Chapter 338 I Am the Only One, Li Xian Deceives Me, Madam Miscalculates, Loses Her Mind
Dugu Boyuan was renowned for his "Unique Mind Technique," a skill deeply connected to "intention"; damage to one's intention would lead to the depletion of one's lifespan. He possessed three great treasures throughout his life: first, the jade seal of the You Kingdom; second, the Unique Mind Technique; and third, the You Kingdom's totem.
He pushed open the stone door to the dark room. It was dark inside. Li Xian blew on a tinderbox and lit all the oil lamps in the room. The candlelight illuminated the room in an instant.
All three treasures are here. Wen Caishang said, “Li Lang, if I’m not mistaken, this room is the ‘Netherworld Palace.’ The Netherworld Kingdom has a strange system, with two emperors in one dynasty. One is the ‘Wise Ruler,’ and the other is the ‘Netherworld Ruler.’ The Wise Ruler is in front, facing the world, enjoying wealth and honor but without real power, while the Netherworld Ruler is hidden in a secret room, enjoying great power but hiding far away. Dugu Boyuan’s tomb must be built according to this structure.”
"His life's treasures must be inside the Netherworld Palace! Others are unaware of Dugu Boyuan's origins and the strange system of the 'Netherworld Kingdom.' They pass by this precious treasure without realizing it, lacking both such good fortune and slightly bad luck."
Li Xian laughed, "To have such a lady is truly my greatest fortune." He saw that Wen Caishang possessed an elegant demeanor, dignified composure, and gentle grace, like a wife and a teacher to him, far surpassing him in every way. When they were in love, they were like celestial beings, enjoying endless bliss. But when she was in a bad mood, she was extremely difficult to manage. The situation was complex and entangled, difficult to explain. At this moment, she was completely at a disadvantage, and he thought he could "turn the tables" and bully her properly. But he also thought that once they left the main hall, his lady was ultimately very powerful, and if she retaliated, he would have a hard time.
Inside the dark room was a futon, upon which sat a withered corpse, facing a red wall, seemingly in meditation. This corpse was none other than "Dugu Boyuan." Before him lay an imperial seal, symbolizing the power of a nation. Hanging on the red wall was a scroll depicting a golden-tailed, red-furred rat. This was the totem of the Netherworld Kingdom.
Suddenly, a soft "thump" was heard, and the withered corpse's chest swelled slightly. Li Xian said in a deep voice, "Madam, be careful." He shielded her behind him. Wen Caishang smiled sweetly, as if drinking honey and bathing in sweet dew, but she said reproachfully, "Even in his prime, Dugu Boyuan was no match for me. Now that he has been dead for so long, do you think I'm afraid of him?" With a flick of her sleeve, she exposed the chest.
A withered heart slipped out, yet it still beat gently. The "Only My Heart" technique was truly remarkable; even after Dugu Boyuan's death and the loss of his will, his heart continued to beat for thousands of years. Wen Caishang said, "The secrets of the 'Only My Heart' technique are hidden within. If you can comprehend it, it will be your opportunity. If you cannot comprehend it, then you will miss it. The opportunity is here; you must seize it."
The Unique Mind Technique is a rare skill of our time. Its emphasis is on "cultivating the mind." Although it is a martial art, it has no set forms. Furthermore, it is not recorded in any paper books or passed down through bamboo slips. It requires abandoning the preconceived notions of predecessors and listening to the heart's intent before transmitting it.
Therefore, it is called "The Unique Mind Skill"... The emphasis is on the words "unique" and "unique," meaning that no two people in the world can possess this skill. Within the withered heart lies a "meaning," which is said to be a peculiar rhythm of heaven and earth, which was accidentally absorbed into the heart cavity and gradually evolved into this "The Unique Mind Skill." That meaning is difficult to dispel and affects the heartbeat.
Therefore, even after thousands of years, though the body has decayed, the heart continues to beat.
Holding the withered heart in his hand, Li Xian felt a jolt in his heart and brought it to his ear to listen. Each jolt of his heart was a strange sensation. Upon careful contemplation, he found it to be melodious and lingering, sometimes like the sudden roar of a drum, sometimes like the faint sound of a flute... He became immersed in it, slowly experiencing it, his heart vibrating with the sounds, gradually also containing its own sound.
