bioinnovel Chapter 254: With a stroke of the pen, wind and rain are stirred; with a completed poem, even ghosts
Chapter 254: With a stroke of the pen, wind and rain are stirred; with a completed poem, even ghosts
Du Fu stood in the dilapidated thatched hut, looking around.
The mottled earthen walls, the leaky roof, and the broken basins catching raindrops on the ground—this scene was so similar to the images in his memory.
A thousand years ago, in that autumn, his thatched hut was destroyed by the autumn wind, the children stole the thatch, and his wife suffered from hunger and cold.
The despair and indignation I felt then still linger in my heart.
However, when his gaze passed through the screen suspended in mid-air and he saw the scene displayed by Su Fan, this poet saint from a thousand years ago was stunned.
Towering buildings, crisscrossing streets, and dazzling lights.
On the streets, people are dressed in neat clothes, and children are running and laughing with their schoolbags on their backs.
In the park, elderly people leisurely play chess, while in the square, crowds dance to music.
There was no war, no famine, no scene of rich people feasting and drinking while the poor froze to death on the roads.
"This...this is..."
Du Fu's voice trembled, and he staggered a step, his loose grip on the broken pen loosening.
The broken brush floated in the air, emitting a soft blue light.
Li Shouyi knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face:
"Master Zimei, this is China a thousand years later! Your wish in your poem to have thousands of mansions has been fulfilled!"
Du Fu stared blankly at the constantly changing images on the screen.
In a spacious and bright classroom, children read aloud. In the hospital, doctors are treating patients…
"A thousand years... later?"
Du Fu muttered to himself, then suddenly covered his face, his thin shoulders trembling violently.
Inside the thatched hut, suppressed, low sobs could be heard.
The crying was silent, yet it gripped the hearts of everyone in the live stream.
It took Du Fu a full minute to slowly lower his hand, his eyes red-rimmed, his face bearing an indescribable expression.
This is a mixture of sorrow and joy, a sense of relief, and the excitement of a thousand-year-old wish finally being fulfilled.
"well……"
Du Fu uttered the word "good" twice, each word carrying immense weight.
He turned around, looked at Li Shouyi who was still kneeling on the ground, and bent down to help him up:
"Please rise, sir. You are willing to endure poverty to teach children, and you even want to sell your ancestral possessions to repair the school. Your heart and aspirations are exactly the same as mine back then."
Li Shouyi stood up tremblingly: "This junior is ashamed, I only did my duty."
"One's duty?" Du Fu shook his head and smiled bitterly. "If everyone in the world could fulfill their duty, how could there have been a thousand years of suffering?"
He picked up the suspended broken pen and gently stroked it:
"This pen is the one I used by the Huanhua Stream back then. I wrote 'Spring View,' 'The Three Officials,' 'The Three Separations,' and also 'My Thatched Hut Is Broken by the Autumn Wind.' When the pen broke, I tied it with hemp rope and continued writing because I had something to say and had to write."
Du Fu looked at Li Shouyi, his eyes clear:
"Old sir, it is fate and destiny that you awakened me. I observe that although your scholarly air is weak, it is profound."
"Would you be willing to make a contract with me?"
Li Shouyi was stunned: "A contract? Like...like that Zhao Dabao and Shen Gongbao? Is it...the Divine Master?"
"Not bad." Du Fu held his brush and made a light stroke in the air.
In an instant, a blue light flowed, and ancient characters coalesced in the air—
"Writing is an eternal affair; its gains and losses are known only to the heart."
"His brushstrokes startled wind and rain, his poems moved even ghosts and gods to tears."
These sixteen characters floated in the air, each one seemingly alive, radiating a warm and powerful aura.
Du Fu handed the pen to Li Shouyi: "If you are willing, please sign your name on this contract."
The chat room was buzzing with excitement.
"This poem, this calligraphy—this is the true spirit of a scholar!"
"I cried, I really cried. The Poet Saint is truly a Poet Saint; his vision is on a completely different level!"
"Uncle Li, hurry up and sign!"
Li Shouyi's hands trembled as he took the broken pen.
In that instant, he felt a gentle yet immense power emanating from the pen, flowing throughout his entire body.
He practiced calligraphy in his youth, but in his later years, due to poverty, he could not afford paper and ink, so he could only practice writing on the ground with tree branches.
Sixty years of perseverance have been rewarded at this moment.
He took a deep breath, raised his pen, and, stroke by stroke, wrote his name beneath the words in the air—
Li Shouyi!
After the three characters were written, the blue light surged!
The sixteen characters of the contract transformed into streams of light and merged into Li Shouyi's body.
Suddenly, the sound of reading aloud filled the thatched hut.
That wasn't the voice of one person, but the voice of millions, resonating across a thousand years—
"The country is broken, but the mountains and rivers remain; spring has come to the city, but the grass and trees grow deep..."
