Helping Don the Silkworm Garment, Sweet Whispers in the Tower

Early October.

The season of autumn giving way to winter.

The moment he stepped out of the inner courtyard, a chill swept over him. Li Xian's martial progress had advanced greatly, and he was in high spirits. With his hands pillowed behind his head, he wandered about leisurely.

"Once I go to the prefectural city, I'll be able to see my younger brother. I wonder whether he has been affected by the rumors surrounding me."

"My younger brother is clever. He probably won't take them to heart."

"I've washed away this Clay Embryo and changed greatly in appearance. I wonder if my younger brother will be surprised when he sees me."

Li Xian strolled about, feeling refreshed and clear-minded. His spine stood like a divine mountain, his sinews and bones had been tempered without flaw, and his true body and True Form were fully revealed.

Simply standing there, he possessed an extraordinary bearing.

"Greetings, my lord."

The patrolling guards passed by and froze when they saw Li Xian. Once they came to their senses, every one of them respectfully bowed. A few of the more dull-witted ones even dropped to their knees and kowtowed. Li Xian nodded amiably, telling them not to be so restrained, then headed elsewhere to continue his aimless sightseeing.

The guards watched Li Xian leave, each lost in reverie. They stood there dazed for quite some time before discussing among themselves, "Lord Li is like a divine being. With that appearance and bearing, it's no wonder Madam took a liking to him."

"Now, both within and outside the manor, aside from Madam, Lord Li's word is law."

"Heh, how shallow your knowledge is. It isn't just the manor. From top to bottom in Qingning County, who would dare refuse to heed Lord Li?"

"We guards of