My family has been wielding knives for generations, but now it's my turn to wield a pen!

Dusk fell without us even noticing.

Outside the Orchid Pavilion, the students who were unable to enter the building still lingered.

Yes, they are all waiting, waiting for a result.

Today, the Orchid Pavilion reopens, and the leading figure of the Qingshan Society is present, bringing together scholars from the capital.

With such a big commotion, even if they can't get in, they have to wait outside for the outcome.

At the very least, we need to know who won the championship today.

I'd also like to know if any masterpieces have been produced at the Orchid Pavilion today.

If it is true, they will know immediately.

The problem is... according to the time, it should be around 1-3 PM.

But now?

It was almost late afternoon, and still no one had come out.

This is somewhat strange.

"What's going on? Why hasn't anyone come out yet?"

"That's what I mean, how long has it been?"

"Hey, is the competition still going on inside?"

"That can't be right. No matter how complicated the Lanting Tower assessment is, it shouldn't have dragged on until now!"

Several students stood at the door, craning their necks to look inside.

The main gate of the Lanting Tower was tightly closed, and apart from the occasional sliver of light shining through the cracks in the door, it was impossible to see what was happening inside.

What's even stranger is that it's so quiet inside, so quiet that it feels like there's no one there.

That's even more frightening.

"What's the situation inside now?"

Someone couldn't help but ask, "It's been so quiet since noon, could they have all left through the back door?"

A man next to him glanced at him and said, "The back door leads to the lake!"

"..."

The student opened his mouth.

That seems to be true; the Lanting Tower is located next to a lake.

Even if there really is a back door, not everyone can jump into the lake to escape, right?

"What's going on? What exactly happened inside?"

"Damn it, I really want to rush in and see!"

"Don't rush in. The Green Robe Society members are still guarding the entrance. You try rushing in and see what happens!"

The students outside were scratching their heads in frustration.

They were really anxious. They weren't afraid of a lively scene inside, but rather of a quiet one, because the quieter it was, the more likely something serious had happened inside.

Some people couldn't resist and quietly crept to the crack in the door, squinting as they peered inside.

But before he could even take a second look, he was glared at by the gatekeeper and forced to retreat awkwardly.

Right now, people outside are getting more and more impatient, but inside, the scene is quite different.

Inside the Orchid Pavilion, on the high platform.

Jiang Xiaobai sat there, already starting to feel the strain.

His stomach was rumbling.

Jiang Xiaobai raised his hand to rub his stomach, and finally couldn't help but say, "Alright, everyone, it's getting late, let's stop here for today."

As he spoke, Jiang Xiaobai looked at everyone in the building, his face full of helplessness: "We haven't eaten all day, aren't you hungry?"

"I'm not hungry!"

As soon as Jiang Xiaobai finished speaking, someone below shouted almost immediately.

Jiang Xiaobai's lips twitched.

No, you're not hungry, but I am!

Before he could even speak, the people around him erupted in uproar.

"Young Master Jiang, please, continue, don't stop!"

"Yes, tell us quickly, what happened to the monkey afterward?"

"What happened to him after he was trapped under the mountain? Did he really just die like that?"

"Young Master Jiang, if you don't tell me, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep tonight!"

"Young Master Jiang, I'm begging you! Waaah, please finish your story, I'm not leaving tonight!"

"Young Master Jiang, I will call you my godfather!"

"Godfather, godfather, godfather, godfather..."

Yes, everyone present was really into it.

Leave? Impossible!

This story is absolutely fascinating.

From Flower Fruit Mountain to Water Curtain Cave, from apprenticing to learn skills to borrowing treasures from the Dragon Palace.

Then, when they went to the underworld to register their names and caused havoc in the heavenly palace, at first, everyone just found it novel.

But as you listen, you become completely engrossed.

The stone monkey, the handsome monkey king, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, dared to storm the Dragon Palace, dared to cause trouble in the Underworld, and dared to demand an explanation from the Heavenly Court.

The defiant spirit emanating from that monkey was so heart-stirring.

"..."

Jiang Xiaobai's eyes twitched as he listened.

Yes, he knew that discussing the Four Great Classical Novels would have a significant impact, but the extent of the impact was truly unexpected.

To be honest, he had wanted to leave many times, but the students around him all had their eyes shining.

Where was even a trace of the composure she displayed during the intellectual debate?

Some people even wanted to bring their chairs and sit down below the platform.

