Li Xian Drank Wildly, Revealing His Recklessness; His Military Prestige Reached Its Zenith

Tao Xiangrong curiosity and asked, "Young Master Xu, is there some joyous occasion at your Marquis Wu Station? Why is it so lively?"

Xu Shaoqian thought to himself, "Xiangrong didn't know today was Promotion Assembly; she came specifically to see me." He smiled and said, "Some time ago, Lang General Lei Chong died a violent death, and today a new Gold Steward has taken his place. As Central Lang General, I am organizing this grand promotion ceremony for him, as per regulations."

Tao Xiangrong exclaimed in surprise, "Ah! So this is the important matter. It seems Xiangrong come at an inopportune time. Young Master Xu, I'll visit you another day." With that, she Xiangrong to leave.

Xu Shaoqian was in a dilemma. The "Promotion Ceremony" was supposed to be a grand military event, a time for drinking and feasting, a truly enjoyable occasion. The men, in their drunken revelry, would strip, wrestle, and engage in vulgar combat, which was inappropriate with women present. However, he was itching to attend. Tao Xiangrong rarely visited, and to refuse her entry would be a grave sin. So he said, "Xiangrong is no stranger. Since you're here, why Xiangrong n't you join us?" He was quite nervous when he said "Xiangrong is no stranger," fearing Tao Xiangrong his distance. Seeing that Tao Xiangrong didn't argue, Xu Shaoqian was overjoyed, thinking, "Xiangrong's attitude towards me is truly different from before. My intentions have finally worked."

Tao Xiangrong thought, "How can I, as the elder sister, be an outsider at my brother's promotion celebration?" She naturally accepted the invitation. Xu Shaoqian stepped aside to invite her, offering his hand to help her. But just as his fingertips touched her clothes, he felt a gentle breeze, and Tao Xiangrong subtly shifted her position, gracefully avoiding him. Xu Shaoqian smiled awkwardly, knowing that in public, Tao Xiangrong to get too close.

The two entered Marquis Wu Station, where preparations for the grand event were already underway. Stoves were set up in the training ground, where fish, shrimp, chicken, and duck were being cooked. More than thirty cooks were preparing food, the fires were blazing, and white steam billowed into the sky.

Military gatherings are not like banquets in restaurants; they emphasize the use of oil, salt, and strong flavors, as well as the abundance of wine, meat, and camaraderie. Therefore, the dishes do not need to be exquisite, and the ingredients do not need to be expensive, but there must be plenty of wine and meat, and a spirit of camaraderie.

Xu Shaoqian laughed and said, "Xiangrong, Xiangrong us. We're just a bunch of rough soldiers. This fish, shrimp, chicken, duck, and meat can hardly compare to the fine cuisine of Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. If you don't like the food when the grand event starts, I can order some dishes from a nearby restaurant, how about that?" Tao Xiangrong and said with a hint of reproach, "Young Master Xu, Xiangrong. Did I come here just to ask for some food? Why bother about the taste of the dishes?"

Xu Shaoqian said, "That's true, I'm just bad with words. Xiangrong has Xiangrong all sorts of delicacies, so Xiangrong here this time, Xiangrong..." The two walked side by side, Tao Xiangrong suddenly interrupted, "I wonder who has been promoted to the rank of Lang General?"

Xu Shaoqian said, "I Xiangrong if Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face '?"

Tao Xiangrong, "It's hard to guarantee that Xu Shaoqian isn't jealous of my brother's handsome appearance. If he makes baseless accusations and hinders my brother's advancement, it will be bad. My brother should also blame me for coming to see him without his permission." She said, "Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face? I've vaguely heard about it once or twice from the streets, but I never paid attention. I wonder what it has to do with today's promotion?"

Xu Shaoqian laughed and said, "It's normal for Xiangrong of Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face is one of my subordinates. Although he comes from a humble background, he is quite capable. I valued and appreciated him, and promoted him to the Gold-Seeking Guard. He has made many military contributions. After Lei Chong died tragically, this young man's abilities were more outstanding, so I recommended him to the court. Today's promotion ceremony was organized for him."

