When surrounded by those close to him, the Calligrapher Sage freely expressed joy, laughter, anger, and scolding without restraint.
But in front of a large audience, his smile slightly faded, and no trace of anger could be seen on his face.
Only the shopkeepers of the black market, disguised as academy instructors seated behind the Calligrapher Sage, knew that he was likely cursing inwardly, directing his ire at Ji Guang’s entire family, including his wet nurse.
Yet, there were still those who failed to read the room.
Zhao Mu, ranked second, stood up, strode swiftly to the center of the hall, and bowed deeply, proclaiming loudly, "This disciple dares to request the Sage’s discerning judgment."
"Please grant us your discerning judgment, Sage," another voice chimed in as Wei Zhanyang, ranked third in the Calligraphy and Painting Examination, rose to his feet.
The music ceased, the warmed wine grew cold, and the hall fell into a deathly silence.
The eternal lamps flickered unsteadily, their wicks crackling and popping as they burned.
This generation of young people certainly has nerve, the black market shopkeepers thought to themselves.
Ji Chen, caught up in his excitement, failed to notice the subtle shift in the atmosphere. He continued shaking his cousin’s hand vigorously, pouring out heartfelt words of gratitude, only to have his hand abruptly shaken off.
Snapping back to reality, he hurriedly straightened his posture and echoed, "Please grant us your discerning judgment, Sage."
The crowd stared at Ji Chen in astonishment, wondering why he was joining the fray.
Being the top scorer brings such glory—who would want to return to being a worthless nobody after tasting such success? What good does admitting this do for you?
Ignoring Ji Guang for the moment, the Calligrapher Sage addressed Zhao Mu and Wei Zhanyang, "You two believe your mastery of the Calligraphy Way surpasses the two characters for 'egg' on Ji Chen’s scroll, am I right?"
His expression was gentle, like that of an elder in a family.
"Yes," Zhao Mu gritted his teeth. "We talismasters who study the Calligraphy Way must strive to excel and refuse to fall behind others! Strength is strength, weakness is weakness. When I inscribed the cliff wall, the brushwork was slightly impaired. Had it been written on paper, it would undoubtedly surpass the 'Egg Calligraphy.' Ji Chen has deceived the Sage—his reputation is undeserved."
"Please grant us another chance to compete fairly with Ji Chen!" Wei Zhanyang quickly added, seizing the opportunity.
Those in the hall who had initially deemed the pair reckless now saw a glimmer of cunning in their actions.
If they missed this opportunity, they might never see the Calligrapher Sage again, cutting off any chance of inheriting his legacy. Better to take a risk.
Succeed, and they’d soar to the heavens. Fail, and the Sage, as a mentor who valued reason, was unlikely to punish two juniors harshly.
Zhao Mu swept his robes aside and knelt in supplication.
Wei Zhanyang and Ji Guang promptly followed suit.
Ji Chen glanced at them, momentarily bewildered, then mindlessly imitated their actions, preparing to kneel as well.
"Oh, so that’s what you think," the Calligrapher Sage said mildly. He raised his hand as if to strike the jade table before him.
True Person Xuyun, leader of the Huawel Sect, had been closely monitoring the Sage’s aura and sensed danger. He immediately stood up.
Just then, Dean Qingya hurried into the hall. "Sage, if I may have a moment."
The Calligrapher Sage withdrew his hand. "Speak."
Xuyun sat back down, relieved.
He had once held complete control over the situation, but ever since the Calligrapher Sage, Chess Devil, and Qin Xian arrived one after another, the proceedings had slipped from his grasp.
Xian Jianchen’s sword energy still hovered above the hall’s roof, ready to summon lightning at the mere mention of his name. It was as if the four most powerful figures in the world had gathered at the Huawel Sect.
This feeling was utterly stifling, especially since his attempt to break through to the Transformation Stage had failed, leaving him with unresolved internal injuries.
The Dean stepped forward, intending to speak aloud but reconsidered and transmitted his message privately, "Word from Purple Cloud Temple: the Chess Devil played a game with a young disciple tonight and has found a successor to his liking. He requests your presence at the Star-Picking Platform tomorrow at dawn for a discussion."
