Chapter 318 With no other options, he was finally captured and sentenced to a thousand cuts? A Settlement of Love Debts

The crowd gasped in astonishment. Mu Hongchou, Luo Feiyan, Hua Wu, Yang Wentian, and others had only heard of him but not known his whereabouts. Wang Dezhong, Zhou Shijie, Yue Kai, and others had only seen him but not recognized him. They all stared intently at him.

The man with the white face and red bow stood tall and proud, his long hair flowing, exuding an extraordinary aura. Though he wore a mask, his posture and demeanor suggested he was undeniably handsome. All the other prodigies felt ashamed, as if in a dream, and simultaneously thought: "From childhood, I drank precious herbs, practiced martial arts, began archery at three, studied literature, and cultivated my character, becoming the best among my peers, enjoying the favor of my seniors and the respect of my contemporaries. Now, there is someone, the same age as me, whose archery skills alone surpass all of ours. Before, I had only heard of him, and it was hard to believe he was real. Now, seeing him with my own eyes, his brilliance is truly extraordinary. My feelings are complex and indescribable; I can only admit my inferiority."

The elders from all sides praised him in their hearts: "What a heroic young man! What a legendary archer! Such appearance is truly unparalleled."

Zhou Shijie watched with bated breath, feeling as if he were sitting on pins and needles, ashamed of his own inferiority, and filled with endless disappointment. He had been blessed with good fortune since childhood, and his peers looked up to him, envying his abilities. Now the situation had changed, and although he was still considered outstanding, he had become "just another face in the crowd," and it was now his turn to look up to others and admire their brilliance.

Unable to contain his sensitivity, he observed Gu Nianjun's expression. He saw that her eyes were bright and sparkling, her expression feigned calmness, but her fists were clenched so tightly that they wrinkled the hem of her skirt. It was clear that she was overwhelmed with emotion.

He took a sip of the fine wine, and all the food and drink tasted bland. The contrast was truly indescribable. When the red mist dissipated, Xu Hu exclaimed, "Good young hero, good young hero! Was it you who hunted the spirit fox?"

Li Xian remained silent, looking at Wen Caishang. Wen Caishang smiled faintly, "My young hero, Elder Xu asked you a question, why didn't you answer?"

Knowing that he had been outmaneuvered, Li Xian sighed slightly, suppressing his heart palpitations, and said calmly, "That's right, I was the one who hunted the spirit fox."

Wang Tiexin exclaimed, "As expected of someone skilled in archery, his ambition truly soars to the heavens. My son Dezhong, who once knew his own limitations, challenged this young hero to an archery contest and suffered a crushing defeat, returning home to complain to me. I told him, 'There are always higher heavens and more skilled people out there. The sooner you understand this principle, the better.'"

Wang Dezhong's face turned bright red as he said, "Father, please give me some face."

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this. Wen Caishang asked with a smile, "Young hero, what is your name? Where do you live?" Li Xian replied, "My name is Zhou Ping'an. I have no fixed abode and am a wanderer."

Wen Caishang laughed and said, "Young Master Zhou is really joking. Come closer." Li Xian thought to himself, "I'm already here, so I have no choice but to comply for now. Alas, even if I don't comply, what else can I do?" He took a few steps forward.

Wen Caishang said softly, "Come closer." Li Xian did as she was told, and strode forward to Wen Caishang's desk.

Wen Caishang smiled radiantly, yet a chilling aura emanated from her. She placed her slender hand on Li Xian's wrist and subtly channeled her Qi. Li Xian instantly felt as if needles were pricking his entire body, cold sweat poured out, and his face turned deathly pale. He had suffered internal injuries, but his outward appearance remained unharmed.

Wen Caishang's move was called "Heavy Pulse Finger." She sneered inwardly, "Those who betray me, how can you let them get away with it? Once you're hit by my Heavy Pulse Finger, there's no way you can escape."

Still not satisfied, she subtly channeled her inner energy through her finger, this time secretly locking Li Xian's inner energy. She scrutinized Li Xian with her beautiful eyes, seeing that he remained stubborn and showed no sign of distress, just as before.

Wen Caishang released her grip and laughed, "Truly a heroic young man, barely eighteen years old. Lord He... it seems your archery skills are truly inferior to this eighteen-year-old."

Li Xian's Qi power was greatly reduced, and he deeply felt the residual Qi in his body, which was blocking the meridians for exerting force and obstructing the acupoints for circulating Qi. The astonishing skill in martial arts, the comprehensiveness of its evolution, and the endless variations in its life force were truly remarkable. Li Xian had spent a long time with Wen Caishang, only witnessing her effortless victory over enemies, but he had never understood the underlying principles. Only through this personal experience did he realize the profound mystery that was beyond words.

