Chapter 203 The Divine Constable Requests an Audience; A Great Momentum Is About to Begin

Inner courtyard.

To live in a side room.

The water flowed gently, warm and soothing. Li Xian lay on his back in the water, floating freely, closing his eyes to feel it.

More than six hundred strands of the essence of heaven and earth remain, condensed and flowing endlessly. Li Xian's martial arts practice can accelerate digestion. Martial artists liken their bodies to heaven and earth, thus ensuring their longevity in the world. The essence of heaven and earth is the foundation upon which they are formed.

Its spine, like a sacred mountain, stands tall between heaven and earth.

However, Li Xian's cultivation level is still low, and the world within his body is chaotic and uncertain; he still has a long way to go. The Essence Absorption Realm strives to transcend the mortal realm, and the goal of "having a body like heaven and earth" is too distant and too ethereal. To be practical and simple, an Essence Absorption Martial Artist drinks the essence of heaven and earth to strengthen and transform their fundamental nature, thereby increasing their lifespan.

"If I am lazy and slack off, I may not be able to digest these six hundred strands of the essence of heaven and earth in a year. If I am diligent and hardworking, practice martial arts, and seek out strong opponents to spar with, even if I digest two or three strands a day, it will still take half a year."

"If you want to go even faster, according to Madam, you need to go through life-or-death situations, unleash your potential in the face of life and death, and greatly increase your digestion speed."

Li Xian touched the hair at the back of his head, which was growing longer and longer, indicating an increasing lifespan. His wife had told him that his hair was already two inches long and that he would live to be over one hundred and fifty.

"Ordinary clay figures live to be one hundred years old. Those who consume spiritual essence live to be one hundred and fifty. I will consume spiritual essence and digest the essence within my body, nourishing my entire being to be like heaven and earth. My lifespan can be extended even further."

Li Xian closed his eyes, contemplating the essence of the Golden Scale Technique.

Those who consume "Renhuang" essence are considered to have "started their regimen." After that, they can compile recipes and develop their own unique health regimen.

But the goldfish swam about, their bodies shimmering with a golden light.

The magical power contained within a single scale or tail is limited. However, through consumption and enhancement, it becomes considerable. Furthermore, by activating the [Comprehension] characteristic, one can slowly savor its essence, trace the outline of the magical path, and compile a list of recipes.

"Human Yellow Essence Treasure has a single, singular technique. Even if one were to devour a golden scale alone, it would be difficult to master the technique. It requires the combined techniques of several Daoist Yellow Essence Treasures to naturally form the technique."

"The [Golden Light Soup] that you mentioned requires golden scales, yellow ginseng, and morning dew... I will write down this recipe. Perhaps I will be able to make it someday if I have the opportunity."

A bright red mole between her eyebrows.

[Eating Essence]

[Proficiency: 68/100]

[You have digested the Yellow Scale Human, increasing your Essence Consumption Proficiency by 1]

[You have grasped the essence of the technique, reached the realm of Food Essence, and your proficiency has increased by 1.]

[Proficiency: 70/100]

Rivers flow into the sea, and after a hundred days of hard work, another step forward has been taken. Li Xian's physical body emitted colorful clouds, revealing itself with each transformation, each step a further advancement.

His double pupils are visible, giving him a deep and mysterious look.

The transformation into a new form is even more wondrous and profound.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Some powerful martial arts can only be mastered by martial artists who have undergone a complete transformation. It seems that... only the bodies of martial artists who consume essence can contain so many mystical abilities. It's a pity that I can't access such martial arts for the time being."

...

...

It's already mid-December.

[Skill: Wearing silkworm clothing]

[Proficiency: 31/3000 Mastery]

The lady was diligent in seclusion, and Li Xian was always summoned. His skill in wearing silkworm clothes improved day by day, and before he knew it, he had mastered it.

Several hours before each retreat, the two would playfully tease each other, the wife feigning reluctance but enjoying it immensely.

With her breakthrough in the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique, the lady's strength increased significantly, becoming even more formidable. Her flawless appearance made her even more captivating.

On the day of the breakthrough, the lady was overjoyed and rewarded all the guards, servants, and maids in the manor. Li Xian received several hundred taels of silver, and was also given the opportunity to run two famous restaurants in Qingning County and Huangyu County.

