Chapter 340 Finally Emerging from the Dragon's Lair, Pinching Ears and Grabbing the Husband, The Wife's Weakness, A Group of Guests Visit (Seeking Monthly Tickets at the Beginning of the Month!)

It is said that Wen Caishang was learned and knowledgeable in all fields. Moreover, the Nine Apertures Dragon Heart Cave was a complex site with many strange and unconventional paths. The Nine Apertures Dragon Heart Cave is like the heart of heaven and earth, and its feng shui is like the blood of heaven and earth. Every time the dragon heart beats, it draws in external feng shui, filling the heart cavity with feng shui, and then letting it flow out.

By simply following this principle and observing the vegetation, moss, grass, stone wall erosion, and earth veins along the way, one can discern the direction of feng shui flow. Then, by following the feng shui direction, one will find countless ways out.

The Five Mountains Sword Alliance was not lacking in knowledge, but without understanding this path and the flow of energy, they could not have accomplished this. Wen Caishang observed the wind and water, and together with Li Xian, they embarked on a secluded path. Along the way, the vegetation was lush, the mountain walls were mottled, and there were strange stones with a yellowish hue.

Wen Caishang observed many details and told Li Xian that this method was correct. She flipped her sleeve and drew her sword, scraping off a yellowish-brown strange stone. When the firelight shone on it, a halo of light radiated. The climate of Flying Dragon City was cold, and the feng shui of the high mountain cliffs nurtured the "Golden Radiance Stone." This stone could be used for construction and ornaments, and its value was not very high, but the accumulation of countless strange stones, forming layers of golden light, was truly astonishing.

This is the origin of the "Golden Summit Under the Sun" phenomenon in Flying Dragon City. Wen Caishang told Li Xian that it was because the dragon's heart beat that it drew the feng shui of the mountaintop into the earth's cavity, and through long-term evolution and catalysis, this place also gave birth to this strange stone. 'Feng shui' is a fluid thing; what goes in must come out, which shows that this path is accessible.

Wen Caishang preached: "Other tombs do not have so many escape routes. But the Nine Aperture Dragon Heart Cave is like a heart buried deep in the ground. When it is activated, the earth's veins vibrate, and with the operation of feng shui and long-term erosion, many strange paths can lead to the outside. However, the builders of the tomb will deliberately set up traps in such paths to make people mistake them for dead ends."

"If one avoids the miscellaneous arts of feng shui that are beyond the reach of Dugu Boyuan, one can move freely in and out of the field."

The road was winding, but Wen Caishang led the way herself, so there was no real danger. The scenery was delightful, and no one else bothered them. The two strolled slowly, enjoying the sights and sounds, the colors and flavors, the desires and emotions along the way, their joy boundless.

[You have mastered the third level of swordsmanship. Your Yang Sword is now sheathed, its sharpness fully revealed. Proficiency +1]

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

[Proficiency: 6125/8000 Minor Mastery]

There is no shortcut to mastering swordsmanship; one must draw the sword a thousand times and sheathe it a thousand times. Li Xian has reached the state of "Great Self" in the first and second levels, and is making steady progress in the third level, finding endless joy in it.

Wen Caishang deeply enjoyed the experience; this hidden path in the tomb offered a unique kind of pleasure. She felt a mixture of love, hate, annoyance, and shame towards Li Xian. Several days passed in this way, and they still hadn't seen the exit of the tomb, but green grass had already appeared on the ground, along with occasional puddles of water.

This is a case of stagnant water and blocked streams, where the wind carries grass seeds and water brings moisture, creating this scene. Wherever the vegetation is lush and the scenery is pleasant, one must detour. Li Xian saw several fish and beasts in the pool, caught them, cooked them, and the fish soup was fragrant. The meat was tender and smooth. After eating and drinking his fill, he practiced his swordplay two times to his heart's content before continuing his journey.

Wen Caishang was gentle and graceful, her temperament exceptionally good at this moment. She was considerate and charming, and even when Li Xian was being difficult, she let him have his way. At most, she would spit out a couple of curses calling him a "little rascal." But she showed more affection, more attachment, and less complaint.

