Chapter 278 Accepting Fate, Rising from the Ashes, Li Xian's Unique Talent Will Soon Be Revealed
The turbid robes were ordained by Heaven. Li Xian absorbed the essence of Heaven and Earth, sat cross-legged, his mind clear and empty. All things vanished, leaving only himself sitting alone.
Gradually, she felt her whole body enveloped in a thin, murky garment. The "murky garment" was an illusory thing, invisible to the naked eye. Wen Caishang's "Mustard Void Demon Garment" was like an exquisite and delicate personal dress, with "layers" and "pockets" sewn on for storage.
She placed the items into the "layers," "pockets," and "sleeve pockets" of her Demon Robe, and then vanished into thin air. To retrieve them later, she simply flipped her hand. Extremely convenient, extremely powerful.
But since it's "clothing," its storage capacity is ultimately limited. Once the "interlayers," "pockets," and "sleeve pockets" are all full, it becomes difficult to store anything else.
Therefore, the items hidden in the filthy clothes must be extremely valuable.
Wen Caishang's "Mustard Void Demon Robe" has another extremely powerful characteristic. No one else knows it, and it is rarely recorded in ancient texts. Only those who possess it know of it.
The White Serpent Soft Sword is inherently soft and sharp, but it does not possess the ability to extend. It is only by wrapping the blade with the Mustard Void Demon Robe that it extends and lengthens. The word "demon" in "Mustard Void Demon Robe" certainly originates from the past of the Candle Sect, and also carries the connotation of "demonic nature."
Nine types of filthy clothing…
Li Xianqiang suppressed his excitement: "Even if I am dressed in tattered clothes, I need not be discouraged. Even if I am dressed in shabby or superior clothes, I need not be proud."
He gradually calmed down, his mind becoming clear and empty. His turbid clothes gradually became visible, as if an invisible garment enveloped his entire body.
He focused intently on himself. He vaguely glimpsed the shape of the turbid robe, which appeared pale and colorless. It shrouded his entire body in a hazy mist... exuding a powerful inner energy. It was majestic, vast, and solemn.
"Is it a Pure Qi Robe?"
Li Xian recalled Nangong Liuli's words, and of the nine types of turbid clothing, only the "pure Qi clothing" matched the description, and his whole body was enveloped in dense Qi.
The two realms of martial arts involve a process of purification and purification. It's like a chaotic world being cleaved into a clear distinction between the pure and the impure. When the impure energy settles, it becomes dense and permeates the body's surface, lingering and gradually transforming into "turbid clothing."
His face lit up with joy, and he thought to himself, "It really is a pure Qi garment... It is truly a blessing from heaven! How rare such a Qi garment is, to have obtained it by chance is truly fortunate."
Wait until the characteristics are fully revealed.
Li Xian stood up, feeling quite strange. He focused his mind on one point, and his pure qi robe faintly condensed, separated by a thin, almost imperceptible membrane. The dust floating in the air was blocked from getting any closer.
The Pure Qi Robe...is impervious to sword and blade strikes. Enveloped in an invisible Qi robe, it can conceal itself within a turbid Qi robe, revealing its mystical transformations.
Li Xian was full of energy. Now that he had obtained the turbid garment, he was determined to find out its use. He shuddered and his Qi burst out. He first stored the Qi in the turbid garment, then shook it open. The 'garment' pushed outwards, forming an invisible force that instantly shattered the bed, wooden table, and bookcase.
The Pure Qi Robe is a garment of fierce power, capable of withstanding fists, kicks, swords, and blades, yet it does not lack dexterity and agility. The characteristic of the "Concealed Qi Robe" is truly unparalleled in the world, envied by all.
"The Pure Qi Robe... its function is to block swords, fists, and kicks, and it can conceal Qi within the robe. Although its function is simple, if used properly, it can add many miraculous effects."
Martial artists cultivate their inner energy through diet, training, and practice. The application of this inner energy is of paramount importance. In the past, Wen Caishang lost all her inner energy, resulting in a significant decline in her strength and numerous perilous situations. This demonstrates that inner energy is the cornerstone of martial arts techniques.
