Chapter 62: The Art of Tea

“My husband happens to be exhausted, and he needs a pot of spirit tea to refresh himself. Please trouble yourself, Song,” Qin Yue nodded slightly and invited Song Zhiqiao inside with a smile.

Song Zhiqiao was momentarily surprised. What was happening today? The Qin Yue who usually spoke with thorns and smiled with a hidden dagger was suddenly so agreeable? Had the sun risen in the west? Or was she waiting for Song to fall into a trap inside?

Song Zhiqiao felt a bit uneasy. Yet when she saw Brother Li, whom she hadn’t met for days, her worries eased a little. Upon seeing the kind and considerate Sister Wen, all her worries vanished. Qin Yue might be strong-willed, but before Brother Li and Sister Wen, she was rather docile. As long as those two were present, Song Zhiqiao wasn’t afraid of being bullied by Qin Yue.

“Not at all. Thank you, Sister Qin,” Song Zhiqiao replied, still smiling without a hint of complaint, stepping over the threshold and entering the Peaceful Garden.

Her diligence in drawing close to Li Guanxuan was, in truth, due to her poor aptitude. If she wanted to return to the Song family of Daheng, she had to either form her foundation before sixty, or marry and have children... The child, apart from having the surname Song, must also possess a spiritual root.

Song Zhiqiao was already in her thirties, her cultivation only at the third level of Qi Refining, with four-element inferior spiritual roots. She did hold the status of a first-grade array master, but that was still considered inferior. Barring any miracles, she would never achieve foundation formation in this lifetime.

She was still luckier than some; at least her father cared for her, unlike Li Guanxuan, who had struggled alone in the Land of Immortal Ruins from the very beginning.

Song Zhiqiao understood well—given her aptitude, she could not marry someone weaker than herself, or the chances of her child possessing spiritual roots would be very low. But those stronger than herself would never allow the child to bear the mother’s surname.

So...

Song Zhiqiao set her sights on Li Guanxuan. Over the years, she witnessed him advance from the sixth to the eighth level of Qi Refining. Now, he was a distinguished second-grade alchemist and talisman master, with no doubt about his foundation formation before sixty. Most importantly, Li Guanxuan hailed from Yongning Prefecture in Daheng! If she could marry him—even as a concubine—she would have a chance to return to Daheng alongside him... this was the third method she had thought of to return home.

However, Li Guanxuan seemed to perceive her intentions, always treating her with a lukewarm attitude, leaving Song Zhiqiao helpless.

Entering inside, Song Zhiqiao soon smelled a lingering fragrance of pills. The aroma lingered around her nose.

It was the Foundation Establishment Pill...

Song Zhiqiao thought to herself, but showed no change in expression, inwardly admiring Li Guanxuan even more. If she remembered correctly, Li Guanxuan, like her, possessed four-element inferior spiritual roots.

But now, he was a sought-after second-grade alchemist and talisman master. The manager Zheng of Myriad Phenomena Pavilion even regarded him as a brother.

Following Qin Yue into the main hall, Song Zhiqiao maintained the manners and bearing befitting a scholarly family.

Upon seeing Li Guanxuan and Wen Rongxin, Song Zhiqiao gracefully paid her respects, smiling sweetly, “Greetings, Brother Li, Sister Wen.”

“No, no need to be formal. Please, sit,” Wen Rongxin stepped forward to support Song Zhiqiao, bringing her to sit at her side.

“Thank you, Sister Wen,” Song Zhiqiao nodded gently, her heart full of gratitude. She used to think Wen Rongxin was just courteous, but after visiting and conversing many times, she realized Wen Rongxin had always been gentle and considerate.

“My father sent some Spring Mountain Spirit Tea. This tea clears the mind and nourishes the spirit, calming the heart. I brought it especially for you, Sister Wen, Sister Qin, and Brother Li to taste.”

With that, Song Zhiqiao smiled, “Let me brew a pot for you all.”

“Much appreciated,” Li Guanxuan nodded.

Then Song Zhiqiao took out a complete tea set from her storage pouch.

