A Display of Talent, Xiangrong's First Surprise, Sharing a Residence, and Big Sister Eating People

Li Xian immediately understood. He remembered that Li Hengfeng had told him that Tao Xiangrong, but unfortunately, her life was short. This "Longevity Lock" was related to her life, so he was in a hurry and frantically asked Li Xian to find it. Although Xu Shaoqian was capable and had a high position, he was no match for the guests at the banquet, who were all local powerful figures. Therefore, Li Xian was the more suitable choice.

Although Tao Xiangrong could entrust Li Xian with her help through Xu Shaoqian, several people would be involved, and many changes were inevitable. She was unwilling to entrust this matter to others, so she tried to investigate herself first, but she had no clues, so she personally sought out Li Xian.

Li Xian feigned ignorance. "But when a child is born, the parents pray for his safety and health, and wear Longevity Lock on him?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Yes and no." She took out a chain, its color golden, shimmering with an unusual light, and exuding an aura of tranquility and peace. She said, "This is the chain of the Longevity Lock. Young hero, please take a look."

When it was delivered, her face flushed with embarrassment. The Longevity Lock was a small golden lock, usually tied around her right ankle, like a beautiful ornament. It symbolized "binding to the ground," Tao Xiangrong to the ground so that she wouldn't float away.

This item had been with her since childhood. Tao Xiangrong changed her clothes and bathed every day, never once changing it. When the Longevity Lock inexplicably disappeared, Tao Xiangrong's heart pounded, and she panicked upon realizing it. Her life was already short, and she kept wondering if her time had come. This "Longevity Lock" had the power to extend life; if it couldn't be found, she feared... Li Xian took the chain, only half a finger thick, still warm, reflecting colorful spots under the lamplight. The material was of good quality. Li Xian thought, "Although my knowledge is not shallow, I really can't discern the material of this." He suddenly smelled a faint fragrance and gently sniffed it.

Tao Xiangrong bit her lip slightly and spat, but Li Xian's serious expression, she feared he didn't know where the Longevity Lock was, and that his actions were not indecent, so she didn't pursue the matter. However, she felt very strange and uneasy. Her private parts were being held in a man's hands.

Li Xian glanced at it briefly, taking in all the details, and asked, "Miss Tao, what are the effects of this Longevity Lock? Does anyone know if you've worn it for a long time? Where is it usually worn?"

Tao Xiangrong calmness and said, "The Longevity Lock is an item used to prolong life and ward off disasters. I wear it on my right ankle. But I imagine very few people know about it." Li Xian nodded, acknowledging the general idea. Tao Xiangrong hurriedly asked, "Any clues? Any guesses?" Li Xian replied, "Premature guesses will only mislead the case. If Miss Tao has already decided to entrust this case to me, please be patient. I will do my best."

Tao Xiangrong calmed herself and said, "Xiangrong is in a hurry." Li Xian said, "Since it's a private hire, then we'll do the work for money. The ' Immortal Peach ' that Miss Tao promised is truly valuable. I'm afraid that Miss Tao might go back on her word at the last minute. To avoid me getting nothing, please ask Miss Tao to prepay five thousand taels of silver."

Suppressing her anger, Liang Xiaoshi said in a low voice, "Five thousand taels of silver? You, the Gold Steward Elder, actually need five thousand taels of silver to come out?"

Li Xian poured himself a drink and calmly continued, "What face do I, a mere Gold Steward, have to speak of? Let alone five thousand taels of silver, even a hundred taels could have been used to persuade them. But this investigation involves numerous powerful figures from the Earth List. Isn't it worth the price?"

Liang Xiaoshi was speechless for a moment. Tao Xiangrong said, "That makes sense, that's how it should be. But Xiangrong didn't bring enough money with me. I'll send it to your residence later."

Li Xian said, "A person of Miss Tao's character would never lie to me. This case occurred at Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, and I need to go to the scene. I will need Miss Tao's cooperation then. Please do not refuse, otherwise it will be difficult to investigate further."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Of course. If you can find the Longevity Lock, I will naturally agree to cooperate with you in any matter." Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I shall take my leave."

