The Medical Canon Screwed Me Over

Only when he raised his eyes and looked around did everyone in the hall seem to awaken.

Boom!

Low, irrepressible murmurs of amazement spread like a rising tide.

"Heavens..."

"Even Pan An and Song Yu could hardly surpass him..."

"Such bearing, such talent-could he belong to the Five Surnames and Seven Houses?"

"Then why is his surname Lu? The Wu Commandery Lu Clan? Or the Yuzhong Lu Clan?"

Seeing Lu Changfeng's true face, incomparably handsome and refined, his poetic and musical talents eclipsing everyone present, and an indescribably transcendent aura flowing around him, everyone was stunned into speechlessness.

Beneath that overwhelming shock, a thought naturally surfaced in every mind-this man must be a scion painstakingly nurtured by some great aristocratic clan!

Unless he came from a family whose generations had worn the hatpins and tassels of high office, how could he possess such profound musical mastery, enough to crush a direct-line heir of the Taiyuan Wang Clan with effortless ease? Those from poor households spent their days scrambling for a living. What leisure did they have to immerse themselves in such refined arts?

Unless he came from a clan that dined to ringing bells from bronze cauldrons, how could he possess such unruffled composure, remaining neither servile nor overbearing before a hall full of high officials and imperial nobility, as calm as drifting clouds and a gentle breeze? Someone of humble birth suddenly thrust into such a gathering would surely have been trembling long ago. How could he possess such steadiness?

Unless his bloodline was noble, blessed with the finest spiritual essence of heaven and earth, how could he have such world-shaking beauty?

For a time, all manner of speculation about Lu Changfeng's origins churned through their minds. Their gazes grew increasingly complicated, mingling curiosity, scrutiny, and awe. Some were already imagining tales of an aristocratic scion concealing his identity, or an illegitimate son left wandering far from home.

"..."

Princess Taiping sat upright in the seat of honor, watching Lu Changfeng. She had long known his worth, but had never imagined that removing his disguise would reveal someone so breathtaking. She was puzzled. When she had examined him with her eye technique before, there had seemed to be nothing concealed. How had he acquired such beauty in so short a time? Then regret followed. Had she known, she should never have let him attend this gathering!

Princess Anle had already forgotten her earlier anger and humiliation. Her red lips parted slightly as she gazed at Lu Changfeng with near infatuation, utterly ignoring Wu Chongxun and Wu Yanxiu beside her, whose faces had already turned green. She had always loved beautiful things, whether fine clothing or beautiful people, and the man before her was unquestionably the finest she had ever seen!

Shangguan Wan'er's feelings were more complicated. She admired his talent and was shaken by his beauty, but what made her heartstrings tremble most was his air of standing above worldly concerns. In Chang'an, where power crushed power and everyone chased fame and profit, it had been a long time since she had seen someone so... untainted, yet powerful.

If even those three reacted that way, the other maids, Jinghong included, were equally unable to look away. All of them thought it was no wonder there was a story of Pan Yue's carriage being filled with fruit tossed by admirers whenever he went out. If Mr. Lu walked through the streets, they probably would not be able to resist either...

Amid those strangely heated gazes, Lu Changfeng's brows drew together slightly. This is bad!

Everyone loved beauty, but a tree that rose above the forest would also be battered by the wind!

Compared with talent, looks inspired attraction in the opposite sex far more directly-and likewise stirred envy and hatred in one's own sex, especially on an occasion like this!

Taiping was one thing. Gao Jian was not here, and Wu Youji was a useless wretch who would never dare do anything to her "male favorites." But Anle was still here! Wu Chongxun's and Wu Yanxiu's expressions had already changed. They could neither control Anle nor dare try, so they would inevitably vent their anger on him!

And most dangerous of all was Shangguan Wan'er... She belonged to Li Xian's harem. If even a whisper reached Li Xian's ears...

Just because he let Wu Sansi do as he pleased did not mean he would show no reaction to Lu Changfeng.

Damn it, the Medical Canon screwed me over!

Why does it feel as though this "xiantian foundation" brings far more trouble than benefits?

But the thought only flashed through his mind. He never regretted his own choices, and regret was useless anyway. For now, he could only let things take their course. So my face has been exposed. It's my own face-am I not allowed to show it?

Surely I can't slash it up again just to avoid trouble!

He drew a deep breath, ignoring Princess Anle's burning gaze and the Wu brothers' dark expressions. He did not look at Shangguan Wan'er either. He merely turned toward Princess Taiping, his tone level, as though nothing had happened, and said calmly, "Your Highness, the contest has been decided. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

He offered no explanation for his appearance, paid no attention to their amazement, and ignored the dangers lurking beneath it.

He loathed trouble, but he had never feared it. If some blind fool truly came crashing into him, he would simply let the man "drop dead"!

He did not mind changing professions entirely and becoming a poison master everyone feared!

Once I get back, I'll refine Pufferfish Venom. A few dozen tons to keep on hand first!

"..."