In ordinary martial artists, the internal energy circulates freely within the body, but when it leaves the body, it often becomes blocked and scattered, making it unusable. Only when performing martial arts techniques can the internal energy retain its power after leaving the body.
Those who wear the "Pure Qi Robe" possess a superior ability to utilize Qi compared to others. Simply by vibrating the robe with their internal Qi, they can unleash a powerful force.
Li Xian studied diligently on his own, his enthusiasm high.
[Sculpting bone embryo]
[Proficiency: 0/100]
[Description: Characterized by ethereal music, three flowers clustered on the top of the head, and a turbid robe covering the body...]
The fourth characteristic of the second realm of martial arts is called "Hair Falls and Roots Take Root," also known as "Dust Settles." This means that the evolution of the characteristics of the second realm of martial arts comes to a conclusion here. After a martial artist appears with "turbid clothes on their body," they should soon "Hair Falls and Roots Take Root."
The first strand of hair to fall to the ground sprouts roots, proving that the martial artist has reached the second realm and that their inner world is beginning to take shape.
Life was peaceful.
Li Xian practiced diligently for several days, but the "hair falling and taking root" phenomenon was still not visible, and he couldn't help but frown slightly, vaguely sensing that something was different about him.
It seems that the features are not fully revealed.
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...
The Flower Cage Sect's Water Altar was preparing to host a grand event. The news spread secretly, and the sect's heroes, upon hearing the rumors, all boarded the elders' boats and rushed to the Water Altar.
The rewards are generous: three taels of silver for merit, a beautiful wife, and a rare and precious item.
In the past few days, boats have been arriving one after another. The island is bustling with activity, all the inns are full, and the disciples of the Flower Cage Sect in the surrounding area, if given the chance, almost all go to the water altar.
To the southwest of Peach Blossom Town lies a valley of a hundred flowers. Two high mountains enclose a narrow path, along which wildflowers bloom in abundance.
Li Xian was temporarily staying at an inn and had nowhere to practice martial arts. When he did practice, he always liked to go to secluded places to slowly study martial arts moves, accumulate proficiency, and condense his Qi.
They found this secluded spot. The surrounding scenery was beautiful, and it was a place rarely visited by people, where no one would disturb them.
He stepped into the flowerbed, his hands reaching out to grab and seize, first unleashing a set of "Flying Snake Hands." In fact, what Meng Han said did make some sense.
The name "Flying Snake Hand" is contradictory. Snakes are creatures that lie coiled on the ground, waiting for their chance to strike; they are sinister and venomous. Martial arts related to "snakes" throughout history have all sought to be insidious and ruthless.
The term "Flying Snake Hand" (飞蛇手) is prefixed with "flying" (飞), which might lead one to mistakenly believe it describes a nimble and swift martial art. In reality, it is quite the opposite.
That is precisely the brilliance of this martial art.
It refers to a coiled venomous snake suddenly swooping down. The terror and the element of being caught off guard are unimaginable. Martial arts techniques like "Sleeping Snake Hand," "Coiled Snake Hand," and "Venomous Snake Hand" pale in comparison.
Therefore, the "Flying Snake Hand" aims to be more insidious and vicious, attacking the enemy unprepared and killing them in ways they never expected. Li Xian, however, executed this move with agility and swiftness, displaying the skillful spirit of a "python".
Although it goes against the original principles of martial arts, it adds its own unique characteristics.
Suddenly, he saw "flower bees" and "flower butterflies" fluttering before his eyes. Li Xian laughed and said, "Let's try this move!" He waved his hands in the air, and the pure qi robe covering his body was casually played with by him. Suddenly, it became like a large cloth bag, covering the flower bees and butterflies.
It couldn't fly out and was very anxious.
Li Xian laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying himself. He then unfurled his Pure Qi Robe, and the flowers, bees, and butterflies scattered in all directions. Li Xian chuckled, "Trying to run?" His playful spirit was piqued. He lightly touched the petals with his toes, and his figure leaped and darted through the air.
