That idiot from the Sword Sect turned out to be a lucky charm.

Fu Xi was truly a refined man. Upon arriving, he explained to everyone, "I just returned from a poetry gathering. I didn't expect my brothers to be even more useless these days. How come you all passed the test so quickly? In the past, I would have had to wait a long time, so I was delayed a bit at the poetry gathering this time. I apologize for keeping you all waiting."

Everyone had mixed feelings. How come we cleared the level faster than the previous people? Actually, we were already finding it quite difficult!

Longquan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Senior, you are too kind. We have just arrived as well."

Fu Xi laughed and said, "That's great! Shall we begin?"

"What are we starting?" This was the question on everyone's mind.

Fu Xi continued, "I've never liked that kind of martial arts. We're all civilized people, so how about we exchange poems and paintings?"

Longquan said, "We will do as you say, senior. However, we are ultimately lacking in talent and knowledge, and we are afraid that you will laugh at us."

Fu Xi said, "It's alright! I won't make things difficult for you all. It's just a gathering of scholars, a chance for everyone to exchange ideas."

They had all gone through a lot of hardships along the way, so how could they easily believe that Fu Xi would be so kind as to let them pass so easily?

Looking back, they also believed Chaofeng's words and almost got washed away by the waves and fed to the fish.

Therefore, regardless of whether what Fu Xi said was true or false, no one dared to let their guard down.

As agreed beforehand, Longquan took the initiative to go and exchange poems and paintings with Fuxi. The others didn't dare to be too casual either, and didn't go to the side to rest or cultivate (Ding Mo, the cultivation fanatic, felt that this was directed at him).

Lin Zhifeng had just reminded everyone on the stairs: "Those of us who aren't going to perform can't slack off later. We need to be alert and be good audience members and good actors."

"When Longquan and Fuxi's works are released, everyone should actively support them. Of course, don't overpraise them, or it will seem fake. Everyone should try to maintain that look of envy and admiration," Lin Zhifeng said.

Longquan's men had also become familiar with Lin Zhifeng, and now none of them dared to disobey him. So they all humbly asked him for advice: "Young Master Lin, shouldn't we be cheering for His Highness the Crown Prince? If His Highness wins, we can pass the test. Why are we still supporting Fu Xi and pretending to admire him?"

These guards are used to throwing their weight around with Longquan, so it's really difficult for them to act like "fans" who admire someone.

Lin Zhifeng said, "Since the legendary Fu Xi is said to be fond of literature and art, he might actually be a master of poetry and painting. If Brother Long is no match for him, we can flatter him and make him happy, then he'll let us pass! This is called psychological warfare. Just listen to me, it won't go wrong!"

The guards agreed with some skepticism.

Ding Mo couldn't help but smile slightly; this little rascal was full of mischievous ideas.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Fu Xi and Long Quan suggested that each of them paint a picture on the theme of the seabed, and then compose a poem based on their paintings.

Longquan naturally followed his arrangements.

The two men wielded their brushes and ink, eventually completing the painting.

The painting depicts himself, swimming freely in the water in his original form—a dragon. He portrays himself as very handsome, with a graceful and expansive swimming posture.

Even a layman like Lin Zhifeng could tell from this painting that the dragon-shaped patterns on the furniture in this room were likely created by Fu Xi.

Lin Zhifeng took the lead in showering Fu Xi with compliments. The others echoed his sentiments.

Although these laymen didn't quite hit the mark with their praise, their admiring and worshipful gazes were undeniable! Fu Xi thought to himself, "These people may be a bit crude and dull, but at least they know what's good for them. It's clear my paintings are appreciated by all, regardless of their taste!"

Fu Xi was very satisfied, and thus his attitude towards everyone became even more gentle.

Then Longquan finished his painting as well.

He painted the time before his group went underwater and entered the pagoda.

The background of the painting is a glittering pagoda.

The foreground shows the underwater world, filled with seaweed and fish and shrimp swimming among it.

Along the winding road in the middle were their group of humans.

Overall, the two paintings are different in style and each has its own merits.

Longquan and Fuxi began their expert exchange and critique.

Lin Zhifeng, unable to stay still, also asked for paper and pen and began to draw.

