Chapter 176 A Feast for Prodigies, The Name of the Evil Commander

Li Xian feigned composure and bent down to examine Qiu Yue's corpse. The poison, which was deadly upon contact with blood, was swift and potent; once it reached her heart, she would die instantly. Yet, there were no outward signs of illness.

Li Xian knew in his heart that if he gave himself away, his wife would find out and would surely think he was unfaithful. After a long pause, he said, "She has no injuries. Could it be suicide?"

"Qiuyue would never have entered the deep mountains and forests for no reason. She must have betrayed the lady and used the excuse of the lady's inconvenience to escape the manor. But when she got here, she suddenly regretted it. She was really afraid of the lady's punishment and finally chose to commit suicide here."

"Suicide?" Madam Wen laughed. "Then let me ask you, if it was suicide, who buried her?"

“This…” Li Xian was unable to answer; the lady was not easily fooled.

Madam Wen's palm held a gentle breeze; with a light push, the breeze lifted Qiu Yue's sleeves and skirt, revealing the marks of rope binding her. She said:

"Although Qiuyue had no external injuries, there were rope marks on her hands and feet, indicating that she had been captured before her death. The method of binding and capturing her, which involved making her lie face down on the ground with her hands and feet bent behind her back, rendering her unable to move, must have originated from the Flower Cage Sect."

She was knowledgeable and experienced in the ways of the martial world, and could see through the deception at a glance. Fortunately, Li Xian had taken pity on her and used poison to kill her, leaving very few traces.

"She doesn't seem like the type to commit suicide by poison out of resentment," Madam Wen said, frowning.

Li Xian said, "Madam, I suspect her death is related to the Flower Cage Sect. But I have already killed all the villains from the Flower Cage Sect. And in this desolate wilderness, it is probably difficult to find any other trace of her."

Madam Wen nodded. She was pursuing Qiu Yue, intending to punish her severely. Firstly, to vent her anger, and secondly, to intimidate Li Xian, showing him through her actions that if he betrayed her, she would find him no matter where he was.

Thirdly… the secret of the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique must not be revealed. She has many enemies; if they all knew this weakness, how could she live in peace in the future?

"Madam, could it be that the Flower Cage Sect is trying to silence us?" Li Xian asked cautiously.

"It should be." Even with Madam Wen's abilities, it would be difficult to ascertain the circumstances of that day. Furthermore, Qiu Yue did indeed have marks from the ropes binding her at the flower cage gate. There were no external injuries on her body…

It is likely that Qiuyue was tied to the ground, and Hualongmen fed her a deadly poison, causing her death. Afterwards, her body was moved to a distant location and buried.

Only in this way can it be barely explained.

"The Flower Cage Sect doesn't kill women. But with so many disciples, it's always difficult to control them." Madam Wen turned and asked, "Then why did you strangle the Flower Cage Sect members back then?"

Li Xian immediately informed her of Lin Aoshan's situation. Madam Wen was slightly displeased upon hearing about Lin Aoshan. However, upon learning that Li Xian had taken the risk of joining forces with Lin Aoshan because of a fine of three thousand taels, her displeasure subsided.

"Since that's the case, the matter is settled and there's no need to pursue it further." Madam Wen turned and left. Li Xian hesitated for a moment, then followed.

Only Qiuyue's corpse remained, exposed in the wilderness, a truly pitiful sight. The bond between master and servant, spanning over a decade, was as light as a feather.

Back in the village.

Lady Wen's inner turmoil has been resolved, and she is in a very good mood. She and Li Xian practice swordsmanship together, making great progress in their skills.

That afternoon.

Ding Hu took office as the head of the guards, while Li Xian moved into the inner courtyard and became a swordsman, settling down next to his wife, with their bedroom only a few steps away.

The lady gave the order to start the cauldron again. It took two days to cook the fine food. Li Xian received two pieces of the fine meat, one of which he consumed on the spot, and the other was put into the Heavenly Storage Box.

This refined meat nurtured over a hundred strands of essence. After being ingested and strengthened, it transformed into one hundred and fifty strands, of which Li Xian retained over thirty strands… enough to digest for more than half a month.

The next day.

Wuweitang.

Li Xian's shouts were like thunder, his entire body shimmering with dark light. Like iron plated with silver, he was indestructible.

[Eating Essence]

[Proficiency: 32/100]

[Iron and bronze body]

[Proficiency: 1253/50000, the pinnacle!]

[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Level Two]

[Proficiency: 569/5000 Minor Success]

[Gang Lei Finger]

[Proficiency: 11/1200 Mastery]

...

