and waves, red and green. Rains face the thunder, mist faces the snow caves. The moon palace opposes the heavenly courts!"
The crowd were startled by this eloquent reply as they praised out, "Fantastic!"
"Indeed he is young master Zhao, to have thought of such a good reply almost instantly!"
"The second half of the couplet is so great!"
Even the student who gave the first half of the couplet nodded his head and clasped his hands in a salute, "Young master Zhao is indeed talented. This humble subject is beyond ashamed to be defeated! I've really made a fool of myself!"
Young master Zhao gave a plain smile but didn't reply. He was rather conceited with himself!
"Stream and stones, branches and twigs. The bamboo stem faces the cobwebs, the mountainous canopy faces the water pavilions. The parrot opposes the cormorant." at this point, Xu Que who had just exhaled thick layer of smoke continued the couplet.
The audience paused in shock, clearly astonished by this better reply.
Fuck me. This kid really knows how to match couplets!
Chapter 185: Age and experience really matters
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Seeing Xu Que reply so quickly with such good answers for the couplets, the students were all appalled.
Even Tang Liu Feng was taken aback. He knew that this brother Li Bai was exceptional when it came to poems. He never would've expected him to be equally good at couplets. In fact, his reply was so outstanding, it was an excellent come back.
Madam Ya's eyes revealed a look of elation once more. Xu Que had proven that he was at the pinnacle of poem recital. At this point, she realized that she had never met someone more talented than him!
Young master Zhao's expression turned cold, knowing that he's met a good match. His voice turned cold as he hurriedly voiced out a reply, "Miracles and coincidences, a pair and a couple. The great sea meets the great river, gold plates meet jade trays. A precious candle opposes the silver bowl."
Everyone around opened their wides wide open. Young master Zhao could even continue from where Li Bai had left off? That was unthinkable, for it seemed like young master Li Bai had the final say earlier.
It looked like young master Zhao was resolved to compete with this young master Li, and determine today who was the better student in couplets.
Hence, the gaze of the students flickered towards Xu Que, waiting to see if this crazed Li Bai was able to take this couplet up another notch.
Xu Que's lips parted into a smile. He felt like this couplet wasn't difficult at all, and he could keep going on and on. He waved his bottle of beer before replying, "Red and white, something and nothing. The cuckoo faces the pelican, wool faces the feather. The heavenly watchtower opposes the Imperial City."
The faces of the crowd turned to shock once more.
In such a short span of time, Xu Que was once again able to produce a logical and flawless reply. He became evident that his prowess in couplets weren't inferior to young master Zhao at all!
Young master Zhao was clearly anxious as he stood up, "Doors and households, foreigners and empty streets. Twigs faces stems,fighting cocks face eager stags. Phoenix defies the falcon."
Xu Que remained calm and composed as he blew another smoke ring towards Madma Ya as he smiled and replied, "Diligence and frugality, skill and obedience. Water pavilions faces the mountain ridges, frozen peaches faces icy roots. An arrow defies the target."
...
The pair of them didn't give a hint of slowing down as the competition between both of them intensified.
The crowd watched on in astonishment. Even the student who had kicked off the couplets discussion looked crestfallen. He didn't expect the phrase he gave to be replied countless of times effortlessly, for he had initially thought that nobody would manage a good reply.
A normal student would find it exceptionally hard to think of a good and logical reply to this couplet. And yet the pair of them were rattling off answers one after another. There was no pause to it. This caused them to sigh out, after being made acutely aware of their differences in talent. Why were they so much more talented than themselves?
Madam Ya's face turned red and hot once again as her legs started to cramp up. Her body was trembling slightly as she looked at Xu Que and young mister Zhao like a wolf ready to devour her prey. She was especially shaken when Xu Que blew the smoke ring towards her. How could such a talented student be so charismatic as well?
At this point, it was hard to tell who has the upper hand after the continuous back and forth between the pair of them.
At last, Young master Zhao laughed out, "It's just that the starting line is too easy, with the topic being so broad. How about I issue a new couplet. Would you dare to attempt to match it?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was shaken!
Young master Zhao was going to take the offensive? My god. This was such a occurrence. After being a student for so many years here in the Imperial City, nobody had ever seen young master Zhao giving the opening set of couplets. And today he was going to issue the first lines?
All the students were filled with excitement and anticipation.
"Pa da!"
