“Dragon Lord, this is the 200th complaint from Confucian cultivators this month.”
Ao Guanghan looked up from his mountain of official documents at the pile of scrolls lamenting Mu Zhanting’s behavior, feeling an intense headache.
After Zi State lost its leading position in the cultivation world, Chen State naturally became the new core with its strong manpower and resources. Ao Guanghan was at his busiest, and his disciple wasn’t just failing to make progress but also embarrassing him in public.
Previously, he could beat up Mu Zhanting to keep him in line for a few days, but now Ao Guanghan barely had time to pay respects to old friends, let alone manage his now-unruly disciple.
Ao Guanghan leaned back, pushing away his desk. Expressionless, he said, “If I remember correctly, he absorbed the Dao Essence left by the Dao Venerable, right?”
The reporting elder nodded repeatedly. “Treasure Qi Tathagata said the young master has a pure nature, born without dust or stain. If he could focus on cultivation for a few years to transform his character, he’d have a chance at ascension. Dragon Lord, if the young master truly ascends, it would greatly solidify Chen State’s position.”
Ao Guanghan asked flatly, “So, has he focused on cultivation?”
The elder laughed awkwardly. “Several elders have tried to persuade him, but the young master remains obsessed with composing poetry. He even planned to go incognito to the Mortal State to take the imperial examinations.”
Ao Guanghan: “Did he pass?”
Elder: “He failed the preliminary exam and wrote a poem on the notice board, making an examining magistrate cry.”
Ao Guanghan had often thought about finding a brick to crack open Mu Zhanting’s skull, wash it out, and put it back together. Now he regretted not filling the well with him.
“Didn’t you emphasize the benefits of breaking through realms and ascending?”
Elder: “We did, repeatedly. We even brought him before the True Dragon Ancestral Spirit’s tablet to communicate. The ancestors promised to guide him after ascension, but the young master said… said…”
Ao Guanghan: “Speak plainly.”
“He said, ‘Only idiots ascend. I want to be a literary master.'”
After a terrifying silence, Ao Guanghan suddenly let out a cold laugh. In the next moment, all the documents before him exploded into a storm of paper scraps.
The elder, startled, quickly pleaded, “Please calm down, Dragon Lord. You don’t plan to start a family, and Chen State has only this one young master!”
Ao Guanghan, barely restraining himself from purging the clan, asked, “Besides throwing him back into the ghost well and sealing him for a century or two, what other options do we have?”
The elder pondered for a moment. “Dragon Lord, how about this: As they say, a man should marry when he comes of age. We could offer a generous dowry, let the young master start a family outside, and find a talented woman to watch over him. She could subtly influence him to abandon his literary pursuits and focus on cultivation. What do you think?”
Dragon Lord: “That makes some sense. In any case, find a way to get rid of him. Whether it costs money or land, do as you see fit. I don’t want to see him for the next three years.”
The elder agreed repeatedly, only to discover how difficult it was to implement.
Where could they find a talented woman in the cultivation world now? The Confucian sacred land of Shen State had completely withdrawn after being disrupted by Mu Zhanting. Finding a female cultivator well-versed in literature who could match Mu Zhanting’s works was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
However, Chen State’s style has always been to offer great rewards for great deeds. They sent out invitations for a poetry matchmaking competition across the four seas, promoting it extensively. A few brave heroines did step up to the challenge.
At this time, Mu Zhanting was still in confinement, considering himself a poet in prison. He had filled an entire wall with poetry, nearly frightening the elder who came to retrieve him into a demonic heart disturbance.
“Elder, you’ve finally come for me. Has the Dragon Lord come to his senses?”
Elder: “Young Master, shouldn’t it be you who’s come to your senses?”
Mu Zhanting, his resolve strengthened by his time in prison, replied, “My heart is set on the outlaw’s path, unchangeable.”
The elder, long suffering from such poison, barely maintained his composure and put on an enticing smile. “Young Master, your determination to seek the Dao is truly moving. You weren’t wrong; the Dragon Lord has indeed come around. To support your long-standing wish, he’s specially organized a competition for the world’s greatest literary master.”