The Unique Mind Skill… primarily cultivates “Mind and Intent,” which is quite unique. Practicing it allows for the transmission of sound through the mind, amplifying the heart and strengthening Qi, infusing external objects with the mind, neutralizing martial arts techniques, and enhancing comprehension… its miraculous effects and uses are numerous, requiring quiet practice and gradual exploration to maintain its renowned reputation.
A layer of "meaning" gradually appeared in Li Xian's heart cavity, echoing within it. He knew that this was the perfect opportunity to comprehend the "Unique Mind Skill," and if he missed it, this special and wondrous skill would dissipate. He sat cross-legged, concentrating his mind, as if a giant hand was plundering the remaining meaning within his withered heart and drawing it into his heart cavity.
He was said to be plagued by bad luck and numerous obstacles, but luck always comes around time. This "Unique Mind Skill" suited him perfectly. He practiced archery, and his spirit was already sharp, which resonated with the Unique Mind Skill. In addition, the "Five Organs Avoid Turbidity and Meet Yang Meridian" technique, which has no set moves, yet strengthens the organs, body, and spirit, and ensures abundant blood and energy in the heart.
Seeing Li Xian sitting in meditation, Wen Caishang smiled faintly, "Silly boy, you really didn't guard against me." She closed the secret chamber. Picking up the "jade seal" from the ground, the jade seal was warm and smooth, carved with nine lifelike jade dragons, extremely exquisite.
Wen Caishang pondered, "If we're talking about fortuitous opportunities, while my Unique Mind Technique is indeed a wondrous skill with many rare and wonderful effects, it's not as powerful as my Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique. Moreover, it focuses solely on cultivating the mind, and to see results, one truly needs three to five years of dedicated practice, or even decades. This technique, given to Immortal Li..."
“His comprehension is exceptionally high. If possible, I really don’t want him to get involved in this martial art. But I have to get rid of him eventually. This young man risked his life to save me, so I… I must give him something in return. As far as I’m concerned, my own inner strength is of little use, but this jade seal is of utmost importance.”
She turned her delicate hand over, and the jade seal stood still in her palm. With her left hand, she took out a mutton-fat bottle, uncorked it, and found it filled with golden jade dew. She looked around and saw a lampstand.
She flattened the lampstand, placed the jade seal on it, and poured "golden jade dew" around it. She waited for a long time, but there was no movement, so she frowned slightly. After thinking for a moment, she realized the reason. With a flick of her sleeve, the white snake soft sword lay in her palm.
The "Mustard Void Demon Robe" is extremely strange and unpredictable, concealing objects in the void and distorting their properties. When Wen Caishang wrapped the "White Snake Sword" in the Mustard Void Demon Robe, it could extend, lengthen, soften, and lighten it... She flicked it towards the distant candle, and the White Snake Soft Sword meandered away, its tip striking the wick of the flame precisely.
She managed to cut off a wisp of flame. The candle dimmed for a moment, then reignited. Wen Caishang remained motionless, flicking her sword behind her without turning her head. The white snake-shaped soft sword, carrying a wisp of flame, pierced towards the candle behind her. Like a white snake opening its mouth to hunt fire, the flame at the tip of the sword grew even stronger.
She flicked her sword seven or eight times, cutting off a wisp of flame from each of the surrounding candles. Then she reversed the sword's edge, sheathing the White Serpent Soft Sword, its tip glowing brightly and burning slowly. She placed the flame beneath the jade seal.
After a moment of silence, the jade seal began to tremble slightly. Then, a green light emanated from a dragon-shaped carving, starting from the tail and gradually spreading towards the head. The jade seal had nine dragons in total, symbolizing "the supreme authority of the nine dragons." Eight of the nine dragon-shaped carvings glowed with green light, while one remained dull and lifeless.
The green light extended at varying speeds. The fastest had already reached the dragon's belly, while the slowest had barely climbed past its tail. Wen Caishang was not in a hurry. She glanced at Li Xian and saw that he was immersed in martial arts, oblivious to external things, and would need more time to comprehend it. He might sit there for a day or two, so she waited patiently.
