Chapter 151 The lady declared, "You are mine!"

Leopard Knife Faction.

The once-powerful sect has fallen into ruin, its members gone. Li Xian leaped into the courtyard, removed his mask, and headed towards the inner courtyard.

The houses along the way were neatly arranged. There were martial arts arenas, dining halls, mission halls...

Li Xian thought to himself, "If there are any treasures, they should be mostly in the inner courtyard." So he didn't bother to search them one by one.

After walking for a while, they came to a small green garden, planted with green trees and surrounded by more than ten rooms for disciples.

This is where the disciples of the Leopard Blade Sect usually rest and relax. Many clothes hang in front of the house, but have been abandoned since they were left unattended.

Li Xian pondered, "It's a waste to use all this cloth. Tomorrow I'll have the constables come and collect it all, wash it, and distribute it to the poor people for free."

Recalling the past.

His and his brother's biggest dream was to have a decent piece of clothing. In the impoverished village of Louping Lane, a single garment could be passed down for generations.

He continued deeper into the area. This time, Li Xian stood tall and confident, able to examine the surroundings with ease, taking in all the sights he had previously overlooked.

Xu Liefeng, that old man, really knows how to enjoy life.

Their daily needs, including food, clothing, and shelter, are taken care of by their personal disciples. Aside from daily martial arts practice, which they must perform themselves, their disciples assist with everything else, from eating and drinking to using the toilet.

Li Xian entered the bedroom.

After searching for a while, he found many exquisite jade artifacts and brocade robes. Li Xian silently noted them down, planning to sell them one by one later, which would amount to over a hundred taels of silver.

He searched meticulously, hoping to find some martial arts manuals or copies of divine skills. But he was ultimately disappointed, finding only a few basic martial arts books that were neither useful nor worth discarding.

"Um?"

While browsing the bookshelf, Li Xian came across "Blood Luo Technique." After a cursory glance, he found that this martial art was of medium quality and quite remarkable. However, it was too evil; those who cultivated it to the later stages would completely destroy their human form.

Li Xian simply discarded it, too lazy to even glance at it a second time.

"This is a treasure?!"

Li Xian opened his double pupils and saw a hidden compartment under the bed. It contained a mechanism; if it were forcibly broken open, poisoned needles would shoot out and kill the thief.

With such tight security, the treasure inside must be extraordinary. Li Xian secretly rejoiced; if he hadn't possessed double pupils, he would have either missed this item or been ambushed by a trap.

His method was simple: he poured lamp oil on the bed and set it on fire. The hidden mechanism inside was destroyed in the flames.

A black wooden box, intact and preserved.

Opening the wooden box, he found a "flesh-like jade" inside. It felt like flesh to the touch and resembled jade in appearance. Li Xian put it away, overjoyed. The "Azure Water Pearl" already had countless uses; if Xu Liefeng had this, the outcome of today's battle would be even more unpredictable.

Having an extra treasure by your side gives you a greater chance of success in your travels and making a fortune.

"Hmm?" Li Xian suddenly paused. He remained expressionless, but he sensed that someone was scrutinizing him.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Could it be that Madam is watching? No, Madam shouldn't come out for such a trivial matter. But... it's quite possible that she has sent someone else to secretly monitor me."

"If that's truly the case, and I were to possess this treasure alone, I fear that my lady might..."

...

...

One night passed.

Li Xian thoroughly investigated the situation, both inside and out. Xu Liefeng was wealthy, having accumulated his fortune over decades.

The treasure room contains a "flesh jade," rare beasts such as the "auspicious bird" and the "blue-blooded snake," and about ten basic martial arts books. However, all of them are incomplete, and the key mental techniques and incantations must be passed down orally.

Besides that, there were over five hundred taels of silver. Li Xian felt there should be more than that. Perhaps some disciples had stolen some during the chaos.

One "Golden Leopard Broadsword".

The hilt of the knife was carved with a leopard's mouth in black gold. The back of the blade was segmented, like a human spine. Infusing internal energy activated the mechanism.

The broadsword was surprisingly soft like a whip inside.

His swordsmanship was both fierce and graceful, perfectly complementing the Leopard Blade School's techniques. Xu Liefeng unleashed his full power, making him incredibly formidable. Unfortunately, in yesterday's battle, he had no chance to utilize his full potential and drowned in the lake.

"In martial arts combat, victory isn't guaranteed just because you have high martial arts skills or a deep understanding of the art. You must make good use of everything around you," Li Xianxin remarked with emotion.

But to get back to the source, it was the lady who effortlessly severed one of his arms, one of his legs, and one of his eyes, crippling eighty percent of his martial arts skills.

Li Xiancai had an opportunity to take advantage of.

