"Of course, those above the Exterior realm are already considered masters. They can't be considered heroes," the old Emperor added.
Mengqi raised his eyebrows and his expression turned solemn. Did this mean that Xuan Zhen, Aunt Bai, and other perfect Half-step masters could participate in the Sumptuous Fruits Banquet?
The talent contest was fine, but if there was a martial arts contest later, it would be difficult for him to win. At most, he could barely protect himself. Did he have to rely on Zhao Laowu, who was also a perfect Half-step master?
Putting aside the matter of boasting in front of the Emperor and severing the karma of his physical body, Zhao Laowu had only recently ascended. Xuan Zhen and Aunt Bai were masters who had no shortage of skills, realms, and resources. Their chances of winning were less than 30%.
In this case, the task of the Dominator was too difficult. It was far beyond the 1,500 Karma points reward!
Unless the martial arts contest of the Sumptuous Fruits Banquet had other restrictions or modes?
While Mengqi was deep in thought, Wang Zai looked at Yan Chong, the Unstoppable, and chuckled. "The Emperor said that the main point was to cultivate one's emotions and polish one's soul. Therefore, it is different from a normal talent contest. The main point is to see if one's spiritual realm is displayed in the talent contest. Of course, the more talented the elder will have an advantage."
After all, a person who was good at the zither would definitely be able to display his spiritual realm better than a beginner.
Meng Qi calmed himself down and watched as Yan Chong walked to the side of the winding river. "Yan Chong, what talents do you have?"
He remembered that Yan Chong came from a small sect. Even if he had a fortuitous encounter, he should not have received any instruction in zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting like himself.
While he was asking questions, Zhao Yi's attendants brought over a table, a copper stove, teacups, and tea cakes.
"It should be the Way of Tea." Wang Zai nodded slightly.
"That works!" Mengqi was slightly surprised. He then remembered what Wang Zai had said earlier. The way of talent was not limited to zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting. As for how to judge the outcome of different events, it naturally depended on one's "realm"!
"After all, I've pretended to be an expert in the Way of Tea …" Mengqi suddenly felt a wave of joy.
After Yan Chong bowed, he lit a fire to boil the water and used his knife to pry the tea. His movements were smooth and natural, and his movements were slow and rhythmic.
After the first boil, the second boil, and the third boil, white steam rose. Yan Chong leisurely brewed the tea, exuding a tranquil and faraway atmosphere.
"Your Majesty, please enjoy the tea." Yan Chong's voice was unhurried. The teacup in his hand flew toward the platform.
His speed was not fast, but it was unusually steady, like the opening of a curved stream. Not a single drop of water splashed out. It was evident that Yan Chong's control of his genuine Qi and his own strength had reached the limit of enlightening the Apertures. Furthermore, he was aided by the Force of Heaven and Earth.
The Head of the Imperial Household, Gao Jinzhong, caught the teacup and inspected it before handing it over to the old Emperor.
Zhao Mingyu took a sip and nodded with a smile. "Good tea, good tea ceremony!"
Wang Zai continued, "Brother Yan is adept at controlling the tides, surging and surging. But when he's making tea, there's the gentleness of flowing water and the calmness of a lake under the moonlight. This is enough to show his heart. Moreover, every movement of his is relaxed and precise. He's well versed in the Samadhi of the Way of Tea. He's focused and orderly to achieve peace and tranquility."
"Good." Mengqi didn't know if he should praise Yan Chong's Way of Tea or praise Wang Zai's clear explanation. In any case, he gave up on the idea of competing in the Way of Tea. He would definitely not lose to Yan Chong in terms of his state of mind, but he wouldn't be able to do it so perfectly in other aspects.
What should he show then?
Sing a song? Using calligraphy as a sword?
While he was deep in thought, the scene was rather quiet. Many people who were eager to try had given up on the idea because they felt inferior to Yan Chong. It was better not to embarrass themselves, lest they leave a bad impression by praising themselves in front of the Emperor. They would compete on topics that they were good at later!
As for people like Aunt Bai, they had never thought of showing off their talents!
At this moment, Xuan Zhen, who was standing beside the Crown Prince, stepped forward and asked for a brush and paper.
