A Fine Young Man, Bearing Like a Mystic Immortal; Love at First Sight-Sister, Take a Look

Tao Xiangrong's breathing quickened slightly. She saw that the Silver Face had exquisite patterns, completely concealing her face, and contained a hidden mechanism that wouldn't hinder her eating. Li Xian was tall and slender, handsome and refined. When he wore the mask, he was a rare and dashing young man, adding to his mysterious aura. Tao Xiangrong had a plan in mind. If she were to remove it now, even if the area beneath her face was covered in sores and pockmarks, with a crooked mouth, distorted eyes, protruding teeth, and a distorted nose... she would not mind in the slightest.

The mask had hidden clasps, making it difficult to remove easily. Tao Xiangrong observation, adjusted several clasps, and the mask loosened, allowing her to easily remove it. Her fingers were fair, and her heart was pounding. She had never been so curious about a man's face before. Her fingers trembled slightly as she turned to drink two cups of fine wine, but felt it wasn't enough, so she drank three more cups of strong liquor until her face was slightly flushed and she was pleasantly tipsy. She then took out Li Xian's portrait, hoping to have a better understanding of the situation. She gently lifted a corner of the mask, from left to right... revealing a slit, showing clean, fair skin on the side of his face. It was nothing like the pockmarked face in the portrait. Tao Xiangrong thought, "Less pockmarks are always a good thing. It seems the portrait isn't entirely accurate. But my brother never denies the rumors; he must be at least strangely ugly, if not exceptionally so." She then gently and slowly removed the mask.

A few more glimpses of her left side were revealed. Tao Xiangrong soft "Eh," her expression turning doubtful. She had expected that Li Xian's face, even if not covered in sores, would at least have some. However, the glimpses of skin that were revealed were fair and clean, much to her surprise.

She gently shifted her position a few more times, first catching a glimpse of her temples, then her eyebrows. She then gently lifted her arm to the side, revealing the corner of her eye. Although her entire face was not yet visible, she had already glimpsed some of her features. She couldn't help but breathe slightly faster; what she had seen was completely different from the rumors.

Tao Xiangrong filled with curiosity. Even though Li Xian was awake, she was determined to remove the mask, even if it meant using force. With a Tao Xiangrong ripped off the mask completely.

For a moment, I was taken aback, but then I saw: the Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face were not real, but the jade-like quality and golden appearance were real! The man was full of spirit, his eyebrows were like swords soaring into the sky, his nose was like a Mystic Immortal, and his aura was like that of a celestial being, soaring freely. The red mark between his eyebrows made him look even more majestic and radiant. His appearance was naturally extraordinary and rare in the world. He was so handsome that he was completely born.

It's not quite "exquisite" that can describe it. Exquisite things always have more of a deliberate effort to carve and create, which already puts them several steps behind.

Looking at his demeanor, one Turbidity-Avoidance refined and unconventional air, free and easy. Yet, the numerous knife scars covering his body exude an aura of dominance, while the slight upturn of his temples reveals a touch of untamed spirit. Looking him over from all sides, from head to toe, he is a rare and captivating sight, one that one never tires of. Tao Xiangrong has seen countless men throughout her life, many handsome and dashing, including beauties, gentlemen, talented scholars, military commanders, and even members of the imperial family... but she has never truly seen anyone like him.

Tao Xiangrong said, "What a handsome face, what a handsome face..." Her heart pounded, the most heart-stirring feeling she had experienced in over twenty years, almost as if she were exhaling from her chest. She gazed at him, her face blushing, wanting to gently touch him, yet afraid of disturbing him.

After staring for a long time, she finally came to her senses. Tao Xiangrong, "There are such handsome young men in the world. In my entire life, I will never see another young man as handsome as him. In fact... he is far from being able to compare. How could Xu Shaoqian, Tao Kulin, Jade City, and so many other young men compare to my brother? He is clearly so handsome, so why does he cover his face?"

