Chapter 1
494
: This Lin Shuixuan is still so stunning, Miss Yiyi
A fist-sized Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone was enough to incite battles among many immortal emperors. Though the middle-aged woman was the manager of Lin Shuixuan, she had never seen such a large Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone. However, she wasnât an ordinary personâshe quickly regained her composure and forced herself to look away from the stone with difficulty.
âRest assured, my lord, I will certainly meet your expectations.â
After speaking respectfully, the middle-aged woman withdrew and promptly ordered for a group of nobles to be summoned. She didnât know Chu Xiaoâs background, but seeing him casually present such a rare item as the Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone made it clear he was far from ordinaryâfar more impressive than she had initially imagined.
Chu Xiao wasnât surprised by the womanâs reaction. He was accustomed to living extravagantly, and to him, a piece of the Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone was nothing. Though his parents had repeatedly cautioned him not to stir up trouble while away from home, reminding him to conceal his identity and keep a low profile, Chu Xiao was in the prime of his youth. To him, what was the point of having status and wealth if you didnât flaunt them?
Compared to his time in Xian Chu, Chu Xiao could be considered quite restrained now.
âMaster, please donât be angry. Have a drink,â Chu Xiaoâer said, pouring wine for him. He had managed to stay by Chu Xiaoâs side, which was no small feat, as he was quite capable himself. Chu Xiao appreciated someone who excelled in various skills.
âWhatâs that sound?â Chu Xiao asked, lifting the wine glass to his lips. He took a sip but suddenly frowned, surprised. Despite the soundproofing in every private room, he could still hear a melodious zither playing nearby. It was as if a gentlewoman was softly singing, her voice filled with deep emotion.
The zitherâs melody was unlike anything Chu Xiao had ever heard before. It was gentle and melancholic, reminiscent of a beautiful woman sitting alone in her boudoir, gazing wistfully out from an attic. Her eyes sparkled like mist, as if she were looking toward her beloved, her long black hair cascading down her waist, creating an infinitely enchanting figure.
âWho is playing this piece?â Chu Xiao suddenly felt intrigued; the music stirred something within him, prompting him to step outside for a closer look.
At that moment, a middle-aged woman resembling a bustard entered the private room, leading several graceful women who walked in with delicate lotus steps. The faces of these women were all strikingly beautiful, captivating in their appearance.
Everyone in the room wore veils that concealed their true appearances, dressed in flowing white garments that accentuated their slender figures. The few individuals who followed the middle-aged woman kept their eyes lowered, showing no sign of being swayed by Chu Xiaoâs identity.
âYoung master, these are the nobles of our Lin Shuixuan today. They are skilled in various arts, including zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and their own cultivation is quite respectable,â the middle-aged woman said, smiling as she introduced them to Chu Xiao.
She had spoken extensively about the palm-sized Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone, persuading the nobles that Chu Xiaoâs background was extraordinary and that he should not be offended. In Lin Shuixuan, they could rest assured that Chu Xiao would adhere to the rules.
Most of the Qing courtiers were entertainers, not their bodies, according to established norms, which meant no one could force them into anything against their will.
Chu Xiao paid little attention to the young nobles, instead focusing on the middle-aged woman. âWhere is the sound of the zither coming from?â he inquired.
Taken aback by his question, the middle-aged woman listened carefully and discerned the indistinct sound of the zither emanating from outside. Glancing in that direction, she explained in a low voice, âReporting to you, young master, it comes from the thirty-third floor, reserved for those distinguished guests.â
The disciples from the most powerful factions, such as Zixiao Mountain and Lingshen Cave, were currently gathering in Lin Shuixuan, a fact that was no secret.
The Thirty-Third Floor was reserved exclusively for the most distinguished guests of Lin Shuixuan. Upon hearing this, Chu Xiao chuckled in slight dissatisfaction. âIt seems that the most famous girl in Lin Shuixuan is not here but over there,â he remarked. He sensed that the zitherâs sound was beyond the capability of ordinary players; it had to be performed by a true master. However, with disciples from the most powerful factions, such as Zixiao Mountain and Lingshen Cave, present, he decided not to join the festivities.
The middle-aged woman let out a dry laugh and explained, âThe sound of this zither doesnât seem to be from any of our girls at Lin Shuixuan; it might be someone else.â Having spent a long time in Lin Shuixuan, she was well aware of the talents of each girl.
Chu Xiao snorted, still feeling unsatisfied. He glanced at the elegant ladies standing before him once more and nodded slightly. Compared to the women he had encountered earlier, these girls, though veiled, possessed a natural beauty that was hard to conceal. Their slender figures were more enchanting than those of many saintesses from various powers.
âIt seems that the young master has an affinity for music. As it happens, one of our girls at Lin Shuixuan is very proficient in this art,â the middle-aged woman continued, smiling. âWhy donât we have Miss Yiyi play a song for you to enjoy?â She pointed to the woman who had followed behind, whose head hung low among the crowd of nobles.
She held the zither, wearing a veil with her head bowed, her blue hair cascading down to cover her slender, snow-white neck and waist. Upon hearing this, Chu Xiaoâs gaze shifted, and he let out a light snort, his expression one of surprise.
âSlender and boneless, with a soft body, her skin as smooth as snow and as delicate as frostâŠâ he mused. âI didnât expect Lin Shuixuan to have such stunning beauty. Look up.â
His voice carried a newfound interest, as if he were admiring a flawless artwork carved from immortal jade. Chu Xiao had an exceptional eye for beauty, and even though the woman in white had her head down, her skin and figure far surpassed those of many fairies and holy maidens.
âYou have a keen eye, young master. Although Yiyi has only been here for a few days, her zither skills have already surpassed many girls. She is a rare talent; all the guests who have heard her play have praised her,â the middle-aged woman said, her smile wide.
Hearing Chu Xiaoâs words, the woman named Yiyi seemed momentarily startled. Hesitantly and timidly, she raised her head. She didnât meet anyoneâs gaze; her eyes remained downcast, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, revealing the tension and unease in her heart.
âThatâs right, itâs you,â Chu Xiao confirmed, nodding in satisfaction.
The middle-aged woman beamed at his words. Unlike the other young ladies, Yiyi had only been sold a few days ago, and her beauty was truly remarkable.
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