"Good rain knows its season; it falls when spring arrives..."
"I will climb to the summit, and all the mountains will appear small below..."
Countless verses and countless voices converged into a torrent, breaking free of the hut's confinement and soaring straight into the sky!
The dark clouds were dispersed, revealing a clear night sky.
Starlight fell, intertwining with the blue light, and above the dilapidated thatched hut, it coalesced into an illusory and magnificent building.
This is a thatched cottage, simple yet solemn. A stream flows in front of the house, and a bamboo grove grows behind it. A couplet hangs above the door:
"The thatched cottage remains for posterity, and the poet saint's legacy endures for a thousand autumns."
The illusory image of Qingguang Thatched Cottage slowly descended, overlapping with the dilapidated thatched hut.
A miracle happened.
The mottled earthen walls became smooth and sturdy, the leaky roof was covered with thick thatch, and the dilapidated wooden door was given a brand new look.
The originally cramped and dimly lit room has been expanded several times over, with neat bookshelves and desks, and Du Fu's poems hanging on the walls.
In just a few breaths, the dilapidated thatched hut was transformed into a simple and elegant cottage!
Li Shouyi also underwent a visible change.
His gray hair had mostly turned black, his hunched back had straightened, and the deep wrinkles on his face had smoothed out.
Although he was still thin, his eyes were exceptionally bright, and he exuded a refined elegance unique to scholars.
The most amazing thing is that the broken pen in Li Shouyi's hand was connected by a blue light at the break point. Although the marks were still there, it was as good as new.
Fine characters emerged from the brush, representing the essence of Du Fu's life's poetry.
"This...this is..."
Li Shouyi looked at the newly renovated thatched cottage, then at his own hands, and couldn't believe it.
Du Fu's illusory figure nodded slightly:
"The contract is complete. From this day forward, this place will be the 'First Thatched Cottage of China,' a place where literary talent gathers."
"Sir, you can teach and educate people here. Anyone with a thirst for knowledge can come here to study."
"And my power will help you in three things."
Du Fu held up three fingers: "First, anyone who studies in this thatched cottage will be nourished by literary energy, their spiritual power cultivation will accelerate, and their comprehension will double."
"Secondly, you can gather literary energy and transform it into a barrier to protect the safety of students in the area."
"Third..." Du Fu looked into the distance, his eyes deep, "You can use this pen to sense the existence of other statues of literary and Taoist deities on the land of China, and try to awaken them."
Li Shouyi was startled: "Other deities of literature and Taoism?"
"Not bad," Du Fu said slowly.
"In the five thousand years of Chinese civilization, literature has been brilliant. It is not just Du Fu who has achieved great things. Qu Yuan threw himself into the river and his soul returned to Miluo; Li Bai was drunk under the moon and his poems were a gift from heaven; Su Shi was open-minded and let life's storms pass him by; Xin Qiji was bold and his spirit was as fierce as a tiger that could swallow ten thousand miles... These are all the backbone of the Chinese cultural heritage."
Du Fu's phantom began to become transparent:
"My divine presence on Earth is fading, sir. I entrust this thatched cottage to you. When Chinese culture flourishes once more, perhaps we old folks can all return to take a look..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Du Fu's phantom image transformed into a streak of blue light and disappeared into the writing brush in Li Shouyi's hand.
Inside the thatched cottage, the blue light gradually faded, but the warmth, the weight, and the scholarly atmosphere lingered for a long time.
Holding his pen, Li Shouyi felt the literary energy flowing within him, and looking at the newly renovated thatched cottage, he suddenly knelt down facing east and kowtowed three times.
"Rest assured, Zimei! I, Li Shouyi, will certainly live up to your expectations!"
"This thatched cottage was built not only for the children of the village, but for all those in China who aspire to learn!"
"May our culture and civilization endure, and may China prosper forever!"
In the live stream, thunderous applause filled the air, and gifts flooded the screen.
"Grandpa Li looks so handsome when he stands up!"
"China's Number One Thatched Cottage! I want to sign up!"
"A deity of literature... So our Chinese nation not only has gods of war, but also sages of literature!"
"Suddenly, I feel that our civilization is really complete, combining both literary and martial arts, and integrating strength and gentleness."
Su Fan watched this scene with a gratified smile on his face.
He said to the camera:
"Ladies and gentlemen, today's live broadcast of 'Appreciating the Gods' has come to an end. Mr. Li has made a pact with the poet Du Fu to establish the First Thatched Cottage in China, which marks the beginning of the revival of Chinese culture."
Su Fan glanced at the time; he had been livestreaming for six hours.
"Alright, that concludes today's live stream. Thank you for watching, and see you next time."
After saying that, Su Fan closed the live stream and opened the system.
[Congratulations, host, on successfully identifying the Chinese deity—the Sage of Poetry, Du Fu!]
[Popularity points reached: 800 million!]
