novelnext Chapter 105: The Poetry Competition, Kaiya's Rant on the Knights, Xingqiu's Writing of Chi
Chapter 105: The Poetry Competition, Kaiya's Rant on the Knights, Xingqiu's Writing of Chi
Chapter 105: The Poetry Competition, Kaiya's Rant on the Knights, Xingqiu's Writing of Chivalrous Spirit, and Falushan's Drunkenness.
Preparations must be thorough.
Chen Bo worked through the night to find the ruins' guardians, obtain materials, and manufacture a floating cannon system specifically for launching missiles.
And physical wind-piercing bullets.
100 rounds should be enough.
This is a new type of combat system, consisting of new floating cannons and ammunition.
This floating cannon cannot fire energy projectiles, only physical projectiles. Each floating cannon's magazine can store nine projectiles, plus one projectile inside the barrel, making a total of ten projectiles.
Ten floating cannons, one hundred solid shells.
That should be enough to fight Tvalin.
Although it hasn't been tested in real-world scenarios, it's theoretically possible.
It's better to be prepared.
But with this equipment, even if Tvalin really flew over and disrupted the banquet, Chen Bo would have to take action.
In the early stages, use physical wind-piercing projectiles to destroy Dvalin's magical attacks.
Afterwards, they continuously weakened Dvalin's power using the vampire funnels.
The so-called vampire floating cannon is mainly composed of the earth vein centrifuge on Chen Bo's armor chest.
When activated at full power, it can extract elemental energy from a large area and compress it into a crystal at the core.
Because when they fight, it's like they're crawling on their opponent and sucking their blood, so Chen Bo named it the Vampire Floating Cannon.
Once Dvalin is weakened to a certain extent, it will be time for the Heavenly Prison Thunder Tribulation: Ten Directions God-Binding Chains to make their appearance.
In terms of absolute strength, Chen Bo admitted that he was still inferior to Dvalin.
However, Chen Bo is a strange person when it comes to mechanics!
It is flexible, can apply a weakness buff, has high firepower density, and can also engage in attrition warfare.
Chen Bo was already somewhat looking forward to Tvalin flying over at the banquet.
This is a good opportunity to show off my skills.
Moreover, Chen Bo estimated that if he intervened, Wendy would secretly help him as well.
Mondstadt is a country ruled by men, a land of freedom.
Wendy cannot show herself in front of others, because that would lead Mondstadt from rule by man to the worship of divine authority.
However, secretly helping is certain.
the next morning.
The morning sunlight dispelled the last trace of night's chill from Mondstadt.
The whole city was immersed in a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the badminton festival, the poetry competition, is being held today.
In the central square of the city, beneath the colossal statue of Barbatos, the god of winds, a stage decorated with flowers and ribbons had already been erected.
Around the stage, rows of oak barrels were arranged in a staggered pattern, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of dandelion wine and the fragrance of Cecilia flowers.
Locals and tourists from afar crowded the square, and everyone's face was beaming with smiles.
After all, it's a traditional festival in Mondstadt.
The rules of the competition are simple and free, fully embodying the spirit of Mondstadt: anyone, regardless of status, can go on stage to sing their own poems or recite their favorite passages.
The power of judgment was given to each audience member in the audience, and the "petals" in their hands were their votes.
Each person has three votes, which can be cast for three favorite groups.
In a corner of the crowd, a bard wearing a green beret was holding his lyre, watching all this with a smile.
Instead of rushing onto the stage, he took a glass of cider from a passing waiter's tray and sipped it with relish.
For Wendy, watching the excitement and getting free drinks were far more important than winning the game.
Winning has never been important.
The performances by several citizens and tourists were decent and earned polite applause and a few small red flowers.
The atmosphere was truly ignited when a familiar figure confidently strode onto the stage.
Kaiya.
The cavalry captain of the Knights of Favonius had made a point of tidying up his appearance today and looked much more energetic.
He held a piece of parchment in his hand, cleared his throat, and spoke loudly.
"The poem I'm going to present to you today is called 'The Daily Life of the Knights'."
Upon hearing this, the knights, who were mixed in with the crowd below the stage, all felt a chill run down their spines.
Am I the one who gets the topic chosen?
"Dear Acting Commander, the work is piling up," Kaiya began her recitation in a melodious, aria-like tone: "Her dark circles are rounder than berries."
"puff"
In the crowd, Qin, the group leader, almost spat out the juice she had just drunk. She quickly lowered her head, held her forehead with her hand, and her cheeks were a little hot.
The surrounding citizens burst into good-natured laughter.
Kaiya paused, seemingly enjoying the effect, and continued reading: "The witch of the library, elegant and languid, when do you think she'll return the forbidden scrolls she borrowed?"
Lisa, who was not far away, was also present, with a slight smile on her lips.
"The cutest spark, the Knights' darling, the walls of the solitary confinement cell, I hear her nagging every day. Yesterday she blew up the fish, today she wants to cook the lake water!"
