Chapter 302 Journey to Flying Dragon City: Winds and Clouds Gather, Yellow Dew as Bait! Is the Lady Luring the Enticement?

It was already mid-October. Li Xian had subdued the Ghost Python Spear, further enhancing his strength. His skills in the Remnant Demon Spear, the Five Internal Organs Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang Meridian, and the Lesser Five Elements Mystic Escape were steadily improving.

The "essence of heaven and earth" within his body was completely digested. To raise the cauldron, a "starting-of-the-momentation banquet" needed to be set up, "dew" needed to be purchased, "yin bamboo charcoal" needed to be purchased, and manpower needed to be hired... costing several thousand taels of silver. Although Li Xian had more than a thousand taels of silver, he still could not raise the cauldron on his own.

This thought had to be suppressed for the time being.

Recently, elders have been renting the Water Stone Cauldron to simmer the essence of the meat. After being cooked over a fire, the dew floats in the air above "Wanglong Mountain," creating a beautiful, misty scene, as if celestial beings have descended to earth.

Several pleasure boats were moored in the boat lanes between the towns. They had been going in but not out for a long time, and undercurrents were swirling around their doors, as if they were preparing for something important.

November arrived amidst peace and tranquility.

The season for the "Tingwei Shrimp" of Dongran Lake has passed. The shrimp have dived to the bottom of the lake, creating ripples on the surface. The people of Peach Blossom Town are gradually adding more layers of clothing.

Deep in the alleyway where peach blossoms bloom.

Li Xian ordered a jar of peach blossom wine, two fresh-flower drunken eggs, several side dishes, and a bowl of congee. Whenever he was tired from practicing martial arts, he would wander the streets and alleys, and occasionally, when he felt a craving, he would casually find a wine shop and order some food to enjoy.

The weather is cool and the breeze is gentle at this time of year.

The aroma of wine is sweet and crisp, the fragrance of eggs is fresh and delicate... A bite of drunken egg, a sip of fine wine, followed by a bowl of porridge to cleanse the palate, and the flavors of the dishes to enhance the taste. Life is leisurely and comfortable. Looking into the distance, the mountains are majestic and the lakes are tranquil. Occasionally, a gentle breeze blows through the streets and alleys, and the faint fragrance of flowers fills the air.

It truly is like a paradise on earth.

He felt a sense of unease: "Everything in the world has two sides, or even more. The Lishan Sword Sect is a prestigious and righteous sect, and its elders are even known as upright gentlemen. Yet there are hypocrites like Sheng Yunfei. Although the Hualong Sect is despicable and shameless, the people at the Shuitan stronghold live in peace and contentment, like a paradise on earth. The happiness and tranquility here are hard to find elsewhere."

"Though I yearn for a carefree life, I have become a notorious womanizer."

Slightly tipsy, I chuckled self-deprecatingly.

He savored the peach blossom wine, finding its flavor truly unique.

Seeing the master bustling about, delivering wine and dishes, and always making money, though mostly in small amounts, he realized that diligence brought rewards. He couldn't help but think:

"Although I have bee farms and orchards... it takes time for bees and animals to collect nectar and make honey. It takes even more time for the fruit to ripen and bear fruit. Although these two businesses have many benefits, they are ultimately 'at the mercy of the weather,' which is not something I can control. There is nothing wrong with this way of reaping the benefits, but... if I had the means to earn money through my own abilities and could control some of it, that would be much better."

"Furthermore, Sister Liuli once mentioned to me that when she was in the Nangong family, she took over a small business called Miaozhu Fang at the age of twelve. Over the years, she managed it, and it has grown to a considerable size. She earns all her own living expenses, and many family members even owe her money. If I could set up some businesses, I could entrust them to Sister Liuli to manage."

Confined to his home, Nangong Liuli was inevitably bored. This contact with the outside world must have its benefits. Sipping peach blossom wine, he thought that with his current abilities, perhaps he could open another "tavern"?

