Xiangrong's Treasure Gift, the Mirage-Dream Pearl, the Passionate Man, and Greater Romantic Charm

Upon hearing Tao Xiangrong, Li Xian bid farewell to the generals and went to Xu Shaoqian's table, asking, "Is the Central Lang General truly drunk?"

Tao Xiangrong said coquettishly, "Lang General Li, would I lie to you?" She slightly lifted her veil and winked at Li Xian. Li Xian helped Xu Shaoqian up and they walked towards the southeast.

The Cavalier and Gold Steward had a great time, their voices booming. Although they felt a little disappointed by Li Xian's sudden departure, which diminished their enthusiasm, the lively atmosphere remained, and their excitement returned.

The two passed through a bend and came to a long Red Corridor, with flowers blooming on both sides and light snow hanging from the branches. The noise was much less here, making it much quieter and more peaceful. Li Xian supported Xu Shaoqian on the left, while Tao Xiangrong walked on the right. There were no pedestrians around to disturb them. Tao Xiangrong smiled slightly and said, "Little brother, you've finally fallen into your big sister's hands."

Li Xian whispered, "Sister, don't be silly. What if... what if the Central Lang General wakes up?" Tao Xiangrong suddenly stepped in front of him, then asked sadly, "Brother, are you so afraid of the Central Lang General finding out? In your heart, is your future more important than your sister? If I could exchange my life for Golden Body Golden Face, wouldn't you want it?" Li Xian said, "Sister, you're overthinking it. What future, what official career, what power—to me, they're all just fleeting clouds." Tao Xiangrong asked, "Then what is it that you're so diligent and ambitious for, brother?"

Li Xian said, "It is for freedom and unrestraint. Cultivating martial arts is for freedom and unrestraint. Seeking status is also for freedom and unrestraint. Sister asked me if I could exchange my life for Golden Body Golden Face. I would absolutely refuse, even if you were willing, I would not accept it."

Tao Xiangrong delighted and said, "Then you insist, sister." Li Xian said, "Then I'll tie you up while you're asleep. Then you won't have a choice."

Tao Xiangrong angrily, "Oh, you naughty little brother, trying to detain your sister like a thief? I'll teach you a lesson!" She raised her hand to lightly strike. Li Xian grabbed her wrist, laughing, "You Tao Xiangrong thief, daring to ambush me, a dignified Lang General Clay-Bodied Clay-Faced Rank! Do you know your crime?" Tao Xiangrong weak all over, her heart filled with desire, her lips clenched, and she said, "I don't know my crime, what can you do to me?" Li Xian used his palm technique, flicking her wrist lightly. Xu Shaoqian's drowsy body continued to spin, managing not to fall. Li Xian then pulled Tao Xiangrong into his arms, saying, "What are you going to do? I'm going to torture you severely, to find out if you have any accomplices."

Tao Xiangrong was overwhelmed with joy and shyness, her heart pounding. Li Xian's tone was forceful, yet he truly seemed quite rude to her. Perhaps because she had always been extremely popular with men, she was particularly susceptible to this. She feigned stubbornness while simultaneously expressing her longing, saying, "You... you..."

Li Xian said, "Take this." He then gave her a light kiss and laughed, "You rascal, are you scared?" Tao Xiangrong's pretty face flushed red, and she was about to speak. Li Xian used the same trick again and asked, "Are you scared?"

Although Tao Xiangrong was not a shy, sheltered young lady, she was still overwhelmed by the sudden situation. Her martial arts skills were considerable, especially her lightness skill, but now, trapped in the mud, her body was numb and weak, and goosebumps were visible on her neck. She couldn't break free no matter what she tried, and all her techniques were useless. She cried out, almost begging for mercy, "I'm scared... scared, little brother, I'm scared. If you keep fooling around, Xu Central Lang General find out about this."

