A poem, shocking everyone present.
A scumbag prodigal son turns over a new leaf, and a maiden develops feelings for him.
Seeing this, many people in the hall felt a tempestuous surge in their hearts.
After all, among them were Golden Immortals, and even Supreme Immortals, whose Dao hearts were as firm as rocks, making them difficult to shake.
Especially the maidens from the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon, who were known to only talk about money and not emotions, their hearts like ancient wells. It was truly incredible that their hearts were now stirred by love.
Instantly, many people felt fear towards Ji Mo, afraid of such heart-bewitching methods.
To be able to sway others' minds with poetry was truly terrifying!
Some also felt immense hostility rising in their hearts, viewing Ji Mo as a powerful and formidable competitor.
The line "dancing with 'light shadows'" in the poem was clear enough; this fellow was also aiming for Miss Qingying of the Chi family.
"Although his poetry is powerful, my zither skills are also extraordinary, not inferior to his."
"Hmph, my map drawing... no, my painting is incredibly strong, it can better move Miss Chi's heart."
"You're all overthinking it. Literary talent is nothing. The most important thing is martial prowess. Whoever is stronger is more competitive. You weaklings have no hope of competing with me."
Quite a few arrogant men were full of confidence in themselves, not taking Ji Mo seriously.
In literature, there is no first, only second in martial arts. They were all heavenly talents in their own right, so naturally, they would not easily admit defeat or back down.
"It's your turn. How about I give you a few more hours to think it over? Of course, you'd better prepare that million immortal crystals quickly, don't even think about reneging on the debt."
Ji Mo found a table and sat down, reminding Ximen Yaoqing, "You'd better be a good sport and admit your loss. I'm never lenient with those who are dishonest and like to default on their debts."
Ximen Yaoqing's face was extremely ugly. He trembled with anger, already convinced that he could not compose a better poem than this "When Will the Moon Be Bright."
He was filled with indignation. He thought he had picked on a soft persimmon, but he didn't expect this fellow to be so insidious, pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger.
Earlier, by the coast, this fellow deliberately wrote doggerel poems, perhaps intentionally feigning illiteracy to trap him.
"Shameless wretch, this poem wasn't written by you at all, you plagiarized!"
Ximen Yaoqing couldn't afford to lose and chose to renege on the debt.
He didn't believe that Ji Mo had written this poem himself. Even if he were exceptionally talented, he couldn't casually compose a masterpiece like this, something even the great scholars couldn't do.
Before Ji Mo could speak, someone defended him.
"Young Master Ximen, if you have the ability, why don't you copy one out yourself? With my knowledge, no one in the entire Immortal Spirit Realm could write this poem."
"That's right, this is the first time I've heard this poem in my life. It's definitely the original work of this young master."
"This concubine hates men who can't afford to lose and default on their debts the most. They have no class."
...
Many maidens from the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon spoke up for Ji Mo.
Moreover, their words were all reasonable and irrefutable.
At the same time, these maidens even paid out of their own pockets, having wine, delicacies, dried fruits, and sweets sent to Ji Mo, filling a large table. They were so enthusiastic.
It was known that in the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon, it was always men who spent money on them. It was the first time ever that maidens would offer themselves, and they were all competing to do so.
Bonny was flustered. These courtesans were truly shameless, not reserved at all. Instead of conducting business properly, they were offering themselves.
It's hard to pursue a woman, but easy for a woman to pursue a man. If this lecherous Ji Mo fell into their tender embrace, what would she do?
"This poem was indeed plagiarized."
Ji Mo admitted generously. This was the work of the great Su Shi, and he dared not claim it as his original creation.
However, his words were like knives piercing Ximen Yaoqing's heart, making him feel that Ji Mo was trying to ruin his reputation by killing with a borrowed knife.
Because the more Ji Mo admitted it, the more people would think he was open and honest, while he would become the villain, subjected to public condemnation.
"I admit defeat and will honor the bet."
Ximen Yaoqing gritted his back molars, as if crushing them.
In this situation, he could only accept his fate, otherwise, his reputation would be ruined.
However, a million immortal crystals were not so easily obtained. This brat was dead for sure.