The Calligrapher Sage’s expression shifted slightly. Has Song Qianji been discovered?Impossible. I've never heard of Song Qianji knowing how to play chess. He didn't sign up for the chess competition, nor has he had any dealings with the Purple Cloud Temple. He didn't even have a chance to meet the Chess Devil.
Moreover, in this year's chess competition, a genius from a minor sect emerged unexpectedly, named Li Ergou, also known as Li Ciquan. It's probably him.
In that case, there's no need for me to bother setting up any more deceptive schemes.
That kid Ji Chen has talent in formations. I originally didn't want the Chess Devil to discover him, but as long as the other party doesn't compete with me for Song Qianji—
I'll bring Ji Chen along tomorrow as a bonus, just give him away for free!
The Calligrapher Sage thought joyfully, after all, my luck is better, and I'm more favored by the heavenly way.
Everyone was extremely curious about what the dean had said to make the Calligrapher Sage so visibly pleased.
They saw the Calligrapher Sage smile and say:
"Our fellow talismasters strive to be first—well said. I quite understand your dissatisfaction. In that case, come to the Star-Picking Platform tomorrow at 7:30 AM to see something. Any young person in the Huawel Sect studying the Calligraphy Way is welcome to come and watch. You might as well compete too—if anyone thinks they can write better than what I show you, I will take them as my disciple!"
He decided that after meeting the Chess Devil tomorrow, he would produce the "Profiteer Qi Nurturing Talisman" written by Song Qianji and publicly announce that he would pass on his legacy to Song Qianji.
Only then could he finally hold his head high.
Zhao Mu and Wei Zhanyang were so overwhelmed with joy that they paid no attention to the foolish-looking Ji Chen, bowing in unison and saying, "Thank you, Sage!"
The crowd remained shocked and skeptical, unable to believe it:
"So the Calligrapher Sage really is going to take a disciple!"
"If this news spreads, how many people will show up?"
"What does the Calligrapher Sage want us to see? It sounds like he's prepared in advance."
Xu Yun's face darkened.
The Star-Picking Platform was situated at a very high altitude, offering a panoramic view of the entire Huawel Sect—a symbol of status.
The Chess Devil wanted to bring his disciples up to watch the chess competition. Xu Yun pretended to welcome them and lifted the restrictions.
But if everyone rushed up there tomorrow morning, with a bunch of nameless juniors joining in, what kind of spectacle would that be?
Endure, endure—the word "endure" has a knife hanging over it. Xu Yun advised himself that the Grand Assembly of Distinguished Appraisals was finally coming to an end.
After tomorrow, the Huawel Sect would still be his Huawel Sect.
Everyone had their own thoughts.
Ji Guang stood frozen to the side, glaring hatefully at Ji Chen.
But he saw Ji Chen rise cheerfully, pouring himself a drink as if no one else was around:
"Good wine, good wine!"
Raising his cup to the moon with no one to drink with, he suddenly thought of Song Qianji.
He wondered where Song Qianji was at that moment and whether he was satisfied with the fruit wine he had given him.
He had collected many fine wines, and the next time they met, he would definitely invite Song Qianji to drink to his heart's content!
...
The cold moon was lonely, and the night wind carried distant roars of beasts and the sound of flowing water.
Torches, lanterns, and Focusing Light Talismans illuminated the mountain forest unusually brightly, also lighting up every young face.
Some looked tense, some trembled slightly, but no one took a step back.
As Song Qianji stepped forward, the three-layered formation moved forward with him.
Zhao Yuping was caught in a dilemma.
He never knew that a group of low-level, low-cultivation base disciples could be so united and, because of their unity, possess such immense deterrence.
Capture a few junior disciples to make an example, kill one to warn a hundred? That might only provoke greater anger and lead to immediate fighting.
Better to capture the ringleader first—as long as they captured Song Qianji, all the outer sect disciples would hesitate to act, fearing collateral damage.
Who would dare make a reckless move then?
He signaled with his eyes to those behind him.
