As Xu Qi'an copied more and more poems, he gradually discovered the trick of being a "wise sage" as a scholar. When someone asks a question, you answer it. This is a skill that only a clever person can do.

You must keep people guessing, keep them on the edge of their seats.

Just like now, from the fourth person to the guests, from the guests to the courtesans, from the courtesans to the maidservants serving at the table, they were all watching him, waiting eagerly.

In front of everyone's eyes, Xu Qi'an stood up and paced in the hall. After seven steps, he stopped and said, "Ten years to forge a sword."

Chu Yuanzhen was taken aback. He had just mentioned that he was cultivating his sword, and Xu Qi'an immediately came up with this line. This poem was written for him.

The fourth person was moved. He had never met Xu Qi'an before, but after a few words of conversation over drinks, he was willing to write a poem for him. Such friendly and enthusiastic treatment made him feel ashamed.

The third person was a righteous and courageous scholar, with some small flaws in his pursuit of profit, but overall, he was a person worth befriending. His cousin was even more warm-hearted, truly deserving of being brothers.

At the same time, Chu Yuanzhen thought of the example of Master Ziyang, and his heart burned with excitement. He was also a scholar who loved poetry. Encountering such a rare opportunity, it was only natural for him to look forward to it.

Xu Qi'an looked around at everyone and recited the second line, "The frosty blade has never been tested."

Ten years to forge a sword, the frosty blade has never been tested... The officials present chewed on this poem, smiling and their eyes shining.

This couplet was well-structured, with both rhyme and artistic conception, surpassing Xu Qi'an's previous poems. But the charm of poetry is not just about rhyme and artistic conception.

Ten years to forge a sword, the frosty blade has never been tested!

In just a few words, it expressed a heroic and ambitious spirit. Only someone like Xu Qi'an, who had achieved success at a young age, could write such words.

Chu Yuanzhen's eyes brightened, and he unconsciously straightened his back, half-leaning on the desk, assuming a forward-leaning posture, eagerly awaiting the next line.

So fitting, it's really fitting.

In these years, he had traveled far and wide, broadening his horizons and cultivating his sword aura. This supreme treasure of the Human Sect had always been hidden in its scabbard, never displayed.

It would eventually be unsheathed, but Chu Yuanzhen himself had never thought about what kind of situation would make him draw his sword.

It wasn't until recently, when the Human Sect's Dao Head sent a letter, summoning him back to confront Li Miaozhen, a disciple of the Heaven Sect, that Chu Yuanzhen suddenly realized that he had been waiting for this moment.

But there was some regret in his heart. When this sword was unsheathed, it would surely cause a great commotion. He didn't want to use it to kill Li Miaozhen.

"What will be the next line? When will the sword be unsheathed after ten years of forging?"

Chu Yuanzhen muttered in his heart, filled with eager anticipation and "borrowing" from this.

At this moment, Xu Qi'an shook his head and sighed, "I haven't thought of the next line yet."

"!!!"

"What, it's already over? How can it be over? How can a poem have only one line?"

"Lord Xu, please don't be capricious, we're still waiting."

"What is the next line? Think about it, think about it..."

In the hall, everyone widened their eyes, unable to accept this fact.

Xu Qi'an spread his hands, held his wine cup, and returned to his seat helplessly, saying, "I really haven't thought of it yet. How about this, I'll write half of it now, and I'll make up the other half for Brother Chu later, how about that?"

"...That's the only way." Chu Yuanzhen said disappointedly.

Everyone reluctantly accepted this result.

The drinking game continued. Although the elegant game was elegant, the atmosphere was somewhat dull. Fu Xiang suggested playing a drinking game, and everyone agreed.

The courtesans played the drinking game with the guests, enjoying themselves.

"How about we play the game of throwing the pot?"

Chu Yuanzhen, who had no beauty by his side, proposed.

This banquet was held to welcome him, and he was the protagonist of the banquet, so his words carried weight.

Throwing the pot had its own rules, very simple. A pot was placed in the hall, and each guest had three arrows. Those who missed had to drink, and those who hit could order anyone in the field to drink.

After a few rounds, the group of high-ranking officials became slightly tipsy from drinking, gradually transitioning from participants to spectators, and then from spectators to cheering crowds.

Only Xu Qi'an and Chu Yuanzhen were playing the game of throwing the pot. Every arrow hit the target, and neither of them was willing to admit defeat.

The courtesans cheered on the sidelines. Whenever Xu Qi'an or Chu Yuanzhen hit the target, they would cheer loudly, their excited faces turning red.

Such an exciting game of throwing the pot was very rare.

