Chapter 177 Winning the Championship for Me, Feelings Gradually Arise

The group strolled along the streets, passing through Red Candle Street and Green Lamp Street, circling around Qingning Lake, taking a long detour, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Qingning County, and finally arriving at the government office.

This place has been the site of several battles, and all the constables have been replaced.

Li Xian patted Yuwen Chengji on the shoulder and solemnly said, "Brother Yuwen, you should do your job in your position. As the county magistrate, you should think about the people of the county. You should put the people first and not create pretexts to extort money for your own enjoyment."

"I am the military officer, and I will be in charge of this. You only need to be responsible to the people, not to me. Do your job well, and don't worry about anything else."

Yuwen Chengji readily agreed. Rumors throughout the prefecture circulated that Li Xian was causing havoc in the region, but upon contact, he discovered that the rumors were untrue. He smoothly assumed his post and began residing in the government office thereafter.

Li Xian returned the way he came and strolled around Qingning Lake. He was in a relaxed mood; this time, the county magistrate wasn't a big problem after all.

"The Yuwen family sent Yuwen Chengji, who has no martial arts background and doesn't seem to have much talent. Their purpose is obvious."

"I never expected that my infamy would spread so far before I even arrived in the prefectural city."

Li Xian was unfazed by insults or gossip. He found the rumors circulating in the prefectural city amusing and quickly forgot about them.

Leisurely and content.

Back to the Martial Guard Hall.

"Lord Wu, I've bought the thunder ore you requested." Zhang Hou, carrying a black box, happened to run into Li Xian.

Li Xian said, "We've finally arrived!"

To cultivate the "Thunder Finger Technique," one must temper the body with the power of "Thunder Ore." Li Xian, through diligent practice, can still make progress. However, with external assistance, progress can be accelerated. He had arranged to purchase Thunder Ore several days ago, and it only arrived today.

Deep within the inner courtyard.

Undisturbed, Li Xian held the Thunder Ore in his hand. This stuff wasn't cheap; a box weighing seventy catties cost twenty-four taels of silver.

The minerals vary in shape; when held in the palm of your hand, they cause a slight tingling sensation, but not an electric shock. The lightning force is hidden within the stone's core and requires a special method to extract.

Li Xian's chest drum produced a thunderous sound. However, it didn't resonate outwards; instead, it traveled to his fingertips and touched the thunderous ore. An electric arc was seen spilling out, crackling and hissing.

Introduced into the body.

[You have used lightning to temper your body; your Thunder Finger proficiency has increased by 12.]

...

Li Xian diligently practiced his martial arts, making gradual progress and mastering refined cuisine. Recently, Qingning County had been peaceful and quiet, with little important business to attend to each day.

During the day, he practiced martial arts at the Wuwei Hall, and in the evening he rushed back to Yihe Village. Sometimes he would accompany his wife to drink tea and admire flowers, sometimes he would accompany his wife to practice swordsmanship, and sometimes he would help his wife "wear silkworm clothes" to go into seclusion.

The events were inevitably erotic.

Several days passed in this manner.

[Eating Essence]

[Proficiency: 37/100]

The goal of a martial artist is to endure as long as heaven and earth. Martial arts are derived from heaven and earth, and the essence of heaven and earth is also derived from heaven and earth. Practicing martial arts, engaging in combat, and comprehending the essence of heaven and earth all help to digest this essence.

While juggling various matters, Li Xian also sought out wicked and vicious individuals to spar with. His efforts to accelerate the digestion of the essence of heaven and earth were progressing remarkably well.

[Mastery of Food Essence, Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

Two days later, he took the fourth step, accumulating [40] points of proficiency, and was already the fourth transformation of the Essence Eater.

Li Xian's physique showed signs of change; his double pupils and perfect physiognomy had both improved. He was even more handsome, and his charisma was undeniable.

The lady became increasingly pleased and delighted, and her behavior became even more affectionate.

On this day.

A piece of news spread from the prefectural city. Throughout Qingning County, everyone was abuzz with discussion. Teahouse storytellers, tavern gossips, and family discussions all revolved around this matter: the Tianji Pavilion in the impoverished capital had put down its "List of Heroes."

The list includes the most outstanding talents in the city.

In literature, there is no first place; in martial arts, there is no second.