Unable to discern the passage of time within the tunnel, the two proceeded without haste. The tunnel wound its way up and down, sometimes requiring them to ascend, sometimes descend. This seemingly monotonous journey was thoroughly enjoyable.

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

[Proficiency: 1235/24000 (Mastery)]

[Description: You must find a perfect partner, comprehend Yin and Yang, explore their joy, and finally achieve mastery of the third level of swordsmanship. You will witness the initial stage of martial arts, comprehend a wisp of 'life-saving Yin-Yang Qi,' understand the characteristics of 'infinite joy,' and comprehend the 'essential principles of Yin and Yang.']

The Lifesaving Yin-Yang Qi is similar to the "Lifesaving Yang Qi," circulating naturally when necessary to resist severe or fatal injuries. "Endless Joy" adds to the experience, providing immense pleasure when mastering the third level of swordsmanship, bringing physical and spiritual ecstasy, and immersing one in the true essence of swordsmanship. "The Essentials of Yin and Yang" is a vague and obscure body of knowledge, from which Li Xian's Five Elements Mystic Arts and Feng Shui miscellaneous studies all benefit.

The harvest was plentiful.

That day, suddenly, colorful light flowed, and the sound of a tinkling spring filled the air. Passing through a huge boulder blocking their path, they arrived at a stalactite cave. Inside the cave were pools of shimmering blue water and dark, mysterious rivers. Li Xian thought, "Now that we've arrived, we must be close to the surface. My wife and I will walk a little further, and then we'll see the light of day again!"

Li Xian suddenly thought, "During this tomb raiding trip, I was fortunate enough to outmaneuver the lady. Now I've discovered that she also has a kind, understanding, considerate, and obedient side. Once we're outside, I can use the subtle influence of the bell's sound to find an excuse to escape."

The stone wall was slippery, and water flowed down, forming a natural waterfall. Li Xian carried Wen Caishang up the wall, crossed the underground river, and swam through the pool. As the path widened, the cave entrance appeared ahead.

The sun shone brightly; it must have been midday. Outside the cave lay a verdant forest. Though the canopy and ground were covered with thick snow, it couldn't completely conceal the lush greenery within. Stepping out of the cave, a gentle, warm breeze blew, and the soft sunlight bathed us. Forest birds chirped softly, creating a vibrant scene of life.

Li Xian stretched out his arms to embrace all things, feeling boundless joy, and thought, "How can one not be attached to such a world?" He realized the characteristics of "observing heaven and earth," and looked at all things in heaven and earth. Their colors, connotations, magnificence, and charm... all surpassed those of others. In his eyes, all the beautiful scenery came one after another, and the mundane world was like a painting, unfolding before his eyes in an instant.

Li Xian laughed, "Madam, we're out!" He ran out of the cave and plunged into the snow. He cupped a handful of snow on his face, feeling refreshed and overjoyed.

Suddenly, his expression changed slightly, and he felt his heart pounding as the ethereal bell tolling disappeared. His martial arts cultivation, internal energy, and martial arts evolution had all returned. Li Xian looked at Wen Caishang and immediately felt a chill run down his spine, realizing something was wrong. Wen Caishang slowly walked out of the cave, her lips curving upwards, her eyes crinkling, her scheme having succeeded. She said, "Yes, we're all out now."

Wen Caishang waved her hand and said, "Li Lang, you're being naughty again. You've only just come out and you've already forgotten me? Hurry up and help me up." She gestured with her right hand and quietly examined Li Xian.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Oh no, Madam tricked me! The sound of the bell disappeared as soon as it left the cave." He walked to Madam's side, took her hand, and calmly smiled, "Madam, thankfully the sound of the bell stopped once we left the cave. Otherwise, there would have been many soldiers in Flying Dragon City, which would have been very difficult to deal with."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Oh? Is it a stroke of luck?" Her expression suddenly turned cold. She glared at him angrily, then twisted Li Xian's wrist with her fingers.

