On Going Premium

As Lu Yun bowed to pour Chen Xuan a drink, he grumbled inwardly.

Only because Mu En was still around could he keep this free-spirited old man in check.

If Mu En were not there to oversee and restrain him, with Xuan Zi's utterly uninhibited ways, he would probably have long since roamed wherever he pleased, beyond anyone's control.

Of course, even if he had a hundred times the courage, he would never dare speak those thoughts aloud.

"Then we should cherish tonight. Tonight, just relax and enjoy yourself, and let this student properly fulfill his duties as your host."

Chen Xuan casually waved a hand, carefree and composed. "There's no need for that. Just take it easy."

That night, music drifted endlessly across the pleasure boat, with singing and dancing in full swing, tender romance in the air, and mellow wine flowing freely.

Chen Xuan completely cast aside his schemes and distracting thoughts. His mind, tense day after day, finally relaxed completely as he drank, listened to music, and indulged in leisure with unparalleled freedom and ease.

Only when dawn broke and the sky turned faintly white did he leave, pleasantly tipsy and thoroughly satisfied.

Lu Yun personally escorted him to an elegant courtyard residence, repeatedly instructing the two servants to attend to him carefully and be at his call.

Only after ensuring every arrangement was in order did he turn and leave, filled with respect and reluctant to part.

After returning to his room, Chen Xuan did not rush to rest.

He reclined sideways on a soft couch, quietly dispersing the lingering traces of alcohol in his body by the dawn light streaming through the window.

With the profound cultivation of a level ninety-eight Super Douluo, a few jars of osmanthus wine naturally could not make him lose control, but he was particularly fond of that relaxed, slightly intoxicated feeling.

"This night of romance and fine wine was not a wasted trip after all," he murmured with a soft laugh before turning over and rising.

He slowly walked to the window and pushed open half of the wooden shutters.

The cool morning breeze swept through the courtyard, brushing past osmanthus branches heavy with blossoms and carrying a delicate floral fragrance that refreshed the senses.

The distant city had already awakened. Voices gradually rose from the streets, along with vendors' cries and the faint clatter of passing carts and horses, brimming with the bustle of everyday life.

Leisure was over. It was time for business.

Chen Xuan raised his eyes toward the southern part of the city. The lazy abandon in his gaze vanished completely, replaced by clear-headed calm and concealed calculation.

Daylight fully broke, washing away the tender allure of last night's riverside scene. Azure Mist City had completely awakened, alive with the vibrant bustle of ordinary life.

The morning market was packed with people and overflowing with noise. Vegetable vendors steadied the poles on their shoulders and shouted loudly along the streets.

Steam billowed from breakfast stalls, white mist rising everywhere as golden fried dough sticks bobbed in boiling oil, their fragrance spreading through the air.

At the mouth of an alley, several half-grown children with rough cloth pouches on their backs chased one another. Their crisp laughter startled sparrows nesting beneath the eaves, sending the birds flapping across the clear morning sky.

Within the courtyard residence, Chen Xuan had already changed into an entirely different appearance.

He wore a shabby gray old robe, its cuffs frayed, its collar bleached white from washing, and its fabric wrinkled with age.

He deliberately tousled his silver hair, carefully smeared a thin layer of ash across his cheeks and neck, slightly hunched his back, and concealed his heaven-reaching Soul Power and imposing presence.

At this moment, he looked exactly like a destitute old beggar who had wandered the streets and endured the elements for years.

In this state, let alone the two servants Lu Yun had sent, even if Yan Shaozhe were standing here, he might not dare recognize him.

Chen Xuan lowered his gaze to inspect himself, quite satisfied inwardly.

"This appearance is just right.

Since ancient times, gifted youths have always encountered reclusive masters and received guidance and opportunities from enlightened elders.

Today, this old man shall be the secluded grandpa who watches over you."

With both hands tucked into his sleeves, he kept his body hunched as he slowly left the alley and calmly headed south.

He had enjoyed last night's drinking so much that the lingering fragrance of osmanthus wine still remained in his mouth.

He was in a good mood, and his steps were light, though he did not dare straighten his back too much.

If an old beggar walked more briskly than a young man, his disguise would be exposed.

As he walked slowly onward, he organized his thoughts. "Zhang Lexuan, nine years old, already a Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster."

At such a young age, possessing such cultivation in a place like Azure Mist City meant her talent was extraordinary. She must have long since become well known.

Finding her would not be difficult. The difficult part was arranging a natural encounter that did not seem deliberate or suspicious.

He had to get close to her without arousing anyone's doubts.

Chen Xuan decisively abandoned the idea of waiting outside Zhang Residence. Blocking someone so openly would be far too deliberate and would easily invite suspicion.

He circled through two streets before settling beside a quiet little river in the southern part of the city.

This place was not far from Zhang Residence. The river was not wide, and old willow trees grew along both banks, their branches already sprouting fresh green leaves that swayed gently in the breeze.

A small stone bridge spanned the river. Its railings had been worn smooth and shiny, clearly showing that people crossed it often.

Several women were washing clothes by the riverbank, their wooden basins knocking against the stones with dull thuds.

A few children squatted on the bank, teasing the fish in the water with branches.

Chen Xuan found a shady spot by the bridge and sat down. He took out half a flatbread he had slipped from the courtyard residence, broke it into pieces, and slowly fed them into his mouth.

He sat casually, but his eyes remained fixed on the activity across the bridge.

"Logically speaking, if a nine-year-old girl leaves home in the morning, she's either going to the Soul Master Academy in the city or heading to a nearby shop to buy snacks."

He muttered softly. "In the original story, Zhang Lexuan had a quiet nature, but that was after her family was massacred.

Right now, she's only nine. Her family is still alive, and she has just broken through to Two-Ring. This should be the most lively time of her life.

For all I know, she may be even more mischievous than I imagined."

As he pondered this, the other end of the bridge suddenly became lively.

Several half-grown boys ran laughing out of an alley, surrounding a petite, lively figure dressed in goose yellow.

The young girl wore two delicate twin buns, a goose-yellow little blouse, and a pair of brand-new soft-soled boots. Her steps were light, like a pink butterfly dancing among flowers, bright and full of life.

"Lexuan! Show us your soul skill again!" one boy shouted excitedly.

"What's there to see? It's not some street performance."

The girl paused and widened her almond-shaped eyes slightly, her childish face full of charming pride.

"I'm going to buy osmanthus candy for Mother. I'm not fooling around with you anymore."

"Then we'll come with you!"

"I don't need you to come with me!"

Zhang Lexuan haughtily turned her head aside. Her two black braids swayed gently with the motion as she turned and quickly ran toward the stone bridge.

Chen Xuan, beneath the shade, lifted his gaze. A glimmer immediately lit in his eyes, and certainty filled his heart.

It was her. There was no mistake.

This bright, lively, untouched childish appearance was completely different from the cold, restrained senior disciple of Shrek's Inner Court who would later shoulder immense burdens.

He suppressed the stir in his heart and remained seated. He tilted his head slightly against the tree roots, half-closed his eyes, and feigned exhaustion and drowsiness.

He appeared relaxed and languid, but in truth, he kept a thread of clear spiritual awareness spread out, taking in every movement on the bridge.

Zhang Lexuan lightly ran onto the stone bridge, but just as she reached its center, her steps abruptly halted.

Chen Xuan clearly caught the faint pause in her breathing.

The next moment, her little feet, which had been moving straight ahead, gently turned as she slowly walked toward him beneath the tree shade.