However, since today’s poetry gala was hosted by the Crown Prince, they dared not show their dissatisfaction too openly, no matter how annoyed they felt.
Just then, a royal procession approached from the distance. Ye Qinghe and the others stood up one after another, watching with respectful gazes. The visitor was none other than the Crown Prince, yet the eyes of many were drawn almost simultaneously to the graceful figure by his side.
"It really is Fairy Yu!"
"Her beauty is truly unparalleled. In the Daxia capital—no, let alone the Daxia capital, even in states like Qingsong, Guhe, Longdu, and Yizhou, I fear there isn't a woman who could rival her!" someone muttered to herself.
Upon hearing this, Goddess Xiao offered a cold sneer. She quietly studied Fairy Yu; although she had felt quite unconvinced at first, once she saw Fairy Yu’s face, a flash of genuine astonishment flickered in her eyes.
"To think such a woman truly exists in this world. This appearance... it is as if she were a celestial being untouched by the dust of the world," Goddess Xiao thought, secretly stunned.
The scholars from states like Guhe were also completely mesmerized.
"Fairy Yu, this poetry gala is only truly complete with your presence to grace it," the Crown Prince said with a soft smile. He scanned the crowd, caught sight of Fang Chen, and then withdrew his gaze without changing his expression.
Fairy Yu also spotted Fang Chen and offered a faint smile. "Your Highness is too kind. It is my great honor to attend today’s gala."
The Crown Prince chuckled, eyeing Fairy Yu’s features from the side, a flicker of greed hidden in his eyes.
***
The Crown Prince led Fairy Yu to their seats. Their arrival marked the official start of the "Stopping War" Poetry Gala. Everyone was brimming with anticipation, determined to showcase the poems they had prepared for days in hopes of achieving instant fame.
"Military God Fang, what brings you here to idle away the time today?" After taking his seat, the Crown Prince glanced at Fang Chen, seemingly offhand, and smiled.
Tao Yu answered for him, "Your Highness, Military God Fang says he wishes to bathe in the fragrance of literature and ink."
"I see," the Crown Prince remarked with a realization. "That is good. Since you cannot enter the court or lead troops in the future, it would be better to abandon the martial path for the literary one; perhaps you might bring some luster to Daxia after all. As a martial prodigy, I imagine you won’t be inferior to anyone here if you shift your focus to literature."
"Your Highness, have you ever seen a butcher reciting poetry?" Ye Qinghe couldn't help but laugh.
A burst of mocking laughter rippled through the scene. Fairy Yu’s brow furrowed slightly; she took note of every person who laughed, especially Tao Yu and Ye Qinghe.
Fang Chen, feeling bored, waved his hand. "I am here to bathe in the fragrance of literature, not to chat with you people. Let’s get on with the poetry."
The expressions of those present shifted. The Crown Prince, seeing this, stopped bothering with Fang Chen and smiled at the crowd. "The theme of today’s gala is 'Stopping War.' Who shall be the first to seize the lead?"
At these words, someone immediately stepped forward and recited a poem they had long prepared, drawing thunderous applause from the hall.
"Complete rubbish," Fang Chen muttered to himself, though he clapped his hands with a smile. His eyes, however, were casually scanning the attendants the Crown Prince had brought.
As more "Stopping War" poems were recited, the atmosphere reached a crescendo. No one paid any mind to Fang Chen; everyone was desperate to secure a bit of fame and leave an impression on the Crown Prince for their future advancement.
"His attendants are all martial artists, the strongest only at the Qi Burst Peak. No sign of the Blood Spirit Cult, but..." A smile flickered in Fang Chen’s eyes. His people were already in motion; by today, he would confirm the relationship between that Taoist and the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince were linked to the Blood Spirit Cult, the nature of the entire situation would change completely.
"Soldiers’ blades serve as mounts to climb the cloud-piercing peaks,
Three Worlds hold the bones of ten thousand loyal souls.
Old lives have vanished with the waging of war,
Only the sound of family tears soaking collars remains."
"Fine poem!"
"Worthy of our Daxia’s greatest talent! In this poem, I can almost see the countless loyal souls weeping, unable to return home to gather with their families!"
"Brother Tao, if you enter the court in the future, you will surely lead Daxia to truly 'stop war,' just as my Guhe has done for a century without conflict, year after year of celebration!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, praising Tao Yu’s poem. They acted as if they could see the battle at the Three Worlds Mountain with their own eyes, with countless loyal souls dying in agony.
