Book 14: Chapter 62

Magnificent Beauty

In spite of Daren Academys enduring polished reputation as one of the most important places to study at for any serious academician, it inevitably started to feel too old-school for the younger generation that had continued to modernise with each pa.s.sing generation. The academy itself had no way of sensationalising itself solely as a place where knowledge was abundant. In its history, all graduates were individuals who enrolled as young students and graduated as old graduates. While true that the graduates were astute and honoured individuals, it seemed that they were all copies of each other. Thus, its popularity paled in comparison to academies that produced graduates of all different characters. By education standards, Daren Academy did no wrong, but it struggled to establish itself as a leader in education if one a.s.sessed it based on appearances. The imperial court recruited officials almost solely from Daren Academy, resulting in people lamenting that the academy didnt live up to its reputation.

Ever since Huang Yuzao took up leaders.h.i.+p, Daren Academy underwent enormous changes. Since he expanded their offerings to thirty-six subjects, scholars had the ability to choose other careers aside from civil servant jobs. Aware that the next generation didnt necessarily share his hobbies, he encouraged students to seek their own development paths, granting students unprecedented autonomy in development. Among the additions that made the academy more colourful and livelier in contrast to its past stuck-in-the-mud and outdated image was the academy idol event.

Students were permitted to pursue their own interest and nominate themselves for the idol compet.i.tion, while the tutors of Daren Academy would support them. Since its introduction, the compet.i.tion had evolved into one of the academys most important event.

To n.o.bodys surprise, the event was criticised for being beyond the scope of education. Of course, there were some who supported it. Had Huang Yuzao not adamantly advocated for it, the event wouldve been abandoned already. If the compet.i.tion didnt have a childish aspect to it, then it wasnt a true representation of the students pursuits.

Daren Academy enforced strict disciplinary practices, but they had produced a number of atypical talents in recent years because they started accepted students who otherwise should not have been accepted. Consequently, there were questions raised about Daren Academy copying Qiyuans playbook. All in all, though, Daren Academys evolution was irrefutable. Chapter three of Daren Academys Guide, Black and White Reflection, Academy Edition.

The first day of Daren Academys idol compet.i.tion saw the completion of the rites, mathematics and calligraphy contests.

In the rites event, Che Gulus team took first place, followed by Wu Dayong and Song Chis teams, respectively.

In the calligraphy event, Che Gulus team took first place. s.h.i.+ Weiliang and Mu Anan came in as runner ups, while Song Chis group placed third again.

In the mathematics event, Su Xiaos team came out on top. Song Chis team came in second place, and Wu Dayongs team picked up third place.

Based on the results thus far, Che Gulu led by a large margin, but his teams failure to place in the top three in the mathematics contest reduced the gap considerably.

Quanmu had secured second place for the overall, and Song Chis group had secured third place.

According to the original plan, Song Ous group would forfeit to Su Xiaos group, and Su Xiaos group would throw the contest to Che Gulu, whod then forfeit the prizes to Su Xiao. Alas, Su Xiao and Song Chi had made it known that neither side was going to follow the agreements any longer, meaning it now came down to a contest of true competence. It was a rather awkward situation for the reason that Che Gulu reaped all the benefits from the disregarded agreements.

c.r.a.pmu

Trashmu

Filthy.

No sportsmans.h.i.+p whatsoever Trash.

Shameless Shameless Wu Dayong.

Other cla.s.ses harshly denounced the Quanmu cla.s.s after the first day due to Su Xiao and Wu Dayongs tactic. 30% of the contempt actually came from their own cla.s.s; the girls who partic.i.p.ated, in particular, pulled no punches lambasting the boys who they now evaluated even more negatively. The face of Quanmu Wu Dayong couldve soaked up all the praise easily, but he had already left for he, Zhou Teng and He s.h.i.+ needed to take the imperial exams. As such, Su Xiao and the girls had to bear all the spite.

Su Xiao was not one whod let harmless words stop him from achieving his goal. Besides, he wasnt even a student of Daren Academy, so what reason did he have to care? He was supposed to be at war with descendants of the Seven Champion White Princes, yet he had no qualms seeking Jin Zhaoyings advice. Unlike him, though, the girls didnt have skin as him. Therefore, they stayed in their cla.s.sroom.

Today is music, chariotry and archery.