About two hours later, the fastest-moving green light had reached the "dragon's neck." The slowest-moving green light had reached the "dragon's belly." The flames burned slowly, and after another hour, the first green light climbed to the dragon's head and crawled out of the dragon's mouth; it turned out to be a green worm.
The insect, its joints of varying lengths and thicknesses, moved very slowly, its body shimmering with a greenish glow. After crawling out of the jade seal, it moved towards the golden jade dew. Wen Caishang thought to herself, "The rumors are indeed true! My search in the tomb was worthwhile, and all this trouble has been in vain. Although my luck has been bad, and stealing the dragon has brought me misfortune, I will surely be rewarded once I overcome this perilous situation." Overjoyed, she brought her two fingers together, and soon a white silkworm crawled out of her sleeve.
It crawled up the fingertip to the candlestick and pounced on the green-glowing insect. The insect turned to flee, but was far too slow and was swallowed whole by the Ancestral Silkworm. Wen Caishang pinched the Ancestral Silkworm between two fingers and put it into her sleeve.
Wait a little longer. The second, third, fourth... all met their fate, crawling out of the jade seal and being devoured by the ancestral silkworm. In the course of nearly a day, the ancestral silkworm had devoured six green worms.
turn out to be……
This jade seal is named the "Nine Dragon Seal," passed down through generations of the You Kingdom. Inside it is a "Jade Dragon," an extremely rare creature said to live forever and possess astonishing healing properties, capable of reviving even those on the verge of death. The "Jade Dragon" has been dormant for a long time, awakening only during periods of intense heat, and is drawn to the scent of "Jade Dew."
Wen Caishang once offered incense at a temple fair, which attracted a shower of "golden rain and jade dew" from the sky. She casually stored it in a mutton-fat bottle, never expecting it to be used here. Even without the "golden rain and jade dew," she had other ways to force the jade dragon to reveal the imperial seal.
The ancestral silkworm devoured the jade dragon, its bloodline, quality, toxicity, and miraculous effects all reaching new heights. This harvest was truly abundant. In the future, when she establishes her new estate, she will use the ancestral silkworm to cultivate more silkworms, and the quality and efficacy of the silk will undoubtedly be even better.
Wen Caishang pondered, "The ancestral silkworm devoured six jade dragons, which is a great opportunity, but great nourishment is also great poison. It needs to be properly digested and transformed. In the coming days, there is no need to use it. This jade seal still has two living jade dragon worms and one dead jade dragon worm. It cannot be revived by fire, so it must have died for some reason."
She observed Li Xian for a moment, sighed softly, and murmured, "When have I ever been willing to concede? It's just that you, lad, make me unable to control my love and hate. Fine, fine. I'll hide these two jade dragon live insects on my back. If necessary, they can save your life."
After the remaining two jade dragons crawled out of the jade seal, she pinched them between two fingers and pointed them towards Li Xian's back. The jade dragons merged into his body and lay prone on his spine. Li Xian had forged his spine to resemble a divine mountain, and the jade dragons, attached to this divine mountain, possessed unique properties and gradually fell into a deep slumber.
The movement was incredibly light. Li Xian comprehended the "Unique Mind Technique," unaware that he had been bestowed with a great opportunity. Wen Caishang looked over with a complex expression: "It seems I truly love him dearly. He is focused on martial arts and unaware of external things. Even if I were to possess this treasure all to myself, he would hardly notice. He is indeed clever, but his knowledge is somewhat limited, and he would certainly not know of the existence of such a rare object as the Jade Dragon."
"Wen Caishang, Wen Caishang, wouldn't it have been better to keep it on your person and protect your own life? Why... why did you think of giving it to him? Even if you did give it to him, there are clearly two jade dragons. Wouldn't it have been better to give only one and keep the other for yourself? Why did you... give them both to him?"
Wen Caishang sighed helplessly, "It's better not to tell him about this matter. I gave him the jade dragon only so that his life would be safe. If he knew where the jade dragon was, his audacious and reckless nature would inevitably become even more audacious and reckless. I just hope that he will never need the jade dragon again."
Yet she felt no pity. She was inherently selfish and ruthless, capable of cruelly torturing others with gentle words—this was true in business and in martial arts. If she could take ten percent of the profit, she would strive to take twelve. But now, she went against her nature; the price of the jade dragon was immeasurable. Yet she silently gave it away.