Li Xian felt a sudden numbness throughout his body, as if his meridians were twisting, his acupoints were blocked, and his internal organs were in complete chaos. He could no longer exert any strength or techniques, yet he was completely unharmed. Wen Caishang said calmly, "It seems that even innate superhuman strength is nothing special outside."

Li Xian, pale-faced, said, "Madam is joking. What kind of innate superhuman strength do I possess?" Wen Caishang said, "If you don't count, then no one does. Li Lang, you are so mighty, you sent the Five Mountains Sword Alliance flying with just a spear and a sword." She raised her hand and gently stroked Li Xian's forehead, wiping away the sweat.

Wen Caishang's gentle demeanor vanished, her face turning cold as she coldly said, "Hmph, but how you escaped the Eight Absolute Seals, I've never asked you about that. I never expected you to be so capable."

"If I hadn't lied to you that the sound of the bell was also affecting the cave, you would have run away by now. Hmph, don't worry, you've lied to me in every way, but I didn't really use this 'pulse-twisting hand' move. I just made sure you couldn't exert any force."

Li Xian smiled helplessly, "Madam, I've helped you out of this predicament. Can't you be a little gentler with me this time?" He secretly lamented, "I did suspect that you were playing tricks, but alas... alas, I need your guidance to find a way out. This matter is very difficult to resolve. You are several times more troublesome than He Wentian and the Five Mountains Sword Alliance combined."

Wen Caishang said calmly, "Let's deal with one thing at a time. The matter of the underground cave is over. Do you think I'm so easily fooled by you again and again? Things don't happen more than three times. Hehe, don't blame me for being rude this time." She then used two fingers to press on various acupoints all over Li Xian's body.

Her inner energy was powerful and refined, containing numerous martial arts techniques. Attached to her acupoints, it controlled the flow of energy and power. This time, however, she was serious and would not allow Li Xian to play tricks again. In an instant, she unleashed more than ten moves, all of which locked her energy and power.

Once Wen Caishang regained her strength, she inevitably became arrogant and difficult. Li Xian forced a smile and said, "Madam, I have a sincere heart. I risked my life to save you before. How can you say it's all a lie?"

Wen Caishang glared and said, "Isn't it a husband's duty to save his wife? If you were in trouble, would I not help you? Do you dare to demand repayment for a favor?" Li Xian said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare, it's just..."

"But what?" Wen Caishang said, "If it's not that, why did you bring it up specifically?"

Seeing Wen Caishang's fierce expression, Li Xian tried to coax her with sweet words. Wen Caishang retorted, "Stop with the sweet talk. This time, I won't let you fool me. You've taken advantage of me a lot down there, and I'll make you suffer in every way I can." She then flung Li Xian's hand away.

Li Xian said, "But Madam is clearly enjoying herself too. So what..." Wen Caishang frowned and said, "You dare to talk back? Don't you understand the situation? We're not underground now."

Her jade-like face turned cold, her phoenix eyes held a majestic air, as if she wanted to restore her authority and sternly tame her husband. She said indifferently, "Put your head over here."

Seeing that Li Xian remained unmoved, she said, "You've really gotten bold. Hmph, do you think you can beat me now?" She took the initiative to reach out, grabbed Li Xian's ear, and twisted it hard.

Wen Caishang shouted, "You dare to talk back? You've only got a little skill, yet you're so presumptuous. Hmph, come back to my room first, and I'll show you how to deal with you."

Wen Caishang glared at Li Xian, let out a soft "humph" through her delicate nose, and said, "Come with me." She then twisted his ear and led him away. Wen Caishang was tall, but Li Xian was a head taller than her. With his ear being twisted, he could only slightly tilt his head and bend over.

Li Xian felt humiliated and thought, "This woman deserves a beating. Although I don't care about my reputation, being dragged by the ear like this is too much... too much..." He tried to resist. Wen Caishang saw this and said, "If you move again, I won't be able to get rid of you. Follow me obediently, hmph."

