Chapter 104: The Awkward Dance King

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Logan felt a mix of doubt and hope. Before stepping onto the stage, he reviewed every one of his unique skills and pondered what remarkable moments his life had held. Yet, the memories that surfaced were far from glorious: “On the first day of elementary school, I was late because I went to buy spicy strips and got points deducted by the patrol team, marking my debut,” “In middle school, I competed to see who could stare at a ping-pong ball the longest—an entire day! I thought my endurance was incredible, but my classmates just joked about my bladder,” “Poor grades led me to obsess over the internet, confessing my feelings twenty-four times and failing, only to succeed on the twenty-fifth, only to discover the person was actually a man”... These memories were unbearable to recall, black chapters best left drifting away like smoke.

Despite it all, his current life as a gamer wasn’t too bad. He had founded a guild that had since gone bankrupt, gathered a ragtag group of unhelpful comrades, earned gold bars he spent in Chang’an in one night, and even had the chance to perform before a crowd, capturing the gaze of men, women, young and old alike. The thought alone thrilled him.

When Jun Tao came offstage and saw Logan’s outfit, she was startled and nearly stumbled. Logan grabbed her arm, steadying her.

“You...” Jun Tao asked in surprise.

Logan cooperated fully, wearing a deeply affectionate expression. “It’s me.”

Jun Tao’s face twisted into a complicated mix of emotions—hard to tell if joy or sorrow. Seeing Logan’s appearance, she leaned close to his ear.

“Even if you don’t want to win the match, don’t give up on yourself. At worst, just run away.”

“I’m not thinking that far ahead. This is just the right thing to do.”

Jun Tao shook her head helplessly. Compared to worrying about her own match with Dai Zhi, it was Logan’s attitude that was truly worrisome.

It seemed he had already lost face in front of his beloved before stepping onto the stage—nothing left to fear now.

His heart raced faster and faster, no system needed to measure it; Logan knew just how nervous he was.

Once on stage, Logan bowed deeply to all four directions, very courteous. The entire audience’s attention was fixed on this strange man stepping forward—he was the sole performer of the final act.

Closing his eyes, his mind was a blank slate—perhaps a blessing, like a roller coaster momentarily empty of thought.

He raised his arms, striking a fierce tiger pose! The crowd was amazed. Then Logan retreated with his right foot, stepped forward, and bent gracefully to touch the ground.

That small movement displayed flexibility beyond mere showmanship but was unfamiliar to the ancient audience. Many assumed he was about to perform some form of sorcery, whispering and pointing among themselves.

Next, he spread his arms wide, lifted one foot—executing a beautiful “White Crane Spreads Its Wings” move, alternately raising each foot.

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Yan Shan and Xiao Zhi were puzzled and couldn’t grasp his intentions. Only Liu Bu Wen exclaimed in admiration.

Yan Shan asked, “President, what is he doing? This doesn’t look like any ordinary martial art.”

Xiao Zhi shook his head, completely confused by Logan’s performance.

Liu Bu Wen applauded, saying, “This is... the Five Animal Frolics! I never expected there to be a new form!”

As the term “Five Animal Frolics” spread, it quickly morphed into rumors: “That fellow performing the Five Animal Frolics is a reincarnation of Hua Tuo, a demon.”

A minor official whispered into the ear of Changsun Wuji, who pondered silently and dismissed the man. To Li Shimin, Changsun Wuji’s cautiousness about this event was somewhat embarrassing.

Li Shimin asked, “What startling news has my brother-in-law heard?”

Changsun Wuji forced a smile, careful not to reveal his emotions as a minister should.

“Your Majesty, only some absurd rumors, nothing to worry about.”

Li Shimin said nothing further, but his expression clearly urged, “Tell me.”

Being the emperor’s brother-in-law was considered a great honor by the world, but to Changsun Wuji, it was a burden. Many doubted him, making him cautious in all dealings and giving him insight into Li Shimin’s temper.

“That strange man, said to be a reincarnation of Hua Tuo—ridiculous, isn’t it?”

“Oh? Hua Tuo? Interesting. Just because he performs these few moves, he’s become Hua Tuo?”

“The Emperor is wise! It’s just that this man wears strange clothes and performs the Five Animal Frolics.”

Li Shimin was quite surprised. He had heard of many so-called “Five Animal Frolics” from the martial world, but they merely imitated the movements of chickens, ducks, fish, and dogs, never showing any real benefit for self-cultivation.

Logan continued, shifting his left foot sideways, toes touching the ground, bending his right knee, and spreading his arms at chest level, performing a chest-expanding movement. Without music to keep tempo, he struggled to find the right rhythm and moved according to his memory.

Jun Tao could tell that Logan’s rhythm was off and instructed Xiao Zhi and others to prepare their instruments. She judged Logan’s beat and played harmoniously to help him find the tempo.

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Sure enough, with a rhythm, Logan moved more fluidly, like a fish in water.

If Logan could recall such embarrassing dance moves, it wasn’t by chance. The AI assistant had initially searched “ghost step dance” and, through big data analysis of Logan’s physical condition and prior user habits, had suggested a set of calisthenics.

His movements shifted elegantly—sometimes like a white crane, sometimes like a mighty lion, and sometimes like a dragon soaring through the skies. Each move was filled with beauty, astonishing everyone present.

“Unexpected! This must be the Five Animal Frolics!”

“That strange man is so interesting!”

The audience did not see Logan’s long robe constantly being stepped on as he danced, nearly causing him to fall.

Bathed in the sunset light, the male performer wore heavy makeup, and the entire hall fell silent, waiting for his performance to conclude.

Logan was troubled, suffocated by the oppressive atmosphere. Instinctively, thinking he had already embarrassed himself enough, he no longer cared.

He began softly singing an old tune:

“Like the endless Eastward flow of the Yangtze, waves wash away all heroes; right and wrong, success and failure, all turn to nothing—The green hills remain, the sunset glows again; grey-haired fishermen and woodcutters by the riverbank, accustomed to watching autumn moons and spring breezes. A pot of cloudy wine brings joyous reunion. How many ancient and modern affairs are but laughter and talk...”

When the song ended, Logan felt exhilarated and unburdened. No one regarded him as a bizarre hermaphrodite anymore; rather, they were filled with admiration.

Li Shimin looked down from above, lost in thought as he watched Logan’s figure.

The ministers also felt a deep sense of emotion, recalling the turbulent years of war and chaos, wondering how history would judge them.

The entire hall was silent, no one speaking. The nobles exchanged glances while Li Shimin remained silent, staring at Logan.

The overwhelming quiet left Logan unsure how to respond, sweat pouring down his forehead and soaking his clothes. Jun Tao and the others grew anxious.

Suddenly, hearty laughter echoed from the high viewing platform.