Chapter 297 Five Internal Organs Completely Accomplished, A Complete Transformation! The Duel Begins, a Grand Event of Water and Soil

The Nangong family boasts a profound and long-standing tradition of martial arts, which form the foundation of their family's strength. Li Xian greatly desires to learn these skills, but has hesitated to pursue the matter further. Firstly, he doesn't want to make things difficult for Nangong Liuli, and secondly, his skills in using the Remnant Demon Spear, the Five Internal Organs Exorcising Turbidity and Meeting Yang Meridian, and the Lesser Five Elements Mystic Escape all require time and effort.

He was moved when Nangong Liuli offered to teach him martial arts. He guessed that this sister must have gone through a great struggle before breaking the clan rules to teach him. Li Xian put his arm around her waist, her fragrant hair fluttering, and said, "Sister Liuli, there's no need."

The more Nangong Liuli acted this way, the less willing he became to ask for her guidance. "Martial arts are rare, but with perseverance and determination, one can always acquire some. Sister Liuli treats me sincerely, so I cannot covet her martial arts skills," he thought firmly.

Nangong Liuli said, "You don't care?"

Li Xian said sincerely, "The Nangong family is renowned, and their family martial arts are profound and extensive. How could I not want to learn from them? I just don't want to put you in a difficult position."

Nangong Liuli felt weak all over. Listening to Li Xian's sincere words, she couldn't help but feel tender and affectionate, as if she were drinking honey and eating candy. She said softly, "Good brother, I'm very happy that you can think of me. But in the face of great calamity, we must not act rashly. With your words... even if I violate the clan rules, I will... do it willingly."

Li Xian said, "Sister Liuli, you were worried about me. I am confident now and have no fear of poison. Please let me go, sister..."

She only said half of it. Nangong Liuli raised a finger to her lips and said, "I absolutely have to teach you. Are you afraid you won't be able to learn it and will embarrass me?"

Li Xian said helplessly, "You're trying to provoke me again."

Nangong Liuli leaned her head against his chest and said softly again, "Let's cooperate. I want to help you."

The two entered the inner courtyard. Nangong Liuli held a "fire flag," waving it east and west, arranging the five elements around her. The flowers in the courtyard shifted, and water mist swirled... The courtyard scenery quietly changed dramatically.

This ensured that the sound and breath remained concealed. Zhao Lei had originally intended to use the "Ten-Day Butterfly Powder" to harm Nangong Liuli beforehand. In reality... even if Li Xian hadn't stopped her, the poison would have been difficult to penetrate the courtyard. The five elements circulated and the airflow was constant within the courtyard; any external poison that entered the house was absorbed by the flowers, plants, and water.

Moreover, Nangong Liuli comes from a family with profound learning; her reputation is not undeserved. Having endured numerous hardships, her temperament, abilities, and keenness have all changed completely.

The surroundings were quiet and peaceful. Nangong Liuli blushed slightly; this kind of arrangement usually foreshadowed a storm.

Nangong Liuli inherited the family martial art "Avoiding Jade True Skill." The Nangong family has many branches, but this "Avoiding Jade True Skill" is a unique martial art exclusive to Nangong Liuli's lineage, making it even rarer.

It possesses numerous wondrous effects, including protection from cold, heat, poison, unfavorable weather, unfavorable location, disasters, and even life and death. Belonging to the category of "health-preserving exercises," its primary function is to prolong life, maintain health, and cultivate temperament. However, in later stages of practice, many other wondrous effects become apparent, indirectly and directly enhancing martial arts skills and abilities.

There are seven floors in total.

Nangong Liuli had only mastered the third level, "Poison Avoidance." This martial art was extremely time-consuming to cultivate and difficult to master in a short period. Furthermore, it required medicinal baths, the recipes of which were held by the elders of her clan… Nangong Liuli, of course, was unaware of this. Even if she knew the method, and even if she passed it on to Li Xian, he would still find it difficult to achieve mastery.

She first preached the essential points, instructing Li Xian to memorize them. She then explained the key aspects, both major and minor.

Li Xian memorized everything. Although he hadn't started practicing the Jade Avoidance True Skill, it was already etched in his mind, and he had a basic understanding of its martial principles. Nangong Liuli then taught him the "Wind Breath".

