A Battle of Wits and Courage, the Jade Maiden Falls into the Water, Her Veil Turns Sheer, Li Xian Teases Her

What a scene it was: sudden rain, rumbling thunder, howling wind, rolling clouds; a lone boat, a lone sword, a young man facing Golden Scale from afar; rippling light, auspicious clouds, rosy sunset, heaven and earth sheltering a Jade Maiden.

Water splashed densely, and cold mist rose. A woman came riding a dragon, her robes fluttering, lofty above all. Li Xian frowned tightly, his expression calm as he stood upon the iron boat, remaining firm despite the wind and rain.

Zhao Zaizai called out brightly, "Are you Li Xian?" Her voice came trembling down through the clouds and mist. Sudden rain beat against the lake, filling the air with "whoosh, whoosh," "swish, swish," and "patter, patter." Yet her voice carried a natural, wondrous resonance, slipping through the clamor and drifting softly into his ears, as pleasing as a Celestial Note.

But Li Xian heard the condescension and scrutiny in it. He called back, "I am."

Zhao Zairan said indifferently, "Was it you who shot Little Pure?" Li Xian said, "So what if it was? I could have killed it, but I held back. Rather than thank me for sparing its life, you came to call me to account?" Zhao Zaizai sneered. "Little Pure is favored by heaven. No one can kill it with an arrow. A mere Flower Thief like you is unworthy of having me call you to account. I cannot be bothered to waste words on you. Bind your own hands and feet at once, then await your punishment."

Li Xian thought, Even if you ride a dragon to flaunt your might, with heaven and earth aiding you, what do I have to fear? At worst, I die. He said coldly, "If you want to kill or capture me, then make your move. Threatening me is useless." As