Chapter 172: Let's Hear Your Story!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 30 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 50 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"
A string of notifications rang out in Xu Que's head.
He had acted tough extremely viciously this time and almost made all the students around vomit blood.
When it came to intelligence, he was second, with nobody being first. When it came to fighting, he's the best. He spoke proudly of how extraordinary he was, claiming that he was unrivalled across the entire world. His short speech made the students feel extremely dissatisfied.
And yet they couldn't do anything about it. Up to this point. Nobody else had managed to solve the questions within ten seconds and even get the answers correct!
After all, this test was supposed to test one's quick thinking and intelligence. The questions were actually easy, but the fact that they had to answer it within ten seconds made it extremely tough!
However, since Xu Que came from the modern days, his brain had already been wired to think in such a manner. He was very familiar with such riddles and thinking problems. Hence, it was only too easy for him to answer these questions correctly.
At the same time, within the halls of the compound, the highly famed and refined woman was seated on a wooden chair. Before her were a pair of students.
"Madam Ya, this young man had already answered two questions correctly. It almost seemed like he didn't need to think before providing the right answers!"
"Oh?"
A glint appeared in those huge, round eyes of Madam Ya as her lips revealed a contented smile. It was clear that her smile could capture the hearts of many men whenever she wished.
She laughed out, clearly intrigued, "I had set these questions myself this morning and only Xiao Lian knows the answers. If what you're speaking is the truth, there are only two scenarios. One is that Xiao Lian secretly told him the answers. The other is that this person is truly intelligent and whose wisdom surpassed most people! Tell me, do you think Xiao Lian would betray me?"
The pair of students looked down, and didn't dare to speak!
"Report!" A female student walked in and clasped her hands in salute, with her head bowed, "A report for madam. That young man is about to attempt the third question. But… He just said several words!"
Madam Ya's lips curled upwards, "Is that so? What did he say?"
The female student forced a bitter laugh as she replied, "He said that he's travelled far and wide in pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. He's begged for someone who could rival him but it was futile and that he was lonely!"
"He begged for someone who could rival him, but was futile?" Madam Ya's eyes gleamed as she nodded her head and laughed out, "For someone to have the guts to speak such words, it must be that he's an extraordinary person! Did he say anything else?"
"Gulp… He also asked everyone around why was he so good looking and why was he so intelligent. He asked if nobody in this world could ever hold him back!"
When the female student said this, Madam Ya was taken aback.
Soon after, she let out a giggle as she covered her mouth. The sight was extremely charming as she resembled a beautiful flower swaying.
"Looks like this is an interesting kid! Come, I shall meet him in person!"
As she finished, she stood up from her chair as her lips parted to reveal a sweet smile while she walked outside.
The few students paused as their expressions revealed utter shock. Madam Ya… wanted to meet him in person?
After so many years, apart from the four great students of Bright Saints College, they had never seen Madam Ya personally walk out to greet any other talents! And just because he said those words, she wanted to meet that stranger!
At the same time, outside the compound...
Xu Que had already unveiled the third wooden board. The last question came into full view of the entire crowd.
"In situation where spells can be used, what's the fastest way of turning ice into water?"
As soon as this question was asked, everyone stopped to think.
Ice to water and spells could be used? Of course that involves a fire spell!
However, to use the fastest way? That's where it got difficult. After all, every cultivator has a different set of fire techniques. For example, if the Fire Emperor would use his Flaming Dragon, he could melt ice in the blink of an eye. But… What if it was a huge block of ice? Then it would take a longer time!
"This question… is difficult!" a cultivator shook his head and spoke.
"There are too many factors to be considered. How was there supposed to be one correct answer for this question?"
"He's going to fail this time. One of the great four students, young master Mo failed at the last question as well!"
"Hehe... he was just boasting about how he was unrivalled in this world. Let's see how he will solve this question!"
"It's unsolvable. This question has no solutions. Madam Ya is extremely wise and it was her who set these questions. It looks like nobody will be able to solve these questions. After all, to gain a place amongst the VIP guests wouldn't be this easy!"
The few of them craned their necks to look at Xu Que as their faces were filled with mockery and taunts.
As soon as Xu Que finished reading the question, his lips twitched as he shook his head in utter dissatisfaction, "Such a question is for a three year old kid,and you have the audacity to use it?"
As he finished speaking, he focused his energy onto his fingers and wrote the answer on the board!
"Chi!"
Xu Que then withdrew his hands and looked at the female student before smiling, "I've answered the question!"
Everyone turned their heads to look at the board and were taken aback.
The chinese word for 'ice' had been cut vertically in half. Hence, the remaining word on the board was 'water'!
(T/N : The chinese word for ice is 冰, when Xu Que cut the words vertically into two, the word which remained was 水, which means water)
That's right. When the pair of dots were cut away from the chinese word for ice, the remaining word is water!
Everyone slapped their heads in frustration as they came to the realization that the answer was too simple. They then wondered why they've never thought of it!
Even the female student paused for sometime, not because the question was difficult, but because she was taken aback by how fast Xu Que managed to solve the question.
Who was this person in white robes? He looked at every single question for such a short time and wrote the correct answer down even without thinking. He even had time to taunt people before writing the correct answers down!
Was there really someone so capable in this world? What supernatural intelligence!
"Hehehe… What an intriguing young man who claims to be unrivalled in this world... I've finally met someone different!" a laughter which sounded like a chime of a dozen bells along with her enchanting voice came out from the compound.
Madam Ya walked out along with her gorgeous looking face and her charming smile. Her eyes were extremely seductive as they rested on Xu Que.
The students around were all astounded as they opened their mouths wide open.
Madam Ya… was actually so amused by this person that she came out to personally greet him!
My god, looks like this young man in white robes is going to soar in stature. After being noticed by Madam Ya, his future will be really bright from here on!
At this point, many students threw him looks of envy and even more were jealous!
Tang Liu Feng was appalled as he stood there beside Xu Que. His eyes fell onto Madam Ya's body as if he had been bewitched by her beauty. It seemed like he had never seen anyone as beautiful!
Xu Que had turned his head to look at her as well. This was the first time he had actually seen her in this life. Ooh, not bad... she looked exactly the same in his memories, the matured beauty.
The next glance he took was at her chest. After all, that was the habit of most men!
Indeed, when he looked at her chest, Xu Que jumped up in shock as he whispered, "Fuck! Those are huge!"
It was exactly as huge as a tidal wave! That's scary. This woman shouldn't be called Madam Ya. She should be called Madam Waves!
"To be able to solve three consecutive questions set by myself is rather outstanding. Young man, your talents seem to be very distinguished but I've never seen you around in Imperial City. Tell me more about your history!"
Madam Ya seemed to have felt Xu Que's lingering gaze but wasn't angry. Her lips curled into a smile as she looked at him interestingly.
Fuck me! This is a powerful spell!
Xu Que's heart raced. He realized that she had almost caused him to lose his senses with her overwhelming beauty. At this point, he concentrated as hard as he could and regained his senses!
He then looked into her eyes and replied in a dignified manner, "Madam asked me about my history. Do you wish to hear my story?"
"That's right, I wish to hear your story!" Madam Ya laughed out.
"Haha!"
Xu Que laughed as he placed his hands behind his back while his expression froze. He then looked up into the skies, "Sorry! But there's no story to my life. There's only one word which can be used to describe me. Handsome!"
Chapter 173: I Shall Give You A Hard Time!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' successfully for acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' successfully for acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' successfully for acting tough. The reward is 70 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully for acting tough and being smooth. The reward is 200 act tough points!"
