Chapter 343 His self-aggrandizement enraged the lady; regret came too late, and he could barely protect himself.

Wen Caishang frowned slightly. Although she sensed a change in Li Xianyin, she didn't know the details. Seeing Li Xianyin's mastery of the second realm, and how he still managed to maintain his sharp edge despite the oppression of the five mountains, her spirit was indeed extraordinary.

A deafening roar followed, and the five mountains trembled violently, cracks spreading as they suddenly collapsed! Mud, sand, and boulders tumbled down, threatening to engulf and bury people. Li Xian and Wen Caishang, caught in the turmoil, appeared incredibly small and were in imminent danger of being buried alive.

Although the strange scene was an illusion, the force of the cascading mud and rocks was real. Every blade of grass, every stone, and every grain of sand that rolled and pressed down was a deadly move by the five elders. In essence, it was a sharp sword aimed directly at the vital points.

With a deafening crash, a massive boulder covered in moss and vines tumbled down from the mountain, accompanied by countless grains of sand and mud, its momentum overwhelming! This extraordinary sight was actually Wang Zongheng wielding his giant sword in a vertical slash and Xiao Wanjian unleashing a rapid thrust with his swift sword.

However, combined with the scattering of light and shadow around them, Hou Yuande's "illusionary sword" created an otherworldly phenomenon. It transformed the swordplay of the two into a rolling mountain of rocks. Upon seeing this deadly move, onlookers would likely surrender without resistance, obediently being buried and swallowed by the flash flood. Even those with extraordinary courage could not fathom the mystery within, seeing only the rolling boulders and mud as an illusion, and thus could only struggle in vain.

The boulder was a feint; the real killing move was hidden in the fine, scattered sand. Li Xian remained calm, completely ignoring the strange phenomena in the sky, and suddenly thrust forward with a light, gentle thrust.

His moves were extremely ordinary, yet they contained the principles of Yin and Yang, demonstrating a profound mastery of swordsmanship. Wherever his sword pointed, the mud and sand dissipated, and the overwhelming pressure from the sky vanished in an instant.

Li Xian possessed double pupils, so these illusory and strange sights were no longer frightening to him.

Moreover, the two swords combined, utilizing Wen Caishang's cultivation to unleash sword techniques, contained boundless evolutions, their power truly indescribable. This simple thrust contained immense martial principles; with a sharp "clang," Li Xian's sword pierced the mud and sand, sparking as the tip pressed against the other longsword. Xiao Wanjian's extremely powerful sword strike, hidden within the illusion, was easily suppressed by Li Xian.

After the duel was arranged, Xiao Wanjian, Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongheng, and Hou Yuande diligently practiced their sword techniques together, combining their respective strengths. Their sword moves complemented and reinforced each other, creating a cascade of extraordinary effects that produced this remarkable spectacle. Although they sensed that victory would not be easy, they were confident they could force Wen Caishang to reveal some of her tricks.

Unexpectedly, Li Xian blocked it first.

Li Xian's aura shifted slightly, his eyes narrowed, and his sword strikes became a world of their own, each movement possessing its own unique character. After deciphering Xiao Wanjian's killing move, he swiftly advanced, ignoring Wang Zongheng's simultaneous attack. At this moment, although they were using their swords together, Li Xian was the master, and Wen Caishang was the follower. The rhythm and coordination of their swordplay were entirely under Li Xian's control. If he wanted to unleash a killing move, Wen Caishang could only follow his lead and join him in attack.

The two swords flashed, launching a combined attack. In an instant, Xiao Wanjian suffered numerous sword wounds, struggling to parry and retreating step by step. With each step, the ice beneath his feet melted from the heat, leaving wet footprints. Affected by the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword, his Yin and Yang were out of balance, his internal organs, flesh, and bones were being cooked, and his whole body was burning with extreme heat.