Mu Anan had her head down, a scary smile and was always writing. Needless to say, she didnt hear or see w.a.n.g Zi count off the contests.

s.h.i.+ Weiliang will take care of music. As for Chariotry and archery, they will depend on the boys. Considering Brother Yan Ling is even ranked as one of the Seventeen Hidden Dragons, surely he can handle it, right?

s.h.i.+ Weiliang, in an unconfident tone, replied, Dont say Ill take care of it. Theres no guarantee Ill win. Wu Dayongs group is all to blame for this. Why insist on taking part in the idol compet.i.tion when you have imperial exams, as well? Wed have much better chances if they were still competing. Wu Dayong really should be renamed to Wu Wuyong!

Dont say that.

s.h.i.+ Weiliang had a bad feeling as soon as she saw w.a.n.g Zis smirk, but she was too slow to react.

Didnt he swear to marry you?

All the girls whistled as s.h.i.+ Weiliang went bright red in the face.

He was just fooling around! s.h.i.+ Weiliang stomped, but it only motivated her cla.s.smates to giggle.

Hehehe, you declared in front of the whole cla.s.s that youd marry him if he won.

Other cla.s.smates: Yeah!

Is there any chance hed win?! I was just riled up. He, like his name, is useless. His academic scores are inferior to mine. He has no chance of winning.

s.h.i.+ Weiliang and Wu Dayong had a typical daily argument yesterday, with neither of them giving way. Emotionally riled up, Wu Dayong a.s.serted, If I win, your family has to feed me for three years! Unwilling to back down, s.h.i.+ Weiliang fired back, Forget feeding you, Id marry you!

w.a.n.g Zi cackled, So are you going to marry him if he wins?

H-he wont win If he does, youll have to be his concubine!

Now it was w.a.n.g Zis turn to have a taste of her own medicine. N-no, that was all you! I never said that!

As Wu Dayong and s.h.i.+ Weiliang went back and forth yesterday, s.h.i.+ Weiliang dragged her best friend into the bet after Wu Dayong stated, Whod want you for a wife?! to which s.h.i.+ Weiliang responded, w.a.n.g Zi will be your concubine, then! Both of us will marry you! If you dont win the exams, you can go jump into the ocean! While s.h.i.+ Weiliang looked meek and prim, she had a wild side when it came to gambling.

You agreed to it. I remember it. Everyone else remembers it, too, right?

I dare any one of you to raise your hand! w.a.n.g Zi swept her enraged gaze over all her cla.s.smates, shutting them all down.

I remember, Mu Anan whispered.

Anan! You betrayed me!

Hehe, but I do remember. Ah, Brother Yan Ling.

The girls stopped arguing instantly.

Tang Ye probably wouldve remained invisible after entering had it not been for Mu Anan pointing out he had entered.

Tang Ye bobbed his head. h.e.l.lo.

Tang Ye was perplexed as to why the cla.s.s fell silent as soon as he entered. It never occurred to him that he had an appearance and aura that intimated men and galvanised women to act prim. Though he was only nineteen, he had solidified himself as one of the Seventeen Hidden Dragons. Accordingly, plenty of female students had their eyes on the single as soon as he arrived at Daren Academy, and he only grew more popular once they knew his status. Among potential-husband candidates, he had the whole package. As expected, then, girls would try to impress him. Little did they know how tough of a nut to crack he was.

Where is Xiao Han? queried Tang Ye. He never picked up on the fact that girls were trying to impress him. There is only an hour before the compet.i.tion starts. Has Xiao Han not arrived yet?

Not yet. He went to pay Jin Zhaoying a visit, but he said hed be back before the compet.i.tion starts.

The first event was music, so Tang Ye wasnt too concerned if Su Xiao wasnt there by then. The thing that he couldnt work out was why Su Xiao needed to see Jin Zhaoying at this point. Without considering the first round over the next three days, Su Xiao shouldve been the one teaching Jin Zhaoying archery and chariotry. After all, she rose to her current position through intellect, not martial arts.

Tang Ye was interrupted when he caught the sight of someone in his peripherals. Why are you here?

Is there a rule stipulating I cant come here? Si Fu brushed her bangs by her temples with a smile. The academy is open today. How could one waste an opportunity to expand their horizons? We Qilin Guards need stress relief activities, too, considering our work load.