Mu Zhanting, suppressed for years and suddenly recognized, asked confusedly, “What? What?”
The elder coaxed, “To support your literary ambitions, the Dragon Lord has invited talented women from all over to come to Chen State and compete with you.”
Mu Zhanting was overjoyed but then puzzled. “Why talented women? What about talented men?”
Elder: “The talented men of the world have already been conquered by you. Only the talented women still have some pride left.”
Mu Zhanting hesitated. “But my poetic skills have reached a transcendent level. Isn’t it inappropriate to bully weak women?”
The elder pulled out a prepared argument: “I wouldn’t dare speak for other paths, but don’t underestimate the talented women of the literary and Confucian paths. Or is the young master arrogantly looking down on the world’s literary masters?”
Mu Zhanting, being easily provoked, immediately agreed. “Elder, you make a good point. I’ll return to my study and immerse myself in reading day and night, not disappointing the Dragon Lord’s wholehearted support.”
Elder: “…”
…
Mu Zhanting studied ancient poetry day and night, losing track of time in his contentment. Ten days later, the elder finally came to lead him to what was called a poetry competition but was a literary matchmaking event.
Mu Zhanting was stunned by the massive crowd at first glance.
“Elder, why are there so many people?”
Elder: “It’s a grand literary event, naturally drawing widespread attention.”
Mu Zhanting: “Why are those murderous-looking Confucian cultivators from Shen State here?”
Elder: “They’ve lost face because of you and remain unconvinced. They’ve come to witness who could defeat you.”
Mu Zhanting: “HAh defeated by my pen, how naive. But why are my brother and sister sitting in the front row with so many scorecards?”
Elder: “Family members are responsible for judging the best works.”
Mu Zhanting sighed, “As they say, ‘Those who praise me among my siblings do so out of bias.’ Isn’t this unfair to the other literary friends?”
Elder: “Young Master, forgive my bluntness, but your sister is unlikely to be biased in your favor.”
In the front row of the venue, from left to right sat Cloud Nian, the current leader of the Cloud family from Shen State; the respected Pill King of Chen State; and Nan Yan and Yin Ya, who had rushed to Chen State to witness the fall of this literary disaster.
It seemed everyone except Mu Zhanting knew this was a matchmaking event, wondering which unfortunate talented woman would be struck by this peculiar flower.
“Why isn’t Third Brother here?”
“In broad daylight? I didn’t dare let him out. I sent him to play chess with my master.” Nan Yan looked around, then turned to Yin Ya, “Second Brother, weren’t you extremely busy managing the Demon Nation? How do you have time to come?”
Yin Ya: “Even if I die from overwork, I must first witness this poetic fool’s literary breakdown!”
Nan Yan was delighted: “Big Brother’s literary heart is firm. What brilliant plan does Second Brother have?”
Yin Ya smirked, pointing to a purple-robed woman at the side of the stage. “What do you think of that girl?”
Nan Yan looked over, seeing a beautiful woman. At first glance, she seemed to have fur around her waist, but upon closer inspection, it was a tail wrapped around her.
“So she’s a celestial fox demon cultivator,” Nan Yan remarked.
“This girl is a descendant of the celestial fox clan left in the human world, from a scholarly family. Well-read and versed in literature, she’ll surely outclass this literary disaster.”
Nan Yan’s eyes sparkled with admiration. She clapped her hands, saying, “Second Brother, you’ve thought this through. The shape-shifting abilities of demon cultivators, the elegance of Confucian family upbringing, and the free spirit of independent cultivators – such a diverse group. I wonder who will become my sister-in-law.”
Over the years, Nan Yan had seen many beauties express interest in her brother. Behind her sat a group of local Chen State girls, each biting their handkerchiefs, on the verge of tears.
“Is it just because I’ve read fewer books? My spiritual roots are compatible with Brother Zhanting’s.”
“I can recite all of Brother Zhanting’s poetry collections backward. Why am I disqualified?”
“The elders are too heartless. Isn’t there any backdoor for residents?”
Nan Yan thought the Chen State elders had considered this – it was precisely because of their local status that they couldn’t let Mu Zhanting poison them.