He roared and, disregarding everything, thrust his sword fiercely at the two men. The two exchanged rapid sword strikes, slashing left and right, their movements like phantoms, severing the swords piece by piece. The Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword Technique evolved, possessing a charm that simplified complexity.

The bizarre phenomena that filled the sky collapsed and dissipated.

Hu Yueyue and Duan Yixin revealed themselves, and were shocked to see this, immediately rushing to their aid. They attacked from both sides. Wen Caishang swept her sword away, the soft sword spiraling and extending to intercept Hu Yueyue. Li Xian used the momentum to strike at Duan Yixin. His sword seemed to contain a world, and with simple thrusts, all sorts of mysteries and wonders rushed towards him.

Duan Yixin had never seen such swordsmanship in his life. He was momentarily flustered and deeply understood Xiao Wanjian's predicament. Wen Caishang sensed something was amiss, but she didn't know that beyond the pinnacle of skill lay the realm of "Great Self," a feeling she couldn't easily articulate. Although she intended to observe from the sidelines, she was ultimately worried about Li Xian. With a few casual moves, the White Snake Soft Sword forced Hu Yueyue into a staggered retreat, then lightly touched the ground with her toes, gracefully leaping up and over Li Xian's shoulder to strike Duan Yixin from above, joining forces with Li Xian against their common foe.

She grazed Duan Yixin's cheeks with both swords, and Duan Yixin was immediately overpowered. He screamed several times and flew backward, defeated and fallen from the battle. At this time, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance was already showing signs of decline, its morale greatly diminished, and it was unlikely to achieve great things. Afterwards, Hu Yueyue and Wang Zongheng were defeated one after another. They resisted stubbornly, but could not reverse the defeat. Their swords were knocked away, and they were seriously injured.

Wang Zongheng fell into the lake, soaking wet and chilled to the bone.

After Hou Yuande was also defeated, the battle was already a great victory. Wen Caishang wanted to withdraw her sword and put the White Snake Soft Sword back into the 'Mustard Void Demon Robe'. Li Xian suddenly stretched out his sword, the green sword blocking the blade of the White Snake Soft Sword, preventing Wen Caishang from withdrawing her sword. He retained the sword stance of the "Yin Yang Immortal Couple Sword" and stood side by side, the two swords crossing and blocking each other.

Wen Caishang was slightly surprised. Seeing Li Xian stop her from stopping, she guessed that he was just naturally cautious. She thought to herself, "This kid is extremely cautious. These five elders are all seriously injured. Could he possibly cause any trouble? Oh well, being cautious in the martial world can only bring benefits and no harm. Let him be."

Hu Yueyue, Wang Zongheng, Xiao Wanjian, Hou Yuande, and Duan Yixin were in a sorry state, helping each other to their feet. Their bodies were covered with holes, sword marks, cuts, and bloodstains.

Hu Yueyue said, "You two are indeed formidable. As expected... we have suffered a crushing defeat and are completely convinced of our superiority. The matter concerning the tomb was an offense committed by our Five Mountains Sword Alliance!"

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Although I don't take these five people seriously, I won't lose out by resolving this way. Besides, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance's treasured swords are indeed extraordinary; I can collect them and give them to Li Xian to play with in the future." She smiled gently and said, "Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, let's let this matter rest. As the ancients said, 'No fight, no friendship.' Caishang and you all have become acquainted. I will soon host a banquet for the disciples of the Five Mountains Sword Sect. We can thoroughly discuss everything at the banquet and settle our scores over a cup of wine, how about that?"

Hu Yueyue said, "Madam Wen's considerations are thorough. This is good, very good." Xiao Wanjian said, "We, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance, will follow Madam's wishes, attend the banquet, drink wine, and let bygones be bygones!"

Wang Zongheng sighed, "From now on, no one should easily mention anything about the tomb. The loss of our Five Mountains Sword Alliance disciples has nothing to do with you, Madam. We apologize for the disturbance caused in the tomb, once we return to our sect, we will send out the precious sword as an apology!"