"Ah! That's right, this brat is really averse to trouble. With that appearance, he's bound to cause a lot of trouble, which is understandable. But now... I've discovered this huge secret."

He was filled with boundless joy, thinking, "My younger brother, in the matter of Questioning Scripture the scriptures, displayed a spirit that surpassed even the most powerful, and his strategic acumen was already rare. Moreover, he possessed such an appearance and such talent... What other young man in the world could compare to him?"

She was overjoyed, her eyebrows slightly raised, her face flushed. She could look at him endlessly, growing more and more delighted with each glance. This was the kind of man she had always been waiting for. Having met him here, her heart melted.

The cold snow melts into spring.

I only hope for this moment.

In the eyes of her lover, she was even more alluring. She found Li Xian's calm breathing, even her breath, exceptionally lovely. Yet, she was also troubled. "This younger brother doesn't love me. All men in the world love me, but he doesn't."

Then he thought, "It doesn't matter, is my sister's method any worse?"

Reluctantly, she put the Silver Face back on. She went outside to play the zither to express her feelings. The music was somewhat cheerful, yet a closer listen revealed a hint of sorrow. But the joy outweighed the sorrow. Her personal maid, Liang Xiaoshi, who had been waiting for her mistress for a long time and had picked up some skill from her, heard her emotions and kept asking, "Sister, are you happy to have found the Golden Lock? This matter is finally over!"

Tao Xiangrong smiled and said, "Yes and no." Liang Xiaoshi was puzzled and listened quietly. Tao Xiangrong said, "Yes, Xiaoshi, you must not reveal a single thing about my younger brother."

Liang Xiaoshi said, "Sister's orders are my command." Tao Xiangrong played Xiaoshi zither and said softly, "Sister is giving very serious instructions this time. You must not reveal even a single word about Xu Shaoqian... or any of the high officials... Otherwise... I won't forgive you."

Liang Xiaoshi changed. She used Tao Xiangrong's identity to contact many young gentlemen and powerful families, occasionally revealing news about Tao Xiangrong. Tao Xiangrong was usually aware of this, but only half-closed her eyes and didn't investigate further. Today's revelation, however, contained a hidden warning.

Liang Xiaoshi dared not ask further and simply agreed. Tao Xiangrong said, "Some things in this world are just unreasonable. Although you have served me for many years, you have also benefited from me and gained quite a bit. As your older sister, I am naturally happy to make your life easier and sometimes I don't pay attention to it. But today, my younger brother's matter cannot be taken lightly. If even the slightest leak is made, even if it has nothing to do with you, I will still punish you."

The implication is that although Liang Xiaoshi has served Tao Xiangrong for many years, she no longer holds the same importance in her heart as her newly adopted younger brother. Therefore, most things in this world are illogical, and feelings are not determined by the length of time one has known someone.

Tao Xiangrong said, "Xiaoshi, go and brew a bowl of Eight Immortals Soup Eight Immortals Soup. It will take two days to make, and by then my brother should have woken up. Also, I'm in a good mood today, so go to my storeroom and take out a thousand taels of silver to distribute to the sisters and servants below."

Liang Xiaoshi followed orders, took out the silver, and distributed it downwards. The servants and maids in Peach Residence were all people who had received favors from Tao Xiangrong, and were loyal and devoted. Tao Xiangrong was generous and often distributed silver and precious medicines as gifts. All those who received the gifts bowed repeatedly to express their gratitude, knowing that Tao Xiangrong was in a very good mood. The two days passed in this way.

Li Xian slowly opened his eyes, having benefited greatly. His five internal organs were forged to be as strong as gold, and his vital energy was as vigorous as a dragon. The moment he opened his eyes, a surge of yang fire rose. His breath was like a rainbow, and his strength reached a new level.

[Skill: Consumption]

[Proficiency: 12/50000 Peak Mastery]

[Description: When ingested, its beneficial effects are doubled, and its harmful effects are reduced by 80%.]