Tao Yu smiled faintly, waving his folding fan, but his eyes were fixed on Fang Chen. This poem was pointed. The crowd understood it too; having ignored Fang Chen earlier, they now turned toward him with resentment, bitterness, dissatisfaction, and contempt.
Goddess Xiao was slightly surprised, then looked at Fang Chen, a flicker of anticipation deep in her eyes. What would Fang Chen do now? Tao Yu’s poem, recited in front of Fang Chen, was clearly meant to scold, despise, and mock him!
Fairy Yu looked at Tao Yu, a strange expression in her eyes. Tao Yu, sensing this, looked back at her and offered a small, respectful nod, feeling rather pleased that his poem had apparently earned her favor.
"Fairy Yu, what do you think of Brother Tao’s poem?" the Crown Prince asked.
"I ask for Fairy Yu’s critique," Tao Yu added, cupping his hands.
Fairy Yu pondered for a moment. The crowd’s eyes brightened, eager to hear how she would evaluate it—this gala would surely become the talk of the town!
"This poem..." Fairy Yu said after a pause, looking earnest. "Is complete rubbish."
The crowd was stunned. They exchanged blank, bewildered glances. Had they misheard? Was Fairy Yu mistaken?
Tao Yu, who had been waiting for praise, stiffened. The Crown Prince’s expression changed as well, though he maintained his composure. "Fairy Yu, what do you mean by that? I think Tao Yu’s poem captures the tragedy of war perfectly. Given today's theme, it should be considered the best."
"Your Highness, I do not understand the political situation," Fairy Yu said with a faint smile. "But I do know that while avoiding war is ideal, Daxia is currently fragile. Wishful thinking about 'stopping war' will only become a weakness in the eyes of our enemies. Facing fierce foes, we Daxia citizens should bare our fangs, everyone becoming a butcher, drawing blades to sever enemy heads and breaking their armies with swords. Only in this way, by striking until the enemy dares not bare their claws or invade at will, can we earn a peaceful age."
The crowd fell silent. Goddess Xiao felt a stir of surprise and couldn't help but study Fairy Yu more closely, thinking to herself that this woman saw things quite clearly.
The Crown Prince’s expression grew unpleasant. Today's theme was "Stopping War," yet the woman he invited advocated for war! It was like a fierce slap to his face, but given her status in the Daxia capital, he couldn't scold her publicly.
"But if we do that... who will answer for the fallen soldiers?" Tao Yu asked slowly, his gaze landing on Fang Chen.
Fairy Yu looked at him. "When the enemy invades, who answers for the fallen commoners? You, Young Master Tao?"
Many scholars began to look thoughtful. The scholars from Guhe, Longdu, and Yizhou had originally intended to join the festivities and make connections, but they hadn't expected to witness this.
A woman spoke up slowly. "Fairy Yu, you are mistaken. If Daxia did not wish to fight, there would be no enemy states. It is precisely because of this that my Guhe has seen no war for a century." She then looked at the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, inviting a low-born woman to this 'Stopping War' poetry gala has likely tainted the atmosphere here."
The crowd fell silent again. This woman’s status was not simple—she was a member of the Long family, the top clan in the Guhe Empire. Because of the frequent mineral trade between Guhe and Daxia, Long Huixin was responsible for overseeing it in the capital.
Fairy Yu glanced at Long Huixin and offered a faint, indifferent smile, with no intention of arguing.
Unexpectedly, Fang Chen looked toward Long Huixin. "Your Guhe Empire has only ten million subjects, huddled in a barren land, yet you possess rich mineral veins. Every year, you pay seventy percent of those minerals as tribute to the Eighth-Rank Superior State, which in turn ensures your safety. That is why you have had a century of peace."
Fang Chen’s tone sharpened. "I wonder, does this act ensure your nobility lives without worry, while your people starve and shiver in rags? What is the use of peace if there is no prosperity for your people?"
***
Fang Chen’s words caused the Guhe scholars to turn pale, their faces showing flashes of annoyance. Long Huixin’s expression shifted rapidly.
In truth, the Daxia scholars knew nothing of Guhe’s domestic affairs; they only knew superficial facts. They didn't know that in Guhe, not everyone could study, and not everyone could join the military. The common folk were mere miners their entire lives. Their children and grandchildren were doomed to follow the same path. Only the children of the great clans were born without worry and held the right to climb the social ladder—the hierarchy was rigid and clear-cut.