Tao Xiangrong said, "I see. Why is he called 'Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face '?" Xu Shaoqian said, "This person was born with an ugly face, and there are portraits of him in the market. But when he wears a mask, his figure appears quite handsome, hence the name 'Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face '."

Xu Shaoqian said, "If Xiangrong, I can have him take off his mask so you can see." Tao Xiangrong displeased, thinking, "You know my brother is 'ugly,' yet you insist on reopening old wounds and making fun of his appearance. It seems my brother is right; Xu Shaoqian dislikes him very much." She said, "Just an ugly face, how boring. I won't look."

Xu Shaoqian said, "Haha, that's true."

It was still early, just past Chen Hour). A light snow was falling, but Marquis Wu Station was bustling with excitement, everyone was overjoyed. Before the grand event even began, various ways to celebrate had already started: playing cards, boasting...

Tao Xiangrong caught sight of Li Xian competing in drinking with several Gold Steward. Surrounded by admirers, he stood out from the crowd, a handsome young man, full of vigor and vitality. Tao Xiangrong's heart fluttered, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of desire. She thought, "I haven't seen this younger brother for several days, and he's become even more handsome. Wearing this armor, he makes me very happy." She said, "Young Master Xu, Xiangrong up attending your Gold-Seeking Guard promotion ceremony. In principle, it would be proper for Young Master Xu to introduce me to the person in charge and offer my congratulations, so as not to be impolite."

Xu Shaoqian replied, "Of course," and immediately introduced Li Xian, sending someone to fetch him. Upon seeing Tao Xiangrong, Li Xian pretended not to recognize her and asked, "Xu Central Lang General, may I ask who this is...?"

Xu Shaoqian said, "It is..." He seemed to want to suggest a closer relationship, but since there was neither a formal title nor a formal status, he said, "It is Miss Tao Xiangrong from Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. She came to congratulate you on your promotion to the Grand Gathering."

Li Xian said, "So that's how it is. So you are Tao Xiangrong, Miss Tao. Central Lang General often praises you to us."

Xu Shaoqian was secretly pleased, thinking that Li Xian was quite sensible. Li Xian and Tao Xiangrong's eyes met briefly, a sweet feeling welling up inside them. Tao Xiangrong asked, "Oh? I wonder how Young Master Xu praised me? In my opinion, he probably didn't even have time to scold me."

Xu Shaoqian said anxiously, "No, absolutely not. Xiangrong you... how could you think of me like that?"

Tao Xiangrong, "Hmph! I don't believe you. Let this young man speak." Xu Shaoqian, though scolded, felt intoxicated and looked to Li Xian for help. Li Xian said, "Miss Tao, you've truly misunderstood the Central Lang General. He's praised you more than once, saying you have a face like a flower and a moon, flawless skin, captivating beauty, and a smile that could topple cities. You're like a celestial being descended to earth, or a mortal Riding the Wind the wind."

Tao Xiangrong thought to herself, "This style is clearly something you described yourself. Besides your younger brother, who else could be so eloquent, praising people with such flowery language?" She was overjoyed, but feigned anger, saying to Xu Shaoqian, "Hmph, a dignified Central Lang General of the Gold-Seeking Guard, yet your praise is full of clichés and platitudes, so unoriginal." Xu Shaoqian said, "This... this..." not knowing how to respond, he looked to Li Xian for help.

Li Xian said, "Miss Tao, Xu Central Lang General also praised you, saying that your temperament is like a fragrant orchid, your beauty like the fragrance of spring, your movements like a startled swan, and your grace like a swimming dragon. From afar, you are as radiant as the rising sun in the morning glow; up close, you are as dazzling as a lotus emerging from clear water. Your shoulders are like those of a sculpted figure, and your waist is as slender as a silken ribbon..."

Li Xian, with his glib tongue, readily recited poems from his past life. He had an excellent memory, and at first, he only offered perfunctory praise. But the more he recited, the more he Tao Xiangrong's beauty and grace, and the more moved he became, so his words flowed from his heart. He kept putting his hands behind his back, praising her as he walked.

