Chapter 7: Sword Dance of the Phoenix
After listening to Xi Men Yu Ying, the general's expression became somewhat awkward, feeling that the so-called pursuit of the phoenix was merely the drool left behind by the Lustful Phoenix.
However, one couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic towards Xi Men Yu Ying, as her soul had been disturbed by the Lustful Phoenix, leading her to become so lewd and lustful.
Yet, she also had her own issues, as there was an element of self-indulgence in her behavior. After all, if she had some principles, even if she were to engage with a few men regularly, no one would say anything. However, she seemed to have a penchant for novelty, taming countless men.
Nevertheless, Lian Yun didn't think too much about it. Perhaps due to Meng Yixuan's influence, Lian Yun felt that her character wasn't bad, and that was enough.
The atmosphere fell into relative silence again. Xiao Jun was cultivating, Yao Yun'er was meditating, Meng Yixuan was gently playing the zither without actually strumming it, the general was eating, while Lian Yun watched Xi Men Yu Ying prepare tea.
Once the water boiled, she first rinsed both the teacups and teapot. Then she filled a cup with hot water to warm it up, poured it out, flipped the cup upside down, and continuously poured hot water over its bottom. Afterward, she turned the cup right side up and filled it with water.
After discarding the boiling water, she placed several crystal-like 'jewels' in the teacup before filling it with hot water again. In the next moment, white steam rose from the cup like a phoenix soaring above the surface of the water, swirling back and forth.
"This tea should be drunk while it's hot! Otherwise, its effects will diminish continuously," Xi Men Yu Ying said with a gentle smile.
The general disregarded everything else and took a big gulp from one cup before continuing to eat. This provoked a playful scolding from the beauty: "Glutton! Such wastefulness."
The general had already sensed its benefits; he closed his mouth tightly but shot an annoyed glare at Xi Men Yu Ying before hurriedly sitting down to meditate.
Lian Yun raised his hand and sent two cups over to Xiao Jun and Yao Yun'er before lifting his own cup to drink. Immediately he felt a surge of energy wanting to escape through his nostrils. He quickly held his breath and focused on his cultivation.
In truth, Lian Yun's sensations were likely the strongest among them. In the past, during his Yin-Yang Stage when refining Spirit energy, he had been surrounded by sinister and malevolent energies. Now, however, he felt something pure and serene that nourished his spirit.
As this energy flowed into his mind, he experienced a sensation akin to parting clouds to reveal a clear sky.
Initially enlightened by Taiwu's revival, Lian Yun had gained some clarity. However, the gloominess he had accumulated while hastily comprehending sword techniques at Xianjian Sect hadn't completely dissipated until now. It seemed that this dark cloud had been blown away by fresh air and vanished completely.
A calm aura continuously approached Xiao Jun. However, due to their differing personalities, the impression they gave off was markedly different. Xiao Jun's indifference had a flavor of keeping others at bay, while Lian Yun's calmness became increasingly approachable.
Nearby, Xi Men Yu Ying suddenly pounced behind Lian Yun, her posture accentuating her figure. Her face nearly pressed against Lian Yun's neck, and her heavy breathing caused goosebumps to rise on Lian Yun's skin.
Meng Yixuan extended a delicate finger and pushed Xi Men Yu Ying's head away with annoyance, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
Xi Men Yu Ying wore a look of unwillingness and grievance, then suddenly threw herself into Meng Yixuan's embrace, rubbing against her insistently. The intensity of her actions might have made an ordinary person uncomfortable.
Meng Yixuan's expression flushed unexpectedly, yet she patted Xi Men Yu Ying's back before lifting her cup to sip tea. She had no particular cultivation level and hadn't practiced much, but she savored the tea nonetheless.
Before long, Lian Yun and the others gradually awakened, their breaths noticeably stronger. However, all four were exceptional talents and quickly concealed this growth. They resumed their activities freely. Meanwhile, Xi Men Yu Ying was busy brewing tea using fine tea leaves while Lian Yun continued to observe.
Soon, the sound of a guqin began to play. The five of them set everything aside to listen intently.
The notes flowed like a song but were intermittent and incomplete. The music resembled a painting with birds and phoenixes yet felt somewhat lacking. Overall, the melody still brought a sense of tranquility and joy.
Suddenly inspired, Lian Yun thought of a sword dance and smiled knowingly. He then stood up, drew his sword, and walked to the lakeside to stand still. Recalling the movements of the sword dance, he mentally rehearsed it several times before beginning.
The others initially thought Lian Yun had suddenly grasped some profound sword technique. However, as soon as he moved, Xiao Jun, Yao Yun'er, and the general were left astonished and amazed.
Meng Yixuan and Xi Men Yu Ying's eyes lit up; after all, a performance that combined singing and dancing was truly perfect. Moreover, solo male dances were rare—especially one performed by someone as extraordinary as Lian Yun.
If it were Xiao Jun, he would never have acted in such a manner; let alone that within Lian Yun's dance steps seemed to carry a hint of feminine grace.
Inspired by this revelation, Meng Yixuan played more smoothly while Xi Men Yu Ying became entranced. She seemed unaware of how much she was contributing; tears sparkled at the corners of her mouth as they flowed continuously.
Lian Yun originally intended his sword dance merely to provide support for Meng Yixuan without thinking too much about anything else. Yet after he began dancing, an inexplicable sense of freedom washed over him—a feeling that both body and mind could move as they wished—allowing him to focus entirely on his swordplay.
Gradually, beams of Spiritual Sword Light emanated from Lian Yun’s body, slowly assembling into a magnificent Sword Phoenix composed of thousands of sword lights as he continued to dance.
Sword Phoenix danced alone by the lake, her movements embodying a softness typically associated with femininity, yet infused with a masculine vigor. It was somewhat unconventional, but there was a unique charm to it that was truly delightful.
On the opposite shore, several Fire Sparrows watched curiously at first, then with confusion. Eventually, Annai flew over, circling above the lake without getting too close. At times, it mimicked Lian Yun's movements, and at other moments, it flapped its wings in a display of bewilderment.
After a long while, the dance came to an end, the music faded, and the birds scattered.
Lian Yun was still lost in thought when the general's hands, which had been cradling Xi Men Yu Ying's chin, now held a handful of glistening water. She withdrew her hands and lightly sniffed them before clicking her tongue in disapproval. With a dismissive flick of her wrists, she wiped her hands on Xi Men Yu Ying.
At first, Xi Men Yu Ying was taken aback but quickly reacted. Her delicate features flushed with indignation as she shot the general an exasperated glance and gritted her teeth, saying, "You glutton! You really dare to eat anything!"
Lian Yun snapped back to reality and looked at Meng Yixuan with a calm smile. "Sister, did you gain any insights?"
"Yes! The piece is complete; it just needs some minor adjustments. However, I haven't grasped the essence of it yet."
Lian Yun nodded; indeed, this outsider couldn't be of much help.
Meanwhile, Xi Men Yu Ying hurriedly interjected, "What about clothes? A sword? If Young Master Yun wore a splendid ancient outfit and wielded a magnificent sword, it would surely elevate the sword dance to another level."
(End of Chapter)
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