Longevity Martial Arts: I have a Mysterious Water Snake Avatar
Chapter 42 - 41 Liu Xiang’er (Seeking Investment Seeking Follow-up Reading)

Chapter 42: Chapter 41 Liu Xiang’er (Seeking Investment Seeking Follow-up Reading)

The Book Pavilion was a place as quiet as a library. Every time Hong Yuan came to the Book Pavilion, he felt as if he were dreaming he was back in his college library.

Inexplicably, while in the Book Pavilion, Hong Yuan would find himself tiptoeing around like a child who had done something wrong.

He knew this was an illusion, born from the reverence he held in his heart for knowledge. Furthermore, the Book Pavilion was so quiet that one couldn’t bear to break the silence. Even dropping a pin would make one feel a sense of guilt.

The Book Pavilion.

First floor, Miscellaneous Books Area.

After paying two Energy Stones to enter the Miscellaneous Books Area, Hong Yuan began searching for records on the transformation of serpent-type Demon Beasts.

Following the pristine white floor, Hong Yuan lightly stepped past the copying area, the Cultivation Technique area, and the Martial Skills area.

In areas not fundamental to Martial Arts, the Phoenix Creek Sect’s benefits for its Disciples were quite generous. For instance, Hong Yuan now marveled at the vast sea of miscellaneous books before him.

As long as one paid the corresponding Energy Stones, the miscellaneous books here could be perused without needing to be purchased or copied.

"Demon Beast—Serpent-type Demon Beast—Water Snake Type"

In a secluded corner, Hong Yuan found a slender Food Tao tome titled *Mysterious Water Snake Herb Cooking Set*.

Hong Yuan opened the book, his face expressionless, already prepared to critique the *Mysterious Water Snake Herb Cooking Set*.

"Water Snake Porridge..."

"Snake Meat Skewers..."

"Fragrant Braised Dragon and Phoenix Wings..."

Although he had intended to criticize, Hong Yuan found himself engrossed in the book, especially the dish named Fragrant Braised Dragon and Phoenix Wings.

The Fragrant Braised Dragon and Phoenix Wings were crispy and palatable, suitable for all ages—a fine dish for nourishing the body in winter.

Since the Mysterious Water Snake was a water-attribute serpent Demon Beast, the best complement for cooking it would be a fire-attribute bird Demon Beast, with the Fire Feather Chicken being an ideal choice.

Suddenly, Hong Yuan jolted awake. With immense willpower, he returned the *Mysterious Water Snake Herb Cooking Set* to its place.

He had come to find out why the transformation of his Mysterious Water Snake Avatar was abnormal, not to figure out how to turn his Mysterious Water Snake Avatar into a delicious delicacy.

An entire evening of searching yielded no results for Hong Yuan.

It seems the first-floor Miscellaneous Books Area doesn’t have the knowledge I’m looking for, Hong Yuan thought to himself.

「The following afternoon.」

Hong Yuan once again entered the Book Pavilion, which resembled a majestic palace. This time, he went directly to the second floor without any hesitation.

Since the Miscellaneous Books Area was at the very back of the floor, Hong Yuan had to pass through various Martial Skills and Cultivation Technique areas to get there.

As Hong Yuan walked up the white marble stairs, passing by the front desk of the movement technique area, the bored Disciple on duty, Liu Xiang’er, suddenly looked up and stared fixedly at Hong Yuan’s retreating figure.

Hong Yuan! It’s Hong Yuan!!!

A month, almost an entire month, had passed.

Several times, Liu Xiang’er had tried to create opportunities to bump into Hong Yuan, but she hadn’t anticipated how reclusive he was. His routine was almost flawless, leaving her no opportunity to approach.

Now, Liu Xiang’er silently noted that Hong Yuan’s destination was the Miscellaneous Books Area.

A seductive glint flickered in Liu Xiang’er’s eyes, her gaze as captivating as rippling water.

She took another look at Hong Yuan’s figure, her tongue lightly licking her lips, appearing utterly famished. This created a stark contrast with her innocent-looking face.

Transformation of serpent-type Demon Beasts...

With this purpose in mind, Hong Yuan began to wander around the Miscellaneous Books Area.

A mere glance at the bookshelves made Hong Yuan’s thick eyebrows furrow involuntarily.

The miscellaneous books here were even worse than on the first floor—the categorization was sloppy and careless!

For example, books about flying Demon Beasts were mixed with books about underwater Demon Beasts, and books on local customs were mixed with those on official attire.

