Chapter 347 A Wicked Servant Teases His Master, Harmonious Relationship, Miraculous Use of Gods and Ghosts, and the Incredible Effect of a Murderous Robe

Seeing Wen Caishang's eyes shimmering with tears, her earlier laughter now replaced by a soft, tearful gaze, her cheeks flushed like cherry blossoms, her delicate charm fully revealed, Li Xian thought of the former "Sword-Broken Lady," who was always composed, elegant, gentle as water, yet ruthless as a snake. Yet here she was, pleading for mercy in such a pitiful state. The enchanting beauty was indescribable.

He thought to himself, "Madam is composed and mature, with graceful bearing and first-rate skills. Such a beauty is like the bright moon in the sky, unattainable. Just now, she begged me for mercy repeatedly. Such behavior is truly...rare."

Li Xian said seriously, "The wind and snow are so strong here. I couldn't hear what Madam said just now." Wen Caishang gritted her teeth, struggling in vain. She said in a deep voice, "You little rascal, know when to stop. If you keep messing around, I'll really... hahaha..." She felt a strong wind attacking the soles of her feet. Even though she was skilled in martial arts, she was helpless.

Seeing her rosy soles and toes like precious jade, fair and delicate, she was terrified and had nowhere to escape, swaying left and right but unable to escape her fate. After a burst of laughter, Wen Caishang no longer cared about saving face and begged for mercy in a pitiful voice: "Good hero, good hero, my good Li Lang, my dear Li Lang, please stop...stop, Caishang really knows she was wrong this time."

Li Xian said, "Oh, really?" Wen Caishang's cheeks flushed red, her strength almost completely depleted. Leaning against Li Xian, she gently nodded in defeat. She was utterly humiliated, both physically and mentally. Li Xian was extremely pleased with himself and asked casually, "I wonder where Madam went wrong?"

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Since I've fallen into your hands, I'm bound to suffer like this. This little rascal even... even asked me what I did wrong, isn't that... isn't that too embarrassing! I... how could I possibly comply with his wishes?" Stubbornly remaining silent, she looked away.

But then Li Xian made a slight movement, about to launch an attack. Wen Caishang felt a tickle in her feet and her scalp tingle; fear gripped her. Not wanting to suffer any further embarrassment, she quickly said, "I was wrong to lie to you, my dear husband, please stop teasing me. I... I've never... I've never been mocked like this before. I... I can't adapt to your treatment of me." Li Xian asked, "How strange! What did you lie to me about, madam? I'm utterly foolish; please enlighten me, madam."

Wen Caishang's pretty face turned red. Seeing that Li Xian was not letting it go and was determined to make things difficult for her, she had no choice but to say, "I... I was tricked by you, and this time I really have no way to get out of trouble. With all your tricks, even a real dragon would be completely captured, let alone me. I just tricked you and scared you to vent my anger, but who knew that you... you treated me so rudely."

Li Xian suddenly realized and said, "So Madam was tricking me. If you hadn't told me, I really wouldn't have known, and I might have already solved the mystery for you. What a close call!" Wen Caishang looked at him with resentment and said, "You little rascal, you're the most cunning of all, always finding ways to tease me. This crude trick probably won't fool you, and it only hurts yourself. It's really not worth it." She leaned against Li Xian's chest to recover her strength.

Li Xian pulled Wen Caishang into his arms, his expression serene and distant. He casually remarked, "What you said just now, Madam, does indeed make some sense. It really frightened me. I'm truly unsure whether the Silkworm Jade Robe can undo the Yin-Yang Sword Technique."

Seeing that the matter had been made clear, Wen Caishang blushed and said, "What can I do? My hands and feet are tied up by you, I can't move an inch. At this moment... although it is advantageous to the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique, I still have a move but nowhere to use it. Moreover, the Yin-Yang Sword Formation involves the essence of Yin and Yang. Although the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique is profound and infinitely mysterious, surpassing the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword and of much higher quality, there is no corresponding means to break the Yin-Yang Sword Formation. No matter how high the quality, it is hopeless. And... I still fell into the hands of you, you little thief, at your mercy... you..." Thinking of her begging for mercy just now, which was the only time she had ever done so in her life, her cheeks burned slightly.