If one could use honey and flowers to brew fine wine, earning money would be much faster. Li Xian's skills in "consuming food" were perfected, and he had grasped the characteristics of "appraising quality," in addition to his perfect skills in "cooking." Every time he drank a fine wine, he could discern the method of preparation and the cooking time in his mind.

He sampled the wine shops in the streets and alleys. He discerned various brewing methods, from which he could learn, combine the strengths of many, and try to brew fine wine himself. He was quick-witted, and after returning home, he discussed it with Nangong Liuli.

Upon hearing that he intended to run a tavern, Nangong Liuli's interest was piqued. She was quite interested in business and had learned a great deal about it since childhood. Perhaps she could be of assistance.

That night, the two had a long talk. Li Xian took out paper and pen and, based on his understanding, wrote down the brewing process. Nangong Liuli, on the other hand, planned how to manage the brewery, how to recruit workers…

This drinking session started on a whim, but after a detailed discussion, it became clear that it had great potential. From this day forward, in his spare time from martial arts practice, Li Xian began to try his hand at brewing wine. Utilizing the five elements arrangement in the courtyard, he managed to forcefully brew several jars of fine wine in just over ten days.

The two drank fine wine together.

They all found it delicious and sweet, quite unique. Li Xian then used several hundred taels of silver to set up a small tavern. He decided to give it a try and entrusted it to Nangong Liuli. Although Nangong Liuli rarely went out, she could manage the tavern well through letters. She also practiced martial arts in her spare time, but not as diligently as Li Xian. It was a good way for her to pass the time.

Everything is looking up.

【Broken Demon Spear】

[Proficiency: 2689/35000 Perfect]

[The Five Viscera's Guide to Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang - Chapter on the Five Viscera]

[Proficiency: 1210/24000 (Mastery)]

【Minor Five Elements Mystic Escape】

Proficiency: 65/100

Living a peaceful life, Li Xian had a bee farm and orchard as his foundation, and he also tried his hand at drinking. His business and martial arts were steadily expanding. He had a reputation outside and a beautiful wife at home.

Li Xian's "Art of Magic: Golden Light" recipe is still missing one ingredient: "Morning Yellow Dew." Now that things are stable, he tries to find clues about the Morning Yellow Dew. However, he is poorly informed and has few confidants. Moreover, he has difficulty entering and leaving the water jar, and he has yet to find any leads.

Of all the people on the island, Yan Hao was the one he trusted most. The two were both teacher and friend. Yan Hao was a "madman" who was obsessed with the Five Elements and unorthodox escape techniques, neglecting even his martial arts. He had no interest in the "Human Yellow" treasure.

Unfortunately, he held a very high position in the water jar and had a good understanding of things.

Li Xian then asked him to keep an eye out for it. Yan Hao didn't think much of it and nodded in agreement. He told Li Xian that he would notify him if he got any clues.

This will continue until mid-to-late November.

That day.

Li Xian went to Yan Hao to seek his guidance on the Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique. After a long conversation, Li Xian gained a deeper understanding of the technique and felt he had benefited greatly. As night deepened and Li Xian prepared to return home, Yan Hao said, "No problem, don't rush. Why don't you stay for some tea?"

He flicked his sleeve. The furniture in the house slowly shifted, clearing out a viewing terrace. Yan Hao sat on a futon and filled two teacups.

Li Xian sat down and asked, "Vice Envoy Yan, are you in such a refined mood today?"

Yan Hao laughed and said, "It's not so much about leisurely pursuits. It's just that we already have a lead on the matter you asked me to inquire about."

Li Xian asked, "Oh?"

Yan Hao said, "Morning Yellow Dew is a rare treasure of human essence, extremely rare. But recently, it has appeared in three places. I told you this when you came today. But we got so engrossed in our conversation that I only just realized it now."

Li Xian thought to himself, "This Deputy Envoy Yan is truly a madman. It is a good thing to be able to make friends with such a person. Among the many elders in the Water Altar, even Chief Envoy Shi has several beautiful wives. Only Yan Hao is devoted to studying the Five Elements Mystic Escape. He stayed in the Flower Cage Sect as the Deputy Envoy of the Water Altar because the terrain here is unique, allowing him to fully display his skills in the Five Elements Mystic Escape."

