Second update! There will be an extra chapter today! Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets! Let's get enthusiastic, my darlings! Only then can Huasha be enthusiastic! Aww, I'm begging for everything, even using my cuteness! Love you all, mwah, my darlings!
Chapter 198: Heroes from all directions gather at the ancient battlefield! (Bonus chapter for 25,000 recommended votes)
Updated: 2013-07-22 16:52:37 Word Count: 3420
The venue for this year's "World's Greatest Talent Competition" is the site of a war that took place a hundred years ago during the Southern Dynasties!
Here lie the oldest, most magnificent, and imposing ruins. All around stretches an endless expanse, the azure sky seemingly merging with the sea on all sides, with neither sky nor land appearing to end! The soil here is covered in endless yellow sand; there is not a drop of water, not a single tree, not a single building. All that remains are the centuries-old stories of loyal souls etched on stone tablets!
The air here is thick with the smell of gunpowder and danger lurks everywhere. The place is filled with the atmosphere of battle, and the rolling yellow sand under the sunlight looks even more magnificent and awe-inspiring!
This is the battlefield of the final battle of the God of War, Yelü Cangsheng. It is the starting point of the myth and the end point of the legend that no one has broken! Today, the champions of the World's Number One Talent Competition, held a century later, have gathered here. Today, the site of the God of War will once again shine with a new light. This place, steeped in ancient vicissitudes, will shine brightly today because of those outstanding and brilliant women!
The once empty battlefield was now filled with crowds from all directions, mostly civilians from the Southern Dynasty, but also spectators from various countries. Naturally, the seating and teacups were arranged for important figures from each nation. This was an international competition, and all guests from around the world had to be accommodated.
There is no arena for today's competition; the empty battlefield serves as the arena for the participants.
Large numbers of soldiers stood in orderly formation at their posts, providing ample protection. Gradually, more carriages appeared, and from each magnificent carriage emerged not just one person, but one representing their nation. Every person qualified to occupy a seat in this grand competition was a highly influential figure from their respective country.
For example, an elderly man with white hair stepped out of a carriage bearing a lion totem emblem, walking briskly surrounded by burly men and beautiful women. Someone introduced himself, and the organizers of the competition rushed forward, their announcements echoing clearly across the ancient yet bustling war site, informing every excited citizen eagerly awaiting the arrival of dignitaries from various countries. 158.
"Mu Dynasty, General Murong's Mansion, Old General Murong, Great General Murong, and Second Miss Murong have arrived!!"
A collective gasp of shock rippled through the air. The Mu Dynasty was a military superpower, and its General of the Nation was a noble family with a century-long history. The old General of the Mu Dynasty was a legendary figure whose military exploits nearly rivaled those of a war god. But General Murong was already quite old, approaching one hundred years old. Who could have imagined that this legendary figure would appear after such a long and arduous journey?
People around the world were instantly thrilled! Without exception, they all felt that this year's event was definitely the most exciting one yet!
The announcement of names was made by thirty people standing two hundred meters apart, one after another calling out the names of the attendees to ensure everyone present could hear clearly. This was the most anticipated part of the annual Grand Tournament. How could a group of ordinary people possibly see or even know the great figures from various countries? Only during the Grand Tournament could they catch a glimpse of them from afar, but that glimpse could excite people for a year or two. Because these great figures were all world-renowned generals, ministers, kings, and nobles!
This practice of announcing names further heightened the excitement, with the cheers from the crowd almost resounding like waves.
"It seems our ancestor has a very high reputation. Even at his advanced age, he is still known and revered by so many people!" Murong Qianxue teased her ancestor with a proud expression.
"Don't be disrespectful," General Murong scolded in a low voice, but his voice was full of affection.
"Why are you talking about her? I didn't even realize I was still popular. Hehe." General Murong grinned smugly, then suddenly looked around and said, "We spectators are all here, but why isn't Xue'er, your little friend, here as a contestant? If I didn't want to see what tricks she could pull, I wouldn't be here to suffer. If she dares to mess with me, I'll snatch my cane back!"
