Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 249: The Double Announcement Spreads Throughout the World, Shocking the Dragon Palace! (7th 10,000-word update)

The East China Sea is a deep abyss, a bottomless sea.

This place has long since been beyond the reach of sunlight. Eternal darkness and immense water pressure capable of crushing fine iron dominate everything. Even the undercurrents here become slow and heavy, making it a veritable forbidden zone for life.

However, beneath this extreme darkness and pressure, a magnificent palace complex, exuding an aura of ancient vastness, stands majestically like a sleeping ancient behemoth.

Even in the deep sea, the glazed golden tiles shimmer with a warm glow, and huge luminous pearls are inlaid between the pillars, like stars adorning the night sky.

Countless colorful coral reefs grow freely, forming natural palace pillars and garden landscapes, radiating a dreamlike, multicolored light that illuminates this underwater kingdom as if it were daytime.

This is the legendary Dragon Palace of the East Sea, the center of power and authority that rules over the vast ocean.

Outside the palace, squads of fierce shrimp soldiers and crab generals, clad in black armor shimmering with runes and wielding sharp, gleaming tridents, patrolled silently in the icy sea. Their expressions were solemn and iron-like. Powerful demonic senses, like invisible spiderwebs, meticulously swept over every inch of the dark waters, maintaining a tight guard and allowing no outside interference.

Deep within the Dragon Palace, in a boudoir naturally carved from a single, ten-thousand-year-old blood coral, the atmosphere is completely different from the solemn atmosphere outside.

Several fist-sized, top-quality luminous pearls emitted a soft yet bright glow, illuminating the room with a warm, spring-like atmosphere, while the air was filled with the cool and noble scent of deep-sea ambergris.

Two dragon maidens of unparalleled beauty and graceful figures were languidly leaning on a priceless silk couch covered with soft, cloud-like fabric.

The older one, around twenty years old, wore a pure white long dress woven from moonlight silk. The skirt flowed like clouds, further highlighting her snow-white skin, graceful figure, and elegant demeanor, which exuded a natural and dignified air.

She was none other than Princess Long Zhaojun, one of the most beloved daughters of the Dragon King of the East Sea.

The other one is a girl who looks to be sixteen or seventeen years old, Long Zhaoyue, the Little Dragon Girl. She is wearing a pretty light pink dress, and there are two immature dragon horns on her forehead that are not yet fully grown, like white jade carvings, with a slightly crystal clear luster. Paired with her bright and cunning big eyes, she looks particularly cute and innocent, naive and unaware of the ways of the world.

At this moment, the two dragon maidens' gazes were bright and focused intently on a scroll of calligraphy copying that floated before them, radiating a faint, elegant glow and scholarly air.

This is the third copy of the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," which is now widely circulated in the human territory of Dongsheng Shenzhou and is considered priceless.

Even though it has been copied several times and is far removed from the original in spirit, the elegant and otherworldly charm and the powerful literary spirit contained between the lines are still evident.

The fragrance still stubbornly wafts through the thin Xuan paper, subtly emanating from the air, making this magnificent yet inevitably misty boudoir of the deep-sea dragon palace seem to have gained a touch of refined scholarly elegance.

With the East Sea Dragon Palace's hidden influence spread throughout the four seas and its profound foundation accumulated over ten thousand years, obtaining a copy of a top-tier calligraphy masterpiece newly created by the human race as soon as possible is not a difficult task.

"This...this is the calligraphy copybook that was passed down from the human race, the one that was known throughout the world?!"

The little dragon girl, Long Zhaoyue, stared wide-eyed, her clear, crystal-like eyes wide open, her small mouth slightly agape, her rosy cheeks filled with pure amazement and disbelief, as if she had seen some magical treasure beyond comprehension.

She couldn't help but extend her slender fingers and carefully trace the lively, flowing characters on the scroll of paper.

"Sister, look at this character '之'! Every stroke seems to dance; it's so graceful!"

And this character '会' (huì), its structure is so ingenious, it feels like the whole character is about to fly off the paper!

Princess Long Zhaojun nodded slightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration. Her cultivation and knowledge far surpassed her younger sister's, so her understanding was naturally far more profound.
"Moon'er has a good eye. Spread throughout the world... These three simple words mean that the literary spirit and artistic conception carried by this calligraphy, its height and breadth, have resonated with and been recognized by the rules of the entire Eastern Divine Continent!"

Her voice was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate. "Its influence is no longer limited to the Great Zhou Dynasty of the human race, but can transcend the boundaries of race and territory."

