The Blessing of Literary Fortune

"Old Prefecture of Yuzhang, New Prefecture of Hongdu?"

Blood glimmer spilled from Xiao Ran's fingertips, and eight ancient characters hung in midair. Shao Hongzhang's eyes widened at first, then he sighed inwardly and shook his head repeatedly.

"Same old stuff... Looks like it's nothing special after all."

His expression grew dim. The dynasty's literary tradition had fallen into decline. Though his own poems were no masterpieces, they still ranked among the finest of the age. It was hard to believe Xiao Ran could produce anything truly groundbreaking.

Xiao Ran raised his wrist again. Bloodlight flowed, and a second line took shape:

"Stars Divided Between Yi and Zhen, Land Connects to Hengshan and Lushan."

Shao Hongzhang looked even more disheartened. "Another old reference... Nothing remarkable."

The five Tan Shancai brothers' tense shoulders relaxed, and they could barely conceal their mocking smiles.

"Heh, so that's all!"

Though the Tan brothers were treasure hoarders, they were also well versed in literature. Otherwise, how could they recognize the cultural treasures and literary masterpieces left behind by the ancients? Just from these two opening lines, they had already judged Xiao Ran a "mediocre talent."

But blood-red light flared once more at Xiao Ran's fingertips, scattering ink across the air:

"Embracing the Three Rivers and Bordering the Five Lakes, Controlling Manjing and Leading Ou and Yue. Splendor of Things, Treasures of Heaven; the Dragon's Radiance Shoots into the Ox-Dipper Constellation's Realm!"

The moment he spoke, the sneers on the five Tan brothers' faces froze!

Shao Hongzhang jerked his head up, staring in disbelief at the fingertip still dripping blood.

"These lines... How perfectly balanced and magnificent!"

Before he could savor them, Xiao Ran wrote again:

"Outstanding People, Spiritual Land; Xu Ruo Descends to Chen Fan's Couch. Magnificent Prefectures Arrayed Like Mist, Brilliant Talents Galloping Like Stars..."