This is a derivative martial art of the "Avoiding Jade True Skill". What Nangong Liuli truly wanted to teach was this "Wind Breath". However, simply practicing this martial art would not reveal its true meaning, as it involves many of the essential principles of the "Avoiding Jade True Skill".

Nangong Liuli had not fully grasped the essence of "Avoiding Jade True Skill" and "Wind Breathing Technique," and dared not act on her own, piecing together fragments from different sources. She feared that this would backfire and harm Li Xian.

Therefore, he took a roundabout approach, first passing on the "Jade Avoidance True Skill" and then the "Wind Breathing Technique." Li Xian was secretly moved, knowing that Nangong Liuli had no reservations left.

This unexpected turn of events can be considered quite a stroke of luck.

Li Xian, not wanting to put Nangong Liuli in a difficult position, secretly resolved that even if she cultivated the "Jade Avoidance Technique," she would never easily reveal it. Nangong Liuli, however, had no such concerns; the Jade Avoidance Technique was extremely difficult, and its effects were not apparent in the early stages.

The later levels are powerful, but few people can actually reach them.

Li Xian spent several days integrating and mastering the many principles of the "Avoiding Jade True Skill." He then began to try to cultivate the "Wind Breath."

Xunfeng Breath is a "breathing martial art" that aims to control breathing through the mouth and nose, cultivating a rhythmic breathing pattern. It allows one to expel impurities from the body and prolong stamina through mouth and nose breathing. Furthermore, it allows one to breathe pure, non-toxic air even in areas filled with poisonous fog. The ability to freely traverse ordinary poisonous fog makes it a truly rare martial art.

Furthermore, practicing "Xunfeng Breathing" year-round can prolong life and ward off evil spirits, making one less susceptible to external diseases.

Its ability to ward off poison is undoubtedly superior.

[Wind Breeze]

[Proficiency: 12/500 Entry]

Although it is a basic martial art, it is quite remarkable because it involves the "Jade Avoidance True Skill". Li Xian has only just entered the field and can only maintain the "Wind Breath" for a few dozen breaths. Moreover, if the movements are slightly large or the breathing is slightly rapid, the Wind Breath will become disordered.

Nangong Liuli knew that if they were to actually fight, her "Wind Breath" technique, being not deeply versed, would be difficult to use. However, she still hoped that Li Xian would have more ability to defend against poison.

[Your cultivation of Xunfeng Breath has increased by 1]

[You can withstand disturbances and barely maintain the Xunfeng Breath; Proficiency +2]

...

On the other hand...

Zhao Lei returned defeated, her heart filled with suppressed rage. She was skilled in using ruthless tactics, often inflicting unbearable pain on her opponents, rarely suffering a loss herself. This defeat left her with a terrifyingly grim expression.

Her residence was near Hao Qingshe. It was quite simple, yet contained many venomous creatures. She opened her palm, and a three-winged centipede crawled out from under her clothes, swirling and dancing in her hand.

A fourth wing is about to grow from its spine. At that time, its strength will increase even further, and it's truly impossible to lose.

She entered the inner courtyard. There grew a "blood-necked tree," its trunk twisted and crimson, bare of leaves and fruit. Hanging beneath it were several human corpses, their mouths and tongues severed, their throats removed, and centipedes and venomous beasts crawling from their eye sockets.

The Centipede Manual is extremely malevolent, intended for raising "centipede venomous beasts." The four human vessels she hangs there are female martial arts heroes who were captured by her and brought here. Their plight is unspeakable; their beautiful appearances have been completely tormented, and they have been transformed into terrifying human vessels.

The two were disciples of the Flower Cage Sect.

The Blood Neck Tree is also a strange tree, its roots able to connect with a person's tendons and muscles. It releases a stimulating toxin, keeping the person constantly alert.

The way of martial arts seeks to embody the spirit of heaven and earth.

The "Centipede Manual" involves nurturing a centipede within the "Human World." Becoming the master of this world, nourished by it, gradually leads to transformation. The six human figures tremble slightly, their orifices and flesh completely occupied by venomous insects. They cannot hear, see, or speak... but sensing the excitement of the venomous insects around them, they know Zhao Lei has returned.