Its brilliance can even penetrate the vast ocean and reach our Dragon Palace.

Its influence can also spread far and wide to the demon kingdoms of the northern frontier and the lands of the witch tribes of the southern wilderness!

She extended her jade-like fingertips and gently brushed across the paper, feeling the subtle ripples of literary energy. She continued to explain, "Look at the flowing strokes of this brush, the wonderful rhythm and flow. Although it is only the third copy, and the spirit is almost entirely lost, it still allows us to glimpse the original and imagine its unparalleled elegance, which is described as 'floating like clouds and soaring like dragons.'"

She gently stroked the scroll of treasures from the human race, her tone carrying a rare solemnity and an irrepressible curiosity:

“The extraordinary phenomena and temple bells that are of national treasure level that cause such phenomena are usually limited to the territory of the country where they were born.”

And to spread it throughout the world... that is something that can truly trigger the Heavenly Dao's response throughout the entire Eastern Divine Continent, and whose bell tolls throughout the world!

Who exactly was Jiang Xingzhou, the author of this post…?

"Jiang Xingzhou?"

Long Zhaoyue tilted her head, trying hard to recall the fragmented rumors she had heard from the Sea Patrol Yaksha or the Turtle Prime Minister, "Is it that... the one that's been making headlines in the Great Zhou human race lately, saying that he's some kind of once-in-a-millennium genius?"

It even seems to say he's... the person with the greatest literary talent in all of history!

"It's more than just the word 'strongest' that can describe it."

Long Zhaojun took a deep breath of the cool air, carrying the scent of ambergris. Even the surrounding sea seemed to ripple subtly in response to the fluctuations in her emotions.
"Rumor has it that he is the only person in a thousand years to achieve the highest rank in the imperial examinations!"
From the preliminary examination to the palace examination, he was the top scholar in every round, and his literary talent was unparalleled in his time!

now……"

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of astonishment that she herself didn't even realize, "It is said that he is only seventeen years old, yet he has already risen to the important position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and is even striving for the highest literary rank of Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Excellence!"
His prominence and prestige have surpassed those of Chen Shaoqing, the Grand Secretary who was previously hailed as the leader of the civil service!

"Seventeen years old?! A Grand Secretary of the Imperial Academy?!"

Long Zhaoyue was so shocked she almost jumped off the soft couch, hurriedly counting on her slender fingers, "Wow! Isn't that even more... more powerful than Father King back then?!"

In her crystal-clear understanding, her father, the Dragon King of the East Sea, was a supreme being who ruled over the vast ocean, possessed great supernatural powers, and was revered by all races; he was almost omnipotent.

Upon hearing this, Long Zhaojun couldn't help but smile. She reached out her slender finger and gently tapped the pair of adorable dragon horns on her younger sister's smooth forehead, scolding, "Silly girl, how can you compare these?"

She patiently explained, "My father is a true dragon who has attained enlightenment for a long time. He governs the vast territory of the East Sea, commands hundreds of millions of aquatic creatures, and can summon wind and rain and manipulate thunder. His strength is comparable to that of a top human scholar, and in some aspects, he is even stronger."

"But as for cultivation in poetry, prose, calligraphy, and literature..."

A look of helplessness and amusement appeared on Long Zhaojun's beautiful face as she lowered her voice, "My father... in this respect, is indeed... well, not very proficient."

"In the words of their human scholars, which were somewhat sarcastic, my father's literary talent was at most equivalent to that of a newly qualified Hanlin scholar."

Even writing a proper sea-offering memorial while sitting upright would often leave him scratching his head in frustration, let alone producing such a world-shaking masterpiece that moved the heavens and spread throughout the world.

"Hahaha!"

Long Zhaoyue was so amused by her sister's "disrespectful" yet incredibly realistic description that she laughed uproariously, her clear and melodious laughter echoing through the magnificent coral boudoir.
"So even my majestic father has things he's not good at!"

If he knew you were talking about him like that, he'd definitely be furious!

After the laughter subsided, Long Zhaoyue's eyes gleamed with extreme curiosity and excitement, like a child who had discovered a new and amazing toy.

She grasped her sister's wide sleeves and gently shook them, pleading:
"elder sister!
Dear sister!
Let's...let's sneak off to Luojing City and take a look! Just one glimpse!

She pointed to the copy of the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering," her little face full of longing:

"I really want to know what the person who can write such beautiful characters and is so famous looks like!"

Is it really as the rumors say, that he's eight zhang tall, with eyes like stars, or... possessing some kind of supernatural power with three heads and six arms?

