Amidst the power struggles of the Qian era, the Pavilion of Works was established, drawing all eyes to the platform. Having triumphed over the hyperthyroidism of the state, Master Ji secured command of the military.

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

Master Ji pondered this and found it reasonable. He and Master Jia traveled by land and water, journeying for half a month before finally arriving in Yuhang. At dusk, the golden light bathed the river, its shimmering waves resembling scattered gold dancing upon the water. They boarded a small black-canopied boat, slowly entering the ancient port of Yuhang. Along the shore, willow branches gently brushed the water's surface, and peach blossoms smiled warmly upon passersby, painting a tender scene of the Jiangnan water town. Stepping onto the cobblestone street, they found tea houses and taverns bustling with life, the cries of vendors and laughter weaving together a vivid tapestry of everyday human warmth. Master Ji took a deep breath of the moist air, thinking to himself, "Jiangnan—this is where my rise begins!"

Master Ji and Master Jia entered the bustling street, only to see crowds gathering ahead amid fluttering banners. It was the Jiangnan King's grand invitation, summoning talented scholars from afar to gather and compose calligraphy and poetry for the Jiangnan Pavilion he had built in Yuzhang. The pavilion had been erected in the golden autumn of September but had yet to receive a worthy preface. Now, having returned to Yuhang with a painting of the pavilion's autumn scenery, the King sought a lasting introduction befitting the scene.

On the elevated platform, silk brocades were spread out, brushes and ink at hand. Literary men and refined scholars either furrowed their brows in deep thought or moved their pens with swift grace. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of ink and the sparks of creative genius. Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting mottled shadows that lent the cultural feast a dreamlike hue. Master Ji’s eyes gleamed as he silently calculated: perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to make his mark and gain renown across Jiangnan.

They approached the scene just as a scholar was reading aloud his composition. Master Ji recognized him immediately—it was an old acquaintance, the top scholar of Ruzhou known as Reflux Chicken. "Unfortunately, this time I alone must face him and set things straight. People change, but I remain the same!"

Reflux Chicken stood proudly on the high platform, holding a scroll of rice paper which he unfurled slowly. Clearing his throat, he read aloud in a loud and confident voice:

“...The Jiangnan Pavilion soars into the clouds, overlooking the river like a winding dragon. At dawn’s first light, golden rays bathe the pavilion, sparkling brilliantly like a fairyland. When night falls, the glowing lights twinkle with the stars, a sight of unparalleled beauty. This pavilion is not merely an architectural marvel but a cultural treasure, gathering the wisdom of talents from all corners, showcasing the prosperity of Jiangnan’s western realm...”

The audience burst into applause upon hearing Reflux Chicken’s preface. Even the Jiangnan King nodded repeatedly. At this moment, Master Ji knew, “It is my turn to perform!”

He stepped onto the stage empty-handed, without even glancing at the painting. The surrounding guards tried to stop him, but Reflux Chicken blocked them and then turned to Master Ji with disdain. “It’s you again, that shameless fellow? Well, whatever. You won’t win this time! Not even the Holy Emperor Kun can save you!”

Master Ji smiled and said, “Listen carefully, young man. My preface will be beautiful!”

He then looked toward the crowd, including the King seated prominently. The King watched with interest, curious to see what this arrogant youth could produce.

“Yuzhang, an ancient city, now the new capital of Hongdu. The stars align in the wings and chariot, the land links Heng and Lu. Nestled between three rivers and embracing five lakes, commanding the lands of Man and Jing while drawing in Ouyue. Nature’s treasures and heavenly gifts shine where dragons cast their glow on the Ox and Dipper; heroes and sages abound, where Xu Ru once served Chen Fan. A majestic state shrouded in mist, talents racing like stars. The terraces and moats lie between barbarian and Han, hosts and guests sharing the best of the southeast...”

As he recited the first passage, the audience was stunned. “This was supposed to be a preface for the Jiangnan Pavilion, yet it bypasses the feast and the pavilion itself. How unconventional and majestic!” They turned to the speaker in wonder. “It’s Song Yang, the great Confucian scholar. To describe the opening so brilliantly—who is this man? Why have we never heard of him before?” whispers spread through the crowd.

Master Ji, pleased by their reaction, continued:

“...The shallow waters dry and the cold pools clear, mist condenses and the evening mountains turn purple. Riding in splendor along the upper road, seeking sights in lofty hills. Gazing upon the Emperor’s isle, discovering ancient halls of heaven and man. Layered peaks rise emerald, piercing the clouds; flying pavilions glow vermilion, suspended over boundless land. Cranes dance on islets, wild ducks whirl, islands twist and turn; the osmanthus palaces and orchid chambers echo the hills’ forms.

Opening embroidered gates, looking down upon carved roofs, the mountains and plains stretch endlessly, rivers and lakes meander impressively. In town and village, the clang of bells and aroma of feasts; boats fill the harbor, adorned with blue sparrows and golden dragons. Clouds disperse, rain clears, colors brighten the sky. Sunset glows with lone wild geese flying, autumn waters blend with the long sky. Fishermen sing at dusk, their voices fading on Pengli’s shore; wild geese startled by cold, their cries breaking at Hengyang’s bay...”

These two passages left the audience in disbelief. “This is too magnificent! But alas, my brother lacks culture—he just swears and gets by!” remarks like these were common.