The Five-Elements Primordial-Mixture Elixir was originally a complementary elixir to the "Five-Elements Sixfold Palm." While the "Five-Elements Sixfold Palm" technique itself has been lost, the formula for the accompanying Pill Formula has survived. Because it possesses the effects of "healing the five internal organs," "strengthening the five internal organs," and "comprehending the five elements," it is highly sought after by martial artists and is extremely valuable. Legend has it that the "Five-Elements Sixfold Palm" is a "miraculous palm technique," containing the transformations of the five elements within the palm, capable of manipulating water, playing with fire, manipulating earth, moving metal, and generating wood... extremely powerful. However, the practice often damages one's five internal organs. Therefore, one must first take the "Five-Elements Primordial-Mixture Elixir" to comprehend the transformations of the five elements and strengthen the five internal organs. Only by combining the effects of the elixir can one truly master its art. Li Xian took one, which was more effective than two. Its effects were extremely strong; once fully absorbed, the transformations of the five elements were complete. Within his internal organs, he gained profound insights, deepening his understanding of the Five Elements and naturally enhancing his "Five-Elements Esoteric Escape." He also gradually grasped the unique uses of "Heartfire," such as: Heartfire warming the Spleen Earth, and Spleen Earth containing Lung Metal. Although he hadn't practiced the "Five-Elements Sixfold Palm," he had already benefited immensely. He found himself in a large mat bed. Pale purple gauze curtains hung down, exuding a faint fragrance, creating a hazy and enchanting atmosphere. Li Xian gently stroked the Silkworm Silk bedding, its warmth like jade, and couldn't help but wonder, "Could this be my sister's bed? I took the elixir, but its effects were unexpected, leading to a sudden and profound enlightenment. Such a golden opportunity is rare indeed. And there's no danger, so I focused on enlightenment without concern for external affairs. My sister will take care of me, but it's a bit strange that she's letting me use her bed."

He rolled out of bed and stretched out his hands. A series of "snap" sounds echoed from his body. Li Xian's old injuries were completely healed; the knife and axe wounds all over his body had disappeared, and he felt an indescribable sense of relief. His clothes were intact, so he didn't need to put them back on. He exhaled a breath of fresh air and cleaned his surroundings.

Seeing a pale green porcelain bowl on the table filled with clear water, Li Xian thought, "This must have been prepared for me by my sister." She picked up the bowl and saw what appeared to be swimming fish in it, their patterns exquisite. She drank it down in one gulp; it was incredibly refreshing.

Li Xian called out, "Sister Xiangrong!" Receiving no response, he wandered around again, searching for her. He found himself at the "Body-Nourishing Tower," a three-story pavilion five zhang high. Tao Xiangrong lived there alone.

Its interior was elegantly laid out, with a subtle fragrance permeating the air, refreshing the mind and subtly arousing desire. Li Xian noticed a screen, on which was embroidered a woman bathing in a hot spring, her fair jade feet extending above the water, with water flowing down, creating a hazy and enchanting scene.

Li Xian thought to himself, "I've been single for quite some time now. It's only in a man's nature that I appreciate beauty, though I'm not exactly a gentleman. I wonder which master craftsman created this embroidery. It's truly remarkable."

Suddenly, a fragrant breeze wafted by. Tao Xiangrong said, "My little brother is so restless. He's only just recovered from his injuries, and he's already running around everywhere."

Tao Xiangrong's long, pale pink hair, adorned with silver hairpins and gold anchors, flowed gracefully as she approached, wearing a strapless, off-the-shoulder dress in a pale blue hue that trailed on the ground. A light veil still veiled her face, but her eyes and brows were visible—bewitching, captivating eyes, with a faint red line of powder at the corners, adding to her allure. Tao Xiangrong carefully chose her veils, each serving a different purpose. Some covered her completely, revealing nothing; others offered glimpses of her features, some barely concealed her face, subtly highlighting her features; still others only covered her eyes and brows, further emphasizing her allure. The handsome young men and Tao Xiangrong scholars who invited Jade City, admiring her beauty and unable to contain their infatuation, would often observe the style of her veils to try and decipher her thoughts. For example. "Today, her veil is barely Xiangrong; is Xiangrong deliberately showing a little of her beauty to me? Today, her face is completely covered; Xiangrong a bad mood, or is she angry with me?"

