A self-satisfied smile spread across Li Zuoyue’s face.
Now *that’s* more like it. Junior Brother Wang Xiu really knows how to talk. Not like my own Master. Are the things he says fit for human ears? No wonder I enjoy talking with Junior Brother Wang Xiu. This is a true kindred spirit!
He laughed heartily, waving his hand. "Junior Brother, you flatter me. All that talk about reaching the pinnacle of the Sword Dao is still a bit of a stretch... However, with my current Cultivation Level of unleashing twenty-four swords at once, making it into the top three of the Golden Core Ranking shouldn’t be a problem!"
[Detected someone bragging nearby. Congratulations, Host, for gaining Mana +99!]
Wang Xiu beamed. "Senior Brother, you’re too modest. In my opinion, taking the top spot on the Golden Core Ranking would be a mere trifle for you. You just don’t wish to compete with those common disciples for fame and fortune!"
A smug look appeared on Li Zuoyue’s face.
"Junior Brother is indeed the Head Disciple of the Divination Sect, a true inheritor of Martial Uncle Luo’s teachings. You have such a keen eye for people!" Li Zuoyue coughed twice, trying to suppress a smile. "But Master has instructed us to be low-key when we’re out and about. Low-key is the way to go!"
[Detected someone bragging nearby. Congratulations, Host, for gaining Mana +99!]
Wang Xiu chuckled. "Senior Brother, your talent is so extraordinary, yet your temperament is so composed. You truly make others feel inadequate!"
"Not at all, not at all..."
Li Zuoyue felt as if the torment he’d endured under Master Dugu Qingqian for the last two months had been instantly erased by just a few of Wang Xiu’s words. In fact, he felt even better than before.
Chatting with Junior Brother Wang Xiu is just the best!
After a good while, he cleared his throat and said, "Right, you must know about the Ancient Sanctuary opening soon, correct?"
Wang Xiu nodded. "Mhm!"
Li Zuoyue continued, "I discussed it with Long Ji and the others. We’ll come to your place for drinks tonight to build up our spirits for the trip. What do you think?"
Wang Xiu agreed immediately. "Of course! I couldn’t ask for more!"
Drinking! Bragging! Only a fool would refuse such a fantastic opportunity!
"But..." Wang Xiu suddenly mused, "it might not be lively enough with just a few of us. How about I invite some more sect-mates to join?"
"That sounds good," Li Zuoyue said. "You can arrange it, Junior Brother! Well then, I’ll see you tonight!"
... Latest content publıshed on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝕟𝕖𝕥
After ending the communication, Wang Xiu licked his lips and scrolled through his contacts, deciding on his "boasting buddies" for the evening. He suddenly noticed that Jiang Yourong and Jiang Ling’er, who were standing nearby, were both staring at him with odd expressions.
"What’s wrong?" Wang Xiu asked, confused.
Jiang Yourong said scornfully, "You little rascal. You’re so full of it, and the lies just roll off your tongue!"
Wang Xiu immediately bristled with indignation. "Senior, you are peerlessly elegant and divinely beautiful, more radiant than a Heavenly Immortal, surpassing all others in grace and might. Your presence is unmatched in all the world! How can you tarnish my good name out of thin air? Which one of my words was a lie?"
Jiang Yourong paused for a moment, then a charming smile graced her lips. Cupping her exquisite face, she said, "None, none at all. Every word was the truth!"
"Exactly," Wang Xiu huffed.
Nearby, Jiang Ling’er looked on with exasperation. "Auntie... Senior Brother, you two are really something else..."
Wang Xiu turned to her. "Ling’er, you’re pure and adorable, kind and generous, exceptionally talented, gentle, considerate, and so very understanding. You shouldn’t frown so much, you know?"
Jiang Ling’er beamed. "(￣︶￣)"
"Senior Brother is absolutely right!"
After some back and forth, Wang Xiu sent messages to Xiao Qingyu, Mo Wuwei, Huang Yunchong, Qin Guangling, and a few others, inviting them for drinks that night. Then, he put away his Communication Token and turned to Jiang Ling’er. "I’m going to get things ready. Ling’er, want to come with me?"
"Yes!" Jiang Ling’er agreed instantly.
I get to drink with Senior Brother! This is amazing! And what if he gets drunk... Hehe... Hehehe...
Wang Xiu then looked at Jiang Yourong. "Senior, will you join us?"
Jiang Yourong was tempted, but her eyes darted around as a thought occurred to her, and she declined. "I’ll pass. The pet hospital is still busy, so I can’t get away!"
"It’s fine," Wang Xiu persuaded. "Worst case, we can just hang up a ’Closed’ sign. Come have some fun with us!"
Jiang Yourong crossed her arms, feigning arrogance. "What would it look like for someone of my stature to be drinking with a bunch of kids? Besides, I must be faithful to the task entrusted to me... Am I the kind of person who indulges in pleasure? I’m not going!"
Hearing her firm refusal, Wang Xiu felt a tinge of regret. "Alright then!"