Those who practice martial arts should strive for supremacy.

Looking across the world, the four lists are undoubtedly the most authoritative: the Heroes List, the Glory List, the Crimson List, and the Divine Weapon List.

Each list is further divided into three categories: "Heaven," "Earth," and "Human." The Heaven list encompasses the entire world, regardless of age or background, and those listed are all powerful figures in their respective regions. The Earth list focuses on a specific region, while the Human list is a level below that.

This list of heroes, issued by the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, has a certain degree of validity. Upon closer examination, it is a derivative list of the Heroes' List and the Human List, and those included are all young prodigies under the age of twenty-five from the impoverished Heavenly Palace.

Li Xian went to the county early in the morning to buy steamed buns. Overhearing people talking, he became curious and managed to get his hands on a list. Inside the Martial Arts Hall, he ate his buns while looking at the list:

The top of the list of heroes... Zhou Shijie, a scholar-warrior... twenty-five years old, born with superhuman strength... he is blessed with good fortune in literature and can be the champion in martial arts.

"What an impressive person!" Li Xian was secretly surprised. There was no one like this in Qingning County. Intrigued, he continued reading.

Cao Xiuxiu, Ji Yanhong, Chu Huaiyi, and other women were all on the list, and ranked quite high. There were also young prodigies such as Yuwen Wenhou, Cao Chongmei, and Lin Zhan.

The list only lists names, titles, ages, and deeds. It does not show what martial arts the listed individuals are skilled in, their strengths and weaknesses.

Li Xian was slightly disappointed, but also understanding: "Martial artists also have weaknesses. If the strengths and weaknesses of each martial art were clearly marked, I'm afraid no one would dare to be on the list. The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, which publishes the list, would definitely be overturned."

I was thoroughly enjoying myself, taking it all in stride as a story to pass the time. But then I saw the name "Li Xian" on the list.

[Rank 44, Evil Lieutenant, Li Xian.]

Li Xian raised an eyebrow; he was on the list too. He immediately took a closer look:

"The wicked Li Xian, a native of Qingning, is seventeen years old. His deeds include taking the head of a general of the Yellow Dragon Army. His teacher is unknown. He is arrogant and has unusual appearance, which is said to be ugly."

"I never imagined that 'Evil Lieutenant' would become my title." Li Xian laughed. "Oh well, let them be. What does it have to do with me?"

He closed the list and set it aside.

Zhang Hou and the others protested, saying, "This damned Heavenly Secrets Pavilion is completely inaccurate. To describe Lord Wuwei's appearance as ugly is utter nonsense."

Luo Xia looked at the list with great interest and said, "I'm curious, if you really went to the prefectural city, how exciting it would be."

Li Xian's face darkened, and he said, "You always want to stir up trouble. This time, things won't go your way. I'm definitely not going to the prefectural city."

The second day after the results were released.

At noon that day.

A messenger, riding swiftly, approached the Martial Commandant's Hall, calling out, "Martial Commandant Li Xian, I have your token!" He then leaped forward and shot an arrow, which embedded itself in the jujube tree in the hall. The messenger turned his horse around and rode away immediately.

Li Xian was practicing martial arts in the hall when he took the token off the arrow, snorted coldly, took the arrow off, nocked it again, jumped to a high place, and shot it back, saying loudly, "I'll take the token, but you can take the arrow back!" The arrow drew an arc, startling the messenger off his horse.

The messenger was furious. But seeing the archery skill was so exquisite, he dared not say a word.

Li Xian examined the keepsake.

It was an invitation, with a simple message: On October 25th, the first snow of the year, join us for a grand feast.

Li Xian frowned, sensing that there was ulterior motive behind it.

"If it were good news, why would they go to all this way to tell me?"

"If I go to your territory, how can I ever come back?" Li Xian sneered and burned the letter.

Ignore it now and focus on practicing martial arts.

...

...

Yihezhuang.

Autumn is deep, and the weather is getting cooler.

Li Xian stared at the vermilion gate of the manor, suddenly feeling a sense of disorientation. This time last year, fearing the winter would be too harsh, he had sold himself into servitude at the manor. He did this to save himself and also to help his younger brother pass the imperial examinations in the prefectural city, thus securing his future.

