Hearing Zhou Ying’s announcement, the crowd immediately perked up. This round’s rules were particularly intriguing—whoever finished first would set the pace, pressuring the others. More importantly, they were eager to hear how these five contestants would praise Yun City’s warriors.

The other four competitors grew serious.

This was no easy topic. To win, their work needed to earn the judges' approval and resonate with the people of Yun City.

Tang Yan, however, remained as relaxed as ever, sipping his wine. Unlike the others, who were deep in thought, he seemed utterly carefree.

His nonchalant demeanor no longer drew contempt. Instead, it added to his charm.

“I’ve got it!” Tang Yan suddenly shouted after downing another cup of wine.

His loud declaration startled the other four contestants.

Liu Hailian, who had just begun to find inspiration, lost his train of thought entirely. He frowned in irritation. “If you’ve already composed it, then just recite it.”

“I’m afraid once I do, you’ll all lose the courage to compete for first place,” Tang Yan said smugly.

“Hmph! How could you possibly write something impressive in such a short time?” Liu Hailian scoffed.

“The Liu family may not be capable, but the Tang family is,” Tang Yan retorted, his tone laced with mockery as he continued drinking.

Seated among the spectators, the Liu family’s patriarch narrowed his eyes. The Liu family is incapable, but the Tang family is? Was this a challenge?

“Well then, Young Master Tang,” Liu Zhi said with a polite smile, seamlessly shifting the focus back onto Tang Yan. “Why don’t you share your work with us? We’d all love to see just how ‘capable’ the Tang family is.”

“If you insist.” Tang Yan stood up, downed his wine in one gulp, refilled his cup, and laughed heartily. “Then listen well!”

His voice rang out over the silent crowd:

"To slay one is a crime; to slay ten thousand, a hero.

To slay nine hundred thousand—then one stands above all.

A man’s path must be ruthless.

Virtue and war do not coexist.

A man must kill, and kill without hesitation.

For only through bloodshed is true greatness forged.”

At that moment, Tang Yan exuded an air of undeniable dominance. His white robes fluttered in the breeze, and combined with his chilling verses, he seemed like a warlord from ancient times.

"A sword that severs iron hangs at my waist,

A single fury, a single kill.

Flesh sliced for wine,

Ghosts and gods tremble at my laughter.

A thousand-mile vengeance,

I would sacrifice ten lifetimes to see it through."

At these words, the heads of Yun City’s noble families unconsciously sat up straighter.

The sheer killing intent in Tang Yan’s verses was enough to make one’s blood run cold.

And when they recalled how the Tang family had eradicated the Four Seas Gang in a single hour that morning, many couldn’t help but wonder—was this a declaration of war against the Liu family?

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Even in dreams, I kill,

My smile bathed in moonlight.

Daughters, do not ask,

Why men must be so ruthless.

Virtue has always brought harm;

Honor, a falsehood from the start.

Have you not seen?

Lions and tigers feast and earn renown,

While helpless deer are left to die?"

"Do not ask—

A man has his own path to walk.

A man’s path must be ruthless.

Virtue and war do not coexist.

A man’s duty lies on the battlefield,

With the courage of a bear and the eyes of a wolf.

Born a man, one must kill,

And never let a man’s body hold a woman’s heart!"

Though Tang Yan had altered the original composition slightly, its words remained as fiery and soul-stirring as ever.

The young men of Yun City flushed red with excitement, their breathing quickening. Their gazes toward Tang Yan carried a newfound admiration.

"One strike, one kill.

A thousand miles, no mercy.

When the deed is done, I walk away—

My name hidden, my glory buried."

For his final lines, Tang Yan borrowed from Li Bai’s Ballad of the Swordsman, delivering them in a voice laced with an unshakable resolve.

He then threw back his head and drained his cup once more.

The lakeside fell into a stunned silence.

Tang Yan’s grandfather, his eyes red with emotion, looked upon his grandson with overwhelming pride.

This… this is the bloodline of the Tang family!

Every line Tang Yan had composed was passionate and powerful, igniting a fire within the crowd. To elevate the act of killing to such an inspiring level—Liu Zhi and the others could not hope to match him in this lifetime.

Liu Hailian and Liu Zhi seethed with frustration, wanting to compose a rebuttal. But no matter how they tried, no words came.

“What’s the matter? Have you finally realized that the Tang family is capable while the Liu family is not?” Tang Yan asked with a grin.

“Hmph. You may have won today, but next time, I’ll shatter your core again. Let’s see who will fix it for you then,” Liu Zhi muttered before stepping down from the stage without looking back.

As he left, the crowd sighed in unison.

Tang Yan’s composition was too overwhelming. Even the city’s most esteemed scholars, who had dedicated their lives to literature, admitted they couldn’t match even half of his level.

One by one, the other contestants followed Liu Zhi’s lead, glaring at Tang Yan before descending from the platform.

The renowned scholars of Yun City had been forced to surrender—by none other than its most infamous scoundrel.

A conclusion no one had expected.

While the Tang family basked in joy, the other factions wore grim expressions.

There was no doubt—Tang Yan had claimed the championship of the literary contest.

What Tang Yan hadn’t anticipated was that the victory came with a reward. And when he saw it, he couldn’t help but laugh.

Aside from prestige and a monetary prize, he was awarded a Tier 3 Beast Core.

Though he had no idea why a literary competition offered such a lavish reward, a Tier 3 Beast Core was undeniably useful to him. His efforts had not been in vain.

Meanwhile, in the Liu family’s section, the patriarch sat in silence, his face unreadable.

But the Liu family members knew all too well—when their patriarch showed no expression, his mood was at its absolute worst.

“No matter what, Tang Yan must participate in the martial competition,” Liu Wuji ordered in a hushed voice. “The moment he steps onto that stage, I don’t care who he faces—no mercy. Crippling him would be ideal. And if… an accident occurs, so be it.”

“Yes. I will make the arrangements immediately,” Liu He, the head of the Liu family’s younger generation, replied grimly. He began gathering the strongest fighters among their ranks, whispering instructions.

Tang Yan’s grandfather, ever shrewd, had been watching the movements of the other families. The moment he saw Liu He’s actions, his heart clenched. He quickly pulled Tang Yan aside.

“Yan’er, avoid the martial competition if possible. If you must fight, do not face Liu Zhi. The Liu family is plotting something.”

Tang Yan glanced toward the Liu family’s section and smirked. “Don’t worry, Grandfather. I know what I’m doing.”

Seeing the confidence in his grandson’s eyes, the old man relaxed slightly. Though Tang Yan had been reckless in the past, his recent actions showed maturity beyond his years.

As the crowd was still abuzz over Tang Yan’s Warrior’s Path, the City Lord stepped onto the stage and announced:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the literary contest has concluded. Next… we begin the Martial Tournament of the Mid-Autumn Festival.”