When they arrived at Wenkui Tower, the Flowing Water Poetry Gathering was about to begin.

The enormous flowing water feature is now in place, artificially created on the first floor of Wen Kui Lou.

Countless students, scholars, and young women took their seats, waiting for the event to begin.

Xiao Zhixing didn't go downstairs to join the fun. This time, she went into her own private room—she finally had a VIP room in the top-tier section of Wen Kui Building.

The private rooms here are for the elite, regardless of wealth, power, or status; only literary talent matters. As long as you have the ability to write well, even a beggar can have his own private room here.

Currently, only the Emperor, Li Xiao, Feng Yong, and Murong Dajia from the South possess the entire Great Sheng Dynasty. Now, she has been added—Zhao Yunqi was also a literary master in her youth, skilled in poetry.

"Your Highness, Steward Luo has personally arranged everything according to your preferences. Please take a look."

Manager Qi of Wen Kui Lou greeted her with a smile as she entered the room. “The private rooms are divided into inner and outer sections. If you feel that you are missing anything, please let me know and I will go and get it right away.”

Xiao Zhixing waved his hand, "Very good, no need to add any more."

When it comes to having fun, the ancients are the place to be. This private room will be her exclusive room from now on. No need to pay fees or maintain it. She can come and stay whenever she wants.

And it can be used for life, just like the large single-level apartment she privately purchased.

This private room requires neither money nor power; all you need is unparalleled talent and the status of a renowned scholar.

In addition, its unique symbolic meaning can make people feel incredibly comfortable and vain.

This is also why Wen Kui Lou has stood the test of time and holds a unique position in the literary circles of Da Sheng.

Xiao Zhixing casually looked around. The inner room was a study that also served as a bedroom, while the outer room was a hall where relatives and friends could gather. It also had a tea room and a separate small kitchen downstairs, similar to a modern presidential suite.

"The poetry gathering has started. Sister Zhixing, are you really not going?" Li Wenxiu was eager to join in the fun.

"Go ahead, I'll sit for a while and then go back." I came here specifically to see this unique private room today; it at least proves that I have some reputation among literati and scholars.

Seeing that she really had no interest, Li Wenxiu had no choice but to go down and play by herself.

The private room with the "Tian" designation has an excellent view, offering a commanding view of the scenery of Shengjing from the outer window and a panoramic view of the literary gathering below from the inner window.

A quick glance revealed that none of the famous scholars were there. With only ten days left until the imperial examinations, many candidates chose to stay indoors and prepare diligently.

Xiao Zhixing glanced casually and saw Luo Xiuchuan, the scholar, again.

She rubbed her forehead, wondering who it resembled. With her memory, it was impossible for her to forget someone.

As I looked and looked, combining the four facial features, especially when he smiled: It was him?!

How could this be?!

But the more she looked at the person, the more similar they seemed, and she was certain she wasn't mistaken.

She hadn't thought of it before because the person rarely smiled and seldom faced her in person.

Looking at Luo Xiuchuan, who was surrounded by some candidates, she wondered how they could have a relationship.

The previous investigation into Luo Xiuchuan's family background didn't reveal anything. If he really is related to that person, then we need to dig deeper into that person's background.

However, we should also investigate from that person's perspective, taking a two-pronged approach.

Also, when Zhao Yunqi appeared at the literary gathering that day, was it because of Luo Xiuchuan?

Who exactly is the gray-clad man behind Luo Xiuchuan, and who is even more powerful behind him? Or is it the main system?

"The man in gray went to see Feng Lizhen."

Just as she was thinking this, Black Tiger sent a telepathic message: "He went through so much trouble and changed four identities. He's going to meet Feng Lizhen now."

Xiao Zhixing nodded. "Keep an eye on it."

She immediately connected to the scene via a 172-degree view.

"The mines over there have been sealed off, and our weapons have been drastically reduced. You'll have to figure out a way yourself." The man in gray was wearing a human skin mask and at this moment looked like an ordinary middle-aged manager.

“We have been searching for iron ore over the years, but there is very little in the south. We still need the help of the wise man to transport it from the north. The imperial court will not provide much military equipment now,” Feng Lizhen said.

"You were too hasty in exposing yourselves," the gray-clad man said unhappily. "If there's a next time, I will not forgive you."

Feng Lizhen knelt down, "Please forgive me, wise sir. This is truly the best opportunity. If we miss it, we may have to wait many more years."

The man in gray sneered, "But Zhao Yunqi has also noticed you, and Xiao Zhixing is also eyeing you covetously. The day you get the Leopard Talisman is a long way off."

Feng Lizhen remained silent for a moment, then said coldly, "How about we simply—"

"Cease territory and declare yourself king?" The man in gray sneered. "Believe it or not, if you dare to do it, there are plenty of people around who will dare to deal with you. The first one will be the Southern Barbarians. They will be even more eager and happy than the Great Sheng."

A mere 100,000 troops want to rebel?

It's not like twenty years ago when the world was in chaos. Now the people are at peace and there's no chance of a rebellion for the time being.

Feng Lizhen frowned, "Please, wise sir, show this humble general the way."

The man in gray hummed, "We will lie low for three years, stockpile grain, and proceed slowly, while continuing to deepen our infiltration of the Southern Barbarians."

Feng Lizhen hesitated, "Hasn't this taken too long? Are we sure we'll get the Leopard Talisman in three years?"

"What? You're not even obeying my orders anymore?" The gray-robed man's aura as a Heavenly Rank cultivator erupted, locking onto Feng Lizhen. "I have my reasons for asking you to do this, so there's no need to hesitate any longer."

Feng Lizhen gritted his teeth and had no choice but to lower his head, "Yes, Your subordinate obeys."

The man in gray continued, "The master will be going to Shengjing soon. You'd better send your three sons back to the capital. The master will personally help you assess the aptitude of the second generation of your Feng family. If any are good, they will be rewarded with unparalleled martial arts techniques."

Feng Lizhen smiled excitedly, "Thank you, Master. I will arrange for the three of them to go to the capital immediately."

Xiao Zhixing smiled; finally, the truth was about to be revealed.

Once they're in Shengjing, her territory, do you think she'll let them escape?

The man in gray left quickly, again overnight, showing extreme caution.

He instructed Black Tiger and White Phoenix to continue following them and figure out their network of relationships so that they could be uprooted completely.

Three years of dormancy?

She immediately thought of the crown prince selection plan, which might not have a final result for another three years.

With such a long battlefront, what will the assessment content be later?

Yang Du mentioned that the enrollment period at Junzi Academy wouldn't be long, so what about the procedures afterward?

Not in Junziyuan? Where is it?

From their conversation, Xiao Zhixing also deduced that the main system had never shown itself and had always maintained a mysterious identity.

Or perhaps it simply controls these people through the Luo family behind them, playing the game of having multiple burrows.

"Could I steal the spotlight?" Just like Shi Erbao, I could take over the main system's identity. However, Shi Erbao didn't have a middleman; his subsystem directly connected to the main system, which made things much simpler.

The situation is different for people like the man in gray and Feng Lizhen.

Therefore, the prerequisite is to find this person surnamed Luo, find out his contact with those subsystem objects, and also determine the identity of those subsystem hosts.

Only then could she take action one by one, cutting off their supply lines at the root.

The area below Wen Kui Tower was bustling with noise. Xiao Zhixing sat for a while and then left.

New discoveries have emerged regarding the rumors surrounding Yin Yi's search for a husband.