Always Longing for My Dear, A Stunning Sword Dance, Being Frank and Open, Deepening Affection

Enjoying themselves in the snow, snowballs flew everywhere. As they played and frolicked, Li Xian gradually cleared the snow from several pavilions. Li Xian jumped down from the pavilion and saw that Xiao He and the other maids and servants were all sweating profusely, covered in snowflakes, with rosy cheeks, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Tao Xiangrong is usually charming and graceful, with a quiet and elegant demeanor and a lot of allure. But she also joined in the fun, throwing snowballs and getting hit by Li Xian Li Xian with a lot of allure.

Just now, Li Xian threw snowballs at her.

After a half-day of fooling around, Xiao He and the others went off to do their own things. Li Xian asked, "Did you have fun, sister?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "It's rare to have such a lively time." She shook the snow off her clothes and laughed, "You've completed the task of clearing the snow off the eaves. As for the second task..." Li Xian patted her chest and said, "Clearing weeds and cleaning the house are my specialties. Sister, just tell me what you need."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Dream on, it's not that easy." Her playful spirits were also piqued, and she felt she hadn't had enough of playing in the snow. She said, "The second task is... you take your sister down to the Jade City Night Market."

Li Xian asked curiously, "Sister, haven't you ever been to a night market?" Tao Xiangrong's eyes brightened, and she said, "The prosperity of Jade City isn't limited to the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. How could I not have been? But every time I go out, there are always many things that disturb my enjoyment. I'm always being watched, and I can't fully enjoy myself, so I'm too lazy to go out. My second task is for you to accompany me on a stroll through the streets, but you can't let your enjoyment be disturbed. If your enjoyment is disturbed, then you've failed. So, do you dare?"

Li Xian said cheerfully, "Since things have come to this, I'll risk my life to accompany you." Tao Xiangrong sparkled, and she said, "Good brother." Li Xian said, "But sister must listen to me."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Of course." Li Xian ordered Tao Xiangrong to change into more ordinary clothes to conceal her appearance and hide her beauty. Tao Xiangrong countless luxurious and exquisite clothes, but she had no plain or coarse clothes. This was a problem.

Li Xian then devised a plan to steal a maid's dress and had Tao Xiangrong change into it. Although Tao Xiangrong glared at Li Xian, she was in a playful mood that day and went along with the folly. She changed into a blue robe with a pleated skirt, the material of which was quite nice. Dressed in this, Tao Xiangrong was incredibly charming and beautiful. Her natural beauty could not be fully concealed, and her charm always revealed itself. However, this outfit was far removed from the usual "Tao Xiangrong" style, and it was difficult for others to make the connection.

Li Xian changed into ordinary clothes, and the two quietly slipped away, boarding a small boat at the back door and leaving. Tao Xiangrong was quite excited as the boat sailed away from Peach Residence; this sneaking and hiding had a unique charm. Li Xian teased, "Good sister, once we get downstairs, it'll be my territory. I'll arrest you and detain you for a few days. Are you afraid?"

Tao Xiangrong at him and said, "You dare!" Li Xian said, "What wouldn't I dare?" Tao Xiangrong said, "Then I'll scream for help!" Li Xian said, "Go ahead and scream, no one will hear you even if you scream your lungs out."

To everyone's surprise, Tao Xiangrong actually cried out "Help!" Li Xian was startled and immediately covered her mouth. The two looked at each other, and for a moment they were extremely close. The hazy Zi Sha partially revealed her face, but Li Xian's eyesight was exceptional, and he could see through the veil to Tao Xiangrong's true appearance.

She was absolutely stunningly beautiful, breathtakingly gorgeous. With Li Xian so close, Tao Xiangrong a burning sensation in her nose and her body going numb. Although she possessed considerable martial arts skills, her mind was completely blank, and she was almost leaning against Li Xian. Although she had seen countless handsome men and elegant young men, she had never actually touched one. Now that their bodies were so close, her heart was pounding faster than any sweet words could express.