She washed her hands, warmed the cups and pot, placed the tea, rinsed it, brewed, let the spring breeze caress, sealed the pot...

The tea ceremony unfolded gracefully in her hands.

From the side, Song Zhiqiao’s figure appeared slender and delicate: her chest was just right—not too large or small—and her hips were round and elastic, full of charm, especially if she wore a cheongsam.

She poured the tea, let the jade liquid return to the pot, then divided it...

Song Zhiqiao presented the tea with both hands, spiritual energy lingering around the tea, its fragrance wafting straight to the nose.

“Excellent tea,” Li Guanxuan remarked, admiring the color, aroma, and taste, then looking at Song Zhiqiao, “Your tea skills are superb.”

“Thank you, Brother Li, for the compliment,” Song Zhiqiao smiled more brightly, her dimples becoming even more enchanting.

In her spare time over the years, Wen Rongxin had read books quietly, knowing that one must savor the fragrance before tasting the tea to fully appreciate its flavor and essence.

“It truly is wonderful,” Qin Yue sipped lightly, raising her brows. Though she had never cared for this woman’s feigned weakness, she had to admit Song Zhiqiao’s tea skills and etiquette were genuinely pleasing.

“Song, you’ve treated us to tea. It’s only proper we treat you to dinner. Don’t leave tonight,” Wen Rongxin said with a smile.

Song Zhiqiao was taken aback, feeling a bit embarrassed, “Wouldn’t that be a bother?”

“Not at all. We’ve known each other for so many years—it’s only right to share a meal,” Qin Yue added.

“Alright... thank you,” Song Zhiqiao replied, a little overwhelmed. She sensed something odd about Qin Yue today, though she couldn’t pinpoint it. However, the hostility that once surrounded her had lessened considerably. That could only be a good thing.

The dinner was sumptuous, at least making Song Zhiqiao feel valued as a guest.

Li Guanxuan quietly observed Wen Rongxin and Qin Yue, sensing both women were acting strangely. When Qin Yue occasionally chatted with Song Zhiqiao, Li Guanxuan guessed that the two were preparing to welcome a concubine for him...

All his efforts over the past year and a half had not been wasted, but he was unsure of Song Zhiqiao’s intentions.

After all, the blossoming of the Velvet Spirit Tree required a certain condition...

Both parties had to be genuinely connected, heart to heart.

If it was merely a physical comfort, the Velvet Spirit Tree would not recognize it.

Moreover, Li Guanxuan would not waste such effort, nor let his descendants die for nothing.

After dinner, Song Zhiqiao insisted on cleaning up, washing the dishes before leaving.

Wen Rongxin couldn’t dissuade her, so she accompanied her.

In the main hall, Li Guanxuan stared at Qin Yue, his expression odd, yet he said nothing.

“What are you looking at...” Qin Yue knew her husband had guessed their intentions. Pretending not to notice, she threw herself into his arms, her tone a bit coquettish.

“Are you not worried that Song might be unwilling?” Li Guanxuan asked.

“Tsk, don’t worry, husband. Women know women best. Every time she looks at you, her eyes are full of admiration—nothing but admiration. If we accept her into the Li family, she’ll be overjoyed, not reluctant at all,” Qin Yue replied with a smile.

“Is that so?” Li Guanxuan was surprised; he had thought Song Zhiqiao was playing hard to get.

“Relax, husband. If she’s unwilling, we won’t force her,” Qin Yue nestled in Li Guanxuan’s arms, greedily inhaling his scent, murmuring softly, “I’ll accompany Sister Wen for another three months of cultivation. By then, she should reach the sixth level of Body Refining. After that, I’ll go into seclusion for foundation formation—at most two years, maybe just one. You mustn’t let Sister Wen work so hard during that time, nor be so persistent.”

“Alright, no problem,” Li Guanxuan replied with a smile.

“Song still fears me a bit. If I’m at home, she likely won’t dare act out. So, if you’re to marry her, it’s best during my seclusion; otherwise, her nerves may cause some embarrassing mishaps.”

Qin Yue spoke slowly, and Li Guanxuan listened patiently, feeling deeply gratified.

...

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