Chapter 292 Joining the Candle Cult, his status rises sharply, he becomes a prospective elder, and receives an inheritance!

Shi Yufei was born into poverty and entered the world of martial arts by chance. He endured hardship and struggle before achieving his current success. He often lamented his difficult journey, feeling that his family background had hindered his path forward.

He saw that Li Xian remained calm in the face of honor and disgrace, a truly rare quality. Moreover, his "Remnant Demon Spear" was quite remarkable, and he had a deep connection with the Candle Sect. Chu Liuqing had very high standards and looked down on Li Xian. However, he quite liked him, vaguely recalling their past experiences, and was willing to help and mentor him.

He said, "Actually... not only does Venerable Chu possess a Candle Token, but I also have one."

He flipped his palm over, and the black token lay quietly in his hand.

Li Xian had already guessed that Chief Envoy Shi wanted to recruit him into the Candle Sect. He thought to himself, "I have already joined the Flower Cage Sect, so joining the Candle Sect is not impossible. Although I have already reached the second level of martial arts, I do not have the ability to develop independently. I can only seek survival first, and then seek other things."

Remaining silent.

Shi Yufei said, “However, my candle token is far inferior to Venerable Chu’s candle token. The Flower Cage Sect has a very low status within the Candle Sect. Look at this candle token; the back is printed with a ‘flower’ pattern, which marks its origin and tells you who gave it to you. If you obtain this candle token and encounter members of the Candle Sect in the future, you can show each other your tokens, and they will immediately know that you come from the Flower Cage Sect, which will inevitably lead to you being looked down upon.”

Li Xian laughed and said, "I never care about ridicule or disdain."

Shi Yufei nodded and said, "How could I not know?"

"I've observed your progress with the Remnant Spear and have long decided to recruit you. The reason I haven't given you the Candle Token yet is to see if there's still a chance for things to change. Perhaps Venerable Chu will change his mind and grant you the Candle Token instead?"

"If we could receive orders from Venerable Chu, that would be even better."

"I received news today that the matter has been settled, so I came here."

Li Xian said, "I am flattered by the high regard of Chief Envoy Shi. Venerable Chu has a discerning eye and has her own considerations. Although I feel regretful, I can only blame my own limited abilities for not catching her eye."

Shi Yufei laughed and said, "Once you accept this order, you will be a member of the Candle Sect. It's a pity... my status in the sect is very low, and it's difficult to learn advanced martial arts. You've already started at a higher level than me. I'd like to see how far you can go in the future."

Li Xian took the token and hid it in his sleeve, his mind reeling: "So I've joined the Candle Sect? The Candle Sect is a forbidden demonic sect. If I first join the Flower Cage Sect and then the Candle Sect, wouldn't that make me a lewd and wicked villain? Things are unpredictable."

Shi Yufei continued, “In this vast water altar, there are only five members of the Candle Sect. Me, Yan Hao, Ye Cheng, Hao Qingshe… and now you are added to the list.”

"Your identity as a member of the Candle Sect must never be revealed. Otherwise, you will be attacked and killed, and your life will be in danger. Hmm... I am not as good as Venerable Chu, so I have nothing to give you. Even I find it difficult to learn the martial arts of the Candle Sect, let alone pass them on to outsiders."

"How about this, I'll give you two bee farms and an orchard?"

Li Xian was taken aback. "General Envoy Shi, isn't this gift a bit too generous?"

Shi Yufei laughed and said, "What does this matter? You should know that if Venerable Chu chooses you, you will have a great chance of becoming rich and powerful and reaching the pinnacle. I can only give you some worldly property, which is a huge difference."

Li Xian thought that Shi Yufei had planned this all along, bestowing the candle token to win him over and rewarding him with property and favors—all of which had been arranged beforehand. His refusal was useless, and many of the properties were indeed very useful. He was making steady progress in martial arts and unorthodox paths, but without money and property to invest, he would ultimately have no foundation.

He simply accepted it.

Shi Yufei said, "Although you have joined the Candle Sect, you are originally from the Flower Cage Sect. You should work hard in the future to improve your status within the sect. Elder Tong Sannian has passed away, and the position of elder is vacant. If you are suitable, you will be the one to fill this position."

