Chapter 256 Escaping the Predicament, Unparalleled Talent, Lady's Admiration, Crane Delivers Elixir (6k)

With divine might and imposing presence, his double pupils glared fiercely. Legend has it that the power of "double pupils" can frighten away "ghosts and gods" and glare away "immortals and Buddhas."

Li Xian possessed two distinct forms, concealing his true nature exceptionally well. He endured relentless pursuit, repeatedly using his double pupils to observe his surroundings, but without revealing a single clue. Wen Caishang served him daily, yet remained completely unaware.

When it manifests, its power is already great.

Having undergone nine transformations through consuming essence, his double pupils became increasingly profound; the power of these extraordinary eyes was truly beyond words. Even if Zhao Zhiyuan was incompetent, he still held a high position and possessed a mind superior to others.

He met her gaze now, his eyes meeting hers. A chill ran down his spine as he recalled the many legends of double pupils, his scalp tingling. There were countless strange births in the world, but the appearance of double pupils was sure to cause a sensation! He exclaimed in shock, "Double pupils…it really is double pupils!"

Wen Caishang was also utterly astonished. Her face showed disbelief, and in an instant she realized that Li Xian was a dual being!

What terrifying talent!

Her perfect features were already on par with his own, and she was further endowed with the extraordinary "double pupils." Her talent, intelligence, and strategic abilities were truly beyond his own reach.

"One body, two appearances... There really is such a thing as one body, two appearances. And... and it's even double pupils!" Wen Caishang murmured.

The double pupils are a legendary feature. In ancient times, they were called the "appearance of an emperor" or the "appearance of a sage." Throughout history, in Nanyang, Dayu, and Dawu, only one person is known to have double pupils: Li Xian.

Looking further back through the long history of previous dynasties, through the changing times, only one or two people possessed the double pupil feature. Even they were not individuals with two pupils in one body!

Wen Caishang suddenly thought, "Isn't it true that... such talent is unparalleled throughout the ages! There is such astonishing talent in the world!" Her mind was shaken. Seeing Li Xianwei's domineering shout, his imposing aura that made dragons bow their heads, that could drive away ghosts and gods, scare away immortals and Buddhas, and crush ten thousand armies... it was no exaggeration!

Li Xian had faced numerous perilous situations on his journey. He held nothing back, yet always managed to escape danger through clever schemes. Therefore, he never used his full strength in any of his methods.

At this moment, his double pupils became visible, and he had unleashed all his trump cards. His back made a "crackling" sound, as if supported by a divine mountain, his long hair fluttered, and multicolored halos burst forth.

He was the embodiment of many extraordinary sights. The red mole between his brows shone brightly, making him appear both celestial and demonic; in that instant, all sorts of divine wonders were embodied in one person.

Those with double pupils possess boundless strength! Their physical strength can easily lift a cauldron. Li Xian played the "Attack and Kill Sound" and stirred up the "Thunder Sound," its power boundless. It was like a thousand troops charging in.

Using a knife instead of a sword, the force, though rough, was refined, carving a deep trench in the ground. Flames rolled across the blade, sword energy crisscrossed, and its power reached its peak, as if a blade had been brought down from the summit of a towering divine mountain, its momentum boundless, like a mountain being lifted and smashed down.

"ah!"

Zhao Zhiyuan was intimidated by the double pupils, and due to carelessness and physical weakness, he hastily parried. However, the moment his sword touched the broadsword, it snapped with a "crack" and was destroyed.

Its power is truly unbelievable.

This strike was devastating, and it looked like it was about to pierce through the skin and open the belly. Zhao Zhiyuan had already come to his senses: "That little beast actually has double pupils... double pupils... no wonder! No wonder even Wen Caishang is fond of him!" He suddenly realized that martial artists all value strength, and his amazing talent and outstanding abilities were enough to make women's hearts flutter and become attached to him.

He retaliated by striking Li Xian's shoulder with his claws, using offense as a form of defense.

