At that ti, spring passed, and sumr arrived. The heat felt oppressive, and the scorching sun stead the flower boat like a water stear. The two won felt even more stifled, beads of sweat dripping from their hair. Bian Qiaoqiao wore long animal-hide boots, naturally bold and spirited, looking beautiful without losing convenience. At this mont, she was in great difficulty, the heat unbearable for her feet. She glanced at Nangong Liuli and envied her for losing one embroidered shoe, the bare foot exposed, at least giving so coolness. Ashad to speak of this situation, she could only endure it.
That day at noon, Li Xian carried food, walking through the winding narrow paths. He pondered the recent situation. He sympathized with the two won’s plight, and through conversation found that Bian Qiaoqiao was naturally pampered, while Nangong Liuli was graceful and dignified—neither were wicked people. If conditions allowed, he was willing to lend a helping hand.
Yet he felt the situation was more complicated, and his own safety was uncertain.
The boat did not dock, the waters were vast, and no land was in sight. It seed to have reached a lake, yet the surface was like an ocean, waves crashing several feet high. By night, the green moon hung in the sky, and the waters glead with silvery light.
The fruits and vegetables, and ats in the cabin were all consud. Not docking for purchases, they caught fish locally for food.
The captured river fish had sharp teeth, fierce in nature, biting whoever approached. Even with the Jade Water Pearl, Li Xian found it difficult to dive and escape the river. No need for the flower boat people to hunt him, the vicious fish biting posed significant danger.
In the morning, white fog enveloped, locking the vast lake. At tis, green vegetation was visible, sprouting from the water.
Li Xian guessed they had reached a hidden waterway. Further escape seed extrely difficult. It so happened that he probed the chanisms, gaining so insight. He hesitated, pondering.
Bian Qiaoqiao and Nangong Liuli groaned twice, shaking their bodies. Though they despised Li Xian’s actions, cursing him "thief rascal," "bastard thief," "lewd thief"...since being captured, they could do nothing. Li Xian’s amusing words, every ti he ca to feed them, brought a little relief.
Li Xian skillfully unlocked the chains, opened the prison gate, and placed the food on the table, helping the two won loosen their tongues. Bian Qiaoqiao and Nangong Liuli spat out the walnut. They were genuinely infuriated by it, wishing they could crush and grind it into powder.
Bian Qiaoqiao twisted her ankle, her sock already soaked, extrely hot. Her cheeks were flushed, her clothes stead with sweat. She said, "Little flower thief, why are you so late today?"
Li Xian said, "How strange, how could you know I’m late today? There’s no hourglass here." Bian Qiaoqiao said, "I guessed, what’s wrong with that?"
Nangong Liuli murmured, "My sister and I are captured by you all, unable to escape, always hanging out like this, truly exhausted. Could you report to them on behalf of us, asking them to slightly loosen these ropes?"
Li Xian said, "That’s feasible. But whether it works or not depends entirely on Elder Ye’s decision."
Nangong Liuli said, "Then thank you." With bitterness, willing to speak softly for the slightest relief.
Li Xian opened the food box containing fish soup, steaming hot. Bian Qiaoqiao frowned and said, "Is it fish again? I’ve eaten fish for several days now." Li Xian said, "There’s a shortage of supplies on the boat, having fish to eat is already good enough."
Nangong Liuli gazed as she learned about the shortage, imdiately guessing the boat had traveled a long ti without docking, thus supplies couldn’t be replenished, needing river fish for food. The family might be hard to assist, waves vast..pletely obscuring her whereabouts. No more "Nangong Liuli" in the world.
Li Xian said, "Alright, let’s have the als." He picked up fish at and handed it over. Bian Qiaoqiao humd around the chopsticks, tasting the fish. The texture was sowhat fishy, but the cooking was decent, seasoning appropriately, actually not bad.
This river fish had many scattered bones. A slight carelessness would choke the throat. Li Xian, considerate, removed the scattered bones before feeding the fish at. Bian Qiaoqiao saw his detailed care, feeling conflicted, enjoyed this thoughtful treatnt but it was this thief who captured her.
She said, "Hey, where exactly are you taking us?"
Li Xian said, "I’m just a small grunt, how could I know such things?"
Bian Qiaoqiao said, "Helping tyrants is disgraceful, wicked thief." Yet not letting the fish at fall.
Li Xian paused in removing the fish bones, suddenly thinking about sketching chanisms, exploring secrets within the flower boat, already seeing so results. Saving the two won’s escape might be tough. But if escaping alone, might have so chance.
However, the risk is huge. He’s now a registered disciple of the Flower Cage Sect, life not in danger. Desire to escape from here all because he refuses to be corrupt. If escaping, it must be "perfect." Otherwise, better not escape.
To take this risk to escape really isn’t perfect.
Thus he hesitated.
But this chance to risk might not be unwanted by Nangong Liuli, Bian Qiaoqiao. They’re trapped in Flower Cage, likely willing to bet their lives!
Li Xian’s gaze flickered, secretly observing the two won. Bian Qiaoqiao didn’t notice, Nangong Liuli sharply caught it, frowning but didn’t say more.
Li Xian finished feeding Bian Qiaoqiao. Then removing fish bones, preparing Nangong Liuli’s food. Casual conversation, "Speaking of which, lately it’s sumr here, no windows, no breeze, isn’t it stifling."
Bian Qiaoqiao said, "Do you need to say it. What can we do?" Muttering, "My boots could pour out water. Could heat to death."
Li Xian removed fish bones. Feeding Nangong Liuli food, seizing when they were unprepared. Li Xian gently stroked, captured a strand of Nangong Liuli’s hair.
"Bian Qiaoqiao is simple-minded, unsuitable for collaboration. This Nangong Liuli has sharp words, quite classy."
Inner Qi covertly transferred, exerting "Jade Palm" Palm Force. Qi like silk, making the hair strand stand. His fingers pinched lightly, executing "Setting Sun Bloodsword"...using hair as a thin Soft Sword.
Toward the exposed foot sole, gently stroked. Nangong Liuli’s foot sole trembled, hair brushed over, mixed with slight heat. The sensation was apparent, scratching into her heart.
Nangong Liuli was furious, glaring at Li Xian. Wanting to speak up and condemn. Li Xian, with "hair as sword," secretly wrote "Don’t speak" on her foot sole.
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