Chapter 24: Rising to Fame

"Master Song, I see no need for you to continue this contest. Right and wrong are already clear to everyone, and I believe everyone here has reached their own conclusion."

Miss Rong appeared at the opportune moment. Her words struck like a thunderbolt, causing Song Qinghe to stagger and nearly collapse to the ground.

"How can one determine depth from a single couplet? Let us have another round; surely Brother Song can provide a rebuttal."

Song Qinghe’s sycophants were not yet ready to give up. These scholars were truly shameless. Their thick-skinned nature was leagues ahead of Xu Feng.

"Very well, since you insist, I shall offer one final couplet."

"Smoke locks the pond willows..."

At first glance, the couplet seemed simple, but it was far from easy. The radicals of the characters in the first line corresponded to the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—meaning the second line had to follow the same pattern, while also matching in tone and imagery.

The crowd fell into an instant, deathly silence. Song Qinghe stood there blankly, at a loss for what to do. The sycophants who had spoken for him earlier now acted like cowards, not daring to step forward.

"Hmph, the 'foremost scholar' of the Beimi Academy is nothing but a mediocre talent!"

As Xu Feng’s mocking words reached his ears, Song Qinghe could no longer endure the humiliation and spat out a mouthful of blood before fainting on the spot. Whether his collapse was real or feigned, he would certainly not be walking out of the Tianxiang Pavilion upright today.

"With only this much ability, he dares to claim others plagiarized his poems? In my eyes, he doesn't possess even a fraction of Young Master Xu's talent."

"My brother is right. This Song Qinghe is nothing but a fame-seeking charlatan; how could he possibly compare to the brilliant Young Master Xu?"

The disciples of Beimi Academy hung their heads, using their sleeves to cover their faces as they carried Song Qinghe away, not daring to look back. They had no face left to remain, and staying would only invite further humiliation.

Xu Feng bowed toward Miss Rong. "I hope I have lived up to your expectations."

Just then, he felt someone tugging on his sleeve. Turning around, he discovered a beauty standing beside him. Her figure was graceful and alluring, and a long purple dress accentuated her curvaceous silhouette.

"I am Zhao Yuyan. Would Young Master Xu be willing to spend a delightful evening with me?"

The name sounded familiar; he seemed to have heard the sisters of Feng Yumian mention it on the pleasure boat earlier.

"To think she actually lured the top courtesan, Zhao, off her boat! A talented scholar and a beautiful lady—what a perfect match."

"Only a great talent like Young Master Xu is worthy of Lady Zhao."

Seeing Zhao Yuyan, the onlookers could no longer maintain their composure. They did not envy Xu Feng’s peerless literary talent, but the fact that he had gained Zhao Yuyan’s favor made many of them grit their teeth in jealousy.

Xu Feng initially intended to refuse; he had no such needs. If he did, he could simply act as the 'Ghost-Masked Man' and do as he pleased. Before he could decline, however, Miss Rong spoke up.

"A beauty has extended an invitation, Young Master Xu. Why not go? I believe you will not be disappointed. Consider it a token of my gratitude."

"I could not let you stand up for me and suffer grievances in vain."

So it was Miss Rong’s arrangement. If that was the case, it would be difficult to decline. He suspected that Zhao Yuyan was not merely a courtesan, but likely a formidable expert of the Tianxiang Pavilion. Given that, he had to go.

"Then I shall defer to your wishes."

Amidst the envious gazes of the crowd, Xu Feng was led away by Zhao Yuyan to the painted boat. The vessel was a property of Tianxiang Pavilion and had been cleared of all guests before Xu Feng arrived. Only the young women remained, and Zhao Yuyan led him directly to the innermost chambers.

"Young Master Xu, please do not be reserved. Miss Rong gave instructions to serve you well. Whatever you need, feel free to ask."

Xu Feng was not a man of loose morals, and being surrounded by so many beauties made him feel overwhelmed. Just as he considered rising to take his leave, the women formed a formation around him. At first glance, they seemed delicate and soft, but their positioning was precise, sealing off all of Xu Feng’s retreat paths. Furthermore, the silk ribbons they wielded were extraordinary.

They constantly obstructed his vision, and while they appeared to be dancing, they exerted immense pressure on him. Fortunately, he soon realized the purpose behind Miss Rong’s arrangement.

"Is this just to help me practice my swordsmanship?"

Realizing this, Xu Feng no longer hesitated and drew the long sword Zhao Yuyan had left for him.

He did not use the sword techniques Master Yan had taught him, but instead let his instincts guide him. He soon entered a state of flow, and under the guidance of the women, his sword strikes became increasingly sharp.

Moreover, Xu Feng noticed that the women's footwork was not simple. Whenever he approached, they would glide away like swimming dragons, making it impossible for him to get close to any one of them. Their silk ribbons were equally versatile—defensive at close range and offensive at a distance—much like the sword in his hand.

"Interesting. The foundation of Tianxiang Pavilion is truly profound. It lives up to its reputation as the number one pavilion in the world."

Xu Feng grew serious. As time passed, he mastered their footwork, moving through the crowd. The ribbons could no longer threaten him, and he shattered them with his blade.

"Congratulations, Young Master Xu."

After an hour of sparring, Xu Feng felt his swordsmanship was far sharper than before. He no longer needed to rely on others' experience; he was now a top-tier expert in his own right.

"My thanks to you all for your assistance. I need to return and consolidate my gains. Please convey my farewells to Miss Rong."

"Why the rush, Young Master Xu? Miss Rong has already made proper arrangements. A medicinal bath has been prepared on the boat. Allow me to serve you as you bathe and change. What do you think?"

Xu Feng’s face flushed red. He intended to refuse, but caught off guard, Zhao Yuyan stepped close and gently pulled at his outer robe. Seeing that he was prone to blushing, the women giggled, exchanged knowing glances, and approached him with mischievous smiles.

The constant chirping of the beauties was too much for Xu Feng to handle. Feeling his strength drain away, he was practically carried into the water. To his shock, with a series of splashes, everyone else followed him in.

"Young Master Xu, please don't be so formal. This is all Miss Rong’s arrangement; don't make it difficult for us."

"I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!"

As a pair of jade-white, soft hands rested on his back, his body stiffened, and he could only close his eyes. Since arriving in this world, Xu Feng had never been so flustered, not even when he had gone on a killing spree as the Ghost-Masked Man.

However, the medicinal bath was undeniably effective. Shortly after entering the water, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, and all his fatigue vanished. Clearly, the ingredients Miss Rong had used were of the highest quality.