Fortunately, the night Rosy Cloud Heaven was rather cool, and Water-Dream Garden was deserted. Li Xian sincerely said, "Sister Tao, you are so beautiful." Tao Xiangrong was overjoyed, knowing that Li Xian had already seen her true face, and said coquettishly, "Do you need to tell me, you lecherous man?"

The atmosphere was quite enchanting.

Li Xian explored the sea and entered the tomb, perfecting the "Number One Erotic Painting Under Heaven," adding the finishing touches. Though he possessed great patience, the fire within him had not yet subsided. Tao Xiangrong, with her Tao Xiangrong and delicate beauty, was most adept at arousing desire. Li Xian suddenly thought, "Such a beauty, if I don't take advantage of her, wouldn't I be too much of a gentleman? Don't forget, I, Li Xian, was once a well-known figure among lecherous Tao Xiangrong's ribs with both hands.

Tao Xiangrong guard. In this situation, how could she possibly resist? She was skilled in "qin music," but in close combat, she was already at a disadvantage. Her legs were weak, and she could hardly use her lightness skill. Her weak point was immediately attacked, and she was completely defeated. She said, "Ah! Brother... you're serious!" She had not expected this and underestimated Li Xian's impulsive and reckless behavior. At this moment, she was in a rather embarrassing situation of playing with fire and getting burned.

Li Xian tickled her ribs, making Tao Xiangrong laugh uncontrollably. He said, "Sister, you have to beg for mercy before I'll let you go." Tao Xiangrong retorted defiantly, "You brat..."

After a series of erotic escapades, Tao Xiangrong begged for mercy repeatedly, and since the boat had already reached the shore, she temporarily stopped. Tao Xiangrong tidied her clothes, punched Li Xian a few times to vent her anger, but she also enjoyed it, and soon went down the steps by herself.

The two exchanged a smile, their earlier playful antics having brought them closer. They then rode together on the Immortal-Sending Bird, descending from the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. Their several encounters had indeed made them naturally familiar with each other. Earlier, while playing in the snow at Peach Residence, Li Xian would never have let his guard down so freely if he hadn't already established a relationship with Tao Xiangrong. The streets of Jade City were bustling, lacking the chill of Rosy Cloud Heaven, but filled with the lively atmosphere of the marketplace. Light snow was falling, the ground still unfrosted. The streets were filled with people pulling carts, riding horses, carrying sedan chairs, walking... a diverse scene unlike anything seen in the pavilion.

Li Xian returned from the Sea Tomb, deeply entangled in a scheme. Here, his mind was finally at ease, and he opened his heart, grabbing Tao Xiangrong's arm and calling out, "Sister, let's go." Tao Xiangrong was taken aback, but then followed him.

People's State of Mind determines how they perceive things. Tao Xiangrong sees the Jade City street scene and its apparent prosperity every day, and her heart is no longer moved. But when she strolls through the streets with Li Xian, the ordinary scene becomes vividly alive. The scenery is the same, the people are the same, only their hearts are different.

Li Xian was a witty and interesting person, and given the prosperity of Jade City, there were many amusing and playful things to do. A grand festival was held on the nearby "Fanhua Street," where the entire street was decorated with red candles and lanterns, adorned with flowers, and bustling with pedestrians... The street was filled with vendors selling masks, sugar figurines, and all sorts of Heavenly Crafted Wonders...

Li Xian, pulling Tao Xiangrong along, plunged into the crowd. Tao Xiangrong usually received a lot of attention, but in this bustling place, no one noticed her. Li Xian Tao Xiangrong, bought a black pig mask, and coaxed her into putting it on.

She then brought him to the mirror to reveal his true appearance, and then ran away. Tao Xiangrong furious and chased after him, lifting her skirt and hitting him. Such a beautiful woman, yet she wore the ugliest mask. Li Xian found the bustling market interesting and bought two sugar figurines and several strings of candied hawthorns, all kinds of children's snacks.