Strike with both hands.
[Your skill in catching bees and butterflies increases your Flying Snake Hand proficiency by 4.]
[Your skill in catching bees and butterflies increases your Flying Snake Hand proficiency by 5.]
...
The scattered bees and butterflies were all caught again. Li Xian played with them back and forth more than ten times. The bees and butterflies were exhausted and limp in his palm. He also felt tired, so he completely let go and released them back into nature.
The flowerbed was teeming with poisonous bees. But he was clad in a "pure qi robe," and every time the bee's sting reached half a hair's breadth from his skin, an invisible membrane would block it.
He gave a slight jolt, and the poisonous bees fell to the ground, leaving him dazed and numb. Li Xian wandered among the flowers, getting covered in pollen, but somehow avoided being stung by the bees.
They practiced until noon, when the sun was high in the sky. The summer heat was scorching and oppressive, and Li Xian felt parched and tired, so he left the narrow path through the flower valley.
He exhaled a breath of fresh air, scattering the pollen and wiping away the sweat. Feeling refreshed, he hurried back to Peach Blossom Town.
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...
The Flower Cage Gate Grand Gathering is approaching. Talented individuals from all walks of life are gathering at the Water Altar General Association. Among them, four stand out: Ding Zelin, Wang Changjiang, Langdao, and Bao Zhixian.
Gambling has been set up in Peach Blossom Town, and the topic is quite lively.
Li Xian was in a good mood. After returning from martial arts practice, he went to a restaurant to treat himself. He ordered some wine and dishes, including a plate of fried bee pupae.
Drinking alcohol and eating food helps restore energy.
The second floor of the restaurant offered a pleasant view, overlooking the sea of flowers on the island. The restaurant was already full, occupied by disciples of the Flower Cage Sect.
They talked to each other:
"This event is quite a grand affair."
"Yes, my Flower Cage Sect was once scattered and disorganized. Although we had many disciples, they were mostly a rabble. We know this is true, but we still find it unsettling."
"Hmph, if we're just talking about reputation, our Flower Cage Sect is a first-rate sect. Hehe, those disciples from big sects usually look down on people and are very arrogant. But if they fall for our tricks, the men will be killed with one strike, and the women will be tied up. No matter how good their background or how high their skills are, it's all in vain."
"Hahaha, that makes a lot of sense. No matter what kind of sect prodigy or noble family darling you are... if we set our sights on you, let's see what they can do."
"Absolutely! Are we really going to fight them one-on-one? Hahaha."
Several people sipped the fresh peach blossom wine, clearly already somewhat tipsy. Li Xian smiled but said nothing, continuing to eat and drink, listening to their idle chatter.
"Tell me... our Flower Cage Sect hasn't had a grand event in years. Why are we suddenly holding one today, with such generous rewards? What are we trying to do?"
"Speaking of this, I have heard a little about it."
"Oh, Brother Liu, please speak quickly."
The thief surnamed Liu shook his head and said:
"It is said that... our Flower Cage Sect is planning a big event. Therefore, we are organizing a grand gathering to boost morale! Our Flower Cage Sect has many disciples, but they are too disorganized."
"Among our peers, there isn't a single one who can be considered as outstanding as those from the major sects. Now that the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, our Flower Cage Sect has been repeatedly besieged. If we continue to be so lax and undisciplined, we may face annihilation."
"Therefore, my Flower Cage Sect intends to amend its rules. We will gather our disciples and members to organize a grand event. Firstly, it will encourage young talents to compete and exchange skills. Secondly, it will attract our disciples back to the Water Altar, where we may have important matters to announce."
...
...
Li Xian nodded slightly. The world was descending into chaos, and the dynasty was weakening. It was perfectly normal for Hua Long to be disorganized and trying to consolidate its strength in preparation for the impact of the changing world.
"In this vast world, who isn't just a tiny speck of dust? I am uniquely blessed with extraordinary potential for transformation and pure Qi... I should diligently practice martial arts to protect myself and, more importantly, my younger brother..."
