Chapter 342 Punching the Sword Sect, Pressing Down on the Madam with a Sword, Teaching a Lesson to His Wife, Revealing His Great Self!
Wen Caishang pondered, "So the Five Mountains Sword Alliance came to my door early this morning for this very reason. Hmph, they want to challenge me to a duel, but they want to know first if I'm worthy. I was going to leave anyway, so why bother with them? If they dare to stop me, I'll make sure they're crippled and their lives are over." She was about to find the right words to refuse.
Li Xian said, "The Five Mountains Sword Alliance has many people and great power. They weren't satisfied with bullying my lady in the tomb. Now they've come to bully me at my door. Isn't that going too far?"
Seeing Li Xian speak up in defense, Wen Caishang smiled and remained silent. The Fifth Elder exchanged glances, first observing Wen Caishang's expression. Seeing her gentle features, they all thought, "This lady is no pushover. Dealing with her is a matter of life and death; she could be lost at any moment. We challenged her to a duel solely for the sake of the sect's reputation and to answer to our disciples, forcing ourselves to go through with it. Yet this lady seems quite obedient to this boy. What kind of spell has he cast on her?"
Envy welled up in everyone's hearts.
Li Xian said, "You are all aware of the matter concerning the tomb. It was He Wentian who tricked you into hating my wife. If you hadn't been tricked into pursuing my wife first, why would she have used a trap to kill you? It is indeed a pity that those disciples died, but when it comes down to this matter, He Wentian is at fault, you are also at fault, but my wife is the only one without fault."
Wen Caishang was touched, her beautiful eyes filled with affection, and she thought to herself, "This little rascal is so well-behaved and cute at times like this. If he could be like this every day, that would be wonderful." So she let him be.
Duan Yixin said in a low voice, "Brother Li, you're mistaken. When we caught up with your wife, we didn't intend to immediately resort to violence. This matter could have been discussed, but Madam Wen set up a trap to harm us. This..."
Wen Caishang smiled and looked at Li Xian, waiting to see how he would explain himself. Li Xian said, "You have the numbers and the power. If my lady agrees to negotiate with you, but fails to reach an agreement, and you suddenly attack, what will happen if my lady is harmed even in the slightest?"
Li Xian continued, "Furthermore, are you from the Sword Sect, so stubborn and inflexible, that you are not the kind of people who are easy to talk to? Elder Xiao Wanjian even admitted himself that he is a boor. It is clear that he is unwilling to reason and only wants to vent his hatred and resentment. My wife is exceptionally intelligent and shrewd; how could she not know this?"
Xiao Wanjian was furious when he heard that someone had been named and addressed so bluntly. He was enraged at being lectured by a junior and immediately slammed his fist on the table, shouting, "You arrogant brat! We are discussing matters with you..." He was about to say, "We are discussing matters with your wife. What right do you, a junior, have to interfere?" But he only managed to utter half a sentence when he felt a resentful gaze upon him, radiating a chilling aura.
Recalling what had just happened, Xiao Wanjian swallowed his words and awkwardly sat down again. Wen Caishang remained silent, but gently nudged Li Xian with her toe, signaling him to continue.
Li Xian said, "Regarding the matter of the tomb, if we're talking about right and wrong, my wife is certainly without fault."
Wang Zongheng sighed, “Brother Li, this duel is not a matter of life and death. The events in the tomb are indeed a matter of right and wrong. But in the martial world, right and wrong are only one thing, good and evil are only two things, there is also loyalty, accountability… This matter must be settled thoroughly.”
The elders nodded slightly. Li Xian frowned and said, "So, this duel is absolutely necessary?" Hu Yueyue calmly replied, "It is necessary. Brother Li is truly devoted to Madam Wen and is a rare gentleman. I suppose he is worried about your wife's safety, which is why he is so nervous. There is no need to worry about this. We have agreed not to decide life or death in this duel, as both sides have made mistakes, and there is no need to add to their injuries. We will only determine the winner and the loser, and let the outcome decide who is right and who is wrong."
Li Xian asked, "What if we win?" Duan Yixin replied, "It will prove that our Five Mountains Sword Sect was in grave error, and the loss of our disciples was our doing. We will no longer pursue the matter of Madam Wen, and since we have disturbed many things related to the tomb, each sect will present us with a famous sword as a gift."