Resolving this would not be easy. However, he appeared unharmed, standing beside Wen Caishang's desk. Those around him all said that Wen Caishang admired Li Xian, and at this moment, she was examining his pulse and bones to determine his age. They all secretly envied her.

Li Xianyi broke out in a cold sweat. He Wentian laughed heartily, "As the saying goes, new talents emerge in every generation, and the new wave pushes the old wave forward. It is truly my good fortune that such a young hero has emerged in my Flying Dragon City."

Wen Caishang said, "Good young hero, I have prepared a table for you. Please sit over there." She pointed to a table beside her, where all the dishes had been served, but the seat remained empty.

Li Xian sat down quietly. Wen Caishang looked at him and thought, "He is truly a rare hero. Even in the face of great calamity, he remains so calm. You little rascal, no matter how cunning you are, you should be helpless now that everything is in your way."

Liang Gang asked, "This young hero is wearing a mask. We can't see his face. I remember Madam Wang said there was another condition: he must be handsome. Why don't we ask this young hero to take off his mask and reveal his face?"

Gu Nianjun was very curious, and many young prodigies all turned to look at her. Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Let him handle this." She looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian thought to himself, "I have been captured by the Madam, and my life is hanging in the balance. Whether I reveal my face or not makes no difference. Why bother with this? These people are complete strangers to me and will not help me. It would be better to continue hiding; perhaps there is a chance for a turn of events." So he said, "Thank you all for your kindness, but I cannot reveal my face. I apologize for disappointing you."

Mu Hongchou said sweetly, "What's wrong with a face? Is it because you look strange?" Li Xian laughed and said, "It is indeed strange, I'm sorry."

Gu Nianjun sighed, "Young Master Zhou is unwilling to show himself, and forcing him is useless."

Wen Caishang, with her keen eyes, glanced sideways at Li Xian. She was certain that these two women secretly admired him because of his reputation. If she were to be intimate with Li Xian, she would not allow the two women to look at him even once. But now that they had betrayed her, she would hold Li Xian accountable for this grudge.

Wen Caishang said calmly, "It seems that Young Hero Zhou is quite charming and has already made waves among his peers. I would like to offer a toast to Young Hero Zhou."

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, his heart pounding like ants, and could only retaliate. Wen Caishang waved her hand, and the banquet hall bustled with activity as everyone enjoyed the food and chatted. There was singing and dancing, and fine wine and delicacies. The elites made friends, and the casual guests chatted with the powerful and wealthy.

It was quite lively.

Although the elders were curious about Li Xian, seeing Wen Caishang conversing intimately with him and others unable to get a word in edgewise, they refrained from interfering and instead turned their attention to other matters. At the front of the banquet, Wen Caishang softly asked, "Young Master Zhou, are you satisfied with this banquet?"

Li Xian drank his wine and said, "Very satisfied." Wen Caishang said, "That's good, but don't say that Caishang has neglected you." Li Xian said, "Wen..."

Wen Caishang said, "Young hero, you're mistaken. I am Wang Yiyi. You can call me Madam Wang. You are Zhou Ping'an now, so I will call you Young Hero Zhou." Li Xian said, "Madam Wang, I..."

Wen Caishang's eyes flashed with an unusual light. "What does Young Hero Zhou want to say?" Li Xian smiled wryly and said, "I... am flattered."

Wen Caishang chuckled and said, "I don't look like I'm flattered, you seem more like..."

Li Xian remained silent. Wen Caishang said, "Why don't you ask me what you look like?" Li Xian replied, "Please tell me, Madam, what do I look like?"

Wen Caishang said, "You look like you're about to face a great calamity!" Li Xian thought to himself, "Even if I die, it's better than dying a wretched death." He then said, "I owe everything to you, Madam. If you want it back, I'll be right here."

Wen Caishang said indifferently, "So you know it's all thanks to me. Hmph, there are too many people here, come back with me and we'll settle the score today." Her expression was icy, her resentment undisguised. Her martial arts skills were so profound that it was difficult for others to eavesdrop.

She instantly became as charming as a flower again, and said to everyone, "I am not feeling well. The banquet has been set up and the food and wine will be served one after another. Please enjoy yourselves. I will take my leave now."

Wang Tiexin, Peng Sanluo, Xu Hu, and other elders from various factions all replied, "Please go ahead, Madam Wang."

Wen Caishang adjusted her clothes with graceful movements. She slowly stood up and walked away. Seeing Li Xian sitting still at the table, she softly called out, "Huang Jingbao is at your residence. Please come and fetch it, Young Hero Zhou. With so many heroes and valiant men as witnesses, I would never harm you."