Martial arts are vast and profound, with countless styles and techniques, each unique. The Silkworm Jade Robe Technique is inherently a skill of "entanglement" and "transformation," and the deeper one cultivates it, the more one becomes trapped in one's own web. It is utterly useless for escaping. Although Wen Caishang's sudden capture was beneficial for cultivating this technique, she was helpless against the restraints binding her entire body.

Li Xian understood and said, "So that's how it is. In that case, no matter how much I bully Madam, she can't do anything to me, right?" Wen Caishang's heart skipped a beat, and she said, "You brat, you naughty boy, you stinky brat, what else do you want?"

Li Xian said mischievously, "Madam has bullied me for a long time, and the resentment has run deep. It is only right that I repay her kindness." Wen Caishang sighed inwardly, and said softly, "Good sir, you are young and do not understand many things in the martial world. How could I have bullied you? I have been teaching and instructing you. You repay kindness with enmity, and you have failed to appreciate my good intentions."

Li Xian laughed and said, "But Madam always calls me an ingrate. I suppose I really am an ungrateful person." Wen Caishang said softly, "Nonsense, my dear husband, how could you be an ungrateful person? Good husband, please stop tormenting me." She tried to persuade him in every way, but it was no use. She could only let him bully her, begging for mercy and saying soft words.

The two played around for a while, and the water in the pot had been boiling for some time, with steam rising into the air. It was midnight, and the bright moon shone in the sky, its reflection shimmering in the lake, creating a serene scene.

Li Xian temporarily spared Wen Caishang and prepared the meal for the night. The long night was quite pleasant. Wen Caishang was extremely ashamed and resentful; her hair was slightly disheveled, and the gold hairpin holding her hair in place had slipped. She glanced at Li Xian with alluring eyes, her gaze full of charm. The aroma wafting from the pot indeed aroused her appetite.

Seeing that the broth was ready, Li Xian added the ingredients one by one. The venison was extremely fresh, sliced ​​as thin as cicada wings, and cooked quickly with a light dip. Li Xian dipped the meat in the sauce, then held his wife in his arms and fed her first. Wen Caishang thought, "This is the first time I've eaten like this. Although this boy is bad, when he's considerate, it's impossible to be annoyed with him. Oh well... Although I'm in a very awkward state, this place is quiet and deserted. It won't be too damaging to my reputation." She opened her mouth and chewed carefully.

Large and prominent families have strict rules. Those with profound family learning create a set of methods specifically for eating, called the "Method of Eating," meaning that the family has rules, and eating has methods. When Wen Caishang eats, she chews each bite thirty-seven times. Slow and deliberate, dignified and elegant. Following the Method of Eating, one's speech becomes refined, one's breath fragrant, and one's mouth remains clean of impurities. At family gatherings and banquets, the younger generation is subtly tested on their etiquette, and all manners of manners and cultivation come into play. Every action carries profound meaning.

Li Xian asked, "Madam, is it delicious?" Wen Caishang replied, "This is a hot pot from Flying Dragon City. I read about it in a book. When I first arrived in Flying Dragon City, I tried it with Xiao Tuan. The girl ate it happily, but I wasn't interested. This kind of food is strong in flavor and salt, which is what ordinary people like to eat. I don't like it, but just now I took a bite, and it was fragrant and sweet, and it suited my taste quite well."

