Chapter 276 Dao Xuan Jade Maiden, about to attack the flower cage, finally becomes a beautiful couple, an unexpected person!
Meanwhile, Bian Qiaoqiao jumped into the lake to escape. The moment she fell into the water, countless lake fish lunged at her. She cried out, "My life is over!" Bound and unable to move her limbs, she was surrounded by fish and had no way to escape.
In the chaos, they suddenly felt the ropes loosen slightly. The flower ropes were woven from the roots and stems of flowers and plants. The red fish inhabited Dongran Lake and had an omnivorous diet, eating grass, insects, and carrion.
Gnawing on flower vines is also a form of food.
She rubbed her wrists together, releasing her inner energy, and the floral cord around her wrists gradually loosened.
She secretly used the "Nine Heavens Cloud Stepping Technique" of Dao Xuan Mountain. With a light touch of her toes, she swam swiftly through the water. The red fish chased and bit her, but did not harm her skin, only biting at the flower ropes binding her.
She was unaware of the intricacies involved.
Her hands gradually came free, and her shoulders and elbows moved freely. She rubbed her shoulders, overjoyed. After being bound for months with her hands behind her back, she regained her freedom, breaking free of her shackles, her arms moving with unfamiliar ease.
"These flower thieves had me tied up for months, and I gradually got used to it. Now that my hands are free, I feel quite uncomfortable."
She circulated her qi and blood, making sure it flowed freely through her arms, restoring them to their original state without any obstruction. This was a movement that even an infant could perform, something she had once longed for. She immediately swayed left and right, doing everything she could to control them.
During her time in the boat prison, her hands were bound, and she couldn't even feel the itching on her back, the sweat on her forehead, or the drooling in her mouth. Now, swimming and playing with fish, she felt relaxed and at ease, a sense of ease flowing through her heart, and she felt extremely refreshed.
Having drunk the "Three Realms Blood Soup," the effects of the rising of clear qi and descending of turbid qi were slightly alleviated. However, the fear of water was not completely eliminated, and even when immersed in water, it still slowly sank. Dongran Lake is vast, resembling both a sea and an abyss; if one were to sink to the bottom...
Even though they can breathe underwater, they are trapped in endless darkness, unable to escape their predicament. They eventually become mentally unstable, starve, or die from exhaustion... or are secretly swallowed by the bottom of the lake.
After swimming for several miles, she was attacked and bitten by red fish, which was quite troublesome. She patted her chest lightly with both hands and silently played the "Sound of Heaven and Earth," which was the "score" of Daoxuan Mountain.
The headmaster of Daoxuan Mountain once listened to the voices of all things and composed a celestial musical score. After decades of improvement, it has become complete.
In the second realm of martial arts, it's inevitable to feel restless. Playing celestial music allows one to perceive the universe, gain enlightenment of nature, and merge with all things in the world. Furthermore, there is the profound mystery of blending emotion with scenery and becoming one with all things.
Its wonders are endless.
She seemed to merge with heaven and earth, like a fish, like lake water, like aquatic plants. The red fish, bewildered, could not find its prey.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, she swam several miles without being bitten by the fish. After escaping the pursuit of the fish, Bian Qiaoqiao encountered another problem: although the Three Realms Blood Soup could alleviate the weakness of "clear ascent and turbid descent," a second-realm martial artist would gradually sink if trapped in water. She untied the rope, escaped, and swam several miles before her body gradually sank.
She was currently about ten feet above the water's surface. She used her swimming skills and martial arts techniques, but continued to sink.
There was nothing they could do.
Suddenly, a fishing boat floated overhead. Overjoyed, she saw the boat casting its nets and catching fish in the lake. She swam towards it and grabbed the net.
The fisherman on the boat felt the net sink, guessing he had caught a big catch, and quickly pulled it in. Amidst the splashing water, however, he had caught a beautiful woman.
Bian Qiaoqiao grabbed the edge of the boat and climbed aboard. She immediately felt relaxed and lay down in the fishing boat, looking up at the bright moon, feeling extremely happy.
The fisherman looked completely bewildered. Bian Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly, bowed in thanks, and recounted the truth. After hearing it, the fisherman cursed the flower thief as shameless and advised her to hide and flee as soon as possible.
