But Ah Heng was fighting alone, battling in unseen bloodshed. How could he disappoint her time and time again, leaving her to face everything alone? Besides, he so desperately wanted to be a part of Luo Zhiheng's life!
Mu Yunhe slammed his eyes shut, veins throbbing on his forehead. When he opened them again, his gaze was clear and resolute: "Xiao Xizi, prepare the carriage. This king... is going to accompany her!"
Chapter 1 complete! There will be another update today. I'll keep working hard! Please vote, leave comments, and give me monthly tickets! Group chat, muah!
147. A flourish of the brush in mid-air! The character for "handsome" appears, a hegemon emerges! (Oogao, Chaoshang)
Updated: 2013-07-03 14:19:14 Word Count: 3406
Even before the competition began, it had already reached a climax. The presence of these extraordinary figures excited the people and the audience, and it also thrilled Luo Ningshuang.
Although she didn't recognize these people, she could tell they were all very capable, and with General Tong personally escorting them, combined with their ages, it wasn't hard to guess that he was the current emperor. The fact that her competition had attracted the emperor's personal attention was an honor that would be a significant stepping stone to a higher position in the future.
Luo Ningshuang was eager to show herself, but Luo Zhiheng was nowhere to be seen, which puzzled Luo Ningshuang. Was Luo Zhiheng afraid and therefore dared not show up?
Many people in the audience were still discussing it, and their words, like those of the older men, expressed their disapproval of Luo Zhiheng.
"Hmph, did that girl desert her post? She's really disgracing our military family." Murong Qingcheng said angrily.
"Wait a little longer. We're already here, so let's just relax these old bones a bit." Zhan Hainan was quite composed, but no one knew how much he was actually looking forward to seeing Luo Zhiheng.
"Hey old man Tong, your great-granddaughter-in-law has quite the airs, making us old bones wait for her? And you, what are you doing out here? If you embarrass yourself later, no one will give you face," General Murong chuckled strangely.
Old Master Tong, however, was quite relaxed and said magnanimously, "We're all old bones now, what's face worth? Since that girl is the wife of my poor great-grandson, what's wrong with me, an old man, taking a look? Besides, even though no one from the Li family came to the finals, wouldn't it be a laughing stock if my Tong family didn't send anyone?"
The emperor listened with a smile, and the pharaohs fell silent.
Today's competition has attracted the entire court, the emperor, the pharaoh, the Li family, and everyone who should and shouldn't be here. Everyone here is here for Luo Zhiheng!
"Why hasn't he shown up yet? The competition is about to start." Sun Yunyun also came with her father. For some reason, she was really looking forward to Luo Zhiheng's performance today.
"Yun'er, you care a lot about that Luo Zhiheng? Aren't you angry that you lost to her? Oh, you voluntarily admitted defeat, which means she's actually not very capable," Duke Sun said coldly.
“Father! Since Luo Zhiheng can play such a game of chess, he is definitely not an ordinary person. Didn’t you come here today to meet him?” Sun Yunyun was a little anxious, and her face was a little red.
The competition was well-received. Murong Qianxue, holding her older brother who resembled her father, chattered on and on, praising Luo Zhiheng to the stern and impartial General. After a long while, her brother finally said expressionlessly, "You've been praising her for so long, but I only look at the facts. The fact is, the competition has started, but the heroine you were talking about hasn't shown up. Could she have deserted at the last minute?"
General Murong's words echoed those of his grandfather. Murong Qianxue angrily retorted, "Don't look down on my friends! I, Murong Qianxue, may not make friends, but all the friends I do have are extraordinary people. Just wait and see, Luo Zhiheng will definitely overthrow you!"
She spoke with conviction, but inwardly she felt guilty, cursing Luo Zhiheng inwardly, "If you dare to embarrass me, we're done!"
Amidst the murmurs, the situation changed drastically. After a moment, the judges had no choice but to announce: "The competition begins! As for Luo Zhiheng, she will be considered a participant if she completes the competition within the allotted time. If she fails to appear within the allotted time, her qualification will be revoked!"
The chief judges were very satisfied. It would be best if Luo Zhiheng never showed up, so that her position as chief judge would be completely safe.
Luo Ningshuang was so overjoyed she almost screamed. Such a great opportunity to perform! As long as she showcased her talents, she, Luo Ningshuang, would become famous in front of these important figures! This was simply a godsend.
