Chapter 113: Twenty Big Sticks, Madam Preaching
At noon, the sun was high in the sky. It was already June, and the weather was hot and the summer heat was intense.
The inner courtyard of Yihe Village.
Because of its excellent feng shui, it is warm in winter and cool in summer, making it very comfortable.
Madam Wen's long hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a white silk dress, her graceful figure and elegant demeanor captivating. She was sitting on a bench in the courtyard, resting with her eyes closed.
"They're here."
She spoke softly, without raising her head, her eyes still slightly closed, as if enjoying the sunlight.
Li Xian had arrived ahead of time, unaware that the lady was already there. He immediately offered some words of apology. The lady waved her hand dismissively and remained silent.
Continue basking in the sun.
Helpless, Li Xian had no choice but to stay with her.
At the same time, he was curious, as it was the first time he had seen the lady so relaxed. She didn't even tie up her long hair; it just hung down like that.
She had a stunning figure and a casual demeanor, yet her allure was innate.
A faint fragrance of hair lingered around my nose.
“You will perform a set of Azure Palm techniques in front of me.”
Half an hour later, a thick cloud obscured the sunlight. Only then did the lady speak.
"good!"
Li Xian dared not hold back. He immediately condensed his Qi into his palms and slowly and gently struck out several palms into the air. Gradually, his palm techniques became more and more complex, and his method of condensing Qi became more and more intricate.
His body moved in unison with his palm, and after a moment, the palm wind changed its momentum, becoming like the surging waves of a great river. The palm wind whipped around, and Li Xian's long hair danced in the air.
Madam Wen was slightly taken aback. She had Li Xian demonstrate the "Azure Palm" just to assess his martial arts foundation. To understand a martial artist's temperament, character, and knowledge, one should look at the martial arts they have learned and used.
This is Madam Wen's second level of examination.
The result surprised her.
"This boy practiced the palm technique for about half a year before I sent him to Black River Village. When he returned, the Azure Palm technique had already been perfected. Although he received my guidance, his comprehension is certainly not lacking."
Even the well-traveled Madam Wen was quite astonished upon seeing this. She examined Li Xian's palm strikes and discovered the techniques, rhythm, and methods of qi circulation...
They all did an excellent job.
Moreover, it has a natural and effortless beauty that is hard to describe.
"Very good." Madam Wen stood up, broke off a peach blossom branch, and gently pointed it at Li Xian.
Seeing that the lady wanted to test his martial arts, Li Xian immediately retaliated with a palm strike, showing no mercy. He unleashed a move called "Overturning River Azure Silk," a powerful attack combining offense and defense, where both palms struck simultaneously, their force surging like a rushing river.
But the palm strikes were just completed, with both palms slightly extended, before they had truly clashed.
Li Xian was mentally planning the next moves when he suddenly realized with horror that no matter how he struck, he would inevitably have his throat slit within the next ten moves.
Just as water flows downhill, the surge will eventually subside; it is inevitable and unchangeable.
The way the lady held the branch was ingenious; the moment she pointed it out, no matter how Li Xian parried or how his moves changed, there was only one outcome.
This is something that Li Xian cannot understand at this stage.
The only option is to retreat in order to advance, but the force of the Azure Wave Palm is like a surging wave; how can it be withdrawn so easily?
Immediately, Li Xian reversed his palm strikes, landing one on his lower abdomen and the other on his shoulder. As the force dissipated, he used the momentum to turn and retreat, rolling backward.
"Huh?"
Madam Wen lightly waved the branch and said, "Why would you rather hurt yourself than back down?"
"Reporting to Madam," Li Xian said, sweating profusely and looking somewhat disheveled, "if I don't retreat, I will surely die within ten moves. I have no choice but to injure myself and retreat immediately."
This encounter finally allowed him to catch a glimpse of something.
A martial artist like Madam, with just her martial arts skills, could easily overwhelm me with a mere bit of force.
"You're not wrong."
Madam Wen moved gracefully, tapping several acupoints on Li Xian with tree branches, and said, "Although this Azure Palm technique is of high quality, it was only created on a whim when I was watching the river."
"There are many fatal flaws in it. If you use it within Qingning County, you don't need to worry. But if you go to a higher place, it will be tantamount to throwing your life away."
Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Madam."
Madam Wen looked up and examined him closely for a moment. Suddenly, she thought to herself, "His eyebrows are clear, his eyes are bright, and his nose is straight. Regardless of anything else, this young man is certainly handsome."
