Chapter 344 The Five Factions Separate, the Dust Settles, Colorful Robes Fall, and the Great Climber is Overthrown
On the snowy lake, the two were locked in a fierce battle. The white snake-like sword coiled, struck, stabbed, flicked, and slashed… each move ruthless and unpredictable, yet far from being merciless. Wen Caishang's swordsmanship was profound, proficient in all styles, and her abilities were truly terrifying. However, there was one weakness that Li Xian had firmly grasped, refusing to let go.
Li Xian easily deflected all the sword techniques. He displayed his full power in this duel. Even though Wen Caishang used all her skills, the thought of harming him was nothing but a pipe dream. During the fight, he realized that the difference between the "Great Self" realm and the "Peak of Perfection" realm was vast. And the difference between the Peak of Perfection and the "Perfect" realm was even greater.
If Wen Caishang were to use other sword techniques, such as the superior techniques like "Avici Sword," "Three-Part Return to Origin Sword," and "The Impermanence of All Things Sword," or even the mid-level or inferior techniques like "Divine Wind Return Sword" and "Aurora Misalignment Sword," she could easily defeat Li Xian.
Unfortunately, the "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword" was ineffective. How could she not be angry and annoyed? Having suffered such a humiliating defeat, her swordsmanship became increasingly chaotic. Several times she attempted to use her body to intercept the sword and disrupt Li Xian's formation. However, the sword was far too inferior, and all of Wen Caishang's plans were ineffective.
The swordplay grew increasingly powerful, and the yin and yang energies swirled on the lake's surface like a black and white millstone. Every few moves the two exchanged, the millstone would slowly rotate by a fraction of an inch. Through this millstone's grinding, Li Xian and Wen Caishang could eliminate bad luck, misfortune, poison, and many other unfavorable influences.
This is the second-level move of the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword, "Yin-Yang Divine Disc." When used at full power, this Yin-Yang millstone can cover an area of several miles. With each rotation of the millstone, the enemy is ground and crushed by the Yin and Yang energies, their life hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, the plants, trees, and rocks within it, having undergone the grinding of Yin and Yang, thrive and grow vigorously. The plants can bear fruit, and the rocks contain precious gems, possessing countless miraculous effects.
It can heal injuries, defend against enemies, and strengthen the body… but even the “Yin-Yang Immortal Couple” cannot easily execute this move. It requires the right timing, location, and people; all three are indispensable. Li Xian’s first and second levels far surpass those of the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple, yet he can execute this move so easily—truly a remarkable thing. In the fight against the Five Mountains Sword Alliance just now, if this move had been used, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance would have been defeated extremely quickly. All their various sword techniques—illusion swords, heavy swords, fast swords, soft swords, light swords… would have been ground down and dissipated.
Li Xian, however, stayed to deal with the Madam. Wen Caishang was furious, yet she kept praising, "Excellent swordsmanship!" Her body moved with the sword, and although she couldn't defeat Li Xian, she deeply benefited from it. Yin-Yang body cleansing, nourishing yin and strengthening yang, prolonging life and restoring vitality, regulating qi and unblocking intention... these benefits don't just manifest as increased strength or combat power. Rather, they are multifaceted, allowing for natural progression in future martial arts development, leading to even greater heights.
She valued the "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swordsmanship" for its underlying principles of Yin and Yang, rather than the quality of the swordsmanship itself. While superior sword techniques were formidable, she had already mastered several, none of which she could truly cherish. But those that incorporated Yin and Yang were extremely rare. She diligently practiced the "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swordsmanship" precisely to harness Yin and Yang to strengthen herself. Yet, fate played a cruel trick on her; her arduous cultivation and comprehension yielded nothing. A casual gift, however, brought Li Xian to this state first.
A pang of sadness struck her: "If only such a man could stay obediently by my side and assist me properly, how wonderful that would be." Her beautiful eyes reddened, as if tears were about to fall. Li Xian flicked his sword to catch the tears and comforted her, "Madam, please don't cry."
Knowing she was no match for Li Xian, Wen Caishang angrily spat and cursed, "Do you think I'm blind and have misjudged you? Do you think it's my business if I cry?" Li Xian replied, "I can't bear to see Madam cry. Besides, I know Madam was just saying that out of anger."
