Encountering Rain at West Lake, Old Rain Pavilion. Search: \(Complete Book Divine Station\) to read high-quality literature for free.

During the Lantern Festival, at the Old Rain Pavilion. Five months ago, on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the *Shui Diao Ge Tou* poem emerged, stunning Jiangning. Some even said that with this poem, it would be difficult for anyone to create better Mid-Autumn Festival poetry at the Jiangning Poetry Society in the coming years. Even now, this poem, "When Will the Moon Be Clear?" is still frequently sung at various banquets and gatherings. Five months is not enough to dilute the shock brought about by this poem. In fact, as time passes, it will only spread wider. Even in places like Tokyo and Yangzhou, this poem is repeatedly sung, and its fame grows even more. However, as time passed, the initial discussions about the poem's author within Jiangning gradually faded. After so long without any news, even the guesses or negative comments about plagiarism had been said so many times that there was no more mood for discussion.

Even on the Lantern Festival, when Puyang Yi and Su Chonghua mentioned Ning Yi, it was only a small-scale discussion. To bring it up as a topic for everyone was pointless. If you wanted to call him a recluse or a madman, he was just teaching all day and ignoring you anyway. That was why, when these few people looked out of the window, most people didn't understand what was happening. The great courtesan Qi Lan had just finished a dance and song performance. She was sitting there, resting and chatting with a few talented scholars, when she noticed the situation and quietly asked the people around her.

This was the situation throughout the gathering. After whispering for a while, someone went over and said, "It seems that Ning Yi, Ning Liheng, is downstairs right now."

"Ning Liheng, who wrote that *Shui Diao Ge Tou*?"

"Did the Puyang family even invite this person?"

"The Su family only runs a cloth business. The Puyang family is the richest in Jiangning. How could they not give him face? But... I've heard that this person is seeking fame and reputation..."

"It's true that he never participates in these gatherings, but it's said that his conversation is very generous..."

While everyone whispered, Qi Lan just listened with a smile. She had also sung the *Shui Diao Ge Tou* many times. However, at this kind of gathering, it was impossible for her to reveal any curiosity in her heart. She just followed the lead of the people next to her, saying a few words, and occasionally glanced at Puyang Yi.

By the window, Su Chonghua and the others had already recognized Ning Yi below. Xue Jin smiled, "Isn't that Xiao Chan? Liheng is in front." Puyang Yi looked over at Su Chonghua. Su Chonghua then smiled, "It really is Liheng and that girl Xiao Chan."

Xue Jin leaned out to take a look. "I wonder what they're doing. Let's call him up." Wu Qihao said, "It looks like they have something going on." As they were saying this, Puyang Yi was also thinking. After a moment, Su Chonghua laughed, "Since it's a chance encounter, it wouldn't hurt to have him come up. It's the Lantern Festival. When else would he just be wandering around..."

Su Chonghua was Ning Yi's direct superior. Hearing this, Puyang Yi made a decision. Seeing that Xue Jin seemed to want to call someone directly, he quickly said, "How can we do that? How can we do that? With Brother Ning's talent, I should personally invite him. Please wait a moment." Wu Qihao said, "I'll go with you."

The two of them apologized to the people around them and went downstairs. For a moment, the hall was filled with whispers about what would happen when Ning Yi came. The various guesses about Ning Yi's talent resurfaced. Xue Jin sneered and said a few words to some acquaintances, then looked at Su Chonghua with a hint of suspicion: What is this old thing up to...? Su Chonghua didn't have a good impression of him. He cupped his fist in salute and sat back down, talking to Li Pin, who was watching with a smile...

********************

"Young Master lost~her~! Young Master can't~find~her~!"

In the courtyard downstairs, Xiao Chan spoke with a lilting, singing tone. There was some schadenfreude in her voice, but more than that, she was relieved that Ning Yi couldn't find the female thief. On the way here, her bun had come undone, so she simply tore off the silk cloth on the other side as well, letting it fall into two pretty pigtails. As she walked, the braids swayed back and forth, still maintaining the image of a well-behaved and sensible maid.

Ning Yi knew what she was thinking. He smiled at this moment. When he turned his head, Xiao Chan thought that the Young Master was going to mess up her hair again. She gently pulled on her two braids and quickly took a few steps back, her face pursed in a happy smile: "Who said I lost her?"

"Young Master lost her."

Xiao Chan replied with a smile. Ning Yi rolled his eyes: "We'll see." He looked in a certain direction.

