Chapter 260 Love turns to sorrow, sorrow leads to restlessness; the lady wanders aimlessly, yearning to find her lover.
The reeds swayed in the breeze as the painted boat docked at the riverbank.
Li Xian secured the anchor rope and helped Wen Caishang off the boat. The woman who had fallen into the water, named Wang Cuicui, followed quietly behind. Terrified of Wen Caishang, she dared not approach.
Wen Caishang walked slowly and gracefully, her figure swaying. Her silk skirt reflected the moonlight, and her movements were elegant and dignified. Wang Cuicui sighed, realizing that she had rarely seen such a woman in her life.
They walked four or five li.
The outline of Qingcheng was faintly visible, though it was late at night. The embers of the fires were dim, yet the place was still bustling with activity. Wen Caishang said, "Lead the way."
Wang Cuicui immediately stepped forward, walking ahead of the two. Wen Caishang scolded, "You're not allowed to look at her." She pinched Li Xian's chin and said, "You're only allowed to look at me."
Li Xian laughed and said, "I can't even walk properly while looking at Madam. I'll take care of my business first, and I'll look at Madam slowly tonight."
Wen Caishang's pretty face flushed slightly, her steps were weak, and she felt a mixture of joy and sweetness. Wang Cuicui, who had experienced life-and-death betrayal, couldn't help but feel envious as she listened to the two whispering sweet nothings.
The outer city was deserted, while the inner city was bustling. Wang Cuicui was wealthy, owning hundreds of acres of fertile land, seven shops, and a three-courtyard mansion in the inner city. Filled with resentment, she headed straight for the mansion to seek revenge.
Seeing that the lights were dim and the vermilion gate was tightly closed, Li Xian climbed over the courtyard wall, sneaked into the house, and went to the master bedroom, only to find the room empty.
Li Xian then questioned Wang Cuicui. Only then did she learn that Zhang Dajiang had a very close relationship with a courtesan. Since he wasn't at his residence, he must have been secretly enjoying himself at the brothel.
To expedite the process, Wen Caishang and Wang Cuicui were left in the mansion. Li Xian leaped and bounded over the courtyard wall, his feet treading lightly on the roof tiles, his body like a wild goose, drifting away into the distance.
He entered the brothel. He was highly skilled in martial arts, and although he had neglected his "Seven Star Steps" for some time, his light and graceful movements had not faded. He skillfully climbed the roof tiles.
He peered out the window and saw a brothel madam, dressed in a flamboyant manner, walking by. He opened the window, dragged the madam to the corner, and dislocated her jaw.
Knowing the gravity of the situation, the madam naturally behaved herself. Li Xian then retrieved her chin and questioned her further. The madam answered everything, revealing Zhang Dajiang's room.
Li Xian found the place and kicked open the door. Zhang Da Jiang, a lecherous man, was indeed seeking pleasure. His eyes were covered with black satin, his hands groping around, and he chuckled lewdly, "Beauty...where are you~ Don't let me catch you...hehe~"
Li Xian felt utterly disgusted. Zhang Dajiang's fingers were rough, and his palms had calluses, but the calluses showed signs of fading. Wang Cuicui's words were true; Zhang Dajiang was an ordinary farmer in his early years, but after being taken in as a son-in-law, he gradually lost his true nature, indulging in a life of pleasure and debauchery.
Li Xian suddenly felt a sense of self-mockery: "I have no right to criticize him for indulging in lust. But his behavior—murdering for money, forgetting his roots, and bullying the weak—truly disgusts me."
He took two steps closer, used the [Mysterious Cloud Hand] to strike his pressure points, grabbed his neck, and flipped him out of the window. Li Xian stepped on the roof tiles, traversed the rooftops, and quickly crossed several streets and alleys.
The courtesan felt a sudden gust of wind, looked left and right, and found the room empty except for the open window.
The Wang family mansion was quiet and secluded, with a faint candlelight in the hall.
Wen Caishang sat quietly in the hall, caught sight of Li Xian's figure, and smiled, saying, "My husband can handle such a small matter with ease."
Wang Cuicui was overjoyed that things had gone smoothly. She felt both respect and fear for Wen Caishang, and unable to express her gratitude, she repeatedly knelt and kowtowed, saying, "Madam... thank you so much, thank you so much. I thought the world was full of people who colluded with the corrupt, but I never imagined there were such good people as you and your husband!"
"A good person?" Wen Caishang sneered. "I'm not. Humph, my husband is easy-going and willing to help you, but I won't allow you to look at him too much. Otherwise, I'll gouge your eyes out."
Wang Cuicui's pretty face turned pale with fear. She saw that Wen Caishang was extremely beautiful, but also possessed a cold and ruthless air. She vaguely understood that if her husband were not so easygoing, she would be an extremely difficult person to deal with.
Li Xian jumped into the hall. Wen Caishang's face softened, her icy demeanor melting away like honey. Wang Cuicui patted her chest lightly, letting out a slight sigh of relief. But thinking of the "coercion" she had just received, she dared not look at Li Xian, her eyes wandering, until they caught sight of "Zhang Dajiang" and her gaze fixed on him.
Li Xian released the pressure points, threw Zhang Dajiang on the ground, and said, "Take off the black cloth."