Wen Caishang retorted, "Who spoke such words in anger? My words are absolutely true." With that, she thrust her sword twice more fiercely. Li Xian could have easily dodged, but he took the blows with his bare body, his wounds bleeding profusely. Wen Caishang was shocked, both distressed and furious: "You brat, you…you…" Her voice softened slightly as she asked, "Why didn't you dodge!"
Li Xian laughed and said, "At this moment, the two swords are combined and our hearts are in sync. Although Madam's sword is ruthless, it does not hide any killing intent. In the end, it was I who schemed against Madam. I hope that taking two sword blows will calm Madam down."
Wen Caishang sneered and shouted, "Two sword strikes aren't enough to vent my anger. You dare to take two more?" Her sword strike was vicious, slashing towards Li Xian's feet. Li Xian thought fiercely, "What use are legs to a man like this, if he keeps them, he'll only use them to escape. I might as well just cut them off!" Li Xian swung his sword to protect himself, blocking the sword strike.
Wen Caishang said, "Hmph, you really are just putting on an act." Extremely angry, her sword moves became even more ruthless. Li Xian deflected her sword and said, "I am not putting on an act, but if you cut off my legs, I won't be able to walk."
Wen Caishang said, "You talk about this and that, but you only ever think about yourself. When it comes to things like this, you're completely unwilling. I don't think you've ever truly cared for me."
Li Xian shook his head and said, "If there is any danger, I am naturally willing to risk my life to save you; that is a matter of affection. Madam injured me recklessly to vent her anger. It is true that I, Li Xian, come from a humble background, but I also respect myself. How could I exchange my physical injury for Madam's momentary pleasure?"
Wen Caishang said, "Good, good, that's your true thought." Seeing Li Xian's resolute expression, she couldn't refute him for a moment. She thought to herself, "Why do I always end up hurting him? I don't want to hurt him. His pain is my pain, but in the end, I always end up hurting him. What he said is actually reasonable..." In that instant, she was extremely confused and transformed into several horizontal swords that swept out.
Li Xian dodged to the side, but Wen Caishang kicked at him with her left leg. Li Xian seized the opportunity and removed her other boot as well. Wen Caishang felt her feet were icy cold, the soles of her feet being whipped by a cold wind, her feet touching the ice.
She gritted her teeth, never having suffered such humiliation in her life. Not only was she no match for him in the sword fight, but her hairpins were also removed and her boots taken away. Li Xian said, "Once I have mastered my skills, I will return to serve you, Madam. If you are angry then, you can beat me." Wen Caishang retorted, "Shameless! Who would believe such nonsense? Even if it were true, by then I would have already found another husband, and no one would care about you. Even if you wanted to see me, I would never pay you any attention."
Li Xian sighed softly. It was difficult to judge right and wrong in the feuds of the martial world. He said, "Then I will drive away your groom." Wen Caishang sneered, "If I were to find a groom, he would be a thousand times better than you. How could you possibly drive him away?"
Li Xian said, "If we can't drive him away, then we'll die by his sword." Wen Caishang's heart trembled. Their swords clashed, and she knew Li Xian's words were sincere and that he truly meant it. She retorted stubbornly, "Hmph, when you die by his sword, I won't bury you. I'll leave you to be devoured by wild dogs, and you won't find a proper place to die."
Li Xian laughed and said, "So what? I'm already dead, and I'm just a broken body. What does it matter if they treat me like this? As long as I have no shame in life, that's enough." Wen Caishang was speechless for a moment, her beautiful eyes deep and unfathomable, as if she were sighing and resentfully cursing, "I hate your carefree attitude."
At this moment, it became increasingly difficult for her to draw upon her internal energy. The various transformations of the "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword" gradually affected Wen Caishang's body. Martial artists cultivate to the point where their "body is like heaven and earth," their bodies becoming a "heaven and earth," their bones like mountains, their blood like rivers... At this moment, Yin and Yang swirled within her body, obstructing the operation of heaven and earth, causing plants to bow their heads and rivers to stagnate... The principle was profound and mysterious. Wen Caishang's expression changed slightly; she never expected that a set of "Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Swords" could possess such power.