Li Xian exclaimed in surprise, "Chief Envoy Shi, this is far too fast."

Shi Yufei laughed and said, "Is that fast? Shan Guyun is so young, yet he has already been selected for the list of outstanding individuals. You have both talent and character, so keep up the good work. Besides, our Flower Cage Sect also needs to recommend prominent figures to represent the sect and win people's hearts."

"Yes, does that girl listen to you?"

It refers to the glasswork of the Southern Palace.

Li Xian said, "He's quite stubborn, but I've tamed him a bit." Shi Yufei laughed, "Alright, alright. You continue, I have other important matters to attend to." He turned and left.

Li Xian held the candle token, pondering for a long time. After entering the water altar for more than a month, all sorts of changes occurred very quickly.

"If I join the Candle Sect, Chief Envoy Shi will surely mentor me. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. I have deep ties with the Flower Cage Sect. I might even become an elder in the future. Oh well, let's take it one step at a time."

Thus, Tong San's inheritance fell into Li Xian's name. Shi Yufei had other considerations. Giving the orchard and bee farm to anyone else would be inappropriate. Since he kept it in his own hands, Han Zisha, An Weicheng, and others kept a close eye on it, wanting to get it under their names. Although giving it to Li Xian as a reward would certainly cause dissatisfaction, it was a kind of training.

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

【Broken Demon Spear】

[Proficiency: 1639/15000 (Mastery)]

Li Xian wielded his spear like a ghost, the spear moving with his body, swift and devastating. The image of the vengeful spirit was etched into his mind, the ghostly figures within transforming into spear techniques and stances. "Probing the Grass to Startle the Ghost," "Opening the Belly," "The Fallen Crow and the Desolate Moon," "The Desolate Village and the Ruined Temple"—the names of these moves emphasized meaning over form. Suddenly, he had an epiphany, thrusting his spear forward, and from the painting, he gleaned a new move: "Panic and Confusion."

He practiced his marksmanship at dawn, sweating profusely, then purged his internal organs, calmed his blood and qi, and steadied his mind. Nangong Liuli brought over some white porridge and pickled vegetables, and said with a smile, "Good brother, time to eat."

The two had been living together for over a month and were quite intimate. Gradually, rice and grains were stocked in their home. Nangong Liuli, who had never lifted a finger before, started cooking porridge, learned to prepare a few dishes, do laundry, and manage household chores. Li Xian exchanged jokes with her, and after finishing their porridge, he suddenly laughed and said, "Sister Liuli, do you want to go out and have some fun today?"

Nangong Liuli retorted angrily, "You little thief, you're teasing me again. How am I supposed to get out?"

Li Xian said, "Of course you can get out. You just need to do this and that." As he finished speaking, he whispered in her ear, and Nangong Liuli blushed.

Li Xian asked, "Sister Liuli, do you agree?" Nangong Liuli's eyes widened, both expectant and shy, and she asked, "Are you serious? Are you just teasing me?"

Li Xian said, "Absolutely impossible, Sister Liuli. Don't you trust me?" Nangong Liuli said, "It's precisely because you're such a bad boy that I don't trust you." Her eyebrows twitched slightly, her mind was in turmoil, and she said, "Then, then let's do as you say."

Li Xian received the "Tong San Nian" estate, which includes two bee farms and an orchard. The handover was officially completed today. An on-site inspection is required, and given the long distance, a horse-drawn carriage has been rented.

According to the rules of the Flower Cage Sect, if the beauties wish to leave, they must be bound by flower ropes. This restricts their movements, seals their internal energy, and silences their tongues. The water altar island is sealed off not out of fear that the beauties might escape, but because all the beauties have been captured and brought here. If they were to retaliate and kill the disciples, causing panic, it would spoil the atmosphere.

Nangong Liuli hesitated before saying, "I'd be so embarrassed if someone saw me." Her heart, however, was pounding with a strange sense of anticipation. She didn't know if it was because she was out sightseeing or for some other reason.

Li Xian laughed and said, "You stay in the carriage. I'll see you then, okay?" Nangong Liuli nodded and said, "Okay." After saying that, her cheeks turned red, and she realized that she had said the wrong thing and lost her composure. She said angrily, "You lecherous scoundrel, I won't let you see me."

