บท 26: Uniquely Attracted to Her Scent
As the lights began to shine, and the moonlight illuminated the scene, the area in front of the Yingjiang Tower was bustling with activity, reflecting the prosperity of the city. The guests passing by were all dressed in luxurious clothing, a testament to the wealth of this place.
Xianyue linked arms with Lan Rixuan, followed by Bai Zhanfeng, Lei Yun, and Lei An, attracting many gazes along the way.
Upon arriving at Yingjiang Tower, she tilted her head and, before she could take in the grandeur of the four-story building, a smiling attendant approached them at the entrance, "Is this the esteemed Young Master Lan?"
Amidst the crowd, Lan Rixuan stood out remarkably, possessing an elegance that surpassed even that of noble lords. One couldn't help but wonder which noble family he hailed from.
The attendant's gaze flicked over to Xianyue, who was holding Lan Rixuan's arm. He opened his mouth, hesitating to find the right way to address her. Then, noticing Bai Zhanfeng behind them, he was taken aback; how could such a person be someone else's attendant?
After a moment's thought, he chastised himself for being nosy and stepped forward, bowing slightly, "The prince has been waiting inside for you, Young Master."
Lan Rixuan nodded. Just as they reached the door, a group of young, handsome gentlemen, along with a few beautiful young women, emerged from within.
"Young Master Lan, what a pleasure!"
The man's fair complexion was truly striking, reminiscent of fresh snow covering the world after a winter's night. His lips were not the pale pink of cherry blossoms nor the soft hue of peach blossoms, but a brilliant red like camellias. The stark contrast of red and white drew everyone's attention. While Bai Zhanfeng had sharp, chiseled features, this young man appeared soft and enchanting, almost like the gentle spring breeze.
In the royal court, the emperor of the Yan Kingdom favored the beautiful Li Concubine. After the previous empress, the Xuan Yuan clan, passed away, it was intended that she would take her place. However, fearing the Xuan Yuan family, this plan was abandoned, leading to an even deeper affection for the third prince. Had it not been for the crown prince's military power, he might have already been deposed.
Such a flower-like person should belong to the royal family, embroiled in political machinations. The beauty was too exquisite and delicate for such a filthy environment.
As they approached the Yanyu Tower, the elegantly dressed beauties thought they were being discreet as they pushed the men aside, positioning themselves behind Lan Rixuan and fixating their gazes on him. However, some of their attention shifted to Bai Zhanfeng, who had stood next to Lan Rixuan.
The air was thick with the fragrance of women, seductive and filled with yearning, hinting at unspoken desires.
A woman's intuition is often the most acute. Suddenly, those tender, enchanting gazes turned sharp, focusing on Xianyue, who was surrounded by two such exceptional men.
Her looks were average, her attire plain, and the only hairpin she wore was obviously a trinket from a street stall, exuding an air of poverty. In their minds, she didn't deserve to stand alongside two men of such caliber. Yet, they couldn't help but wonder how the three of them together created a perfect picture, without any trace of awkwardness.
"Who is this lady?"
Yanyu Tower noticed Xianyue's presence, particularly her casual embrace of Lan Rixuan's arm. They wondered, for the five prominent young masters were not fond of women, especially Lan Rixuan, who had been in the martial world for only a few years. Many a maiden had lost her heart to him, and to be by his side, they would gladly serve as maids. However, he had turned down countless noble ladies, making it surprising to see a woman so intimately holding his arm.
Although curious, there was also a hint of annoyance. How could a mere vagabond from the martial world be mentioned alongside heirs of the Xuan Yuan and Feng kingdoms? They wondered why someone as talented and good-looking as them would fail to compare with him.
Born into royalty and so favored, surrounded by sycophants, it was inevitable he would feel superior, believing no one could rival him.
"My woman!"
Before Lan Rixuan could reply, Bai Zhanfeng, standing to Xianyue's right, suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her firmly to him.
Yet, Lan Rixuan seemed to have anticipated this. He swiftly placed a hand on Xianyue's shoulder, smiling at Bai Zhanfeng, "Brother Bai, a forcibly twisted melon isn't sweet. As the saying goes, sincerity can move mountains. If you're so determined, you should take your time to prove it with actions."
Bai Zhanfeng considered Lan Rixuan's words for a moment and found them reasonable.
Last time in Yanshan, she had been hurt by his iron sand palm, but afterward, she was perfectly fine. Her skills were evident. If she were unwilling to become his woman, it would surely lead to headaches later, which didn't align with his usual style. It was better to take Lan Rixuan's advice, allowing time to pass; after all, what he had his eyes on wouldn't escape him.
"Can you let go now?"
Xianyue glared at Lan Rixuan's hand on her shoulder, shaking off Bai Zhanfeng's arm as she stepped forward, stretching her limbs nonchalantly.
If sincerity could indeed move mountains, why hadn't he accepted the pursuit of the woman who had chased him for three years, Xiao Yu? Why did he frown when others mentioned her? Some things cannot be obtained just because one has invested effort, especially emotions. Bai Zhanfeng truly was easy to manipulate.
"Who is this?"
Yanyu Tower looked at Lan Rixuan, pointing at Bai Zhanfeng.
"Bai Zhanfeng."
Bai Zhanfeng looked down at Yanyu Tower with an almost condescending attitude, his tone far from pleasant. "A big man who looks like a woman and even carries a scent of powder," he thought.