Wen Caishang suddenly sensed the sword's momentum elusive. Li Xian was gradually completing his technique and was about to leave. Wen Caishang hated this sword's momentum, but as it was about to dissipate, she knew Li Xian was leaving. All her anger, resentment, and ferocity transformed into a deep reluctance to part. She had never bowed her head to anyone in her life, but at this moment, she pleaded in a trembling voice, "Li Lang... please don't go."
Li Xian paused, the lingering, sorrowful plea echoing in his heart. Who was Wen Caishang? For her to plead and inquire like this was truly a rare occurrence throughout history. Li Xian thought, "Ah... Madam's love for me is so deep? Must I really leave? If I leave, wouldn't I be betraying Madam's sincerity? Deep down, I don't want to leave, and I want to stay with Madam. But... if I don't leave, my life will ultimately be out of my own hands." His thoughts were filled with complex emotions.
Seeing Li Xian stunned and lost in thought, Wen Caishang realized that even this free-spirited man was deeply troubled by her. Overwhelmed with affection, she followed the momentum of the sword and threw herself into Li Xian's arms, her love deeply rooted. She said, "My dear Li Lang... I'm sorry, I only ask... I only ask that you stay by my side forever."
Their hearts pounded. Deeply in love, their feelings were genuine and sincere, yet the world was complex, and their nature was difficult to defy. In that instant, all other thoughts vanished, and they merged completely like water.
Passionate as fire, boiling the world for three days.
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The mystery within Flying Dragon City has been unraveled, and all matters have been settled. Although the Five Mountains Sword Alliance suffered losses, it has successfully reunited as a unified force. The disciples of each sect, having overcome numerous obstacles, have forged an even stronger bond of friendship.
The five leading elders, each leading their own disciples, purchased provisions and clothing for the journey, rented merchant ships and carriages, and left Flying Dragon City one after another. The Lake Mountain Sword Sect has many waterways, and can reach Lake Mountain directly by water.
The women boarded boats and sailed down the river, waving goodbye to the Yangshan, Jiushan, Yueshan, and Lishan sword sects. Each sect warmly saw them off, waving from across the river. A lively scene unfolded along the riverbank.
The disciples felt a pang of sorrow. The world of martial arts was vast and boundless. Although the Five Mountains Sword Sects had formed an alliance, after this parting, they didn't know when they would meet again. Mu Hongchou stood on the deck, gazing at Flying Dragon City in the distance.
As the merchant ship sailed out of Flying Dragon City, the women kept glancing at it. Little did they know that their journey to Flying Dragon City would be filled with so many unexpected events. Mu Hongchou and the other women gazed at the surging river and the clear blue sky, their hearts filled with melancholy. They murmured to themselves, "We came to Flying Dragon to form an alliance. At first, we made many young friends, which was very pleasant. Then suddenly, a drastic change occurred; we were imprisoned and plotted against by villains. After many twists and turns, we finally survived and completed our mission. But we don't know if we will ever see that young man again in this lifetime. The world is vast, the heavens are round, the earth is square, and the world is full of uncertainties. To have met such a young gentleman is truly a blessing. But the world is too vast; once we part, it's hard to see him again. It's heartbreaking..."
The waves surged forward, urging the ship on. The weather was fine that day, yet a sense of melancholy lingered. By the time the merchant ship rounded a river mouth, Flying Dragon City was no longer visible.
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The second departure point for the Yueshan Sword Sect is located in a remote area, making the journey quite long. According to traveling merchants, they can first travel 200 li by horse or carriage to reach the Luosongjiang ferry crossing, and then take a passenger boat northward. This will save them over 100 li of travel time.
After the leader, Elder Wang Zongheng, spoke, Elders Su Changning, Yang Piaoxue, Yuan Baoxiao, and Zhao Chunxia of the Yueshan Sword Sect discussed the route overnight and arranged for their disciples to prepare for returning to the sect.