As Yin Ya finished commenting on the attire and appearance of various female cultivators, the matchmaking event began amidst a dazzling display of lights. Five talented women from various states sat behind separate screens, unable to hear the outside world and only seeing vague shadows, all curious about what was to come.
Moments later, a Chen State elder stepped onto the stage. After some pleasantries, he clapped his hands, and a massive folding screen slowly descended from above. As it appeared, the crowd erupted in shock, with all the Shen State Confucian cultivators nearly fainting.
“How did our Shen State’s Ten Thousand Poem Screen end up like this?!”
“What a sin…”
Nan Yan turned to see Cloud Nian, sitting first on the left, covering his face, unable to look at his family’s state treasure.
“Weren’t you planning to reclaim the Ten Thousand Poem Screen?”
Cloud Nian nearly cried: “This screen has long since recognized its master. It’s impossible to reclaim, and even if we could, I wouldn’t dare bring it back to Shen…”
The Ten Thousand Poem Screen was indeed unbearable to look at. What should have been an ethereal treasure now exuded a murderous aura, its poetry dripping with blood, expressing the author’s wild dog-like emotions. If it were truly dragged back to Shen State, viewers would likely suffer demonic disturbances of the mind.
The elder waved his hand, saying, “Everyone has waited long. Since you all know today’s theme, let’s get to the point. Our young master loves poetry and recently wants to refine this poisonous… Ten Thousand Poem Screen into his life-bound treasure. He’s already connected three parts of his spirit to it. Each talented lady will enter behind the screen to meet our state’s young master. If the conversation goes well, the Ten Thousand Poem Screen will purify and reveal its true form.”
The Pill King of Chen State, sitting next to Nan Yan, said, “The Ninth Elder has thought this through thoroughly. Fearing these girls might not withstand the screen’s demonic influence, I ask everyone to join forces in suppressing it, lest this boy’s arrogance grows too strong.”
Nan Yan and the others nodded repeatedly, preparing themselves.
The elder unfurled a red invitation and announced, “Talented lady from Yin State, Xiao Jiu.”
The first screen rose, revealing a charming woman who gracefully walked out and bowed to the audience. Upon seeing the Ten Thousand Poem Screen, she froze.
The elder kindly said, “Don’t be afraid, miss. Our young master has a gentle temperament. Even if you’re not compatible, he won’t deliberately make things difficult for you.”
Xiao Jiu forced a smile, looking left and right to find all escape routes blocked by barriers. It seemed the only way was to plunge into the Ten Thousand Poem Screen to see the real person.
She gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and walked straight towards the screen. Expecting difficulty, she was surprised when, just before entering, numerous Buddhist chants, Confucian holy lights, and demon protective shields enveloped her, along with a healing force entering her spirit.
Xiao Jiu exclaimed happily, “Which expert is assisting me?”
A compassionate female voice responded, “Non-local residents can use the back door.”
Xiao Jiu: “??”
The four powerhouses of alchemy, Confucianism, Buddhism, and demonkind secretly exerted their strength to send her in, then closely monitored the Ten Thousand Poem Screen’s movements.
Yin Ya clicked his tongue, “Why make a matchmaking event so mysterious? We can’t even tell if the talented lady is alive or dead in there. It’s truly nerve-wracking.”
Nan Yan proudly said, “Don’t worry, Second Brother. Let me use my Thousand-Mile Eye and Favoring Wind Ear to investigate.”
“Huh?”
Nan Yan’s senses were naturally stronger than most. Infusing spiritual power into her eyes and ears, she immediately penetrated the Ten Thousand Poem Screen’s barrier. She saw the girl shyly saying, “… Since the theme is matchmaking, this humble girl will offer a poor attempt.”
Mu Zhanting solemnly replied, “Please, literary friend.”
Xiao Jiu rolled up her sleeves, picked up a brush, and wrote in delicate calligraphy:
“A slice of spring beauty, don’t wait till late,
Beyond the curtain, a thousand reds entice the groom to look.”
The Ten Thousand Poem Screen immediately emitted streaks of golden light, its black aura seemingly weakening.
