Chapter 53: Master Xia, a Real Man!

“Are there any other senior sisters in Licheng?” Xia Daoming replied with a question.

“Cough, cough, Daoming, what are you up to? It’s the middle of the night, and you’re bringing the Divine Rhythm Secret Map to Xiao Qiang for observation—have you taken a fancy to her too?”

“Listen to your master’s advice: all your senior brothers once had feelings for her, and every single one ended up with a bloody nose.”

“Especially Gu Ren—poor kid. He was shattered over Xiao Qiang, and ever since, he’s stopped pursuing decent girls and now frequents brothels.”

“Of course, you’re young, and your strength and talent far surpass those of your senior brothers, but Xiao Qiang’s personality is simply too strong—no amount of youth, power, or talent can subdue her.”

“So listen to your master: don’t risk it. Besides, your Liu Qiaolian is such a good girl—if you’re still not satisfied, just tell me which girl you like, and I’ll arrange a match for you.” Liang Jingtang spoke with deep concern.

“Master, you’re overthinking it—I just want to help my senior sister.” Xia Daoming stared at Liang Jingtang, utterly speechless.

“Subdue her? If I hadn’t run fast enough just now, I’d have been the one pushed down!”

“Really?” Liang Jingtang refused to believe it.

“Master, didn’t I already tell you? I’m fully devoted to martial cultivation, and I’m the most honest person you know. How could I ever have improper thoughts toward my own senior sister—or go out of my way to flatter her with the Divine Rhythm Secret Map?” Xia Daoming’s expression was utterly sincere.

Liang Jingtang stared at Xia Daoming for a long while before saying, “Fine, fine—I can’t meddle in your generation’s affairs. But take my words seriously: even if you fail, don’t let it break you. I have great hopes for you.”

“Forget it, forget it—just hurry up and give me the Divine Rhythm Secret Map.” Xia Daoming was too exasperated to explain further.

“Daoming, I already passed the Divine Rhythm Secret Map to you. Technically, what you do with it is your own business.”

“But Xiao Qiang is already over thirty and hasn’t reached the Fifth Rank. She has virtually no chance of ever reaching the Fifth Rank in this lifetime.”

“Giving her the Divine Rhythm Secret Map would only waste its essence. Better to keep it for your own future use. That’s also why I didn’t give her the Longevity Jade Elixir—it’s not because I favor men over women.”

“Still, I respect your decision. I’ll go get the Divine Rhythm Secret Map for you. The choice is yours.”

Seeing Xia Daoming utterly smitten, Liang Jingtang gave one final warning, then turned and entered the house, retrieving the Divine Rhythm Secret Map from a hidden chamber and handing it to him.

“Thank you, Master—I know what I’m doing.” Xia Daoming took the box, tucked it into his robe, bowed, and hurried off.

“Beauty is a calamity—I wonder if this boy can handle the blow. If he can’t, I’ll have to step in and talk some sense into Xiao Qiang, make her accept Daoming.” Liang Jingtang watched Xia Daoming’s retreating figure, shaking his head in sigh.

The night was deep.

Most guests at Yao Hua Pavilion had already left.

The idle girls gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves.

Their topic, without exception, was Xia Daoming.

Like how he kept five youthful, lovely maids, or how big his… measurements were…

Just as they were deep in gossip, a girl rushed in, frantic.

The girl was none other than Xiao Li, one of Gu Ren’s former lovers.

Today she’d caused many girls to lose money, so she’d been assigned to stand at the gate as hostess.

“H-he—he’s back!”

“Who, Xiao Li? What’s got you so flustered?”

The girls had been enjoying their gossip and were annoyed at being interrupted.

“Xia—Xia Ye—he’s back!”

“What?”

“Heaven! He hasn’t even finished yet!”

“He’s too strong!”

“Enough chatter, Xiao Li—go greet him! Girls, place your bets, place your bets!”

The girls who’d won big earlier immediately cheered and urged the others to wager.

Soon, a cluster of giggling girls gathered in a corner.

“I don’t believe it—I’m betting he won’t last more than fifteen minutes!”

“Me too—fifteen minutes!”

“I bet… one incense stick!”