With preparations complete, the disciples, dressed in their finest attire, wearing sword crowns and carrying longswords, gathered at the north gate of Flying Dragon City. Ji Hui, Wang Long, and the male disciples of the Yue Shan Sword Sect, each with their own acquaintances, were chatting together.
The Jiushan Sword Sect, Lishan Sword Sect, and Yangshan Sword Sect were all preparing to leave, but some matters remained unresolved, causing them to be slightly delayed. They now arrived at the city gate to respectfully see off the Yueshan Sword Sect members.
The elders exchanged pleasantries and laughter at the city gate. Zhao Chunxia, seeing her two disciples approaching, asked slowly, "Hui'er, Long'er, have you adapted well since returning to the sect?"
Ji Hui cupped her hands and said, "Senior brothers and sisters are kind and have treated me well." Wang Long said, "I have already made an appointment with Senior Brother Yue Kai and several junior brothers to have a martial arts competition when we return to the sect."
Zhao Chunxia smiled and said, "That's good. My Jingchun lineage originally came from the Yueshan Sword Sect. Although our sword sect members have been framed by villains and have suffered many setbacks in this alliance, the foundation of the sword sect is beyond doubt and will become stronger in the future. Now that we are about to enter a chaotic world, and Feilong City is located in a remote area, He Wentian still dares to plan his rise to power, which shows that the general situation is about to become chaotic."
“Hui’er, Long’er… After this incident, you should know the dangers of the martial world and you must not be complacent. If you can seize the opportunity and make a name for yourself, the sect will be very fortunate. But if not, you must at least have the ability to protect yourselves and establish yourselves.”
Ji Hui and Wang Long cupped their hands and said, "We have listened to Master's teachings and kept them in mind." After the various sects finished exchanging pleasantries, the disciples and elders of Yangshan Sword Sect, Lishan Sword Sect, and Jiushan Sword Sect all performed a sword salute to bid farewell and said loudly, "We wish our senior brothers, junior brothers, senior sisters, and junior sisters a safe journey."
Wang Zongheng laughed heartily, "Thanks." He shouted loudly, "Return to the sect!" The disciples departed in a grand procession. The three major sword sects watched them go into the distance, sighing, "It's become even more desolate after this departure." "Indeed, when we first arrived in Flying Dragon City, the disciples of each sect made friends, sparred, hunted on the mountain, drank and chatted. How vibrant and lively it was! We elders saw it all, and although we didn't say anything, we were happy in our hearts." "Who knew that these things would happen along the way? Well, good and bad are both in the past, but this incident is truly unforgettable."
Upon hearing this, all the disciples showed expressions of nostalgia. From the very beginning of a temple fair, when Madam Wang offered incense, she was known for her integrity, beauty, and generosity. Heroes from the sword sects, such as Yue Kai and Hua Wu, were among the first to befriend her. Later, during the snow mountain patrol, senior and junior sisters, brothers, and sisters from various sword sects—those of similar age—each took a liking to one another, and the younger generation met. Among them, many young men and women fell in love. Afterwards, at the Spirit Fox Banquet, numerous feasts, and various events, their feelings blossomed even more.
Parading through the streets, sightseeing, shopping... then the senior and junior sisters go missing, the disciples surround and kill the flower thief, then they accidentally enter the Nine Apertures Dragon Heart Cave, experiencing many dangers. Finally, they work together to set up an array and fight their way out... and so on.
Although the trip to Flying Dragon City was short, it was full of excitement and commotion. Although some of our fellow disciples perished there, the trip is still very memorable.
Meanwhile, the Yue Shan Sword Sect continued their journey, leaving Flying Dragon City. The disciples were filled with a thousand emotions and countless memories, their feelings extremely complex. After traveling more than ten miles, they all kept their heads down, hurrying on their way, unsure whether they were happy or sad, relieved or reluctant to leave.
Ji Hui suddenly asked, "Master, that Madam Wang... Madam Wen and we have cleared up our misunderstandings, and we've even become friends after our initial conflict. Won't she see us off?" Zhao Chunxia, who had been lost in thought, answered her disciple's question, "That lady has a strange temperament; it's better if she doesn't see us off. Hui'er, why are you asking about this?"