Murong Qianxue also looked around anxiously. She deliberately didn't tell Luo Zhiheng that she had also come back to watch the competition, just so she could give Luo Zhiheng a surprise today, and more importantly, cheer her on. But the old man loved to join in the fun and insisted on coming, so her brother, worried about the old man's safety, had no choice but to personally escort him.
The entire family, young and old, was present, practically all there for Luo Zhiheng. She deliberately arrived a few days earlier than Luo Zhiheng; she had previously gone to the palace to boast to her elder sister, the Empress, about her good friend, bragging that Luo Zhiheng would definitely win the championship this time, and then the next national finals would be held in the Mu Dynasty. If Luo Zhiheng really faltered, she would lose face internationally, and her niece, Yu'er, would surely laugh at her to death.
"Where did this guy go?" Murong Qianxue stomped her foot.
"Don't tell me she deserted in the face of battle! Such a grand scene, held at such an ancient war site, your little one's probably already scared enough to wet her pants and sneak home, hahaha," General Murong chuckled frivolously. Looking at the tragic and awe-inspiring battlefield before him, a dormant urge of bloodlust stirred within him. Didn't he, too, want to see this centuries-old, renowned war site?
"Old man, don't talk nonsense! Luo Zhiheng won't run away! Not only will she not, but I also believe she will definitely win! Just you wait and see! I, Murong Qianxue, have that much insight!" Murong Qianxue said stubbornly, but she was not confident in her heart and cursed, "Why hasn't Luo Zhiheng come yet?"
Several people took their seats, and more arrived. The already lively scene hadn't subsided when a carriage with strange totems immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding crowd. It was an exquisite Go board, with black and white stones arranged in the simplest opening sequence, yet it possessed an ancient and grand air.
The moment the sign appeared, anyone with a modicum of knowledge gasped in astonishment. There was no need for announcements; the surrounding crowd instantly erupted in fervent gazes and worshipful shouts, except for those inside the carriage: "Chess Saint! Chess Saint!"
The symbol of the Four Sages of Qin (music), Qi (chess), Shu (calligraphy), and Hua (painting) is unique, irreplaceable, and can only be enjoyed by the four sages themselves! And this symbol is undoubtedly the symbol of the Chess Sage!
The shouts continued, but the voices of those behind them receded quickly like a receding tide. Those who couldn't see clearly held their breath, waiting for the name to be called out to announce whether the next person to appear was indeed the Chess Saint.
The stewards went to greet him, and the white-haired old man who slowly walked out was none other than the chess master Zhan Hainan.
The stewards became enthusiastic, and so did the person announcing the names, with announcements coming one after another: "Chess, the Sage of Hainan has arrived!!"
boom!!
The crowd, who had been waiting in silence, suddenly erupted in cheers following the announcement: "Chess Saint! Chess Saint! Chess Saint!"
The Four Sacred Beasts are saints of all people. They may belong to a particular country, but in any situation, they belong only to the world! Therefore, they don't need to mention their country; they only need to mention their unparalleled, transcendent status! The entire world's admiration and worship for the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting is practically fanatical. And the Four Sacred Beasts have always been elusive, appearing only briefly and mysteriously. Now that they have been seen, even just a single strand of their hair is enough to make one's blood boil with excitement.
If Zhan Hainan's arrival only stirred people's blood, then the appearance of the next person was enough to cause a sensation. 16022305
The elegant carriage, understated yet luxurious, along with a calligraphy brush and a book, represents the epitome of classical elegance. Its appearance is enough to astound everyone. This is because the person in question has maintained an incredibly low profile since achieving fame, rarely appearing in public. Furthermore, this is a legendary figure who experienced the fall of his nation. He joined the new dynasty without hesitation, despite being branded a traitor, and proved through his own strength and ability that his vision and character were both correct!