This is the second time I've made such a comment.
Compared to last time, Li Xian has grown, becoming more spirited, handsome, and mature. Although still a boy, his experiences in Heihe Village have given him a more composed demeanor and a manly spirit that shines through.
"You've mastered the Azure Palm technique in just six months, which shows you have a real talent for it," Madam Wen said.
"If you trace the origins of all martial arts in the world, you can always find their source."
"This Azure Palm technique is no exception. It was created by me when I suddenly had an inspiration from a certain technique. But that technique is not a martial art, so I will not teach it to you."
Mrs. Wen spoke calmly.
Little did she know that Li Xian had witnessed the very beginning of her creation of martial arts.
Madam Wen lightly flicked a branch, pressing it against Li Xian's chin and lifting it slightly, "Would you like to learn swordsmanship?"
Li Xian thought to himself, "Why are you picking my chin to learn swordsmanship? I thought you were after my good looks." He replied, "Whatever you teach me, Madam, I will learn."
Madam Wen raised an eyebrow. She broke off another peach blossom branch and tossed it to Li Xian, saying, "Since you're learning swordsmanship, use a tree branch as a substitute for a sword for now."
"Today I will teach you... the Sunset Blood Sword. This is a superior sword technique, extremely rare, but even if I teach you the whole thing, you won't be able to digest it. I will only teach you the first level, and when you have mastered it, I will teach you the second level."
Li Xian said, "Okay."
...
Madam Wen immediately began teaching swordsmanship. She did not demonstrate it, but only gave instructions from the side, saying, "This swordsmanship is easy to learn, but difficult to master. When you practice this sword, you will feel drowsy and tired."
"But there's no need to worry, it's all normal."
Li Xian used a tree branch instead of a sword to practice his swordsmanship. Gradually, he felt the profound depth of swordsmanship. But at the same time... he secretly felt uneasy.
"Just from the name, you can tell that this 'Sunset Bloodfall Sword' is no good."
"Given Madam's temperament, I'm afraid she won't let me acquire this martial art for nothing. I might as well not practice it, but... with Madam watching here, if I don't practice it, I'm afraid she'll immediately notice something amiss."
Li Xian had no choice but to bite the bullet.
Following the method, he wielded his long sword.
The method of practicing this sword technique is quite unique. While performing the sword technique, it is also necessary to use a certain method of circulating blood.
[You have mastered the basic techniques of the Sunset Bloodfall Sword]
[The Fallen Sun and Blood-Stained Sword - Level 1]
[Proficiency: 19/1000 Beginner]
[Description: This sword technique is of superior quality. It was originally the Yang chapter of the combined sword technique "Yin Yang Immortal Couple Sword", but Wen Caishang privately changed the name and made deletions and modifications, so it became "Remnant Sun and Decaying Blood Sword".]
[This sword technique was separated from the combined sword technique, and therefore has a fatal flaw. After mastering it, if one's martial arts do not improve and one is not nourished by the Yin Sword, one's blood and energy will deplete and evaporate.]
The principles of Yin and Yang are infinitely profound.
[The balance of Yin and Yang means that when Yin is dominant, Yang follows; when Yang is dominant, Yin follows.]
[If the master of the Yang chapter sword technique surpasses that of the master of the Yin chapter sword technique, then the reverse is true...]
...
Li Xian used a tree branch instead of a sword, and suddenly thrust it out, the sound of wind breaking was loud. A burning sensation rose in Li Xian's dantian, a sign that he had just entered the realm of swordsmanship.
The yang energy in the body gathers and settles in the dantian.
Madam Wen smiled with satisfaction: "Not bad, not bad, you've mastered the basics."
"You should practice this Sunset Bloodfall Sword technique diligently. I will take the time to instruct you once a month."
Li Xian suffered a hidden loss, but it was still a superior martial art, leaving him with mixed feelings. He feigned cheerfulness and said, "Thank you for your high regard, Madam! I will certainly live up to your expectations and diligently practice this sword technique."
Madam Wen nodded and said, "Very good." She thought to herself, "I have learned the Yin chapter, and this child has learned the Yang chapter. In this way, it will be difficult for him to break away from me. If I really invest funds and resources to cultivate him, I am not afraid of wasting them."
"Madam, I shall take my leave," Li Xian said, bowing.
"Go then," said Madam Wen.
...
...
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
Li Xian practices martial arts in the courtyard.