Ji Hui blushed. "Just curious." Zhao Chunxia said, "Just curious? Do you want to see that lady, or do you want to see that Li Xian?"
Ji Hui's face suddenly turned completely red, and she said, "How...how could that be? That lady and that Li Xian seem to be in love and very close. Why...why would I want to see him? Master...Master, you're saying this without any reason."
Zhao Chunxia sighed, "Li Xian is indeed extraordinary. It's normal that you fell for him at first sight." Ji Hui stammered, "Master...Master..." She looked around and pleaded, "Please keep your voice down."
Zhao Chunxia said solemnly, "But Hui'er, there is something you need to think clearly about. Someone like Li Xian is definitely not a good man. If you like him, you will definitely have more sorrow than joy. And... and he may not even know that you have secretly fallen in love with him. You will suffer for him, your heart will be in turmoil, and you will be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. In the end... you will only be left with empty sorrow."
Ji Hui's pretty face turned pale, and her steps became unsteady. Zhao Chunxia gently patted Ji Hui's shoulder and advised her softly, "You've only known him for a few days and exchanged a few words with him. Why dwell on it? Let go of these thoughts as soon as possible, and you'll save yourself a lot of pain and suffering."
Ji Hui's lips were pale and her eyes were red. She nodded and said, "Yes... Master is right." But she didn't notice that Zhao Chunxia's hands were trembling slightly and her heart was also unsettled.
Her beautiful eyes seemed to hold resentment as she scolded from afar, "You don't know what's important." Then she departed with the Sword Sect members. The martial world is full of turmoil, separations and reunions; all good things must come to an end. The grand banquet in Flying Dragon City was destined to conclude.
Within this day.
The Lake Mountain Sword Sect and the Yue Mountain Sword Sect were the first to leave. The Jiu Mountain Sword Sect and the Yang Mountain Sword Sect had already gone their separate ways, and the Li Mountain Sword Sect, half a day later, also led its sect away. Flying Dragon City was as bustling as ever, only lacking the members of the sword sects.
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Meanwhile, on the other side, deep in the snow-covered mountains, the ice on the lake has melted, revealing a tranquil blue water where fish chase each other. The surrounding vegetation is lush and green, and the warmth is enchanting – a scene of vibrant spring. It turns out that the interplay of yin and yang here allows for the alternation of warmth and temperature, bringing spring earlier than expected.
Fortunately, this place was sparsely populated and located in a very remote area, so much so that even lumberjacks would find it difficult to set foot here. The strange phenomenon occurred for three consecutive days without anyone noticing. Because of the warm climate, the birds and animals in the surrounding dense forest gathered near the lake to avoid the cold.
The branches were full of birds and beasts, which chirped merrily at dawn. They flitted and played among the trees, gathering fruit and catching fish. This, however, masked a series of strange noises emanating from the flowerbeds.
Birds and beasts, naturally curious, saw a long sword stuck horizontally in a large tree, its hilt emitting a faint fragrance. The birds perched on the sword, chirping and pecking at its blade with their beaks, producing a clear, tinkling sound. However, some careless birds and beasts, frolicking without restraint, had their beaks and claws sliced off by the sword's edge… or were simply cut in half.
In the distance, a green sword is stuck diagonally in the mud. No beasts seem to notice it; it stands alone, utterly lonely.
[You have diligently practiced swordsmanship, reaching the third level of the Sunset Blood Sword technique, with proficiency increased by 1.]
...
Not far from the two swords, a dense thicket of grass could be seen, nearly as tall as a person, bearing various flowers of different colors, including yellow, white, and red. These were merely wildflowers, attracting bees and also drawing the attention of birds and animals.
These birds and beasts, lacking intelligence, couldn't grasp the meaning. Suddenly, they saw a rustling in the grass, and the birds flapped their wings and fled, flying to higher branches to observe. They blinked and observed, their curiosity, though limited in intelligence, was undeniable.
Wen Caishang, her face flushed and lips moist, leaned against Li Xian's chest and said softly, "Li Lang, I only said things in anger before, please don't blame me." She gently stroked Li Xian's cheek and said softly.
Li Xian said, "I don't blame Madam." Wen Caishang smiled gently and said, "Then let's go back. Let's not bring up the argument again."
