8. Composing the preface for the pavilion, he drew all eyes upon the terrace; triumphing over the hyperthyroidism, Master Ji secured his forces.

After Ji Shi and his companion left Donggang Mountain, Oboer gave Ji Shi ten taels of gold for travel expenses and advised them not to return to Ruzhou City to avoid being tracked by Zhu Sheng, who knew their whereabouts.

Ji Shi pondered and agreed it made sense. Together with Master Jia, they traveled by land and water for half a month before finally arriving in Yuhang. At dusk, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the river, the shimmering waves sparkling like scattered gold. They boarded a small black-sailed boat, slowly entering the ancient port of Yuhang. Along the shore, willow branches gently brushed the water’s surface, peach blossoms seemed to smile upon the faces of passersby, embodying the gentle charm of the Jiangnan water town. Stepping onto the cobblestone street, vibrant tea houses and taverns buzzed with life; hawkers’ calls and laughter intertwined to paint a vivid picture of everyday human warmth. Ji Shi inhaled the moist air deeply and thought to himself, “Jiangnan, the starting point of my rise!”

Ji Shi and Master Jia walked into the bustling streets where a crowd had gathered, colorful banners fluttering. The King of Jiangnan was widely distributing invitations for talented scholars to gather and compose calligraphy and prose for the Jiangnan Pavilion he had built in Yuzhang. Though the pavilion was completed in the golden autumn of September, it had lacked a worthy preface—until now, when the King returned to Yuhang with a painting of the pavilion’s autumn scene, hoping for a timeless preface.

On the grand stage, silk brocade was spread out, ink and brushes prepared. Scholars from all corners either furrowed their brows in thought or wrote with flying strokes. The air was filled with the subtle scent of ink and the clash of talent. Sunlight filtered through light gauze curtains, casting mottled shadows that added a dreamlike hue to this cultural feast. Ji Shi’s eyes gleamed with calculation; perhaps this was the perfect opportunity for him to emerge and make his name known throughout Jiangnan.

As they approached, a scholar was reciting his composition. Ji Shi recognized him instantly—Ruzhou’s top talent, Fan Wei Ji. “Too bad this time it’s just me who can slap him down; people change so much!” Ji Shi thought bitterly.

Fan Wei Ji stood center stage, a proud expression on his face, unfurling a scroll of rice paper. Clearing his throat, he read aloud in a loud and confident voice: “...The Jiangnan Pavilion towers into the clouds, overlooking the river like a winding dragon. At dawn, golden light bathes the pavilion, shining brilliantly like a fairyland. As night falls, the lights blaze and mingle with the stars, a breathtaking sight. This pavilion is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural treasure, gathering the wisdom of talents from all over the world, showcasing the prosperity of Jiangnan’s western region...”

The audience broke into applause, even the King of Jiangnan nodded repeatedly. At that moment, Ji Shi knew, “It’s my turn to perform!”

Without a brush or even looking at the painting, he stepped onto the stage empty-handed. The surrounding guards tried to stop him, but Fan Wei Ji intervened and said to them, “It’s him again, that shameless fellow? Forget it, anyway, you can’t beat me this time! Even the Sacred Emperor Kun won’t help you!”

Ji Shi smiled and said, “Young man, listen carefully. My preface will be beautiful!”

He then looked at everyone, including the King seated at the main throne, who watched him with interest, curious about the audacity of this young man.

“Yuzhang, an ancient city, now a new capital of Hongdu. The stars divide into Wings and Carriage, the land connects Heng and Lu. Embracing three rivers and spanning five lakes, controlling Man and Jing, drawing Ou and Yue. Rich in treasures of nature, dragon light shines upon the Bull and Dipper’s resting place; gifted people and fertile land, where Xu Ru once bowed before Chen Fan’s bed. Mighty provinces shrouded in mist, talents like stars racing across the sky. The terraces and moats lie between barbarians and Han, guests and hosts enjoy the best of the southeast...”

As he recited the first section, the entire hall was stunned. “Though it’s a preface for the Jiangnan Pavilion, it bypasses the banquet and pavilion itself, truly unconventional and majestic!” People turned to see who spoke, “It’s Song Yang, the great scholar. He praises the first section like this—who is this man with such literary talent? Why have we never heard of him before?” whispers and discussions erupted.

Delighted by the crowd’s reaction, Ji Shi continued: “...The muddy waters clear, and the cold pool brightens; the smoky light condenses, and the evening mountains turn purple. Horses gallop along the high road, seeking scenic views on the lofty hills. Facing the Emperor’s isle, we find the ancient human abode. Layered peaks rise green, piercing the clouds; flying pavilions gleam red, towering without ground below. Crane islets and duck shoals wind endlessly around the islands; fragrant palaces and orchid halls follow the hills’ contours.

Opening embroidered gates and gazing down carved roofs, the vast mountains stretch as far as eyes can see, rivers and lakes curve in majestic spectacle. The neighborhoods bustle with bells and feasts; boats fill the ferry, adorned with azure sparrows and golden dragons at the stern. Clouds disperse and rain clears, colors shine across the district. Sunset and solitary wild geese fly together; autumn waters and the endless sky blend as one. Fishermen sing at dusk, their echoes stretching to Pengli’s shore; geese fly in formation, startling the cold, their cries breaking off at Hengyang’s bank...”

As these two sections were delivered, the audience could hardly believe their ears. “This is incredible! But alas, my elder brother is unlettered; one exclamation, and he conquers all!” Such remarks abounded.

