“Young Master Jun the Third, although our two esteemed Masters see the shifting fortunes of victory and defeat as mere passing clouds and hold no grudge over this momentary loss, I must ask: this couplet that you presented, do you yourself have a suitable lower line? If you possess an excellent response, please favor us with it, so that we might broaden our horizons.” From within the Wenxing Academy contingent, a scholar rose to his feet. It was clear he was deeply dissatisfied with the outcome of this round.

“How are you even more hypocritical than Li Youran!”

Jun Moxie stared at him in utter astonishment. “For the love of all that is holy, when you use your brain, try using your actual brain, not your backside! If it were a couplet I could match myself, would I really bring it out to deliberately cause trouble? Were you kicked by a donkey as a child? How did Wenxing Academy produce such an idiot as you?”

“Oh, right, I see you’re not just slow in the head, you’re deaf too, aren’t you? Before I posed the challenge, I explicitly stated this couplet came from someone else. No one has managed to answer it to this day; I was merely borrowing it. Which ear did you hear me say I composed it myself from? I suspect you either have no head, or your head is full of mold! To actually ask me for a lower line? You have some nerve! Does Tianxing Academy only produce this sort of sore loser who argues shamelessly when they’re losing?”

This time, few had anything to say against Young Master Jun. After all, he had made it clear before presenting the challenge that the couplet was not his own composition but sourced elsewhere, obviously intended to stump his opponents. For this scholar now to question him on this point, hoping to salvage a little face, was merely a futile effort that only invited further ridicule!

The scholar immediately flushed crimson!

Everyone else remained silent, but Li Youran, standing nearby, opened his eyes in surprise. What was this person’s deal, dragging him into this again? What did he mean by, “How are you even more hypocritical than Li Youran?”

Damn it, what kind of thing is that to say? How am I hypocritical?

“The moment Master concedes defeat, he sends his disciple out to whine and wriggle out of it? Is Wenxing such a poor sport?” Jun Moxie’s voice was loud and full of vigor. “If you truly cannot accept defeat, then this Young Master can afford to concede a point. While I may not be a paragon of virtue, I do understand the value of respecting my elders.”

So you do admit you’re not a good person? Everyone rolled their eyes simultaneously. Is this how you show respect for your elders? You’ve practically bowed those two old scholars right into the earth!

“Yan Feng, step down! Losing is losing. There is no need for argument, why obsess over a single gain or loss? This is only the first round. Does my Wenxing Academy truly have no chance left to recover?” Kong Lingyang’s lips trembled as he sharply reprimanded his disciple.

Not dwelling on a single gain or loss. Old Master Kong was just posturing for the moment. This wasn't simply a single contest lost; this was a monumental public humiliation. In previous years’ Golden Autumn Scholars’ Banquets, victories and defeats were evenly shared, but those were held on the central island of Luoyue Lake, and His Majesty the Emperor was not present. But this time, it was held in the Imperial Palace, with the Emperor present and all the Empire’s high-ranking officials in attendance—the scale was many times larger than previous years. To lose precisely at this juncture was utterly disheartening!

If the most despised dandy of Wenxing Academy used to be the Fatty Tang Yuan, now Fatty had slipped to second place. Young Master Jun had cemented his rank, and it was a rank that never changed. The scholars, both old and new, of Wenxing Academy now harbored a bone-deep hatred for Young Master Jun.

“Hehe, Teacher Kong is right. Matching couplets is merely a pastime for literati when they have nothing better to do. True scholarly attainment is reflected in poetry, calligraphy, music, chess, painting, and calligraphy,” Li Youran remarked with an unruffled smile. “Surely, there isn’t a single area where Young Master Jun surpasses you all?”

This statement was venomous! In front of the entire court, if Wenxing Academy simply backed down now, wouldn't it be an admission that the entire academy conceded that there was not one skill in which they were better than the great dandy, Jun Moxie? How could Wenxing Academy afford to lose face like that? They could hardly let the matter rest!

Instantly, the atmosphere grew tense again.