Luo Ningshuang was going to perform a traditional folk art piece, which she had practiced many times. The piece was related to war and had a magnificent and grand melody. In the previous life, Murong Qianxue won first place in this competition with this piece! However, Murong Qianxue never made it to the finals in this life, so it was not unreasonable for her to use this piece.
The music opens with intense notes, then softens with a girl's sadness and longing, gradually rising in pitch. Each pluck of the strings seems like a contest.
This piece perfectly matches the theme of the competition, and Luo Ningshuang undoubtedly played it very well. It's a very uplifting piece. Of course, it would be even better if it didn't have that sentimental part.
However, just as everyone was awestruck by the powerful music, someone suddenly exclaimed. Then, a golden light suddenly fell from the observation platform, which was more than 20 meters high. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a golden cloak!
The music was captivating and breathtaking, yet people's attention was still diverted. Even the important figures who had also become somewhat interested in Luo Ningshuang's music couldn't help but tremble as they looked up!
Exclamations of surprise erupted! More people turned their gaze toward the imposing and ancient watchtower!
Before anyone knew it, a log had appeared at the top of the watchtower, with two red ribbons tied to it. The moment the golden cloak finally landed, a log-like object suddenly flew out of the watchtower's stone window!
The senior judge asked in surprise, "What's going on?" But the next moment, the senior judge exclaimed, "What is that?!"
With a whoosh, the log shot out quickly. Before anyone could panic and dodge, a bright red figure leaped out and skillfully caught the falling log. At that moment, everyone finally saw what it was!
"It's a calligraphy brush?!" The great calligrapher and scholar, Mr. Tong, was quite sensitive to such objects.
Everyone was shocked. How could there be such a huge calligraphy brush?! Then the brush was quickly passed around among the crowd. Everyone was amazed by the size of the brush, but the next moment, when the fiery red figure deftly flipped through the air like a god, everyone was speechless with shock. They could only stare blankly at that red figure, soaring into the sky and slicing ink with effortless grace!
The red figure suddenly turned around, grabbing one of the two red ribbons in her hand and wrapping the other around her foot. This difficult and dangerous move, done in mid-air, caused the people below to gasp involuntarily, and they continued to gasp with every movement of the red figure!
Using her soul, she wielded a giant brush, knocking it off the horizontal piece of wood. With a whoosh, to everyone's astonishment, a massive, fiery red cloth fell from the sky, fluttering in the wind. The woman's purpose was now clear!
"This person actually wants to paint in mid-air using this method? It's impossible!" Zhan Hainan, who is over a hundred years old, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise at this moment, even though he was usually calm.
Everyone stared in even greater shock and urgency at the figure spinning in mid-air. Just then, Luo Ningshuang's zither music reversed to its most intense tone, galloping across the battlefield with a sense of imminent danger. Unconsciously, it became an embellishment to the red figure in mid-air, making the person in mid-air appear even more precarious.
She channeled her strength, perfectly combining the essentials of martial arts and calligraphy. Using martial arts to wield her brush, she moved with ease and grace, displaying unparalleled skill and elegance!
The first stroke fell cleanly and beautifully! The second stroke followed with power! As the third stroke fell, her body swayed unsteadily in mid-air.
The enormous brush consumed a great deal of ink, and she shouted into the air, "Splash ink!"
Everyone's spirits lifted! The voice came from the person in mid-air, crisp and clear, clean and powerful, yet possessing an undeniable aura and rhythm! It was a woman?!
Before anyone could react, someone on the watchtower spilled ink, the strong scent of which wafted on the wind, yet not a drop of ink fell. 15882488
The person splashing the ink demonstrated exquisite control of force and precision, but the woman wielding the brush in mid-air was even more masterful. With effortless ease, she twirled the enormous brush, completely soaking it in ink. With another stroke, she unleashed her full power, her brushstrokes sharp and precise. A large character gradually took shape, its meaning clearly visible even from a thousand meters away!
Before the brushstrokes faded from thick to thin, she suddenly released the red ribbon binding her feet. Then, grasping the ribbon with her left hand, she wielded the brush with one hand, delivering a magnificent stroke. Her entire body rapidly descended along the ribbon, and her brush followed suit. Only at this moment did everyone realize that she wasn't holding the brush handle, but rather gripping it like a general tightly holding a spear, exuding majesty and domineering power!