Several notifications rang out in Xu Que's head.
The expressions of those present froze as they stared at him, unable to regain their senses for a long time!
There's no story to your life, just the word handsome to describe you?
My god, what a narcissistic person! How can you speak such shameless words?
Why hasn't God struck you dead?
"Boom doom!" The thunder growled in the sky. This sounded like a perfectly normal rumble of thunder without any traces of lightning.
However, some of the students in the crowd twitched in pleasant surprised. They really thought the heavens were going to send some lightning down to strike this young man dead!
Tang Liu Feng was stumped as well. The first time he met Xu Que, he managed to deceive the brutes. Tang Liu Feng thus thought that he'd made a very brilliant friend and that he could learn a thing or two from Xu Que.
Soon after, they lived in the same inn together and had several discussions. Tang Liu Feng then realized that this "Brother Li" was a bit of a cheat!
Today after reaching the Great Lake, Tang Liu Feng's face was contorted in shock for the most part.
To put it simply, he'd never met someone whose skin was so thick and so irrevocably shameless!
Even Madam Ya was clearly taken aback by Xu Que's words and only managed to regain her faculties after a long time.
She had imagined this youth to be similar to many other young men of his age, prideful and bold. Whenever young men had the chance to describe their past, they would always brag about the noble deeds they had done in order to win the affections and attention of women.
However, Xu Que didn't speak like that at all. In fact, her impressions of him had far surpassed her expectations.
This caused Madam Ya to look at Xu Que with increasing interest. She realized that this young white robed youth had fascinated her. And her interest in him grew rapidly.
"Heheh…" She covered her mouth and laughed gently. A refined and gorgeous looking lady had her attention completely on Xu Que, "Young mister's reply is very different from most others!"
Even without realizing it, the way she addressed him changed from "young man" to "young mister"!
Xu Que realized this too. He maintained his smile and clasped his hands, "Many thanks, many thanks!"
"I wonder what's young mister's name?" Madam Ya smiled and asked.
Xu Que straightened up as he stuck his chest forward, "This humble subject's name is Li Bai of the Heavenly Explosion Faction and came from Tsinghua University. I'm currently single but I own a house and a car!"
"..." Madam Ya paused once more and blinked several times before she broke out in another fit of giggles.
She had never heard of such a strange introduction and yet she felt like it was extremely interesting!
The students in the crowd all frowned, Heavenly Explosion Faction?
Fuck! This kid was really ruining the impressions of the educated, and disgracing all of us. He actually joined a fight-and-kill sect like a hooligan? And the name of his Sect was so distasteful and crude. It��s so hard to tolerate him!
Amongst the crowd, someone had an expression of suspicion and shouted out, "He's not a student of Eastern College. But I've never heard of Tsinghua University!"
"I don't know as well. Have any of you here heard of Tsinghua University?" Several people within the crowd turned around to ask.
Most of them shook their heads when they heard this.
"Young mister Li, since you've managed to answer all three questions correctly, let's move onto the next stage. It's now your turn to ask three questions. If within ten seconds, nobody manages to get the right answer, you win!" Madam Ya spoke in a gentle voice as her eyes seemed to glow while she smiled and spoke.
Xu Que's eyebrows were raised. 'Hehe... it's now my turn to ask the questions. I'm going to give you such a hard time!'
Xu Que started straightening his white robes, ensuring that there weren't any creases. He then look towards the crowd in a lofty and dignified manner as he spoke, "The first question. All of you here had been invited to the event. You realized that you had accidentally dropped the golden invitation while on the way here. What do you do?"
As soon as this question was asked, everyone around were astonished before they reveal cold smiles.
"If the golden invitation was dropped, then it can't be helped. I would just have to go home and curse my poor luck!"
"No, Madam Ya is magnanimous and generous. You can get another invitation from her!"
"Ai, that's not right. This is a trick question!"
"That's right, it's a trick question. If the golden invitation has dropped, the correct answer would be to do what he did. Take the test and attempt to gain entry!"
"Fuck! Indeed, that's the answer. I was almost deceived by the question."
"Kid, you've lost. If I had dropped my golden invitation along the way here, I would attempt to take the entry test!"
Everyone started discussing before providing their own answers within ten seconds. Once they had arrived at a final unanimous answer, they looked at Xu Que tauntingly.
Even Madam Ya was somewhat surprised. She didn't expect Xu Que to set such an easy question and yet something didn't feel right!
Indeed, Xu Que's lips curled into a smile as he looked around, "You bunch of foolish, handicapped retards. If you dropped your golden invitation while on the way here, all you have to do is pick it up! Hehe… and you still had the cheek to be so confident and say that you would take the test. With such low IQ, you should test your sisters!"
"..." Everyone around fell silent.
Nobody had expected the answer to be of this nature but it had made perfect sense which meant that nobody could refute.
However, Xu Que's mockery and harsh scoldings caused the rest of the students to glare at him in anger.
If Madam Ya weren't around, the students around would've rolled up their sleeves and rushed to fight it out with him!
Someone then scolded out fiercely, "Outrageous! You are such a disgrace to the educated. How can you speak such crude words? You're not fit to call yourself an educated student!"
"That's right and you are extremely gutsy. You actually dared to utter dirty words before Madam Ya!"
"Do you even respect Madam Ya and her status?"
The crowd started criticizing Xu Que, hoping that Madam Ya would punish him!
At this point Madam Ya opened her mouth in shock, but that wasn't because of the answer. It was because she was somewhat startled by how Xu Que had scolded them so viciously.
Weren't students… extremely particular about their reputation and integrity? Weren't all these students cultured and refined? Why was this kid so different?
Thinking up to this point, she started to smile.
"I believe, young mister Li was just caught up in the moment and forgot to control his speech. However, from now, I don't wish to hear such dirty and uncouth words anymore. Hence, I would ask young mister Li to pay attention to his behavior!" Madam Ya smiled widely as she spoke to Xu Que. Indeed, she didn't look upset at all. Instead, it seemed like she was smiling in admiration of his down to earth and genuine demeanor.
Still, she was serious about not wanting to hear anymore foul language from anyone else.
Xu Que then laughed out loudly, "Don't worry Madam Ya, I've always hated foul and uncouth words!"
Long black lines started to form across the side of everyone's face. You've always hated foul and uncouth words? Anyone who believed you is an idiot. You were rattling off vulgarities like reading essays just now!
Right at this point, Madam Ya voiced out, "Coming back to the topic, young mister Li's question is rather interesting. As such, I shall declare the first round a success! Young mister, please give us the second question!"
Xu Que waved a hand and shook his sleeves before nodding his head, "The second question, I'll make it simpler!"
"Old Madam Wang's neighbor is called Er Dan. Everytime they see each other, Er Dan would politely greet Old Madam Wang. Old Madam Wang realized that Er Dan was a rather friendly and good person. Hence, she decided to introduce Er Dan to her son, who owns an inn and was looking to hire a receptionist. When Old Madam Wang's son first met Er Dan, he welcomed him warmly and asked, 'You're Er Dan right?', to which Er Dan courteously said yes. Madam Wang's son thus continued, 'My mother has been singing praises about how polite you are. So, you wish to become my receptionist right? Oh, where do you live now?' Right after Er Dan replied him, Er Dan was beaten up savagely and suffered severe injuries. Why was he beaten up?"
Ah?
Er Dan was beaten up savagely? But… Why was he beaten up?
When everyone heard the question, they were all astonished.