Fishing boats need to hold the catch, so the space is not cramped. Bian Qiaoqiao hid in the cabin, her hands covered in a dense network of rope marks. Her legs were still bound, with the knees and ankles entangled in a web of ropes.
He probed and searched for the knot, beginning to untie it. The Flower Cage Sect's techniques for capturing and binding were extremely sophisticated. It took several hours before his feet were finally separated.
Bian Qiaoqiao massaged her legs to loosen the muscles. Holding onto the side of the boat, she slowly stood up. Her legs were extremely numb; she staggered a few steps, gradually feeling some relief.
Fishing boats drift lazily on the tranquil lake. Freedom returned, boundless scenery unfolds, infinitely beautiful.
Bian Qiaoqiao twisted her ankles and hopped lightly. Recalling the horrific scene on the boat, her narrow escape from death, and the unexpected turn of events, she couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
"I thought my life would be bleak and hopeless, filled with humiliation and despair. I was destined for that… but unexpectedly… Ah! I've escaped, but what about Sister Liuli…?"
Bian Qiaoqiao's eyes were red-rimmed, her joy vanished. It wasn't hard to predict Nangong Liuli's fate. The two sisters were captured together. One escaped and fled, the other was mired in the mire.
A difference in fate.
Bian Qiaoqiao gazed at the vast lake, its clear waters shimmering. She wanted to grab an oar and dive into the flower boat to try and rescue them. The fisherman hurriedly said, "My lady! You can't wander around Dongran Lake like this!"
Bian Qiaoqiao asked, "What's wrong?"
The fisherman said, “Dongran Lake is vast, and once you venture deep into it, the directions become confusing. Wouldn’t you get lost? Moreover, it harbors countless water bandits. If you wander aimlessly, even a god couldn’t save you.”
"If you insist on doing so, please disembark. I can't help you with this."
Although Bian Qiaoqiao comes from a prestigious family, she is new to the martial arts world. Having been captured and suffered hardship, she is still shaken. Although she wants to save Nangong Liuli, she is extremely afraid of being imprisoned again after barely escaping.
She calmed down and whispered, "I'll remember this place. I'll ask Sister Zhao for help later to rescue Sister Liuli. How could the mighty Daoxuan Mountain not be able to destroy this little water altar?"
"If I insist on turning back now and get captured again, then... then there will truly be no hope for either of us!"
Driven by intense effort, they helped row, striving to get out of the lake as quickly as possible. The fishing boat passed through a patch of aloe vera and water plants, and gradually the land shore came into view.
Bian Qiaoqiao smiled, her joy barely concealed. With a leap, her body floated lightly, and she landed on the shore nearly ten feet away. The warm sunlight shone down, making her feel cozy, a stark contrast to the darkness of the prison cell.
She felt grounded. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and fell sideways. Having been suspended for nearly a month, she had gradually become accustomed to the swaying in the water. Feeling grounded and stable all around her, she found it strange.
It was already dawn.
She walked several miles from the lake, found a secluded spot, and lit a campfire. Fearing passersby, she added weeds to surround it. She took off her wet clothes and dried them by the fire. She removed her shoes and boots, pouring out the lake water and sweat.
She felt a sudden coolness in her feet; the cell had been unbearably hot. She had long wanted to take off her boots and rest. Finally, her wish came true. Feeling refreshed, she gently moved her fair toes. After her clothes had dried, she changed back into them.
In the initial stages of her capture, her "Gentle Breeze Sword" was removed, leaving her unarmed. Bian Qiaoqiao frowned in deep thought. Knowing the dangers of the martial world, she traveled light, carefully concealing her tracks. She headed straight for Daoxuan Mountain.
Bian Qiaoqiao gazed at Dongran Lake and said firmly, "Wait until I call Sister Zhao! Humph! I'll kill all of you scoundrels!"
"And then there's Hua Wucuo, he was the one who chased me the most enthusiastically back then. When he saw my ugly and wicked state, he deserved to be killed, killed, killed."
He brought his fingers together, forming a finger sword, and pointed it repeatedly into the air. An invisible inner energy shot out fiercely, piercing through several fallen leaves.
Using light footwork, they quickly moved far away.
