Chapter 286: The Cangwu Spear Technique, the Candle Sect's Introduction, Nangong's Danger, and the Double Pupils that Shock the Ghost
The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, while the greenery is lush and somber.
In the sweltering heat of July, at midday, the sun beat down relentlessly, making the heat unbearable.
After leaving the town, Li Xian headed straight for the inner island. Along the way, he saw his fellow disciples from the Flower Cage Sect, chatting and laughing in twos and threes, their mouths full of bawdy jokes. Seeing the intense sunlight, they ventured into the woods to seek shade. Li Xian used the Seven Star Steps, his figure rising and falling with each step. Upon arriving at the inner island, the disciples there all recognized Li Xian, greeting him with smiles and respect.
Li Xian smiled and responded, then headed southeast. Before long, they arrived at their destination.
The Wenwu Pavilion houses exquisite martial arts techniques, and Deputy Chief Envoy Yan Hao resides there.
The pavilion stood seven zhang tall, with a black roof and red walls, exuding a dignified and solemn air. Legend has it that the pavilion's walls were constructed from deep lake black stones, making them indestructible and as heavy as a mountain. As Li Xian entered the pavilion, he immediately sensed its extraordinary layout.
The pavilion contains "basic martial arts", "lower-level martial arts", and "intermediate-level martial arts". "Superior-level martial arts" are extremely rare. They are kept secret by aristocratic families, powerful clans and famous sects, and are mostly passed down orally or personally. There is absolutely no reason for them to be recorded in books and sold.
Even if recorded in ancient texts, they are bound to be incomplete. Basic martial arts require over a hundred merit copper coins, while inferior martial arts require several taels of merit silver... The Martial Arts Pavilion contains both the essential techniques of the sect and unorthodox martial arts.
The collection of books and texts was quite extensive. Guided by the master, Li Xian went straight to the pavilion and carefully examined the martial arts records. He already had a direction in mind, but the opportunity to peruse martial arts classics was rare, so he cherished it greatly and read the records carefully.
The books on the shelf have been specially treated. The first few pages, including the "Introduction" and "Foreword," are easy to read, but if one were to look further back, attempting to peek at the true face of martial arts and steal its essence, it would only lead to confusion and mental chaos.
The Flower Cage Sect has a loose organizational structure, with its disciples coming from all walks of life, and its martial arts manuals are scattered. Disciples must create their own styles and combinations of martial arts techniques. Ordinary disciples who wish to receive instruction must curry favor with the elders.
Li Xian chose two martial arts techniques that were quite compatible: "Snake Intestine Winding Sword" and "Soft Scale Swimming Body Skill".
He had carefully considered his options. He possessed unparalleled martial arts skills in fist, palm, foot, finger, sword, and saber techniques, covering a wide range of areas, which inevitably led to a somewhat scattered approach. He desired to encompass the entire world, to develop comprehensively, to be proficient in everything, and to become a master like Wen Caishang. However, resources were limited. When faced with a rare opportunity, he needed to first master the art of swordsmanship and demonstrate his prowess. Only after achieving considerable skill could he slowly make up for any shortcomings.
Due to limited resources, Li Xian clearly understood the priorities and priorities, making his choice of martial arts techniques naturally clear.
The "Snake Intestine Detour Sword" costs three taels of merit silver, and the "Soft Scale Swimming Body Skill" costs two taels of merit silver... Thanks to Shi Yufei's promise, the "Snake Intestine Detour Sword" can be purchased at a low price of only one tael of merit silver. The "Soft Scale Swimming Body Skill" is worth two taels, which is just enough to acquire two inferior martial arts at the same time.
Once the two martial arts techniques are mastered to their peak, one can comprehend the universe through practice, promote the digestion of essence and nourish the internal energy within the body... the benefits are endless, and the profound strength of a martial artist is accumulated in this way.
Li Xian gazed for a while longer, his mind wandering, filled with longing. He desired to master many martial arts techniques, wishing he could cultivate them all to their pinnacle. Lost in the vast ocean of martial arts, he came to his senses when dusk fell, and he prepared to leave the pavilion and return home. After walking along the path for a while, he suddenly saw stairs leading to the third floor.