Some of the smarter students started to consider Xu Que's question and brainstormed thoroughly.
"Since Er Dan was only beaten up after he answered the question, that means the reason must lie within his answer!"
"That's right. The question where where Er Dan lived. And Er Dan was Old Madam Wang's neighbor. That means his answer must be, I live…"
The student was almost about to speak the answer when his eyes opened wide!
Fuck me! Li Bai you cheap bastard!
This… This answer is too vicious!
I nearly fell for it!
Many students started to realize the answer and were raging with fury as they flared angrily at Xu Que.
Li Bai, screw your sister!
Chapter 174: A Body Part
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Xu Que's question wasn't actually difficult. The problem was that nobody dared to voice out the correct answer!
What did Er Dan say? Since he lived beside Old Madam Wang and Old Madam Wang's son asked where he live…
What else could Er Dan reply? Of course the answer was… I live in your mother's c*nt!
(T/N : "I live right beside your mother sounds very similar to "I live in your mother's c*nt!"
The exact chinese words for it are 住你妈勒戈壁, whereas the words for "I live beside your mother" are 住你妈的隔壁)
Hence, Er Dan was beaten up savagely!
However, this answer was extremely vulgar and thus nobody present dared to utter it.
Afterall, Madam Ya had just said that she didn't want to hear any sort of vulgarities or uncouth language being spoken right in front of her.
For this reason, nobody present dared to utter the answer and yet they were extremely frustrated and angry with Xu Que. They were extremely afraid that they might just be overwhelmed with anger and started spewing vulgarities.
Before long, ten seconds had passed. Madam Ya's eyes were gleaming with extreme interest as she looked at Xu Que, "Young mister Li is really smart to do something like this!"
Naturally, she knew the answer to this question as well but didn't bring it up to Xu Que or scold him for it. Instead, she looked at him with renewed interest and admiration.
And yet deep down within her heart, she was somewhat taken aback as well. It wasn't hard to realize the pattern with both of Xu Que's questions. They were both thought off on the spot, based on his current situation.
The first question used his own circumstances about taking the test in order to gain entry to trick and deceive everyone that it was the correct answer!
The second question was even more ingenious. He had used the fact that Madam Ya had said that she didn't wish to hear anymore coarse and vulgar language. Hence, even though everyone around knew the correct answer, they didn't dare to speak it out.
"With such guile and intelligence, he's indeed a genius!" Madam Ya sighed deep down in her thoughts as her huge eyes scanned across her surroundings where students were standing in all directions. She then laughed out, "Young mister Li's second question proved to be insolvable. Hence, I shall announce that he has successfully passed in the second question."
As she finished speaking, she then turned her gaze to Xu Que once more. She was signalling for him to begin his third and final question!
Xu Que shrugged his shoulders before looking at everyone. He had an expression of smugness as he spoke, "Ai, what can I say about you guys? I as good as told you the answer for the second question and yet you still cannot answer it? What a disappointment!"
"..." The entire crowd were speechless as their lips twitched and clenched their fists. They were obviously enraged by his taunting remarks.
Tang Liu Feng didn't dare to stand too near to Xu Que as well. He knew that right after this event was over, this brother Li Bai would surely get beaten to death by this mob!
However, since Tang Liu Feng was his friend, he didn't stand too far away either. He stood by the side of the lake and stared across it.
Xu Que didn't really care much about this kid. With a roll of his eyes, he began asking his third and final question.
"This third question is even more simple. Everyone, please listen closely. This is a body part. Some are hard, while others are soft. Some are long, while others are short. Some have more hair, while others have less hair. Can I ask, which part of the body is this?" As he finished, he turned to the rest of the crowd and started sniggering playfully.
Everyone around were stumped by him!
The answer was a body part. Some are hard, while others are soft. Some are long, while others are short. And then there was the bloody part about having more hair and less hair.
Fuck me. Another question like this. What a dog of a person!
Li Bai, screw your sister!
All the male students around subconsciously glanced down at their own bodies before they felt a dull ache in their chests, as if they were about to vomit blood. How can a person ever speak out an answer like this?
Several female students, including Madam Ya, thought about the question for sometime before their faces turned red. They then shot angry glances at Xu Que.
To a student, speaking dirty and vulgar words were extremely taboo. This was especially true when it came to private parts, which was extremely vulgar and uncouth. Speaking such words in public would hurt a person's dignity and self respect. It was extremely lowly!
When Tang Liu Feng heard this question, his face turned pale before he took several steps back and mumbled under his breath, "Brother Li is too vicious!"
Xu Que could feel the gaze of everyone upon himself and yet he maintained an easy and calm demeanor about him. He then returned the stare as he mocked them.
"Ten seconds is almost up. If you're not going to answer the question now, you might never get a chance to do so anymore."
"Do you know the answer or not? It's such an easy question and you can't get it right?"
"It's a bodypart. Everyone will use it from time to time. Why can't you answer the question?"
"Excuse me for being too direct, but the intelligence of these students around here is too low!"
"Ai, ten seconds is already up. Shall I give you some more time to ponder over the question?"
"Fuck me. Why are you guys staring so hard at me! If you've thought of the answer, have the guts to say it out. Whoever gets the correct answer, I shall choke myself to death on shit!"
"Still no answers? Hahahah! Then I'm sorry. Looks like Madam Ya will be my… Oops, sorry. Looks like I will be Madam Ya's VIP from now on."
Xu Que spewed out taunts like a machine gun, causing everyone around to rage out in anger. Some of them were biting down on their teeths, attempting to control themselves.
"Li Bai, whether you win today or not, just by your last question, you're not fit to be a student." At this point, someone couldn't hold it in any longer and shouted out loudly.
"What a disrespectful and coarse question and you dared to ask this in front of Madam Ya. How outrageous!"
"You are such a disgrace to the educated. You've humiliated Madam Ya!"
"That's right. You've been extremely disrespectful to Madam Ya!"
"Today was supposed to be a dignified and grand event and yet you managed to stain it. You deserve to be punished!"
Before long, shouts started to echo across the entire lake as the students were incensed.
Some of the female students even glared at Xu Que as they shouted at him as well, "Shameless pervert!"
Madam Ya's brows were slightly raised as she shook her head as well, clearly displeased with this question which Xu Que had set.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand what you are saying. There's nothing wrong with my question at all. If there is, it has nothing to do with me whatsoever!" Xu Que was still smiling as he laughed out and replied to them.
The reason he was so composed was because his answer wasn't dirty at all. In fact, it was extremely logical. Hence, he wasn't afraid at all.
"Hm, you're still trying to wiggle your way out of this. The answer to your question is beyond disgusting!" A student shouted back at him.
Xu Que shrugged his shoulders as he blinked several times, "No, it's not disgusting at all. My question is perfectly normal. Don't tell me you've guessed the answer as well? Why don't you tell me what the answer is."
"You…. You…. You're being unreasonable." The student retorted as he trembled in anger, pointing at Xu Que. He was overcame with anger that he didn't know what else to say.
"What unreasonable? I don't understand what you're saying at all. If you know the answer, just say it! If you don't tell me the answer, how am I supposed to know what you're saying? Strange. You're the one being unreasonable. Your whole family is unreasonable!" Xu Que gave an innocent look.
The crowd was enraged once more, having never met someone so shameless and thick skinned. He still refused to admit his wrongdoings.
"Tell me! Stop staring at me like that! If you know the answer, say it. I think that nobody here knows the answer and are just trying to find an excuse for me to fail the test right?" Xu Que gave an expression that resembled a pig unafraid of the boiling hot water as he continued to taunt and challenge them.