I’ve figured it out. This brat Li Youran has absolutely no good intentions! Just as expected from a pretty boy—no good where it counts. He deliberately wants to use these old masters’ swords to force me to reveal my true capabilities!

Young Master Jun’s eyes darted. He first tilted his head back, so far that it nearly touched Du Gu Yi’s delicate lips, then nodded, and threw his head back in hearty laughter, full of confidence. “He speaks the truth! Wenxing Academy has brought quite a contingent this time. Luckily, we too are rich in talent! How could the descendants of our great noble families shrink from a challenge? This Young Master and Young Master Youran will join forces against Wenxing Academy. Regardless of who wins or loses when this is recounted, it will surely be a wonderful tale. Earlier, Young Master Youran also said he admires this Young Master in many aspects—hehe—meaning this Young Master’s skill is a cut above; in other words, I am significantly stronger than Li Youran! Hehehehehe…” Did everyone hear that? So, if you all can’t even surpass Young Master Youran, then don’t bother coming to me! This Young Master is extremely busy. My time is incredibly precious; every moment brings in tens of millions of silver taels. I can’t afford to waste it!”

This retort was a beautiful blend of deflection and attack. It not only bound all the descendants of the noble families to his warship but also pushed Li Youran out front as the prime scapegoat—a move both offensive and defensive, leaving no trace of its execution.

Everyone turned their admiring gazes, but not toward Jun Moxie. The way Jun Moxie tilted his head, nodded, and then delivered such a comprehensive speech, flexible in attack and defense, smooth in retreat—even a wooden dummy could tell something was amiss. If Du Gu Xiao Yi hadn't prompted him, it would be a miracle! How could such a scoundrel utter words of such substance? Besides, the way he spoke earlier was unnatural, like he was reciting a memorized script. And in that entire long speech, there wasn't a single curse word! If this wasn't the work of the Human Sect, it would be utterly bizarre!

Seeing Jun Moxie lean back in his chair, close his eyes, and adopt that lazy posture, knowing he wouldn't answer anything if questioned, the Wenxing contingent felt a wave of helplessness. They could only turn to Li Youran. “In that case, we shall humbly request instruction from Young Master Li first.”

Li Youran stood up with a faint smile and gave a slight bow. “The honor is mine.” He showed no displeasure at being pushed forward by Jun Moxie’s self-praise. Truthfully, Jun Moxie had already won one round, regardless of how clean the victory was. A win was a win. Li Youran, who considered himself a proud Scion of Heaven, certainly didn't want to be overshadowed by him.

On the Dragon Throne, the Emperor’s gaze inadvertently swept over Li Youran, then lowered. His peripheral vision fell upon Jun Moxie and Du Gu Xiao Yi. The expression in his eyes was inscrutable.

“Since the couplets have been matched, and I hear Young Master Li Youran is famous throughout the world for his flute playing, shall we compete in music for this round? I, Jin Yinzhen, wish to ask Young Master Youran for guidance,” a scholar stepped forward slowly. He first bowed to the Emperor and the esteemed elders before turning to face Li Youran. His movements were unhurried, and he lightly held a white jade flute crafted from jade.

“Young Master Jin Yin’s mastery of music is renowned across the land. How could Youran possibly compare? There is no need for this round; I willingly concede,” Li Youran sighed wryly. This was not Li Youran feigning defeat. At such a grand assembly, Young Master Li had hoped to shine. After all, performing before the Son of Heaven could leave a favorable impression that would yield double the result with half the effort in all future endeavors. But Jin Yinzhen was truly a formidable opponent, one nearly impossible to match! His hereditary skill with the xiao had made him famous across the continent by the age of fifteen. How could a dilettante like himself, only dabbling in elegance, compare? Wenxing Academy sending him here was clearly intended to claw back a point and establish a stalemate before the truly difficult matches began.

“Hehe, Young Master Moxie and I have each taken a round. I am ashamed in this round, admitting my skill is inferior, and willingly concede,” Li Youran said without changing expression. “The next round falls to Young Master Moxie. Youran wishes Young Master Jun the Third success in the upcoming contest.”

