Xuan originally had great confidence in "untouchable" winning this Mid-Autumn Festival insect fight, with the powerful "Tiger-crazy Xu Chu" as a competitor, and didn't know if there were other formidable green-backed fierce insects among these twelve groups. As for General-level or even Insect King-level Zhou Xuan, he wasn't worried; if he was lucky enough to encounter such an extraordinary insect, it would be auspicious, and losing would also be comforting.

  Zhou Xuan's "Mo Bu De" is in the Hai group, while "Hu Chi Xu Chu" is in the Mao group, so they won't meet for now.

  In the afternoon, at one o'clock, the fifth round of the "Hai Zu" insect war began. The opponent that "can't be touched" was a yellow-backed beetle, and Zhou Xuan immediately gave it a rank - Colonel level.

  According to the insect fighting rules, except for the masters of the insects, only one person from each side is allowed to watch the battle, but the young master of the Stabbing History has a big face, so the "Golden Wind Society" specially arranged a small insect fighting room, Chen Ji, Sun Shi brothers, San Chou, Si Chou, Yang Xiao Yun, Lai Fu, all rushed into the insect fighting room.

  The Sun brothers were ready to watch the comical scene of "untouchable" being bitten and fleeing in disarray. The two men stood behind Zhou Xuan, laughing and looking at the black-backed insect that came out after the gate was opened. Wow, it's still so majestic and domineering!

  Only to see Zhou Xuan use that mouse whisker grass on its tail, "untouchable" suddenly made a loud noise, the sound was so high-pitched that everyone present was startled, and it was really unexpected that this small insect could make such a loud sound!

  Three fools normally have a calm and composed appearance, but they will lean forward with their necks stretched out, staring at the fighting basin, revealing their foolishness.

  The four silly ones don't even need to be mentioned. Those eyes are simply doting!

  The "untouchable" opponent - the yellow-backed insect, which was only a high school level, also flapped its wings and chirped loudly under its master's provocation, but it was clearly not as majestic as the "untouchable". Its forward steps were also somewhat hesitant, as if it was intimidated by this black-backed "untouchable".

  It's been many days since "Untouchable" last fought, and it's eager for battle. Hearing its opponent chirping, it charges up with a "whoosh", swinging its white-with-pink-inside large teeth in a fierce bite. The yellow-backed insect didn't expect "Untouchable" to be so ferocious, without even trying to probe with its head or touch teeth, it bites as soon as it opens its mouth, and quickly dodges.

  "Can't touch" chased after the yellow-backed insect, wildly pursuing it. The big teeth were brandished about. Sun Shi brothers watched with their mouths agape, never expecting this kind of situation!

  A black-backed insect chased after a yellow-backed insect, causing its owner to feel embarrassed. The owner went down to the grass to stir up and encourage the yellow-backed insect's fighting spirit. Unexpectedly, the black-backed insect caught up and with one heavy bite, it tore open a big gash from the tail to the abdomen of the yellow-backed insect.

  That yellow-backed insect was in such agony that its wings suddenly spread wide, and all six legs stretched out straight. It rolled about in the basin, and in an instant it had writhed to death!

  In the insect fighting room, there was an eerie silence, only the sound of "untouchable" proudly and loudly chirping after a violent victory.

  After a while, the staff of "Jin Feng She" announced that "Xinhai Zhongdong" won and took a half-hour break. The sixth round of competition is about to begin.

  The master of the yellow-backed insect took away the corpse with a sorrowful and frightened expression, while Zhou Xuan and others waited on the spot. Lai Fu went to retrieve the fifty-seven thousand taels of silver in high spirits.

  The Sun brothers looked at each other in dismay, wondering how a small black-backed insect could be so formidable.

  Chen Jianxiao smiled and said, "You guys don't think about it, what kind of person is Zhou Qizong, would he give 'Jin Feng She' silver for nothing? He brought this thing from Jiangzhou just to compete for the top prize."

  "Fortunately, fortunately, maybe that bug was sick earlier. Or it might have been injured this morning and 'can't touch' picked up a leak, haha."

  Si Chai took out the lotus water and insect food he had brought with him, letting "Mo Bu De" enjoy them. That meticulous Zhou Xuan also felt inferior to himself.

  This special cricket water is made according to Zhou Xuan's method, personally operating the stove, boiling a pot of water, placing a layer of lotus leaves on the steamer, and then covering it with a large ceramic bowl. Several bowls are placed around the rim of the bowl, and after the water boils, the steam inside the ceramic bowl condenses into water, flows out, and is collected in the bowls. Then, it's bottled and sealed - Zhou Xuan says that crickets drinking this kind of water will have a good appetite, be able to eat and sleep well, have plenty of energy, and increase their fighting strength.