Long Zhaojun, exasperated by her younger sister's persistent nagging, once again turned her gaze to the captivating scroll of calligraphy. Her curiosity and yearning for the pinnacle of literary achievement had already been completely ignited by this masterpiece that had traveled across mountains and seas.

She pondered for a moment, then remembered that her father was currently in seclusion deep within the Dragon Palace refining a precious treasure.

All affairs of the Dragon Palace are managed by the mature and prudent Turtle Prime Minister.

If the two sisters were to conceal their presence and quietly slip away to the human territory to travel and witness this once-in-a-millennium event, it seems... as long as they are careful, it wouldn't be impossible.
Finally, a mischievous smile, incongruous with her aloof demeanor and tinged with a hint of adventure, appeared on her stunningly beautiful face as she gently tapped her sister's nose:

"Alright...we'll do as you say this time. We'll secretly go to Luoyang to take a look and see what kind of extraordinary talent this Jiang scholar, who is famous throughout the land and has shaken the literary world, really is!"

"That's great! Sister is the best!" Long Zhaoyue cheered excitedly, her pink skirt blooming like a flower.

The two sisters smiled at each other, their hearts in perfect harmony. They immediately used a secret technique of the dragon race to suppress the powerful dragon energy and demonic power around them.

Transforming into two faint streaks of light, they silently slipped out of the heavily guarded East Sea Dragon Palace and gracefully headed towards the distant human capital, Luojing.

At the very core of the deep and vast East Sea Dragon Palace, all was silent, except for the purest water elemental energy flowing slowly like breath.

On a massive dragon bed carved from a single, incredibly rare piece of ancient, warm jade, the East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang, who had been sleeping with his eyes closed and whose aura was as ancient and steady as a range of underwater mountains, silently opened his dragon eyes, which were as bright and majestic as the sun and moon.

With just this subtle movement, a vast and profound dragon's might, as deep as the cosmos, spread out naturally like a tide, silently enveloping the entire magnificent dragon palace.

The shrimp soldiers and crab generals standing in the hall, the gracefully dancing clam maidens, and the silent mermaids all felt an instinctive tremor from the depths of their souls. They all prostrated themselves on the ground, their foreheads pressed against the cold jade bricks of the seabed, not daring to make the slightest sound, much less look up at that supreme being.

"Why have the auras of Zhaojun and Zhaoyue suddenly disappeared from the Dragon Palace territory?"

The Dragon King's voice was deep and filled with unquestionable majesty, like muffled thunder from the depths of a ten-thousand-meter-deep trench. Every word contained power, echoing in the vast and magnificent palace and vibrating the subtle water ripples.

The Turtle Prime Minister, who had been standing respectfully in the shadows not far from the dragon bed like a rock, immediately scrambled forward upon hearing the voice, lowering his massive shell, engraved with mysterious patterns, to its lowest point. His voice, filled with awe stemming from his very blood, replied:

"Your Majesty, this old minister was just about to report this matter to Your Majesty."

"The two princesses... around yesterday, through some unknown means, obtained a copy of calligraphy that had recently been circulating in the human realm. According to research, it was written by a young scholar named Jiang Xingzhou from the Great Zhou Dynasty of the human race. The original work has even reached the level of being known throughout the world."

"After the princesses saw it, they seemed... to be captivated and full of praise."

Just now, they concealed their auras, seemingly following the mysterious connection of the literary energy, and quietly left the Dragon Palace barrier, heading towards Luo Jing, the capital of the Western Human Race.

"Spread throughout the world? Jiang Xingzhou?"

Dragon King Ao Guang's majestic brows, covered with ancient and hard scales, furrowed slightly, and a clear look of surprise and contemplation flashed in his dragon eyes.

"When did such a figure emerge so quietly in the human realm?"
"I was merely taking a short rest, as is customary, to regulate my vital essence... and yet a prodigy has been born at the tender age of seventeen, already approaching the rank of Grand Secretary?"

He has ruled the East Sea for ten thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of generations of human geniuses like shooting stars.

He was well aware of the terrifying weight that the "Grand Scholar of the Hall of Fame" represented in the unique literary system of the human race—it was an extremely high level that touched the origin of the rules of heaven and earth, and whose every word and deed could affect the fate of a nation.

To achieve such accomplishments at the age of seventeen is simply unprecedented and unheard of!

Even within the long history of the dragon race, this is an unusual variable that requires close attention.

