The Dimensionality Reduction Strike of the Ice Fairy

The night in the Imperial Capital was dazzling and vibrant.

Hua Nongying gazed at the young man standing before her, his face still the picture of righteous nobility, and felt her heart flutter uncontrollably. It was the first time in her life she had experienced such a sensation—the feeling of becoming prey.

"Dancing with the moon's reflection, how unlike the mortal realm."

Just these two lines alone, like glimpsing a leopard through a tube, were enough to hint at the breathtaking brilliance of the entire poem. Yet, the young man had deliberately withheld the full piece, teasing her with only this fragment—one that even carried her name—leaving her heart clawed with restless curiosity.

If she had the complete poem, her name might spread across the world, perhaps even elevating her back into the top three of the Hundred Flowers Ranking...

Hua Nongying’s enchanting eyes flickered between Xie Xuan and Li Mo as she chuckled lightly, "Young Master Li, surely you won’t claim this poem was written by Xie Xuan? His literary talents... well, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing them firsthand."

"?"

Li Mo turned to Xie Xuan, only now realizing that the latter had once composed poetry at the House of Moonlit Pleasures. He asked, "What did you write?"

"I... I..."

Xie Xuan’s face flushed crimson as he stammered for a long moment before finally admitting, "I once visited the Hengyun Sword City in Yunzhou and heard that Elder Zeng was a man of great literary talent... so I secretly memorized one of his masterpieces..."

"...You should’ve said so earlier. Why didn’t you say so earlier?"

Young Master Li fell into deep contemplation.

"Was his literary talent... not good?" Xie Xuan asked, confused.

"He was a blacksmith! How is that any different from picking a random swordsmith from the forge?"

Li Mo rubbed his temples in frustration.

He wanted to help Xie Xuan save face, but...

If your stubborn Bronze-ranked duo partner suddenly started dominating like a pro player, would you believe he improved overnight, or that he hired a smurf?

"Young Master, must you play hard to get~?"

Hua Nongying’s voice turned sugary sweet, the kind that could melt bones.

The moment the sound reached the ears of the gathered nobles, their legs turned to jelly. Those who had just risen to leave collapsed back into their seats, powerless to resist.

This was a scene none of them had ever witnessed.

Who could have?

Young Master Li had.

If this were his past life, the big spenders would already be showering the livestream with gifts, turning the chat into a frenzy of digital fireworks.

Xie Xuan trembled uncontrollably.

Good news: he had seen a side of Hua Nongying no one else had, unlocking a new expression.

Bad news: it wasn’t directed at him.

"..."

Ying Bing lifted her noble, jade-like face, her cold phoenix eyes scrutinizing Hua Nongying before flicking a glance toward a certain Young Master Li.

Creak!!

A sharp, mournful screech suddenly pierced the quiet courtyard.

Li Mo looked down at the big-headed doll in his hands, his already clear eyes growing even sharper.

Ignoring Hua Nongying, he retrieved the doll from Ying Bing’s icy grip and stood up.

"Well, I mainly came to the House of Moonlit Pleasures because I heard the moonlight here was beautiful. That line earlier was just... a spontaneous thought. But tonight, the heavens aren’t cooperating—dark clouds have swallowed the sky, as if the moon itself is throwing a tantrum... So, I think I’ll call it a night."

With that, Li Mo prepared to leave, tugging the "ice block" along with him.

He had truly tried his best. If the investment returns weren’t materializing, there was nothing more he could do.

Still, this was the Imperial Capital—the chances of encountering a "golden destiny" here were higher than anywhere else. He could always find another opportunity.

"The moon is right there, enormous as ever. What nonsense are you spouting?"

The gathered aristocrats felt a surge of absurdity, their molars grinding in frustration.

Kid, do you even realize what you’re passing up?

The most enchanting courtesan of the House of Moonlit Pleasures was practically throwing herself at you. Even if this was a game of cat and mouse, she’d already cast the bait! Would it kill you to spend nothing, hold her hand, and enjoy the moment?

And now you’re leaving... with another man?

A noble young master, no less?

Hua Nongying’s seductive smile froze on her face.

"Young Master, you must be joking with me."

"Not at all. Look how dark the sky is—it might start thundering and pouring any minute. I need to get home and bring in the laundry."

Li Mo waved dismissively, tucking the doll away before taking Ying Bing’s delicate hand in his.

"Are you even a man?!"

Hua Nongying’s voice suddenly turned shrill, her flower-like beauty twisting slightly in fury.

She could tolerate men playing hard to get.

She could even tolerate being treated as prey—after all, the best hunters often disguised themselves as the hunted.

But what she could not tolerate was being genuinely ignored. That was nothing short of trampling on her pride!

She had never encountered it before. Never even imagined it.

Gritting her teeth, Hua Nongying hissed coldly,

"Young Master Li... could it be that you don’t like women?"

The crowd instantly leaned back, subconsciously putting distance between themselves and Li Mo.

Now that she mentioned it... that did seem plausible?

Not only had Li Mo remained utterly indifferent to Hua Nongying’s charms, but he’d also been feeding vinegar-dipped dumplings to that noble, jade-like young master—and now they were holding hands.

Speaking of which, that young master was strikingly handsome, with a face as cold and flawless as carved jade—so beautiful it could drive women mad with envy.

Suddenly, everything made sense.

"?"

Young Master Li was not pleased.

But before he could retort—

Swish.

The sound of silk brushing against fabric whispered in his ear.

A night breeze rose from nowhere, lifting strands of ink-black hair that cascaded like a dream through the darkness.

Even the most seasoned patrons of pleasure houses, accustomed to the finest beauties, held their breaths in awe.

The courtyard fell into silence.

At the gate stood no longer a noble young master, but a peerlessly beautiful young woman, her presence as serene as an orchid in a secluded valley. The moonlight seemed to exist solely to illuminate her.

In one hand, she held a veil of translucent gauze, while the other slipped into Li Mo’s palm.

"He likes women," she said softly, her ice-mirror eyes both sacred and profound, as if declaring:

This one is mine.

Li Mo tightened his grip on her hand, lifting his chin with unshakable confidence.

Close call.

Thankfully, the "ice block" had stepped in to salvage the situation. Otherwise, who knows what bizarre rumors would’ve sprouted?

"Let’s go home."

"As you wish, Young Master."

Ying Bing’s lips parted slightly, her voice a lethal imitation of Hua Nongying’s earlier tone—only ten times more devastating.

The crowd was spellbound.

This was a dimensional escalation.

Who could withstand this?

Even the number one on the Heavenly Rankings would be powerless before such a voice.

The Empress’s top spot on the Hundred Flowers Ranking... might’ve had some water content after all.

Xie Xuan, in particular, stood dumbfounded—though his gaze was fixed on Li Mo.

Just how does he do it?

"!"

Contrary to expectations, Young Master Li wasn’t basking in triumph.

Instead, cold sweat broke out down his back.

Because the one who had just spoken...

Was definitely the bad version of Ying Bing.

This wasn’t normal coquetry. For the "ice block" to behave like this was beyond abnormal!

She doesn’t actually act like this!