Everything... begins here.

Times have changed, and much has changed in the past year. Li Xian has changed drastically. But the situation remains the same. There are still many poor people outside the village who, seeing that winter is approaching, want to seek refuge in the village in order to make a living.

Zhao Han, the steward of the servants' quarters, is currently selecting suitable servants to join the manor.

"My lord, please have mercy and let me into the manor."

"If we don't have enough money, my little grandson won't make it through the winter."

An old woman knelt on the ground and begged for mercy, saying that she was in dire straits and wanted to sell herself to save her life.

Zhao Han frowned and said, "But the servants' quarters recruit mostly strong men. You don't meet the requirements, so please go back."

The old woman pleaded desperately, but finally gave up and, dragging her dirty, tattered clothes, staggered away. Li Xian recalled a year ago when she witnessed a similar tragedy, except that the woman and her child were now withered bones by the roadside, frozen and starved to death.

He watched helplessly as others tried to help, but was utterly powerless to do so.

Li Xian quietly followed and asked, "Old man, do you know how to light a fire and cook rice?"

The old woman was taken aback, then quickly knelt down: "Yes, I will."

“Alright, the kitchen needs someone to tend the fire, you can come.” Li Xian added, “It’s going to get cold, it’s not very convenient for you to walk back and forth. You might as well bring your child over.”

After saying that, he quickly left.

He could not possibly help with all the tragedies in the world. All he could do was try to see as few as possible.

The old woman kept kowtowing, deeply grateful. That winter, she didn't have to die.

Inner courtyard.

The setting sun was like blood. The lady had emerged from seclusion yesterday and, having some free time today, was whiling away the hours in the inner courtyard. Seeing Li Xian return, she asked, "Little Immortal, the city is hosting a grand banquet for the elite, and your name is on the invitation list. What are your thoughts?"

"Madam, you know about this too?" Li Xian said, "This Heavenly Pride Banquet is full of intrigue and scheming. It's best for me to stay far away from it."

Madam Wen said, "Of course I know. The invitations have already been sent to my estate."

"It seems he not only invited you, but also wants to invite me."

"Then, Madam..." Li Xian asked, puzzled.

"Since you've been invited, I'll have to oblige." Madam Wen chuckled. "Are you afraid?"

"I'm not afraid," Li Xian shook her head.

"Since you're not afraid," Madam Wen said with a smile, "I want you to win the championship for me, to suppress all the geniuses in the city. Can you do that?"

Li Xian said, "I can definitely do it."

"Oh?" Madam Wen said, "Although the prefectural city is small, there are quite a few outstanding talents who are worthy of your attention. You have quite the nerve to talk big."

“Since it is Madam’s request,” Li Xian said, bowing, “then I will certainly be able to do it.”

"Good, excellent." Madam Wen couldn't hide her joy. "Go and rest. Don't practice martial arts tonight. After you've bathed, go to sleep."

After Li Xian returned to her room to rest, Madam Wen said to the shadows, "Come out."

"Madam." Uncle Xiang approached respectfully, kneeling on both knees, palms clasped together, palms against his forehead, backs of his hands touching the ground. He lay prostrate on the ground.

"Have you gathered them all?" Madam Wen's tone was gentle, but those who knew her well could hear the coldness hidden within.

"No..." Uncle Xiang said, "Except for the One Heart Gu, all the other medicinal materials have been gathered."

“This Gu is rare, so it’s no surprise that you couldn’t find it,” Madam Wen said, crossing her legs. “It’s alright, I can always go to the Southern Frontier myself.”

“Madam…this old servant…this old servant may ask a question.” Uncle Xiang said, “Are you really going to help that boy with spine shaping? Even if you are, why use…use…that method? That’s a family tradition. It’s unique. That Li Xian is just a poor child. What merit or ability does he have to receive such an honor? It’s rather…somewhat inappropriate.”

“There’s nothing wrong with it. I have my own reasons. There’s no need to say more,” Madam Wen said softly.

"Please allow me to ask one more question," Uncle Xiang said. "Madam, how do you treat Li Xian...?"

Madam Wen remained silent, then flicked her sleeve. A strong gust of wind swept Uncle Xiang out of the inner courtyard, where he fell heavily to the ground.

(End of this chapter)