Yan Hao said, "The first place is Sunset Slope."

"Luoxia Slope is located in Yuzhou, Muyue Prefecture, and Chaoshengtai. This place has a unique terrain and is blessed by nature. Every few years, morning dew will fall from the sky. At that time, it will inevitably cause disputes. In recent years, the times are about to be chaotic, and people's lives are impoverished and miserable. However, the more chaotic the times, the more heroes rise up and stars shine. Morning dew... this year, it will most likely appear in Luoxia Slope."

Li Xian's heart stirred slightly, and he inquired about the specifics.

Yan Hao said, "We are located in Huaiyin Prefecture, which is extremely far from Muyue Prefecture. Moreover, if we want to obtain the Chaohuang Dew, we need to compete with the local talents and heroes. The Wang and Li families in the area are quite powerful."

He laughed and said, "If you go now, the morning dew will probably be gone. But there will still be some daylilies left."

Li Xian laughed and said, "Vice Envoy Yan, you're quite the joker. It seems I'm destined to miss out on the morning dew here."

Seeing his relaxed and carefree attitude, without any regret, Yan Hao couldn't help but admire him. He then said, "The second place of Morning Dew... is even further away, and it's hard to say whether it's true or not. Recently, there have been rumors that endless yellow light is coming from the Snow Palace in the Northern Heaven Domain. It may be a sign of the Morning Dew falling."

Li Xian thought to himself, "The Southern Heavenly Domain and the Southern Yunnan Road are already infinitely vast. The Northern Heavenly Domain is so far away that it's pointless for me to even try to reach it." He held no further hope and asked, "What about the third place?"

At this point, the tea in the cup was empty.

Yan Hao poured another half cup of hot tea, took a sip, and said leisurely, "The third place is in Feilong City in Huaiyin Prefecture."

Yan Hao said, "I don't know if this matter is true or not. Recently, there have been rumors that someone in Feilong City has spotted Huang Jingbao Chaohuanglu. However, the price is very high, probably tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of taels."

"Huang Jing Bao is something that can only be encountered by chance and is extremely dependent on fate. Some people are willing to spend thousands or tens of thousands of taels, but they cannot get even a fraction of it. Others do not spend a single tael, and it falls into their arms. If there is really a connection, it will naturally come to you... After many twists and turns, it will eventually be yours."

Li Xian sighed, "That's true..." His gaze drifted into the distance. He gently savored the aroma of the tea. He thought to himself that he already owned a bee farm and an orchard, earning over a thousand taels a month and over ten thousand taels a year. At this rate of accumulation, it would take more than ten years, even decades... before he could barely manage to get by.

"Human essence treasure contains profound knowledge and techniques; its value is justified. I previously obtained the 'Golden Scale' and then the 'Nine Yellow Ginseng' by chance. These were all by chance, but now that I have to spend money to buy them, I realize how precious these treasures are."

Silently settling accounts.

Li Xian said, "Thank you, Vice Envoy Yan. I'll take my leave now."

Yan Hao smiled meaningfully: "Do you have any ideas?" Li Xian said: "I'm short of money right now, so I dare not get involved. I'd better stay honest and steady, hone my martial arts skills, and keep up my business. When I have more money in the future, if I can meet Huang Jingbao again, then I'll have some plans."

Yan Hao said, "Brother Wu Cuo, don't worry. You can't get your hands on the Morning Dew from Luoxia Slope or the Northern Heaven Domain. But the one in Flying Dragon City might be yours."

Li Xian asked, "Vice Envoy Yan, please explain."

Yan Hao laughed and said, "I heard that this treasure can't be sold entirely with silver. There are other ways to obtain Morning Yellow Dew. I heard that if you can meet a few conditions, you can even obtain Morning Yellow Dew without money. This Human Yellow Treasure is causing quite a stir in Flying Dragon City. Many people want to obtain the treasure and are rushing to Flying Dragon City."

Li Xian thought, "If that's the case, I might as well go and take a look." But then he thought, "Everyone who takes Huangjingbao must do so secretly, so why is this Chaohuanglu known to everyone?"

