Yue Yao, Tian Long, the Four Elders, Yue Jiuming, and Sister Liu also arrived at the edge of the training ground. They watched a group of people running back and forth on the open field, and were quite curious about Mu Ye's occasional calls to stop, explanations, and demonstrations.
"Is this the interesting competition she mentioned?" Yue Jiuming sounded skeptical.
"Perhaps this is her unique personal charm. Otherwise, how could Liu Shinian and the others be willing to follow her?"
Sister Liu seemed very interested. She gazed at Mu Ye's figure and voiced her opinion.
Elder Wan Gu watched these scenes and suddenly recalled his youth, when he was also full of spirit, spending his days sparring with his good friends.
"It's so much like when I was young."
"Indeed, they show the shadows of our younger selves, but it looks even more fun than it was back then." Elder Hei Yi seemed particularly interested.
I looked at the people running back and forth on the field and felt it was enough. I turned to Liu Shinian and Zuo Men.
"You should have understood by now. It's very simple. Let's set the competition for three days from now. We'll decide the victor then."
Liu Shinian walked up to Zuo Men, patted his shoulder, and smiled.
"We are old acquaintances, though we haven't exchanged many complete sentences. However, I've wanted to compete with you for a long time. Now that the opportunity has arisen, I will give it my all."
Zuo Men was not to be outdone. "I am also looking forward to this competition and want to witness your skills. Rest assured, I will also give it my all."
Liu Shinian smiled slightly and said, "Very well, I'll see you on the training ground in three days."
"Agreed."
Zuo Men extended his hand, and Liu Shinian clasped it. On the basis of friendship, they also subtly sized each other up, anticipating the competition.
I looked back at the two groups of people still running and called out with a smile, "Alright, alright, you can stop now. Go and rest."
"Finally, we can rest." Wu Qixiong, the Mountain Master of Biyou City, let out a sigh and collapsed onto the ground. It was the longest he had ever run.
Seeing that they had finally dispersed, Bi Yao took small steps towards Liu Shinian and asked with a sweet smile,
"Brother Liu, what are you planning to do?"
Liu Shinian thought for a moment and suddenly had a plan. Since he had already spoken boldly to Zuo Men, he had to take it seriously. He said to Yue Yao,
"I might be quite busy these few days and won't be able to accompany you. You should have fun with them."
Yue Yao nodded.
Liu Shinian then pulled Xue Gucheng over and whispered a few words in his ear. Xue Gucheng felt it was feasible and nodded in agreement. Afterward, twelve people gathered around, and Liu Shinian whispered something of great importance to them.
I watched the circle formed by Liu Shinian's group from the side, feeling puzzled. "What are they talking about?"
Hei Feng explained from behind me, "Liu Shinian is incredibly intelligent. He must have thought of a viable solution."
"If that's the case, then Zuo Men won't be their match."
With that thought, I looked towards Zuo Men's group, who had not yet left the field, and slowly walked over, sitting down beside Zuo Men.
I asked him, "Look, Liu Shinian and the others have already come up with a plan. How do you intend to respond?"
He dismissed it with a wave of his hand and turned to look at the soldiers behind him, speaking to me without reservation.
"The soldiers of Nanhai City and Xizi Kingdom not only know how to fight but also how to march and form formations. With unified hearts, we will surely win."
Seeing his confidence, I didn't say anything more.
At night, Lin'er suddenly found me, looking mysterious.
"Demon King, I have some good news. Would you like to hear it?"
Seeing his secretive demeanor, I was indeed curious and asked him, "What good news?"
"The clothes you ordered to be made have been finished."
My eyes widened in disbelief. "They were finished in just one day?"
"We mobilized the best tailors from Nanhai City and our Black Mountain, which is how we managed to rush them out in a single day."
I patted his shoulder, very pleased. "Well done. By the way, why haven't I seen Shi Sanniang?"
"She said she hadn't returned to Wanxue Mountain for a long time and hadn't visited the Wanxue Spiders. So, she decided to go back and see them.
She was supposed to inform the Demon King, but as soon as you arrived in Nanhai City, you became very busy, so I didn't get a chance to tell you that she was leaving soon."