Li Xian neither dodged nor evaded, knowing that such an opportunity was rare. If this sneak attack failed to severely injure Zhao Zhiyuan, even if the two of them joined forces later, it would be difficult to kill him.

Life-saving yang energy condensed to protect his shoulder. He fought injury against injury. With a loud "bang," cracks spread across Li Xian's shoulder bones, almost completely shattering them. His bones were resilient, and with the life-saving yang energy protecting him, he was especially ferocious.

The slash also ripped open Zhao Zhiyuan's stomach, blood splattering everywhere, his intestines almost spilling out. Zhao Zhiyuan's internal energy receded, enraged and humiliated, "I'll fight you to the death! Killing a double-pupiled one is worth it!" His longsword was broken, and under the intimidation of the double-pupiled one, although his strength was clearly greater, he developed the illusion of being a "lamb to the slaughter."

His hands transformed into claws, suddenly expanding several sizes, the claws swollen, and the skin turning yellowish-brown. This was the "Heavenly Cloud Sand-Lifting Palm," where moisture adhered to the claws, causing them to emerge out of thin air.

Wielding its claws, the accumulated moisture bursts forth, condensed and sharp, like invisible water mist daggers. It can kill enemies from a distance, making it extremely powerful. It can also stir up fierce winds and waves, killing from tens of feet away—truly formidable.

Wen Caishang stepped forward, launching a surprise attack from the side. Her soft sword aimed precisely at Zhao Zhiyuan's neck. Zhao Zhiyuan, in the instant his claws were about to strike, was forced to defend himself. Thus, his claw attack ultimately failed to land.

Li Xian immediately bent down and swept his sword. Zhao Zhiyuan used his lightness skill to dodge and create distance. Li Xian and Wen Caishang used the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword Technique, their movements perfectly synchronized, requiring no further words.

Li Xian unleashed two streams of Yang Yuan sword energy. He then leaped forward and struck with tremendous force. Zhao Zhiyuan was enveloped by the sword's momentum and captivated by the double pupils. Caught between two attackers, he had no time to spare to think of a counterattack. He caught the blade barehanded, but felt the surging power within it.

With a loud crash, the bricks and stones beneath their feet shattered, and their feet sank into the ground.

Seeing that the plan was going smoothly, Wen Caishang realized that even with Li Xian and her combined efforts, it would still be difficult to kill him completely. She had initially hidden in the Four Saints Cave to use its mechanisms to her advantage.

He immediately flicked his finger. A pebble shot out of the cave, activating a mechanism within. The four sacred statues opened their mouths wide, spitting out countless flying needles and arrows.

Wen Caishang was already in a safe position. Li Xian and she exchanged sword techniques, communicating effortlessly without needing words, already understanding each other's meaning. Therefore, they also took precautions in advance, hiding in a corner where the flying needles could not reach.

Zhao Zhiyuan's feet sank into the ground as the flying needles suddenly appeared. In an instant, he was pierced by more than a dozen arrows, bleeding profusely, looking terrifying. He flailed his palms wildly, swatting away countless flying arrows.

If he were calm enough, he could handle the current crisis; even if he were injured, it wouldn't be fatal. But he has encountered one accident after another, so how could he possibly remain calm? Even Wen Caishang, after suffering a setback, lacked composure; if it weren't for Li Xian's help, she would have been captured long ago.

Those who remain calm in adversity are rare indeed. Zhao Zhiyuan was like a hedgehog, riddled with arrows—fourteen in the chest, thirty-seven in the back, and numerous in the thighs and arms.

He roared, "Kill...the adulterers, kill!" and charged forward.

Li Xian and Wen Caishang used the Yin-Yang Twin Swords to maneuver and entangle with him. This sword technique combined both strength and gentleness, making it increasingly difficult to break through the opponent's defenses the more flustered and disoriented they became.

After a brief struggle, the second mechanism was activated. The four sacred sculptures spewed fire from their eyes and charged forward.

Zhao Zhiyuan had been burned and his skin was ruined at Luanfang Mountain. He had only recently recovered when he was burned again, leaving him severely burned. He had lost his mind and was wildly swinging his arms around.