The Guhe nobility even controlled the martial path, denying commoners the right to access it, no matter how talented they were. They had effectively blocked all paths to advancement for their own people.
"So, what right do you have to rant here?" Fang Chen smiled coldly. "If Daxia abandoned its people and used the entire nation's strength to pay annual tribute to a superior state, do you think Qingsong would still be able to bully us?"
Long Huixin’s face went pale and then flushed red. "Fang Chen, don't talk nonsense! How are the people of Guhe starving and shivering?"
"It is a fact. Use your eyes to see—even I, a blind man, see it clearly. As a member of the Long family, have you never heard of it?" Fang Chen sneered. "Our war with Qingsong is for the sake of our people having a full meal and a basin of warm coals in winter. I think Fairy Yu was right: if you don't even understand the current situation, and don't know how your own people live, what right do you have to talk about 'Stopping War' poetry here?"
Fairy Yu’s eyes brightened. She glanced at Fang Chen, feeling a warm glow inside. She knew the Heir didn't like to show off, and today he had only spoken out to rebuke Long Huixin because of her insult about being a "low-born woman."
Goddess Xiao, as a woman, was sharp-witted and sensed something. She couldn't help but look at Fang Chen, then at Fairy Yu. Fairy Yu seemed to notice, and her gaze fell on Goddess Xiao, a flicker of contemplation in her eyes. She remembered the Heir usually didn't keep handmaidens—why did he bring one today?
*Things are not that simple,* Fairy Yu thought, feeling a sense of threat and casting a cold look at Goddess Xiao.
"Military God Fang, this is a poetry gala. Lady Long and Fairy Yu were merely arguing because of the poetry—that is normal. You don't understand poetry, so why get involved?" Ye Qinghe said, trying to smooth things over.
Long Huixin and her companions looked grim and seemed ready to leave, but were persuaded to stay by the scholars from Longdu and Yizhou.
Tao Yu, the host, had been humiliated when Fairy Yu called his poem "complete rubbish." He suppressed his anger and turned it toward Fang Chen. "Military God Fang, since you’ve been bathing in the atmosphere for quite some time, and since you seem to hold the 'Stopping War' theme in such contempt, why not show us your own attitude with some ink of your own?"
"You want me to write a poem? That’s a difficult task," Fang Chen smiled. "However... I once read a poem in an ancient book that I feel fits my current state of mind. I shall recite it for everyone’s benefit. What do you think?"
"Then recite it and let us listen," the Crown Prince said flatly.
Everyone’s gaze fell on Fang Chen. Fairy Yu and Goddess Xiao were both curious; as far as they knew, Fang Chen should be utterly ignorant of poetry, let alone ancient classics.
Fang Chen closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. A smile appeared on his face as he said softly:
"The moon of Qin, the pass of Han,
The long trek of ten thousand miles, with no man returned.
But if the Flying General of Longcheng were still here,
He would not let the barbarian horses cross the Yin Mountain."
Under the influence of his spiritual power, his calm voice was clearly transmitted into everyone’s ears.
Upon hearing the poem, the crowd pondered it for a moment, their expressions changing drastically. They looked at Fang Chen in disbelief.
"What is Qin? Where is Han?"
"What are barbarian horses?"
"The Flying General... does he mean himself?"
"Fine poem," Fairy Yu couldn't help but remark.
"I apologize for the poor display. I did not write this poem, and it is not about Daxia, so please, do not speculate," Fang Chen said, standing up and walking away.
Deep in his mind, a memory he had suppressed for over twenty years surged forward.
Goddess Xiao hurriedly followed him, her expression somber. She felt sure that those "barbarian horses" were Fang Chen’s way of referring to Qingsong!
"Your Highness, I feel unwell, so I shall take my leave first," Fairy Yu said, standing up. The Crown Prince nodded slightly, intending to have someone escort her, but she politely declined.
Fang Chen had left; Fairy Yu had left. Yet both had left something behind at this gala. The crowd fell into a deep silence, some still muttering the lines Fang Chen had left behind.
Tao Yu’s face was livid. His poem had been called rubbish by Fairy Yu, while Fang Chen’s had earned her praise. He had lost all face today.