Thinking back on the most important people in my life, I realized that my younger brother, having become Fu Haoran's disciple, was protected by the sect and his fortune was intact, so I didn't need to worry about him. Although Gu Wanjun looked down on me, she treated my younger brother very well, regarding him as a disciple of her sect.
He recalled the woman in the white dress, her delicate and alluring figure, the dignified yet ruthless Wen Caishang… Though they had shared joy, if there was true affection, why did he gouge out her eyes?
Thinking back to this point.
Suddenly I felt a vastness of heaven and earth, and utter loneliness.
He drank several jars of wine and became slightly drunk. He thought cheerfully, "Even if everyone looks down on me, I will still live for myself."
Who cares about all that?
He continued drinking, ordering several more jars. In truth, he was indeed heartbroken when Wen Caishang wanted to gouge out his eyes, but he didn't have time to grieve.
He had eaten and drunk his fill. He put down his wine bowl and was about to pay the bill and leave when he suddenly heard a commotion in the crowd. A sedan chair passed by on the bluestone street.
The red sedan chair was eye-catching.
The sedan chair was carried by four women, all with similar hairstyles and attire. The chair was open, revealing the allure of those inside. Lying inside was a effeminate young man, who was embracing a beautiful woman.
The disciples of the Flower Cage Sect exchanged glances: "It's Ding Zelin... He really came. It seems this grand event is going to be quite a show."
"Legend has it that he and Wang Changjiang had a feud over a beauty. They were always openly and secretly competing with each other. If they met at this grand event, wouldn't they fight to the death?"
"This young man is handsome. I heard that some time ago he used ten taels of merit silver to exchange for the 'Graceful Hands'."
"Ah...look! He's practicing the 'Graceful Hands' right now! Legend has it that this martial art has extremely demanding conditions for cultivation. One must have a beautiful woman who gives her all her knowledge and skills, and their bodies and minds must be in perfect harmony."
"Give me everything I have...hehe, how exactly do you mean give me everything I have?"
"I will give my all, face you with openness, and offer you everything."
"I'm so envious. Such a delicate flower, being caressed and played with so casually."
Ding Zelin had a delicate, feminine face, while the woman beside him blushed with embarrassment. She was originally a wealthy and pampered young woman, living a life of luxury. In the prime of her youth, she was targeted by a womanizer. She was taken here and has been living on the island ever since.
She gradually succumbed to temptation and found herself unable to part with Ding Zelin.
...
...
[You moved dirty items, skill level +1]
Back in the inn's bedroom.
Li Xian moved away the impurities and cultivated inner peace. He discarded all surrounding noises, remaining constantly still. When he opened his eyes, the setting sun was about to disappear; it was already dusk.
The Flower Cage Gate Festival was a grand and lively affair. Li Xian did intend to participate, so he quietly prepared his strength, conserved his energy, and awaited the start of the festival.
"Now that I have left Yihe Village, I must find my own solutions for resources, treasures, money, and accommodation. Since I have decided to reside in Shuitan for the long term, I should do my best to earn rewards and then purchase a residence here."
On the other hand...
After the pleasure boat docked, Nangong Liuli was untied by the four women, who then led her through a secret passage in the boat into a flower bush.
The flowers were lush and taller than a person. Using the flowers as cover, the four women moved with tiny, shuffling steps, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, making them difficult for anyone to spot.
As Nangong Liuli stepped out of the cabin, the sunlight hit her face. She squinted, feeling extremely blinded. In a daze, she recalled that she hadn't seen sunlight for nearly a month, having been tied up in a cramped cell.
After adapting to the sunlight, she stirred her internal energy, attempting to break free from her captors and escape. However, despite several attempts, her internal energy was consistently neutralized by the four women.
Feeling hopeless and enraged, she launched into a tirade of insults, hurling the most vile and offensive language at anyone who dared to defy her. She accused the four women of aiding and abetting evil, deeming them utterly inhuman. She claimed that the four men, relying on their numbers, bullied the weak, and that if she were given free rein, she could easily defeat them all. She challenged them to a test, saying that if they didn't believe her, they should try.
