Literary Contest

Xu Yi seemed completely oblivious to the crowd's derisive laughter. In a cold voice, he asked, "Your Highness, will you compete or not?"

Ji Lie smiled faintly. "Mr. Xu, how do you propose we compete?"

Ji Lie had agreed for two reasons. First, he wanted to make this Poet Immortal, Word Sage look foolish in front of everyone.

Second, it would put an end to this entanglement. Of course, there were also reasons he couldn't discuss openly.

Put simply, Xu Yi's Literary Fame made him somewhat wary. Seizing the beauty by force would be no problem, but it would damage the Ninth Prince's reputation. If he won her through a contest, there would be fewer rumors and gossip.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Ji Lie's soul stirred with alarm. Damn it. How could someone this clever be a pedantic scholar? If he only excelled at poetry and prose, that would be one thing. But just now, he had gone toe-to-toe with the Heir of Prince Xiang, a man of exceptional cunning, and all the while, Xu Yi had kept a firm grip on the situation.

Someone like him couldn't possibly fail to recognize my Water Gang Sha. What a crafty bastard—he's clearly been playing the fool to catch the tiger.

That thought led him to recall how Xu Yi had completely ignored the overwhelming pressure he'd unleashed moments ago. That was clearly the sort of thing only a powerful expert could do.

"How devious. What a despicable bastard."

Ji Lie gritted his teeth in fury, but couldn't take back his offer. After all, he was the mighty Ninth Prince, and he couldn't disregard his reputation in front of a crowd.

Besides, he had his own pride. He was certain that with his strength, no matter what tricks