His true face revealed, a peerless beauty of his age; Yingqiong realized she had been fooled and bitterly regretted it

Li Xian briskly removed his mask, revealing his true face. What a handsome young man he was: though plainly dressed, he had deep-set eyes and brows, a masculine, striking face, and a vertical red mark between his brows. The transcendent grace of Turbidity-Avoidance, the Ghost Doctor's uncanny power to bewitch hearts, and a young man's heroic vigor all blended into one. Such elegance was rarely encountered; such beauty was seldom seen.

Qiao Liu had been greeting him with a faint smile. She had vaguely heard an elder mention that Elder Hua Wucuo of the Water Altar was handsome, so she had known beforehand and formed her expectations. Yet this first glimpse still made her shudder in a moment of distraction. A strange light entered her eyes as she stared, entranced. Liu Jing, previously solemn, shook his head in amazement at the sight. Moved, he exclaimed, "How can someone like this exist in the world? What a marvel! What a marvel!"

Though Zhao Yingqiong usually behaved with fierce boldness, she possessed a woman's tender side beneath it all. She cared a great deal about appearances and had always loved beauty, devoting considerable effort to maintaining her looks and taking pills to preserve her complexion. She thought highly of herself and had strong desires. When choosing a husband, appearance was one point on which she could scarcely compromise: he had to stand like a jade tree in the wind, exceptionally handsome. She valued spirit even more: he had to be imposing and capable. The events on the lake had allowed Li Xian to plunge deep into the tiger's den, thrust his spear and churn the waves, displaying his abilities to the fullest. Many unseen circumstances had conspired to bring it about. Though it sprang from genuine feelings and desires, Spring-Sleep Incense, the