Xu Que flicked the cigarette butt, which he had just finished smoking, out into the rain. He then stepped into the hall and laughed out, "Why shouldn't I dare? When I was three years old, I was composing poems about rivers and history. When I was five, I was writing poems so long that they resembled seas. When I was ten, the subject of my writings were no longer limited, and I was writing about everything under the sun, including grass, rocks, trees. I was nicknamed Dui Chuan Chang, but was refer to myself as the little scholar!"
(T/N : Dui Chuan Chang was the name of Tang Bo Hu's opponent while they were competing in couplets)
"...." The crowd felt their vision went black as they almost fell backwards!
Damn it, why was this phrase so familiar?
"What ignorance!" Young master Zhao laughed out.
Xu Que replied, "Such oddity!"
"Gulp….." The student's expressions fell. What was going on, they were even coupling their insults?
Young master Zhao revealed a mocking smile as he spoke out, "In one village within two miles were three men. They didn't know anything about the Four Classics and Five Books. Yet they had the audacity to teach seven, eight and nine kids. That's ten tragedies!"
"Fantastic! Young master Zhao had just given a brilliant first half of the couplet, which would be impossible to match!" The students cheered, knowing that this couplet was an attempt to mock Li Bai!"
Indeed, Xu Que shook his head, "In ten rooms, nine students within were poor. They were left with eight notes, seven coins and six shillings unable to spare anything for five or four people. They weren't third class citizens or even second class humans. They were first class beggars!"
"Hsss!"
The crowd sucked in a deep breath of fresh air. Forget the fact that this kid was able to come up with such a good comeback within a short amount of time. He even managed to subtly insinuate that young master Zhao was a first class beggar!
Young master Zhao's face was enraged beyond measure as he continued, "Within a painting, the dragon doesn't growl and the tiger doesn't roar. This little scholar is such a joke!"
This line was clearly to taunt Xu Que for calling himself the little scholar!
Xu Que heard this and replied, "On the chessboard, the car can move without wheels and the horses can run without ropes. Tell the general to be cautious to be cautious!"
"Warblers and swallows, green and red flowers, live in perfect harmony!" Young master Zhao's eyes squinted in determination as the anger within his heart swelled. He had been in Imperial City for so many years, and had never met a tougher opponent than this.
Xu Que replied effortlessly, "Wind and rain, flowers and leaves, grow with the seasons!"
"Ten minds are deep in thought, thinking for the nation!" Young master Zhao raised yet another topic!
Xu Que's lips curled, "Eight eyes for admiring autumn nature in full bloom!"
(T/N : Eight eyes for admiring Qiu Ya in full bloom!")
As soon as his words landed, the audience burst out in cheers.
"That was amazing!" Many students had witnessed the brilliance of both of them and shouted out in enjoyment.
"This the the first time in my life I've ever witnessed such a fierce battle!"
"It's really a feast for the eyes!"
...
Madam Ya's delicate body trembled as her face blushed a deep shade of red. She looked at Xu Que in amazement.
Everyone knew her as Madam Ya, but very few people knew that her actual name was Qiu Ya!
Xu Que's phrase which said "Eight eyes for admiring Qiu Ya" caused her to feel rather uneasy and suspicious. Could this young mister Li have known her name, and said this intentionally?
At this point, young master Zhao's face froze as he shouted out, "I am a high class, awe-inspiring student showing the bravery of a tiger."
Xu Que squinted, "You're a low class prostitute, showing half of your turtle head prodding out of your shell."
"You're outrageous!" Young master Zhao couldn't hold it in any longer and lashed out!
"I'm daring!" Xu Que actually took this scolded as a couplet and answered as if they were still in competition, his face was filled with glee.
Young master Zhao's face swelled red, as veins bulged out on his forehead and neck. He then pointed at Xu Que and continued scolding, "I was talking about couplets, but you dared to verbally assault me?"
"You're just a pig head, I didn't overestimate you!"
"We're no longer speaking couplets!" Young master Zhao was so angry he was about to go crazy.
Xu Que laughed, "We're still talking about poems!"
...
The group of students were stumped. The leader of the four great students was actually so furious he was about to implode?
Mo Yun Shan's face was filled with dread and shock as well.
Only Madam Ya's expression was filled with awe. She was somewhat surprised that Li Bai had managed to defeat young mister Zhao when it came to couplets.
From what she could tell, this Li Bai was intentionally agitating young mister Zhao, and was clearly succeeding. Comparing the pair of them, it was obvious that Li Bai was the more mature, stable and composed student, probably also because he was older than the rest of the students.
Thinking about this, Madam Ya couldn't help but reveal a laughter as she whispered, "Looks like age and experience really matters!"