After a moment of hesitation, Nangong Liuli sat down obediently. Li Xian took out a flower rope and, following the "Flower Cage Gate" method, tightly bound her hands, feet, and acupoints. Nangong Liuli was both ashamed and frightened. She twisted her body, feeling a tingling sensation all over her body, and could no longer resist. In a daze, she was captured again.

Li Xian helped her put on the cloak, put his arm around her waist, and said, "Let's go." When Nangong Liuli saw that the cloak covered her up and completely concealed her disheveled appearance, her expression softened slightly, and she pleaded, "Good brother...please don't...don't bully me outside."

Li Xian said softly, "Don't worry, I will protect you."

Nangong Liuli relaxed completely, feeling as sweet as honey as Li Xian's gentle words of comfort, and became even more attached to him. She lightly hopped to the side door.

Li Xian helped her into the carriage. He then drove the carriage along the bluestone road. The journey was very smooth. Nangong Liuli wanted to open the curtain to look at the street scene, but she felt that her hands were tightly bound and she could not move an inch. She also found it difficult to circulate her internal energy. So she used her head to push the curtain open and barely managed to lift it.

Nangong Liuli suddenly thought, "Oh no! I've fallen for his trap. Although the Flower Cage Sect has such rules, we can just pretend. Why is he being so serious? Fine, he's deliberately making fun of me." Her beautiful eyes flashed with anger as she glared at Li Xian, but it was too late now that she was on the wrong path.

Her face flushed red, and she felt quite strange. Observing the street scene, she saw that the people were at peace and the market was bustling. There was a pavilion in Qingniu Residence, which was six or seven zhang high, from which one could observe the street scene. Occasionally, when she had free time, she would read books in the pavilion while enjoying the breeze and watching the street scene.

But he hadn't integrated into the local life for a long time. Now that he had, this was his posture. Suddenly, the carriage stopped, and Li Xian ran to a vendor's stall to buy two dried biscuits.

He lifted the carriage curtain, placed the dry biscuits on the table, and said with a smile, "Eat them yourself if you're hungry." Nangong Liuli glared at him angrily and spat, "Bastard." Seeing his smirking face, she was even angrier, but she couldn't hit him.

As the carriage left the city, the cobblestone road turned into a dirt road, becoming steep and bumpy. Nangong Liuli was tossed about, helpless, as the scenery outside the window changed to trees and flowers, indicating that they had left the city.

The carriage seats were stiff. Nangong Liuli groaned inwardly, feeling restless, but looking around, it seemed there was still a long way to go.

The island is vast, surrounded by several smaller islets. Warriors consume the essence of heaven and earth, taking what is needed from the world. Fishing, chopping wood, boiling water, hunting... are also things taken from the world.

Running a business is a form of spiritual practice. Great virtue carries great responsibility, and great wealth carries great power. The tireless efforts of Han Zisha and An Wei in running bee farms and orchards exemplify this.

The carriage stopped beside a lake. Li Xian lifted the curtain and said with a smile, "Sister Liuli, get off." Nangong Liuli was dizzy from the jostling and was helped off the carriage. Her legs were sore and numb, and she almost couldn't stand. She said, "Aren't we there yet? Where are we going?"

Li Xian said, "I can't tell you now, you'll find out later. Let's wait here for a bit. Let's eat the dry biscuits first."

Nangong Liuli said, "Playing tricks like this has only made things difficult for me."

Li Xian helped Nangong Liuli towards the shade of a tree. It was mid-to-late August, and the heat was unbearable, but the shade of the tree was relatively cool. Nangong Liuli's legs were bound together, so she could only sit with her legs bent.

Li Xian broke the dry biscuit in half and fed it to her. Three bites of biscuit followed by a sip of cold water. Nangong Liuli, initially annoyed by Li Xian's teasing, calmed down upon seeing his considerate approach. The scenery here was beautiful, with shady trees and a gentle breeze.

The heat dissipated, creating a rather leisurely and enjoyable atmosphere. The dry biscuits were quite plentiful; Nangong Liuli was already full after eating half a biscuit. Li Xian also ate half a biscuit, drank some water, and then leaned back to chat.

Unable to resist, Nangong Liuli leaned back peacefully and drifted off to sleep. It was a surprisingly sweet and comforting nap. A quarter of an hour later, a medium-sized ship appeared in the distance.