  Three idiots and four idiots are good at raising insects, but who has such precision? Even the camel cricket drinking water is so particular, I am deeply impressed and feel that I have learned a lot from Zhou Xuan.

  The day before yesterday, San Ci, with Zhou Xuan's consent, also studied the two exquisite and ingenious topics that Zhou Xuan had bestowed upon him together with his younger brother. The two brothers deliberated until late at night, feeling very fulfilled in life. However, as an assassin, he often felt empty, only to feel a thrill akin to ascending to heaven when, after observing for many days, he finally found an opening and killed someone before leaving swiftly. But such opportunities were rare, not even once a year, after all, the price of 10,000 taels of silver was not something ordinary people could afford!

  "The Sixth Round of Insect War in 'Hai Zu' Begins, the Unreachable Opponent is Still a High School Level Insect, the Result is Predictable, Three Bites to Death."

  Seventh round, still upper-level insect, two bites kill.

  At three o'clock, the eighth round, "Hai Group" competing for the top spot, this win will have a hundred taels of silver prize money. The opponent is still Huangbeichong, but it's different from the previous three Huangbeichongs. This is the strongest and largest school-level insect among the Huangbeichongs, with a deep blue head shell and purple mandibles stained with the blood and flesh of its opponents in the previous rounds, revealing its ferocity.

  This insect fight was somewhat interesting, but "can't touch" only used a few rounds to press the opponent firmly to the bottom of the bowl, and then shook it hard.

  The insect got up and didn't dare open its mouth again.

  "Group Hui" first name "Can't Touch!"

  The twelve strong contestants for the Chongyang Festival insect fighting competition have been decided, and this time they can use their real names without needing to be referred to by number. Twelve plaques are erected outside the entrance of the insect fighting arena, each introducing one of the champion insects' nicknames, physical characteristics, and small group battle records, with exaggerated descriptions and extensive publicity. This is because tomorrow's twelve-strong competition will allow spectators to place bets on the outcome, and the "Golden Wind Society" plans to make a big profit from this event, aiming to recoup the 1,500 taels of silver prize money as well as the additional 1,200 taels reward for the twelve-strong competition.

  "Untouchable" caused a sensation with its record of three kills and one injury, as well as its black-backed flower-like appearance, attracting many insect friends to gather in front of the card.

  Zhou Xuan carefully looked at the introductions of the other eleven champion insects, and there were already seven green-backed insects. It seems that this time is indeed a gathering of fierce insects. The champion of the "Yin Group" was actually "Tiger-Crazy Xu Chu", and it turned out to be this name!

  According to the grouping order, the twelve earthly branches are paired in opposition, with Zi and Wu opposing each other, Chou and Wei opposing each other...and Si and Hai opposing each other. This means that the "Hai group" will not be able to get a hold of the first place in the "Si group" and compete for the top six seats. The winner will receive a reward of 150 taels of silver.

  "Si Zu" champion nicknamed "Yanmen Zhang Liao", is a green-backed insect, the team's record is three deaths and five injuries.

  Now there is no way to see insects, Zhou Xuan cannot judge what level "Yanmen Zhang Liao" is.

  The top 12 competition will be held on the Double Ninth Festival, with the top six determined in the morning and the top three in the afternoon. The final competition for the top three will be held on the tenth day, starting with a draw. The lucky one will directly enter the final competition, while the other two will fight to the death for the remaining spot.

  —

  To reach the top and win, one needs both strength and luck. "Jinfengshe" truly understands the psychology of gamblers!

  That night was silent.

  On the morning of Chongyang Festival, Sun brothers came to Zhou Xuan's residence, looking forward to "Mo Bu De" who was about to go into battle. The two brothers' appetites had been completely whetted, and they were excitedly preparing to bet 100 taels of silver each on "Mo Bu De"'s victory.

  At noon, the original group of people came to Baihua Island again. The three islands in the center of the lake were filled with insect enthusiasts and gamblers. Six insect battles were taking place simultaneously. Zhou Xuan let Lai Fu put up a total of 550 taels of silver he had brought and won this time as bets on "Mo Bu De" and "Hu Chi Xu Chu" to win.

  The four fools didn't even know where his gold was hidden, and he actually took out 300 taels of gold to exchange for 3,000 taels of silver to bet on "untouchable!"

  Zhou Xuan hastily intercepted him and said, "Fourth brother, if you bet these 3,000 taels of silver, 'Mo Bu De' will win and we won't make any money. Look, the odds for 'Mo Bu De' are now 10 to 8, but with this large bet, it'll immediately become 10 to 1. Wouldn't 'Mo Bu De' be struggling in vain?"

  This last sentence worked. Si Chou then handed over a thousand taels of silver to bail out "Tiger Suffering Xu Chu".

  Chen Ji also pawned three hundred taels of silver with "untouchable".