"Hm, Li Bai, stop being so arrogant. You're just hoping that we wouldn't dare to say the answer out loud right? Fine. Today I shall tell you the answer." At last, someone couldn't hold it in anymore and jumped out before the crowd.
Xu Que was elated at this as he laughed, "Fine, then tell me. What's the answer?"
The student was extremely upset as he glared at Xu Que and shouted out angrily, "A penis!"
Xu Que gasped loudly, as his expression revealed a look of utter shock. He even staggered several steps backwards as he stretched a trembling finger out and pointed at the student, uttering in panic, "You… You damned pervert. How dare you speak such dirty words?"
Chapter 175: I Am Not Someone Who Relies On My Good Looks To Get By
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
When Xu Que shouted out, "You damned pervert!", there was utter silence.
The students around were all stupefied!
What was going on? Obviously, you are the pervert. Why did you turn it around and accuse others of being the pervert?
The student finally regained his senses and was overwhelmed with anger, "You dare to be the pot calling the kettle black? It was your question which was problematic. You clearly wanted to humiliate us and force us to stoop down to your lowly level."
"I believe that everyone here knows I'm not that type of person. I just wanted to foil your plan and stop your coarse tongue from spewing more rubbish. That was why I vocalized that dirty answer."
"No, you're clearly wrong! Keke... how is the answer dirty? I don't think so! It's obvious that your mind and heart are dirty, that's why you looked at the question and thought of dirty things." Xu Que blinked several times innocently.
Eh? The answer is wrong? It's our minds and hearts that are dirty?
Hearing these, the student's eyelids twitched as they felt a sense of foreboding. As if they had just been fooled once again!
Indeed, Xu Que laughed as he opened his mouth to reveal the answer.
"There's a part of our body, some are hard while others are soft. Adults have longer ones, while childrens have shorters ones. Some are more hairy, while others are less hairy. What else could this be? Of course our arms!"
Arms?
When they heard the answer, they were filled with astonishment. Soon after, they felt a certain aching in their chests, as if they were about to vomit blood soon.
I can't take it anymore. I can't take it anymore! All of us cannot handle this kid any longer. Who can take him away from here?
At this point, Xu Que even rolled his sleeves up and stretched his fair arms out in explanation. "Come, everyone stretch your arms out."
"Look, my arms are rather hard, whereas Madam Ya's are soft. Look at that knob head over there, his arms are hairy. Hence, the answer to this question is very simple. I'm extremely bewildered, why can't you answer it out loud? Please be pure in your thoughts!"
"..." The lips of the students trembled, unsure of what else to say.
After all… There was nothing wrong with this answer at all!
Some arms are muscular and thus would be harder. Since the women would always maintain their complexions, their skins would be soft and smooth. An adult's arm would be bigger than a child's arm and some arms are hairy while others are not. It was all very normal!
But… Why were they unable to get the correct answer?
Everyone shot glances over at Xu Que, as their lips quivered violently. They all looked at his face, which was beaming with excitement. The more they looked at his face, the more they wanted to punch it hard!
From the very first moment, he had deceived everyone with his first question. Next, he used the fact that nobody would dare to answer his question to get through the second round.
Right after, when he asked the third question, he even gave a cheeky smile, causing everyone to think in a twisted manner. He played mind games with the student, making them think that he was using the same trick once again and that they wouldn't dare to speak out the answer. And yet when they finally voiced out the answer, this was the result.
Tang Liu Feng stood by the side of the lake as he heard Xu Que explain the answer. After he had heard every word, he stood by the lake and fell into a daze for a long time.
"Regardless of whether he is thick skinned or shameless, or that he constantly spews rubbish from his mouth at every turn, I vow to always be in admiration of my brother Li Bai." Tang Liu Feng swore to the heavens.
When Madam Ya heard Xu Que's answer, she was stumped as well as she cast a glance over at him. Her lips curled upwards into a smile, "What a person, Li Bai of Heavenly Explosion Faction. You almost tricked me as well!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 90 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough superbly. The reward is 100 act tough points!"
A series of system notifications rang out in Xu Que's head as his smile intensified.
"Young mister Li, you've passed this round. From today on, you are a VIP guest to my events! Please, come this way!" Madam Ya invited Xu Que into her compound after staring at him for some time.
The stare in her eyes had 'electrocuted' Xu Que repeatedly as he wondered if she was doing that intentionally or whether it was just her natural look!
However, Xu Que knew that he was an upright gentleman and was extremely pure in thoughts and honorable in actions. He would never be seduced by such an enchanting and alluring woman. At the very most, his brother would stand up as show of utmost respect and reverence of such beauty!
Indeed, as soon as he took a step towards the compound, the crowd started whispering and were clearly agitated by something.
"Ai… That is..."
"That's young master Mo. He's one of the four great students from Bright Saints College. He was even nicknamed King Poet!"
"Wait a second. Look, who's that beside him?"
"Fuck me. Thats the leader of the four great students from Bright Saints College, young master Zhao!"
"Even master Zhao has come. Everyone knows that his strengths are in Chinese antithetical couplets. Within the entire city, nobody can match him in couplets!"
"That's right. Everyone has said that young master Zhao is the king of couplets!"
"His reputation is entirely befitting of him! I didn't expect Madam Ya to invite the pair of them here!"
"Hehe... I guess it must be because of Flaming Sun Princess! If not, they wouldn't make an appearance just like that!"
"We are extremely blessed today. During the banquet tonight, we will be able to witness the two greats showing off their skills!"
In a second, the attention of everyone present had turned to the pair of them and broke out in animated discussion.
Xu Que turned his head to look at the both of them as well. They wore long robes and were walking across the bridge. Their faces were extremely good looking as they walked in dignified strides. There was a certain unspoken confidence and scholarly aura about the pair of them!
Even Madam Ya smiled when she saw them as she whispered to Xu Que, "Young mister Li, these pair of students are extremely talented and aren't any less talented than you!"
Xu Que's eyebrows twitched as he sighed out and shook his head, "Ai, I didn't expect Madam Ya to be someone like that!"
Madam Ya paused in shock, what did he mean?
Me? What sort of person am I?
All of a sudden, Madam Ya could feel a sense of hurt and betrayal within Xu Que's eyes.
Xu Que raised his head and replied solemnly, "I hope you wouldn't look at me through the eyes of a secular world. I am just not someone who relies on my good looks to get by. I know that my handsome face has long overshadowed my talents. But there will come a day where I shall show everyone how talented I am!" As he finished speaking, Xu Que then turned around and walked into Madam Ya's compound.
Madam Ya was completely floored by this statement.
After several seconds, Madam Ya then understood Xu Que's meaning and broke out in a fit of giggles. She then shook her head, "This kid is really too interesting! He's been praising himself for being too good looking the entire time!"
However, she felt that Xu Que's performance today was rather unexpected.
There were many students within the capital city but most of them were only capable in studying and didn't know much about being flexible.
That was the reason Madam Ya would set these two stages in order to become a VIP to her events. Also, the questions were different everyday. This was the first time anyone was able to solve these questions effortlessly. She had never seen a student quite like him. He had such a lofty and carefree demeanor about him, with that smile on the corner of his lips. This made Madam Ya think of the way he behaved throughout the entire test.
"Later on during the banquet, we shall see who's the most talented out of the three of you!"
