Chapter Seventy-Three: A Strange Poem Awakens an Extraordinary Realm!

This poem was originally “A Summer Quatrain” by Li Qingzhao from the Song dynasty. Though composed by a woman, its formality and gravity are unexpected, imbued with a vast, unyielding spirit and a resolute, heroic quality. The poem begins with a resounding note, sharply presenting a clear value for human life, and further references the self-sacrifice at Wu River, highlighting the indomitable strength of the Chu overlord as a hero.

While the poem laments and resists the retreat of the Southern Song regime, it also sings the praises of heroes. Though brief, its vigor and righteousness resound like a stone striking the ground. Song Mu, in a sense, composed this poem in the flow of inspiration, perhaps spurred by the earlier, unexpected episode. As he wrote, he unconsciously summoned the literary energy within himself.

In that moment, Song Mu recalled writing “Fire” in Shiyang County, but now, with a shift of thought, he found the force of intent in his mind stirring into action. Now that Song Mu had become a licentiate, his consolidated literary energy enabled him to unfurl the strange realm with greater ease.

Thus, Song Mu allowed the intent in his mind to touch the poem, and suddenly, a transformation occurred. Even he was caught off guard by how swiftly and violently the change arrived. In an instant, the light from the literary star surged into his mind, and the force of intent within began to swirl, forming a small vortex just as his literary energy had the previous day.

This development delighted Song Mu, but he quickly realized this was an excellent opportunity for a breakthrough in his intent. He must seize it! As for how to break through, the most direct and forceful method he could think of was to enlist the help of the literary star. The green light from the star, which stirred his intent, would surely help him shatter the shackles restraining him.

Song Mu made his decision at once—to immediately compose the final poem. He hurriedly spread out a new sheet of white paper, dipped his brush in ink, and began on the last topic.

“Where can I gaze on the realm divine?
From Wen Tower, all the splendor lies before mine eyes.
How many rise and fall through time, ancient and gone?
Endless flows the mighty river, rolling on and on.”

“In youth, ten thousand helmets shine,
Seizing the southeast, the battle rages, unresolved in time.
Who among heroes can stand as his peer?
Cao and Liu pale—if a son is born, let him be like Sun Zhongmou!”

A poem by Xin Qiji, “Nostalgia at Wen Tower,” leapt onto the page. Song Mu merely changed the Beigu Tower to Wen Tower, which stood north of the examination yard.

As soon as he finished, he titled it “Nostalgia at Wen Tower: A Heroic Ode for the Jizhou Prefectural Examination.” The entire poem radiated a mighty aura of talent.

Billowing, dense, and boundless white mist erupted as if, in that instant, Song Mu’s brush had pierced a balloon swollen with literary spirit. This surge of energy now swept forth with grand, heroic force, so powerful that one could hear the roar of wind.

At the same time, the literary star atop the ritual platform trembled violently, unleashing beams of green light that burst across the heavens and earth. The light fanned out, then rushed into Song Mu’s mind, where he distinctly felt his intent surging madly, growing ever stronger.

Overjoyed, Song Mu at once set aside his brush and ink, sat cross-legged in silent focus, and immersed himself in the wild torrent of intent coursing through his mind.

Yet, at this moment, Song Mu was unaware of the phenomenon his poem had set in motion.

Within the examination yard, as soon as he finished “Wu River,” ripples like waves spread from the ground, radiating grandly in all directions. These waves flowed outward, crossing the examination yard’s walls and spilling into the streets beyond.

People outside saw the literary star within the yard shimmering, then felt the rippling waves glide past their waists, bringing a refreshing coolness. The water-like ripples, almost tangible, amazed the crowd.

“What is this vision? It feels so real!” Someone reached out to touch the illusory water, disbelief in their eyes.

“I’ve never seen anything like it! This water feels almost real!”

The townsfolk cried out in wonder, marveling at this spectacle so unlike the previous visions from the examination yard. Yet, before they could discuss it further, a distant bell tolled.

The bell was long and clear, its resonance striking straight to the heart, casting the surroundings into sudden stillness.

Just then, someone pointed to the examination yard and cried out in shock.

“Look—giant waves are rising in the examination yard!”

Hearing the shout, all looked up and, one by one, stared in astonishment, chilled to the bone, instinctively taking a few steps back.

For before their eyes, within the examination yard, towering walls of water had somehow appeared, slowly climbing higher. Within the churning waters, great rivers flowed, splendid mountains and rivers layered upon themselves.

From time to time, shouts of battle echoed forth, and tall ships emerged from the watery walls, sails unfurled, banners waving, surging toward the yard’s exterior. The high walls of the examination yard seemed to vanish, swallowed by the spectacle.

Such a colossal vision was unheard of in Jizhou, and the people cried out in shock. Yet none retreated, for all believed it was merely a vision—intangible, harmless.

So they watched, eyes wide with awe and admiration.

But within the north tower of the examination yard, chaos reigned among the officials.

They found themselves surrounded by vast waters. The pavilions had vanished, replaced by turbulent rivers and cliffs, and countless warships filled the scene, manned by armored soldiers bristling with weapons.

“Do you sense it? Is this an apparition?” someone asked, on high alert, while another shook his head at once.

“It can’t be an apparition. Those are only illusions—never would our pavilion truly disappear.”

“Then what is it…” Zhan Bo swallowed hard.

“A strange realm!”

“This is a strange realm!”

In a flash, realization dawned, and the officials cried out in alarm.

Ouyang Hong was among them. Surrounded by boundless waters, shaken to his core, he heard colleagues murmur about a strange realm and immediately asked, “Who has unleashed a strange realm here?”

“It cannot be a villain. The city is under martial law—no one could dare unleash such a force here. Besides, this realm doesn’t radiate murderous intent…”

“Then there’s only one possibility…”

Ouyang Hong’s expression turned to one of utter astonishment as he understood.

All around, the others came to their senses, eyes wide in disbelief.

“It must be a candidate within the examination yard?”

“But how is that possible? Only licentiates can condense intent, and even then, only during the annual exam could such a phenomenon occur. How could this happen?”

“Indeed, how could a mere pupil wield intent, let alone use it during the prefectural exam?”

Everyone was bewildered, feeling their conclusion bordered on madness.

But at that moment, Qiu Buchu and Dean Fan, who sensed something amiss as well, were both agitated and incredulous.

“A strange realm! In all my years, I’ve never heard of anyone triggering a strange realm during the prefectural exam. What kind of intent could have brought this forth?” Qiu Buchu exclaimed.

Dean Fan, however, was on high alert. Turning to Qiu Buchu, he said, “Prefect, a strange realm is nothing like a vision. Such a manifestation can cause real harm. There are masses of townsfolk watching outside, and this realm is about to spill out.”

“I understand! I’ll act at once!” Qiu Buchu replied, moving swiftly. He stepped out of the realm, producing a great seal in his hand.

It was the prefectural seal!

“May the literary way flourish, may the land prosper—seal!” he declared, tossing the golden seal skyward.

The seal blazed with light, radiance covering the examination yard.

At once, the surging walls of water, which had spilled beyond the yard’s walls, slammed into an invisible barrier, blocked and forced to swirl back within the yard.

…