The guards from Longquan couldn't understand Fuxi and Longquan's "refined and elegant" style, so they all ran to Lin Zhifeng's side to watch him paint.

At first, everyone thought: "Didn't Lin Zhifeng say that he was a rough man who didn't understand poetry and painting? With those two masterpieces before him, how dare he still pick up a brush? Is it possible that he is actually quite good at painting, but is just being modest and that's why he said that?"

After watching for a while, they realized that Lin Zhifeng hadn't been modest at all; he genuinely couldn't draw.

It took them a while to realize that Lin Zhifeng was simply using ink to paint the entire white paper black.

The guards, not understanding what was going on, couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Just then, the two real painters over there finished their discussion about painting and were about to move on to the next step: composing poems. But they found that everyone else was gathered around Lin Zhifeng, chirping crickets.

They couldn't resist coming over to see what was going on.

At this point, Lin Zhifeng had already stopped writing.

He evenly painted the entire sheet of paper black.

He blew on the still-dry ink and said proudly, "I also call this painting 'Undersea'."

"I painted it from the perspective of a grain of sand on the seabed. To a grain of sand, the entire seabed, even the entire world, is darkness. Everything in this world is irrelevant to me! Whether the surrounding environment is light or dark; whether the surrounding things are beautiful or ugly, makes no difference..."

Lin Zhifeng was still talking non-stop, leaving everyone completely confused, when suddenly, "clap clap clap!"—applause rang out.

It turned out that Fu Xi was clapping after hearing his words.

Fu Xi said, "Although this young friend has no talent in painting, he is insightful."

Lin Zhifeng quickly put down the painting, cupped his hands and said, "This junior was just in a playful mood for a moment, please don't take offense, senior. This junior is certainly no match for senior or Senior Brother Long."

Fu Xi said, "That's not how it works. Although you're not good at painting, you have a knack for quick thinking and novel ideas. I was also moved by your paintings."

"It turns out I was being too attached to appearances! Painting is just my hobby, why must I compete with others to see who is better? If I paint with the goal of winning or losing, I've forgotten my original love for painting. Thank you for reminding me!"

After saying that, he actually clasped his hands and bowed to Lin Zhifeng.

How could Lin Zhifeng accept such a bow? He quickly stepped aside and returned the bow, saying, "I'm glad you don't mind my abruptness, senior! I really don't deserve your thanks."

The Fuxi laughed heartily, stepped forward and took Lin Zhifeng's arm, saying, "You are a child with great wisdom, and you will surely achieve great things in the future. When you ascend to heaven one day, you can come and discuss the Dao with me when you have time."

After saying that, he turned to look at Longquan, as if afraid that he would feel neglected, and said to him, "It's a pity that your talent is limited, and I'm afraid you will have difficulty ascending. Otherwise, with your talent in poetry and painting, you would be qualified to associate with me."

Longquan felt a mix of joy and sorrow upon hearing this, feeling that he was not comforted at all.

The good news is that he received affirmation from Fu Xi, which means that he has achieved some success in poetry and painting.

The worry is that he is the heir to the Shenlong Dynasty, and it seems that it is not enough for him to only excel in poetry and painting.

Moreover, Fu Xi said that his talent was limited and that he had no hope of ascending to immortality.

For a time, feelings of frustration prevailed.

But Longquan didn't dare to be negligent and quickly replied, "You flatter me, senior!"

Fu Xi laughed and said, "Very good, let's hurry up and finish the poem, then we'll send you to the next level."

Longquan quickly mustered all his energy and went to accompany Fuxi in reciting poetry.

Lin Zhifeng stood in the back row, waiting for them to finish before heading to the next floor.

Ding Mo whispered to Lin Zhifeng, "Aren't you afraid that what you just did might be considered showing off your cleverness by Senior Fu Xi?"

Lin Zhifeng knew that Ding Mo was not a talkative person, so he was saying this at this time to Fu Xi.

I never expected this guy to be so honest, not as docile as he seems!

Since Ding Mo was willing to cooperate, Lin Zhifeng turned on the "praise machine" mode: "How could Senior Fu Xi be such a narrow-minded person?"