But they deliberately gave a portion to Tao Xiangrong. Tao Xiangrong, who usually maintained a composed "older sister" demeanor, readily accepted the candied hawthorn and sugar figurine, and the two strolled around, eating as they went. They watched a shadow puppet show, in which two small shadow puppets slayed an evil dragon. The story was incredibly exciting. They wandered through the tavern street, drank a hundred bowls of wine, and watched a variety of fish and dragon performances. Leaving Fanhua Street, the bustling Jade City offered countless novel and fun things. They guessed riddles, sang folk songs, and strolled among the lanterns... Today was the "First Cold Festival," so it was more lively than usual. But even a grand festival couldn't compare to the joy and enjoyment of today.

Tao Xiangrong smiled and frowned, then took Li Xian's arm. The two smiled at each other and visited many lively places, eating all kinds of delicacies and tasting all the flavors of life.

Li Xian then led Tao Xiangrong to an ancient temple in the mountains. This place was secluded from human habitation, located high in the mountains. Towering ancient trees lined both sides of the blue stone steps. At this moment, the two of them were the only ones on the entire mountain street. The two walked up the street, telling each other all sorts of interesting and strange stories.

Upon entering the ancient temple, the air was thick with the smoke of incense, and there were very few people around; all the worshippers had already left. Many deities and Buddhas were enshrined within, but Li Xian couldn't recognize them all. He bowed haphazardly, donated a few coins, and then went deeper into the ancient temple.

The ancient temple was serene and filled with the scent of incense. Li Xian loved visiting ancient temples with their long history, places that embody countless aspirations. The two of them enjoyed exploring the temple together. Tao Xiangrong was slightly sweaty; she was indeed a little tired from playing.

They sat down to rest under a large banyan tree. Li Xian, however, was restless. He jumped up into the banyan tree and sat on the canopy, where he had a better view. He then pulled Tao Xiangrong up with him.

Li Xian, hands behind his head, acted carefree, inhaling the fragrance around him, feeling utterly relaxed. He had come to Jade City to compete for fame, but today's frolicking felt like finding a resting place. He was always wary of his surroundings, constantly on guard against harm, and although he handled things with maturity and composure, after a while, he inevitably felt tired. Li Xian suddenly asked, "Sister Tao, will you harm me?"

Tao Xiangrong said softly, "Silly brother, why would I harm you when I'm perfectly fine?" Li Xian said, "If that's the case, then all the better." Perhaps it was because Tao Xiangrong with a short lifespan, or perhaps it was because Tao Xiangrong so affectionate and charming, that Li Xian lowered his guard, and a rare sense of weariness welled up in his heart. Tao Xiangrong suddenly felt a pang of heartache. She was curious about Li Xian's various deeds, but upon closer examination, she couldn't help but learn about the hardships he had endured. The young man before her, barely of age, had become a debt slave, had been to jade mines, had been to the Deathwish Valley to Die, and had fought hundreds of battles to the death.

The hardships they endured were fraught with peril, each step a matter of life and death. Tao Xiangrong thought, "No wonder my brother is so wary. What kind of young man, at such a young age, could endure such suffering?" She felt a pang of pity and tenderness, gently stroking Li Xian, and said, "In the future, if you suffer any injustice or feel unhappy, come and sit here with me. This place is just a place of pleasure and worldly affairs; there are no shady dealings here."

Li Xian asked, "Really?" Tao Xiangrong and said, "When have I ever harmed you, sister?" Li Xian thought to himself, "If there really is such a place to rest in Jade City, I would be happy too."

A woman's gentle comfort is the most soothing. Li Xian felt a little drowsy and closed her eyes to sleep.

Tao Xiangrong also felt a unique mix of emotions. In her entire life, she had never been so happy and carefree, never felt such boundless joy, and had never truly cared for anyone.

She hummed a lullaby, the melodious tune carrying through the ancient temple. This secluded mountain temple gained a touch of warmth. Tao Xiangrong a sense of peace, yet an indescribable joy filled her heart. Even the incense of the ancient temple, along with this scene, was deeply etched into her mind.