Jun Moxie let out an internal curse! This guy just admitted defeat without even attempting the contest—was that too much? If it were me, no matter how skilled the opponent, I’d scream a popular song at the top of my lungs. I’d rather be beaten to death than scared into silence!

The Golden Autumn Scholars’ Banquet usually proceeded by exchanges proposed by both sides, gradually moving from poetry, calligraphy, music, and chess to matters of statecraft, civil affairs, foreign policy, and so on, until all arts were contested. Currently, thanks to Jun Moxie’s nonsense, the two factions had formed their opposing lines. However, the level of explosive tension and the ferocity of the confrontation far surpassed previous years. Anyone who had attended the banquets over the years could clearly sense this difference; only the two main participants, Young Master Jun and Fatty Tang, who were truly involved in the competition, lacked this insight. They had participated before, of course, but that was solely for chasing girls. The situation now was incomparable.

Next up was the poetry contest. The Minister of Rites, Sun Chenghe, conferred with the attendees and finally decided to set the theme on the spot. Both sides would then compose poems to compete immediately, with the quality judged to determine the victor.

“For this poetry critique, the theme will be ‘Scholarship.’ Please nominate your representative for each side.” Sun Chenghe glanced at Jun Moxie, shook his head, clearly having already decided the outcome, and sighed.

Jun Moxie had no intention of winning anyway, so he simply laughed it off.

Another scholar in blue rose. Upon introduction, he was named Qin Qiushi. Just from his name, one could imagine the extent to which his parents craved official success.

“May Young Master Jun enlighten us,” Qin Qiushi frowned, thinking hard. After about the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, he cleared his throat and recited loudly. The eunuch scribe waiting nearby, pen poised, held his breath, ready to record every word Qin Qiushi uttered.

“Bravely ascend the mountain of study to touch the soaring clouds, Dare to cross the sea of knowledge to observe the surging tides; With an upright heart and diligent effort, what need is there for shortcuts, Climbing the stars and plucking the dippers, the path is not far; Willing to dedicate this body to integrity, How could one begrudge spilling hot blood to forge the rainbow bridge? If this life can achieve even an inch of progress, It shall not betray the wielding of the wolf-hair brush this day.”

Qin Qiushi was indeed extraordinary. In the short time of half an incense stick, he had composed a regulated verse of seven characters per line (Qilu). While the artistic conception was not supreme, the parallelism was quite stable; it was certainly a top-tier piece. Moreover, it not only clarified the attitude required for scholarship but also subtly expressed heroic aspirations of dedicating oneself to the nation and a great ambition to showcase one’s talents.

After the scribe finished recording, he respectfully presented the poem to His Majesty the Emperor for review. The Emperor glanced at it, fixed a deep look on Qin Qiushi, and then, showing no outward emotion, waved for the civil officials to pass it around. All the ministers nodded in appreciation. Each possessed talent, but they suspected that under such immense pressure, producing a poem in the time it took half an incense stick to burn, they might not have surpassed this one.

“Good poem, a very good poem, Brother Qin truly possesses the skill of writing a fine wet piece!”

Jun Moxie clapped enthusiastically, his laughter bordering on the vulgar and utterly unrestrained. “The skill of writing such a wet piece, the Jun family bows in defeat, bows in defeat! The speed was too fast; a quick shooter!”

“Thank you, Young Master Jun, for your praise. I am but shallow in learning, causing you and the esteemed elders to laugh at me,” Qin Qiushi could not fathom the hidden meaning in his words and humbly replied, “May I still request guidance from Young Master Jun? I await the honor of listening to Young Master Jun’s great work.”

“My great work? No, no, this Young Master has an abundance of resources and can fire them off whenever desired. There’s no need to write wet, certainly no need to write a single wet piece, and definitely no need to write a whole bedsheet wet,” Jun Moxie quickly declined, his words sounding utterly nonsensical to everyone else.

Tang Yuan suddenly let out a snicker. After laughing for a while, he seemed unable to control himself, clutching his large belly, convulsing with laughter, his face twitching, looking close to collapse. Having been influenced by Young Master Jun lately, Fatty was subtly showing signs of surpassing his teacher. Others might not have grasped the meaning behind Young Master Jun’s suggestive words, but Fatty understood perfectly. How could he not laugh?

