Chapter 139 Sending a Concubine, Yanghua Body Tempering!
The lady whispered her instructions, subtly hinting at something more.
"Commander Li, will you ever return from this trip?"
Li Xianfang stepped out of the inner courtyard.
The guards immediately surrounded him, asking questions one after another. The news of his official appointment had spread far and wide, and everyone in the manor knew about it.
Li Xian said solemnly, "I was first the commander of Yihe Manor, and then the military officer. How could I not come back? Please don't ask me such questions in the future."
The guards all agreed, watching him return to his residence, their conversation still lingering with excitement:
“As soon as Commander Li entered the manor, I said he would achieve great things, and now it seems that my prediction has come true.”
"Commander Li is only sixteen years old, yet he has not only won the favor of the lady of the house but has also been appointed as an official in the county. How can someone be so lucky? I am truly envious."
"If you ask me, the lady's favor is much better than any military officer."
"Alas, Commander Pang and Commander Ying are no match for him. We should just admire this kind of extraordinary person a little longer. It will be difficult to meet him and have a word with him again in the future."
“You only see Commander Li’s success, but you don’t know how hard he works. In my opinion, it was inevitable that Commander Li would achieve what he has today.”
"Oh, you know Commander Li very well."
"I am not very talented, but I lived with Commander Li for a while. We had a very good personal relationship and warmed ourselves by the stove together and visited the estate together."
...
...
Li Xian returned to the Commander's Courtyard.
He changed out of his commander's robes and into the new clothes. The brocade robes made him look even more handsome and refined.
Now that he had been granted an official title, he naturally had to show his attitude. He tied his long hair up, looking clean-cut and young, and standing there, he truly had the bearing.
"This doesn't look like an official's robe, but it suits me just right." Li Xian turned around and was quite satisfied.
The design of the Grand Martial Officer's Robe was actually quite good, and it made the wearer look very handsome. However, "Martial Lieutenant" was an official position somewhere between the government and the martial arts world.
Therefore, there was no specific official uniform.
In a way, the nature of the Military Commandant is somewhat similar to that of the Celestial Patrol Division. However, the Celestial Patrol Division holds a high position and wields great power, especially in times of chaos, where their authority over life and death is even greater.
Li Xianxing left the village.
"Brother Li, you are truly a man of exceptional talent!" Lin Guolong exclaimed with envy.
Li Xian smiled modestly, mounted the red-silk white horse, and returned to the county amidst the crowd.
It's still several miles from the county.
Then came the sounds of gongs and drums, and the crackling of firecrackers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Lion dances were performed at the city gates to celebrate, and crowds gathered to watch from both sides of the streets.
This day.
He returned home in glory, enjoying immense prestige. His fame was unparalleled in Qingning County; no one could rival him.
"This is the newly appointed military officer; he's the one who saved us."
A woman picked up a child and gazed at Li Xian's face.
Li Xian felt that being too high-profile was too much, but she was broad-minded and decided to accept it as it came.
They entered the city and arrived at Xianmenglou on Hongzhu Street in Qingning County.
This building is the largest building in Qingning County.
The building has seven stories, each floor measuring three zhang (approximately 10 meters). Inside, it is adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, exquisite paintings and hanging curtains, and dim lighting, making it extremely luxurious.
“I used to be unable to even enter this Red Candle Street, but now I’m drinking and making merry in the number one restaurant in Qingning County. Of all the ‘friends’ here, who ever gave me a second glance?”
"Now everyone smiles at me, becomes reserved around me, and speaks cautiously. Is this what power is... It's good, but I can't say I like it very much."
Li Xian dismounted. How can one claim to be detached from worldly affairs without entering the mortal realm? How can one claim not to love power without enjoying it?
Li Xian now enjoys a small share. A slight ripple stirs within her, but that's all.
The female manager of the restaurant, dressed in a flamboyant manner, walked over. Her eyes were fixed on Li Xian, and upon meeting her, she showered her with auspicious words, praising her from head to toe.
Finally, she said, "Groom, please come in. There are many people inside waiting for you."
The term "new groom" refers to an official newly appointed and paraded through the streets. In the Great Wu Dynasty, on a man's wedding day, he was also called the "new groom" and was exempt from kneeling before officials, thus serving as an official for only one day.