A treasure map scroll.

The painting depicts mountains and lakes, seemingly indicating the location of a tomb. However, Li Xian's current perspective is limited to Hezhuang and Qingning County, so he cannot discern any clues.

I memorized it by rote, remembered the general idea, and then rolled it up again.

Aside from these, there were some miscellaneous and insignificant items. Li Xian tidied them all up.

They then returned to Qingning Lake.

He unfastened his boots and jumped into the lake. Diving to the bottom, he found Xu Liefeng's corpse. Soaked overnight, his face was pale, his eyes wide open, his death unfulfilled.

Li Xian tried to move the body, but found it very heavy and difficult to maneuver in the water. He failed twice.

So they went ashore and retrieved a hemp rope. They tied it around Xu Liefeng's waist and had him dragged around on the shore.

People gathered around to watch.

When Xu Liefeng was dragged ashore, the crowd erupted in uproar, scattering in fear.

"Lord Martial Commander, what... what kind of monster is this?"

The constable was so frightened that his legs trembled.

Even after Xu Liefeng died, the ginseng continued to grow inside his body. His face was completely covered by ginseng whiskers, so dense and numerous that it sent chills down one's spine.

"This man was a demon who committed evil deeds last night and was killed on the spot by me. You must not spread this around, lest it cause panic among the people!" Li Xian instructed.

"Master Wu Wei, you are incomparable in martial arts!"

The servants revered the Way.

Li Xian fulfilled his promise, burying Xu Liefeng's body intact in the black coffin prepared by his wife. He then ordered his men to load all the treasures of the Leopard Blade Sect into the carriage.

Let's take them back to Yihezhuang.

...

...

As dawn breaks, the turbid waters recede and the clear waters rise.

In Yihezhuang.

"This old servant greets you."

Uncle Xiang, who was hardworking and meticulous in managing finances, arrived at the inner courtyard early in the morning, bypassed Qiuyue, and went straight into Madam Wen's bedroom.

He prostrated himself, performing a special ritual. His devotion was absolute.

Madam Wen, seated behind the curtain, was fast asleep on her bed, her eyes still heavy with sleep, her breath sweet and fragrant. Hearing the noise, she opened her eyes slightly and said, "Why have you come?"

Uncle Xiang said, "Madam, Xu Liefeng is dead!"

"Oh?" The lady asked with a hint of curiosity, "How did he die?"

"It was Li Xian who killed him!" Uncle Xiang said truthfully.

"Interesting, very interesting." Madam Wen yawned and asked, "Didn't you say that Li Xian issued a challenge, inviting him to a great battle in four days? How come he died last night?"

Uncle Xiang said respectfully, "I didn't expect this either. By the time I realized it, Xu Liefeng was already dead. I only came to my senses this morning. It turns out that this guy deliberately issued a challenge to make Xu Liefeng focus his attention for four days, so that he would naturally be careless recently."

"He launched a surprise attack last night, catching Xu Liefeng off guard and killing him!"

"Did you see what happened yesterday?" Madam Wen asked curiously.

"This old servant followed Madam's orders and kept watch on Xu Liefeng all night. If Li Xian was in danger, I was able to rescue him. That's why I witnessed what happened last night." Uncle Xiang then recounted everything he had seen the previous day.

How to infiltrate, how to use the exotic incense, how to successfully launch a sneak attack. How to lure him into the lake, and how to kill Xu Liefeng in the water.

Uncle Xiang had witnessed the general process, but he was completely unaware of the true details. He had failed to notice Li Xian's "double pupils."

Because Li Xian has exceptionally sharp eyesight due to his double pupils. If Uncle You Shengxiang discovers the double pupils, Li Xian will also discover him.

Uncle Xiang said, "Madam has a discerning eye. This Li Xian is indeed a talented person. He comes from a humble background, but he certainly has the potential to become a dragon among men. But..."

"But what?" Madam Wen asked softly.

Uncle Xiang said, "But...it's precisely because this boy is too clever. I watched him rise from a lowly servant to a commander."

"Now he has even been appointed to a minor official position in the county. While luck certainly played a part, this young man is undoubtedly shrewd and calculating. Last night's game further demonstrated this. Moreover, he is by no means a rigid or pedantic person."

“Such a person will not be easily subdued like Pang Long. The matter of how to handle it requires Madam to make the right decision.”

Madam Wen frowned, slowly sat up, and pondered the matter.

“Madam, I have a plan to test this son’s loyalty,” Uncle Xiang said.

“Go ahead,” said Madam Wen.

Uncle Xiang said, "Last night, Li Xian killed Xu Liefeng and returned to his residence, searching it thoroughly."