A totem hangs on the red wall. Its value as a collectible far surpasses its practical use. Wen Caishang waited idly for Li Xian to comprehend it, then observed the totem, pondering its meaning. Suddenly, she realized: "The world is full of different people, each with their own unique characteristics. What Dugu Boyuan cherishes is, in my eyes, nothing special. This totem is certainly valuable, but it's nothing remarkable. Compared to the 'Unique Mind Technique,' the Nine Dragon Jade Seal, the Jade Dragon Longevity Insect… it's utterly unremarkable. All were acquired casually. But for Dugu Boyuan, martial arts, the jade seal, wealth… are probably all inferior to this totem. He passed away while gazing at this totem."
Wen Caishang rolled up the totem and put it into her pouch. She walked slowly around Li Lang, pondering, "Li Lang is exceptionally talented. I have read extensively in history books, and while I dare not say that my knowledge is profound, my understanding is still quite good. Two pupils in one body... although rare, such a person has indeed appeared throughout history. But to possess both double pupils and a perfect face, I have only heard of one person, Li Xian. There was none in ancient times, and there will never be another like him in later generations."
“I just observed his spear technique, and when he used it, there was an invisible pull around him. I suppose before he stepped into the second realm of martial arts, he was wearing the Turbid Clothes and awakened the ‘Pure Qi Clothes’. Although this clothing is not as good as the ‘Mustard Void Demon Clothes’, it is more domineering and simple. With all these characteristics and martial arts combined, he has really shown some promise at such a young age.”
He smiled broadly, quite satisfied, and thought to himself, "This young man was trained by me. Seeing him dominate the Five Mountains Sword Alliance gives me a great sense of accomplishment. It's just that his 'spear technique' wasn't my own, so it's not perfect. In the future, I'll have him not practice spear techniques, but only swordsmanship, and he should use my moves."
"But his hidden spear is quite similar to my White Snake Sword. He must have obtained it because of me. Well, well, for this reason, I will allow you to learn the spear. But in the future, you must still focus on the martial arts I have taught you."
Seeing that Li Xian's conduct, knowledge, and martial arts all bore her own mark, Wen Caishang was both pleased and gratified, wishing she could leave her imprint everywhere. Suddenly, she thought of something and frowned: "This kid can't be taken lightly. I'm afraid I'm no match for him now. If he escapes, I'll have a hard time stopping him." She already had a plan in mind.
Wait two more hours. Li Xian exhaled a long breath, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
[The Skill of Unique Mind]
[Proficiency: 2/1000 Beginner]
[Description: I am self-centered and supreme. If I am free from hostility, why envy the strengths of others? I will forge my heart and mind, starting from this.]
Listening to the voice of his heart, he finally attained extraordinary skill. The withered heart gradually shrank and rotted, turning into a pile of rotten flesh. Li Xian absorbed the meaning within his heart cavity, thinking, "This skill needs further practice to reveal its extraordinary effects. I have only just begun to learn it, and this skill can only help me focus my mind. It has no other effect on concentrating my attention."
[Your intention is to strike the heart cavity, proficiency +1]
[Your intention is to strike the heart cavity, proficiency +1]
...
Both "The Unique Mind Skill" and "The Five Viscera Avoiding Turbidity and Gathering Yang Scripture" belong to internal martial arts. They have different focuses, but both are profound and extensive. "The Unique Mind Skill" is more extraordinary and arrogant, while "The Five Viscera Avoiding Turbidity and Gathering Yang Scripture" is a "pure yang principle," which is more comprehensive and moderate.
Li Xian has recently encountered numerous dangers, making this a rare moment of tranquility. After practicing the "Only My Mind Skill" for a while, he then internally practiced the "Five Organs Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang Meridian".
[You moved dirty items, skill level +1]
[You moved dirty items, skill level +1]
It nourishes the blood and strengthens the body, resulting in abundant blood and energy.
[The Five Viscera's Guide to Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang: Strengthening the Viscera]
[Proficiency: 13569/24000 Perfect]
...
...
Li Xian opened his eyes and regulated his breathing. Seeing Wen Caishang sitting quietly beside him, he said apologetically, "Madam, I've kept you waiting!"