Madam Wen thought to herself, "He has already broken through the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique. He only needs to consolidate it a little more before he can go to the Southern Frontier to seek the One Heart Gu. The reason I haven't taught him the profound martial arts is because I'm waiting for this treasure. Our sect's martial arts must not be leaked. Even if Uncle Xiang is loyal, he will hardly be able to learn anything from it. Only if he joins our sect and we become one, will I be willing to teach him. Besides, he is so young. Waiting a few more years and accumulating some experience will not be a bad thing at all."

She secretly planned a trip to the southern border. She ordered Uncle Xiang to procure supplies, prepare the itinerary, and make arrangements. Uncle Xiang hesitated, thinking to himself, "Madam is in a hurry; her focus on Gu is not easy. It seems that boy is truly the young master Madam has chosen."

He became even more respectful to Li Xian.

Li Xianwei sensed something amiss, but little did he know the undercurrents swirling within. Therefore, he calmed his mind and diligently practiced martial arts.

"Madam's extraordinary skills have advanced another step, making her even stronger. I should strive even harder to catch up. Although I don't possess profound extraordinary skills, I can still hone the martial arts I've learned to their fullest potential!"

[Vast Leg] Stepping into the Great Perfection, although the increase in strength is not as great as that of the Lady, there is no need to create a trap for oneself, and the gains are more solid.

On this day.

Lady Wen consolidated her silkworm-shrouding jade-inlaid technique and went into seclusion again.

Due to his extraordinary breakthrough, the method of binding the silkworm garment has become significantly different and more rigorous. The silkworm ropes move intricately and complexly, truly comparable to a martial arts technique. He couldn't help but feel deep resentment:

"This extraordinary skill is indeed powerful, but it's too much of a hassle for me. The deeper I delve into it, the more I find myself trapped. When I reached the next level, my limbs were difficult to move, but my Qi circulation was unimpeded. In this level, following the Silkworm Clothing method, the seals on my Lingtai, Xuanji, and Shenque acupoints are strengthened. These are some of the most important acupoints when I circulate my internal Qi."

"Following this method, with the silken robe on my body, my Qi circulation will be difficult and sluggish. If a strong opponent attacks, I will be caught off guard. If I advance further, wouldn't I truly be powerless, completely at the mercy of others? Wouldn't that make Li Xian..."

His expression changed as he thought of a certain place.

Li Xian was unaware of the intricacies involved, only noting that the silken robe was complex, cumbersome, and time-consuming. Wearing it would restrict the acupoints throughout his body, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Li Xian asked, "Madam, shall we practice?" Madam Wen replied calmly, "Of course." She was naturally suspicious and would never reveal a single word about the weaknesses in her techniques. Even if Li Xian were to be afflicted by the Heart-Binding Gu in the future, he would never know this secret.

This is my nature; it has nothing to do with love.

The silken robe was elaborate, and it was already night when she finished putting it on. The lady needed to solidify her extraordinary skill and could not indulge in any frivolity, so as soon as she finished, she sent Li Xian away, ordering him to come back in three days to help her out of her predicament.

The stars are bright tonight.

However, the moon is waning.

Li Xianpin comprehended the essence of the technique and absorbed its power. The night passed slowly, and the next day, before dawn, Ding Huxing came and said, "Lord Li, someone outside is looking for your wife."

Li Xian asked, "Who is it?"

"The visitor claims to be a friend of the lady and is waiting outside the manor. Whether to see her or not, please inform the lady and ask her to make the decision," Ding Hu said respectfully.

Li Xian thought to himself that his wife was too immobile to receive anyone. But he also wondered whether the waiting guests were well-intentioned or ill-intentioned. He needed to investigate personally.

They walked to the outside of the village and saw a man dressed in plain clothes, looking travel-worn. His temples were flowing, and although he was middle-aged, he was quite handsome.

Li Xian pondered, "Madam has many enemies. It's hard to tell whether they are friend or foe who have come looking for her now." He asked, "Senior, what business do you have with Madam?"

The middle-aged man looked up and swept his gaze over sharply. He said, "Are you the wicked Li Xian?"

"Senior knows me?" Li Xian answered calmly.