"That's fine. It's time for her to visit. Since the clothes are ready, I'll have them gathered at the training ground tomorrow to distribute them."
"Understood."
"You may go and attend to your duties."
"Yes."
After Lin'er withdrew, I wandered alone through the vast Nanhai Royal Palace. Finally, I thought better of it and went to the dungeon. Amidst the puzzled gazes of everyone, I entered Zuo Men's former cell and stayed there.
A curious young soldier crawled on the cell door, looking at me, and asked cautiously, "Demon King, why have you locked yourself in?"
I turned around and saw his bewildered face, which made me laugh. "Since you all seem to have nothing to do, I'll keep you company. By the way, I'll tell you a story."
"Please do."
I walked out of the cell and into the corridor, sitting cross-legged in the middle. Then, I began to tell them a story I had heard.
"When I was very young, the people where I lived were very pure and kind. I heard from my friends that there was a custom there: every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, we would go and steal vegetables from other people's gardens, and we would go in groups.
So, my siblings and I waited and waited until the fifteenth day finally arrived.
Under the moonlight, we crept like thieves into our friend's garden, the one who told us about this good deed, and stole her garlic.
Then, we went to the courtyards of the households above and stole their large cabbages. But on our way home, we happened to encounter them returning, and we were almost discovered.
However, our custom had a strange characteristic: even if you saw someone stealing your vegetables, you couldn't say anything or scold them.
Otherwise, your harvest for the year would be very poor. Thus, we became bolder and bolder. After stealing from several houses, we each carried a large bundle of vegetables home.
The next day, my friend came and told me that she had seen some dark figures lurking in her vegetable patch at home. She suspected it was the family from upstairs.
I couldn't help but laugh inwardly, but I pretended to be ignorant and replied, 'Oh! Really? My place wasn't stolen from.'
So, she became even more convinced that it was the family from upstairs who had stolen them. It was so funny!"
After I finished speaking, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter, teasing me.
"I never thought the renowned Demon King was so mischievous as a child. If you were still doing such things now, you'd probably need to bring tens of thousands of people!"
"If I were to steal, I'd choose a wealthy household."
"It's hard to imagine you doing something like that."
After a round of playful banter, everyone finally settled down to sleep contentedly. I also went into the cell and slept on the straw mat.
Above, some people were still awake. They gathered in front of the main hall of the royal palace to observe the stars.
Elder Mo Xuefu looked up at the pitch-black sky devoid of any stars, his mind filled with thoughts. Suddenly, he saw a faintly glowing star in the southeast corner.
He smiled slightly, stroked his beard with one hand, and pointed towards the southeast with the other, saying,
"Amidst the darkness, there is a faint starlight shining. It seems the Demon King's great undertaking is about to succeed."
Elder Wan Gu followed his gaze and couldn't help but feel worried.
"Amongst the vast expanse of stars, not one dares to shine brightly. Only that tiny, rice-grain-sized star in the southeast corner is flickering. It seems the path ahead is uncertain and fraught with extreme danger."
Elder Hei Yi agreed with his assessment and nodded slightly.
Elder Zhu Liuyun analyzed,
"The constellations are not aligned, and their positions are unstable. It seems that heading southeast is safe, while heading northwest leads to utter desolation. It appears that if we are to conquer Xizi Kingdom, it will lead to an unavoidable great battle."
Elder Hei Yi looked closely and saw that the star was flickering, sometimes bright, sometimes dim, as if encountering some obstruction. He had some answers in his heart.
"I see that star, flickering on and off, appearing and disappearing. It seems the enemies we will face are not as simple as the four cities."
The elders nodded thoughtfully. Elder Wan Gu suddenly said, "The Demon King's momentum is destined by heaven. What does your coming and going matter?"
"What does it matter?" Elder Hei Yi murmured, but then he suddenly regained his confidence and said, "What does it matter? What does it matter?"
The few of them exchanged smiles and no longer worried too much.
The next morning, Lin'er had everyone participating in the competition summoned to the training ground. Then, he ordered two large boxes to be brought and placed before everyone.