She was humming "Little Guangling Tune," a melodious and gentle tune, as if whispering in someone's ear, lulling them to sleep, without any hint of coquetry or affectation. It flowed gently like water, and shone brightly like the moon.

Her unique tenderness was all contained within. A haven of gentle comfort, most intoxicating. Tao Xiangrong whispered in his ear, "Little brother, you're so tired, take a rest." Li Xian, skilled at calculating profits, was also sentimental. Now completely unguarded, he lay down on Tao Xiangrong and fell asleep.

Tao Xiangrong gently, thinking, "I've always wanted to tame the most fiery man in my lifetime, so that my life wouldn't have been in vain. The first half of my life was mostly a game, never truly entering the world. I've dealt with many men, often using schemes and beauty to manipulate them. When I first met this younger brother, it was the same. But how could I bear to tame a man I truly love? I only wish him a smooth, peaceful, and joyful life, with everything going well. I hope he'll be unstoppable, extraordinary and unique. Only today have I truly entered the world, only today do I truly feel that although Tingmang's life was only a day, it was a real, tangible life."

Suddenly, a thought struck her, and tears welled in her eyes as she thought, "But a day is so short."

Li Xian woke up and asked, "Sister, have you been crying?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "Perhaps the wind and sand got into my eyes." Li Xian said, "Sister, if anyone bullies you, tell me. Although I am just a lowly Gold Steward, I am capable of standing up for a woman in a fit of rage."

Tao Xiangrong said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Alright, I was just thinking about something sad. You can consider this second task complete. Let's go back first."

Li Xian nodded, and they parted hand in hand. They rode the Immortal-Sending Bird back to Rosy Cloud Heaven, then boarded a small boat and sailed from Water-Dream Garden towards Peach Residence. Tao Xiangrong, still shaken, changed her clothes and smiled at Li Xian, saying, "Good brother, don't find this troublesome. This is the last thing. If you complete it, whatever you ask, I will grant."

Li Xian said, "Are you really willing to agree to all of that? If I wanted my sister..." Tao Xiangrong raised Tao Xiangrong eyebrow, saying with a charming air, "Oh dear, I'm afraid someone doesn't have the guts." Li Xian said, "Who says so? I've always been incredibly bold. If my sister pushes me too far, I'll make you pay." Tao Xiangrong laughed, "You're just a younger brother, what can you do to your sister? You think you can turn the world upside down?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Alright, let's get back to business. I was inspired by something and composed a piece for the zither. This piece also has a sword dance to accompany it, but I couldn't find a sword dancer, so I asked you to help."

Li Xian said, "I find it hard to believe that you, sister, cannot find a swordsman with your abilities."

Tao Xiangrong patiently explained, "This piece is called ' The Longing for My Lover’s Startling Swan Sword-Dance Song.' The accompanying sword dance requires a very young, unique, Intent-Qi, and dashing young man to truly bring out its meaning. There are many handsome men in Jade City, many Intent-Qi men, but those who possess that 'unique' wildness without being arrogant are extremely rare. Not to mention, to be both dashing and handsome—how easy is it to find such a person?" Li Xian smiled and said, "If you don't mind, sister, I'll gladly accompany you." Tao Xiangrong replied, "I'm glad you agreed."

She took the precious zither, placed it on her lap, and said, "Little brother, come to this peach tree."

Li Xian did as she said. He walked to the peach tree, only a foot away from Tao Xiangrong. The place was quite open and the scenery was beautiful. It was late at night, and the moonlight was bright. Tao Xiangrong said, "How about we take off our masks?"

Li Xian thought to herself, "This mask is only to reduce trouble and protect me from strangers. My relationship with Sister Tao is so close that I don't need to wear a mask anymore... Alas, my feelings right now are truly hard to understand. Li Xian Li Xian, sometimes you know it's wrong to be a womanizer, yet you always seem to be so stubborn." Her mind in turmoil, she said, "Fine! But I'm not as ugly as the rumors say, so I hope you won't be offended, Sister."