Chapter 176: Today, You Disregarded Me
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Xu Que walked into the compound and was surrounded by trees and plants. When he scanned his surroundings, his eyes gleamed in surprise. He was amazed by the design of the entire place!
The yard before him was extremely spacious with pebbles lining the walkway.It was a mixture of black and white colors and looked extremely like a scene from a painting.
There were plants and flowers by the side, thriving in abundance. As he took several steps in, he saw several tall buildings surrounded by lush greenery. Stone carvings ornamented the walkways and it felt like the buildings were surrounded by dense forests.
The entire area looked very majestic and was clearly done up in elegant taste.
"Young master, please come this way!" At the end of the walkway stood several female students who welcomed him.
"Eh… this is such a nice place. One look and I know it's a place where refined students live in. It really suits my taste!" Xu Que seemed to enjoy the scenery as he walked through. He felt as though he was being overwhelmed by inspiration as a result of the scenery. He even felt as though he was cleansed by this place and maybe even became more holy just by walking through.
The female student smiled at him, "Every stalk of flower and every blade of grass was intentionally arranged by Madam Ya. Many refined and famous students have been mesmerized and inspired by the scenery. Ideas will flow and many great works had been created right here. It must be that young master feels inspired as well?"
Xu Que nodded his head in agreement, "Not bad, not bad at all. I also feel a sense of belonging here. In fact, I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of wisdom first with breaststroke and then butterfly stroke, before swimming freestyle. Maybe I can even swim naked as well!"
The female student paused in shock and was somewhat bewildered. Swimming in a sea of wisdom… What was breaststroke?
She couldn't comprehend his words at all and was too shy to inquire further. She thus assumed that this handsome, refined and elegant looking young master must be an extremely talented individual.
"Young master, please follow me!" The young female student smiled as she continued to lead the way before they entered a building.
Xu Que nodded his head as he caught up with her, enjoying every bit of the scholarly atmosphere. At this point, he couldn't hold it in any longer as he broke out in a song, "My old house is in a village. I was born here in this village, born and raised. Don't look at this village and think that it's small, there are mountains and rivers and forests..."
(T/N : Song is taken from Love Stories in a Countryside 2 / 乡村爱情Ⅱ)
"..." The female student in front paused, and almost fell down from his strange song.
What… What song was this? Why did it sound so inharmonious?
She then forced a laugh, "Young master, this… This isn't a village!"
"I know. I just couldn't help feeling inspired and my creative juices are flowing. Yo, look at the waterfall there. I feel yet another wave of inspiration." Xu Que then pointed at a fake man-made mountain and waterfall in front of him. He then focused the energy in his dantian as he started singing once again, "The great river flows eastward ah! The stars in the skies surrounds the Ursa Major…"
(T/N : Song is Good Man Song by Liu Huan)
"Young master, young master, please stop singing…" The student was extremely anxious as she interrupted Xu Que before whispering, "Young master, you're not supposed to speak or sing too loudly here. Can you reserve your inspirations for the banquet later on tonight and share it with Madam Ya and all the students around?"
"Oh? I can sing at the banquet tonight?" Xu Que's eyes twinkled.
"Yes. When the banquet begins, the first item would be sharing of poetic works, as students will compete with each other. Soon after, there would be a competition for chinese couplets. The last portion of the banquet would be for songs and music!"
"So that's how it is!"
Xu Que nodded his head gently as he smiled to himself. His heart was elated as he laughed to himself. He could act tough again tonight!
Before long, under the guidance of the young female student, Xu Que reached the building.
Outside the building, by the entrance were string of beads hung down like a windchime. When a gust of wind blew, it rang like bells!
As Xu Que walked further into the building, he arrived at the main hall which was filled with students. They sat atop matts and were having hearty discussions with each other!
When Xu Que appeared, everyone cast their glance towards him. Realizing that he was an unfamiliar face, they didn't pay him much attention and resumed their discussions with each other.
"Young master, please enjoy yourself!" After escorting Xu Que to the hall, she left.
Xu Que nodded his head gently, not minding the attitudes of the students. After all, students tend to disregard each other!
He walked further into the hall and found a place for him to settle down when he started meditating quietly.
Before long, more students streamed into the hall as it became nosier and livelier.
The later groups of students who had just streamed in recognized Xu Que as the person who was granted entry by passing the tests. In fact, the entire process was so unpleasant, hence nobody bothered to interact with him.
As for the students who had been in the hall earlier, they noticed that Xu Que was unfamiliar. Upon closer inspection, they realized that he didn't wear the crest of his school on his robes and thus didn't bother about him.
Xu Que shook his head. Students really disregard each other!
This continued for some time until Madam Ya led a pair of highly respected students into the hall which shocked everyone present.
"The pair of great students are here!"
"Young master Mo, young master Zhao. Their reputations have spread far and wide!"
"To be able to be in the presence of this pair of great students is our great fortune!"
"When I heard that young master Mo had just released a book detailing the collection of poems which he had composed, I bought it without hesitation. I even brought it here with today, to read and enjoy the quality of his poems. I've benefited greatly from every single word."
All the students rose to their feets to welcome the pair of Greats from Bright Saints College!
Xu Que's lips snarled.
'Fuck! I was just saying how students tend to disregard each other and yet you show so much respect to the both of them? You bunch of scums! When you look at me, the poem deity, you pretend not to notice. And now you offer so much reverence to this cheap fake goods? You… All of you are a disgrace to the refined!'
'Fine! Since you showed plain disregard for me, I shall ensure your social statuses are ruined to the ground… Pui! Or rather, by tomorrow, all of you shall be memorizing my poems!'
Today, this Poem Deity shall use his "Li Bai's Drunken Poems" and send all of you back to your damned remedial classes. You would even have to stand at the back of the class and memorize nothing but my poems.
Xu Que felt rather insulted as he shook his head in discontent. Still seated down, he started sipping some tea.
At this point, a shadow brushed past him and was extremely overwhelmed by meeting Xu Que, "Brother Li, we finally meet again!"
Xu Que gave him a sideward glance and realized that it was Tang Liu Feng. Xu Que then greeted him plainly, "Tang Bo Hu, where did you run off to just now?"
Tang Liu Feng gave an awkward glance, "Brother Li, this humble subject is not as fearless as you are. Standing there, I simply couldn't stand all the attention on me. Hence, I had to escape and ran off to the side of the lake, where I was praying fervently for you."
"Pray? What did you pray for? Was it even possible that I would fail the test?" Xu Que's eyebrows twitched.
"Gulp, haha… This humble subject underestimated your talents." Tang Liu Feng laughed dryly, and was filled with bitter regrets. "I was sincerely afraid you would get beaten to death brother Li!"
"Have a seat, and some tea!" Xu Que didn't seem to mind. He knew that Tang Liu Feng was weak and had a fragile disposition, unable to withstand such a tense scene. It was very normal.
Right at this point, the pair of Great students from Bright Saints College had been welcomed by the crowd as they strode to their seats.
Madam Ya was all smiles as she stood by the pair of them. She scanned the crowd for a while before realizing that Xu Que was seated with the rest of the students. She seemed to ignore the pair of them who were standing beside her.
Her smile had become more defined as though she was about to walk towards Xu Que to speak with him.
Right at this point, young master Mo asked, "Madam Ya, I wonder which one of these students is Li Bai?"
Li Bai?
When the crowd heard this, they were bewildered.
Several students had entered the compound earlier and didn't know about the situation which happened outside. Hence, they didn't know who Li Bai was.
After hearing one of the four great students, young master Mo mention his name, the crowd broke out in discussion. It was such a great honor to be mentioned and handpicked by young master Mo.
