Chapter 134: Stunned into Silence

Observing Ao Jinyu acting out of sorts and seemingly becoming more insistent in her petulance, Liu Ping could not help but feel a headache coming on. What exactly was this young girl upset about? Could it be that she was angry he hadn't been paying enough attention to her?

Wait, if that were the case, did this little dragon girl really have feelings for him? Although he had long suspected as much, their mutual attitudes had always felt somewhat ambiguous, not yet reaching such an intimate stage. Thus, after obtaining the conch shell, Liu Ping had not contacted her once. It was not a deliberate snub, but rather that he simply didn't know what to say to her.

However, seeing her current demeanor, those unclear and unspoken things began to slowly crystallize.

Thinking of this, his heart stirred, and he pulled Ao Jinyu directly into his arms.

Ao Jinyu was startled, her cheeks flushing a deep red instantly. She tried to struggle and break free from his embrace.

Liu Ping was also taken aback, feeling a slight sense of surprise. Why had he suddenly become so impulsive? But since he had already held her, there was no reason to let her break free now. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even tighter.

Ao Jinyu was no longer the same as she once was; she now possessed the cultivation of an Earth Immortal. If she were unwilling, she could easily break free at any moment. Since her initial reaction was merely a subconscious struggle, she naturally could not escape Liu Ping's grasp.

While both actions were struggles, their natures were entirely different. As Liu Ping tightened his hold, he held his breath, watching the delicate beauty in his arms and her next reaction.

After her initial resistance, Ao Jinyu stopped struggling. Her cheeks gradually turned a crimson hue, making her look even more exquisite and peerlessly beautiful. Her eyes were like pools of autumn water, intoxicating to behold, and her skin, so delicate it seemed it might break at a touch, was truly heart-stirring.

Seeing her so tender and fragile, a wave of affection washed over him, confirming his earlier suspicions. Joy filled his heart, and he teased her in a low voice, "If you wanted me to look at you more, you only had to say so."

Ao Jinyu shot him a coy, sidelong glance and muttered, "How can you expect me to say such embarrassing things? You really are a wicked fellow with bad intentions."

Liu Ping chuckled and asked, "When... when did you start liking me?"

Hearing this question, Ao Jinyu became deeply shy. She buried her head in Liu Ping's chest and reached out with her slender, fair fingers to pinch the soft flesh at his waist. Liu Ping yelped in pain and quickly pleaded for mercy, "Alright, alright! If you don't want to say it, then don't. I won't ask anymore. Don't be so ruthless to me!"

"Pfft." Ao Jinyu giggled, her eyes dancing with a charm that tugged at his heartstrings. Liu Ping was momentarily dazed; had they not been in such a public place, he would surely have kissed her then and there.

Before long, the song and dance performed by the many handmaidens concluded. The following events were not, in fact, an unrestrained banquet—these handmaidens possessed a portion of dragon blood and had the potential to become true dragons; their status was not low, and their presence here to perform was already an exception. Naturally, nothing untoward would occur.

After the performance, many of the talented scholars looked on with anticipation, hoping that if a handmaiden took a liking to them, she would come over to serve them—not in any inappropriate way, but simply to pour wine.

Even so, it was a chance for close contact. Unlike Liu Ping, who could hold a stunning dragon girl in his arms, these scholars viewed these handmaidens—whose beauty and temperament far surpassed most mortal women—as rare gems, far superior to the entertainers in a brothel. They straightened their backs, trying to appear as heroic and imposing as possible.

However, very few were favored enough to be served by these beauties. Aside from two or three Earth Immortal scholars present, only four or five others received such treatment.

To their shock, Liu Ping, who had been ignoring the performance to whisper sweet nothings to the dragon girl in his arms, suddenly had two handmaidens approach him. Good heavens, and they were twins at that!

This result left most of the scholars dumbfounded and grinding their teeth in frustration. How could there be such a disparity in how people were treated? Even the distinguished Earth Immortal scholars had only one attendant, yet this bumpkin Liu Ping, by what right, had two? And they were twins! Were they not seeing clearly? Did they not see he already had one in his arms? Was this really acceptable?

When the twins sat down beside Liu Ping, the remaining scholars who still held onto a shred of hope felt their illusions shattered. They were indignant—this man was just a bit younger and had a slightly better air about him, but deep down he was a bumpkin. Why did he deserve such treatment? What was he lacking compared to him?

The two handmaidens who came to Liu Ping’s side were, naturally, Xuan’er and Xuan’er.

Just as the performance ended and Xuan’er was preparing to leave, she suddenly noticed her sister heading straight for Liu Ping’s table. It gave her a fright; she couldn't pull her back, so she had no choice but to follow. She prayed silently, *My sister, please, do not say anything foolish!*

Xuan’er sat down, poured a cup of wine, and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Young Master Liu, and congratulations to you, Elder Sister."

Seeing this, the other Xuan’er thought to herself, *Xuan’er’s attitude is polite enough, but what kind of congratulations is that? They aren't even married yet, and even if they were, it wouldn't be your place to offer congratulations!*

"What is there to congratulate?" Liu Ping asked, bewildered.

"You know," Xuan’er said with a mischievous grin.