Li Xian said, "If it's such a precious sword, wouldn't it be a bit underwhelming?" He casually brandished the 'Yunyang Sword'. Xiao Wanjian's face turned ashen, and he said, "Naturally, it should be even better." He had specially sent the 'Yunyang Sword' as a test.
Hou Yuande chimed in, “This lady is well-informed and should know what kind of swords we are referring to. The ‘Mist-Swallowing Sword’ of Hushan, the ‘Wind-Forging Sword’ of Yangshan, the ‘House-Protecting Sword’ of Jiushan, the ‘Cang-Viewing Sword’ of Yueshan, and the ‘Fire-Separating Sword’ of Lishan. Even Madam Wen would not regard such famous swords as worthless, would she? The fact that five sword sects have donated them together makes their value immeasurable, perhaps even equivalent to… a divine weapon on the Divine Weapon Ranking!”
Wen Caishang raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression calm and unfathomable. The Five Mountains Sword Sect was founded on swordsmanship, and indeed, it stored famous swords. Throughout history, the swords had chosen their masters, passing down their skills from generation to generation. Although the five leading elders held high positions, their swords were merely ordinary. This wasn't due to insufficient seniority or contributions… but rather because the swords didn't choose their masters.
Li Xian asked, "What if we lose?" Hu Yueyue replied, "If you lose, everyone in the tomb has their own rights and wrongs. We would appreciate it if Madam Wen could give us an explanation so that we can comfort the spirits of our deceased disciples."
Li Xian asked, "How should we explain this?" Hu Yueyue replied, "Please ask Madam to erect a monument and tomb for them, and personally write the inscription. The inscription must contain an apology to comfort their departed spirits." These words were easy to say, but extremely difficult to do. Erecting a monument and tomb would mean hiding countless amounts of money and funds, and writing an inscription to be passed down through generations would leave a stain on their reputation.
Li Xian sighed, "So you all planned this long ago, and this duel is already imminent and must be fought?" Wang Zongheng replied, "It must be fought."
Li Xian said in a deep voice, "Alright. But if we are to compete, I have one more condition to add."
Wen Caishang was taken aback, thinking, "Strange, when did this kid become so obedient? It's their business if they want to compete, why should you be so obedient and do what they say? Although that famous sword and weapon are not bad, why would I be tempted? If they displease me, why bother with a duel? I will deal with them right now."
Wang Zongheng said, "Brother Li, please speak." Li Xian said, "Your sword sect has five people, but my wife is all alone. If we are to duel, I must help my wife."
Xiao Wanjian said in a deep voice, "You brat, do you think this is a tomb? You're courting death." Wang Zongheng said, "Brother Li is indeed remarkable, but it's probably not appropriate for him to get involved in this matter rashly."
Li Xian said decisively, "Hmph, how could I not know? If I can take two swords for the lady, my life will be worth it."
The elders said, "This..." They were all worried. If Li Xian was injured during the duel, things would inevitably get out of control. Wen Caishang's light palm and flick just now had already revealed a glimpse of her true abilities, which showed that she was quite formidable.
Hu Yueyue said, "Madam Wen... you should make the decision on this matter."
Wen Caishang glanced at Li Xian lightly, a smile playing on her lips. She realized to herself, "This kid has gone through all this trouble, rambling on and on, just to get involved in the gambling match. He's obsessed with those eyes, and as long as there's a gambling match, I can't very well gouge out his eyes." Intrigued, she thought again, "It's not a big deal, I'll just agree to it."
He nodded and said, "Fine, let it be."
Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Xiao Wanjian, Hou Yuande, and Wang Zongheng nodded in agreement and gently waved. The disciples behind them understood, each taking a few steps forward, taking out the challenge invitations, and presenting them with both hands. Li Xian bowed and accepted them, standing beside Wen Caishang.
Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Now that everything has been discussed, please stay, everyone. I will prepare a banquet in your honor." The elders asked in surprise, "This…"
Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Are you elders worried that I might try to harm you? That would be underestimating me. Caishang is truly treating you well."