He made progress in many martial arts techniques. The Qi Lake, twenty-five feet wide, surged and churned, with the potential to become a raging torrent.

He honed his iron-bronze body to its utmost, reaching the pinnacle of mastery. His body became incredibly strong and his lungs as tough as iron. Li Xian's breathing was powerful and resonant, perfectly complementing the "thunderous sound of his chest drumming."

This makes the thunderous sound of the chest drum even stronger, which in turn makes the Thunder Finger technique even more lethal.

The path of martial arts is vast. Martial arts techniques are also vast, with countless variations across the world. Some martial arts have interconnected paths, complementing each other and amplifying their effects, which can unleash terrifying power.

Major martial arts sects are especially common among them.

Even if a martial artist sent abroad manages to learn a move or two, he will not grasp the essence of the art.

"Iron Body" and "Thunder Finger" are both miscellaneous martial arts styles.

But by a twist of fate, they ended up finding themselves connected through the same channels.

The Iron Body trains the lungs, and the lungs reside in the chest. When the chest bulges like thunder, the vibration of the lungs amplifies the thunderous sound. This thunderous sound is transmitted throughout the body, unleashing the deadly Thunder Finger technique…

A series of interconnected steps, each with its own unique power, naturally make for a formidable force.

"Lord Wu Wei."

Outside the hall, the constables were dressed neatly and held knives.

Li Xian laughed and said, "No need to be nervous. Perhaps the new county magistrate has no intention of opposing us?"

Cao Kai has been dead for over ten days. The situation in the prefectural city is unpredictable, with many powerful families secretly vying for power. Li Xian has no way of knowing the specifics.

However, the new county magistrate has already been chosen. He is a member of the Yuwen family in the prefectural city, quite young, just over twenty years old.

They set off a few days ago and, based on the estimated distance, should arrive today. The constables, having weathered numerous mishaps, are well-versed in their duties. Upon hearing of the magistrate's arrival, they are all on high alert, awaiting only Li Xian's command to launch a preemptive strike, acting on behalf of Heaven to punish the official, without hesitation.

"As newcomers, you should have a fresh start. You all should curb your hostility and go to the outer courtyard to practice martial arts. I'll go and greet the county magistrate."

Li Xian said casually.

The constables looked at each other in bewilderment. Zhang Hou said, "Go and practice martial arts." He set an example by leading the constables to practice martial arts as ordered.

Ten steps away from the city gate, there is a wooden shed.

Li Xian sat under the shade of the awning, waiting for the county magistrate, showing him great respect. It was always good to be on good terms with people. After waiting a while, not knowing when he would arrive, he moved a small chair over and started cracking melon seeds.

The sun is shining brightly today, the sky is clear and the earth is bright, and there are not a cloud in the sky.

Before he arrived, no one—the county magistrate Zhang Yiheng, the registrar, or any of the powerful families—dared to step forward.

But after Li Xian arrived, the county constable rushed over, his clothes and hat somewhat disheveled. The other county officials were in much the same state.

I waited for half an incense stick.

The sound of hooves rang out, and a carriage approached. The carriage had a rounded roof and a square body, typical of the prefectural city style. However, its color scheme was simple, clearly indicating an intentional attempt to keep a low profile.

The carriage stopped, and a young man alighted. He was handsome and quite young. He was the newly appointed county magistrate: Yuwen Chengji. He was an unappreciated member of the Yuwen family clan.

People began dying one after another in Qingning County. After much struggle, the position of county magistrate fell into the hands of the Yuwen family.

However, this place is dangerous. After much consideration, the family decided to temporarily send Yuwen Chengji, a member of a collateral branch of the family, to take the lead and test the waters.

Yuwen Chengji was filled with dread. Ever since he took up his post, he had been filled with anxiety. Now, the whole prefecture was abuzz with rumors that Li Xian, the Qingning Martial Commandant, had three heads and six arms, a gaping maw, a murderous aura that soared to the heavens, and eyes like copper bells. He was practically a demon in human form, ready to devour anyone he could find.

Yuwen Chengji arrived at his post with only three old servants, no clan soldiers, no government soldiers. He was all alone, looking rather pathetic, practically going to his new post by himself.

His legs were weak when he got off the carriage. If the military commander attacked, how could he possibly survive?

Just when I was at a loss and feeling utterly hopeless.

Li Xian strode over and said with a smile, "This must be the young master of the Yuwen family, the newly appointed county magistrate, right?"