Hong Yuan was overwhelmed.

With such a vast Miscellaneous Books Area, how long will it take me to find what I need?

Just then, Hong Yuan’s ears twitched slightly.

Someone’s approaching!

Hong Yuan stepped aside to let the person pass and continued searching for books about serpent transformation.

TAP.

The newcomer reached out to pat Hong Yuan, but he swiftly caught her hand.

Hong Yuan looked sternly at the bewitching young woman before him.

"Hong Yuan, it hurts, it hurts..." Liu Xiang’er’s eyes welled with tears, her lips pouting as she gazed pitifully at him.

She looked like an injured kitten, making one want to instinctively pull her into an embrace and comfort her, truly pitiable.

His expression unchanged, Hong Yuan released her hand and continued to scrutinize the beautiful woman who had appeared so suddenly.

To be so attentive for no reason means she’s either scheming or up to something illicit.

Liu Xiang’er understood Hong Yuan’s wariness. Enduring the lingering pain in her wrist, she began to explain her ’intentions’.

"Hong Yuan, I am Liu Xiang’er, from the same cohort as you. I’ve heard that you’re a First-Rank weapon forger. I would like to commission a weapon from you and hope you can be extra considerate towards me."

Her breath was as sweet as orchids, tugging at the heartstrings.

Liu Xiang’er wore a light purple chiffon dress, simple yet elegant, exuding an alluring grace. Her delicate, jade-like face was adorned with light plum blossom makeup, and her youthful innocence held a hint of captivating charm.

Hong Yuan remained unaffected.

Business?

Hong Yuan’s expression remained neutral. He gestured towards a secluded window, suggesting they talk there to avoid disturbing others.

A secluded window... Liu Xiang’er bit her lip, hesitant to follow. Zhao Yi, the target of her flirtations, was watching her intently from behind.

She didn’t want to abandon Zhao Yi, her safety net, unless absolutely necessary.

But seeing that Hong Yuan had already made his way to the secluded window, Liu Xiang’er gritted her teeth and followed him.

Left behind, Zhao Yi was dumbstruck, a strong sense of discomfort welling up in his heart.

What is Xiang’er doing?

No, it can’t be. Xiang’er is only approaching Hong Yuan to have a weapon forged for me.

She wouldn’t do that. She’s not that kind of person.

Zhao Yi kept trying to convince himself.

Liu Xiang’er had told him that she had connections with Hong Yuan, which could help save a significant amount of Energy Stones on forging the weapon. That was why Zhao Yi had allowed Liu Xiang’er to leave her workstation.

But still, why does my heart ache so much? It’s unbearable... Zhao Yi clutched his left chest, feeling a sharp pang.

「By the secluded window.」

Hong Yuan and Liu Xiang’er chatted in low voices, the atmosphere lively and cheerful.

Hong Yuan was naturally pleased. He didn’t know what this woman was thinking, but she had proactively offered him two private commissions, each worth at least one hundred and twenty Energy Stones. He was overjoyed.

Just now, Hong Yuan had already received a deposit—eighty Energy Stones.

Moreover, this woman actually knew where the books on serpent Demon Beast transformation were located and had proactively offered to find one for him:

*Flood Dragon Movement - Demon Tao Ritual*.

After some communication, both Hong Yuan and Liu Xiang’er parted ways with smiles, waving goodbye.

However, as soon as their figures vanished from sight, the smiles on their faces gradually faded.

"Xiang’er, are you alright?" Zhao Yi rushed to Liu Xiang’er’s side, asking with concern.

Liu Xiang’er sighed inwardly. This Zhao Yi is still as foolish as a pig.

"Brother Zhao, I’m fine. I’ve already taken care of *our* business," Liu Xiang’er said, deliberately emphasizing the word ’our’.

Sure enough, Zhao Yi immediately looked even happier.

Witnessing this, Liu Xiang’er’s opinion of Zhao Yi plummeted further. Her smile even lost some of its warmth, completely lacking the seductive allure it held when she spoke with Hong Yuan.

Elsewhere, Hong Yuan was at a reading table, seriously studying *Flood Dragon Movement - Demon Tao Ritual*.

The opening lines read: "A Water Snake transforms into a Flood Dragon after five hundred years. A Flood Dragon transforms into a Dragon after a thousand years. Another five hundred years, and it becomes a Horned Dragon; a thousand more, an Ying Dragon."