Chapter 289 Extraordinary Omens Add Another Miraculous Effect, Candlelight Instructs Liu Qing, The Day of the Bet

Li Xian sensed something strange and immediately went to the courtyard, plucked another strand of hair, and threw it into the mud. The hair sprouted roots upon touching the ground, deeply embedding itself in the soil. Li Xian focused his mind and felt a subtle connection with the hair, as if it could extend his senses.

It possesses sensory perceptions such as hearing and touch, and even with its eyes closed, it can vaguely perceive its surroundings, but as if shrouded in black fog. If someone were to pass by, it would be difficult to discern their appearance, let alone their height or build. Though extremely blurry, it undeniably exists.

Li Xian was very curious, thinking that such a special ability must have a wonderful use. If it was verified to be true, it would further enhance his ability to protect himself. Determined to figure it out, he plucked another strand of hair, gently shook it off, leaving only an inch or so, and sent it to Nangong Liuli's room.

A strand of hair fell to the ground and took root, barely noticeable in the ripples. A faint, strange sound came from beside her ear; she could hear Nangong Liuli's footsteps and the sound of her skirt brushing the ground.

Nangong Liuli was quiet and elegant, currently meditating and practicing internal cultivation. The two cooperated sincerely and treated each other with sincerity. Li Xian was simply looking for someone to test the wonders of "hair strands" and had no evil intentions.

Confirming the "hair strands" possessed miraculous effects, he pushed open the door and shattered them. Nangong Liuli frowned, her face flushed, and she felt embarrassed. After a brief exchange, Li Xian left again, leaving Nangong Liuli completely bewildered. Finally, she spat lightly and continued practicing her martial arts.

Li Xian pondered... He and Nangong Liuli often exchanged their understanding of martial arts. "Gathering Three Flowers at the Top" and "Dust Settling" were both useless characteristics, but Li Xian possessed unique abilities in both. Gathering Three Flowers at the Top of the Top allowed him to brew and purify his energy, while his abdomen formed a furnace, capable of cleansing impurities and avoiding toxins.

Once the dust settles, the fallen leaves take root, extending perception and eavesdropping. Though their various uses are small, their application is extraordinary.

Li Xian discovered that only three strands of hair could coexist after falling out. If the number exceeded this, some hairs would wither and the number of strands would remain at three.

[Sculpting bone embryo]

[Proficiency: 1/100]

[Description: Martial Arts Second Realm, a transformation from body to bone, possessing ethereal celestial music, three flowers gathered at the crown of the head, clad in turbid robes, and a mysterious aura after the dust settles.]

...

...

[The Remnant Spear]

[Proficiency: 315/5000 Minor Mastery]

[Description: This is a fragmentary imitation of the Demon and Monster Spear technique, lacking in demonic intent, yet already possessing considerable skill. Through diligent practice, you have grasped the true meaning of the incomplete drawing, reaching a minor level of mastery and comprehending the "Ghostly Blinding" spear stance.]

When the Demon Spear is wielded, it exudes a chilling, ghostly aura. It blinds the enemy, making it incredibly powerful and unpredictable. The extraordinary power of this spear technique only gradually becomes apparent after one has achieved a certain level of proficiency.

Li Xian's inner Qi had accumulated to a full eighty-zhang (approximately 33 meters) of Qi lake, powerful and restrained. His body trembled with the inner Qi, and his spear movements startled ghosts and gods.

If he were to reveal his double pupils and don the robes of a god or demon... his aura would be entirely different. Li Xian secretly practiced and was quite satisfied, quietly accumulating his strength.

Everything should proceed step by step.

On that day, the Peach Blossom Bow will also be completed.

Nangong Liuli was skilled at shaving arrows, but not at making longbows. Li Xian needed to personally craft the bow: sculpting the bow shape, refining animal fat, soaking the bow in the fat, polishing it with sandpaper, drying it, and attaching animal sinew…

Li Xian was very skilled. Nangong Liuli was even more curious and asked about Li Xian's background. Li Xian told her he was a hunter, and she then understood. She was very much looking forward to the archery competition.

With the final steps completed, the Peach Blossom Bow is finished. It gleams with a jade-like luster, is polished to be sturdy and durable, and looks quite handsome and dashing when held in the hand.

