Couldn't take a joke

It was the last day of the half-month deadline.

The number of sword draws on the Mysterious Stone Stele had finally reached three hundred and ten thousand.

Although six hundred thousand was still a long way off, the Origin Force within him was steadily increasing.

At first, his Origin Force had only been enough for twenty consecutive sword draws. Now, he could manage forty.

His Origin Force had doubled in less than half a month-a gratifying improvement.

After lunch, Chen Shi'an said goodbye to Su Qingrou and headed leisurely toward the Windrise Martial Academy.

This time, without Fang Ruyu to escort him, he had to ask the disciple guarding the gate to announce his arrival to Lu Chenyang.

Before long, the black-robed elder who attended Lu Chenyang arrived at the gate and led Chen Shi'an into the academy.

When they reached a secluded spot, the elder, who had been silently leading the way, suddenly said in a low voice, "Young man, Lu Chenyang intends to kill you."

Chen Shi'an was somewhat surprised.

Lu Chenyang had yet to win Tao Yaoyao's heart, and he still hadn't received the final two lines of the second poem.

Even if he wanted to make a move against Chen Shi'an, this shouldn't have been the time.

Chen Shi'an wanted to ask why, but swallowed the question before it left his lips.

They were neither kin nor friends. The elder had already done him a tremendous kindness by warning him.

Asking more would only cause the man trouble, repaying kindness with harm.

"Thank you, sir." Without breaking stride, Chen Shi'an quietly thanked the elder.

After escorting Chen Shi'an into the room, the elder closed the door and stood guard outside, just as before.

Lu Chenyang sat behind his desk and raised his head slightly. "You certainly keep your word, young friend Chen. We agreed on half a month, and you haven't exceeded it by even a day."

He still wore a smile, but it was far less warm than last time, with a faint chill lurking beneath it.

Chen Shi'an knew the black-robed elder had been right. Lu Chenyang truly intended to kill him.

He therefore put on an apologetic expression. "Sorry for the wait, Dean Lu."

Lu Chenyang lightly tapped the desk, where paper and a brush had already been laid out.

Chen Shi'an stepped forward slowly, picked up the brush without hesitation, and wrote two lines in bold, vigorous strokes:

If not atop the mountains of clustered jade, then beneath the moon on the Jasper Terrace we would meet.

Lu Chenyang rose and recited the lines softly before letting out a long sigh. "Such poetry could never have come from an ordinary mortal. Only a Banished Immortal could have written it!

"What a pity, what a tragedy, that someone like him died so young, without even leaving his name behind."

"Thank you for your protection, Dean Lu. If I remember any other poems, I will come present them to you immediately." Chen Shi'an bowed respectfully and prepared to take his leave.

Lu Chenyang lifted his eyelids slightly. "Congratulations, young friend Chen. Who would have thought your niece would be chosen by a deity and become a prospective Spirit Medium for the Stronghold?"

Chen Shi'an had already suspected that Lu Chenyang's sudden murderous intent had something to do with Chen Tiantian.

"It was merely good fortune," he replied with a smile.

"No need for modesty. A deity manifesting its presence is a first for our Windrise Stronghold."

An inscrutable smile appeared on Lu Chenyang's face. "Chen Tiantian is now a prospective Spirit Medium under the Stronghold's protection. Until she retires from that role, even Wang Tianye won't dare lay a hand on her again.

"It seems I won't need to meddle in your Chen Family's affairs anymore."

Chen Shi'an looked alarmed. "Why would you say that, Dean Lu? I will always remember the help you have given our Chen Family. If you are willing to continue protecting us, I could ask for nothing more and would be endlessly grateful."

Lu Chenyang snorted coldly. "You ought to thank Tao Yaoyao instead. Without her help, could Chen Tiantian have entered the final selection for Spirit Mediums?"

Chen Shi'an couldn't help his expression changing.

Lu Chenyang had traced the matter to Tao Yaoyao so quickly. No wonder he wanted to kill him.

"Chen Shi'an, I must admit you have talent. With a single collection of poems, you managed to play Wang Tianye, me, and Tao Yaoyao in the palm of your hand."

Lu Chenyang narrowed his eyes, murderous intent spilling from him. "No one in Windrise Stronghold has ever dared toy with me like this.

"Tell me, how do you want to die?"

As his words fell, an overwhelmingly powerful aura erupted from him and bore down on Chen Shi'an like a force blanketing heaven and earth.

As though struck by a charging mad bull, Chen Shi'an flew backward, slammed into the door, and rebounded onto the floor.

He gave a muffled groan, his blood surging and his face flushing red.

Had he not suppressed the circulation of his Origin Force, he should have been able to withstand Lu Chenyang's pressure.

He had suppressed it because he was certain Lu Chenyang wouldn't kill him yet.

Until Lu Chenyang got his hands on the "poetry manuscript," Chen Shi'an remained enormously valuable.

