Chapter 319 A Temporary Solution, Skillful Husband Management. Drinking Yellow Dew, Obtaining the Art of Golden Light!

Xiao Tuan was too young to understand the complexities of love. Seeing the two men's moods shifting, sometimes threatening each other with swords, sometimes whispering sweet nothings, and their expressions changing so subtly, she was utterly bewildered.

Wen Caishang said, "Good Li Lang, if I wanted to kill you, you would have died long ago. You should know that I can't bear to kill you." Li Xian knew that his life was not in danger, and he didn't know whether to be happy or sad. He didn't know whether Wen Caishang's words were true or false, but he was somewhat comforted and said, "I also can't bear to part with my wife."

Wen Caishang's expression softened slightly as she leaned closer to Li Xian and said, "Li Lang, it's a rare occasion for us to meet. I have something to give you." With a flick of her sleeve, a celestial box appeared before the stone table.

Wen Caishang wanted Li Xian to fear her, be afraid of her, love her, and adore her, but she also didn't want Li Xian to fear her too much or be too afraid of her. Now that the score was settled, she immediately changed her attitude and prepared candied dates in advance.

The Heaven and Earth Box was opened. A reddish-yellow halo, like mist and rosy clouds, slowly surged forth. It was none other than the Human Yellow Essence Treasure, "Morning Yellow Dew." Wen Caishang smiled and said, "I know you've been planning to prepare this, gathering the recipe for Golden Light. You… you've obtained the Nine Yellow Ginseng by chance, just one step away from completion. I specially prepared this small gift for you. Are you happy?"

Li Xian said, "I am delighted and flattered." Wen Caishang said, "Take this and drink it. The Art of Golden Light... I have only heard of it, but I have never seen anyone use it. Everyone has their own destiny, and you are destined to have this art."

Li Xian said, "Thank you, Madam."

Wen Caishang blushed and said coquettishly, "You should thank me. This trip should have made you realize how dangerous the martial world is, how rare resources are, and how hard it is to earn money. You have to go through great dangers, hardships, and suffering to get what you want, and you might even return empty-handed. But I can easily get what I want with money and words. If you serve me well, do you think I would skimp on these things for you?"

Li Xian said, "Your Majesty's kindness is overwhelming; I am humbled." Wen Caishang looked closely and saw the face from her dreams before her eyes. Her heart fluttered, her feelings intensified, and a flood of tender memories washed over her. She was extremely intelligent, meticulous in her calculations, and demanded perfection in everything. But having gone through so much with Li Xian, her love for him had run deep. She wanted to settle accounts with him completely, yet she also didn't want to be so clear-headed. Her heart was conflicted, and she even thought that if everything were settled clearly, wouldn't they be completely estranged?

Wen Caishang said, "Yes, Li Lang... do you remember what you promised me?" Li Xian, being extremely clever, said, "Madam meant... my eyes."

Wen Caishang said, "That's right, Li Lang~ You can't bear to lie to me, can you? If you gouge out my eyes, I... I would be very happy." She leaned her head on Li Xian's shoulder.

Li Xian inwardly groaned. Gaining the lady's favor was a double-edged sword; he said, "I will gouge out my own eyes for the lady."

Wen Caishang's beautiful eyes welled up with tears, her joy overflowing. She playfully scolded, "If you weren't so fickle and unruly, I wouldn't have let you do this. Don't blame me." Li Xian embraced Wen Caishang, his mind racing as he held her close. He said, "I don't blame you, Madam, but could you allow me a few more days?"

Wen Caishang's expression was cold, chilling to the bone. "It seems you are ultimately unwilling."

Li Xian sincerely said, "It's not that I'm unwilling, but it's rare to see Madam again. If I gouge out my eyes now, I will never be able to see Madam's beautiful face again. I really can't bear to part with her."

Wen Caishang was deeply moved and thought, "Ah! That makes sense. Now that Li Lang has gone blind, he won't be able to see me. I need to make him see me a few more times so that I can remember it and engrave it in his heart." She laughed and said, "So that's how it is. I misunderstood."