All the girls came to the same conclusion when they saw Si Fus long legs, hourgla.s.s figure and smile none of them could hold a candle to her. Her friendly tone towards Tang Ye almost had them in tears.

Tang Ye tried to think of an explanation for the misunderstanding, but he didnt know where to start, so he said, Enjoy your tour, then spun around.

Needless to say, Si Fu wanted to clobber the block of wood.

Though s.h.i.+ Weiliang and w.a.n.g Zi wanted to ask who the beauty was, Tang Ye looked uninterested.

I have a case to tell you about.

Tang Ye spun back around to Si Fu instantly. What?

This way.

Tang Ye followed Si Fu into the courtyard without another word. Upon arrival, he asked, What case? Did you come here for it?

Si Fu didnt visit for work. The idol compet.i.tion was a big deal, so plenty of people working for the government attended, which led to her thinking that she might b.u.mp into Tang Ye there. The last thing she expected was to be discussing a case with a block of wood.

Its the, uh Ming Feizhens a.s.sa.s.sination.

Theres news on Bronze Mask?

Bai Yeshuang and Shen Yiren were more experienced detectives than Tang Ye. Having said that, he learnt how to pick up on key points quickly from Ming Feizhen.

No but we recently discovered a group that means Ming Feizhen harm called Bird Wors.h.i.+p Cult.

Bird Wors.h.i.+p Cult? Tang Ye wrinkled his nose. What sort of demented cult is it?

Who knows? The head of the group is shrouded in mystery. Its speculated that they have covered they are affiliated with the imperial court and Seven Champion White Princes.

Such a person exists?

Si Fu nodded and then sighed. The capital has yet another matter to tackle now. She then glanced at Tang Ye, who was thinking, and quietly questioned, Do you have plans tonight?

No. Big Bro is off to the exams. Xiao Han and I are holding down the fort here. We do need to discuss tomorrows schedule, that being said.

You call Su Xiao Xiao Han and he refers to you as Yan Ling?

Yes.

In socialite, n.o.bility and academic circles, referring to someone directly by their name was considered rude. In the martial world, there was a mixture of how to address someone; it shouldve been obvious based on how often people referred to others by random t.i.tles and names. That being said, those born into prestigious martial arts families, particularly families tied to the orthodox sects, would still address each other by their courtesy names. Su Xiao and Tang Ye were used to it since they grew up in families that emphasised following all the formalities. What stuck out was the fact that Tang Ye didnt address Ming Feizhen by his courtesy name, but Si Fu chose not to ask about it since there was something more pressing to ask.

Since youre free after the days compet.i.tion, how about w-

Wait. Tang Ye flicked up a hand as he cast his gaze into the distance. Give me a moment, he said before heading off.

Si Fu tracked Tang Ye to see an eighteen-year-old girl holding a bag of mantous, strolling through the strolling through the corridor. She didnt try to be special, yet she created a picturesque vibe akin to a maiden strolling through drizzle on a mountain path.

Miss Bai.

Si Fu realised Bai Yumo was no ordinary maiden from the way Tang Ye called out to her.

Bai Yumo supposedly waited for Tang Ye to close in before reacting. She looked at him confused and asked, You are?

Tang Ye, answered Tang Ye.

Oh Bai Yumo giddily scrubbed her head. Um Who is Tang Ye?

At this point in his life, Tang Ye was used to dealing with people who seemed to always be lost.

Weve met a few times before, most of which consisted of me giving you trouble. You may not remember, but Monk Xun Feng must have mentioned, or more likely, cursed me frequently.

The mention of Xun Feng gave Bai Yumo an epiphany.

Ooooh, its you. Bai Yumo enthused, I remember you now! Sorry, Im rather She suddenly took two steps back as if it was urgent. At the same time she retreated, she reached for her broadsword at her sash. Because she didnt bring her weapon today, however, she ended up pulling out a mantou and pointed at Tang Ye. What do you want?

Nothing. Tang Ye easily took the mantou from Bai Yumos grip, leaving her unsure what to do with her hands. My Big Bro thinks youre suspicious, and I do, too, so I want to ask you directly: are you Six Blades Bronze Mask?

No! Who is Bronze Mask?

