Li Yundong’s resolute words immediately galvanized those around him, and Ziyuan nodded in agreement: “Indeed, we cultivators should possess the spirit to fear no hardship! As the saying goes, planning is up to man, but success is up to heaven.

Since we have entered the competition, we should at least strive to have a clear conscience.” Zhou Qin, naturally composed with deep reserves of thought, showed no immediate emotion, merely pondering for a moment before speaking: “Since we are competing, we must pay special attention to the competitors from West Lake Longjing, Taiping Houkui, and Wuyi Da Hongpao. Both their teas and their tea maidens are extremely formidable opponents.” Ruan Hongling placed blind faith in Ziyuan and declared: “This is a competition of tea artistry, not the quality of the leaf itself.

If the one with the better tea wins, why bother with a stage contest? Wouldn't an auction be better?

Right, Sister Ziyuan!” Ziyuan offered a slight smile, neither confirming nor denying. Su Chan, the young girl beside them, felt somewhat left out, looking from one person to another, unhappy that she seemed unable to offer any help.

Li Yundong did not notice the girl's distress. He turned to Ziyuan and advised: “When you go on stage later, pay close attention to your surroundings.

While we should not harbor ill intentions, we must remain vigilant against others trying to tamper with the utensils.” Ziyuan smiled with complete self-possession: “Rest assured.” After a few more private exchanges, the host of the Tea Culture Art Stage Competition gracefully ascended the stage shortly thereafter. The plaza of the Cultural Palace was thronged with people—a multitude of media reporters, numerous merchants drawn by the news, and, most of all, idle spectators who had come to see the beautiful women.

After the host delivered a brief opening address, they invited Zheng Youming, the organizer, to the stage to speak. Zheng Youming maintained his authentic, refined nouveau riche aura; the moment he stepped on stage, his dazzling array of gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings drew gasps of awe from the audience.

After reading his opening script, Zheng Youming introduced the judges for the Tea Culture Art Stage Competition one by one. From below, Li Yundong observed the row of formally seated judges: established scholars, well-known media hosts, titans of industry, and even a fashion model!

Li Yundong couldn't help but laugh wryly: “What kind of judges are these? They’re such a motley crew!

Do they even understand tea artistry?” Zhou Qin replied: “I can’t speak for the others, but Shen Wancai certainly does. As far as I know, he frequently attends auctions for rare teas.

He was the one who bought the Taiping Houkui when it fetched such a high price recently.” Li Yundong let out a short laugh: “Well, that’s just great. The only one who knows tea is one of our rivals.

Wonderful, simply wonderful!” After this self-deprecating remark, Li Yundong watched as representatives began drawing lots on stage. When it was Ziyuan’s turn, she ascended gracefully, her ethereal demeanor causing a stir of wonder among the spectators.

The other manufacturers and tea maidens looked at Ziyuan as if facing a great threat. From below, Ruan Hongling smiled smugly: “The eyes of the masses are sharp!” Li Yundong chuckled, and after Ziyuan returned to her seat, he examined the running order on stage, asking in sudden confusion: “Eh, Ziyuan is last?

The grand finale!” Zhou Qin let out a cold snort: “That is the worst possible position. Tasting tea is like savoring a delicacy; the first taster always has the advantage because the judges’ palates are freshest, naturally allowing them to better appreciate the tea’s fragrance and flavor, resulting in higher scores.

But if you are last, their taste buds will be fatigued, and the scores will naturally be lower.” Ruan Hongling bristled with anger: “Shameless! This must be rigged!” Li Yundong frowned, but then he noticed the ranking order.

Qing’er, competing with Wuyi Da Hongpao, was surprisingly ranked just ahead of Ziyuan, in the second to last spot. He pointed out: “Look, Qing’er from Songgu Temple is ahead of Ziyuan.

Isn’t she afraid the judges’ palates will be tired, leading to lower scores?” Zhou Qin shook her head: “Wuyi Da Hongpao is the champion among teas; its flavor is deep and mellow, something other teas cannot replicate. Perhaps this is their strategy: using the intensely rich aroma of Wuyi Da Hongpao to tire the judges’ senses, which puts Ziyuan’s Huangshan Maofeng, naturally lighter in scent, at a significant disadvantage.” Hearing this, Li Yundong, Su Chan, and Ruan Hongling all loudly denounced the organizers as despicable wretches.

Ziyuan, however, seemed unbothered. She smiled: “It’s fine.

True mastery of tea artistry cannot be undermined by such petty tricks.” Seeing Ziyuan’s confidence, the others relaxed their minds and focused their attention on the tea artistry competition that had begun on stage. The first contestant was a young and beautiful tea maiden, dressed in traditional Suzhou attire from the Ming Dynasty—a round-collared, frog-buttoned dress with narrow, fitted sleeves.

Upon stepping onto the stage, she offered a graceful bow with her bright, expressive eyes, immediately eliciting cheers from the audience. Li Yundong craned his neck up.

