Section 42: Confrontation with Tie Ao
2013-02-09 Author: Gu Zhenren
Section 42: Confrontation with Tie Ao
The sunlight shone in.
A man of imposing stature, with a wolf-like back and a wasp waist, strode into the hall with his back to the sun.
The sunlight was dazzling, forcing everyone to squint. The man, silhouetted against the light, had his features obscured by darkness, exuding an immense psychological pressure.
“Young Master of the Tie Family!” someone exclaimed.
The outburst was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing the hall to erupt in a clamor. Everyone stood up, their faces contorted into fawning smiles, and greeted Tie Ao.
Tie Ao remained still, his gaze fixed on the Hongshang Fairy seated on the high throne, his eyes burning with fervent affection.
“Hongshang, it feels like three autumns have passed in just one day. Hearing of your arrival, I specifically instructed my men to procure some gifts to present to you.”
With that, Long Daozhi, standing behind him, waved his hand. A large group of followers behind him stepped forward, each carrying a colorful treasure.
“This is the Star Sea Snow Gold Pearl, which nourishes the skin and enhances beauty. Our young master purchased it for over a thousand Tiangang Stone Coins.”
“This is a celadon glazed porcelain vase from the Tang Jin Kingdom era. I’ve heard that Hongshang Fairy particularly favors antiques from the Tang Jin Kingdom; our young master has been offering a high price for it. Today, it was exchanged for an upper-grade Sea Burst Crocodile Demonic Beast.”
“This is the Seven Star Fire Protective Lamp. Possessing the cultivation of an upper-grade Great Demon Soldier, it is dedicated to protecting the Fairy.”
“This is the Thousand Tentacle Ginseng Dragon’s Eye Necklace. It emits the aura of the Thousand Tentacle Ginseng Dragon and is excellent for replenishing qi and beautifying the skin.”
Long Daozhi’s voice was smooth and unhurried. With each treasure announced, the crowd let out a collective gasp.
“These are invaluable treasures, rare beyond measure…”
“It’s no secret that the Young Master of the Tie Family is infatuated with Hongshang Fairy. It’s rumored he presents a pile of valuable gifts every time they meet.”
“A true match of beauty and hero. It’s a pity that Hongshang Fairy is steadfast in her pursuit of the ultimate realm of the dance, remaining distant from the Young Master of the Tie Family. Otherwise, it would be a beautiful tale…”
The crowd murmured amongst themselves.
Suddenly, someone raised their voice, speaking with an insincere tone, “Brother Tie Ao, the Seven Star Fire Protective Lamp you’ve presented is timely indeed. Just now, someone was forcefully pressuring everyone, wanting to have Hongshang Fairy all to themselves.”
“Heh heh heh. Now that Brother Tie Ao is here, that person has fallen silent, acting like a shrinking turtle,” someone sneered derisively.
Many eyes turned to Chu Yun, accompanied by knowing glances and sarcastic remarks, filled with schadenfreude.
“Oh? Someone dared to disrespect Hongshang Fairy? Who was it?” Tie Ao frowned, his voice stern.
No one spoke, but everyone’s gazes converged on Chu Yun, making it obvious.
“Young Master, I didn’t expect Chu Yun to be hiding here…” Long Daozhi whispered almost inaudibly.
“Hmm?” Tie Ao reluctantly shifted his gaze from Hongshang Fairy to Chu Yun.
Chu Yun’s expression remained calm, his sharp eyes meeting Tie Ao’s.
Their eyes locked.
The atmosphere instantly grew heavy, and for a moment, many felt breathless.
One was a rising star, recently gaining fame like a dazzling constellation. The other was from a powerful family, recognized as the foremost figure of the younger generation.
This was not Tie Ao’s first time seeing Chu Yun.
Similarly, Chu Yun had glimpsed Tie Ao from afar in the crowd in his previous life. This was the first time they were this close.
“This is a formidable enemy,” a voice echoed in Chu Yun’s mind, then amended, “A pity that heroes are susceptible to beauty; he is still inferior to King Ning.”
In the memories of his past life, King Ning had risen like the sun after being struck by a meteor, his luck unceasing, his encounters continuous and unstoppable, ultimately suppressing Tie Ao.
King Ning, using every means at his disposal, often exploited Tie Ao’s deep affection for Hongshang Fairy to set traps. Tie Ao had suffered various grievous injuries because of this, yet his feelings remained unchanged.
King Ning’s rise led to the unification of the northern Archipelago, forming a standoff with Tie Ao, who had unified the southern region. Of course, King Ning generally held the upper hand.
Others might fear Tie Ao, but Chu Yun did not.
He had already killed King Ning, so why would he fear Tie Ao?
However, Chu Yun remained vigilant: “King Ning was killed by me before he could rise. But the Tie Ao before me is at his peak. Currently, with the power of the Spirit Demons at his disposal, I must be cautious until my Drunken Snow Saber is repaired.”
“Junior Brother Chu Yun, your deeds have been widely rumored lately. Well done, you haven’t brought shame to Tiange Academy.” After a moment of eye contact, Tie Ao spoke first, nodding slightly, projecting the demeanor of a senior.
Chu Yun was the president of the Academic Council this year. Tie Ao had been the president three years ago. Both had overshadowed their peers, their individual brilliance illuminating the academy.
“However, Junior Brother Chu Yun, there are rules to boarding this ship. Only by passing three trials can one enter this hall. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Junior Brother Chu Yun, have you passed?” Tie Ao shifted the conversation, his words seemingly righteous, leaving no room for rebuttal, aiming to suppress Chu Yun with his authority and force a response.
In reality, the three trials were merely a formality.
Most people in the hall had not undergone each successive assessment. Tie Ao was specifically targeting Chu Yun, intending to drive him away publicly.