"Shu, Sage Tong Yunxiao has arrived!!" The voice announcing the arrival of the first name trembled noticeably. However, after the first name was called, the entire place fell silent. Then came the second, the third, and the ninth names. It took a full 1,800 meters for the entire distance to pass before the quiet war site erupted in cheers!
"The Sage of Calligraphy!!" Loud and enthusiastic shouts came from people all over the country.
The most revered Confucian scholar in the world today, the ancestor of the Tong family of the Mu Dynasty, has actually come to the Southern Dynasty! What could be more shocking and exhilarating than this? If there are any great men in this world, then General Murong and the great Confucian scholar Tong before us are definitely the epitome of great men!
What shocked people even more was the sudden realization: how could these three legendary figures have gathered together like this? What had brought them all on such a long journey to the finals of the Southern Dynasty? Or who could have persuaded these three great figures to condescend to come in person?
Amidst a cacophony of voices, the three men sat down, side by side, exchanging glances. These three old men, whose combined age was nearly three hundred, understood each other perfectly: they had all come for Luo Zhiheng!
But where is Luo Zhiheng now?
Old Master Tong's eyes narrowed; his little grandson hadn't come yet. While resting peacefully, Old Master Tong couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. He was nearly a hundred years old, and had thought he'd just wait to die, but who knew that one day a little kid's astonishing battle would pique his interest so intensely? He felt that if he missed this battle, his old bones would be filled with regret, so he came. He just hoped that little Luo Zhiheng wouldn't embarrass this old man. The Hundredth Battle.
The excitement didn't end there; the next person to appear ignited an even more frenzied climax! He had a sexy and alluring face…
It's past midnight! Hooray, my darlings, muah! Looking forward to another climax tomorrow, right? Haha, love you all! Please give me your votes, comments, and monthly tickets! Please, everyone, leave a comment, okay? Give Huasha some passion and motivation!
199 The Four Sages Gather! Even the Sage of the Qin (a seven-stringed zither) has to curry favor with them if he wants to take on a disciple!
Updated: 2013-07-24 16:13:45 Word Count: 7654
The Silver Moon Kingdom might be an unfamiliar entity to people from other countries, but it was certainly no stranger to the Southern Dynasty. Its mystery and wealth were topics of great interest to the people of the Southern Dynasty. And the two most outstanding and famous figures in the Silver Moon Kingdom were, of course, a pair of twin emperors!
Emperor Xian Shi!
The Emperor Xian was the eldest prince, and the Prince Shi was the young prince. These two Emperor Xians were mysterious and unpredictable, and rarely appeared in the world. The Prince Shi often traveled to various countries, but his whereabouts were uncertain, and very few people had seen him. The mysterious Silver Moon Kingdom became even more mysterious because of these two.
The man who stepped down from the magnificent carriage was incredibly handsome and alluring. Dressed in a light purple robe, he exuded nobility and walked with a carefree and dashing air. Surrounded by a group of handsome men, each with their own unique charm, his appearance instantly caused a collective gasp of awe at his stunning beauty.
"King Shi of the Silver Moon Kingdom has arrived!" The announcement rang out, echoing across the battlefield for a long time. However, the people's enthusiasm for the beautiful and wealthy man drowned out the sound of the announcement.
The people who descended from behind the King did not have anyone announce their arrival. A man was completely covered by a large cloak. Despite the blazing sun, he wore a cloak and hat, making it impossible to see his face at all. A clever young man was supporting him, while a young girl held an umbrella for him.
This strange group immediately captured everyone's attention upon their appearance, sparking immense curiosity. However, none of the three announced their names, and no one knew who they were. Just when everyone assumed that these people were with the King and would surely sit in the seat of honor alongside him, a surprising scene unfolded.
The quick-witted young man said something to the King, and then the three of them turned and headed towards where the Mu Dynasty officials were seated. Everyone craned their necks to see who this was. Did he know those three important figures? He must be a very important person, so why was he covering his face?
