Chapter 618: Yun Wan Arrives, Only One Poem Left! (Happy New Year!)

The Gathering of Beauties.

Ding District.

With the aid of the Kun Xu Ding within his mind sea, Yu Ke had fully mastered the "Demon-Slaying Sword," a technique that Xie Guan would have needed half a month to fully grasp.

It was now entirely under Yu Ke's control.

After all, once the simulation ended, whatever Xie Guan gained would merely reflect upon Yu Ke.

Unfortunately, during direct participation, he could only borrow the strength of this body.

He could not summon anything from his original world—not even recall the cultivation methods taught at Shenxiao Sect.

It seemed bound by a "One Leaf Obscures the Mountain" restriction.

Faced with this scene, Yu Ke had no choice but to calm his mind and slowly open his eyes, surveying his surroundings.

Onstage, the second courtesan's performance had ended; her solo huqin melody was lingering and enchanting.

This courtesan came from Zixiao Pavilion, and her huqin skill was exquisite.

Zhang Yuanlai's expression was wildly excited, for the huqin's tune originated from Longxi Road—the very melody of his longed-for homeland.

Feng Yaya, with her delicate sensibility, sensed Zhang Yuanlai's emotional turmoil and silently extended her slender hand to tightly grasp his.

They exchanged a glance and smiled, their eyes brimming with tender affection.

He Xiao watched this scene, his face darkening with quiet melancholy; he secretly envied them, yet could not hide it.

He and Zhang Yuanlai were both Licentiates, yet in the bustling capital of Bianjing, that meant little.

They were merely minor attendants to the young masters and ladies of the Nine Great Clans—summoned at will, dismissed without thought.

Feng Yaya had once been the top courtesan of Yuehua Pavilion, exceptionally intelligent; within years, her fame soared and her value doubled.

For Zhang Yuanlai to win her favor was truly climbing too high.

At this moment, Zhou Yuner served Xie Guan with eager attentiveness, refilling his cup with fresh wine.

Seeing this, Yu Ke did not refuse; he raised the cup and drained it in one gulp.

"Young Master Guan, what do you think of these three courtesans? Are they worthy of your attention?" Zhou Yuner asked softly, testing the waters.

Yu Ke's gaze swept the audience below, where revelry surged—even the railings of Yaoxian Tower echoed with applause.

The people along both banks of the canal roared with joy, the scene wildly festive.

Yet Yu Ke felt no great stir within; he knew he was merely an outsider, a mere spectator.

"All are exquisite beauties," Yu Ke replied with a faint smile, his tone slightly dismissive.

Hearing this, Zhou Yuner secretly rejoiced—she feared most that Young Master Guan might develop feelings for any of the courtesans.

She had once witnessed the mad, absurd acts of lovesick men in the Western Pavilion, all desperate for a single smile from a courtesan—truly heartbreaking.

Fortunately, Young Master Guan seemed a composed man.

On the four-sided stage, the woman lightly stepped forward, bowed to the guests, then softly spoke the next poem theme—"Huqin on the Frontier"—before retreating slowly, leaving only a graceful silhouette.

He Xiao, upon hearing the theme, furrowed his brow in thought, his gaze occasionally drifting to Xie Guan, who remained seated, showing no sign of rising.

He recalled his own earlier brushwork, and seeing Xie Guan's masterpiece, felt he could not match it—so he refrained from showing off.

Zhang Yuanlai was different; hearing the music of his homeland, his poetic inspiration surged. He strode boldly to the table and picked up his brush.

Jia Yu and the other two had not left; each harbored a question, waiting for the outcome.

Xie Guan's previous minor lyric, though fitting, remained uncertain whether it would claim top honors.

At this moment!

He Xiao's eyes suddenly brightened, fixed on two women approaching along the seating path.

Especially the woman in front, clad in a light gauze white robe—her figure graceful, her demeanor elegant and serene, unlike any ordinary woman.

Alas, her face was veiled, concealing her features.

Following closely behind her was Li Xiangjun; the two appeared to be heading toward this table.

Seeing this, He Xiao quickly straightened his robes in respect.

Zhou Yuner's face flickered with surprise; she hurried forward warmly to greet them.

"Sister Yun, you've come? Aren't you preparing for your performance at the Gathering of Beauties?"

Feng Yaya, having seen Li Xiangjun depart earlier, had already suspected something.

Jia Yu and the others were startled, suddenly remembering who this Yun girl was.

One of Yuehua Pavilion's courtesans—and one of today's performers.

She was a courtesan they could never approach—why had she come here?

Yun Wan's gaze unconsciously fixed on the young man lounging in his chair.

He wore a refined plain robe, tall and slender; though his eyes were closed in meditation, when opened, they revealed a calm, composed aura.

"Indeed, fine bearing," Yun Wan thought to herself.

At this moment, Li Xiangjun stepped forward and introduced: "This is Young Master Guan."

Yu Ke raised his eyes to see a woman bowing gracefully, her voice as gentle as spring breeze: "Yun Wan greets Young Master Guan."

"Yun Wan greets Young Master Guan."

"I've veiled my face today out of necessity—it's impolite, I beg Young Master Guan's pardon."

Yu Ke felt a faint confusion; Xie Guan's memories held no recollection of this woman.

Zhou Yuner quickly explained: "Sister Yun isn't just a courtesan of Yuehua Pavilion—she's also the hostess of this Gathering of Beauties."

Yu Ke nodded slowly, showing no disrespect.

"Greetings, Miss Yun."

Jia Yu and the others also fixed their gazes on this woman, realizing the courtesan had come for Xie Guan.

Coupled with Li Xiangjun's recent departure, and Yun Wan's arrival now—was she here to request a poem for the finale?

The thought flashed through them, yet they found it unlikely.

After all, Yun Wan and Xie Guan had no prior connection; they knew nothing of his talent—why would she come so boldly?

Could it really be because of his previous poem?

At this moment!

On the four-sided stage, lights blazed brightly as another woman stepped forth—Gong Sun Niangzi, the performer from the previous round.

She wore a flowing silk gown, utterly unlike her earlier bold red brocade attire; now she radiated elegance and soft beauty, revealing a new facet of her charm.

Gong Sun Niangzi bowed gracefully onstage; all eyes turned to her, awaiting her announcement.

Jia Yu and the others watched intently, filled with anticipation and tension—they longed to know whether Xie Guan's poem would make the top three.

Zhou Yuner's gaze was locked on the stage, her eyes gleaming with hope.

Yun Wan's gaze also shifted toward the four-sided stage.

Gong Sun Niangzi smiled faintly and said slowly: "Originally, three poems were to be selected as finalists. But one was so extraordinary, so unforgettable, that I have decided to make an exception—only this one shall be crowned champion."

He Xiao suddenly felt a premonition.

Zhou Yuner grew anxious—she feared Xie Guan's poem might not be the one chosen.

As the announcer solemnly posted the copied poem and covered it tightly with a bright red cloth, the atmosphere grew taut.

All eyes fixed on the red cloth.

Gong Sun Niangzi lifted it.

A minor lyric poem was revealed.

The announcer respectfully recited it aloud.

Yun Wan's eyes widened in shock; though she knew Xie Guan's poem was exceptional, she had not expected.

Gong Sun Niangzi had the audacity to choose only one.

Zhou Yuner beamed with joy.

"Young Master Guan, this poem is yours."

He Xiao felt an inexplicable pang of loss—after today, the boy who once read quietly in his small courtyard would surely become famous throughout Bianjing.

(End of Chapter)