Li Xian said, "Thank you, Madam." He had no choice but to follow, bracing himself for the journey. As they walked out of the bustling street, a delicate fragrance lingered in the air, and her graceful figure came into view. The crowd thinned out, and the chill around him intensified. He saw that Wen Caishang was as beautiful as ever, her makeup today even more striking than usual. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but he had no heart to admire her.

They walked up to a horse-drawn carriage.

Wen Caishang stood quietly. The atmosphere was tense. Li Xian braced himself, took a few steps forward, and pulled out a red jade stool from under the carriage, placing it beside it. Wen Caishang stepped onto the stool and entered the carriage.

Li Xianru helped her up as before and lifted the carriage curtain. Wen Caishang stepped into the carriage and said, "You come in too, Xiao Tuan will drive."

Xiao Tuan, holding the reins, sat at the front of the carriage. He curiously sized up Li Xian, his eyes revealing a hint of schadenfreude. Li Xian, however, had regained his composure, bent down to enter the carriage, and found a seat to sit on.

Xiao Tuan raised his whip and started the carriage with a "Giddy up!" The carriage swayed slightly, and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Li Xian saw Wen Caishang resting with her eyes closed, not saying a word for a long time, and thought to himself, "I can't escape this fate, and my end will be miserable. It's impossible for Wen Caishang to be magnanimous and let me go. I might as well be a little more carefree before I die."

His reserved demeanor vanished, and he noticed the fruit platters and pastries on the table, exquisitely beautiful and delicious. Li Xian hadn't tasted any of them while traveling in the carriage. Curious about their flavor, he picked up a "Snow Jade Soft Pastry" and took a bite. The taste was absolutely exquisite.

Li Xian didn't disturb them, enjoying her pastries as the carriage traveled. Before long, they arrived at Bixiang Pavilion. Xiao Tuan's voice came from outside: "Madam, we've arrived."

Wen Caishang slowly opened her eyes, glancing indifferently at Li Xian. Li Xian immediately stepped out of the carriage, placed the red jade stool, then lifted the curtain and said, "Madam, please alight from the carriage."

Wen Caishang nodded gently. Li Xian then helped her down from the carriage, their actions as intimate as ever. As they entered the Bixiang Pavilion, Xiao Tuan closed the door and bolted it shut.

The courtyard is serene and secluded, with a layer of greenery in front of you. As you walk around the greenery, the courtyard gradually unfolds before your eyes, earning it the reputation of being "amazing at first step," "sighing at second step," "lingering at third step," and "forgetting to leave after a hundred steps."

Wen Caishang said softly, "Little Fairy, there are no outsiders here. Please take off your mask."

Li Xian said, "Alright," and took out the mask. Xiao Tuan, extremely curious, immediately opened her eyes and looked over. Seeing Li Xian's flawless handsomeness, she was indeed more outstanding than any other genius she had ever seen. She exclaimed in surprise, "Ah!"

Li Xian asked, "Madam, who is this...?" Wen Caishang said softly, "You little ingrate, how dare you ask? If you hadn't left without a sound, I would be so lonely, why would I need to find a servant boy to keep me company?"

Hearing Wen Caishang's gentle and sweet words, as if she didn't blame him at all, Li Xian felt even more terrified. He wished he could be stabbed a few times; though painful and painful, there would be a way to follow the trail. He pondered, "The only way to survive this time is to use sweet words to please Madam. Although Madam is shrewd, she likes to hear sweet words." He said, "Li Xian was not thoughtful enough, and really... really deserves to be punished. To tell you the truth, every day, every moment I was outside, I missed Madam and always hoped for the day we could meet again. Now that we have finally met, I have no regrets even if I die."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Oh?" Li Xian said, "When I left without saying goodbye, it wasn't because I abandoned my wife, but rather..."

Wen Caishang asked, "And what is it?" Li Xian, usually so eloquent, found himself at a loss for words, but he forced himself to say, "It is that I come from humble beginnings and, with your protection, I barely managed to embark on the path of martial arts. Your beauty and strength are both exceptional, and as time went by, I felt deeply ashamed. Perhaps it was my pride that got the better of me, but... I was bewitched and wanted to leave you. The day after I left you, I was filled with remorse and suffered torment every day, constantly thinking of you."

Wen Caishang's eyebrows relaxed like flowers, and she listened with great pleasure, saying, "You shouldn't be so stubborn, saying all sorts of nonsense. Since you speak so sincerely, then tell me what you usually think of me?"

