Chapter 187 Lotus Tower (13)
Chapter 187 Lotus Tower (13)
Since that day's fighting competition, Li Xiangyi's reputation as "the best in the world" spread like wildfire and resounded throughout the martial arts world.
He did not indulge in false fame, but continued to travel the world with Qiao Wanwan, practicing medicine, helping the weak and suppressing the strong.
No matter where he went, he could always see a woman in plain clothes and with a veil covering her face, following Li Xiangyi like a shadow.
As he traveled to more and more places, Li Xiangyi's brows gradually furrowed.
He discovered that this world was far more complicated and darker than he had imagined.
Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes, and where there are rivers and lakes, there are disputes.
Oppression, plunder, vendettas...all kinds of injustices are happening one after another.
Although Li Xiangyi is an unparalleled martial arts master, he also feels deeply the insignificance of his own strength.
He can save one person, save ten people, but he cannot save the entire world.
One evening, they stayed at an inn in a small town.
After dinner, Li Xiangyi stood alone in front of the window, looking at the bleak autumn scenery outside, and an indescribable feeling of powerlessness surged in his heart.
"Xiangyi, what's wrong with you?" Qiao Wanwan walked in with a cup of hot tea and asked softly.
Li Xiangyi turned around, looked at Qiao Wanwan's concerned eyes, sighed, and said, "Sister, I feel so useless."
"How could that be?" Qiao Wanwan handed the teacup to Li Xiangyi and said softly, "You've helped so many people, how could it be useless?"
"But, sister, there are so many unfair things in this world. How much can I change by myself?"
Li Xiangyi took the teacup, but did not drink it. Instead, he continued:
"I saw those innocent people being bullied and oppressed, but I was powerless to do anything. I..."
Qiao Wanwan listened quietly, she understood the distress in Li Xiangyi's heart.
He is a man with great ambitions and a broad mind, but the cruel reality makes him feel powerless and confused.
"Xiangyi," Qiao Wanwan walked over to Li Xiangyi, held his hand, and said, "You've done very well. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"Sister, I have an idea." Li Xiangyi said suddenly, with a determined look in his eyes.
"What idea?" Qiao Wanwan asked.
"I want to establish a fair, just, peaceful, tranquil, and inclusive underworld order."
Qiao Wanwan looked at Li Xiangyi with admiration and support in her eyes. She knew that this idea had been brewing in Li Xiangyi's mind for a long time, and she also knew that this would be a road full of thorns.
"Xiangyi, no matter what decision you make, I will support you and stay with you." Qiao Wanwan's voice was gentle but firm. "I believe you can do it."
Li Xiangyi held Qiao Wanwan's hand tightly, his heart filled with gratitude and strength.
From then on, Li Xiangyi began to consciously make friends with heroes and righteous people in the world.
He discovered that although there was a lot of darkness in the world, there was also a group of people like him who had a sense of justice and a desire for change.
Among them are the bold and unrestrained knight Ji Hanfo, the wise and resourceful scholar Yun Biqiu, the straightforward swordsman Bai Jiangqun, and the calm and introverted doctor Shi Shui.
When Li Xiangyi was seventeen years old, he founded Si Gu Men, a group of people who had been invited to attend the ceremony. The name Si Gu Men comes from the idea that "all people in the world are brothers, and everyone we look at is a friend."
Under the leadership of Li Xiangyi, the Sigumen sect grew rapidly and became an important force in the martial arts world.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Qiao Wanwan celebrated her eighteenth birthday.
The sunlight shone on Qiao Wanwan's delicate face, giving her a soft halo.
She was wearing a light pink dress with blooming lotus flowers embroidered on the hem. It swayed gently as she walked, making her look as elegant and refined as a lotus flower emerging from the water.
The pavilion in the lakeside courtyard behind Sigumen was already fully decorated. The stone table was filled with exquisite dishes, emitting an alluring aroma.
A jar of aged wine stood quietly beside it, its aroma permeating the air and refreshing the soul. A gentle breeze blew across the lake, shimmering on the surface, reflecting the pavilions, towers, and the sunset glow on the horizon, creating a breathtaking beauty.
Li Xiangyi was wearing a moon-white long gown with a black jade belt tied around his waist, which made him look tall and straight and his temperament outstanding.
He stood in the pavilion, looking at Qiao Wanwan who was approaching with gentle eyes.
Today, Qiao Wanwan looked even more radiant and charming than usual, causing his heart to beat faster.
"Xiangyi, why are you so solemn today?" Qiao Wanwan walked to Li Xiangyi and asked softly, with a hint of shyness in her voice.
"Wanwan, your eighteenth birthday should naturally be grand," Li Xiangyi said, leading Qiao Wanwan to sit at the stone table and personally filling a glass of wine for her. "This wine is 'Drunken Flower Shade' that I have treasured for many years. Try it."
Qiao Wanwan took the wine glass and took a sip. She felt a mellow aroma of wine spreading in her mouth, with a faint floral scent, which was endless aftertaste.
"Good wine!" she exclaimed.
"As long as you like it." Li Xiangyi smiled, his eyes full of pampering.
The two of them enjoyed fine wine and delicious food while admiring the scenery of lake and mountains. The atmosphere was warm and romantic.
After three rounds of drinks, Qiao Wanwan's cheeks flushed slightly, adding a bit of charm.
"Xiangyi, thank you for everything you have prepared for me." Qiao Wanwan said softly, her voice full of gratitude.
"Silly sister, why are you being so polite to me?" Li Xiangyi scratched her nose lovingly. "As long as you are happy, I am happy."
Li Xiangyi took out a jade flute from his bosom, placed it to his lips and began to play it softly. The sound of the flute was clear and melodious, like the sound of nature, echoing over the lake.
Qiao Wanwan listened quietly, knowing that Li Xiangyi had played the flute specifically for her. The sound was filled with affection and love, intoxicating her and making her unable to extricate herself.
When the song ended, Li Xiangyi put down the jade flute, walked to Qiao Wanwan, took out a long sword wrapped in red silk from his arms, and handed it to her.
"Sister, this sword is called 'Shaoshi' and was left to me by my master. Today, I give it to you, hoping it will protect you throughout your life."
Qiao Wanwan took the sword and felt that the sword was cold, but a warm current surged into her heart.
This sword means a lot to Li Xiangyi. His willingness to give it to her is enough to show how important she is to her.
"Xiangyi, this is too expensive. I can't accept it." Qiao Wanwan declined.
"Sister, why should we be so formal with each other?" Li Xiangyi held Qiao Wanwan's hand and placed the long sword in her palm.
"This sword can only unleash its true power in your hands. Moreover, I hope it can protect you in my place."
Qiao Wanwan no longer refused. She held the sword tightly, her heart filled with emotion and joy.
"Xiangyi, thank you." Qiao Wanwan said softly, with tears sparkling in her eyes.
"Silly sister, why are you crying again?" Li Xiangyi gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Today is your birthday, you should be happy."
"Yeah." Qiao Wanwan nodded and burst into laughter.
"Wanwan, can I dance with a sword for you?" Li Xiangyi suddenly said.
"Okay!" Qiao Wanwan's eyes were full of anticipation.
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