Yan Hao continued, "Furthermore, Flying Dragon City has been quite a mess lately, with a lot of noise... The recent discussions between the Water Altar and the Earth Altar about important matters are also related to Flying Dragon City."

Li Xian asked, "Is it also because of the morning dew?"

Yan Hao said, “No. The matter that my Flower Cage Sect is discussing must be related to ‘women.’ Although treasures are good, they are not as good as beautiful women to accompany you. There is a hint of unrest in Flying Dragon City. My Flower Cage Sect has always been good at ‘flirting’ and ‘fearing that the world is not in chaos.’ So we want to take advantage of this and try to fish in the chaos.”

"Therefore... if you are clever enough, you might try to take advantage of the chaos. Perhaps you can get your hands on the Morning Dew? It's not certain that you are destined to have the Morning Dew."

Li Xian suddenly realized: "So the important matters discussed by the Water Altar and Earth Altar recently are related to Flying Dragon City. It seems that Flying Dragon City is extremely turbulent. If I go there rashly, I will surely face danger. But... I have just heard that the Morning Dew is extremely rare. It is either in Luoxia Slope, controlled by aristocratic families. How can one person take it? Or it has appeared in the Northern Heaven Domain... And if things don't get chaotic, how can I possibly get my hands on it with my wealth and resources?"

Li Xian said, "Thank you for your guidance, Vice Envoy Yan."

Yan Hao smiled and waved his hand, saying, "It's not really a suggestion. The news has already spread outside, and I didn't waste any effort. If you really want to go to Flying Dragon City, just tell Chief Envoy Shi."

"It just so happens that in the past few days, Ye Cheng, Han Zisha, Tang Feng, Meng Han, An Weicheng, Tang Wenshu and Li Jiu from Tutan, and others have all been heading to Feilong City to plan important matters. If you go along, you can lend a hand and contribute your strength. Moreover... it might be an opportunity for you to make a name for yourself."

Li Xian's face twitched. He thought to himself that if he became infamous as a "great flower thief," wouldn't the infamy be impossible to wash away? He was naturally carefree and easygoing, and although he didn't care about others' criticism, he still hoped for a better reputation. He thought to himself, "Given the current situation, since I'm going along, I can't help but contribute. However, rare treasures are hard to come by, and it would be a pity to miss out. Even if there's only a sliver of hope, I can still give it a try. I'll go and see what's going on first, and if there's a problem, I'll adapt accordingly."

That is, agreeing to go together.

It was already dark, and candles were lit in the streets. Li Xian and Yan Hao chatted for a while longer before Li Xian got up to take his leave. As he walked through the street, observing the bustling scene, he felt a complex mix of emotions as he thought about leaving the island soon.

"This island helped me escape danger. I improved my martial arts and knowledge here, and even obtained many treasures and skills such as the Ghost Python Spear, the Remnant Demon Spear Technique, and the Minor Five Elements Escape Technique. It can truly be considered a blessed land."

Back at the Green Ox Residence, Li Xian, unable to bear concealing the truth, recounted the events of 'Flying Dragon City'.

Nangong Liuli was extremely reluctant to part with Li Xian. However, given that Li Xian's future and martial arts progress were at stake, she had no choice but to agree, despite her reluctance. But after Li Xian left the island, she was left alone in her empty room, inevitably feeling lonely and worried.

I anticipate that the remaining days will be difficult to endure.

Li Xian began preparations for leaving the island.

After making proper arrangements for the apiary and orchard, he instructed Fu Dachun, the person in charge of the apiary, to go to Qingniu Residence for any important matters and to follow Nangong Liuli's instructions.

The Five Elements layout within the Green Ox Residence is profound. Nangong Liuli holds the Five Elements Command Flags, skillfully utilizing the courtyard's ingenious escape routes, formations, and layout, achieving numerous wondrous effects. These flags can transmit sound, conceal oneself, confuse enemies, resist fire, waterproof, and ward off poison. Even deep within the residence, she can transmit her voice to the outer courtyard with a mere whisper, thanks to the courtyard's layout.