He accidentally triggered a mechanism that caused sharp, poisonous thorns to sprout from the ground, piercing his feet and leaving him covered in blood and unrecognizable!

Li Xian and Wen Caishang exchanged a glance, realizing they were trapped. They quietly slipped away, intending to escape from the cave. Zhao Zhiyuan suddenly snapped back to reality, pounced, determined to capture one of them!

Li Xian unleashed the Azure Palm, his inner energy surging wildly, slowing Zhao Zhiyuan's advance. Holding Wen Caishang, he leaped out of the Four Saints Cave. Wen Caishang flicked a stone with her finger, activating another mechanism within the cave.

The cave entrance slammed shut with a loud crash.

The sound of rushing water came from inside. This was the third mechanism in the Four Saints Cave, sealing the cave entrance and pouring in lead and mercury. Wen Caishang knew there was no hope, and had originally intended to activate this mechanism to pull more people into the water.

Unexpectedly, they were rescued, but Zhao Zhiyuan was trapped in the cave, suffering severe injuries and being soaked in lead and mercury. Li Xian frowned and concealed her double pupils, which then merged into one. In reality, double pupils were the norm, while single pupils were a deliberate disguise.

He breathed heavily. The fight just now was far too brutal; if there had been even the slightest misstep, all three of them would have perished in the cave!

Li Xian said solemnly, "Hurry! I'm seriously injured. If we encounter them again, I won't be able to handle it!" Wen Caishang said softly, "Li Lang, come with me... I know a place where we can leave the tomb!"

Li Xian was stabbed in the shoulder, and the blood was consolidated and the wound was closed to slow the progression of the injury. However, he still felt sharp pain with every step he took. His shoulder bone was shattered, and after the danger passed, it was extremely difficult for him to even lift his arm.

Wen Caishang gently touched the wound, feeling tenderness and care. Suddenly overwhelmed with affection, she thought to herself that such a gifted man had done this for her. The joy she felt surpassed all the dangers she had faced along the way.

Throughout her life, she held the greatest respect for the strong. Li Xian's spirited demeanor had captivated her. Now, displaying his formidable talent, he subtly won her over. She thought such a man was a rare find, both ancient and modern. And now, he was beside her.

However, still in a dangerous situation, they restrained their emotions. The two fled along the way, using their familiarity with tombs to move and hide, evading the search.

Half a day.

Both were exhausted. Li Xian was incredibly strong; his pure yang body was full of energy, and his double pupils made his blood flow like a dragon. However, Zhao Zhiyuan's palm strike, with its refined and profound energy, was truly formidable, lingering for a long time. Li Xian laughed, "Madam, if we encounter another enemy, we'll be buried with them!"

Wen Caishang said softly, "If it really comes to that, there's nothing we can do."

The two fled hand in hand. Suddenly, they heard hurried footsteps; someone was approaching from ahead. In the vast tomb, they knew it was either enemy or friend. Li Xian didn't need to worry. He looked around and spotted a tomb chamber, then pulled Wen Caishang inside and hid.

They lifted the coffin and hid inside.

This is the "Shan Gong Studio".

The tomb's restoration took decades, during which many craftsmen died from exhaustion. They were then buried here. During the Nanyang period, the various states were in chaos, and the people suffered greatly. Human sacrifice was not uncommon, but Lü Dongzhi's unconventional approach, providing a final resting place for the craftsmen, was truly enlightened.

Li Xian and Wen Caishang hid in a "craftsman's" coffin.

The corpse had turned into a skeleton.

The two stood close together, listening intently to what was happening outside.

"Alas, the burial place of Shan Gongshi is filled with the remains of craftsmen, with little treasure. Let us leave now!"

The voice came from "Su Qiuwu".

"Wait! These corpses will still be useful to me. You, you, you, help me push open the coffins and see if there are any uncorrupted bodies. If so, drag them out!"

The voice came from Shen Pingping.

The group had become separated within the tomb, but after wandering around, they unexpectedly met again. They traveled together, searching for maps and treasures within the tomb.