At first, the courtesans treated them fairly, not favoring either side. Gradually, the twelve courtesans divided into two camps, one supporting Chu Yuanzhen and the other being fans of Xu Qi'an... all of them were women who had slept with Xu Qi'an, such as Fu Xiang, Ming Yan, Xiao Ya, etc.

"It's hard to determine the winner like this. I suggest blindfolding ourselves." Xu Qi'an said.

Chu Yuanzhen pondered for a moment, shook his head and said, "Even if we blindfold ourselves, we will hit the target every time. My suggestion is that each person has twenty arrows, and whoever finishes first wins."

Great idea!

The guests and courtesans' eyes lit up, and they all agreed.

Fu Xiang had a maidservant bring a silk scarf to blindfold the two of them. Xu Qi'an found that the silk scarf was hazy, allowing light to pass through, and he could vaguely see the outline of the pot.

He silently turned around, facing away from the field.

Chu Yuanzhen was taken aback, smiled and shook his head, and also turned around.

The atmosphere on the field became even more lively. Not only were they blindfolded, but they also turned around, a game they had never seen before.

"How do we play this?" Ming Yan asked in a sweet voice. "Whoever hits the target wins!"

Another courtesan giggled, "Whoever wins between the two gentlemen, Ming Yan will serve him tonight."

Ming Yan blushed and muttered, stealing a glance at Xu Qi'an.Xu Qi'an habitually laughed with his eyes covered and said, "No, no, the reward is too little. I want all of you."

The courtesans were not afraid at all and responded with a smile, "Mr. Xu, tomorrow you might have to lean on the wall to go to the yamen."

Laughter erupted, filling the air.

"Number three rejected my proposal. He seems like a serious person who never goes to the official brothel. This big brother of his is just the opposite."

Chu Yuanzhen sighed in his heart. Xu Qi'an was indeed a playboy. He was at ease in the official brothel, more so than any scholar.

For the literati, the official brothel and the brothel were more of a socializing place. Drinking and socializing with colleagues and classmates were done at the taverns. Only those with status would choose the official brothel.

The outstanding courtesans acted as the hosts, while the beautiful and obedient maidservants poured wine and served. This was the proper way.

But the literati would not be too licentious. Xu Qi'an was different.

"To die under the peony is to be a ghost of romance!" Xu Qi'an embraced Fu Xiang's waist.

The sudden brilliant phrase made everyone secretly admire. How could this person be so talented, effortlessly coming up with beautiful sentences and poems?

If this person were to study, he would definitely become a great scholar.

Xu Pingzhi was not worthy.

"Thud!"

An arrow accurately hit the target, interrupting everyone's train of thought and bringing their attention back.

After Xu Qi'an finished shooting an arrow, he smiled and said, "Brother Chu, it's your turn."

"Good!" Chu Yuanzhen responded calmly.

As he spoke, he casually threw an arrow behind him, hitting the target accurately.

"Wow..."

Ming Yan exclaimed, her eyes widening.

Thud, thud, thud...

Xu Qi'an and Chu Yuanzhen each shot an arrow, hitting the target every time. With each hit, the courtesans would exclaim in awe, feeling their horizons broadened.

Pitcher throwing was just a small game, but the two of them played it with style.

As Xu Qi'an finished shooting his tenth arrow, Chu Yuanzhen had already shot thirteen arrows and had only seven left.

When Xu Qi'an had five arrows left, Chu Yuanzhen only had two.

It seemed that the outcome was already decided.

The courtesans who supported Xu Qi'an had a disappointed look on their faces, unable to hide their disappointment.

On the other hand, the courtesans who supported Chu Yuanzhen applauded in advance, giving their applause to the top scholar of the Yuan Dynasty.

The officials who were watching seemed to have expected this result long ago, and their smiles were the faintest.

Chu Yuanzhen was a legendary figure. Even when he was still a student, he stood out among his classmates with his talent and appearance. Later, he gave up studying and pursued the Dao. No one had high hopes for him, and even his close friend cut ties with him out of anger.

But who would have thought that in just a few years, he would rise to fame and challenge Zhang Kaitai, the leader of the night patrol, and though he lost, he was praised by Wei Yuan as the number one swordsman in the capital.

Such a peerless genius naturally outshone Xu Qi'an, who only knew how to solve cases, in their eyes.

At this moment, Chu Yuanzhen had already shot the second-to-last arrow, accurately hitting the target.

Fu Xiang pursed her lips and withdrew her gaze from the target. She glanced at Xu Qi'an and was surprised to find a familiar expression on his face. Every time Xu Qi'an was proud, he would slightly raise the corners of his mouth.

Does he have confidence?

As soon as this thought arose, Fu Xiang witnessed an absurd scene. Xu Qi'an simultaneously shot the five arrows in his hand, and they flew through the air in a neat arc, perfectly hitting the target.

