Ji Hanhan arrived and entered Blue Jade City.
Recently, the North Sea had been a scene of bloodshed, and for a while, no ships dared to venture out. He could only find a place to settle down for the time being and make plans.
Ponyo had always lived in the deep sea, and her experiences of visiting land were few and far between. At this moment, she was captivated by the bustling prosperity of Blue Jade City, looking around with wide eyes. The various street snacks made her mouth water.
Ji Mo doted on her, buying her whatever she fancied.
After all, the money came from her anyway. Ponyo's tears were pearls, and he had quite a few of them on him, so he wasn't short of money.
However, Ji Mo was puzzled. How could such a small, palm-sized fish eat so much?
The snacks and treats Ponyo consumed were dozens of times larger than her own body.
The man and the fish wandered and ate, and soon arrived in front of a luxurious building adorned with pink lanterns.
"Let's stay here for the next few days."
Ji Mo looked at the plaque in front of him, feeling a sense of familiarity.
He was quite wealthy now, so naturally, he wanted to live comfortably.
"Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower?"
Ponyo looked on with confusion, but soon understood, and glared fiercely at Ji Mo, "Shameless! You... you're taking me to a pleasure house?"
Clearly, the building before them was a place of entertainment.
"What's wrong with a pleasure house? They're running a legitimate business," Ji Mo said dismissively. "The ladies here are all gentle and considerate, attentive, and speak nicely. It's comfortable to stay here."
With that, he walked straight in.
"Talking nonsense with your eyes open! How can a pleasure house be legitimate?" Ponyo gnashed her teeth in anger, wanting to bite the scoundrel to death.
She quickly chased after him, intending to keep a close eye on Ji Mo and prevent him from making any mistakes.
Inside the Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower, a faint fragrance wafted through the air, accompanied by the sounds of many women.
Here, pearls served as lamps, immortal gauze as curtains, and immortal mist permeated the surroundings. Beauties of all kinds were everywhere.
There were snake demons with human heads and serpent bodies, swaying their heads and posing, dancing wildly on high platforms, their slender waists twisting beautifully.
There were also deep-sea sirens covered in colorful scales, singing with all their might, their voices melodious and pleasant, like kingfishers dipping into water, like orioles chirping, their lingering sounds filling the air.
And there were ethereal immortal maidens, pure and moving, performing the "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Dress Dance," astonishing everyone.
...
It had to be said that the Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower truly had strength, gathering all sorts of beauties – pure, alluring, elegant, and more.
Ji Mo, with his good self-control, couldn't help but his eyes lit up, exclaiming his appreciation.
The other men were even more overwhelmed, letting out cheers. Some generous patrons even threw immortal crystals, jewelry, and fine jade to reward the ladies they favored.
Of course, there were also those who pretended to be virtuous, drinking tea and conversing with the ladies, discussing everything from poetry to life aspirations.
Due to the Chi family's recruitment of sons-in-law, many talented individuals and prodigies had flocked to Blue Jade City. Among the crowd were such people, who were seizing the opportunity to showcase their literary skills, intending to suppress their competitors and enhance their reputations.
The Chi family had made it known that to be a son-in-law of the Chi family, one must be proficient in both literary and martial arts. Therefore, the cultivators were all striving to display their abilities.
In the center of the hall.
Ximen Yaoqing laughed heartily, having just outshone everyone with a seven-character quatrain.
"Young Master Ximen is indeed exceptionally talented, possessing immense literary prowess. We are all sincerely convinced of our defeat."
"The Ximen family and the Chi family have been close friends for many years. Young Master Ximen is a dragon among men. He is destined to be the Chi family's son-in-law."
"That's right. Young Master Ximen and Chi Qingying are a match made in heaven. When the auspicious occasion arrives, don't forget to invite us to the wedding feast."
Many people, seeing the trend, flattered Ximen Yaoqing with effusive praise.
Some, however, were unconvinced and sneered inwardly, not taking Ximen Yaoqing seriously.
Seeing so many people fawning over him, Ximen Yaoqing's laughter grew even more triumphant, as if Chi Qingying had already fallen into his grasp.
"Hmph, it's just a lousy poem, what's there to be so proud of?"
Ponyo heard the laughter and realized it was Ximen Yaoqing, who had previously mocked Ji Mo. She immediately retaliated, also beginning to mock him.
This little creature held a grudge.
"What did you say?"
Ximen Yaoqing had sharp ears and immediately pinpointed Ponyo, casting a murderous gaze at her.
How dare someone with no foresight mock him in public? He would never let it slide.
When he saw Ji Mo next to Ponyo, he became even more enraged, unable to contain his roar, "You scoundrel, how dare you appear before me? You're asking for death!"
Ximen Yaoqing truly hated Ji Mo. If it weren't for this fellow, how could he have been beaten so badly by Han Zhu?
Although he shouted ferociously, Ximen Yaoqing dared not make a move. The Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower had powerful backing, and he did not dare to cause trouble here.
"Who are you?"
Ji Mo didn't recognize Ximen Yaoqing at first. After looking a few times, he suddenly realized, "Oh, it's you, kid. I thought it was some black-haired pig that had become a spirit. What shameful thing did you do to get beaten into a pig's head?"