This was a magnificent work combining force and culture. When the last stroke was written, when the exquisite and powerful final vertical line was completed, her figure finally left the red cloth, revealing large black characters still glistening with the ink of water, which appeared before everyone's eyes in a shocking and stunning way! That character was grand and arrogant, full of power, yet it was also awe-inspiring. A single character displayed a kind of uprightness, integrity, and invincible ambition!
handsome!
A million-strong army is led by only one capable general and one marshal. This one marshal is the soul of the army! He is the leader on the battlefield! He is the role model in war! He perfectly embodies the theme of war. Moreover, because of the domineering and powerful aura she exudes and the unique martial beauty of a warrior, she can definitely become the overlord of this contest! 14.
This word stunned everyone! This person astonished the world!
At this moment, her identity will be gradually revealed to everyone as her body continues to fall! The huge calligraphy brush was suddenly flung away by her and landed quickly in front of her. Her skirt swayed and fluttered, and her delicate feet landed on the huge brush handle, as if she were stepping on the brush as she fell, majestic and domineering!
Second update! Hooray! The first big climax is finally here! There will be an extra chapter today! Hua Sha will keep working hard! Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets!
Chapter 148: Unparalleled Elegance! He's Here! (by Daigo and Chaozhong) Bonus Chapter for 12,000 Recommendation Votes
Updated: 2013-07-03 17:58:44 Word Count: 4466
With a resounding thud, she leaped down, landing with incredible speed on the brush handle, the imposing character "帅" (handsome) on the fiery red banner behind her creating a scene of utter astonishment! With a whoosh, she flung aside the red ribbon, hooking the enormous brush with her toe. In a graceful turn, the brush rose like a spear, ink shooting skyward, the handle firmly gripped in her hand. The red ribbon billowed in the wind, revealing her breathtakingly beautiful face as she slowly turned!
A perfectly styled ponytail, a black veiled hat tying her hair up, sharply arched eyebrows, piercing eyes, and a half-smile on her lips. She was dressed entirely in fiery red, with a tall and slender figure!
The phrase "indistinguishable between male and female" instantly struck the eyes of every viewer!
The most stunning thing was that fleeting glance, a beauty that could topple empires!
The entire hall fell silent. Everyone seemed like a frog at the bottom of a well with its throat bound by horse reins. As they looked up at the sky with disdain, they were suddenly shocked to their knees by an eagle swooping down from below. Their hearts trembled! In Aotu's eyes was a deep sense of disbelief and awe.
With a thud, Luo Zhiheng smoothly placed the brush on the stage and finally stood up straight. At the same time, Luo Ningshuang finished playing her piece. But at this moment, no one was paying attention to what Luo Ningshuang had done; even Luo Ningshuang herself was shocked by what she had just witnessed.
Luo Zhiheng's gaze swept over the crowd. She showed a slight surprise at the two rows of white-haired elderly people in front of her, but then looked calmly at the judges' panel. The mockery and arrogance in her eyes were undisguised, and everyone who was swept by her gaze felt a chill run down their spine, truly feeling the sense of war emanating from her.
Bloody, cold-blooded, ruthless, vicious, and even arrogant and fighting spirit!
"I completed the competition within the allotted time. Judge, you'll give me the fairest result, right?" Luo Zhiheng said, her attitude arrogant and domineering!
The judge's hands, gripping the corner of the table, were throbbing with veins, her heart pounding in her throat. She had already stood up, a terrifying name spinning in her mind, but she refused to admit that it was that person.
"You...you are..."
Luo Zhiheng chuckled and said, word by word, "I am the Luo Zhiheng you speak of, the one who has accomplished nothing!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a deafening roar erupted from the deathly silent arena, and the entire arena instantly became abuzz with excitement!
Luo Zhiheng! This stunningly beautiful woman is actually Luo Zhiheng? Then who was that ugly hag from yesterday? And who was that person who acted recklessly and had no talent a few days ago? Why is there such a huge contrast between her past and present? Everyone was stunned and couldn't quite process the name Luo Zhiheng.
"Luo Zhiheng? She's actually Luo Zhiheng? *** So amazing, and a trained martial artist too, hahaha, damn it, she really brings honor to our family of martial generals! This match was thrilling! This little girl is quite skilled." General Murong slapped his thigh, full of praise.