Li Xian thought to himself, "This woman is not only fierce, but sometimes quite shrewish. I should learn from this experience and not be careless for a moment when facing someone like her. But I have the trump card of the Sunset Blood Sword, so I'm not afraid of not having a chance to turn the tables."

The snow scenery along the way was beautiful, and soon they arrived at the gates of Flying Dragon City. The gates were wide open, and carriages and horses flowed freely; the curfew had been lifted. Wen Caishang, her ears red from pinching, released her grip. Li Xian quickly said, "Thank you, Madam. I'll follow you for the rest of the journey. I'll be perfectly obedient."

Wen Caishang said calmly, "Who said I wasn't going to pull your ear?" She rubbed her wrist and said, "This time I'll pull your right ear, so come over here yourself." Li Xian said, "Madam, there are so many strangers here. I'm determined to serve you this time, so please don't make things difficult for me here."

Wen Caishang said, "What a joke! Is it so shameful to have your ear pulled by me?" Without waiting for a reply, she took the initiative to raise her hand, twisted Li Xian's right ear, and quickly walked into the city.

Li Xian sighed helplessly and could only follow sideways. Seeing the strange looks from passersby along the way, Li Xian smiled awkwardly and offered no explanation. Passing a "Drunken Flower Pavilion," they found a customer caught in adultery being dragged back by the "ear."

The two men met face to face, and the guest muttered, "That guy's really shameless. His wife is as beautiful as an angel, how can he go and pick wildflowers?" His wife overheard this and twisted her ear into a pretzel. She dragged him home.

The two walked through the streets and alleys, attracting many stares.

Feilong City remains as prosperous as ever, with its people living in peace and contentment. Carriages and horses flow by, and the sounds of hawkers, vendors, porters, and even arguments fill the air. The city is bustling with life.

Li Xian couldn't help but think, "Why is Flying Dragon City completely unaffected? I wonder what's going on with the Five Mountains Sword Alliance and He Wentian's side. Oh well, I'm barely able to protect myself right now, I have no time to worry about others. Madam is quite fierce this time, let's try to find some topics to talk about." He said, "Madam, what do you think is going on with the Five Mountains Sword Alliance and He Wentian?"

Wen Caishang sneered, "You still have time to care about others." Li Xian said, "It's not that I care, but... Flying Dragon City is probably unstable, so we shouldn't stay here any longer. We should hurry back to the manor."

Wen Caishang said, "I've seen through you. If you really wanted to go back to the manor, you'd still be stuck in your cocoon." She then became angry and increased the force in her hand.

Li Xian said, "I went to see Madam because I was concerned about her." Wen Caishang said, "If you say another word of nonsense, I'll twist your other ear off too."

Li Xian wisely kept quiet. Wen Caishang shook her head slightly, thinking, "I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing to have this little rascal stuck with me."

Back at Bixiang Pavilion, the maid Xiaotuan pushed open the side door. She saw Wen Caishang's angry face, her expression lively and graceful, and couldn't help but be curious. Then, noticing Li Xian's swollen ear and Wen Caishang still twisting his other ear, she was even more startled, jumping back a step and exclaiming, "Ah! Weren't you in the cocoon?"

Wen Caishang said, "He ran away long ago." Xiao Tuan said in horror, "Madam, I'm so sorry, I...I didn't know anything about it." Wen Caishang said, "This is not your fault, it's all because this boy is cunning." She added more pressure to her fingers.

Xiao Tuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Madam, I'll go boil some water and tell the kitchen to prepare a meal. You've been away for so long, you must be tired. Please come inside and rest!"

Wen Caishang said to Li Xian, "Look how well-behaved Xiao Tuan is, and then look at you." She wasn't referring to "boiling water" or "preparing meals," which Li Xian did better. Rather, it was because Wen Caishang hadn't returned for over ten days, and Xiao Tuan had been waiting patiently at Bixiang Pavilion.

