Heroes Vie for Beauty, Li Xian Alone Withdraws; Entranced by Scenery, He Encounters the Flower Queen

A melody of "Phoenix Cry" begins to play, its gentle notes soothing the mind. The water garden is shrouded in mist, and the Celestial Note seems to drift on the air.

At the top of the Red-Sleeve Boat was a "birthday banquet," surrounded by pale red gauze curtains, where the birthday celebrant Tao Xiangrong, would sit. In the blink of an eye, the music began to play, and Tao Xiangrong fingers caressing the zither, displaying her musical skills.

Tao Xiangrong rarely revealed her true appearance, but everyone present knew what she looked like. And on appropriate occasions, Tao Xiangrong show herself.

So shrouded in mist and veils, the boats, though clearly close at hand, were obscured by various veils of fog. This subtly stirred the hearts and whetted the appetites of the crowd. Following her rhythmic music, the Red-Sleeve Boat moved at varying speeds. Its pace was not slow, and without the use of martial arts techniques, it was difficult to keep up with the Red-Sleeve Boat and risk being completely left behind by the group of boats.

The song of the Phoenix Cry came to an end.

Cheers and praises erupted. Tao Xiangrong voice rang out, "Gentlemen, I, Xiangrong, greet you." The heroes on the boat were captivated and responded in unison. Tao Xiangrong continued, "I was not invited to this banquet on the boat today, but I am fortunate that you gentlemen remember me, so that I am not spending my birthday alone in a cold and lonely manner. I would Xiangrong Xiangrong first offer a toast to all of you gentlemen."

Having said that, she raised her cup and drank. Though her movements were concealed by the curtain, they were clearly visible. Seeing her raise her cup in a toast, her movements alluring and graceful, her waist slender and willow-like, everyone felt a stirring in their hearts, arousing desire. They all thought, "If we men cannot have such a beauty by our side in this life, even if we achieve great success and fame, even if we accomplish great things, we will ultimately have regrets!"

In a moment of impulsiveness, I raised my glass in return.

Li Xian, not seeking to compete, gradually fell behind, his boat now at the very end, quite far from Tao Xiangrong, with nearly a hundred boats separating them. However, he still needed to maintain proper etiquette, so he raised his cup in return. Tao Xiangrong, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the other boats, and said, "Gentlemen, Xiangrong a sudden thought: shall we play a game together? What do you say?"

The crowd exclaimed, "Of course! Please, Fairy Xiangrong, pose your questions freely!" Several more shouted, "Fairy, please pose your questions freely! I, the All-Knowing Scholar, am Proficiency in medicine, divination, astrology, and all astronomical theories!" "I, the Hammer King of Xiling, will do my utmost to help the Fairy resolve her troubles!"...

Secretly excited, they concentrated, knowing that Tao Xiangrong using this opportunity to set up exam questions, allowing the top talents to compete, display their abilities, and liven up the atmosphere. They even rushed to reveal their names and titles.

Tao Xiangrong asked curiously, "This question is very simple. Xiangrong the Phoenix Cry, and I made some slight modifications to it in private. I wonder if any young master can pronounce the subtle nuances in the music? If you can, please tell me."

Li Xian thought to himself, "This is truly an elegant affair. Although I have a little knowledge of music, I have never studied it in depth. I occasionally play music to pass the time, which is fine for my own enjoyment, but if I were to perform it in public, I would inevitably make a fool of myself. Since I can't answer these questions, it would be good to listen in and broaden my horizons and learn more." He leaned against the side of the boat, his left hand resting on the railing, his right hand holding a wine pot, and occasionally taking a sip with relish.

The young talents all wore pensive expressions, each with a different one. Some were deep in thought, tapping their fingers lightly, savoring the melody they had just heard. Others were extremely frustrated, unable to understand the melody.

Before long, on a red boat on the east side, a young man in a blue robe stood up and said, "I am not very talented, but I can answer this question."

Tao Xiangrong and said, "Azure Sword Qingjian, you truly live up to your renowned reputation. Please speak."