Li Xian said, "What does my punishment of the wicked woman have to do with Central Lang General?" Tao Xiangrong was quite helpless, and said with feigned reluctance, "You brat, if you don't let me go, I'll really get angry. I'll shout and let all the soldiers of Gold-Seeking Guard see that you... you've humiliated me in broad daylight." Li Xian suddenly said seriously, "Didn't you ask me why I'm so afraid of Xu Central Lang General finding out?" Tao Xiangrong nodded slightly. Li Xian said, "I'm actually not afraid. There's no need to hide our affair. As a virgin, it's my business whichever young man I want to be with. It has nothing to do with Xu Shaoqian. Although he admires you, does that mean you can't love someone else? I, Li Xian, have no guilt towards you. On the contrary, deceiving him and letting him continue to suffer from you is not good for him. Therefore... even if our relationship is exposed today, and I Xu Central Lang General, and even lose my position Lang General, I am not afraid."

Tao Xiangrong softened immediately, and she asked, "Brother, is that really what you think?" Li Xian replied, "Although I am good at calculating, there are things I will do and things I will not do. Seeing you today, sister, I have been thinking about this matter."

Tao Xiangrong said, moved, "Good brother, I know your feelings. I really... I really didn't misjudge you..." Li Xian said, "Then sister, today I declare that you belong to me, Li Xian."

Tao Xiangrong laughed, "Dream on! When did I become yours? Don't you know shame?" She hugged Li Xian tightly. Li Xian laughed, "I'm naturally thick-skinned." Inhaling Tao Xiangrong's fragrance, he felt very peaceful.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded. Tao Xiangrong raced. "My brother is so devoted to me, I can't really let him down. Xu Shaoqian is his superior. Although he doesn't want me to toy with his feelings, if Xu Shaoqian thinks of me, I can better monitor his situation and have easier contact with him. What does it matter if I hurt other men for my brother's sake? I, Tao Xiangrong, was never born to do good deeds." Forcing herself to let go, she pushed Li Xian away. Li Xian had already sensed someone approaching, but he was determined not to hide and held onto Tao Xiangrong tightly.

Tao Xiangrong hardly express. Yet, the more she felt this way, the more she wished to keep their feelings hidden. She forced herself to release her embrace and helped the still-spinning Xu Shaoqian to her feet.

Fearing Li Xian's displeasure, she broke free from his embrace and lightly kissed his neck before quickly separating. When she helped Li Xian Xu Shaoqian, she kept a distance, avoiding any physical contact. A moment later, the Cavalier Chang Ziqiang arrived in the corridor, calling out, "Lang General Li, the patrolling brothers are back! They're all clamoring for drinks, and we don't have enough Heroic Spirits Liquor!"

Li Xian had a red mark on his neck, which he lightly covered, and said, "Let the brothers drink as much as they want. I'll pay for any extra wine and meat myself." Chang Ziqiang was drunk and engrossed in the game, so he didn't notice the erotic scene and excitedly relayed the message.

After Chang Ziqiang walked away, only the two of them remained in the corridor. Li Xian helped Xu Shaoqian up, and they walked through a flower garden, where they saw a four-zhang-tall building called "Martial-Settling Tower". This was the building where Xu Shaoqian managed Marquis Wu Station.

After Li Xian was promoted to "Lang General", he also had a private building in the northwest corner of Marquis Wu Station, which he used for his daily duties. It was called "Auxiliary Martial Tower" and was only three zhang high, but it was quite impressive.

The second floor of Martial-Settling Tower has a bedroom, a very quiet and secluded place. The first snowfall has created a beautiful snowscape. Standing outside in the open air, the vibrant flowers are exceptionally beautiful. Li Xian carried Xu Shaoqian to the bed, removed his shoes and boots, covered him with blankets, and said, "Is this Central Lang General's alcohol tolerance so poor? How did he get so drunk? Could it be that your beauty, sister, truly intoxicates?"

Tao Xiangrong asked, "Where does my brother want to go?" Li Xian replied, "The grand event isn't over yet, Xu Central Lang General is drunk again. I'm going to play with the brothers."

Tao Xiangrong said, "You little brother, you're so insensible. Your sister is angry!"

Li Xian asked, "I don't know where I've been impolite?" Tao Xiangrong around, and she said, "Why don't you think about it? You, a dignified Lang General, have toasted everyone at the banquet, but who haven't you toasted?"