"Although I am far away, I can see that he seems to have discovered a rare treasure. Li Xian will be back soon. We only need to see if he offers up this treasure to know whether this boy is loyal or not."

Madam Wen nodded and said, "I understand. I know what I'm doing. Uncle Xiang, you should go and rest."

"Yes!" Uncle Xiang took his leave.

Madam Wen stepped out from behind the curtain, put her long hair up, and thought to herself, "Uncle Xiang is right. This child is quite talented and intelligent. This young dragon... still needs to be constantly disciplined so that he can be truly convinced from the bottom of his heart."

...

...

Around 3:45 AM.

Li Xianyun returned the coffin to the village.

"Bad luck, bad luck, Li Xian, what are you doing! Bringing back a coffin, this is outrageous!" Qiu Yue stood with her hands on her hips, pointing and gesturing. Li Xian was not allowed to enter the manor.

"Get out of my way." Li Xian ignored the woman, grabbed her belt, and threw her at the group of servants.

Qiu Yue screamed and was thrown into the crowd. She was vulgar and petty, the kind of person who stirred up the filth and stench of servants. Her beautiful clothes were instantly stained, a pain worse than death.

He screamed in terror, enraged and wanting to kill Li Xian. But he was intimidated by the imposing aura and dared not make another move.

They dragged the black coffin into the manor and headed straight for the inner courtyard.

"Madam, Xu Liefeng has been executed. As you instructed, I have ensured his body is intact and buried in the black coffin!" Upon seeing his wife, Li Xian went straight to the point: "Would Madam like to see it?"

“No need.” Madam Wen patted her dress. “What difference would it make if I saw a dead man?”

"Since you have completed your task, I will not reward you. You may leave."

Madam Wen was cunning; she knew Li Xian feared her, and if she asked for the treasures, Li Xian would surely hand them over. In this way, her loyalty could not be tested.

Therefore, she spoke first, letting Li Xian leave. She wanted to give him the illusion that he had gotten away with it, while in reality she knew everything.

Li Xian was taken aback, thinking, "If that's really the case, wouldn't it be great if I... managed to slip through the cracks, take that treasure, and thoroughly investigate its uses!"

His thoughts did waver for a moment, but he immediately dismissed them. There were two reasons for this: firstly, last night he suddenly felt a gaze upon him. It was as if someone was watching him, and although he didn't know who it was, it made him feel very uneasy;

Secondly, the lady is cunning and scheming, deep and terrifying. She tests people subtly, and each time she seems to offer a benefit, she is actually hiding a huge pitfall.

Li Xian said, "Madam, I have found some things in the Leopard Blade Sect that I would like to offer to you."

"Oh?" Madam Wen raised an eyebrow slightly.

Li Xian said, “Exquisite jade porcelain, gold and silver, rare birds and animals. I dare not keep these for myself, but now I offer them all to you, Madam.”

Madam Wen heard many things, but she didn't hear the word "treasure" at all, and she was already angry. It seemed that Li Xian really wanted to keep something to himself.

“Not bad, not bad, you are very loyal. Take these things to the accounting office. Choose one item from these many things as a reward.”

She spoke softly.

Others couldn't discern his joy or anger, and neither could Li Xian.

Li Xian stepped forward. "Besides that, I have something else to offer to you, Madam."

"To be honest... I really shouldn't have done that. This thing is so extraordinary that I've never seen anything like it in my life. When I first obtained it, I thought to myself, 'Madam is so powerful, she might not even care about this. It would be better if I kept it.' Although this thought only lasted for a moment, I still... I beg Madam to punish me."

Present the "flesh-like jade".

Madam Wen walked slowly over, took the jade, and confirmed that it was indeed a rare treasure. Her anger vanished, and she was overjoyed. Although the treasure was valuable, it wasn't something that would make her so happy.

She was very satisfied with Li Xian's performance.

If Li Xian readily offered himself, Madam Wen would inevitably suspect him, for he was cunning and harbored hidden agendas. Though physically weak, his mind was old; the choice he made seemed easy, but in reality, it was extremely difficult!

It's good that Li Xian was able to express her true feelings.

Although Madam Wen was pleased, her voice changed from gentle to harsh, and she scolded, "You ungrateful wretch, how dare you have such thoughts!"

With a flick of his sleeve, he sent Li Xian flying several feet away. Li Xian slammed against the wall with a thud.

Her temperament is unpredictable. She punishes when pleased and rewards when angry. This is vividly displayed at this moment; judging by her outward appearance, who would know that she is in a very good mood?

Madam Wen approached slowly and said coldly, "If you dare to have such thoughts again, I will punish you severely."

"You must know that these treasures belong to me."

Even you are mine.

(End of this chapter)