The discussion ended. Tao Xiangrong steered the boat to the shore and saw Li Xian off. Li Xian turned and left with a carefree air. Tao Xiangrong and Liang Xiaoshi watched him go, the river rippling and willows swaying gently. A breeze blew by; it was early October, the season of transition from summer heat to autumn coolness. It was midday, still muggy. Liang Xiaoshi was somewhat irritated and kept asking, "Sister, this boy treated you so disrespectfully. If it weren't for the Longevity Lock being so important, I would have thrown him into the lake." Tao Xiangrong said, "If he truly has great talent, his arrogance is to be expected. As long as we find the Longevity Lock, what does this disrespect matter?" She held a round fan, embroidered with "The Glimmering-Heron Flower." This is an extremely rare flower, budding for ten years, blooming for only a fleeting moment. A brief, breathtaking sight is enough. Tao Xiangrong said, "I've reviewed the files of this young man, Gold-Seeking Guard. Since becoming the Gold Steward, he has solved cases with lightning speed, completing one case every two days, and is extremely adept at uncovering the truth from the smallest clues. He must be quite intelligent. My lost Golden Lock likely involves powerful figures. At this point... we can only start from the smallest details." She sailed back to Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower and immediately sent someone to prepare enough silver to deliver to Li Xian's residence. Li Xian returned to Jujube-Pasture Residence, received the silver, and deposited it at the "Nine-Zhang Money Tower." He arranged for Xiao Chao and Xiao Wu to look after the shop's affairs and then focused on investigating the "Longevity Lock Lost Case."

The Longevity Lock is located in the "Twenty-Third Heaven" of the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower; the Heaven of Immortal Peaches is lost. The investigation is of utmost importance, so he must personally go to the scene and investigate many details. Li Xian is only in his "Mud Body" stage. Although he has just gained some power and status, he can enter and exit the first three heavens to eat, hold banquets, and enjoy the elegance. For higher places, he must be invited to enter and exit.

Tao Xiangrong personally greeted him, and the two rode together on the Immortal-Sending Bird " to the Twenty-Third Heaven. This was Li Xian's second visit to the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. Along the way, he rode on Heavenly Crafted Wonders, soaring through the sky, feeling as if in a dream, completely unreal. It was as if he had flown over layers of sky, breaking through layers of constraints, to visit a heaven beyond heaven, a world beyond the world.

He couldn't help but think, "How much time and effort must have taken to create such a magnificent structure? Just standing here is a miracle of our time. The Heaven of Immortal Peaches is shrouded in mist and clouds, as if there is another paradise on earth above the azure sky. Inside, there are birds singing and flowers blooming, streams, green pines, islands, flowers and grass, rainbow bridges... It is truly a wonder of the world!"

Tao Xiangrong landed gracefully, her steps elegant, her mind focused on the case, and she followed Li Xian closely. Li Xian was going deep into the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower to investigate the case, and having the main suspect accompany him might reduce trouble, so he readily agreed.

The two walked side by side, amidst lush vegetation. Li Xian sighed, "I thought the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower was a paradise beyond the heavens, but I never knew that a Peach Blossom Spring was hidden within that paradise."

Tao Xiangrong walked gracefully, exuding an irresistible charm, and smiled, "We martial artists cultivate the martial path, seeking to have bodies that resemble heaven and earth, and lifespans that are as enduring as heaven and earth. Some highly skilled martial artists possess a vast universe within their bodies. Compared to that, the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, which contains all things in heaven and earth and thirty-three heavens, is truly nothing."

Upon reaching a plaque, Tao Xiangrong raised her sleeve and said, "This is the Heaven of Immortal Peaches."

In the Heaven of Immortal Peaches, there are two welcoming trees whose branches and leaves intertwine to form an archway. A plaque hangs at the top of the archway, which reads "Heaven of Immortal Peaches." Because the Immortal Peach do not grow on the ground, the denser the earth's energy, the more difficult it is for the Immortal Peach to bear fruit. Therefore, the Heaven of Immortal Peaches is very tall, and looking outwards, everything else appears tiny.

After passing through the tree gate, there was a jade stone tablet with a poem inscribed on it. Li Xian glanced at it and continued straight ahead. He saw several Immortal Peach trees in succession, their leaves and branches displaying their extraordinary beauty.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Without Tao Xiangrong, I, with my mere Mud Body, would never have been able to enter this place and witness such a magnificent sight." On the day of the Peach Banquet, heroes gathered in joy, with golden and silver cranes, auspicious tortoises and deer... the scene was truly unimaginable.

Stepping onto the scene, the banquet table, zither, sword... are still intact. One can vaguely discern the joyous gathering of that day. It turns out... Tao Xiangrong this matter greatly and tried her best to preserve the scene of the banquet. However, the golden and silver cranes, the auspicious tortoise and deer... and many other strange and exotic beasts have all dispersed and returned to the distance.