[Azure Palm]
[Proficiency: 53/80000 Peak]
As proficiency accumulated, he broke through to the pinnacle of mastery. His internal Qi surged like a geyser, growing from 36 feet to 45 feet…
Numerous insights into martial arts surged into his mind.
The drawbacks and shortcomings of martial arts are all clearly visible.
"Once I reach the pinnacle of martial arts, I may be able to fill in the fatal flaws of the Azure Palm little by little based on my own understanding."
Li Xian was not discouraged.
Of the five martial arts techniques, three have reached their pinnacle.
Such skill is so exceptional that it would be difficult to find another person with this level of expertise in the entire Qingning County.
[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Level 1]
[Proficiency: 594/1000 (Beginner)]
The rest of the time will be spent focusing on this sword.
"Madam is indeed the kind of person who won't get up early for nothing."
"She taught me this sword technique in an attempt to control me. This also shows that she might... really put a lot of effort into training me."
"Otherwise, why would she restrain me? This shows that she treats me differently than she treats Commander Pang and Hua Hanying. But... it's because of my brother."
"It's really hard to say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing."
Li Xian's swordsmanship was still in its early stages, and his movements were methodical. However, his progress was evident every day.
"This 'Sunset Blood Sword' was originally a combined sword technique, but it can only be improved rapidly by practicing with the Yin Sword. However, if one's swordsmanship does not improve for a long time, it will burn one's own blood and energy, causing mental exhaustion and loss of blood and energy."
"But then I heard something about 'yin prevailing over yang' and 'yang prevailing over yin.' Does that mean that if my swordsmanship surpasses that of the lady, it will actually restrain her?"
This possibility cannot be ruled out, but Li Xian dared not think too far ahead.
"In any case, I think... given my current situation, I might be able to find Madam and truly learn about martial arts!"
Li Xian sheathed his longsword, his words filled with excitement.
...
...
Inner courtyard.
"You want to know about martial arts?"
Madam Wen was dining in the hall, the table laden with delicacies. When she saw Li Xian arrive, she did not object.
Li Xian nodded and said, "Madam, I am truly curious."
"Just curious?" Madam Wen smiled as she looked at her.
Li Xian said, "If...if Madam could grant me even the slightest chance, I would be willing to go through fire and water to beg for it."
“Since you’re staying at the manor, even if you have the ‘Eating Essence’ realm, you’ll likely have no use for it. Are you so eager to go to the prefectural city to see your younger brother?” Madam Wen’s probing was always subtle.
Li Xian shook his head and said, "Of course I miss my brother. But the real reason is not my brother, but... I dare not say, for fear of being punished by the madam."
"Tell me your answer. If you don't, I'll punish you instead," Madam Wen said, looking at her curiously.
This junior commander is more interesting than the previous ones.
Li Xian had already prepared her explanation.
When dealing with your wife, revealing your true feelings is useless, and being completely honest is even more useless. You need to proactively demonstrate your value to her and the space in which you can be exploited.
Li Xian was penniless, and his wife valued nothing about him. He could only try to express his loyalty in exchange for a path to martial arts.
One can express one's true feelings, but not bluntly. Otherwise, one will fall into the same predicament as Pang Long, for what use is ordinary, mediocre sincerity to one's wife?
Li Xian dared to give it a try:
“I once heard Commander Pang say that people like Madam are all extraordinary beings who have undergone a complete transformation.”
“We are mere clay figures, born into obscurity, struggling and adrift in this turbid world. Now that my younger brother has seized the fortune, that is his skill, but as his elder brother, I am unwilling to be too far inferior to him.”
"If his fellow students find out that his brother is a lowly clay figure, wouldn't that be a huge loss of face for him?"
"Of course, these are all minor matters; ultimately, it's just about saving face. The key point is that after receiving guidance from Madam, while practicing martial arts, I couldn't help but yearn for her... and my fantasies grew increasingly infatuated..."
"That's why I couldn't hold back any longer and wanted to go further, to ask for favors from those above... Please punish me, Madam!"
Madam Wen said meaningfully, "That's it?"
Li Xian replied, "Yes!"
Madam Wen sneered, "You're quite bold."
"Go and receive twenty strokes of the rod, and first put an end to your foolish thoughts."
At this point, his tone softened, he took a small sip of tea, and said casually:
"As for the way of consuming essence, what does it matter? What harm is there in giving you some pointers?"
(End of this chapter)
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