Madam Ya paused in shock as well, "Does young mister Mo know him?"
Young master Mo shook his head gently as he smiled, "No, I don't know him. It's just that I heard Li Bai had passed the entry test and gained himself a place as a VIP guest. Hence, I wanted to see who was this talented individual!"
What? Someone passed the entry test?
The students who had arrived earlier was shocked beyond measure as their expressions turned to one of utmost surprise.
Chapter 177: 300 Tang Poems!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Yo! Is there really someone so fearless as to challenge the King of Acting Tough?"
Xu Que's brows twitched as well. Hearing his tone, he didn't sound too friendly at all and was in fact mocking him in a sarcastic tone.
When Xu Que glanced around, he saw a student dressed in blue robes with a certain iciness in his stare. He was extremely self assured with a look of indifference across his face. Next to him was another student who looked like he was contented living in his own world, not caring about anyone else who was beneath him.
Obviously, this student in blue robe was young master Mo. And the person standing next to him was the leader of the four great students, young master Zhao.
Xu Que's glance rested on young master's Zhao for sometime, as his brows knotted up. Xu Que wasn't very pleased for he had seen someone who knew how to act tough as well. He was a damned inferior product! This kid wasn't speaking at all, as if he was charging and channeling a massive act tough to be presented later on.
At this point, Tang Liu Feng interrupted Xu Que's thoughts, "Brother Li, you have to be careful. This young master Mo failed to pass the entry test last year. After hearing that you've succeeded, he must be thinking of ways to create trouble for you!"
Indeed, as soon as Tang Liu Feng finished speaking, young master Mo spoke out once more, "I heard that Li Bai managed to succeed in the entry test. It's been said that he's very different and an extraordinary student. But to me, he's just a little kid who's clever in the wrong ways. After all, he wouldn't be able to excel on the stage with me. I've heard many of my friends telling me of his devious schemes and tricks outside. Hence..."
Young master Mo spoke louder with a tone of anger, "I wish to ask this brother Li Bai. Haven't you gone overboard? If you're really a talented individual, then this humble subject wishes to teach you a lesson in poem composition!"
As soon as his words landed, there was utter silence within the halls.
The few students who had entered the hall later was filled with delight as they heard this.
"That's too amazing. Young master Mo is going to exact revenge on our behalf.
"Young master Mo is really a righteous man."
"And he's right. Being clever in the wrong ways isn't intelligent at all."
"Under the skies, nobody can be as good as young master Mo in poetry. Even young master Zhao would find it hard to compete against him in poetry. Their reputation will leave a mark on all of history!"
Madam Ya could feel the taunts and mockery within young master Mo's eyes, as she smiled outwardly, but trembled slightly deep down.
She had seen the talents exhibited by this two students and had also witnessed Xu Que's unusual wits. However, she never expected a challenge to be issued so abruptly and so early into the banquet.
Xu Que was still seated on the matt, eating his own dessert, impervious to everything else that was happening. He even urged Tang Liu Feng to eat more!
Tang Liu Feng was extremely anxious as he forced a bitter laugh, unable to even swallow his own saliva.
The glances of everyone fell to Xu Que. In the entire hall, the only people who were eating were Xu Que and Tang Liu Feng.
Young master Mo's glance fell upon them as well as he taunted once more, "Is there nobody here named Li Bai? Or could he be… afraid?"
Everyone stared harder at Xu Que, their faces were filled with smiles, gloating in his misfortunes.
"Li Bai, why are you still sitting there pretending not to hear anything?"
"He really has no respect for anyone. Outrageous! It's your honor that young master Mo issued a challenge to you to compete in poetry. And you're there pretending to be dumb and mute?"
"Hurry stand up and acknowledge, unless you're afraid. If you're afraid, you can just voice it out. I'm sure young master Mo won't put you in a spot!"
Everyone started taunting him.
"Ai!"
Xu Que looked around them as he sighed out before placing his utensils down, speaking out sorrowfully, "In this entire life, I've begged for someone to rival my talents and failed to find anyone worthy. Although I'm extremely lonely here, I shan't take challenges from just any roadside dogs or stray cats. If I were to accept every single challenge, I will overwork myself to death!"
Roadside dogs or stray cats?
Everyone opened their eyes wide and were astonished beyond words.
Young master Mo was one of the four great students from Bright Saints College, the school endorsed personally by the Fire Emperor. Every single one of them was an extraordinarily talented individual and young master Mo was the most talented out of the extraordinary talents, the cream of the crop. He would inevitably become a high ranked official in the nation and rise to a top position in the imperial courts!
And yet the unknown Li Bai had referred to him as a roadside dog or stray cat? That was outrageous!
Young master Mo glared at him icily as his face fell. His glare was fixed on Xu Que, as if attempting to strangle him to death with his stare.
Even the expressionless and calm looking young master Zhao was frowning, as he stared at Xu Que as well.
Students were well known for being extremely prideful. When a challenge was issued, even if one knew that he would lose, he had to accept the challenge.
Losing would just entail a moment of embarrassment. But being a cowardly tortoise, hiding in his shell would entail a lifetime of embarrassment.
Indeed, Xu Que was giving off a fearless and arrogant attitude and even taunted the highly respected young master Mo. Comparing young master Mo to a roadside dog and stray cat was extremely offensive to all the students present, since they revered him. Additionally, everyone saw it as excessive boasting, without any grounds to support his taunts!
Even Madam Ya was somewhat taken aback by this display. She had never imagined that young mister Li would ever speak such ridiculous sounding words. The biggest taboo to a student was speaking words he couldn't back up. And Xu Que had made himself sound extremely proficient in the literary arts by ridiculing young master Mo.
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"
"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"
At this moment, Xu Que had earned a substantial amount of act tough points as the notifications rang out in his head. However, he was still extremely composed. He confidently used his chopsticks to pick up a piece of dessert and placed it into his mouth calmly.
When everyone saw him, they were filled with anger and yet nobody dared to step forward to scold him further.
Xu Que's performance outside had left everyone with a fear of him. They were worried of being made a fool off if they got the better of him.
"Haha! What an arrogant young man!" Young master Mo laughed coldly as he walked further down the hall and sat at the same table as Xu Que, staring right into his eyes. He then started reciting, "Haughtiness invites failure, modesty welcomes wisdom. A gentleman of prudent disposition is as graceful as jade!"
With every word uttered, the crowd was filled with amazement.
"Great words. Haughtiness invites failure, modesty welcomes wisdom. Young master Mo is a genius!"
"That's right. A gentleman of prudent disposition is as graceful as jade. That's how we, as students, should behave!"
"That Li Bai only knows how to be boastful and praise himself. He must be a talentless, useless good for nothing. Young master Mo clearly cannot even be bothered with him. That's how a true gentleman should behave!"
Madam Ya's eyes gleamed as she looked towards young mister Mo, her eyes were filled with admiration.
When Xu Que heard this, he stared right back at him. Fuck me. You even used the line 'haughtiness invites failure, modesty welcomes wisdom'? Aren't you forcing me to use my skills on you?
According to your words, praising myself isn't convincing at all huh?
Since that's the case, don't blame the act tough king for abusing you in front of everyone. How dare you act tough in front of the act tough king?
Sure!
Come on then!
Didn't you mention something about competing in poetry?
Who the fuck can't do poetry? Is it a big deal that you can write two lines of good words?
Haha! Let's compete then and see who's the unrivalled act tough king.