Nan Yan silently praised the girl’s thoughtfulness. She expressed the tender feelings of a spring maiden, along with a faint worry that her love might be distracted by other beauties. It both evoked sympathy and showcased her talent – exactly the style the Ten Thousand Poem Screen favored.
However, her brother’s performance remained consistent, shocking heaven and earth as always, and once again leaving his family in despair.
Mu Zhanting frowned, feeling that the other party was threatening him, saying there were thousands of troops outside ready to cut him down. He replied:
“What fear of myriad purples and thousand reds?
If you’ve got the guts, come and tear down my home.”
Xiao Jiu: “…”
Xiao Jiu: “This humble girl… I admit defeat. Farewell.”
Mu Zhanting claimed his first victory. Outside, the observers saw the Ten Thousand Poem Screen light up with one line before dimming again, filling them with dread. They all turned their hopeful gazes to the second talented lady.
The second talented lady seemed more straightforward, sweeping into the Ten Thousand Poem Screen like a storm and bowing to Mu Zhanting.
“I am Yuan Fengbao from Wu State. Hearing that the young master is a rising star in the literary world, I’ve come to exchange ideas.”
Mu Zhanting: “How refreshing! Please, start with the first couplet.”
Yuan Fengbao was prepared, writing swiftly: “Last night, your face entered my dream’s embrace, At midnight, I paced alone in the rain.”
Mu Zhanting, realizing she had stayed up all night preparing, replied:
“It’s not that Duke Zhou couldn’t help, Just regret no one shared my blanket.”
Yuan Fengbao choked, feeling blood rush to her throat: “Excellent poem, excellent. This humble girl admires it.”
Nan Yan despairingly covered her face, then secretly communicated with the third talented lady.
“Miss, can you hear this poor nun?”
The third lady, sipping tea, replied: “Who might you be?”
Nan Yan: “To be frank, I am the Bloody-Handed Guanyin Bodhisattva who saves the suffering. Hearing you’ve traveled far for a match, I’m moved by your sincerity and wish to warn you.”
The third lady respectfully asked: “Please instruct me, Bodhisattva.”
Nan Yan: “This boy is a 900-year-old water-soaked dictionary that gained sentience. Banished to the mortal realm for scribbling in the Celestial Court, he’ll surely wreak havoc on human academia if left unchecked. I entrust you with the task of guiding him. When you encounter his strange ideas later, don’t retreat.”
The third lady, named Ying Yue, nodded firmly: “Ying Yue understands and will do her best.”
More cautious now, Ying Yue first observed Mu Zhanting upon entering, confirming his serious attitude before saying, “The previous two sisters fled in panic, likely due to some misunderstanding. This time, would the young master like to start with the first couplet?”
Mu Zhanting gladly accepted: “Well said. Exchanging ideas is the way of literary discourse. I won’t hold back then.”
Ying Yue, remembering the pale faces of her predecessors, felt nervous.
Mu Zhanting furrowed his brow in concentration and said seriously, “At fifteen, I set my mind on learning. At thirty, I resolved to make a name in literature and history. Despite repeated setbacks from the Dragon Lord, my determination never wavered. I think that man must be heaven-sent to disrupt my plans. Today happens to be his 500th birthday as a lonely soul, so I want to write a couplet for him. Please add a horizontal scroll after hearing it.”
Ying Yue listened intently as Mu Zhanting wrote:
Upper line: “Once young and hot-tempered, fighting and stubborn”
Lower line: “Raising others’ children and keeping a cold study, waiting grows colder”
Ying Yue: “…”
Mu Zhanting recited it again, feeling he had perfectly captured Ao Guanghan’s life. He looked at Ying Yue expectantly: “Where’s your horizontal scroll?”
Ying Yue, nearly dropping her brush in fright, stood up solemnly: “This humble girl has always admired the Dragon Lord and dares not disrespect him. Please spare me, young master.”
Mu Zhanting: “Don’t be afraid. I’ve already thought of the horizontal scroll. How about ‘Guarding an empty house alone’?”
A moment later, the third talented lady fled in panic. Mu Zhanting, having won three rounds, felt invincible. However, the fourth talented lady was immediately pushed in.