This young man in green robes was not from Jade City, but a well-known figure in the Guanlong Circuit. He was known in the martial arts world as "Azure Sword Qingjian" because he was "both scholarly and martial," possessing three strands of Scholarly Fortune and seven parts of chivalrous spirit.

The Azure Sword waved his folding fan, speaking with an elegant air, "The Phoenix Cry is originally a melody from a small country beyond the East Sea. The tune is low and mournful, like a lament. Legend has it that the composer of that small country traveled all over the country's mountains and rivers to find a phoenix and a dragon, to hear their cries, and to complete the melody. But the country is small and its resources are limited; how could it possibly have such an auspicious beast as the phoenix?"

"Although this piece has been passed down through generations, it has always held a lingering regret. Later, it was introduced to the Great Wu and underwent several revisions and improvements. It transformed the austere sentiment of a small country into one that reflected the grandeur of the Great Wu. The lament of yearning to see the phoenix but failing to do so was replaced with the resounding spirit of 'Even if the phoenix is not seen, what then?'"

When he spoke this, his voice was resounding and captivating. He seemed to possess Scholarly Fortune, as if he held the universe within his grasp, and instantly became the pride of the room. Everyone around him secretly felt a sense of unease.

The young men present... were of distinguished backgrounds, possessed profound family learning, or had extensive experience. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses. Their martial arts prowess was even more difficult to generalize. Ultimately, this was something that could be accumulated through practice and training.

Those who are older have more time for nutrition and training, which inevitably gives them an advantage. This Azure Sword is nearly forty years old, a bit older, but considering the lifespan of martial artists, he is quite young. His family background and status in Jade City may not be as good as the Young Master of Jade City, but his martial arts level is stronger than many disciples. In addition, he has considerable experience, a scholar's Fortune, and is well-versed in the allusions and stories of Proficiency music, thus giving him a significant advantage. Upon meeting him, he immediately took the lead, and as he spoke eloquently, Tao Xiangrong smiled and nodded frequently.

Azure Sword Master Qingjian continued, "When I listened to the music just now, I thought that Xiangrong Rong is a woman, her surging momentum might not be quite suitable. Therefore, I made a slight modification at the beginning of the piece, making the beginning more even and leisurely. I transformed the rolling waves into the gentle murmur of a stream."

Azure Sword Qingjian continued, "If that were all, it wouldn't be so surprising. But Fairy Xiangrong, a woman who is no less capable than any man, though her initial movement was gentle, had a long and flowing source. Like streams flowing into rivers, and rivers flowing into the sea, each step builds upon the last, and even in its leisurely moments, there is Xiangrong. Furthermore, she transformed several dramatic rises and falls in the sound into natural and melodious transitions. This transformation is truly exquisite, and it is astonishing to hear! Listening closely, there is also a faint hint of joy in it, which suggests that when Miss Xiangrong played this Phoenix Cry, she was thinking of some happy event."

Tao Xiangrong clapped her hands and said, "Azure Sword Qingjian, your Xiangrong is well-deserved. You've seen right through me!"

Azure Sword Qingjian smiled and cupped his hands to those beside him, Xiangrong quite pleased with himself. Tao Xiangrong said, "However, I only slightly modified the first half of the melody; it's nothing. I also composed and created the second half myself. Gentlemen, why don't you give it a listen?"

Everyone said, "We couldn't ask for more."

Tao Xiangrong immediately played the zither again. This time the melody was even more beautiful, attracting hundreds of birds to pay homage to the phoenix. Thousands of birds came from afar, carrying more than a hundred dishes. They were precisely delivered to the table, one serving for each person, steaming with fresh white mist, a bowl of "soup". The Azure Sword had even received two dishes and a pastry.

Those around looked on with envy. Azure Sword Master Qingjian cupped his hands in greeting to all directions, his expression extremely smug. He didn't bother to eat or drink, but gently swayed his head to the rhythm of the music. Xu Shaoqian and the others lightly flicked their sleeves and secretly snorted.