Li Xian thought to himself, "The Martial Arts Pavilion is a very important place in the Water Altar, but it is poorly guarded. There are only a few servants who are responsible for guiding people along the way, and it seems that they are not restricted in their direction. This corridor leads to the third floor. The second floor contains lower-level martial arts, and the third floor contains mid-level martial arts. Although with my current merit silver, it is simply wishful thinking to exchange it for mid-level martial arts, it is still good to go upstairs and broaden my horizons."
He went upstairs without any obstruction. This place was supposed to house mid-level martial arts manuals, but to Li Xian's surprise, there were no shelves for books, only various strange artifacts: silver wine cups, broken jade, snake scales… all extremely bizarre. He also saw a bronze vat with fish swimming and frolicking in it.
Li Xian muttered to himself, "Could I have come to the wrong place? There are no martial arts books here."
He walked to the water vat and observed the fish swimming inside. He dared not touch them carelessly, but simply watched them quietly. When he grew tired of looking at them, he went to look at other things. He could even see strange things such as half-eaten food scraps and broken skulls, all hidden in glass boxes, which could be viewed but not touched.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded, and Yan Hao, dressed in loose robes, walked slowly toward them.
Li Xian bowed and said, "Vice Chief Envoy." Yan Hao nodded and said, "I noticed you came to choose martial arts techniques a while ago. You are quite composed, spending several hours at a time. Aren't you afraid of going into qi deviation?"
Li Xian laughed and said, "Could it be that choosing a martial art can lead to qi deviation?"
Yan Hao said, “Of course. Those with weak minds, when immersed in martial arts classics, become obsessed with them and are so tempted by the miraculous effects described in the classics that they cannot sleep, which leads to their blood and qi going in reverse and going into qi deviation... It is quite common.”
Li Xian said, "That was really close."
Yan Hao laughed and said, "The fact that you were able to get to the third floor means you are of sound mind, so there's nothing to worry about."
Li Xian asked curiously, "Why?"
Yan Hao arrogantly continued, "If you are confused, the layout of this pavilion will guide you, and every step you take will be within my calculations. In this way, you will walk hundreds of steps east and hundreds of steps west, and eventually you will fall into that pond and get a refreshing soak. You will be a drowned rat." He pushed open the window and pointed to the lotus pond next to the pavilion.
The attic was ingeniously laid out, with constantly changing pathways. A single path could lead to hundreds of different routes, leaving Yan Hao with no choice but to trap his enemy.
Li Xian felt a sense of wonder. He had already experienced this similarity on the pleasure boat. He smiled and said, "Since this junior was able to go up to the third floor, it must be because Vice Envoy Yan intentionally led me there."
Yan Hao was slightly taken aback, smiled without saying a word, and carefully examined Li Xian. After a while, he said, "You're quite clever. Since you're here, there's no harm in looking around."
Li Xian looked around curiously and asked, "I've had a question since earlier. I'd like to ask Vice Envoy Yan for an answer." He said, "I'm ignorant. There are so many things here, it's like some kind of library. But I haven't seen a single martial arts manual. Is this really a place where martial arts manuals are stored?"
He suspected that the martial arts manuals were hidden among strange objects. At this moment, he feigned innocence to start a conversation and make it easier to ask detailed questions and explore the mysteries within.
Yan Hao said, "Of course, there are thirty-four mid-level martial arts techniques here."
Li Xian asked curiously, "Could it be referring to these strange objects?"
Yan Hao laughed and said, "That's right. Intermediate-level martial arts are no longer confined to records on paper and in books. The things they carry are incredibly diverse. As the saying goes, 'Seeing mountains is not seeing mountains, seeing water is not seeing water.' When one's understanding of martial arts reaches a higher level and surpasses that of ordinary people, what one sees, hears, observes, and thinks will be different from what others do."
Yan Hao, in high spirits, wanted to lead Li Xian to admire the various items on the third floor and briefly discuss the martial arts techniques hidden within.
Li Xian lagged slightly behind Yan Hao, following him to admire the third floor. After a casual conversation, Li Xian learned the secrets of the Martial Arts Pavilion and why Yan Hao was stationed there to guard it. The Martial Arts Pavilion housed numerous martial arts manuals, which were extremely important and required guarding. However, it would be highly inappropriate for anyone to guard it, as it would inevitably raise suspicions of "stealing from the guard" or privately learning martial arts.