This arrangement proved invaluable when Fu Dachun, the manager of the tavern, and the manager of the orchard reported on the details of their business operations. Nangong Liuli, on the other hand, could manage the island's businesses without ever leaving the island.

With her in charge, the winery, bee farm, and orchard will surely flourish. During the trip to "Flying Dragon City," the elders of the Flower Cage Sect gradually emerged, leaving fewer experts on the island. Nangong Liuli, the legitimate daughter of a powerful family, is already quite strong, and the Five Elements layout in her courtyard, with its complex mazes and illusions, is more than enough to protect her.

That's how it is.

Li Xian has no more worries.

The time for departure was drawing near. The two were inseparable, expressing their feelings freely, regardless of the darkness of night. Three days later, at dawn, Li Xian would board Elder Tang Feng's flower boat and leave the island for Flying Dragon City.

Although Nangong Liuli had known this day would come, when it actually arrived, she was extremely reluctant to part, her eyes reddening and she sobbed softly. It was still early, so she cooked lotus seed porridge in preparation. The weather was getting colder, with the morning chill being the strongest. After a bowl of lotus seed porridge, her hands and feet warmed up.

The two lingered tenderly for a moment. As dawn broke, Li Xian, seeing that the time was approaching, smiled and said, "Sister Liuli, I'm going now. Is there any treasure you want? I'll buy it for you."

Nangong Liuli smiled and said, "No need, you go ahead."

After Li Xian took two steps, she was suddenly overwhelmed with sorrow. Even before they parted, her heart was already breaking: "Flying Dragon City is no good place. I had heard rumors about it when I was still in the family, but I regret that I didn't pay attention then. It's no wonder that you're leaving, little brother. I'm so worried." She quickly followed, gently putting her arm around him from behind, and said, "Good little brother, please be careful. It's cold outside, don't catch a cold. If anything happens, don't be reckless, try to stay in the back. Always... always think of your sister."

"Your relationship with them isn't bad, but your natures are fundamentally different. You're not a saint, but you're not a villain either. Don't trust them too much, you..."

With tears welling up in her eyes, Nangong Liuli said, "You...you must take good care of yourself."

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine and nodded emphatically.

...

...

The Tang-style flower boat was thirteen zhang long and four zhang high. Its appearance was simple, and its shape resembled that of an ordinary merchant ship. Dozens of flower-lamp disciples lined up on the shore to board the boat in an orderly manner.

Tang Feng stood on the deck, dressed in a light gray robe, which fluttered in the lake breeze. Upon seeing Li Xian, he smiled and said, "Brother Hua!"

Li Xian used the Seven Star Steps, condensing his Qi into a ball, gathering his strength, and leaped into the air. His figure gracefully floated several feet away, performing a series of aerial steps, dodging and weaving, before landing steadily on the deck.

Tang Feng laughed, "Impressive lightness skill!" Li Xian said, "I'm just showing off."

A middle-aged man said, "This must be Brother Hua Wucuo. I have long admired your name, and you are indeed as handsome and extraordinary as the rumors say."

Li Xian said, "I dare not accept such praise." He looked at the speaker; his clothes were neat, his face was square, his eyes were narrow, and there were some red bumps on his cheeks.

This man was named Kong Yu. He had been a trusted confidant of Tang Feng for over a decade, and they were both disciples of the Flower Printing School. Kong Yu said, "Brother Hua, greetings!" and extended his hand.

Li Xian smiled and said, "I've met you before." He shook hands and left. He immediately felt an extremely strong force coming from the other person's palm, fierce and powerful, with a hidden hostility.

turn out to be

Li Xian was at the height of his fame. After only a few months of joining the sect, he was promoted to "Flower Disciple". It is said that he is already a "Prospective Elder". He is still lacking one or two qualifications. At the latest, within one or two years, he should be renamed "Flower Elder".

The disciples of the Printing Sect are the core of the sect, deeply connected to it, and their lifelong pursuit is to be promoted to elder. Kong has planned and devoted himself to serving the sect for over a decade, yet he has not achieved the same level of prominence as Li Xian. How could he be at peace with this? Filled with resentment, he used this opportunity to test Li Xian.

