Chapter 920: Battle Song and Killing Intent

At these words, the entire venue erupted. While only a few had previously thought him arrogant, now everyone believed he was insane.

"All the talent in the world amounts to one *shi*, and you alone claim eighty percent? Everyone else throughout history shares the remaining twenty percent?"

"Who the hell are you? Not even the Emperor would dare be so arrogant, would he?"

Even Gao Ying and Pei You glanced sideways. This guy was so infuriating that they felt like hitting him.

On the second floor, Bi Zi'ang's eyes narrowed. All the posturing he had done for years couldn't compare to this one display. Since when was someone so audacious allowed to exist in the capital?

I have to admit, that statement was quite impactful. If I had said it, the effect would have been even better, I guarantee.

Hmph, I'll find a time to get him from my sister. He can just be responsible for writing all my boastful lines every day.

The Qin brothers exchanged glances. After a long pause, Qin Guangyuan exhaled, "Chu Yan is clearly so clever, how did she fall for a character like him?"

Qin Yongde chuckled, "Chu Yan really ought to come here and see what kind of man she's chosen. She'd probably be so embarrassed she'd want to crawl into a crack in the ground."

On the other side, Yu Nan was not surprised but rather pleased. He knew that the previous series of events had completely disgraced him while elevating Zu An's reputation.

Now, however, this fellow, to his own detriment, had uttered such arrogant words, instantly ruining his popularity. Indeed, it was true that the newly rich and small-minded become arrogant when they succeed.

This, however, gave him an opportunity to save face.

"What arrogance!" Yu Nan scoffed, "I'd like to see what earth-shattering poetry you can produce..."

He was about to announce the topic but was interrupted by Zu An: "Since this banquet is hosted by Miss Nanxun, why don't we let Miss Nanxun set the topic?"

"Oh, me?" Nanxun was both surprised and delighted, not expecting him to entrust such a task to her.

Regardless of the outcome, if word of this spread, it would greatly enhance her reputation.

Zu An smiled, surveying the audience, "Does anyone have any objections?"

"Of course not."

"Miss Nanxun is talented and beautiful; she will surely come up with an excellent topic."

"It's most fitting for Miss Nanxun to set the topic."

The others forced smiles. They had come for Miss Nanxun today, so how could they not give her face at a time like this?

At the same time, they inwardly cursed Zu An, finding his methods of charming women truly unpredictable.

Zu An then deliberately looked at Yu Nan, "What, Young Master Yu, are you silent? Could it be that you're worried Miss Nanxun will help me cheat?"

Yu Nan's cheek twitched. This rascal couldn't resist trying to smear him even now. "You jest. Miss Nanxun is pure and honorable; she would never help you cheat. Please, Miss Nanxun, set the topic."

He had investigated earlier and knew that this courtesan had only become popular while Zu An was in the secret realm. It was unlikely they had any connection, so he wasn't worried about them colluding.

"Then I shall humbly obey," Nanxun curtsied, a thoughtful expression on her face. She was clearly contemplating what kind of topic would be appropriate for the current situation – one that wouldn't be too difficult for Zu An, yet would still uphold her image as a talented woman.

At that moment, the mysterious woman in the room above moved her lips slightly. Nanxun understood and announced, "Recently, Duke Cheng led a large army to campaign against the northern demon tribes. Let's make this expedition the theme."

Qin Guangyuan looked surprised and secretly nodded, "Excellent. I never thought a courtesan could also possess such patriotic feelings."

The others cheered, thinking her topic was perfect and timely, and would become a celebrated story if word got out.

Yu Nan also nodded inwardly. This topic wasn't too difficult, but making it stand out would be incredibly challenging.

There had been similar poems and verses throughout history, but none had become enduring masterpieces. He didn't believe Zu An could be superior to the literary giants of previous dynasties. Regardless of what poem Zu An produced later, he would simply disparage it.

"This kind of theme..." Zu An fell into thought.

"Is it a bit difficult?" Seeing his expression, Nanxun asked worriedly.

"Difficult? Not at all, it's far too easy." Zu An smiled. In fact, he had just been pondering which poem to choose.

After so many years, he might not have remembered many poems and verses from his previous life. However, having cultivated to the ninth-rank peak, his spirit was far stronger than before, even without forming a soul. Many almost forgotten things were now clearly recalled.

"Shameless boasting!" Yu Nan sneered and said no more, simply waiting to see how he would make a fool of himself if he couldn't produce anything.

Zu An looked at Gao Ying and Pei You, "Which of you has better handwriting?"

Of course, if he could write it himself with grand flourishes, the effect would undoubtedly be best, but he was quite aware of his own handwriting's quality.

The two exchanged glances, and Gao Ying said, "I'll do it."

