Chapter 200 Inseparable, Hunting Competition

Li Xian sat upright in the courtyard, pondering the various martial arts styles. He had mastered the basic and lower-level martial arts to their fullest extent. Only the first and second levels of the Sunset Blood Sword were more than perfect, but not quite at their peak.

"Is the lady so reluctant to teach me lightness skill because she's afraid I'll run away?"

"I can continue practicing the Sunset Blood Sword as usual. With my current energy, I can learn another martial art."

Head straight to the Leisure Martial Arts Pavilion, cross the narrow bridge with its mechanisms, and enter the pavilion to select martial arts techniques.

The martial arts techniques included basic and advanced levels. Li Xian examined more than ten books and found that the basic martial arts were exquisite, while the advanced techniques had shortcomings.

"It seems that most of the inferior martial arts techniques here were created by the lady on a whim. Therefore, they are very imperfect and, strictly speaking, are all incomplete martial arts."

"Moreover, because it is a crippled martial art, it is more difficult to practice. Thinking back to when I practiced the Azure Palm, I spent far more energy and time than I did with the Thunder Finger."

"Of course, it is because my martial arts level has gradually increased, my understanding has become deeper, and I have been able to draw inferences from one instance to another, which has led to faster progress in my practice. There are also shortcomings in the Azure Palm technique."

Li Xian, holding a candle, walked slowly. Suddenly, he came across a martial arts manual called "Vast Leg," and after reading it carefully, he was delighted.

"This Vast Expanse Leg is somewhat similar to the Gentle Breeze Leg. Although it is not a lightness skill, it can increase leg strength. If I learn this martial art, my speed will increase even further."

"The effects of various martial arts techniques are cumulative. I wonder if they can replace lightness skills?"

He immediately went to the side room and silently recited the text. After memorizing it all and confirming that he had done so correctly, he went out to begin his practice.

[Vast Legs]

[Proficiency: 12/600 Beginner]

Because of the solid foundation laid by the Qingfeng Leg technique, the Vast Expanse Leg technique can be mastered quickly. There are no shortcuts in martial arts; only hard work and diligent practice will suffice.

After practicing for half a day, his proficiency increased to [321]. Li Xian stopped to rest, ate and drank lunch, and then switched to practicing the Sunset Bloodfall Sword.

The Gentle Breeze Kick aims to be as invisible as a gentle breeze, harming without intention. A light and seemingly casual kick conceals a deadly attack. The Vast Expanse Kick, on the other hand, is like misty fog enveloping a lake. Its leg techniques are ethereal, unpredictable, and fraught with danger.

Li Xian was rewarded by Heaven's will, and coupled with his innate intelligence, he grasped the essence of martial arts and diligently practiced it.

The next day, Haomiao's leg technique was already mastered.

[Vast Legs]

[Proficiency: 136/1200 Mastery]

[Description: You have just begun to grasp the basics, and through diligent practice, you have mastered the Vast Expanse Leg Technique, gradually increasing your leg strength. You discover that the Vast Expanse Leg Technique and the Gentle Breeze Leg Technique are similar and complementary, and you have come to understand the characteristics of "Vast Expanse of Gentle Breeze."]

Martial arts skills complement each other.

The "Light Breeze Leg" technique [the secret of the word "light"], while making Li Xian as light as the wind, allowing him to rise with the momentum of the wind, lacked agility and freedom. The vastness of the gentle breeze... complemented each other perfectly, greatly aiding in this section.

...

...

In this way, the Vast Expanse Leg and the Second Level of the Sunset Blood Sword... were both steadily improving. His strength increased little by little, and his inner energy grew drop by drop.

Lady Wen emerged from seclusion three days later.

Li Xian helped her remove her silken robe, their intimate contact surpassing even that of ordinary couples. He then saw his wife, her beauty radiant like autumn water. The Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword was at work. One possessed abundant Yang energy, young and handsome; the other exuded Yin energy, with delicate, arched eyebrows.

Yin and Yang attract each other, and naturally, their relationship becomes closer.

Li Xian took off his silken robe and joked, "Madam, you promised me, so don't blame me." Madam Wen, charming and magnanimous, replied, "Do you think I'm a little girl? What's wrong with letting you take advantage of me a little?"

Li Xian said, "What if I push my luck?"