  The odds were finally set at "Mo Bu De" 10 to 6, and "Hu Chi Xu Chu" 10 to 5. It seems that there are not a few gamblers who are optimistic about "Mo Bu De".

  At three o'clock, the twelve strong battles officially began. Six games were held simultaneously, and insect friends who bet over 100 taels were allowed to watch the battle. This Hongzhou was indeed rich and prosperous, with more than 300 people betting over 100 taels. It is estimated that the total amount of silver bets was around 60,000 to 70,000 taels, and the "Golden Wind Society" could earn at least 8,000 to 9,000 taels from this. The first insect society in Hongzhou was indeed a profitable business.

  The champion of the "Si" group, "Yanmen Zhang Liao", and the champion of the "Hai" group, "Mo Bu De", met in the fighting basin. Zhou Xuan saw that "Yanmen Zhang Liao" was a junior general-level insect, whose strength should be slightly stronger than "General Zhang Hu". This is because General Zhang Hu had been fed half a small honey pill, which although could temporarily energize the cricket, would ultimately weaken its endurance.

  Zhou Xuan let Si Chai "touch" open teeth, Si Chai's skill of teasing insects was also unmatched by Zhou Xuan.

  The two insects "clanged" together, their large teeth colliding, and "can't touch" was no longer as carefree as it was yesterday. It also knew the severity of the situation and didn't rashly launch a hard attack, instead choosing to stalemate for now.

  Two insects in the fighting basin came and went, clashing their mandibles, after dozens of rounds of fierce battle. The gamblers who had bet on these two insects watched anxiously outside the enclosure, repeatedly shouting: "Fantastic!"

  "Unstoppable" became more and more brave, teeth came out quickly and steadily, flashing and dodging, exceptionally agile. "Yanmen Zhang Liao" was gradually unable to withstand, retreating step by step, until he was forced back to the edge of the gate, with no room for retreat. Two tail guns were flat against the wall of the bowl, baring teeth in a threatening manner.

  "'Untouchable' wouldn't be afraid of it, lightning-fast biting down on the opponent's teeth roots, shaking its head left and right, 'Yanmen Zhangliao' trembled all over, jumped up half an inch in place, and fled in panic after landing, leaving a white rice whisker stuck to the tip of 'Untouchable's' tooth."

  With a "ding" sound, the staff of "Jin Feng She" announced that "Mo Bu De" had won.

  Four foolish ones jump six feet high, delighted and unable to express their inner joy!

  San Chi, Chen Ji, Sun Shi brothers, Lai Fu were all smiling with joy, even Yang Xiao Xuan also showed a lovely smile.

  They won the battle, and Zhou Xuan's group made a small fortune. The Four Idiots earned the most, with 3,000 taels of silver after deducting the "Golden Wind Society" commission. Zhou Xuan's 550 taels turned into 800 taels, plus an additional reward of 150 taels. Chen Ji and Sun Shi brothers also made gains, and everyone was overjoyed.

  Everyone went to Chongtian Temple to grab a meal, and after lunch, they rushed back to see who the opponent of "Mo Bu De" was in the afternoon. Winning this six-strong battle would mean entering the top three, with a reward of 300 taels. With each round

  What a beautiful silver flower!

  According to the earthly branch sorting, the winner of Si Hai's confrontation will face the winner of Chen Xu's confrontation. In the morning, it was the "Chen group" that won, and surprisingly, the champion of this "Chen group" was a yellow-backed insect. The yellow-backed insect actually broke into the top six, which is quite unusual. But thinking about it, the black-backed insect also made it to the top six, so there's nothing strange about it!

  This afternoon's insect battle went unexpectedly smoothly. The big yellow-backed beetle was already extremely lucky to have made it to the top six, stumbling and staggering along, with many injuries on its body. How could it possibly defeat the ferocious "untouchable", almost getting bitten to death!

  However, Zhou Xuan and his friends didn't win much money this time by betting on "Mo Bu De", because most of the insect enthusiasts were optimistic about "Mo Bu De" with a 1:10 payout ratio. Zhou Xuan only earned 80 taels of silver from the 500 taels he bet, and the other bet on "Hu Chi Xu Chu" didn't earn much either, only around 100 taels of silver. These two crickets, which had gone through several rounds of fierce battles without any damage, had become the center of attention for the entire audience.

  After two days of fighting insects, Zhou Xuan gained nearly a thousand taels of silver, and the next day there was still a first prize of 1,500 taels waiting for "Mo Bu De" to compete.

  Today is the Double Ninth Festival, and climbing high is a must. After the insect fight ended, it was not yet two moments, the autumn sun was warm and slightly inclined, Chen Ji had already made arrangements. The carriages were all waiting by the East Lake, ready to cross the river and climb Mei Ridge.

  Everyone rushed to get on their horses and carriages, but Si Chou said he wanted to take "Mo Bu De" back to care for him, as there was an important battle the next day and they couldn't afford to have their horses and carriages shaken up.