Ximen Yaoqing harbored immense hatred for Ji Mo, wishing to grind him into dust a hundred times over.
Of course, a million immortal crystals was a huge sum. Even as a young master of the Ximen family, Ximen Yaoqing couldn't afford it.
He took out all his savings, which amounted to only nearly seventy thousand immortal crystals. He had no choice but to write Ji Mo an IOU for the remaining amount.
"If you don't have money, don't pretend. What's with all the boasting? You said you could do anything, but you're a pauper."
Ji Mo took the IOU, somewhat displeased.
He had gotten excited for nothing; this fellow was actually a pauper.
Ximen Yaoqing's face turned green. He really wanted to ask if Ji Mo knew the value of a million immortal crystals, whether it was something that could be taken out casually.
Looking at Ji Mo's shabby appearance, it was estimated that these seventy thousand immortal crystals were a fortune he had never seen in his life.
However, Ximen Yaoqing did not know that Ji Mo was not deliberately mocking him, but had transported a massive fortune by flying boat from Qingqiu, thus raising his standards.
"Young master, do you need money? I've saved quite a bit over the years, about two to three hundred thousand immortal crystals, all for you."
"I also have many jewelry and ornaments, all gifted to you, young master. If it's still not enough, I'll work harder to slaughter... I mean, earn money."
Hearing that Ji Mo seemed to be short of money, the maidens generously offered their help, even willing to give up their hard-earned savings.
All the men were stunned. This was too exaggerated.
The courtesans of the pleasure house were scrambling to offer themselves to one man. This world was too crazy!
They were filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. If gazes could kill, Ji Mo would have been sliced into a thousand pieces by now.
Thinking about it brought a wave of bitter tears. They had spent a lot of money, yet they couldn't win the genuine affection of a single maiden. Ji Mo, on the other hand, had captured the hearts of a group of maidens just by composing a poem.
What made them even more heartbroken was that one maiden inadvertently uttered the word "slaughter." Smart people understood that in the eyes of these maidens, they were just fat sheep, which made their hearts ache even more unbearably.
Ji Mo quickly refused the maidens' kind offers. Although he was greedy for money, he still had his principles and resolutely refused to be a kept man.
"Alas, we unfortunate souls are ultimately no match for Miss Chi of the Chi family."
"Indeed. Young master even said 'dancing with light shadows,' which shows his sincere feelings for Miss Chi. Why would he look at us?"
"Young master, this concubine doesn't seek a formal title; a fleeting union would suffice."
The maidens' faces were filled with sorrow, their words tinged with sourness.
Some bolder and more unrestrained ones were even willing to pledge themselves in marriage, loving him humbly.
Ji Hanhan was a bit overwhelmed. He quickly recited more Tang and Song dynasty poems to these maidens, which finally calmed them down.
Everything that came from Ji Mo's mouth was a timeless masterpiece, causing another sensation.
Meanwhile, Ximen Yaoqing's heart felt even more bitter. Just now, he had accused Ji Mo of plagiarism, but now it was debunked. He had become a jealous and envious villain, a laughingstock.
"When you leave the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon, I will kill you on the street."
Ximen Yaoqing's killing intent soared, and he left in a huff.
He was going to gather his men and find an opportunity to get rid of Ji Mo.
What happened in the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon spread throughout Lan Yu City at a terrifying speed.
The Chi Family.
"Godmother, this is bad! Some lecherous scoundrel is spouting vulgarities and composing erotic poems in a pleasure house, threatening to toy with you."
Xia Wan'er, upon hearing about this incident, immediately went to complain to Chi Qingying.
Mainly, she didn't understand poetry and hadn't grasped the truth of the matter. She heard rumors and spread them, misunderstanding the situation.
"What? 'Dancing with light shadows'? What kind of lewd words are these! Oh my goodness... you bastard, you daredevil, I'm going to go and kill him right now."
Chi Qingying, already in a terrible mood due to being forced into a marriage, was now enraged upon hearing that someone had composed a poem to tease her. She couldn't stand it any longer and charged towards the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon with murderous intent, intending to settle the score with that scoundrel.