Invincibility Begins with a Super Fairy Manny

Chapter 2742: Chapter 2743: Poetry Duel (Part 2)

"When shall the moon touch the stone, facing Xiaoyao... what a fine verse, truly a rare gem!" someone exclaimed with deep admiration on their face.

"Most importantly, it’s the sense of serene beauty contained in the poem that leaves one feeling spiritually cleansed just by listening!" another chimed in.

"So far, it’s without a doubt the best of the event! Didn’t expect Ren’an City to bring forth such talent, impressive, truly impressive!" someone muttered while scratching their head.

On stage, Tang Zheng slightly bowed and looked at Zhuo Benzheng as he spoke, "Did you compose this poem impromptu?"

"Yes!"

"Excellent!"

Although Tang Zheng’s evaluation was just two simple words, its significance was profound.

For it was an endorsement from a top scholar of the Qisi Poetry Society!

Wu Zizhang and Yao Yachao displayed excitement, while Qie Weilan...

Gone was her previous bold demeanor; she transformed into Zhuo Benzheng’s adoring fan.

Even Yun Lingxuan on stage couldn’t help but nod slightly, showing a hint of admiration in her eyes.

Witnessing this scene, Xu Gaotian’s eyes flashed with a hint of malice as he suddenly stood up and said blandly.

"The poem is good, but it’s far from the best in the event!"

Upon hearing these words, all eyes in the venue immediately focused on Xu Gaotian.

All participants were aware that the Great General of Ling’an probably put in so much effort to promote his own son.

But the problem was, Xu Gaotian had always been known for his profligate and ruthless behavior, without any known literary talent, so even if they had doubts, people still didn’t know what he intended to do.

Until now, as Xu Gaotian stood up, everyone inside and outside the venue couldn’t help but tense up.

Here it comes!

At that moment, Xu Gaotian leisurely scanned the audience and then slowly said.

"Though I’m not talented, I too have some feelings lately. I wish to recite a poem here to see whether his is better or mine!"

The crowd stirred slightly.

Many faces displayed skepticism.

But this was precisely the effect Xu Gaotian was pursuing.

He suddenly snapped shut his folding fan and softly recited the first line.

"Blossoms cover the tree in red!"

Upon hearing this, many almost laughed aloud.

This doesn’t even count as poetry; it was merely plain talk.

Only Yun Lingxuan was slightly taken aback and then looked at Xu Gaotian with surprise.

Just then, Xu Gaotian continued to recite the next line.

"Fallen flowers leave branches empty!"

The entire venue fell silent, with disdainful looks evaporating, replaced by expressions of astonishment and stupefaction.

Seeing this, Xu Gaotian’s lips curled into a smug smile, and he recited the remaining two lines.

"Only one blossom lingers, sure to follow the wind tomorrow!"

Silent!

Both inside and outside the venue, an unusual quietness prevailed.

Many stared wide-eyed at Xu Gaotian on stage, filled with shock and disbelief.

Who could have imagined that the eldest son of the General’s Mansion in Ling’an, known for his wanton ways, could possess such literary talent?

Putting other matters aside, this little poem eclipsed all those before it.

Xu Gaotian looked at the crowd’s shocked faces with pride, gently shook his folding fan, and said calmly.

"I just said his poem wasn’t the best in the event; does anyone have any objections?"

Faced with his challenge, the crowd was initially silent but then broke out in intense commotion.

"Good! Excellent! This poem is truly the best in the event; it could even be published in poetry magazines!" someone exclaimed excitedly.

"Simple words yet deep meaning, showing profound skills in poetry!" another nodded with intoxication.

Even those who resented Xu Gaotian had to admit that this poem was a superb work indeed.

Wu Zizhang, filled with shock, murmured, "How is it possible that someone with his talent could produce such a masterpiece?"

Han Bochao was indignant, "I bet it was plagiarized!"

"But the poetic theme was divined by Tang Zheng in front of everyone, how could he cheat?" Yao Yachao frowned.

"Ha, that’s no problem if Tang, the scholar, decided to play along. The so-called divination would simply be a formality!" Han Bochao sneered.

Compared to them, Zhuo Benzheng remained more composed.

He simply looked at the smug Xu Gaotian on stage, unsure of what to think.

Qie Weilan worried for him, gently tugging his hand.

"Benzheng!"

Zhuo Benzheng lowered his head and smiled slightly at her, "I’m fine; I was just a little puzzled just now!"

The truth is, he wasn’t alone in his confusion; even Yun Lingxuan on stage was more shaken.

She first took a deep look at Xu Gaotian’s back and then shifted her gaze to Tang Zheng sitting nearby.

At this moment, Tang Zheng sat quietly, with a calm expression, revealing no hint of emotion.

Just then, Xu Gaotian arrogantly flashed a grin at Zhuo Benzheng in the distant corner.

"So, what about now? Do you still have anything to say?"

Zhuo Benzheng lowered his head, "I concede, I lost!"

After speaking, he returned to his seat.

Xu Gaotian laughed heartily, "Now, does anyone still disagree?"

The crowd exchanged looks, but even the most arrogant of scholars couldn’t muster a counterargument.

Given that Xu Gaotian’s poem was right there, if you didn’t agree, you could compose something better, but that was obviously unrealistic.

In this situation, everyone bowed their heads in submission.

Xu Gaotian looked at Tang Zheng proudly.

"Old Scholar Tang, announce the results! I can hardly wait to hear Miss Yun compose a tune for my poem!"

As he spoke, he greedily stared at Yun Lingxuan, almost ready to devour her.

Yun Lingxuan frowned nearly imperceptibly, while Tang Zheng stood up, shielding her without showing any change in expression, and said calmly.

"This poem, in both concept and word usage, is indeed the best of the event, so I hereby announce the champion of today’s gathering is...."

Just as he was about to announce Xu Gaotian, a lazy yet slightly mocking voice suddenly rang out from the entrance of the conference hall.

"Wait a moment, if such a poem can be the champion, then I object!"

Who could it be?

All eyes instantly converged upon the entrance.

Meanwhile, a young man in white attire strode into the hall, followed by a veiled girl.

Upon seeing the pair, the venue was stirred, as many exchanged glances, observing the confusion in one another’s eyes.