Liu Ping laughed in spite of himself and shook his head, asking, "So, what are the activities to follow?"

Xuan’er replied, "Of course, there is more. Later, there will be a poetry recital. If one can gain the Dragon King's appreciation, there will be precious rewards."

"Oh?" Liu Ping’s eyes lit up.

Xuan’er continued, "Does the Young Master know how to compose poetry?"

Ao Jinyu was clearly interested as well, lifting her head slightly to look at Liu Ping.

Liu Ping nodded and said, "I know a little..."

No sooner had the words left his lips than the Dragon King stood up from his throne and walked down. He spoke in a voice that was not loud, yet it resonated clearly throughout the entire hall.

"Next, I shall set a topic. You may all compose poems or verses. If one is judged the best, there shall be a reward."

As he spoke, he produced a deep cyan "True Seed," immediately drawing the attention of everyone present.

Liu Ping was stunned. This deep cyan True Seed was worth several years of bitter cultivation; its value was self-evident. To produce it so casually as a prize for poetry was enough to make him sigh—what a detestable, wealthy tycoon!

At that moment, all eyes were fixed on the Dragon King.

The Dragon King smiled slightly and continued, "The first round. The topic is 'Sorrow.' Poems or verses are both acceptable. We shall allow the time it takes for a cup of tea to burn; if no one speaks after that, it will conclude automatically."

Once the topic was announced, the scholars looked at each other in confusion. What kind of topic was this? Usually, they recited verses of grand ambition; why change to 'sorrow' today? Still, who had never known disappointment? Such a topic was easy to address.

An Earth Immortal scholar stood up immediately and recited:
*"Who knows the road is hard in youth?*
*The boulders in my chest, I lean not on the railing.*
*This path is rugged, my ambition grows old,*
*The arduous journey leaves my inspiration cold."*

It was passable. While there were some murmurs of praise, they were few. Most of those present were talented elites, and they would not be easily impressed. A mere "passable" effort would not win the crowd.

The Earth Immortal scholar knew this well enough, but he sought only speed. As the first, he gained the advantage of showing quick wit. If no one else spoke within the time of a tea ceremony, he would win by default. Furthermore, there was no rule stating one could only recite once.

Unfortunately, his wishful thinking was quickly dashed. While his cultivation and talent were top-tier, his literary skill was merely average.

Then, another Human Immortal scholar spoke up:
*"I lean alone on the railing, lost in melancholy thoughts,*
*The desolate village knows no sign of spring.*
*I watch the distant lamps, like flickering, tearful eyes,*
*Counting the crows returning, lost in a daze.*
*I pity the lonely zither, entrusted to the strings,*
*Cherishing the beauty, guarding her grace.*
*My heart drifts far to the southern lands,*
*Destiny denies me the chance to paint her brows this life."*

Hearing this, the sense of sorrow was perfectly expressed. Compared to the previous poem, it was far superior. More people nodded in admiration.

The Earth Immortal frowned, clearly dissatisfied. He glared at the man, who noticed the gaze and smiled back, bowing in a gesture that was half-provocative and half-respectful. This attitude infuriated the Earth Immortal scholar, but he could do nothing about it.

Afterward, others recited their poems one after another. With "sorrow" as the theme, it was too common; composing something was easy, but composing something *well* was not.

Several more poems were recited, some of them quite refined. Even the Dragon King could not help but nod in satisfaction.

Liu Ping listened with narrowed eyes. These scholars were indeed talented; if he didn't "borrow" a poem, he feared he would have no chance of winning. As the focus of everyone’s attention, he had yet to recite a single word, leading to much criticism. Many secretly sneered, thinking he was not only a bumpkin but a boorish one with no artistic flair.

Beside him, seeing Liu Ping remain relaxed while holding Ao Jinyu, with no intention of reciting, Xuan’er couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Liu, aren't you going to participate? Didn't you say you could compose poetry?"

"I certainly can," Liu Ping said with a faint smile. "But to win over everyone and make them concede is a bit more difficult."

Ao Jinyu nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed. I have thought of a few lines myself. While they are good, winning first place would be quite difficult."

Liu Ping was surprised and laughed, "I didn't realize you were such a talented woman."

He then shook his head, "Though it is difficult, winning is not impossible."

Hearing this, the three beautiful women beside him had their eyes brighten.

Liu Ping raised his head and recited in a clear, ringing voice:
*"When will the spring flowers and autumn moon end?*
*How many past events can we know?"*

Hearing Liu Ping speak, many turned to look at him, secretly despising him. *He took so long to think, and now he finally shows his hand? Is this piece going to be an embarrassment, or just passable? There have been many good poems already; even a mediocre one will invite mockery.*

The Dragon King above looked at Liu Ping with interest. Seeing it was a *ci* poem, he thought, *It seems not bad. But how will it continue?*

Liu Ping smiled slightly and continued:
*"Last night, the east wind blew through my small pavilion again,*
*In the bright moonlight, I cannot bear to look back on old friends."*

*"The carved railings and jade stairs must still remain,*
*Only the rosy faces have changed.*
*If you ask how much sorrow one can bear,*
*It is just like a river of spring water flowing east."*

As these verses echoed, the entire hall was left in stunned silence.