Tao Xiangrong, "My brother is willing to remove his mask, which means he trusts me. He is not like ordinary men who are easily tempted by beauty, but he is not difficult to get along with. As long as I treat him sincerely, he will respond in kind." When she saw Li Xian remove his Silver Face and reveal his true face, although she had seen him once before and had some expectations, seeing him again made her heart beat very fast and tremble. That man was truly rare in the world, extremely handsome. At that time, the cold shadow under the moon, the peach blossoms and winter snow were all just a backdrop.

Tao Xiangrong anger, saying, "Well, you little brother, you've fooled everyone." Her gaze lingered on him, her eyes sparkling, unable to look away. Li Xian bowed and said, "Sister, please don't be offended. I didn't want to cause trouble for my own safety. Seeing your true face now is because I consider you a good sister."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Then I'll punish you by making you see me with your true face from now on." Li Xian said, "Of course, as the saying goes, it's only polite to reciprocate. Please, sister, unveil your face as well."

Tao Xiangrong, "You clearly saw me on the ship. Alas, you are right, it is impolite not to reciprocate. From today onwards, let us meet face to face and treat each other with sincerity. I hope my younger brother will not find it offensive." She then lifted the purple veil.

Her beauty was naturally exquisite; Tao Xiangrong Xiangrong's eyes and brows were full of alluring charm, capable of stealing one's heart at a glance. But when her veil was removed, she exuded a gentle and tender aura, revealing a deep and tender affection.

She wore a gentle smile, revealing shallow dimples. Every smile and gesture exuded charm and warmth. They looked at each other and exchanged knowing smiles. Tao Xiangrong shyly, "Does sister look pretty?"

Li Xian said, "It's beautiful. I know a poem that perfectly describes you, sister." Tao Xiangrong asked, "Oh?"

Li Xian said, "It's a poem about a dream: 'Clouds yearn for her garments, flowers for her Xiangrong; spring breezes caress the balustrade, heavy with dew. If not seen atop Jade Mountain, then met beneath the jade moon. Hahaha.'"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Oh..." Her pretty face flushed red, she was unusually shy, and she was both happy and surprised, "You... you little brother, where did you get this poem from? Could it be... it was written for your sister?" Her eyes were already like spring water rippling.

Li Xian quickly said, "No, it wasn't me... I, Li Xian, have absolutely no such talent. If anyone did it... it should be you, sister." Tao Xiangrong smiled and said, "What kind of flattering words are you trying to say now?"

Li Xian laughed, "I was looking at your face, sister, and this poem suddenly popped into my head. In other words, if you didn't have such a beautiful face, this poem would Faceless." Tao Xiangrong's eyes were filled with affection, her joy beyond words, and she scolded, "Sweet talk! You once said you were clumsy with words, but now it seems you're not clumsy at all."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Alright, sister, play the zither, and you practice your swordplay." She plucked the strings and began to play "Longing for My Lover’s Startling Swan Sword-Dance Song," a piece she had recently composed. Although not entirely perfect, it was of extremely high quality.

Tao Xiangrong was a master of zither music, with exceptional talent. As Jade City said, "Her beauty surpasses Jade City with a single melody; even without revealing her face, she is the queen." It is said that Tao Xiangrong secured her position as the queen of courtesans solely through her zither music.

The lingering sound resonated for three days. She composed thirty pieces for the zither, which were recorded as "Thirty Qin Tao Melodies" and circulated in many restaurants and brothels. Countless people imitated her, but all simplified and simplified them. Only Tao Xiangrong could play them perfectly.

A beautiful woman is essential to a zither. When a beautiful woman plays the zither, her beauty and the music complement each other perfectly. Therefore, Tao Xiangrong's melody is a unique masterpiece in Jade City. Its fame is so great that many heroes from Yunan Circuit, Wanghe Circuit, Guanlong Circuit and other places are willing to travel thousands of miles to hear it.

