Chapter 224 Enemy attack disrupts healing, wounds difficult to recover

As dusk settles, the bamboo forest turns golden.

Li Xian and Wen Caishang left the city and traveled for about a day before resting in a bamboo grove. The air was gentle, the spring air was fresh, and the scenery was beautiful.

There was an abandoned hut in the woods. Li Xian knocked on the door and gently pushed it open. The hut was old and worn, with a bamboo bed covered in dust.

Seeing that it was getting dark and there were no pursuers behind him, Li Xian guessed that the Taixin Sect, Jianyu Tower, and other forces had been intimidated by the skeletons and dared not pursue him. However, to be cautious, he concealed his tracks along the way and did not reveal his whereabouts.

I'm temporarily staying in this small house.

He unleashed the Azure Palm technique, his palms swirling in the air. His inner energy condensed and did not dissipate, transforming into a vortex of energy flow. It contained the force of a surging wave, drawing in the dust and grime within the room.

He glanced out the window again, and a cloud of gray mist billowed out, reducing the accumulated dust by about 80%. However, since the house had been uninhabited for a long time, mold had grown on the walls, which was difficult to fix. Li Xian said apologetically, "Please, Madam, do me the honor."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "When you're traveling the world, things can't always go smoothly. I understand that principle." She took off her boots and socks and sat cross-legged on the wooden couch. Her white skirt covered her fair feet.

Li Xian went out to explore the forest, concealing his footprints along the way, and pondered: "The lady is injured, but she is strong and can protect herself no matter what kind of danger she is in. I am not so sure. If the situation becomes very dangerous, she may abandon me. Therefore... the only way to protect myself is to be as careful as possible."

Seeing the lush bamboo grove and abundant vegetation, he took out a bell from his backpack, tied it tightly with a silk thread, and fastened it between two bamboo poles.

The bell rings whenever someone walks by.

"When traveling, caution is essential. My strength is still weak, and this is the only way to compensate. Once everything is settled, I need to focus on cultivation and build up my strength!"

Li Xian's methods were so sophisticated that he could detect any disturbance immediately.

Recalling the 49,000-mile journey by water, the various powerful and extraordinary figures at the Dragon Feast and Dragon Slaying Feast, each with their own strengths and unique abilities, I realized that I was still young and, although my martial arts skills were profound, my understanding of martial arts principles was narrow and my vision was shallow, which was a great shortcoming.

Warning signs were placed around the area. Li Xian patted his backpack and saw that the medicinal herbs were still there; he needed to find a way to brew them for Wen Caishang. However, he had no porcelain utensils, which was quite troublesome. Looking around, he suddenly noticed a very thick bamboo stalk.

He cleaved the bamboo in two with a knife, hollowing out the middle section to make a simple bamboo pot. He piled up matches, filled it with water, and added medicinal herbs to boil. Li Xian had been traveling for half a day and was also feeling hungry. So, while the medicine was boiling, he looked for something to eat.

He searched along the way. Every spring and summer, when everything comes back to life, the bamboo forest teems with snakes and wild animals. There was a bamboo forest in Yihe Village, and Li Xian, a seasoned snake catcher, patrolled there. He easily found the snake's den, reached out, and grabbed it. He pinched the venomous snake three inches from its hilt, gave it a gentle jerk, and it was instantly dead. And so on… Li Xian caught two venomous snakes and dug up some tender bamboo shoots.

The snake is skinned, its teeth removed, and its internal organs cleaned. It is then cooked with sweet bamboo shoots to make a "Snake and Bamboo Shoot Soup." The flavor is fresh, fragrant, sweet, and refreshing, evoking the vibrant feeling of spring.

Li Xiansheng placed a bowl inside the house. He then closed the bamboo door and went outside to practice martial arts.

[Vast Legs]

[Proficiency: 10569/20000 Perfect]

His leg techniques were elusive, drawing in water mist. Li Xian practiced diligently, accumulating a profound level of proficiency. When he grew tired of practicing, he would switch to another martial art: Azure Palm, Four Directions Fist, Gentle Breeze Leg, Great Luo Saber Technique…

Through repeated study and practice, he mastered the profound principles of martial arts. His body became like heaven and earth, resonating and evolving in perfect harmony with martial arts. His performance was extraordinary.

Suddenly... Li Xian seemed to have gained some insight, gazing at the green fields and bamboo forests. He felt that the world was even more beautiful, with all things independent yet interconnected, splendid and colorful.

[You have mastered various martial arts styles, further refined your understanding of martial principles, and comprehended the characteristic of "seeing the world."]

See the world, understand the world.

The way of martial arts draws from heaven and earth, requiring the ability to observe and comprehend them. The joy and wonder within are beyond words.

[You have diligently practiced martial arts, reaching the Essence of Food realm, proficiency +1]

[Eating Essence]

[Proficiency: 95/100]

He has made progress in martial arts, cultivation, and knowledge.

