Chapter 81: A Warm Night, a Beauty Intoxicated

Li Chao slowly closed his eyes, letting his thoughts drift like smoke once more into the depths of that mysterious ancient tower. His consciousness, like a traveler traversing the mist, ventured step by step until the dazzling golden scale appeared before him.

Days of relentless healing and arduous cultivation had pushed the scale—symbolizing power and advancement—close to half full, signaling that the gateway to a higher realm was about to open for him. An indescribable excitement and longing welled up in his heart, as if he could foresee that the second floor of the tower held not only secret techniques, but wings that would alter his destiny and let him soar above the nine heavens.

The two manuals from the first floor were like springs in a desert, nourishing his parched spirit and transforming him from an obscure mortal into a novice on the threshold of martial arts. What wonders might await him on the second floor? Would it be deeper, more profound martial truths, or treasures rare enough to astonish the world? All these possibilities stirred infinite imagination within him, leaving him anxious yet full of anticipation.

Returning to himself, Li Chao opened his eyes, his gaze passing through the drafty window and landing on the mottled walls, sending ripples through his heart. Though the clinic was small, his efforts had imbued it with vitality, yet the dilapidated state of his home mirrored his past life—bleak and helpless.

He gently stroked his chin, his eyes shining with resolve and determination. "The time has come," he mused silently. The silver coins in his hand, earned through sweat and toil, were precious wealth; now it was time to let them serve a greater purpose.

Renovating the courtyard was not just about improving his living environment, but about erecting a solid defense, making all hidden threats visible. He imagined a future home renewed, shaded by green trees, filled with birdsong and flowers, its interior blending the modern with the traditional—preserving warmth yet not lacking the strength and boldness of a martial artist.

Furniture, appliances, surveillance equipment... each item took shape in his mind, necessities that would become his sturdy support, protecting his family and his path of cultivation. Li Chao knew well that a true strongman must not only be formidable in battle, but also prudent, creating a safe haven for himself and those he loved.

His thoughts were gently stirred by Rain Xin's affairs, a sense of responsibility and tenderness quietly spreading in his chest. But an abrupt knock at the door interrupted his reverie, pulling his attention back to reality.

Outside, Liu Dan's voice was soft as the night breeze, tinged with puzzlement and anticipation. Though he felt some confusion, his respect and gratitude for Sister Dan, who had always cared for and helped him, prevailed.

Without hesitation, he rose, opened the hall door, and stepped into the night.

"Who is it?" His voice echoed in the courtyard, carrying a hint of doubt and vigilance. In the deep quiet of night, any visitor invited speculation.

"Chao, it’s me!" Liu Dan’s familiar, warm voice came from outside, shining like the brightest star in the night sky, dispelling the gloom in his heart.

Li Chao hurried forward, slowly pulling open the heavy door, and Liu Dan’s figure gradually became clear in the darkness. She carried simple dishes for drinking, her face adorned with a faint smile—one that concealed mystery and tenderness.

"Sister Dan, what’s all this?" Li Chao looked at the white liquor and snacks in her hands, more puzzled than ever. He knew Liu Dan was never aimless; a late-night visit surely had purpose.

"Come drink with me," Liu Dan gently shook the wine bottle, her eyes gleaming with invitation. Her words were simple and direct, impossible to refuse.

Without waiting for Li Chao to think further, she strode into the house, her ease and confidence making him smile wryly. Despite the turmoil in his heart, he could only follow her, gently closing the courtyard gate and stepping inside.

In the house, the dim yellow light cast a gentle warmth and ambiguity over their simple gathering. He sat across from Liu Dan, separated by a small table adorned with simple snacks, the air thick with the aroma of white liquor.

Liu Dan filled two cups, pushed one to Li Chao, took the other herself, and clinked glasses with a crisp sound.

"Come, Chao, drink with me," Liu Dan’s voice was soft yet resolute, as if she could see into his heart.

Li Chao raised his cup, shared a smile with her, and then downed it in one gulp. The liquor burned with a sweet aftertaste, much like their friendship—complex yet pure.

Liu Dan’s movements were swift and efficient, as if this sudden turn of events had barely disturbed her calm. She unwrapped the snacks one by one, their fragrance quickly filling the small room, mingling with the richness of the liquor, creating a unique atmosphere.

She carefully placed the cups, her actions betraying a careless elegance. Then, she tilted the bottle, pouring the clear wine with a pleasant sound.

"Sister Dan, what’s really going on tonight?" Li Chao finally couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked.

He looked at Liu Dan’s face, which seemed calm but hid complex emotions, full of bewilderment.

Liu Dan smiled softly, her expression tinged with bitterness and relief.

"Wang Xiao Jie called me today. He said he found true love outside and wants to come back and divorce me." Her tone was so calm it was as if she were recounting something unrelated, yet her deep eyes occasionally flickered with a subtle unrest.

"So, I came to drink with you," she continued, with a self-deprecating note. "Let’s just say I’m celebrating regaining my freedom."

With that, she raised her glass and drained it, as if wanting the fiery liquor to drive away the shadows in her heart.

Li Chao watched her actions, his feelings a complex blend. He hadn’t expected that the seemingly strong Sister Dan could face such upheaval with such composure.

He couldn’t help but ask, "Are you sure you’re not being ironic, Sister Dan?"

He knew that most women faced with divorce would break down and cry, unable to accept it. Yet Liu Dan’s reaction was nothing like he imagined.

Liu Dan didn’t answer directly, only lifted her glass and took a gentle sip. The sharpness of the liquor awakened some hidden strength within her.

