Food gives me an entry, I will be invincible if I stay alive

Chapter 157 Immortals on Earth, Moon in the Sky

Chen Xu gained a lot from the Hundred Tales Stele.

The fact that stone tablets could be liked gave Chen Xusheng the idea to further expand the ways to get likes in the future.

After leaving the Hundred Tales Stele, each person carried a wisp of clear light as they strolled up the mountain.

Along the way, one sees only pristine mountains and rivers, sometimes shaded by flowers and trees, and strange rocks and pine paths.

The road was bustling with pedestrians, making it far from lonely. Some scholars even found themselves inspired to compose poems on the spot.

Some people whispered among themselves, "After attending this Qihe Mountain literary gathering today, I will set off for my hometown in two days. When I get back, I will definitely tell all my relatives and neighbors about today's great event."

"If I hadn't come to the prefectural city, how would I have known that the literary gathering could take such a form?"

"That's right. We should write down everything we hear along the way, including the poems recited by the gentlemen just now. By the way, do you know who that person in front is?"

"who is it?"

"It's Chen Xu from Jichuan County, the top scholar this year! Did you hear him composing a poem at the Hundred Histories Stele just now?"

"What? He wrote a poem? Alas, I was too far away to hear it!" His tone was filled with regret.

“Hey, brother, don’t be in such a hurry. Let me go and befriend Chen Xu. I’ll also ask him if I can include his poem when I write my book, ‘A Record of My Visit to Qihe Mountain’.”

As he spoke, the man quickly stepped forward, caught up with Chen Xu and his group in a few moments, and bowed respectfully from a distance.

"I am Zhou Zhuo from Yunheng County. I have the honor of greeting the two elders from Jichuan County and my fellow gentlemen."

Zhou Zhuo!

Zhou Zhuo, a talented scholar from Yunheng County, ranked second in this year's provincial examination, only one place below Chen Xu.

To be honest, Chen Xu didn't know him at all. Although they had been to the same examination hall, he had only heard of him by name and had never paid attention to his appearance or made any real friends with him.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Zhuo took the initiative to come forward. He had a round face and his appearance naturally exuded a kind of friendliness and likability.

This doesn't match his mature and steady name, but it is precisely this friendly and smiling appearance that makes Zhou Zhuo's interactions with others very smooth.

He initiated the conversation, and in just a few words, he steered the topic to the previously mentioned "Travels to Qihe Mountain".

He then discussed with Chen Xu the poem "Stone Moss Flower" written at the foot of the Hundred Tales Stele, and exclaimed, "I used to think that poems about objects should be grand and beautiful, but I didn't know that small things can also be moving."

But all things considered, my favorite is still Brother Chen's poem "The Knight-Errant".

Three cups of wine and a promise is made; five sacred mountains are nothing to him! What a free and unrestrained spirit, what a swift and decisive act of gratitude and retribution!

After saying this, he laughed loudly and recited a few lines of poetry from "Ode to Gallantry," his expression one of intoxication and admiration, clearly captivated by the work.

Yes, how many people in this world can resist being captivated by "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer"?
Zhou Zhuo regretted not speaking up, as he actually hoped that Chen Xu could produce another masterpiece that was no less excellent than "Xia Ke Xing".

He had high hopes for Qihe Mountain when he came here today.

Although there is no first place in literature and no second place in martial arts, if Chen Xu can continue to produce masterpieces like "The Knight Errant" that are astonishing to the world, what is there for him to be dissatisfied with as the second?
They will be completely convinced and utterly convinced!
Unfortunately, what can be done?

Although the song "Stone Moss Flower" is small and beautiful, it ultimately falls short by too many levels.

The most brilliant and dazzling literary works in the world are not something that can be seen often. If every piece could be like that, Chen Xu would not be the scholar before me.

He must be an immortal being on earth, the moon in the sky, shining across the clouds and rivers, and then illuminating the whole world.

Before coming to Qihe Mountain, Zhou Zhuo had discussed Chen Xu with his close friends among his students.

At that time, everyone encouraged Zhou Zhuo, saying, "Brother Zhou, we're all counting on you when we go to Qihe Mountain tomorrow."

"Your poetic talent has always been outstanding; here are a few excellent pieces to let Chen Xu know that Yunjiang Prefecture isn't just home to someone like him!"

"Indeed, Chen Xu is talented, but who knows how far he can go?"
"A moment of triumph doesn't guarantee lifelong success. Brother Zhou, with you leading the charge tomorrow, we must curb his arrogance."