Zhang Dajiang cried out "Ouch!" and fell to the ground. His knees were swollen and red, and his clothes were disheveled, making him look quite undignified. Wen Caishang crossed her legs, glanced at Zhang Dajiang only once, and then ignored him, her gaze fixed on Li Xian.
Zhang Dajiang tore open the black satin. Still reeking of alcohol, he swayed unsteadily, but upon closer inspection, he first saw Wen Caishang sitting gracefully. He immediately chuckled, "What a beauty... In the blink of an eye, how... how did I end up at your feet? Could it be that you..."
Li Xian remained calm. Even after hearing Wang Cuicui's pitiful story, he still held out some sway, not believing it entirely. But seeing Zhang Dajiang's dissolute behavior now, Li Xian was certain that Wang Cuicui's words were almost entirely true. Hearing Zhang Dajiang's outrageous pronouncements again, he was furious and kicked him away.
With a "crack," her hand bone split open. Wen Caishang clapped her hands lightly, quite pleased. She especially appreciated Li Xian standing up for her.
Li Xian said, "Zhang Dajiang, you should take a good look at this one." Zhang Dajiang cried out in pain, his drunkenness completely gone. He glanced at Wang Cuicui, then cried out in agony, shouting "Ghost!"... He scrambled and curled up in the corner.
Li Xian said, "Miss Wang, what do you intend to do? This thief has taken your life and is plotting to seize your property. Killing him and dismembering him would be perfectly justified."
Wang Cuicui bowed her head and thanked him repeatedly. She listened attentively to Wen Caishang's words and never glanced at Li Xian. She took a few quick steps and slapped Zhang Dajiang across the face several times.
Two sharp, vicious slaps rang out. Wang Cuicui gritted her teeth, kicking and punching to vent her anger. Zhang Dajiang, in pain, saw that Wang Cuicui was still alive and was suddenly enraged. He lunged at Wang Cuicui, only to be kicked away by Li Xian.
Wang Cuicui hated Zhang Dajiang intensely. She borrowed a longsword and stabbed him several times. Blood gushed from his wounds. Zhang Dajiang knelt down and apologized sincerely, finally showing fear. Wang Cuicui became even more enraged and cleaved him in two with a single sword stroke.
Blood stained the hall.
Li Xian wrapped the corpse in coarse cloth, sneaked into the city's government office, hung the corpse at the entrance, and used his sword as a pen to write the charges against the body.
She then drafted another letter, threatening the local magistrate and demanding that he hand over his treasures and provide Wang Cuicui with shelter.
After finishing these tasks, dawn was breaking. Li Xian and Wen Caishang had been adrift in their boat for several days, rarely able to enter the city. They found a teahouse outside a government office, ordered some tea, and watched as the sun rose higher and the crowds grew larger.
A bustling scene unfolds.
The yamen was surrounded by pedestrians, pointing and gesturing, discussing the matter animatedly. Zhang Dajiang's body was hanging, his clothes stripped bare. The local magistrate, upon seeing this gruesome sight, was so terrified that his legs went weak.
How could I dare to pursue this matter?
Fearing that Wang Cuicui had powerful backers, he paid her a generous visit that day to offer his condolences. He also reopened the old case and cleared her name.
Li Xian also disliked the county magistrate. However, as an official in the imperial court, his family was deeply entangled, and killing him would be extremely troublesome. Li Xian was not afraid of trouble, but he and Wen Caishang had been on the run for several months. With the end approaching, it was best to play it safe.
All matters are settled.
Li Xian and Wen Caishang returned to the painted boat. Without outsiders to disturb them, the boat drifted serenely, and tender feelings blossomed once more.
[The Yang Sword is returned to its sheath; the skill level of the Sunset Blood Sword increases by 1.]
[Charging forward bravely, sheathing the sword perfectly, proficiency +1]
...
Their souls were adrift, day and night reversed. Only when the painted boat sailed out of the reeds and they could occasionally see other boats on the river did the two of them calm down a bit.
Li Xian was always bullied, but after rebelling against the Heavenly Gang and gaining legitimacy, he vented all his pent-up anger. He was always misbehaving, much to Wen Caishang's dismay, yet she also found it amusing.
So it is, a lone boat with a single sail.
A beautiful woman by my side.
It is endlessly enjoyable.
The storm temporarily subsided that day, and Li Xian suddenly came to his senses. Gazing at the clear blue lake, he thought, "I was able to gain Madam's favor and thus embark on the path of martial arts. My love for Madam is so deep, could I... could I betray her?"
"I...though I yearn for boundless freedom. But if my wife's feelings are true, how could I betray her? I...in my current state, I can no longer indulge in romance. So be it, staying together forever is not so bad either."
He was deeply grateful for Wen Caishang's tender and sweet affection. Although he could control his desires, he couldn't bear to betray her true feelings. The painted boat moved gently, and Li Xian, with his open-minded nature, embraced Wen Caishang as they admired the scenery.
Wen Caishang accidentally broke free from the sweetness of their relationship, only to feel immense fear. This unspeakable anxiety made her temperamental. Sometimes she would scold Li Xian, but after each harsh word, she would immediately regret it and bow in apology.