"When I'm displeased, I'll punish you accordingly." Madam Wen's gaze held a captivating charm as she scolded him playfully.

As Madam Wen savored the pleasures of love, she found it hard to control herself. She leaned against his chest, letting him massage her muscles and bones to relieve her fatigue.

"This period of seclusion and internal training has made up for the previous setbacks. If we continue training a few more times, we will be able to break through the limitations of the technique."

After that day, secluded practice became the norm.

Madam Wen used to practice the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique with a calm and even slightly weary heart. But now she is growing to like it more and more.

During their seclusion, the two swordsmen worked together seamlessly, becoming inseparable.

Although Li Xian was tempted, he always wanted to leave the manor to travel, catch thieves and criminals, and hone his martial arts skills.

Although it was the dead of winter, it felt like early spring.

Lady Wen's eyebrows were delicate and graceful, her face radiant with beauty. She was clearly in high spirits. Several times she considered going to the southern border to retrieve the Gu poison. However, the wind and snow continued relentlessly, and the climate was bitterly cold. She also considered that her breakthrough in the "Silkworm Robe Jade Technique" was imminent, and it was not wise to act rashly.

They decided to suppress the matter for the time being, and wait for a breakthrough in their extraordinary skills before plotting against the Gu worms.

“I doubt he would dare to harbor any disloyal thoughts.” Madam Wen smiled and said, “The One Heart Gu is just a safeguard. Even without that Gu, I can still capture your heart and your person.”

He went into seclusion and emerged from seclusion several times.

The lotus flowers are about to bloom, and spring is brewing. The feeling is indescribable.

This day.

The lady, amidst her blushing and delighted expression, chased Li Xian away. Li Xian wandered through the manor, passing by the manor's protective courtyard.

Seeing that the guards were all whittling wood, he asked, "What are you doing whittling wood?"

Ding Hu, the head of the guards, strode out and said, "Lord Li, it's already the end of November. In previous years, it would have been time for the winter hunt. The brothers are carving bows, hoping to achieve good results in the winter hunt."

Li Xian suddenly remembered this. Winter hunting is entirely beneficial. First, it can temper one's spirit; second, it allows one to hunt wild beasts, reducing the tragedy of wild animals devouring people; and third, it allows one to sell the animals for money.

He pondered to himself:

"I spend all my time with my wife, and I've inevitably lost some of my manly vigor. In previous years, the winter hunt would have already begun by this time. But I haven't heard my wife mention it this year. Perhaps it's not the right time yet? I'm itching to go hunting in the mountains and fields and show off my skills."

He was unaware that his wife had long forgotten about the winter hunt.

Several days later, the lady used her inner energy to send a telepathic message, indicating that she wished to leave the seclusion.

Li Xian immediately went up the tower to help his wife take off her silk-skin garment, and casually asked, "Madam, is there still a winter hunt this year?"

Madam Wen glanced out the window at the falling snowflakes. "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. It's a little late, but it doesn't matter."

Madam Wen rubbed her wrist, traced the mark, and said, "Little Fairy, inform everyone that the winter hunt is in three days. The guards will assemble at Xiong Hu Mountain."

“Okay!” Li Xian replied.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Hundreds of guards, armed with bows and arrows, distributed sacks of meat, creating a lively atmosphere as they discussed the winter hunt.

Ding Hu briefly explained the rules, saying, "The Lady will personally attend the winter hunt every year. You all need to perform well so that she can see it."

A newly arrived Class C guard asked, "Commander Ding, I've heard that Lieutenant General Li was one of those who started the power struggle during the Winter Hunt?"

Ding Hu became interested and said, "That's right. I still remember when Lord Li was just like you, only a third-class guard. Yet he dared to venture deep into the inner perimeter to hunt tigers and bears... His outstanding performance earned him the favor of the lady. That's how he achieved his current glory."

"How envious!" the guards exclaimed in unison.

"That's why," Ding Hu said, "I always tell you to hone your archery skills in addition to your martial arts practice."

"Last year I hunted a tiger, hahaha, this year I'm aiming to hunt a bear!"

Suddenly, they heard a commotion behind them, and faintly heard the roar of a beast. The guards exclaimed in alarm, "Commander Ding, there's a bear! A giant bear!"

The bear emerged from the mountain, its momentum ferocious. A large bear, nearly two zhang tall with sharp claws, pounded its chest and stamped its feet, then pounced on the group.