“Seems like a relay battle…” Mu Zhanting murmured, his fighting spirit intensifying. “How would you like to compete, literary friend?”
The fourth lady was a bit flustered. The Bloody-Handed Guanyin Bodhisattva had just suggested she poisoned him, but she hadn’t dared. Considering the fate of her predecessors, she decided to change tactics.
“I am Xiao Fuhua. I’m not skilled in poetry but have written some novels. Is the young master interested?”
Mu Zhanting: “That’s fine. As they say, ‘education is for all.’ Don’t be too formal. What kind of novels do you prefer?”
Xiao Fuhua cut to the chase: “Recently, I’ve been thinking of writing a love story. Young master, being so talented at a young age, have you experienced any unforgettable emotions?”
Mu Zhanting pondered briefly: “To be honest, I’m obsessed with poetry. While I don’t fully understand love, I have witnessed a deeply moving relationship.”
Xiao Fuhua: “Oh?”
Mu Zhanting: “Let me tell you about my sister. Her whole family could be framed and written into ten thousand love stories—”
Before he could finish, a golden Buddhist lotus burst in, whisking Xiao Fuhua away.
The Bloody-Handed Guanyin said softly: “Chat all you want, but don’t involve innocent Buddhist disciples.”
Mu Zhanting: “Oh.”
With the fourth lady urgently removed, the fifth wanted to flee. However, four intense gazes from below, as if watching humanity’s last hope, forced her to steady herself and enter the Ten Thousand Poem Screen, sitting before Mu Zhanting.
Mu Zhanting asked directly: “Would you like to discuss poetry or grammar?”
The fifth lady, Fu Liang, was in her prime and had already written numerous famous poems. Seeing Mu Zhanting wasn’t a fierce demon and having studied him for a while, she gathered her courage: “This humble girl, Fu Liang, wishes to have a poetry duel with the young master!”
“Excellent!”
To show his respect, Mu Zhanting suddenly stood up and began pacing.
Fu Liang: “May I ask what the young master is doing?”
Mu Zhanting: “In ancient times, Cao Zijian composed poems in seven steps. I’m walking first out of respect, seeking inspiration.”
Fu Liang: “…”
Fu Liang steadied herself and began writing furiously, completing a poem in the blink of an eye.
“The young lord doesn’t understand the white-haired promise,
Regrets letting the moon fairy match the mandarin ducks.
If you knew the peach blossom’s spring breeze intent,
Why let flowing water carry empty emotions?”
Everyone except Mu Zhanting knew this was a matchmaking event. The fifth lady had found the blind spot and tried to remind Mu Zhanting directly with a love poem.
Mu Zhanting seemed stunned, stroking his chin and contemplating for a long time. Suddenly, his face lit up with realization, repeatedly saying, “I see, I see. No wonder the Dragon Lord suddenly changed his mind.”
Fu Liang thought he had understood, stammering: “Young master, do you understand now?”
Mu Zhanting: “I understand. I completely understand. Thank you for enlightening me, literary friend.”
Fu Liang was a bit excited, wondering how to accept the marriage proposal when suddenly Mu Zhanting put away the Ten Thousand Poem Screen and flew into the air, his voice thundering:
“Dear friends and fellow Taoists who have come from afar, I, Mu Zhanting, have finally understood your painstaking efforts today.”
Ah? Could it be?
Mu Zhanting looked at the bright sky and said: “In the past, I was young and ignorant, indulging in literature without considering those who cared for me.”
Nan Yan and the others grew excited. The Pill King and the elder even held hands, tears in their eyes.
“Today, I understand the purpose of this grand event you’ve set up for me.” Mu Zhanting, moved by his realization, looked back at the Dragon Palace’s rear hall. “These young ladies, each of their works is a love poem. I understand everything now.”
… He understood!
Crying could even be heard from the surroundings.
“Dragon Lord!” Mu Zhanting shouted, “You want me to break through realms and ascend, storm the Moon Palace to beat up the Old Man Under the Moon, and change your fate of guarding an empty house alone, right? Don’t worry, I won’t indulge in writing poetry anymore. I’ll cultivate diligently. When I break through and ascend, it will be the day your marriage destiny is fulfilled! Tell me loudly, am I your pride?!”