Zhao Lei smiled. She gently stroked a human vessel, inside which thirty-nine venomous centipedes were bred. These centipedes pierced through skin and flesh, their sharp legs causing the skin to bleed.

This human form is the most tragic, and also the one she has survived the longest. Zhao Lei was originally the daughter of a pig butcher in an ordinary village. When bandits invaded the village, she was captured and taken to a mountain stronghold. Later, she was rescued by a passing female knight-errant.

She begged repeatedly to learn martial arts from the female knight. The female knight ultimately refused, but out of pity for her, she allowed her to follow her, promising to settle her in a good place later.

Unexpectedly, they encountered harassment from the Flower Cage Sect along the way. Despite being injured, they managed to drive the thieves away. Zhao Lei, repaying kindness with enmity, took advantage of the situation to secretly poison the heroine, rendering her unconscious, and then took her to join the Flower Cage Sect.

The Flower Cage Sect doesn't restrict its disciples. Although she was a woman, her appearance was ordinary, and she came from a poor background. Too lazy to capture her, taking her as a disciple wasn't unreasonable. Later, she reunited with the elders and arrived at the Water Altar Island. There, she encountered Hao Qingshe again and was taken in as a disciple, learning poison arts.

The beautiful female knight-errant who initially saved her was poisoned by her and ultimately hung from the Blood Neck Tree, suffering torment from poisonous insects and living a life worse than death.

The remaining female human vessels were all captured using poison. The male human vessels were taken from the water jar. She preferred to capture ugly men, make them into human vessels, and cultivate poisonous insects.

To be remarried to another person.

They helped match the human figures with their spouses and set up the wedding banquet. Zhao Lei gently stroked the human figure and smiled, "Sister Huang, you'll be getting married soon too. Your groom is quite handsome."

Her voice had a thunderous quality, which resonated with the woman surnamed Huang. Though she was deaf, she understood the meaning of her words. Her whole body trembled, and she let out a desperate cry.

Zhao Lei laughed several times and then said, "Sister Huang is still the most amazing. She helped me cultivate the two-winged poisonous centipede again."

She flicked her finger into her eye socket and pulled out a two-winged centipede. Then she commanded the "three-winged centipede" to devour the two-winged centipede completely. The three-winged centipede's wings trembled slightly, its scales became even tougher, and it was surrounded by a dark luster, with the outline of a fourth wing becoming increasingly clear.

She raised an eyebrow, discovering an unexpected delight. There was another two-winged centipede hidden in its eye socket. She caught another and fed it, and the four-winged sign was almost obvious. Zhao Lei felt she was only half a step short, so she simply caught a few more one-winged centipedes and fed them to her.

The three-winged centipede had eaten until it was plump and round, and could eat no more. It lay fast asleep in the palm of my hand. Gradually, a strange change began to occur.

Zhao Lei laughed and said, "Excellent! In a few more days, this four-winged centipede will be ready!"

"With this venomous centipede, who among the second-realm martial artists can stand against me? Hahahaha."

The woman surnamed Huang felt utterly hopeless. She was already suffering from torture, but she was also struck by the growing strength of Zhao Lei, a country girl who had now far surpassed her. Realizing that revenge was hopeless, she committed suicide on the spot, ending her life.

...

...

[Wind Breath Proficiency +1]

[Crimson Spear Proficiency +1]

Seven days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Xian's [Xunfeng Breath] had reached a high level of proficiency, and he could maintain it for dozens of breaths. Moreover, he discovered that the "Xunfeng Breath" and "Gathering the Three Flowers at the Top of the Head and Exhaling Pure Qi" complemented and resonated with each other.

By using a unique breathing rhythm, exhaling "pure air" and then inhaling it back into the body, the pure air can circulate within the body, filling the flesh and muscles with "pure air." Then, by consolidating the blood and closing the pores, the pure air is locked inside the body.

In this way... even if one is poisoned to the core, the poison can be neutralized by clearing away toxins.

If one were to unleash the "Wind Breath" technique and exhale pure energy, it would be like a raging storm, surging and overwhelming.