The elders, unable to refuse, readily agreed. Wen Caishang summoned "Xiao Tuan" and instructed her to contact the restaurant manager to bring in the finest tables and cushions, and to prepare the cook, ingredients, and fine wine…
A dozen tables were set up beside the waterfall. The scenery here was serene, with snow falling, waterfalls, peach blossoms, green grass, and green pavilions. Wen Caishang was dignified and had excellent manners. She drank and talked with everyone, laughing and chatting, as if there were no enemies between them.
Xiao Tuan then gathered a dozen or so people to repair the courtyard wall, fill the holes, and paint it red. They worked like this all day. By evening, the elders of the five sects all took their leave. Li Xian and Wen Caishang rested in the viewing pavilion.
Li Xian removed Wen Caishang's headdress and neatly placed it aside. Her long hair flowed freely, reaching her waist. Wen Caishang laughed and said, "You've got some nerve, daring to get involved in this kind of competition."
Li Xian said, "I know I'm no match for them, but I think I can be of some use as a human shield." Wen Caishang chuckled and said, "When you actually take two sword blows, let's see if you can still talk such big words."
Li Xian said sincerely, "Does Madam doubt my sincerity?" Wen Caishang paused for a moment, "This boy is mischievous and unruly, but his sincerity is genuine. He has saved me more than once." She was delighted and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, I misspoke. The Five Mountains Sword Sect has a strong foundation, but although these five elders are highly experienced, they are not that powerful in my eyes."
"This is a perfect opportunity to impart some combat experience to you. But, Li Lang..."
She suddenly reached out and gently stroked Li Xian's cheek, saying, "Shouldn't you pay your debts?" Li Xian calmly replied, "Please do as you please, Madam." Wen Caishang flicked her sleeve, and suddenly four sword marks appeared on Li Xian's palm, all of them swords of heartbreak and remorse.
Li Xian endured the excruciating pain, sweat beading on his forehead. The pain was piercing his very soul, lingering relentlessly, yet he couldn't faint. As time passed, the pain intensified, making even a cry out difficult. Several times he tried to speak, but each time he forced himself to remain silent. Wen Caishang gently wiped the blood from the sword and said, "This is the true power of the Heartbreaking Sword. When I captured you before, I retained some of its power."
“I am pleased that you stood up for me. But if you have ulterior motives and think I can’t see through them, you are being too clever for yourselves. From now on, you must return five swords to me every day, and I will show no mercy.”
After the pain subsided slightly, Li Xian forced a smile and said, "Alright. I will do as you say, Madam. My life is in your hands. Even if you kill me right now, I will have no complaints."
Wen Caishang's expression softened slightly, and she said calmly, "How could I kill you? Did you deliberately speak harshly to make me feel guilty? There's still one more sword to go. Raise your hand to receive the sword again." As the fifth sword pierced down, the debts became more and more complicated.
Wen Caishang said stiffly, "Since you have volunteered for the fight, you cannot slack off. Before the duel, you must practice the Sunset Blood Sword diligently. I will then join you in using both swords together. If you cannot defeat your enemy using the combined swords and need my help, it will show that you are arrogant and conceited. You have fled on your own and picked up bad habits. You have joined some dubious sects and learned dubious martial arts, which need to be corrected. At that time, all your miscellaneous martial arts will need to be abolished and you will have to start practicing them anew."
“In the next few days, you will only be able to sleep for two hours each day. The rest of the time, you will need to practice your sword here. I will check on you occasionally. If you slack off, the consequences are self-evident.”
She gracefully returned to the pavilion, walked to the second-floor window, and slightly lifted a corner of the curtain to observe. Seeing Li Xian practicing diligently with his sword, she lowered the curtain, returned to her meditation cushion, and began practicing the Silkworm Jade Inlay Technique. She was learned, but flawed in character; she found Li Xian cunning by nature, and upon reflection, she couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Knowing his wife's temperament well, Li Xian waited until the excruciating pain subsided, warmed his body with his Qi, and picked up the "Green Sword" to practice the "Setting Sun and Fading Blood Sword Technique." He casually swung the sword a few times, displaying a unique style that only he could possess.