Besides, Lu Chenyang was one of Windrise Stronghold's foremost experts. Chen Shi'an was still nowhere near his match, and resistance would have been futile.

What's more, the Windrise Martial Academy had many experts. Lu Chenyang was far from its only Ranked Martial Artist.

Resisting would only lead to death.

"Chen Shi'an, you leaked the poetry manuscript to Tao Yaoyao and made a fool of me. Even a hundred deaths couldn't atone for your crime!"

Lu Chenyang's gaze was icy. "I'll give you one chance. Write out the entire manuscript, and I can spare your sister-in-law and niece!"

Clutching his chest and coughing repeatedly, Chen Shi'an said, "My death is of no consequence, but before I die, I would like to become a ghost who knows why. How can you be certain Pavilion Mistress Tao helped our Chen Family because of the poetry manuscript?"

It wouldn't be difficult to uncover Tao Yaoyao's role in helping Chen Tiantian enter the final selection for Spirit Mediums.

But only Tao Yaoyao and Cui Zhu had been involved in the matter of the poetry manuscript. How had Lu Chenyang learned about it? Did he have solid evidence, or was he bluffing?

Chen Shi'an needed to understand the situation before he could respond properly.

Lu Chenyang sneered. "Tao Yaoyao rarely interferes in the Stronghold's internal affairs. Her suddenly helping your niece enter the final selection was far too unusual.

"What could your Chen Family possibly offer to move her, other than the poetry manuscript?"

Chen Shi'an shook his head with a bitter smile. "So, on nothing but a guess, you decided I leaked the manuscript to Tao Yaoyao and condemned me to death.

"If you wish to kill me, Dean Lu, I can only bare my neck for the blade."

At this point, he raised his voice. "But I have been wronged! I cannot close my eyes in death!

"From beginning to end, you are the only person I've ever told about the poetry manuscript!"

Lu Chenyang sneered. "Still stubborn when death is staring you in the face!

"Tao Yaoyao admitted it before the Stronghold's senior leaders. What more could you possibly deny?"

Hearing this, Chen Shi'an was all but certain Lu Chenyang had no evidence and was merely bluffing.

Tao Yaoyao genuinely loved poetry. She would never have publicly revealed the manuscript's existence.

"Chen Shi'an, I will give you one final chance. Hand over the manuscript. You die, but your sister-in-law and niece live." A cold glint flashed in Lu Chenyang's eyes.

After a brief pause, Chen Shi'an shook his head and sighed deeply. "Had I known it would come to this, when Pavilion Mistress Tao approached me, I should have admitted that I wrote Yaoyao Song for you.

"I was grateful for your protection, Dean Lu. Even when Pavilion Mistress Tao threatened me and tempted me with rewards, I refused to let a single word slip.

"And yet you refuse to believe me, choosing to believe Pavilion Mistress Tao instead."

Lu Chenyang's gaze flickered. "Chen Shi'an, spare me your performance. If you hadn't leaked information about the manuscript, why would Tao Yaoyao have approached you?"

Chen Shi'an's thoughts raced, and he gave a bitter smile. "The Hundred Flowers Pavilion is well informed. If Pavilion Mistress Tao thought you couldn't have written Yaoyao Song and sent someone to investigate, it shouldn't have been difficult to trace it to me."

At this, Lu Chenyang couldn't help his aged face reddening.

Chen Shi'an struck while the iron was hot. "Pavilion Mistress Tao couldn't get any useful information out of me, so she approached the matter from another angle. It seems her plan has succeeded."

He bowed respectfully to Lu Chenyang. "Dean Lu, without your protection, my niece would probably have already fallen victim to Wang Tianye.

"I am endlessly grateful to you. Now that you wish to kill me, I have nothing to say.

"I still remember two lines of poetry. I'll write them down now, then accept my death."

With that, a pained expression crossed his face, and he slowly approached the desk, clutching his chest.

He picked up the brush again and began writing slowly.

This time, he wrote very slowly, his hand visibly trembling.

Only after half an incense stick's worth of time did he finally set down the brush.

Two lines of poetry appeared on the paper:

A crimson blossom, dew gathering its fragrance; Mount Wu's clouds and rain break hearts in vain.

"The lines are written. Go ahead, Dean Lu." Chen Shi'an raised his head slightly and closed his eyes, his face filled with resolve.

Lu Chenyang quickly read the lines, then looked at Chen Shi'an, his expression shifting repeatedly.

Only after six full breaths did he ask, "Chen Shi'an, did you truly not tell Tao Yaoyao about the poetry manuscript?"

Chen Shi'an shook his head gently without speaking, his eyes still closed.

Lu Chenyang suddenly burst out laughing and clapped a hand on Chen Shi'an's shoulder. "Look at you, young friend Chen. You really can't take a joke.

"How could I fail to see through Tao Yaoyao's little tricks?

"I was only joking with you, yet you took it seriously."

