Chapter 891 - 410: Heroes Compete for Beauty, Li Xian Withdraws Alone, Immersed in Scenery, Yet Encounters the Courtesan (Part 3)

Chapter 891: Chapter 410: Heroes Compete for Beauty, Li Xian Withdraws Alone, Immersed in Scenery, Yet Encounters the Courtesan (Part 3)

The richness of the dishes on the ship’s table proves more appealing to Tao Xiangrong, showcasing deeper skill and talent. Tao Xiangrong’s skills are impressive, tending to favor the outstanding, while also comforting and encouraging the mediocre.

Thus, hundreds of boats continually follow, competing to shine for her. Gradually, seven dishes have been served, each portion small, far from filling. Li Xian mused, "This feast might not end for hours. Never mind, with such rare dishes, I’ll just focus on eating."

He also steered his boat close, maintaining a reasonable distance to blend into the crowd.

As the banquet reached mid-point, the Red Sleeve boat accelerated. The gentlemen, to maintain their elegance, refrained from rowing. Therefore, expending great Qi Power for each small advance, though the boat moved effortlessly, always following behind the Red Sleeve boat, in fact, their entire bodies tense, employing significant Martial Arts.

The few with weaker cultivation found themselves nearly trailing, forced to take the oars and row to barely keep up. Tao Xiangrong frequently toasted to everyone, and all responded in turn with wine.

The "Drunken Flower Wine" here on this table has a potent intoxication. After several cups, many have already felt tipsy in mind. Li Xian, positioned towards the back, noticed several people using secret techniques to dispel their intoxication.

Yet this wine’s intoxication clings to the body like a toxin, tough to easily expel. The more one forces it out, the more one detests the intoxication, leading to overwhelming drunkenness. Thus several lost their composure, behaving inappropriately, becoming subjects of ridicule.

Famous wines will easily intoxicate. The reason for intoxication lies not in the ingredients but in the wine’s force and elegance. Li Xian once ordered the "Three-Bamboo Wine" at a "wine and meat shop" in the streets.

Though made by ordinary hands, years of brewing have filled the wine with force and elegance, easily intoxicating even martial artists.

An hour after the banquet commenced, as the intoxication set in, everyone’s pretense slipped a little, and tensions grew between them, the competition among boats turned increasingly intense.

Gradually splitting into several zones.

The first zone, named by Li Xian as the "First Prize Area," lies within several feet behind the Red Sleeve boat.

Consisting of over ten boat tables, regardless of the Red Sleeve boat’s speed or pace, these boat tables always maintain a fixed distance, closely admiring Tao Xiangrong’s silhouette in the cabin and indulging in the ship’s fragrance.

They occasionally converse with Tao Xiangrong, who always responds, serene and distant, truly elegant.

Next is the "Struggle Flow Zone," with over thirty boat tables. Located five feet away from the Red Sleeve boat, easily seen by Tao Xiangrong, possessing potential to vie for "First Prize," but unless Tao Xiangrong personally calls their name in conversation, joining in would be difficult.

Following is the "Progression Zone," ten feet away, where boats are visible and audible to Tao Xiangrong, fervently pursuing, not wanting to fall behind. Finally is the "Dispersed Zone," twenty feet away, scattered and desperately rowing to catch up.

Tao Xiangrong is charming and graceful in her dealings, gentle as water, though seldom focusing on the Dispersed Zone despite frequent encouragement. Li Xian rowed between the "Progression Zone" and "Dispersed Zone."

"Lei Chong," traveling alongside, located within the Progression Zone, even somewhat ahead.

Tao Xiangrong’s voice is melodious and her figure alluring. She challenges everyone with topics, her own skills are certain and not shallow. Furthermore, creating the scene of hundreds of boats competing, Lei Chong among them is influenced and gradually enamored.

Were it not for his martial arts’ grandeur, embodying the might of thunder, enough to terrify enemy spirits in the army, still inappropriate for this occasion, if displayed, would disturb the tranquil music and offend the beauty’s intentions, ruining the elegant atmosphere, more harm than benefit.

Every challenge Tao Xiangrong presents, every conversation with the crowd, Lei Chong subtly competes to answer, attempting to show his own merits, hoping to capture her favor. He is robust and gritty, with exceptional qualities, Tao Xiangrong praised Lei Chong several times.

In the gathering of boats, covert competitions run rampant, extremely perilous. Speaking of the "First Prize Area," the ten red boats each stake a position. Maintaining decorum, engaging in conversation with Tao Xiangrong, showcasing grace and poise. Moreover, Martial Arts is essential to protect the surrounding half-foot of water.

The neighboring boats secretly use Martial Arts, employing the water’s undercurrents to disrupt. Seizing opportunities, they attempt to overtake and substitute the position.

The First Prize Area must maintain its own standing, also secretly prevent subsequent boats from approaching. It cannot show on the surface, must possess gentility, appear easy-going and cheerful, seemingly easily navigating, but in fact mentally tense, without any room for relaxation.

The Struggle Flow Zone is even more so. Here, the number of boats is plentiful, constantly vying for speed and flow, surpassing each other alternately. When overcome by intoxication, one easily becomes irritated and abandons decorum, engaging in overt and covert conflict.

Overturned boats, spilled wine, lowered into the water... plenty. Those defeated in the Struggle Flow find themselves shame-faced, slowing down and moving to the Progression Zone, while Progression holds candidates ready to substitute and compete.

Beneath the water, numerous streams of Inner Qi clash and collide fiercely. Should someone late surge, fierce and swift, surpassing numerous vessels in an instant, the front boat tables would collaborate to block. Amid Martial Arts competitions, scheming and counter-plots are hidden.

Competition of martial skill, talent, intellect, and courage... exhausting indeed.

Approaching dusk. Hundreds of boats in the struggle, no sign of pause.

Li Xian reclined on his boat table, a "water bag" at his waist. He thought to himself, encountering such fine wine is rare. Although not a lover of wine, such quality is not easily found. He had already consumed several pots, the wine’s aroma lingering on his tongue, still nostalgic.