Chapter 246 Mutual Affection, Entangled Swords

The battle in the forest took an unexpected turn. Zhang Hu was highly skilled and powerful, but his body was injured and he was not good at one-on-one combat.

Li Xian, though lacking in cultivation and experience, possessed a sharp mind and quick reflexes. His perfect form enhanced his killing intent, while his double pupils allowed him to spot weaknesses.

If the fight continues, Zhang Hu has a high chance of winning. If Li Xianruo seizes the opportunity and uses the "life-saving yang energy"... his many trump cards may not be impossible to escape.

However… when Wen Caishang entered the formation, things were different. The Remnant Sun and Decaying Blood Sword transformed into the "Yin Yang Immortal Couple Sword," its swordsmanship complete and its power greatly increased.

The combined sword technique embodies the principles of Yin and Yang, blending and complementing each other, each combining its strengths. Li Xian possesses abundant internal energy, but his cultivation level is relatively low. Although his martial arts skills are unparalleled, his ability to evolve them is insufficient.

Take, for example, the move "The Setting Sun Like Blood," which originated from the Yang Sword Master's observation of the twilight landscape. Inspired by the moment, the sword follows the afterglow of the setting sun, conveying a rich and profound meaning. Li Xian practiced day and night, achieving perfection and reaching the pinnacle. However, his physical constitution was slightly lacking, remaining within the realm of a martial artist, like a chaotic world where purity and impurity were indistinguishable… How could he truly witness the magnificent spectacle of "the setting sun in the sky" and "the afterglow like blood"?

This is called "evolution".

The two swords combined their strengths. Li Xian could then use Wen Caishang's "Bloody Sunset" technique to create a scene of "the setting sun disappearing" and "afterglow spreading." With each subsequent sword move, the entire composition would suddenly change.

The sword arc flashed by in an instant. The sky darkened, as if a thousand rays of afterglow had pierced through, making one feel as if witnessing a sunset—a dazzling spectacle that suddenly appeared before their eyes, only to be followed by darkness...

Zhang Hu was terrified and quickly dodged. Wen Caishang and Li Xian held hands tightly, and Li Xian channeled his inner energy. Wen Caishang immediately countered with a move called "Full Moon," and the two moves combined to form "Setting Sun and Full Moon," embodying both the transformation of yin and yang and the principle of waxing and waning!

Both men were already quite skilled. Zhang Hu hurriedly parried, suffering burns and frostbite on his arms, experiencing excruciating pain. He was forced back more than ten steps.

Their swords clashed, thrusting simultaneously. This move, called "Sun and Moon Alternation," was an extremely powerful technique. The sun sets and the moon rises, the cycle repeating itself year after year. As Li Xian finished his strike, Wen Caishang met it with hers, the relentless alternation of day and night continuing without end. Zhang Hu, terrified, dodged, daring not to meet the attack head-on.

Wen Caishang unleashed her full swordplay, casting aside all her resentment and anger, and said softly, "Li Lang, kill him." Her words were devoid of any murderous intent.

Zhang Hu was enraged, realizing he had become a plaything for the two men. He pounded his chest with a resounding thud and charged forward with savage fury. Since losing both his legs, he had become insecure and sensitive. As a result, he had become adept at training and taming tigers, neglecting his own physical strength.

Enraged, his moves became chaotic. Two fists could not fight four hands. He could not defend against two swords. Feeling utterly frustrated, he wanted to kill Li Xian. Wen Caishang, eager to protect her lover, would surely use ruthless sword strikes to aim for his vitals.

Desiring to capture Wen Caishang, Li Xian's sword strikes were fierce and powerful, and they fought closely together. After more than a hundred moves of this fierce battle, Zhang Hu was covered in sword wounds, but the two felt increasingly connected and filled with boundless joy.

It turns out... true love needs to be tested by fire. The Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swordsmanship requires unwavering affection and a mutual entrustment of life and death. Daily practice together is ultimately just self-entertainment, empty talk on paper. Only when facing a powerful enemy and imminent disaster, when mountains crumble and the earth shatters, does the sincere and resolute will to protect one's partner ignite boundless swordsmanship and establish an invincible position.

Zhang Hu grew increasingly fearful as the fight progressed. Suddenly, he felt his strength gradually diminishing, and he actually fell back to the first level of martial arts!

There is a move in the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swords called "Swearing an Oath to Heaven." It is a move used by the Yang Sword Master to trick the Yin Sword Master into swearing an oath to heaven to restrain his own strength.

When used against an enemy, the sword's power reveals the principle of Yin-Yang balance. It transforms a situation where the enemy is strong and we are weak into a situation where both are weak. The power of the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword lies in the "principle of Yin-Yang transformation".

Zhang Hu was stabbed several times and fled in terror. Wen Caishang exclaimed, "Li Lang, don't let him get away!" The two gave chase, but they were too late.

