Lao Xie leaned back, chopsticks pausing mid-air. His heartbeat slowed as the melody pulled him into an indescribable trance.
Cling~
A familiar panel slowly manifested before his eyes, It's text shimmering brightly.
[Enlightenment State]
You have entered an Enlightenment State while listening to Ling Ruxin's guqin performance. For a limited time, your Qi absorption rate will be doubled.
Lao Xie's golden eyes flickered as he read the notification.
"Now, This is unexpected." he murmured.
The melody unfolded like a flowing river, soft while carrying an undercurrent of power. Each note resonated with a lingering charm, as if weaving an illusion.
Lao Xie closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting the sound wash over him. He could faintly sense a rhythm beyond the music itself, an intricate layering of qi that stirred something within him.
"This isn't just an ordinary performance…" he mused inwardly.
The guqin's strings trembled, and the song shifted into a more melancholic tone, carrying a sorrowful beauty that tugged at the heart.
Lao Xie's golden eyes flickered open.
From his side, Lao Xie had a clear view of the elevated stage below. Ling Ruxin sat poised before her guqin, her flowing white robes cascading like ripples over still water. A soft veil concealed the lower half of her face, adding an air of mystery, but her serene expression and the fluid grace of her fingers spoke of deep immersion in the music.
Behind her, the pond shimmered under the lantern lights, reflecting the gentle sway of willow branches. The entire scene, framed by the soft glow of night, was nothing short of breathtaking. Just like a painting, coming to life.
Despite the distance, Lao Xie could feel the admiration radiating from the audiences below. Their gazes were transfixed, breaths unconsciously held, as if afraid to disrupt the moment.
Among them, Young Master Li sat stiffly, his eyes locked onto Ling Ruxin, completely captivated.
Lao Xie chuckled under his breath. "I suppose I can see why he was so desperate."
He took another bite of his meal, savoring the rich flavors while allowing the performance to unfold.
As the final note faded into silence, a lingering sense of tranquility remained in the air. The audience below seemed almost reluctant to breathe, as if afraid to shatter the beauty of the moment. Then, a wave of applause erupted, filling the restaurant with admiration and excitement.
From his private room, Lao Xie swirled the tea in his cup, his golden eyes flickering with amusement as he observed the scene below.
"Not bad." He smirked. "No wonder Young Master Li was so desperate."
Downstairs, Young Master Li stood up immediately, straightening his robe before making his way toward the stage with a confident stride. His followers exchanged knowing smirks, stepping aside to let him pass.
Junior Sister Ruxin, your performance was as breathtaking as ever," Young Master Li said, his voice warm and affectionate. "Every note was imbued with elegance, moving the hearts of all who listened."
Ling Ruxin, still seated before her guqin, slowly lifted her gaze to him. Her veil concealed most of her expression, but her calm eyes held a distant politeness.
"You flatter me, Senior Brother Li," she responded evenly, offering a brief nod. "I merely played as I always do."
Young Master Li chuckled. "Always so modest. But your talent is undeniable." His gaze softened as he took a step closer. "It has been some time since we last spoke. I have recently acquired a rare spiritual jade pendant, said to enhance one's cultivation focus. I thought it would suit you well."
With a practiced motion, he retrieved a finely crafted jade pendant from his sleeve, its surface glistening under the lantern lights. A few disciples in the crowd whispered excitedly, this was clearly an expensive and well-thought-out gift.
Lao Xie, watching from above, chuckled under his breath. "Oh? Trying to impress her with gifts now?" He rested his cheek against his palm, enjoying the show.
Ling Ruxin, however, remained composed. She glanced at the pendant for a brief moment before shaking her head slightly.
"I appreciate the kind thought, Senior Brother Li, but I cannot accept such a valuable item."
Young Master Li's smile faltered slightly before he quickly recovered. "There's no need to refuse. It is merely a token of appreciation for your performance."
Ling Ruxin remained firm. "I do not perform for rewards, Senior Brother."
For the first time, a flicker of frustration crossed Young Master Li's face. The rejection, delivered so gracefully, still left no room for further insistence.
Lao Xie exhaled a soft laugh. "She turned him down just like that? How amusing." He tapped his fingers against the table, considering whether to make a move or simply enjoy Young Master Li's embarrassment a little longer.
Lao Xie swirled the last sip of tea in his cup, his golden eyes glinting with amusement as he watched Young Master Li struggle to maintain his composure after being rejected.
"How pitiful." He chuckled softly. "And here I thought he'd at least put up a better performance."
For a brief moment, Lao Xie considered stepping in, perhaps throwing a few words that could further humiliate Young Master Li, or even redirecting Ling Ruxin's attention toward himself. However, after a moment of thought, he smirked and leaned back.
"No need."
There was no rush. Everything would fall into place sooner or later.
With that decision made, he calmly finished his meal, savoring the last few bites before placing his chopsticks down. His movements were unhurried, completely detached from the drama unfolding below.
Once done, he stood up, adjusted his robe, and made his way toward the stairs leading to the ground floor.
At the same time, Ling Ruxin had just turned away from Young Master Li, taking a few steps off the stage. Despite her usual calm demeanor, something in her gaze flickered, perhaps a hint of annoyance. But just as she was about to leave, a subtle movement caught her eye.
Her gaze naturally followed, landing on a figure descending from the second floor.
White robes. Long, silky white hair. Light golden eyes.
For a moment, Ling Ruxin froze.
Lao Xie walked with an unhurried grace, weaving through the lingering crowd as he approached the counter. He paid no attention to the eyes on him, his expression calm, as if everything around him was of little consequence.
The clerk at the front desk immediately straightened upon seeing him approach, offering a respectful nod. "Sir, did you enjoy your meal?"
Lao Xie retrieved a few silver coins from his storage ring and placed them onto the counter. "It was satisfactory."
The clerk swiftly counted the coins before bowing slightly. " 10 Silver Coins confirmed, Thank you for dining with us. Please visit again."
Lao Xie merely gave a small, unreadable smile, then turned and vanished into the night, as if the entire night had waited for his exit.