A thought flashed through her mind: "I wonder how Sister Liuli is doing now." She imagined Nangong Liuli hanging in mid-air, her clothes disheveled, her hairpin askew, and one of her embroidered shoes missing. She was utterly disheveled, and her pretty face flushed slightly.
"I will definitely save you from this sea of suffering."
...
...
The boat rocked, and Nangong Liuli let out two angry groans. Her nose itched slightly, and she sneezed. Dizzy, she thought, "Could it be that Bian Mei escaped and is thinking of me?"
She looked down at her immobilized body and said with a bitter smile, "Your sister Liuli is captured and can hardly move her hands and feet. She looks extremely pathetic. Please don't laugh at me when you think of me like this."
Seeing the dim and dark surroundings, I felt extremely lonely.
On the deck of the flower boat, Li Xian gazed at the lake. The water plants were several meters high, as if he had stumbled into an ancient and mysterious place.
Li Xian diligently practiced the "Flying Snake Hand." His hard work paid off, and coupled with his excellent comprehension, his skill gradually improved, nearing perfection.
[Proficiency +2]
[Proficiency +2]
...
Li Xian, unable to access advanced martial arts techniques for the time being, diligently accumulated basic skills. His moves returned to simplicity and authenticity, possessing a natural and effortless quality.
He reflected on martial arts and created his own school of martial arts. The Iron Body, Body-Guarding Sound, Thunderous Finger, and Yang Immortal Sound... when used in combination, can enhance the effects of martial arts. This can be considered a distinct school.
The Blood-Spitting Manual and the Sunset Blood-Slaying Sword resonated with each other, producing a mouthful of blood-spitting fire and spitting out blood cocoons.
Although the Five Viscera Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang Meridian has little killing power, it is the cornerstone of the Blood-Spitting Classic and the Residual Yang and Declining Blood Sword. It is an essential study for nourishing the five viscera, replenishing blood and strengthening qi, and building a strong physique.
He thought to himself, "If I were to acquire martial arts again, how should I choose and form my own school?"
The Gentle Breeze Leg, the Vast Expanse Leg… can be stacked together, making the user as light as mist. Combined with the Seven Star Step, the user becomes even more elusive and difficult to find. It is also a good combination of martial arts techniques.
Li Xian, who was in charge of the prison, talked with Nangong Liuli every day, often asking about the cultivation of the family's younger members. To relieve her boredom, Nangong Liuli would usually talk about it.
From this, Li Xian was able to understand that aristocratic families, various lineages, and talented individuals placed great importance on their choice of martial arts.
Because practicing martial arts requires time, energy, and financial resources. Family lineages are complex, with many descendants in the same generation. Competition among them is fierce, and for young members eager to distinguish themselves, time and resources are especially precious.
With similar natural talents, the key lies in the combination and understanding of martial arts techniques. If the combination of martial arts techniques is excellent, the results will be twice as good with half the effort, wouldn't that be amazing?
Li Xian was erudite and eager to learn, accepting all martial arts techniques. However, he couldn't help but wonder, if given the opportunity to choose a martial art, which one should he select first to best enhance his strength?
Noon.
As the flower boat emerged from the thick fog, the scenery suddenly changed completely. Ancient, vigorous trees pierced the water's surface, reaching straight into the sky.
Giant trees, hundreds of feet tall and wide, support the water, creating a spectacular waterfall. This is the "tree waterfall," a magnificent and wondrous sight that defies common sense.
The sun is high in the sky, and neon lights appear.
Ye Cheng shouted. The disciples of the Flower Cage Sect picked fruit from the tree trunks along the way. There were green, red, blue, and other colors... and they tasted wonderful.
The fish soup was incredibly delicious. The scenery here was beautiful and the produce plentiful, like a paradise, and all worries vanished. So everyone set up a table on the deck and ate their meal right there.
Li Xian was always carefree. Having arrived at this place, he no longer worried about how to escape; he was here and would make the best of it. Holding a bowl of delicious fish soup, he jumped onto the sail, gazed into the distance, and savored the delicious soup.
[You consumed the Five-Fruit Fish Soup; skill proficiency increased by 2.]