Li Xian suddenly realized and said, "Ah, I forgot to mention you, sister. Let me toast you! But there's no wine here." Tao Xiangrong scolded, "You're so clumsy! Luckily, sister brought some."

She sat down on the table, her legs crossed and slightly raised. She wore pale red Embroidered Shoes with exquisite patterns that drew the eye. Her skirt swayed slightly, barely revealing her ankles. One could vaguely see that she wore beautifully carved Silkworm Silk, exuding a subtle and natural charm.

The veil had been removed. Her wine pouch, no bigger than a palm, was made of jade, carved with auspicious patterns and inlaid with gold thread. She gently flicked open the stopper, and the aroma of wine wafted out. Li Xian took a sniff and was greatly pleased, knowing that this was no ordinary wine!

Tao Xiangrong rolled up her sleeves and took two teacups from the table. She filled the teacups with fine wine, picked one up herself, and looked at Li Xian with her beautiful eyes. Li Xian picked up her teacup and said, "To my sister," and was about to drink first. Tao Xiangrong called out, "Wait!" She grabbed Li Xian's wrist, and her right hand holding the wine cup wrapped around Li Xian's wine cup hand. In this way, the two were very close to each other.

Tao Xiangrong her other hand to unlock Li Xian's mask, casually tossing it onto the table, and said, "This is how you should drink it, good brother. Congratulations on finally becoming Lang General. From now on, you'll be a figure of some importance in Jade City." It was cold at the time, and when she spoke, mist would emanate from her mouth, her warm breath hitting Li Xian's cheek.

Li Xian smelled the faint fragrance of the wine and drank it with Tao Xiangrong. The room was quiet at this time. Although Xu Shaoqian, he was unconscious and could not stop the two from their romantic feelings.

After drinking some wine, Li Xian asked, "I accept your congratulations, sister. It's a pity I didn't receive a gift." Tao Xiangrong and said, "Who said you didn't prepare a gift, sister?"

Li Xian asked, "Oh? What is the gift?" Tao Xiangrong blushed and said, "What is the gift? I'll have to test you. You are the dignified Gold Steward family. If you can find it, I'll praise you properly."

Li Xian said, "Then I'm here." He immediately reached into Tao Xiangrong's sleeve. Although there was a hidden pocket inside, it contained no treasures. Tao Xiangrong was very generous and let him search freely. She found no treasures inside or outside her skirt.

This made it all the more enchanting. Li Xian asked curiously, "Sister, is there a hidden sleeve in your dress? Is there some other secret?" She couldn't find anything. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she asked, "Sister, are you perhaps saying that you yourself are a gift to be given to me?"

Tao Xiangrong giggled and said, "Oh, little brother, you're getting angry. A so-called congratulatory gift... is simply giving you something you don't already have. What is yours is yours, I've known that a thousand times over, so there's no need to send it as a gift. And I have indeed brought a gift." Li Xian said, "This really stumps me. Could you give me a hint, sister?" Tao Xiangrong gently beckoned Li Xian closer. Tao Xiangrong red lips almost touched Li Xian's left ear as she said, "Far away yet so close. Young Lang General, do you understand?" Her voice was almost tickling his ear.

Li Xian suddenly realized and laughed, "Ah, sister, you've been planning this for a long time. No wonder I searched all my pockets and couldn't find a single piece." Tao Xiangrong smiled and said, "How about it? Although I'm giving you this, whether you can obtain it depends on your skills."

Seeing Tao Xiangrong's red lips parted in a provocative manner, Li Xian was filled with curiosity and asked, "What is that? Sister, why don't you tell your brother first?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "I can't say, I can't say. To know the true face of Mount Lu, one must personally venture into this mountain." She rested her right hand on her cheek, her cheeks slightly flushed, exuding boundless charm.

She thought to herself, "Just now in the corridor, you ambushed me, falsely accusing me of being a thief. Humph, you caught me completely off guard. I've been navigating the world of love for so many years, yet you've managed to control me so easily and make me look so pathetic. It's truly humiliating. I must get my revenge this time and teach you a lesson you won't forget."