Mu Yunhe was quite surprised and shocked to learn that his maternal grandparents' ancestor had come in person. He hadn't properly thanked his uncle for his help before, and now that the ancestor had appeared, he had to pay his respects. Moreover, sitting next to that scumbag Prince Shi would cause Mu Yunhe immense pain.
Mu Yunhe stopped in front of Elder Tong, and with Xiao Xizi's help, slowly knelt down, slightly raising his head and saying, "Grandson Mu Yunhe kowtows to the Ancestor."
Everyone could see them, but very few could hear what they were saying. However, Mu Yunhe's kneeling made everyone wonder if he was a sycophant. If someone like him had the opportunity to meet a great figure like the Sage of Calligraphy, then couldn't they too?
Old Master Tong watched Mu Yunhe kowtow calmly, without stopping him. After Mu Yunhe kowtowed twice, Old Master Tong finally spoke, his aged voice carrying a faint smile: "Your health is not good, so I will only accept two kowtows from you. Has your little wife arrived yet?"
Mu Yunhe didn't try to be forceful. Kowtowing was what a junior should do to his elders, but he wouldn't refuse his elders' kindness. Under his hood, Mu Yunhe's face was somewhat gloomy, but his voice was calm: "Not yet. She's not with her grandson, but I believe she will arrive in time."
Although Elder Tong was surprised, he didn't ask any further questions. He knew very well that Luo Zhiheng was surrounded by experts; the pharaohs had gone to great lengths for that staff, mobilizing their most powerful warriors to protect her. Therefore, Luo Zhiheng was definitely safe. Elder Tong beckoned Mu Yunhe over, saying, "Sit with me. That young master Shi is no good for getting involved with him."
"That's exactly what I was thinking. I'm just sorry to bother you, Ancestor." A hint of a smile finally appeared in Mu Yunhe's voice. He wanted to sit here, and he also thought that the Prince Shi was a bastard, and he would kill that scoundrel sooner or later.
Luo Ningshuang also arrived, but no one paid her any attention. Mu Yunhe ignored her, so she could only follow the Prince; otherwise, she would surely lose face today. In front of so many people, Luo Ningshuang only thought about two things: how to showcase herself at this grand gathering of leaders from various countries? How to make Luo Zhiheng's reputation ruined today, turning her into a laughingstock for the world?
Luo Ningshuang sat not far behind the King, a gentle smile on her face. She was quite beautiful, even stunning, so sitting there naturally attracted a lot of attention.
Everyone knew that the champion of the Mu Dynasty was to be with the King of the World. So, was the woman in front of them the champion of the Mu Dynasty? The woman named Luo Zhiheng?! Everyone was extremely curious and couldn't help but turn their gazes to Luo Ningshuang. They felt that the woman in front of them was dignified and generous. She sat there calmly and unhurriedly, revealing a shyness and confidence of a daughter getting married. She was truly the standard of people's aesthetic standards.
How could such a woman be the one who was rumored to be uneducated, incompetent, and infatuated with women?
People whispered amongst themselves; there are no secrets in the world, and as the saying goes, "Man fears becoming famous, just as pigs fear growing fat," Luo Zhiheng's reputation had already spread to every country since her victory. As a result, various channels unearthed details of Luo Zhiheng's scandalous private life. People from all over the world were shocked. How could there be a woman in the world so shameless and so unrestrained?
It's normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines, but if a woman has multiple wives, she's shameless, a slut, a lovesick fool, and deserves to die.
Before seeing Luo Zhiheng, the die-hard supporters of the "World's Greatest Talent Contest" from various countries unanimously believed that if someone like Luo Zhiheng could win the championship, there must be something fishy going on; it was unfair, incorrect, and unrealistic. There was no reason for Luo Zhiheng's younger sister, a nine-time consecutive champion, to lose to an older sister notorious for her vices.