[Skill: Ingestion]
[Proficiency: 2/10000 Perfect]
[Description: You consume countless substances, tasting both bitterness and spiciness. The beneficial effects increase efficacy by 80%. The harmful effects decrease efficacy by 50%. You comprehend the characteristics of "seeking fragrance" and "appreciating quality."]
Its ingestion is simple and easy, yet its uses are vast and wondrous. Its fragrance-seeking ability allows one to discover the "fragrant treasures" of heaven and earth. Whatever enters the mouth, its taste can be remembered, and one can find it in the unseen realm. Its "appreciation" ability allows one to savor the essence of all things, thereby appreciating their hidden meanings.
"Appreciation" doesn't require tasting the product. But it does require a wealth of knowledge to understand its essence and explain it eloquently.
The art of "food" progresses from simple to complex, from basic to advanced. As the saying goes, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and the infinite beauty of all things in the world... are they not all rare delicacies?
Li Xian savored the fish soup. A myriad of delicious flavors unfolded on his tongue. His appreciation was even more refined, subtly sensing the cooking time, ingredients, and fish quality… an uncanny connection. An exquisitely rich experience.
The "appraisal" characteristic may seem useless, but it is actually extremely easy to accumulate knowledge and broaden one's horizons. It becomes increasingly important as one progresses.
His belly felt warm, and his strength increased dramatically. Li Xian ate and drank his fill, feeling extremely refreshed. He emptied his bladder and strengthened his body internally. Suddenly, he thought of Nangong Liuli, who was still crying for milk.
He then carried the soup box back to the bottom floor. Nangong Liuli looked over upon hearing the sound, sighed softly, and opened her mouth to eat the fish. Li Xianyan talked about the lake scenery and other trivial matters.
After everything was settled, he lay down on a rough mat to recuperate. There was really nothing more to say about life on the ship.
For the next few days, things were the same as before. Li Xian, mindful of her hardship from the hanging, and knowing that Elder Ye Cheng was also there, helped her loosen the hanging, allowing her to relax a little.
Nangong Liuli was extremely grateful. She opened her mouth as if to ask Li Xian to massage her muscles and bones, but she couldn't utter a word.
Summer is gradually approaching.
The weather was sweltering, and Nangong Liuli was drenched in sweat, unable to wash, her body sticky and uncomfortable. Her face flushed crimson; even a celestial being would feel reduced to the mortal realm after such an experience. The fragrance mingled with the smell of sweat, making her feel uneasy and uncomfortable every time Li Xian fed her. Fortunately, her delicate beauty only added to her allure, making her even more charming.
The sky was clear and blue that day. An island came into view. The disciples of the Flower Cage Sect were extremely excited, waving their hands and shouting, expressing their joy to the fullest.
Li Xian gazed into the distance and saw a dock in the middle of the island. The flower boat was approaching the dock, and the outline of the island gradually became clear, covering a large area.
The flower boat sailed into Dongran Lake and continued for more than ten days, circling east and west. The terrain, feng shui, and layout of the dozens of miles of water outside the water altar involved a great deal of divination and other miscellaneous arts.
The envoy was an expert in this field. Therefore, only those who steered the boat could enter the water jar.
The flower boat docked, its anchor sinking to the bottom. Exotic flowers and plants were planted along the shore, creating a vibrant display. A ladder hung from the deck.
When Ye Cheng reached the shore, several elders of the Flower Cage Sect surrounded him. The two chatted happily, their laughter ringing out.
Li Xian returned to the bottom deck and felt the ship shake, knowing it had reached the shore. Nangong Liuli looked at Li Xian with terror in her eyes, as if seeking help. Fate had irreversibly brought them to this point.
Li Xian shrugged. In this situation, he had no choice but to go with the flow. He waited a moment, then heard footsteps suddenly sounding on the stairs.
Four women dressed in black appeared and headed straight for them. The four women were tall and slender with beautiful faces. They glanced at Li Xian, then scrutinized Nangong Liuli closely.
A scrutinizing gaze.
One of the women said, "Unlock."
Nangong Liuli was filled with fear, her whole body tense. Once the cell door was unlocked, the four women entered and surrounded Nangong Liuli.
Nangong Liuli gasped, her mouth agape, only able to whimper in surprise. Tears welled in her eyes.