Li Xian said, "Since you have such a refined intention, I will gladly oblige." He sighed, "If it were an ordinary contest, I would naturally not be afraid. But when it comes to Sword-Tongue Exchange, my usual martial arts skills are hardly of any use, which is truly one of my weaknesses. My swordsmanship is probably no match for your spear technique! But with such a precious treasure before me, it would be truly unwilling to give up now, so I really have no choice but to give it a try."

Tao Xiangrong chuckled, "Your little brother, you finally have a moment of uncertainty!" The two then began to spar, displaying their sword and spear techniques in the confined space. Li Xian wielded a sword, but his powerful, Grand Self Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword proved largely useless.

Although Tao Xiangrong had never practiced spear fighting, she was determined to deal with Wuxin. Naturally, she gained the upper hand in every situation and protected Zeng Bao very carefully.

As noon approached, the Cavalier began returning from their patrols. The celebration grew increasingly lively, and news of Li Xian's earlier binge drinking of strong liquor spread far and wide. Those Cavalier who hadn't witnessed it firsthand were filled with regret upon hearing the story; such a strange occurrence was truly unheard of.

Some of the Cavalier refused to believe it, thinking everyone was joking and exaggerating. But after some careful questioning, they gradually came to believe it. For a time, Li Xian seemed to have created a legend, and the admiration of the crowd was still brewing.

Everyone said, "Lang General is no ordinary man. His capacity for alcohol is like the sea, and his demeanor is also extraordinary." "It's a great pity that I've never had the chance to drink with Lang General." "Hahaha, to be honest, Lang General Li's capacity for alcohol is not much different from mine. That day, Lang General and I fought for three days and three nights, drinking until the sky was dark, and Lang General only managed to win by a small margin." "Brother Bai, you're exaggerating to the heavens. I think that day, Lang General Li deliberately let you win. With your Lang General alcohol, even three days and three nights wouldn't be enough to make you drunk." "Well, so you're provoking me like this, trying to compete with me in drinking? Brother Tie, you can be my witness, didn't the three of us sometimes fight for three days straight without sleep?"

"Of course, of course. We men in the army, if anyone is Qi Ingestion, we'll fight them on the spot. Whether they're bragging or not, it'll be immediately clear."

But then they saw the Cavalier and Gold Steward in a chaotic mess, once again competing in drinking. Bai Qinghao and Iron Fu were indeed exceptional drinkers, even surpassing Lei Chong and Xu Shaoqian. They successively got seven or eight people drunk, yet they remained in high spirits, fighting even more fiercely.

The two men put their arms around each other's shoulders and said with great bravado, "In the future, if anyone wants to challenge Lang General Li to a drinking contest, they'll have to get past us brothers first! Hahahaha!"

Someone asked, "Brother Bai, we heard that some time ago you two accompanied Lang General Li to the Sea Tomb. The Sea Tomb is usually the responsibility of the Sea-Calming Guard. We don't have access to it. Could you tell us what happened there?"

The brothers played and joked around. Eventually, each group of about a hundred gathered together, and they loved to boast and brag. Bai Qinghao and Iron Fu, ever since their trip to Sea Tomb, had deeply admired Li Xian. Now, when asked about it, they felt even more aggrieved by Li Xian's shared triumphs and defeats. Fueled by alcohol, they naturally exaggerated their story, painting a bizarre picture of their journey to Sea Tomb: how brave the two were, how they were betrayed, how they almost suffered a complete defeat, nearly perishing at sea, never to return; how Li Xian appeared just in time, how he defeated the villains...

After this explanation, the Cavalier and the Gold Steward gained a better understanding of the dangers of the Sea Tomb and realized that Li Xian was truly an extraordinary talent.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Li Xian's sword technique suffered repeated defeats. After resting several times, he fought again, but he could not do anything to Tao Xiangrong. Every time he slightly touched He Li, Tao Xiangrong's spear technique would deflect it, and then her spear technique would become sticky and entangled with him.

The marksmanship—picking, flicking, sweeping—was not particularly refined and appeared quite rusty, but it was just enough for the job.

Although Tao Xiangrong repeatedly protected the congratulatory gifts, it was not an easy task. On several occasions, the gifts were even snatched from the opponent's hands, but she quickly took them back herself. After dozens of such stalemates, a stick of incense had long since burned out. The gifts gradually became insignificant, and the situation began to change.