"The Way of Calligraphy …" Mengqi fiddled with the teacup in front of him.
Xuan Zhen tossed the piece of paper into the air and leaped up, splashing ink with the brush in a place where there was nowhere to lean.
This seemed like an impetuous boast, but Xuan Zhen's expression was focused and his gaze was calm. Every stroke was like a blooming lotus.
Both he and the piece of paper fell slowly, like a Buddha descending from the sky. He did not form a tyrannical seal, but he was benevolent and peaceful.
When his feet touched the ground, Xuan Zhen pressed his hand down and the piece of paper turned upside down, revealing the words on it.
"All Dharma is like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, and a shadow, like dew or lightning. It should be viewed as such."
These twenty words each had their own style. Some were bold, some were vigorous, some were thin, some danced wildly, some had a strict structure, some were powerful and dignified, some were lively and lively. They were all round and not a single word repeated.
With so many styles of calligraphy squeezed onto a piece of paper, it should have been complicated and noisy. However, at first glance, it was natural and smooth, giving off a faint but meaningful feeling of Zen.
Different words, different forms. Different forms, different forms. The Zen was self-evident.
"This imitation of the Vajra Prajnaparamita Sutra in the Shaolin Mountain Pavilion is enough to show Zen Master Xuan Zhen's state of mind in Buddhism." Wang Zai seemed to have seen the post and sighed with emotion.
Mengqi had once admired the stone tablet left behind by the Luohan Divine Monk. Looking at this calligraphy, he felt different. "Although it is a little immature, the Zen it contains is not much different. Experience different forms, prove the different forms, and see the Buddha …"
The two of them spoke one after another. Many of the disciples of the aristocratic families who could only feel the Zen but could not understand the origin were suddenly enlightened.
Wang Zai sighed. "I wanted to write the Song of Righteousness, but after seeing Zen Master Xuan Zhen's post, I did not dare to write."
"So the art of calligraphy and painting is gone …" Mengqi was indignant and dispelled the idea of using calligraphy as a blade.
"Zen Master has obtained the Gist of Buddhism," the old Emperor praised.
He was also very shrewd and did not show the slightest bit of bad feelings in front of the Shaolin monks.
Xuan Zhen chanted the name of Buddha in a low voice and said slowly, "Everyone in the world has the Zen, but they are confused by the various forms, so it is difficult for them to see the Buddha. Buddhism is not forcing people to convert. We only wish to find a way to escape the sea of suffering and reach the Nirvana Realm with everyone."
Everyone frowned slightly. Was he saying that the Crown Prince's path did not exclude those who disagreed?
However, how could the conflict between the sects and the aristocratic families be resolved with just a few words? The people of the top aristocratic families withdrew their gazes and remained calm.
Although the sects had been trying to stir up trouble in the imperial court for so many years, this was the first time they had done so with such great fanfare. Therefore, they were all on guard and crossed the Crown Prince off their list.
To be honest, if it was not for the fact that there was a traitor among the Crown Prince's monks, who revealed the Crown Prince's belief in Buddhism and his desire to build a Buddhist nation on earth, they might have been confused by his previous appearance!
As for now, hmph, it was just a last-ditch struggle!
After Xuan Zhen returned to the Crown Prince's high platform, the number of people who wanted to enter the arena decreased. They all looked at the Ruan family. Lady Ruan was the most beautiful woman in River East and was born with a heart for the zither. If not now, when?
Suddenly, someone laughed heartily and stepped into the arena. It was "Purple Pole Sword" Cui Zhe.
He bowed with a smile and a purple jade flute appeared in his hand. He brought it to his lips and pressed it with both hands, playing a mellow and distant sound.
The sound of the flute slowly spread out, spreading out in the water and the forest. It was melancholy, lonely and ethereal. It seemed like the tide was surging ahead, the waves rising and falling. He stood at the bow of the boat, drifting with the waves.
As far as the eye could see, the sea and the sky were one color, boundless. Between the vast heaven and earth, there was only him alone, dispersing and controlling the boat.
The sound of the flute became lower and lower. The sea was silent, surging and brewing.
