Wen Caishang showed a hint of interest and said, "A woman?" Xiaotuan replied, "That woman announced herself as Gu Nianjun and said she’s looking for you."
Li Xian was intrigued upon hearing this: "Gu Nianjun? What is this woman doing here? Madam Wen is by no ans a simple figure to deal with casually. If Fu Haoran were here, it would be easier."
Wen Caishang frowned and thought to herself, "Gu Nianjun? If I’m not mistaken, she should be that little girl from the Gu Family. She’s not well-known in the Qiong Heavenly Mansion but has quite a reputation in the Gu Family. I have no connection with her, so why see her?"
Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind. She glanced at Li Xian, sensing it might be related to him, and quietly wondered, "I’m quite curious, eting won’t hurt." Thus, she instructed Xiaotuan to escort Gu Nianjun into the mansion, and waited calmly in the inner hall.
The two as usual ate and drank, practiced swords whenever interested, and embraced joyfully. It wasn’t until sunset that Wen Caishang went to the inner hall to et Gu Nianjun.
Gu Nianjun wore a snow-white fox fur, her pretty face bright with a rosy hue, eyebrows and eyes as if painted, her appearance delicate and beautiful. She imdiately stood up, bowed, and called, "Madam Wang!"
Wen Caishang nodded slightly, smiling, "Please sit." Gu Nianjun said, "Thank you, Madam."
Wen Caishang got straight to the point, "There’s rarely any interaction between us, Miss Gu. What brings you here today?"
Gu Nianjun understood that Wen Caishang referred to herself as ’Madam Wang’ to conceal her identity, possibly with so ulterior motive, but it was none of her business, so she said, "Madam Wang, Nianjun... Nianjun has a matter to ask Madam about. I apologize if this visit is in any way offensive."
Wen Caishang crossed her legs, her posture gracefully revealing charm in every move, and said, "Oh? What is it? Speak freely; for the sake of the Gu Family’s honor, if I can answer, I will." Her voice was gentle, yet carried a hint of contempt, thinking to herself that if it weren’t for the Gu Family, she wouldn’t have gotten to see her.
Gu Nianjun noticed her relaxed brows, with a rosy glow on her face, appearing more radiant and charming, unlike during the Ling Fox Banquet, and she wondered what she used to maintain such a complexion. Although she sensed the underlying disdain in the words, she wasn’t angered and asked cautiously, "Nianjun wants to inquire, about the other day... Young Master Zhou, after receiving the Dew of Dawn and returning with Madam, where did he... go after that?"
Wen Caishang’s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam, jealousy already rising, her brows furrowed. Gu Nianjun instantly felt as if pierced by a sword, like falling into an icy cave. Wen Caishang softly asked, "Oh? Nianjun, are you by any chance... quite familiar with Young Master Zhou?"
Gu Nianjun replied, "Familiar..." She was at a loss, not knowing how to respond, thinking, "I wish I were familiar with him, but I don’t know how he views . What if he just sees as a stranger with no connection?" She felt a pang of sadness.
Gu Nianjun then said, "You could say we are familiar." Wen Caishang laughed softly, "Familiar is familiar; the words ’you could say’ are quite unnecessary. Xiaotuan, Miss Gu has been waiting a while, and there’s no hot tea on the table. In this cold weather, we can’t afford to neglect Miss Gu, that’s quite inappropriate. Hurry and prepare so tea to serve."
Xiaotuan imdiately brewed tea and brought it over. Gu Nianjun took a small sip from a full cup, feeling warm and comforted, and said, "Thank you, Madam."
Wen Caishang gracefully said, "That young hero indeed is an extraordinary person. Since you ask about his whereabouts, there must be so involvent. Please share the details."
Gu Nianjun recounted the events of the fox hunt one by one. She was proud by nature yet very reasonable. She spoke honestly without a hint of deception, and didn’t embellish the story. In her account, Li Xian was extrely courteous, maintaining a distance throughout. Although they had interactions, there was no affair of love. Even if there was anything, it was only Gu Nianjun’s admiration and infatuation upon suddenly seeing such a talent.
However, Wen Caishang’s jealousy was imnsely strong. Upon hearing that Li Xian taught her archery and they were closely associated during the Snow Mountain fox hunt, she naturally felt resentnt. She didn’t show it and remained with a gentle smile.
Wen Caishang said, "I see, I understand now. So, Miss Gu’s visit is to find his whereabouts? You think he’s still in my pavilion?"
Gu Nianjun thought, "This Wen Caishang isn’t very famous, but she is extrely dangerous and shouldn’t be underestimated. Her possessions are not easily obtained. I want to find his whereabouts, yet also worry he may have suffered under her hand." She smiled, "It’s not exactly looking for his whereabouts, rather the Five Swords eting is imminent. The Five Great Sword Sects are convening and will gather young talents and scattered guests of the Jianghu at Jieyou Tower. It’s a rare event. Rembering our acquaintanceship, I thought to see him again."
Wen Caishang was taken aback. She has always been sharp, but recently negligent, unaware of the changes in the city. She thought, "The Five Swords forming an alliance has nothing to do with ." So she didn’t care and said, "I see, that’s indeed a rare event. But unfortunately... that young hero, why would he be here?"
"He... after obtaining the Human Yellow Essence Treasure, Dew of Dawn, he left."
Gu Nianjun felt greatly disappointed and asked, "Does Madam know where he went?"
Wen Caishang smiled aningfully, "Do you care about him that much?" Gu Nianjun realized her gaffe and said, "Just a friend’s concern."
Wen Caishang thought, "You little scher, your thoughts may deceive yourself, but not . Li Xian, oh Li Xian... you’re really not honest, and you’ve just entered the city for a while, already getting involved with the Gu Family’s lady. Mr. Li may be at fault, but your unsolicited affection is even worse. Since you’ve co willingly, bla your unfortunate fate."
She still smiled and said, "That young hero is really fortunate to have a friend like you. If I rember correctly, he has headed north."
Gu Nianjun said, "Ah! Very well, thank you, Madam." She turned and left. Wen Caishang watched her leave, nodded in farewell, then coldly snorted, flicked her sleeve, and imdiately went towards Li Xian.
Xiaotuan wanted to follow, but within three steps, lost sight of her. Wen Caishang stealthily, and coldly stood beside Li Xian.
Li Xian sensed sothing amiss and asked, "Madam, what’s the matter?" Wen Caishang said, "Good Mr. Li... the more I think about it, the sooner you should gouge your eyes out!"
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