Tao Xiangrong's music was exceptional; her melodious and beautiful tunes quickly captivated everyone. Their minds were soaring, and they only came to their senses when the piece ended. Tao Xiangrong said, "For today's birthday banquet, Xiangrong personally cooked several dishes. The Phoenix Ointment on Azure Sword Qingjian's table is one of them. Azure Sword Qingjian, please try it."

This scene was truly enviable. The Azure Sword master Qingjian savored the food, praising it repeatedly, his words flowing like a torrent as he eloquently described its flavors. His extensive knowledge, witty remarks, and refined manners gave him an early advantage. Tao Xiangrong smiled and said, "While Azure Sword Qingjian's learning is considerable and his answer is correct, it doesn't quite meet my Xiangrong. I've subtly modified my ' Phoenix Cry' melody, adding a touch of leisurely joy. But why is it so joyful? Azure Sword master Qingjian couldn't answer that." Tao Xiangrong asked, "I wonder if anyone can answer this question? If so, Xiangrong invite them to join me on the Red-Sleeve Boat for a drink."

Everyone was astonished, exhausting their knowledge of phonetics and Tao Xiangrong was happy, searching for clues in the music. Xu Shaoqian hesitated, unable to make up his mind.

At this moment, Xu Ningyuan, also from the Jade City of the Xu Clan, raised his voice and said, "I Xiangrong Miss Rong, and the melodious music contained the evolution of martial arts. This joy is naturally due to her further progress in martial arts, and this happiness is reflected in the music."

Everyone felt a pang of regret upon hearing this, as they all shared similar thoughts, only to have been beaten to it. Xu Shaoqian felt extremely annoyed and glanced at his clansman, "Xu Ningyuan," his sense of crisis deepening.

Tao Xiangrong remained silent for a moment, offering no reply. It was unclear whether this was right or wrong. Xu Shaoqian stood up and said, "In my opinion, Xiangrong's joy may not be a major event. She can find happiness in the small things of everyday life. Perhaps it's the blooming flowers in the courtyard, or the gentle breeze on her face. As long as Miss Xiangrong, joy will naturally be found everywhere."

Tao Xiangrong and said, "Xu Lang is so eloquent; he loves to make me happy. But unfortunately, it's not the answer Xiangrong wants."

Xu Shaoqian was both worried and happy. He was happy because Tao Xiangrong addressed him very affectionately and her replies were different from those of others. He was worried because he ultimately failed to answer correctly. But since he had already answered, he would not answer again. He silently prayed in his heart that others would also answer incorrectly.

Li Xian, listening from afar, was already savoring the "fresh soup." The taste was exquisite, and as he carefully appreciated it, he pondered the question. He quickly thought sarcastically, "Although I am not knowledgeable in music, I know that music reflects emotions. In my opinion, this courtesan's success is neither a further advancement in martial arts nor a series of good fortunes. Perhaps she truly saw a phoenix, fulfilling the composer's regret. Therefore, she changed the original melody and composed a sequel."

"It's not about improving, but about filling gaps. Unfortunately... everyone is thinking about how to please her. Their focus is solely on her. This excessive pragmatism has caused them to lose their leisurely pace."

Li Xian was not fluent in phonetics, but it was precisely because of this that he could think outside the box and guess Tao Xiangrong's thoughts.

Tao Xiangrong sighed softly and said, "What you gentlemen say makes sense, but it's still a hair's breadth away from the answer Xiangrong in mind. Is there really no one who can answer it?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Which young master can answer correctly? Xiangrong personally offer him a toast."

Everyone fell silent. Li Xian thought to himself, "My answer was just my own assumption. My purpose in coming here was simply to freeload. I might as well just obediently freeload and not care about anything else. What does right or wrong have to do with me?"

Tao Xiangrong asked for a moment, then said, "Alas, the answer is actually in the title of the piece. This piece, 'The Phoenix Cry,' was originally composed by a composer who couldn't find a phoenix. Xiangrong enough to have seen Phoenix Cry some time ago. I then came up with this piece and used the sound of the Phoenix Cry to modify the original. I wanted to share this joyous occasion with you gentlemen today. Unfortunately... all Xiangrong efforts have been in vain."