[The Remnant Spear]

[Proficiency: 10636/15000 (Mastery)]

[The Five Viscera Avoid Turbidity and Meet Yang Classic - Chapter on the Five Viscera]

[Proficiency: 7669/8000 Minor Mastery]

All paths are progressing steadily, and the Five Organs' purging of turbidity and convergence of Yang are about to reach great completion. With the Five Organs in perfect condition, the extraordinary effects will become even more apparent.

[Sculpting bone embryo]

[Proficiency: 5/100]

While diligently practicing martial arts, the essence of heaven and earth is absorbed into the body. The bones are undergoing a transformation, a progress that is cause for celebration.

Li Xian focused on practicing martial arts. The duel was fast approaching, and Hao Qingshe intended to stir up trouble to humiliate Shi Yufei and Yan Hao. The duel, fueled by others, was now common knowledge on the island.

Recently, the elders of the "Earth Altar" arrived at the Water Altar by flower boat. They had other important matters to discuss, but they happened to witness this event. Shi Yufei, intending to make it a grand affair, invited them to watch the competition. The elders readily agreed, all feeling curious.

The restaurants and eateries in the town were all buzzing about it.

Li Xian remained unmoved, his mind as still as water. He practiced his marksmanship, breathing techniques, internal organ training, and external Five Elements Escape Technique. He had absolute confidence in himself, yet he did not underestimate himself because of it.

In this state of mind.

On the morning of the ninth day, Li Xian's "Five Organs Avoiding Turbidity and Gathering Yang Scripture" naturally reached the "Great Completion" realm, witnessing the initial stage of martial arts, and he was deeply immersed in it. The Five Organs Avoiding Turbidity and Gathering Yang Scripture... is infinitely profound, mixed with the concept of heaven and man, natural contemplation, all things and myriad forms, the cycle of the five elements, and the changes of purity and turbidity.

[The Five Viscera Avoid Turbidity and Meet Yang Classic - Chapter on the Five Viscera]

[Proficiency: 3/24000 Mastery]

[Description: You have transformed impurities, sensed the universe, and mastered the Five Organs' Elimination of Impurities and Harmony with Yang Classic. All five organs and six bowels have benefited; the liver connects to the eyes, the heart to the tongue… you have attained the characteristic of "clear perception of the five senses." The five organs circulate, connecting heaven and earth, allowing you to experience a "complete cleansing." With the five organs strengthened and their mechanisms extraordinary, you have attained the characteristic of "transforming miasma into primordial energy."]

Li Xian benefited greatly, feeling his five senses instantly sharpen. Every hair on his body was crystal clear. He already possessed "double pupils," making his eyesight extremely formidable. This further blessing was merely icing on the cake; while gratifying, it wasn't necessarily something to be overly excited about.

But his senses—ears, tongue, nose—were all enhanced, which was a remarkable improvement. He sat to the side, his internal organs shimmering with five-colored light, as if undergoing a baptism throughout his body.

With strong internal organs comes a strong physique. During this baptism, every part of his body—hair, skin, membranes, bones—receives a transformative opportunity. Li Xian's skin is fair, his hair thick and black, and his handsome appearance is indescribable.

He possessed a "perfect appearance." When he first emerged from the clay body and revealed his true form, he bore a slight resemblance to his current state. Li Xian suddenly sensed something and reached out to grab a strand of hair.

Dozens of almost invisible silk threads floated in his palm. Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, and with a lingering fear, he used his extraordinary senses to pluck all the silk threads from his hair.

He recalled his escape. As Wen Caishang embraced him, she laid down a silkworm thread. This silkworm thread was as fine as a feather, and its texture was extremely special. It was imperceptible to the touch, and it would not come off when washed. Once it entangled him, there was no way to untangle it.

Li Xian sighed softly, "If I hadn't stumbled into the water trough by some twist of fate, how could I have escaped Madam's capture? I underestimated Madam. Whether it's a blessing or a curse is truly hard to say." Thinking of Wen Caishang's stunning beauty, he couldn't help but sigh slightly.

But I was also relieved. Now that the silkworm silk had been discovered, the world was vast, and it would be difficult to find Wen Caishang again.

Then, a brilliant idea struck him, and he hid all the silkworm silk inside the "Heaven and Earth Box." It would have another ingenious use later.