Hearing this, Ximen Yaoqing was even more furious, jumping up and down in a rage.
However, he truly lacked the courage to act here and had nowhere to vent his anger.
"You say my poem is not good? If you have the guts, write one yourself. If it's not as good as mine, this sharp-tongued clownfish of yours belongs to me."
Ximen Yaoqing suddenly remembered that Han Zhu seemed to be very fond of this clownfish, so he thought of taking it.
"You want to compete with me in poetry?"
Ji Mo looked at Ximen Yaoqing with a strange expression, shaking his head, "Forget it. With your level, I wouldn't deign to bully you."
He was telling the truth, but Ximen Yaoqing found it extremely grating.
Wouldn't deign to bully him?
What kind of arrogance is this?
How can you be so shameless and not feel embarrassed?
"The sea is full of water, and crabs have eight legs" was something you came up with, utter nonsense, and yet you dare to boast like this now?
"Let's just call it a literary exchange. If you can defeat me, you can name your price. Anything you want."
Ximen Yaoqing suppressed his anger, lowering his stance to lure Ji Mo into the trap.
Upon hearing this, Ji Hanhan felt that this was a lamb sent to the slaughter, and not taking advantage of it would surely incur divine retribution. He immediately said, "Alright, I want one million immortal crystals."
One million immortal crystals!
A gasp of astonishment rippled through the crowd. This was a blatant overcharge; the fellow was too greedy.
Ponyo's mind went blank. She felt she had been mistaken again.
Indeed, no one from the Void Sword Sect was good. This scoundrel Ji Mo was using her as a stake for a million immortal crystals. It was too much.
With his "crabs have eight legs" level of illiteracy, he was bound to lose.
Ximen Yaoqing was taken aback, not expecting Ji Mo to have such a large appetite. However, he didn't think much of it and immediately agreed, fearing Ji Mo would go back on his word.
This was because he was confident he would win.
"Then how about the moon as the theme? We'll have an hour."
Although Ximen Yaoqing was conceited, he was still cautious, choosing a type he was most skilled at.
He knew that he had once composed a poem praising the moon, which had received praise from a renowned Confucian scholar.
"No need for an hour, we can start now."
Ji Mo knew he was about to easily gain a million immortal crystals and was somewhat impatient, not wanting to waste time.
Without hesitation, he opened his mouth and began, "When did the bright moon first appear? Holding wine, I ask the blue sky..."
He was reciting Su Shi's "Shuidiao Getou - When Did the Bright Moon First Appear?"
Ximen Yaoqing was somewhat surprised to hear Ji Mo compose a poem as soon as he spoke, but he quickly showed a look of disdain.
Such an opening was too mediocre. How could it compare to his own?
The crowd around them also chuckled, looking down on Ji Mo. How could someone of this caliber dare to challenge Ximen Yaoqing? Had he lost his mind?
"Riding the wind, I wish to return, yet I fear the jade towers and pavilions, where the heights are too cold. Dancing with my clear shadow, how does it compare to being in the human world..."
Ji Mo paid no mind to the gazes of others and continued to recite.
The surrounding noise instantly quieted down.
The crowd, consisting of many renowned talents, had already sensed the extraordinary nature of this poem.
The artistic conception contained within was ethereal and profound, refreshing and uplifting the spirit.
"Turning the vermilion pavilion, low by the ornate window, it shines upon the sleepless. There should be no resentment, why then is it always full during times of separation? People have joys and sorrows, separations and reunions; the moon has its phases, waxing and waning. This has always been difficult to perfect. May we all live long, and share the moon's beauty over a thousand miles."
As Ji Mo slowly recited the latter half, the entire Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower fell into a profound silence.
Everyone was completely immersed in the artistic conception of this poem, unable to extricate themselves.
"May we all live long, and share the moon's beauty over a thousand miles."
Ponyo's eyes turned red, murmuring this line, her gaze towards Ji Mo becoming infatuated.
Then, she began to gnash her teeth again, feeling that Ji Mo, despite possessing such abundant talent, had deliberately pretended to be illiterate before and recited doggerel poems to amuse her. He was truly wicked.
"With this poem, there will be no more verses on the moon. This gentleman's poetic skill is unparalleled."
This was the true thought of most people present.
This poem was destined to be passed down through the ages, incomparable to the likes of Ximen Yaoqing. Ji Mo had already won.
"I am truly not a man."
Suddenly, someone slapped himself repeatedly, tears streaming down his face, "Sister Cao Fen, I have wronged you. I shouldn't have abandoned you heartlessly for the sake of wealth and status, and the desire to marry into the Chi family. I will go back now and beg for your forgiveness. I swear that for the rest of my life, I will only be with you and share the moon's beauty."
The young man, having swollen half his cheek, bowed deeply to Ji Mo in thanks and left crying loudly to save his love.
Following him, dozens of others, with expressions of pain and regret, also acted similarly.
"Only wishing for one heart, to grow old together without parting. I too yearn for a sincere love, and a devoted relationship that never leaves."
Many of the courtesans in the pleasure house were also deeply moved, their faces filled with melancholy, longing to meet a true lover with whom they could share the moon's beauty over a thousand miles.
Thus, the gazes of these ladies fell upon Ji Mo, and their originally cold hearts began to flutter like startled deer.