Therefore, this group unanimously decided that they would personally supervise Luo Zhiheng's competition process. If there was anything that did not conform to the rules or was wrong, they would immediately demand that the competition disqualify Luo Zhiheng and strip her of her previous Mu Dynasty region championship title! Because she didn't deserve it!
But when they saw the Luo Zhiheng they thought she was, this well-bred young lady, dignified and beautiful, with an extraordinary temperament, was not at all what they had imagined. As a result, people's hostility towards Luo Zhiheng lessened considerably, but many still looked at Luo Ningshuang with a curious and disdainful gaze.
Luo Ningshuang felt the gazes coming from all directions, but she showed no anxiety or trepidation. Instead, she accepted the attention with confidence and grace. She loved this feeling of being the center of attention in every situation. Being the center of attention, receiving applause and cheers from everyone. She was the ultimate victor.
However, when various comments followed, Luo Ningshuang still couldn't keep her composure.
Damn it! These people actually mistook her for that lowly, despicable Luo Zhiheng?! How could Luo Zhiheng be compared to her? These blind fools!
Luo Ningshuang's chest heaved with anger, but then she thought, this is for the best. She will fully display her magnanimity and gentleness, making everyone believe that the outstanding Luo Zhiheng is Luo Zhiheng. When Luo Zhiheng arrives, these people will be very disappointed after seeing the unbearable Luo Zhiheng. Only a stark contrast can create a strong stimulus, allowing Luo Zhiheng to leave a dark and resentful mark on their minds.
Thinking of this, and then of the disappointed and disgusted looks that would appear on the faces of the group when Luo Zhiheng arrived and learned the truth, Luo Ningshuang was already incredibly excited.
As a result, Luo Ningshuang became more confident and would give a gentle smile to the people around her. Her appearance was so deceptive that people, regardless of gender, couldn't help but have a good impression of her when they saw her smile. They felt that she was approachable, down-to-earth, and kind.
In this respect, she can be compared to the young lady of the Zhuge family.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
An ancient carriage, exuding a heavy, rustic aura, slowly approached. The lead carriage bore a striking symbol: a vibrantly colored painting depicting an adorable baby boy in a red bib. The painting was remarkably lifelike, and it was the only symbol in the world passed down through generations under the wearer's name. It was not merely a marker of personal identity, but also a family totem! The painting boldly and unabashedly proclaimed to everyone who the person depicted was!
A powerful clan of different genders in the Southern Dynasties, a king of different genders in the Southern Dynasties, and the painting sage—Zhuge, the soul of painting!
The person sitting in the carriage behind was none other than Zhuge Huahun's great-granddaughter, the most beautiful woman in the world—Zhuge Hualuan!
The Zhuge family genealogy must include the character "画" (huà, meaning painting/drawing), making it difficult to distinguish between elders and juniors, and between the old and the young, in order of seniority. However, in the Zhuge family, anyone who can be associated with the character "画" is of extremely high status.
As the voices calling out the names grew louder and louder, calling out the patriarch and young lady of the oldest family in the Southern Dynasty, the scene became unprecedentedly lively.
"The painting, the painting master Zhuge Huahun has arrived! The champion of the previous World's Number One Talent Competition, Zhuge Hualuan, has arrived!"
The arrival of the Sage of Painting made today's scene extremely special. There were three of them—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—present! What a magnificent sight! It was simply unheard of and unseen! To see even one of these four would be a blessing earned over three lifetimes, but to see all three left everyone in the audience in awe and excitement.
Who would care about Luo Zhiheng or Luo Ningshuang anymore? All eyes were drawn to those elderly men. In this world, how many people could be more noble than them? Each of them would be an honored guest in any country, treated like a treasure.
The appearance of the most beautiful woman in the world was both expected and surprising. The previous champion of the world division would now face the challenge of the newly crowned world champion. If she could retain her title as Zhuge Hualuan, she would remain the champion and defend it; if she couldn't, she would have to relinquish the title.
The reality is brutal, but also intense.