Li Xian sheathed his sword in time and said, "Sister, although I am not afraid that General Xu Central Lang General Xu Central Lang General find out about our relationship, it would be very inappropriate if he saw this scene when he sobers up."

Tao Xiangrong, said, "Silly brother, didn't you notice? Xu Shaoqian was already unconscious from your poison. A master like him, even when drunk, wouldn't be aware that his senses are completely shut down, and he'd be oblivious to everything around him." Li Xian said, "Ah?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Sister has administered ' Drunken-Daze Powder,' which will make him feel just like he's drunk after being poisoned, but his senses will be completely shut down, and he will fall into a deep sleep. When he wakes up, he will feel refreshed and it will be even better for his health. He will not wake up for at least five or six hours. Good brother, it's still very early." She placed her slender hand on Li Xian's shoulder and sat in his Li Xian.

Li Xian said, "Sister, you had this planned all along! You kept it from me for so long!" Tao Xiangrong giggled, "Sister is a man-eating wolf. Before coming to Marquis Wu Station, I had already planned to devour you, my little brother, alive. But you, you were fooling around with the brothers, neglecting your sister without even realizing it." Tao Xiangrong said, "Since you ignored your sister, only your sister paid attention to you. This desperate measure is all thanks to you, little brother." Li Xian teased, "Sister, aren't you afraid that, in the unlikely event that Xu Central Lang General wake up and discover us, this adulterous couple?"

Tao Xiangrong laughed and said, "Little brother, you underestimate your sister. There's absolutely no way that's possible. Besides, if you were the adulterer, then it wouldn't matter if you said I was..." She was a little shy and couldn't help but blush.

The two whispered sweet nothings to each other in private.

Half an hour later, the grand promotion ceremony gradually subsided as the Cavalier Gold Steward finished their fun. The servants cleaned up the broken porcelain in the training ground, wrapped the leftover food and wine in oiled paper, and took them home for their wives and children to enjoy.

The drill ground was quickly cleared. The snowfall was gradually intensifying, and a layer of snow gradually covered the eaves and tiles of the houses. Although the snowfall was increasing, the wind was not strong. The world was peaceful and serene.

The day was bustling at Chen Hour, gradually quieting down by noon. As evening approached, every household lit candles, creating a soft, dappled glow. The snowfall was heavy today, so there were few pedestrians on the streets, with only the occasional carriage passing by. The people of Jade City stayed indoors, sitting by their windows to enjoy the snow and scenery.

If there is a wife and children at home, he would embrace them and enjoy the snow, a truly peaceful scene.

Yet, under the same snowfall, everyone is different. Some scholars open their windows, letting the cold wind blow on their faces to rouse themselves and continue their studies by candlelight. Some families gather around steaming hot food. Some wear armor and patrol the streets and alleys. Some sweep the snow from the ground. Some are fast asleep due to poisoning, while others sleep together under the same quilt.

The heavy snow, which was expected to last only four or five hours, unexpectedly lasted for seven or eight hours. At the side window of the second floor of Martial-Settling Tower, the window was open at an angle, and wind and snow were drifting into the room. The two had no idea when they had arrived at this place.

Tao Xiangrong that the snow was about to stop, Tao Xiangrong hurriedly told Li Xian to go ahead, and said softly, "The gift has been delivered to you. You can go and see it later. I've bought new clothes. Remember to visit me at my place to enjoy the snow another day."

Li Xian then used his Pure-Gang Steaming Garment to melt all the snow in the room, channeling his Heartfire. He then exhaled a breath of pure air, leaving no trace, and quietly planted a strand of hair before departing. Tao Xiangrong watched him go with lingering reluctance, feeling ashamed of what had happened that day. She thought to herself, "Tao Xiangrong, oh Tao Xiangrong, now that you have a lover, you seem to have no other concerns."

She retraced her steps, tidying up some scattered books and righting overturned tables and chairs. Seeing the windows of the hall open, letting in wind and snow, she closed them and used her martial arts skills to sweep away the snow.