Xu Shaoqian, Xu Ningyuan, and the others listened to Tao Xiangrong lament, her words filled with countless grievances, her heartfelt feelings betrayed by all the young men. They felt a deep pang of pity and resentment towards themselves for their own stupidity, for the answer was right there in the most obvious place, yet they had failed to think of it.

Xu Shaoqian sighed, "What a pity, what a pity... If I had answered correctly just now, when no one could understand Xiangrong's feelings, and spoken to her heart, I would have been seventy percent certain of our connection."

Li Xian thought to himself, "What I thought of casually turned out to be right. It's a pity about General Xu. If he hadn't been in such a hurry to leave, I might have told him about this idea and let him try it out."

They leisurely drank wine and soup. In this way, Tao Xiangrong set test questions several times, involving a wide range of talents and knowledge, including historical strategy, martial arts understanding, Buddhism, Daoism and so on.

More and more people appeared, and each time their responses Tao Xiangrong, she would bestow upon them an extra dish, such as "Phoenix Paste," "Crispy Powder," and "Dragon and Tiger Soup"...

The more abundant the dishes on a person's boat, the more it proves that they are more in line with Tao Xiangrong, and that they demonstrate greater ability and talent. Tao Xiangrong is quite capable; she not only takes care of the outstanding young men and talented people, but also comforts and encourages those who perform poorly.

This caused the hundred boats to follow closely, vying for attention and outshining her. Seven dishes were served in total, each a small portion, far from enough to fill her stomach. Li Xian thought, "This feast might not be finished in a few hours. Oh well, since there are such rare dishes, I'll just focus on eating."

He also followed in his boat, keeping a safe distance. Only in this way could he truly blend into the crowd.

As the banquet progressed to its middle, the Red-Sleeve Boat became increasingly swift. To maintain their composure, the young gentlemen refrained from paddling. Thus, they exerted considerable effort to move even a fraction of an inch of water. While the Boat Guild effortlessly, always following behind the Red-Sleeve Boat, they were in reality tense, having already unleashed their considerable martial arts skills.

Those with weaker cultivation levels, seeing they were about to be separated from the boat, had no choice but to use oars to paddle and barely catch up. Moreover, Tao Xiangrong frequently offer toasts to everyone, and they would always respond with wine.

The "Drunken Flower Wine" in this case was extremely potent. After just a few cups, many people were already feeling the effects of the wine. Li Xian, who was positioned towards the back, had already seen several people secretly exerting their strength to force the effects of the wine out of them.

But the effects of the alcohol clinging to the body are like a deadly poison, not easily dispelled. The more one tries to force it, the more one resists the effects, leading to utter intoxication. Several people, in their drunken state, behaved recklessly, losing face and becoming the laughingstock of others.

Famous wines and spirits are sure to intoxicate. The intoxication doesn't stem from the ingredients themselves, but from the wine's power and aroma. Li Xian once ordered a dish called "Three-Pole Wine" at a street-side wine and meat stall.

Although made by ordinary people, the wine had been brewed repeatedly over decades, thus imbuing it with the essence and flavor of alcohol, making it easy to intoxicate even martial artists. After an hour of preparation for the banquet, as the effects of the wine took hold, the crowd feigned a bit of intoxication, and the competition among them intensified, with each boat vying for attention. Gradually, the area was divided into several sections.

Now, let's talk about the first area, which Li Xian named the "First Place Area," which is located a few feet behind the Red Sleeve Boat.

There were more than ten boats in total. No matter how fast or slow the red-sleeved boat went, these boats always followed closely, maintaining a constant distance. They were able to get a close look at Tao Xiangrong in the tent and smell the fragrance from inside the boat.

He Tao Xiangrong, Tao Xiangrong would always reply with words of tranquility and elegance.

Then there is the "Contest Zone," which has more than thirty boats. Located five zhang away from the Red Sleeve Boat, they are easily visible to Tao Xiangrong and all have the potential to compete for the "first place." However, unless Tao Xiangrong the initiative to call out their names and start a conversation, it is difficult to join the conversation.