Princess Taiping had expected him to disguise himself again. Though that would only draw attention to what he wished to hide, it would at least convey a willingness to yield, a stance of "not wishing to charm others with mere looks." That would greatly diminish much of the potential hostility and fit his previously low-profile behavior.

But now, hearing his utterly unruffled voice and seeing the expression that suggested nothing in the world troubled him, Princess Taiping immediately understood-he had accepted the situation in an extraordinarily short time, and he would not yield!

Zhang Shouzhuo's death... Pufferfish...

The thought flashed through Princess Taiping's mind.

She had no doubt that, if he were truly driven that far, he would absolutely do it-and had the ability to leave not a trace behind!

At that thought, she realized clearly for the first time: this was no spirited horse that could be tamed with resources and power alone. He was himself a perilous peak of unfathomable depth!

This... makes it even more interesting.

A faint gleam of challenge and excitement flashed deep within her eyes. Then she offered a perfectly measured smile and said with graceful composure, "Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Lu. Jinghong, take him down to rest." At the same time, a voice transmission reached Jinghong's ears: "Lead Mr. Lu to the Pivot of Heaven Pavilion. Let him choose any fourth-tier weapon in the treasury!"

Jinghong's heart jolted, and she nodded slightly.

Having given her instructions, Taiping returned her gaze to the [Lovesick Zither]. A hint of reminiscence and undisguised admiration colored her voice as it carried clearly throughout the hall:

"And this [Lovesick Zither]... In those days, Maestro Su used its pure notes to stir lakes and mountains and win renown throughout the land, entrusting to it the winding tenderness of a maiden's heart. Today, Mr. Lu used this zither to sound the clash of spears and armored steeds, defeating his enemy without a trace and revealing a spirit that gazes proudly upon the world. One zither, two realms, both reaching unparalleled heights. If Maestro Su knows of this beneath the earth, she too must be glad that this zither has finally found a worthy master, and that its peerless splendor has not been wasted! Mr. Lu, there is no need to decline."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Lu Changfeng had no intention of declining anyway.

He could tell Taiping meant to elevate his standing, but he did not care. Things had already reached this point; he truly did not mind gaining a few more people who disliked him. His early misfortunes had left a childish streak of rebellion deep within him. He would avoid trouble when he could, but if he could not, then he would stop trying.

I love seeing you hate me when there's nothing you can do about it!

Lu Changfeng put away the zither and lingered no longer. Under everyone's gaze, he turned and walked unhurriedly out of the hall, leaving the room's astonishment, envy, and brewing storm behind him.

His figure had barely disappeared before Princess Anle could no longer restrain herself. "Aunt," she asked sweetly, "this Mr. Lu truly keeps his gifts well hidden. Where is he from, and who taught him?"

Shangguan Wan'er said nothing, but she too looked toward Princess Taiping with an equally attentive gaze.

Princess Taiping raised her wine cup and sidestepped the question. "Master Lu prefers peace and quiet and is unaccustomed to social engagements. This Palace would not presume to say too much." She brushed the topic aside, then swept her gaze across the gathering. Her clear voice carried unmistakable authority, instantly drawing everyone's attention away from Lu Changfeng. "We have enjoyed poetry and heard wondrous music. Yet surely the pleasures of today's gathering do not end there?"

She raised her hand slightly, her movements elegant and composed. "This Palace has prepared another spectacle for you all."

As her words fell, the music in the hall changed, shifting from its earlier martial fervor to something ethereal and far-reaching.

To the music, two exquisite figures, one in white and one in red, came floating in-Luo Qingge sat upright and played, the zither's notes clear as flowing water, while the sword-dance master Gongsun Lan danced with her blade, her movements as lithe as a startled swan.

Celestial music and exquisite dance complemented each other perfectly, a pinnacle of refinement rarely found in the mortal world.

Yet after the shock of seeing Lu Changfeng embody peerless poetic talent, domineering musical power, and the beauty of a banished immortal all at once, the guests found this "conventional" performance, masterful as it was, somehow lacking in impact.

It was like tasting sweet spring water after drinking the strongest wine. Though refreshing and sweet, it could no longer intoxicate.

Princess Anle was even more distracted. Her gaze kept flicking toward the direction Lu Changfeng had left, and her heart felt as though a cat's claws were scratching at it.

What tricks Aunt has up her sleeve, hiding a man like that in her residence!

On the one hand, she inwardly cursed Princess Taiping. The woman was nearly forty, and her son Xue Chongjian even seemed older than Lu Changfeng, yet she still harbored such "improper intentions." Truly shameless! On the other hand, she was relieved. Judging by Lu Changfeng's cold, distant attitude earlier, he did not seem to have become another Gao Jian, bending over backward to please her aunt.

Hmph. Whatever you can give him, can't This Palace afford it too? This Palace can even give him more!

She silently resolved to send people to investigate Lu Changfeng's background thoroughly the moment she returned. She would find a way to lure him away from her aunt, no matter what!