This piece, "Longing for My Lover’s Startling Swan Sword-Dance Song," is a meticulously crafted composition. If it were to be circulated, it would surely cause a sensation in Jade City. Tao Xiangrong has not composed any music for three years. She is now over twenty-five years old, and with a lifespan of forty years, she has already passed the halfway mark. Three years ago, when she was twenty-two, she knew that she was past the halfway mark of her life, and the thought of it filled her with worry and boredom. Countless admirers in Jade City offered high prices for her compositions. She found it difficult to muster any interest, and no inspiration came to her. Since then, with each passing year, the loneliness, helplessness, and solitude in her heart have grown stronger.

Naturally, he had not composed any music for a long time. This time, on a whim, this piece was a truly groundbreaking creation. The melody of the zither music is very different from his usual style. As the first note is played, a sense of solemnity and gloom is conveyed.

Like the clash of swords and the trampling of iron horses, the fierce fighting spirit is palpable, like two armies facing off, with countless heroes gathered together. This somber yet stirring atmosphere, the pent-up energy of thousands of heroes meeting head-on, is fully expressed through the music. As the music plays, it suddenly sounds like the thunderous drums on the battlefield, breaking the somber mood and instantly transforming it into a high-spirited, exciting, and inspiring experience, as if a great battle has begun, with heroes mobilizing, each displaying their unique talents and abilities.

Heroes of the world are as numerous as carp crossing a river.

The melody then shifts several times, with each finger plucking a note to depict a dangerous, unpredictable, and ever-changing battlefield. The style then changes slightly, though the overall tone remains the same, giving the listener a completely different feeling.

It was like two armies clashing. Though countless heroes roamed the battlefield, the one the woman longed for had already appeared. The battlefield now had a protagonist, and all the other heroes could only serve as supporting characters.

Then the melody seemed to follow the young man's every move. Challenging horses, slaying enemies, charging into battle, breaking through encirclement... the soaring melody stirred the blood, yet also held a tender sentiment. Then the style shifted, as if the battle had been abandoned, the outcome no longer important. The melody followed the young man, galloping along the main road. The melody contained boundless emotions... Those who heard it, through the music alone, could feel the young man's dashing spirit, his carefree nature. In anger, he dared to defy authority for a beauty, his heroism soaring to the heavens. In madness, his Intent-Qi reached the sky, relentless, determined to make even the heavens bow. In revelry, he seduced all the beauties of the world, leaving behind a fragrant trail...

The music of the zither needs no singing accompaniment; the sound alone can convey everything. And with such music, the swordsman must be equally extraordinary. Li Xian, amidst the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword, wields his sword with Grand Self.

His sword danced to the music, revealing the true essence of the zither. This song, "Longing for My Lover’s Startling Swan Sword-Dance Song," is the image of the lover that Tao Xiangrong had been hoping for after meeting Li Xian. It was even composed for Li Xian.

With this single stance, Li Xian's movements perfectly complemented the music of the zither. He then unleashed his Swordsmanship, dancing with the rhythm of the music. The young man from the zither music was now right before him, even surpassing him in skill. He was more at ease, more carefree, more stunning, and more extraordinary.

The sword sweeps away the white snow and picks up the peach blossoms; it gently pulls the breeze and cuts off the moon's shadow. Although Tao Xiangrong composed this zither piece for Li Xian, she never Tao Xiangrong it to be so perfectly matched. The sword dances with the zither, but the sword surpasses the zither in some ways.

After Tao Xiangrong finished playing the piece, her joy was beyond words. She asked, "Sister, if you make a few minor improvements to this piece before playing it for the world, what do you think, little brother?"

Li Xian said, "Sister, you should naturally decide on the music." Tao Xiangrong and said, "I'm afraid that at that time, this piece will cause quite a stir, spreading far and wide, and becoming the talk of the town!"