Wen Caishang internally trained her body and cultivated her physique. Her condition improved somewhat, and when she opened her eyes, there was a bowl of bamboo shoot and snake soup in the room, with a sweet and refreshing flavor.

She sipped lightly. The flavor was subtle yet not uninteresting, carrying the charm of springtime countryside. Wen Caishang savored it carefully, chuckling softly, "This lad's cooking skills have improved again, but I wonder when he learned them."

Li Xian pushed open the door and entered, bringing over some medicinal soup. Wen Caishang nodded, feeling comforted: "Xiao Xian is intelligent and prudent. He can do many things perfectly without needing to say anything!" She took the soup and drank it all. As the medicine took effect, the color returned to her face.

Wen Caishang instructed, "Go and keep watch outside the door. If there is any noise, wake me up."

Li Xian knew that traveling with his wife would not be a problem financially, but it was always hard work. He feared he would have a sleepless night, but said little, practicing martial arts and keeping watch outside the door.

Wen Caishang drank the medicinal soup and then sat down again. Her hair was slightly ruffled, and her face was flawless. She closed her eyes and circulated her internal energy, and a delicate fragrance emanated from her body. Bathed in moonlight, her presence was uniquely captivating.

The Silkworm Robe Jade Inlay Technique is a unique and profound skill. It encompasses a wide range of aspects: martial arts killing moves, internal energy cultivation, and self-cultivation.

She manipulated the "Winter Silkworm Breathing Method," an extremely profound and unique skill within the Silkworm Garment Jade Inlay Technique. Relying entirely on internal energy to nourish the body, one could fully recover from injuries. Although Wen Caishang's skill was high, she could not achieve this.

However, circulating this internal energy was very helpful for her injuries. After a night of this, Wen Caishang stopped circulating her internal energy, tidied her clothes, and continued on her journey.

Li Xian collected the bell and silk. He took out the map, confirmed his location, and planned to travel south.

They had been walking for two days, their progress slow and arduous. But seeing no pursuers, they felt a little relieved. Li Xian asked, "Madam, how are your injuries?"

Wen Caishang smiled without speaking, her condition stabilizing. If no powerful figures pursued her, being forced to circulate her internal energy was already considered a success. Her self-healing ability was extremely strong; even deep wounds from swords and knives would heal very quickly. However, the injuries from the Heavenly Lightning and the Vajra Palm were the most entangled, thus taking much longer to heal.

Li Xian remained cautious, concealing his movements and walking slowly. He sought stability over speed.

That day, Li Xian was walking along a secluded mountain path. Suddenly, he heard animal cries coming from all directions. Li Xian immediately became alert, and Wen Caishang frowned.

Wen Caishang was quite surprised, but her expression remained unchanged. She joked, "Little fairy, it seems a wicked beast has come looking for you."

Then they heard shouts and curses coming from all directions: "Witch, today is your death day!" There were also voices full of anger.

Four figures surrounded them from all sides, each riding a different mythical beast: a tiger, a deer, a python, and a dog. They were all incredibly powerful and imposing.

Wen Caishang said, "I smelled the stench of beasts long ago, and it really is you four old bastards. How come... I spared your life back then, and now you're here to die again?"

The four men were all crippled: the one riding the tiger had both legs missing, the one riding the deer had both arms missing, the one riding the python had half his face cut off, and the one riding the dog had all four limbs intact, but his lower body was crippled.

Wen Caishang said, "It's been a long time since I've seen Taixinzong's four animals. They've come all this way to see my daughter, but I have nothing of value to offer them."

"I have no choice but to send you to your death."

Li Xian sensed something was off about Wen Caishang; things seemed to be going against her expectations. Her words were cold and her killing intent was intense, but she had also lost some of her composure.

Upon hearing the words "Four Beasts of the Taixin Sect," the four were filled with indignation. The Taixin Sect was located in Taixin Mountain, where wild beasts roamed, hence the martial arts of this sect were often aided by wild animals.

In their early years, the four were extremely famous and were known as the "Four Heroes of Taixin Sect." They were full of vigor and glory. However, after meeting Wen Caishang, they became infatuated with her and were manipulated by her. In the end, they all suffered crippling injuries.

Realizing it too late, resentment accumulated.

With his foot planted on the strange dog, the man with a crippled lower body said, "Wen Caishang, you underestimate our intention to kill you!"

"Hahaha." The man lying on the back of a tiger said with a hearty smile, "Wen Caishang, I heard you were seriously injured at the Dragon Appreciation Banquet. Would you like us old friends to take a look at your injuries? Hahaha!"

"How dare you!" Wen Caishang shouted angrily.

Li Xian sensed something was wrong: "Although Madam is seriously injured, it was caused by the Heavenly Lightning and the Martial Madman. This Crouching Tiger said he was injured at the Dragon Banquet, which shows that he was deliberately testing her and was wary of her. Madam is usually calm and composed, and would never fall for such a trick. But her angry shout just now has confirmed it."