Tao Xiangrong pointed to a place ahead, shrouded in mist, with lush vegetation and breathtaking scenery, and said, "This is the venue for the banquet. Young hero, please explore." She walked to the southeast corner, pointed to a zither, and said, "When the grand event begins, I will play a piece called ' Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody ' right here."

Li Xian suddenly thought, "This Tao Xiangrong is truly extraordinary; this melody must be a rare treat. Since I'm here, why not listen?" He said, "Please, Miss Tao, recreate the scene from that day."

Tao Xiangrong to play too?"Li Xian replied, "Of course."

Tao Xiangrong suddenly thought, "Could this boy be doing this on purpose so that I will play the zither for him? I, Tao Xiangrong, have never played a piece of music for any man on my own." Her gaze was gentle, but it also held a scrutinizing quality.

Tao Xiangrong herself, "Very well, I once said that if I could find the Longevity Lock, I would do my best to cooperate with him. What is playing the zither?" So she lightly plucked the strings and began to play.

Her allure was innate, her purple robes fluttering gently, their fabric as thin as gauze, making her appear as if she were shrouded in a hazy purple mist.

A gentle, soothing sound wafts out. At first, it flows like a stream, reaching straight to the heartstrings, calming the mind, and relieving fatigue. It is as if one's armor has been removed, and all feelings are instantly relaxed. Gradually, it is as if a beautiful woman is whispering sweet nothings in one's ear, offering her knees for one to snore in.

Li Xian nodded slightly, listening attentively and scrutinizing Tao Xiangrong. When the piece ended, he felt a lingering sense of satisfaction. Tao Xiangrong, slightly disgruntled, asked, "Young Master Li, is this piece finished? Did it provide any clues?"

Li Xian said, "It sounds wonderful! It sounds wonderful!" Tao Xiangrong was unfriendly. "I shouldn't be asking questions, but Young Hero Li should at least reveal some information so I can be informed. That way, Xiangrong future cooperation will be better. Although I am usually kind, and my sisters all say I have a good temper, I will still get a little angry if I am played for a fool."

Li Xian laughed and said, "It seems that although Miss Tao entrusted the case to me privately, she ultimately doesn't trust me. Oh well... we are, after all, cooperating. It's only right that we share resources."

Li Xian said, "There are thousands of ' Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody ' songs in this world, each with its own meaning and style. Although Miss Tao told me before that you were playing Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody at the beginning of the banquet, I don't know which kind of Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody was. That's why I asked you to recreate the scene." Tao Xiangrong said angrily, "What good will recreating it do? It's just for your ears, and it won't help the case at all."

Li Xian said, "No, no. It's very helpful to the case. If I'm not mistaken, the ' Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody ' that Miss Tao played is a battle-breaking song from ' Nanling, ' a former vassal state of the Great Wu. The first half of the song is leisurely and pleasant, like the singing of orioles and the dancing of swallows, like a beautiful woman's lament. But the second half changes the style, becoming a scene of clashing swords and galloping horses, a biting wind, and rising blood and fire. Unfortunately, the second half was destroyed, leaving only the first half. Over time, people have come to regard 'Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody' as a lyrical song, often playing it at banquets to add to the festivities, which is quite sad."

Tao Xiangrong taken aback. Even experts in phonetics might not know such profound knowledge. Her eyes gleamed with a newfound respect as she asked, "So what?"

Li Xian said, "That's the problem. That day, the powerful Mountain-Moving Elder of the Wanshan Sect in Guanzhong and the Righteous Tiger Daoist who broke through the Golden Gate in Longxiong Sect argued over this very piece. Their accounts were similar: both of them heard their lovers play this piece when they were young."

"But upon closer examination... the Guanlong Circuit Plain is mountainous, its people are known for their ruggedness, and their music is mostly melodious and resonant mountain songs. The Longxiong Circuit, with its mountains and rivers, naturally favors flowing, powerful melodies. Therefore, ' Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody ' is not prevalent in either region. This Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody is mostly found in the ' Yunan Circuit; Dragon Court Prefecture ' area, a more affluent and southerly region. It's not widely known, but rather familiar only to those like Miss Tao who are Proficiency in music." "If these two heroes had some experience and maturity, it would be perfectly normal for them to have heard this song. But it's strange that they both heard it when they were young and inexperienced."