Those who hadn’t understood the hidden meaning looked upon him with great disdain: This Fatty is truly unprincipled. You’re on the same side as Jun Moxie, yet you’re gloating over his embarrassment! Such character is truly contemptible.

“Young Master Jun is clearly gifted; he cannot simply concede! That is absolutely out of the question. You must recite a poem for us all to judge,” the Han Zhidong from before suddenly jumped out, loudly demanding that Jun Moxie suffer a major embarrassment.

“Is Young Master Jun not here to compete with us?” Old Mei Gaojie’s eyes rolled, his gaze chilling.

“Young Master Jun the Third comes from a martial family; it’s understandable that he is not versed in literature,” a Wenxing scholar chuckled, filled with triumphant glee. Watching Jun Moxie make a fool of himself brought him great satisfaction. “Conceding now is expected. Did you all find it surprising?”

This remark landed like a perfect dark joke. Those who wanted to laugh and those who didn't burst into laughter, their mirth thick with mockery.

Actually, I truly, truly look down on all of you!

There’s still a small bit more to come... hehe.

Jun Moxie would certainly not say those words aloud. But since you insist on being insulted, and so eagerly at that, it would be a great disservice to you all if this Young Master didn't thoroughly curse you out!

Jun Moxie snorted coldly and grandly agreed: “Since everyone is so earnestly insistent, this Young Master accepts your great courtesy with unworthiness. However, regarding scholarship... this Young Master has truly never studied it. I won’t write a poem based on the topic; I’ll just casually recite something for everyone’s amusement.”

“Casually recite something? Young Master Jun is truly talented! A poem is formed with every gesture. I am impressed, deeply impressed.” It was Han Zhidong again. Ever since losing the couplet challenge, he had harbored a grudge against Jun Moxie. If not for Jun Moxie, how could he have fallen into such disgrace? If this cost him his future prospects, it would be as if Jun Moxie had ruined his entire life! Now that he had a chance for revenge, how could he let it pass? At this moment, it was no longer about Wenxing Academy’s victory but about satisfying his personal vendetta.

“The talents from Wenxing Academy,” Jun Moxie tilted his head and smiled, then suddenly said with deep meaning, “Are they all of this… character? Why do I feel they are worse than me, this dandy who haunts brothels, bullies the weak, and commits all manner of evil? Are these the rising stars Wenxing Academy intends to recommend to the Empire? I don’t understand. If people of such disposition governed a region... wouldn’t they be playing the groom every day and changing brides every night?”

This sentence was spoken lightly, seemingly carelessly, yet also like a direct public insult. The speaker’s words were unintentional, but the listeners took deep heed. His Majesty the Emperor’s eyes suddenly flashed with sharp light, his expression changing before he fell into deep thought.

The assembled dignitaries also paused, looking thoughtful. At this moment, everyone simultaneously recalled that in previous Golden Autumn Scholars’ Banquets, the zealous desire for victory from the Wenxing Academy side seemed a bit too intense...

Instantly, everyone’s gaze, after thoughtful consideration, shifted back to Jun Moxie. Had this fellow spoken unintentionally, or was he deliberately pointing something out? Upon closer inspection, they were instantly disappointed. This rascal’s current appearance was simply too… shamelessly lecherous!

After speaking that line, Jun Moxie frowned, slowly moving out from his seat, his neck tilted and stiff, displaying an utterly obnoxious demeanor, as if completely oblivious to what he had just said. He took consecutive steps in the characteristic style of the Eighth Prince: hips slightly thrust back, waist twisting, stepping forward yet seeming to step back, one hand affectatiously placed behind his back, the other hand trembling near his chest as if electrocuted. The movements were wooden, yet strangely fluid, bizarre yet dashing.

If any person from Earth saw this, they would immediately recognize it: this was the fusion of Michael Jackson’s signature moves—the Moonwalk and the Robot—kicking off with the "Eight Stance"! These two consummate skills had now appeared in this other world! If anyone knowledgeable were present, they would immediately scream in applause: Look how his hand shakes, it’s truly like an electric shock! Look how his neck is stiffened, truly magnificent! Look at these steps he takes, wow! This is practically the soul of Michael Jackson possessing him!