So full of self-doubt and confusion. Tao Xiangrong merely changed her veil, and men were already bowing down in awe. Li Xian laughed, "Sister Xiangrong! Thanks to your care, my old injury is completely healed." Tao Xiangrong smiled, raised her hand and gently pinched it, her beautiful eyes looking at Li Xian's Silver Face, and said, "Really strong. Now that the injury is completely healed, sister must settle accounts with you."

Li Xian said, "Settle accounts? I haven't offended you, have I?" Tao Xiangrong resentfully, "You've tormented me so much, making me both happy and annoyed." It turned out that in the past two days, Tao Xiangrong both happy and troubled by a major worry. This alternation between joy and worry had been causing her great distress.

Tao Xiangrong suppressed her distracting thoughts and said, "You haven't offended your sister yet? You little rascal, don't you know that a woman's boudoir is not a place for wandering around? What if you see something you shouldn't?"

Li Xian said, "Isn't this what you call looking for your sister? Sister, your eyes are so beautiful!" Tao Xiangrong chuckled helplessly at Li Xian's deliberate interruption, but her heart leaped with joy. She asked, "How beautiful?"

Li Xian said, "It is indeed extremely beautiful, extremely beautiful, extremely beautiful." Tao Xiangrong said, "Alright, since you're so sweet-talking, I won't bother you with this matter. Little brother, come with me." She casually took Li Xian's hand, her heart fluttering, and led the way.

Reaching a secluded spot, they came to a table. On the table sat a bowl of soup, displaying eight colors, its steam rising gently, appearing quite elegant. Tao Xiangrong said, "This is Eight Immortals Soup, used to strengthen the body and replenish vital energy. Your old wounds have fully healed, and you've also taken a miraculous elixir. This Eight Immortals Soup was specially prepared for you by your elder sister. Drink it all quickly in front of her."

Tao Xiangrong bent down, picked up the bowl, and presented it to him with both hands, smiling, "Little brother, have some soup."

Li Xian knew that refusing was useless; Tao Xiangrong was not to be refused. Moreover, the beauty offered him soup with such a graceful posture—who could enjoy such a blessing? Li Xian was also moved, so he took the bowl of wine and drank it down heartily. A warm current flowed through his body, bringing indescribable comfort and strength. He Tao Xiangrong took a handkerchief and immediately wiped his face. Li Xian was taken aback, feeling it was rather intimate. But then he thought, Tao Xiangrong had found the Golden Lock; her gratitude was understandable.

Tao Xiangrong flashed in Tao Xiangrong's eyes as she thought, "My sister's schemes have only just begun."

The outdoor seating area was on the third floor, offering a beautiful view. Two futons lay beside the table, and Li Xian sat down, asking, "Yes, I was unconscious for two days; things should be clear by now. How is Sun Chengxi?"

Tao Xiangrong then explained the situation. Upon hearing this, Li Xian felt a great sense of relief and said, "It's a pity I couldn't defeat him personally. Hmph, although this matter is over, my hatred for him is far from over. When I become stronger in the future, I will definitely go and find the Southern Heaven Sect, and give this so-called hero a good thrashing." Tao Xiangrong said, "Brother, you have extraordinary talent; your time will come." A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought, "I have found the one I love, but my lifespan is as short as a floating python, born in the morning and dying at dusk. I know that my brother will surely rise above others in the future; with his talent and intelligence, it will not be difficult for him. But my greatest regret in life is that I was unable to witness it with my own eyes." Tears welled up in her eyes.

Li Xian was startled and asked, "Good sister, why are you crying?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "The wind was so strong it hurt my eyes, it's nothing."

