45: Chapter 45 Old Wine Has a Strong Effect

A series of footsteps landed softly on the bluestone slab outside the courtyard gate.

Though the sound was light, to the ears of a Golden Core Cultivator, it was as clear as a drumbeat striking her heart.

"He has come."

Master Luoli stood up abruptly, her purple-orchid skirt rippling out like flowing clouds.

With a movement of her feet, she instantly flashed to the courtyard entrance.

The spiritual mist swirling around her seemed to possess intelligence; it automatically parted to both sides, as if respectfully welcoming its master.

Outside the courtyard gate, just as Chu Feng raised his hand to knock on the door knocker, the door opened on its own from within.

Master Luoli stood inside the doorway, her usual graceful demeanor now imbued with a touch of unprecedented charm and allure.

Her eyes curved into crescents, and she spoke with a hint of a smile: "True Disciple Chu, I have been waiting for you for a long time."

As she spoke, she turned aside to clear the path, and with a light wave of her sleeve, a faint, lingering fragrance drifted over.

"Please."

Chu Feng stepped into the courtyard, and Master Luoli closed the gate behind her, leading him toward the main hall.

The two walked one after the other, Chu Feng's gaze falling upon her back.

That purple-orchid long dress was tailored perfectly, cinching her waist extremely thin, yet suddenly outlining voluptuous curves below, exceptionally moving.

The main hall was hung with crystal lamps, illuminating the surroundings as brightly as day.

Yet Master Luoli did not linger in the hall; she led Chu Feng straight through a side door toward the bedroom in the backyard.

She walked neither fast nor slow, her waist swaying gently, every step treading with some indescribable rhythm.

The furnishings in the bedroom were elegant and unique.

A large, carved rosewood bed hung with pink gauze curtains, covered with a light purple brocade mattress embroidered with dense, intertwined lotus patterns.

By the window stood a long table, on which were placed a white jade wine pot and two luminous cups.

In the corner, the incense burner emitted curling wisps of smoke, spreading the scent of calming, peace-of-mind incense.

Chu Feng's gaze swept around the room, finally falling back onto Master Luoli.

Under the lamplight, her purple-orchid dress shimmered with a soft luster, and a half-bloomed orchid embroidered at the collar rested perfectly upon the rising and falling curves of her chest.

His Adam's apple moved involuntarily, and he hurriedly averted his gaze.

Master Luoli took in his subtle movement, and the smile at the corners of her lips deepened slightly.

She spoke in a soft voice, her tone carrying a hint of languor: "True Disciple Chu, are you here at this hour because you wish to taste that spirit wine from last time again?"

Chu Feng steadied himself and replied: "Indeed. I only had a hurried taste at the banquet last time and couldn't savor the full experience, so it has been on my mind ever since."

"That is good."

Master Luoli walked to the long table and picked up the white jade wine pot to pour wine into the cups.

The amber liquid slid into the cup, and a rich aroma of wine instantly filled the air—it was even mellower than the one at the last banquet, and faintly carried an indescribable sweetness.

She handed a cup to Chu Feng and picked up the other for herself, but she didn't drink, merely holding it in her hand and swirling it gently.

"True Disciple Chu," Master Luoli's eyes shifted, her gaze falling upon him, "how long have you been wearing this robe?"

Chu Feng was stunned and looked down at his plain cyan robe: "I just changed into it today."

"Oh?"

Master Luoli chuckled softly, "I have been wearing this purple-orchid dress for two full days."

She walked over slowly and stopped about a foot in front of Chu Feng, slightly lifting her face, her eyes glistening with moisture.

"Ever since returning from the last wine tasting banquet, I have been wearing it, just waiting for today, so that True Disciple Chu could personally help me change out of it."

Chu Feng's Adam's apple rolled heavily.

He looked at her; the purple-orchid long dress bound her waist slenderly, yet below it suddenly revealed breathtaking, voluptuous curves. The hem of the dress dragged on the floor, covering her ankles, but that gentle beauty could not be hidden in the slightest.

After three breaths of silence, Chu Feng stepped forward.

Master Luoli looked up, the moisture in her eyes growing even more intense, and the corners of her eyes were tinged with a faint crimson, as if she were drunk.

"True Disciple Chu." She called out softly, raising her hand to caress Chu Feng's cheek.

Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet when they touched his skin, they radiated a scorching temperature.

Chu Feng reached out and grasped her wrist, his palm clearly feeling the subtle pulse.