Wen Caishang slowly said, "Caishang is not a person who covets wealth. There were many misunderstandings in the tomb. Caishang is just a weak woman, and it is inevitable that she did not handle things very well. In this matter, I also made mistakes. Let bygones be bygones. As for the sword, there is no need to mention it."

Xiao Wanjian said, "Madam Wen, our five sects have made up our minds to send the sword. We hope you will accept it." Several elders advised her, and Wen Caishang sighed, "Very well, things have come to this point. If I don't accept it, it would seem unreasonable. I will do as the elders say."

Li Xian suddenly said, "Madam, I feel there's something amiss." Wen Caishang frowned. Li Xian was usually quite obedient and never contradicted her in public. She was slightly annoyed, but asked softly, "What's wrong? Li Lang, tell me."

Li Xian said, "In my opinion, there's no need to hold this banquet to settle scores. The Five Mountains Sword Alliance has gone through many twists and turns on this trip, and the elders and disciples must be exhausted. Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, it's better to return to the sect as soon as possible to avoid any further trouble."

The five men exchanged glances. Wen Caishang asked softly, "The Five Mountains Sword Alliance is renowned, but a daring and cunning villain like He Wentian is rare indeed. Li Lang, do you dislike them, or do you find the banquet too noisy?"

Li Xian said, "I think it's better not to hold a banquet. This way, Madam can save some money. It's for Madam's sake."

Wen Caishang stared at him intently, noticing that Li Xian's expression was ordinary, but she sensed something unusual. She smiled and said, "Then, Li Lang, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Li Xian said, "As I just said, please let the Five Mountains Sword Alliance return to their sect as soon as possible. Just pretend that you never encountered us in Flying Dragon City." Wen Caishang stared at Li Xian for a few breaths, then smiled at the five elders and said, "Very well, since Li Lang has spoken, we can only follow his wishes regarding the banquet. Elders, please go back."

Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongheng, Hou Yuande, and Xiao Wanjian all sensed the subtle atmosphere. Knowing Wen Fucaishang's eccentric nature, they understood that her gentle demeanor and soft voice concealed deadly intent. Staying away from her was the best course of action. They all bowed and said, "Since that's the case, then we'll take our leave. With everything settled, our Five Mountains Sword Alliance will withdraw tomorrow."

After the five people had gone far away, Wen Caishang looked calmly at Li Xian with her beautiful eyes and said, "Li Lang, I didn't like your performance just now."

Li Xian said, "Madam, I'm doing this for your own good." Wen Caishang said softly, "Stop talking nonsense, you can't fool me. Why did you send them away in such a hurry?"

Li Xian said in a deep voice, "It's so that no one will disturb us anymore. Madam, I have something to tell you." Wen Caishang frowned and asked, "What is it?"

Li Xian said, "Madam, I am grateful for your care, for helping me with martial arts, for passing on your skills, and for teaching me the ways of the martial world. I will always be sincere towards you."

Wen Caishang was usually delighted to hear sweet words. But in this situation, she suspected Li Xian had something to say next. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and amidst the howling wind and snow that carried a chilling pressure, she asked, "And then?"

Li Xian felt uneasy. He had never truly faced his wife before, much less stood against her. At this moment, he felt extremely oppressed, as if pricked by thorns and with a fishbone stuck in his throat. He forced himself to remain calm and said, "But my wife... I still want to go out and explore."

Wen Caishang immediately understood: "So that's how it is. He stopped me from sheathing my sword earlier because he wanted to use his superior skill with the Sunset Blood Sword to intimidate me. Now that there's no one else around, he thinks he can defeat me with this advantage, and that's when he showed his fangs. You little ingrate, you're quite cunning! You've done this again and again, do you really think I have a good temper?" Her beautiful eyes flashed with a strange light, and she made a move to sheath her sword.