Then Song Yang began his commentary: “These two passages move from near to far, from the splendid pavilion to the elegant mountains and rivers, richly depicting the pavilion’s autumn scene. They unfold a radiant, harmonious picture, naturally blending reality and illusion. Especially the line ‘The sunset glows with lone wild geese flying, autumn waters blend with the long sky,’ which captures both the beauty of form and color, motion and stillness. The rhetorical balance between ‘sunset’ and ‘wild geese,’ ‘autumn waters’ and ‘long sky’ perfectly enhances the musicality and vivid imagery of the language.”

---

“Alas! Fortune is unaligned, fate is fraught with trials. I, a humble scholar of three feet of life, seek no path but to offer my service...” Master Ji then began to appeal to their pity.

“I had another short poem, but I have urgent matters today, so I shall forgo it!” With that, he leapt down from the stage, called Master Jia, and quickly left the scene.

“Why are we leaving?” Master Jia asked, puzzled.

“Are you foolish? If we stay, they'll question me endlessly. I can only recite, after all! But I’ve already left a deep impression on the Jiangnan King. Asking for his help later should be much easier.”

“Ah, I see…” Master Jia nodded, half understanding.

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

At the hour of Wei, they arrived at the Jiangnan King’s mansion, awestruck by its grandeur. The gates stood tall and majestic, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, shining with golden splendor that seemed to swallow all light.

Master Ji stepped forward, declared their purpose to the guards, and emphasized that Ober had introduced them. He handed over a jade pendant, prompting one guard to rush inside and report to the King. Soon after, the guard returned, saying, “Honored guests, the Prince has a gracious heart. Please follow me.”

Inside, the courtyard was deep and serene, adorned with exquisite rocks, small bridges, flowing water, and winding paths leading into hidden retreats. Among the artificial hills, white cranes danced gracefully, their clear cries echoing in the air, lending the mansion an ethereal aura. They passed through delicate gates, each step seeming to enter the flow of history, soaking in centuries of cultural heritage. Sunlight filtered through intricately carved window lattices, casting colorful shadows on the polished marble floors, dazzling and enchanting.

After passing through the “Bagua Formation,” they finally met the Jiangnan King. He was playing chess with a youth, showing none of the imposing demeanor of the realm’s strongest warrior. Seeing the visitors, he said to the boy, “Bian’er, you may leave for now. We’ll continue our game when I have time.”

Once the boy departed, the King looked at them. “Introduced by Ober, yet why the masks?”

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

“So it is you—the young genius who wrote the preface for Jiangnan Pavilion. How do you know Ober?”

Master Ji looked at him and said, “Listen, and I will tell you everything.” Then he recounted Ober’s words to the King, though he left out the part about the outcast’s remaining chance.

After hearing the tale, the King said, “Send for General Jiakang!”

Turning to Master Ji, he continued, “I understand your intentions, but whether I agree depends on your strength. You say you are at the peak of the Hao realm. I will have General Jiakang, once Jiangnan’s top prodigy and now early Grandmaster, fight you. I will suppress his power to the Fen level. If you win, I will grant your request. What do you say?”

Master Jia urged, “Master Ji, we should leave. Jiakang is not only a Grandmaster but will be suppressed to a level higher than yours. How can you hope to win? It seems he wants to make you quit by setting this trap.”

“No, I will not give up. For the outcast, for myself—I aim to become the King’s man!”

“I agree!” Master Ji resolutely faced the King.

---

At that moment, Jiakang arrived, clasping his fists in respect. “My Lord, what summons?”

“You will suppress your power to early Fen level and duel him.”

“Who?” Jiakang glanced at Master Ji. “Kid, what realm are you?”

“Hao realm peak!”

“Ah, my Lord, you jest. I’m afraid I might kill this kid!”

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

“Very well, kid, come on then. Fists and feet show no mercy—be careful!”

They moved to an open ground, where Master Ji and Jiakang faced off, the air seeming to freeze. Jiakang threw a heavy punch, roaring wind accompanying it. Master Ji barely dodged but was pushed back several steps by the shockwave. Jiakang unleashed a flurry of punches, leaving Master Ji no escape. Panic rose within him as defeat loomed. Suddenly, the image of the outcast flashed in his mind. “Outcast, I will avenge you!” he shouted.

A surge of indomitable fighting spirit arose. With a fierce shout, Master Ji leapt upward like a phoenix reborn and unleashed the “Hundred Birds Facing Kun” technique. Sword qi transformed into various birds, streaming continuously from the blade. Small ones like orioles, swallows, and sparrows; large ones like swans, cranes, eagles, giant falcons, and roc birds—assaulting Jiakang from all angles. Caught off guard, Jiakang was forced to retreat repeatedly, unable to lift his suppression.

At this critical moment, the Jiangnan King casually waved his hand, and an invisible barrier blocked Master Ji’s attack, saving Jiakang. Master Ji stared wide-eyed, disbelief etched on his face.

“As expected of the world’s number one! One day I will surpass him!” Though disheveled, Master Ji’s resolve only deepened.

“Well done, young man; you have the spirit I once had. You have passed. Since you seek help, here is my offer: Jiakang was once leader of the Three Thousand Divine Strategists in Jiang City. Now, I entrust this army to you, with Jiakang as your deputy. How far you rise depends on your strength.”

The King tilted his head, gazing toward a corner, waving his hand. Sensing Master Ji’s curiosity, he spoke slowly, “Just a rat. But once you go to Jiang City, peace may elude you. It depends on how you handle it.”

Master Ji nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness. I will not disappoint you!” He left the mansion with Jiakang.

“Outcast, I’ve made a good start. Wait for me to avenge you!”

Meanwhile, in a small village north of Star City, a young man who had been mad for sixteen years suddenly regained clarity in his eyes.