The map is already with Li Xian; they are destined never to find it.

Wen Caishang's heart tightened. Li Xian frowned, and with a loud "boom," the coffin lid was opened.

Given this situation, the two are bound to be discovered. Even with the "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword," they cannot escape being captured alive.

Li Xian, quick-witted as ever, secretly used his "Vast Leg" and "Azure Palm" to create a misty white fog. He then dispelled the blocked blood pores, scattering the blood and mixing it into the fog. He sprinkled poison powder and venom on top, disguising it as a blood mist poison gas trap. Then he lifted the corpse and hid it beneath it.

In this way, one might be able to deceive others.

Soon, footsteps approached. The two disciples from Taixin Sect and Jianyu Tower exchanged a glance, then together lifted the coffin. As the coffin was pushed open half an inch, red mist immediately billowed out. Taking a whiff of it, they were immediately overcome with nausea and dizziness, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

The disciples exchanged a glance, dared not open it again, quickly closed it, and jumped over the coffin to search for another one.

They eventually found three uncorrupted corpses. Two disciples carried the bodies out, but dared not mention the "blood mist." They knew these people were ruthless and cruel; if there were any traps, they would surely force them to test them with their own bodies.

Shen Pingping said, "Not bad, the harvest is acceptable."

Suddenly, footsteps sounded, and a young voice rang out: "My lords, hurry...hurry! Senior Zhao has found a clue about the thieving woman and has surrounded her. Please go and provide reinforcements immediately!"

It turned out to be disciples sent by Zhao Zhiyuan to seek help from all sides. Shen Pingping and Su Qiuwu's eyes lit up, and they both said, "Good! That wretched woman is truly cornered and surrounded!"

"Hahaha, excellent, excellent... Let's hurry over and capture her. That wicked woman has caused me so much trouble, I've lost dozens of zombies. Let's see how powerful she really is."

"Go and inform the others to gather Li Quan and Qi Beidao. This time, we will definitely leave her with nowhere to run!"

Leave quickly.

The footsteps faded into the distance, as they avoided yet another dangerous situation. Wen Caishang's beautiful eyes shimmered, and she thought, "Li Lang is exceptionally talented. Such ingenious ideas and plans are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Given time... I... I will have to rely on him."

After a while.

Li Xian and Wen Caishang emerged from the coffin and closed it. Wen Caishang asked, "Li Lang, are you alright?" Li Xian shook his head and said, "I'm fine!"

Wen Caishang said, "The tomb has four directions: east, west, south, and north, each with an exit. Let's hurry up and leave." They helped each other and fled into the distance.

After walking for about half an hour, they saw another disciple of the Sword Rain Pavilion, who was looking lost and confused in the tomb.

Li Xian thought to himself, "I'm currently wearing the [Wuji Blade Sect] attire and carrying a large blade, and I feel quite weak. Su Qiuwu is no longer a threat, but I fear there are others like him, so I can't remove my disguise. Changing into the identity of a Sword Rain Pavilion disciple would be just right!"

He crept up silently, then suddenly pounced. One hand covered the victim's mouth, the other struck his chest, unleashing a burst of force. With a "crack," the sternum shattered, the heart meridian ruptured, and the victim died instantly.

Li Xian took off the corpse's clothes and draped them over himself. He unfastened his sword and slung it over his back. He carried the corpse for a while and came across several coffins.

The body was buried in the coffin.

He hoisted the broadsword onto his shoulder and gave it a sharp shake. A longsword fell from the blade—the "Sinking River Sword." Li Xian was meticulous; since he was disguised as a disciple of the Wuji Sword Sect, he naturally couldn't carry a sword. However, the Sinking River Sword was extremely powerful, and he was unwilling to give it up.

Using the sharpness of the sword, he carved a groove in the broadsword. He then embedded the Chenjiang Sword into it, thus disguising the disguised Jianyulou and making it easy to retrieve.

Wen Caishang was quite surprised. In the midst of danger, Li Xian was meticulous, far-sighted, and calm, and her wisdom impressed her greatly.

