Chapter 92: The Entrance

The Wildfire Alliance’s Sieg opened with a rock piece, interwoven with traditional operatic vocals. Then, Chen Yi from the Stellar Alliance entered with a gentle, lingering melody in the ancient style.

Chen Yi was renowned for his lyricism. Lines like “The years flow like water, footprints rarely overlap; the Red Cliffs are indistinguishable, romance and clouds drift away into dreams. A lifetime of brilliance, impossible to capture in a single stroke,” made many musicians who specialized in lyrics nod in admiration. Achieving such a level in so short a time was truly rare.

As the duel stage ended, the host stepped onto the platform. “Let me catch my breath for a moment… Alright, the duel stage has come to a close. Please rate Chen Yi’s piece, ‘The Red Cliff Verdict’!”

Two minutes later, a score appeared on the big screen.

152!

Backstage, someone held their forehead in disbelief at the low score, while others simply shrugged as if saying, “I saw this coming.” Insiders knew that ancient-style lyrics were not the hardest part; the real challenge lay in melody and arrangement.

But it wasn’t over yet. The host continued, “Now, let’s reveal the score for Sieg’s piece from the Wildfire Alliance, ‘Champion’s Resolve’!”

158!

As soon as the score appeared, Sieg hugged Shen Jianxin backstage. “That scared me to death, Teacher Shen!”

Shen Jianxin patted Sieg on the back. Even after losing several rounds, his face showed excitement. “Well done!”

He didn’t just embrace Sieg; he also high-fived every member of the alliance. Although this round wasn’t the final decision, it was certainly a good omen.

There were those who rejoiced and those who felt disappointment. Chen Yi, just returned, forced a bitter smile and apologized to his alliance members. The Stellar Alliance’s founder, Liu Xingyun, embraced him. “It’s fine. You did great, really. This doesn’t decide anything—the project team’s opinion matters most.”

Chen Yi nodded and sat down. The scores weren’t far apart, but everyone present was an expert, and the overall stage effect made the difference clear. Sieg’s piece was richer in elements, and Yun Miao’s operatic addition was truly the finishing touch.

Though Chen Yi’s lyrics were excellent, his melody was conventional, and the arrangement was even a bit too complex. Most leaned toward Sieg’s performance.

“The duel stage is over, but you’re in luck—this project has not only a duel stage, but also a challenge stage. That means, after the duel, musicians who feel they can offer a more unique perspective are still allowed to create for the project. No more words—let’s get back to the music! Please welcome Pioneer Alliance’s Teacher Pu Jingshi!”

The lights dimmed; Pu Jingshi appeared on stage. He was in his early forties, his long hair tied back in a simple ponytail, his features kind and benevolent.

In his early days, Pu Jingshi was a folk musician, one of the most representative in China. Later, his friend Sun Zhe brought him to Tianhe Entertainment, where he released his own songs, wrote for others, and, together with Sun Zhe, mentored the “Three Sons of Tianhe,” further cementing his status in the entertainment industry.

Pu Jingshi bowed slowly, smiling. In response, the project team rose. They were a bit anxious—this was not an easy position, as if the broadcast made them seem pretentious, it could harm their project.

On the big screen, ripples appeared; subtitles emerged.

“Distant River”
Lyrics: Pu Jingshi
Music: Pu Jingshi

Behind him, a large drum was set up. The deep, thunderous beats opened the piece, followed by crisp guitar notes. Pu Jingshi performed a tough, pure pop song; the red drum behind him, like Yun Miao’s operatic vocals for Sieg, was a brilliant highlight.

His perspective focused on Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, and his lyrics were evocative.

In a corner to the left, Zhou Yun covered her ears. The amplified drum was overwhelming; the lyrics mentioned Zhou Yu, so she kept feeling as if she was being called. Yet, she could tell the song was powerful. Judging by the audience’s reaction—their faces alight with awe and surprise—the impact was undeniable.

Zhou Yun worried. The long-haired old man on stage knew how to captivate a live crowd, emphasizing rhythm and even bringing out a big drum. She knew Tang Zhichu was also writing for this project, but hadn’t expected his turn to come after Pu Jingshi, which put him at a disadvantage.

“He kept such a low profile on the dating show—why can’t he do the same here?”
“That Pu guy is no saint either; such a big-name senior going before a newcomer and letting them challenge him—that’s just bullying.”
“If he’s eliminated, so be it. Maybe it’s best not to join this entertainment circle!”

She muttered to herself.

As expected, when Pu Jingshi finished, the audience erupted in applause.

“He’s incredible—no wonder he’s the force behind the Three Sons of Tianhe. This song is grand and majestic.”
“‘Distant river, distant shore. A thousand years later, who am I to dare glimpse their kingdom?’ What an attitude!”
“But it’s tough—‘Champion’s Resolve’ was great, too. I still get goosebumps thinking of Yun Miao’s vocals. Chen Yi’s piece wasn’t bad, either.”
“What’s so hard? Our votes are just a reference—the real choice lies with the project team!”

The big screen froze at 175 votes.

Pu Jingshi bowed in thanks, then left the stage. The project team immediately began to discuss which song best met their requirements. But as Pu Jingshi exited, they hesitated. Wasn’t this the time to bring everyone else on stage for the decision?

“‘The river of life, your shores and mine. A thousand years later, I dare to look for a safe harbor. Teacher Pu, we hope you keep writing—we love hearing your work!’” the host said with a smile. “Without further ado, this is the third episode, and finally we have a grand moment. Congratulations—this project has yet another challenger. Please welcome Tang Zhichu from the Wildfire Alliance. The stage is yours!”

The host was tactful, refraining from emphasizing Tang Zhichu’s status as the second challenger.

Still, the venue was in an uproar. Another challenger? This was getting out of hand!

Sieg and Chen Yi were one thing, but to challenge after Pu Jingshi had already performed? Just who was Tang Zhichu?

Spotlights converged at the back of the stage, revealing a tall silhouette.

“Wow, so tall!”
“Wow, so handsome!”

Tang Zhichu’s outfit was simple: a loose white shirt, black trousers, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked fresh and clean. Standing in the spotlight, he took a deep breath and stepped forward, his face expressionless as the light followed him.

Many in the audience exchanged glances, sensing something interesting was about to happen.

Suddenly, laughter exploded throughout the hall.

“Xiao Tang, are you alright?” The host reacted quickly, stepping onto the stage; Tang Zhichu had apparently stumbled, tripping over his shoelace or pant leg.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Sorry…” Tang Zhichu regained his footing and immediately apologized, prompting the host to leave the stage.

The audience was still laughing, the image of his panic-stricken face lingering in their minds.

“Haha, that was hilarious! I bet that’ll become a meme.”
“I thought you were a master, but you’re here for the laughs!”
“Come on, don’t laugh—he’s nervous, and it’s hard going after Pu Jingshi.”
“Aren’t you laughing too?”
“I can’t help it—it’s just too funny!”

Zhou Yun covered her mouth to stifle her giggles, her bright eyes glimmering with joy. She muttered, “It really had to be you!”

With this mishap, the audience was pulled out of the lingering mood from Pu Jingshi’s song, and their expectations for Tang Zhichu dropped. Could someone so nervous—even tripping on stage—really be a challenger?