I woke up groggily to the shouts of Old Yu. Dazed, I followed him out of the dungeon and onto the ground, entering the training field.
Lin'er looked at my sleepy eyes and asked doubtfully, "Demon King, did you not sleep well last night?"
I chuckled, stretched, and replied, "Perhaps I'm just tired these past few days. Is everyone here?"
"Everyone is here."
I walked onto the elevated platform and said to them, "I've called you here today for no major reason, just to present you with a small gift. Open them!"
At my command, the guards of the boxes quickly opened them. I walked down the steps and approached the boxes. I took out a red short-sleeved shirt and said to everyone,
"These clothes are called sportswear, designed to facilitate your running. We have red and blue colors now. Liu Shinian's and Hei Feng's teams will be the red team, and Zuo Men's and Feng Xiaoyi's teams will be the blue team. Now, let's distribute the clothes. Each person will receive two sets."
From the entire box of clothes, I took out two sets and handed them to Lin'er. He looked confused but still accepted them cautiously. I gave him a meaningful smile.
He felt a shiver down his spine and instinctively turned away. I walked into Liu Shinian's team and looked at each person, my tongue restlessly moving at the corner of my mouth.
Liu Shinian saw my lewd smile and then looked at the clothes in his hands. He suddenly recalled the conversation he had with Hei Feng that day and couldn't help but think,
"Could it be that she is trying to satisfy her own meager desires?"
Thinking this, he couldn't help but feel a bit of fear and swallowed hard. He looked thoughtfully at Hei Feng, who, not understanding his meaning, simply smiled foolishly.
I stroked my chin and said with anticipation, "You should put them on later. I want to see if they fit."
Liu Shinian looked at the saliva that was about to dribble from my mouth and couldn't help but complain inwardly, "She's too eager."
Seeing that everyone had received their clothes, I said, "Alright, you are dismissed. Go about your business."
However, Zuo Men's team did not leave. They stood outside the field, looking thoughtful.
I walked over and asked them, "Do you want to do some training?"
They looked at me with confusion and asked, "Training?"
I turned around and shouted to someone behind me, "Go and get my ball."
Then, a rattan ball flew from a distance. To show off my skill, I caught it with one hand.
"I'll teach you how to pass and defend."
Zuo Men crossed his arms, looking disdainful. I walked to the center of the field and shouted, "Hurry up and come over! If you don't, I'll score!" With that, I kicked the ball. They had no choice but to cooperate with me and join in the training.
I served the ball, and they blocked it. Then I defended the goal, Zuo Men served the ball, and then we practiced passing, defending, and stealing the ball until late into the night. When everyone was exhausted, I waved my hand and said, "That's all for today. You can all go back."
They then left, their bodies weary.
Turning around, I saw Qiu Yu standing behind me, holding a carved lantern with a flickering flame, looking at me with a smile.
I was a bit puzzled and asked her, "Why are you here?"
She smiled slightly and replied, "I was waiting for the Demon King. I didn't see you return last night, and I was a little worried."
I then remembered that I hadn't told her about staying in the dungeon. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. I won't be staying in my chambers for a while. I have to go to the dungeon to keep an eye on those people."
The smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by a look of confusion. "Isn't there a jailer in the dungeon? Does the Demon King personally need to guard them?"
I knew she couldn't understand my actions for the moment, so I casually made an excuse. "Oh, there are some things I need to handle myself. Don't worry. You should go back now. I'll be going ahead."
With that, I turned and walked into the dungeon without looking back. Her face changed from anticipation to disappointment, but then suddenly brightened, and she followed me with small steps.
Sister Liu watched this scene from a distance and found it amusing, teasing, "I didn't expect Mu Ye to be the type who attracts both men and women."
Yue Jiuming was very confused. "Attracts both men and women? I don't see it."
She turned her head and looked at the blankly staring Jiu Ge, shaking her head helplessly. "Boys like you wouldn't understand these things. But I think Mu Ye probably hasn't realized it either."
Yue Jiuming was still confused. "I don't understand."
Sister Liu was very exasperated and called out to him, "Alright, stop looking. Let's go back."