Li Xian smiled and said, "Of course, this soup base is my own recipe. It contains more than ten kinds of herbs and many seasonings, so it can be considered a medicinal dish. I thought it would suit Madam's taste. Madam loves drinking tea and craves that lingering, sweet aftertaste. I remember all of this clearly." Wen Caishang was pleased to hear this, feeling somewhat comforted, as at least she had some conscience and remembered Li Xian's preferences. Just as she was about to praise her, she suddenly remembered her own disheveled state and changed her words, saying, "Flattery and ingratiation are annoying to look at and tiresome to hear."

Li Xian said, "Hmm?" Wen Caishang saw that Li Xian had become arrogant and domineering, and now she actually put on a show, clenching her teeth, unwilling to submit. But thinking of Li Xian's wrath and having nowhere to escape, she could only say, "Caishang knows she was wrong, good sir, don't be angry." After saying that, she kept asking herself, "Wen Caishang, Wen Caishang, when have you ever spoken so softly? Is this still you? If someone insults you, even if you lose your life, you would never say a soft word. But... there's no other way."

Li Xian smiled and said, "Madam, please try this donkey meat as well."

She picked up a slice of donkey meat, dipped it in the broth, and cooked it. The various herbs in the pot combined with the donkey meat, creating a unique and lingering aroma. Wen Caishang took a bite, slightly surprised, and said, "The color and taste are already quite good. Did you really make this broth yourself?"

Li Xian replied, "Yes!" with great excitement. It turned out that since meeting Wen Caishang in Flying Dragon City, he had used her wealth to sample many delicacies. At that time, his [Eating Skills] had reached perfection, and he had grasped the [Appraisal] characteristic, able to discern the origin and preparation method of anything he consumed. Combined with his [Culinary Skills], his knowledge had become increasingly abundant. Now, when preparing medicinal soups, although the ingredients were simple, their color and flavor were extraordinary.

He named it "Fragrant and Delicious Soup." The first slice of venison was already sweet and refreshing, with an excellent color and flavor. The second slice of donkey meat was even better. It wasn't an overpowering, rich flavor that filled the mouth; the first bite was amazing, the second was cloying, and there was no third bite. Instead, it was a slow, lingering aftertaste, becoming more and more fragrant with each sip. It was a truly delightful experience.

Wen Caishang exclaimed in surprise, "Your culinary skills are quite remarkable! This recipe can certainly bring in money." Li Xian asked, "Please enlighten me, Madam." Their relationship was complicated; they had exchanged harsh words during their sword fight on the lake, yet now they were unusually harmonious and warm. Wen Caishang glared at Li Xian resentfully; this man was only so polite when he needed her. She said, "The simplest way is for you to sell the recipe and you'll receive a reward. But it won't be much, at most a hundred taels of silver. If you open a restaurant and establish your own business, you can certainly make a fortune and earn a fortune every day."

"But opening a restaurant requires a lot of effort in cooking. And you need to have the strength to manage it, otherwise you will be envied, vandalized, burned down, and get yourself into a lot of trouble."

Li Xian seized the opportunity to ask, "If one is strong enough, can one open a restaurant?" Wen Caishang retorted, "You're so stupid, you've schemed against me so badly. You're so clever, asking me about such a simple matter. If you're strong enough, you can make a fortune in any of the 360 ​​trades, not just the food business. But the strength I'm referring to isn't just 'martial prowess,' but also methods, strategies, interpersonal skills, the ability to recognize and utilize talent… and so on. For example, if you open a restaurant, and you're very strong, you can drive away anyone who dares to challenge you. You can certainly keep the restaurant safe, but if there are troublemakers and dangerous fights every day, how can you make a living?"

"It also involves many underworld practices and the open and covert struggles with various professions. Furthermore, is it only you who are strong in martial arts, but others are not? In this matter, how to conduct oneself in society, how to deter others, the principles of reward and punishment, and how to weigh things up all require strength. Therefore, we martial artists, although we identify with 'martial arts,' are by no means reckless. We must be well-versed in all aspects, be adaptable in dealing with situations, and have both methods and martial prowess in order to succeed."