Throughout her life, she admired the spirit of the Great Wu Emperor. She rarely glanced at others, but now her beautiful eyes were fixed on Li Xian with infatuation.

Li Xian changed the scabbard of the Sunken River Sword and carried it on his back. He then gave his own clothes to Wen Caishang. The tomb was pitch black, so Wen Caishang only needed to wear simple clothing. There was no need for further changes.

Li Xian coughed a few times, his injuries severe. The sword wound pierced through his chest; although it avoided vital organs, it had still depleted his vital energy. Wen Caishang gently patted him, feeling both pain and helplessness.

The two walked hand in hand for a while, about to leave the tomb. But then they heard Li Quan and Qi Beidao talking.

Li Xian was about to dodge when Wen Caishang lightly moved her fingers, using them as a sword to communicate with the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword Technique. She meant, "The only way out is through here. There are other exits, of course, but... those other exits require traversing the region through the [intestinal tract], at which point we will inevitably part ways."

Li Xian used his finger as a sword, and the two of them gestured with two fingers, exchanging their thoughts: "Alright! I will find a way to get out and will never be separated from you, Madam." Wen Caishang nodded, her heart filled with joy, her beautiful eyes sparkling with excitement, her gratitude and happiness beyond words. She gestured and said, "Even if we die together, let's not be separated."

Li Xian waited a moment and listened to Li Quan and Qi Beidao's conversation.

Li Quan asked, "Brother Qi, did you hear anything?" Qi Beidao replied, "There's nothing strange about this tomb."

Li Quan said, "I ran into Shen Pingping yesterday. Hey, so young, yet she's ordering me around. She didn't even explain herself properly before making me stand guard here. And you? What are you doing here too?"

Li Xian thought to himself, "So it was Shen Pingping. This person is probably an expert in the layout of tombs. He intentionally sent someone to guard the exit. If it weren't for him, my wife and I, with our knowledge of tombs, could have escaped safely by relying on the layout. His appearance has added a lot of danger to us!"

Continue to probe.

Qi Beidao said, "I met Shen Pingping halfway through. He said that if we stayed here, we might make some good gains. I don't know the layout of the tomb. If I wander around, I might get lost. So I might as well stay here."

Li Quan said, "That's fine then. It's good that you're here; it'll keep me company while we chat." Qi Beidao said, "By the way, of the Four Heroes of Taixin, why are you the only one? Could there be another plan?"

"Ah!" Li Quan said sadly, "Brother Mang and Brother Lu are both dead! Brother Hu should be near the Tiger Luo Sect, but I haven't seen him!"

"Damn it!" Qi Beidao exclaimed, "Is this Lady Broken Sword so ferocious?"

Li Quan replied, "Of course!" As he spoke of this, he couldn't help but criticize Su Qiuwu, describing how rude and hypocritical Su Qiuwu was…

Qi Beidao sensed something amiss and immediately became wary of Su Qiuwu. Li Xian, eavesdropping nearby, thought, "Excellent... I can use this to sow discord and lure the two away from here, then I can escape! But if I go straight for them, it'll be too obvious. Li Quan is as stupid as a dog, so he's easily fooled, but Qi Beidao is a different story!"

So he had Wen Caishang hide in the shadows. He quietly moved away, then ran quickly, making a sound with his footsteps.

Li Quan and Qi Beidao exchanged a glance and shouted, "Who goes there!"

Li Xian, pretending to be an ordinary disciple of the Sword Rain Pavilion and not very familiar with the tomb, wandered around and called out, "Is anyone there? Is anyone around here?"

Qi Beidao said, "I'll be right back!" He followed the sound and found Li Xian, bringing him to Li Quan's side.

Li Xian's face was stained with blood, his hair was disheveled, and the tomb was pitch black. Therefore, he was not recognized by Li Quan or Qi Beidao.

Qi Beidao said, "A disciple of Jianyu Tower? You got lost too, and ended up here?"