The four women gently touched her. The ropes that were suspending her suddenly loosened. Nangong Liuli cried out in surprise and fell straight down. The four women reached out in unison and grabbed her shoulders, knees, and the four corners of her body.
The woman in the lead laughed and said, "Good girl, you've suffered a lot. This is very difficult."
The four women secretly used their strength to throw Nangong Liuli high into the air. Nangong Liuli cried out in surprise as she was thrown about ten feet off the ground. She twisted her body in vain, but to no avail.
As she fell straight down, she was caught by the four women. This was repeated several times, leaving Nangong Liuli dizzy and disoriented, unable to resist any longer.
The four women chatted, saying, "I've heard this girl comes from a prominent family, is proficient in all the arts, and is quite skilled in martial arts." "Alright, what's the use of talking about the past? Will she still need it in the future?" "That's true, from now on, all of that is irrelevant to her." "She's lucky, I wonder which prodigy she'll be able to get close to." "I think Ding Zelin is quite handsome."
"This girl is very beautiful. If she can win Junjie's heart, she will have a good life in the future."
"Yes, I hope she can settle down and behave herself."
Nangong Liuli's knees were bent backward, her hands and feet clasped together. Unable to move, she was completely at the mercy of others, already feeling utterly humiliated. Hearing the four women's conversation, though devoid of insults or humiliation, only intensified her sense of injustice.
The four women tossed her around several times. Nangong Liuli had almost given up hope and was starting to get used to it. Suddenly, the four women changed their movements, lifting her up and spinning her around rapidly. Their steps were synchronized, one becoming two, two becoming three…
It transformed into countless overlapping images.
Li Xian was secretly surprised: "These four women are very powerful. They are light and agile, and their martial arts skills are quite profound! I will observe them carefully."
They watched silently. After the four women spun around several times, Nangong Liuli was completely confused and couldn't tell which way was which.
Suddenly, the four women reached out with both hands. Their fingers moved nimbly, each strike targeting a pressure point. They then conversed: "This girl seems dignified and gentle, hehe, she's actually quite flirtatious." "Yes, after being hung up like that for days, she still seems to be enjoying herself. I wonder what she dreamed about last night." "No wonder she's so energetic, she just likes this."
Nangong Liuli was furious upon hearing this. She gritted her teeth, her inner energy surging. The four women laughed sweetly, "This girl is embarrassed now that her secret has been exposed." "Hehe, we four sisters have seen countless women. Do you think we can't tell whether you like or dislike them?"
Nangong Liuli's inner energy was completely dissipated by the four women. Resistance was futile; these four women, being women themselves, knew what Nangong Liuli feared. With a few light taps of their fingers, they caused Nangong Liuli both pain and numbness.
Ashamed to cry out in pain.
She said dejectedly, "Falling into the hands of these people, I... I have no hope left."
The four women continued, "You shameless girl, you're still enjoying yourself." Nangong Liuli was filled with shame and anger, and had no power to refute them.
The four women pressed all of Nangong Liuli's acupoints, helping her to improve her blood circulation, which turned out to be beneficial. The four women exchanged a glance, their techniques changed abruptly, and they began to untie the ropes binding her.
Nangong Liuli exclaimed with delight, "What a great opportunity!" Once the ropes were untied, she immediately raised her palm and struck a woman's face.
The four women acted swiftly, striking simultaneously. They neutralized his attacks and quickly pinned Nangong Liuli down. Nangong Liuli struggled desperately, but in this situation, she was truly unable to defend herself.
One of the women said, "Take her away and treat her well. Teach her manners. Don't worry, with such a big prize, no man will touch you during this time."
"But... I'm afraid you'll be begging a man to touch you."
Nangong Liuli said coldly, "Willing to degenerate, bah! How could you possibly guess what I, Nangong Liuli, am saying?"
The four women giggled and said, "Just keep pretending. Let's see how long you can keep it up. We've seen plenty of girls like you."
“In the past, no matter how noble one’s birth or how well one cultivated oneself, these things don’t matter here.”
Nangong Liuli gritted her teeth and looked away. She caught Li Xian watching the whole time, glared at him with a sneer, and thought to herself, "You little rascal, we've been through thick and thin together, and they... they're talking about me like this, and you don't even say a word for me. They have four mouths, and I only have one, so naturally I'm at a disadvantage."
