Think about distant lands

The "Poet" bowed respectfully towards Zhongli, his face filled with admiration.

It was said that Zhongli possessed unparalleled knowledge, from astronomy to geography.

It was precisely because of Zhongli's vast learning that the Crown Prince invited him to be a guest Official.

To achieve such a prestigious position purely based on knowledge and intellect, one can only imagine how terrifying Zhongli's wisdom must be!

Such a scholarly and refined individual was truly the subject of admiration and praise for countless poets!

After finishing his performance, the "Poet" sincerely approached Zhongli, asking if there were any areas for improvement.

If he could receive even a bit of guidance from Zhongli, he might be able to reach a higher level.

After hearing this, Zhongli took a sip of tea before placing his teacup down.

The teahouse was still filled with many people, most of whom were not there to enjoy tea or listen to poetry.

Their purpose was to exchange information!

Otherwise, how would so many powerful factions know about Zhongli's preferences and habits?

Of course, there were a few who genuinely loved poetry, or perhaps just enjoyed drinking tea.

They came here simply to pass the time.

After thinking for a moment, Zhongli finally spoke, "In terms of poetry, I only have a little knowledge, just a little."

As soon as these humble words were spoken, Paimon, who was drinking tea, was stunned, her head turning towards Zhongli involuntarily.

A little knowledge, huh? Is there anything you don't know just a little about?

The Ancestral God of All, the God of Contracts, the God of War, the God of Wealth...

If you only know a little, why do you have so many titles?

Paimon's small mouth was slightly agape, wanting to speak but stopping herself.

Normally, Paimon would speak her mind freely, saying whatever was on her mind.

She rarely hesitated.

But at this moment, she genuinely didn't know what to say.

"A little knowledge"—he didn't say he knew nothing.

This was a statement that was impossible to refute.

After hearing this, the others' eyes twitched. They might have believed Zhongli's modesty if they didn't know his "background," but they did!

"Lord Zhongli, indeed! Such a powerful being, with such vast knowledge, yet so humble and courteous—truly a role model for us all!"

"From today onward, I will spread the tales of Lord Zhongli!"

"I will write a book about his deeds!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement, and a subtle sense of reverence for Zhongli began to emerge.

With Zhongli, they felt no sense of inferiority. Even spies from powerful factions admired him greatly.

A dignified powerhouse at the Title Douluo level, possessing a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit ring and twin martial souls!

He could converse with you as equals, discussing ancient and modern times without the barrier that usually exists between the strong and the weak.

After hearing these words, Zhongli's eyes brightened, and he subconsciously glanced at a few people.

These "old men" looked like scholars, with a hint of storytelling talent.

Spreading tales about him? Listening to people recount legends about himself...

Holding his own funeral was something only Zhongli could do.

Liyue's one and only Emperor, the Rex Lapis himself, was Zhongli!

Do you understand the Rex Lapis, or do I understand the Rex Lapis?

(Rex Lapis other name of Zhongli called by Liyue People)

"Please, Lord Zhongli, offer me a bit of guidance. Regardless of the outcome, I would be eternally grateful!"

The Poet once again bowed deeply, his sincerity evident.

For such a powerful being to be so humble, it was truly overwhelming!

Zhongli was the humble one.

As for Morax, he had no idea what humility meant!

Zhongli nodded, taking another look at the Poet before speaking, "This poem of yours praises the past achievements of the nobles..."

At this point, Zhongli paused.

This "Poet" was not like Hu Tao in style.

His poems almost exclusively praised the past achievements of the nobility, while he remained silent about their current "achievements."

His intentions were profound, yet he managed not to offend the current nobility. No wonder he was an older poet with experience.

If it were some hot-headed youth, they would soon find themselves imprisoned or even killed by the enraged nobles.

The nobles of the past fought for humanity, risking their lives to protect their country. It was for this reason that they became nobles.

Praising those nobles is a way of honoring the past.

But today's nobles, especially those in the Heaven Dou Empire, have almost entirely forgotten the purpose for which the empire was established!

To praise the past while remaining silent about the present is a testament to this old poet's wisdom.

He refuses to violate his conscience by praising today's nobles; this is the integrity of a true scholar.

There are still some with such integrity, though not many.

After all, this is a world where strength reigns supreme.

"Your choice of words and grammar are impeccable."

"It's just that..."

At this point, Zhongli paused, then continued with a meaningful tone, "The world is not just about the hardships before you; there are also poetry and distant lands!"

Zhongli nodded slightly at the "Poet" and did not elaborate further.

The "Poet" was momentarily stunned, his entire body trembling. His expression grew complex, and when he looked at Zhongli again, there was even more respect in his eyes.

'This lord, he understands—he understands what I'm trying to convey! And he's also giving me a subtle reminder.'

It's hard to find a kindred spirit in this vast world!

Zhongli's wisdom wasn't just talk; he truly understands!

"Thank you, Lord Zhongli, for your teachings!"

'There is so much in this world that can be praised—why should I keep dancing around the changes in the nobility? One misstep could cost me my life.'

'The creation of poetry should be about treading farther paths, seeing more of the world—can't such experiences be turned into poems?'

The Poet suddenly realized the wisdom in Zhongli's words, and his gratitude deepened even further.

Zhongli's message was simple: go out, explore, and perhaps you'll write better things.

However, because he spoke so "subtly," the man misunderstood...

Well, the meaning wasn't too far off and was still acceptable.

"As expected of Lord Zhongli, even though I don't fully understand, it feels very profound."

"Yes, the world is not just about the hardships before you; there are also poetry and distant lands."

Paimon couldn't stop her eyes from twitching—weren't these people tired of this?

All day long, it's just praise, praise, praise. "As expected of Lord Zhongli," "Lord Zhongli is so wise and learned"...

Suddenly, several figures appeared, clashing with the atmosphere of the scene.

They had the sharp eyes of hawks and wolves, and they clearly weren't there to enjoy poetry or tea.

They looked more like they were there to cause trouble...

They walked straight up to Zhongli and finally stopped, with the heavily made-up old man in the lead offering Zhongli a slight bow, a gesture of courtesy.

"Greetings, Lord Zhongli."

After saying this, the old man sat down across from Zhongli without waiting for a response.

"Greetings, Lord Zhongli!"

The three young men behind him bowed to Zhongli, following the etiquette of juniors greeting a senior.

The three did not sit down, as they were not yet qualified to do so.

To sit, one needed to have a status and strength equal to those present.

Zhongli was a "Titled Douluo," and the old man was also a Titled Douluo. Their strength was "comparable," so they interacted as equals...

•••••

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