Li Xian said, "Give me some time to take a good look at Madam." Wen Caishang replied, "Of course not. This makeup is all for you."

Li Xian said, "No wonder he's so stunning. Madam... let's..." Wen Caishang was very tempted, but then she thought that this man was cunning. If she made love to him too quickly, she would easily lose her composure. A small act of impatience could ruin a big plan. The way to control one's husband is not easy.

Wen Caishang flicked her sleeve, throwing Li Xian several feet away, and said with a smile that was also a hint of reproach, "You should go and rest first. You're just thinking nonsense. I'll give you some time to calm down today. Don't think that a few sweet words will work on me. I want to forgive you, but I haven't forgiven you yet."

He turned and hurried away, his heart restless. A long-awaited reunion, a dry well finding new life, withered wood finding sparks. Undercurrents surged, a hidden fire consumed him.

Li Xian coughed twice, brushing away the dust. Wen Caishang's voice drifted from afar: "Xiao Tuan, take him to the side pavilion to bathe."

Bixiang Pavilion has four floors, with one main pavilion and three side pavilions. It is elegant and ingeniously designed, with a waterfall view on the second floor of the main pavilion, a rare sight. Xiao Tuan led the way, while Li Xian observed intently. He was surprised to find that the layout of the courtyard involved the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

Using mountains, water, flowers, grass, artificial rocks, and green lakes, a clever trap is created. Li Xian has some skill in the Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique, and while he cannot fully grasp its principles at once, he can already see the clues. Knowing this place, one wrong step will cause yin and yang to be reversed, heaven and earth to be upside down, causing people to lose their balance and become confused. The more desperately they try to escape, the more painful the fall will be.

Upon reaching the side pavilion, Xiao Tuan said, "Young Master Li, we've arrived. From today onwards, you shall reside here." Li Xian replied, "Alright, thank you, Miss Xiao Tuan."

Xiao Tuan chuckled, "Young Master Li's demeanor is truly remarkable. That imposter last time was scared out of his wits in no time, his pathetic state was utterly hilarious... Sigh, you'd better watch yourself." She hurriedly retreated. She felt a thorn in her side, guessing that the madam was watching her closely. If she said another word, Li Xian would be unharmed, but she herself might not be able to save her life.

Xiao Tuan hurriedly retreated and reported to Wen Caishang. Wen Caishang frowned and looked at her carefully. She saw that although Xiao Tuan was young, she had delicate features. She was extremely jealous and had just caught her lover. She was still confused about love and hate and did not want any other woman to get close to her. So she said indifferently, "I will handle Li Xian's matter myself in the future. You must not pay attention to him when he speaks to you."

"You are not allowed to approach the area on the east side of the pavilion."

...

...

Li Xian found the residence elegant and spacious, filled with green plants and vines, and featuring a small pond with golden carp. He muttered to himself, "After all these ups and downs, this place is actually better than the inn I stayed at."

Inside was a pool, from which wisps of white mist rose. Natural water was channeled into the pool, its temperature just right, flowing clear and cool. Li Xian loosened his clothes and jumped into the pool to bathe. His brow furrowed and relaxed intermittently; he faced a tremendous challenge.

“The lady has been kind to me. But this old hag is too wicked and has a terrible temper. The title ‘Sword-Breaking Lady’ is truly fitting. She wants to break other people’s swords, and she wants to break mine as well.”

"My martial arts skills are thanks to you, Madam, and I also have feelings for you. But I cannot let my feelings lead me astray. If I have the chance, I must leave. A good man should stand tall and upright. I need to surpass you, to subdue you... rather than obediently having my eyes gouged out and being covered by your skirt."

Li Xian looked inward, focusing on his entire body. Wen Caishang's Qi spread outwards, sealing his tendons and bones, evolving to its fullest extent, making it extremely difficult to escape. Li Xian tried to circulate his internal Qi, but could not escape the Qi lake. He tried to use his strength, but could not even manage a fraction of it.

Li Xian sighed softly. Only Wen Caishang truly understood him. Wen Caishang possessed many extraordinary methods, all precisely designed to counter him. Knowing his innate superhuman strength, she had locked his tendons and meridians. Li Xian took a simple bath and discovered a set of clothes beside the bathtub. Made of silk, it was exquisitely crafted.