Li Xian's "Peach Blossom Bow" is made of peach tree spirit and golden leopard tendon, with a larger and thicker bow body, making it powerful and robust... Nangong Liuli's Peach Blossom Bow is made of peach tree spirit and black ox tendon, and its quality is slightly inferior. The bow and arrow need to be considered according to the arm distance. Her bow body is more slender, but more delicate. Li Xian thoughtfully decorated it with peach blossoms, which pleased her greatly.

Both men drew their bows and shot, eager to try their hand at archery. They then kept their agreement and had a contest of archery skills.

Nangong Liuli laughed and said, "Good little brother, your older sister won't let you have your way."

They tied two straw figures together and placed them beside the red wall of the outer courtyard. The two walked to the inner courtyard, several hundred paces away from the straw figures, separated by an arched gate.

Li Xian laughed and said, "You're sure you can beat me? So arrogant." Nangong Liuli said, "You're a hunter by trade, so your archery skills are indeed good, but that's only good for hunting wild boars and birds. How can you possibly beat me? Watch closely, or don't cry if you lose."

She drew a wooden arrow from the quiver. It appeared dark red. Nangong Liuli nocked the arrow, aimed, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly, her aura instantly changing. She exuded a heroic and spirited air, her long skirt swaying even without wind.

The arrow flew off the bowstring and struck the straw man precisely. Nangong Liuli was quite pleased with herself, glancing at Li Xian and saying, "Good brother, it's your turn." She didn't used to call Li Xian "good brother," but since they had been alone together and done many things together, the habit of using that affectionate term had continued to this day.

Li Xian exclaimed, "Excellent archery!" He genuinely praised the archery. No need to aim, the arrow was released with a flick of the wrist. It struck the straw figure precisely.

Nangong Liuli was slightly surprised, but then she understood. She noticed that Li Xian's archery posture was not correct, and guessed that although he was good at archery, he had no famous teacher to teach him and was following a "self-taught" style.

Li Xian laughed and said, "Oh dear, it seems we're even." Nangong Liuli was also young and impetuous. After gripping the arrow, she was full of confidence. This hasty draw was not what she wanted. She said, "This mansion is too small. It's impossible to determine a winner."

Seeing that Nangong Liuli was engrossed in the competition, Li Xian asked, "Do you want to go out and compete?"

Nangong Liuli sighed, "Alas, it seems the archery contest is pointless."

Li Xian said, "That's not necessarily true." He looked around and saw that there were many thieves inside the Zhihua Cage Gate. Nangong Liuli's appearance would definitely attract attention. His foundation was not stable and his experience was still shallow. Moreover, he had provoked a powerful enemy. He should keep a low profile and hide his strength to accumulate his resources.

Nangong Liuli felt safer staying indoors. He pointed to a distant mountain and said, "How about this... Sister Liuli, we can see that mountain from here. Tomorrow I'll climb up, set up a target, and we can shoot at it to determine the winner."

Nangong Liuli glanced at him, thinking, "You naughty boy... He doesn't want to lose to me, so he either sets the target too far away or too close, which always results in a draw. Hmph... Even though the distance is far, I might still be able to reach it. Lately, you've been showing off your power over me all the time. If I don't show off my skills, wouldn't I be disgracing the family name?"

I secretly find it amusing, but since I've already made this decision, I can't very well agree. I'll just wait until tomorrow to shock Li Xian, but I also think that if the two of us cooperate sincerely, it will be too discouraging for him, which is ultimately not a good idea. I need to appease him with words. After defeating Li Xian, I also need to show weakness and soothe his emotions.

The next day.

Li Xianchen practiced the "Remnant Demon Spear," strengthening his muscles and bones, and accumulating proficiency. [36] As proficiency increased, the sunlight became stronger and the weather was just right.

Li Xian hurried to a distant hilltop. He set up three targets halfway up the hill, and then set up two more targets every short distance he went uphill. In total, there were twenty targets.

Back at Qingniu Residence.

Holding the peach blossom bow, Nangong Liuli exuded a heroic air as she surveyed the target in the mountains, meticulously planning her movements from near to far. She estimated the furthest point to be several miles away, and the closest to be about two miles.