Xu Shaoqian was overjoyed to see Li Xian impersonating him and reciting such beautiful lines. He was even more pleased to see Tao Xiangrong quietly in the spot, her face veiled but clearly deeply moved.

Li Xian had only read half of it when he suddenly stopped and said, "Xu Central Lang General usually praises Miss Tao in this way. I wonder if Miss Tao still finds Xu Central Lang General vulgar?"

Xu Shaoqian with his hands behind his back. Tao Xiangrong tenderness building, playfully scolded, "This younger brother, when he talks to me, he always keeps Xu Shaoqian between them. Oh well, this way... it adds to the charm." She then praised Xu Shaoqian, "I didn't expect Young Master Xu to be so talented. Xiangrong you. Young Master Xu, would you like to come to Xiangrong's residence for tea sometime soon?"

It seemed like he was asking Xu Shaoqian, but he was actually speaking to Li Xian.

Xu Shaoqian said solemnly, "I dare not refuse Xiangrong's invitation!" Tao Xiangrong said, "Alright, then I'll wait for you. But you mustn't refuse because you're busy with official duties or for any other reason. Otherwise, I'll get angry and never speak to you again."

Xu Shaoqian had never heard a beauty so coquettish, so submissive, so pleading. He figured it must be Li Xian's earlier "praise" that Xiangrong, and he happily said, "Good, good, even if the sky falls, I'll go, I'll go. I hope my younger brother will be entertained by you, sister."

Tao Xiangrong covered her mouth and laughed, "Just kidding, Young Master Xu, please don't take it seriously. You're older than me, if I were to pretend to be your older sister, wouldn't that be confusing?" Tao Xiangrong continued, "But Xiangrong truly unworthy of your praise just now, but... but I really thank you, Young Master Xu Young Master Xu. I sincerely admire your Xiangrong. I... I'm so Xiangrong."

Tao Xiangrong feelings. Although she was speaking to Xu Shaoqian, her heart was with Li Xian. When she bowed, her head and neck were slightly turned, actually facing Li Xian. Her movements were subtle and her demeanor graceful and beautiful. If it weren't for the fact that Li Xian and Tao Xiangrong had something to hide and were not of one mind, it would be extremely difficult for others to see through their secret.

Since their parting at the Body-Nourishing Tower, Tao Xiangrong the sweetness of love, often longed to see him again and spend another night with him, constantly keeping tabs on Li Xian's whereabouts. Upon hearing of Lei Chong's death, she knew it was related to Li Xian, secretly thinking her brother was foolish to kill Lei Chong so recklessly. However, remembering Li Xian's instructions, she dared not investigate or interfere in the case. Knowing Li Xian was not a reckless person, she suppressed her anxiety.

After learning that Li Xian had been imprisoned, she became even more uneasy, having nightmares for several nights and unable to sleep. All the worries and sorrows of her life had accumulated in these few days. She thought, "If my brother is really in danger, I can't just ignore him. If my brother... if my brother dies, I'm just a wretched life, there's no point in living." But as the investigation progressed, it was discovered that Lei Chong's death was unrelated to Li Xian. She then calmed down and gradually felt at ease.

Later, the Heavenly Pivot edict was issued. Li Xian was promoted to Lang General, Tao Xiangrong overjoyed. Watching her younger brother grow and make progress, and having him by her side all the time, she was extremely satisfied. She thought Li Xian would definitely tell her the good news. However, Li Xian was busy with official duties, and people bringing gifts and congratulations blocked his door. Tao Xiangrong jealous, but she felt helpless.

Today, Tao Xiangrong heard that Li Xian was wearing new armor, looking dignified and imposing. Her heart was itching like a cat's, thinking, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for my brother. As his older sister, I must participate in person no matter what. With my abilities, I can see him without revealing our relationship." She could no longer sit still, her mind already soaring away.