"Alright."
Upon entering the dungeon, the moment my foot crossed the threshold, I heard An Guo, the younger brother of the jailer Old Yu, ask,
"Demon King, did this lady come with you as well?"
I turned around, confused, and saw Qiu Yu's shy face. At this moment, the soldiers imprisoned inside, who hadn't seen a stranger, especially a beautiful woman, for a long time, suddenly became restless. They all leaned on the cell doors, looking at Qiu Yu with giggles.
He Lian was startled and a little frightened. She ran to my side. I explained,
"Don't be afraid. They are not bad people. They are just bored in this dungeon with nothing to do."
I praised Qiu Yu's talents to everyone. "Let me introduce you. This is He Lian. She is my friend. She is exceptionally talented and a top-notch scholar."
Hearing that I considered her a friend, not a servant, her heart was warmed, like a spring breeze that hadn't blown for a long time, arriving from the harsh winter.
Everyone looked unconvinced. A young soldier from Xizi Kingdom named Gu Changshi said,
"Demon King, I've studied poetry and couplets for a few days and know a little about composing verses. I wonder if Miss Qiu Yu dares to have a go with me?"
Everyone else also joined in the clamor, "Have a go! Have a go!"
I looked at Qiu Yu and asked her, "Is that okay?"
She didn't speak but nodded slightly.
I was overjoyed, seeing another opportunity to praise myself. "I told you she's a talented woman, but you don't believe me. If you don't believe me, then give her a challenge. Just give it."
The soldier Gu Changshi cleared his throat and began,
"I'll give the first line, and you provide the second. First line: 'Chickens and dogs cross the frosty bridge, a path of plum blossoms and bamboo leaves.'"
Qiu Yu smiled slightly and immediately replied,
"Swallows and orioles穿 through embroidered curtains, half a window of jade scissors and golden branches."
"Good, good, good! Chickens and dogs against swallows and orioles, a path against half a window. It's perfectly matched!" Everyone applauded enthusiastically.
The soldier shook his head, feeling it was still too simple, and said,
"What I said was too simple. Let's try something more difficult. First line: 'Tuning the zither, tuning new tunes, tune by tune, the tunes are marvelous.'"
He Lian pondered for a moment, then her eyes lit up, and she suddenly said,
"My second line is: 'Planting flowers, planting good flowers, planting and planting, they grow into fragrant blossoms.'"
"Excellent!" The entire dungeon erupted with applause like the crackling of drums and gongs.
Gu Changshi was still somewhat unwilling and argued,
"The previous one was still too simple. This time I'll give you a difficult one. If you can match it, I'll admire you."
He turned his head and immediately had an idea, saying,
"Listen carefully. My first line is: 'My Russian people, riding strange horses, drawing long bows, single-handedly engaging in battle, zithers and lutes, eight great kings, kings, kings above.'"
"What a difficult couplet! I didn't expect such a small soldier to be so talented." Everyone looked at Gu Changshi with newfound respect.
He Lian frowned and walked forward.
Gu Changshi, confident that she would lose, laughed arrogantly,
"Such a difficult couplet, I bet you can't match it."
Qiu Yu, however, was not in a hurry. After taking a few steps, inspiration struck, and she immediately smiled and turned back to say,
"My second line is: 'Your people, you, pretending to be human, wearing fur, seeking clothes, hands clasped, taking them,魑魅魍魉 (demons and monsters), four little ghosts, ghosts, ghosts at the side.'"
"Wow, truly a talented woman. I'm impressed, I'm impressed."
Gu Changshi listened and couldn't help but nod, full of admiration. He cupped his hands and said,
"I concede. You truly live up to the Demon King's expectations. You are indeed a top-notch talented woman."
He Lian smiled slightly and replied humbly, "You are too kind. My meager talent is not worthy of such praise."
"See? I told you I have a good eye for people. Well done, He Lian. You may go back. I'll find you again tomorrow."
Seeing that she had saved me some face, I was delighted, but I also felt that it wasn't appropriate for her to stay here.
He Lian was still reluctant to leave. After my repeated persuasion, she reluctantly left the dungeon.