Clearly, he had guessed Zu An's intention. Although he felt there was a risk of social suicide by coming forward, compared to the life-saving kindness Zu An had shown, it was nothing.

Nanxun gave a subtle signal, and a maid quickly brought writing brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone.

The entire hall fell silent, everyone looking at Zu An, some with anticipation, others waiting to see him embarrass himself.

"First, write the title," Zu An mused for a moment, "It's called 'Po Zhen Zi: A Valiant Verse for Duke Cheng.'"

Upstairs, the Qin brothers were startled, instinctively standing up. It was actually dedicated to their grandfather (or grand-uncle).

They had originally intended to watch a spectacle, but upon learning the title, their moods suddenly shifted. Their expressions became solemn and serious, and they actually began to anticipate an earth-shattering masterpiece.

Gao Ying had been prepared for social humiliation, but hearing the title, his spirit lifted. The title alone sounded extraordinary, suggesting the work itself wouldn't be poor.

Similar thoughts arose in the minds of others present. Bi Zi'ang, who had been leisurely leaning back in his chair, unconsciously straightened his posture, even leaning slightly forward, eager to hear the upcoming work immediately.

Yu Nan also swallowed with difficulty, suddenly realizing he might capsize in the ditch once more.

Then, Zu An's voice, full of cadence, resounded through the entire hall:

"I trim the lamp to watch the sword while drunk, my dreams return to bugle calls from continuous camps.Eight hundred li, we share roasted meat under the banners; fifty strings, the frontier tunes resound.On the battlefield, autumn muster!Horses gallop like Dilu, bows twang like thunderclaps.To fulfill the Emperor's grand task, and win fame both in life and after death.Alas, white hairs now appear."

At first, there was still some private chatter in the hall, but it quickly fell silent, and everyone turned to look at the man in the center.

Unconsciously, a solemn and martial aura permeated the venue. Everyone's mouths hung open as if they had a thousand words to say, yet a large hand seemed to grip their throats, leaving them speechless for a moment.

Cultivators felt their inner energy surging, while even non-cultivators felt their blood boiling. Each person thought, "Don't stop me, I want to go to battle and kill the enemy!"

Zu An was not surprised by their reactions. Xin Qiji was one of the greatest lyricists in Chinese history, and this particular *Po Zhen Zi* was known as the most potent battle-ready *ci*-poem in history, even lauded as a single masterpiece that overshadowed the entire Southern Song Dynasty's poetry.

In this current world, martial arts flourished, but cultural and educational aspects were dismal, to say the least; calling it a cultural desert would not be an exaggeration. Xin Qiji's work was a complete dimensional strike.

"Ah Zu, have you ever been to battle?" Qin Guangyuan asked, clutching the railing tightly, his expression excited. After hearing the *ci*-poem, even his address to Zu An had become more intimate.

Zu An shook his head, "No."

"No?" Qin Guangyuan's expression grew more agitated. "Then how could you describe military life so vividly, as if transporting me back to the days when I followed my grandfather and father in battle!"

Zu An thought to himself that the original author, Xin Qiji, had indeed been to battle, but unfortunately, he couldn't fake such an experience; others could easily verify his personal history.

Qin Yongde exclaimed in shock, "That's self-taught genius! Ah Zu, you are truly a heaven-sent prodigy!"

It was no wonder they were so moved. Hearing this *ci*-poem, they seemed to hear bugle calls, recalling scenes of drawing their swords and charging out of camp to slay enemies. It was as if they were back on the training grounds, accompanying their grandfather and father in reviewing the magnificent, powerful army. And then, as if they had returned to the fierce and tense battlefield, with only the sounds of arrows flying and swords piercing flesh in their ears.

"To fulfill the Emperor's grand task, and win fame both in life and after death" was every soldier's dream, yet how many throughout history had truly achieved this?

What moved them even more was the final line, "Alas, white hairs now appear." They thought of their grandfather (or grand-uncle), a renowned general, who for so many years had been confined to the capital, feared by the Emperor due to the struggle for the crown prince position.

Their grandfather's lifelong dream had been to fight on battlefields. Alas, most of his life had been wasted in the capital. Recently, he could finally embark on an expedition, but his hair had long since turned white.

A hint of something inexplicable also appeared in Miss Nanxun's usually indifferent eyes. She gazed at Zu An in a daze, her chest rising and falling, causing subtle tremors.

Yu Nan's mouth hung open. He had originally decided to find random flaws in the opponent's work. Literary pieces, unlike other things, didn't have standard answers. As long as he argued reasonably, he could completely discredit a decent work and make it worthless.

But this didn't apply to earth-shattering masterpieces!