It was quite luxurious. There were also many men's ornaments such as jade pendants, hair ornaments, and swords. Li Xian put them on one by one, looked at himself in the mirror, and saw that his figure in the mirror was dashing and handsome, and his appearance was even better than before.

Li Xian's eyes gleamed. Since Wen Caishang didn't kill him immediately, he had a chance to escape. He decided to keep Wen Caishang calm for now and prepare for other matters later. The scenery in the residence was delightful, and since Li Xian was already there, he would make the most of it, enjoying the views and appreciating the beauty to enhance his knowledge.

By evening.

As the sun set, Li Xian found an ordinary longsword in his house. Seeing that the house was spacious, he couldn't resist the urge to practice his "Setting Sun and Decaying Blood Sword" technique.

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Level 1]

[Proficiency: 75499/80000 (Peak)]

[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Level Two]

[Proficiency: 73569/80000, Pinnacle]

...

[Archery]

[Proficiency: 48965/50000 (Peak)]

The path of martial arts is endless; what lies beyond the pinnacle? Li Xian's "Four Directions Fist," "Gentle Breeze Leg," and "Azure Palm" were already at their peak long ago, and with each use, his proficiency accumulated, reaching tens of thousands of points each.

Among them, the "Sunset Blood Sword" and "Archery" are the most frequently used. The Sunset Blood Sword is a rare trump card, which is practiced frequently and contains killing intent. Archery has many uses and is frequently used, so progress is relatively fast.

Coming to his senses, he realized that his proficiency with the Sunset Blood Sword had reached over 70,000; another half step and he would reach the pinnacle. Li Xian danced with such abandon that the sword's blade swept across the ground, its subtle power beyond description.

It was dusk. The setting sun seemed to perfectly complement the scene, and the sword moved with graceful, fluid movements. After Li Xian finished his sword dance, his blood and qi surged, and his inner energy grew stronger.

Over time, his Qi Lake had grown to over a hundred feet deep. His inner Qi was powerful and restrained, making it difficult for Li Xian to use his Qi against the "Heavy Meridian Finger" technique. After finishing his martial arts practice, he felt hungry and tired, and remembered that he had already obtained the "Morning Yellow Dew".

"Recipe 'Golden Light' requires drinking the morning dew after midnight. During the process, one must sit still and wait for the morning sun to shine on the whole body. Once the morning dew has been absorbed, the drinking is considered successful. Recipe 'Golden Light' is relatively easy to consume."

"But the situation is unstable at the moment, so let's wait two days and see how it goes."

...

...

The next day, Wen Caishang came to check on Li Xian. Seeing that he had settled down peacefully and seemed just like before, she was overjoyed. She asked Li Xian to accompany her to tour the courtyard and enjoy the scenery. Li Xian took her arm and they walked slowly, admiring the sights.

Whenever Li Xian saw something unusual or incomprehensible, he would ask directly. Wen Caishang would always explain in detail, recounting its origins, meanings, and uses... all clearly. After touring half the circle, Wen Caishang said softly, "Li Lang... I used to hate you so much that I wanted to stab you three thousand six hundred times upon seeing you, to vent my hatred first. I'll repay the rest slowly later."

"But after actually seeing you, I couldn't bear to. But I keep my word, and you keep yours. What you said you would repay, you must repay. From today onwards, start repaying. Endure the pain well, and don't sneak away again."

She ordered Li Xian to extend his palm. With a flick of her sleeve, two sword marks appeared on his palm. Though faint, the marks were extremely painful. This sword technique was called "Heartbreaking Sword," a martial art of the "Mad Sword Sect" during the Great Yu period.

It has now been lost to this day. Wen Caishang read extensively and memorized the techniques, but never mastered them. This sword technique emphasizes "injuring and hurting." In its early stages, the sword wounds cause excruciating pain, reaching directly to the heart and soul. Even a mere graze of the blade is enough to cause unbearable, convulsive pain. It is extremely ferocious and powerful. However, once the sword technique reaches a higher level, the effects reverse.

