Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 528 - Three Hundred and Forty-One: Will Not

Chapter 528: Chapter Three Hundred and Forty-One: Will Not

A slightly regretful whisper drifted away with the rising incense, leaving the elegant and unique Jiangjing Pavilion in silence for a moment.

Xu Yuan looked up, a slight curve on his lips:

"Your Highness, since you’ve already arrived, why not come down for a chat?"

After a brief silence, a voice as serene as a still pond or a deep abyss suddenly rose from beyond the window sill, atop the upturned eaves:

"Third Young Master... You’ve actually noticed my presence?"

"Do not underestimate the Soul Condensation Realm of an Innate Taoist Body."

"..."

Whoosh——

Clothed in white, surpassing the snow, and with sleeves adorned with mysterious patterns, he floated down gracefully, landing beside the east-side window of the pavilion.

A white ribbon tied back his black hair; stepping forward, his hair, like flowing silk, fluttered, touching the ground without a sound:

"Is that so, this prince must have offended with his oversight."

Xu Yuan’s voice carried a smile, "No offense taken, but I did not expect that His Highness, the Second Prince, would have such an interest in eavesdropping."

Li Zhaoyuan’s eyes were devoid of joy or sorrow, unfazed, and he spoke calmly:

"After parting at Hou Ting, it has been several months since we last met. This prince came to see Third Young Master after watching his younger brother leave."

"It’s fine, Your Highness eavesdropping is no concern."

Xu Yuan shook his head, showing no intention of standing to greet the other, and raised a hand to invite the other to sit opposite him: "As a strong warrior in the Mortal Transcendence Realm, even if the pavilion is enclosed with a silence formation, listening to my conversation with Li Yunqing should be a piece of cake for you."

As he said this, Xu Yuan stared intently at the other’s deep eyes lit by the Fire Spirit Lamp:

"Hence, since I’ve spoken openly, I am not afraid of Your Highness overhearing."

Li Zhaoyuan stepped closer, meticulously straightening his robe before sitting down with a slight smile:

"Then it’s a pity, this prince only heard you say the word ’pity’ after my younger brother left."

Xu Yuan crossed his legs, leaning forward slightly with a cheery laugh:

"Your Highness, would you like to know why I uttered those words?"

Li Zhaoyuan’s posture was naturally elegant, sitting up straight on the comfortable couch:

"If Third Young Master wishes to explain, this prince is all ears."

Xu Yuan casually picked up a Fire Spirit Peach from the tray, "crunch" biting into it, chewing while he spoke with a smile:

"I was lamenting that Li Yunqing is too clever."

"This brother of mine... has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood...."

"No, no, no, I mean he’s even smarter than a clever person."

"Oh?" Li Zhaoyuan’s profound eyes flickered with interest.

Xu Yuan finished the fruit in his hand in two more bites, wiping his lips:

"Your Highness, have you ever heard this saying?"

"I am all ears."

"Clever people often die by their own cleverness."

"....."

Li Zhaoyuan showed a hint of well-timed surprise in his eyes but did not respond.

Xu Yuan toyed with the moist pit, which danced adeptly between his fingers:

"Ordinary clever people tend to become obstinate and self-righteous due to their intelligence, and then die while pursuing things beyond their capabilities."

Li Zhaoyuan pondered for a moment before his steady, low voice replied:

"So you mean Yunqing, being smart enough to pursue yet choosing to give up, is therefore clever?"

Xu Yuan shook his head, nonchalantly tossing the pit into the wastebasket:

"Your Highness, you’re playing dumb again. What I mean is that he can see himself clearly."

"I see....."

Li Zhaoyuan showed a sudden understanding, before asking softly with renewed interest:

"Then, in Third Young Master’s view, does this prince see himself clearly? And what about yourself?"

"Me?"

Xu Yuan leaned back against the soft couch, with a superficial smile:

"My reputation is well known throughout the land, merely that of a profligate. As for Your Highness....

"..your every step is so cautious it borders on conservative. With just a little external help, Your Highness should be able to see clearly."

Li Zhaoyuan’s eyes flashed with a veiled light, breathing a sigh:

"It’s a pity that, for the time being, no one can provide such assistance to this prince."

Xu Yuan let out a sardonic laugh:

"Your Highness also knows it’s just for the moment. Once the opportunity slips by, do you have a complete plan?"

Li Zhaoyuan stared at the man in front of him for a few moments, then gently shook his head:

"Third Young Master,

"We both know there’s no turning back on this path, so such words seem a bit trivial."

Xu Yuan looked at the man before him deeply and then said in a subdued tone:

"Indeed, any threat is laughable to someone who is already prepared to die. However...."

"..."

Li Zhaoyuan frowned slightly at these words.

Under his gaze, Xu Yuan took his time retrieving an airtight porcelain jug from the Sumeru Ring, placing it on the tabletop with gentle care:

"Second Prince, since you willingly chose this irreversible path, there must be something in this world you’re attached to, right?"

At the bottom of the jug, Fire Spirit Formation Patterns maintained the temperature within, and waves of meaty aroma wafted out from it.

Li Zhaoyuan’s fingertips clenched slightly as he watched Xu Yuan, showing emotion on his composed face for the first time:

"Third Young Master, may I inquire what lies within that porcelain jug?"

Xu Yuan looked up, his face casting shadows in the light of the Fire Spirit Lamp:

"Does it smell good?"

"...."

Li Zhaoyuan stared at Xu Yuan, his fingers trembling slightly beneath the table, remaining silent.

Xu Yuan unveiled the lid of the jug on his own, revealing the dark inside where no light could penetrate:

"There’s something good in here. I’ve brought it back specially to share with Your Highness."

Li Zhaoyuan drew a deep breath and said softly:

"The relationship between this prince and Third Young Master doesn’t seem to warrant such a precious item."

"Did I say what’s in here?"

Xu Yuan glanced at him oddly: "Besides, Your Highness is speaking too modestly. After all, you are Qingyan’s royal brother. We’re practically family, so where does this talk of ’not warranting’ come from?"