Follow the path of Dao from infancy - Chapter 120: Once Promised to be Top-Notch in the World_2

Zhou Zheng softly chanted, stupefied as a wooden chicken, feeling the majestic and grand momentum.

“No one to support my aspirations to the clouds, I tread the snowy path to the mountain’s peak alone!”

Jiang Hanxing’s eyes sparkled, and he clenched his fists tightly, as if those lines spoke of the hidden ambitions in his heart.

“The sea has no bounds, the heavens serve as shores, scale the utmost heights, and I am the apex!”

When Ma Jing heard that Li Hao had given him this poem to recite on stage, his eyes reddened with excitement. Though he himself could not compose poetry, he could at least appreciate it.

These lines seemed to speak of the extraordinary youth before them.

In the world, there are millions of talents, but only the youth before them has reached the pinnacle, standing above the mountain peaks, becoming an even higher summit!

“Born a leader among men, only I shall live as long as the heavens…”

“Alone, I battle across thousands of miles, with one sword, I’ve stood against a million…”

One after another, these arrogant and spirited poems were recited by the disciples of the White Hall, their chanting filled with an electrifying excitement.

For Martial Artists, these vigorous poems struck straight to the heart.

“Under the drunken light, I scrutinize the sword; in dreams, I hear the bugle call of camps…”

Zhou Zheng, born the son of a military officer, stood up, trembling with emotion upon hearing these verses.

“Together with the Dapeng bird, I rise with the wind, spiraling upwards to the ninth layer of heaven!”

This bold and unrestrained poem comforted the hearts of many, igniting the passions of those who had long been frustrated and unfulfilled.

One by one, the disciples of White Hall ascended the platform, their poetry commanding the attention of Cloud Smoke Pavilion.

Atop the pavilion, a dazzlingly dolled-up girl, just twenty, stood entranced by the peerless verses being recited below.

Verse after verse, whether bold and forceful or carefree and unrestrained, stirred the emotions of the listeners.

In the Great Yu Dynasty, built on martial valor, the poetic style within these walls largely favored verses of battle and heroism.

Lewd and suggestive tunes were scarce, and even if present, were only circulated in common places, unworthy of true consideration.

Hong Wan’er had a keen grasp of poetry; discerning good from bad, she knew few scholars in Hanlin Hall could match the verses heard here, except perhaps a handful of famous poems known throughout the lands.

Moreover, Hong Wan’er noticed that these young talents ascending the stage to recite poetry all rose from beside a certain youth, who would whisper to each before they took to the platform—actions that sparked much speculation.

Time flew by.

As the poetry event concluded, the women of the establishment were left with hearts aflutter, and the accomplished guests intoxicated with joy.

Someone let slip the truth, and it became known that all the poems were penned by Li Hao. And when someone recognized Li Hao’s identity and called him out, Cloud Smoke Pavilion erupted into a buzz.

This sensational youth coupled with his sharp and vigorous verses made people feel as if the poems had taken on a tangible form.

In their excitement, nobody cared that the Tan Palace disciples had shown off Li Hao’s work; rather, they were delighted these individuals had been so favored by Li Hao. Even without their own poems to boast, they received the affections of many women and invitations galore.

The manager of the establishment approached Li Hao with a bow, relieved to find the famous young master of the Li Family from Qingzhou City to be casual and amiable, and then summoned Hong Wan’er to accompany him.

The rest of the White Hall disciples were also led away by other girls to enjoy music and art.

Additionally, the manager cautiously asked Li Hao if he might lend two pieces of poetry to adorn the place.

Li Hao, indifferent, allowed him to choose two.

Before long, two lines hung outside the doors of Cloud Smoke Pavilion:

You must know, in my youth I grasped at clouds,

Promised to be the finest in the world.

The manager regretted that Li Hao hadn’t completed the poem, leaving only these two lines.

At the same time, she could never have foreseen that because of these two lines, the Cloud Smoke Pavilion’s fame would soon spread throughout the nineteen provinces.

By then, Li Hao was already in the room of the most sought-after courtesan in Cloud Smoke Pavilion, eating and drinking to his heart’s content.

“Young Master, tonight I am all yours. Whatever you wish me to do,” said Hong Wan’er with a playful smile, sizing up the finest young master of Qingzhou City.

Since Li Hao had revealed his Cultivation Level, no one among Qingzhou’s younger generation could compare to him.

“Is that so? Then peel some seeds for me,” Li Hao replied.

Hong Wan’er was taken aback, but she came over with a smile and began peeling seeds for Li Hao, delivering them to his mouth.

Li Hao clapped his hands, continuing to enjoy himself as he picked up other delicacies.

…

Meanwhile, news reached back to Divine General Mansion.

“What?!”

Li Tian Gang’s eyes bulged as he heard his servant’s report, and he slammed his palm onto the table, splintering the valuable piece of furniture instantly.

“That rascal, how dare he!”

Li Tian Gang’s face turned red with anger; the former thought resurfaced that his son lacked discipline and would dare anything!

Li Fu jumped in fright and said, “My lord, I inquired at the Tan Palace, and apparently, the young master…”

“No matter the reason, quick, fetch him back this instant!” barked Li Tian Gang.

He felt that with every passing second, his family’s reputation was being tarnished.

Heeding the command, Li Fu hurriedly ran off to carry it out.

Back in Cloud Smoke Pavilion, Hong Wan’er’s hands were numb from peeling seeds by the time she saw off the well-fed and well-drunken Li Family scion.

She was both angry and upset. Such a great beauty that countless worthy men sought after, and this youth barely gave her a second glance, only having her do menial tasks.

Her initial good impression of Li Hao due to his poetry largely vanished. She had thought to use this opportunity to build a good relationship with him, hoping perhaps to marry into Divine General Mansion someday, even as a concubine, for a life of wealth and splendor.