Sensing the Dragon King's doubts, the Turtle Prime Minister quickly lowered his enormous head even further and carefully completed the information he had gathered: "Your Majesty is wise. This old minister used the Water Mirror technique to investigate a little and heard that this person is not only a rare talent among humans, but also a top scholar who has achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations."

He topped all the exams at all levels, and recently, during the promotion assessment at the Wenhua Hall in Luoyang, he created a masterpiece of calligraphy entitled "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion".

It is indeed a masterpiece that will be passed down through the world, causing extraordinary phenomena in heaven and earth; the seven tolls of the bell at the Confucian Temple have already shaken the four directions.

"This young man is currently enjoying unparalleled popularity among the human race."

The two princesses… must be young and inexperienced, filled with endless curiosity about these figures who seem to have stepped out of a legendary tale, and thus couldn't resist going to find out more.

Dragon King Ao Guang remained silent for a moment, his massive dragon head swaying slightly, stirring up the surrounding deep seawater to form undercurrents.

He was not immediately angered by his daughter's unauthorized departure. As the supreme ruler who controlled the vast ocean, his thoughts went much deeper.

The relationship between humans and the dragon races of the four seas has always been subtle, complex, and tangled.

There were times when they cooperated to pray for rain and fight against foreign aggression, as well as times when they competed for resources and secretly rivaled each other.

The emergence of such a young human prodigy who has reached the "world-renowned" level is immeasurable. His future potential is bound to be like a boulder thrown into water, drastically changing the existing power structure and balance of the Eastern Continent.

For the dragon clan that dominates the East Sea, this could be an opportunity to deepen cooperation and rise to prominence, but it could also be a huge threat that is difficult to control and could become a constraint in the future.

"Seventeen years old...and known throughout the world..."

The Dragon King repeated these two keywords in a low voice, his brilliant dragon eyes flashing like the brightest gems in the sea, clearly engaged in rapid deduction.

"Could it be... that this child is not an ordinary genius, but a chosen one born of destiny in the world of literature and art?"
Or perhaps... a literary master who perished in ancient times has been reincarnated?

Various speculations swept through his ancient mind, eventually turning into a decisive decision.

He looked at the Turtle Prime Minister, who was still prostrate and waiting for orders, and his tone returned to its usual calm and steady manner, but with an undeniable final decision:
"That's all."

“Zhaojun was always calm and composed and knew what was important; Zhaoyue was lively and unrestrained, but she was not someone who did not know her place.”

"Since they are so fond of this person and this matter, and want to witness this literary storm sweeping across the human race, let them go."

"Young dragon, it's not a bad thing to go out and see the extraordinary talents and people in this vast world, experience the unique charm of different races, and broaden your horizons."

However, his tone suddenly shifted, and the dragon's might that filled the hall slightly intensified, taking on a chilling warning connotation:

"but--!"

"Human Luojing is a place where the nation's fortunes converge. The dragon's energy, the literary energy, the imperial energy, and the fortunes of aristocratic families intertwine and collide, creating an undercurrent far stronger than usual, unlike the tranquility of the East Sea."

"By my decree, the commander of the sea patrol yakshas shall, with my East Sea decree, select a team of elite warriors to secretly accompany and protect you."

"Remember, you must never reveal yourself or expose your whereabouts unless it is absolutely necessary or the princess is in a life-or-death crisis."

Your sole responsibility is to ensure the two princesses are unharmed and safe.

"Your Majesty's decree is hereby obeyed!"

The Turtle Prime Minister understood immediately and respectfully agreed.

The Dragon King nodded slightly, his enormous dragon eyes slowly closed, and his majestic dragon might gradually subsided, as if he had fallen back into a long slumber, regulating the supreme dragon essence that maintained the peace of the East Sea.

But the last whisper, as if branded directly into the depths of his soul, clearly reached the ears of the Turtle Prime Minister who was about to leave:

"Furthermore... dispatch more astute and reliable informants, and utilize all covert channels to thoroughly and carefully investigate all the details of Jiang Xingzhou for me."

"From his bloodline and lineage, to his temperament, hobbies, past words and deeds, and even the people he associates with... I want to know everything, no matter how small."

"I want to see for myself who this human prodigy who has suddenly appeared and stirred up the winds and clouds is, and what kind of cause and effect and intentions are hidden behind his rise."

"Yes, Your Majesty! This old minister will certainly handle it properly!"

The Turtle Prime Minister's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the Dragon King had elevated this matter to a strategic level. He solemnly accepted the order once again, and then slowly moved his massive body, silently withdrawing from the supreme palace.

Within the magnificent Dragon Palace, eternal silence and majesty were restored once more.