"Yay! It's Klee! Klee likes fried fish!" A childish voice came from the corner.
Qin looked in the direction of the sound and saw Keli hiding behind a flower bed.
Kai—Kaiya!
Qin's temples began to throb slightly.
Kaiya's poems are quite humorous, mostly based on anecdotes about members of the Knights, but they do not damage the Knights' dignity; on the contrary, they bring the Knights closer to the people.
After all, the Knights were not originally positioned as something lofty and unapproachable.
The audience laughed uproariously and voted for Kaiya.
Kaiya is currently in the lead and is in first place.
After reciting the poem, he stood in the center of the stage and bowed gracefully to the audience. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the troupe leader's "both angry and amused" look, and his own lips curled into a smile.
On the periphery of the crowd, a blue-haired boy was watching the scene with great interest.
He was dressed in well-tailored Liyue attire, with exquisite cloud patterns embroidered in gold thread on his long robe. His refined demeanor clearly indicated that he came from an extraordinary background.
It was Xingqiu, the second young master of the Liyue Flying Cloud Merchant Guild.
"Mondstadt's poetry is truly free and unrestrained." Xingqiu gently waved his folding fan and sighed to his attendant beside him, "Such straightforward self-deprecation, yet without losing its humor, is a rare sight in Liyue, which values subtlety and elegance."
He had barely finished speaking when a voice came from the side.
Indeed, Mondstadt's freedom is like the wind, unrestrained and boundless.
Xingqiu turned his head upon hearing the sound and saw a young man dressed in the robes of a Sumeru scholar walking towards him with a petite, doll-like girl.
It was Chen Bo who squeezed out of the crowd.
Chen Bo immediately recognized Xing Qiu; he must have come to sign the beverage contract.
Perfect timing! By saying hello, we'll have another source of supplies in the future.
Chen Bo mainly needs to purchase bulk commodities.
"My name is Chen Bo, a merchant from Sumeru." Chen Bo extended his hand, a friendly businessman's smile on his face. "The jade pendant at your waist is of excellent quality and exquisite craftsmanship. It must be the work of a renowned craftsman from Liyue, right?"
Xingqiu was taken aback; he hadn't expected the other party to have such a sharp eye.
He spent a fortune to acquire this jade pendant, and few people could usually discern its value.
Although I receive praise from others on a daily basis, few of them truly appreciate it from the heart.
"Sir, you have a good eye." Xingqiu closed his folding fan, cupped his hands in return, and said, "I am Xingqiu. This jade pendant is just a small trinket, but you have quite a bit of knowledge about Liyue jade, which is admirable."
A few simple words of greeting instantly shortened the distance between them.
Seeing that the time was right, Chen Bo cut to the chase: "Young Master Xingqiu, if I may be so bold as to ask, does the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce have any channels to obtain high-quality 'Floating Stones'?"
He explained, "I am also a mechanic, and I am currently developing a new flight device that urgently needs this material as a core component."
"Floating stones?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Xingqiu's eyes. This was no ordinary commodity; it was a very rare mineral. The Jade Pavilion was built using a large amount of floating stones.
Normally, there isn't much demand for this kind of thing.
After a moment's thought, he replied, "The Flying Cloud Merchant Guild does indeed deal in minerals, and there is indeed a stock of floating stones in their warehouse."
However, this item is rare and in limited stock. If a large quantity needs to be purchased, it will take some time to receive the goods; a round trip will take at least half a month.
"No problem!" Chen Bo immediately agreed. "Half a month is just right. After the badminton festival, I was planning to travel to Liyue anyway. At that time, I can pick up the goods directly from your guild's headquarters."
"Just prepare 20 million Mora worth of goods for me."
After saying that, Chen Bo took out a bag of Mora and handed it over: "This is five million Mora, as a deposit."
Xingqiu was very impressed with Chen Bo's decisive and efficient manner, and immediately accepted the gift.
"No problem," Xingqiu said with a smile. "When you arrive in Liyue Harbor, you can show this token to Feiyun Merchant Guild to find me. I will certainly welcome you with open arms."
As he spoke, he took out an exquisite token engraved with the words "Flying Clouds" from his pocket and handed it to Chen Bo.
The two reached a verbal agreement.
After finishing the business, Chen Bo was in a great mood.
He pointed towards the stage, where Kaiya had just stepped off and a new challenger was about to take the stage.
Chen Bo smiled and encouraged Xing Qiu, "Since Young Master Xing Qiu is quite knowledgeable about poetry, and the atmosphere is just right, why not go on stage and show off your skills? Let our friends in Mondstadt witness the elegance of Liyue."
Upon hearing this, Xingqiu's eyes clearly flashed with a hint of interest, but it was quickly concealed by a layer of reserve.