"Cough, cough... Fang Chen said he didn't write it," Ye Qinghe said, clearing his throat. "Let’s not dwell on it."
Everyone looked at him, saying nothing. The poem wasn't written by Fang Chen? Then why had they never heard it before?
"Everyone, the theme of the day is 'Stopping War.' Let us continue," the Crown Prince said.
Though they nodded, the Crown Prince could see their expressions and knew the gala he had organized was a failure. He glanced at the direction Fang Chen had left, a cold light in his eyes.
*But if the Flying General of Longcheng were still here? If a 'Flying General' like you were gone, that would be a good thing indeed,* the Crown Prince thought to himself.
***
After leaving the Daxia riverbank, Fang Chen went to his usual teahouse. Goddess Xiao couldn't help but lower her voice. "That poem just now—was it about Daxia and Qingsong?"
"No," Fang Chen shook his head. "Your Qingsong isn't qualified."
Goddess Xiao’s face turned livid. "What was your purpose in attending the gala today? Have you sent someone to investigate the origin of that Taoist from last night?"
"What's the rush? Let’s sit down in the teahouse and talk," Fang Chen smiled.
They soon reached the teahouse. The people there seemed accustomed to Fang Chen’s arrival, though their attitudes had shifted since learning his cultivation had recovered.
"Military God Fang, your tea." The servant immediately served Fang Chen’s favorite tea, glanced at Goddess Xiao, and then retreated tactfully.
Fang Chen picked up his cup, beneath which lay a note. Goddess Xiao’s eyes were sharp; she had already seen what was written: *Six years ago, the Taoist appeared at a banquet hosted by the Crown Prince, following the entourage of the Fifth Prince.*
Fang Chen was stunned. The Fifth Prince? His memories were becoming clearer. Would that indolent prince—who had always been uncompetitive and resided as the abbot of Dahua Temple, having effectively retired—be involved with the Blood Spirit Cult?
"Your Fifth Prince has issues. If he has such a powerful person under his command, how could he willingly handle petty chores for your Daxia Emperor?" Goddess Xiao asked softly.
"It might not be the Fifth Prince," Fang Chen said flatly.
He had specifically gone to the poetry gala today to see if there were any cultivators near the Crown Prince. There were none, but that didn't prove anything. Today, however, he had confirmed that the Taoist from last night had indeed spent quite some time in the Daxia capital.
He had read the Blood Spirit Scripture and knew that for such a cultivator to practice, they could not go without human blood essence. How many Daxia commoners had died at that Taoist's hands while he lingered in the capital?
"I should be able to find some clues in this regard," Fang Chen whispered to himself.
A few moments later, he glanced at Xu Ge nearby. "Take her back to the mansion. Tell Old Huang to keep an eye on her."
Xu Ge stepped forward and grinned at Goddess Xiao. "Let’s go."
"What are you going to do?" Goddess Xiao frowned.
"What business is that of yours?" Fang Chen smiled.
"I want to follow you."
"We did reach an agreement, but that doesn't mean you can follow me wherever I go," Fang Chen replied as he stood up to leave. "If you don't understand that, I’ll have you removed from the capital right now."
Goddess Xiao fell silent. Xu Ge watched her and chuckled. "What, do you really think my Heir has married into your Xiao family? Don't forget, you’re our hostage now."
"Hmph." Goddess Xiao let out a cold snort and followed Xu Ge without another word.
***
At the Hidden Courtyard, Fang Chen paused, and a figure silently appeared behind him, bowing. "Heir, what are your orders?"
"Official Zhao, have there been any irregularities in the records of Dahua Temple over the past few years?" Fang Chen turned to face him with a faint smile.
The visitor was the superior of all the investigators at Dahua Temple, Official Zhao. Yuan Zhuang was his subordinate; it was he who had originally sent Yuan Zhuang to arrest Fang Chen.
Official Zhao’s expression shifted. Why was the Heir suddenly asking about the Dahua Temple records? He thought for a moment and whispered:
"Heir, if we are talking about strange matters, there are indeed a few case files that are quite peculiar."
"Tell me," Fang Chen nodded.
"Two years ago, someone came to Dahua Temple to report that their younger sister had gone missing from her master's mansion years ago without a trace. We investigated and found out she had been a maid at the residence of the Minister of Rites. My investigator, Yuan Zhuang, went to inquire and learned that she might have eloped with someone."