My mighty system, my one and only ally through thick and thin, hear my words and break through the dimensions of space and time.
Listen to my calls, according to the rituals of our agreement. Using my blood as a request and my body as your weapon, use my soul as a sacrifice, from the covenants drawn up from the days of old. I chant this old spell to revive the prophecy. Hear my commands, and fight this battle for me!
Show yourself, 300 Tang Poems Book!
Chapter 178: Returning Politeness With Politeness, Here's A Poem for You!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
"Ding! Congratulations to host for successfully activating 300 Tang Poems. The contents from this book has completely been uploaded into your mind."
Following the system's notifications, Xu Que felt an immense amount of knowledge on poetry within his head. In the blink of an eye, he had assimilated all these information.
Poem competition? Who's afraid?
Xu Que smiled widely as he took a huge sip of tea before wiping his lips. He then spoke, "As the scholarly saying goes, 'To not reciprocate in kind, is to go against etiquette.' Since young master Mo gave me some words, I shall return some words to you in the form of a poem!"
The crowd paused in shock. A poem?
Young master Mo was teaching you a lesson and it's your honor to be taught by someone like him. How dare you speak of returning some words to him? Are you crazy?
Young master Mo's title of Poem King isn't being modest at all. You are just a mere nameless student, and you dare to talk big in front of him!
The crowd broke out in insults as they started throwing harsh words at Xu Que.
A student was shaking his head as he laughed out loudly, "Young master Mo could read at age three, could write at five years of age. When he was ten, he started composing poems. Even the Fire Emperor called him the Poem King. How dare you belittle his reputation and talk back in defiance. You even mentioned something about returning words to him? You're really overestimating yourself!"
"Is that so? What're you going to do about it?"
Xu Que laughed out before he continued, "When I was three years old, I was composing poems about rivers and history. When I was five, I was writing poems so long that they resembled seas. When I was ten, the subject of my writings were no longer limited and I was writing about everything under the sun, including grass, rocks, trees. I was dubbed the Poem Deity. My nickname was Dugu Qiu Bai, a loner begging for failure!"
"..." The entire scene fell into absolute silence!
Some of them looked at Xu Que incredulously, speechless to whatever he had just said.
Of course, they had met people who could boast and yet nobody could come close to Xu Que, who could boast about owning the heavens!
Poem Deity? A loner begging for failure? Why don't you just call yourself God then?
Tang Liu Feng had a bitter expression of his face as he clutched his forehead, as though he was seated on a matt filled with needles. He too, felt that Xu Que had gone overboard with his bragging.
If he could really write poems so well since a young age, then why hasn't anyone heard of his name?
When Mo Yun Shang heard Xu Que's words, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head. He then looked at Xu Que mockingly, "Since brother Li decided to return a poem to me, fine. I shall prick an ear and listen attentively to what he has to say!"
As soon as he said this, the entire crowd cheered and started praising him.
"Indeed, young master Mo is an exemplary student with his poise and elegance!"
"This is a true role model for everyone on how to handle an arrogant student!"
At this point, Madam Ya's eyes were gleaming as she found a place for herself to sit. Her eyes were still focused on Xu Que.
In actual fact, she couldn't stand any longer, for she was completely drained of energy.
As the sister of Fire Emperor, Madam Ya has a secret that nobody knows about. She highly regards and even revere students with exceptional talents. Everytime she sees someone reciting a good poem, her emotions would go out of control. This will manifest in her body as her legs will go weak. She will also turn extremely red in the face.
Today, she had met Li Bai, who was unheard of before this event, who possessed extraordinary talents in intelligence and guile. Against Bright Saints College's Poem King, young master Mo, the both of them are an equal match for each other. Watching them go against each other head on caused Madam Ya to lose control of her own emotions. Even before they had started, her legs started to tremble.
Xu Que had also noticed Madam Ya's blazing gaze upon his body as was startled. Fuck me, why is this lady so scary? It looks as though she's about to swallow me whole. It's too distracting!
However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Xu Que didn't dare to read too much into this now. He focused all his attention away from those thoughts.
He directed his gaze towards Mo Yun Shan, "Young master Mo, you mentioned something about haughtiness inviting failure and modesty welcomes wisdom. You were scolding me for being haughty and arrogant huh? Although your words are correct, you cannot use this on just anyone!"
"For example, me. I used to be extremely modest. Someone told me that my poem writing skills were fantastic, but I insisted that they were only average. As soon as I said those words, that man slapped my face on the spot for being hypocritical. Hence, I turned over a new leaf and stopped making the mistake of being too modest ever again."
"..." When everyone heard this, their lips twitched violently, unsure of how to react to this.
Anyone who dared to speak such words were clearly shameless beyond measure and had reached the pinnacle of being a braggart. To someone like this, everyone would often have no words in reply.
"Outrageous! Vulgar kid trying to appease the crowd!" At this, the expressionless young master Zhao burst out in anger after he cleared his throat.
Everyone turned their heads to look at him before looking back at Xu Que. They were smiling, elated in his downfall.
Li Bai, Li Bai. You're doomed. You even managed to annoy the leader of the four great students. Let's see how you can remain arrogant!
Tang Liu Feng was so afraid that his face had turned as white as sheet. He then nudged Xu Que to remind him, "Brother… Brother Li, even young master Zhao has spoken out. Maybe you should stop here!
"Why should I?" Xu Que didn't care one bit.
"He… He's the leader of the four great students. A few days later, when the Flaming Sun Princess chooses her Prince Consort, he would be the number one candidate. We must be careful not to offend him!"
"Prince Consort?" Hearing these words, Xu Que was enraged further but suppressed it white a cold smile, "He will never become the Prince Consort!"
"But..." Tang Liu Feng was at a loss for words as well. He realized that no matter what he said, he was never going to convince Xu Que to stop and thus decided to remain silent.
Right at this point, Mo Yun Shang revealed a look of impatience as if he had overestimated this Li Bai. He then stood up, disinterested, as he spoke out, "Li Bai, where's the poem you promised?"
"Oh, I almost forgot. Young master Mo. Listen up. This poem will be extremely educational for you!"
Xu Que placed the tea cup down and took out his fan. He then looked into the distance and put on a pretentious look.
The audience had ignored his boasts as they fixed their gazes upon him, waiting for him to make a fool of himself!
Madam Ya was taking deep breaths, her eyes were filled in eager anticipation.
After Xu Que had posed like a scholarly student for several moments, he finally opened his mouth and recited, "Three feet from the ground rests a gutter, water flows through it every single day regardless of seasons."
The crowd were shocked when they heard this. Was this a poem about nature? How would there any educational element in this poem?
Right at this point, there was a loud smack as Xu Que closed the fan within his palms and completed the poem, "Neither cows nor goats will eat the grass around. But Yun Shan will wash his head in the ditch!"
Three feet from the ground rests a gutter, water flows through it every single day regardless of seasons
Neither cows nor goats will eat the grass around. But Yun Shan will wash his head in the ditch!
"Huh?"
When the crowd heard this, they frowned, unable to understand the poem.
Wasn't this a normal poem about nature and scenery?
Ai, that can't be. Yun Shan will wash his head? Isn't Yun Shan young master Mo's name?
This poem isn't that simple!
"Three feet from the ground is a ditch, water flows through it every single day? Three feet from the ground, why would there be a ditch? That's strange…" Tang Liu Feng was repeating Xu Que's poem as he sipped his tea, clearly deep in thought.
Seeing everyone deep in thought, Xu Que was extremely calm as he returned to the dessert on his table.