In fact, he hadn't really lost her. He understood Xiao Chan's worries, and since she was happy thinking that he had lost her, it was best to let her think that way. At this time, there was a lively atmosphere in the restaurant. Everyone seemed to be celebrating and getting along harmoniously, but many of the details couldn't escape Ning Yi's observation.

As some of the Wu Lie Army members tracked over, according to the possible escape route of the female thief and the distribution of the Wu Lie Army soldiers, he and Xiao Chan should have been biting at the rear, not far behind. There was an abnormal collapse of snow on the wall behind the old building. Two Wu Lie Army soldiers were negotiating with the guards in front of the main entrance. They were only allowed in at this time. Earlier, Ning Yi and Xiao Chan had gone around half a circle and noticed that a room resembling a utility room or rest room seemed to have been forcibly opened. Ning Yi had specifically said a few words to a waiter, telling him to pay attention to the situation over there. At this time, the waiter seemed to be talking to a supervisor in a somewhat panicked manner, holding some red things in his hand.

That might be a blood-stained cloth, or perhaps a whole bloody garment that had been changed. However, when encountering such an incident, the restaurant wouldn't want to report it to the authorities or do anything else before clarifying the situation. The main reason was to avoid making a fuss and ruining tonight's business. Not to mention that people here were still unaware of the events on Vermillion Bird Avenue or at the Flying Swallow Pavilion, even if they knew she was an assassin, as long as it had nothing to do with them, they would just let her leave on her own. If constables or soldiers were called over, not only would tonight's business be ruined, but they might also end up being implicated and extorted. Therefore, for the time being, the restaurant could only investigate on its own and increase vigilance.

After the two Wu Lie Army members, two more members came in from the entrance. They were paying attention to the suspicious people around. The restaurant manager also called over a few people, gave them some instructions, and then these waiters dressed in disguise dispersed, also discreetly investigating the internal abnormalities. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Ning Yi only needed to follow behind these people and watch the situation, quietly acting as a good oriole.

Ever since hearing about the magic of Qigong and internal energy, Ning Yi had always wanted to see it. It had been more than half a year, and he had finally seen someone who seemed to have real skills. He was absolutely unwilling to let it go. It was still difficult to say what would happen next, but as long as there was a chance, he could always think of a way. He could adapt to the situation. However, what he didn't expect was that on the way from the first floor to the second floor, he, who considered himself an oriole, was blocked by two completely uncalculated hunters.

"Brother Ning, Xiao Chan, what a coincidence." Coming down from the stairs, the first to greet the two at the corner was Wu Qihao, whom they had met once before. Then, another young man also cupped his fist in salute: "Brother Liheng, I've heard so much about you. I am Puyang Yi." He was meeting this person for the first time, but he had heard the name before. He was the successor of the Puyang family.

Then, after Wu Qihao's introduction and greetings, Ning Yi learned that there was another Puyang Poetry Society being held upstairs. He certainly didn't intend to go. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I still have important matters to attend to. It's not convenient for me to go to the poetry society. Your kindness..." Before he could finish his polite words, Wu Qihao had already warmly taken his hand, putting on a warm and heroic attitude: "Now that you're here, how can you not go up and sit down? It seems that Brother is also going upstairs, could you have another invitation? Haha, this is fine. Just take a little time and have Brother Puyang send someone up to inform them. Besides, Su Shanchang and Li Pin Li Dexin are all at the poetry society. Everyone admires Brother's talent. If Brother doesn't enter, it's not the way to make friends... Brother, just show your face. If you really have urgent matters and need to leave first, everyone will understand. Haha, speaking of which, Brother Puyang has been thinking about this matter for a long time..."

Wu Qihao warmly pulled Ning Yi upstairs. Puyang Yi was gentle and courteous, and spoke appropriately. The poetry society was on one side of the second floor. Now that Ning Yi had gone upstairs, it was really hard to refuse. Looking back, Xiao Chan was also jumping and skipping, looking somewhat happy. When he glanced at her, she immediately pursed her lips and made her expression more reserved, her eyes blinking purely.

This girl...

Xiao Chan's thoughts were obvious. Turning his head to look into the hall, Xue Jin's smiling face was clearly among them. He had been interacting with Qin Lao and the others for the past half year, and he had also seen many things. If it was a small scene, it wouldn't matter. But it was really not the time right now. Looking back at the positions of the several blue-shirted Wu Lie Army soldiers, and then looking around at the waiters in the building, he frowned slightly.