Six trusted followers of Zhao Taiji had come with him. Without Zhao Taiji's backing, he wouldn't have dared come here tonight.
"Wait!" A sharp, feminine shout cut through like thunder.A crimson figure seemed to materialize out of thin air, blocking his path.
Zhao Yuping jumped in fright, hastily retreating two steps. His expression shifted once he recognized the newcomer.
The deacons and Enforcement Hall members froze in alarm, instinctively withdrawing their magical artifacts.
The unexpected arrival was Chen Hongzhu.
Xu Kanshan chuckled softly, "Senior Brother Song, what do you think? Good thing I reacted quickly and sent a message talisman to notify the young mistress first!"
Qiu Dacheng added, "Hey, Senior Brother Song, don't listen to him! I was the one who thought of it first! Next time, take me gambling with you!"
Song Qianji couldn't help but laugh.
Chen Hongzhu demanded, "What are you trying to do?"
"Arresting rebellious disciples!" Zhao Yuping declared righteously. "Outer sect disciples breaking into the Star-Picking Platform at night violates sect rules, yet they show no remorse."
Chen Hongzhu studied him for a moment, making him increasingly uneasy before she finally spoke:
"If you lead your men to attack and bloodshed ensues, other sects will condemn Huawel Sect for losing its moral compass. What will become of Huawel Sect's reputation? Step aside. I will handle this matter."
Zhao Yuping bowed respectfully to her but challenged, "Is this the Sect Leader's order, or your own, young mistress?"
Chen Hongzhu raised her hand high, proclaiming loudly, "The Hua Wei True Token is here! Seeing this token is like seeing the Sect Leader himself. Withdraw at once!"
The token gleamed brilliantly with golden light.
It granted free passage throughout Huawel Sect and authority over all three halls.
Song Qianji sighed inwardly—using official resources for personal matters again.
Zhao Yuping, still unwilling, shot a deep glance at Song Qianji.
But given the night's circumstances, there was nothing more he could do.
"Yes!"
They retreated as they had come, like a receding tide leaving no trace.
The outer sect disciples collectively exhaled in relief, exchanging glances before bursting into hearty laughter.
Their laughter echoed through the mountains, startling birds into flight.
...
Supported by Meng Heze, Song Qianji returned to Song Courtyard.
"That was close tonight, but thankfully it ended without disaster," Meng Heze said with a smile.
Song Qianji shook his head. "It wasn't close."
"If Senior Brother says it wasn't close, then it wasn't," Meng Heze conceded. "You're drunk, Senior Brother. Rest now! I'll come back tomorrow to cook noodles for you."
Song Qianji nodded, then suddenly called toward the door, "Come in."
Meng Heze turned.
It turned out Chen Hongzhu had been following them all along.
Seeing that the two seemed to have matters to discuss, and grateful for her intervention that night, Meng Heze gave her a friendly smile and departed directly.
But Chen Hongzhu didn't smile.
Her usual haughty demeanor had vanished, replaced by a grave expression.
The night was deep and heavy with dew, the garden's flowers and plants stretching languidly under the moonlight.
Even the night breeze seemed to soften as it entered this small courtyard.
Chen Hongzhu stood beneath the flower trellis, watching Song Qianji lounging comfortably on the recliner.
He always seemed so at ease.
With his capabilities, he should have been a complex person, yet he lived simply and was easily content.
"After tonight's spectacle, Huawel Sect can no longer keep you," she heard her own voice, slightly hoarse.
Song Qianji smiled. "I was always going to descend the mountain. Have you forgotten?"
Chen Hongzhu stared blankly.
She gazed at him as if seeing him for the first time.
Her eyes gradually turned cold:
"You foresaw this day long ago, didn't you? That's why you incited all the outer sect disciples to rebel against the sect?"
Song Qianji remained silent.
These people weren't born to serve the sect—how could it be called "rebellion"?
Chen Hongzhu took his silence as confirmation.
Since their meeting on the Fleeting Water Bridge, aside from their shared dislike for Miaoyan, they had never stood on common ground, always opposing each other.
She didn't want to admit it, but she had to.