Tao Xiangrong taken aback, thinking, "This lad truly possesses real skill. I underestimated him. He could discern so much from a simple melody. It turns out there really are such extraordinary individuals in this world, capable of seeing the big picture from small details and solving cases with divine insight. Moreover, his knowledge is remarkable; he can explain the principles of music in great detail, which is truly rare. I never imagined this young Gold Steward would be so interesting." She bowed gracefully, her eyes gleaming with a strange light, and carefully observed him. She first met Li Xian at Rosy Cloud Heaven, where she was relaxed and at a loss for words after dealing with the competition among heroes. She was looking for some peace and quiet when she saw Li Xian admiring the scenery; his figure was handsome and refined. She had watched him for a long time, feeling somewhat moved, but not particularly interested, much less recognizing him. She had seen too many heroes and powerful figures before, fleeting glimpses quickly forgotten. Later... Having lost her Longevity Lock, she sought help, and Li Xian once again came into her life. During their initial encounter on the boat, Tao Xiangrong, though gentle and reasonable, disliked Li Xian Li Xian, but having no other recourse, she entrusted him with her help with a mixture of trust and doubt. Changing her address from "Little Brother Li" to "Young Hero Li" further emphasized the distance and awkwardness. This time, however, a closer interaction revealed a completely different impression. Li Xian spoke eloquently, easily finding hidden clues, his calm demeanor displaying a refined elegance rarely seen elsewhere, truly impressing her. His unhurried and composed manner, subtly exuding a refined and otherworldly air, was unlike that of a mere Gold Steward, something rarely seen in others. She thought, "Strange, strange indeed, this little Gold Steward seems far more interesting than any Central Lang General." She bowed and said, "Thank you for your guidance; Xiangrong apologize for my earlier rudeness."

Li Xian waved his hand and said, "I wouldn't dare!" Tao Xiangrong said, "Then does Young Hero Li mean that those two seniors deliberately lied?"

Li Xian said, "It's not yet confirmed. But we can guess that these two had never heard of the Nanling Battle-Breaking Melody. At the banquet, when they first heard Miss Tao play this piece, the melody was so melodious and gentle, like a lover's whispered words. So they made a sudden remark that their lover had played it for them when they were young, in order to get your attention."

Tao Xiangrong deeply agreed, saying, "I've long felt that these two were acting unreasonably and were quite suspicious that day. But if I were to analyze it on my own, I really couldn't pinpoint anything particularly suspicious. So, could the loss of the Longevity Lock have been the work of these two?"

Li Xian shook his head and said, "It's too early to say." He went to the zither and examined it carefully. Suddenly, he noticed a tiny mark next to the zither cushion, resembling an "ant-beast" crawling across it.

Li Xian asked, "Are there any insects, ants, or beasts infesting the Heaven of Immortal Peaches?"

Tao Xiangrong and said, "No." Li Xian said, "That's strange." He thought to himself, "Martial artists in the Jianghu are often eccentric. Even if the Mountain-Moving Elder and the True Tiger Daoist are indeed strange, they may not necessarily be trying to steal the Longevity Lock. Tao Xiangrong came into contact with many people that day, and there were at least a dozen people who approached her intentionally or unintentionally. These people may be suspects. I should revisit the Immortal Peach Assembly and carefully screen them." He then looked elsewhere.

Tao Xiangrong Li Xian was quite impressed with Li Xian. Her eyes sparkled as she curiously observed him, watching how he discovered the clues and explored the mysteries. She followed closely behind, asking questions whenever she was curious. If Li Xian was deep in thought, he would ignore her; if not, he would give a brief answer. She was usually admired and enjoyed having many suitors vying for her attention. This time, however, her initiative to follow him was met with Li Xian's indifference, which she found very strange. Sometimes she felt a little resentful, thinking, "If it were any other man, he would have been vying to show off his talents before me. This guy is different; if I don't say a word, he acts as if I'm not there." Yet, since it concerned life and death, and she was also extremely curious, she couldn't bear to leave him and always followed him.

Li Xian told Tao Xiangrong that Tao Kulin, a top expert on the Longxiong Road ranking list, had observed a celestial peach and gained enlightenment, creating the martial art "Observing the Peach Skill." At that time, the martial arts were in full swing, creating wisps of white mist that subtly enveloped Tao Xiangrong. He then invited Tao Xiangrong to practice palm techniques together. When she refused, he instead drank wine with her. This man was extremely scheming, his intentions were related to Tao Xiangrong, but his lust for her was primary, and stealing the longevity lock was secondary. Although he was suspicious, he was not highly likely to be.