[Du Fu's talent activated: Literary fortune flourishes. The comprehension of all students within China increases by 20%, and the awakening probability of all cultural deities increases by 30%!]
Su Fan looked at the data in the backend and felt a surge of excitement.
This is the true essence of Chinese civilization!
It's not just about being able to fight and kill; it's also about enlightening the people and passing on civilization!
Although Du Fu could not shatter the heavens with a single blow like the Monkey King, what he brought to China was a spiritual Great Wall!
Just then, Su Fan's phone rang.
It was Mr. Mo calling.
Mo Lao's voice was filled with excitement.
"Xiao Su, I watched the live stream, it was excellent! The awakening of Du Fu is of great significance! This shows that our divine system is complete, encompassing both civil and military aspects!"
"I have already sent someone to make contact with Li Shouyi. The country will fully support the construction of the thatched cottage and make it a sacred place for the cultivation of Chinese culture and morality."
Su Fan nodded: "Thank you, Elder Mo. However, I have a suggestion."
"you say."
Su Fan said seriously:
"The construction of the thatched cottage should not be too modernized. It should maintain its simple and unadorned style, with the focus on the concentration of literary atmosphere. It can be expanded in scale, with the addition of a library, lecture hall, and dormitory area, but the atmosphere of a scholarly family should not be destroyed."
"Understood, I will pass on the instructions." Old Mo paused.
"Also, Zhao Dabao has been brought to the capital. That kid... he's interesting."
Su Fan smiled: "Is he very nervous?"
"He was more than nervous; he sneezed seven times along the way, and each time he sneezed, the escorts were so frightened that they thought he was going to shout for fellow Daoist to stop."
Old Mo smiled and said, "But don't worry, we've arranged special training and psychological counseling for him to help him control his abilities."
……
In the mountainous region of Sichuan, Li Shouyi stood in front of his newly renovated thatched cottage, watching the sunrise in the east.
The broken brush of Du Fu in his hand glowed faintly.
On the penholder, a line of small characters appeared:
"Literature is hated by those who are successful, while demons and monsters rejoice in human suffering. I should speak with the wronged souls and throw my poems into the Miluo River."
This is Du Fu's poem "Thinking of Li Bai at the End of the Sky".
Li Shouyi's heart stirred, and he looked south.
That's the direction of the Miluo River.
"Are there also Chinese literati and deities waiting to be awakened there?"
He gripped the pen tightly, a determined glint in his eyes.
"I will. The cultural heritage of China must never be severed."
As the sun fully rises, golden sunlight spills onto the thatched cottage, bathing this ancient building in a sacred glow.
A group of children had gathered in front of the thatched cottage.
They wore worn but clean clothes, carried all sorts of schoolbags, and looked at Li Shouyi with bright eyes.
"Teacher Li, can...can we come to class?"
A little girl with pigtails asked timidly.
Li Shouyi smiled, a smile as warm as the spring sun.
"Of course."
He pushed open the door of the thatched cottage.
"From today onwards, this will be your school."
"We not only learn basic courses, but also the history and mythology of China, the spirit of our ancestors, and how to be a true and upright Chinese!"
The children cheered and rushed into the thatched cottage.
The sound of reading aloud once again rang out in this desolate wilderness.
……
[Urgent Notice! Su Fan! Here is an urgent challenge from the West!]
Su Fan, who had just woken up, received this message from Elder Mo. He frowned and his hand holding the phone froze in mid-air.
"A challenge?"
He clicked on the message.
A letter with gold lettering popped up on the screen, signed with a huge gold trident badge.
"I am the representative of the Olympian pantheon, the successor of Poseidon, the god of the sea—Atlan."
"I heard that the Chinese sea god has awakened and defeated several third-rate Onmyoji."
"Three days later, on the high seas, I will personally lead the Sea God Legion to experience the superior skills of the Chinese Sea God."
"If you dare not accept the challenge, then admit that all the Chinese sea gods are false gods and relinquish control of the East China Sea!"
As Su Fan looked at the provocative challenge, the smile in his eyes gradually disappeared, replaced by a coldness.
Poseidon?
The Western Sea Emperor?
It seems that after beating the young one, the old one has arrived.
This is because they can't stand the rise of China and want to give Mazu a hard time while her foundation is still unstable.
Su Fan sneered, his eyes sharp as knives.
"Poseidon, right? The Sea God, right?"
Su Fan reached out and typed a message on his phone.
"Old Mo, tell that guy named Atlan."
"Three days from now, he won't have to wait."
"We will bring Mazu, the goddess, and other guardian deities..."
"Be on time!"
"When the time comes, make him prepare a coffin. Oh no, there's no need for coffins in the sea."
"Let him get ready to feed the fish!"
Snapped!
The phone screen is off.
Su Fan leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.
"System, check my current popularity score balance."
[Current popularity balance: 2000 million!]
Su Fan's lips curled into a smile.
Twenty million.
enough.