Then, there were all kinds of greetings and introductions. There were dozens of talented scholars in the seats. There were few that he recognized and many that he didn't. The only ones he really knew were Li Pin, Xue Jin, Su Chonghua, and others. After Puyang Yi introduced him, the famous courtesan Qi Lan, who he had heard so much about, also stood up and bowed to him, saying things like, "I've long admired your name." This woman was eighteen or nineteen years old and was quite beautiful. Ning Yi just cupped his fist and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I really have important matters to attend to. It's not convenient for me to stay long today, everyone..."

Opportunities were fleeting... Although it might not really be considered an opportunity, for Ning Yi, chatting and discussing poetry with this group of scholars, or even participating in these low-level power struggles, was nowhere near as interesting as martial arts. Ning Yi wasn't some romantic who wanted to break through human limits. If he really wanted to pursue power, he had already learned about some training methods of military special forces in the past. It wasn't impossible to train himself into a body of hard Qigong if he was willing to go all out. However, he had already seen too many things. What this ancient world had, the world thousands of years later also had. But the only thing he had never seen was this so-called internal energy. Therefore, he directly opened his mouth to say goodbye. Before he could finish speaking, someone started talking.

"Young Master Ning has great talent. At the Puyang Poetry Society that day, a *Shui Diao Ge Tou* poem stunned the audience. Today is the Lantern Festival, and the Puyang family is also holding a poetry society. Why doesn't Young Master Ning leave another great work, so that we can say in the future that we were honored to be there?"

"That's right. If Young Master Ning leaves another great work, it will surely become a good story in the future."

This was a blatant challenge. Ning Yi frowned slightly: "Another day, I really have something to attend to today."

"What urgent matter do you have? You can tell us, and we might be able to help you, Brother Ning."

"That's right. A gentleman is open and aboveboard. If Brother Ning really has an urgent matter, just say it."

Then, someone whispered, "Does this person look down on us..."

"Too arrogant..."

"I'm afraid the rumors are true..."

The voices were not loud, but they could be heard by everyone. In the front seats, Qi Lan watched all of this as an observer. She knew the Puyang family's eagerness to find talent. Ning Yi's reputation had been ambiguous from the beginning, but Puyang Yi still had hope for him. After all, there were too many second-generation heirs who were seeking fame and reputation. If the other party really had talent, then it would be a great gain to win him over. But judging from the current situation, it was probably not such a good thing. Looking at Ning Yi's appearance, she also frowned imperceptibly, somewhat sighing.

Ning Yi turned his head and looked out the window. Two blue-shirted men were passing through the corridor opposite, but they hadn't turned back yet. Xue Jin suddenly jumped out, blocking his view.

"Brother Ning, let me say something fair. You're not being right about this." Xue Jin smiled happily. "That *Shui Diao Ge Tou* on the Mid-Autumn Festival is enough to prove that you have great talent. At today's gathering, everyone was just talking about your name and sincerely admired you, praising you endlessly. Some people outside also say that you are seeking fame and reputation, and that the *Shui Diao Ge Tou* was just plagiarism. I never believed it. Today, we were talking about you and you arrived. This is something destined by heaven, it's fate! I also know that good poetry cannot be composed casually. Brother Ning can wait here for a moment, and when you have some inspiration, just write a poem, it doesn't have to be as wonderful as *Shui Diao Ge Tou*. As long as there is one, next time if I meet someone on the street who criticizes Brother Ning about this, I will definitely slap him in the face! Call over a dozen or twenty servants and beat him! Drag him into the yamen and accuse him of defaming someone's reputation, and let the prefect torment him! Haha, wouldn't that be great!"

Xue Jin was gesticulating as he spoke. Ning Yi watched him perform, but he also laughed.

"In short, we are at the age of enjoying ourselves in time. Today, you elder brothers and virtuous men are present, and the great courtesan Qi Lan is accompanying us. With such great enthusiasm, what urgent matter could you have? If you really have an urgent matter, I'll bear all the losses! If you need to apologize, I'll go with you and carry thorns to plead guilty, right?"

After he said this, on the other side, amidst the whispers in the hall, another voice rang out: "Liheng, since everyone is saying this, you shouldn't refuse. It's good for young people to know how to bide their time, but occasionally they have to show their edge. Today, just relax a little and show your talent, how about it?"