Suddenly, he thought, "The lady may be observing from the shadows. This is my biggest trump card. I will rely on this sword technique to finally achieve my goal. However, I still need to conceal some of my strengths." He deliberately concealed seven-tenths of his swordsmanship. Only occasionally did he add a unique touch to his swordsmanship, maintaining his peak level of skill.
Seeing that Li Xian's Sunset Blood Sword was indeed exquisite, Wen Caishang sighed and said, "This boy's talent in swordsmanship is also terrifying. I have only taught him swordsmanship for a year or two, and rarely gave him any guidance along the way. Yet he has mastered it to the highest level. I practiced my Frost Moon Ebb and Flow Sword earlier than him, but I have only just reached 'perfection'. If I want to reach the highest level, I must have a stroke of good fortune or another extraordinary encounter and enlightenment."
"But he achieved success naturally and effortlessly, surpassing me in skill all the way. I both love and hate this talent."
She went back to bed and slept soundly, occasionally hearing the whistling of swords. She awoke in the middle of the night to find the candles half-burnt. Pulling back the curtains, she saw her beloved swordsman obediently dancing under the moon. Wen Caishang's gaze softened, and she gently whispered, "Come back and rest." A short while later, the door opened, revealing bedding laid out on a snow-white carpet; she could lie down and fall asleep immediately.
Early the next morning, Li Xian practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard again, diligently and tirelessly, gradually accumulating proficiency.
[Proficiency +1]
[Proficiency +1]
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...
[The Fallen Sun and Blood-Stained Sword - Level 1]
[Proficiency: 1253/0 Greater Ego]
[The Fallen Sun and Bloodstained Sword - Second Layer]
[Proficiency: 1533/0 Greater Ego]
...
...
Li Xian was engrossed in his swordplay; with a casual strike, a warm breeze would blow, melting the surrounding snow. Wen Caishang, seeing his diligent practice, tried several times to combine her two swords, but considering Li Xian's increasingly unrestrained behavior, she knew it was best not to linger with him now. Strict discipline was still necessary.
At noon, she prepared the meal, carried the food over in a basket, and called for Li Xian to rest for a moment and come eat. Li Xian was indeed obedient and immediately sheathed his sword and came over.
Wen Caishang opened the food box, which contained eight exquisite dishes and a bowl of fresh soup. She certainly didn't skimp on Li Xian's meals. After returning the two "Heartbreaking Swords" to Li Xian, she served him food and drink together.
After he had eaten and drunk his fill, he would go to the courtyard to practice his sword. This continued for three days in a row, every day the same. He would get up early to practice his sword, Wen Caichang would serve him a banquet, he would retrieve the sword that had caused him so much grief, he would eat his fill and then practice his sword again, returning to his room at midnight.
Seeing that the plan was initially effective and Li Xian was becoming more obedient, Wen Caishang thought to herself, "This plan seems feasible. Back when we were at Yihe Manor, this boy was my close attendant and he was quite obedient. Now that I want to teach you a lesson, I will make you completely compliant."
On the fourth day, the appointed day for the duel arrived. Xiao Tuan prepared the carriage and waited at the side gate. Wen Caishang and Li Xian walked together, and Wen Caishang said, "Xiao Tuan, you stay in the pavilion and prepare for the relocation of the wealth."
Xiao Tuan said, "Okay." She bowed to Wen Caishang, not daring to look at Li Xian, and ran around the two back into the pavilion. Li Xian brought over a red jade stool, and Wen Caishang stepped onto the stool to get into the carriage, leaving a footprint on it. Li Xian gently blew on it, scattering the footprint and hiding it at the bottom of the carriage. He then sat on the front of the carriage, pulled the reins, and spurred the horse out of the city.
The duel was to be held in a secluded mountain area on the western outskirts of the city. This place was remote, vast, and densely vegetated. Who would win and who would lose remained unknown to outsiders.
The Five Mountains Sword Alliance anticipated that even if the five of them joined forces, they would lack the confidence to deal with Wen Caishang. Moreover, even if they won a joint attack, it would be a disgrace. A crushing defeat would be a lifelong shame. Therefore, they chose a secluded location.