These words were actually her thoughts, and she didn't mean to speak them out. At this point, everyone heard her and was taken aback.
Xu Que, who was still in the zone for matching couplets turned around and replied without hesitation, "When it comes to chests, yours are truly tankers!"
The entire hall descended into absolute silence!
Chapter 186: His Body Is Unafraid Of The Filth Spewed Out From His Mouth
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
The audience were stumped, and Madam Ya slumped into a daze.
When it comes to chests, yours are truly tankers?
Big brother, how can you ever speak such words out loud? Although they might be true, you cannot be so forthcoming!
It was extremely disrespectful to Madam Ya!
Everyone around casted strange looks towards Xu Que, some of them pitied his impending doom, while others gloated in his misfortune.
Tang Liu Feng's cheeks twitched as he forced a bitter laugh. He was once again deeply worried for his brother Li Bai.
Young master Zhao's expression changed abruptly as he now gave a mocking laughter. For someone to actually speak such rude and offensive words to Madam Ya, it was simply asking for death!
At this point, Xu Que was still calm and collected like a gentle breeze.
It was exactly as they say- his body is unafraid of the filth spewed out from his mouth.
Xu Que clasped his hands in a salute and looked towards Madam Ya before speaking elegantly, "Madam's chest and heart is wide, and magnanimous. It's truly… big! From the moment she decided to host this banquet and invite everyone, it was obvious to me that she is truly a generous person. This humble subject cannot help but express his admiration for how big her heart is. I hope Madam wouldn't feel that I've gone overboard with my praise!"
The students all opened their eyes wide when they heard this.
Fuck me! Even this can do? Did he manage to save the situation?
The only person in this world who's able to utter complete rubbish and make it sound elegant is you, Li Bai of Heavenly Explosion Faction!
Madam Ya was initially caught in a tough spot. This was because she had truly admired Xu Que. However, he actually spoke something offensive and inappropriate before everyone, which caused the students to be taken aback. Hence, she didn't dare to defend him for fear of being seen as too liberal.
She wouldn't ever have expected that Xu Que would continue speaking such nonsense and actually gave her a way to avoid the spotlight. Once again, Xu Que's wits impressed Madam Ya.
"No wonder he was able to effortless answer my three questions. This youth's intelligence is really superb!" Madam Ya smiled gleefully within her heart, although her face maintained a certain strictness as she spoke out, "No matter. Just remember not to get ahead of yourself in public again in future."
The students around all knew that Madam Ya respected Xu Que for his intelligence. Now that Xu Que explained himself this way, everyone knew that Madam Ya wasn't going to pursue the matter any further. Hence, nobody was bewildered at Madam Ya's response. In fact, most of them were envious of the special position Xu Que held.
However, to this old lecher Xu Que, the meaning of her words were extremely different to what everyone else heard.
Remember not to get ahead of yourself in public again in future? Did you mean, I can get ahead of myself in the future when there's nobody else around, just you and I?
Fuck me, this is getting tough… After all, this Act Tough Gangster pui! I mean this Act Tough Saint isn't that sort of man. But… I wonder when Madam Ya said 'in future' when did she mean?
Seeing such a scene unfold, the leader of the great four, young master Zhao, clearly couldn't let something like that slip by without consequences. However, he didn't wish to behave like Xu Que by standing up and shooting his mouth off.
After deliberating with himself for sometime, he finally hatched an idea. He thus opened his mouth to speak, "Madam Ya, I've finally met a worthy opponent today. Why don't you give us a topic. Li Bai and I will think of an opening couplet related to the topic. We'll see which opening couplet is selected by you as the better of the pair. This will decide the winner. What do you say?"
"Oh?" Madam Ya was somewhat taken aback. She never expected young mister Zhao to use such methods to exact revenge.
She looked at Xu Que subtly and observed his reaction and realized that he looked rather confident too.
Xu Que laughed out, "Young master Zhao wishes to determine a winner between us? Sure! What happens to the loser then?"
"Hehe... if you lose, you have to write, 'Li Bai is no match for Zhao Wu' on a board and hang it around your body. You have to walk an entire round of the Imperial City! Do you dare to accept the challenge?" Young master Zhao laughed out coldly.
Xu Que smiled, "Why shouldn't I dare. What if you lose?"
"Heh, it's impossible for me to lose. If I really do lose, I shall do the same and write, 'Zhao Wu is no match for Li Bai' and walk an entire round of the Imperial City!"