She returned to her bedroom, waited a moment, then put her hair in place and put her veil back on. She sat down and took a deep breath. A short while later, Xu Shaoqian woke up.

Tao Xiangrong said, "Young Master Xu, you're finally awake. Please have some tea." Xu Shaoqian said, "Xiangrong? This is... Martial-Settling Tower?" He lifted the covers and saw that his boots and shoes had been removed. His heart skipped a beat, and he said, "Xiangrong, did you bring me back?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Men and women shouldn't touch each other, so it wasn't me. You Gold-Seeking Guard has many young men, I had them escort you back to rest. Young Master Xu, you really are something, how can you be so easily drunk?"

Xu Shaoqian said awkwardly, "My alcohol tolerance... I usually have a good tolerance. But thinking back on how many times I've been toasted, I don't know why... I got drunk so quickly." Tao Xiangrong said, "A man's spirit has nothing to do with his alcohol tolerance. Perhaps Young Master Xu isn't feeling well."

Xu Shaoqian said, "Yes, how long have I been drunk? Xiangrong, why didn't you leave? Xiangrong be... could it be... that you've been watching over me?" Tao Xiangrong and said, "Young Master Xu is overthinking it. It's just that a sudden heavy snowfall made it inconvenient to go back, so I borrowed Young Master Xu Martial-Settling Tower to wait. Who knew the snow would be so heavy, I've been waiting for so long."

Xu Shaoqian thought to himself, "You were clearly waiting for me." He asked, "Yes, I haven't asked yet. Xiangrong here today?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "Does Young Master Xu remember the invitation from that day? Xiangrong composed a piece for the zither and invited Young Master Xu to come. I've brought this invitation today; I hope you'll accept it." Xu Shaoqian thought to himself, "So that's what it's about. I think Xiangrong is just looking for an excuse to see me." He secretly felt smug.

Tao Xiangrong herself, "This man has been kind to my brother. Although he doesn't like my brother, he hasn't harmed him yet. My brother is a man who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and vengeance. It would be easy for me to manipulate Xu Shaoqian's feelings. But for my brother's sake, I will ultimately leave him some leeway." Suddenly, she asked, "Young Master Young Master Xu such a handsome man, yet I've heard that he is still unmarried?"

Xu Shaoqian boasted, "I am not easily moved, but if I do fall in love, I will be devoted to you wholeheartedly."

Tao Xiangrong, "You're obsessed to the point of madness, not devoted to one another. All men are attracted to beauty; if you weren't, how could you be controlled by me?" She sighed in disappointment, "What a pity."

Xu Shaoqian hurriedly asked, "What is it that Xiangrong?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "It's a pity about Young Master Xu. Although he holds a high position, he lacks the corresponding magnanimity. A true man's talent, magnanimity, and energy far surpass those of others, and cannot be contained by a woman. Xiangrong contact with many powerful figures on the Earth List, and quite a few of them have numerous wives and concubines. Talking with them has left me with many impressions."

Xu Shaoqian asked, "A woman of Xiangrong's talent Xiangrong, any man who finds her would likely be devoted to her wholeheartedly, never wavering in his affections." Tao Xiangrong, "My younger brother is quite the charmer; his flirtatious and amorous nature is easily discernible. Therefore, his talent, magnanimity, and elegance far surpass yours. Although such flirtation is not good, it is far better than your cowardly and stagnant devotion. My hint is meant to distract you from other women. There is absolutely no possibility between us. But if I truly dishearten you and shatter your hopes, you will no longer be able to be of use to help my brother." She then said, "No, if Xiangrong truly meets a man she loves, she doesn't care whether he becomes a concubine or a maid, as long as they can be together every day."

Xu Shaoqian seemed to be deep in thought, Tao Xiangrong took her leave.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

Li Xian left Marquis Wu Station and rode Binds the Wind back to Jujube-Pasture Residence. He spat out a round bead the size of a fingernail, named "Mirage-Dream Pearl," an extremely rare treasure! It was the second Precious Extraordinary Treasures after the "Jade-Water Pearl."

Even among the Precious Extraordinary Treasures, the efficacy of this pearl is extraordinary and exceptionally rare. Given your special gift, sister, it must be something of extraordinary value.