After being cleansed, Li Xian suddenly paused and laughed, "You actually have such abilities?" He closed his eyes and sensed the noise coming from outside the vermilion gate and the surrounding area.

turn out to be…

The fourth characteristic of Li Xian's second realm of martial arts, "Hair Loss and Rooting," is extremely different from others. Hair loss has a mysterious connection with him and will inherit his five senses. Furthermore, "The Five Organs Avoid Turbidity and Meet the Yang Meridian," when cultivated to its greatest extent, will open the five orifices of the five organs, enhancing the five senses.

This characteristic, and this martial art, are truly complementary and mutually supportive. After a thorough cleansing, the hair quality is also strengthened. Hair grows roots...the root system is deeply embedded in the earth.

In this way, through a series of mysterious combinations, Li Xianluo's five senses, which had taken root in his body, were significantly enhanced.

They can vaguely hear conversations, vaguely see figures, and even sense the underground, knowing the soil's fertility and the condition of the underground foundation.

This stroke of luck has been very beneficial. I have also gained the ability to "transform miasma into vitality," meaning that ordinary, natural poisonous miasma can be absorbed into the body and then transformed by the five internal organs, thus improving physical strength.

However, if it is highly toxic, it should not be inhaled indiscriminately.

[Sculpting bone embryo]

[Proficiency: 6/100]

The essence of heaven and earth was absorbed, and his bones underwent a slight transformation. Li Xian's exhalations and inhalations were both gentle and continuous. He raised his spear again and began practicing his spear techniques. Until noon, he sensed something coming from the side gate where his hair had been cut, and Han Zisha and Tang Feng came looking for him.

Li Xian asked, "Elder Han, Elder Tang, what brings you here to see me?"

Han Zisha said, "You know perfectly well why I'm asking."

Tang Feng smiled and said, "You have a duel scheduled for tomorrow. The elders of both the Water Altar and the Earth Altar will be watching. Chief Envoy Shi sent us to come and see you and show you the venue. Don't be nervous or flustered."

Tang Feng alone would have been enough for this matter, but Shi Yufei, remembering the close relationship between Li Xian and Han Zisha, also invited Han Zisha to come. Li Xian smiled and said, "In that case, thank you both for your consideration."

Han Zisha asked, "Tell me, what exactly is your relationship with Chief Envoy Shi? He seems quite interested in your bet."

Li Xian thought to herself, "If I make it too clear and she finds out that I'm just bluffing, she'll definitely try to seize my bee farm and orchard." She smiled faintly and said, "It doesn't matter."

Han Zisha rolled her eyes and said, "Nobody would believe you." Curious, she continued, "Brother Hua, tell me the truth, and this elder can give you some advice to guarantee victory in this fight."

Tang Feng laughed and said, "Elder Han, stop asking questions. Let's take Brother Hua and go check out the arena to prepare for tomorrow's duel."

Han Zisha glared at him angrily and said, "Mind your own business." Wan was very curious, but didn't dare to ask any further questions.

The three of them walked together and headed straight for the "Drill Ground" on the inner island. However, the surrounding area was set up with banquet tables and round tables for a flowing feast, as if a banquet was about to take place.

Tang Feng laughed and said, "Hao Qingshe has repeatedly requested that the event be grand. Chief Envoy Shi has already agreed. But if the outcome of your duel is quick, it will be in an instant; if it is slow, it will only take a few moments. If it is only for this little thing, it would be unreasonable to gather a crowd to watch."

"It just so happens that the elders of the Earth Altar arrived at the Water Altar a few days ago. So, Chief Envoy Shi will hold a banquet for them until tomorrow. The martial arts arena will be transformed into a Red Sleeve Stage, where there will be singing and dancing, and it will be quite lively. At the end, you and Zeng Xiaoke will be invited to the arena for a duel."

Li Xian exclaimed in understanding, "I see!"

Han Zisha said, "You will sit here tomorrow," pointing to a table.

The training platform was draped in red silk and decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Tables were arranged around the platform, one for each person, with several futons behind each table. Further out, there were rows of round tables for the ordinary disciples who carried the orders to sit on.