A flush quickly spread across her face, a testament both to the alcohol and her true emotions.

She took a deep breath, as if organizing her thoughts, then said slowly, "Everyone deals with pain in their own way. Some cry, some run away. Me? I face it."

Li Chao listened, feeling a surge of admiration. He realized that the woman before him was far stronger than he had imagined.

He silently raised his glass, clinking it with Liu Dan, then drank it down.

Liu Dan leaned back slightly, as if finally laying down burdens she’d carried for years, her face blossoming with a smile of liberation.

Her words revealed unprecedented candor and freedom, moving Li Chao deeply.

"I’m telling the truth," she repeated, her tone firm and sincere. All those years of endurance and grievance seemed to melt away in the liquor she drank.

"All these years with him—it was no different than guarding an empty marriage," she said, her voice trembling faintly, the release of emotions long suppressed.

"Chao, don’t laugh—I'm a normal woman, with needs like anyone else. But where was he then?" A hint of helplessness and loneliness flashed in her eyes, her words as sharp as blades, slicing through the night’s silence and the defenses in her heart.

"Not even a phone call during the holidays!" Her tone was full of disappointment and dissatisfaction; those forgotten days had become her deepest pain.

"Who knew how wronged I felt?" She sighed softly, asking herself and the world alike. But she needed no answer, for she had found her own.

"Women care about saving face," Liu Dan laughed at herself. "I used to think divorce was shameful. No matter how miserable I was, I’d force a smile."

But now she was no longer the woman who would sacrifice herself for the sake of appearances.

"Things are different now," her eyes shone with resolve and hope. "I’ve figured it out. He can chase his happiness, and I want to chase mine."

This was her new definition of life, her yearning for a brighter future.

"The days of loneliness, where only my own hands could comfort me—I’ve truly had enough," Liu Dan said, her words decisive and free, finally ready to let go of the past and embrace what lay ahead.

As she spoke, she poured herself another glass and drank it without hesitation. The resolute courage in her actions made Li Chao admire her all the more.

"Sister Dan! Don’t drink so fast—you’ll get dizzy soon!" Li Chao quickly reached for the cup, worried that Liu Dan might harm herself by drinking too much. Though the cup was small, the strength of the liquor was formidable.

He tried to comfort her gently, hoping she would feel warmth and care.

In that cramped, ambiguous space, a humble cup became the catalyst for rising emotion. Small as it was, it held more than a tael of liquor, serving as a subtle bridge between their feelings.

With the slow flow of alcohol, the atmosphere grew warmer, approaching the boiling point.

"One more cup—perhaps that’s the limit," Liu Dan thought to herself, her gaze unconsciously drifting to the man beside her, freshly bathed, bare-chested—Li Chao.

His presence was like a breeze in summer, dispelling the heat and stirring the strings of Liu Dan’s heart.

The moment of snatching the cup felt like fate’s arrangement—Li Chao’s hand inadvertently grasped Liu Dan’s delicate fingers, their proximity so close they could hear each other’s heartbeat.

The air was thick with the intertwining scents of alcohol and shower gel, and an ineffable aura of desire, all quietly brewing some indescribable emotion.

Li Chao’s physique, enhanced by the mysterious power of the stars, appeared even more upright and flawless. His abdominal muscles were like carefully sculpted art, their lines smooth and powerful, outlining a breathtaking inverted triangle.

This was more than mere appearance—it was the perfect union of strength and beauty, impossible to look away from.

"Chao, your body is amazing," Liu Dan’s voice was dreamy and soft, tinged with shyness and longing. Her words were not just praise for his physical form, but the true expression of feelings deep within her.

At this moment, she was utterly conquered by his primal allure, as if caught in an irresistible trap of tenderness.

Yet within this enchantment, a subtle turning point lurked.

The alcohol had rapidly heated their emotions, but the dam of reason threatened to break at any moment.

Liu Dan’s eyes held both intoxication and struggle; she understood what this night could bring, yet could not resist the longing rising from her heart.

Li Chao, faced with her admiration and affection, felt a tumult of emotions. He knew the source of his appeal, but also the responsibility and consequences it entailed.

He gently released Liu Dan’s hand, his eyes flickering with complex emotion, as if making a difficult choice.

Would reason prevail over impulse, or would emotion break free from its chains? How would this tipsy summer night’s story unfold?

Everything was filled with uncertainty and anticipation...

Li Chao’s throat quivered slightly as he sensed Liu Dan’s unusual state and was about to withdraw his hand and stand, to avoid embarrassment.

But in that critical instant, Liu Dan did not retreat—instead, she gripped his palm tightly and gave a sudden pull!

With that tug, Li Chao felt his balance shift and involuntarily fell into Liu Dan’s embrace.

Both slid from the edge of the wooden chair, collapsing together onto the floor.

Li Chao landed above, while Liu Dan lay beneath, their bodies pressed so closely there was not even a sliver of space between them.

Under the gentle light, Liu Dan’s eyes glittered with seductive charm, as though they could captivate the soul. She gazed at Li Chao with deep affection.

Her clothes were slightly disheveled, revealing large swathes of skin, pure and flawless like the first snow of winter.

Li Chao felt a surge of heat within. Though such scenes were not unfamiliar, the shock and allure remained strong, making Liu Dan appear ever more perfect and irresistible.

She was, at this moment, like a volcano dormant for years, finally erupting after countless silent nights, pouring forth all the longing and passion she had suppressed deep within her heart—unreservedly!