Li Xian remained calm, thinking that since he had borrowed a boat to leave the island, he needed to consider Tang Feng's feelings and not rush to retaliate. He slightly increased the force in his hand as a warning, and if Kong Yu still did not know what was good for him, he would not need to show him any mercy.

Kong Yu raised an eyebrow, wondering why Li Xian was showing such tolerance and leniency. He thought to himself, "He does have some skill, but that's all he has. I'm afraid he's no match for me. This young man is quite famous and highly regarded by Chief Envoy Shi, so he certainly has his merits. But when it comes to his hand skills, he'll suffer against me."

He increased the pressure in his hands. His inner energy surged into his palms, unleashing the martial art 'Iron Bone Hand,' with dark light bursting from his knuckles and between his fingers, demonstrating profound skill. But it was still ineffective. Kong Yu was taken aback, and just as he was wondering, he suddenly felt an irresistible force surging back towards him.

His expression changed instantly, he lost control, and hesitated to speak. He felt extremely trapped and wanted to beg for mercy, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. So he stubbornly held on, cold sweat pouring down his forehead, his jaw clenched tightly, and his body trembling slightly.

Tang Feng observed this scene without saying much. Martial arts inevitably involve conflict, where the strong are fierce and the weak suffer.

After a moment, Kong Yu said, "Brother Hua, I admit defeat. Please, please let go quickly."

Li Xian glanced sideways, secretly weighing the situation: "This man appears amiable, but harbors malicious intentions. If this were elsewhere, I would definitely teach him a lesson, but this is Tang Feng's pleasure boat after all, and I must give him face." He then released his hand.

Tang Feng said, "That's right. Come, let me introduce you to him."

Tang Feng has served as an "elder of the Flower Cage Sect" for decades.

Tang Feng has cultivated many trusted confidants, and this trip to Flying Dragon City is fraught with hidden talents and intrigue, already a complex and turbulent place, but recently it has become increasingly volatile. Tang Feng dared not be careless, therefore he brought many trusted and powerful men with him. Among them are the 'Three Great Masters of Martial Arts': Kong Yu, He Wangfu, and Wei Ze. All of them possess cultivation levels approaching or at least at the second level of Martial Arts.

However, due to their humble origins and limited resources, their martial arts skills inevitably relied on perseverance and hard work, resulting in slightly weaker overall strength. Nevertheless, all three were proficient in formations, and their abilities would be considerable if they were to lead a formation.

There are also many disciples whose martial arts skills are mediocre, barely reaching the Essence Absorption Realm, such as the "Five Elements Flower Covering Formation," "Flower Splitting Shadow Formation," and "Lingering Revolving Formation," but they work hard together to form formations.

There were a total of "twenty-four" people, whose weapons and armor were quite peculiar, specially crafted according to the needs of the formation. Every time Tang Feng raised the cauldron, these people would receive a share of the soup. Moreover, every few months, a special cauldron would be raised for them, and they would be given a share of the finest meat.

Building this lineup will require a lot of effort.

Li Xian pondered: "Tang Feng's strength is already quite good, and he also has Kong Yu, He Wangfu, and Wei Ze to support him, as well as twenty-four trusted confidants who are skilled in formations and at his command."

"But this would be a waste of our own strength. What if these many trusted men were to fall into disarray?"

About half an hour later, all the disciples of the Flower Cage Sect had boarded the ship. The ferryman, Jin Shichang, boarded the ship to guide them.

Seeing that everything was ready, Tang Feng was filled with pride. He shouted and waved his hand, and his disciples busied themselves raising the sails and weighing anchor. A dozen or so followers moved to the bottom of the flower boat and worked together to turn the oars, shouting "Hey!" "Ha!" "Hey!" "Ha!"

With everyone working together, the flower boat sailed into the depths of the lake.

Li Xian stood on a high place, the lake breeze blowing.

This trip out of the lake is bound to be unusual.

(P.S.: Lady Wen is really making a comeback this time.)

(End of this chapter)