Li Xian said, "We should be able to escape." Nangong Liuli, hearing this, felt a slight joy and said, "How can you be so sure? Are you trying to trick me into feeling happy?"
Li Xian replied, "Why would I trick you? When you two were hung in the cell, I was practicing Martial Arts on the deck. I encountered several fishing boats filled with their catch."
"At that time, Ye Cheng ordered me to call the fishermen onto the boat and buy their fish. If the fishing boats had fruits and vegetables, or other foods like dry cakes and pickled vegetables, we bought them at a high price. After all... everyone had been eating fish for days, and the mouth was full of fishy odor, so having other foods would naturally be a pleasure."
"When the fishermen boarded the boat, I went to chat and negotiate. The Dongran Lake area is vast, and water bandits often threaten, but it is rich in fish, shrimp, and crabs, incredibly prosperous, and a vital survival ground for countless fishermen."
"The lake area we passed had many fishermen catching fish. If Sister Bian attempted to escape underwater and encountered the fishermen, boarding their boat would ensure her safety. These fishermen are skilled in aquatic matters and know some tricks for navigation."
Nangong Liuli thought to herself, "Iāve long known my brother has a meticulous mind, but I never considered he could be so thorough."
Nangong Liuli said, "After hearing what you said, I feel relieved." Li Xian replied, "If I werenāt afraid of water, I would run myself. Such a good chance canāt be just left to you two."
Nangong Liuli widened her eyes, feeling slightly annoyed and pretended to act pitifully, "Ah! Youāre thinking of running away, leaving poor me behind?"
Li Xian replied, "I used to be willing, but not anymore. Good sister... Have I treated you well?" Nangong Liuliās face turned slightly red, inwardly cursing this troublesome boy, finding it hard to resist his sweet words, and gently leaned her head towards him, saying, "You could say so."
She then teased, "But who knows if youāll change later. Iām stuck here; escaping seems impossible."
Li Xian said, "Are you envious of Sister Bian? Why didnāt you run away before?" Nangong Liuli said, "Envy... naturally envious. Saying Iām not envious... well..." Her cheeks flushed lightly, her eyes glancing down, and she quickly changed the topic, adding:
"When I didnāt escape... it was really because of the circumstances. You taught me the Magic Skill to unhang us, and I learned it, but Sister Bian couldnāt. So I had to help her, otherwise, we both would be left hanging, dizzy and unable to run away."
Li Xian replied, "That makes sense. But for Sister Liuli to solve this wouldnāt be hard. You still gave the chance to escape to Sister Bian."
"This girl is so reckless, only fleeing eastward. I saw her running wildly, and once Ye Cheng noticed, he would soon capture her. Then you and your sister would just stare at each other again. So, I guided her out of the cabin."
"At that time, if she had no courage, it would indeed be a dead end. She dared to jump into the lake, I truly admire her for it."
Nangong Liuli said, "Oh! That girl Sister Bian, sheās always been reckless. When I tried to convey my thoughts with my palm, she didnāt grasp the essence. But I donāt blame her; given the urgent situation, expecting her to understand was too much."
Li Xian laughed, "So good sister, whom should you be thanking?" Nangong Liuliās beautiful eyes sparkled with sincere gratitude for encountering Li Xian in such a situation, feeling both misfortune and fortune intertwined. Yet she teased, "I know, thank you, little rogue, naughty brother."
Her lips gently pressed against him, her cheeks turning quite red. In this situation, her charm and elegance were undeniable. As a noble lady from a royal family, she exuded both delicacy and charm.
Nangong Liuli worriedly said, "But... Sister Bian is straightforward in nature, although you mean well, she may not know it; she might even hold a grudge against you."
Li Xian teased her, "It doesnāt matter, as long as Sister Liuli makes up for it." Then, with a serious tone, "Even if she resents me, I donāt mind."
Nangong Liuli said, "You are quite carefree." Her dazzling eyes showed admiration, growing increasingly fond of his calm demeanor.
Nangong Liuli said, "So... you mentioned your fear of water, yet you donāt lack skill at tournaments. Did you manage the muddy clothing?"
Li Xian replied, "Yes, I did." with an expression of self-satisfaction. Nangong Liuli asked, "What kind of muddy clothing did you manage?"
Li Xian thought, "The matter of muddy clothing isnāt exactly a secret. Thereās no harm in sharing." Then he said, "Guess."
Nangong Liuli said, "Iām not guessing. You little flower thief, I imagine itās a tattered, shabby garment." Saying so, she rose and left but returned shortly, sat beside Li Xian again, and scolded, "Ah! Why arenāt you provoked by me?"
Li Xian laughed, "You keep using the same trick. Itās hard for me to be provoked by you."
Nangong Liuli said, "Itās all Sister Bianās fault. Usually, when I provoke her slightly, she spills everything out. But now dealing with you, a little trickster, Iām at a loss. Just tell me, sister is asking you."
Li Xian said, "Sure, no problem, but you need to agree to my terms." Nangong Liuli replied, "Weāve already agreed on three conditions, what more do you need?"
Li Xian said, "No matter, just agree." Nangong Liuli sighed, "Alright... Iāve landed in a thieveās den. Just tell me, Iāll do whatever you want."
Li Xian swung his sleeve in the air, creating a sound. The Pure Gang Qi Clothing, amidst the Hidden Qi Muddy Clothing, was rare and difficult to find. Nangong Liuliās beautiful eyes narrowed, noticing something, said, "Ah... This... This... Do it again, I didnāt see it clearly."
Li Xian shook his head with a smile. After spending much time with Li Xian, Nangong Liuli understood his nature, always mischievous. She pleaded, "Good brother, sister will agree to anything you say, donāt hold back, or Iāll ignore you."
Li Xian said, "Alright." The Hidden Qi Muddy Clothing shook gently, and a faint force was felt. Nangong Liuli reached her hand to touch, sensing a material that seemed both tangible and intangible passing byāit was the "Pure Gang Qi Clothing"!