These words were truly heartfelt, and the experience and wisdom were invaluable. Wen Caishang's skillful words had tricked He Wentian into compromising his principles and opening his heart, only to have his defenses crumble. Her martial arts were profound, and her power terrifying; without He Wentian's help, she could never have accomplished such a feat. Li Xian was deeply moved, thinking, "If it weren't for Madam's instruction, I would have suffered greatly and encountered numerous setbacks trying to understand this on my own. Who else in the world, besides Madam, would share such wisdom with me?" He sincerely said, "Madam is absolutely right! Li Xian has learned a great deal."

Wen Caishang nodded, and said resentfully, "I haven't seen you do anything to loosen the ropes and make me feel a little more comfortable."

Li Xian laughed and said, "I'm afraid that won't work. Otherwise, I'll be the one to suffer." Wen Caishang said, "You know that too. Never mind, I know your temperament. I can't let you relax. I see you brought back a lot of food, so let me try some."

Li Xian said, "Okay."

A gentle breeze accompanied the meal, and beyond the secluded fields, steam rose from the pot as the two ate and drank together, chatting about everything under the sun. They took bites of each other's food, a strange harmony emerging between them. The broth boiled, snowflakes drifted outside, and inside, they leaned against each other, warming themselves by the charcoal fire—a truly peaceful and serene scene, one wishing it could be like this every day.

The fragrant and flavorful soup enhanced their appetite, and Li Xian and Wen Caishang ate to their hearts' content. Suddenly, they remembered that they had brought back a jar of fine wine called "Heavenly Dragon Strong Wine." This was the strongest wine in Flying Dragon City, and it was said that three bowls of it could intoxicate even martial artists from the Three Realms.

There was certainly some exaggeration involved, but it was clear the alcohol was very potent. Li Xian, who loved strong liquor, said, "Please drink, Madam." Wen Caishang's beautiful eyes were hazy as she opened her mouth and drank, her cheeks flushed. Li Xian also drank several bowls himself.

Thus, fine wine and good meat were served. The meal lasted a full hour, leaving only the broth nearly empty and a few drops of oil on the table. Both were slightly tipsy. Li Xian remarked, "I never imagined Madam could drink so much." They cleared away all the utensils—pots, bowls, chopsticks—and started cooking again, quickly removing all the grime and leaving everything sparkling clean.

Wen Caishang had seen this move several times before and was already curious. She asked, "Li Lang, what skill do you have? It seems to have the wonderful effect of removing impurities?"

Li Xian thought to himself, "There's no harm in talking about this." He smiled and said, "What you say is right, Madam. Besides, it can also ward off poisonous miasma and cleanse impurities." Wen Caishang asked in surprise, "In my opinion, it shouldn't be a martial art."

Li Xian said, "It is the second characteristic of the second realm of martial arts, the gathering of three flowers at the top. However, mine is slightly unique. I can exhale pure qi, and it is very rich. Madam, is your second characteristic unique?"

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "If that's really the case... Li Xian's talent is astonishing, and his characteristics are also different." She shook her head and said, "As far as I know, the second characteristic of the second realm has rarely been of any use. Your ability to exhale clear air is truly rare. My second characteristic is no different."

Wen Caishang's beautiful eyes flashed, and she asked with a cold laugh, "Since the second characteristic is so unusual, then the third and fourth characteristics must also be different, right?"

Li Xian thought to himself, "The matter of the 'Divine Ghostly Robe' is still unknown to anyone. This is a major trump card that cannot be used lightly. But since we've already brought this up, I might as well subtly inquire about it from you, Madam." He replied, "Madam thinks too highly of me. I'm already extremely fortunate to have one unique feature. The rest is quite ordinary."

Wen Caishang snorted coldly, thinking, "I know you're a brat, you'll never tell me the truth. I wonder who's been supporting your martial arts. If it weren't for me, would you be where you are today? Now you're even more... even more rebellious, you've even tied me up." She turned her head away, sulking.