When swordsmanship wounds, the enemy's pain is my pain; the wound is on the enemy's body, but the pain is in my heart. This is the true essence of swordsmanship, and its power increases dramatically. Wen Caishang's swordsmanship is only at a minor level of mastery, still in the early stages of swordsmanship.

But if she were to truly stab him millions of times, she would surely achieve perfection and comprehend the true essence of the sword. At that time, although she would feel pain in Li Xian, she would also feel pain herself. Li Xian had a very strong physique, and he endured the pain without speaking, quickly suppressing it. However, cold sweat beaded on his back and forehead.

Wen Caishang felt both heartache and pleasure. She gently wiped her face with a handkerchief and said, "Li Lang, let's return the favor with a sword today. I carefully arranged this courtyard. Will you accompany me for a stroll?"

Li Xian said, "Okay." The two strolled hand in hand through the courtyard, which covered more than ten acres, yet they spent nearly two hours there. They talked intimately, leaning on each other. This relationship was truly strange.

At noon, three maids brought lunch from the "Zhenxiulou" restaurant next to Bixiang Pavilion. Zhenxiulou was a famous and prestigious restaurant in Feilong City, famous throughout the world for its "nineteen delicacies" and renowned for their unique flavors.

Wen Caishang usually didn't cook, instead purchasing dishes from the Zhenxiu Restaurant. Every morning, noon, and evening, maids would deliver them to her courtyard. On this particular day, she ate and drank as usual, bringing Li Xian with her to the table.

Wen Caishang frowned, displeased with the sight of the maidservant delivering the dishes. She had ordered Li Xian to gouge out and blind her, and during this time, she did not want any other woman to be in her sight. Xiao Tuan, being very young, was also dismissed. She said, "From today onwards, let men deliver the banquet."

Before the maid could reply, she was swept away by a gust of wind and tumbled out of the courtyard in a disheveled state. Their eyes widened in horror as they hurriedly fled. Wen Caishang, inexplicably enraged, stabbed Li Xian again with a "Heartbreaking Sword," but then felt a pang of pity and helped Li Xian sit down.

Li Xian thought to himself, "I only regret that my strength is still too weak, otherwise I wouldn't allow Madam to be so arrogant." He considered other plans and decided to comply for the time being. The luncheon featured many uniquely named and exquisitely flavored dishes, such as "Exquisite Phoenix Roast" and "Willow Shade." Li Xian savored the dishes, pondering their preparation methods.

Every time I tasted a delicious dish, I couldn't help but think, "If I had enough ingredients, could I recreate it? When will I be able to run a restaurant on my own, with renowned delicacies?"

As they savored the meal, the midday banquet ended. Wen Caishang said, "Li Lang, how long has it been since you practiced your sword?" Li Xian replied, "I practice every day, and my swordsmanship has never become rusty."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Alright, then I'll test your swordsmanship. Where did your Sunken River Sword go?"

Li Xian said, "To my shame, I've lost it." Wen Caishang said, "Although Ou Yezi is skilled at forging weapons, the Chenjiang Sword is not his masterpiece. Since you've lost it, there's nothing to regret. I have a green sword and a purple sword, which were originally a pair called the 'Azure and Purple Twin Swords.' Now you take the green sword, and I'll take the purple sword. Let's try combining the two swords."

Li Xian's Shenjiang Sword was hidden in the inn; to conceal his identity, he never carried it with him. He pretended to lie, and although Wen Caishang was shrewd and intelligent, she didn't think it through. A long box sat beside the table; unfastening the hidden clasp revealed two long swords.

The green sword was straight and slender, while the purple sword was ethereal and hazy. Each sword had its own strengths. Li Xianli took the green sword, and as he wielded it, his figure was crisp and clear, and its sharpness was extraordinary, surpassing even the Jiang-sinking sword.

Wen Caishang observed for a moment, inwardly praising, "What a heroic figure! He truly is my beloved Li Lang." With a flick of her wrist, she rolled up her sleeve, gathering the purple sword in her hand. She was dressed in a white dress, already planning to practice her swordsmanship. She then unleashed the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword Technique, specifically the "Yin Sword Chapter."