Speaking of the "Heavenly Star Elder" of the Southern Heaven Sect, the Southern Heaven Sect is a mysterious sect located in the south, skilled in divination and Curse. This sect is known for its premature aging, and its members travel far and wide in search of longevity-extending items. His eyes burned as he Tao Xiangrong, clearly coveting the Longevity Lock and having already taken action. Li Xian discovered several clues that corroborated this suspicion. After listening, Tao Xiangrong pondered the matter carefully and felt even more certain of her guess!

In this way, they visited each one, observed each one, and considered each one carefully.

Time passed, Tao Xiangrong a day had gone by as dusk fell. She asked, "Young Master Li, the investigation today was very fruitful, but what should we do next?" Li Xian replied, "The most suspicious individuals in this investigation are the Mountain-Moving Elder, the True Tiger Daoist, and the Heavenly Star Elder. These are all powerful figures ranked high on the Earth List. If I were to personally investigate them, my life would probably be in grave danger."

Tao Xiangrong said, "However, these people were invited to the banquet at Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. If I don't have solid evidence, I can't do anything to them. So, although we have gained something today, progress is still difficult. We clearly suspect that it was these people who did it, but we can't do anything about it?"

Li Xian laughed, "Of course not. This matter is quite simple. Since we can't investigate ourselves, I'll trouble you, my beautiful lady, to host another banquet and invite them all to visit Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower again. I'll hide in the shadows and eavesdrop, which will give me more clues to determine who is responsible." Tao Xiangrong clapped her hands and said, "Excellent! This is indeed a brilliant plan. I'll invite them all to a conversation. If anyone refuses, they must be hiding something. Even without evidence, I'll still need to meet them! If they dare to come, I can lure and question them during the conversation to obtain clues."

Li Xian said, "That's right. Although the True Tiger Daoist, the Mountain-Moving Elder, and the Heavenly Star Elder are suspects, it's just my reasonable speculation. The truth is still hard to determine. You need to invite them widely. Invite all those you've met at the banquet to come up to the building for a chat."

Tao Xiangrong, then suddenly said, "Then, then, what about you? There are so many people, at least a dozen. If I invite them one by one, it will take several days to see them all. Won't you need to stay at the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower for these few days?"

Li Xian said, "For now, this is the only way. I can stay among the servants and waiters, and when you meet with the guests, I will hide beforehand and observe the situation." He thought to himself, "I could indeed use ' Root-Sowing Hair-Growth ' to sense things from afar, but this skill is not easy to expose, so I have to go in person."

Tao Xiangrong for a moment, thinking, "Although it's a bit unfair to let him live among the servants, it's not inherently wrong. However, this boy is crucial to solving the case, and whether the Longevity Lock can be found depends on his abilities. He should be kept by my side so we can discuss the situation and clarify things at any time."

His gaze swept over me, then a thought struck him, "From the moment we first met, this boy has avoided me like the plague. Am I that frightening? Why is he hiding from me like this? He clearly hasn't seen my true face, yet he assumes I'm plotting against him at every turn. At first, he hid himself a little, but later he stopped hiding altogether, clearly wanting nothing to do with me. How can I not see through his intentions? Thinking about it now, it actually annoys me quite a bit. If he were just an ordinary person, it wouldn't matter. But after this day of interaction, this kid is clearly quite..." "Interesting. Since that's the case, I, your elder sister, will not let you have your way. I'll use a little trick to pry open your heart first, and then I'll consider how to deal with you." She then laughed and said, "Young Master Li, I'm afraid that won't work! The Servant Quarters are mostly outside the building, and it would be quite troublesome for you to live there and go in and out of the building every day. How about this, if you don't mind, you can come back to my residence. I'll take care of your lodgings for the next few days. You just need to follow me around and hide before I receive guests."

Li Xian was taken aback and said, "Go to your residence? That might be inappropriate. With your status, you should be able to find me a place to stay temporarily." Tao Xiangrong smiled and said, "Since you're helping me solve the case, how could I be stingy? Don't worry, my residence is very private, and outsiders will hardly know about it. You can stay here for a few days without any trouble."

Tao Xiangrong's lips curled up, her red lips parted, and she said with a mixture of allure and mockery, "What, the dignified Gold Steward, Young Hero Li, a brilliant detective with handsome features, are you afraid that I'll eat you up?"