Yaoyao Song

Chen Shi'an's palm strike sent the mole-faced man stumbling back three steps before he regained his footing, his chest burning with pain.

Yet after being cursed at and struck, he actually behaved himself, all his arrogance gone.

After some hesitation, he carefully cradled the envelope in his hands, turned, and ran into the Martial Academy.

What a spineless wretch!

Chen Shi'an snorted coldly and stood in silence with his hands behind his back.

The three remaining academy disciples exchanged looks, none daring to make a sound.

Deep within Windrise Martial Academy, in a courtyard.

A white-robed man with loose hair wrote furiously. He had barely finished a line of large characters before he frowned again. "No, no! The poetic atmosphere falls far too short!"

He crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it aside.

By now, over a hundred crumpled balls of paper littered the floor.

Knock, knock, knock.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

The man's frown deepened. "Didn't I tell you not to disturb me unless it was urgent?"

"Dean, the disciple guarding the gate came to report that someone wishes to see you. He asked for you by name and said he came at your invitation," an old man's voice came from outside.

The white-robed man was Lu Chenyang, deputy dean of Windrise Martial Academy.

Although Lu Chenyang was the deputy dean, he was the academy's actual administrator, handling matters great and small.

The lord of the Stronghold also served as dean of Windrise Martial Academy, but it was merely a nominal position; he took no part in its management.

"At my invitation?"

Lu Chenyang sneered. "What swindler is this? He's got some nerve!

"Send word: break one of his legs and throw him into the Stronghold's water dungeon."

The old man outside hesitated briefly. "Dean, he sent a letter."

Lu Chenyang was already growing impatient. "What does it say?"

"A letter addressed to you is not something this old servant dares read without permission," the old man hastily added.

Lu Chenyang spat out two icy words. "Discard it."

The old man hesitated a moment. "Dean, the writing on the envelope is vigorous and powerful, already showing something of a master's style. The sender may be no ordinary person."

Lu Chenyang lifted his eyelids slightly. "Bring it in."

The door creaked open, and the old man walked slowly inside.

He wore coarse black clothes and had a tall frame. A large character was tattooed on his face: slave.

Bending at the waist, the old man respectfully raised the letter above his head.

Lu Chenyang did not take it immediately, first directing his gaze to the envelope.

Five large characters, their strokes like iron lines and silver hooks, read: To be opened personally by Dean Lu.

"The handwriting really is quite good."

Lu Chenyang made a sound of surprise. Looking taken aback, he snatched the envelope and quickly opened it.

Inside was just one thin sheet of paper, bearing a few words: I know the final two lines.

Wild delight instantly appeared on Lu Chenyang's face. He patted the old man's shoulder. "Old Dog Fu, you handled this very well today.

"How about this? Next month, I'll let you see your daughter one extra time."

"Thank you, Dean!" Excitement appeared on the old man's face, and he hurriedly cupped his hands in a bow.

Lu Chenyang waved a hand. "Go. Have a disciple invite him over."

The old man respectfully acknowledged the order and was about to leave when Lu Chenyang changed his mind. "On second thought, go yourself. I trust you to handle things."

A short while later, Chen Shi'an entered the room under the black-robed old man's guidance.

Lu Chenyang sat upright in a high-backed chair with no intention of rising, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on Chen Shi'an.

As the black-robed old man was about to leave, Chen Shi'an lowered his head and cupped his hands. "Thank you for showing me the way, sir."

An unusual look crossed the old man's face. He nodded slightly, turned, and left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Greetings, Dean Lu." Only then did Chen Shi'an look toward Lu Chenyang and offer a slight cupped-hand salute, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Who are you?" Lu Chenyang asked in a low voice, studying Chen Shi'an from head to toe with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"My surname is Chen, my given name Shi'an. I am an ordinary resident of the Stronghold," Chen Shi'an replied steadily.

One corner of Lu Chenyang's mouth curled upward. "Do you know what happens to those who deceive me?"

Chen Shi'an's expression remained unchanged. "Dean Lu is one of the most important figures in our Stronghold. Even with ten thousand times my courage, I wouldn't dare deceive you."

Lu Chenyang held out his hand. "Hand it over."

Chen Shi'an pointed at his head. "There's no need to hurry, Dean Lu. The final two lines are in my head. I can write them down for you at any time."

Lu Chenyang raised his eyelids slightly. "Tell me, what do you want?"

Chen Shi'an went straight to the point. "Wang Tianye, commander of the City Guard Battalion, has taken a fancy to my niece. She's only ten this year. I hope you can intervene and rein Commander Wang in."

Lu Chenyang's eyes turned cold. "Chen Shi'an, do you know the consequences of slandering an important Stronghold official like this?"