She devised an excuse and went immediately. Ostensibly, she was there to visit Xu Shaoqian, but in reality, she was there for Li Xian. Her wish was fulfilled, and she saw Li Xian wearing a jade crown and jeweled armor, utterly captivating. Moreover, he was eloquent and quick-witted, his words of praise flowing effortlessly from his lips. These words, especially those spoken by Li Xian, were amplified by the "Ghost-Vein Four Absolutes," making them even more intoxicating and mesmerizing. Tao Xiangrong was already completely captivated, only regretting the world's excessive noise that prevented her from expressing her feelings. If not for the veil covering her face, her emotions would be difficult to conceal and hard to control.

Tao Xiangrong only wanted to talk to Li Xian more, so she asked softly, "What's your name?" Li Xian replied, "My surname is Li, and my given name is Xian."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Li Xian, Li Xian... a nice name. It's a pity I came in a hurry and didn't know it was your Promotion Assembly, so I didn't bring enough congratulatory gifts." Her words contained a hidden reproach. She was annoyed that Li Xian hadn't come to congratulate her.

Li Xian said, "It is already a great honor that Miss Tao could come. I heard from the Central Lang General that Miss Tao is the most beautiful courtesan of the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. Thanks to the Central Lang General, I am fortunate to be able to speak with Miss Tao here. It is truly an honor and the best congratulatory gift."

Li Xian had already noticed Tao Xiangrong's arrival at Marquis Wu Station. However, Bai Qinghao, Song Liujiang, and others warmly invited him to compete in drinking, horse racing, and sword fighting. Li Xian Li Xian along and had a great time. Not long after, Xu Shaoqian sent Li Kuo to deliver a message that he had indeed seen Tao Xiangrong.

Tao Xiangrong to herself, "How old are you?" Li Xian replied, "Twenty." Tao Xiangrong covered her mouth and laughed, "I'm much older than you. If we're talking about age, I could probably call you my younger brother." She flirted openly, her eyes full of allure. Li Xian thought to himself, "Sister is deliberately trying to make me flustered." He said, "Miss Tao, you are of such high status. I, a crude and uncouth martial artist, am hardly worthy to be your younger brother."

She asked provocatively, "What Xu Central Lang General think? If I were to recognize this Lang General as my younger brother, would you be willing?"

Xu Shaoqian thought to himself, "Xiangrong is deliberately using Li Xian to test my reaction. If I'm too petty, I'll be lowering myself and showing a lack of magnanimity. Besides, Xiangrong is already captivated by my praise. Although Li Xian Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face, his good looks can't outweigh his good appearance. How can he compete with me for Xiangrong? Xiangrong wouldn't like someone like that either." He said, "Hahaha, Xiangrong. Recognizing a younger brother is your business; how can I make that decision? If you're willing, and Li Xian doesn't refuse, I'll naturally agree wholeheartedly."

Tao Xiangrong teased, "And you, General Li Xianlang, would you be willing to be my younger brother?" She gently took half a step closer.

Li Xian thought to herself, "Is this woman here to demand an explanation from me? My sister seems to thrive on chaos. She's deliberately asking me this in front of Xu Central Lang General." Feeling a slight headache and helpless, she thought, "If I say I agree, Xu Shaoqian will surely think I Tao Xiangrong and will be wary of me. If I say I disagree, my sister will be heartbroken."

Tao Xiangrong saw through Li Xian's thoughts and found it amusing, but she stopped in time, saying, "Alright, I have no intention of taking you in as my brother. A grown man like you would probably feel wronged to have a delicate woman like me as your sister."

The grand event was now fully prepared and about to begin. Rows of tables and chairs were set up on the training ground, laden with food and drink. At the first table sat Li Xian, Xu Shaoqian, Tao Xiangrong, Bai Qinghao, and others. At the second table sat the civil servants and other Gold Steward. The third and fourth tables...