At this moment, Wen Caishang was leaning against Li Xian's chest, yet she was quite attached to this embrace. Suddenly, she felt her warm embrace empty. Li Xian gently placed her on the futon, then leaped down from the carriage. Wen Caishang could hardly move; her limbs were bent backward, leaving her with nowhere to put her weight, and she couldn't help but be curious. After a moment, Li Xian returned to the carriage, pulled her back into his arms, and now held two swords in his hands.

It was the "White Snake Soft Sword" and the "Green Sword".

The two once fought a fierce sword duel, but then discarded their swords, planting one in a tree trunk and the other diagonally into the ground.

Li Xian exhaled a breath of fresh air, and his twin swords gleamed as if new. The White Serpent Soft Sword had a white hilt with a golden tassel at the back. He asked, "Madam, you usually hide your White Serpent Soft Sword inside the Void Demon Robe, don't you?" Wen Caishang replied, "It seems you have a basic understanding of the Nine Types of Void Robes. That's right, the White Serpent Soft Sword is usually hidden inside the Void Robe. And since the Void Robe is illusory, if I don't take it out, no one can see the White Serpent Soft Sword, and no one can take it away."

Li Xian sighed, "What a peculiar turbid robe! How much can a lady's turbid robe hold?" Wen Caishang was eccentric, fierce as she was, yet easily coaxed. Now held in his arms, she said, "This Mustard Void Demon Robe of mine has three inner pockets and crevices between the sleeves. The White Snake Sword is usually hidden in these crevices."

Li Xian was extremely envious and said, "A lady is indeed a lady, her abilities are unfathomable." Wen Caishang sighed, "Yet I was captured alive by you, you little thief. My reputation is utterly ruined here."

Li Xian laughed and said, "In the end, it was only because Madam gave in to me that I was able to act so arrogantly. If she hadn't, how could a mere boy like me have the skills and abilities to rival Madam? I have always respected and feared Madam." Wen Caishang said resentfully, "When you resort to underhanded tactics, I don't see any fear or respect for me from you. It's all just empty talk."

Li Xian laughed and said, "Is that so? Then I'll use the same trick again and let Madam see clearly. Perhaps then she can see some respect and fear." After saying that, Wen Caishang felt an itch on her feet.

Her ribs were also attacked. Wen Caishang glared angrily, suppressing her laughter, determined to fight back. However, her nature was hard to resist, and she still giggled sweetly. After another half hour of playful antics, the commotion gradually subsided, ending only when Wen Caishang begged for mercy. Li Xian asked, "Madam, am I respecting you or not? Am I afraid of you or not?"

Wen Caishang, still shaken but also amused, said, "Fine, fine, you respect me, but you're also afraid of me. I can't do anything about it, so I have to swallow my pride and submit. My whole life... I've been tormented by you, so this is my retribution."

The two returned to the main topic. Li Xian asked, "Madam, there's a saying in the martial arts world that there are nine types of 'turbid-clothed' people, spoken with absolute certainty. But who made that rule?"

Wen Caishang's beautiful eyes flickered as she pondered, "This young man's martial arts have not been taught by his family or sect, and he has many questions about common knowledge. Usually, when he asks me about related matters, I always give partial answers. This is because he is very clever and cunning. Now, he is asking me about this matter, which is probably not just a request for guidance. Perhaps... he is trying to find out some things indirectly. I will play along with his wishes and try to get some information out of him." She said, "It is not a rule set by anyone, but rather a summary and conclusion drawn from the observations of martial artists throughout history."

Li Xian asked, "In that case, looking at the past and present, there must be some omissions, right?" Wen Caishang said, "Who in the world can seek perfection? If there are omissions, it is indeed normal. Moreover, tattered clothes have different names. For example, ragged clothes are called 'beggar's clothes' or 'wimp's clothes' in some families and places."