“I was just about to seek your guidance, Tie Ao.” Chu Yun disdained further verbal sparring and directly confronted Tie Ao.
“Tsk, what’s your attitude? You should address me as Senior Brother, understand?”
“He actually wants to challenge Tie Ao? Has he gone mad?”
“Brother Tie Ao, teach this impudent brat a lesson!”
The crowd clamored in unison, their previous somber silence replaced by palpable excitement, their eyes glinting with bloodlust.
Tie Ao raised his hand, silencing the uproar. He smiled, in control of the situation, remarking calmly, “I won’t bully a junior. Among the three trials, the second is a martial test, and the third is a literary test. I will hold these for you.”
He carried himself with an elegant and handsome demeanor, a divine light flashing in his eyes, acting like a half-owner. He did not wish to resort to force in front of the woman he loved, as it would be undignified. Thus, he devised this plan to publicly humiliate Chu Yun, forcing him into the hands of the Yan Family’s ancestor.
Chu Yun stood up, resolute, “Then let us begin.”
The crowd was extremely excited, restless, eager to witness Chu Yun’s downfall and humiliation.
“Good. So straightforward,” Tie Ao nodded, hands clasped behind his back. “I won’t bully you. I’ve heard you are skilled in Meteor Archery. For the second martial trial, it will be an archery contest. We’ll go to the deck and see who can shoot down the most seagulls within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn.”
“As expected,” Chu Yun inwardly sneered. Tie Ao was unaware of whether his Drunken Snow Saber had survived the Spirit Demon Tribulation, and thus had chosen the most advantageous contest: archery. His archery was at the Great Accomplishment stage, one step above Chu Yun’s Minor Accomplishment archery.
“Let us be the witnesses.”
“We’ve always heard legends about Meteor Archery; today we’ll finally see it.”
“Brother Tie Ao, don’t give this kid a chance.”
The crowd filed out, still sparing Chu Yun sarcastic remarks.
The two took their positions. Tie Ao struck first, aiming at a seagull directly overhead, his arrow swift as lightning.
Chu Yun let out a cold laugh, raised his Hurricane Bow, and shot a Meteor Arrow. The Meteor Arrow was faster, striking first and colliding with Tie Ao’s arrow, both exploding.
“Hmm?” Tie Ao narrowed his eyes, his gaze as cold as ice sweeping over Chu Yun.
The crowd couldn’t help but boo, believing Chu Yun had cheated.
Tie Ao shot again, and Chu Yun, once more striking first, exploded his arrow.
“Good archery,” Tie Ao hadn’t expected Chu Yun to target him in such a way, employing this type of archery. While he possessed Great Accomplishment archery, there were no accompanying Cultivation Methods that could match the speed of Meteor Archery.
Chu Yun’s Meteor Archery, though only upper-grade, possessed power comparable to the semi-supreme grade.
“Can you block this kind of archery?” Tie Ao suddenly unleashed a barrage of arrows, splitting into countless phantom arrows that shot towards the sky.
Chu Yun raised an eyebrow, remaining unmoving. He shot an arrow, which struck first, piercing through the volley of arrows and hitting a seagull ahead of them.
“You…” Tie Ao’s expression soured. The barrage of arrows had expanded the attack range but diluted its power, allowing the Meteor Arrow to carve a path and strike true.
The crowd was silent. They had expected to witness Chu Yun’s defeat, but the reality was entirely different.
“His archery has reached the peak of Minor Accomplishment, only half a step away from Great Accomplishment,” Tie Ao’s expression grew increasingly somber after half an incense stick had burned. “This brat came prepared. He didn’t use the Star Positioning Bow but another Demonic Bow, nullifying my strategy of delay. I have no way to execute it.”
“Heh heh heh. Junior brother, your archery is impressive. This martial trial is considered passed, no need to continue.” Tie Ao forced a smile, feeling bitter. His Great Accomplishment archery had been defeated by Chu Yun’s Minor Accomplishment archery. Most importantly, losing face in front of his beloved stirred a fire within him, which he couldn’t vent.
“Now for the literary test.” Tie Ao smoothly transitioned, appearing relaxed and confident. “To show fairness, let us compose a poem on the spot, with Hongshang Fairy as the judge.”
“This is Hongshang’s honor,” Hongshang Fairy smiled gently, as radiant as a spring breeze, like a blooming peony.
“Compose a poem?” Jin Bihan’s heart sank, and she looked at Chu Yun with worry. Since spending time with Chu Yun, she had never seen him compose poetry.
Indeed, Chu Yun’s weakest point was poetry and lyrics; he was practically a blank slate.
Tie Ao strode forward, faced the sea, and took seven steps, immediately reciting a love poem. The poem was filled with deep emotion and sincere admiration for Hongshang Fairy, aiming to move her with his heartfelt words.
Upon its completion, appreciative shouts filled the air.
“A good poem, a truly good poem! We must all drink a toast!”
“It fits the occasion and the mood, and its lingering emotions are like a surging galaxy, powerful and moving.”
“These are exquisite lines, savoring them is like fine wine, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste.”
“Alas, it’s your turn, Chu Yun.” Someone pretended to be helpful, a malicious glint in their eyes.
“I believe the ‘Little Overlord’ can also compose a supreme verse, to broaden our horizons,” someone echoed with veiled sarcasm.
“Brother Chu…” Jin Bihan’s brow furrowed, feeling immense pressure. Tie Ao’s poem was indeed beautiful and moving, making even her, educated in imperial ways, falter. She couldn’t immediately think of a comparable verse.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Chu Yun chuckled, “Such poetry is considered exquisite? Utterly laughable! Watch me compose an eternal masterpiece that will live on through the ages.”
“Ink and brush, please!” he called out loudly, his voice rising.