"Ah, so you are the esteemed Young Master Bai from the State of Chu," Yanyu Tower's attitude immediately became enthusiastic. Unlike the martial enthusiasts or heroes of the rivers and lakes, someone like him, who was born into royalty, was keen on befriending powerful families from other nations.
The grandson of the Bai family in Chu, known for his obsession with martial arts, was Bai Zhanfeng. His woman? Wasn't he the son-in-law of the former leader of the martial arts alliance? Everyone couldn't help but turn their gazes toward Xianyue. Could it be that she had defeated Bai Zhanfeng? How could that be possible? But if not, how could a man so devoted to martial arts call her his woman?
"Ah, aren't you going to ask me? I haven't introduced myself yet," Xianyue jumped in front of the confused nobles of the Yan Kingdom, her eyes sparkling like agate, clean and transparent, shining like a glass bead in the night, colorful and vibrant, piercing through the gazes of those around her and into their hearts.
Yanyu Tower was startled by the sudden appearance of the woman, stepping back instinctively. He was about to scold her when he caught sight of her deep black attire, and his gloomy expression instantly transformed into a smile. "I haven't had the pleasure of learning your name yet, miss."
Xianyue looked at Yanyu Tower and laughed heartily, "My name is Xianyue."
"It was Xianyue who put in a lot of effort to capture the notorious Flower Thieves," Lan Rixuan smiled slightly, addressing Yanyu Tower.
However, Xianyue felt a cold breeze seep into her collar, yet it was summer, so a little chill didn't matter.
"Master Lan told me that a great chef has recently come to Yingjiang Tower, skilled in the cuisine of various countries, even serving the long-frozen 'Snow Lip'—a cup of intoxication! Hearing about delicious food and drink, I naturally came," she declared.
Everyone secretly derided her, but seeing her candid demeanor, carefree and unrestrained, they couldn't help but feel envious.
"Your Highness the Third Prince, I've mentioned some delicacies, haven't I?" Xianyue tilted her head back, her jet-black pupils sparkling in the light.
"Of course," Yanyu Tower suddenly bowed, giving a courteous nod to Xianyue. The onlookers were puzzled, and Yanyu Tower's heart raced as he noticed Xianyue's cheerful and proud demeanor. This woman possessed a presence unlike any ordinary girl.
"Oh, I'm just a nameless wanderer from the martial world. How can I accept a bow from a prince of the Yan Kingdom?"
Despite her words, she showed no intention of returning the gesture.
"Stop dawdling; are we eating or not?" Bai Zhanfeng huffed, striding ahead.
Xianyue glanced back at Yanyu Tower, pointing at Bai Zhanfeng, and laughed, "Bai Zhanfeng, this is the first time you've said something agreeable!"
Bai Zhanfeng turned around and shot her a fierce glare, but she laughed so heartily that she completely ignored his gaze.
"My woman, I allow it," she heard him say.
Xianyue turned her head to look at Lan Rixuan, her expression calm and dignified, her lips curving into a smile, as she fixed her gaze on him.
"Achoo!"
Passing by a group of flirtatious ladies, Xianyue suddenly sneezed loudly, causing everyone around to step back in disgust, avoiding her.
She rubbed her nose, frowning, and turned to stare at the meticulously adorned beauties with a clean and clear gaze, her expression utterly innocent and sincere. "Heavens!"
She approached the beauties, her light garments fluttering as she waved away the scent of powder lingering in her nostrils. "How much powder have you all applied? You're suffocating me!"
After her words, several more sneezes followed, turning the ladies' faces from white to ashen. Xianyue's expression grew more innocent as her black, crystal-like eyes blinked, lips pressed together in a confused manner. "Is the rouge and powder in the Yan Kingdom free?"
Then, that puzzled expression gradually crystallized in the air like mist: "Do you know why Young Master Lan doesn't want you around and keeps me by his side?"
Her beautiful eyes fell upon the group behind her, and the women shook their heads in response to Xianyue's question.
"Because he is allergic to this scent of powder."
There's no such thing as a free dinner, especially one so lavish. She had long known that the hypocrite wouldn't be genuinely kind; it turned out he was using her as a shield.
"Everything I say is at Master Lan's request," Xianyue declared, raising her chin as she looked at Lan Rixuan. "Today, I've come not just for food and drink, but to follow Master Lan's orders and send away all those women throwing themselves at him."
The ladies glanced at Xianyue and then simultaneously fixed their gazes on Lan Rixuan, their faces full of bitterness, on the verge of tears. In their hearts, they blamed her a thousand times and hated her a million times, but faced with such an elegant and noble man, they still couldn't bring themselves to utter a harsh word.
"I really am allergic to the scent of powder," Lan Rixuan suddenly stepped forward, wrapping his arm around Xianyue's shoulder, looking apologetic as he addressed the sorrowful women. "I uniquely like her scent."
At his words, Xianyue lifted her chin, her face flushed, just as she met Lan Rixuan's smiling face, which looked even prouder than her own.
How could she forget? This renowned Young Master Lan, who appeared gentle and refined, noble and elegant, was actually cunning and dark-hearted, with skin as thick as iron, impervious to harm. One misstep and she was at a disadvantage.
After all, there would be plenty of opportunities tonight; she was determined to win back her pride.
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