Li Xian leaned close to support her and said, "To speak frankly, I fear I might offend Madam." Wen Caishang replied, "Haven't you offended me enough? Speak freely."

Li Xian said, “Every day, the first thing I think about is Madam’s appearance. Since I left Madam, I have never seen a woman who can compare to her. I am driven mad by her beauty, always feeling that Madam is by my side. I am obsessed with her, as if every woman has traces of Madam, whether it is a slight resemblance in their eyebrows or a slight resemblance in their red lips… When I look at them, my mind is filled with Madam’s face, but they are far inferior to Madam in every way. I often think… if I can never see Madam again, no matter how big the world is, I will feel nothing. I am lost and mad, and my heart is suffering greatly.”

Wen Caishang covered her mouth and chuckled, "We'll talk about it later." Xiao Tuan followed behind, goosebumps rising on her skin. She thought to herself, "How can she say such cheesy things? Madam is so strange, how can she listen to this? Oh my... I'm going to be sick of this cheesiness."

Li Xian, supporting Wen Caishang, strolled idly in the courtyard, enjoying the scenery and chatting. The air was filled with a pleasant fragrance, and despite the beautiful view and the woman beside him, he felt restless and unable to appreciate it. He continued, "To my shame, my second thought is of your scent. A delicate fragrance that lingers long after you smell it. Only when you are near me can I smell it… My third thought is of your clothes…"

He spoke eloquently, his words intended to flatter, yet not entirely empty. Wen Caishang enjoyed it, listening to his heartfelt and eloquent speech, which did indeed contain some sincerity, and found it all very pleasing. She thought to herself, "This young man's strength and wisdom are growing, and his talent for sweet talk and charming people is also improving. I wonder if he's self-taught or if someone has been practicing on him."

Li Xian said, "All my thoughts here are ordinary. What I miss most is the journey along the river with my wife, and all the things we did together. I miss how she taught me calligraphy and painting."

Wen Caishang's heart fluttered upon hearing this, her beautiful eyes sparkling with emotion. Li Xian said, "Madam, be careful on these steps," and gently helped her up.

Wen Caishang nodded and stepped over the stairs. She entered a garden where flowers and plants were in full bloom, a riot of colors, a truly beautiful sight. Wen Caishang said with pity, "You've really suffered, having to think of me like this."

She gently stroked Li Xian's face, her eyes shimmering with a subtle yet turbulent light. She said, "My dear Li Lang, you haven't been bullied outside, have you?"

Li Xian said, "It's mostly alright, but there are always a few people who are unreasonable and rude." Wen Caishang laughed and said, "Is it that Hao Qingshe? I've already taught her a lesson for you. She won't dare to mess with you again."

Li Xian said, "Thank you, Madam." Wen Caishang said, "There's no need for thanks between us. Heaven has taken pity on you, and you've returned to my side, safe and sound, and everything is going smoothly."

They came to a stone pavilion. Wen Caishang said, "I'm tired, help me to sit down." The two moved intimately, their bodies touching, as if they had reconciled.

Wen Caishang led Li Xian to sit beside her and poured him hot tea. She said, "Xiao Tuan, come here and bring the accounts."

Xiao Tuan said, "Okay." She ran into the inner chamber and followed ahead, listening to all the sweet words. Seeing that the lady seemed quite pleased, she was confused. She thought to herself, "What wisdom and character does the lady possess? How can she enjoy such things? How can he say such nauseating things? Strange, strange indeed. Wasn't the lady very angry with him? Why didn't she stab him with her sword? Why did she allow him to be so disrespectful and to have such close contact with her? The lady has fair skin and a delicate complexion; I've never seen her allow any man to touch her."

Full of doubts. She truly didn't know that Wen Caishang had a strange temperament; the angrier she was, the less she showed it, instead speaking softly and gently, as gentle as spring water. The better her mood, the fiercer she became. Her gentle and delicate appearance concealed a sharp edge, preparing for retribution. Li Xian's sweet words did have an effect; Wen Caishang was indeed pleased to hear them, her anger somewhat dissipated. Several times she spoke with pride and emotion, as if recalling past pleasures, but she was not easily fooled.

Xiao Tuan took out the accounts. Wen Caishang lay on her side, her legs draped over Li Xian's knees. Her skirt revealed her alluring figure, her ankles were fair and delicate, and her embroidered shoes were exquisitely crafted, embroidered with phoenix patterns and exuding a faint fragrance. She said languidly, "Read it aloud."