As evening fell in Luoyang, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the majestic city walls and layered eaves of this ancient capital in a magnificent golden hue.

As dusk settles, the lights of countless homes fall like stars to earth, reflecting the last rays of the setting sun.

On the Imperial Street, carriages and horses flowed in a constant stream, and people thronged the streets. The shouts of peddlers, the laughter of scholars and literati, and the sound of cart tracks rolling over the bluestone road all intertwined to create a magnificent chapter full of the warmth and life of a prosperous era.

The sisters, Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue, transformed into human form, walked quietly through the bustling crowd. They wore long silk dresses conjured by secret magic, seemingly no different from the attire of ordinary young ladies from official families, cleverly concealing the dragon horns on their foreheads and the extraordinary spiritual aura surrounding them.

However, that pure and refined beauty and noble and graceful temperament deeply rooted in her blood still shines like a pearl in the dark, attracting passersby to glance at her frequently.

The two sisters were strolling slowly along the most bustling Imperial Street, their bright eyes lingering on the rows of shops on both sides, trying to find those famous calligraphy and painting studios that might sell or allow viewing of more exquisite copies of the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion".

Long Zhaoyue's large, clear eyes, like those of a mountain spring, were filled with curiosity and excitement as she constantly observed the various sights of the imperial capital:
Restaurants and eateries filled with fragrant aromas, shops displaying exquisite porcelain and silk, tea stalls where people gather to listen to storytelling...

Everything about it seemed far more interesting to her than the magnificent but always unchanging market in the Dragon Palace.

"Sister, look, that person can breathe fire!"
Wow, that sugar figurine looks so real!
This capital city is truly bustling and vibrant!

Long Zhaoyue tugged at her sister's sleeve, whispering excitedly, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Silence, Moon."

Long Zhaojun gently pulled her younger sister, signaling her to restrain herself, but her beautiful eyes also held a hint of scrutiny and emotion.

She was more composed than her sister. With a slight expansion of her divine sense, she could feel the boundless and ever-flowing human destiny beneath this magnificent human city, as well as the rich literary atmosphere that permeated the air, intertwined with the imperial dragon aura and the heritage of aristocratic families.

This is a dynamic and creative energy field, completely different from the Dragon Palace in the deep sea.

However, the next moment——

The once bustling Imperial Street suddenly became boiling over as if it had been plunged into boiling oil!
"Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!..."

In the distance, from the direction of the Confucian Temple, which symbolizes the orthodoxy of literature and the will of the sages, came the resounding bell tolling seven times in a row, deep and resonant, its sound echoing for miles!

The sound of the bell was exactly the same as the one they had sensed yesterday, but the impact it brought was amplified more than tenfold because they were there in person!
Immediately afterwards, exclamations of surprise, shouts of disbelief, and excited discussions surged forth from all directions of the streets, restaurants, and shops like a burst dam, quickly drowning out all the usual hustle and bustle:

"The bell tolls! Seven times again! The Confucian Temple rings once more, its fame spreading throughout the land!"

"It's 'The Peach Blossom Spring'! It's Jiang Hanlin... no, it's Vice Minister Jiang!"
Jiang Zemin has produced another masterpiece that will be passed down through the ages in the Wenhua Hall!

"The latest explosive news from inside the palace—this time it's not calligraphy, it's painting! A peerless masterpiece that combines poetry and painting! It's said that the painting contains its own world, creating a blessed land stretching for ten miles!"

"A double masterpiece! In a single day, both his calligraphy and painting have reached the level of being passed down through generations! Could this Lord Jiang truly be the reincarnation of the God of Literature?!"

The crowd instantly erupted into frenzy, with countless people dropping what they were doing and rushing frantically toward the imperial city, their faces beaming with pride and elation.

People from teahouses and taverns surged onto the street like a tide, grabbing acquaintances and strangers alike, eagerly inquiring about and sharing every astonishing detail that had just been circulated.

"A painting? What kind of painting could trigger a world-renowned bell tolling?"

Long Zhaoyue gripped her sister's sleeve tightly, her upturned face filled with disbelief and shock.

She was already amazed by a copy of the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," but in just one day, another masterpiece of world-renowned quality was born.
This has completely exceeded her understanding of the word "talent"!

A scholar standing nearby, his beard trembling with excitement, heard her question and immediately turned around, explaining with the enthusiasm of someone eager to spread the word about the event:
"You two young ladies have only recently arrived in Beijing, haven't you? This is incredible! A matter of utmost importance!"