Wen Caishang is usually very confident in her plans and schemes. However, she has recently been plagued by bad luck and has suffered several setbacks. Already feeling depressed, she is now further troubled by the arrival of four people—a tiger, a deer, a python, and a dog.

The chanting of Buddhist scriptures echoed within me, disturbing my mind. It's inevitable that I'm not as good as I used to be.

Wen Caishang's anger subsided instantly. Realizing she had been exposed, she smiled softly and said, "It's alright, none of you four will survive!" She drew her sword with a flick of her sleeve, and a silver glint pierced towards the crouching tiger.

The man who lurked in the tiger's back had both legs broken, and his martial arts skills had suffered a setback. However, after more than ten years of honing his skills with his hands, he had made up for his weakness. He slapped the tiger's back with both palms and leaped into the air. The strange tiger seemed to have a mind of its own and pounced fiercely at Wen Caishang.

The three of us charged out in an instant. Though we were crippled and our appearances were terrifying, the strange beasts made up for our disadvantages, making us appear as if facing powerful enemies from all directions. Wen Caishang sneered, "More than ten years have passed, and you haven't made any progress."

Then, sword light flashed in all directions, the sword moves were exquisite, and the killing intent was fierce. Her figure was light and graceful, and her sword strikes were breathtaking and beautiful.

The four men were filled with shock and anger. They figured that this demoness must be even more powerful after not seeing her for more than ten years, and they were extremely wary. But as soon as they started fighting, they were still surprised and found it very difficult.

After several exchanges, he was already at a disadvantage.

Li Xian observed from the side and thought to himself, "Madam is deliberately conserving her energy and internal energy. The moves she uses seem to be very basic. But the basic martial arts she has evolved are extremely powerful."

Wen Caishang's eyes flashed with killing intent as she unleashed the "Gentle Breeze Sword Technique." This was a basic martial art, but it had reached the pinnacle of skill, and when she wielded it, its killing power was considerable.

The sword's edge stirred a gentle breeze, its sharpness concealed within its gentleness. With a light flick of her longsword, the breeze swept away, tearing the skin and flesh of her opponent.

Despite being surrounded by powerful tiger-like beasts, this swordsmanship excels in both offense and defense. No matter how heavy the storm, I will remain unmoved.

Li Xian was well-versed in "Qingfeng Leg," a fundamental martial art, but there were differences in quality. Qingfeng Mianmian Sword resembled a meticulously crafted fundamental martial art, or even the foundation of a certain martial arts school.

Wen Caishang conserved her inner energy, raised an eyebrow, and said, "You worthless trash, how dare you try to hurt me?" With a flick of her sword, the four men were covered in blood and looked extremely disheveled.

Shortly after, the tiger rider was struck in the left shoulder by a sword and suffered a three-inch stab wound to the abdomen. The python rider had one eye pierced...

Wen Caishang was about to unleash a deadly move.

Suddenly, the rider on the dog-like beast shouted, "Run!" He stepped on the beast and leaped away through the air. He was actually using a "beast" to drive his light-footed skill.

Wen Caishang was greatly surprised. All martial arts techniques focused on lightness of body were created by humans. Naturally, a human body is required to practice them. How could that dog-beast, with its four limbs on the ground and its physical characteristics and movements, bear no resemblance to a human?

Then the strange tiger rushed away, using the "Mad Sky-Shaking Step" light footwork. This step required "sound" coordination, with a shout accompanying each step.

The tiger's roar was like thunder, perfectly matching the lightness of the movement. In the midst of the tremors, it had already sped away.

Then the giant python curled up into a ball, enveloping its master, and tumbled down the mountain. ...Showing their skills, they escaped far away in an instant.

turn out to be……

The four knew Wen Caishang was formidable, and vaguely guessed that even joining forces would be difficult to defeat her. She had diligently practiced her lightness skill for over a decade, making it extremely formidable. Wen Caishang could catch one of them, but not all four.

Wen Caishang's face was unpleasant. Too lazy to chase after them, sheathed her sword, and thought to herself, "I didn't expect this rabble to be so annoying!" She was already feeling annoyed.

Li Xian asked, "Madam, they already know you are injured."

"This matter was indeed my fault," Wen Caishang said solemnly. "This time they came with great force, which is truly troublesome. Little Fairy, you must be extremely careful on the rest of the journey!"

He thought to himself, "These sects and forces are numerous and their formations are certainly consuming my strength. My injuries have not yet healed, and being constantly harassed is really not a good thing."

Her eyes held worry. She had no fear of the major sects. Though her injuries were severe, escaping the encirclement wouldn't be difficult. Her worry lay in her fate.

He suffered setbacks and frustrations at every turn.

Wen Caishang thought again, "With seventy-two Earthly Realms, how can we expect to succeed easily? Even if there are setbacks, that's normal."

(End of this chapter)