Xiao Tuan said, "Golden Rain Jade Dew Incense... 14,000 taels of gold, four sticks were burned. The total is 56,000 taels of gold. The relocation of Yihe Manor, starting from Qingning County in Qiongtian Prefecture, to Muyue Prefecture, consumed 16,000 taels of silver in manpower. 9,500 taels of silver were damaged in carriages and horses along the way. 3,500 taels of silver were consumed in rice and grain along the way... The purchase of Bixiang Pavilion cost 349,000 taels of silver..."

Xiao Tuan meticulously recorded all her actions in the accounts, as if they were divine scriptures. Wen Caishang said, "A total of two million nine hundred and seventy thousand taels of silver. Li Lang, this is what you owe me. What are you going to do about it?"

Li Xian wiped the cold sweat from his brow and tried to get up. But Wen Caishang placed her feet lightly on her knees, subtly restraining his movements. Li Xian said, "Madam, when...when did I incur such a huge debt?" He inwardly groaned.

Wen Caishang said, "Li Lang, I moved the manor for you and searched for your whereabouts. This money should naturally be attributed to you." Her eyes were filled with sorrow, and she sighed softly, then continued, "If you are lying to me, then everything you said just now was false. You actually harbored ulterior motives and left the manor to develop for someone else. In that case, this money naturally cannot be attributed to you. Alas... there's nothing I can do about it. Although I helped you with martial arts, you saved my life. The debt is settled. You can leave the manor now without incurring any wrongdoing, both morally and logically. I will not stop you."

Li Xian knew that Wen Caishang liked to test him, and if he followed the topic now, he would be dead in an instant. So he said, "Madam, I do not have that much money, but what I said just now was not a lie. I never thought of betraying the manor. It is my fault that you have spent so much money on me. I will definitely find a way to repay you."

Wen Caishang's face lit up with joy. She pressed her toes against Li Xian's chest, and with great interest, slowly raised her foot, saying happily, "Good, good, Li Lang, you're so well-behaved now. Good Li Lang, good Li Lang, you really haven't disappointed me. You are a good man, and a good son."

Wen Caishang asked, "So you've decided to repay this debt?" Li Xian replied, "I will do my best to repay it." He took out his money bag; all his belongings were worth a mere thousand taels, a drop in the ocean.

Wen Caishang said, "It's far from enough, Li Lang. How do you plan to repay the remaining money?" Li Xian said, "I..." He was thinking of a plan.

Wen Caishang said softly, "How about this, I'll teach you a way to slowly repay this debt."

Li Xian knew this was no good, but could only say, "Please speak, Madam." Wen Caishang said gently, "The ancients said... a heartless person deserves to be torn to pieces. Although you didn't mean to betray me, and I believe your explanation—my Li Lang would never lie to me—I'm still heartbroken for you. How about... Li Lang, for every cut you suffer, it's worth one coin. You repay this debt properly, endure some pain, and I..."

She spoke tenderly, her pretty face slightly flushed, as if whispering sweet nothings on their wedding night, yet her words were as cold as a deep pool: "Then... I forgive you."

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, thinking, "This nearly three million taels of silver, even if each cut is worth one tael of silver, I'd still be in grave danger. Besides, each cut is only worth one coin. After being cut a million times, who could survive? It seems the lady hates me to the core and wants to chop me into mincemeat to vent her anger. She's just looking for an excuse to kill me."

As she spoke, she touched Li Xian's pressure point with her toes, freezing him in place. Li Xian frowned, unable to move, thinking to himself, "I know Madam is ruthless; she always does what she says. I had anticipated this when I went to the banquet, but hearing her words still makes me feel heartbroken."

"If you fall into my hands, I will not want to harm you in the slightest. You are my guide in the path of martial arts, and I am also entangled with you in matters of affection and loyalty. On the contrary, you want to treat me like this, killing me is not enough, you wish you could cut me into countless pieces. Fine, fine, I cannot escape this calamity. You will kill me until my flesh and blood are torn apart and my soul is scattered, and I will sever all ties with you completely."

His true feelings were revealed; amidst his sorrow, he also spoke with a magnanimous and resolute spirit:

"Since we've come this far, then so be it."

"Wen Caishang, if you want to kill me, what difference does it make whether you cut me a thousand times or ten thousand times, or just once or twice? What's the use of saying more nonsense? You hate me so much, so kill me or torture me as you please. I'll just want some peace after I die and won't have any more karmic debts with you."

Wen Caishang was flustered. Seeing Li Xian's resolute and frank attitude, she quickly said, "No, no, I didn't say I wanted to kill you. You like me, and I like you too. There's a long road ahead, you can pay me back slowly. I... I just wanted to make you suffer a little so you would learn your lesson, I didn't really want to kill or hurt you."

(End of this chapter)