Actually, this poem wasn't a Tang dynasty poem at all. In fact, it's an internet humorous poem that has been making its rounds. Or rather, it was a dirty poem!
'Three feet from the ground is a ditch' was referring to a part of women that mustn't be described. As for 'Yun Shan washing his head', it referred to young master Mo as a penis!
Xu Que didn't feel that this was inappropriate at all. Since you scolded me for being arrogant, I can scold you back too. Returning politeness with politeness, there was nothing wrong!
Chapter 179: To Look At Mountains And Not See Mountains. To Look At Water And Not See Water!
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
A young female student walked in with a flask of tea, intending to fill their cups with more tea.
Everyone was still deep in thought, and didn't pay much attention to the girl.
Tang Liu Feng happened to look across as his gaze lingered on the young female's body.
In that instant, his eyes opened wide in sudden realization.
"Pu!"
The mouthful of tea which was in his mouth was immediately sprayed out.
Tang Liu Feng's face and neck turned a deep shade of red. He was trying his best to hold his laughter in, covering his mouth and exerting all his energy into controlling his laughter. His entire body was trembling and twitching.
The rest of the students looked at him strangely and wondered why he was behaving so weird.
However, there were many intelligent students among them who realized that Tang Liu Feng only reacted this way after seeing the female student. As soon as they realized this, it was as if they had been woken from a dream and understood the meaning of the poem.
Soon after…
An explosion of laughter echoed across the entire hall!
"Hahahahahaha!!!"
"Sor… Sorry, I… I couldn't hold it in…"
"Young master Mo, hahaha! I really couldn't hold it in! It's too funny!"
Someone was laughing while trying to apologize to young master Mo. Nobody expected such a scene to come over the entire hall. It was extremely comical and their laughter was impossible to suppress.
"Puhahahahaha! Brother Li. You… You..." Tang Liu Feng couldn't hold his laughter in as well. He was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down his face. He then pointed at Xu Que and kept saying 'you', unable to complete his sentence.
He had been overwhelmed by laughter. Such a poem was unrivalled!
"Outrageous!"
Mo Yun Shan had already uncovered the meaning of the poem and lashed out in anger. He stood up and shouted at Xu Que, his eyes were wide open in fury as he pointed straight at Xu Que, "You disrespectful lecher! How dare you recite such a despicable poem right here!"
Xu Que stood up and feigned ignorance once again as he shook his head, "Young master Mo. My poem was obviously innocent and pure. I was saying that you are extremely free and hence you spent most of your time washing your head. How is that despicable at all?"
"You still dare to argue with me! Madam Ya, I suggest you expel this lecherous student from your compounds in case he contaminates the rest of the students with his ideals!" Mo Yun Shan was shaking in anger as he spoke to Madam Ya.
Madam Ya had understood the meaning of Xu Que's poems and was trying to stifle her laughter as well. When she saw that Mo Yun Shan was speaking to her, she hurriedly stopped smiling and pretended to look calm, but didn't utter a single word.
Xu Que then stood up, "You look at mountains, but don't see mountains. You look at water, but you don't see water. As long as your heart is pure, this poem is pure. If your heart is lecherous and despicable, the poem would naturally become lecherous and despicable."
"Young master Mo, I actually wanted to test the hearts of all our friends in this hall. Look at Madam Ya, she hasn't even smiled once the entire time. That proves how pure and clean her heart and thoughts are. But you… Sigh!" As he finished speaking, he sighed out and shook his head, visibly disappointed.
"You…." Mo Yun Shan had nothing to say in reply to that. His eyes were opened wide in hot rage.
Everyone around paused as they tried to suppress their own laughter. After seeing Madam Ya in all her composure, everyone held their own laughter in.
Even Tang Liu Feng held a hand to his mouth to prevent himself from bursting out in laughter once more!
At the next moment, the entire hall was silent.
To look at mountains, and not see mountains. To look at water, and not see water.
When Xu Que first said this, nobody understood what he meant. They felt like he was just being paradoxical and contradictory without making much sense. Only after he had explained it did they comprehend his meaning.
They all thought that Xu Que had written a poem which had two sides. If a person's heart was dirty and lecherous, they would look at this poem as a dirty poem.
Seeing that everyone was trying to suppress their own laughter, Xu Que smiled and asked, "Young master Mo, why don't you ask the intelligent students here if anyone found this poem despicable and dirty?"
When the students heard this, they all looked down and avoided his eyes as they cursed at Xu Que under their breaths!
Damn it. Unscrupulous methods once again!
While we were outside, you asked a riddle which made us think that you were referring to penises and then blamed us for being dirty minded.
Now you're using the same trick once again. You said that anyone who thinks that the poem was dirty is actually dirty minded too? Pui! We won't fall for it.
Having been in this situation before, along with Madam Ya's indifferent expression, all the students pretended not to hear anything and pretended that they didn't hear Xu Que's poem.
"Li Bai, you…"
Mo Yun Shang was in utter disbelief as he pointed at Xu Que for a long time. At last, he cleared his throat and placed his hand down before returning to his seat.
Yet young master Zhao was still glaring at Xu Que. The dissatisfied expression on his face became more obvious.
Xu Que looked back at the leader of the four greats, young master Zhao and sighed out. For someone to be able to act tough to this extent, he's probably at the same level of acting tough as Xu Que! Looks like this young master Mo was just an appetizer. The truly worthy opponent was this young master Zhao.
Right at this point, Madam Ya who had finally resisted the urge to laugh, opened her mouth to break the silence.
"Everyone, since we're all gathered here today, I wish for us to discuss poems. We can use poems to become friends with one another and drop all previous grudges. How about that?"
She looked around and noticed that the atmosphere was rather tense. She then looked at Xu Que and smiled before speaking, "To look at mountains, but not see mountains. To look at water, but not see water. Young mister Li's talents weren't expressed in his poem, but was expressed in this line. Just this line alone is enough to cover the rationale of life, and would leave a lasting legacy for thousands of generations."
Even Madam Ya had showed her support for Xu Que. All the students hurriedly clasped their hands in salute, "Madam Ya is right. Today, we shall discuss poems and art!"
"That's right. Students should be forgiving, and do away with grudges. We shan't have any conflicts here in front of Madam Ya!"
Besides, Xu Que's line about "To look at mountains, and not see mountains. To look at water, and not see water", started to make more sense to everyone. They seemed to all reach a particular realization that they had learnt something from that line as well.
The logic behind such a phrase was so immense that it was enough for a person to sit and reflect on the essence of such a phrase for an entire lifetime. Hence, just because of this line alone, most of the students found it hard to look down on him.
Although it was true that Mo Shan Yun was widely respected by everyone, when he was compared with Madam Ya, he was far behind. Or at least before he became a high ranking official, his status would never be as grand as Madam Ya's.
That was why after Madam Ya said that, nobody else dared to have a disagreement about Xu Que!
As for Mo Yun Shang, this mute student, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and swallow the humiliation.
And yet why should he give in to him? He was one of the four great students, with the reputation of Poem King.
After being humiliated this way, he wasn't going to let this matter rest. It was impossible for him to forgive and forget. However, he knew that he was going to lose his dignity by resorting to revenge in front of everyone here.
At this point, he stood up and pretended not to be affected by the previous spade of events. He clasped his hands in a salute and spoke out, "Since Madam Ya said that, then I shan't hold a grudge against a despicable pervert. Today, we shall discuss poems. I wonder if Madam Ya could give us a topic to express our talents freely?"