Many targets were hidden in the grass and tree canopy, easily missed by those with poor eyesight. Li Xian asked, "Does your Nangong family organize winter hunts?"

Nangong Liuli nodded and said, "Of course. The family's assessment of the younger generation is comprehensive. The martial arts arena can show the strength of martial arts, but that is only the simplest test and can reveal very little. The winter hunt is an extremely important event in the family banquet, and it can better test the younger generation's martial arts, adaptability, strategy and so on."

“Each family has its own hunting grounds, which are rich in animals. Every year, they purchase animals to replenish their hunting grounds. There are also dedicated family members who investigate the distribution of animals and the environment of the hunting grounds.”

Li Xian was very curious. The grandeur of this powerful clan was truly remarkable. The younger generation of the family were galloping across the beast arena, displaying their skills and talents—what youthful vigor they displayed! He, a poor boy, rarely had the chance to witness such a grand event.

Li Xian asked, "That must be extremely lively."

Nangong Liuli reminisced, "More than that. Every few years, families from several surnames would come together to hunt in the Xiongwen Mountains. At that time... the Nangong family, the Bian family, the Fan family, the Zhao family of Daoxuan Mountain, the Baihe Academy... many young talents would participate in the hunt. It was truly... a grand event."

"Intermarriage between families can also promote contact between younger generations. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for outstanding individuals to distinguish themselves. Such a magnificent scene is truly rare!"

Upon hearing the details about the wealthy family's sons, Li Xian felt a sense of unease about the gap between them. However, he felt no inferiority, only a greater motivation. After chatting for a while, the archery contest began.

Nangong Liuli was the first to raise her bow and take aim, her archery posture impeccable. Even her breathing rhythm revealed her exceptional archery skills. Sure enough, the arrow flew swiftly, its arc perfect, striking the target in the mountain.

Nangong Liuli glanced at him, a hint of provocation in her eyes. Li Xian smiled, bowed, and shot an arrow. His archery skills were extraordinary; he hit the target with perfect accuracy. Nangong Liuli said, "Good lad, you're quite skilled. I won't let you have your way."

She drew her bow again and shot at the distant targets one after another. Each arrow was extremely accurate and flawless, displaying her heroic prowess. For every arrow she shot, Li Xian followed with one, the two shooting in the blink of an eye.

Nangong Liuli frowned, realizing that Li Xian's archery skills were beyond her expectations. Although it was a "dead target," the fact that he could hit it so easily from such a distance was extraordinary.

Nangong Liuli, her temper flaring, refused to admit defeat. Her arrows became even more fierce, displaying both ruthlessness and accuracy. There were twenty targets, and she shot ten at each. By this time, she had already shot seven.

The distance suddenly increased. There were also scattered rocks obscuring the view, making it extremely difficult to hit the target. Nangong Liuli frowned and shot towards the eighth target, then suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no!" The arrow abruptly changed direction, missing by half an inch. Although it hit the target, it didn't strike the bullseye.

Li Xian laughed and said, "Sister Liuli, you're going to lose." He raised his arrow and shot it, hitting the bullseye perfectly.

turn out to be……

Nangong Liuli was an excellent archer, and hitting a target at this distance shouldn't have been difficult for her. However, the target was set too high, where the wind was strong. Nangong Liuli overlooked this detail, causing the arrow to be blown off course by a fraction.

That slight difference was the key to victory. She was on guard against the next two targets and hit them both without any surprise. But Li Xian's archery skills exceeded his expectations, and he hit them just as easily.

Thus… Nangong Liuli’s slight deviation naturally became the cause of her defeat. In this archery contest, Li Xian was indeed the victor.

Nangong Liuli felt slightly indignant, thinking that Li Xian must have anticipated this when he set up the target. His deliberate failure to warn him was undoubtedly a secret plan to win. She knew Li Xian was clever and cunning, full of tricks, so this wasn't surprising.

But having already lost, any further words would be mere sophistry. Nangong Liuli sighed, "I've lost."

Li Xian could tell that Nangong Liuli was unconvinced, but he hadn't cared much about the competition anyway. He smiled and said, "Since you've lost, what should Sister Liuli do?"

Nangong Liuli said, "You naughty boy, our archery competition is to cultivate our character, I didn't make a bet with you."