Tang Feng said, "Even if there is no duel tomorrow, it will still be a grand event for the two jars to meet. You can relax and eat and drink well. If you win the duel, that would be great. If you lose, do your best to protect yourself."

“Yes… You already have a beautiful wife, so you may bring her along for such a grand occasion. Of course, if she is disobedient, then there’s no need to bring her. Otherwise, you’ll be laughed at, and that wouldn’t be good.”

Li Xian walked around the arena to get a general understanding of the environment before returning to Qingniu Residence to continue honing his spear skills. At dinner that evening, he informed Nangong Liuli about the banquet to be held the following day.

Although Nangong Liuli disliked the Flower Cage Sect, she was worried about Li Xian's gambling match and wanted to see the truth, so she agreed to attend the banquet. Li Xian smiled and said, "Sister Liuli, if you attend the banquet, you can't do as you please; you must serve me properly."

Nangong Liuli said reproachfully, "Good little brother, I promise I'll make you look good tomorrow."

Li Xian said, "We need to practice tonight."

Nangong Liuli said sweetly, "My Lord, let me massage your shoulders."

...

...

The next day.

Early morning.

The banquet at the Water Altar and Earth Altar is about to begin.

Although it was still early, some disciples had already made their way to the inner island to take their seats. Li Xian and Nangong Liuli attended the banquet hand in hand and departed by carriage. The two, a handsome couple, attracted astonishment the moment they appeared, drawing envious glances from onlookers. Nangong Liuli was not elaborately dressed, but her cascading black hair, adorned with hairpins and silver ornaments, and the swaying of her skirt, along with her charming appearance, were impossible to conceal. Moreover, coming from a wealthy family, her manners and bearing were impeccable.

After they were seated, a charming maidservant brought over a silver basin of grape delicacies. Nangong Liuli picked up a grape with her delicate hands, carefully peeled it, and fed it to Li Xian. She knew that within the Flower Cage Gate, the more obedient the concubines were, the higher their mistress's status.

The service was naturally attentive, and noticing the envious glances from those around her, she felt quite pleased. Li Xian drank wine and ate fruit with her, enjoying themselves intimately, a level of closeness and naturalness that was even more pronounced than among the other 'beautiful women'.

A quarter of an hour later, elders Han Zisha, Tang Feng, Meng Han, and others all arrived. Meng Han glanced at them with a gloating look.

Han Zisha was alone, while Tang Feng and Meng Han each brought two beautiful companions. These beautiful women rarely ventured out, as they were confined to their residences. Although they were of low status, they were all there willingly to attend this grand gathering, their eyes darting around curiously, occasionally glancing at Li Xian and Nangong Liuli.

Both possessed exceptional temperament and striking good looks, unlike anyone else found in the Flower Cage Gate. They shared fruit and wine, appearing like a divine couple. The other beauties waiting nearby all thought, "If we could be like them, even if we were confined to the Flower Cage Gate for hundreds of years, it would be a blissful paradise, not a prison or shackles." They sighed softly.

The banquet had already attracted considerable attention even before it began.

The elders took their seats. Ye Cheng arrived with three beautiful women, laughing and joking along the way, his face beaming with pleasure, quite unrestrained. He was seated near Li Xian.

Li Xian said, "Elder Ye."

Ye Cheng smiled and said, "That's right. How have you been lately?"

Li Xian said, "That's good. A beautiful woman by your side is worth more than gold and silver." Ye Cheng laughed and said, "That's good, that's good. You're quite capable. This girl has quite a fiery temper, but you've really tamed her?"

Nangong Liuli smiled and said, "I thank Elder Ye. If it weren't for Elder Ye, how would I have had the opportunity to serve my master?"

Seeing that Nangong Liuli was sincerely submissive and showed no sign of grievance in her service, Ye Cheng said, "Alright, that's right. If there's an opportunity another day, we can exchange ideas. Your abilities are truly remarkable."

"The moment I saw you, I knew you were a talented person. With your looks and skills, I wonder how many women will fall into your hands in the future."

Nangong Liuli felt a pang of jealousy and secretly pinched Li Xian. But upon closer reflection, she realized it might not be entirely wrong. Li Xian said, "Not at all, not at all. If it weren't for Elder Ye's introduction, Wu Cuo would still be wallowing in some quagmire. Elder Ye, this cup is for you."