Ning Yi turned his head.

The slow and deliberate words came from Su Chonghua, who now had a kind smile on his face, as if he was happy that the Yu Shan Academy had produced such a junior. Ning Yi's eyes swept over, his face suddenly turned cold, and then, the corners of his mouth pulled into a smile, the smile in Su Chonghua's eyes seemed to have some of the majesty of Su Taigong's anger, and a hint of strangeness. Su Chonghua couldn't tell what the expression meant at all.

Su Chonghua tried his best to maintain the smile on his face. Fortunately, Xue Jin continued to speak.

"Brother Ning, what do you mean by this reaction? To be honest, recently I heard a rumor that has been spreading like wildfire, saying that you personally told the elders of the Su family that your *Shui Diao Ge Tou* was sung by a wandering Taoist priest when you were young. I didn't believe it. Brother Ning is of noble character, how could you do such a thing! But I can't resist the torrent of voices. Brother Ning, if this is really the case, then I was wrong about you. If you really want to leave today, then pass by me! I will never stop you! I'll just admit that I misjudged you!"

There was nothing commendable in the logic of his words, but he spoke with a righteous and stern demeanor. If Ning Yi really left, he would confirm the name of plagiarism the next day. After the voice fell, the hall was a little quiet, and others waited for Ning Yi's reaction. Puyang Yi wanted to relieve the situation, but he couldn't say anything for a while. Then, he saw Ning Yi turn around and walk past Xue Jin, saying in a faint voice: "Very well."

Xue Jin turned his head to speak, but he saw Ning Yi walk directly to a low table next to him and pick up a writing brush. This gathering was originally a poetry society, so there were writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones everywhere. There was originally someone sitting at the low table, with a gloating smile on his face. At this time, his smile froze slightly. Ning Yi dipped the brush into the ink, paused for a second.

His gaze passed through the crowd and towards Su Chonghua. At the table not far from Su Chonghua, a maid in a blue dress was pouring wine into the empty wine glasses. It was cold, so these maids were dressed relatively thickly, but Ning Yi vaguely recognized a little of the outline of that figure.

Unexpectedly... I really didn't lose her...

Xiao Chan was originally a little angry after listening to Xue Jin and others, but at this time she was a little surprised and followed. Li Pin and others also followed at this time. The brush was dipped in the ink for two seconds and fell towards the rice paper: "Very well, today is the Lantern Festival, and since everyone is so enthusiastic, I dare not hide my clumsiness. I'll embarrass myself!"

His eyes followed the maid's back, and the brush wrote on the paper with a swish, but after all, it wasn't a fountain pen. Even if he wrote in wild cursive, Ning Yi didn't write very fast. Li Pin watched from the side, and after a while, helped to read out the written words.

"*Qing Yu An*... Lantern Festival..."

His tone was clear, and everyone in the hall could hear it clearly. After a while, his expression and posture became formal, and he repeated: "The east wind releases... a thousand trees of flowers—"

The first sentence of this *Qing Yu An* unfolds with grandeur!

Xue Jin and Su Chonghua's expressions changed instantly...

****************

Some extraneous words, the epilogue of *Hidden Kill* has a total of 85,000 words, which has been published in Taiwan a few days ago, and will be released on Qidian next month. At noon today, I reviewed the 85,000-word manuscript and added a final plot fragment of about 3,000 words... To be honest, when I finished this book two years ago, I promised to have an epilogue, because there were still many ideas at the time. This epilogue was only completed in March of this year. Whether it was completing the main story two years ago or completing the epilogue in March of this year, I never really felt that the book had ended. They have been hovering and living in my mind. Until the completion of these 3,000 words today, I suddenly felt... like a child, I can finally let him go now. They will continue to live in their world, and I no longer need to carry more and further distances. There is some melancholy and sadness, and also the ease after the story is complete. In short, next month, the entire *Hidden Kill* will be completed. The epilogue is 85,000 plus a 3,000-word fragment, and there is also a 20,000-word outer chapter, which writes about the story of the previous world, the conflict between Gu Jiaming, Yuan Lai Chaochu, and the Gods of Nothingness, Li Ming Dao Xu, who was previously code-named White Night. This was once included in the ending of the first traditional Chinese edition of Hidden Kill, and it will all be released.

Most of Banana's old readers have already read this book. If you are a new reader, you may wish to take a look, perhaps someone will like it.

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