"News from inside the palace! At the Wenhua Hall, Vice Minister Jiang was given a test on painting skills, and he actually created a huge scroll entitled 'The Peach Blossom Spring' on the spot!"

Not only has his painting skill reached a divine level, but he has also achieved mastery of both poetry and painting by incorporating literature into his art!

"The most amazing thing is that when the painting was completed, it was tempered by heavenly lightning."

It is said... it is said that the painting depicts a real paradise, a place of over ten miles in circumference, which Her Majesty the Empress and five highly respected Confucian scholars have personally visited!
Inside, peach blossoms bloom everywhere, fertile fields and beautiful ponds abound, and the people live in peace and contentment—it is truly a tranquil and peaceful paradise!

"The painting... is a world unto itself?"

For the first time, an uncontrollable, violent tremor appeared on Long Zhaojun's usually calm and composed face.

As a princess of the East Sea Dragon Clan, she was knowledgeable and well-versed in the mysteries of spatial laws. She knew all too well what terrifying magical power and profound understanding of the rules of heaven and earth were required to create a stable, life-sustaining, and self-regulating blessed land out of thin air.

Even for her father, the Dragon King of the East Sea, whose cultivation was so profound that it would take a tremendous amount of effort and rare treasures to create a stable space similar to the Dragon Palace in the deep sea or the void.

And a human scholar could actually create a small world within a small scroll, using pen and ink as the foundation and literary spirit as the guide? This is simply mind-blowing, almost a miracle of creation!

"Copying? This time, trying to copy is going to be as difficult as climbing to the sky!"

Another person, who looked like a young scholar, chimed in, his face displaying a complex expression of both immense excitement for his peers and a sense of insignificance.
"I heard it's a huge scroll painting, several meters long! The details are incredibly intricate and exquisite, the artistic conception is profound and far-reaching, and most importantly, it contains the power of the laws of a real grotto-heaven world!"

"Let alone ordinary painters, even those renowned masters of painting among the human race, without more than a month of diligent study and a profound understanding of the Dao of Space, would not be able to capture even one percent of its essence! In fact, it might even damage their minds!"

"Huh? It's that difficult?"

"Then...what should we do?"

"If we can't even see the original, are we not even able to find a copy that can at least capture some of its charm?"

The surrounding crowd erupted in sighs of disappointment and anxiety, as if they had missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"What else can be done?
I've heard that many well-informed people, as well as cultivators and representatives of aristocratic families, have gathered outside Minister Jiang's residence, the newly bestowed Marquis of Jiangyin's mansion!

Everyone hoped for a chance to see the masterpiece in person, or at least to be among the first to hear news of the Marquis's residence releasing an official copy...

Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue stood there dumbfounded, their hearts pounding, listening to the cacophony of voices around them, yet all sharing a remarkably consistent message.

Two messages spread throughout the world in a single day!

Following the masterpiece of calligraphy, there is an even more astonishing paradise depicted in the painting!
This has completely exceeded their previous understanding of the power of "literature and morality".

Jiang Xingzhou's abilities cannot be described as mere "genius" or "prodigy"; he is simply a heaven-defying prodigy, a myth walking among men!

"elder sister……"

Long Zhaoyue shook Long Zhaojun's arm forcefully, her voice trembling slightly with extreme shock and excitement.
"Should we...do we still look for a copy of the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion?"
Should we... go directly to the Jiangyin Marquis's residence and take a look?

Her eyes shone with an intense curiosity, and she wished she could fly to that mansion immediately to see the legendary "god-like person" with her own eyes.

Long Zhaojun slowly recovered from the immense shock, her beautiful eyes sparkling with an unprecedented brilliance—a mixture of intense curiosity, a deep-seated desire to explore, and even a hint of awe for a power beyond comprehension that she herself was unaware of.

She took a deep breath of the cool night air of Luojing, suppressing the turbulent waves surging within her like the tides of the East China Sea, and nodded firmly, her clear, cold voice carrying a resolute tone:

"Let's go! We won't go anywhere else, we'll go straight to the Marquis of Jiangyin's residence!"

She wanted to see for herself what kind of extraordinary person lived within those many walls!
And what an incredible and awe-inspiring sight it must be to create the world within a painting that he painted!

The two noble dragon princesses could no longer care about being reserved or hiding. They followed the surging, chattering crowd toward the Jiangyin Marquis's mansion, which had now become the focus of attention for the entire Luoyang and even the entire Dongsheng Shenzhou.

Night fell like a giant black silk ribbon, covering the thousands of buildings in Luoyang.