Suddenly, she said, "Descend the mountain. Leave tonight. Leave now."Once Song Qianji left, the disciples would be like a headless dragon with no one to guide them, inevitably growing disunited over time.
If they truly expelled the entire Outer Sect from the mountain, how would the Huawel Sect maintain its prestige? Other sects might not say it aloud, but the Dayan Sect would certainly laugh the loudest.
If this matter spread, it would inevitably affect the sect’s future recruitment of disciples.
"I’m not leaving," Song Qianji said.
Chen Hongzhu’s face turned pale, then flushed with anger. She gritted her teeth and said fiercely:
"If you want an apology, fine. Back then, I shouldn’t have forcibly stopped you. I’m sorry!"
Song Qianji still shook his head.
Chen Hongzhu’s fury surged. "What else do you want? Magical artifacts? Cultivation methods? Spirit stones? Just name it!"
Song Qianji: "I want a place where I can grow things."
Chen Hongzhu was bewildered: "A place? To grow things?"
The Huawel Sect was the dominant power in the Western Sky Continent, with thousands of vassal states and territories. Countless mortals erected golden statues of the sect leader and high-ranking elders, enhancing their luck through worship.
Suddenly, she understood: "You want a fiefdom?"
Song Qianji nodded: "Something like that."
"You want a city?" She owned dozens of mortal cities herself—this wouldn’t be difficult to arrange.
"No."
"You want a kingdom?"
"No." Song Qianji said, "I want a county."
Chen Hongzhu took a deep breath. "This is beyond my authority. I must discuss it with my father and the other Peak Lords."
Song Qianji smiled. "Go ahead."
Chen Hongzhu stepped over the threshold without looking back, saying only, "It seems I was too clever for my own good. Inviting a deity is easy; sending one away is hard. A lesson learned."
Her words drifted away in the wind, and Song Qianji didn’t catch them clearly.
He still felt somewhat dizzy and went inside to collapse into sleep.
...
Dawn.
Clear morning sunlight slanted through the door, gently kissing Song Qianji’s thick eyelashes.
He rubbed his eyes and awoke.
That night, he had dreamed of a towering tree, once on the verge of death, now revitalized with renewed vitality.
Song Qianji thought, Last night, I even challenged the heavens with a sword in a game of chess—it seems that, too, was nothing but a pleasant dream.
He chuckled softly, feeling lighthearted, when his fingers brushed against something in his sleeve.
A half-rolled, thin booklet.
The smile on his lips instantly froze.
Whistling night winds, a solitary mountain pavilion, a sky full of stars, and that sickly old man... Scenes flooded his mind all at once.
Song Qianji jolted, leaped off the bed, and felt a chill from head to toe.
He flipped through the book rapidly, scanning ten lines at a glance, holding his breath as he examined it closely.
The intersecting lines of the chessboard and the scattered black and white pieces flowed before his eyes, forming intricate and shifting formations.
This was no street-stall chess manual—it was a secret manual of formation arrays!
Song Qianji grabbed his hair, wishing he could slap himself.
What in the world have I done?!
It wasn’t the fruit wine’s fault, and he couldn’t blame Ji Chen. The problem was he hadn’t known his own alcohol tolerance.
In his previous life, he had needed to remain clear-headed at all times and had never touched alcohol, only envying those who could drink.
If he had known earlier, he could have used his internal Spirit Qi to neutralize the effects.
Who would have thought the Fountain of Immortality could nourish meridians and heal injuries, yet couldn’t even counteract a bit of fruit wine?
Utterly useless.
Song Qianji rushed out of his room, facing the brilliant morning sun, and shouted at the wisteria on the flower stand, "Alcohol leads to trouble!"
The wisteria clusters trembled in the dawn breeze, as if laughing at him.
Song Qianji patted the cucumber vines. "No more drinking! I dare not drink again!"
The cucumbers hid beneath their leaves, ignoring him entirely.
"Can I return something I’ve taken from someone?" he poked at the potato leaves.
The potatoes merely shook their leaves, shedding a large dewdrop.
It dripped onto the back of his hand, cold and icy.
But not as cold as Song Qianji’s heart.
OpenNovel