Li Xian said, "Here you are!" and picked up Nangong Liuli.

The boat swayed to the shore. A middle-aged man named Fu Dachun stepped off the boat. He bowed and said, "Elder Hua!"

Nangong Liuli was startled. She immediately thought, "Elder Hua? Does that mean Hua Wucuo? When did he become an elder?" She glared at him with surprise and anger. Li Xian said in a low voice, "I'll explain when we get back."

Then he smiled at Fu Dachun and said, "I am not an elder yet. I have come to collect the bee farm today. Please lead the way."

Fu Dachun said, "Alright, please board the boat." Nangong Liuli's expression was strange, and she could hardly move her feet. If she were to hop around, it would be too embarrassing and would expose her disheveled state. So she stood still.

Li Xian deliberately ignored her, letting her sulk for a moment before carrying her onto the boat. There were stables in the cabins; the horses were pulled onto the boat, while the carriages remained on the shore. Once everything was ready, the boat gradually moved away from the shore, heading towards an island.

Nangong Liuli was helped to stand on the deck, gazing at the scenery of Dongran Lake. She had been captured and brought here, and this was her first glimpse of Dongran Lake. Dongran Lake in Huaiyin Prefecture was truly a wonder of the world.

A gentle lake breeze stirred, subtly lifting her cloak and revealing her ankles, which were adorned with floral ribbons. The boatmen were all busy at work, and none of them noticed.

Gradually, a strange buzzing sound could be heard. An island was approaching, and Fu Dachun came over and said, "Master Hua... Master Hua, please apply bee repellent to avoid being stung by bees and beasts."

Li Xian nodded. He applied the bee-repellent ointment to her cuffs, neck, and other areas. Then he dismissed Fu Dachun and the others, took off Nangong Liuli's cloak, and helped her apply the ointment to various places. Nangong Liuli didn't know whether to be angry or annoyed, so she just spat twice and gave up.

The boat docked. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Fu Dachun brought the horses over, and Li Xian, carrying Nangong Liuli, gently helped her onto the horse's back, where she sat sideways. Although Nangong Liuli had difficulty channeling her internal energy, her fundamental skills remained, and she easily settled onto the horse.

Li Xian, holding the reins, inspected the bee farm. Fu Dachun provided explanations beside him.

The bee species cultivated is named "Zhu Bee". Honey is the main product, and the production of honey depends on the environment. Bees "collect" rather than "produce" honey, so the apiary also grows two kinds of flowers, such as "Xiangsu Flower" and "Youfan Flower", as well as fruit trees such as "Lychee Tree" and "Longan Tree".

As a "source of nectar".

The island covers approximately 3,000 acres and contains nearly 500 beehives, each producing about 30 catties of honey. The monthly honey production is over 1,500 catties, which can be sold for about 1,000 taels of silver.

There was a pavilion on Bee Island where the accounts of all the years were recorded. Li Xian browsed through the accounts, his heart pounding, as he carefully sorted out the details. Taking into account the beekeepers' food, clothing, lodging, transportation losses, and other miscellaneous expenses, the monthly income was about nine hundred taels.

Li Xian sighed, "Although it's not comparable to Madam Wen's business, earning a thousand taels a month is already quite substantial!" He had learned about the [Jingbao] beast meat; raising charcoal for one trip would cost at least three thousand taels of silver, and at most five thousand taels. The Jingbao beast meat itself was cheap; the charcoal, water, renting the precious cauldron, and labor were the most expensive.

Within the Flower Cage Sect, the preparation of delicacies is overseen by the elders. Each elder must spend money to set up the cauldron and cook the food. They first take their share of the finest ingredients, and the remaining meat and broth are distributed among the disciples. Therefore, each elder is served attentively by numerous Flower Cage Sect disciples.

After the elders set up the cauldron and cooked the delicacies, the sect would reward them with one tael of merit silver. Although setting up the cauldron and cooking was for martial arts cultivation, benefiting the disciples was also considered a merit.

"After acquiring this bee farm and accumulating wealth, I was able to raise the cauldron every few months! So this is how the flower cage business operates."