At first, she unleashed deadly attacks with her sword, showing no mercy. Several of her strikes were blocked by Li Xianyang's sword; Li Xianyang's skill in swordsmanship was indeed superior to Wen Caishang's. Li Xianyang gradually gained the upper hand, her swordplay becoming increasingly intertwined, making it difficult for Wen Caishang to break free.

The two first sparred with swords, their swordplay becoming increasingly fluid and persistent. The intensity of the sword fight gradually faded, giving rise to a different kind of charm. Wen Caishang began to smile, feeling quite pleased with herself, and called out, "Take this!" Her voice was clear and crisp, as if she were playing around.

Li Xian caught the sword and turned back. Each time the Azure Purple Calculation Sword touched him, he felt a fusion of yin and yang, as if a wondrous natural force was pouring down upon him, allowing him to roam freely in an endless ocean.

[Your dual swordswork is now perfectly combined, and your sword intent is intertwined; proficiency +12]

Li Xian unleashed a move called "Standing Above the Sun," the first killing move of the Sunset Blood Sword, a technique that rises from below. The sword tip pierced directly towards the blazing sun, absorbing its radiance and causing the sword to radiate a dazzling light.

When Li Xian first obtained the Remnant Sun and Fading Blood Sword, he practiced this move recklessly and almost injured himself. Now, with the two swords combined, this sword move can be used. Wen Caishang uses "Falling Moon Like a Falling Moon," her white dress fluttering, she hangs in mid-air, the sword tip pointing downwards.

The two swords clashed, perfectly aligned. The evolution of their moves was so profound that the surrounding wind and clouds surged, flickering between light and darkness, as if several days and nights had passed in an instant. Li Xian and Wen Caishang were both astonished.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Madam's strength seems to be even more profound and unpredictable." Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Li Lang has improved so quickly. It's only been a short time since we parted, yet he has already achieved such skill. If I don't keep an eye on him for a moment, he becomes extremely mischievous. His progress is too fast."

By this time, both of them were far stronger than before. This time, their combined swordsmanship was a true testament to their swordsmanship prowess. Their minds were sharp, yet only a fleeting moment passed around them. It was truly a testament to the profound and extensive nature of the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword Technique.

[You have combined your two swords and honed your swordsmanship; proficiency +124]

...

From the first level, one gradually moves to the second level, and from the second level, one progresses to the third level.

[Sheathing the Yang Sword, Proficiency +2]

...

[The Sword of the Setting Sun and Fading Blood - Third Layer]

[Proficiency: 1243/8000 Minor Success]

This third level of swordsmanship points directly to the essence, breaking through illusions and reaching the core. It is the watershed of swordsmanship. Wen Caishang was initially annoyed with Li Xian and did not want to reveal her shame so early. But once the swordplay began and their hearts merged, she went with the flow and also practiced the third level of swordsmanship.

...

Until evening.

[The Sword of the Setting Sun and Fading Blood - Third Layer]

[Proficiency: 1536/8000 Minor Mastery]

Wen Caishang made great progress in swordsmanship, but she was exhausted. Even though her cultivation was very strong, she was still short of strength.

Xiao Tuan lowered his head and called out, "Madam, Madam," while searching around. The courtyard was quite a mess, with precious flowers and plants trampled and broken. It was hard to avoid such a situation, given the intensity of the sword practice earlier.

Li Xian called out, "Madam is here. Speak your mind." Xiao Tuan ignored him, lowering his head and walking nearby. Li Xian asked in surprise, "Xiao Tuan? Xiao Tuan?" He called out several times.

Wen Caishang adjusted her clothes and said softly, "Li Lang, help me with my hair." She called Li Xian to her side, her voice still alluring. Xiao Tuan was surprised: "Madam is incredibly capable. I thought I was clever, but I've never truly understood her. Judging from her voice, could it be that just now…"

The courtyard was soundproof; even a short distance away, one could hardly hear a sound. Therefore, although the commotion was loud, Wen Caishang made no attempt to conceal it, and Xiao Tuan didn't notice a thing. If she were to look up and survey her surroundings now, she could see the messy garden and the two people's clothing, and perhaps guess their identities, but she was even more terrified of Wen Caishang. She dared not look up, lest she see Li Xian, and even less dared to respond to Li Xian's words.