She is extremely adept at calculating interests. Because she demands "perfection" and is exceptionally intelligent, she calculates interests clearly and handles matters with reason and discretion.
However, when it comes to matters of the heart, the more one calculates, the more confused one becomes, and the more one fears losing them. Her usual principles of conduct fail to apply here.
Therefore, there is always an inexplicable fear and anxieties. Unable to control them, one becomes trapped in them, unable to extricate oneself. The longer one is in contact with Li Xian, the more this is the case. Only when practicing the "Three-Layer Sword Technique" each day can one forget all worries.
But the tide receded. The more joy there was, the deeper the fear became. She was knowledgeable and experienced, yet utterly lost and helpless.
He's nowhere near as dashing as Li Xian.
Although Li Xian is a charming man, he is not necessarily promiscuous. If Wen Caishang were to bind him with affection, Li Xian, being a man of deep feelings and strong sense of morality, could indeed be firmly held in her grasp. But unfortunately... those involved are often blinded by their own emotions, and Wen Caishang is far from understanding this.
A pool of river water flows southward.
Wen Caishang's heart was filled with emotion, melancholy, and fear. She recalled the past, her relationship with Zhang Dajiang… those trivial matters… and thought, “I love Li Lang so much. As long as he's by my side, I'm overjoyed. He's too talented, too many lies, too much of a womanizer, too impulsive… If he surpasses me, if Li Lang leaves… can I… can I stop him?”
"If only... if only he were just perfect. Ah! Just perfect! He... he said he loved me and would do anything for me. If I... if I asked him to cut off my double pupils, wouldn't he only be able to see me from then on? No matter how beautiful a woman he meets, he can only see me."
"Although it hurts him a lot, I will make it up to him for the rest of my life. I will do whatever he wants. Even if he hits or scolds me, I will be happy."
Once the thought arose, it became increasingly difficult to suppress. She lost all sense of proportion; her heart pounded wildly with urgency. Believing she had found a foolproof solution, her panic vanished instantly. She thought, "If Li Lang is willing to risk his life for me, what is a mere pair of eyes? I... I really have no other choice but to resort to this desperate measure, which would harm his body, and I feel terribly pained by it. But if I don't do this, I..."
In the middle of the night, the painted boat swayed gently, the spring waters rippled, and she said in a seductive voice, "Li Lang...do you love me very much?"
Li Xian said, "Of course. Why do you suddenly ask about this, Madam?" Wen Caishang said, "Will you leave me?"
Li Xian hesitated for a moment, then said sincerely, "I...I will not run away, I will always be with you." Wen Caishang said happily, "Okay, okay...you will do anything for me?"
Li Xian thought to himself, "That depends on the situation; I'm not stupid." But in this situation, telling the whole truth would spoil the mood, so he said something different than what he really meant: "Of course, how could I dare disobey Madam's words?"
Wen Caishang was overjoyed, her heart filled with sweetness. She kept embracing Li Xian and said, "Then...then would you be willing to let me cut off my double pupils?"
Li Xian said, "Madam is joking." Wen Caishang said, "I'm not joking. Li Lang, I love you so much. You...you'll cut off your double pupils for me, okay?"
"From now on, I will serve you well. I will teach you superior martial arts, and whatever you want, I will give you. My good husband..."
Li Xian's expression subtly changed upon hearing that Wen Caishang's words were not a joke. He was indeed a man of great loyalty and affection, and his intention to leave the manor had already faded; given their genuine friendship, he was willing to forgo his freedom to stay with her. However, this incident inevitably made him reconsider his thoughts:
"Why did Madam order me to gouge out her eyes? I clearly treated her with sincerity, so why... why does she always try to hurt me?"
Her feelings suddenly turned sour. She recalled the various events that had transpired within the manor, how Li Xian, despite Wen Caishang's cunning and manipulative tactics, had barely managed to survive.
He couldn't help but wonder how Wen Caishang viewed him. If she considered him a lover, why did she force him to gouge out his eyes? If she considered him an object, what use was keeping him by her side?
His passion burned like fire, only to be suddenly doused with cold water. He could hardly comprehend the complex emotions in Wen Caishang's heart, believing that she had remained unchanged, her icy indifference filled with calculation.
He was naturally open-minded, but also prone to sadness.
"Perhaps from beginning to end, I was the one who believed that my relationship with Wen Caishang was extraordinary. But she only wanted to practice the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword. In that case... everything makes sense. She also asked me to gouge out her eyes. It wasn't because she loved me, but because she used me as an object."
“Madam, oh Madam… if we consider it this way, I have repaid all my debts of gratitude, and I owe you nothing more.”
Li Xian laughed and said, "Of course... Madam, I'm very willing. Once we get back to the manor, I'll gouge out your eyes. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect you for the rest of the journey."
Wen Caishang was overjoyed and said, "Good...good husband, good husband." She was so immersed in her joy that she did not notice Li Xian's unusual behavior.
Li Xian was exhausted that night. After Wen Caishang fell asleep from exhaustion, he sat alone on the deck of the painted boat, lost in thought all night.
He was also deeply saddened; though his mind was strong, he was always being manipulated and used. Li Xian picked up some pebbles from the boat and threw them into the river, creating splashes.