He continued, "Your Pure Qi Robe also has another name, 'Overbearing True Robe.' Have you discovered anything about it?"

Li Xian shook his head and said, "It's not really that, it's just that I'm extremely curious, curious whether there are any undiscovered turbid garments in this world." Wen Caishang said, "You mean the tenth turbid garment? Although it's not impossible, after all, things are unpredictable. But the possibility is very small, because since ancient times, through countless years of observation and summarization, almost all possibilities have been taken into account. To suddenly think that a tenth turbid garment has appeared would be too frightening."

Wen Caishang laughed and said, "There are some self-taught martial artists who think they are unique and have extraordinary talent. They regard their own filthy clothes as the tenth filthy clothes, when in fact they are nothing more than tattered clothes."

Having said that, a glint flashed in her beautiful eyes: "This boy is not asking questions without reason. Since his second characteristic is already special, his third and fourth characteristics must be anything but simple. He can fool others, but he can't fool me." She was furious but couldn't punish Li Xian.

Li Xian said, "Madam, I once glimpsed something in a random book. It was said that there was a type of turbid clothing, related to gods and ghosts, and quite strange. What kind of turbid clothing was it?"

Wen Caishang said, "Since it's just some random book, why believe it so easily?" Li Xian said, "I know that you are very knowledgeable, and when I'm by your side, I inevitably have some doubts, so I just ask directly. It's not a matter of believing or not believing."

Wen Caishang pondered for a moment and said, "It concerns the filthy clothes of gods and ghosts. According to that idle book, it probably doesn't fall into the nine categories of filthy clothes. What other characteristics are recorded in that book?"

Li Xian said, "I only glanced at it briefly and didn't pay much attention, thinking it was a lie. But the book says that if this garment were to appear, it would be like a prison descending upon the world, disrupting the heavenly order and reversing yin and yang. Haha, I'm afraid it's just empty boasting. I wonder which storyteller fabricated such a thing to fool ordinary young people who are new to the martial arts world."

Wen Caishang's beautiful eyes were filled with resentment as she thought to herself, "I think it was you!" She had a hunch about how Li Xian had managed to escape. She said, "I'm afraid it's not all fabricated. Now that you mention it, I'm reminded of some secrets."

Li Xian feigned nonchalance: "Oh?" Wen Caishang said: "Alas, I suppose that secret is all lies and no truth, what's the point of telling it? Never mind, never mind."

Li Xian said, "Please speak, Madam. I am very curious." Wen Caishang said, "If you really want to hear it, you should at least show some sincerity."

Seeing Li Xian's confusion, she scolded, "I knew you wouldn't untie me, but helping me improve blood circulation and massage should make me feel better. You brat, do you really want to tie me up to death?" Li Xian said "Oh" twice and quickly massaged and circulated blood for Wen Caishang.

Wen Caishang said, "If such a garment truly exists, it would be quite astonishing. Since this garment can reverse yin and yang and confuse the secrets of heaven, it is unpredictable and its fate is uncertain. I have said before that I somewhat believe in the concept of fate."

Li Xian nodded secretly. Wen Caishang continued, "If the records in those miscellaneous books are true, it is difficult to know elsewhere, but this Tenth Turbid Robe may have an extremely powerful ability. It may even surpass the Mustard Void Demon Robe."

After obtaining the Ghostly Robe, Li Xian began to explore its uses. However, due to his limited knowledge and experience, although it was effective, his progress was slow.

Wen Caishang said, "Do you still remember what happened at Tiger Cry Ridge?"

Li Xian said, "Of course I remember. Although it was dangerous, it was also very happy. At that time, I only hoped to stay in the forest with my wife." Wen Caishang's heart softened, and she muttered a soft curse, "Smooth talker." She then said, "There are hanged ghosts and accomplices in Tiger Cry Ridge."

"I speculate that the tenth type of turbid clothing is capable of 'absorbing ghosts'."

(End of this chapter)