As soon as young master Zhao spoke these words, everyone exploded in shock.
Nobody could sit still after hearing this, their faces were filled with astonishment.
"This... The stakes are so huge!"
"The person who loses here will have his entire life shattered!"
"Walking an entire round in the Imperial City is just to ensure the complete humiliation of the loser. Why should young master Zhao risk something like this!?"
"Yes, Li Bai is just a nameless person with no reputation. Why should young master Zhao risk his fame and reputation and bet with him?"
"No, young master Zhao is clearly certain of winning. Just as he said, it's impossible that he should lose!"
Mo Yun Shang spoke to the students beside him and mocked Xu Que by laughing out coldly, "He actually dared to agitate young master Zhao. Li Bai is going down!"
Tang Liu Feng had a palm to his forehead as he spoke bitterly, "Brother Li is in deep trouble this time!"
Xu Que and young master Zhao looked at each other. Both of them had cold smiles etched across their faces, both certain that their opponent was doomed.
"Madam Ya, since Li Bai has agreed, please set the topic!" Young master Zhao looked plainly towards Madam Ya and asked.
Madam Ya looked on and noticed how confident young master Zhao was as her heart started to pump furiously, clearly worried for Xu Que.
After all, young mister Zhao was the leader of the four great students. His talents were extraordinary. Although this Li Bai was rather witty and intelligent as well, Madam Ya wasn't sure if he could emerge victorious over young mister Zhao, whose forte was in couplets.
"Madam Ya, please set the topic!" At this point, Xu Que looked towards Madam Ya and spoke as well.
Madam Ya was somewhat shocked. She had been trying to think of a way for Xu Que to get out of this difficult situation. However, after Xu Que had said this, there was nothing else she could do.
After thinking to herself for sometime, she finally opened her mouth to speak, "Everyone around knows that the Fire Emperor is looking for a Prince Consort for the Flaming Sun Princess. Why don't the both of you think of the opening couplets to depict that Fire Nations is the strongest of the five nations. When we finally meet the Fire Emperor, we can give him both these couplets as a gift!"
"To depict that Fire Nations is the strongest of the five nations?"
When everyone heard this, they were stumped.
Madam Ya had set a very simple topic. And yet a simple topic also meant… It was difficult to come up with a good couplet that cannot be continued or matched!
Most of the students present started racking their brains.
Only Xu Que who was so visibly thankful to Madam Ya after hearing the topic, that he almost ran up to her and hugged and kissed her.
Damn it, this topic is truly unrivalled. It's the will of the heavens for me to emerged triumphant!
"Woosh!"
Several seconds after the topic was given, young master Zhao pondered for several breaths before he stood up.
To the onlooking students, he was extremely awe inspiring and fearsome. In a loud voice, he spoke out, "Looking ahead into the mountains and rivers, the landscape of the Fire Nations is unrivalled. Today we have the fortunes of peace and prosperity. Listen to the sound of the bells toiling in all directions, as our nation rejoices in abundant food and wine!"
The crowd burst into cheers.
All of them were visibly amazed by this verse. Just listening to it made all of them feel patriotic about their nation. This was an amazing piece!
Madam Ya was stumped by the excellent quality of this couplet as well and her expression revealed one of pleasant surprise.
The last line described Fire Nations as if they were a country depicted in a beautiful painting!
"That's fantastic. Young master Zhao's title of being the leader of the four great students is indeed correct!"
"This humble subject is in full admiration!"
The audience sighed repeatedly to themselves.
Some of them even turned their heads towards Xu Que and taunted him, "Li Bai, where's your couplet?"
At this point, everyone looked towards Xu Que and started to pity him.
Young master Zhao's couplet was so good that it was hard to think of anything else that can outshine it. Additionally, it was hard to think of anything that was worthy of completing the couplet.
"Ah!"
Young master Zhao's lips curled into a cold smile.
Mo Yun Shang's expression was one of mockery.
Tang Liu Fen'g eyes were filled with sorrow and sympathy!
Madam Ya looked clearly worried as regret welled up within her heart. If Lai Bai loses to young mister Zhao, he would have to wear a sign and walk around the entire Imperial City. With someone of a status, she wouldn't ever get a chance to see him again, since he would be a disgraced outcast.
"Ai, what a pity that this extremely talented young man would have such an undesirable plight. If only he didn't promise young mister Zhao, maybe this predicament wouldn't happen!" Madam Ya sighed out as she shook her head.
"Pah!"
Right at this time, Xu Que snapped his fingers once more as he lit his cigarette.