“If I stay by Madam’s side any longer, I will be no different from Commander Pang and Qiu Yue. I am just a poor boy who has managed to climb up to her by chance. Madam is shrewd and calculating. How could she really favor me? Her gentle demeanor is a facade that has bewildered me. I… should leave.”
"But for the remaining half of the journey, I'll see Madam off a little longer. It's important to finish what I started, and to escape from Madam, I need to make a plan."
Li Xian suppressed his grief and went back to his room to sleep, snoring softly. He smelled the fragrance of Wen Caishang's hair and his expression became complicated. For the rest of the journey, Wen Caishang, without suspicion, completely surrendered herself to Li Xian, serving him diligently and without the slightest disobedience. Li Xian responded with a smile, but a rift had already formed between them.
This day.
The pleasure boat continued its journey down the river, soon to leave Qiongtian Prefecture. The two docked ashore, and Wen Caishang said, "Li Lang, don't destroy this pleasure boat yet. When we return to the estate, I'll have someone dig a lake and put this pleasure boat in it. Whenever we feel like it, we can ride this boat together again."
Her expression held a mixture of shyness and joy. The journey along the river was far from over, and she was still not satisfied.
Li Xian suddenly realized, "In Madam's eyes, I am no different from this boat." He said, "Very well."
After a day's stay, the pleasure boat was sailed into the reeds. Insect-repelling mugwort was then laid down to conceal the boat.
Wen Caishang's legs were sore and weak, and she had to lean on the railing as she walked. Because the two of them had been traveling erratically in the boat, they had missed the shore and were still some distance from Qingning County.
The two continued their journey, indulging in their passions. They camped out in the wilderness and stayed at an inn... Wen Caishang grew increasingly attached, her emotions overflowing, finding the scenery and the people around her... all rather irritating and noisy.
How wonderful it would be if they could all disappear, leaving only the two of them, to fully express their feelings.
She clung to him tightly, and Li Xian, having practiced a little martial arts, then possessed him and clung to him again.
[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Level 3]
[Proficiency: 4569/8000 Minor Success]
Li Xian's progress was remarkably rapid, demonstrating genuine skill and competence. The Yin-Yang baptism had been immensely beneficial.
Wen Caishang has been skilled in calculation since childhood. Her achievements today are all related to her nature and talent, including her ability to reward and punish appropriately, her martial arts skills, and her profound knowledge. However, she always struggles to grasp the nuances of emotions.
She rewards when angry and punishes when pleased… there were signs all along. Her decision to have Li Xian gouge out her eyes wasn't out of self-interest. It was a result of her utter despair and lack of direction, a result of a multitude of factors driving her to this point.
They traveled for several more days.
They arrived at Huangshan Town. Thirty li further west was Qingning County. Wen Caishang was drenched in sweat, her legs ached and her back was weak, so she didn't rush on her way.
We found an inn in the town and stayed there for the night. Huangshan Town was remote and poor, and the inn's sleeping quarters were cramped and narrow. The wooden bed was not very sturdy, and when the two of us lay together on the bed, we could hear strange "creaking" noises.
Li Xian smiled and said, "Madam, you'll have to endure one night's hardship. You'll arrive at Yihe Manor tomorrow."
Wen Caishang said, "My lord, thank you so much for this journey. Once we reach Yihe Manor, this matter will be settled. Hmph, that so-called Sword-Seeking Alliance, they came with great force, but what can they do to you and me?"
"After I've dispelled the Gu worms and recuperated for several years, we...we'll follow the original path and visit them one by one to learn from their mistakes. We'll vent all our anger, my good sir...what do you say?"
Li Xian said, "Unfortunately, by then, I won't be able to see anything."
Wen Caishang felt heartache and pity, and couldn't bear it. Several times she said that there was no need to gouge out her eyes, as long as she loved me well. But a vague worry lingered, so she always suppressed it and said, "My dear husband, it's alright. I... I will always serve you. There is a martial art in Buddhism called 'Mind's Eye'... I will go with you to ask that old bald monk for it."
She was overflowing with tenderness, massaging Li Xian's shoulders and back. Li Xian said, "Madam, go to sleep."
The two whispered among themselves and practiced their sword techniques. Exhausted, Wen Caishang was finally able to sleep soundly on the simple wooden bed.
Li Xian gently checked her breath. Wen Caishang was completely unsuspecting and was sleeping soundly. Li Xian pondered a plan to leave, took out some Xuan paper, and began to write a letter.
Li Xian thought to himself, "Now that the debt of gratitude is settled, I shall speak frankly and honestly."
With a brush dipped in ink, he wrote a few characters. He couldn't help but laugh at himself, realizing that his calligraphy skills were also taught by Wen Caishang. Li Xian sighed:
"Ninety-nine percent of my martial arts skills are related to my wife. Without her, even taking [essence] will be a problem. Martial arts manuals, money and treasures, connections... I have none of them. But how can I not leave?"
The book states:
"To Madam Wen"
"I apologize for this sudden farewell. All debts of gratitude have been settled, and there is no point in staying any longer. Farewell, Immortal Li. In this vast world, may we meet again someday."
The handwriting was clear and crisp. He wanted to express his grievances, but feared inviting ridicule from Wen Caishang. Therefore, he kept it brief, directly stating his feelings.