They repelled the powerful enemy. Wen Caishang said, "We were so eager to escape that we forgot about this move!" Her expression was very pleased. She had never entrusted her life to anyone else before, but after trying it today, she felt her heart fill with sweetness and warmth. She was deeply grateful for every sword strike Li Xian used to protect her. As she practiced further, she even began to feel that her own life was no longer important, and she cared more about each other's feelings.

The true meaning of swordsmanship inspires contemplation. She couldn't help but envy the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple: "If I could have such a partner, it would be as if there were nothing else in the world to envy." Her beautiful eyes glanced at Li Xian, and she suddenly felt a blush creep up her cheeks.

Li Xian said, "With our swords combined, we don't need to fear Zhang Hu anymore! Let's quickly get on the boat and escape." Wen Caishang's face lit up with joy. Despite the perilous situation, she had managed to escape. She gently pulled Li Xian's hand and said, "Alright, alright, let's go back to the manor. I have a way to remove the Gu worm. Let's go somewhere else and live a good life. In three to five years, if you want to go anywhere to establish your authority and travel, I'll accompany you."

Wen Caishang said, "Li Lang, I'm truly grateful for this journey!" She was deeply moved. She was a woman of great ambition and exceptional talent. In her life, she was rarely moved by love or affection. Even when she did, it remained superficial. However, their encounters along the way, their swordplay complementing each other, deepened her feelings.

Once you've tasted the marrow, you'll find it irresistible, and your emotions will surge.

Li Xian smiled and said, "There's no need for thanks. Besides... you've already done me a favor." His expression was unfocused, and his thoughts were in turmoil.

After a short rest, the two engaged in intimate conversation. They reminisced about their combined swordplay, finding the details of each move, from one to the other, quite fascinating. Their mindsets and circumstances had changed drastically, and although they had mastered their sword techniques to perfection, there was still much to explore.

After Zhang Hu fled, his fear gradually subsided. Recalling the fierce battle just now, he felt extremely indignant. He muttered to himself, "If those two had attacked with their swords, wouldn't I have been able to neutralize them all with just a dodge like that?"

They regrouped and searched for the two again. Spotting them in the distance, they shouted and charged once more. This time, there was no talk between them; they drew their swords and began to fight.

Zhang Hu deflected several attacks, but failed to grasp the true essence of the swordplay. He was struck twice in the abdomen, cried out in pain, and fled. He knew Wen Caishang's internal energy was completely depleted, and Li Xian's martial arts level was low. Although he had been defeated several times, he remained unconvinced and still felt he had an opportunity to strike.

Before long, they went to fight again. But this time, the two had improved even more. Their swordplay had become more refined, and occasionally, laughter could be heard. They seemed to be joking and playing, completely disregarding him.

His moves were incredibly powerful. He used every trick in the book, but to no avail, only suffering numerous sword wounds in the process. He was extremely strong, and escaping was always an easy feat.

After repeated setbacks and defeats, his heart was broken. The sounds of laughter and joy echoed in his ears, and Wen Caishang called out "Li Lang, Li Lang" repeatedly. This stirred up his past thoughts. Influenced by the sword's momentum, he forgot all his grudges and affections, and was filled only with resentment.

Suddenly, it occurred to him: "This is the Combined Sword Technique... Ah! That's it! How could that brat Li Xian be able to live happily ever after with Wen Caishang? It's because of this sword technique. If I kill him and take his place, wouldn't that be better? Then... she'll call me 'Zhang Lang, Zhang Lang' too..."

He suffered three setbacks in a row and lost all confidence. Suddenly, he saw wild dogs foraging for food in the mountains. He thought, "Since I have no tigers or beasts, if I train a dog to carry me, my strength can increase by 20%."

They then captured wild dogs and devised methods to tame them. Zhang Hu's animal training skills were first-rate. His unique method allowed him to communicate with both humans and animals.

He spoke in a soft, animalistic language. But as he spoke, his bones vibrated slightly, emitting a melodious, ethereal sound. The wild dog grew increasingly drowsy as it listened, and finally fell asleep.

When he awoke again, they were already very affectionate. He rode the wild dog and went to track them down again. By the time he found them, it was already night.

Seeing the two sleeping in the wilderness, yet leaning on each other intimately, they suddenly became engrossed in a sword dance under the moon. Their swordplay, though technically sword techniques, resembled flirtatious banter. Li Xian flicked his sword, untying the ropes binding Wen Caishang's clothes. Wen Caishang, in turn, slashed diagonally with her sword, loosening the belt of Li Xian's outer garment.

The fight was getting increasingly intense. Suddenly, a flash of sword light appeared, striking towards him. It turned out the two had already sensed his presence! Zhang Hu immediately counterattacked, coordinating with the dog to unleash their martial arts techniques.

When a dog is used as a tiger, countless drawbacks naturally arise. After several exchanges, Li Xianjian thrust his sword, killing the wild dog. Zhang Hu, caught up in the sword's momentum, was stunned and could only instinctively parry. He muttered, "I can practice swordsmanship too, why not with me? Why not me?"