Bai Yumo had her vigilance dialled up as high as it could go, and so did Tang Ye. If she was Bronze Mask, then he was no match for her. Tang Ye slowly put the mantou into his mouth, slowly chewed and slowly swallowed as Bai Yumo watched on with her eyes wide.

Once he finished eating the mantou, Tang Ye said, You best not be lying.

Only once Tang Ye retreated a step did Bai Yumo feel secure. Unfortunately, that didnt reduce the rage she felt over having her food stolen for some random reason. She pulled an angry face, only for him to look over his shoulder, prompting her to change her face back to normal as fast as lightning and count off her fingers.

Wh-what?

The mantou is a little cold, Tang Ye informed before leaving.

Bai Yumo watched Tang Ye leave with a radiant and enchanting old woman dressed unbecomingly.

What a jerk! Never had Bai Yumo met such a big jerk in her life. Not only did he take her mantou, he also took his sweet time, causing it to go cold and then complained about it to her. What an absolute jerk!

Bai Yumo didnt stop jogging for anyone until she returned to the room her group a.s.sembled. Only once she sat down in the room she was familiar with did she feel relieved. The others were all confused to see the usually laid-back maiden look furious and running.

Ling Shaoxuan inquired, Whats the matter?

Dont remind me! I ran into a jerk!

They were all surprised to hear Bai Yumo could hate someone.

Bai Yumo took out a mantou and bit into it as if it owed her money, then took out another one and went over to give it to Xun Feng. I understand you now!

Th-thank you. Xun Feng was as confused as could be. Since he knew how protective she was of her food, though, he was smart enough to express appreciation if she shared.

Ling Shaoxuan knew something happened, but he was never interested in girls issues, so he sheathed his sword. You came back at the right time. The three of us are up next. Lets go!

***

They walked for a while before Si Fu finally asked the question shed been dying to ask. What was that about?

What about it?

Stop playing the fool!

Si Fu: What was that reunion-between-a-male-and-female-lead-in-a-novel scene about?! Why did you suddenly question her?! Is it because shes pretty? If you had questions for why, just ask her? Why did you take her mantou and even eat it? Why did you even intimidate her afterwards? Is that your way of hitting on girls, you block of wood? You made all three typical moves when hitting on girls!

You need to improve your observation skills, stated Tang Ye.

Now it was Si Fus turn to not understand.

Did you notice that she had a vice-like grip on her mantou? That proved she cares immensely about the mantous. She looked depressed when I pinched one from her, which further supports that.

Si Fu: Probably because shes a glutton?

I deliberately ate it in front of her to anger her, hoping to make her reveal an opening. I never expected her to have such good control over her emotions.

Whatever do you mean?! The refined maiden pulled a face at you because you stole her mantou!

As for what I said before I left I was just sharing my opinion. It really was a little dry and cold.

Si Fu was a thought away from palming herself on the face.

Though it was called a music contest, they werent tested on traditional music theory. Based on traditional definitions, expertise in music theory didnt refer to musical performance capabilities. It was still a part of Confucianism, but the definitions had evolved with the times. In the distant past, musical skills, especially the type of performances to be displayed today, were frowned upon. Musicians who relied on performances to earn a living were considered pathetic. The landscape had changed, nevertheless. Starting from the previous dynasty, music was given respect, and musicians were honoured more than any previous dynasty. Perhaps they were no longer as valued now compared to a century ago, but they were no longer considered pathetic or bottom-tier of society. Therefore, there was no shortage of young individuals eager to pursue music aspirations.

The musical contest didnt abide by antique standards. Instead, students were encouraged to perform freely for the professional musicians and professors to score. It was practically a concert. The freedom granted was a major reason the music contest was one that most were enthusiastic about. Up until now, it was the event with the most spectators.

All compet.i.tors had arrived at the venue and carved off, leaving the centre vacant for those performing.

The music tutor for the imperial family, the Director of Music for the academy and music industry, and most importantly, a legend of the music industry, Professor Guan, were invited to judge the music compet.i.tion. Professor Guan, also hailed as the best string-instrument player in Jiangnan, was the head judge.

The legend in his fifties had either shaken his head in disappointment or raucously criticised the performances thus far. The highest praise he had given out so far was a small nod and two words, Not bad.

Ling Shaoxuan made his way to the performance spot, catching the eyes of everyone present with his snow-white robe. Xun Feng followed behind him, carrying an iron broadsword for whatever reason. Needless to say, Professor Guan frowned when he saw the two of them show up without a music instrument.ReadNovelFull.com

Are you two performing as a duet?