Li Xian folded the envelope carefully. He saw that Wen Caishang was extremely beautiful; he had never seen such a woman in his entire life. Ruthless, cold, and stunningly beautiful… completely contrary to his own nature, yet incredibly alluring.
"Being weak means this is all I can do. When I am stronger in the future, I may visit Yihe Manor again."
Li Xian muttered softly. He felt a mix of emotions, adrift and without a place to call home. He was about to depart again, not knowing where he would end up.
He folded the envelope and put it in his pocket. He took out the Heaven and Earth Box, which contained the "Ancestral Silkworm".
Li Xian said, "Some favors can be repaid, while others are hard to repay. But since I am leaving, let's settle everything clearly. Considering Wen Caishang's interests, I truly have nothing to owe her."
Seeing the silkworm lying asleep in the box, he closed it again. He climbed onto the wooden bed and went to sleep.
The next day.
The rooster crows, and the setting sun shines into the room.
Li Xian and Wen Caishang felt refreshed and full of energy. Li Xian looked as radiant as ever, and helped her braid her long hair. During their time on the boat, Wen Caishang had taught Li Xian how to braid her hair.
When the two of them braided their hair, it always ended up in a mess.
At this moment, her hair was styled in a "cloud-like" braid. Elegant and graceful, adorned with silver hairpins and pearls, her pretty face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and red lips were truly stunning.
Wen Caishang looked at herself in the mirror and laughed, "My lord, your skill in braiding hair is no less than Qiuyue's." Li Xian said, "My technique is rudimentary, but you, my lady, are as beautiful as a fairy, so you look good no matter what I do."
Wen Caishang laughed, "You're such a smooth talker." Li Xian said, "We can get to the manor today."
Wen Caishang nodded and said, "Yes. It's been a long time. When I left the manor to attend the Dragon Appreciation Banquet, I was full of confidence, but I didn't expect so many twists and turns to happen on this trip. Fortunately, you were with me, which helped me get through many dangerous situations."
Li Xian said, "Let's have some breakfast and then go back to the manor."
Wen Caishang said softly, "My lord... you can make the arrangements. I will listen to you. If you want to go somewhere else for another two days, I will accompany you."
Li Xian laughed, "We've been playing for a long time." He then helped Wen Caishang downstairs. The town was bustling with activity, with horse-drawn carriages and oxcarts hurrying by.
Huangshan Town has a famous breakfast dish called "Oil-splashed Chili Powder". Coarse grains are ground into powder, sprinkled with chili powder, and then drizzled with hot oil. It's eaten with some vegetables.
Li Xian and Wen Caishang found a small shop and ordered two servings of spicy rice noodles and a serving of hot tofu. The shop was run by ordinary people, but Li Xian and Wen Caishang's extraordinary demeanor immediately drew everyone's attention and left them speechless.
Wen Caishang knew that Li Xian was easygoing. Although she disliked the environment, she was very happy to have him by her side. She rolled up her sleeves and tasted the local food. It was so-so, but the flavor was very strong. However, it was very filling.
When they get tired of the food, they take a bite of cooling tofu to cut through the greasiness. This is a common practice among the people of Huangshan Town.
Some regular customers would even go to great lengths to get their food. They would ask for some scallions, garlic, and pay extra coins to get more minced or sliced meat.
Hungry, he ate it all in one bite. The pleasure was indescribable. Li Xian ate with great relish; he had been to Huangshan Town before, once to sell animal fur.
Ordinary hunters, after catching wild animals, would grab handfuls of fur from the prey and store it. Once they had accumulated enough, they would secretly sell it.
Li Xian once came to sell furs. After making some money, he was in high spirits and ate some spicy oil noodles. He still remembers the taste to this day.
Li Xian paid for the meal. It was already early, and the warm sun was high in the sky. Wen Caishang said, "Li Lang, here's some money left, take it and use it."
He took out a brocade pouch from his sleeve, which contained a dozen taels of gold. Li Xian said, “We’ve been away from the village for a long time. We’ve been in quite a mess along the way. Why don’t we buy a carriage and take it back for the rest of the journey?”
"We mustn't let the people in the village see through our scheme. If we embarrass the lady, we'll have to flee in a sorry state."
Wen Caishang said happily, "My lord, you are very good and thoughtful."
Li Xianxun purchased a wide-brimmed carriage. Wen Caishang gently rocked the carriage and noticed that although the materials were ordinary, the mortise and tenon joints were sturdy and very shock-resistant. She was delighted.
Li Xian paid the fare and helped Wen Caishang into the carriage. Wen Caishang lifted the curtain and asked, "Shopkeeper, do you have a driver?"
Li Xian said, "Why would I need a coachman? I am Madam's coachman." Wen Caishang glared at him, thinking, "If you drive the carriage, who will accompany me? Wouldn't it be boring to be alone in the carriage?"
The shopkeeper summoned drivers. Wen Caishang scanned the crowd and chose an elderly driver, saying, "You're the one, Li Lang. Give the shopkeeper one tael of gold as payment for the driver."
Prepare the carriages and horses.
The elderly driver skillfully steered the horses, making the road smooth. Before long, they left Huangshan Town and sped along mountain roads.