Wen Caishang calmly smoothed out the mess around her and said, "What's the rush?" Xiao Tuan said, "Madam, outside... Lord He is looking for you."

Wen Caishang frowned and said, "He Wentian?" She was no longer willing to receive him. She saw that Xiao Tuan was very sensible, with her head lowered and ears covered, refusing to talk to Li Xian or attract his attention. She felt slightly pleased and thought, "This little girl is skillful and clever. She is much better than the likes of Qiu Yue."

She raised her hand and said, "I understand. You may leave at any time." Xiao Tuan quickly fled.

Wen Caishang had already broken the taboo and was in high spirits. She wanted to return to her bedroom to talk in more detail, but He Wentian was looking for her. She said, "This He Wentian... can be quite annoying sometimes."

Li Xian asked, "Does Madam not wish to see him?" Wen Caishang replied, "Of course. He Wentian is no ordinary man." She walked forward and suddenly saw a pale red embroidered shoe hanging on a branch of a flowering tree.

Wen Caishang blushed, spat out a curse, and glared at Li Xian. In the chaos just now, she didn't even know how her shoes had gotten caught on the branches. Li Xian took off her embroidered shoes and bent down to help her put them on.

Wen Caishang's heart fluttered as she watched Li Xian's meticulous movements—lifting her skirt and putting on her shoes—the subtle gestures deeply touched her. Her eyes gleamed with delight. Suddenly, her brow furrowed, fearing Li Xian might not put shoes on anyone else in the future. With a flick of her sleeve, another sword mark appeared on Li Xian's palm.

Seeing Li Xian in pain, she offered no explanation. Instead, she subtly raised her hand, signaling for him to help her up.

Although Li Xian felt excruciating pain, he kept a straight face, secretly vowing that next time they would combine their swords, he would make his wife suffer terribly. He took her arm and led her along the flower-lined corridor, asking, "I've heard that Lord He is a good person. Why is Madam unwilling to meet him?"

Wen Caishang laughed and said, "You are certainly clever, but you are still inexperienced. The most untrustworthy thing in this world is so-called rumors. Sometimes, even if you meet someone in person, you can still misjudge them. Let alone the nonsense of outsiders."

Li Xian said, "Is that so? I heard from others that He Wentian has a refined and elegant demeanor, which doesn't seem to be unfounded."

Wen Caishang nodded and said, "He Wentian's current actions do match the rumors. But while he can deceive others, he can't easily deceive me."

Li Xian said, "Has Madam discovered something strange about him?"

Wen Caishang said, "It can't be called a discovery. This person seems easygoing and refined, but in reality, he is quite utilitarian. After learning Fu Haoran's location, he visited him every day, hoping to make good connections and ask him for knowledge every day. However, his knowledge is very shallow."

Li Xian said, "What seems shallow to the lady may be profound to others." Wen Caishang covered her mouth and chuckled, "You little flatterer, you're quite the talker, but he has no such knowledge and can hardly appreciate Fu Haoran's calligraphy. Why do you still praise him so highly? When you learned of Fu Haoran's departure, you even shed tears, not like a man at all."

Upon hearing this, Li Xian felt it made even more sense.

Wen Caishang said, "Moreover, this man's archery skills are exceptional. If I'm not mistaken, he harbors ambitions. His amiable and refined demeanor is all an act. A person like this, if he comes to visit, may have ulterior motives. Therefore, I do not wish to see him."

They came to a fork in the road. Wen Caishang said, "Go this way and you'll return to the side pavilion." She gently patted Li Xian's hand and said, "Take good rest."

Li Xian returned to the side pavilion. Although he hadn't figured out Madam Wen's true strength today, he had figured out Wen Caishang's. He waited quietly until midnight and took the "Morning Yellow Dew".

[You consumed the Morning Dew, increasing your skill proficiency by 56]

[The complete "Golden Light Recipe" of the Art of Magic has been assembled.]

(End of this chapter)