Li Xian nodded and entered the restaurant.
"Lord Wu Wei."
There were 180 seats at the banquet, all of which were full. Merchants, noble families, and literati from the county all stood up to greet Li Xianyi as he entered the building.
The voices were clear, loud, and uniform.
Such a spectacle… all for a mere young man. Many dancers and beauties of the Immortal Dream Pavilion turned towards the sound, and were all dazzled, never having seen such a scene before, an unforgettable sight for a lifetime.
Li Xian took his seat with ease, showing no signs of stage fright. He raised his glass and toasted and chatted with everyone.
Halfway through the drinking session.
Dancers stepped forward and began to dance, accompanied by the melodies of the pipa and erhu. Wine cups clinked, and food and drink flowed freely.
"Lord Martial Commander, my Lin family has a daughter named Qingwan, who is sixteen years old, the same age as you. If you don't mind, how about I give her to you as a concubine?"
A member of the Lin family spoke loudly.
She had brought her daughter. She was indeed pretty, with a shy yet happy expression, and looked at Li Xian with bashful eyes.
The red light shines.
A woman's tenderness has a unique charm.
Li Xian knew this woman. Lin Qingwan... a famous beauty in Qingning County, the daughter of the Lin family, a refined young lady, talented in many arts, especially embroidery. It is said that she is already engaged to the young master of the Luo family.
I couldn't help but think of the past.
Li Xian and his younger brother were penniless and barely clothed. Unable to bear their hunger, they went out of the city to steal wild vegetables to fill their stomachs. Just then, they heard the sound of horses' hooves…
Lin Qingwan, dressed in fine clothes and silks, went on a spring outing with the young master of the Luo family. The two were accompanied by five or six servants, who were also neatly dressed.
In contrast, Li Xian was covered in mud, wore only a pair of tattered trousers, and was as thin as a skeleton, looking like a stray dog on the roadside.
"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river. The vicissitudes of life are truly unpredictable." Li Xian sighed inwardly, and said humbly, "I appreciate the Lin family's kindness. However, I am focused on martial arts and have no interest in matters of love and children. If the Lin family's daughter were to marry me, I fear it would ruin her life. So let's leave this matter aside."
The Lin family members felt a great sense of regret. Lin Qingwan was stunned, and her eyes reddened. She did admire this young hero, but unfortunately, they were destined to be apart.
"Lord Martial Commander, I have a vacant mansion here..."
"Lord Martial Commandant, I have a shop here..."
Everyone started talking. They offered treasures, women, land, and shops. Li Xian refused some and accepted others. This grand banquet was more tiring than martial arts training.
In a corner of the banquet hall.
Xu Liefeng rushed over upon hearing the news, his eyes filled with resentment as he stared intently at Li Xian. He was now a shadow of his former self, neither human nor ghost. Li Xian, on the other hand, was radiating confidence and prestige, even holding the position of Military Commandant.
"If I can't kill you a month from now, what's the point of my life!" Xu Liefeng roared in anger.
...
...
The banquet ended, and everyone dispersed.
Li Xian stopped Lin Guolong and asked him about the details of the "Military Lieutenant" position.
Lin Guolong did not keep anything to himself. He explained the situation in detail, stating that the position of Wuwei was a military officer appointed according to local conditions. Some counties had it, while others did not.
The military command had a "Military Commander's Hall," similar to a government office. However, it did not concern itself with trivial matters of the common people, but only with disputes within the martial arts world.
Mediate conflicts between martial arts schools and gangs.
The martial arts world is a mixed bag, teeming with vicious fugitives. The military officers also have the duty of apprehending these criminals.
In the event of war, the military officer would have the authority to lead troops, and would be considered a minor general.
“Brother Li, you should do your best in this military officer position. In our Great Wu Dynasty, every year there are local military officers who are selected to serve as junior officers in the Sky Patrol Division. If you seize the opportunity and join the Sky Patrol Division, your future will be limitless.”
Lin Guolong said enviously, then added:
"However, you still have a long way to go. Judging from the current situation, your position as a military officer is not easy."
Li Xian asked, "Why?"
