Chen Xu gained a lot beneath the Hundred Words Stele.

The stele could surprisingly receive praises, which made Chen Xu think of expanding the ways to earn praises in the future.

The group left the Hundred Words Stele, each carrying a thread of clear light, and strolled towards the mountain.

Along the way, the scenery was pure and beautiful, with flowers and trees intertwined, and strange rocks and pine paths.

People were everywhere, making the journey not lonely. Some scholars were inspired on the spot and recited a poem.

Some whispered, "After attending this literary gathering at Qihai Mountain today, I'll head back home in a couple of days and surely share today's grand occasion with my relatives and neighbors once I'm back.

If I hadn't come to the Prefecture City, how would I have known that a literary gathering could be like this?"

"Indeed, everything we heard along the way should be noted down, including the poems several brothers recited just now. Speaking of, do you know who that person ahead is?"

"Who is it?"

"It's Chen Xu from Jichuan County, the top scorer this year! Did you hear him compose a poem under the Hundred Words Stele just now?"

"What, did he compose a poem? Alas, I was a bit too far away to hear it!" The tone was filled with regret.

"Hey, brother, don't be anxious. I'll go and make acquaintance with Chen Xu soon. I'll also ask if I can include the poem he just wrote in my forthcoming 'A Record of Traveling to Qihai Mountain' when I return."

As he spoke, this person indeed quickly stepped forward, catching up with Chen Xu's group in a few strides and saluting from afar.

"I am Zhou Zhuo from Yunheng County, greetings to the two elders of Jichuan County and all the brothers."

Zhou Zhuo!

This year's second place in the county examination, just one rank below Chen Xu, is the talented Zhou Zhuo from Yunheng County.

To speak of it, Chen Xu didn't really know him. Although they attended the same exam venue, Chen Xu only heard Zhou Zhuo's name and never noticed his appearance, nor had they actually become acquainted.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Zhuo took the initiative to approach. He had a round face, naturally bringing a sense of friendliness and delight.

This didn't quite match his mature and steady name, but it was precisely this amiable and smiling demeanor that made Zhou Zhuo very successful in friendships.

He proactively engaged in conversation, steering the topic to the previously mentioned "Qihai Mountain Travelogue" within a few words.

He also discussed Chen Xu's poem, "Stone Moss Flower," under the Hundred Words Stele and marveled, "I usually thought epigrams on objects should be majestic, but I never knew that the small could also be moving.

But after saying all this, my favorite is, of course, Brother Chen's 'Knight's Journey.'

Three cups of wine, and one's promise is fulfilled as lightly as the Five Sacred Mountains! What elegance and boldness, what a sense of justice and vengeance."

After speaking, he laughed aloud and recited a few lines from "Knight's Journey," expression captivated and admiring, truly being charmed by "Knight's Journey."

Indeed, how many people in the world can resist being charmed by "Knight's Journey"?

Zhou Zhuo somewhat regretted not expressing it earlier; he actually hoped that Chen Xu would unveil another masterpiece as captivating as "Knight's Journey."

Coming to Qihai Mountain today, he had some expectations.

Though there is no top in literature and no second in martial arts, if Chen Xu could continuously produce masterpieces as astounding and worldly as "Knight's Journey," what more could he, as the second, feel discontent about?

He would surely be convinced at heart and mouth, bowing in admiration!

Alas, what a pity.

While "Stone Moss Flower" is also petite and beautiful, it still falls far behind by many layers.

The most radiant and magnificent words in the world are not something commonly seen or created; if every piece could indeed be like that, Chen Xu would not be the scholar before us.

He would be a celestial being, the moon in the sky, illuminating Yunjiang and the world again.

Before coming to Qihai Mountain, Zhou Zhuo also discussed Chen Xu with fellow scholars.

At the time, everyone was also encouraging Zhou Zhuo, saying, "Brother Zhou, when we head to Qihai Mountain tomorrow, we will all rely on you.

Your poetic talent has always been outstanding, just as well for a few masterpieces, to let Chen Xu know that Yunjiang Prefecture doesn't only have him!"

"Indeed, Chen Xu is talented, but who knows how far he can actually go?