Wen Caishang closed her eyes to rest. Today, she had her hair styled in a bun, secured with a silver hairpin, with two strands of hair hanging down her sides, making her look beautiful and dignified, not to be defiled. The carriage traveled along the dirt road, sometimes bumping along, but she paid no attention, internally practicing the "Silkworm Garment Jade Inlay Technique".
My recent slackness has caused my progress to regress.
Suddenly, they saw that the road ahead was blocked by snow, making it difficult for vehicles and horses to pass. Li Xian used his "Wind Breath" technique, combined with his "Iron Lungs" ability, to shout and blow, creating a hurricane that scattered the snow in all directions.
The carriage sped along, leaving snowflakes behind that blanketed the path once more. It was as if this secluded trail had never been trodden before. After traveling dozens of miles, they arrived at the foot of "Snow-Hidden Mountain."
A sword mark remained on the ground, pointing deep into the forest. Li Xian found a place to tie up the horse, helped Wen Caishang down from the carriage, and followed the sword mark. After passing through several layers of green forest, they came to a frozen lake.
The lake was covered with thick frost and ice, smooth as a mirror, and extremely spacious. Hu Yueyue, Xiao Wanjian, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongheng, and Hou Yuande were all sitting quietly on the lake. The five of them sat cross-legged, with their swords across their knees. They had sat quietly all night, and a layer of snow had accumulated on their shoulders, heads, and swords, with frost and dew clinging to their hair and eyebrows.
The five people sat at five corners on the lake, forming a semi-circle. Wen Caishang and Li Xian arrived as arranged, and the five immediately opened their eyes, bowing and saying, "Madam Wen, Brother Li!"
Wen Caishang nodded slightly, looked at Li Xian, and meant: "This battle is up to you. If you are no match for him, I will step in. But if you are defeated and become arrogant and haughty, then your previous words will be taken back."
Li Xian bowed to the crowd, exchanged a few polite words, and the duel began. The five elders shuddered, their snow-white robes either flying off or melting away. Their gazes, sharp as swords, pierced directly into Li Xian's eyes.
Li Xian's unique eyes showed no fear of mere sharpness. He gripped Wen Caishang's hand, drew his green sword, and directly confronted the Fifth Elder's imposing aura. This battle was no child's play; it concerned his reputation and honor... Now that the five elders had joined forces, they were determined to give it their all.
The moment Li Xian stepped onto the lake, a gust of wind swept across, leaving countless sword marks on the ice, shattering it into ice shards. The wind carried seven thousand three hundred swords, each invisible and deadly. Xiao Wanjian struck first! Wen Caishang looked at Li Xian, wondering how he would respond. Li Xian's double pupils gave him terrifying insight; he clearly saw the marks and origins of the seven thousand three hundred swords. He used the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword technique, "Transforming Yin into Yang," to defend himself.
The Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword Technique is a combined sword technique, and Wen Caishang naturally followed his wishes, cooperating closely with him. Her soft sword flew in her hand, pulling the Seven Thousand Three Swords along, causing them to lose their composure and their sword moves to become chaotic.
No sooner had one wave subsided than another arose. Wang Zongheng wielded a "heavy sword," a bladeless yet incredibly heavy weapon, and unleashed a flurry of attacks. Li Xian and Wen Caishang simultaneously thrust their swords at the heavy sword. Wen Caishang's soft sword entangled with the attack, while Li Xian's straight sword met the attack head-on.
Li Xian's cultivation was slightly inferior, but with the help of Wen Caishang, his Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swordplay was already on par with that of a third-realm martial artist. Wang Zongheng's sword was blocked, and then the two launched a series of sword attacks. Their sword techniques each had their own characteristics, complementing each other perfectly.
Li Xian's "Sunset Blood Sword" had reached its pinnacle, and Wen Caishang's had also reached perfection. Since ancient times, the "Combined Sword" technique has been the most difficult to perfect because of the complexities of the human heart. Both of them possessed extremely high talent, and in the instant this sword technique was unleashed, Wang Zongheng's heavy sword was already exhausted from parrying, and he was forced to retreat step by step.