This beauty was the same maiden who had been clinging to Zheng Youming earlier. Naturally benefiting from the presumed foul play by going first, she carefully carried her tea set onto the stage and placed it before a waist-high, long, red-wood table, then displayed each piece of the set to the audience.

Specialized cameramen were present on stage, their lenses focused on the tabletop, and massive plasma screens behind the stage allowed the downstairs audience a clear, close-up view of the tea maiden’s performance. Li Yundong glanced over and recognized the tea leaves she was using as Taiping Houkui.

He couldn't help but ask: “That’s odd. Isn’t this maiden representing Zheng Youming?

Didn’t Zheng Youming specialize in Tieguanyin? Why is she using Taiping Houkui?

What kind of tea is that?” Zhou Qin, hailing from a prominent family, possessed considerable knowledge of tea culture. She explained: “Taiping Houkui is also a celebrated Chinese tea, holding the status of an imperial tea reserved for the State Council, alongside West Lake Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, and Wuyi Da Hongpao.

Although Zheng Youming carries himself like a boor, and specializes in Tieguanyin—and while there are superb Tieguanyin teas—they still fall somewhat short compared to Taiping Houkui, West Lake Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, and Wuyi Da Hongpao. Therefore, to avoid losing ground on the tea quality front, they must use Taiping Houkui to compete.” Ziyuan nodded beside her, smiling slightly: “That’s right.

Although Taiping Houkui hasn't been as famous recently, it is still a truly magnificent tea, especially the mother tea produced in the authentic Houkeng region, which is worth a fortune and certainly not inferior to my Huangshan Maofeng. Furthermore, you can tell from its name, bearing the character Kui (champion/leader), that it is an exceptional tea.” As they conversed, the tea maiden gracefully lit an incense stick in a nearby censer with elegant gestures.

Zhou Qin explained: “The tea artistry for Chinese black, green, and oolong teas varies. Since Taiping Houkui is a green tea, the first step in green tea artistry is: Lighting the incense and purifying the mind of distractions.” Next, the maiden gently cleansed each teacup with pure water.

Zhou Qin continued: “This is the second step, called, 'Washing the cups to cleanse the heart of worldly dust.'” Hearing this, Ziyuan couldn't help but look at Zhou Qin with a slight smile: “You are quite knowledgeable about tea artistry?” Zhou Qin returned a small smile: “Not research, exactly. I’ve just had casual exposure to some excellent tribute teas over the years when I had spare time.” Ziyuan chuckled and remarked to Li Yundong: “You have taken on a fine disciple.” Li Yundong laughed heartily and waved his hand: “Not at all, not at all.” As they chatted, the maiden progressed through her performance to the fifth step: "Moistening the tea with sweet dew to nourish the lotus heart." She poured water into the teacups arranged on the square table to steep the tea.

At this point, Zhou Qin suddenly announced: “The main event is coming!” Li Yundong straightened up, focusing his gaze on the stage. Those knowledgeable about tea artistry immediately focused their eyes on the maiden.

Zhou Qin quickly and softly explained: “This is the sixth step in green tea artistry, also known as 'Pouring Water with the Phoenix Nodding Three Times!' It is a required element in all tea artistry procedures and the most demanding test of skill!” Li Yundong watched as the maiden raised the teapot high, letting the water cascade down. Then, using the power of her wrist, she lifted and lowered the stream three times, causing the tea leaves to swirl within the water.

At this moment, the slow-motion replay on the large plasma screen showed the maiden executing the “Phoenix Nodding Three Times” move. Her elbow and wrist remained level, her wrist supple as if boneless, and the water streamed down like silver satin.

The audience observed: three sounds of water—loud, then soft; three streams of water—thick, then thin; three heights of flow—high, then low; three lifts and drops of the pot. In this ‘Phoenix Nodding Three Times,’ the actions perfectly matched in intensity, thickness, height, and movement—all identical—resulting in the tea liquid in each cup being precisely the same volume, as if meticulously calculated.

Only then did the audience clearly grasp the intricacy of the feat, erupting in gasps of amazement, followed by spontaneous applause and cheers. Ziyuan offered a faint smile and a slight nod: “Not bad; she has clearly practiced diligently.” Although Su Chan and Ruan Hongling scorned the organizer’s underhanded tactics, they had to admit that the tea maiden’s artistry was superb; that single display of the ‘Phoenix Nodding Three Times’ was masterful.

The first maiden, aware of her excellent performance, continued her presentation with fluid ease and growing confidence. When she finished and stepped down, the applause was thunderous.

The judging panel, while tasting the tea, nodded repeatedly, praising her highly. Shen Wancai showed a look of appreciation, exclaiming: “Excellent, fine tea, exquisite artistry!” The first contestant had achieved a resounding success, setting immense pressure on those who followed.

Although some subsequent maidens performed well, none surpassed the first, and some even made subtle mistakes due to nervousness, causing the judges to frown discreetly. Finally, after all the others performed, it was time for the champion tea, Wuyi Da Hongpao.