The hall was packed. Xu Shaoqian read out the "Heavenly Pivot Proclamation" and sprinkled a bottle of clear dew on Li Xian's body, implying "Heavenly dew descends, and both rank and position are promoted." Li Xian was promoted to "Lang General," but because the mud on his Mud Body had not completely faded, it was inconvenient to pour Bronze-Clad Rank on him. For the time being, he remained in the position of Clay-Bodied Clay-Faced Rank.

Li Xian was also delighted. He then went to the first round of the grand event, a drinking contest. In the end, nearly three thousand imperial Cavalier from Marquis Wu Station, more than two thousand of whom continued their regular patrols to maintain the stability of Jade City, participated in the grand event. A total of nearly one Cavalier banquet tables were set up.

Li Xian needed to carry strong liquor and drink it at each table. If he got drunk easily, he would inevitably be ridiculed. If he could toast at a hundred tables and finish in one go, he would be admired for his great capacity for alcohol. Li Xian's alcohol tolerance was as deep as the ocean, and he cheerfully toasted at each table. He could go to more than ten tables in one go without the slightest hindrance.

Then twenty tables, thirty tables... This magnanimity is truly admirable. Today's "wine" is "Heroic Spirits Liquor" brewed by the Drunken Star Pavilion, an extremely potent liquor that feels like a hot iron on the palate. Three bowls are enough to make Black Ox drunk. Li Xian drinks a bowl at each table. Now, after drinking thirty bowls, he is not even slightly drunk.

Soon, there were forty tables, then over fifty. When Lei Chong was promoted to the position, he forced himself to come here. After he passed out drunk, he slept soundly until the next day. Li Xian, on the other hand, only had a slightly flushed face, and his steps were steady, without any staggering or swaying.

The military values a generous and forthright character, emphasizing both strength and spirit. Even if one's strength is slightly weaker or one's family background is less privileged, if one can display remarkable spirit and generosity at the dinner table, one will still earn respect and admiration.

A man's heroic spirit is revealed in his drinking. It is often said that true friendship is revealed in times of trouble, and so is character in times of drinking. Li Xian drank wildly but did not get drunk, which made his sharp edge even more apparent. He always pondered deeply before taking each step. Although he had a soaring ambition in his heart, he hid it all away and never showed it off.

Under the influence of alcohol, Li Xian's ambition was gradually aroused. This young man was indeed quite "reckless" and quite arrogant. He drank a bowl of wine in a frenzy and then smashed the cup.

Influenced by his behavior, the imperial Cavalier all smashed their cups and bowls. By the time they reached the seventy-fourth table, Li Xian, feeling unsatisfied, picked up a wine jar, his hands brimming with the intoxication of the wine, and shouted, "Brothers, drink!"

He then gulped down the wine. Inspired by his generosity, the generals filled their bowls to the brim, raised their cups to Li Xian, and drank not a drop. Force can subdue, but spirit can win. In the military, a hearty drink between men can truly embody the bond of life and death!

Li Xian smashed the wine jar with a bang, his drinking capacity astonishing. He immediately grabbed another jar and slammed it down on the next table. Li Xian shouted, "Heroes, fill your cups! Cowards, get out of the way!"

The table was full of Cavalier, who all slammed their fists on the table and stood up, shouting, "Damn it, who's afraid of who!" They filled their wine bowls and stood up, shouting, "Lang General Li, brothers, let's drink first!" They gulped down their wine, and no one hid or spilled any.

Li Xian, drunk and unrestrained, was more than just frivolous; he displayed an unprecedented wildness. He raised the wine jar, the wine leaving a trail as he gulped it down. The admiration he felt was indescribable.

After finishing another jar, the soldiers simultaneously smashed their bowls, the sound of shattering porcelain adding to their imposing presence. As if the shattering had struck their hearts, everyone shuddered, their Intent-Qi rising with it.

By the 80th table, then the 90th, Li Xian was indeed drunk, his steps began to falter, but his madness only increased, his ambition only grew stronger. No one had ever seen Li Xian like this before.