With a flick of her sleeve, Wen Caishang slammed the side door shut. The Bixiang Pavilion was as vibrant as spring, with a few snowflakes occasionally drifting down, adding to its springtime charm. The courtyard was neat and exquisite, maintained daily by servants assigned by Xiaotuan.

They passed through a flowerbed. Li Xian's ears loosened, finally freeing him from his predicament. His ears were burning and swollen; he grabbed some snow to apply to them, feeling a refreshing coolness that masked the pain. Wen Caishang had simply pinched and twisted, effectively using the "Spring-Severing Hand" martial art. Even with Li Xian's "Golden Light Technique," he couldn't escape even a fraction. Even after she released her grip, the martial art's effects lingered, and the injury would last for a long time. Wen Caishang chose a stone pavilion to sit in. Xiao Tuan brought her tea, which she leisurely sipped. After a while, she said, "Let me take a look."

Observing Li Xian's ear injuries, she felt a pang of heartache. She poured two drops of "Qionghua Healing Oil" into her palm and gently rubbed Li Xian's ears. By dispersing the martial arts essence through the rubbing, the ears quickly healed completely.

Li Xian asked, "Is Madam no longer angry with me?" Wen Caishang sighed, "I'm still angry with you." Li Xian said, "Madam, let me massage your legs and feet. If you're still angry, we can talk about it after this."

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "This kid knows exactly what I'm doing. Massaging my legs is fine, but every time he kneads my feet, he secretly tickles me a few times. I happen to be very sensitive to tickling. With you holding my feet, how can I hold back my anger? You've always managed to escape unscathed, but this time you won't be allowed to play any tricks!"

Just as she was about to refuse, she suddenly exclaimed "Ah!" as Li Xian had already taken off her boots and stockings, and held her feet in his palms. He then used the "Eight Styles of Cloud Massage" to activate the acupoints on the soles of her feet.

Her feet were slightly damp. She had just stepped into the "cave," where the water flowed rapidly and the ground was wet. Inevitably, some water had seeped into her boots. Wen Caishang possessed the "Perfect Appearance," surpassing others in her five senses, strength, lifespan, energy, and martial arts prowess. Her sweat odor was remarkably faint. However, having traversed the underground for so long without time for bathing or washing, her feet felt slightly sore, mingled with a faint body fragrance.

Wen Caishang was about to speak and scold him, but she felt Li Xian's grip tighten as he pressed and kneaded the "Duyin" acupoint on the sole of her foot. The word "you" had barely left her lips when she swallowed the rest of her words. After a moment, realizing Li Xian's intention, she sternly cursed, "You little bastard..." However, as soon as the word "little" escaped her lips, Li Xian, observing her expression, pressed and kneaded the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of her foot.

This is a crucial acupoint in martial arts, referring to a spring gushing from the ground. The spring water flows from the earth, and many martial arts techniques and the circulation of internal energy require passing through the Yongquan acupoint. This acupoint connects to the kidney meridian, nourishing the kidneys, strengthening the body's foundation, and regulating the entire body.

Wen Caishang sipped her tea slowly, her toes twitching, her brows furrowing and relaxing slightly; her anger had indeed subsided by half. After a moment, she thought, "This kid is always so cunning; this time, I have to make him suffer." She hesitated for a moment, then forced back her anger and said sternly, "You…"

She felt the Neiting acupoint on the sole of her foot being massaged and kneaded. Her feet were already tired, having walked through the cave for several days on winding and rugged paths, with uneven surfaces underfoot. Furthermore, practicing swordsmanship with Li Xian from time to time had been extremely exhausting. This relief was naturally enjoyable.

Wen Caishang let out a long breath, glared at Li Xian, and thought, "Fine, fine, let this brat be cunning for a little while longer. I'll punish him properly once he's finished his foot-pinching." She enjoyed the peace and quiet in between.

In her joyful state, she drifted off to sleep, her eyes glazed. Her sleep was so light that Li Xian would immediately sense any movement she made. Li Xian rubbed his feet, thinking, "By barely avoiding one, I've managed to get a slight feel for the lady's weakness. But next time she tries to attack, she'll definitely forbid me from touching her feet. This temporary measure can't last; I need to think of another plan."