“Xiao Jia, are you crazy? Do you think Xia Ye is made of iron? One incense stick?”

“Just try your luck! One incense stick!”

“Hehe, I’m betting one and a half incense sticks!”

“Damn, you’re ruthless!”

“...”

As soon as Xia Daoming entered Yao Hua Pavilion, he sensed something was off.

Every girl rushed forward to greet him, overly enthusiastic.

Some even openly took liberties with him!

One girl even leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Xia Ye, go for it!”

How could he not go for it? She’d placed a huge bet.

Xia Daoming quickly fled.

He couldn’t afford tips for all these girls.

He entered the back courtyard, passed through the moon gate, and arrived at Liu Xiao Qiang’s chamber door. He knocked.

Liu Xiao Qiang opened the door immediately and invited him in.

“He’s in! Timing starts now!” A girl hiding behind the moon gate turned and signaled to the others.

Inside the chamber.

“So fast? Master really gave it to you!” Liu Xiao Qiang stared in shock at the box Xia Daoming pulled out.

“Of course—he gave it to me without a word the moment I said it was for you.” Xia Daoming said.

“Do you think I’m stupid? You must’ve… done something for me with Master…” Liu Xiao Qiang’s voice trailed off as she sniffled.

Her nose was getting stuffy.

“Sigh, I told you—I’m the most honest! Why won’t you believe me? Come on, senior sister, seize the moment and study the map. I’ll wait here. The map can’t stay with you—I’ll take it back after you’re done.”

Seeing Liu Xiao Qiang about to cry, Xia Daoming quickly interrupted.

“Alright. It’s late—your Qiaolian must be waiting.” Liu Xiao Qiang said.

She climbed onto the bed, took a deep breath, and slowly calmed her mind.

Xia Daoming sat on a nearby chair.

Outside were nothing but fox spirits.

He preferred facing one, not a whole pack.

“Damn, already one incense stick!”

“Xia Ye isn’t human!”

“Hehe, girls, pay up, pay up!”

“Shut up—he hasn’t come out yet! No paying yet!”

“Pfft, we’ll have to pay eventually.”

An hour later.

Liu Xiao Qiang slowly opened her eyes, pale-faced but glowing with joy.

“How was it?” Xia Daoming asked urgently.

“I think I’ve grasped it!” Liu Xiao Qiang couldn’t hide her delight.

“Good! Then take your time studying it—I’ll be off.” Xia Daoming retrieved the map and said.

“Mm.” Liu Xiao Qiang nodded, then waved him over. “Come here.”

“What?” Xia Daoming tensed.

“Ugh, so clueless!” Liu Xiao Qiang scowled.

She’d planned to kiss him lightly, as thanks.

“Hehe, lust is a blade above the head—senior sister, if you want to become a Fifth Rank Grand Martial Master, you must avoid lust!” Xia Daoming said solemnly.

“Get out!” Liu Xiao Qiang grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.

Xia Daoming bolted out the door.

“Pfft—this brat!” Watching Xia Daoming flee, Liu Xiao Qiang stared blankly for a moment, then burst into laughter.

“He’s out! Xia Ye is out!”

“Damn! Another hour!”

“What a beast!”

“Quiet! He might hear you and come after you!”

“Let him come—I’m not afraid of him!”

“Hehe, dream on!”

Xia Daoming felt cheerful and eager to hurry home.

Liu Xiao Qiang was a good senior sister—kind, beautiful, with a great figure. If she reached Fifth Rank Grand Martial Master, he’d definitely treat Qiaolian to a big card game to celebrate.

The thought made his heart burn.

Just then, a wave of fragrance swept over him.

A group of girls had somehow gathered outside the moon gate, waiting for him.

Seeing him emerge, they all rushed forward.

“Xia Ye, leaving so soon? Stay a little longer!”

“Yes, Xia Ye, it’s still early! I just composed a new dance—won’t you watch it before you go?”

“I just learned a new flute piece—let me play it for you, please?”

「……」

Xia Daoming bent over and fled in panic.

“Master Xia, you’re a real man!”

The girls of Yao Hua Tower watched Xia Daoming’s bent figure recede into the distance, their gazes burning with admiration and regret.