This one is performing alone. Monk Xun Feng is merely a.s.sisting, answered Ling Shaoxuan.

Professor Guan questioned, What are you two going to perform?

A performance with a.s.sistance was typical. In saying that, bringing a sword would make sense if there was a sword performance to accompany music, but a broadsword?

Ling Shaoxuan drew his sword slowly using Mount Lu Sword Sanctuarys signature method. The sound of the sword tips flicker was akin to music from a bamboo flute, while the breeze added a serene ambience. He cracked a smile and announced, Please watch on as this one performs a piece for you.

Ling Shaoxuan thrust forward, while Xun Feng blocked with the broadsword. Despite the clash of sharp weapons, n.o.body could sense any hostility. Instead, the sound of the two blades gently grinding was comparable to natures melody in the mountains. Ling Shaoxuan drew his sword backwards to thrust again and again. The remaining echoes stacked on top of each other became a legato piece. Howbeit, each thrust produced a different pitch, ensuring there was an actual musical piece being played. As Ling Shaoxuan retracted his sword in a circular motion this time, the friction against the air produced a soft and slow sound.

Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary disciples practiced their Flying Thrust technique underneath waterfalls; if thrusting droplets of water was possible for them, then this performance was a walk in the park for Ling Shaoxuan.

Ling Shaoxuans piece soothed the mind. Even by the time he sheathed his sword, n.o.body looked uncomfortable for a split second. It wasnt until a while after he was done did he receive a thunderous ovation.

Professor Guan nodded. Not bad. Combining music with martial arts, a fine performance, indeed.

Ling Shaoxuan racked up the highest score thus far.

Due to the pressure of meeting Ling Shaoxuans standard, successive performers haplessly made blunders in their performances.

s.h.i.+ Weiliang planned to perform on a stringed instrument, but there was no way she could outs.h.i.+ne Ling Shaoxuans performance no matter how good she was at music. Both Tang Ye and w.a.n.g Zi signalled for her to just try her best and not stress over it. s.h.i.+ Weiliang, nonetheless, showed a rare expression of determination and headed to the performance spot without her instrument.

I will sing a piece.

Not even s.h.i.+ Weiliangs friends were aware why she wanted to sing when she never made any practiced singing for the contest. Once she started singing, though, n.o.body made a sound as they listened to the song theyd never heard before. It wasnt the emotions she roused that enchanted everyone but the tune and lyrics themselves. It was hard to imagine shed be the lyricist given the contents.

Xun Feng and Ling Shaoxuan gave each other a nod. Xun Feng whipped his sleeve to s.h.i.+eld Ling Shaoxuan behind him. Ling Shaoxuan stealthily drew his sword and flicked the tip.

s.h.i.+ Weiliang grimaced, losing her control over her perfect breathing.

The basic technique from Flying Thrust emitted a formless and nigh silent sound that hurt the target. The technique wouldnt inflict any damage unless the performer utilised a high concentration of energy; however, it was enough to interrupt the flow of qi and blood in ordinary folks. As a consequence, s.h.i.+ Weiliangs voice was impacted.

Tang Ye realised what was going on from s.h.i.+ Weiliangs abrupt and brief pause. Before he could make his move, though, Bai Yumo pushed Ling Shaoxuan out from Xun Fengs back. Ling Shaoxuan sheathed his sword awkwardly as he glared at Bai Yumo. Bai Yumo glared back and grouched, Why are you picking on her?!

Hmph.

Xun Feng didnt step in since he and Ling Shaoxuan accomplished their goal.

While s.h.i.+ Weiliang was able to finish her song, it was imperfect. When perfection was the goal and she had to impress Professor Guan of all people, he most likely penalised her the majority of her points.

I I stammered s.h.i.+ Weiliang, once she finished singing. Tears eventually started coursing down her face.

Twenty years Twenty years It has been twenty years since this old man has heard Magnificent Beauty. The great Li Longlong rose to fame through the song. She stole every womans thunder when she performed the dance atop the city wall. After she married off to Beijiang later on and never returned to the capital, Magnificent Beauty has never been performed again. This old one never expected to hear it again. If you are not first place, n.o.body else is deserving of the honour!