Hearing the insults, the four women giggled, completely unconcerned. Nangong Liuli thought to herself, "They're as shameless as that little thief, it's infuriating!" She cursed, "A bunch of sluts!"
A woman laughed and said, "Little girl, you've got a sharp tongue. Hehe, watch out for my trick, I'll teach you a lesson."
A finger reached out and touched Nangong Liuli's back, secretly channeling internal energy. Nangong Liuli trembled, feeling an electric shock throughout her body, and instantly became powerless to struggle.
The lingering force of the finger strike left a burning sensation within her. An unbearable itching throbbed on her back, gradually spreading throughout her body. Nangong Liuli asked, "You...you are despicable. What...what kind of finger technique is this?!" Her beautiful eyes were misty, brimming with tears.
The four women laughed heartily. He explained, "This is 'Soft Breeze in a Finger,' specially made for girls like you."
Nangong Liuli cursed, "Despicable!" but her voice was soft and seductive. A surge of energy coursed through her body, and she quickly focused on parrying, unable to continue her tirade.
Seeing her appearance, the four women knew she had been subdued and all laughed sweetly. Nangong Liuli gritted her teeth, wanting to curse several times, but fearing to make a sound, she could only suppress her anger.
They traveled for about half an hour.
Nangong Liuli took a deep breath. The pressure from her fingers gradually subsided, and she thought, "If I don't yell and curse, wouldn't that make it seem like I'm afraid of them? Humph! Even if I have to endure the torture, I will never submit!"
My heart pounded with dread, terrified of that "gentle breeze and soft finger." Another strike would be truly agonizing. If it were death or physical pain, that would be easier to bear. Suffering, indeed, was nothing to boast about. But the hidden pleasure within the suffering was utterly terrible. I forced myself to remain calm, intending to utter some venomous words to prove my will. But the moment I opened my mouth, I was struck on the back again. The force of the finger penetrated my body, climbing up my spine.
Nangong Liuli knew in her heart that things were going badly. Unable to speak further, her red lips remained tightly pressed together. She silently groaned, her face filled with despair.
"This...this humiliation is worse than going back to the boat and just floating in the water. Although it's hard to move my limbs and I'm in a sorry state...I'm used to it. I don't need to suffer such humiliation from them."
Amidst a sea of flowers, a pavilion stands tall. The pavilion is pale green, and the swaying flowers blend perfectly with the scenery, completely concealing the pavilion.
Without familiarity with the secret passage, it would be impossible to find this place. Nangong Liuli was dizzy and humiliated. She only felt a blur before her eyes and then she entered the pavilion.
"The Flower Cage Thieves are secretive and cunning. I was being led around, and although I tried to remember the way we came in so that I could escape if I had the chance, the colorful sea of flowers made me dizzy."
"I have no idea when I entered this building. Oh dear... how am I going to escape? This is terrible."
She was extremely distressed and kept complaining. Looking around, the building was very cold and gloomy, but the interior was luxurious.
A chilling aura swept over them. The four women, supporting Nangong Liuli, darted about. Their steps were strange, but their speed was not slow. Nangong Liuli was dazed and confused, unable to remember the route.
We arrived at a row of bedrooms. Each room had windows covered with semi-transparent paper. Passing by, we could see inside.
Each room held a woman. These women were in different situations; some were free to sit in front of a mirror, lost in thought. Others were bound hand and foot and left on the bed.
Nangong Liuli suddenly realized: "These women are just like me, captured and brought here. I share the same fate as them, and there is no way to escape."
They arrived at a bedroom.
The four women put Nangong Liuli down and pushed her towards the bedroom. They said, "From today onwards, you will live here. We will wait for orders from above to determine how to handle you."
Nangong Liuli touched the ground with both feet and instantly turned around to strike with her palms. The four women had anticipated this move. Two of them grabbed her wrists and twisted them behind her back, each using their own "Soft Breeze Finger" technique to strike her left and right ribs.