Next is the "Striving Zone," which is more than ten zhang away, and Tao Xiangrong see and hear it. They are working hard to catch up and do not want to fall behind. Finally, there is the "Scattered Zone," which is twenty zhang away, where they are scattered and all paddling hard to catch up.

Tao Xiangrong was elegant and gentle in her dealings with people. Although she often encouraged the people in the recreation area, she rarely paid attention to this place anymore. Li Xian then rowed the famous oar between the "Striving Area" and the "Recreational Area".

Lei Chong, who was traveling with him, was even quite advanced in the striving zone.

Tao Xiangrong's voice was melodious and graceful, and her figure was captivating. Since she was setting questions to test everyone, her own talent and learning must not be shallow. She also created a scene of a hundred boats racing, and Lei Chong, being in the midst of it, was influenced by her. Moreover, with the wine taking effect, he gradually became infatuated with her.

If it weren't for the overwhelming power of his martial arts, like a thunderbolt, which could intimidate the enemy in the army, it wouldn't be suitable for this situation. If he were to unleash it, the sound would shake the surrounding area, which, while it might allow him to rush into the "contested zone," would disturb the leisurely music, offend the beauty's intentions, and spoil the elegant atmosphere of the place, making it even more of a loss. However, whenever Tao Xiangrong posed a test or talked with the others, Lei Chong would eagerly try to answer, attempting to show off his abilities and hoping to win the beauty's favor. His Copper Body, Mud Face were indeed formidable. He had his own unique strengths, and Tao Xiangrong had praised Lei Chong several times.

The gathering of boats was fraught with danger as they secretly vied for supremacy. The ten red boats in the "first place zone" each occupied a corner. They had to maintain their composure, converse with Tao Xiangrong, and display their elegance and charisma, while also using their martial arts to protect the half-zhang of water around them.

Surrounding boats will secretly employ martial arts techniques, using underwater currents to harass and overtake them.

The leader in the lead position needs to maintain its status and, more importantly, secretly prevent other teams from getting close. This cannot be superficial; it requires composure and a calm demeanor. While appearing easygoing and relaxed, one must be constantly on edge, unable to relax for even a moment.

The same is true in the current-contested area. There are many boats in this area, and they compete for speed and current, one overtaking the other. Some boats, intoxicated, get angry and stop maintaining their composure, engaging in open and covert struggles.

Many boats capsized, wine spilled, and people fell into the water. Those who were frustrated in the race felt they had lost face, so they slowed down and went to the striving zone. And in the striving zone, there were already people who took their place and competed with the crowd.

Dozens of boats were underwater, locked in fierce combat, clashing and vying for supremacy. If someone came from behind and surged ahead with overwhelming force, they would quickly overtake several others. The boats ahead would then cooperate to intercept them. Amidst the martial arts contests, there was also a hidden scheming and intrigue.

It's a battle of wits, a battle of talent, a battle of intelligence, a battle of courage... it's undeniably exhausting.

As dusk approaches, hundreds of boats race against each other, showing no sign of stopping.

Li Xian lay on the boat's mat, a "water bag" at his waist. Li Xian thought to himself, "It's rare to encounter such fine wine." Although he was not a connoisseur of wine, such a good thing was not easily found. He had already drunk several jugs, and the aroma of the wine lingered on his tongue, yet he still felt a lingering fondness for it.

After leaving the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, it will be difficult to taste this again. Therefore, the wine in the pot is stored in a "water bag". Only when the water bag is full will I be satisfied and wait for the "food bird" to bring new wine.

Li Xian carried a new wine jug and drank straight from the spout, while in his right hand he held a "Crab Jade Pastry," made from precious crab roe, with a delicious flavor. Li Xian's carefree and relaxed demeanor, taking a bite of delicacies and a sip of fine wine, was truly unique to him.

By this time, they were far from Tao Xiangrong. Li Xian had no intention of chasing after her, and without any restraint, he felt even more relaxed and content, enjoying the delicious feast on his own.