Li Xian shook his head and said, "Madam, I... still have to leave." Wen Caishang's face was cold, and she frowned deeply: "You..." Yuan thought that the reconciliation should be over.
Li Xian resolutely said, "Please don't be offended, Madam." His mind was clear: "Only by completely defeating Madam can I make her submit. I cannot be tempted by the tenderness before me and succumb to it!"
Wen Caishang gritted her teeth and asked, "You... what are you doing? Are you still leaving? Ah... you brat, how dare you be disrespectful!" Her face showed fear. At this moment, her sword aura was deeply brewing, and she was less than a tenth of her strength. Suddenly, she felt a pain in her wrists and was twisted behind her back by Li Xian.
Li Xian said, "Madam, I'm sorry. You'll have to suffer for a few days, but someone will come to rescue you." He held the "Jade Silkworm Rope" and tightly bound Wen Caishang's hands.
Wen Caishang had already realized that this young man feared she would break free of her sword stance and pursue him again. If that happened, he would be difficult to deal with, so he devised a plan to bind her. This scheme was remarkably meticulous. She didn't want to be captured, but in this situation, struggling was futile.
She secretly lamented, "Wen Caishang, Wen Caishang... No one can do anything to you. But this kid's skills are all learned to subdue you. The method he used to bind me is 'wearing silkworm clothes,' which I taught him. The 'Sunset Blood Sword' was also taught to me, originally intended to restrain him. But who knew that fate would play such a trick, and it ended up restraining me instead. I... I... I just can't do anything to him."
She had just escaped the warmth when she was caught in this predicament. Feeling extremely wronged, she bit her lower lip and cried out in shame and anger, "You...you stop."
Li Xian used the "Silkworm Garment" technique, his movements light yet intricate, thinking, "The lady is incredibly powerful; this time I must be more careful. Otherwise, my fate will be extremely tragic." He dared not be careless, and this time the "Silkworm Garment" was far more secure than before.
Wen Caishang groaned repeatedly. Though she wore countless silk robes, all for the sake of martial arts improvement, using them for grappling felt completely different this time. She felt utterly helpless and frustrated, barely able to control her limbs, let alone anything else. Alas, her advantage was already lost, and she was powerless to reverse the situation. Her eyes blazed with fury, but the outcome was truly beyond her control.
The silkworm's web clings up, tightly gripping the knees, elbows, and all parts of the body. The web is so fine it's almost invisible, incredibly complex. Unless one has mastered the method of "untying the silkworm's web," even if it's perfectly intact before one's eyes, it's difficult to untangle even a fraction of it.
Wen Caishang was furious, suppressing her shame, and said coldly, "Li Xian, I once said that even if I have feelings for you, I will never try to keep a man from leaving again and again. If you... if you leave again, I... I will really hate you."
Li Xian thought to himself, "If Madam harbors hatred, let her hate. Once my strength increases, I will be able to stand on equal footing with her when I see her again. Then we can discuss other matters."
Wen Caishang was about to speak when she suddenly felt two jade walnuts appear between her lips and tongue, rendering her speechless. She was furious, ashamed, and extremely resentful, glaring fiercely at Li Xian: "This boy planned this all along! These jade walnuts are my treasures, something I usually play with in my spare time. When did he steal them? And...and use them to shut me up, to stop me from speaking. This defeat is truly...truly a complete loss of reputation, utterly shameful!"
A moment later, Wen Caishang was unable to move. The once dignified Lady Zhejian was now utterly disheveled. Her beautiful eyes were filled with deep resentment, yet also revealed a unique charm. She wanted to utter a curse, but her words turned into muffled sobs. Upon hearing this, she found it extremely difficult to accept her current wretched state. Helplessly, she closed her eyes, unwilling to face the reality. Utterly dejected, she thought to herself, "I've spun my own cocoon, spun my own cocoon. All my lifelong reputation has been ruined... truly, truly, truly fallen into his hands. Utterly shameful, utterly shameful."
Li Xian muttered to himself, "It's not very safe. Perhaps the skills I learned from the Flower Cage Sect can be used here."
(End of this chapter)
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