Invincibility Begins with a Super Fairy Manny

Chapter 2741: Chapter 2742: Poetry Contest (Part 2)

”The morning star is still present, a few miles before dawn. The color of the clouds and forest is indistinguishable, only the sound of wind and water can be heard.” Tan Ziheng recited softly.

Upon hearing these four lines of poetry, the crowd nodded in agreement.

”Fresh and enduring, indeed a fine work!” An old scholar stroked his beard and praised.

”Truly a renowned talent across the region, his work is exceptional the moment he starts!”

”Indeed, indeed!”

Even Yun Lingxuan on the stage couldn’t help but nod in secret.

Though these four lines are not considered a famous piece, they stand out for their freshness and cuteness, which is quite commendable.

Hearing the crowd’s praise, Tan Ziheng could not hide his growing satisfaction, though unsaid, it was already evident on his face.

At this point, Tang Zheng on the stage slowly spoke, ”No, your poem is not complete, there should be more!”

Coming from Tang Zheng, this assertion naturally stirred the entire venue, and everyone turned their gaze towards Tan Ziheng.

”I thought this poem had a sense of incompleteness, turns out it wasn’t finished!”

”Tan Gongzi, quick, recite the rest of the poem then!”

”Yes, don’t leave us hanging at such a moment!”

Amidst the clamor, Tan Ziheng’s expression changed drastically, staring at Tang Zheng on stage, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Tang Zheng then said calmly, ”What’s wrong? You don’t remember? Alright, then let me continue for you!”

”The moon falls from the mountains, the river crosses among the stars. Gradually reaching outside multiple gates, faintly glimpsing Luo City.”

As soon as the next four lines were spoken, Tan Ziheng immediately collapsed on his chair, his face pale as death, eyes devoid of light.

For he knew he was finished.

Sure enough, Tang Zheng calmly said, ”This poem is from an ancient scroll, the fact that you saw and memorized it shows you are well-read and have an exceptional memory, but you shouldn’t have plagiarized in front of the Literary Sage’s plaque!”

Only then did everyone understand that Tan Ziheng had plagiarized the poem, and couldn’t help but cast disdainful looks at him.

Those from Jiguang City came forward with their heads hung low, quickly lifting the incapacitated Tan Ziheng and leaving.

Everyone understood, after this incident, though Tan Ziheng was still alive, he was as good as dead.

With his reputation destroyed, his literary path was severed, leaving no possibility for any progress.

The severity of this consequence caused all present to sober up, and the petty schemes in their hearts dissipated into nothing.

On stage, Yun Lingxuan was slightly stunned, then said quietly to Tang Zheng.

”How come I’ve never heard this poem before?”

Her words carried a sense of embarrassment.

After all, she was also taken in when Tan Ziheng recited the poem earlier.

Tang Zheng saw this and smiled, ”Miss Yun need not be ashamed, this poem is from a very obscure ancient scroll. I only came upon it by chance.”

Yun Lingxuan nodded, and said no more.

After this interlude, the venue was quiet for a moment, then a middle-aged literati leisurely stood up.

”Since no one is responding now, allow me to take the stage!”

This time Shi Chang did not ask his name, for many present recognized him.

”Fu Yuanfeng, the great scholar from Hao Feng City!” someone exclaimed in a low voice.

Even Shi Chang couldn’t help but smile, ”Master Fu, please present your work!”

”I dare not call it a great work, just a moment of inspiration!”

”Birds rest on frost-covered trees at night, the empty streets herald the dawn. The mountains lean on each other at dusk, a line of returning geese flies diagonally.”

Upon hearing this poem, many nodded in approval.

”Simple four lines vividly portray the stillness of the pre-dawn, showcasing Master Fu’s skill!”

”Not just that, the lines are closely linked to the theme, the heralding of dawn by birds on an empty street is a stroke of genius!”

Amid the praise, many cautious individuals directed their gaze towards Tang Zheng on stage.

Tang Zheng closed his eyes in deep thought for a moment, then opened them and said solemnly, ”A good poem!”

This was as good as a final verdict, proving that Fu Yuanfeng did not plagiarize.

Fu Yuanfeng chuckled, cupped his hands in thanks.

”Thank you, Master Tang!”

Then he leisurely sat back down in his chair.

It seemed his presentation had ignited the atmosphere of the audience. Just as soon as he sat down, another person stood up on the other side.

”The jade trees emit a cool smoke, emotions linger before a single leaf. Parting wounds the morning mirror, falling leaves evoke thoughts of autumn strings.

Moon over the Han fortress, melodies of the Northern Frontier. Who knows the heartbreak of dreams, wandering aimlessly through mountains and rivers.”

Her voice was enchanting and melodious, surprising everyone for it was a woman.

Everyone looked, and saw a charming young woman in indigo robes standing there.

”It’s Zhuang Manni from Qing Huai City!”

”I’ve heard of this Miss Zhuang’s innate talent and great ability, didn’t expect it to such an extent, this is clearly a frontier poem!” someone exclaimed.

Even Tang Zheng on stage couldn’t help but reveal a look of being moved.

”Miss, your talent is unmatched!”

Zhuang Manni chuckled, but her gaze lingered on Yun Lingxuan, especially when she saw her slender fingers, she paused slightly, showing a look of fascination.

Her poem, whether in imagery or diction, overshadowed Fu Yuanfeng’s.

Even Fu Yuanfeng had to nod in acknowledgment.

Although it’s said that literature has no first place, if the gap is large enough, the difference is clear.

At this moment, Han Bochao sitting in the corner couldn’t hide his anxiety.

”Zhuo, is your poem ready? If you don’t make a move now, you won’t have another chance!”

”Of course it’s ready, but if I come forward, won’t I expose all of you?” Zhuo Benzheng hesitated.

He naturally understood that the incident at Wan Hua Lou was not going to be easily forgotten.

Especially now, as they were in Xu Gaotian’s territory, thus he had many considerations.

Upon hearing this, neither Wu Zizhang nor Han Bochao, not even the always composed Yao Yachao, could help but shake their heads.

”Zhuo, you are wrong. We’ve studied diligently for years just for such an opportunity. If we miss this rare chance for the sake of our safety, wouldn’t it be a pity?”

”Yes, Zhuo, go ahead boldly. If you win the chief place, it would make the Four Friends of Ren’an famous!”

Upon hearing this encouragement, Zhuo Benzheng gritted his teeth.

”In that case, let’s do it!”

With that, he stood up determinedly.

”Zhuo Benzheng of Ren’an City humbly presents my work for all to see!”

As soon as he spoke, before anyone else could react, Xu Gaotian on the podium suddenly looked up, directing a cold and harsh stare at him.

Zhuo Benzheng naturally felt it too, but at this point, he could only continue with determination.

”I do not see the wise man, only solitude in the empty mountains.

The white lotus chant is incomplete, the blue haze sits and dissipates.

The spring is cold without summer’s heat, the pines wither through six dynasties.

When will we talk of solace under the moon upon the stone?”

Once the poem was recited, the entire venue was in an uproar.