A drinking party would feel incomplete without a great boaster like Senior Jiang. Still, since she doesn’t want to come, I can’t force her, can I?
Wang Xiu left with Jiang Ling’er, leaving Jiang Yourong alone in the Jiuli Hall. She watched them until they were out of sight. Then, with a quick wave of her jade-like hand, the main door swung shut. The "Open for Business" sign on the door flipped over, now reading "Closed"!
Hmm... Ling’er can enter the Ancient Sanctuary! I’m so happy! Her excellence is, of course, a product of my tireless guidance! I’ve worked hard and contributed greatly! I’m so happy today, I have to reward myself! No, twice!
Ji Zidian arrived at Spirit Turtle Peak. She avoided the crowds and soon reached the outside of Wang Xiu’s small courtyard. After hesitating for a long time, she finally gave in to her impulse. She ducked into a nearby grove of trees and changed her clothes.
The blue cheongsam clung tightly to her curvaceous body, accentuating her waist and making it look so slender it could be encircled by a single hand. Her already ample bust, which was well-developed beyond her years, strained against the fabric, looking as if it might pop the buttons at any moment. Her long, purple hair cascaded down to her waist, resting against her perky bottom and adding a touch of gentleness to her appearance. With every swaying step, her snow-white, jade-like legs peeked out from the slit of her cheongsam, an irresistible sight.
It had to be said that in this outfit, Ji Zidian looked far more mature. One could hardly tell she was just a teenage girl. The blush on her cheeks, born of shyness, only heightened her allure.
This dress... is so embarrassing! Will Senior Brother Wang Xiu really like it?
She nervously scanned the area with her Divine Sense. After confirming that no one was around, she hurried to Wang Xiu’s courtyard and knocked.
"Senior Brother Wang Xiu, are you there?"
There was no response.
Senior Brother Wang Xiu isn’t home?
Ji Zidian’s heart sank with a little disappointment. Suddenly, an idea popped into her head.
What if... I wait for him inside? If he opens the door and sees me ... Eek! How mortifying!
Ji Zidian’s rational mind screamed no, but her body had a mind of its own. Ignoring all reason, she slipped into Wang Xiu’s room and shut the door behind her. She sat down on the edge of his bed. The dark room was perfectly silent, so quiet that she could clearly hear the sound of her own racing heart.
THUMP-THUMP. THUMP-THUMP.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiu and Jiang Ling’er had just emerged from the blessed land when they saw a large crowd pouring out of the Loan Hall. He found it strange. He went closer to take a look and learned that Xiao Qingyu had announced they were closing early for the day.
Wang Xiu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Senior Sister, there’s no need to rush. The party doesn’t start until tonight!"
Xiao Qingyu gently stroked the white tiger at her side and rolled her eyes at him. "We’re going drinking, but that doesn’t mean we *only drink*. Don’t the dishes need preparing? You men are all thumbs. If I don’t come help you get things ready in advance, who knows what kind of mess you’ll make..."
Can’t we just buy all that stuff? Wang Xiu thought. But seeing Xiao Qingyu’s serious expression, he held his tongue and simply nodded in agreement.
Xiao Qingyu’s gaze suddenly shifted to Jiang Ling’er behind Wang Xiu, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. "Well, if it isn’t your little Junior Sister. I haven’t seen you in a while. You’ve become even more beautiful and captivating... No wonder Junior Brother Wang Xiu hid you away in the blessed land, afraid someone else would snatch you up!"
At her words, Jiang Ling’er’s face turned beet red. She lowered her head, feeling both shy and thrilled.
The three of them walked out of the Loan Hall together. They hadn’t gone far when a streak of light shot across the firmament, drawing closer from a distance.
Xiao Qingyu glanced up. "Isn’t that Junior Sister Mo?"
Wang Xiu’s mouth twitched.
Did I forget to tell them the time? Why is everyone so early?
"Senior Sister Mo, over here!" he called out, beckoning Mo Wuwei to land. "Senior Sister Mo, why are you here so early, too? The sun hasn’t even set!"
Mo Wuwei’s face was slightly flushed as she said softly, "I wanted to see if there was anything I could help with. It didn’t feel right to just show up and wait to eat..."
Xiao Qingyu laughed. "See? Great minds think alike! Or at least, women’s minds do!"
Wang Xiu was speechless. "Fine, fine. Since you’re all here, let’s all get ready together!"
The group decided against flying, chatting as they walked back to Wang Xiu’s courtyard. Suddenly, Wang Xiu’s brow furrowed as he looked toward his room. Mo Wuwei and Xiao Qingyu also sensed something moments later.
"Did someone arrive even earlier than us?"
"There’s a fragrance in the air... it’s a bit familiar. Junior Brother, which other Fairy did you invite?"
Wang Xiu scratched the back of his head and thought for a moment.
I don’t think... I invited anyone else?
With that thought, he casually pushed open the door to his room.
Several screams erupted at once. Wang Xiu felt like his eardrums were about to burst.