Chapter Sixty-Three: Though a Thousand Stand Against Me, I Go Forward

It turned out that after Song Peng discovered the shattered Smoke and Dust Cauldron at the Locust Literary Assembly, he fled in panic, only to end up at the South City Gate by mistake. At that moment, crowds surged like mountains around him; he realized he couldn't push his way out and was eventually swept up onto the city wall itself.

Now, seeing the appearance of the Willow Deity and the defeat of the locust demon, Song Peng’s gaze shifted, and he deliberately sought to seize this opportunity for fame.

Observing Song Peng’s actions, some inquisitive onlookers wore angry expressions, and even from afar, Wen Ji's eyes were filled with contempt. Yet most people, unfamiliar with Song Peng’s true nature, now directed admiring looks toward him.

Song Peng, standing high above, basked in the worshipful gazes of many, feeling his spirits clear and refreshed. He thought that life ought to be savored in grand style. Just then, he suddenly spotted a youth approaching from the distance—it was none other than Chu Youcai.

“This fellow actually came as well!” Song Peng, remembering Chu Youcai’s “Bamboo and Stone,” knew his own verses could not compare. His eyes flashed, and he shouted venomously, “Chu Youcai, the locusts have just been repelled, and you still want to come here and pretend to be useful?”

Instantly, every gaze focused on the distant Chu Youcai.

At that moment, Dou Xu below the wall shouted on Chu Youcai’s behalf, “Those who wanted to escape have already gone through the north gate! The fact that he came here proves his sincerity!”

Song Peng chuckled darkly, “Sincerity? Who knows where he was hiding when danger struck! Besides, we, as Yan Prefecture people, wrote poems for the City Guardian Assembly and did our duty. Where was this Third Young Master Chu then?”

Immediately, many nearby looked at Chu Youcai with disdain. Someone too timid to attend the Locust Literary Assembly seemed truly cowardly.

Just then, Dou Xu reached Chu Youcai’s side, and saw that Chu Youcai was weary, his forehead burning with fever. Dou Xu was shocked, “Young Master Chu, are you ill?”

Song Peng atop the wall burst into wild laughter, “Feigning illness when effort is needed, but showing up when it’s time to enjoy the glory? Truly admirable!”

At that moment, a shadow flashed beside them, and Yan Yunfei soared through the air, grabbing Song Peng in one swift motion, then slapped him hard across the face.

Song Peng was stunned, his face burning. He struggled angrily, but Yan Yunfei’s strength was immense; he could not break free. Yan Yunfei slapped him again, drawing blood, then flung him aside.

Song Peng tumbled to the ground, pain making him breathless, but he shouted, “Who hit me?” Seeing Yan Yunfei before him, he was dumbstruck.

Yan Yunfei ignored the crowd, leapt beside Chu Youcai, supported him, and patted his shoulder. “Young Chu is truly talented. Who in Yan Prefecture knows he accomplished such a great feat!”

---

Hearing this, those nearby were astonished. Who could have expected such praise from Yan Yunfei? What abilities did Chu Youcai possess?

Just then, Yang Ridan landed atop the city wall, holding a large stone, which he set down for all to see. “Everyone, come take a look.”

The crowd turned their attention to the stone. It appeared ordinary, but bore traces of burnt ashes, and beneath the ashes, words had been carved into it.

The inscription read, “All men must cherish one another; heaven covers all, earth bears all. Those who act with virtue, their name is naturally exalted. What people value is not outward appearance…”

And at the end, the signature: “Chu Youcai.”

Yan Yunfei spoke in a deep voice, “Early yesterday, I intended to destroy the locust demon, but was ambushed and trapped. Had it not been for Chu Youcai using the Golden Seal Book, I would not have escaped! Though the Golden Seal Book was later reduced to ruins, its words were like pearls, and even as ruins, they remained carved into the earth. So I dug the entire patch up!”

The crowd suddenly understood. Seeing the words, they silently recited their meaning, feeling a surge of inspiration.

Who could claim Chu Youcai did not do his utmost? Who could say he lacked talent? Now, though ill, Chu Youcai came forward with unwavering resolve, yet someone still sought to slander him!

The crowd’s gaze toward Chu Youcai changed, filled with admiration. By the wall, Wen Ji’s eyes, too, brimmed with reverence. The author of “Bamboo and Stone,” whom she had long awaited, finally revealed his brilliance. She was preparing to approach Chu Youcai and seek his guidance.

At this moment, Song Peng’s pain eased somewhat. Seeing all this, he was anxious and resentful—hoping for fame, he had instead fallen into disgrace. Bad luck indeed. His eyes burned with hatred toward Chu Youcai; he was now plotting to sneak away from the city wall.

Suddenly, a flash of green appeared atop the wall.

It was the Willow Deity.

Instantly, the crowd’s attention shifted. Their admiration for the Willow Deity was immense. Though previously weaker than the locust demon, the Willow Deity had decisively self-destructed a cursed artifact, gravely wounding the enemy, earning their respect. Everyone was eager to learn the outcome of the pursuit.

At this moment, the prefect asked loudly from the wall, “May I ask, Lord Willow Deity, was the locust demon slain?”

---

The Willow Deity nodded. “Rest assured.”

He then walked to Chu Youcai’s side, smiled gently, and said, “Young Master Chu, I owe you thanks this time.”

The crowd was stunned.

Chu Youcai was surprised, “Elder Willow, what do you mean?”

The Willow Deity explained, “Though you were ill, upon hearing the sound of the city wall breaking, you still hurried alone to the south gate, reciting: ‘Though ten thousand oppose, I go forth.’ It was your resolute words that roused me from slumber.”

Hearing this, silence fell. All previous doubts vanished—Chu Youcai, ill yet able to recite such verses, what courage and spirit!

Though his face was wan, his bearing remained upright and heroic. Everyone inwardly gave him a resounding cheer.

Some now looked at Song Peng with anger. Who could have guessed that, though his poetry was respectable, his character was so lacking, slandering others so basely.

Song Peng, flustered, tried to descend the wall. Under so many hostile glares, his legs trembled. In his panic, a letter dropped from his sleeve.

Someone, suspecting Song Peng might be like Zhu Yuzheng, sent by the Prince’s residence to harm Chu Youcai, picked up the letter. Upon reading it, his face showed shock and disbelief; even when others nudged him to ask about its contents, he remained lost in confusion.

PS: This chapter was written with delight. May life be savored with a grand toast, and may you all find happiness.