A moment later, all the elders of the Earth Altar arrived at the scene. Ye Cheng told Li Xian that there were 'six' elders from the Earth Altar present, and introduced them to Li Xian one by one.

Li Xian silently noted it down. By the time Chief Envoy Shi, Yan Hao, and others arrived, the banquet table was almost full. Chief Envoy Shi glanced at Li Xian and then spoke with the elder beside him.

Then, wine and delicacies were served, and graceful women played the zither and danced. Nangong Liuli suddenly tensed up and glanced into the distance.

Li Xian had also noticed. Hao Qingshe and Zhao Lei walked over from a distance. Chief Envoy Shi said calmly, "Qingshe, sit next to me." He pointed to the table that had been deliberately left to his left.

He was worried that Hao Qingshe might act recklessly, so he specially arranged for someone to stand by his side so that he could stop her immediately if anything unusual happened. Hao Qingshe said, "It's rare that Chief Envoy Shi still takes me seriously." She lightly touched the ground with her toes and floated down onto the table.

Instead of sitting on the prayer mat, she lay on her side on the table. Yan Hao said, "Hao Qingshe! All the elders of the Earth Altar are here. You mustn't be rude. Quickly sit down."

Unwilling to engage in verbal argument, Ambassador Shi raised his hand and said, "Let her be."

Zhao Lei stood behind Hao Qingshe, her gaze sweeping across the room until she found Li Xian's figure, which she then focused intently on. Nangong Liuli frowned, looking at Zhao Lei.

The two women stared at each other. Zhao Lei's expression turned even more contemptuous; she gave a cold laugh, then looked away, continuing to stare at Li Xian.

Li Xian smiled and said, "Ignore her." He gently patted Nangong Liuli's shoulder. Nangong Liuli picked up some food with her delicate hands and fed it to Li Xian.

Seeing the two so intimate, a handsome couple, Zhao Lei was filled with envy and jealousy. Her personality was already twisted, and knowing the purpose of her trip, she couldn't contain herself any longer. She wanted to humiliate them in public and kept urging, "Chief Envoy Shi, when will the competition begin? What's so interesting about these messy dances?"

Shi Yufei was extremely displeased and didn't bother with him, instead exchanging words with the elder of the earthen altar beside him. Zhao Lei, oblivious to the situation, relied on Hao Qingshe's support and pressed for more information.

Shi Yufei admonished, "When the time comes, it will naturally begin. Why rush it? If we martial artists only know how to use poison in combat, we will ultimately fall into inferiority and be no different from poisonous insects. Just calmly enjoy the dance; it will do you no harm."

Hao Qingshe sneered, "General Shi's appreciation of dance and painting is certainly superb. But his appreciation of people is rather mediocre. That boy is favored by General Shi, so he must have something in common with General Shi."

"My good disciple, when we return for our duel, you must not harm him. If you displease Chief Envoy Shi, I will not be able to protect you."

Zhao Lei smiled and said, "Yes, Master, please rest assured. For the sake of Chief Envoy Shi, I will naturally spare his life."

Yan Hao was extremely displeased. He had a teacher-student relationship with Li Xian, and he angrily cursed, "Crazy and wicked woman!" He had already insulted both the teacher and the disciple.

Hao Qingshe's eyes flashed with a fierce light. Seeing the tense atmosphere, none of the elders of the earth altar dared to speak. Meng Han was secretly frightened, knowing that Hao Qingshe was unpredictable. But he didn't realize that this relentless pursuit had offended Chief Envoy Shi.

Poisonous arts are harmful to both oneself and others. The cultivation of poisonous creatures necessitates mutual devouring and killing. Those who practice poisonous arts are inevitably prone to extremism, anger, and chaotic thoughts. Hao Qingshe acts without regard to personal whim, solely based on her momentary mood. Her disciple, Zhao Lei, possesses an even more twisted and distorted nature.

Outside the banquet, there was singing and dancing, but inside, tensions were high. This continued for a long time, and as all the food and drink were served and eaten, the banquet drew to a close.

(End of this chapter)