A deathly silence fell over heaven and earth.
“I… I can tell you—”
Thunder rolled backward in the sky. At this moment, people remembered the fear of Dragon City being destroyed by Ao Guanghan’s thunderous anger.
“This lord doesn’t know if the celestial realm suits you, but this lord knows that the immortal mountain will surely be your destination today!”
The second talented lady seemed more straightforward, sweeping into the Ten Thousand Poem Screen like a storm and bowing to Mu Zhanting.
“I am Yuan Fengbao from Wu State. Hearing that the young master is a rising star in the literary world, I’ve come to exchange ideas.”
Mu Zhanting: “How refreshing! Please, start with the first couplet.”
Yuan Fengbao was prepared, writing swiftly: “Last night, your face entered my dream’s embrace, At midnight, I paced alone in the rain.”
Mu Zhanting, realizing she had stayed up all night preparing, replied:
“It’s not that Duke Zhou couldn’t help, Just regret no one shared my blanket.”
Yuan Fengbao choked, feeling blood rush to her throat: “Excellent poem, excellent. This humble girl admires it.”
Nan Yan despairingly covered her face, then secretly communicated with the third talented lady.
“Miss, can you hear this poor nun?”
The third lady, sipping tea, replied: “Who might you be?”
Nan Yan: “To be frank, I am the Bloody-Handed Guanyin Bodhisattva who saves the suffering. Hearing you’ve traveled far for a match, I’m moved by your sincerity and wish to warn you.”
The third lady respectfully asked: “Please instruct me, Bodhisattva.”
Nan Yan: “This boy is a 900-year-old water-soaked dictionary that gained sentience. Banished to the mortal realm for scribbling in the Celestial Court, he’ll surely wreak havoc on human academia if left unchecked. I entrust you with the task of guiding him. When you encounter his strange ideas later, don’t retreat.”
The third lady, named Ying Yue, nodded firmly: “Ying Yue understands and will do her best.”
More cautious now, Ying Yue first observed Mu Zhanting upon entering, confirming his serious attitude before saying, “The previous two sisters fled in panic, likely due to some misunderstanding. This time, would the young master like to start with the first couplet?”
Mu Zhanting gladly accepted: “Well said. Exchanging ideas is the way of literary discourse. I won’t hold back then.”
Ying Yue, remembering the pale faces of her predecessors, felt nervous.
Mu Zhanting furrowed his brow in concentration and said seriously, “At fifteen, I set my mind on learning. At thirty, I resolved to make a name in literature and history. Despite repeated setbacks from the Dragon Lord, my determination never wavered. I think that man must be heaven-sent to disrupt my plans. Today happens to be his 500th birthday as a lonely soul, so I want to write a couplet for him. Please add a horizontal scroll after hearing it.”
Ying Yue listened intently as Mu Zhanting wrote:
Upper line: “Once young and hot-tempered, fighting and stubborn”
Lower line: “Raising others’ children and keeping a cold study, waiting grows colder”
Ying Yue: “…”
Mu Zhanting recited it again, feeling he had perfectly captured Ao Guanghan’s life. He looked at Ying Yue expectantly: “Where’s your horizontal scroll?”
Ying Yue, nearly dropping her brush in fright, stood up solemnly: “This humble girl has always admired the Dragon Lord and dares not disrespect him. Please spare me, young master.”
Mu Zhanting: “Don’t be afraid. I’ve already thought of the horizontal scroll. How about ‘Guarding an empty house alone’?”
A moment later, the third talented lady fled in panic. Mu Zhanting, having won three rounds, felt invincible. However, the fourth talented lady was immediately pushed in.
“Seems like a relay battle…” Mu Zhanting murmured, his fighting spirit intensifying. “How would you like to compete, literary friend?”
The fourth lady was a bit flustered. The Bloody-Handed Guanyin Bodhisattva had just suggested she poisoned him, but she hadn’t dared. Considering the fate of her predecessors, she decided to change tactics.
“I am Xiao Fuhua. I’m not skilled in poetry but have written some novels. Is the young master interested?”