Wen Caishang lifted the carriage curtain and asked softly, "Uncle, how old are you?" The coachman replied, "Sixty-seven... Master, please rest assured, I used to be a stableman for a wealthy family. Later, I redeemed myself and started pulling carriages and tending horses. My horse-driving skills are first-rate. I guarantee a safe and smooth journey to my destination."
Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Thank you. This is your payment, please accept it." She then tossed out a pouch.
The coachman opened his bag and found it contained a dozen or so taels of gold. Converted, that was more than a hundred taels of silver. An ordinary person could hardly save that much in a lifetime.
The coachman exclaimed in surprise, "Master...you...you...could it be...?" He was too shocked to speak.
Wen Caishang smiled faintly, "This money won't come easily. I'll have to cripple your ears and make you deaf. Are you willing?" The coachman hesitated for a moment, picked up the gold and rubbed it, thinking that at his age, it was truly rare to receive such a windfall. Deafness and tinnitus were nothing to him, and he said, "Then...that's fine too."
Wen Caishang drew her sword with a flick of her sleeve. The soft sword moved like a nimble snake, its blade swirling and piercing the ear canal. The coachman felt a buzzing sound, his ears went numb, and two streaks of blood flowed out. Only later did he gradually feel the pain and could no longer hear any external sounds.
With a soft sigh, he fastened the gold pouch. Clutching it tightly in his hand, he muttered, "Heh heh, this brocade pouch is valuable too!" He pressed it against his skin and hid it against his chest.
Li Xian hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped. Wen Caishang closed the carriage curtain, nestled in Li Xian's lap, and said sweetly, "Li Lang... this way no one will disturb us. He can't hear us."
Li Xian laughed and said, "Madam, you are so bold." Wen Caishang retorted, "You little rascal, do you think I don't know you? You have a bad temper, and you're even bolder."
Horse-drawn carriages traveled through the mountains and fields.
The driver held the reins, eyes fixed ahead, oblivious to everything else. He felt the mountain road was quite bumpy, but fortunately, he was skilled at driving the horse.
Several hours.
As they entered the official road, the number of carriages and horses along the way gradually increased, and the road became gentler.
Li Xian lifted the carriage curtain and saw that they had arrived in Ziqiong County. Seeing the familiar road conditions along the way, he was filled with mixed emotions.
Wen Caishang nestled against his shoulder, her face still flushed, and glanced at the scenery outside the window, showing no interest whatsoever.
After another quarter of an hour, the outline of Yihe Village became visible. Several months had passed since their departure, yet the village remained unchanged. Wen Caishang had long been preparing to relocate the village; the land and shops had already been sold.
Li Xian said, "Old man, stop here and walk back by yourself." He secretly channeled his inner energy, which hummed and vibrated, and the old man could vaguely understand his meaning.
The old coachman nodded repeatedly, jumped off the carriage, and fled, fearing that Li Xian would take back the gold. Li Xian thought to himself, "If I try to escape later, I might implicate innocent people. It's best to get rid of him first."
Li Xian, holding the reins, drove towards the side gate of Yihezhuang. This gate led directly to the inner courtyard, so there were very few servants or guards here.
Li Xian said, "Oh! Madam... I had prepared a great surprise, but I forgot about it in Huangshan Town!"
Wen Caishang smiled gently and said, "My dear husband, it's alright, it's alright. It's good that you have such a heart." Li Xian said, "No... I can't let my feelings go to waste like this."
Wen Caishang said helplessly, "What do you want to do? Go back the way we came?" Li Xian said, "Now that we've arrived at the manor, I feel sorry for you, Madam, as you've had a long and tiring journey. I'm rough and don't know how to be considerate, and I've hurt you again. Why don't you go into the manor to rest first?"
Upon hearing the word "uncouth," Wen Caishang blushed, thinking to herself, "You little rascal, bringing this up again, deliberately trying to embarrass me. You're not just uncouth, you're full of wicked schemes."
Hearing Li Xian's considerate words, how could she refuse? Furthermore, returning to the manor had relaxed her mind, and she reluctantly said, "Alright, you must return quickly."
Li Xian said, "Alright!" He took out a box from his bosom and said, "Madam, this is yours. Now that we're back at the manor, please keep it safe."
Wen Caishang was filled with tenderness and affection; how could she think of anything else? She only knew that Li Xian respected and loved her, and thus returned the item to its rightful owner.
Wen Caishang put the money into her sleeve, thinking, "What's mine is yours. Why should we distinguish between you and me? I'm calculating interests with outsiders, so why should I be calculating with you?" She said, "You little rascal, I haven't settled accounts with you for this matter yet."
"You were so mean to me back then, it made me so angry."
Li Xian said, "When I return, I will let you scold me as you please." Wen Caishang said softly, "I don't blame you anymore, Li Lang... I really can't bear to part with you. Let me go with you. I want to see what kind of ghost you are up to as soon as possible."
Li Xian said, "Madam, if you go with me, the joy will turn into a shock. I... I really don't want to part with you, but alas, alas... such is the way of the world."
A sigh escaped my lips.
Wen Caishang lingered for a moment, watching Li Xian ride away in his carriage, gazing after him for a long time. A vague emptiness filled her heart; even this short time had become unbearable. She couldn't help but take a few steps forward.