Alas, these bumpkins of another world knew nothing of appreciating art. Young Master Jun felt like he was showing his charm to a blind man—talent unrecognized. But he was about to explode into curses anyway, so why worry about his image? The worse the better! He didn't expect any favors from these people; if he didn't curse to his heart's content today, he wasn't going home!

Seeing the expressions on everyone’s faces in the hall—as if they had witnessed an absolute fool—everyone felt an urge to turn away: This grandson Jun Zhantian really is the ultimate clown. How did the Jun family produce such a treasure? Speechless.

Just then, Young Master Jun twisted his waist, and his entire body performed a standard "electric shock" move. His right hand shot up above his head like a spasm, forming an orchid-like finger, followed by a crisp snap of his fingers. His left hand covered his lower abdomen, and his waist swayed rhythmically back and forth, his flirtatious eyes darting around.

It had to be admitted that if these movements were performed in the world of his previous life, they would be genuine, peak-level dance artistry. Without a profoundly deep foundation, one absolutely could not execute them. As for why this Young Master could perform them... the reason was simple: if you had the skill this Young Master possessed, you could do it easily.

But to the eyes of these "bumpkins," these highly complex, artistic movements immediately conjured associations with sexual activity. Even the women were no exception. Look at the pronounced movements of his lower body—it was simply too indecent to behold!

“Got it!” Jun Moxie let out a strange, moaning cry that made the princesses, talented women, and consorts in the hall flush crimson, all cursing him furiously. This guy was too vile and shameless! He was openly trying to seduce them in front of so many people!

Du Gu Xiao Yi’s eyes burned with fury, and Princess Lingmeng’s pretty face went pale. Both women shared a desperate urge: to immediately drag this scoundrel down and beat him senseless! It was too embarrassing! It was utterly corrupting public morals!

“If you want to talk romance with me, You better be beautiful, Don't talk to me about love, I am inherently wicked. Don't be obsessed with the Bro, The Bro is just a legend; Don't provoke me, I’ll make you vomit blood,”

Under the gaze of all assembled, Young Master Jun’s verses finally poured out, one by one, delivered in an utterly grating voice. Each line rang out clearly:

“Don't act tough with me, I am your Grandfather; Don't act arrogant with me, I’ll slice your little junk; My heart is lonely, I kill and then I set fires; You dare give me trouble? Go straight to hell, you sons of—”

As he spoke the final line, Young Master Jun’s finger pointed coincidentally right at the faces of the Wenxing Academy scholars and great Confucian masters... His expression was one of deadly poisoning that spares no one! I’ll curse these old fossils to death! You dare cause trouble for me? Damn it! Haven’t you checked who I am?

The entire assembly was thrown into an uproar! Every single person present was a shrewd operator, an old hand in officialdom who had spent a lifetime reading faces. Even if someone’s words contained a single phrase that bordered on taboo, they would ponder it carefully for a long time. How much more so for Jun Moxie, who was essentially screaming insults right in their faces! Every line was the action of a hooligan, every phrase the behavior of a rogue. The last eight lines were pointed directly at the Wenxing Academy, spitting saliva as he cursed them out, mixing threats, insults, and intimidation, finally involving their elders...

"You—you—you," Minister Mei Gaojie and Scholar Kong Lingyang, two deeply learned men, when in their entire lives had they ever been so openly humiliated by having someone point a finger in their faces? What's more, to be so audaciously cursed by a profligate young master in the presence of all the civil and military officials, right before the Emperor! Instantly, their breathing hitched, their limbs trembled, their beards shook violently, and their formerly fair old faces flushed an ashen blue. After trembling for a long moment, Old Lord Kong suddenly rolled his eyes white and collapsed, clean and sharp, right on the spot.

"You wicked spawn!" Old Master Jun Zhantian exploded forward, his beard bristling with rage. In his fury, he seemed unable to control his strength, delivering a solid kick to his grandson's backside. Jun Moxie secretly winked, cried out an "Ow," and shot up as if carried by clouds, flying straight toward a pillar in the grand hall. The intention was clear: if that impact actually connected, it would surely result in his brains being smashed out.

