The Peach Blossom Island itself was also filled with peach blossoms. In the midst of the peach blossoms was a quaint bamboo building. Small bells hung all around the building, and every time the wind blew past, the bells would chime with a pleasing melody.
"Master, I'm back!" Ye Chaomu called out, acting like she had returned to her home.
"Yes, yes, you're back. But why do you feel the need to shout so loudly?" a gentle and refined voice rang out from inside the bamboo building.
Xiang Shaoyun was filled with doubt when he heard the voice. His senses had not picked up anyone in the building, yet there was obviously someone. The only explanation was that the man within was too strong for his senses to detect.
"I brought my big brother here. Aren't you coming out to welcome us?" said Ye Chaomu with a cheeky tone.
After she said that, a figure walked out of the bamboo building.
Wu Xie was a tall and scholarly man. His face was flawlessly beautiful, making him look more like a woman than a man. When he blinked his eyes, it was as though a pair of peach blossoms were blooming, a sight that would enchant countless maidens. The white outfit he wore was clean and neat, making it clear that he was a man who placed great importance on cleanliness. He had the appearance of someone in his early twenties, yet his eyes belonged to one who had experienced the vicissitudes of time.
Although Xiang Shaoyun had met Wu Xie when he was a child, his heart was still filled with shock when he met Wu Xie again. That was because he couldn't sense Wu Xie's strength even when Wu Xie was standing right before him. This made it clear just how strong Wu Xie was.
"Greetings, Lord Wu Xie," greeted Xiang Shaoyun with a bow.
This man, who was known as the Western Desert's strongest man, looked somewhat effeminate, but there was no doubting his strength.
"Hehe, little fellow, you've grown. Not bad, not bad at all. Come on in and take a seat," said Wu Xie with a genial smile.
"Let's go, big brother," said Ye Chaomu as she blatantly held Xiang Shaoyun's hand before walking into the building.
Within the elegant bamboo building, four other beautiful young women could be found. They hurriedly served the guests some refreshments and peach blossom liquor before sitting down beside Wu Xie.
All four of them were incredible beauties. Additionally, they weren't mere beauties; they were also Great Saint cultivators.
Even Xiang Shaoyun couldn't help but gasp inwardly, This Lord Wu Xie truly knows how to enjoy life.
"I wonder what business Lord Wu Xie has with me?" Xiang Shaoyun went straight to the point.
"Why so impatient, young man? You are probably fresh out of the ancient battlefield, right? You need to properly relax and adjust your mental state instead of keeping yourself bothered with the affairs of the mundane world. Come, have a drink with me," said Wu Xie with a perpetual smile on his face.
There was nothing Xiang Shaoyun could do if Wu Xie was in no rush. He raised his glass of liquor and toasted Wu Xie. "A toast from me, Lord Wu Xie."
Xiang Shaoyun then emptied the glass. The moment the liquor gushed down his throat, a sweet and fresh flavor flooded his body, giving him an extremely comfortable sensation. A pleasant aftertaste lingered in his mouth, making him wish for more of the liquor.
"What an excellent liquor," praised Xiang Shaoyun sincerely.
"Hehe, Chun Lan, someone is praising the liquor you brewed," said Wu Xie as he looked at the woman clad in a green muslin outfit.
"Thank you for the praise, young master. A toast from me to you," said the woman in green with a smile.
"Allow me to present everyone a dance for the occasion," offered the woman in a fiery red muslin outfit. With a smile, she started dancing.
"How can a dance not be accompanied by music? Let me play something for everyone!" offered the woman in a yellow outfit as a lute appeared in her hands.
"It must be boring to dance alone, big sister. Let me dance with you," offered the woman in blue as she moved like a fairy to join the dance.
"Haha, it has been a while since the four of you last performed together. This is excellent," said Wu Xie as he clapped.
Joy filled the bamboo building. Initially, Xiang Shaoyun wasn't much impressed, but as the dance progressed and the melody reverberated in the room, his soul and mind seemed to enter a state of unprecedented relaxation. His accumulated exhaustion and stress from the ancient battlefield vanished. As he fully immersed himself in the joyful atmosphere, a natural smile formed on his face.
Ye Chaomu saw all that happening, and a smile hung on her face as she thought, Master's liquor, dance, and music have never failed to give one a good time. Perhaps for someone like big brother, who carries a heavy burden, this is the best method of relaxation.
After about half a day, Ye Chaomu, Little White, and the four young women left, leaving only Wu Xie and Xiang Shaoyun within the room.
"How are you feeling now?" asked Wu Xie.
With his eyes still shut, Xiang Shaoyun replied softly, "This feels amazing. I finally understand why you're willing to stay in such a place, Lord Wu Xie."
"Oh, tell me what you understand," said Wu Xie with a look of astonishment.
"Only by immersing oneself in such an environment would one be able to calm the impetuous heart. Only then would one be able to see the path ahead clearly," said Xiang Shaoyun as he opened his eyes. After a short pause, he regarded Wu Xie and said, "However, don't you think that you have overindulged in this, Lord Wu Xie?"
"What do you mean?" asked Wu Xie.
"Conflicts are rising all over the dominion. Chaos is coming. With your strength, shouldn't you be doing something for humanity? With your strength, humanity can avoid a large number of casualties," said Xiang Shaoyun solemnly.
"Are you criticizing me?" asked Wu Xie with a grin.
"I'm merely stating the fact," replied Xiang Shaoyun.
"But according to what I know, you are definitely not some kind of saint that loves everyone equally," said Wu Xie as he stood up with his hands clasped behind him.
A look of shame covered Xiang Shaoyun's face as he said, "You're right. I'm also a selfish person. Once, I only cared about myself. But after witnessing the strength of the aliens, I believe I need to follow my master's footsteps and shoulder the burden I should carry."
Wu Xie spun around, faced Xiang Shaoyun, and asked, "How is Senior Brother Ge Yi?"
Instantly, Xiang Shaoyun was stunned. In astonishment, he asked, "Y-you're fellow disciples with my master?"
"Why are you so shocked?" said Wu Xie with a smile. He sighed and continued, "In my life, apart from my master, the person I respect the most is my senior brother, your master. Also, I'm guilty of disappointing their hopes for me. It has been probably 10,000 or 20,000 years since I last met your master. I can't even remember the last time we met anymore."