His mind was completely clouded. Suddenly, he howled and cried, and fled again. He had his heart meridian replaced between life and death, and was also entangled in emotions by the sword's power... which led him to madness and insanity.

Seeing him like this, Li Xian and Wen Caishang were both delighted. Wen Caishang exclaimed, "I never thought such a formidable enemy would be defeated like this!" She held Li Xian's hand tightly, her heart filled with sweet joy.

Li Xian said, "His delusions took hold, and he ultimately suffered the consequences. How pitiful and lamentable." Wen Caishang said, "Hmph! What's so pitiful about him? If I weren't injured, I would cure his mental illness first, and then properly humiliate him!"

Li Xian asked, "What exactly did he do to offend Madam in the past?"

"He wants to offend me?" Wen Caishang said disdainfully, "He doesn't have the right."

Li Xian said, "Then why did you break someone's legs?"

Wen Caishang said calmly, "He wanted to pursue me. I didn't like him at the time, so I cut off his legs to stop him from pursuing me."

Li Xian's heart skipped a beat. She thought, "Zhang Hu hasn't even offended Madam yet, and he's already in such a miserable state. How arrogant have I been on the way here? Won't my fate be even worse?" She casually asked, "What about me? Have I offended Madam?"

Wen Caishang laughed and said, "You dare to ask me questions? Humph, you're the one I've offended the most. You're so rebellious, haven't you angered me enough?"

"Back in the carriage, you wouldn't obey my orders. I remember it all. And you tickled me, teased me... I wrote it all down."

Li Xian asked, "Then... how will Madam treat me?" Wen Caishang's eyes were brimming with desire, but she was always just a step away from getting her attention. She said softly, "I will punish you slowly. If you disobey, I will cut off your legs. But... we two... we two are different from them."

Li Xian thought to himself, "Madam's words are affectionate, almost like flirting. She's being coquettish. But it might not be fake!" He mustered his courage and said, "Alright, I'll punish you first, then I won't lose out."

After bypassing Baihu City and traveling for another day, the sound of the river waves crashing against the shore was powerful and resounding. The Weihu River, flowing ceaselessly, was right before us.

Li Xian gazed upon the rivers and the heavens, and suddenly felt a surge of boundless ambition. Wen Caishang joined forces to practice swordsmanship, comprehending the principles of Yin and Yang. Gradually, they unraveled the "Marrow-Stabilizing Finger" technique, and their strength recovered somewhat.

Walking along the river for more than ten miles, you'll see a boat shop. Flags are fluttering, embroidered with a black tortoise.

The surrounding 400-mile stretch of river has been contracted to the powerful local family, the Liu family. The Liu family has a long history and profound heritage. Their family totem is a "black tortoise."

Wen Caishang instructed, "Look at those flags. The dynasty is weak, and it's difficult to collect taxes in various places. In some places, raising family flags is more intimidating. This 'Weihu Liu Family' is quite powerful; two outstanding members of the family have emerged in this generation."

Li Xian said, "At the end of the dynasty, families divided the country. If this continues for a while, wouldn't many heroes rise up and vie for control of the land?"

Wen Caishang said, "It is very clever of you to have this idea. I have read the history books well, and this is a common feature at the end of a dynasty. But if a powerful figure is born in the royal family, he may be able to turn the tide."

Li Xian thought to himself that if this were his previous life, the dynasty would have been almost beyond saving if it had reached this point. He then thought to himself, "However, this world is vast, and there are even more strange and wondrous things. The general direction of the dynasty's progress should be similar to that of his previous life. But... just like the difference between spirit-eating martial artists and ordinary clay figures. Spirit-eating martial artists have more possibilities, and so does this Great Martial Dynasty."

The moving boat workshop.

Li Xian found the steward, paid the fare, and reserved a seat for the next day. The steward, surnamed Liu, was from a branch of the Liu family of Wei Hu. He was straightforward and made things difficult, saying, "Tomorrow at 3 AM, no waiting for those who are late!"

There were food stalls next to the boat shop, offering wine, rice, and dishes, but the prices were very high. Li Xian had robbed some纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy families who had become rich and powerful) earlier and still had some money left over.

Order some small dishes of meat and vegetables to replenish your energy. Li Xian slightly raised her eyebrows. This allowed Wen Caishang to observe her expression for a while.

She gave him a charmingly disdainful look, then strode forward, brushing the dust off the table and chairs with her sleeve, and said softly, "King Li, please sit down."

"Xiao Chang, not bad." Li Xian nodded, seeing that the training along the way had been quite useful. It could also be considered a way to vent his previous anger.

The other passengers waiting for the boat stared wide-eyed, filled with envy. They also felt that Li Xian was truly despicable, showing no tenderness or appreciation for the beauty's kindness. Such rude and uncouth treatment was simply too much!

Li Xian said again, "My load is so heavy, my shoulders are tired." Wen Caishang was extremely embarrassed and said, "I'll rub it for you." Her fair fingers gently pinched it.

"You brat... just you wait!"

(End of this chapter)