The artistic conception, charm, and melody were all perfect. It made many people feel sad.
The flow of the river seemed to slow down and the surface of the lake became more serene. There were no more birds in the forest, making it even more silent.
The lingering sound lingered in their hearts. Everyone fell into this artistic conception and was momentarily speechless.
"Dispersing and controlling the boat in the Ming Dynasty, you have the taste of the flute sound …" Wang Zai sighed. "Purely in terms of talent, Brother Cui is better than Buddhist Monk Xuanzhen and Brother Yan. But in terms of artistic conception, it is hard to tell who is better."
He tilted his head to look at Mengqi. "I really don't want to embarrass myself anymore."
Mengqi was about to chime in when he suddenly had an idea. He smiled and said, "Since it's not just the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, I would like to give it a try."
Wang Zai was slightly stunned. "Whistle?"
Mengqi was stunned and embarrassed. "Wasn't I just joking? Why did you have to be so serious?
Brother Wang Zai, you are too upright! "
After the Emperor's evaluation, Cui Zhe returned to his seat. Just when everyone's eyes were on Ruan Yushu, a person suddenly dashed into the arena. His movements were exquisite, and his clothes fluttered in the wind. He looked like an immortal.
"Su Ziyuan, what do you have to show?" The old Emperor was surprised, not expecting Mengqi to enter the arena.
The art of talent was naturally incompatible with the names of Thunder Blade Furious Monk, Reckless Monk, and Killing Blade!
Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Mengqi did not speak. He picked up a piece of rotten wood by the river and sat down cross-legged. Using his palm as a knife, he shaved off the outside.
He had just recalled the incident with the Celestial Sword Puppet and the time he had seen Mr. Lu carve a puppet. The serenity and concentration contained in it could not be described with words!
"Carving is also a talent!
"Those who learn from me will live, and those who imitate me will die …" Mengqi silently recited these words. His mind and mind were at peace. His palm was like a knife, and his fingers were pointing at the sword.
Today, he was dressed in a green robe. Compared to the masculine and heroic look of his black robe, he looked more at ease. Although he was sitting on the ground, he was not rude at all. Instead, he looked relaxed and content.
At first, Wang Zai and the others did not think much of it. Mengqi's carving was ordinary, and there was no artistic conception to it. It seemed that he was purely there to liven up the atmosphere.
However, as Mengqi's carving went deeper, they gradually felt that something was wrong. Their eyes seemed to be following Mengqi's movements. He was so focused and devout that they were also focused and devout.
After focusing, they could forget their worries. The worries in their hearts gradually faded, and their impetuousness subsided. Their anxiety disappeared, and they devoted themselves to observing the carving.
This feeling was not only felt by those who had enlightened the Apertures, but also by those who had Half-step and Exterior Scenery. It was just that they were not as immersed in it.
No one spoke. Only the sound of gurgling and birds chirping echoed, adding to the tranquility of the scene.
The palm, the sword, the fingers, and the knife were naturally formed, each containing its own changes. His devout and focused state cleansed the soul.
After an unknown amount of time, Mengqi stopped. The wooden carving in his palm was completed. It was similar to the Emperor's and had a unique charm.
Everyone was quiet and peaceful, and a smile appeared on their faces.
Mengqi flew the puppet to the old Emperor. It did not make any sound as if it was devoutly enjoying its journey.
After catching the puppet and fiddling with it for a while, the old Emperor suddenly sighed. "Focus, tranquility, and sincerity in martial arts will be rewarded."
Mengqi bowed and returned to his seat. Wang Zai looked at him for a while and said sincerely, "Just now, I thought it was a perfect Half-step to the Exterior master. His' knife 'and' sword 'are both devout and compelling."
Mengqi smiled and nodded, accepting Wang Zai's praise calmly. Although he did not have the same realm as Mr. Lu, his Eight Nine Mysteries was able to imitate a little of the momentum. Coupled with his own standard of returning to one's natural state, it was only natural that he was amazing.
The only problem was that he had never learned to carve, so his carving was not good enough. It only had the charm, and could barely be called freehand.
In the silence of the crowd, Ruan Yushu slowly walked down the high platform with his zither in his arms.
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