The guards cried out in alarm, but remained calm. They scattered and fled, all looking towards Ding Hu, awaiting instructions.

Ding Hu said, "Excellent, this will be my first bear beast." Eager to try, he immediately raised an arrow, concentrated his qi, and shot it.

The black bear, though large, was agile and dodged the arrows. It charged forward on all fours. Ding Hu analyzed, "This bear is large, but it's just flesh and blood. If I shoot a few more arrows, I can take it down."

He retreated while firing arrows. The first three arrows were dodged, making him think the black bear was cunning. The fourth arrow finally hit, but failed to pierce the flesh, producing a crisp thud.

Ding Hu was startled awake: "It's a Scaled Bear!" This is a rare breed of bear, with scales covering its black fur, and thick, rough skin. Ordinary martial artists might not be its match.

Ding Hu shouted, "Form the battle formation!" Several Class A and Class B guards immediately arranged themselves into formation. They threw a specially made iron net with hidden sharp hooks inside, trapping the scaly bear.

Several people gathered their qi and stood still. The rest of us guards, armed with knives, swords, and axes, engaged the giant bear in close combat; we outnumbered them and had the upper hand.

However, their adversaries were impervious to swords and spears. A Class C guard could only scratch an itch, while a Class B guard could injure a hair. Class A guards, wielding iron nets, worked together to restrain them.

They fought for a while.

Just when the guards were at their wits' end, they suddenly saw an arrow flying from afar. The arrow was extremely far away, seemingly coming from several miles away.

With a "ding," the arrow struck the scaly bear in the chest. Sparks flew, and the giant bear staggered back three steps. The arrow broke, leaving only a shallow dent in its chest.

The scaled bear roared in anger, but before it could even stand still, a second arrow had already struck, hitting the same spot again.

"What divine archery skills!" Ding Hu exclaimed in surprise.

The combined force of the two arrows was enough to pierce armor and flesh, splattering blood. The scaly bear, its bestial instincts ignited, pulled out the arrows, its eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to pinpoint the location of its formidable foe.

The third arrow pierced the air, precisely striking the giant bear's chest through a gaping hole. This time, with no scales to defend it, it cut through like a whirlwind!

The giant bear bled profusely and collapsed, utterly powerless.

"Excellent archery!"

A shout of praise rang out.

On the distant mountain path, Madam Wen clapped her hands lightly, her eyes full of praise. The two rode side by side, their appearances striking, like a perfect couple.

Li Xian wore a green robe, carried a longbow on his back, his long hair was tied up, and he wore a simple bronze crown. He stood tall and proud, displaying extraordinary heroic bearing.

The lady rode on a white cloud, dressed in a green gown embroidered with exquisite patterns. Her long hair was styled in an updo, adorned with delicate gold hairpins.

A precious bow hangs beside the saddle, with yellow jade ornaments dangling from it.

It is glittering and precious, and its value is beyond words.

Ding Hu said in a panic, "Madam...Madam!" The guards followed closely behind, bowed, and stepped aside.

Madam Wen nodded slightly and then spoke with Li Xian: "Those three arrows were truly magnificent. One pierced the armor, one pierced the skin, and one killed. If I didn't know your background, I would definitely think you were a successor of the Divine Archery."

Li Xian said cheerfully, "When I was young, I hunted in the mountains and fields, and my archery skills were indeed quite good."

They gradually approached the front of the guards.

Seeing that the guards were all present, Madam Wen asked, "Do you all know the rules?"

Ding Hu stepped forward and said, "I already know."

The lady raised her hand, signaling the start of the winter hunt. The guards, their spirits high, all went into the mountains to hunt. Li Xian, having prepared his bow and arrows, was about to enter the mountains when Lady Wen suddenly called out to him.

"Madam, is there anything else?" Li Xian asked.

Lady Wen chuckled: "In previous years, I always went on the winter hunt alone. It was quite lonely. Your archery skills are already quite good, how about we have a contest this year?"

Li Xian said, "Madam's strength is far beyond my reach."

"Don't worry," Madam Wen said with a smile. "I will only use my archery skills; I will not use any other methods. If I give you a nine-point advantage, the difference will not be significant."

"If you defeat me, I will reward you handsomely."

"But if you lose badly, I will punish you severely."

(End of this chapter)