Nangong Liuli's eyes rolled back, and she almost fainted. But she was powerless to resist anymore; her legs went weak, and she was still at the mercy of the four women.
The leader said, "This woman is too unruly. We've seen her tied up for almost a month. We wanted to loosen her up a bit. Humph, she just keeps trying to resist. Fine, then we sisters won't be polite to her either."
Nangong Liuli retorted defiantly, "Use whatever methods you have. Do you think I, Nangong Liuli, am afraid!" Deep down, she was terrified. She clearly felt that while the four women's martial arts were high, they were far inferior to her own.
However… all four women's martial arts styles are designed for women. Moreover, the four of them work together seamlessly, gaining a significant advantage.
Nangong Liuli was dragged into the bedroom. The four women, having been repeatedly provoked, also became angry. They each took out long, flower-patterned ropes and bound Nangong Liuli's hands.
Nangong Liuli felt extremely strange. She was angry, but inexplicably felt as if she were used to it. The leader said, "This bitch's martial arts are not bad, so be serious. Seize her joints and acupoints firmly."
Nangong Liuli cried out in anguish. Her desperate resistance only fueled the four women's annoyance, causing them to strain the ropes with all their might. One of the women said, "You wretched girl, you're asking for trouble by arguing with us. You'll soon find out how formidable we are. Hehe, by then, no one will listen to you when you beg."
Another woman said, "Why bother talking to her so much? She won't remember it anyway. Besides... with such a big prize, she should be treated well."
His hands and feet were bound together with a dense network of ropes.
The four women closed the door and left. Nangong Liuli sobbed alone, feeling utterly helpless. She slightly regretted her stubbornness earlier; if she had yielded even a little, she would feel much better now.
With a soft sigh, she ceased struggling. She lay prone on the bed, enduring the passing time, awaiting her fate.
It was past midnight. A faint pinkish smoke rose from the cracks in the bedroom. It had a delicate, pleasant fragrance, very soothing and conducive to sleep. She had been bound and exhausted, unable to fall asleep. But the soothing fragrance calmed her mind and spirit, and she began to drift off to sleep.
I fell asleep without realizing it.
When she woke up the next day, she frowned and had a bad feeling: "Was yesterday's sleeping incense really just to help me sleep? Would the Flower Cage Sect be so kind?" She was tied up by the four women and could hardly move.
The room was utterly silent. Feeling utterly bored, I shifted my position to observe the layout. Bookshelves, a dressing table…
She noticed several sandalwood boxes on the dressing table. She thought, "Could they be precious artifacts? What are they for, and why are they placed here? Let's see if they can help me escape this predicament."
She stared intently, observing carefully. Struggling, she moved to the mirror stand, her reflection catching her eye. Nangong Liuli blushed slightly and managed to open the sandalwood box.
The objects inside were quite strange. They were named Glazed Divine Pestle, Extreme Jade Treasure Cone, and so on... The names were quite intimidating, and the materials were certainly not ordinary. Nangong Liuli looked at them and felt very strange. She intuitively felt that these objects had no murderous intent whatsoever, as if they were extremely difficult to use in martial arts combat. Nangong Liuli thought to herself, "Extremely strange. Everything about this Flower Cage Gate is extremely strange."
Feeling bored and restless, I went around in circles, unable to find a way out. Feeling utterly dejected, I lay down in bed to rest.
The bedroom was decorated quite elegantly, much better than the prison cell at the bottom of the ship. Nangong Liuli shook her head, looking at the ceiling decoration, utterly bored.
Another day passed in this way, and at midnight, red smoke drifted in. Nangong Liuli held her breath, refusing to inhale even a single breath.
But red smoke filled the room. She remained frozen for a moment, but eventually needed to breathe, so she inhaled the red smoke and drifted off to sleep, feeling dizzy.
For the next few days, she felt extremely bored. Confined to a small room and restricted in every way, her temper grew increasingly volatile, and she felt a surge of anger rising within her, wanting to smash and destroy everything she saw.
The more I feel this, the more irrelevant and distracting thoughts keep popping into my mind.
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(End of this chapter)
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