Hu Xiaotian sighed, covered his head with both hands, and crouched down. "I didn't travel all this way to the bitter cold of the Northern Desert just to sell my charms."
"Saving one life is worth more than building a seven-story pagoda. What harm is there in sacrificing a little of your charm?" To his surprise, Ji Feihua actually tried to persuade him that way.
Hu Xiaotian countered, "What if I were in trouble? Would you save me?" This time, he looked straight into Ji Feihua's eyes. Ripples stirred in Ji Feihua's tranquil gaze under his scrutiny, but he did not hesitate in the slightest. "Yes," he said softly.
Hu Xiaotian took a step forward, just about to shamelessly say, Then save me right now, when a shrill voice came from outside the snow cave. "My two young friends, have you been well?"
Hu Xiaotian looked at Ji Feihua in surprise. This place was so secluded that no one could have found it without a prior arrangement.
Ji Feihua smiled calmly. "Eunuch Liu and I have already met."
Hu Xiaotian sighed inwardly. After all that, he was actually the last to arrive at Lone Eagle Fortress. He coughed and said, "Please come in, Eunuch Liu. Don't freeze out there."
Liu Yuzhang entered the snow cave, his slight body stooped. He shook off the snow, then unfastened his Fur Cloak. Raising his snow-white eyebrows, he beamed and cupped his hands toward them. "Meeting old friends on a snowy night calls for a couple of drinks!"
"Unfortunately, there's no wine here," Hu Xiaotian said.
"I brought some!" Liu Yuzhang untied an exquisitely carved gourd from his waist. It contained Nine Yang Spring. He offered it to Ji Feihua first. Ji Feihua did not refuse. Taking it, he pulled out the wooden stopper,