Their swords clashed; she withdrew her sword slightly, and Li Xian advanced slightly. Their swordplay remained balanced, yin and yang in equilibrium. Wen Caishang knew her guess was correct, a chilling feeling rising in her heart, but she smiled gently, saying, "Li Lang, are you planning to leave me again?"

Li Xian said, "No." Wen Caishang said, "Oh?" Li Xian said, "My roots will always be with you, Madam, and I will always return. I'm just going out to explore the world, not leaving you. I hope you will allow me to."

Wen Caishang asked, "How long will you wander? One year? Two years? Three years? Li Lang, are you really willing to leave me alone in this empty manor, with no one to keep me company?" Li Xian sincerely replied, "Of course I am unwilling, but a man's ambition lies in all directions. If you don't stop me this time, Madam, I will always come back."

Wen Caishang's face suddenly turned cold. She was usually very composed, and even when furious, her expression remained calm. But now, however, she lost her composure, extremely angry, and could no longer restrain herself. She sneered, "You little brat, I think you're courting death, that you've grown wings. You say a man's ambition lies in all corners of the world, and you even told me to wait for you? What are you? How dare you ask me to wait for you? What am I waiting for you for? You're out there having a good time, and you'll come back to me when you need me? Am I that stupid, that I can't live without you?"

Li Xian said self-deprecatingly, "I misspoke. If Madam has other choices, how could I presume to say another word?"

His words enraged Wen Caishang even more, and she kept cursing, "You brat!" Her expression softened, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she said coldly, "Li Xian, I know what you're planning. If you take back what you said now and obediently listen to my arrangements, I can pretend that nothing ever happened."

Wen Caishang said coldly, "To tell you the truth, this Morning Dew was meant to lure you here. All this trouble I've gone through is to find you. If you escaped once, I could still say you're just naturally playful. If you escaped twice, I could still say you don't know what's good for you. But if you try to escape a third time, you're just asking for trouble."

"Do you think I, Wen Caishang, would go to such lengths to keep a man? If you anger me, even if I like you, do you think I won't kill you? I, Wen Caishang, have never been so patient. I believe I have done more than enough for you. You'd better know when to stop. If things really escalate, you won't be able to bear the consequences."

Her voice was calm, yet the moment it rang out, the atmosphere grew even more somber. The wind and snow ceased, and the fish and beasts in the lake inexplicably died, rising to the surface.

Li Xian smiled bitterly, "Madam, why did you insist on..." Wen Caishang said coldly, "Hmph, do you need to ask me? If it weren't for me, you would be nothing but a filthy servant, your life as worthless as mud. Who cleansed your womb, who taught you martial arts, who taught you your first martial art, and who helped you build your martial arts foundation? You are mine to begin with. If I'm happy, I'll reward you with a few grapes; if I'm not happy, I'll give you a few beatings and a few sword strikes."

"I treated you well because of your loyalty. But you've become increasingly arrogant, forgetting your place and doing all these rebellious things. If I were to hold it against you, you would have been torn to pieces long ago. I only tolerated you because you were somewhat novel and had decent looks, to alleviate my loneliness. What will you be worth when I get tired of you? You not only don't try your best to please me, but you're also so ungrateful. It's utterly ridiculous, absurd, and stupid." She was furious at this point, and her words were extremely vicious.

Li Xian sighed inwardly, "So that's how Madam sees me." His resolve strengthened, he calmly said, "If that's the case, then let me go. Why be angry, Madam? I'm just a lowly servant, all alone. Like a snowflake, I drift aimlessly, neither heavy nor light. Letting me drift away is perfectly acceptable. As for favors, I did save Madam's life once, so let's settle that now. Wouldn't it be better if we didn't bother each other anymore?"

Wen Caishang's anger surged, her chest heaving. She had never been so furious in her life, feeling that even a fraction of her rage could melt the snow for miles around. She said fiercely, "You lowly slave, saving me was your duty. What debt of gratitude? You're the only one who owes me, never me. Humph, what snowflakes, drifting around? They're just an eyesore to me!" With a flick of her sleeve, the snowflakes turned to dust.

