CHAPTER 456: CHAPTER 252: HE XI BRAVE DEATH A HUNDRED TIMES FOR THE NATION

Gu Sheng stunned everyone with his poem "Snow: Ode to the Plum Blossom" and surpassed all others.

His talent for poetry left the crowd in awe, and some even began comparing him to Li Bai.

Yet, Gu Sheng did not let this praise make him arrogant. He simply said calmly, "It’s just poetry. What’s there to boast about? I merely enjoy expressing my emotions through verse."

Yun Zishuang gazed at Gu Sheng, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

She approached Gu Sheng proactively, speaking softly, "Gu Sheng, Mr. Gu, I can’t figure out if you’re human or some extraordinary being."

Gu Sheng gave a faint smile, unshaken by Yun Zishuang’s compliments. "The Princess overpraises me. I simply enjoy pursuing my dreams."

Gu Sheng showcased his strength and talent during the hunting competition, earning respect and recognition from all present.

At the same time, he attracted considerable envy, particularly from the young noblemen who had suffered romantic failures. They banded together, scheming to create obstacles for Gu Sheng.

Not only did Gu Sheng lead his team of beauties in hunting down the most high-level beasts and demonic blood beasts, but he also conquered everyone’s taste buds with his expert barbecue skills.

His brilliance in poetry further amazed the crowd, making him the center of attention.

"This guy is truly versatile, a master of both culture and combat."

"He’s skilled at hunting, excellent at barbecue, and a natural at charming women. Compared to him, we young noblemen are nothing but good-for-nothings who can’t do anything."

Liu Ruhai, a notorious playboy among the nobles, sought to befriend Gu Sheng and frequently came over to toast him, taking the opportunity to flirt with the ladies.

"It’s infuriating comparing oneself to him!"

"How does he not fear bringing trouble upon himself with such swagger?"

"Arrogance, when well-founded, can’t be faulted. His strength is now unfathomable, and he possesses a Treasure above the Dark Level. Ordinary people are no match for him."

"Even the royal aristocracy wants to recruit him to strengthen their factions. Only a fool would cast aside such a talent!"

Hearing these discussions, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but feel awkward, as if the remarks were aimed at him. His face burned with discomfort.

As the hunting event neared its conclusion, Liu Xingjun, the Crown Prince’s close confidant, raised his wine cup to the crowd, channeling his Spiritual Energy to amplify his voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the hunt is drawing to a close. Surely, some of you must feel reluctant for it to end."

He paused, casting his gaze toward Gu Sheng. "We all know that Young Master Gu is skilled in both the literary and martial arts. We’ve witnessed his combat prowess and poetry. But I wonder, will we have the chance to hear this young master’s singing voice?"

With that, he looked at Gu Sheng meaningfully.

For a moment, all eyes turned toward Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng, fully aware of the trap laid before him, still stood up and said:

"Thank you all for your kind attention. Forgive my humble performance—I will dedicate a song, *Loyalty to the Nation*, to everyone."

With that, he channeled Spiritual Energy to his throat and began to sing:

"

Smoke rises, gazing north toward the mountains and rivers

Dragon banners unfurl, horses neigh, Sword Qi cold as frost

The heart flows vast like the Yellow River’s waters

Twenty years of battles—who dares to contend?

Hatred seethes; long blades carve the way

How many loyal souls and brothers’ remains lie in foreign lands?

What’s the harm in dying a hundred times to serve the nation?

Biting back tears, no words left to say, eyes full of blood and sorrow

Hooves head south, but men gaze north

The northward gaze as grasses turn green, dust billows high

I vow to guard the land and reclaim our borders

Majestic China must have the world pay tribute..."

When the song concluded, the crowd fell into a profound silence, then broke into deafening applause that seemed unable to subside.

"That line—’Twenty years of battles—who dares to contend?’—how fierce and mighty it sounds!"

The young noblewomen gazed at Gu Sheng with glimmering eyes, his image now towering over them like a majestic hero, surpassing any fantasy of a white knight by a hundredfold.

"That line—’How many loyal souls and brothers’ remains lie in foreign lands?’—captures the sorrow and valor of countless young men who march to battle."

The crowd dissected his lyrics, analyzing them intensely, as though everyone had suddenly become a renowned poet.

"The line—’What’s the harm in dying a hundred times to serve the nation?’—shows just how deeply this young man feels for his country."

On the Red Cloud Continent, where three nations were at odds, Da Liang was only a southern kingdom. To the northwest lay the larger Chu Country, and to the northeast, Qi Country.

The Emperor Yun Wu of Da Liang was ambitious, dreaming of unifying the continent. Yet, thanks to generations of weak rulers, the nation’s power had greatly diminished by his reign.

Yun Zishuang thought to herself, if all of Da Liang’s citizens could possess the same spirit as Gu Sheng, willing to give their lives for the nation, how could such grand aspirations not come true?

She made up her mind to recruit Gu Sheng under her banner.

If not, leaving him in the hands of others would surely make him a mighty foe.

As Gu Sheng’s stirring *Loyalty to the Nation* reverberated across the hunting grounds, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

Amid the cheers and applause, Linghu Qingwan’s gaze remained fixed on Gu Sheng.

Clad in a close-fitting outfit that accentuated her graceful curves, her figure was as dynamic and mesmerizing as a crystalline stream winding through a mountain gorge.

She walked toward Gu Sheng with measured steps, each movement exuding boundless charm, making it impossible to look away.

Even after leaving the hunting grounds, Linghu Qingwan persistently stayed close to Gu Sheng.

"Gu Sheng, was it you at the Drunken Immortal Inn that night, the one who hugged me?"

Linghu Qingwan’s voice was soft yet resolute, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Her thoughts drifted back to that warm evening. The sudden embrace had sent her heart racing, leaving a lingering impression she could never forget.

Gu Sheng was momentarily taken aback, then feigned an innocent expression, spreading his hands, "Drunken Immortal Inn? I don’t recall."

Linghu Qingwan scoffed lightly, her enchanting eyes tinged with reproach, "Don’t pretend. That night, Song Qingxian wasn’t even there—he had returned to the Governor Mansion." She locked her gaze with Gu Sheng’s, as if trying to peer into his soul.