However, at this moment, the brightest, noisiest, and most scorching focus of this ancient capital is not the imperial palace that symbolizes supreme power, nor the bustling marketplace along the Luo River where music never ceases, but the newly bestowed Jiangyin Marquis's residence, which is destined to be sleepless tonight!
The spacious square and connecting streets in front of the mansion were already completely blocked by the ever-growing crowds who had come after hearing the news.

Scholars in flowing robes, painters carrying their tools, literati stroking their beards and gazing around, and countless curious commoners drawn by this extraordinary tale of "two stories spreading throughout the world" turned the place into a bustling sea of ​​people.

Countless eyes, whether wise or ignorant, were burning with fervor as they stared intently at the two tightly closed vermilion doors with copper studs, symbols of opportunity and mystery, as if behind those doors lay not an ordinary mansion, but the only path leading to a fairyland in a painting, a sacred place of literature and Taoism.

Has Vice Minister Jiang returned to his residence?

"Is that authentic masterpiece of 'The Peach Blossom Spring,' which caused thunder in the sky and contained a hidden paradise, hanging in the main hall of the Marquis's mansion?"

"Just a glimpse! Even just a distant glance, to absorb a trace of its literary charm would be enough!"

"Are there any renowned painters or calligraphers present who are familiar with the Marquis's residence?"

If you could bring my younger brother in with you, I will be eternally grateful!

The surging voices, like the croaking of frogs in a summer pond, blended into a noisy and enthusiastic background sound.

Among the crowd, the sisters Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue, who had already transformed into human form through magic, had lost the leisurely elegance and curiosity they had when they first entered the human capital. All that remained was anxiety and helplessness.

With the extraordinary agility and subtle control of airflow that the dragon race possessed, they swam with great difficulty from the periphery of the crowd to a relatively forward position, like two nimble fish.

But faced with the densely packed, almost impenetrable wall of people ahead, and the two rows of armored guards standing at the gate of the Marquis's mansion, their sharp eyes and murderous aura emanating from them, they could not advance even half a step.

That invisible pressure is more suffocating than the water pressure in the deep sea.

"Sister! What should we do! We can't squeeze in at all!"

Long Zhaoyue was so anxious that she stomped her feet. Her pouting cherry lips were almost big enough to hang an oil bottle. Her smooth forehead even had a faint, jade-like dragon scale shimmering due to her emotional excitement.

As the pampered little princess of the East Sea Dragon Palace, ruling over thousands of miles of sea, how could she have ever suffered such humiliation of being "blocked at the door" or "unable to squeeze in"? In the Dragon Palace, she could go wherever she wanted without any hindrance.
Long Zhaojun's brows were also furrowed, and a layer of sorrow shrouded her beautiful face.

She secretly tried to release a barely perceptible wisp of dragon pressure, targeting only the subconscious of mortals, hoping to make the frenzied crowd in front of her subconsciously make way for them.

However, the surrounding crowd was already blinded by their extreme desire for the "world-renowned" literary treasure, and their spirits were in a state of high excitement. This slight spiritual deterrent was like a mud ox sinking into the sea, failing to even stir up a ripple.

She sighed inwardly with a chill:
"The capital of the human race is indeed a place where dragons and tigers hide. The strength and power of this human torrent formed by the unity of all people is so strong that even the might of a true dragon cannot easily shake it in the slightest."

This gave her a deeper understanding of human power.

Just when the two sisters were at their wits' end, and Long Zhaoyue even began to secretly circulate her dragon essence, considering whether to use some unconventional methods, such as creating a small breeze to blow the people away—

"Squeak——!"

A long, clear sound broke the noise at the doorway.

The heavy, vermilion gate of the Marquis's mansion, a symbol of status and isolation, slowly opened a crack just wide enough for one person to pass through.

In an instant, as if a collective silencing spell had been cast, the entire venue fell silent!

All the noise, arguments, and shoving stopped instantly, and thousands of eyes focused on the widening crack in the door, as if they were physical objects!

A woman with a slender figure, dressed in a simple light blue maid's dress, walked out slowly.

She possessed a beautiful face and a cool, aloof temperament, like a secluded orchid in a deep valley, and a serene demeanor like snow on a mountain peak. She was none other than Qingfei, Jiang Xingzhou's personal maid.

Facing the dark mass of people in front of the door, their gazes burning with intensity that could ignite the air.

She showed no sign of stage fright or surprise, her gaze sweeping calmly across the room as if she were already used to such a scene.