Li Xian said, "Hmph! Since that's the case, what else is there to say? If I am no match for him, I will simply die."

Wen Caishang suddenly paused, seeing Li Xian's resolute and cold expression. She felt both pain and anger, realizing her words had been too harsh. She was inexperienced in matters of the heart and didn't know how to handle the situation. Suddenly, a thought arose to salvage the situation; she wanted to tell Li Xian that her words were merely spoken in anger. But then she thought, who was she, Wen Caishang? Why should she bow down to this petty thief? She thought bitterly, "Just wait until I capture this little thief, and you'll regret what you've done today for the rest of your life!" She said, "Fine, fine, you brat, when that time comes, you won't have it so easy to die."

She said coldly, "If you want to play, I'll play with you." The White Serpent Soft Sword struck in an instant. Li Xian focused his mind to defend, while Wen Caishang used the "Frosty Moon Waxing and Void Sword" and Li Xian used the "Setting Sun and Fading Blood Sword," both constantly under the shadow of the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword's aura.

Just like their duel in the past, this time the swords were pointed inwards. Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Although your Yang Sword skills are a notch above mine, your combat experience and martial arts evolution... are far inferior to mine. To think you can oppose me with such methods is utterly foolish." Her attack was extremely swift.

Regardless of Wen Caishang's attacks, Li Xian kept his sword close, parrying and deflecting every move. Wen Caishang sensed something amiss, and the two combined their swords, their swordplay enveloping each other. Yang deficiency replenishes Yin, Yin deficiency replenishes Yang… Wen Caishang's cultivation was extremely high, and her Yin sword's evolution was terrifying. Li Xian's cultivation was lower, and his Yang sword's evolution was less effective. However, during their exchange, Wen Caishang's moves would ironically help her Yang sword evolve to counter her Yin sword.

This kept the two swords in balance. Their forces were like fire and water, yet they remained balanced. Wen Caishang realized, "No wonder you dared to oppose me. Hmph, the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword alone gave you a huge advantage. Within its aura, even with your low cultivation, you could hold your own for a long time. But the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword is merely a superior sword technique. Do you think I, Wen Caishang, have no other moves besides this?"

He immediately unleashed other martial arts techniques, but suddenly felt the sword's force was soft and sticky, and the yin and yang energies around both of them were intertwined. Li Xianjian moved with him, revealing his great self-mastery, and took the initiative to pull Wen Caishang into the fray.

Enveloped by the sword's aura, Wen Caishang's expression changed drastically. She realized with shock that she was no longer in control of her own body, and all her martial arts skills and cultivation were extremely difficult to unleash. She was deeply trapped in the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword's aura and could not extricate herself for the time being. She was forced to take the blows.

Wen Caishang exclaimed in surprise, "How is this possible?" While defending against Li Xian's sword attacks, she tried to break free. She only needed to break free for a moment to capture Li Xian instantly.

Wen Caishang grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed. "I know his 'Sunset Bloodfall Sword' technique is unparalleled. Although he's slightly stronger than me, he's far from trapping me in his swordplay." She gritted her teeth, glared angrily at Li Xian, and muttered, "You scoundrel! Cunning!"

She was now trapped, and tried several times to drop the sword and escape. But the hilt seemed to be glued to her hand. The entanglement of Yin and Yang was a profound truth. Sweat beaded on Wen Caishang's forehead as she struggled more and more, her beautiful eyes wide with shock: "This is clearly the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword! Even if you've reached the pinnacle of skill, you shouldn't be this powerful. What kind of sorcery have you used?"

Li Xian smiled and asked, "Madam, have you ever heard of the 'Greater Self' realm?"