Chen Shi'an raised his head slightly. "Dean Lu, you are a great figure who can look down over the entire Stronghold. You already know in your heart whether I have slandered Commander Wang."

Lu Chenyang laughed. "So young, yet you dare speak to me like that. Interesting.

"Write out the poem. If it satisfies me, I will naturally settle your problem for you."

At this point, his gaze grew cold and harsh. "If you've deceived me, not only will you die, but your niece and your family won't escape either!"

A chill ran through Chen Shi'an's heart, but his expression did not change. He stepped forward slowly. "Please grant me paper and a brush, Dean Lu."

Lu Chenyang first spread a sheet of white paper on the desk before him, then flicked a finger.

A weasel-hair brush soaked in thick ink shot forward, moving swiftly at first, then slowing until it drifted gently before Chen Shi'an.

Origin Force!

Chen Shi'an's heart shook. Only a Ranked Martial Artist who had developed Origin Force could control the strength of a movement with such precision.

He quickly steadied himself, took the weasel-hair brush, and walked slowly to the desk.

Holding the paper down with his left hand, he gently lowered the brush with his right.

The brush danced like dragons and serpents, completing the lines in one unbroken flow:

Dispelling the spring breeze's boundless sorrow, they leaned upon the railing north of Aloeswood Pavilion.

"Wonderful! Truly wonderful!"

As the final character took shape, Lu Chenyang sprang from his chair.

"Famed flowers and a beauty who could topple kingdoms delighted each other,

"Ever drawing the sovereign's smiling gaze.

"Dispelling the spring breeze's boundless sorrow,

"They leaned upon the railing north of Aloeswood Pavilion."

As he recited, he closed his eyes and swayed his head, his face full of enjoyment.

After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes. "Does this poem have a title?"

Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "I offer it to you, Dean. Naturally, the right to name it belongs to you."

Lu Chenyang's face lit up with delight, and he gave Chen Shi'an an approving look.

After racking his brains, his eyes brightened. "Yaoyao Song! Yes, that's the name! It complements the poem perfectly, pearls strung together and jade joined into one!"

At this, Chen Shi'an nearly spat out a mouthful of blood, inwardly repeating, Poet Immortal, please forgive me. If you must punish someone, go after that great blockhead Lu Chenyang.

"Chen Shi'an, what do you think of the title I've chosen?" Lu Chenyang's face was full of smug satisfaction.

Chen Shi'an raised a thumb. "The poem is wonderful, but the title is even better. Dean Lu, brilliant!"

The corners of Lu Chenyang's mouth rose high. Then his eyes abruptly turned cold. "You've already written out the poem. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"

Chen Shi'an wore a slight smile. "Everyone knows how deeply you feel for Tao Yaoyao, Dean Lu.

"But sending this poem to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion will only earn you a chance to dine with her once.

"If you kill me now, where will you find more poems like Yaoyao Song? How will you completely capture Tao Yaoyao's heart?"

Lu Chenyang laughed heartily, strode out from behind the desk, and patted Chen Shi'an's shoulder.

"Young friend Chen, you write fine poetry and have courage to match. It's been a long time since I, Lu Chenyang, have met such an outstanding young man."

A smile also appeared on Chen Shi'an's face. "You flatter me, Dean Lu. I didn't write this poem."

"You didn't write it?"

Lu Chenyang's brows immediately knitted together, and his face darkened.

Chen Shi'an continued, "Rest assured, Dean Lu. Although I didn't write it, we are the only two people in this world who know it.

"Some time ago, I acquired a poetry manuscript in the Outer City. Its owner was a scholar exiled to the Desolate Ruins, who died almost two years ago."

Lu Chenyang's eyes lit up. "The manuscript? Where is it?"

Chen Shi'an looked regretful. "When I acquired it, the manuscript was already badly damaged. Before long, it fell apart completely, so I had no choice but to burn it as kindling."

"You..."

Lu Chenyang shook his head repeatedly, heartbroken.

Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Dean Lu. There were several other poems like Yaoyao Song in the manuscript. I still vaguely remember them. Once I recall them someday, I will certainly present them to you personally."

Lu Chenyang's expression eased somewhat. Then his eyes shifted slightly. "Young friend Chen, you are young and accomplished, one of the Stronghold's outstanding talents. Would you be interested in joining the Martial Academy?"

Chen Shi'an visibly froze.

In Windrise Stronghold, countless people dreamed of entering the Martial Academy, leaping like a carp through the dragon gate and ascending to the heavens in a single step.

For a moment, Chen Shi'an was tempted.

But he immediately came to his senses.

Lu Chenyang wanted him to join the Martial Academy for his poetry. Once he entered, he would likely fall under Lu Chenyang's control and lose his freedom.

