Chapter 479: Chapter 307: Exotic Fragrances Compete, Ordinary Scents Dazzle, Madam Enters the Hall—Only a Step Away!

The crowd, upon hearing the words, gazed over and saw Gu Nianjun with extraordinary charm and elegance, her purple dress flowing gracefully, her demeanor striking. Everyone’s heart was stirred, collectively thinking: "This temple fair indeed draws talents from all directions; to have such a beautiful woman participate! If I show exceptional talent, surely I will catch her eye!"

Li Xian looked in the direction of the voice and saw Gu Nianjun, Zhou Shijie, and Li Xiaofan. He felt a slight joy in his heart, unexpectedly meeting his younger brother here. He carefully observed, noticing the changes in his brother’s appearance, gradually shedding his childishness and becoming quite handsome, feeling the passage of time, with things changed and people transformed.

Wang Dezhong of the Li Mountain Sword Sect’s face turned even brighter red, unable to conceal his pleased delight, his expression exuberant as he conversed idly with Gu Nianjun. Gu Nianjun smiled gently, maintaining her etiquette, exchanging names with Zhou Shijie and Li Xiaofan one by one.

All were of similar age and came from renowned factions, possessing commendable talents and gifts, each secretly admiring the others, naturally engaging in conversation.

Gu Nianjun asked, "I wonder what relation this hero has with the elder Wang Shulong?"

Wang Dezhong asked, "Miss Gu, do you know my father?" Gu Nianjun replied with a smile, "No wonder this hero can exhibit the ’Iron Heart Swordsmanship’ so impressively, truly embodying his father, for a tiger father indeed begets no dogs."

Wang Dezhong laughed, "Overpraised, overpraised, my skills are merely humble displays."

Zhou Shijie said, "Brother Wang is too modest. This Eight-Nine Mysterious Scent... with its iron core, requires commendable qi power just to lift it! Let alone igniting the core."

Gu Nianjun stated, "I recall years ago, the ’Unyielding Sword Hero’ Wang Shulong came as a guest to my Gu Family and even guided me in swordsmanship. Surely, by fate, to hear the family’s legacy again today is truly an honor."

"Ah!" Wang Dezhong chimed with joy, "My father also came to Flying Dragon City, given our old ties, would it not be fitting for me to introduce and meet once more?"

Gu Nianjun smiled, "Very well."

...

Their conversation was hearty and the atmosphere harmonious. Ordinary folks watched the divine beings converse, discussing the transient beauty of flowers and moon, martial arts aspirations, family backgrounds, elders’ friendships... numerous elegant topics. They couldn’t help displaying envy, gazing from afar. Jianghu Guests with prestigious backgrounds glanced around, eager to showcase their talents and join the conversation to forge friendships.

The exotic scents had been stored in special wooden boxes. Young heroes who could afford these scents had long observed one another covertly. The cliffs and narrow paths beside the mountain behind had already witnessed young figures showing their flair.

They were unaware of each other’s background and names, yet recognized each other’s presence. Zhou Shijie, graceful and courteous, may not hold the highest martial skill, yet carried good fortune, slightly older in age, his charisma was genuinely convincing. He smiled towards a man and said, "Brother, may I ask what scent you have prepared?"

He noticed that although everyone was eager to showcase, each held concerns. Wishing to impress greatly, yet fearing their skills might not measure up, concerned about being overly ostentatious and drawing the disdain of peers, thus many hesitated. With Zhou Shijie’s prompt, the impasse dissolved, allowing peers to shine.

The man laughed heartily and said, "Then it’s my turn to humbly present, I hope you won’t laugh at me."

All the heroes who held exotic scents said, "Brother, go ahead and show; we are here for the welfare of the people, focusing on intentions rather than form." "Yes, we are not here to compete." "Gathering from all directions here, the clouds high in the sky, it’s a fine time, just express freely."

The heroes from all corners spoke with noble demeanor. Gu Nianjun subtly nodded, addressing Li Xiaofan, "Little brother Xiaofan, these outstanding heroes, coming from noble and righteous sects, possess commendable martial arts and character. As you travel and learn, if given the chance, you should make friends with them."

Li Xiaofan said, "Alright." While thinking, "This temple fair embodies the aspirations of the people; it’s the common people’s hope and reliance. Although intangible, it fills one with hope, which is good. My elder brother became a servant at Yihetang Manor, and I really have no solutions, I’ve also visited temples to pray for divine protection. The common folks likely come here for the same reasons. And these various young heroes, from respectable origins, their character may indeed be good. But with a mindset of showing off here, in my view, it’s not great."

He glanced around. The common folks all silently observed, only the young heroes showing their prowess. Li Xiaofan kept his feelings buried and said little.

The man opened the wooden box and took out the "Jade Gas Scent." Gu Nianjun, Li Xiaofan, and Zhou Shijie had all seen it; its body resembled White Jade, emitting a fresh fragrance when burned. Its exquisite appearance made it hard to sacrifice to flames. The man laughed and said, "May I borrow some fire, fellow brother?"

A young hero said, "Let me lend the fire!" Stepping forward a few steps, he emerged from the crowd, pressed his fingers together, and pointed at the Jade Gas Scent. The scent made a humming sound, igniting into flames. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Gu Nianjun nodded and praised, "This fire lender is a distinguished disciple of the Li Mountain Sword Sect. The martial art ’Departing Flame Resolute Mind Finger’ he demonstrated is quite respectable."

Thinking, "The temple fair is bustling, gathering heroes from all corners, with commendable character and demeanor, this is a notable occasion for friend-making. I’ve secluded myself at the mansion for study, rarely finding friends and confidants. Not that I didn’t wish for connections, but Qiong Heavenly Mansion is a place of decline, even Prefecture City sees talent wither, always carrying a sense of brashness. These young heroes, emerging from prominent sects, with commendable martial arts... are truly worth befriending."

Feeling quite happy, it’s been a long time since participating in such a grand event.

But behold, the man holding the "Jade Gas Scent" inhaled deeply, then opened his mouth and exhaled. From his mouth emerged a white mist tiger, roaring towards the sky with sounds of "tiger roars." He opened his mouth and exhaled once more, a white mist leopard appeared vividly.

The man laughed and said, "Go!" Tossing the Jade Gas Scent, the tiger and leopard grabbed the scent, inserting it into the Copper Tripod incense burner. The mist of the tiger and leopard gradually faded, the scent’s smoke was clear, spreading light fragrance, enriching the atmosphere.