Wen Caishang said, "The Great Self?" Her pupils contracted slightly. She was very knowledgeable and had seen the term "Great Self" in ancient books. However, it was too mysterious. Throughout history, countless martial arts had reached their peak, but records of those who achieved "Great Self" were rare. Therefore, she only regarded it as hearsay, or that some ignorant person had mistaken the realm of "reaching the peak" or "perfection" for the realm of "Great Self".

Wen Caishang gritted her teeth and said in a deep voice, "You have mastered the Sunset Blood Sword to the pinnacle? Reached the Great Self Realm? Does such martial arts really exist in this world?"

Li Xian said, "Of course I do. Otherwise, Madam would have already defeated me. The only thing I could rely on to deal with Madam is the 'Yin Yang Immortal Couple Sword,' which I can use to take full advantage of her when we combine our powers."

Wen Caishang was extremely shocked and furious, and cursed, "What a scheme! I should have known that you would never do something unprepared. Since you dare to turn against me, you must be confident in dealing with me."

Li Xian shook his head and said, "I have never fallen out with Madam. But Madam's words just now hurt me deeply." Wen Caishang felt sorry for her, but angrily said, "You brat, take this!" She thrust her sword several times, but Li Xian easily deflected them.

Wen Caishang had never suffered such a great loss before, but the more she fought, the weaker she became. It was as if an old man was toying with a child; she possessed profound cultivation, yet Li Xian used it to counter her swordsmanship. Wen Caishang coldly retorted, "You brat, you can indeed stall me by taking advantage of this. But once your sword momentum dissipates, you'll be nothing more than an ant in my eyes, easily crushed in an instant. Didn't you want to leave? Where can you go by stalling like this?"

Seeing Wen Caishang's barely concealed anger, Li Xian had never seen his wife like this before. Her cheeks were flushed, and she glared angrily, yet she possessed a unique charm. He said, "Doesn't my wife understand me? This Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword contains the principles of Yin and Yang, and truly has the ability to simplify the complex and transform the immortal into the mortal."

"I only need to borrow your cultivation level to slowly evolve the principles within the sword. This will prevent you from using your cultivation for several days."

Wen Caishang roared, "How dare you!" Seizing the opportunity, she kicked out with her right foot. Li Xian didn't dodge but grabbed her ankle, forcing Wen Caishang to stand on one leg. She still managed to strike Li Xian with her White Snake Sword, barely managing to defend herself.

Li Xian said, "Now that things have come to this, what do I have to be afraid of?" Wen Caishang let out a soft "Ah!" as her right boot was removed. Her pretty face flushed red, and her anger subsided somewhat. Then, unable to contain her shame and rage, she thrust her soft sword at Li Xian's left rib, forcing him to defend himself before hastily withdrawing his foot.

Her hair was slightly disheveled, her long hair flowing, and she possessed an elegant demeanor. However, with one foot bare and the other intact, she couldn't help but feel rather strange and disheveled. Wen Caishang tried to break free, but Li Xian's "Yin Yang Immortal Couple Sword" was far superior to hers.

They fought several more times. Taking advantage of the situation, Li Xian grabbed and removed the gold hairpin that held Wen Caishang's hair in place. Wen Caishang's long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her teeth clenched, her eyes blazing with anger. Even when she was on the run and severely injured, she had never felt so humiliated.

The sound of swords clashing rang out, their shadows overlapping. Wen Caishang unleashed "Falling Moon Like a Falling Star," while Li Xian countered with "Standing Like a Suspended Sun." The two sword techniques collided, and Li Xian immediately deflected his blade. Wen Caishang, far less skilled than him, was drawn in by his sword. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled Wen Caishang into his arms.

Wen Caishang felt the warmth around her waist, her body went limp, and her anger subsided by three points. Her heart was filled with helplessness, frustration, and extreme regret: "I should have known this boy had ulterior motives. Now look what's happened. He's gained power, and even I can't protect myself."

(End of this chapter)