Yan Hao was not fond of martial arts by nature. Although his cultivation was not shallow, his combat strength was worrying. He had only learned some health preservation and longevity techniques. He devoted his life's interests and spare time to Qimen Dunjia and the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams. Even if Hao Qingshe broke into the Wenwu Pavilion he set up, he would be trapped inside.
He guarded the Martial Arts Pavilion, but was too lazy to touch any martial arts manuals. This arrangement was naturally quite suitable.
The leftovers I just saw contain a technique called "Swallowing Leftovers." The fish swimming in the jar contain the technique of "Fish Walking on Spilled Water." The snake shedding its skin contains the technique of "Shedding Scales and Roaring to the Sky"... Thirty-four strange and wonderful objects, thirty-four mid-level martial arts techniques.
As for how to obtain martial arts skills from strange and unusual items, Yan Hao did not tell them. After strolling around for a while, the sky had darkened, the setting sun had retreated to the west, and the afterglow splashed on the lake surface.
Yan Hao smiled and said, "So, do you have any ideas?"
Li Xianyi said vaguely, "The sages of the past were so talented that I admire them greatly. If I could acquire even one of their talents, it would truly be a blessing from heaven."
Yan Hao said, "That's right. If I remember correctly, you won the grand prize and received three taels of silver as a reward, right?" Li Xian said, "Yes."
Yan Hao said, "Chief Envoy Shi told me that you were frightened during the grand event, and that wicked woman Hao Qingshe acted recklessly and became increasingly unruly. As compensation, he allowed you to purchase a martial arts technique at a 30% discount. He mentioned this to me a while ago, and I've been wondering lately if you've forgotten about it and haven't come to purchase the martial arts technique. If you haven't forgotten, but I have, then this verbal promise is in vain."
Li Xian said shyly, "This matter is indeed my fault, I didn't expect the Deputy Envoy to take it to heart." Yan Hao said, "At least you didn't forget to come, so your verbal promise is naturally valid. In that case, there is a mid-level martial art that you might want to try."
Li Xianqi asked, "Oh?" All thirty-four martial arts techniques cost at least forty taels of merit silver. Even at a 30% discount, they were far beyond Li Xian's reach. Even ordinary elders would find them difficult to obtain. Yan Hao said, "There is also a thirty-fifth mid-level martial arts technique here."
After speaking, he walked towards a sealed box. Unlocking the clasp, he found a tattered painting. It had been burned, leaving only a corner. Yan Hao said, "Look," and handed him the painting.
The incomplete painting was dark and somber, appearing at first glance as if spilled ink had obscured the original design. It was a cause for regret and sighing. Upon closer inspection, faint, crooked lines could be vaguely discerned, appearing extremely hasty and haphazard. Li Xian frowned as he observed, noticing something amiss, and said, "Vice Envoy Yan, could it be a painting of ghosts or monsters?"
Yan Hao was taken aback, then became interested and asked, "Oh, how did you figure that out?" Li Xian replied, "I didn't actually figure it out, but I was fortunate enough to come across paintings from the Nanyang period. At that time, the various kingdoms were at war, foreign enemies were invading, and ethics were in chaos. Refined scholars liked to paint landscapes, indulging in unrestrained behavior. There were also eccentric scholars who devoted themselves to painting the horrific scenes of the world. At first, they painted scenes of cannibalism, famine, the destruction of cities, and floods, etc. Later, it gradually evolved into painting ghosts and monsters, and then it developed into a school of painting. These paintings have rough lines, and with just a few strokes, they can convey the horrific scenes."
Yan Hao said, "How rare! How old are you to know all this? It seems you are quite knowledgeable in history." Li Xian replied, "I am merely showing off my limited knowledge. I am not familiar with current events, let alone the Nanyang period. It was just a coincidence that I heard a certain extraordinary person mention it, and I am simply retelling it now."
Yan Hao said, "In that case, that person is quite learned. Just as you said, even today's events are difficult to understand, and the past is even more shrouded in mystery, with many things impossible to investigate. To befriend such a person would be a great fortune. Hahaha, if you encounter him again, don't forget to introduce me."