Li Xian laughed and said, "I don't care." He was utterly unreasonable. Nangong Liuli frowned and said, "You're so unreasonable."

Li Xian retorted, "You are my beloved wife, why should I reason with you?"

Nangong Liuli stomped her foot and said, "You...you're going to be the death of me!" Her voice was clear and crisp, but contained not a trace of anger.

She felt both helpless and delighted; looking at that face, she was already powerless to resist. And thinking of the joy they could share every day, even being confined in the flower cage didn't bring her any sorrow.

But she still had to maintain a facade of composure. Li Xian had to be firm and persuade her three times in a row. After the three times, she reluctantly gave in and complied with everything.

...

...

Time passed.

The sweltering heat of August is oppressive.

Li Xian practiced diligently every day, accumulating hundreds of points of proficiency with the [Broken Demon Spear] daily. The bet was only to master it, which Li Xian had already achieved. However, martial arts were for his own cultivation, and the Flower Cage Sect was considered an evil sect with an eccentric deputy envoy; he naturally had to do his best to excel.

He possesses the virtue of "Heaven rewards diligence," and his achievements are all the result of painstaking, gradual accumulation. Naturally, he has no fear of suspicion, and there are many geniuses in the world, some of whom achieve enlightenment overnight and perfect their martial arts in an instant. His diligent practice is perfectly normal.

This slow accumulation...

The vegetation and rocks in the Remnant Demon Map have all been transformed into spear techniques. Through Li Xian's long and arduous practice, he has become extremely skilled.

"A strong wind blows through resilient grass," "The west wind brings cold," "An old tree and a crow at dusk," "A haggard figure," "A ghost startled by probing the grass," "A waning crow and a fading moon"...

Each move evolved, almost perfect. Li Xian's understanding deepened with each iteration, and from the seemingly insignificant scenery within the mutilated demonic painting, ghostly energy gradually took hold…

He began to develop his marksmanship from the corpses. The mutilated corpses depicted in the "Remnant Demon Painting" totaled seven. Three were depicted in great detail, with a strong implication of concealing the gun; the other four were hidden deep within, only barely visible to those with keen observation.

What kind of spear techniques these corpses can evolve into depends on their comprehension. In this way, the spear technique becomes profound, and when wielding the spear, ghostly mist is clearly visible, eerie and cold. In addition, "one's handwriting reflects one's character," and "one's martial arts also reflect one's character."

Li Xian was unrestrained and carefree, his life as fleeting as a mayfly. When he wielded his spear, he resembled a lonely ghost. He had practiced many orthodox martial arts, including "The Sword of the Setting Sun and Fading Blood," "The Thunderous Finger," and "The Iron Copper Body." His movements were elegant and ethereal, quite skillful. With such a foundation, learning the "Broken Demon Spear" should have been somewhat uncomfortable.

But his unrestrained nature, coupled with his diligence and the principle that Heaven rewards diligence, seemed quite fitting, exuding a rampant evil and a rather wicked nature.

Nangong Liuli had mistakenly come looking for a ghost, but Li Xian explained his spear technique, which dispelled her doubts. She then learned that the spear technique Li Xian practiced was actually related to "ghosts." Deeply afraid of ghosts, she refused to ask any questions about the details of the spear technique.

During this period of time...

Li Xian finally managed to free up some energy to devise a clever plan to make money. He would hunt beasts and exchange them for cash. He'd have a little money, but no great wealth; the elders controlled almost all the money-making businesses in Peach Blossom Town. Ordinary people only had jobs related to basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

But at least Li Xian and Nangong Liuli were able to enjoy peach blossom wine and fresh flower-infused eggs... The remaining money was used to buy Nangong Liuli a new set of clothes, made of silk, which was quite sexy. Nangong Liuli declined a few times, but eventually put it on.

The day of the bet is drawing near.

The situation at the water altar has also subtly changed, with two elders from the Flower Cage Sect returning in flower boats. Their names are An Weicheng and Han Zisha. An Weicheng is nearly seventy, but looks young and is slightly short. Han Zisha has a beautiful face and is dressed as a woman who still retains her charm.

Each brought back dozens of Flower Cage Sect disciples. The island became lively as the two elders brought back news: Elder Tong Sannian had unfortunately been surrounded and killed by the enemy.