"Yes...yes..." Yuwen Chengji, heeding his family's teachings, knew that upon arriving in Qingning, he should not flaunt his family status. He quickly returned the greeting and asked, "Who...who are you?"

"I am Li Xian, a military officer," Li Xian said.

"Ah!" Yuwen Chengji exclaimed in surprise, "You...you are Li Xian?!"

To everyone's surprise, this military officer was not fierce at all; on the contrary, he was exceptionally handsome. A red mole between his eyebrows added to his dashing and heroic appearance, making him a truly rare sight.

"You...you..." Yuwen Chengji said, "Shouldn't you be a terrifying figure with three heads and six arms, killing people like flies? With a pockmarked face and a mouth big enough to swallow people whole?"

"You scoundrel!" Zhang Yiheng roared, "Ignorant brat, how dare you insult Commander Wu!?" He made a move to draw his sword.

Yuwen Chengji shrank back. He was young and from a wealthy family, so he was largely ignorant of social etiquette. Only after speaking did he realize he had offended them.

He felt that his position as county magistrate was truly aggrieved. He was even scolded as a "scoundrel" by the county constable.

Li Xian laughed and said, "It's alright. I can tell that this young man didn't mean to offend us. He's just a pure-hearted person who speaks his mind. There's no need to make a big deal out of it."

“Yes, yes.” Zhang Yiheng took a step back.

“Your Excellency, please stop. You are new to Qingning and must not know this place well.”

“I am a native of Qingning, and I can introduce you to the local customs and traditions.”

Li Xian said casually.

As the group walked into the middle of the street, the bustling crowds and lively atmosphere gradually dispelled their fear. Although Yuwen Chengji was a playboy, he wasn't stupid. He already knew that many of the rumors were inaccurate, and this Commandant Wu… was actually quite easy to get along with.

Li Xian asked, "Young Master Yuwen, I have never been to the prefectural city before. I don't know how lively it is. Could you tell me about it?"

“The city of Fucheng…” Yuwen Chengji said, “It is truly… indescribable. Seven rivers converge in one city, and waterways extend outwards. Towering buildings are everywhere, and all industries are thriving.”

"There are countless talented individuals and extraordinary people, martial arts schools and sects, beautiful women, rare treasures, and geniuses all gathered together. It's a wonderful and lively event."

Expressing his feelings with passionate tone.

"Such a magnificent sight, I really wish I could see it for myself," Li Xian exclaimed.

"Oh?" Yuwen Chengji said, "If you want to go, the best time will be in a little over a month."

"Why?" Li Xian asked.

"That was the Grand Banquet of the Elite. It was a joint effort by prominent families. Such a lively scene was a rare sight, only seen once every few years. It also allowed us to witness the brilliance of the elites."

"It is said that... a treasure will appear at this banquet!"

"But an invitation is required to attend the banquet. Without an invitation, you will have no chance."

Yuwen Chengji said with longing.

Li Xian asked, "The Heavenly Pride Pavilion Banquet?" Though curious, he didn't think much of it and asked again, "Yes, you just said I have three heads and six arms, and that I am terrifyingly ferocious and extremely ugly. Is that what everyone in the city says about me?"

“Uh…” Yuwen Chengji looked embarrassed. “I’m really sorry, I spoke without thinking. I hope you won’t take offense, Commander Wu. I just believed the rumors and had no intention of offending you.”

“I know that,” Li Xian said curiously. “Tell me boldly, what is my reputation in the prefectural city now?”

Yuwen Chengji truthfully replied, "Since Lord Wuwei wants to hear it, then I will tell you. But these are all rumors, and I am merely repeating them."

"The prefectural government says... You are ugly and unreasonable. You dominate Qingning County, exploiting the people and causing them to suffer greatly."

"They also say that you have a foul odor that terrifies people. You have protected criminals and committed numerous evil deeds. The people of the prefecture all call you the wicked constable and regard you as a great scourge."

"Cao Xiuxiu, the pride of the Cao family, said that you are nothing but bullying the weak and relying on your master to wreak havoc on the area. Ji Yanhong, the courtesan of Xianniao Tower, said that if anyone defeats you and vents her anger, she will personally play music for that person."

"The Chu family's little princess also brought up this topic at a Chu family banquet. At that time, the little princess said disdainfully: 'Don't talk about this person anymore. Just hearing his name is disgusting. Anyone who talks about him again should leave immediately.' and other similar words."

Li Xian asked, "Why are all the comments from women?"

"Huh?" Yuwen Chengji said shyly, "I only pay attention to women, and beautiful women at that."

(End of this chapter)