Seeing the anger on those people's faces, Chu Xun showed a smug smile on his face, and then signaled his lackeys with his eyes to add fuel to the fire.

His lackeys quickly caught Chu Xun's eye signals and were like lit firecrackers, eager to add fuel to the fire.

One of them slammed the table and stood up. His face was filled with anger, matching the indignation of everyone else in the room. He demanded, "Who are you? I've never heard of you before. How dare you speak so arrogantly and look down on us?"

The sound was like thunder, shaking the air. Everyone's eyes were once again focused on Zhang Liang, waiting for his response.

Another follower followed closely behind, his tone filled with provocation and disdain: "Since you claim to have great talent, why not take this opportunity to show off your skills and open our eyes? Are you just a coward who only knows how to hide behind words and show off your quick wits?"

These words undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, making the already tense atmosphere even more heated.

Seeing this, Liu Yu, who was beside Zhang Liang, had a flash of displeasure and indignation in his eyes. He was about to scold these rude people, but was gently stopped by Zhang Liang.

Zhang Liang whispered to Liu Yu, "Master Liu, don't be angry. These are just my petty tricks. They are not worth mentioning."

When Yang Bao heard Zhang Liang's words that he was determined to face the challenge, a complex emotion surged in his heart.

He approached Zhang Liang with a hint of worry and whispered, "Wen Zhuo, be very careful! In this situation, every word and action will be magnified. Don't let the villain succeed in his evil schemes."

Yang Bao's eyes were full of sincerity and concern, and he obviously had a deep friendship for this new friend. Although they had only known each other for a short time, he already regarded Zhang Liang as a trustworthy partner.

Zhang Liang heard this and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

He nodded gently, and responded in a firm and calm tone: "I understand, don't worry."

After saying this, he slowly stood up. At that moment, it seemed as if the eyes of the entire hall were focused on him, and the air was filled with a tension that was about to explode.

After standing still, Zhang Liang looked around, his eyes clear and deep. His voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard in every corner: "Indeed, as Mr. Chu said before, I really think that these students here are garbage!"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake, causing a thousand waves.

All the students present changed color instantly.

Even He Tianshun, who was originally stroking his beard leisurely and intending to wait and see what would happen, was so shocked by these earth-shattering words that several strands of his beard fell off, his eyes full of disbelief.

After hearing Zhang Liang's provocative remarks, Chu Xun was so ecstatic that he could hardly suppress it, like a wildfire.

He caught a glimpse of the students around him, their faces twisted with anger, their faces eager to devour Zhang Liang alive. He chuckled to himself, "Great, great! God is truly helping me. I never thought you could be so arrogant and ignorant!"

He muttered softly, with a gloating glint in his eyes, as if he had foreseen the catastrophic disaster that Zhang Liang was about to face.

"I don't know who gave you that confidence. I'm afraid you won't even know how you died."

At the same time, Qin Youlan and other women witnessed this scene, their hearts were tense and their worries were beyond words.

They knew very well that Zhang Liang's words would arouse public outrage and the subsequent situation would be unpredictable. They exchanged glances and their worries were self-evident.

Just as everyone's emotions were divided, Chu Xun seized the opportunity again and pointed at Zhang Liang, his voice filled with provocation and sarcasm: "Since this young master is so arrogant, please let us see what you are confident in saying. Don't let this hall be reduced to empty arguments!"

His words acted as a catalyst, further intensifying the tense atmosphere at the scene.

Facing Chu Xun's provocation, Zhang Liang did not get angry but laughed instead. That smile contained a sharpness and indifference that should not be underestimated.

"Since you are all looking forward to it, I will show you my ugliness."

After Zhang Liang finished speaking, he turned to face He Tianshun and bowed respectfully.

Seeing this, He Tianshun nodded slightly, with a hint of approval and expectation in his eyes.

Then Zhang Liang slowly began to speak, "A good rain knows its season; it comes in spring. It creeps in with the wind into the night, moistening everything silently. The wild paths are all dark with clouds, only the fires on the river boats shine brightly. In the morning, I see the red wet places, where flowers bloom in the lonely city."