Zhou Zhu listened with a smile to everyone's praises, and only after everyone had finished speaking did he say, "Mr. Shuyun has already announced that tomorrow's gathering on Qihe Mountain will not be a poetry gathering but a literary gathering."

The main purpose is to unravel the mystery of ancient inkstones.

I am not particularly skilled at solving puzzles either, and I must rely on you all. Ideally, one of you with great talent would solve the puzzle first; at that time, I will certainly write an article to make a name for myself!

Immediately, everyone's expressions changed; some couldn't hide their joy, some were full of confidence, and some pretended to be reserved...

Of course, some people are genuinely modest and humble, or they genuinely believe that they are not as skilled as others.

Regardless of the other person's appearance, Zhou Zhuo always responded with a warm smile.

Now that he had befriended Chen Xu and the others, he naturally followed them around.

As he hiked up the mountain, chatting about the scenery along the way, he seamlessly integrated into a group he had never met before.

As soon as Tingtao Pavilion came into view, Mr. Shuyun's stewards and attendants were already waiting by the roadside.

Seeing that some people were walking towards Tingtao Pavilion, he immediately took the initiative to come over and lead the way, saying, "Gentlemen, please sit by the winding stream where the wine cups float. There is no need to talk to my master."

My husband said that everyone who comes today is a distinguished guest, so please make yourselves at home.

I also urge everyone to contribute their valuable insights and discuss the mysteries; all of this would be a great benefit.

The area next to Tingtao Pavilion is quite large; at a glance, there are already nearly two hundred people present.

More scholars continued to arrive from behind Chen Xu and his group, and the stewards and attendants guided them one by one.

People arrived first and sat down, then came later, all in a busy but orderly manner.

Trays were already floating downstream on the winding stream in the center of the venue. In addition to wine, fruit and vegetables, the trays also carried today's theme: ancient inkstones!
When Chen Xu and the others were led to their seats, the ancient inkstone had already been the subject of a heated discussion for quite some time.

Someone exclaimed, "In my opinion, this inkstone is bluish-white in color and has a natural landscape pattern. It is definitely not hand-carved and must be a natural object."

Such spiritual beings need to be spiritually guided to manifest.

Why not have one of the most skilled painters here depict an ancient inkstone landscape? If the two elements complement each other, perhaps the mystery can be solved.

Others quickly said, "That's exactly right! Why don't we spread out paper and brushes and get started? Anyone interested can give it a try!"

Mr. Shuyun immediately clapped his hands, and servants went to Tingtao Pavilion to spread out a table and paper and pens.

Immediately, someone set off from the winding stream, intending to try and solve the mystery with the painting.

Zhou Zhu commented in a low voice: "This must be because Mr. Shuyun is skilled in painting, so everyone said that the mystery of this ancient inkstone should be solved by painting."

But if that were truly the case, wouldn't Mr. Shuyun's painting skills be so superb that he would have solved the mystery long ago?

Wang Xin asked curiously, "Then, in Brother Zhou's opinion, how should this riddle be solved?"

Zhou Zhuo smiled and said, "I am not good at this, so I will just chat for a bit. I wonder if Brother Wang has any insights?"

Wang Xin honestly replied, "I'm not good at this either. I'll wait for my brother, or Brother Chen, to solve the riddle. I'll just watch the fun..."

As they were talking, another person in front of them retrieved an inkstone. The man had delicate features, but his demeanor always carried an undeniable air of gloom; it was none other than Wei Song of the Wei family.

He took the inkstone in his hand and tapped it gently for a moment.

Upon hearing a crisp, jade-like sound, Wei Song's eyes lit up. He picked up the inkstone and said, "Although this inkstone is made of stone, it has the sound of jade. It is truly a case of jade born from stone, a celestial crystal."

This inkstone may be related to Taoism. If someone cultivates their qi properly and possesses a connection to immortality, they may be able to solve the problem using true qi.

I'm willing to give it a try.

After saying that, he pointed the inkstone at the blazing sun in the sky.

Sunlight shines through, creating a halo of light resembling a red sun amidst the landscape patterns on the ancient inkstone.

Wei Song opened his mouth, and a wisp of smoke suddenly escaped from it.

Everyone tensed up; Wei Song's posture made it seem as if he was truly about to solve the mystery.

Amidst the gazes of many, they saw Cui Yunqi above them give a disdainful smile.

(End of this chapter)