After two hours of this kneading, dusk fell. Seeing Li Xian serving her so attentively, Wen Caishang's anger subsided considerably, and she couldn't muster the anger to act fiercely for the time being. Even though she knew Li Xian was cunning and deceitful, she could only let him be for the time being. Feigning anger, she pinched his ear and said, "I'll let you off the hook for today."

Li Xian said, "Madam, we have just escaped from the Nine Apertures Dragon Heart Cave. I wonder what the situation is like in the city, and what our plans are next?" Wen Caishang said, "There is no point in staying here any longer. We should find a way to move the treasures out of the city."

Li Xian said, "If He Wentian obstructs us, how will we handle it?"

Wen Caishang said, "I dare to return to the city, so I have nothing to fear from him." She added, "You don't need to concern yourself with what's going on here. I have my own plans."

Li Xian said, "By the way, Madam, I have something else to say." Wen Caishang thought to herself, "What trick is this brat up to now?" She asked calmly, "Just say it."

Li Xian said, "The silkworm cocoons in the side pavilion are still there. Where will I sleep tonight?"

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Having experienced this before, I shouldn't underestimate this kid. Today he massaged my feet, and I knew he was deliberately being cunning, but I still fell for his tricks. If I were to practice swordsmanship with him again, I'm afraid it would be even more difficult to deal with him." She laughed and said, "In that case, you might as well sleep next to me."

"There is a snow beast fur blanket next to my bed. Take a quilt and sleep in the fur blanket. I have been having nightmares lately, and I think I can feel a little more at ease with you by my side."

Li Xian bathed and changed clothes, then lay down on the snow-white blanket for a peaceful sleep. This was the third floor of the Bixiang Pavilion; looking up, one could see the bright moon shining through the window. A gentle breeze carried a hint of winter chill. A fireplace sat in the room, filled with burning incense charcoal. It was very warm, and a delicate fragrance permeated the air.

Wen Caishang lay on her side, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and said calmly, "You'd better go to sleep early, or I won't be so accommodating tomorrow. You need to tell me how you escaped from the Eight Absolute Seals."

Li Xian said helplessly, "Fine... fine." Wen Caishang said, "Hmph, I'll see what other abilities you have to hide tomorrow. You've really grown quite skilled, with the Demon and Monster Spear, the Pure Qi Robe, the Dual-Phase Form, the Double Pupil Form, the Perfect Form... you're truly blessed by heaven."

She casually remarked, "Could it be that the turbid clothes are also like two bodies in one, wearing two garments in one body?"

Li Xian wiped away his cold sweat, pretending to be fast asleep, and dared not respond. Wen Caishang stared for a moment, then also closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

...

...

The next day.

Xiao Tuan suddenly came to see her. Li Xian helped Wen Caishang change her clothes and comb her hair, then opened the door to see Xiao Tuan. Xiao Tuan hurriedly said, "Madam, something terrible has happened! There are so many people outside!"

Li Xian, anticipating that things wouldn't be calm, asked, "Who are these people?" Xiao Tuan shook her head, her two pigtails swaying gently, and said, "I don't know either, I don't recognize them, but I've seen them before. There are old people, young people, girls, quite a few."

Wen Caishang calmly said, "Since they are visiting, they are guests. Let's lead them in and have them sit down. Tell them I'm getting ready and ask them to wait a little longer." She tugged at Li Xian's sleeve, pointed to several boxes of expensive rouge in front of the dressing table, and said, "Li Lang, we have guests today. Please help me apply rouge."

Li Xian helped her apply makeup, adorn her beautiful face, and adorn her hair. Madam Wen turned gracefully before the mirror, quite pleased with herself. Then, with Li Xian's help, she went to greet the guests.

(P.S.: I'm asking for monthly votes at the beginning of the month. If I can make it onto the monthly vote rankings and get a little more exposure, that would be great...)

(End of this chapter)