Li Xian smiled but did not answer. These words were all casually mentioned by Wen Caishang when she was admiring a painting in the tomb of the Pure Yang Hermit, deep in the mountains. Li Xian remembered them and kept them to himself. If he were to encounter Wen Caishang again, Li Xian would inevitably risk losing an arm or a leg, so how could he have the leisure to introduce her? Even if he did introduce her, Yan Hao, though a high-ranking deputy envoy, would likely lose his life.
Yan Hao asked curiously, "Aren't you afraid?"
Li Xian asked, "Why are you afraid of a tattered painting?" Yan Hao replied, "The ghost in the painting is called a 'Wang Gui' (魍鬼). The brushstrokes conceal a sinister aura. Ordinary people who see ghost paintings will feel uneasy and unable to eat or sleep."
Li Xian thought to himself, "It's rumored that those with double pupils possess the ability to ward off ghosts and gods. Could that be why I'm not afraid?" He remained silent. Yan Hao continued, "This fragment of the painting has an extremely high origin. It's a copy of the [Demon and Monster Painting], but it still captures some of the original's essence. This fragment of the painting contains martial arts: the Fragmented Demon Spear Technique. Its quality should be considered mid-level, but because it's incomplete, it's far inferior to ordinary mid-level techniques."
"The True Form Demon and Monster Spear is a martial art renowned throughout the world. Even if it is a flawed and imitation, placing it among inferior martial arts would be beneath its dignity. Moreover, the origin of this martial art points directly to the Candle Sect. Considering all factors, it will be stored in the third layer."
"It can be exchanged for about ten taels of merit silver. However, this martial art has an evil nature. As you probably guessed, although the Broken Demon Spear is broken and not the original, if one has a fortuitous encounter in the future and obtains another fragment of the map, or admires the original [Demon and Monster Map], the martial art will be transformed. Therefore, many knowledgeable elders have used ten taels of merit silver to purchase the Broken Demon Spear."
"When they saw the Hidden Demon Picture, they were all terrified and turned pale. Some of the elders, who were murderers and cruel by nature and were demons incarnate, were still so frightened that their legs trembled. They forced themselves to cultivate and ended up with mentally impaired characteristics."
"Therefore, this martial art is truly both loved and hated. Although its current effectiveness is far inferior to that of a mid-level martial art, its origins are so captivating that they are hard to forget, and many elders are always concerned about it. I really don't know what to do with it, so I sealed it in a box to extinguish those delusions."
"If we calculate the ten taels of merit silver as a 30% discount, I can sell it to you for three taels. It's quite a coincidence. I was just thinking that there really are such coincidences in this world. Could it be fate? So I tried to introduce you. Hmm, you were so calm when you first saw the Remnant Demon Map. Perhaps you are truly destined for this spear technique."
Li Xian couldn't help but ponder. He had already made thorough plans, intending to select sword techniques and body skills to maximize his strengths. However, the sudden appearance of such a great opportunity made him reconsider the pros and cons. The [Remnant Demon Diagram] was bound to be dangerous, but he possessed the [Heaven Rewards Diligence] destiny, so he wasn't worried about not being able to learn it. According to Yan Hao, although the Remnant Demon Diagram had a great origin, because it was incomplete and was a copy of the [Demon and Monster Diagram], its effect was considered a lower-level martial art, but it was definitely more powerful than ordinary lower-level martial arts.
Li Xian pondered:
"The opportunity to obtain the Remnant Demon Map is rare; once missed, it will be difficult to acquire again. However, we may have the chance to learn inferior martial arts such as the Snake Intestine Detour Sword and the Soft Scale Swimming Technique in the future. Moreover, the Remnant Demon Map costs ten taels of merit silver. If we exchange it, wouldn't we save six taels of merit silver for nothing? The merit silver that ordinary Flower Cage disciples cannot earn in several lifetimes."
