She took the slender sword, and began performing a sword dance. She thrust both swords forward, picked up the wine pot, tossed it into the air, and then split it vertically, moving with a fluid grace, her toes supporting the bottom of the wine pot.
She leaned slightly forward, allowing the wine to flow like nectar. Jian Xiangxiang used her two swords to form a bridge, ensuring not a drop of wine was spilled, and it flowed neatly into Liu Yuâs wine cup.
Her figure was elegant and graceful, and this dance posture sparked imagination. Jian Xiangxiang was already skilled in the arts of the sword and had choreographed this sword dance meticulously to win Liu Yuâs favor. Liu Yu was full of joy and satisfaction, and said, "Continue."
Jian Xiangxiang smiled lightly with her red lips, and began another sword dance. It was breathtakingly beautiful, making it hard for anyone to look away. Her graceful movement suddenly transformed like a swift wind, robust as thunder.
The dance ended. Ye Cheng, Meng Han, and Li Xian all clapped their hands in approval. Jian Xiangxiangâs forehead was slightly sweaty, casting a glance at Liu Yu before subtly looking at Li Xian.
By now, the banquet had reached its halfway point. Li Xian inquired about the method to remove the âMysterious Garment of Flowing Dress.â Ye Cheng said, "Itâs true...but you shouldnât be too hasty with this matter. Sheâs full of spirit now; if the garment is removed, sheâll surely look to escape."
"If you let her escape and later someone else captures her, she wonât belong to you anymore. You should first let her adapt, gradually cultivating her."
Li Xian said, "This girlâs method of walking and sitting is still not mastered. She wails in agony just walking around, what should be done?"
Liu Yu said, "Oh...she must have offended the Female Palace. They donât teach the method of walking and sitting, we are helpless. After all, we never wore that strange garment, we donât know the way."
Li Xian said, "So...I want to help her remove the strange garment. Afterwards, other methods can be used to limit her movements."
Liu Yu nodded and said, "Thatâs reasonable." He then thoroughly imparted the method to remove the âMysterious Garment of Flowing Dressâ to Li Xian. It turns out that to remove the garment, the âNine-flower Jade Dew Ointmentâ must first be prepared to soak the whole body, followed by the method of âMassaging to Direct Energy and Release Acupointsâ to gradually remove the strange garment.
Li Xian understood and memorized it carefully. Liu Yu chatted with Li Xian for a long time, finding kindred spirits, he said, "Brother Hua, I will leave the island tomorrow, do you want to come with me to explore the world?"
Jin Shichang said, "Old Liu, donât break the rules. Since Hua Wucuo won the championship, itâs hard for him to leave the island in the short term."
Li Xian asked, "Please, Jin Envoy, make it clear." Jin Shichang said, "Since you havenât âprinted the flower,â youâre not allowed to leave the island."
Li Xian asked, "Printed the flower?" Jin Shichang said, "Itâs not urgent. First, tame your maiden well, then letâs talk about it."
Li Xian thought, "It seems there is no benefit in the world that you can get and run away immediately." He then asked no more.
By this time, the banquet was nearing its end. Li Xian cupped his hands to bid farewell and walked out of the Liu Mansionâs deep estate. Jin Shichang followed closely, catching up with Li Xian and placing his hand on his shoulder.
Li Xian was quite puzzled and said, "Jin Envoy...What is this..."
Jin Shichang asked back, "Do you still remember the three rewards for winning the championship? You have a fair maiden, but do you not want the Treasure and Strange Objects?"
Li Xian said, "Of course I remember, does Jin Envoy mean..." Jin Shichang said, "Indeed. I heard from Chief Shi to send the Treasure and Strange Objects to you during the banquet."
"But there are many eyes at the banquet. If I hand them to you in full view, itâs inevitable someone will see. This would not be appropriate, so I waited for you to leave the banquet, then hurried to catch up with you to present the treasure."
Li Xian respectfully said, "Thank you, Jin Envoy, for considering me."
Jin Shichang examined Li Xian for a moment and said, "Considering you...not necessarily. But I heard from Chief Shi that you have notable traits of the Candle Sect, which piqued my curiosity, hence wanting to get to know you."
Li Xian asked, "Traits of the Candle Sect? What does that mean?"
Jin Shichang said, "The world calls the Candle Sect the Demon Sect. Its traits...naturally refer to demonic nature, doing nothing evil." Li Xian chuckled, "I fear Iâm not like that."
Jin Shichang laughed, "Indeed, thatâs the common shallow understanding. The true spirit of the Candle Sect should be âlawlessness, solely abiding by oneâs willâ âdoing as one pleases, intentions soaring high.â"
"But lawlessness is not evil deeds, solely abiding by oneâs will is not arrogance, doing as one pleases is not tyranny, intentions soaring high is not hubris."
"While the Candle Sect was still around, even its followers misunderstood, losing that spirit. Chief Shi vaguely saw you having a hint of that nascent spirit."
Li Xian was entirely indifferent, as he was still weak, far from being lawless, solely abiding by oneâs will, doing as he pleases, and intentions soaring high. However, he sought freedom and followed his heart, unknowingly aligning with it.
Jin Shichang laughed, "Originally there was only one piece of treasure, but you are lucky, there is an additional piece now. Choose one of the two."