The five arrows made only one sound: thud!

The hall instantly fell silent, and pairs of eyes widened in astonishment.

Can this be done too?

"Wow..." Ming Yan cheered, excitedly throwing herself into Xu Qi'an's arms. "Mr. Xu, I love you."

Fu Xiang frowned repeatedly.

"What amazing skill!" an official exclaimed in admiration.

"I didn't know pitcher throwing could be played like this. It's eye-opening," another official chimed in with a smile.

The gazes of the courtesans looking at Xu Qi'an were filled with admiration.

Chu Yuanzhen took off his scarf and smiled, "Impressive, impressive."

The tea party lasted until the beginning of the night. The courtesans yawned and bid farewell, their skirts swaying as they left gracefully.

Although they were a bit tired, the beauties felt that the banquet with Xu Qi'an and the top scholar of the capital was very interesting. Unfortunately, they couldn't meet such high-quality guests every day.

Ming Yan secretly wrote a message in Xu Qi'an's palm, tempting him to her Qingchi Courtyard, but she was coldly rebuked by Fu Xiang and sent away.

Chu Yuanzhen did not stay overnight at the official brothel and took his leave. Xu Qi'an personally escorted him out of the courtyard.

Chu Yuanzhen was too indifferent and free-spirited, and he had the demeanor of a scholar... I can't find a chance to socially kill him at all... Xu Qi'an looked at the back of the green-clad swordsman with regret in his heart.

But scholars had their weaknesses, such as poetry.

He would hide the second couplet and bring it out at the right time.

Leaving a maid to clean up the mess, Fu Xiang linked arms with Xu Qi'an and entered the bedroom. Xu Qi'an sat at the table, drinking tea. His ears twitched, catching Zhong Li's transmission.

He turned his head and glanced at the folding screen. Her graceful figure was reflected in the candlelight as she took off her clothes one by one and put on a light, thin robe.

While bathing, Xu Qi'an suddenly said, "In a few days, I will redeem you."

Fu Xiang was momentarily stunned, and a complex look flashed in her bright eyes. She quickly composed herself and smiled lightly, "Lord Xu has just become a viscount. Taking a concubine now would harm your reputation."

"That's true." Xu Qi'an embraced her smooth waist and smiled.After taking a bath, he and Fu Xiang rolled on the bed. When the white-robed young general went in and out, they suddenly heard a "crack" sound, followed by a sense of weightlessness.

The bed collapsed.

Fu Xiang exclaimed and clung to Xu Qi'an. Her long legs, like white pythons, tightly hooked around his waist, startling him.

.......Zhong Li, I want to return this to the supervisor!

Xu Qi'an was furious.

...........

After leaving the Shadow Plum Pavilion, Chu Yuanzhen waved his sword, and the long sword on his back came alive, breaking free from its restraints and stopping in front of him like a swimming fish.

Chu Yuanzhen stepped on the scabbard and said softly, "Let's go."

The long sword paused slightly, then suddenly pierced through the night sky and soared upwards.

In the moment he flew into the night sky, Chu Yuanzhen felt countless gazes in the capital locking onto him, and then he moved away. The most chilling gaze came from the towering Star Observation Tower.

He quickly left the inner city and flew towards the south of the outer city.

If he remembered correctly, Heng Yuan, number six, should be in the Health Preservation Hall. Lowering his altitude, he searched for a long time and finally found the Health Preservation Hall in the southern part of the city.

Chu Yuanzhen, not being a native of the capital, had studied at the Imperial Academy and passed the imperial examination. He had always lived in the inner city and had never been to the outer city where the poor gathered.

Pressing down the tip of his sword, he lightly landed in the courtyard of the Health Preservation Hall. As he jumped off the scabbard, he heard the sound of chanting Buddhist scriptures coming from under the eaves:

"Amitabha Buddha."

Chu Yuanzhen held the hilt of his sword and inserted it back into the scabbard on his back. Following the sound, he saw a monk standing under the dark eaves. The monk wore a plain blue robe, had a sturdy figure, thick eyebrows, and a firm facial contour.

"Master Heng Yuan?" Chu Yuanzhen greeted him with a smile.

"It is I, Venerable Heng Yuan. Are you number four?" Heng Yuan clasped his hands together and silently examined him.

The two people who met for the first time did not appear calm. They were neither close nor unfamiliar. Heng Yuan led Chu Yuanzhen into the house, lit an oil lamp, and took out a jar of wine from under the bed. He found two porcelain bowls and wiped off the dust with his sleeve.

Chu Yuanzhen never refused alcohol. He drank it all in one go, but he was a little curious. "Can Buddhist disciples drink alcohol?"