Wen Caishang smiled and said, "It's alright, did you gain anything, Li Lang?" Li Xian said, "That 'Only My Heart Skill' is truly profound. Other martial arts are all recorded in books and classics. This martial art actually requires one to cut open one's heart and listen to one's heart to obtain it."
Wen Caishang said, "That's why it's called 'Only My Heart.' There are countless strange martial arts in this world, and I've seen even more bizarre ones. Although the 'Only My Heart' skill is strange, it's not worth making a fuss about. However, this skill is passed down through a single lineage, rarely heard of, and there are very few records of it. I also vaguely know that this martial art exists, but I don't know its true capabilities."
Li Xian said, "I don't know either; I've only just begun to understand it." Wen Caishang said, "With your talent, you've truly made progress. Now that you've entered the basics, you can delve deeper into the subject. This skill might not have been truly effective for Dugu Boyuan. But if it were you, it might be a refreshing surprise."
Li Xian smiled modestly, "Madam thinks too highly of me." Wen Caishang said, "It seems... to be the same as my guess. The sound of the bell here comes from this 'Unique Mind Technique'. This martial art is unique. Over thousands of years... the Nine Aperture Dragon Heart Point here has mastered this technique first and evolved it to an extremely profound level."
Li Xian thought to himself, "Although I saved Madam, I... I can't stay by her side for long. I need to become strong and independent, and only when I can be on par with Madam in the future will I dare to talk about anything else. Right now... I need to plan my escape route in advance." He said, "Madam is wise. This place is strange, but how can we eliminate it?"
Wen Caishang said, "It's hard to eliminate. The Nine Apertures Dragon Heart Acupoint is activated, like the beating of a human heart. It gradually becomes faster and faster. At first, the sound of the bell was like a great bell, but now it resonates in the darkness. It's like a normal heartbeat, with a continuous sound, but it's hard to hear."
"If I'm not mistaken, the entire Nine Apertures Dragon Heart Cave is filled with this bell sound. It even emanates from the apertures, affecting the entire Flying Dragon City!"
Li Xian exclaimed in surprise, "Really?" Wen Caishang said, "But there's no need to rush. This Nine Aperture Dragon Heart Acupoint is not a human heart after all. The reason it's beating incessantly right now is because it's been stimulated. It will continue for a while, or half a month or several months, and then it will naturally stop and return to its original state."
Li Xian thought to himself, "If what Madam says is true, and the bell's influence extends to Flying Dragon City, it's actually a good thing for me." He felt slightly relieved. Wen Caishang thought to herself, "That bell's sound is strange, but its influence is at most limited to the underground cave. If I don't deliberately exaggerate it, how can you let your guard down?"
Li Xian bowed several times to Dugu Boyuan, then left the dark room and closed the stone door. Wen Caishang smiled and said, "It must be chaotic outside right now. Even if the Five Mountains Sword Alliance is stupid, they should be able to figure out the situation. Li Lang, we have already obtained the greatest benefits from the main hall. But there are other benefits that we need to take one by one. No matter how chaotic it is outside, it won't bother us."
Li Xian smiled and said, "That would be best." Wen Caishang casually added, "But if you miss your female confidantes, we can try to help you."
Li Xian knew that Wen Caishang was extremely jealous. Thinking of Zhao Chunxia, Lin Aoshan, and others, he thought that with the Five Great Sword Alliances united and the enemy's true identity known, they wouldn't suffer repeated defeats. He said, "Madam, you are too kind. My heart belongs only to you."
As the two walked, they arrived at the "Misty Clear Pool" behind the palace. Throughout his life, Dugu Boyuan had several confidantes; some died young and were buried prematurely, while others, sharing his heart, voluntarily chose to be buried with him.
After Dugu Boyuan moved into the tomb, the entire underground palace maintained a vibrant atmosphere. He attended court every morning, strolled in the garden, and slept with his concubines... until his death, when it gradually fell into silence. A long dream returned to dust, leaving one with a sense of melancholy.
Mengqing Pool was where Dugu Boyuan and his concubine bathed and enjoyed themselves. He was dying at the time, but his life's collection of medicines had nowhere to go, and selling them seemed too troublesome. So he devised a way to make a medicinal bath. He and his concubine bathed in it together, seeking pleasure in the process.