Old Master Tong was clearly very excited. Luo Zhiheng's calligraphy was absolutely brilliant. What was even more commendable was that she could write so exquisitely under such unavoidable and difficult circumstances. To achieve this at such a young age—just for that alone, this child is no ordinary person! 15484782
"As expected, rumors are not to be believed. My trip today has not been in vain." Old Master Tong smiled, his face full of wrinkles. His great-granddaughter-in-law had performed so well, displaying both talent and skill. As her ancestor, he was naturally proud.
"Congratulations, Old Master Tong, on finding such a talented and accomplished granddaughter-in-law!" the old men began to flatter, but none of them took their grumbling seriously. Sometimes, even old men can be quite childlike.
The emperor wore a reserved smile, but the shock within him was immense. He had long since investigated who Luo Zhiheng was, but her behavior these past two days had been completely different from usual, truly bizarre. Could it be that Luo Zhiheng had been hiding her true strength all along?
The judge's face instantly turned deathly pale! She knew that, given Luo Zhiheng's unexpected yet brilliant performance today, the fairest outcome would undoubtedly be Luo Zhiheng winning the championship! But that meant she would have to leave her position as a judge! And it also proved that Luo Zhiheng was right.
She was indeed short-sighted! She misjudged him, completely misjudging Luo Zhiheng, this ambiguous person! But now, it was too late for regrets! The head judge slumped into her seat, her gaze blank…
In this whole affair, the most tragic figure is none other than Luo Ningshuang!
Luo Zhiheng performed exceptionally well, her beautiful and powerful calligraphy, coupled with her magnificent and brilliant performance, making her the grand finale and stealing all of Luo Ningshuang's attention. Luo Ningshuang's breathtaking zither performance, on the other hand, became merely a backdrop and accompaniment to Luo Zhiheng's.
Both performers delivered stunning and outstanding final acts, but Luo Zhiheng was too cunning. If she wanted to punish someone, that person would be thoroughly humiliated, even if they tried to cram at the last minute! She deliberately chose to appear during Luo Ningshuang's performance to attract attention and make Luo Ningshuang want to vomit. It was truly a stroke of luck that Luo Zhiheng stumbled upon Luo Ningshuang's grand and powerful piece, which added a brilliant finishing touch to her performance!
But who would attribute the credit to Luo Ningshuang? At this moment, everyone is only amazed by Luo Zhiheng's brilliant performance and her image-changing talent and appearance. As for Luo Ningshuang's grievances? She'll just have to bear them herself. 12.
"She's actually Luo Zhiheng? She's completely different from the rumors! This girl is exquisitely beautiful, not ugly at all!" Duke Sun couldn't help but praise her. As a civil official, he was quite fond of Luo Zhiheng's calligraphy. It's said that you can tell a person's character just by looking at their handwriting.
Luo Zhiheng's calligraphy is upright, bold, and powerful, without a trace of feminine coquetry or gentleness. Its strong and neat style gives people a sharp and intense visual sense, which is enough to show that Luo Zhiheng is definitely a righteous person at heart.
Sun Yunyun was still staring blankly at the imposing and 'incomparably handsome' Luo Zhiheng on the stage. This was the first time she had seen Luo Zhiheng's true face. Yesterday she had heard that he was extremely ugly, but she never expected that she would actually see him and find him to be so handsome and exquisite! Sun Yunyun's heart was pounding, and her face was flushed red.
My mind involuntarily drifted to Luo Zhiheng's words from yesterday.
He said he liked her...
If only they could be together.
Young Master Luo is so handsome and exceptionally talented in both literature and martial arts; even the most brilliant minds in the world today would likely pale in comparison. Such a man, yet he is treated as a woman—Sun Yunyun felt a sudden surge of heartache. But her gaze towards Luo Zhiheng was filled with pity, tenderness, and shyness.
It's no wonder Sun Yunyun was captivated. Luo Zhiheng had dressed herself up so lavishly and beautifully today—in Mu Yunhe's words, flamboyant! Moreover, Luo Zhiheng's bandit-like and martial spirit already exuded a dashing, masculine charm. Now, with her sharp and powerful attire for today's competition, it was impossible to tell if she was male or female. She hadn't used makeup to uglify herself; her most authentic self was naturally the most charming and attractive. Which of the young men and women watching the competition hadn't felt their hearts flutter the moment she turned her head?
Luo Zhiheng's meticulously planned shock and subversion achieved its intended effect, but she was unaware that she had also inadvertently harmed a group of innocent young men and women.