Upon hearing the devastating news, Governor Shi frowned deeply. As the saying goes, one reaps what one sows. In recent years, the imperial court has weakened, and local authorities have lost their ability to control the situation. The Flower Cage Gate has exploited this loophole, capturing women from prominent families, incurring widespread condemnation.

The Flower Cage Sect is highly skilled in formations, having created formations such as the "Blooming Flowers Formation," the "Bewitching Flowers and Seeking Spring Formation," and the "Split Flowers and Misaligned Shadows Formation," enabling them to defeat stronger opponents. Their disciples, possessing only internal energy and meticulously arranging their formations, can overcome even the most powerful martial artists and capture female warriors of the martial world.

Over time... from elders to disciples, relying on formations inevitably leads to a decline in martial arts skills and a slowdown in adaptability.

If their formation is broken up, or they are surrounded and attacked by more people, then they will be helpless. In recent years, the number of elders who have left the Flower Cage Sect has already exceeded two fingers.

Envoy Shi gathered the elders to discuss important matters. He informed them of Tong San's death, and also made a crucial decision…

After Tong Sannian's death, what became of his estate? Tong Sannian owned "two bee farms," ​​"a mansion," "three beautiful women," "an orchard," and "a pleasure boat"...

The pleasure boat was destroyed in the raid and has been lost, but it must be well preserved. The elders all coveted this vast fortune and wished they could tear it all apart.

Han Zisha sobbed, "Zisha and Elder Tong were very close friends. I had already secretly pledged my heart to him. He died outside, and I am willing to help take care of this mansion, bee farm, orchard...

Her red lips were alluring, she wore a light purple dress, her shoulders were bare, and her legs were wrapped in sheer stockings. She spoke with a captivating charm.

An Weicheng said, "Sister Han, you can't say that. Elder Tong and I are close friends, and it should be my responsibility to manage this bee farm, Meijuan, and flower boat."

Ye Cheng laughed and said, "I want one of the bee farms, and a beautiful woman... I heard that Elder Tong has a beautiful woman from Jianhu Manor. I want to take her."

Meng Han said, "I may give up on other things, but it's my turn to ride the flower boat."

Ye Cheng said, "Things aren't peaceful outside right now. If you want a pleasure boat, are you going out to throw your life away?"

It turned out that An Weicheng and Han Zisha had rushed back to Shuitan with the intention of dividing up the family fortune. Everyone looked at Chief Envoy Shi, waiting for him to make a decision.

Shi Yufei tapped his fingers lightly on the table. The distribution of the inheritance should indeed be decided as soon as possible. If the other elders find out, they will surely rush back to the Water Altar, and things will become even more chaotic. But the distribution needs to be carefully considered.

He said, “Elder Tong was loyal to the Flower Cage Sect and died outside the altar. I am deeply saddened. The distribution of his estate is a great matter. Since you are not relatives, you have no right to inherit. However, fellow elders are as close as family, but there is a difference.”

"From this day forward... Ye Cheng, you will investigate Elder Tong's cause of death. Once it is confirmed that he was killed in an ambush, all his property will be deposited into the water jar. If you are willing, you can exchange it for merit silver."

All the elders replied, "Yes!" and were all excited.

Ye Cheng immediately went out to investigate the exact cause of Tong San Nian's death. This was not difficult to find out; he went and returned quickly, confirming that Tong San Nian had died in an encirclement and suppression operation, and immediately sent a letter to inform him.

Upon learning of this, Shi Yufei deposited his property into the water jar. While ostensibly a confiscation, it was in reality a distribution. "Depositing it into the water jar" was a way to silence the other elders outside the jar, preventing any unpleasantness over the property. By first confiscating it, and then having the elders use their merit money to purchase more, many troubles could be avoided.

When allocation is changed to purchase, it naturally becomes a "first come, first served" system.

Shi Yufei assigned Tong Sannian's three beautiful wives to "An Weicheng", "Ye Cheng", and "Meng Han". The flower boat was assigned to "Meng Han", the mansion to "Han Zisha", and the bee farm and orchard were of paramount importance. How the four elders would divide them up was a great problem.