"However, there is a major concern. Yan Hao's appearance was a coincidence, and the timing of this Remnant Spear was too perfect. Could it be that they intentionally guided me, deliberately making me try this spear technique? I, Li Xianren, am but a nobody, how could I be worth being schemed against? Even if they have ulterior motives, they probably don't want to take my life, otherwise how could I survive? Perhaps it's related to the Candle Sect? Even if it is, there's no need to be afraid. I've already made my home in this den of thieves, how could I possibly ask for help?"
A thought flashed through his mind, and in an instant, he had an answer. He readily said, "This junior will dare to give it a try."
Yan Hao said, "Good! You have guts and spirit! After seeing so many cunning thieves, you're actually quite pleasing to the eye. You can take this scroll!"
Li Xian looked quite alarmed. Martial arts manuals were always confidential. Although the Leisure Martial Arts Pavilion of Yihe Manor recorded basic and inferior martial arts techniques, it was already strictly forbidden to bring martial arts manuals in private. The Flower Cage Sect, with its diverse members from all walks of life, should be even more vigilant. Yan Hao laughed and said, "What? Do you think I'm worried you'll run away? Where can you run to in this water altar?"
Li Xianming understood and smiled, "Vice-Commander Yan's spirit is as vast as the sea, truly admirable." He paused, then added, "There is one more thing, I don't know if I should say it."
Yan Hao said, "Speak freely." He had no ill will towards Li Xian. This 'Remnant Demon Spear' was closely related to the Candle Sect. Shi Yufei had intentionally asked Yan Hao to take this opportunity to introduce and test Li Xian, to see how Li Xian chose and how deep his connection with the Candle Sect was. If Li Xian chose the Remnant Demon Spear, it would prove that their connection was deeper. Then he would consider it more carefully.
Li Xian said, "Some time ago, I obtained a Five Elements Command Flag, but my knowledge is very shallow and my understanding of the Five Elements is not profound, so the flag's effect is very limited. I know that Deputy Chief Envoy Yan's Five Elements cultivation is extraordinary and astonishing, and I thought that if I could learn a thing or two from him, I would be more than happy to do so. I know that I am thinking this, but I am really ungrateful. However, I will not feel at ease unless I ask him in person."
Yan Hao frowned and sneered, "You brat, your mind is too complicated and chaotic. You just gained an advantage and obtained the Remnant Demon Spear, and now you want to get your hands on my Five Elements Mystic Escape. Even if I were willing to teach you, you would be picking up sesame seeds and losing watermelons. You would not only waste my energy, but also ruin your future."
"Besides, my Five Elements Mystic Escape technique is hardly something I enjoy learning."
Suddenly feeling slightly annoyed, Li Xian, who had assumed Li Xian was a composed and steady person based on his demeanor, hesitated to reconsider his words. Li Xian knew his words would displease others. He also knew that his meeting with Yan Hao today was likely arranged by Chief Envoy Shi, and that if Yan Hao didn't show himself next time he came to the Martial Arts Pavilion, no one would be able to see him. Therefore, he was determined to seize the opportunity, even if it annoyed others. Even if he was rejected, it wouldn't matter.
Li Xian followed up, "So, Vice Envoy Yan was worried that I'd lose the big picture for a small gain. If I have the ability to spare some time to practice the Five Elements Mystic Escape while improving my Cangwang Spear, would you be willing to teach me a thing or two?" He was extremely shameless.
Yan Hao glanced at him indifferently: "With your greedy nature, you'll probably find it hard to truly master the Remnant Spear. You might even end up with a mentally unstable mind. You should leave now."
Li Xian said, "This junior dares to make a bet with you, senior. If I can truly master the Remnant Spear, I would like to ask you to grant me the opportunity to learn the Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique."
Yan Hao said impatiently, "Master the Remnant Spear technique in a month, then we can talk about anything else. You're truly a clueless brat. So many elders have obtained the Remnant Spear diagram, studied it day and night, yet failed to grasp its essence. In the end, they didn't even get started and ended up as fools. How dare you say you've achieved mastery of the Remnant Spear?"
"If you truly achieve mastery, your words today are neither humble nor arrogant, and you possess remarkable talent. It would not be a disservice to teach such a person the Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique. However, if you fail to achieve mastery, struggle to even begin, and end up as a fool, then you are truly delusional and a laughingstock. How dare you even attempt to dabble in my Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique? It is utterly laughable."