Li Xian said, "Sister, is something troubling you? Why don't you tell me?" Tao Xiangrong sighed, "You should know this. My sister's days are numbered."

Li Xian felt pity for her and asked, "What do you mean? Didn't you find the Golden Lock? Sister, you still have at least ten years to live. During this time, you can slowly seek the solution and live to be a hundred years old, no, several hundred years, even a thousand years old." Tao Xiangrong shook her head and said, "You don't need to pity me; you're just saying nice things. Alas, the matter of the lost Golden Lock is strange in every way. Now that I think about it, it wasn't stolen by humans, but by Heaven. Heaven saw that my life was coming to an end, so it took it away."

Li Xian said, "Hmph, what a load of bull! It's nothing! Is it that Sun Chengxi who dares to play tricks? Holding back and refusing to give it to us?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Although this scoundrel Sun is a hero, he lacks the demeanor of one. How dare he cheat? He has already returned the items. But... but..." She took out the brocade box, opened it, and saw a hairpin. Tao Xiangrong said, "But that day, what he stole was a gold hairpin, not Golden Lock. I have repeatedly asked Senior Ci Ming to confirm. There Wu Cuo, what the scoundrel Sun stole was indeed a gold hairpin. That day... he mistakenly thought that a gold hairpin was an item that could prove one's lifespan, so he used tricks to steal it. He didn't even know what a ' Golden Lock ' was."

Tao Xiangrong Li Xian deep in thought, Tao Xiangrong felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. She kept asking herself, "My life is coming to an end. Although I have found the man of my heart, I fear I may not be able to win his heart, and my fate will come to an end. How tragic, Tao Xiangrong, oh Tao Xiangrong... What have you gained in this life?" She smiled bitterly and said, "Brother, you don't need to worry about this anymore. This is my destiny, bestowed by Heaven, and no one can change it. The reward I promised you before, I will give you in full."

Hearing the bitterness on Tao Xiangrong, and thinking of their recent time together, Li Xian couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he laughed, "Sister, believe it or not, I will get back the Golden Lock that the Heavenly Thief took from you."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Sister knows how capable you are. But at the banquet, everyone suspected was questioned. Those two imposters, Banshan and Zhenghu, are being punished. As for Sun Chengxi, who mistakenly stole the gold hairpin, there are no clues at all. It must be fate. Sister has already accepted it and doesn't want to make a fuss anymore."

Li Xian asked, "If I find him, what will you do, sister?" Tao Xiangrong was slightly taken aback by Li Xian's confident demeanor. Seeing his Intent-Qi and unrestrained manner, and imagining his handsome face, her heart fluttered. She said, "Whatever you want me to do, I will do. Sleeping with you is not out of the question." Li Xian was startled and quickly said, "That's unacceptable." Tao Xiangrong, "You man, you only know how to talk. When it comes to the slightest thing, you scramble away. You're so spineless." Her pretty face flushed slightly.

Li Xian thought to himself, "It's as if you'd agree immediately just because I nodded." He smiled and said, "Finding the Golden Lock is my duty. Why ask for more? Besides, it's not a difficult task at all."

Tao Xiangrong, "Do you really have a plan?"

Li Xian laughed heartily, "I'm not 100%, but I'm about 90%. I already know who the real thief is." Tao Xiangrong asked, "Really?" Li Xian said, "That is... I won't tell you yet, sister. Why don't you guess?" Tao Xiangrong eyes flashed with reproach. This boy, unlike other men, was more cunning, making her feel uneasy. She kept scolding him, "If you dare to play tricks on your sister, I won't let you off. Could it be... True Tiger Daoist? Is he lying?"

Li Xian said, "Sister is so silly, sister is so silly, guess again, guess again."

