Chapter 494 - 325: Crystal Gold Armor (2)
Rafael’s fame is undeniable. In China, almost everyone has heard of Rafael, while not nearly as many know about Penfolds. This just goes to show that Rafael’s reputation in China is absolutely higher than Penfolds’.
Penfolds is mainly common at business banquets and as a gift because of its 407. The name itself is also quite appealing, which makes it popular in China.
Erin and Li Xiang were drinking a bottle of 2010 Grand Rafael. Like 1982, it was another stunning vintage. However, Li Xiang didn’t know much about red wine, so Erin shared some of her knowledge with him.
In fact, Erin’s family castle used to have its own winery. But after her parents passed away, there was no one left to run it, and the workshop slowly fell into ruin.
Under Erin’s guidance, Li Xiang, being an Extraordinary Being with a highly sensitive palate, was able to discern the wine’s unique flavor profile—rich notes of dark fruit and chocolate, with a soft mouthfeel.
Li Xiang brought up the Magic Alchemy Ship Erin had designed, and she shot him a playful look. "Mr. Armor, that’s your fault, you know."
"Because of me?"
"Weren’t you the one who went around the world, warning every country that a massive flood is coming in two years?"
Li Xiang smiled. He had nothing to hide from Erin, so he nodded. "Yes. You should start preparing, too. Hmm, your castle won’t have to worry about the floodwaters, but you must stock up on supplies. Another thing is security. Refugees might come here seeking shelter."
Erin nodded. "That’s why I’m planning to build a Magic Alchemy Ship. When the time comes, I’ll save who I can."
Li Xiang gave her a thumbs-up. "You’re a kind woman."
They talked and drank while Alchemy Servants continuously brought out exquisite dishes. Erin ate very little; most of the food ended up in Li Xiang’s stomach.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Erin smiled sweetly. "Mr. Armor, you’ve given me so many gifts. Let me give you one in return."
"I look forward to it. It would be my honor." Li Xiang nodded lightly.
The candlelight flickered in the silver-gilt chandelier. As Erin rose, the silk seat cushion rustled softly. Her fingertips brushed across the back of Li Xiang’s hand, her crystal nails catching the candlelight with a honeyed sheen. "Wait for me for a little while." Her voice trailed off, as soft and lingering as mist on the Seine. As she turned, the scent of iris perfume from the tips of her wavy golden hair brushed past Li Xiang’s nose.
On the twelve-meter-long oak dining table, the 2010 Grand Rafael shimmered with the luster of garnet in a Baccarat crystal glass. Li Xiang lightly tapped a gold-gilt knife with his finger, the amethyst inlaid in its handle glinting with the rhythm. Suddenly, he heard the crisp sound of high heels clicking on the floor from the corridor.
"CLICK, CLACK, CLICK~"
A peerless beauty appeared at the doorway—blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and wearing a black lace butterfly mask. Her skin was snow-white, and she was dressed in a sexy flamenco gown.
"Where’s the gift?" Li Xiang asked.
Erin lifted her chin slightly. "I am."
The large skirt of her dress swayed as she sashayed forward. Beneath the lace mask, her cobalt-blue eyes reflected the candlelight like flecks of molten gold, burning with heat. The stunning Western beauty walked toward Li Xiang, suddenly extending a long leg. Her toes, painted with crimson polish, hooked the back of his velvet chair. "Do you like the wrapping?"
Li Xiang caught her suspended ankle, his thumb caressing the winged gold griffin on her anklet. "You have to unwrap a gift yourself to know its true value."
The velvet back of the chair suddenly tipped over, and Erin fell gracefully into Li Xiang’s arms. The ties of her lace mask came loose in the motion, revealing eyes as hazy and alluring as the morning mist over Montmartre Hill.
"Time to inspect the merchandise?" She bit down on the button of his collar, tugging gently, using her pearly teeth to help him undress.
Li Xiang reached out and, with a gentle tug, pulled at her dress. The silk fabric slid down her ivory skin...
On the dining table, the half-finished bottle of 2010 Grand Rafael was knocked over, its contents seeping into the tablecloth as a deep red stain...
Outside, a violent storm suddenly broke out, punctuated by booming thunder and blinding lightning. Meanwhile, inside the castle’s dining room, a "tempest" of its own was unfolding.
When the thunderstorm had passed and the moon broke through the clouds, its light once again streaming through the stained-glass windows into the dining room, a drop of wax from a gold-gilt candlestick on the table happened to fall into Erin’s spread-out golden hair. It was like coating the morning mist on the Seine with a layer of honey.
Erin’s fingertip traced a silver-gilt fork. The tines suddenly softened, melting into a wisp of liquid silver. "My dear Li, you’ve given me a completely new understanding of Alchemy..."
Her cobalt-blue eyes reflected the dancing candlelight, and her earlobes flushed a coral pink with excitement. Her body trembled, still immersed in the afterglow, but her heart was filled with an extraordinary sense of joy and surprise.
Li Xiang had just imparted to her a strange technique from the mysterious East called "Star Dome Concerto: Simurgh’s Nine Melodies." Because of it, she had leaped two full tiers, becoming a Tier Four Extraordinary.
The excitement in her heart was beyond words. She could hardly believe that a single night of passion with the most powerful man in the world could yield such an unexpected harvest.
’This man is truly a gift from the heavens—the most precious gift of my entire life.’
"What are your two new Superpowers?" Through their Dual Cultivation, Li Xiang knew that Erin had already formed two new Spiritual Power Vortexes, giving birth to two new Superpower Runes.
"Carry me to the bedroom, and I’ll tell you all about them. I’m completely spent right now; I can’t even get up."
Li Xiang swept her up in his arms, princess-style, and walked slowly toward the bedroom.
After resting for over an hour, Erin finally recovered some of her strength. By then, Li Xiang had also learned about her two new Superpowers.