But, there was someone over there.

Who?

Naturally, it was Dugu Zongheng, facing Old Master Jun. These two old men had cooperated their entire lives; who didn't know the other's thoughts? He had already taken his prepared position and caught Jun Moxie safely, glaring and roaring, "Jun Zhantian! You old fool, have you gone senile? Are you truly going to strike down the only surviving sprout of the Jun family?!"

This old man is brilliant! He immediately declared that this was the Jun family's sole remaining heir—no matter what, he absolutely could not be struck down.

"No one stops me today! I must beat this little beast to death today! He is nothing but a public disgrace, an insult to scholarly refinement, tainting the Jun family's reputation! If he isn't properly disciplined, he'll surely turn the world upside down!" Jun Zhantian, looking utterly crazed, his eyes bloodshot, lunged forward, looking as if he were determined to flay and dismember his own grandson.

However, the old man's words drew deep scorn from the assembled officials: An insult to scholarly refinement? Since when does Jun Zhantian know what refinement means? Isn't this behavior the result of your spoiling him? Haven't you tarnished the family reputation several times a day already? He was just threatening to kill him a moment ago, and now it's changed to discipline—truly admirable!

Despite their private thoughts, the other old masters followed Old Master Dugu's lead; they all swarmed forward, grabbing arms, pulling at legs, their primary goal to pull the raging Jun Zhantian away first, otherwise, how could the old man ever back down?

Fatty Tang let out a shriek, a sound like a ghost crying in agony, echoing with shock: "Someone's being killed! Someone is dying, save him! Third Young Master, my dear brother! Please, please don't die!" He rushed toward Jun Moxie, weeping and wiping his nose, his layers of fat undulating like a tide coming in and going out of the sea, surging and powerful.

As the chaos reached its peak, the Emperor on the Dragon Throne could watch no longer. He slammed the armrest of his throne and roared in anger, "All of you, silence! All of you, stop! What kind of decorum is this!!"

With a sound of imperial might, everyone instantly ceased their struggle. They looked at each other, panting heavily, as if they had exhausted their strength, though everyone inwardly knew that no one had truly exerted themselves.

"Your Majesty, please deliver justice for us! Severely punish this demented, shameless wretch!" Under Mei Gaojie's leadership, the scholars of Wenxing Academy knelt down uniformly, tears streaming down their faces. How many years had it been? Whether they had lost or won, when had they ever been so nakedly insulted with fingers pointed at their faces? This was simply the deepest humiliation imaginable!

Jun Moxie lay on the ground feigning unconsciousness, his mouth turned down at the corner, and he did not move again.

"I am very displeased by today's events! They have spoiled the occasion!" The Emperor angrily flicked his sleeve. "The various great noble families engage in senseless brawling, and the so-called talents of Wenxing Academy are truly so petty and vengeful. How can they ever be of service to the people in the future? Let this matter end here! Everyone return and reflect deeply!"

Hearing this, everyone felt somewhat lost and dispirited; the Emperor's words carried significant weight.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps was heard from outside, and a frantic voice shouted, "Urgent battle report!"

The major military leaders started, their expressions instantly becoming sharp. A battle report—that was the thing these bloodthirsty old fellows most craved, and it hadn't appeared in a long time, nb;nb;

A guard rushed in, knelt on the ground, and presented a letter.

"The Heavenly Punishment Black Beast Tide is attacking the South? How could such a thing happen?" The Emperor frowned as he opened it, muttering in confusion, his brow tightly furrowed. "Even Shi Changxiao, the Life-and-Death Supreme from the martial world, along with Blood Soul Manor, has issued a Supreme Summons? Is the situation truly that severe?"

Ahem, the Golden Autumn Talent Banquet chapter is turning out a bit dull. This chapter must end quickly to transition to the theme of Part Three, which is the first meticulously crafted major plotline of this book: the Heavenly Punishment Forest! Heh heh, guess what stories will unfold there? Gahaha,