The middle-aged man said, "I do know. I heard a thing or two about you when I came, and it seems the rumors are true. You and Wen Caishang do indeed have a close relationship."

Li Xian asked, "Oh?"

The middle-aged man said, “Although your clothes are simple, your temperament is extraordinary. You have a red mole between your eyebrows, an unusual face, and a handsome appearance. You are easy to identify. When I came to Qiongtian Prefecture, I passed through the prefectural city. I heard some rumors about you, although the families in the prefectural city have tried to cover up certain things.”

“Originally, I had no connection with you, so why should I pry into your affairs? But I have a peculiar habit: the more others try to conceal something, the more I want to find out.”

"Besides, the families in the prefectural city are not clean. It's very easy to investigate them. This investigation has uncovered everything clearly. After all, there were many onlookers at the banquet for the prodigies. Even if the families in the prefectural city try to cover it up, what can they do?"

"Rumors say that you and your wife have a close relationship. I didn't believe it when I first heard it, but now that I see you in person, I can see the 'Xu Ran Fragrance' lingering on you. This fragrance comes from your wife. It's strongest on your chest and abdomen, which shows that you and your wife were embracing and hugging each other very intimately."

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow and smiled, his expression mocking.

Li Xian, with an open and honest heart, cupped his hands and said, "Senior Li Bohou, you truly deserve to be called a divine constable. You are amazing. I admire you."

"Oh?" the middle-aged man said, "You say I am Li Bohou, what conclusion do you draw from that?"

“Oh dear, Father, what conclusions can he draw? He must have heard of your great name and seen your portrait long ago.”

As the two were talking, a woman rode up on horseback, charming and beautiful, with a lively and graceful demeanor. This woman had met Li Xian once before; she was none other than "Li Haitang".

Li Bohou said, "No. Young brother, please explain in detail."

Li Xian said, "Your name is indeed renowned and widely known. As for how I know your identity, it's extremely simple. I once met your daughter and learned that she is your daughter."

"I saw you and your daughter again, and you look alike. Just now, your words were logical and your thinking was meticulous. This is very much in line with the legendary detective, so I dare to guess."

"Now that you have seen this lady, it is even more certain. Since you two are friends of the lady, and it is freezing outside, please come in and have a seat."

Li Bohou chuckled, "You're quite something, Haitang. Why don't you dismount? Looking down at me like that is hardly polite."

Li Haitang leaped down from his horse. His gaze was suspicious as he scrutinized Li Xian repeatedly.

When entering the gate.

Li Haitang couldn't help but ask, "Hey, when did we meet?"

Li Bohou shouted, "Haitang! Don't be rude!" Then he smiled and said, "Young brother, I've spoiled my daughter. Don't mind her."

Li Xian thought to himself, "I saw through it long ago." He said, "Miss Haitang may not remember me. Around this time last year, you came to the manor to capture the evil immortal in the altar. I was among the guards at that time."

"Huh?" Li Haitang had long forgotten about the matter, but after a moment's thought, she suddenly exclaimed, "Ah! You're that guard?"

Some faint impressions gradually overlapped.

Li Xian said, "It seems Miss Haitang still remembers me. I am truly honored."

"This...it's only been a year, how have you changed so much?" Li Haitang asked in surprise. Her beautiful eyes looked her up and down, full of curiosity.

Li Xian gave a perfunctory reply. Li Bohou, with his keen observation, noticed that Li Xian had no affection for his daughter, while his daughter was very curious about him.

Li Xian led the way. After turning through the corridor, they were ushered to the reception hall and seated. Tea was prepared and served to each guest.

Li Haitang took a small sip, her eyes flickering slightly, and said, "Hey, tell me about your experiences this past year?"

Li Xian said, "By the way, Miss Haitang, has the immortal in the jar been captured?"

Li Haitang said irritably, "I wonder where that thief has escaped to." Then, she asked curiously, "Tell me about yourself. Have you entered the Essence Devouring Realm? What form have you manifested?"

“Ahem, Haitang, don’t be rude!” Li Bohou interrupted. He cupped his hands and said, “Young Brother Li, please introduce me to your wife. Tell her that it concerns the Dragon Appreciation Banquet and is closely related to her.”

(End of this chapter)