That was the rhythm of a Golden Core Cultivator circulating spiritual power; even when intentionally restrained, it still exuded a majestic aura.

"Luo Li..." His voice was somewhat hoarse.

"Shh." Master Luoli extended a fingertip to press against his lips, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

He lowered his waist slightly...

...

The next morning.

When Chu Feng woke up, there was already no one by his side.

He sat up, the brocade mattress sliding off his body, revealing his sturdy upper torso.

The bedroom was quiet, with only the crisp chirping of birds coming from outside the window.

Beside the white jade wine pot lay a brand-new set of robes, folded neatly.

Chu Feng got up and changed into them; the plain cyan material was soft and smooth, feeling slightly cool against his skin. One look told him it was woven from high-quality spirit silkworm silk, and the size was perfectly accurate, as if it had been custom-made for him.

After dressing neatly, he pushed open the door and walked out.

The spiritual mist in the courtyard had dissipated, and the sunlight spilled onto the bluestone slabs, shimmering with a golden luster.

Master Luoli was sitting on a stone bench under the veranda, holding a teapot and pouring tea.

She had changed into a dark purple long dress, with intertwined orchid patterns embroidered on the hem. The collar was fastened tightly, revealing only a section of her fair, slender neck.

Her long hair was tied into an exquisite cloud bun, adorned with a purple jade hair ornament, and her usual graceful demeanor had returned.

Hearing footsteps, Master Luoli looked up, and their eyes met.

The corners of her lips lifted slightly, and her eyes were filled with a charming smile: "True Disciple Chu is awake? I have prepared morning tea; would you like to have a cup?"

"Sure." Chu Feng sat down opposite her.

Master Luoli handed him a cup of hot tea, her gaze sweeping over his face, and her smile deepened: "True Disciple Chu, were you satisfied with the taste of that spirit wine last night?"

Chu Feng smiled and changed the subject: "Excellent. By the way, Luo Li, when does that once-in-a-decade grand auction you mentioned before begin?"

"Early October."

Master Luoli's smile became even more coquettish. She stood up, walked to Chu Feng's side, and leaned over to whisper in his ear. Her warm breath brushed against his earlobe, carrying a faint fragrance: "With those words from True Disciple Chu, I can rest assured."

The two chatted for a few more moments, and then Chu Feng rose to take his leave.

Master Luoli saw him to the courtyard gate, and just before they parted, she suddenly spoke to call him back: "True Disciple Chu."

Chu Feng turned back and saw Master Luoli take a step forward, tiptoeing to plant a light kiss on his cheek.

Her lips were soft and slightly cool; it was a fleeting touch.

"Come again when you have time." She said softly.

Chu Feng nodded slightly and turned to leave.

After walking a few steps, he couldn't help but look back. Master Luoli was still standing in front of the courtyard gate, her dark purple long dress shimmering with a soft luster in the morning light.

Seeing him look back, she smiled faintly and waved her hand.

Chu Feng also smiled, then truly turned around and returned to his own courtyard.

In the courtyard, Cheng Sanniang and the others were already awake and practicing swordplay.

Seeing Chu Feng return, they immediately sheathed their swords and came to greet him.

"Husband, you have returned."

Cheng Sanniang smiled and curtsied, her gaze sweeping over his face and then falling on the brand-new robes on his body. A hint of knowing amusement flashed in her eyes, but she did not point it out.

Lin Youchu rushed over directly, grabbing his arm, and asked with a pout: "Husband, where did you go last night? We waited for you for such a long time but didn't see you."

Chu Feng ruffled her hair and said naturally: "I went to Master Luoli's place next door to taste some wine."

"Does wine tasting take an entire night?" Lin Youchu asked relentlessly, her little mouth pouting even higher.

"The wine tasted excellent, so I drank a few extra cups and accidentally got delayed until dawn." Chu Feng made up an excuse without changing his expression.

Cheng Sanniang covered her mouth and chuckled, not exposing him either, only saying softly: "Breakfast is ready; Husband, please go and eat."

"Okay."

The group walked toward the main hall together.

Breakfast consisted of spirit rice porridge served with a few exquisite side dishes; it was simple but very delicious.

After finishing breakfast, Chu Feng turned and walked toward the quiet room in the west wing.

Hearing footsteps, Jiang Miaoyi in the quiet room slowly opened her eyes, and when her gaze fell upon Chu Feng, it suddenly narrowed.