Suddenly a voice rang out: "Madam!"
Upon hearing the commotion, Ding Hu came to investigate and said, "Madam, could that carriage have trespassed? I will send men to chase after it."
Wen Caishang said calmly, "No need. Don't disturb them, or I will punish you severely." She looked at the carriage, her expression softening.
The first taste of that flavor.
Uncle Xiang walked quickly over and said, "Madam! You're finally back!"
Wen Caishang turned and entered the manor, gently flicking her sleeve. Ding Hu and the other guards all retreated, with Uncle Xiang following behind, bowing respectfully.
Wen Caishang moved with light, graceful steps, like a dragon in flight, into a flowerbed. She casually picked a flower and gently sniffed it. The fragrance was lingering. She usually enjoyed growing flowers, but her interests had shifted. Seeing flowers blooming brightly and vying for attention... she no longer had that refined taste.
She was overjoyed at the thought of Li Xian. At the same time, she worried about the "double pupils" and the potential harm to his eyes. She trusted her lover and feared that the act of cutting off his eyes would hurt him. She was filled with pain and conflicted emotions.
Uncle Xiang said, "Madam, I heard that the dragon banquet has already ended. Why...why haven't you returned yet?"
Wen Caishang said, "This Dragon Appreciation Banquet has been fraught with many twists and turns. But it's all in the past now, and there's no point in dwelling on it. You just need to know that I returned to the manor safely and gained a great deal."
She opened the treasure box.
The silkworm crawled on her finger. Wen Caishang thought of something, smiled slightly, and scolded, "How dare you." She gently teased the silkworm and murmured, "You've really suffered these past few days. Don't blame me for not helping you."
Uncle Xiang was quite surprised, and he vaguely felt that Wen Caishang had changed a lot. Her eyebrows were relaxed, her lips were red and her cheeks were rosy... but he couldn't really put his finger on it.
Wen Caishang asked, "How are the preparations for relocating the village going?"
Uncle Xiang said, "It went very smoothly. Madam, where are we moving the estate to? But because of the sudden relocation, we have a lot of properties, and it's difficult to sort them out all at once. Inevitably, some properties will have to be sold off cheaply."
“It’s alright,” Wen Caishang said. “I’ve been guarding this manor only to enjoy the Dragon Banquet. Now that the banquet is over, I’ll naturally move to another place. Besides, my whereabouts have already been exposed. If I stay here, although I’m not afraid of being found by enemies, their constant harassment will spoil my enjoyment.”
Uncle Xiang dared not ask any more questions and was very respectful. Wen Caishang looked inward at herself and saw the Qi-eating Gu crawling into the Qi Lake. She needed to take care of things immediately and said, "Uncle Xiang, please help me prepare 'Yang Fire Stone' and 'Moonfall Silver'..." She listed eighteen kinds of rare minerals in a row.
Let me elaborate on the nineteen rare and precious herbs. They are priceless, with complex medicinal properties. Wen Caishang is an expert in pharmacology, and her methods of combining them are truly remarkable.
The manor was filled with countless treasures. Uncle Xiang dared not be negligent and took them one by one. Wen Caishang dismissed Uncle Xiang and arranged the rare ores in an array.
Then, the various herbs were combined and boiled to make a medicinal bath. She took off her clothes, and suddenly her expression changed.
She thought to herself, "I haven't practiced my 'Silkworm Robe Inlaid Jade Technique' for a long time. Now, with my relationship with Li Lang like this, if I can't move, wouldn't I... wouldn't I be even more at his mercy? I..."
Her pretty face flushed slightly, a mixture of shyness and anticipation. She longed to explore the wonders of pleasure between a man and a woman.
Through the "Yin-Yang Baptism," she understood why the "Qi-Eating Gu" was so powerful. The martial artist's body is like heaven and earth, and the origin of internal Qi is mysterious, with various theories at play.
That day, Yin and Yang underwent a baptism. The Qi-Eating Gu consumed Qi very slowly, leaving a wisp of internal Qi remaining in Wen Caishang's Qi Lake. After the baptism, the Qi-Eating Gu returned to normal and completely consumed that wisp of internal Qi.
Wen Caishang knew that the "Eating Qi Gu" was related to Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. The "Eating Qi Gu" was renamed "Transforming Qi Gu". Wen Caishang's internal Qi surged and underwent several transformations.
A single Gu worm, having consumed so much for so long, should have burst long ago. The Qi-Eating Gu, though small, has five legs and two heads.
The two heads represent Yin and Yang, and the five legs represent the Five Elements. Attached to the Qi Lake, it secretly follows the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, dissolving and dissolving internal Qi. When others are afflicted by the Gu, they do not know the true mechanism of the Gu worm, only knowing that this Gu eats people's internal Qi.
Therefore, it is called "Eating Qi Gu".
On that day, Yin and Yang were in disarray, and the Qi-eating Gu was contaminated, slowing down its Qi transformation. Wen Caishang was tasked with keenly sensing the opportunity. She had already devised a plan to resolve the situation while on the journey.
This attempt has indeed yielded remarkable results.
As the Devouring Qi Gu was gradually suppressed, a small pool of water slowly accumulated in Wen Caishang's Qi Lake. Wen Caishang was overjoyed and said, "Old fool, even though your life was at stake, I have broken this evil Gu."