Qingfei cleared her throat lightly. Her voice wasn't loud, but it strangely possessed a penetrating quality, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present, carrying an undeniable calmness and detachment.
"Please be quiet, everyone."

“My master said: The scroll of ‘The Peach Blossom Spring’ is already hanging in the main hall of the mansion.”

A low, barely suppressed gasp of excitement rose from the crowd, but they were immediately drawn to Qingfei's next words.

"However, the painting is a gift from heaven, a masterpiece of nature, and is extremely precious. I fear that too many people will have mixed opinions and influences, which may damage its pure spirituality."

"Therefore, only five people with the most profound painting skills are allowed to enter the mansion to observe and copy each day, with a time limit of one hour."

These words immediately caused an uproar among the crowd! Sighs of disappointment, excited discussions, and voices of discontent mingled together!
Only five slots are available each day for copying!

For the hundreds or thousands of eager applicants outside the gate, this was an extremely difficult choice, even harder than passing the imperial examination!

Qingfei seemed oblivious to the commotion below, continuing in her calm, even tone, "The selection will not be appointed by the Marquis's residence. Please recommend the most capable among yourselves."

"Or...they may decide on the five master painters for today through their own discussion."

"Once you've made your selection, state your name and come with me to the residence."

After saying that, she turned slightly to the side and stood quietly in the shadows by the door, like a jade sculpture, and said no more.

The thorny problem of how to allocate these precious spots was completely left to the group of envious and impatient masters and enthusiasts outside the door, who were unwilling to give way to each other.

"Self-nomination? Discussion? This... how can this be a fair selection?"

"Of course, it should be based on genuine talent and skill, judging the winner by their painting technique!"

"Who here is a recognized master of painting and calligraphy? Please step forward!"

"I am the third-generation direct descendant and head of the Jiangnan School of Painting!"

"Hmph! I am a seventh-rank court painter in the Imperial Painting Academy!"

"I have been immersed in the art of painting for over sixty years, and my skill in brush and ink is beyond reproach!"

After a brief silence, the area in front of the Marquis's mansion erupted into a fierce argument and chaos!
Recommendation?

Discuss?

Faced with such a tremendous opportunity to explore the path of literature and art, which could lead to witnessing a masterpiece that would be passed down through the world, and even potentially break through one's own limitations, the masks of humility, courtesy, and scholarly disdain were completely torn off!
Name, lineage, qualifications, past achievements... Some people even took out their prized paintings from bamboo tubes they carried with them on the spot, trying to prove their level with physical objects!
The sounds of arguing, debating, belittling each other, and even pushing and shoving due to the crowd were incessant, and the scene was almost out of control at one point.

Several venerable, white-haired old painters argued fiercely over a single spot, their faces flushed and neither willing to yield an inch.
Some ambitious and self-proclaimed innovative upstarts in the art world have been ruthless in challenging the authority of their predecessors, using sharp and pointed language.

Long Zhaojun and Long Zhaoyue were dumbfounded by this sudden, seemingly refined argument that resembled a street brawl between shrewish women.

They had never seen such a refined and cultured person, who was always particular about etiquette and manners, show such an "out of control" or even "crazy" side.
Just to gain the right to view a painting?
"Sister, are they...are they fighting?"

Long Zhaoyue subconsciously gripped her sister's sleeve and asked softly, her bright eyes showing both surprise at the chaotic scene and a hint of excitement and curiosity from watching the excitement.

Long Zhaojun recovered from her shock, a helpless bitter smile appearing on her lips. She shook her head gently: "It's not a fight between ordinary fists and feet, but... a struggle over the Dao. A struggle between literature, art, and the Dao, concerning ideals, realms, and future prospects. Its intensity is sometimes more breathtaking than the clash of swords."

The two sisters stood at the edge of the crowd, gazing at the chaotic yet eager scene before them. Their hearts were filled with an unprecedented, almost overflowing, intense curiosity and longing for the painting of "The Peach Blossom Spring" that had caused such a great uproar and made countless people abandon their inhibitions.

They exchanged a glance, and each saw the same message in the other's eyes:

Trying to "discuss" a result among these almost insane human masters of painting through normal channels and then squeeze into the only five spots is an impossible task for them, who are newcomers and have no foundation.

"It seems..."

Long Zhaojun's beautiful eyes flickered, revealing a hint of cunning and decisiveness.

Her gaze passed over the chaotic crowd and landed on the towering walls of the Marquis's mansion, which appeared tranquil and mysterious in the night.

"...If we want to see the true face of this grotto in the painting, we need to think of other, less 'orthodox' methods."

(End of this chapter)