Li Xian was not angry at all, and said with a smile, "Very well. I will take this bet as settled. I will take my leave." Yan Hao turned and left without saying another word.
After Li Xian left, Shi Yufei stepped out from the side, accompanied by a woman with a slender figure. She wore a bamboo hat with a light veil hanging down from the edge, completely concealing her figure. Her face was not clearly visible, but Shi Yufei showed her great respect, even waiting half a step behind her.
Yan Hao bowed to the woman, then turned to Shi Yufei and said, “Chief Envoy Shi, you’ve misjudged him this time. This lad did perform well earlier, remaining calm even in danger. But as the saying goes, time will tell. One’s character can only be known over time. You heard what I just said.”
Shi Yufei looked at the woman beside him and asked, "Miss Chu, what do you think?"
The woman's surname was Chu, and her given name was Liu Qing. She had no connection whatsoever with the Flower Cage Sect, but was deeply associated with the Candle Sect. Several days ago, she arrived at the Water Altar and met with Shi Yufei. She planned to spend a month in quiet cultivation on the island. Shi Yufei respectfully agreed and prepared excellent accommodations for her, ensuring she would not be disturbed.
During their casual conversation, Shi Yufei mentioned Li Xian. Chu Liuqing didn't care much, but since she was staying elsewhere, she agreed to take a look. If he was suitable, she felt she had a deep connection with the Candle Sect and it wouldn't hurt to introduce him.
But the eavesdropper shook his head slightly and said calmly, "In my opinion, there's no need to waste energy on this kid. I can see that he comes from a poor background, which is why he's striving to climb up. People like him all have something in common: because of their impoverished childhood, their vision is very narrow, and they don't know their own limitations. Even if they have ambition when they're young, it's because of their ignorance. Once they manage to climb to a high position, their ambition will inevitably be diminished."
"What happened today is a perfect example. If it were someone else, a disciple from a prestigious family, he would never dare to speak so recklessly. It is precisely because this person does not know the limits of his abilities that he can make waves in a shallow pond for a while, but when he is on a larger stage and sees the real heroes and talents, his spirit will be crushed and he will find it difficult to recover."
"The higher he climbs, the more his limitations become apparent."
"The destruction of the Candle Sect was due to the large number of such people. If we do not want to repeat the same mistake, we need to take action."
Shi Yufei said, "Alas, this boy has indeed disappointed me. When I first saw him in danger, he was quite composed and his strength was also quite good. It seems that I need to reconsider."
Chu Liuqing glanced over indifferently, saying without a care, "There's no need to consider it."
Li Xian carefully hid the fragments of the Demonic Scroll and rowed away from the inner island. The sky was dark, filled with an eerie, unsettling atmosphere. Li Xian looked up at the moon, but it was completely obscured by clouds and mist.
He thought of Nangong Liuli, not expecting it would take so long to purchase martial arts manuals. His stomach was growling with hunger, and he guessed Nangong Liuli was in the same boat. Passing a roadside pond, he picked up four pebbles and tossed them into the water. With a few "splashes," water splashed everywhere, and four grass carp, each weighing about a pound, were stunned, floating belly-up to the surface.
Li Xian clapped his hands from a distance, the force of which pushed the grass carp to the shore. He then used the Golden Leopard Tendon to pierce the grass carp's mouth and carried it back to his mansion. He walked quickly and swiftly, soon reaching Peach Blossom Town. Peach Blossom Town had no curfew, and the island was isolated from the outside world, leaving criminals with no way to escape. Therefore, it was peaceful and tranquil, and theft was rare.
There was no one on the road tonight. Li Xian thought to himself that it was strange, but didn't think too much about it and hurried towards Qingniu Street. The more he walked, the more unfamiliar it felt; the road seemed familiar yet unfamiliar. After walking for half an incense stick's time, he still couldn't return to his residence.
He sensed something was amiss and became wary. Knowing things were different now, he used his light-footed skill to accelerate, navigating the vast alleyways, spinning around on his own. Peach Blossom Town wasn't large, but it had many streets. The winding, meandering paths truly made one dizzy.
Li Xian frowned, thinking, "A mere ghost dares to block my view?"
The double pupils became apparent.
(End of this chapter)
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