“You don’t understand the power dynamics in Qingning County,” Lin Guolong said. “Those who presented gifts just now were all major landlord families, the Lin family, the Luo family, and the Zhao family. These people are extremely shrewd and wealthy. Whenever a new official takes office, they will inevitably try to win them over. This is not surprising. You don’t have much of a conflict of interest with them, so you don’t need to worry about it too much.”
"Those who will truly deal with you are the gangs and traditional martial arts schools in the county."
"And none of these people came. They're resentful of you and don't want to be under your control."
Li Xian didn't take it seriously, thinking, "I'm just using this military officer position to broaden my horizons. If there are too many trivial matters, I'll simply ignore them. Anyway, there wasn't a military officer in Qingning County before."
He smiled and said, "I see, Brother Lin, thank you." He bowed and rode back to the manor.
...
...
In Yihezhuang.
He was in charge of the academy.
Li Xian loosened his muscles and bones, expelling the alcohol from his body. He changed into loose-fitting clothes and let out a comfortable long breath.
At the banquet just now, a family offered to donate a mansion.
But he didn't accept it, and usually stayed at Yihezhuang.
A short journey on horseback would take little time. Furthermore, neither the "Commander of the Imperial Guards" nor the "Military Lieutenant of Qingning County" were honorary titles.
Taking things too seriously becomes a shackle. The true key to turning your life around lies in your own abilities.
"Official rank is secondary. It's not easy for a military officer like me to climb the ranks. Besides, being an official is meaningless. If I have enough strength, I'd rather roam the martial world."
"What delights me is that... the Lin and Zhao families gifted me three shops. Now that I have my own shops, I have a steady flow of funds."
"We can't rely entirely on the lady; she's crying for food and has no choice in the matter!"
Two clothing shops and one food shop!
If I have time tomorrow, I'll definitely go and take a look.
The night is cool.
The banquet had been lively and bustling, but Li Xian felt tired and bored, so he returned to his residence.
Quiet and deserted.
The cicadas chirped incessantly.
Holding a fine steel sword, he was invigorated, brimming with martial spirit. He disliked pretense and preferred to express his thoughts directly and freely.
As the thought arose, a sword was thrust out.
The sword tip trembled violently, emitting a buzzing sound. Li Xian reversed the sword's edge and thrust it backward, using his swordsmanship casually.
Her figure was graceful and elegant.
Although his swordsmanship was incomplete, he practiced it diligently.
[Proficiency +2]
[Proficiency +2]
...
It was past midnight.
Suddenly, a "crack" was heard, and the steel sword broke in two.
[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Level 1]
[Proficiency: 14/12000 Mastery]
[Description: Though your swordsmanship is flawed, your will is unwavering. You practice diligently and tirelessly, mastering the incomplete sword technique. You comprehend the 'Blazing Wave' characteristic, benefit from the Yanghua Body Tempering, and witness the initial stages of martial arts.]
[Your proficiency is sufficient; you may now attempt the second level of the Sunset Bloodstained Sword technique.]
[Blazing Wave: The body is like the blazing sun; using this ability imbues attacks with scorching heat.]
The scene before my eyes slowly unfolded.
I saw a green mountain at its foot.
A small courtyard with a fence.
A man and a woman were sparring with each other. Both of them were impeccable in their posture and demeanor, and their sword fight was interspersed with playful banter, making for a very enjoyable experience.
Li Xian suddenly thought, "That's it! If I can get my hands on the Yin Chapter Sword and use the 'Heaven rewards diligence' destiny to forcibly cultivate and improve, wouldn't I be able to combine the Yin and Yang swords into one?"
"But... Madam will never give it to me for nothing."
Yang Hua Body Tempering... A surge of fire rose from the dantian and swept across the entire body.
Superior martial arts, even if it is only half of a martial art and incomplete.
They all had unexpected effects.
At this moment, the "Yanghua Body Tempering" is an unexpected joy.
Li Xian was shimmering with a faint, eerie light; through her skin, one could see her blood vessels, veins, and bones… Yang Hua was cleansing her body.
With a resounding "thump," Li Xian naturally entered the realm of "Thunderous Chest Drumming." But this was merely a side effect!
(End of this chapter)
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