The Qi-eating Gu is extremely stubborn. It attaches itself to the Qi Lake and relies on consuming internal Qi for a long time. However, Wen Caishang already knows the principle, and the manor has a great many treasures, which is more than enough to deal with the Gu worms.
She devoted herself to research, using rare and precious materials to "fight" against the Gu worms.
...
...
Li Xian drove his carriage away from the manor. He exhaled a breath of stale air, his heart filled with a complex mix of worry and joy, emotions difficult to express.
"I left secretly last night, which was the safest plan. But I... delayed until today to spend the last journey with my wife."
"Of course... it's a matter of seeing things through to the end, like seeing the Buddha to the West and the lady home. But I'm afraid there might be some trouble along these dozens of miles."
“But… in the depths of my heart, my feelings for Madam are different from those for others. I respect her erudition, fear her strength, love her tenderness, and desire her body… alas, the affairs of this world are so difficult to unravel. If I were to flee now, Madam… Madam will surely hunt me down.”
"I've escaped one tiger's den only to fall into another. I hope Madam's internal energy is completely depleted and she needs several more days to recover. I also hope that my humble servant won't require Madam's personal intervention."
Li Xian leaned against the carriage edge. Gazing into the distance, the sky was a clear blue, without a single cloud. He could still smell the lingering fragrance of her clothes and hair. Lifting the carriage curtain, he saw that there was still some water in the horse stable.
Several hours later.
The sky was gradually darkening.
Li Xian returned to Huangshan Town and visited the inn where he had stayed the previous night. He spent several taels of silver to rent the room from the previous night.
He placed the envelope on the table and then left under cover of night.
...
...
Wen Caishang focused on healing her injuries and dealing with the food-qi poison. The "lightning injury," the "Vajra Palm injury," the "Brahma Sound injury" formed by the combination of the two, and Li Quan's "Marrow-Stabilizing Finger injury" were all firmly embedded in her body.
She had gradually gotten used to it as she fled.
Now that the situation is stable, the storm and thunder have passed. Looking at her body, she couldn't help but laugh, "With such complicated injuries, anyone would have met with misfortune. Only Li Lang's intelligence, courage, and decisiveness... allowed me to escape."
I couldn't help but feel a deep joy. Recalling the journey, it was fraught with danger, and my life hung in the balance. But looking back, it has a unique charm.
The injury was deeply entrenched and wouldn't heal overnight. Despite her vast knowledge, she knew how to treat it. Li Quan's "Marrow-Fixing Finger" was the easiest to treat; a few rare and precious medicines would be enough for a complete cure.
That "Vajra Brahma Sound" was quite troublesome. It required the combined power of man and the might of heaven. Wen Caishang ordered Uncle Xiang to fetch a musical score.
This is the "Tribute to Heaven" composed by a scholar during the Nanyang period. This piece can be played on the pipa, and when it is passionate, the sky hums, thus providing accompaniment.
It also belongs to the category of "Celestial Music." It can produce celestial sounds. Wen Caishang is not skilled in the art of celestial music, but this is only relative. She knows that this score exists, but she has never studied it.
The music began to play, its ethereal notes lingering long afterward. In the inner courtyard, a babbling brook flowed, adorned with vibrant flowers and red leaves… the music drifted on, causing the stream to ripple with a rosy glow, and the flowers to bloom in halos.
It was indescribably wonderful.
Wen Caishang played celestial music, her long hair hanging slightly. She was ethereal, like a fairy in the mist. The "Vajra Brahma Sound" within her body gradually dissipated, transforming back into Vajra Palm Force and Thunderous Killing Power.
She immediately used methods to weaken the force of her palm strike and the killing power of the thunder. In this way, she gradually broke through the injuries that had plagued her for a long time.
Her Qi-Eating Gu, Marrow-Stabilizing Finger, Vajra Palm, and Thunderous Killing Power... have all been greatly reduced. In a few more days, she will hardly be able to achieve great things. Wen Caishang will naturally recover to her peak.
When I came to my senses, it was already evening.
Wen Caishang called over Uncle Xiang and said in a deep voice, "Didn't I say that if Li Xian returns, he should come to see me? Don't stop him."
Uncle Xiang said blankly, "But...but Madam, Li Xian has not returned."
Wen Caishang was taken aback. She glanced at the sky and knew that the journey would take time. But it was already evening, and it would take too long.
She wondered, "Could it be... that Li Lang is in danger?" She should have easily assumed that Li Xian had already escaped. But despite her daily tenderness and the perilous journey, Li Xian remained unwilling to leave her side.
Now that she had finally returned to the village, how could she have expected Li Xian to leave? Overwhelmed with emotion, she suspected that Li Xian felt the same way. Yet, the obvious truth was difficult for her to grasp.
Wen Caishang's injuries have recovered by one-tenth. However, the Qi-eating Gu's attack has been thwarted, significantly slowing its Qi transformation speed. She has accumulated one-tenth of her inner Qi in her Qi Lake, yet a sense of unease lingers in her heart.
"No, I must go find him."
How could they sit idly by? They immediately prepared horses and set off that very night.
(End of this chapter)
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