The one Zu An had just recited – any literate person would understand its immense value. Not to mention contemporary scholars, even all the renowned literary figures throughout history combined couldn't compare.

If he were to forcibly jump out and nitpick now, everyone would consider him an idiot. Being proud and arrogant, he couldn't bring himself to do such a thing.

On the other side, Bi Zi'ang's face was ashen. The grandeur displayed in Zu An's work showed he was by no means someone willing to be subordinate. Bi Zi'ang might not be able to subdue this fierce tiger.

He needed to warn his sister immediately: she must not foster a tiger that would eventually cause trouble.

Gao Ying was trembling with excitement. He had prepared himself for social humiliation, but he never expected to personally participate in such an immortal masterpiece.

Thousands of years from now, as long as this *ci*-poem circulated, he would be mentioned...

Wait, perhaps they would mention there was a transcriber, but they might not know his name.

Realizing this, he quickly lowered his head and began to write furiously.

Pei You, standing by, also felt honored. Seeing everyone's gaze, he instinctively puffed out his chest, strongly wanting to exclaim, "Zu An is my elder brother!"

But he couldn't find a suitable opportunity. As he was growing anxious, he suddenly noticed Gao Ying's actions and felt confused. The *ci*-poem had just been recited; why was he writing again?

He quietly leaned in to look and saw Gao Ying writing: "On a certain day, month, and year, at Hongxiu Brothel, written by hand for Zu An by his friend Gao Ying."

"Holy hell!" Pei You's mind exploded on the spot. He could actually tag along on this?

He was green with regret. If he had known this, he should have volunteered to write when Zu An asked earlier. Even if his handwriting wasn't very good, what did that matter for the sake of being recorded in history?

He never expected Gao Ying, who looked honest and simple with his thick eyebrows and large eyes, to be so cunning!

In the mysterious room upstairs, the maid was still somewhat unconvinced, muttering, "Miss, while this *ci*-poem sounds good, it's not as exaggerated as they're making it out to be, is it?"

The mysterious woman shook her head. "You don't understand. The significance of this *ci*-poem goes far beyond that... Alas, human talents emerge one after another. When will the revival of our own race ever reach its end?"

The maid wanted to ask more, but someone quickly answered her doubts. Qin Guangyuan's gaze swept across the hall: "Though I, Qin, do not understand poetry, I believe I understand military life. Ah Zu's few lines made me feel as if I were there, my blood boiling. For this alone, it is a peerless masterpiece. If anyone has objections, they are welcome to voice them."

Seeing him speak thus, who among the attendees would be so foolish as to contradict the Qin family? Everyone offered various compliments for the *ci*-poem, practically hailing Zu An as the reincarnation of the God of Literature.

Zu An looked at Qin Guangyuan with some surprise. This brother-in-law's change in attitude towards him was quite significant, making him feel a little unaccustomed.

Then Qin Guangyuan added, "Not only that, but this passionate *ci*-poem, if adapted into a battle song by military professionals, can maximize our soldiers' combat effectiveness. In earlier years, when we fought the demon tribes, their beastmen's battle songs were our biggest headache. They could cause the demon warriors to enter a berserk state, greatly enhancing their cultivation, combat power, and recovery ability, causing us immense damage."

"Later, the imperial court continuously researched the principles of battle songs. Although the National Academy had roughly figured it out, they suffered from a lack of suitable poetic content, and the battle songs they produced were far inferior to those of the demon tribes. But now, with Ah Zu's poem, our soldiers' battle songs will rival or even surpass those of the demon tribes! How many fewer casualties will our army suffer then!"

By the end, tears welled up in his eyes. Coming from a military family, he had a natural empathy for these matters.

Only then did the others in the hall realize. Originally, Zu An had written an enduring masterpiece, but in this world, literary arts were not thriving; cultivation remained the mainstream. So, even if he gained fame, it would merely be an empty reputation. However, if his *ci*-poem could be transformed into a battle song, it would be entirely different. His importance within the imperial court would skyrocket, and he might even be designated and protected as a strategic talent.

The maid upstairs gasped, "Oh, so this guy is so detestable! Why don't we find an opportunity to kill him? Otherwise, when war breaks out, our people will be in trouble."

"His *ci*-poem is already out. Unless you kill everyone here, transforming it into a battle song is a foregone conclusion. Let's observe the situation for now." A glint flashed in the mysterious woman's eyes. To be honest, she was also somewhat tempted, for who knew if this man would continuously produce battle songs of such caliber?

Zu An was also a little surprised. Although he had heard before that battle songs existed in the army and could function similarly to magic arrays, he hadn't known how they were specifically implemented. He didn't expect it to be so simple.

With the Three Hundred Tang Poems and so many Song *ci*-poems, am I really destined to become a man who enters with his own background music?