He was overjoyed and wandered around the bee farm. Nangong Liuli was also surprised. Wealthy families didn't need to worry about fine food, but she naturally understood the value of money. The Nangong family was extremely wealthy, with countless riches, but maintaining the family's operations also required a huge amount of capital. Nangong Liuli was extremely good at business and cooperated sincerely with Li Xian, sharing everything. Having acquired the bee farm, she was quick-witted and thought about how to use it.

The honey produced here is called "Runsu Honey," and it is mainly sold in "Sword City" and "Wanghu City." Sales are stable, and it is highly favored by prominent families. Now that Li Xian has taken over the business, he must plan for future sales; only by exchanging it for gold and silver can it truly be considered valuable.

Li Xian asked, "Liuli, what do you think?" Nangong Liuli laughed and said, "What a great deal!"

The red bees were very active, buzzing loudly. Li Xian reached out and grabbed one, gently stroked it, and then released it back into the swarm. After inspecting the entire apiary, he boarded a boat again and headed to the next island. The weather was very hot at this time; it was just past noon, and waves of heat were hitting them again. Nangong Liuli was wearing a cloak, which, although it concealed her disheveled appearance, made her feel very stuffy, and beads of sweat could be seen on her forehead and neck.

The second bee island was much smaller, covering only a little over a thousand acres, with about a hundred beehives. It cultivated 'Golden Jade Bees,' which were golden in color. Nangong Liuli exclaimed in surprise, "These bees are extraordinary! Legend has it they're flying gold!"

The Golden Jade Bees lay on the 'leaves,' their bodies plump and healthy. The island was remarkably quiet, unlike the buzzing noise of Red Bee Island. Golden Jade Bees are as precious as gold and jade; they are lazy and picky, and their honey-gathering efficiency is extremely slow, but honey harvested by these bees is as valuable as gold and oil!

On Golden Jade Island grow two kinds of flowers: 'Honey Fragrance Flower' and 'Golden Jade Flower'. Golden Jade Bees collect the nectar from these flowers and obtain the luxury item 'Golden Embryo Jade Elixir', which was once a tribute item, costing two hundred taels per jug!

Li Xian reviewed the accounts and couldn't help but feel disappointed. The production of 'Golden Embryo Jade Elixir' was very low; sometimes there was no production for several months, and sometimes only a few kilograms were produced per month. In terms of cash flow, it was not as good as Red Bee Island. But it was the lifeblood of 'Tong San Nian'.

Nangong Liuli told Li Xian that if the bee farm were to close down, the captured Golden Jade Bees could be sold for a good price. If a way could be found to eliminate the Golden Jade Bees' inertia, the flow of funds would be even more continuous.

By the time they finished reading this, it was already evening. Fu Dachun informed them that Tong Sannian had passed away suddenly, and the bee farm had accumulated two months' worth of honey. Li Xian was overjoyed and decided to plan for external sales.

Both bee farms have been visited, leaving only an orchard. The orchard cultivates 'Azure Water Grapes,' which are delicious in color and flavor and are mainly sold to 'Jade City,' making them a luxury fruit. However, the fruit ripens in April and May, and by the time Tong San-san was alive, it had already been sold to Jade City. Therefore, the orchard is unlikely to generate profits in the short term.

Having surveyed the entire area, Li Xian returned by boat, witnessing the setting sun casting its golden glow upon the lake, where water and sky merged into one. Li Xian was in high spirits, but Nangong Liuli suffered greatly, her legs aching and numb from standing, her cloak soaked with sweat. Yet, she had no one to confide in.

Suddenly, four small boats appeared on the vast lake. Each boat carried a fisherman, wearing a straw hat and a raincoat. Fishing lines were submerged in the lake, seemingly fishing for fish. Li Xian initially paid no attention, but after a short while, he noticed the four boats slowly circling around him, their energy subtly locking onto the area.

A fisherman raised his arm, and the hook leaped out of the lake. He reached out and grabbed it, looked at the empty hook, shook his head and sighed, saying, "I've been fishing all day, why haven't I caught any fish?"

He channeled his inner energy again, casting the fishhook far into the air. The silvery fishing line arced through the air with tremendous force. The hook struck the boat where Li Xian was, catching a rower. With a "plop," blood spurted out as the hook pierced the flesh, leaving a bloody gash. The rower cried out in pain, "Ouch, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, the fisherman swung his fishing rod forcefully. The hook pierced the flesh and bone, pulling the man into the lake.