After all the drinks had been finished at the hundred tables, Li Xian's imposing manner and imposing presence were like a surging tide. The Cavalier and Gold Steward were filled with admiration and excitement, and they all stood up, their fists clenched. The pent-up Intent-Qi of drinking and resentment were brewing in their hearts, but they could not express them.

The hearts of the people are united here. A Cavalier shouted, "Lang General Li, I'll toast you again, and I'll completely submit to you. From now on, if you ask me to jump into a sea of fire, I guarantee I won't even flinch!" He raised his bowl and drank it down.

Immediately, others chimed in, "Lang General Li, I, Wang Dajuan, am also Qi Ingestion you. From this day forward, I will follow your lead without question!" "I, Zhao Tong, admire you greatly!"...

Like a stone thrown into a still pond, a thousand waves of dust rose as everyone raised their cups in a toast. Li Xian said, "Brothers, from now on we'll be sworn brothers, let's drink to our hearts' content!" The men were in high spirits. Some took off their clothes and wrestled, some sparred and exchanged blows, some rode horses at full gallop. The event was unrestrained, and everyone was having a great time. As Li Xian's intoxication took hold, he acted less cautiously and more recklessly than usual.

He also joined in the wrestling matches. He was incredibly strong, and with a casual kick, he would knock down his opponent. The soldiers were all impetuous, and they wouldn't believe it until they tried it themselves, so they challenged him to a wrestling match one by one.

Annoyed by the disturbance, Li Xian Li Xian his men to come up in pairs and throw him down together. With a forceful throw, the four burly men cried out and fell to the ground. He then ordered them to come up in groups of three, and with another Li Xian throw, they all fell down as well.

Li Xian stood alone in the arena, his strength undeniable. The generals were both shocked and impressed, and submitted to him. Tao Xiangrong a glimpse of this scene and, thinking of the past three days, realized that Li Xian's brute strength was immense, leaving her quite embarrassed. She couldn't help but feel ashamed and embarrassed.

Li Xian had thoroughly defeated all the Cavalier and Gold Steward. Deng Fan then challenged them to a horsemanship and archery contest. All the generals agreed, and they played around for a while. Li Xian, slightly drunk, also displayed remarkable skill in horsemanship and archery.

Seeing him riding the Wind-Binding Horse and holding the Silverfrost Bow, no matter how far or off the target was, it was difficult to escape the arrow's trajectory. Li Xian only slightly displayed his skills, but he had already amazed everyone present. The style of Li Xian drawing his bow and shooting arrows was truly different from others.

After that, there were martial arts competitions, drumming, and formation drills... The soldiers naturally performed all the military duties and displayed all the military prowess. Although Gold-Seeking Guard was jokingly called the "Prince Army," they were full of passion and had the spirit of a true soldier.

Although Li Xian had a high reputation and great fame before, he had not had much contact with the imperial Cavalier and Gold Steward, and their friendship was not deep. It was only after today's encounter that they truly developed a deep friendship.

Xu Shaoqian, a high-ranking and powerful Central Lang General, was present at the grand gathering, yet no one paid him any attention. Tao Xiangrong at the wildly drunk Li Xian, her beautiful eyes filled with joy, never leaving Li Xian. She saw Li Xian in the army, so Intent-Qi and confident, quite different from his calm and wise demeanor when investigating cases. She enjoyed exploring Li Xian and digging deeper into Li Xian secrets; today's events had yielded considerable results.

Tao Xiangrong said, "Young Master Xu, please have a drink." She poured a full cup of wine, sprinkled white powder into it—a "Invisible Daze"Soul-Severing Powder —and offered it to Xu Shaoqian.

Xu Shaoqian was completely absorbed in the beauty's toast, ignoring the commotion and the powerful atmosphere of the training ground. He accepted the wine cup and drank heartily. Each time Tao Xiangrong offered him a cup of wine, she secretly administered a drug, causing Xu Shaoqian slightly drunk.

After Xu Shaoqian completely collapsed, Tao Xiangrong and called out to Li Xian, "Lang General Li, your Central Lang General is drunk. You should help him to rest."