Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 2(34)

The banquet began. It was a “small” feast that Hua Cheng had prepared for Xie Lian, but by its setup and size, it could very well host over a dozen. Innumerous women carried jaded plates in their hands, and upon the plates were various delicacies: fine wines, fresh fruits, and small refreshments. Their offerings were endless, and their steps were dainty and light as they walked along the sides of the main hall in a line, each presenting their jaded plate as they approached the black jaded divan. Lang Ying watched but didn’t dare to reach out, and it wasn’t until Xie Lian pushed some of the plates toward him that he slowly grabbed a few items to eat.

Watching him, another scene flashed in Xie Lian’s mind. It was of another boy whose face was wrapped in bandages, dirty and unkempt; he was kneeling on the floor hugging a plate of offerings, his head bowed low as he stuffed his face.

Just then, a sashaying lady in purple silk approached, offering a carafe of wine. Hua Cheng reached out and poured for Xie Lian.

“Gege, have a cup?”

Xie Lian’s mind was occupied and he wasn’t paying attention, so he carelessly accepted the cup, delivering it directly to his lips. He didn’t realize it was wine until the drink entered his mouth, then his eyes refocused once more. His gaze just happened to land on what—or rather, who—was behind Hua Cheng. The lady who offered the wine looked back and winked at him.

Xie Lian sputtered on the spot: “Pffff-ffttt!”

Good thing he’d already swallowed that sip of wine and nothing came splattering out of his mouth. He only choked, coughing nonstop. Lang Ying took fright and almost dropped the cake in his hand.

Xie Lian soothed as he coughed, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing.”

Hua Cheng gently patted his back. “What’s wrong? Is the wine not to your liking?”

Xie Lian quickly explained himself. “Oh, no! It’s very good. I just suddenly remembered that my cultivation method forbids alcohol.”

“Oh?” Hua Cheng said. “Then this is my fault for being inconsiderate and making gege break his vow.”

“It’s not your fault,” Xie Lian said. “I’d just forgotten.”

Xie Lian rubbed his forehead, turned around, and stealthily glimpsed toward the center of the main hall.

The lady who’d offered wine had her back to him as she sashayed off toward the doors, her figure sensual and seductive, charming and graceful. Hua Cheng only paid attention to what was at hand or focused entirely on Xie Lian, so he spared no attention for those beautiful women. Therefore, he naturally paid no mind to their faces. However, the face Xie Lian had seen just now was clear and recognizable.

That sweet, seductive lady who had offered him wine was none other than the Wind Master Qingxuan!

In order to sneak into Paradise Manor, the Lord Wind Master hadn’t hesitated to transform into a woman… That wink gave Xie Lian quite the shock, and he thought, You’d better give me more wine to swallow this down.

Unaware, Hua Cheng said conversationally, “I always thought cultivation was meant simply for living a carefree, pleasurable life. If you must forbid this or that, then what’s the point? What do you think?”

Xie Lian steadied himself swiftly and casually said back, “That depends on the path you choose. Some sects don’t mind earthly pleasures, but my chosen path of cultivation has always forbidden drinking and licentious acts. Alcohol can be overlooked once in a while, but abstinence from the latter is absolute.”

When he said the word “abstinence,” Hua Cheng cocked his right brow, displaying an unreadable expression that could be either displeasure or annoyance.

Xie Lian continued, “Actually, it also forbids hatred. A gambling hall involves extreme joy and anguish and can easily produce hatred, so it is a place best avoided. But if one can maintain control of one’s mind, unmoved by wins and losses, then there is no need to wholly avoid gambling.”

Hearing this, Hua Cheng laughed out loud. “No wonder gege was still interested in playing at the Gambler’s Den.”

Going around in circles, Xie Lian had finally brought the subject of the conversation naturally to gambling and said, “Speaking of which, San Lang, your gambling techniques are amazing to behold.”

“I’m just lucky, that’s all,” Hua Cheng said.

“…”

Comparing that to his own luck, Xie Lian felt rather woeful. “I really am curious—and don’t tease me, San Lang—but is there really a technique to rolling dice?”

If there wasn’t, then Hua Cheng couldn’t just will the numbers he wanted back at the Gambler’s Den, and that Waning Moon Officer couldn’t have so easily rolled two sixes.

Hua Cheng only smiled. “Why would I dare tease gege? Of course there is a secret technique, but it’s not something that’s learned in a day, and not everyone who’s learned the technique can master it.”

Xie Lian had more or less expected that answer. Hua Cheng added, “However, I can tell you of a faster way. I promise gege will be able to succeed as he wishes and win every round.”

“What way?” Xie Lian asked.

Hua Cheng raised his right hand, the very same right hand that had the red string tied on the third finger. The red string was tied into a small bow on the back of that hand, bright and vivid. He beckoned Xie Lian.

“Give me your hand.”