A moment of triumph doesn't guarantee a lifetime of glory. Brother Zhou, with you taking the lead tomorrow, we must dampen his spirit a bit."

Zhou Zhuo listened with a smile as everyone praised him, only speaking after they finished, "Sir Shu Yun has already announced that tomorrow on Qihai Mountain is a literary gathering, not a poetry gathering.

The main purpose is to solve the mystery of the ancient inkstone.

I am not good at riddles, so I still have to rely on all of you.

It would be best if someone among you could solve the riddle first, and by then, I must write an article to make their name famous!"

At this, everyone's expressions changed, some unable to hide their joy, others feeling ambitious, some pretending to be modest...

Naturally, some were truly restrained and humble, or genuinely believed their skills inferior to others.

No matter how someone behaved, Zhou Zhuo responded with a warm smile.

Now that he had gotten acquainted with Chen Xu and the others, he naturally tagged along with them.

Climbing the mountain while chatting about its scenery, he seamlessly integrated into a group with which he previously had no ties.

Until Tingtao Pavilion was in sight, where Shu Yun's steward and attendants were already waiting beside the path.

Seeing people approaching Tingtao Pavilion, they immediately came forward to lead the way, saying, "Everyone, please sit by the Flowing Wine and Crooked River, no need to converse with my master.

My master has said that everyone coming today is a distinguished guest, do as you please.

Also, please don't hesitate to contribute gems and pearls in solving mysteries and discussions, which are joyous affairs."

By Tingtao Pavilion, the venue was large, and at a glance, nearly two hundred people were already seated.

Behind Chen Xu and others, more scholars continued to arrive, being guided by the steward and attendants.

Everyone sat according to arrival, creating an orderly yet bustling atmosphere.

In the winding river, trays had long sailed downstream, filled not only with wine and fruits but also featuring today's theme: the ancient inkstone!

By the time Chen Xu and others found their seats, a heated discussion on the ancient inkstone had been underway for an unknown duration.

Someone loudly said, "In my view, this inkstone's color and material show a natural landscape pattern, clearly not man-made, likely a spiritual object of nature.

Such a spiritual object requires spiritual essence to reveal its form.

Why not have an artist among us depict the ancient inkstone's landscape? If the two mirror each other, perhaps we might solve this riddle."

Others eagerly added, "So it should be, let's spread out paper and ink, anyone interested can give it a try!"

Sir Shu Yun immediately clapped, and attendants went to lay out tables, paper, and ink in Tingtao Pavilion.

Beside the crooked river, someone rose, indeed attempting to solve the riddle with artwork.

Zhou Zhuo quietly commented, "This is certainly because Sir Shu Yun is skilled in painting, which leads everyone to believe that the riddle should be solved through art.

But if that were the case, with Sir Shu Yun's superb painting skills, wouldn't he have solved it long ago?"

Wang Xin curiously replied, "Then what does Brother Zhou think the key to this riddle is?"

Zhou Zhuo smiled warmly, "I am not skilled in this, it's just idle talk. Brother Wang, do you have any insights?"

Wang Xin honestly said, "I am not skilled in this either. I'm waiting for my brother or Brother Chen to solve the riddle. I'm just here to enjoy the spectacle..."

As they spoke, someone up front had obtained the inkstone. That person, with a clear face but a somewhat unavoidable gloomy demeanor, was precisely Wei Song of the Wei Family.

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

The sound of jade-like crispness rang out, lighting up Wei Song's face.

"This inkstone has a jade-like sound, which is to say a jade grows from the stone, it's an Immortal Crystal after all.

This inkstone might be connected to the Immortal Path. If someone cultivates their Qi correctly and possesses an immortal fate, they might solve it with True Qi.

I would like to give it a try."

With that, he positioned the inkstone towards the blazing sun in the sky.

The sunlight streamed through, glistening between the mountain and river patterns on the ancient inkstone.

Holding his gaze upwards, Wei Song gently exhaled a mouthful of Qi.

Everyone was naturally tense, for Wei Song seemed truly poised to solve the riddle.

Amidst many gazes, filled with anticipation and admiration, Cui Yunqi glanced down, a hint of disdain in his smile.

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