Tao Xiangrong lightly stamped her foot, annoyed that she'd never been called "stupid" before. She lightly punched Li Xian twice, then guessed, "So, neither of these two thieves told the truth?" Li Xian shook his head, "No, no, they're both wrong." Tao Xiangrong gritted her teeth, helpless. She guessed again, "Ah! That's it! We only suspected Sun Chengxi before, thus overlooking Tao Kulin. Could it be that this man, despite his seemingly impressive appearance, is actually a treacherous fellow? If so, that makes sense."

After listening to Tao Xiangrong's analysis, Li Xian suddenly burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying herself. Tao Xiangrong knew she had guessed wrong again, and hearing Li Xian's mockery, she became quite annoyed, stomping her foot and scolding, "You brat, I'm not guessing anymore!"

Li Xian said, "Oh dear, please forgive me, sister. Actually, what you guessed makes some sense, and some of it is correct."

Tao Xiangrong anger, letting out a soft "humph," lacking the subtle maneuvering of a man and woman, but possessing a natural, affected charm. Tao Xiangrong said, "Since you know you're wrong, you might as well tell me the truth."

Li Xian said, "Although Tao Kulin is not young, he has a long lifespan and need not worry about his lifespan. Why would he covet the Golden Lock Golden Lock? He probably doesn't even know where it is."

Tao Xiangrong said, "That makes sense. But apart from him, there is indeed a beauty. Ordinary servants and lowly men could not possibly steal my Golden Lock. Although your life is short, you are still at least at the Third Realm."

Li Xian said, "Sister, you might want to think about what the Mountain-Moving Elder said. He used Gold-Swallowing Ant to bite the gold chain and then tried to steal the Golden Lock. However, the Gold-Swallowing Ant died halfway through. The Mountain-Moving Elder and the True Tiger Daoist fled in panic. If I'm not mistaken, the Golden Lock was stolen at that time."

"At the time, I guessed that Sun Chengxi had accidentally killed the Gold-Swallowing Ant while stealing the Golden Lock. But I overestimated Sun Chengxi. He knew that his sister had a life-extending gold item, but he didn't know what kind of gold item it was. Therefore, he mistakenly stole the gold hairpin."

Tao Xiangrong asked, "That's correct. But..."

Li Xian said, "This means that before you met Sun Chengxi, the Golden Lock was already lost. However, you still had a trace of life on you. Sun Chengxi used some method to smell that trace. He knew you once had a life-extending golden item, but didn't know what it was. So he stole the golden hairpin, thinking he had gotten away with it perfectly." Tao Xiangrong seemed to understand. At this moment, the two left Rosy Cloud Heaven and headed towards "Dream Crane Heaven." Li Xian continued, "Do you remember when Tao Kulin used his martial arts, he stirred up clouds and mist? That little thief took advantage of that moment to steal your treasure."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Good brother, the more you talk, the more confused I get. Who could have stolen my Golden Lock? Please tell me quickly, I'm begging you."

Li Xian arrived at a place in Dream Crane Heaven. Dream Crane Heaven was a place of "crane dwelling," where cranes from Jade City could fly down and settle, which had become a common practice. Li Xian smiled and said, "Sister, please be patient, your brother will help you catch the thief."

Tao Xiangrong said, "This..."

Li Xian saw several Cloud Crane soaring into the sky, and then spotted a Golden Crane. He immediately called out, "Golden Crane, fly here quickly!"

The Golden Crane could understand Li Xian's words, which made it feel even closer to him. Extremely curious, it flew over. Li Xian patted its wings, as if they were brothers, and whispered a few words in its ear. The Golden Crane nodded and then flapped its wings and flew away again.

After a while, a strong wind arose, blowing the clouds and mist away in all directions. The Golden Crane returned, carrying a "Golden Lock." Li Xian took the Golden Lock and smiled Tao Xiangrong, "Sister, look!"

Tao Xiangrong to see the Golden Lock again, having lost it only to have it back. Then she saw Li Xian holding the Golden Lock, his long hair flowing in the wind. This scene touched her heart, making her find her younger brother even more captivating. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she couldn't look away, her heart pounding. She murmured to herself, "Sister is watching."