Chapter Ten: A Gathering of the Jianghu, Meeting Friends Through Literature

Watching the two of them banter, Feng Yuzhi felt increasingly stifled. With a flick of her sleeves, she turned and stormed off without a backward glance, clearly incensed.

Xu Feng felt a sense of helplessness. His goal was to maintain a low profile; such high-profile attention was entirely contrary to his nature. What bothered him most was that he couldn't quite fathom the intentions of this girl, Feng Yumian. He should have kept his distance from the start to avoid getting entangled in her affairs.

"Well? I stood up for you, didn't I? Instead of standing there like a statue, why don't you thank me?"

"I didn't ask for your help. Just keep your distance from me, that’s all I need," Xu Feng replied tersely. He had a premonition that continuing to associate with Feng Yumian would end badly, and he might even expose his true identity sooner than he intended.

"How ungrateful! But since I helped you, you owe me a favor. Otherwise, I won't let you off the hook."

As expected, there was a catch. It was never easy to take advantage of Feng Yumian.

"Come with me to the Tianxiang Pavilion. The host is holding a poetry gathering to make friends through literature. I’ve never liked those pretentious scholars, so you can go in my place."

"I refuse. Go yourself."

As he spoke, Xu Feng moved to close the door, but Feng Yumian deftly blocked the frame.

"Hey, I’m not asking you to work for free. I’ll pay you fifty taels of silver."

Xu Feng’s expression remained unchanged. Money held little temptation for him. If he truly needed it, he could simply rob a wealthy household in the city to help the needy; there would be an endless supply.

"Sorry, not interested. Besides, I can’t write poetry. Bringing me along will only embarrass you."

Feng Yumian seemed determined to drag him aboard, refusing to give up. "Aren't you even a little curious? That’s the greatest pavilion under heaven! And if you win the literary competition, you can enter the Pavilion of Hidden Arms and choose a weapon of your own."

The Tianxiang Pavilion was world-renowned precisely because of its Pavilion of Hidden Arms, which housed the painstaking masterpieces of master craftsmen throughout history. Many martial artists had attempted to infiltrate the pavilion to steal weapons, but the host was a formidable figure, and no one had ever succeeded.

"I can choose a weapon?"

"Of course! It might not be much use to you, but you could always sell it. Most importantly, it’s a matter of prestige." As the second daughter of the Feng family, she lacked for nothing, but at her age, she was simply eager for the thrill of the spotlight. "Can you stop being so indecisive? You’re a grown man; don’t be so timid."

Xu Feng pondered for a moment and finally decided to go. He happened to be in need of a suitable weapon, and the Tianxiang Pavilion might just satisfy that requirement.

The Human Emperor Banner was not something he could easily reveal, and having a proper weapon would make his future actions much more convenient.

"Let’s get one thing straight: I’ll accompany you, but you must follow my lead and stay out of trouble."

"It’s a deal. Go get ready; we’re leaving soon. And don't worry about me—I’m the one worried you’ll embarrass me."

Xu Feng rarely left the Feng estate unless he was in disguise. This was his first time traveling with the second young lady.

"Hey, you’ve read so many books; you should be able to win the host’s approval, right? Don't go up there and make a fool of yourself."

"If it truly is a test of literature, then I have a fair chance of winning." On this point, Xu Feng was quite confident, given that his mind held the accumulated treasures of five thousand years of Chinese history.

The Tianxiang Pavilion was located south of Gusu City. By the time their carriage arrived, the place was already packed with guests. Most were martial artists, and many, like Feng Yumian, had brought their own assistants. In this day and age, both literacy and martial arts were privileges of the wealthy and elite.

Before entering, Feng Yumian warned him again, "Look sharp. Don't act like the spineless wretch you are at home. You’re representing my face today."

Xu Feng was speechless. If she cared so much about her reputation, she should have found someone else instead of using him as a shield.

"Presenting the Second Young Lady of the Feng family!"

The head of the Feng family and the owner of the Tianxiang Pavilion were close friends, so the staff treated Feng Yumian with respect. However, rules were rules; the Tianxiang Pavilion was fair and impartial and would make no exceptions for anyone.

The two entered one after the other.

"Ugh, how unlucky. Why is that arrogant guy here?"

Hearing Feng Yumian’s mutter, Xu Feng looked up and saw Zuo Jincheng standing prominently in the crowd, accompanied by his wife, Feng Yuzhi. Seeing her younger sister arrive with Xu Feng, Feng Yuzhi’s face darkened as she blocked their path.

"How absurd! Why did you bring him here? Is this a place for someone like him?"

"Such a grand martial arts event—how could I miss it? Since it’s a literary gathering, you surely wouldn't expect me to go up myself and embarrass the Feng family, would you? Xu Feng, after all, comes from a family of scholars." Feng Yumian had her response ready.

As soon as she finished, Zuo Jincheng walked over. "A family of scholars? He’s nothing but a destitute descendant. With so many refined poets here, you don't actually expect him to win for you, do you?"

"He’s still better than you. Why don't you try catching the Ghost-Slaying Man instead?" Feng Yumian’s sharp tongue left Zuo Jincheng speechless.

"Ignore them. Come, let’s take our seats." The argument hadn't drawn much attention, and the two found their places quietly.

"That table on the left belongs to the Seven Swords of Guanzhong, famous for their sword techniques. Passed down through generations, their combined strength is invincible. They will be your biggest rivals; keep an eye on them."

After sitting down, Feng Yumian introduced the martial artists present. Xu Feng was no longer a stranger to the Jianghu, and several names struck a chord with him.

"Everyone, please settle down. The theme for the first round of the literary gathering is 'Ode to Bamboo.' Please compose your pieces."

"Stop eating! Look at you, so unrefined. It’s started. Hurry and think of a way to win. I don't ask for much, but at least don't fall so far behind Zuo Jincheng that he makes me lose face." Feng Yumian looked at him with disdain, beginning to regret her decision to bring him along.

"Don't worry. I excel at poetry about objects. Watch me handle him with ease."

Zuo Jincheng, who loved the spotlight, was the first to step onto the stage. He recited a seven-character quatrain that won applause from the entire room—partly due to his status, but also because the poem was genuinely well-crafted.

"Thank you all for your praise." Zuo Jincheng bowed to his friends. Beside him, Feng Yuzhi’s eyes sparkled; this was the ideal husband she had chosen. By comparison, Xu Feng was truly useless—a man of no merit at all.

"Young Master Zuo is truly worthy of being the current sword leader of the Jianfeng Mountain. A wonderful poem indeed. This first reward token belongs to you."

"Thank you, Miss."

"A reminder to everyone: you need three reward tokens to enter the Pavilion of Hidden Arms," the lady in white said as she tossed a palm-sized token to Zuo Jincheng.