He raised the wine jug high, beaming, and said, "Striving for beauty further is certainly dashing and Intent-Qi, full of endless excitement. But taking a step back..." He glanced at the surrounding scenery—the misty haze, the slanting sunlight, the shimmering water—and continued, "But taking a step back, sitting and embracing this boundless beauty, leisurely passing the time, isn't that... even more dashing, more debonair, more carefree, and more joyful?"

He drank heartily, not drunk, but the alcohol stirred his spirits and awakened his carefree nature. He completely Tao Xiangrong, and only thought about how to find pleasure in the quiet and how to please himself.

A soft whistle was blown.

Seeing people leaving their seats in disappointment, Li Xian thought, "This banquet is far from over. There will likely be another competition when it comes to presenting gifts. Beautiful women are lovely, but it's too much trouble to fight over them like this. I've eaten and enjoyed myself to the fullest at this banquet, so I might as well leave and wander around to appreciate the scenery of this place."

Suddenly seeing the lake shore, they immediately steered their boat towards it. A maidservant was waiting on the shore; seeing Li Xian ashore, she approached him and asked, "Young master, the banquet isn't over yet, are you leaving already?"

Li Xian asked, "Can't we leave our seats?" The maid smiled and said, "Of course you can. My sister instructed us beforehand that there are no restrictions at this banquet. Those who come, come; those who leave, leave."

Li Xian sighed, "Your sister is indeed quite elegant." The maid smiled and said, "Of course. Since you wish to leave, young master, please do so." Li Xian asked, "Although I am leaving my seat, I am curious about the beautiful scenery here. May I wander around and take a look?"

The maid replied, "Of course."

Li Xian inquired further about any taboos regarding movement within the garden. The maidservant covered her mouth and chuckled, explaining the rules and taboos to Li Xian. After a brief understanding, Li Xian strolled around, admiring the surrounding scenery. The "Water-Dream Garden" was a vast expanse of water, resembling a dreamlike kingdom on water, its beauty beyond description.

Li Xian strolled leisurely, appreciating the ingenious layout. He secretly activated his Double Pupils, trying to see the hidden mechanisms. However, the "Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower" was so exquisitely constructed that it was impossible to see everything in a short time, leaving him completely bewildered.

Why not just focus on the beautiful scenery before you and admire the beauty of the mountains, without worrying about how the rocks and plants are arranged?

As evening falls, the setting sun casts its last rays upon this spot. Rosy Cloud Heaven has a "Sun-Gazing Altar," making this an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Li Xian couldn't help but think, "Throughout my two lifetimes, I've witnessed the sunrise and sunset every day, yet I've never truly seen a sunset. It's truly a great regret!"

He then sat down in the Sun-Gazing Altar and gazed at the sun leisurely. He watched the sun move westward, its afterglow spreading everywhere. Li Xian's heart was as calm as a lake, feeling neither amazed nor impressed, only a gentle and leisurely appreciation.

As the last rays of sunlight fell upon the Sun-Gazing Tree in Golden Virtue Garden, bathing their lush foliage in a golden glow—a truly beautiful sight—a melodious voice suddenly drifted from behind. "Young master, what refined taste you have!"

Li Xian was taken aback, noticing a woman standing behind him. He cupped his hands and said, "I apologize, I was lost in thought for a moment, I will take my leave now."

The woman wore a veil and had a graceful figure. She chuckled and said, "Young master, you observe the setting sun without noticing its fading light, and I observe you without you noticing."

Li Xian said, "If I had known you were also here to see the scenery, I would have gladly given up this excellent spot."

The woman looked at me strangely and said, "You keep calling me 'Miss,' do you not know who I am?"

Li Xian replied truthfully, "I really don't know."

She glanced sideways at the water pouch at Li Xian's waist and asked, "Is that the Drunken Flower Brew you're drinking?"

Li Xian said, "Of course, could it be that..." he had already sensed something.

The woman said with great interest, "How strange! You attended my banquet, drank my fine wine, and celebrated my birthday, yet you don't know who I am?"