Blood stained the lake water. The fisherman pretended not to notice and laughed, "Great! After fishing all day, a big fish has finally taken the bait!" He twisted his waist, but instead of reeling in the line, he tossed the fisherman around.

Li Xian glanced around and knew the newcomer meant trouble. He still had a flower rope left on his person, so he immediately threw it out. The rope struck the fishing line, and his inner energy subtly vibrated, snapping the line.

Li Xian used the rope as a "whip" and threw it out again. It wrapped around the crew member's waist, and he was about to pull him back into the boat when suddenly he heard a "whoosh" sound, and another fishhook attacked, entangling his rope. The fishhook bit the rope, the fishing line tightened, and they struggled against each other.

Then another "whoosh" sound rang out. A third fishing hook flew in, also entangled in the flower rope. The two, one to the east and one to the west, joined forces to resist Li Xian.

Nangong Liuli suddenly said, "Hua Wucuo!"

The fourth fishing line stealthily lashed out, bypassing her line of sight and striking Nangong Liuli. Nangong Liuli, locked in by the aura, sensed danger. Seeing the grappling hook coming, but bound and unable to move or dodge, she could only desperately call out to Li Xian.

Li Xian, with his double pupils and keen eyesight, was able to observe even the smallest details. He had already sensed the sneak attack, which angered him. He raised his fingers and clamped the fishhook, shouting, "Who dares to play tricks here!" He secretly channeled his 'Thunder Finger' technique through his fingers, transmitting the force through the fishing line. The fisherman was struck as if by lightning, spitting out blood with a thud.

Li Xian stomped his right foot, and with a 'crack,' the deck broke, and the boat shook violently. The force traveled through the hull and into the lake, instantly creating waves that surged towards the surrounding boats. Li Xian then pulled hard.

The two fishermen's small boat was hit by the lake waves. They were trying to stabilize their bodies when they were terrified. The internal energy and physical strength of this person were extremely frightening!

Suddenly feeling a tremendous force strike, he regained his senses to find himself airborne. Li Xian leaped up, swiftly reaching out with both hands to grab the two men by the neck and throw them back onto the deck.

The two fishermen were still shaken and looked utterly horrified. Li Xian said, "Who dares to attack me?"

"Brother Hua, spare us! Spare us! We were fishing, we didn't mean to disturb you." The fisherman took off his raincoat and hat, revealing his face, and hurriedly begged for mercy in fear.

Upon hearing the words "Senior Brother Hua," Li Xian knew these people had come specifically for him. He asked, "Who sent you?"

The fisherman chuckled and said, "Brother Hua, what are you saying? We're just fishing, do we need anyone to tell us what to do?"

Li Xian sneered, "Fine, since you all enjoy fishing so much, I'll recommend a good place. Would you like to go fishing?" The fisherman hurriedly replied, "No, no, it's getting late. Let's go back."

Li Xian said, "I know that place. The water is fertile and the fish are plentiful. The catch is best at night. Since you both love it so much, you will definitely enjoy going there." He immediately broke the hands and feet of the two men, threw them back into the small boat, and then channeled his energy into his palm, creating waves that pushed the two men away into the depths of the lake.

Dongran Lake is vast, and the terrain around the water altar is unique. Drifting so far away, there's no guarantee of survival. The two men screamed in terror, crying and pleading. Li Xian turned calmly and boarded the boat to dock.

turn out to be……

An Weicheng, the elder of the Flower Cage Sect, had been eyeing the Bee Farm and Fruit Grove, but they ultimately fell into Li Xian's hands. He felt resentful but dared not show himself to confront them, so he sent several disciples to pretend to fish along the way to test Li Xian's skills.

He secretly observed and saw that Li Xian's skills were indeed formidable. He recalled an internal rumor that Chief Envoy Shi highly valued this young man.

The Flower Cage Sect has been scattered for a long time, and it needs a few respectable representatives. This time, we are focusing on cultivating them to help build their reputation and promote their name.

The world of martial arts is about to gain another well-known "big flower thief".

How many women would be shouting for violence?

Regardless of other factors, Lady Broken Sword is undoubtedly the first to be affected.

(End of this chapter)