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Heng Yuan replied calmly, "Martial monks do not abstain from meat or alcohol."

There was an implicit meaning in this statement: martial monks do not need to observe precepts.

"I met number three today."

Chu Yuanzhen regretted not bringing peanuts. He had wine but no food, feeling like something was missing.

Heng Yuan nodded.

"Number three pretended not to recognize me... With his intelligence, I believe he recognized me at that time, but I don't know why he pretended not to."

Chu Yuanzhen shook his head helplessly and said, "He is only at the eighth rank of the Body Refinement Realm, his cultivation is still shallow."

However, he knew the secret of number three, which was related to the Clear Qi Soaring to the Sky of the Sublime Temple. When dealing with number three, he couldn't simply judge him by his appearance.

After taking a sip of wine, Venerable Heng Yuan pondered and said, "Compared to number three, I feel more compatible with Mr. Xu. You may not know, but he did not die in Yunzhou..."

After Heng Yuan explained the resurrection of Xu Qi'an, Chu Yuanzhen nodded. "Although the Rebirth Pill is good, its restrictions are too great. He was able to survive by relying on his own luck."

"I just saw Xu Qi'an at the Official Brothel Sector. I have a good impression of her. I think I have heard you discuss her many times in the fragments of the Earth Book, so I am not unfamiliar with her."

After a pause, number four smiled and said, "I haven't interacted with number three, but Xu Qi'an is indeed to my liking."

After finishing the jar of strong wine, Chu Yuanzhen suggested going to see that child. After seeing him, his expression became somewhat melancholic.

"Although I don't like the Buddhist sect, they have a saying that is quite true: the world is like a sea of suffering, and sentient beings struggle in this sea of suffering." Chu Yuanzhen sighed.

Venerable Heng Yuan glanced at him.

Chu Yuanzhen hurriedly said, "I didn't mean to offend."

Only then did Venerable Heng Yuan withdraw his gaze.

"In three days, there will be the second round of the examination. Let's go together to see number three." Heng Yuan said, "Number three is not willing to reveal our identities. He said that if we meet, a smile is enough."

"I see." Chu Yuanzhen suddenly understood.

.........

Time flew by, and three days passed in a blink of an eye.

In the dim light of dawn, Xu Xinnian arrived at the Imperial Examination Hall accompanied by his family.

"The Confucian Nine Ranks have the ability to memorize everything at a glance. This round of the examination is about classics. Second Young Master should have no pressure." Xu Qi'an patted his shoulder and encouraged him.

Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu smiled.

According to Second Young Master's own words, he did well in the policy questioning on the first day. He was good at policy questioning, so the second round of classics was not a big problem.

In the eyes of Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu, Second Young Master becoming a scholar was almost certain.

Xu Xinnian raised his chin slightly and said proudly, "There are talented scholars all over the world. I must not neglect my guard. There may be others stronger than me."

There may be... Xu Qi'an thought to himself, you are the one who is more capable of showing off.

After bidding farewell to his family, he walked towards the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall, intending to join the queue to enter. At this moment, a loud voice came into his ears, "Amitabha Buddha."

Xu Xinnian turned his head and saw two people standing on the street. One was a sturdy monk, and the other was a swordsman in a green robe.

When they saw him looking, both the monk and the swordsman showed a mysterious smile.

.......Xu Xinnian's face froze, he lowered his head and hurriedly returned to his father and elder brother, feeling a sense of security.

"Father, Brother, I suspect that someone is plotting against me." Xu Xinnian said in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Xu Pingzhi's eyebrows immediately raised, and his gaze became sharp. "Who?"

As a member of the Imperial Guards, he knew that a large number of martial artists had recently flooded into the capital, which was an extremely unstable factor for public security.The most obvious change was the increase in thieves and robbers. Those bottom-rung wanderers who had spent all their silver in the capital and had no means of making a living, their first choice was to resort to theft and robbery.

"A monk and a swordsman," Xu Xinnian turned his head, pointing to a certain place behind them.

Xu Qi'an looked for a moment and said, "Where are the people?"

"???"

A look of horror appeared on Xu Xinnian's face: "They were just there."

"Alright, you said you weren't under pressure, but it seems like you're hallucinating," Xu Qi'an patted his younger brother's shoulder, saying:

"Er Lang, don't pay attention to those strangers who act weirdly."

As he spoke, he reached behind Xu Xinnian and gave a little push.

Xu Er Lang looked behind himself, puzzled: "What do you mean, big brother?"

"It's nothing, just helping you carry your burden."

..........

PS: Finished a big clean-up today, completely soaked, feeling dizzy, almost fainted, had to turn on the air conditioner to save my life... My life is indeed saved by the air conditioner. It's so damn hot.