Zhang Xinnian stood to the side, his lips moved. He originally wanted to persuade Jiang Xiaobai to eat first, but the words stuck in his throat.

Yes.

He wanted to continue listening.

After all, what happened to that Monkey King later?

We can't really be crushed under the mountain, can we?!

This won't do!

Tang Ningshuang held the sword, her expression somewhat unnatural.

She wasn't a big fan of stories, but somehow, she listened intently to this particular one.

Especially the spirit of the Monkey King in his struggle against the heavens.

Unyielding, defiant, willing to be suppressed rather than yield—such stories are sung and worthy of our utmost respect.

Tang Ningshuang secretly glanced at Jiang Xiaobai.

How can this guy have so much stuff in his head?!

Poetry and prose are one thing, but even stories can be told in such an engaging way.

Above the fourth floor.

Lin Fengshuo, Li Bingzhang, Fan Xinghe, Gu Zhiyan, and others were also sitting there.

The expressions of the several people changed.

But one thing remains the same.

They listened to her advice. Gu Zhiyan held a teacup in her hand, the tea had long since gone cold, but she hadn't drunk it.

Fan Xinghe remained silent for a long time, then suddenly sighed, "This story is good. I never thought that even in my old age, I'd still get so fired up!"

"Ugh, yeah, it makes me so hot and bothered!"

Lin Fengshuo stroked his beard and nodded in agreement: "That monkey is written with such spirit, and the immortal is portrayed so vividly!"

Li Bingzhang also looked down at Jiang Xiaobai with a smile.

He no longer knows how to evaluate his son-in-law.

He can write articles, compose poems, and impress people with his couplets.

Now even the stories are told so well that the whole building is reluctant to leave.

It's outrageous, even he thought it was a bit too outrageous!

The twelve people in Zone A each had a different expression.

Guo Zhan and Zhong Yu sat there, their faces showing complex emotions.

They came here today to compete for the top spot, but instead of winning, they were overwhelmed by Jiang Xiaobai's articles, unable to lift their heads.

Now, they're actually listening to Jiang Xiaobai tell stories, completely absorbed.

What is this?

After accepting defeat wholeheartedly, do you still have to beg the other party to continue speaking?

Guo Zhan sighed softly, "I'd like to hear more of this story."

"yes!"

Zhong Yu gave a wry smile: "It really makes you forget to eat and sleep!"

If the two of them were like this, Du Chong's expression was even more unpleasant.

He sat there, completely devoid of color.

What kind of book is this?

Unheard of!

The setting, the structure, the characters.

How could a human brain possibly come up with such a story?

At first, Du Chong wanted to find fault, but the more he listened, the more silent he became, and the less he wanted to say a word!

He discovered that once this story spread, it would likely be more popular with students, ordinary people, and even storytellers in teahouses than his own "The Tale of the White-Clad Swordsman".

That's what's truly terrifying.

Articles, poems, and couplets were suppressed, which was one thing.

Now... even his best storytelling seems to be overshadowed by Jiang Xiaobai.

Du Chong's fingers trembled slightly.

Perhaps... he shouldn't have come today.

If he doesn't come, he can still maintain a good attitude; if he doesn't come, he won't know anything at all.

But now that we know everything, it's painful.

the other side.

Zhao Sheng looked down at Jiang Xiaobai on the high platform and sighed, "Sigh, we can't beat him."

As he spoke, Zhao Sheng looked at Chen Zhanqiu and said, "Minister, after today, this man's reputation... will surely resound throughout the entire Great Hua."

Chen Zhanqiu's hand trembled slightly.

He remained silent for a long time.

He knew this, but he came with expectations, hoping that Lantinglou could expose Jiang Xiaobai and that Jiang Xiaobai would fall from the heights of Shilin.

But now?

Jiang Xiaobai did not fall.

Instead, by stepping on the entire Lanting Tower, he stood even higher, so high that he had to look up at it.

And on the top floor.

Liu Guanlan couldn't help but exclaim, "This story is so captivating!"

Then, Liu Guanlan looked at the Eldest Princess and asked, "Eldest Princess, what do you think?"

The eldest princess stood by the railing.

As dusk streamed in through the window, it reflected on her face, making her expression appear gentler than usual.

Upon hearing Liu Guanlan's words, the princess's expression shifted slightly, and she said softly, "I would very much like to tie him to my bedside."

As she spoke, the princess paused, her beautiful eyes looking down at Jiang Xiaobai.

"Hmph, let him tell me until he finishes speaking..."