The medicinal soup was extremely luxurious. When Li Xian and Wen Caishang arrived here, they saw that the pool, built of jade, was emitting a strong medicinal fragrance. Inside, there was a light purple medicinal soup, and the surface was shrouded in mist, as if covered with a layer of smoke.
Wen Caishang asked in surprise, "This medicinal soup has been used for thousands of years, yet its efficacy remains unchanged, and has even increased?" Li Xian said, "Is there such a strange thing?"
Wen Caishang said, "This medicine must be extremely luxurious, with incredibly concentrated medicinal properties. The ingredients interact and bind each other, preventing it from dissipating for so long. In addition, the stone core is tightly sealed, without air or water, remaining unchanged for thousands of years, naturally preventing it from dissipating or decaying. Moreover... this secretly aligns with the principles of alchemy. The entire tomb can be seen as the starting point, and the medicinal soup can be seen as being simmered for thousands of years, naturally increasing its efficacy!"
Li Xian said, "I see!"
It turned out that Dugu Boyuan's death was sudden, and after his death, the medicinal soup remained untouched in the bathtub, unattended by anyone. It has remained there ever since. Wen Caishang was very tempted and said, "Li Lang, are you going to miss such an opportunity?"
Li Xian said, "Of course not, Madam, shall we..." Wen Caishang gently stroked Li Xian's cheek and smiled, "Of course, there's no one to disturb us here, just the two of us, shouldn't we enjoy this?"
This bath is named "Mandarin Duck Purple Smoke Bath," containing 597 rare and precious medicinal herbs. It is highly effective, strengthening the body, healing old wounds, nourishing the skin, and preserving youthful appearance. However, its primary benefit is to inspire passion and the joy of endless exploration.
As soon as Fang entered the bath, he felt the warmth of the water and the gentle effects of the medicine penetrating his body. The effect was quite strong; after bathing for a short while, he began to feel dry. Inside, the air was misty. Wen Caishang saw Li Xian swimming in the mist, smiled, her cheeks flushed, and took the initiative to look back.
Li Xian said, "This medicinal soup is truly miraculous, with extremely strong effects. Madam... just to be on the safe side, although there is no great danger here, it's not advisable to stay in the soup for too long." Wen Caishang said, "Are you afraid?"
Li Xian said, "No, it's just..." Wen Caishang said softly, "You're lying again. Do you think I can't tell? Are you very afraid of me?"
Li Xian said, "Madam has been very kind to me. I am not afraid, but respectful." Wen Caishang said, "You are clearly afraid. You can't fool me. I used to think it would be best if you were afraid of me. But now... I don't think that way anymore."
“You’re still worried about having your eyes gouged out. Although I forced you to have your eyes gouged out before, it was a moment of confusion. From now on, I won’t let you have your eyes gouged out. You should be able to let your guard down now, Li Lang.”
Li Xian didn't know whether Wen Caishang's words were true or false, but he thought to himself, "Madam can't do anything to me now, so why should I be so cautious?" He pretended to sigh and said, "Madam, even if you don't gouge out my eyes, I'm still afraid of you."
Wen Caishang sensed an underlying meaning in his words and said, "Oh?" Li Xian said, "Madam always bullies me and stabs me with her sword at the drop of a hat."
Wen Caishang retorted, "Do you intend to stab me back?" Li Xian replied, "I would never bear to hurt you, Madam. But... I want to retaliate and vent my anger. That way, I'll probably be less afraid of you, Madam."
Wen Caishang immediately swam away, gave a light "humph," and said, "You have some nerve, pushing your luck. I, Wen Caishang, have never been bullied before. Get lost, I don't need you to keep me company."
Just as she was about to swim away to avoid this calamity, her ankle was grabbed. She knew it was Li Xian's doing, and she was both furious and annoyed, both hopeful and ashamed of her loss of face. The matter of "gnawing out her eyes" was just to appease Li Xian, but when had she ever kept her promise? No matter how well she spoke now, she could easily go back on her word later. Who would have thought that she had emboldened Li Xian, who now wanted to get everything back.
Her pretty face flushed red and then paled, and she secretly groaned. At this moment, she truly couldn't defeat Li Xian.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