The two pressed their advantage, practicing their skills together. Wang Zongheng knew that relying solely on swordsmanship, he could hardly defend himself. He slammed his heavy sword into the lake's surface with tremendous force. With a "crack," the thick ice shattered, and icy water scattered outwards. Li Xian was about to press his advantage when he suddenly sensed a flash of cold light. A sword's edge was aimed directly at Li Xian and Wen Caishang's palms, intending to sever their connection with a single strike and then defeat them one by one.
Li Xian pulled back, and Wen Caishang, with her superb lightness skill, easily dodged the attack. It turned out to be Hu Yueyue's "Water Moon Shadow Technique." This martial art, when mastered to its highest level and evolved to its ultimate form, allows one to briefly conceal themselves within a watery shadow!
Just now, Wang Zongheng smashed the lake surface, breaking through the thick ice and causing the lake water to splash. Hu Yueyue took the opportunity to use this skill, aiming straight for a vital spot. However, Li Xian was so perceptive, and Wen Caishang cooperated perfectly, avoiding the move.
Hu Yueyue's figure flashed and disappeared, at which moment water droplets danced in the air. Her figure was hidden among them, sometimes to the east, sometimes to the west, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, and every time she appeared, her sword moves were cunning and ruthless.
Suddenly, Xiao Wanjian attacked, unleashing a fierce wind and a flurry of sword strikes. Both the wind and rain concealed immense danger. Wang Zongheng regained his composure and returned to the battlefield, his attacks powerful and relentless, displaying unparalleled courage.
At this moment, the three attacked from the side, which was extremely dangerous. However, Li Xian remained calm and practiced with Wen Caishang with increasing ease and enjoyment. He felt extremely satisfied and had been practicing his swordsmanship in vain for a long time. Only when he encountered such a strong enemy could he fully enjoy himself.
Suddenly, the world darkened, followed by an extremely powerful beam of light. Duan Yixin suddenly attacked, unleashing the "Boundless Blazing Light Sword," a sword strike that illuminated the world like a blazing inferno. The light was dazzling and unstoppable.
Wen Caishang parried the attack with her sword. The two shifted positions, their swordplay occasionally intertwining. They needed no words, as if they were of one mind, thinking and feeling what the other was thinking. Their movements were perfectly synchronized.
Duan Yixin, Xiao Wanjian, Hu Yueyue, Wang Zongheng... the four elders of the sword sect all displayed their extraordinary skills! One's sword was as bright as the daytime sun, one's sword was as fast as a whirlwind, one's figure was as ghostly as a phantom, and one's heavy sword was unstoppable.
Yet, they still displayed all sorts of strange and formidable abilities. Li Xian and Wen Caishang's twin swords parried and deflected all their attacks. Though the enemy's swords were numerous, they could not harm them in the slightest. The battle reached a stalemate. However, relying solely on the "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swords," the two could not easily gain an immediate victory. Unless Wen Caishang was willing to help, although she fought alongside Li Xian, she was "deliberately" watching the show, hoping for Li Xian's defeat, and even using this as an excuse to "overcorrect."
During this stalemate, the situation suddenly changed. The sky darkened abruptly, and five towering mountains appeared from all directions, surrounding Li Xian and Wen Caishang.
It turns out that Hou Yuande is skilled in "Illusion Sword." During the fight just now, Wang Zongheng broke through the ice, causing water mist to spread. Hu Yueyue hid among the water droplets, dodging and weaving. Duan Yixin's sword flashed like light, with great power. Xiao Wanjian's Gale Sword was extremely fierce. At this moment, Yuande used Illusion Sword, using the light from Duan Yixin's sword and the scattering of water droplets in the lake to combine the martial arts wonders of the five elders. Their perfect coordination created this illusory scene.
Wen Caishang feigned regret and said, "Li Lang, you are arrogant and conceited. At this point in the battle, you can no longer withstand the attack with just the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword. You are about to lose, and I will have to clean up the mess for you."
Li Xian calmly said, "I don't think so." He thought to himself, "You old hag, how dare you gloat? After I've dealt with them, I'll take care of you too." He grabbed Wen Caishang around the waist, and the atmosphere around them changed.
His mastery of the Great Self-Realization is beginning to show.
(End of this chapter)
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