It would be very inappropriate to create discord. No matter how Shi Yufei thought about it, he couldn't find a solution and could only put the matter aside for the time being.

It's already mid-August.

[Sculpting bone embryo]

[Proficiency: 2/100]

The essence of heaven and earth absorbed from drinking [Huang Jiushen] has been completely digested. Without more "essence of heaven and earth" to digest, and without obtaining [essence treasures], Li Xian's cultivation will stagnate.

He remained calm and composed, calculating the time; today was the day to fulfill the bet. He thought to himself, "I am but a nobody, and the bet I made may not even be of concern to Vice Envoy Yan, or he may have already forgotten about it. But so be it... It is extremely difficult to acquire skills from others."

Nangong Liuli practiced her swordplay nearby.

Suddenly seized by a sudden surge of interest, Li Xian brandished his peach blossom spear and engaged Nangong Liuli in a duel in the courtyard. He shouted, "Take this!" Nangong Liuli replied, "A fine spear indeed." They parried and spun, both employing basic techniques. Li Xian swept, thrust, deflected, and cleaved. Nangong Liuli countered with parries, deflections, block, and dodges, exchanging dozens of blows. Her movements were graceful, almost like a dance.

Nangong Liuli asked, "Why didn't you come?"

Li Xian holstered his gun and composed himself, saying, "I have important business to attend to and will be going out for a while. I don't know how long it will take, so please be careful." Nangong Liuli nodded in agreement, helped Li Xian tidy his clothes, and repeatedly told him to be careful.

[The Remnant Spear]

[Proficiency: 4235/5000 Minor Mastery]

Li Xian's Canwang spear technique had greatly improved. He chatted with Nangong Liuli for a few words, then went out. He locked the door and headed straight for the inner island.

He knew that there were many disciples on the island recently, and he had seen many fellow disciples along the way. When Li Xian passed by them, they all turned to look at him and discussed among themselves. Those who knew Li Xian's name and deeds praised him highly, while those who did not know Li Xian's name and deeds were amazed by his handsome appearance.

After rowing across the lake, they soon arrived at the Wenwu Pavilion. Li Xian thought to himself, "If I'm so rash, and Vice Commander Yan is displeased, he might refuse to see me, and then my bet would be null and void." He hesitated for a moment outside the door before entering.

He feigned hesitation, then entered the pavilion. After walking for a while, he encountered the pavilion's servant. Li Xian asked, "Brother, do you know where Deputy Envoy Yan is? I need to speak with him."

The servant guarding the pavilion said, "I'm really sorry, I don't know anything about Vice Envoy Yan's movements either."

Helpless, Li Xian searched everywhere. He knew that Yan Hao did not take his bet to heart, and had even forgotten about it, so he concluded that Yan Hao's skill with the Remnant Spear was unlikely to be great. However, he was not angry, thinking that it would be extremely difficult to find him in the pavilion.

He then left the Martial Arts Pavilion and stood guard by the door. "If Vice Envoy Yan is out on business, I might be able to see him, and perhaps there will still be a chance."

He waited for half an hour, then suddenly heard footsteps. Yan Hao indeed emerged from the pavilion. Li Xian respectfully greeted him, "Vice Envoy Yan!"

Yan Hao was taken aback and said, "Hua Wucuo? You..." He glanced at the long spear on Li Xian's back and, recalling the bet, frowned slightly. "This kid really knows how to take advantage of a situation. I don't see any sinister aura about him. I guess this month, the Remnant Spear technique won't be effective. Why waste time with him?"

He then turned and left.

Li Xian hurriedly chased after him, saying, "Vice Envoy Yan..."

Yan Hao suddenly thought, "I'm going to see Chief Envoy Shi, and I've heard that Chu Liuqing is also there. I can't waste my time with him, but if he comes along, I won't stop him. If he wants to cause trouble, then let him come." He quickened his pace.

Li Xian frowned slightly, noticing that Yan Hao's speed was fast but not in a hurry. He thought to himself, "He seems to be leaving room for me to catch up? Even if I fulfill the bet, if he refuses to teach me, then he simply refuses. He doesn't owe me anything, that's only natural. But... why worry too much? I'll just do my best."

He then used the Seven Star Steps to quickly give chase.

We gradually arrived at a place shrouded in mist.

(End of this chapter)