"This *ci*-poem was originally presented to Duke Cheng. If it can contribute to the imperial soldiers, that would be even better," Zu An said, seizing the opportunity. It was a chance he couldn't pass up. If his reputation and importance in the military grew, then both the Emperor and Prince Qi would hesitate before moving against him.

Qin Guangyuan laughed heartily, "Then on behalf of my grandfather and all the soldiers, I thank you."

Seeing this, Gao Ying handed him the transcribed *ci*-poem.

Zu An noticed Nanxun's somewhat unnatural expression beside him and couldn't help but ask, "Miss Nanxun, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"It's nothing. Perhaps Young Master's *ci*-poem carries too much killing intent; we women are a bit unaccustomed to it," Miss Nanxun forced a smile.

Just then, a jarring voice broke through: "You clearly said you'd compose a poem. How has it become a *ci*-poem now?"

Everyone looked up and saw that the speaker was Yi Zhibing.

Everyone instinctively looked at Yu Nan, assuming he had prompted Yi Zhibing.

Yu Nan's face was ashen. He said nothing; although this fellow was a bit foolish, he seemed to have provided a good idea this time.

Qin Guangyuan flew into a rage: "You, Yi! Who gave you the guts to bully a member of our Qin family?"

The crowd in the hall secretly scoffed. This guy was truly shameless! Just earlier he looked so disgusted with Zu An, but now that Zu An had given him a good *ci*-poem, he was suddenly part of the Qin family?

Seeing Qin Guangyuan's menacing expression, Yi Zhibing glanced at Yu Nan somewhat nervously.

Yu Nan inwardly cursed him as an idiot, but at this point, he had to bite the bullet. "Since when has Zu An become a member of your Qin family? As far as I know, Miss Chu has long since divorced him. Even if they hadn't divorced, Lady Chu herself was disowned by Duke Cheng back then, so Zu An can't possibly be considered part of your Qin family."

Qin Guangyuan frowned. "Yu Nan, though you have some annoying habits, you are generally an upright person. A loss is a loss; to resort to such sophistry is rather unsightly."

Yu Nan smiled faintly, "In terms of poetry and couplets, I, Yu, readily admit defeat. Young Master Zu is indeed extraordinary."

Hearing him say this, the people in the hall secretly nodded; Yu Nan was indeed still quite graceful.

However, he quickly changed his tone: "But he just boasted that he alone commands eighty percent of the world's talent. Naturally, everyone's expectations for him are different. He said he would compose a poem, but it turned out to be a *ci*-poem. I'm afraid that might not convince everyone."

Those who usually befriended Yu Nan quickly agreed. The others, who loved to watch a good show, didn't want Zu An to hog all the limelight and win the beauty alone, so they also chimed in.

Qin Guangyuan frowned. The main reason was that Zu An's previous boast was simply too grand, and even he found it hard to defend. He couldn't help but look at Zu An with some difficulty.

Zu An laughed heartily, "You clearly said that if I composed one piece, you wouldn't bother me again. Yet now you're pulling all sorts of tricks. If I compose another, will you just nitpick again? Will this ever end?"

Yu Nan declared, "I swear by my family name that if you can compose another poem of similar caliber that truly convinces everyone, I will not utter another word. Otherwise, I'll write my family name 'Yu' upside down!"

Hearing him make such a solemn vow, everyone's expression turned serious. Swearing by one's family name was no joke. If he still didn't admit defeat later, he would truly be scorned by the entire world.

Zu An was initially taken aback, but quickly realized that the character for 'Yu' in this world was somewhat special; it would look the same written upside down!

At that moment, Bi Zi'ang's laughter rang out: "Brother Yu, you're making things too difficult. For a scholar to produce even one *ci*-poem of that caliber in a lifetime is a blessing. To ask for another poem of similar quality—isn't that deliberately making it hard for him?"

On the surface, he was speaking up for Zu An, but in reality, he was secretly employing a cunning trick. If Zu An were to refuse at this point, his earlier boast of commanding eighty percent of the world's talent would truly appear as arrogant bluster.

Zu An inwardly sighed, thinking how none of his in-laws were easy to deal with. Wait, why did he have in-laws everywhere, anyway?

He smiled and said aloud, "Originally, I didn't want to bother with certain people anymore, but that *ci*-poem just now had too much killing intent and startled Miss Nanxun a little. So, just for Miss Nanxun, I'll compose another."

Hearing him say this, the mysterious woman upstairs's face darkened. She picked up an object in her hand, and killing intent suddenly appeared in her eyes. If he were to compose another similar piece, her people would suffer. Even if it meant exposing her identity today, she had to eliminate this great threat for her clan in advance.