Li Xian said, "Yes...yes...this junior did indeed get lost. I was entrusted by Senior Zhao to deliver a message. I lost my way while walking and could only wander around aimlessly."

Qi Beidao asked calmly, "What message?"

Li Xian said, "Senior Zhao found a clue about that thieving woman and cornered her in front of the Four Saints Cave! He sent us out to ask for help!"

"What!?" Li Quan exclaimed, "We have a lead on that vixen! Good! Good, you think you can get away this time?!"

Qi Beidao frowned and said, "Oh? Is that so?" Duan Ningli Xian.

Li Xian thought to himself, "This Qi Beidao is not easy to fool. He just mentioned Su Qiuwu, and his words showed he didn't have much affection for him. It seems they are both wary of each other. I'll try to provoke him with this." He said, "Yes...yes! Just now, I was running around and encountered Senior Su Qiuwu and Senior Shen Pingping. After hearing what happened, the two seniors also hurried away."

"Senior Zhao... said that the witch has a map of the tomb. If we can capture her alive, we can get out of this hellish place! Seniors! Please go and help us quickly!"

"Really?!" Qi Beidao's heart tightened.

Li Xian said, "Whether it's true or not, as your disciple, I can't guarantee it, but... I hope it's true."

Li Xianchao said to Li Quan, "Senior, I have...I have a request. I was ordered by Senior Zhao to go out and deliver a message. But as I walked, I got completely lost. If possible, please take me with you back to the Four Saints Cave, so that I can reunite with the senior disciples. I...I really don't know how to get there by myself."

Li Quan sneered, "You little rascal, you're quite amusing. This was just a small favor, but unfortunately, you were ordered by Zhao Zhiyuan and are a disciple of Su Qiuwu. I can tell you naturally dislike it. Even if it's just a small favor, hey, I simply won't lift a finger. What are you going to do about it?"

Li Xian's expression changed: "This...this..."

"Hahaha!" Li Quan said, "Get out of here." With a flick of his wrist, he sent Li Xian flying, sending him crashing heavily against the wall.

Qi Beidao said, "This matter cannot be delayed. Neither of us is familiar with the tomb. It will take quite some time to find the Four Saints Cave. If we are late... once they have the map, they may not come back to look for us. Let's set off quickly!"

Li Quan said, "Good! Su Qiuwu is very likely to do such a thing."

The two used their light-footed skills to walk away. Li Xian breathed a sigh of relief. He had calculated everything in his mind regarding the rhythm of their words. It wouldn't be difficult to lure Qi Beidao and Li Quan away; if he told them the truth, the two would probably get restless.

But to deceive the two and then stay behind himself would be highly suspicious. Li Quan is foolish, but Qi Beidao may not be. Therefore, Li Xian cleverly used Li Quan's dislike for Su Qiuwu and Zhao Zhiyuan.

He was talking to Qi Beidao when he suddenly begged Li Quan, intending to provoke Li Quan's refusal. Since Li Quan refused, Qi Beidao couldn't say anything more.

In this way, all kinds of dangers have been overcome.

After a while...

Wen Caishang hurried over, helped Li Xian up, and said softly, "Li Lang! Are you alright?" Li Xian replied, "No... I'm fine, it's just that my sternum hurts a little. Let's go quickly!"

Wen Caishang nodded repeatedly, saying, "Good! Good!" and helped Li Xian up. After that perilous ordeal, Li Xian was covered in injuries, all of them quite serious.

After passing the main road, the two encountered no further dangers. Soon they reached an exit and began climbing up the mountainside along a crevice.

Li Xian's right shoulder was severely injured, making it difficult to lift. Using his remaining internal energy, he employed his lightness skill to climb upwards. After several dozen feet, he gradually crawled out of the tomb.

A gentle breeze blows, and an ethereal mist hangs in the air.

They left the entire Sword Extermination Alliance in the tomb.

The two rested for a moment, how could they dare to delay even for a second? They immediately descended the side peak.

"Bah!"

Suddenly, a large crane with a red crown and white feet came flapping its wings.

It holds cinnabar in its mouth.

(End of this chapter)