Mu Zhanting: “That’s fine. As they say, ‘education is for all.’ Don’t be too formal. What kind of novels do you prefer?”
Xiao Fuhua cut to the chase: “Recently, I’ve been thinking of writing a love story. Young master, being so talented at a young age, have you experienced any unforgettable emotions?”
Mu Zhanting pondered briefly: “To be honest, I’m obsessed with poetry. While I don’t fully understand love, I have witnessed a deeply moving relationship.”
Xiao Fuhua: “Oh?”
Mu Zhanting: “Let me tell you about my sister. Her whole family could be framed and written into ten thousand love stories—”
Before he could finish, a golden Buddhist lotus burst in, whisking Xiao Fuhua away.
The Bloody-Handed Guanyin said softly: “Chat all you want, but don’t involve innocent Buddhist disciples.”
Mu Zhanting: “Oh.”
With the fourth lady urgently removed, the fifth wanted to flee. However, four intense gazes from below, as if watching humanity’s last hope, forced her to steady herself and enter the Ten Thousand Poem Screen, sitting before Mu Zhanting.
Mu Zhanting asked directly: “Would you like to discuss poetry or grammar?”
The fifth lady, Fu Liang, was in her prime and had already written numerous famous poems. Seeing Mu Zhanting wasn’t a fierce demon and having studied him for a while, she gathered her courage: “This humble girl, Fu Liang, wishes to have a poetry duel with the young master!”
“Excellent!”
To show his respect, Mu Zhanting suddenly stood up and began pacing.
Fu Liang: “May I ask what the young master is doing?”
Mu Zhanting: “In ancient times, Cao Zijian composed poems in seven steps. I’m walking first out of respect, seeking inspiration.”
Fu Liang: “…”
Fu Liang steadied herself and began writing furiously, completing a poem in the blink of an eye.
“The young lord doesn’t understand the white-haired promise,
Regrets letting the moon fairy match the mandarin ducks.
If you knew the peach blossom’s spring breeze intent,
Why let flowing water carry empty emotions?”
Everyone except Mu Zhanting knew this was a matchmaking event. The fifth lady had found the blind spot and tried to remind Mu Zhanting directly with a love poem.
Mu Zhanting seemed stunned, stroking his chin and contemplating for a long time. Suddenly, his face lit up with realization, repeatedly saying, “I see, I see. No wonder the Dragon Lord suddenly changed his mind.”
Fu Liang thought he had understood, stammering: “Young master, do you understand now?”
Mu Zhanting: “I understand. I completely understand. Thank you for enlightening me, literary friend.”
Fu Liang was a bit excited, wondering how to accept the marriage proposal when suddenly Mu Zhanting put away the Ten Thousand Poem Screen and flew into the air, his voice thundering:
“Dear friends and fellow Taoists who have come from afar, I, Mu Zhanting, have finally understood your painstaking efforts today.”
Ah? Could it be?
Mu Zhanting looked at the bright sky and said: “In the past, I was young and ignorant, indulging in literature without considering those who cared for me.”
Nan Yan and the others grew excited. The Pill King and the elder even held hands, tears in their eyes.
“Today, I understand the purpose of this grand event you’ve set up for me.” Mu Zhanting, moved by his realization, looked back at the Dragon Palace’s rear hall. “These young ladies, each of their works is a love poem. I understand everything now.”
… He understood!
Crying could even be heard from the surroundings.
“Dragon Lord!” Mu Zhanting shouted, “You want me to break through realms and ascend, storm the Moon Palace to beat up the Old Man Under the Moon, and change your fate of guarding an empty house alone, right? Don’t worry, I won’t indulge in writing poetry anymore. I’ll cultivate diligently. When I break through and ascend, it will be the day your marriage destiny is fulfilled! Tell me loudly, am I your pride?!”
A deathly silence fell over heaven and earth.
“I… I can tell you—”
Thunder rolled backward in the sky. At this moment, people remembered the fear of Dragon City being destroyed by Ao Guanghan’s thunderous anger.
“This lord doesn’t know if the celestial realm suits you, but this lord knows that the immortal mountain will surely be your destination today!”