"Hssss! Huuuuuu!"
The crowd looked at him and didn't speak. The entire scene was a silence saved for the sound of him inhaling and exhaling!
Once he had expelled smokes form his lips, Xu Que stood up and gazed outside.
The rain had already stopped and a layer of this mist hung over the lake. It was rather hazy and blurry outside.
Several seconds later, he wore an expression of utmost loneliness, as if to show how alone he felt about being peerless and without a worthy opponent. He then opened his mouth.
"My couplet goes like -Smoke seals the willows over the lake!"
Chapter 187: Masterpiece
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Smoke seals the willows over the lake? That's it? So simple?"
The crowd were rather shocked by his lackluster answer!
Soon after, someone looked at Xu Que and saw that he was gazing out of the window, towards a house by the lake. He then laughed, "Haha, he must be looking at the house outside and the scenery and thus said the first thing that popped into his mind?"
"Ai? Seems like that is true. Look out of the hall and you'll see the great lake. The rain has just stopped and its misty outside. Even the willow trees are being obscured by the mists!"
"Looks like this Li Bai has used up all his creative prowess and is at a loss for words now. What he said seems to be completely unrelated to our Fire Nations!"
"You can't say that as well. The great lake is the scenery facing our Imperial City. However, his description of it was too little and insignificant. It cannot compare to our young master Zhao's at all!"
"That's for sure. Look at how brilliant young master Zhao's couplet is. It completely portrays the strength and success of the Fire Nations!"
"The most important thing is that young master Zhao's couplet is very difficult to continue. I would have to think for several days before producing a match!"
The crowd started shaking their heads in disapproval.
Some of them were filled with taunts, while others were regretful and sympathetic.
Based on whatever Xu Que had managed to come up with, was far too simple.
There were only seven words, and sounded like nothing more than a meaningless phrase. In fact, the students felt that Xu Que's phrase couldn't even be compared to young master Zhao's. Additionally, Xu Que's couplet didn't even have any relation to Fire nations, and didn't sound all that glorious.
Seeing all these students discuss his work with impunity, Xu Que leaned against the doorframe once more and took another puff of his cigarette before spitting the smoke out. He had a look of utter disregard on his face, as though he could withstand all the insults, because he knew that he had no worthy opponent on this planet.
Ai!
It's so scary to be ignorant!
And these people dared to call themselves students?
They can't even recognize such a brilliant masterpiece?
Xu Que thought to himself as he laughed at these students, "Damned crippled retards! Is there… A single person here with at least mediocre standards? Do I have to stand up and explain every single word for you? But if I did that, it wouldn't go along with my acting tough at all, because the main point is for the great realization!"
...
Under such circumstances, Xu Que could only cast his glance at young master Zhao, whom everyone thought was the absolute most talented individual here in the Imperial City.
Yes!
The way he looked at young master Zhao was exactly how a teacher would point at the whiteboard, an easy question written on it, expectantly waiting for you to speak the right answer. It was that same look of encouragement and anticipation…..
"You…. Why are you looking at me this way for? You were the one who came up with such a simple and normal couplet. Hehe, do you wish for me to praise your wonderful work?"
Young master Zhao could feel the heat from Xu Que's glare and assumed that it was because Xu Que needed a way to 'step off the stage' in a dignified manner. At this point, young master Zhao became more confident and satisfied. He had no intention of helping Xu Que from his humiliation, and stood by the side, laughing coldly.
"Cough cough…."
After Xu Que realized that this young master Zhao didn't understand his brilliant masterpiece, Xu Que cleared his throat and sighed out in disappointment. He then shook his head. His heart was aching with disappointment. It was way too painful.
Screw this! I wanted to act tough, but nobody would cooperate with me and assist me. Don't tell me that in this life, the only way I can act tough is by doing it directly and openly and not expect people to read in between the lines?
Indeed, Xu Que was grimacing as though his heart truly heart. This caused young master Zhao to feel rather suspicious. Why did this Li Bai wear such a strange expression instead of looking ashamed and embarrassed?
Hence, young master Zhao thought about the seven words uttered by Xu Que once again.
Smoke seals the willows over the lake!
"Piang!"
Right at that moment, young master Zhao who was smiling happily, a teacup in his hands, dropped it to the ground as it shattered into fragments!
The smile on his face was frozen, as his pupils dilated. His heart was filled with horror!
"..."
"How could this be? Smoke seals the willows over the lake, how did you do that? No wonder… No wonder you were looking at me as though I was a foolish idiot…."