He shook his folding fan and declined, saying, "Brother Chen is too kind. I am only here to observe the ceremony and have not prepared any poems. If I were to go on stage rashly, I would probably make a fool of myself."
"That is incorrect."
Chen Bo immediately retorted: "Poetry is the expression of one's heart and feelings. It is through impromptu performance that true talent and learning are revealed."
Besides, look at this competition, there wasn't any fixed theme. Everyone was just doing what they wanted, having fun.
Xingqiu couldn't help but be moved.
Yes, isn't chivalry and righteousness about acting on impulse and seeking revenge also about following one's heart? Isn't writing poetry the same?
He glanced at the stage, then at the enthusiastic Mondstadt crowd below, and the literary impulse within him could no longer be suppressed.
Yes, the winds of Mondstadt are free.
To uphold justice and seek revenge is all about following one's heart. Isn't writing poetry the same?
In Liyue, he usually has to maintain the airs of the second young master of the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild, and his words and actions must be well-behaved, otherwise he will be scolded by his elders.
But isn't this a place where you can be completely unrestrained?
Xingqiu gracefully cupped his hands in greeting to Chen Bo.
"Then I shall make a fool of myself."
He strode forward, his well-tailored Liyue robe standing out in the Mondstadt crowd, the gold-embroidered cloud patterns flowing in the sunlight. He walked slowly, each step unhurried, as if he were going to a rendezvous with a close friend rather than a competition.
The bard on stage had just finished reciting a limerick praising cider, which drew laughter from the audience, and bowed as he left the stage.
Xingqiu walked up unhurriedly.
The moment he stood still, the entire atmosphere of the stage seemed to change. There was none of Kaiya's effortless arrogance, nor the restraint of the citizens before him, but rather a calm, unique aura belonging to books and swords.
The audience gradually quieted down.
The people of Mondstadt looked at this stranger from Liyue with curiosity, wondering what kind of poems he would bring.
Xingqiu looked around, his gaze finally settling on the compassionate face of the wind god statue. He didn't take the poem, but after a moment's thought, his clear voice rang out.
"On the ancient road, few people are seen, and frost covers the sky."
Upon hearing the first line, many in the audience exchanged bewildered glances. The poem's imagery seemed completely out of place with the joyous atmosphere of the badminton festival.
Xingqiu ignored them and continued speaking steadily.
"A pot of turbid wine to honor the mountains and rivers."
"The longsword in my hand cries out in indignation."
As he spoke, his empty left hand seemed to grasp an invisible sword, and his eyes sharpened, as if a sense of injustice was beginning to spread.
The ensemble leader below the stage subconsciously straightened her back; she heard a similar belief in the knight's protection in this poem.
Finally, Xingqiu's voice rose slightly, carrying the passion and determination of a young man.
"I wish to slay all those who find unease in this world!"
A poem, four lines, twenty-eight characters.
After finishing his reading, he looked away and bowed deeply to the crowd below the stage.
The people of Mondstadt were used to hearing poems praising the wind and freedom; they had never heard such lines full of swordsmanship and chivalry.
This is a different kind of freedom, a freedom to uphold justice with the sword in one's hand!
"good!"
Someone shouted first, and then thunderous applause and cheers erupted.
Everyone voted enthusiastically; although it wasn't Mondstadt's poetic art, the emotions were shared.
Kaiya, standing in the crowd, whistled, raised his glass, and gestured towards Xingqiu on the stage.
The cavalry captain's eyes were full of admiration; this young master of Liyue was very much to his liking.
Xingqiu then calmly stepped down from the stage, still carrying the fragrance of a few Cecilia flowers on her body.
"Brother Xingqiu, what excellent writing!" Chen Bo greeted him, praising him sincerely.
Just as Xingqiu was about to say a few words of modesty, a warm scent mixed with the aroma of fruit and wine wafted from behind Chen Bo.
"Hmm, not bad."
A slightly languid yet authoritative female voice rang out.
Chen Bo turned around and saw that Farusian was standing behind him at some point.
She held a glass of Mondstadt dandelion liqueur in her hand, a charming blush rising on her fair cheeks, and her beautiful blue eyes were watery, clearly indicating that she had already had a round of it.
Chen Bo quickly helped Farusan up and said, "Senior, please drink less."
Xingqiu looked at the girl who appeared to be only in her early twenties, yet possessed an exceptionally composed demeanor.
Since Chen Bo addressed him as "senior," Xing Qiu followed suit, saying, "You flatter me, senior."
Farusan nodded seriously and commented in a senior's tone, "The language is refined and the imagery is expansive. Although it's in the Liyue style, it has the feel of Mondstadt. Not bad, a promising talent."
After speaking, she seemed a little thirsty, so she tilted her graceful neck back and drank the remaining apple wine in her glass in one gulp, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Haha—I have to say, Mondstadt's brewing techniques are truly unique, it's delicious!" She smacked her lips with lingering satisfaction. "I need to go get another glass."
""