Chen Shi'an coughed three times in succession, and his expression immediately became a colorful mixture of surprise, wild joy, and a hint of resentment.

Once his coughing subsided, he gave a bitter smile. "Dean Lu, that joke went much too far.

"You're a renowned expert in the Stronghold. If you'd used just a little more force, I'm afraid you would have taken half my life."

"I do know how to judge my strength."

Lu Chenyang's smile broadened, and he affectionately pulled Chen Shi'an over to the desk. "Young friend Chen, where is this Mount Wu mentioned in the poem?

"I've never heard of a Mount Wu in the Desolate Ruins. Could you have remembered the lines incorrectly or mixed them up?"

Chen Shi'an shook his head. "Although I don't know where Mount Wu is, I'm certain that is how the poem was written.

"Perhaps the poet was someone exiled to the Desolate Ruins, and Mount Wu isn't in the Desolate Ruins at all."

"Oh," Lu Chenyang said. "Can't you remember the last two lines?"

A slight note of reproach entered Chen Shi'an's voice. "I was beginning to recall them. All I needed was a small spark to bring them back.

"But after the fright you just gave me, I've forgotten everything.

"I'm afraid it will take some time to remember them again."

Lu Chenyang looked apologetic. "That was my fault. I gave you a fright, young friend Chen. Please try to remember the lines as soon as possible.

"Tao Yaoyao now has her suspicions about me. I need to produce more poems quickly to dispel her doubts and find an opportunity to win her over."

Chen Shi'an readily agreed. "Rest assured, Dean. As soon as I remember them, I'll come present them to you."

Though he made that promise aloud, he laughed inwardly. Just keep waiting.

You've already gotten two and a half poems from the great Immortal of Poetry, and you're still not satisfied?

More importantly, if he wrote out the final two lines, Lu Chenyang would surely ask which kingdom the Han Palace belonged to and who Flying Swallow was.

Lu Chenyang looked pleased. "Young friend Chen, your niece has now become a Spirit Medium and no longer needs my protection.

"But rest assured, if you need help with anything in the future, come straight to me. As long as it lies within my power, I won't hesitate."

Chen Shi'an naturally put on a delighted expression and hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks.

"Young friend Chen, you must continue keeping the poetry manuscript a secret. Remember, no one can know about it, especially Tao Yaoyao."

Lu Chenyang frowned slightly. "That woman is deeply calculating. Although she didn't publicly mention the manuscript, she deliberately revealed that she had recommended your niece. She was clearly trying to drive a wedge between us.

"She failed this time, but she is certain to make further moves. You must stay vigilant."

Chen Shi'an's brows knitted tightly at this.

He hadn't expected Tao Yaoyao to have brought the matter to light herself. No wonder Lu Chenyang had learned about it so quickly.

"Rest assured, Dean Lu. Whatever methods she uses, I won't reveal a thing," Chen Shi'an vowed solemnly before asking to take his leave.

Thoroughly satisfied, Lu Chenyang called toward the door, "Old Dog Fu, see young friend Chen out."

When the black-robed elder reached a secluded spot, he spoke softly again without looking back. "Young man, you're playing with fire. You may have escaped disaster by luck today, but if you continue associating with Lu Chenyang, you will surely lose your life."

As he walked, Chen Shi'an replied in a solemn voice, "I am deeply grateful for your repeated reminders and warnings, sir.

"If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask."

The elder neither turned nor answered. He simply kept his head down and walked on, saying not another word until he had escorted Chen Shi'an out of the Windrise Martial Academy.

Four or five li from the Windrise Martial Academy, Chen Shi'an was about to head to the Slave Market to look into the going prices.

Suddenly, a pretty young woman with a graceful figure blocked his path. It was Purple Bamboo.

Lifting her chin slightly, she said in a low voice, "Chen Shi'an, come with me."

Although her voice was quiet, her tone was an unmistakable command.

Without waiting for his reply, she turned and walked away, seemingly certain he would follow.

But Chen Shi'an merely glanced at her retreating figure and continued toward the Slave Market.

Only after a dozen steps did Purple Bamboo realize he hadn't followed. Her pretty face immediately frosted over. She stamped her foot hard and hurried after him.

"Chen Shi'an, didn't you hear me? I told you to come with me. I have business with you."

She blocked his path again.

"If you have something to say, say it here. Don't bother making me go somewhere else. I'm busy." Expressionless, Chen Shi'an replied indifferently.

Purple Bamboo was so angry her teeth itched, and her pretty brows shot upright.

If Tao Yaoyao hadn't repeatedly insisted that she treat him courteously, with her temper, she would have long since brought a gang of thugs to teach Chen Shi'an how to behave.

Struggling to suppress her anger, she drew a deep breath. "Chen Shi'an, don't fail to recognize a kindness when you see one. I'm here on the Pavilion Mistress's orders to offer you an enormous benefit."