She was so angry that her face turned red, and she thought, "They...they really went too far. How could they say such things about me! Saying that they were enjoying it."
But he could no longer resist and was carried away by the four women. They led him through a dark secret passage into a pavilion.
Li Xian frowned as he watched Nangong Liuli leave, thinking, "Although Nangong Liuli was taken away, her life is not in danger and she will not be humiliated. Now that we have arrived at the Water Altar, we should also take a look at this secret place."
He went to the deck and saw many disciples waiting there. The boat ladder was narrow, only wide enough for two people to pass at a time. Impatient by nature, he jumped from the deck into the lake and then swam back to shore.
Qiao Sanyan said, "Junior Brother Wucuo, we've arrived at the water altar." Li Xian asked, "Senior Brother Qiao, have you been here before?"
Qiao Sanyan said, "Hehe... I've been here once before."
On the shore, Li Xian, having overcome numerous obstacles, finally arrived. Qiao Sanyan said, "Junior Brother Hua, you've done a good job on the journey. Elder Ye highly praised you and specifically asked me to show you around."
Li Xian smiled and said, "Then I thank you, Senior Brother Qiao."
Qiao Sanyan said, "It's just something I can do. Besides, I haven't been back for a long time, and I'd like to wander around a bit."
Leaving the dock, we walked several miles along the path. The flowers on both sides were clustered together, incredibly beautiful. The peach trees stood in neat rows.
This is a maze of chaotic flowers. It can trap people in a dense thicket of flowers, and its effect is especially pronounced on women. Someone was there to meet them, and after passing through the maze, they found themselves in a small town.
Li Xianqi exclaimed, "My Flower Cage Sect has so many disciples! Enough to form a town?"
Qiao Sanyan laughed and said, "Junior Brother Hua, your thoughts are similar to mine. I was also very surprised when I first came to this town."
"Actually, the residents of this town are not members of my Flower Cage Sect."
Li Xian was quite surprised. If they weren't members of the sect, how could they reside in such a key location for so long? Qiao Sanyan said, "We disciples of the Flower Cage Sect travel far and wide, sometimes leaving the island unattended. This island is quite large; it would be a pity to leave it empty."
"Furthermore, Dongran Lake is vast. Fishermen and tourists often drift nearby by chance. Gradually, it has evolved into a small town, maintaining the operation of the island and making it vibrant."
Li Xian asked solemnly, "Would this reveal the location of the secret place?"
Qiao Sanyan said, "Even if they go out, they will find it hard to find this place again. And once they come to the island, they will never be able to take another step out of it in their lives."
As they talked, they entered a small town. It was densely populated and bustling with activity. The town was peaceful and harmonious, with people picking flowers to make wine and raising bees to harvest honey.
Li Xian suddenly realized: "Who would have thought that the infamous Flower Cage Gate, located at the Water Altar, is actually a paradise? The people here live peacefully and contentedly, detached from worldly affairs. They are quite happy with their place."
Qiao Sanyan said, "Through generations of evolution, there are as many as seven such towns. In fact... the residents of these towns have a lot of interests with the Flower Cage Sect."
"Look into the distance."
In the distance, high in the mountains, stands a bronze cauldron.
Qiao Sanyan said, "Cooking fine food requires a lot of water. The residents of these small towns do not need to pay silver taxes, but they do need to pay [dew tax]."
Li Xian asked curiously, "Exposed tax?"
Qiao Sanyan said, "When we cook fine food, we use 'flower and herb crystal dew,' which is of exceptionally high quality and is very resistant to cooking."
"But collecting it is extremely time-consuming. Flower farmers have to collect it drop by drop. The townspeople collect the dew and hand it over to us to use for cooking fine food. This saves us the trouble of transporting water."
"Furthermore, the town's flower wine and honey are rare specialties. When we finish making them, we will also sell them to other places to earn money."
Li Xian sighed, "All the sects I've seen have their own ways of making a living and maintaining their finances. If I can set up a furnace someday, how to generate wealth... that will be of utmost importance!"
Li Xian suddenly stopped, his pupils shrinking slightly. He caught sight of a familiar figure.
(End of this chapter)
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