Young master Zhao couldn't contain himself at all, as he asked Xu Que, thorough taken aback.
His confidence was shattered like the teacup - into smithereens!
"Eh? Young master Zhao… What's wrong?"
The students were all thrown into a wave of confusion, still unable to comprehend what had just happened.
"Smoke seals the willows over the lake?" Madam Ya was somewhat shocked as well, as she repeated these words.
At the next moment, her expression fell as well, changing to something of astonishment. She raised her head and looked at Xu Que in utter disbelief.
How was this remotely possible? He actually managed to think of something that's just plain genius in such a short amount of time. This… How could someone be so talented in this world? Poems recital, couplet matching, he excelled in everything.
Madam Ya was so stumped she fell into a daze.
Tang Liu Feng was beyond startled as well. He had just understood what Xu Que meant, "Smoke seals the willows over the lake", this phrase was so deep it was terrifying!
"I understand, I understand it now! My god! Brother Li's couplet will never be matched by anyone in history ever again!" At this point, a student shouted out, catching the entire hall by surprise.
Before long, more students started regaining their senses as they opened their eyes wide in shock.
"Smoke seals the willows over the lake, these… These seven words were extremely intentional and arranged in such an order which derived a particular meaning!"
"The true meaning resided within this sentence if you look closely enough!"
"The first word smoke was a representation of the Fire Nations, because of the way it is written and was placed as the first word. The rest of the sentence each represented another nation, and comes after the word smoke. This meant that Fire Nations was the first out of the Five Nations! "
(T/N : The chinese characters for smoke, seal/lock, lake and willow are 烟锁池塘柳 respectively. On the left side of these words are 火, 铁 ,水, 土, 木, which also refers to the five elements, with Fire being the first)
"That's not all. According to the meaning, smoke seals the willows over the lake, which means the smoke seals everything else beneath it. That also means that the Fire Nations is above, sealing and pressuring all the other nations below. This is simply amazing!"
"It is truly a masterpiece! I would've never guessed that the left side of the words could hold its own meanings as well and form a logical couplet!"
"Brother Li's talents are too…. Scary!"
The crowd sighed out consecutively, their eyes were filled with astonishment!
At this point, nobody realized that he was 'smoking' a cigarette and another meaning could be derived from this as well.
If smoke was used to describe fire, hehe, then wouldn't that mean that Xu Que was slowly sucking the smoke/fire away from the nation!
However, there was a student within their midst who was well known for his drawing skills. As soon as he realized what Xu Que meant, he was so astounded his eyes were gaping wide open. He was struck with a wave of inspiration.
Right at that moment, he opened a piece of paper on the table and started drawing Xu Que smoking his cigarette. When he was done, he titled it - !
Xu Que didn't notice this scene unfolding. If not, he would've kicked up a big fuss out of it! Li Bai smoking cigarettes? That would've been the biggest sabotage of his entire acting tough career!
The leader of the four great students, young master Zhao was completely humbled at this point. He sat slumped in his sit, gazing far into the distance, his presence of mind was no longer around!
He found it extremely hard to believe that he had lost just like that. In fact, he was beaten in such a landslide defeat.
Smoke seals the willows over the lake, this phrase was way too potent and vile! Nobody would ever find a matching reply for such a masterpiece. Even if he'd racked his brains and tried, it was impossible to find an answer as good as the opening sentence of the couplet, with all its hidden meanings.
Simply put, this phrase 'Smoke seals the willows over the lake', was unbeatable and unrivalled!
"Yo, young master Zhao, you've finally appeared! Let me see, it took you about the time it takes to burn two incense before you finally understood the meaning of my couplet. Not bad, not bad at all! As long as you managed to see it, it means you're still teachable and not beyond redemption! Don't look so sullen and glum. It's impossible to determine who're the best when it comes to academics and martial arts!"
At this point, Xu Que was smiling happily as he walked up to young master Zhao and spoke to him.
The crowd was stumped.
What's going on? Why was this person being so kind hearted? He actually went to comfort young master Zhao?
Even young master Zhao was taken aback. It's impossible to determine who's the best when it comes to academics and martial arts? Does this sound like something this person was capable of saying? Is he really trying to become a gracious winner and a forgiving person?
Indeed, Xu Que explained himself at the very next sentence, "But when it comes to me, regardless of whether it's academics or martial arts, I'm always number one! Men, retrieve the four precious equipments for every student. Young master Zhao needs to write something!"
"..."