Then Song Yang began his critique: “These two sections move from near to far, from the majestic pavilion to the elegant mountains and rivers, vividly painting the autumn scenery of Jiangnan Pavilion with rich colors and layered beauty. The imagery flows naturally, blending reality and illusion, the solid and the void complementing each other. Especially the line ‘Sunset and solitary wild geese fly together; autumn waters and the endless sky blend as one’—this combines the beauty of reality and imagination, color and motion, and employs rhetorical devices superbly. The pairing of ‘sunset’ with ‘wild geese,’ and ‘autumn waters’ with ‘endless sky’ perfectly enhances the musicality and imagery of the language.”

“Alas! Fortune is not aligned, fate is fraught with hardship. I am but a humble scholar with a meager three feet of life, seeking a path to serve...” Ji Shi then began to play the victim.

“I had another short poem, but I have urgent matters today, so I’ll forgo it!” With that, he jumped down from the stage, called Master Jia, and swiftly left.

“Why are we leaving now?” Master Jia asked confusedly.

“Are you stupid? If we stay, what if they start questioning me? I can only recite, after all! But I’ve already made a deep impression on the King of Jiangnan; asking for his help later should be easier.”

“Oh, got it!” Master Jia nodded uncertainly.

To avoid recognition, they bought masks by the roadside and wore them, even dining in private rooms.

At the hour of Wei, they arrived at the King of Jiangnan’s mansion, overwhelmed by its grandeur. The gates stood majestic, with carved beams and painted rafters, shining resplendently as if swallowing all light.

Ji Shi stepped forward, explained their purpose to the guards, emphasized that Oboer had introduced them, and presented a jade pendant. One guard hurried inside to report to the King. Soon after, he returned, saying, “Two honored guests, the Prince extends his hospitality. Please follow me.”

They entered the courtyard, deep and layered with strange stones, small bridges over flowing water, and winding paths leading to secluded spots. Among the rockeries, white cranes danced gracefully, their crisp calls echoing in the air, lending a celestial aura to the mansion. Passing through exquisite gates, each step felt like entering the river of history, immersed in a culture steeped for a thousand years. Sunlight filtered through intricately carved lattice windows, casting colorful reflections on the smooth marble floors, dazzling and enchanting.

After passing through the “Eight Trigrams Formation,” they finally met the King of Jiangnan. He was playing chess with a young boy, showing no sign of the world’s strongest man. Seeing them arrive, he told the boy, “Bian’er, you may leave now. We’ll continue our game when I have time.”

Once the boy left, the King turned to them, “Oboer introduced you, yet you wear masks?”

“Oh, we forgot. Sorry!” They removed their masks.

“So you are the young genius who wrote the preface for Jiangnan Pavilion. How do you know Oboer?”

Ji Shi looked at him and said, “Allow me to explain,” then recounted what Oboer had told him, omitting the fact that Chilaio still had a chance.

After hearing him out, the King said, “Send for General Jia Kang!” Then he looked at Ji Shi. “I understand your intentions, but whether I agree depends on your strength. You claim to be at the peak of the Hao realm. I will have General Jia Kang fight you. He was once Jiangnan’s top prodigy and is now at the early grandmaster stage. I will suppress his level to the Fen realm. If you win, I will grant your request. How does that sound?”

“Master Ji, maybe we should leave. Jia Kang is not only a grandmaster but also suppressed above your level. How can you win? Seems like he’s setting you up to make you give up,” Master Jia advised.

“No, I won’t give up. For Chilaio, and for myself—I aim to become a man worthy of a king!” Ji Shi said resolutely.

“I agree!” Ji Shi fixed his gaze on the King.

At that moment, Jia Kang arrived, cupping his fists, “My lord, how may I serve?”

“You will suppress your realm to early Fen and fight him.”

“Who?” Jia Kang looked at Ji Shi. “Kid, what’s your realm?”

“Hao realm, peak!”

“Ah, my lord, you must be joking. I’m afraid I’ll kill this kid!”

“Mind your place. I will intervene if necessary.”

“All right, kid, come on then. Fists and feet don’t discriminate—you better be careful!”

They moved to an open ground. The air seemed to freeze as Ji Shi and Jia Kang faced off. Jia Kang launched a heavy punch with a howling wind. Ji Shi barely dodged but was pushed back several steps by the shockwave. Jia Kang struck again with a flurry of punches, leaving Ji Shi no room to evade. Panic rose in his heart as defeat loomed.

Suddenly, the image of Chilaio flashed through his mind. “Chilaio, I will avenge you!” Ji Shi shouted.

A surge of indomitable fighting spirit welled up. With a roar, his figure soared like a phoenix reborn, unleashing the “Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Earth” technique. Sword energy transformed into a variety of birds—small ones like warblers, swallows, sparrows, and large ones like swans, cranes, eagles, and mythical roc birds—attacking Jia Kang from all angles. Caught off guard, Jia Kang retreated repeatedly, unable to lift his suppression in time.

At this critical moment, the King of Jiangnan casually waved his hand, an invisible barrier blocking Ji Shi’s assault. Jia Kang was spared, while Ji Shi’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the King.

“Truly the world’s number one! Someday, I will surpass him!” Though battered, Ji Shi’s resolve only deepened.

“You’re impressive, young man, showing the spirit I had in my day. You’re qualified. Since you want help, here’s the deal: Jia Kang used to command the Three Thousand Divine Strategy Army in Jiangcheng. Now, I entrust that army to you, with Jia Kang as your deputy. How far you rise depends on your own strength.”

At that moment, the King tilted his head toward a corner and waved. Perceiving Ji Shi’s curiosity, he said slowly, “I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.