Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Heavenly Dao Umbrella, Seven Kills Annihilation

Chapter 56: Shocking Bibi Dong, Gradually Taking It to Heart
In front of an ancient building, countless people dressed in academic robes gathered together, praising each other.

"The manager of Yunyang Tower is really going all out."

"That's right, that's right... This is a top-grade red jade and glass hairpin, worth at least tens of thousands of gold soul coins!"

"They actually used this as a prize?"

"Stop talking, let's go inside and see what's going on..."

Soon, many promising young talents who looked scholarly walked in.

Jiang Nian listened to their conversation and understood what was going on.

It turns out that the Yunyang Tower was celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special banquet, inviting scholars from all over the country to compose poems and essays.

Whoever comes in first place will be able to take home this valuable hairpin.

Goodness...

This business is incredibly profitable...

I reckon there must be a Soul Master inside, otherwise, if some greedy guy came along, he'd probably just find some excuse to steal it.

"Teacher, shall we go in and join the fun?"

"I will definitely win this hairpin for you."

Seeing his eager expression, Bibi Dong ultimately didn't discourage him: "Hmm."

···
Upon entering Yunyang Tower, Jiang Nian remarked that the place was even larger than his own residence.

However, this is quite normal for businessmen.

Once inside, he discovered that he actually had to pay money.

Not much, just one Gold Soul Coin.

Even ordinary people can grit their teeth and still manage to get in and join the fun.

After paying the money readily.

Looking at the densely packed crowd in the building, Jiang Nian followed Bibi Dong to a corner to sit down.

Tea and desserts are free.

Before long, a robust middle-aged man walked up to the platform and surveyed the people below.

After clearing his throat, he began, "First of all, welcome to all the guests at our Yunyang Tower."

"Secondly, the purpose of this poetry gathering is not only to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of Yunyang Tower, but also for my little daughter."

"She usually loves poetry and songs, which is why we have this event today."

Everyone listened with great interest, and many praised him as a good father.

Jiang Nian, meanwhile, was munching away on rice, her little mouth never stopping.

Bibi Dong couldn't stand it anymore and slapped him on the forehead: "Why can't you stop talking?"

"Teacher, you need to grow taller..."

Her words trailed off, and after a moment of silence, she said softly, "I'll take you out to eat in a bit, just bear with it for now."

Jiang Nian nodded; he was indeed hungry.

At this age, one's body is already growing, and not having enough to eat will also affect cultivation.

He leaned back and focused his gaze on the manager of Yunyanglou on the high platform.

"Alright, enough with the chit-chat, the theme of our poetry gathering today is—Beauty!"

Countless scholars lowered their heads and pondered after hearing this.

That's not difficult; every talented scholar has probably written poems about beautiful women.

Of course, whether it will be broadcast or not remains to be seen.

"Wow~ A beauty... I've never seen anything like her in my entire life..."

"I've heard the new Pope is a great beauty. Why don't you compose a poem based on His Holiness's appearance?"

"You're probably tired of living, aren't you? If you're in a good position, fine, but if you're really lowlife, you'll get hacked to pieces as soon as you step outside..."

Jiang Nian's ears perked up, and he suddenly looked at Bibi Dong.

Indeed, having a beautiful woman by your side is something you can learn from.

But I have all sorts of thoughts in my head!

Bibi Dong noticed Jiang Nian's gaze, reached out her jade-like hand and grabbed his ear, saying with a half-smile, "Little Nian, you're not going to write a poem for me, are you?"

"Teacher, let go first..." Jiang Nian raised his eyebrows in pain. Once his ear was safe, he rubbed it with his little hand and murmured matter-of-factly, "Teacher is the most beautiful woman in the world, who else should I write about if not you..."

"Seeing my teacher makes my inspiration flow like the Yellow River!"

Although Bibi Dong didn't know what the Yellow River was, the little guy's words were quite reasonable.

She lazily crossed her legs, and the corners of her mouth, hidden beneath her veil, were once again upturned.

"Alright, if you don't do well, don't blame the teacher for scolding you."

"Uh-huh!"

Jiang Nian paused for a moment.

Gan!
You're thinking dirty thoughts...

My apologies, my apologies...
Silently tapping the wooden fish in his heart, he awaited the moment when the king would descend from the heavens.

······
Soon, someone stood up confidently, and all the onlookers fell silent.

With his lead, more and more children and scholars began to show off their talents.

Soul Masters are still a small number in this world, and most ordinary people still choose to study and take the imperial examinations.

The poems he wrote were also quite good.

A man who looked to be around thirty years old stood up and recited his own poem with great confidence.

"The morning mirror reflects a light, long layer of dark blue, and the window frames bamboo shadows that brush against my clothes."

"A gentle smile, like a spring breeze, and half-fallen peach blossoms fill the painted hall."

A moment later, thunderous applause erupted throughout the building, while the great poet An Hao smiled broadly and exchanged compliments with the others.

"Brother An, what a fine poem! You have a very good chance of winning first place."

"Oh, you're too kind."

Soon, another man stood up, causing many people to gasp in surprise.

"Isn't that Ji Boduan? A level 17 Soul Master! I heard his Martial Soul is a book. I didn't expect someone like that to be here?"

"Tsk tsk tsk~ It's very rare to find a martial spirit that's written in a book..."

Ji Boduan stood up and looked at Manager Song on the high platform.

"Everyone, please excuse my poor performance."

"The moonlight, like water, soaks her silk skirt; she strolls slowly before the pavilion, her body fragrant with dew."

“With delicate fingers, she lightly plucked the wooden zither, its clear notes lingering and filling the sky with sound.”

As Ji Bo finished speaking, everyone gasped in shock.

Jiang Nian listened from the corner without making any sarcastic remarks. After all, he wasn't a poetry scholar and didn't know whether it was good or bad.

All I know is that what he remembers must be good.

As time went on, many people tried to step forward and say a few words.

Behind the platform, a woman wearing a blue veil looked increasingly dejected.

Although some were not bad, none of them caught her eye.

"Miss, I think that Ji Boduan's writing is quite good."

"It's possible, but it's very different from what I expected."

The young maid nodded blankly and continued to peek at the group of talented men and beautiful women below.

"Hey? A handsome young man has stood up... Wow~ Miss, come and take a look, maybe he's the perfect man for you."

Song Wei shook her head, not wanting to speak.

She is a Soul Master. What good is it if an ordinary person is beautiful?

I still prefer poetry and songs.

A moment later, the girl suddenly opened her eyes, listening in astonishment to the sound coming from beside her.

"Clouds think about clothes and flowers, and the spring breeze blows on the threshold of Revlon."

"If we hadn't met at the top of Qunyu Mountain, we would have met under the moonlight at Yaotai."

Jiang Nian read very slowly, and everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to her, even Bibi Dong was shocked.

Is this kid really writing it for himself...?

(End of this chapter)