  This insect servant is indeed diligent and responsible!

  Zhou Xuan, San Chi, Yang Xiao-xin, Lai Fu, Chen Ji Biao and his three brothers. There were also two maids from the Chen family, as well as five servants carrying wine, dishes and other night-travel essentials, riding horses and carriages from Tengwang Pavilion to the floating bridge below, heading towards Mei Ridge.

  Meiling was formerly known as Feihong Mountain. In the late Western Han Dynasty, Mei Fu, a county magistrate of Nanchang, lived in seclusion here to resist the dictatorship of Wang Mang. Later generations built Meixian Altar on the ridge and Meixian Temple at the foot of the mountain to commemorate his noble character, so it was renamed Meiling.

  After a long and arduous journey, Zhou Xuan, Chen Ji and their companions arrived at the eastern foot of Mei Ridge as the sun had not yet set.

  Mei Ling Mountain is majestic. The layered peaks are lush, the streams are winding, the valleys are deep and secluded, and the rocks are towering. The beauty of the scenery can be compared to that of Lushan in Jiangzhou.

  Leave one servant to watch the horses and carriages, and everyone starts climbing the mountain.

  Zhou Xuan saw Yang Xiaojin wearing narrow bow shoes and was afraid she wouldn't be able to climb, but unexpectedly her footwork wasn't bad, all the way up to Mei Ridge, along the way only holding Zhou Xuan's arm a few times.

  As the sun sets over the mountain, the evening colors begin to envelop everything, and the crescent moon is already hanging in the sky, casting a clear glow everywhere. On the mountain peak, many tourists have already gathered, mostly in groups of three or five, sitting on the ground with cups and dishes scattered about, savoring local delicacies that fill the air with fragrance. Most of them are young men from wealthy families in Hongzhou, wearing chrysanthemum flowers in their hair, calling out to friends, and strolling about with courtesans.

  Chen Ji was familiar with these people, and at this time he just nodded his head, each ignoring the other, enjoying himself.

  Zhou Xuan and his group found a spacious place, spread out a piece of emerald green mat, and everyone sat cross-legged on it, each also wearing chrysanthemum and pheasant flowers, first drinking a cup of chrysanthemum wine.

  Two of Chen's household musicians took the lead in performing, one playing the pipa and the other blowing the sheng, their melodies floating on the breeze under the crescent moon and in the night colors like a dream.

  Chen Ji smiled at the two song girls and said: "You're not afraid to show your ugliness, Little Brow Girl is here, can you still blow and play?"

  Zhou Xuan had never appreciated Yang Xiaojin's musical instrument performance before. Last time he asked her what instruments she could play, she nodded to everything, and it was unclear whether it was true or false. He immediately let the song girl give the pipa to Yang Xiaojin and let her play a tune.

  Yang Xiaoyin didn't show any modesty, and as soon as the pipa was in her arms, the whole person's feeling suddenly changed. It was as if a general had mounted his warhorse, or a calligrapher had picked up his brush. The state of being completely absorbed, the beautiful posture of becoming one with the pipa, made people quiet down instantly, and listen attentively to the first note she plucked.

  "The sound of the pipa was like the cracking of spring ice, like pearls falling onto a jade plate... Zhou Xuan was enchanted by it, and even Bai Juyi's description of the pipa player on the Yangtze River couldn't surpass this."

  As soon as the music stopped, applause erupted from all directions, and the elegant ladies around her also couldn't help but praise.

  Chen Jidao said: "The most wonderful thing about Xiao Meigui is not her musical instrument, but her singing voice. However, it's extremely difficult to get her to sing. Let's see if Brother Zhou can get her to sing tonight."

  Xu Xuan glanced at Yang Xiaoyin, smiled and said: "Miss Xiaoyin, today is the Double Ninth Festival, we should sing to express our aspirations. I'll drink a song first, throw a brick to attract jade, this is a folk song from my hometown -" He cleared his throat and sang:

  "Ah——"

  The moon comes out bright and shining

  I remember my elder brother in the deep mountains

  ……

  In ancient poetry, there are often works written from the perspective of a female character describing her longing for her husband or lover. Therefore, Zhou Xuan's love song in a woman's tone did not make Chen Ji and others feel strange, but rather deeply intoxicated.

  Her beautiful big eyes were like two deep pools, reflecting the moonlight, with ripples like water. Just as Zhou Xuan finished singing the last sentence and was about to speak with a smile on her face, her cherry lips opened, and a pure and wonderful singing voice rose from the depths of her throat, swirling and rising higher and higher, like a ribbon dancing in the high sky, or like a burst of brilliant fireworks suddenly exploding in the night sky.

  Zhou Xuan's eyes widened in shock: "This is dolphin sound, I heard dolphin sound!"