Chapter 889 - 410: Heroes Compete for Beauty, Li Xian Withdraws Alone, Entranced by the Scenery, Encounters the Courtesan

Chapter 889: Chapter 410: Heroes Compete for Beauty, Li Xian Withdraws Alone, Entranced by the Scenery, Encounters the Courtesan

A tune of "Phoenix Tune" resounded, the melody lulling and soothing the mind. Within the garden of mists, the celestial music drifted ethereally.

At the high end of the Red Sleeves Boat is a "Birthday Seat," surrounded by pale red gauzy curtains, which is the seat for the celebrant, Tao Xiangrong. As the melody lingers momentarily, Tao Xiangrong is already seated there, her jade-like fingers caressing the zither, showcasing her musical prowess.

Tao Xiangrong rarely reveals her true appearance, but everyone present knows of her looks. At an appropriate occasion, Tao Xiangrong will make her appearance.

Such celestial mists envelope, with curtains obscuring. Clearly right in front of the eyes, yet obstructed by all sorts of misty veils. It subtly stirs everyone’s thoughts, tantalizing the appetite. As her melody resonates, the Red Sleeves Boat moves at varying speeds. It’s not slow in its gliding; without martial arts skills, it would be hard to keep up with the Red Sleeves Boat, swiftly leaving the group behind.

The tune of Phoenix Tune concluded.

Suddenly, applause and praise erupted all around. Tao Xiangrong’s gentle voice echoed, saying, "Gentlemen, Xiangrong greets you all kindly."

The souls of the talented gentlemen across the boats fluttered, responding in a chorus. Tao Xiangrong continued, "Today, Xiangrong’s water boat banquet was uninvited, yet I am fortunate for the memory of each gentleman, not to celebrate alone in solitude and cold silence. Xiangrong first toasts all of you a cup."

With that, she raised her cup and drank. Although obscured by the curtains, her movements were clear. As they saw her raise her glass to toast, her actions were charmingly captivating, her supple waist like a willow, directly tickling the heartstrings, stirring desire, each thinking, "As men, if we are not to have such a beauty as a lifetime companion, even if we achieve great fame and accomplishments, there remains a regret."

In a fervor, they raised their cups in return.

Li Xian did not seek to compete for passage, gradually falling behind, the boat at the end, distantly separated from Tao Xiangrong by almost a hundred boats. Yet courtesy needs to be complete, so he, too, raised his cup in return. Tao Xiangrong, smiling enchantingly, her beautiful eyes scanning the boats, said, "Gentlemen, Xiangrong suddenly had an interesting idea, to play a game with you all. May I?"

The crowd exclaimed, "Of course, feel free, Xiangrong fairy, to pose your question." Then several shouted, "Let the fairy pose her questions, I, the all-knowing traveler, comprehensively understand medicine, astrology, heaven and earth lore." "I, the Hammer King of the Western Ridge, will do my utmost to relieve the fairy’s worries"...

With spirits lifted secretly, they assembled their focus, knowing Tao Xiangrong would use this to set her examination, allowing the notable talents present to showcase their capabilities, enlivening the atmosphere. Many were eager to make known their names and reputations.

Tao Xiangrong curiously stated, "The question is quite simple. Just now, I made slight modifications to the Phoenix Tune I played. I wonder which gentleman could discern the unique intonation in the music? If anyone figures it out, feel free to share."

Li Xian thought, "This is truly a refined hobby. Although I have some understanding of melodies, I haven’t deeply explored them. I might occasionally play a tune for idle amusement, but transferring it to the stage would likely be a laughingstock. Since I can’t answer these, listening in and learning is certainly beneficial."

He leaned against the boat’s wall, laying his left hand on the railing, holding a wine jug in his right, savoring a sip now and then.

The young elites all wore expressions of contemplation, their demeanor varied. Some racked their brains, fingers gently tapping, reminiscing the recent melody. Some were utterly frustrated, unversed in melodies.

Before long, on a red boat to the east, a gentleman in a cyan robe stood up, saying, "I may be inadequate, but I can answer the question."

Tao Xiangrong smiled, "Young Master of Cyan Sword, worthy of your famed reputation, please share."

This gentleman in a cyan robe wasn’t from Jade City; he was a notable figure within Guolongdao. In the Jianghu, he was known as the "Young Master of Cyan Sword." This person was "adept in both literature and martial arts," bearing the refined aura of a scholar, coupled with the chivalrous guts of a Sword Hero.

The young master of Cyan Sword shook his folding fan, his demeanor elegant as he said, "Phoenix Tune originates from a small country beyond the Eastern Sea. Its tone is somber, as lamenting as grieving. It is said that the musician of that small country traversed the landscapes, seeking a phoenix pair to hear their call and complete this piece. Yet, such auspicious creatures like phoenixes were scarce in that modest land."

"Although this tune became known, it always retained a sense of regret. Later, as it spread into the Great Wu, it underwent several adaptations. The restrained desire of the small nation was altered, adding the grandeur of our Great Wu. Transforming the melody of yearning for a phoenix in vain to the bold spirit of ’Even if no phoenix appears, so be it.’"

At this point, his words rang out, stirring the heart. The protection of scholarly aura seemed to encompass worlds within his chest, instantly making him stand out as the pride of the venue. Others were secretly feeling challenged.

The assembled gentlemen... some of notable background, some with deep family education, some experienced. Each one’s strengths and weaknesses different. Martial Arts Realms were even harder to generalize, fundamentally relying on accumulated dedication and practice.

Those slightly older had trained and cultivated longer, naturally gaining more advantage. This Young Master of Cyan Sword was pushing thirty to forty in age, yet considering a martial artist’s lifespan, still regarded as quite young. Although his family heritage and status in Jade City might not match the princes of Jade City, his Martial Arts Realm surpassed many disciples.

In addition to an uncommon experience, a scholar’s aura, mastery in zither tunes’ history, making his advantage notable. Upon entry, he immediately seized the limelight; during his eloquent discourse, even Tao Xiangrong gazed with a smile, nodding frequently.

Young Master of Cyan Sword continued, "When I listened to the tune, it seemed to me that Lady Xiangrong, as a woman, might not fully resonate with the surge in the original piece, hence made slight adjustments at the beginning, making the opening gentler, more tranquil. Transforming the momentum of great waves into the melody of trickling streams."

Young Master of Cyan Sword further remarked, "If that were all, it would be hardly surprising. But Xiangrong fairy, showing that times are changing, started steadily, yet evolved the gentle flow into a surge. Streams converging into rivers, rivers into seas, a progression of layers, even in tranquility holds surging momentum. Moreover, with natural elegance, the changes from swell to tranquility are exquisitely seamless. This elaborate alteration is truly remarkable, astonishing the heart! Upon careful listening, there’s a subtle hint of joy interwoven, suggesting that when playing this Phoenix Tune, Lady Xiang meaning some joyful matter might have crossed her mind."