As the last word fell, the whole poem seemed like a vivid scroll, slowly unfolding before everyone's eyes, showing the tranquility and vitality in the spring night rain.

The students who were originally filled with anger were now stunned, the anger on their faces replaced by shock and admiration.

Their eyes were filled with disbelief, as if they were re-examining this outspoken young man, secretly thinking that such talent was truly extraordinary.

He Tianshun was the first to come back to his senses from the poetry, his face filled with sincere joy and admiration.

Then he clapped his hands lightly. Although the sound was not loud, it was particularly clear in the silent hall.

"Wonderful, wonderful!"

He Tianshun praised repeatedly.

"This poem is profound and profound, each word a gem. It is truly a work of brilliant talent. Your talent is truly a blessing to our generation and a glory to the literary world."

Faced with He Tianshun's high praise, Zhang Liang did not show any arrogance, but became more humble.

He bowed again, his gesture respectful: "Mr. He, thank you for your compliment. I was just expressing my feelings. It is truly an honor to have your favor."

At the same time, Chu Xun's face became distorted because of He Tianshun's sincere praise.

He originally thought that he could use this opportunity to embarrass Zhang Liang, but unexpectedly, he made the other party famous.

Zhang Liang turned his gaze towards Chu Xun, a playful smile playing on his lips, and asked softly, "Master Chu, I wonder if this poem of mine is worthy of your approval?"

When Chu Xun heard this, the expression on his face instantly became complicated. He clenched his teeth, and his eyes flashed with unwillingness and resentment.

He never imagined that his plan would eventually help Zhang Liang and allow him to shine in front of everyone.

Unwilling to accept defeat, he secretly gave his men a look, signaling them to take action in an attempt to destroy this sudden harmonious atmosphere.

Receiving their master's signal, the men immediately understood. One of them quickly stood up, attempting to stir up some discussion. "This young master truly possesses remarkable literary talent, truly admirable."

He first gave a false compliment, then changed the subject.

"However, with such a masterpiece, how can we be sure it wasn't copied from someone else? After all, there are many talented people in the world, but the line between originality and borrowing can be very thin."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall became tense again, and everyone's eyes were focused on Zhang Liang, waiting for his response.

Zhang Liang narrowed his eyes. Facing the doubts, he did not get angry, but instead looked calm.

"Whether you believe it or not depends on your own thoughts."

Zhang Liang said calmly, "If I explain and you still don't believe me, what's the point? It'll just add to the debate. True creation needs no explanation; it has its own vitality."

After saying this, he no longer paid attention to the man's provocation, but turned to face the guests present, bowed and greeted them with a calm demeanor, showing the demeanor of a gentleman.

Seeing this, another subordinate, eager to show off, stood up suddenly, pointed his finger at Zhang Liang, and questioned sharply, "I think you are guilty! This poem is undoubtedly plagiarized!"

These words were like sparks splashing into a frying pan, instantly igniting the tense atmosphere on the scene.

Zhang Liang's face darkened at this moment, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

After all, even clay figures have earthy qualities.

Faced with successive provocations, Zhang Liang's patience finally reached its limit.

He took a deep breath and said, "In that case, what do you do? Why not draw a line?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the men seemed to have found an opportunity to complete their mission and breathed a sigh of relief. One of them couldn't wait to suggest, "Since that's the case, why don't we have a competition? If Young Master Wang wins, we'll naturally be convinced."

However, before the other party could bask in triumph for long, Yang Bao angrily stood up and righteously retorted, "How can you just compare us just because you say so? How can you just apologize and let it go?"

These words were so powerful that the subordinate was speechless and at a loss for what to do.

Then, Yang Bao turned to the silent Chu Xun, his eyes piercing: "Since this man is your subordinate, don't you have anything to say?"

Chu Xun was overwhelmed by this righteous spirit, his expression changing from gloomy to bright. Finally, he gritted his teeth and made a heavy promise: "Okay! If you win this competition, I am willing to give you my family heirloom sword to prove that I will keep my promise!"

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