As Li Xuan asked questions and Hu Xueman answered them willingly, Li Xuan's understanding of the True Martial Continent became more thorough.
"Young Master Li Xuan, we should reach Shuangyang City in about half a day. Thank you for your company on this journey." During a break, Hu Er took a gourd from his waist and handed it to Li Xuan.
"What is this?" Li Xuan asked, looking at the gourd.
"Young Master Li Xuan, this is our Hu family's famous potent wine. It's quite strong, please try it." Hu Er explained when he saw Li Xuan's confusion.
Li Xuan nodded, opened the lid of the gourd, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.
"It smells like good wine," Li Xuan said with a smile, then took a sip. His expression shifted from surprise to a peculiar look, and then to immense delight.
"I never expected this wine to relax muscles and promote blood circulation. Although it's fiery at first, it emits a strange energy in the abdomen and also helps in refining spiritual energy." Li Xuan clearly felt his spiritual energy becoming purer and took another large gulp.
"Young Master Li Xuan, this wine is only available from our Hu family; you won't find it elsewhere. Moreover, only our Hu family brews this type of potent wine. However, this is just the lowest grade. When we return to the Hu family, I'll treat you to an even better one." Hu Er said happily, seeing Li Xuan's high praise.
"Brother Hu, when we get home, I'll treat Young Master Li Xuan. After all, this wine is quite expensive. Besides, Young Master Li Xuan has helped us so much, it's only right that I host him. Don't you think so?" Hu Xueman said, stepping down from her jade couch and joining the conversation.
"Indeed, indeed. Young Lady, can you spare a pot for the brothers too? We've all been craving it." Hu Er nodded when Hu Xueman spoke, knowing she had access to far superior grades than they did. He then added somewhat sheepishly.
"Brother Hu, we're very grateful for your escort this time. A mere pot of wine is not as important as my father," Hu Xueman chuckled and agreed.
"Excellent, excellent! Young Master Li Xuan, we'll have a good drink together then," Hu Er said happily to Li Xuan, seeing that his Young Lady had agreed.
"Alright," Li Xuan nodded gently.
Is this Shuangyang City? It's too magnificent! After another half-day's journey, they finally arrived at Shuangyang City. Li Xuan gazed at it, somewhat stunned.
The city walls, about a hundred zhang high, stood imposquely, like a dragon coiled on the land. The massive city gate was inscribed with the words "Shuangyang City." Through the gate, one could faintly see the bustling traffic within, suggesting peace and prosperity.
However, the scars on the ramparts told tales of the city's enduring history.
"Young Master Li Xuan, what's wrong?" Hu Xueman had also alighted from her jade couch and stood with the group.
"Oh, nothing. I was just awestruck by the grandeur of Shuangyang City. Honestly, I've never seen such a tall city." Li Xuan replied, regaining his senses at Hu Xueman's voice.
"Young Master Li Xuan, take a look from above. You'll be even more surprised," Hu Er said with a hearty laugh.
"Oh? Then I must take a good look."
Li Xuan spoke and then ascended into the air.
"This is too spectacular!" The entire city, covering an area of several thousand hectares, with its tall walls like a continuous giant dragon encircling the metropolis. The city was laid out in an orderly fashion, with uniform architectural designs and distinct districts.
"Young Master Li Xuan, what do you think?" Hu Xueman asked with a smile after Li Xuan landed.
"Young Lady Hu, I can only say this is the most breathtaking city I have ever seen, without exception," Li Xuan exclaimed in admiration.
"Young Master Li Xuan, stop marveling. This is just one of the three main cities; there are two more. Let's go, we're entering the city," Hu Xueman said, leading the way into the city.
Li Xuan gave a wry smile. Indeed, there were two more. Judging by Hu Xueman's words, the other two cities were no smaller than the one before him.
"Look, it's Young Lady Hu!"
As Li Xuan approached the city gate, he heard the guards exclaim, and many people began to gather.
"Brother Hu, I didn't expect Young Lady Hu to be so popular," Li Xuan said to Hu Er, feeling a bit speechless at the sight of the throng.
"Heh heh, Young Master Li Xuan, I forgot to tell you, our Young Lady is one of the five famous beauties of Shuangyang City. Of course, she's very popular. This is just a small crowd; I suspect there will be even more people later."
"Young Master Li Xuan, look how beautiful our Young Lady is, and you are so handsome and dashing. Moreover, our Young Lady seems to be quite smitten with you. Why don't you two get together?" Hu Er whispered to Li Xuan, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
"Ah? Brother Hu, you must be joking. Let's hurry into the city. Look, more and more people are coming." Li Xuan was taken aback by Hu Er's words, then replied and headed towards the city gate.
"Oh dear, so many people! Brothers, let's quickly get into the city. I'll treat everyone to drinks tonight!" Hu Er looked up and saw that the crowd was indeed growing. He quickly shouted to the men behind him and followed.
"Young Lady Hu, you're back," the guards said, bowing as Hu Xueman approached.
"Yes. Prepare the teleportation portal. I need to return to the Hu mansion," Hu Xueman said calmly.
"Certainly, certainly, the teleportation portal is ready. Young Lady Hu, please," the guard said, quickly turning and leading the way.
"Young Master Li Xuan, let's go. Once we enter the teleportation portal, we'll be at our Hu family estate," Hu Xueman said, turning back and smiling at Li Xuan.
"Who is this person? The Hu family's fairy is smiling at him?"
"Exactly! As far as I recall, the Hu family's fairy has never smiled at anyone before."
"Haven't seen him before. But he looks somewhat handsome."
"Where is he handsome? Not even half as handsome as me!"
"My good sir, why don't you take a piss and look at yourself? Do you dare to claim you're handsome?"
"..."
Hearing the discussions, Hu Xueman's face instantly turned red. She shyly glanced at Li Xuan beside her. Li Xuan shrugged and rubbed his nose helplessly.
Seeing Li Xuan's silence, Hu Xueman stamped her foot and turned to follow the guard. This scene caused the crowd to become even more animated.
Li Xuan sighed helplessly, "Truly, beauty is a source of trouble."