Keep the Music Playing, Keep the Dancing Going

The melodious strains of silk and bamboo drifted faintly from deep within the painted pleasure boats, rising and falling with the wind, hazy and lingering, especially stirring to the heart.

Lu Yun was clearly a regular here. Familiar with the place, he led Chen Xuan aboard the largest and most exquisite pleasure boat.

The cabin was spacious and elegant, with carved beams and painted rafters. Gilded gauze lamps hung at each corner, casting a soft, gentle glow.

Delicate wine cups, assorted fruits, and fine pastries had long been set upon the low wooden table. The rich fragrance of warm wine slowly wafted through the air.

Chen Xuan settled onto a soft brocade cushion, and the faint reluctance he had put on earlier had already vanished without a trace.

"Douluo Continent really is something else. This place is a hundred times classier than a modern karaoke bar."

He sighed inwardly.

At the stern, a musician sat plucking at the strings. Several maidservants in plain-colored gauze dresses stood to either side with their hands lowered, ready at any moment to pour wine or serve dishes.

A moment later, the cabin curtains stirred, and a singer emerged with slow, graceful steps, her clear voice beginning to sing.

Her singing was like jade beads falling onto a plate, crisp and lively, yet also like a nightingale crossing the water, melodious and pleasing.

Chen Xuan raised a cup of warm wine and lounged lazily against the cushions, listening to the lilting melody.

The evening breeze carried a faint chill from the river's surface, and his whole body finally relaxed.

This was what a truly carefree life should be like, he sighed to himself.

Never mind all the inconveniences of transmigrating into Xuan Zi. The comfort brought by this lofty status is a genuine pleasure.

At his side, Lu Yun refilled his wine at the right moment and asked with a low, smiling voice.

"Elder Xuan, does this place suit your tastes?"

Chen Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly and feigned indifference. "It will do, I suppose."

Seeing Chen Xuan dismiss it verbally while his posture had completely relaxed, Lu Yun knew he had made the right arrangements.

He asked no more questions and merely gave the attendant nearby a look.

Before long, the Boat Master hurried over.

She was a woman in her forties, dressed richly, her face full of smiles as she curtsied to Lu Yun.

"Your Excellency, it has been quite some time since you last came. Today, this is..."

Before she could finish, Lu Yun lowered his voice.

"Ask fewer questions. Today's guest is an extraordinary figure.

Listen to me carefully. Serve this gentleman well, and both you and I will be fine.

But if you dare neglect him, forget about whether you can afford the consequences—even the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire would have to tremble twice."

Lu Yun's bearing instantly turned grave. This old man was not only his teacher, but also one of the foremost powers among the former three great empires.

If she still managed to make a mistake after he had warned her so clearly, then she, along with the forces behind her, might as well move their heads elsewhere.

The Boat Master's expression changed drastically. She did not even dare raise her head toward Chen Xuan and could only nod repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes. I understand."

"Go." Lu Yun waved a hand. "Bring out all the best food and wine. Don't give me any of that perfunctory garbage.

And tell those little girls not to play any tricks. If anyone dares cause trouble, she'd better watch her head."

Listening to Lu Yun's words, Chen Xuan gently shook his head inwardly, though not a hint of it showed on his face.

After hearing Lu Yun's instructions, the Boat Master withdrew with an exceptionally calm expression.

Not long afterward, the cabin grew lively.

Several exquisite hot dishes were brought in one after another, all local delicacies from Azure Mist City.

There was steamed cod, honey-glazed venison, lotus-scented sticky rice chicken, and several pastries Chen Xuan could not even name.

The wine was also replaced with aged osmanthus brew. The moment the jar was opened, its crisp fragrance filled the entire cabin.

Lu Yun personally filled Chen Xuan's cup and said with a smile.

"Elder Xuan, whatever else Azure Mist City may lack, its food and drink are still passable.

Please eat more. These dishes may not compare to the fare from Shrek's main kitchen, but they are refined in their own way."

Chen Xuan picked up a piece of honey-glazed venison, chewed it slowly, and nodded. "Not bad."

As they spoke, the Boat Master led several people in again and lit two brighter lanterns at the bow.

The singer changed tunes, her voice becoming even clearer as she sang a folk song from the southern region. It was lively yet tinged with tenderness, like river wind winding around the rafters.

Holding his wine cup, Chen Xuan thought that Lu Yun really knew how to handle things.

By now, he had completely forgotten that half an hour ago, he had been standing outside Zhang Residence, figuring out how to act like an "old grandfather."

After three rounds of wine, Chen Xuan set down his cup and suddenly looked at Lu Yun.

"You've put thought into this, but I can't drink this meal for free."

"You're a junior too. Making you spend so much does not sit well with this old man."

Lu Yun hurriedly waved his hands.

"Elder Xuan, what are you saying? Is it not only right that I treat you to a meal and some wine? Please, do not mention such things."

Chen Xuan chuckled at Lu Yun's appearance.

"Why are you in such a hurry? This old man hasn't finished speaking.

You have only just become a Titled Douluo, and your cultivation has yet to stabilize.

Cultivating after receiving a title is not as easy as you think.

How about this? If you have time in the evenings over the next few days, come find me at the secondary residence. I'll give you some guidance.

I cannot promise to completely transform you, but I can at least help you see the road ahead more clearly."

Lu Yun was stunned at first, then his whole face lit up.

He had originally only wanted to serve Elder Xuan well, allowing this senior to rest comfortably for a few days without any mishaps.

He had never imagined that such a tremendous opportunity would be waiting for him.

"Elder Xuan, do you truly mean that?" His voice trembled with excitement.

Chen Xuan glanced at him. "When has this old man ever failed to keep his word?"

Lu Yun immediately straightened up from his cushion and raised three consecutive toasts, spilling a few drops of wine from his cup.

"Then this kid won't stand on ceremony with you! Whenever you want wine in the future, have as much as you like! You can come every day if you want!"

Chen Xuan laughed and scolded him. "You said just now that you would not bring this up, yet here you are showing your true colors again.

You brat, you're still as sly as ever."

Lu Yun grinned foolishly and hastily refilled his cup.

The pleasure boat drifted leisurely along the Azure Mist River. Lights lined both banks like stars, while the music and singing continued without end.

Chen Xuan reclined against the cushions, half-closing his eyes as he listened to the song.

The river breeze drifted in from outside the cabin, thinning the scent of wine and deepening his pleasant intoxication. He looked at ease, but his thoughts were still turning over the matters from earlier that day.

*The Zhang Family still needs watching. But there's no need to keep too tight a watch.

With me here, even a Limit Douluo can't kill them without a sound. Besides, there's still plenty of time. There's absolutely no need to rush.*

He lightly swirled the wine in his cup.

*Besides, how long have I been working myself to the bone?

Since transmigrating here, I've checked accounts, arrested people, and fought Evil Soul Masters.

If I keep dedicating myself so tirelessly, I'll probably lose a few more years off my life.

Now that I've finally managed to get out for once, can't I enjoy myself a little?*

The more he thought about it, the more justified he felt. He simply pushed his cup toward Lu Yun. "Fill it up. Tell them to keep the music playing and keep the dancing going."

Lu Yun hurriedly filled his cup again and said with a smile, "You're truly in high spirits today, Elder Xuan."

"Of course. With Mu En watching over the academy, could this old man be so unrestrained?"