So he declined tactfully. "I appreciate your kindness, Dean Lu.

"I know my own worth. Compared with the Martial Academy's prodigies, I am far too ordinary. If I truly joined, I fear I would tarnish your reputation and bring you shame."

Lu Chenyang shook his head repeatedly. "Don't belittle yourself, young friend Chen. Setting poetry aside, your handwriting alone would probably make even the Stronghold's many master calligraphers admit defeat. You are more than qualified to join the Martial Academy."

Chen Shi'an waved a hand. "I once took part in the Martial Academy's entrance assessment, so I know its requirements very well.

"Good handwriting alone is nowhere near enough to gain admission.

"It is an honor to have your appreciation.

"And precisely because of that, I cannot join the Martial Academy. I dare not let down your expectations and trust."

At this point, he bowed respectfully to Lu Chenyang. "I have presented the poem. Please take some trouble over my niece's situation, Dean Lu.

"If I recall any complete poems from the manuscript, I will present them to you at once."

Lu Chenyang's gaze flickered. Then he laughed. "In that case, I won't force you. Whenever you change your mind, Windrise Martial Academy will welcome you."

With that, he called loudly toward the door, "Old Dog Fu, see our young friend Chen out."

The black-robed old man hurriedly pushed the door open, gave Lu Chenyang a slight bow, and slowly led Chen Shi'an out of the room.

Once the two had gone far enough, Lu Chenyang immediately summoned someone. "Go and investigate Chen Shi'an thoroughly. I want every piece of information on him!"

The black-robed old man strode ahead, his head bowed, without saying a word.

Chen Shi'an said nothing either, following silently behind him.

When they reached a secluded, deserted spot, the old man suddenly said, "Lu Chenyang is ruthless and vicious. You'll need to keep your wits about you when dealing with him."

A little surprised, Chen Shi'an hurriedly replied, "Thank you for the warning, sir. I'll keep it in mind."

The black-robed old man said no more, continuing forward with his head down.

Doubts rose in Chen Shi'an's mind. Judging by his bearing, this black-robed old man is no ordinary person. Why was the character for slave tattooed on his face? How did he become Lu Chenyang's servant?

Just then, a dainty figure approached them. It was none other than Fang Ruyu.

Fang Ruyu carried a box of pastries, her steps light and her mood cheerful.

When she suddenly saw Chen Shi'an, she froze for a moment, then sneered. "Chen Shi'an, you really are something. You actually managed to sneak into the Martial Academy."

At this point, she glanced at the black-robed old man. "Old Dog Fu, did you bring him into the Martial Academy?

"You don't even know his background, yet you brought him inside. If he steals something valuable, can you take responsibility?

"Hurry up and throw him out!"

Chen Shi'an gave Fang Ruyu an indifferent glance, then looked elsewhere, his disdain written all over his face.

Fang Ruyu immediately lost her composure and snapped, "Chen Shi'an, stop putting on an act. Others may not know what sort of person you are, but I know perfectly well.

"Old Dog Fu, I'm helping you here. Hurry up and throw him out of the Martial Academy!"

The black-robed old man remained expressionless. "I am escorting Young Master Chen out of the Martial Academy on Deputy Dean Lu's orders."

"On the dean's orders!"

Fang Ruyu stood frozen, disbelief all over her face. She murmured, "How is that possible? He's nothing but a wretched gambling addict. How could he have anything to do with the dean...?"

Before she could finish, the black-robed old man had already led Chen Shi'an around a nearby corner.

Fang Ruyu stared blankly in the direction where Chen Shi'an had disappeared, clearly dazed.

Just then, a dark-faced man suddenly appeared and asked in a deep voice, "You know Chen Shi'an?"

"Greetings, Instructor."

Fang Ruyu hurriedly bowed respectfully. "I do know Chen Shi'an. He's just a..."

The dark-faced man waved a hand. "Come with me to see the dean."

At this, delight appeared on Fang Ruyu's face, and she hurriedly asked, "May I ask why the dean wishes to see me, Instructor? Is it because I took first place in the assessment the day before yesterday?"

But the dark-faced man simply turned and strode away, leaving her standing there.

Fang Ruyu's pretty face immediately flushed, and she hurried after him.

"Disciple Fang Ruyu greets the dean!"

After entering the room, Fang Ruyu lowered her head and bowed respectfully.

Lu Chenyang had returned to his seat behind the desk. He looked at Fang Ruyu indifferently. "You know Chen Shi'an?"

Only then did Fang Ruyu realize that she had been summoned because of Chen Shi'an, and she could not help feeling disappointed.

At the same time, an inexplicable anger rose within her. She answered quickly, "I do know Chen Shi'an. He's nothing but an ignorant, worthless gambling addict."