A girl, plain in appearance but radiating immense arrogance, shot onto the stage like a firework rocket. The stage was a meter and a half high; someone weaker might struggle to climb it, but she vaulted up in a single explosive leap, instantly reviving the somewhat drowsy audience, who cheered loudly.

The host on stage found himself momentarily awkward and rushed to announce: “The next contestant is Lin Xueqing, representing Wuyi Da Hongpao! Please welcome her!” Lin Xueqing stood proudly and immediately stunned the crowd with her opening declaration: “Today, I will show everyone what true tea artistry really is!” Though young, her bold statement caused an immediate uproar, with some scoffing: “Such a bold claim for someone so young!” The judges on the panel generally looked unimpressed, save for Shen Wancai, who chuckled: “Truly, heroes emerge from the young.” Seeing Lin Xueqing’s astonishing arrogance paired with the extremely expensive, premium Da Hongpao she was using, the noise subsided, and everyone waited to see if she would stumble.

Li Yundong and his group watched her intently, while Ruan Hongling and Su Chan muttered curses, wishing this arrogant girl would embarrass herself. Li Yundong noted that Lin Xueqing’s procedural steps differed from the others and asked: “Isn’t her tea artistry sequence different from the rest?” Zhou Qin whispered to Li Yundong: “Wuyi Da Hongpao is an oolong tea, and the steps for oolong artistry differ from green tea.

They include: Preparing the Utensils, Inviting the Tea to Sit, Burning Incense to Quiet the Spirit, Peacock Spreading its Tail, Cleansing Mengchen, High Mountain Flowing Water, Oolong Entering the Palace, Hundred-Foot Waterfall, Spring Breeze Brushing the Face, Transferring the Jade Nectar Pot, Pouring the Sweet Dew, and finally, the Phoenix Nodding Three Times…” Li Yundong asked: “That has the Phoenix Nodding Three Times too?” Zhou Qin replied: “Yes, it is an extremely crucial part of tea artistry. Let’s see how she performs it.” As they were whispering, Lin Xueqing executed the preceding steps with practiced skill.

However, because of her earlier bombastic claims, the audience had formed a preconceived negative notion, finding her performance unremarkable; some even booed loudly. But Lin Xueqing paid them no mind.

She suddenly lifted the teapot resting nearby and held it cupped in her palm, declaring loudly: “Water heated by ordinary flame is ultimately ordinary. Watch as I use the fire of delusion to boil this water!” She held the teapot high, her entire body appearing to freeze instantly, motionless.

The crowd below burst into laughter at her bizarre posture, jeering: “Is this your tea artistry? Hilarious, so ugly!” “Fire of delusion?

You’ve angered me into a fire of delusion! Get off the stage!” As the audience roared its ridicule, a thick plume of white vapor suddenly erupted from the teapot held in Lin Xueqing’s hand.

This vapor coiled and swirled on the stage, instantly forming the distinct shape of a phoenix, vivid and dreamlike. Everyone froze, stunned into silence.

Ziyuan’s expression shifted abruptly. She exclaimed in awe: “Condensing Qi into form!

Incredible! This requires cultivating pure Yang energy from internal Yin energy to control the breath with such purity—this is the peak realm of the Yang Spirit.

No wonder her claims were so bold!” With a slight flick of her wrist while holding the teapot aloft, the steam-formed phoenix dipped its head. With that nod, a torrent of scalding clear water surged from the phoenix’s beak—which was the spout of the teapot.

The audience felt this stream of water descend like a celestial cascade, striking the teacups and churning up mist that interacted with the phoenix shape, enhancing the illusion. The sound of water in the cups mingled with what seemed like the chirping of birds—a Hundred Birds paying homage to the Phoenix.

Everyone watched, eyes wide, as Lin Xueqing shook her wrist three times. The phoenix nodded three times, and the teacups on the table were filled precisely to the brim—not a single drop uneven—with three bowls of Wuyi Da Hongpao!

Lin Xueqing’s display shocked the entire venue. Shen Wancai jumped to his feet excitedly and boomed: “I never expected to see the genuine Phoenix Nodding Three Times here!

Good! Quickly, bring it here, let me taste it!” Immediately, a server in a qipao brought the tea to the judges.

The other judges took a sip and universally praised it. Shen Wancai repeatedly exclaimed: “Good!

Good!! Good!!!” At that moment, almost everyone in the arena reacted, cheering deafeningly.

Ruan Hongling and Su Chan looked shocked and fearful. Li Yundong and Zhou Qin exchanged looks of astonishment and hidden alarm.

Only Ziyuan remained outwardly composed, but deep in her eyes lay a thread of worry. She thought: This Lin Xueqing performs her tea artistry using cultivation techniques.

Not only is her tea artistry exquisite, but her cultivation power is no less than mine. I wonder if I can defeat her?