Chapter 346 A Deceptive Tactic: The Lady Falls for the Trick, Only to Be Bullied in Return; Hero, Spare My Life!
Li Xian was puzzled to find Lin Aoshan and Han Qingxiao associating with He Wentian. He had only met Han Qingxiao briefly, but during their conversation, he knew that Han Qingxiao had an impressive demeanor. However, he dared not make any judgments about Han Qingxiao's character.
Lin Aoshan was also present. Li Xian had known her for a long time and knew her character to some extent. He couldn't help but mutter, "It seems that there are more secrets in He Wentian's matter. If I reveal myself so easily, and if my prediction is wrong, I will inevitably be imprisoned. I need to find a way to find out the truth."
He was standing on the terrace of a pavilion. Inside the pavilion, guests hurried about, and the terrace was crowded with people enjoying the view, which concealed his presence. He looked around and caught a glimpse of patrolling city soldiers passing by on the street below, equipped with spears, longbows, and bronze arrows. His eyes lit up, and he immediately slipped into the crowd, secretly following the archers.
As they passed through a dark alley, he suddenly lunged forward, covering the man's mouth and nose with one hand while simultaneously delivering a swift chop to the back of his neck with the other, instantly knocking him unconscious. Li Xian dragged him into the alley and stole his bow and arrows. He then climbed to a nearby desolate mountain.
Flying Dragon City is vast, with many mountains within its walls. Li Xian hid deep in the mountains and looked around; the government office was about three miles away. Along the way, numerous buildings and strange obstructions lined the way.
This position offers excellent vantage point, allowing for both offense and defense. Li Xian drew his bow and shot an arrow. His archery skills were divine; the arrow left the bowstring without a sound. It flew like a ghost, swiftly traversing the air, passing through the windows of several buildings, and striking the yamen from an extremely tricky angle.
They brushed past many people along the way, but their speed was so fast that no one noticed them. Han Qingxiao, holding a long sword, suddenly knocked down the flying arrow and said to He Wentian and Lin Aoshan in a deep voice, "They really are up to no good. Be careful."
The two nodded in unison. Han Qingxiao said, "The three of us will stand back to back, mainly observing the surrounding high buildings. Let's see who secretly fired the arrows!"
Then, with another "whoosh," an arrow shot from the southwest. Han Qingxiao sensed that this arrow was cunning and unpredictable; every arrow that left the bowstring moved swiftly, cutting through the wind with a whooshing sound. By anticipating the sound, one could accurately strike it down. To shoot an arrow without a sound required extremely high skill in archery.
Han Qingxiao swiftly slashed, the fine blade colliding with the bronze arrowhead, sparks flying. The arrow struck with such force that it jolted him back several steps. The three had been standing back to back, but with Han Qingxiao shifting his stance, Lin Aoshan and He Wentian's backs were naturally exposed.
Two more arrows shot towards them immediately. Lin Aoshan and He Wentian simultaneously parried with their swords, managing to block the attack, but the impact left their wrists numb and sore, and their blades rippled. All three were startled; the Sky Patrol Division's swords were forged from fine iron, sharp and powerful, extremely difficult to bend. Han Qingxiao frowned deeply, his expression extremely grave, before returning to his original position. He said in a deep voice, "Can you see the archers' location?"
He Wentian said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid there's more than one person. Just now, the three arrows were fired from different directions. There are at least three extremely skilled archers attacking the three of us." Han Qingxiao nodded and said, "I think so too. It's not easy to deal with them. These scoundrels are very well hidden. I just glanced over and couldn't see where they were hiding. We can only deal with them as they come. Aoshan, don't be careless. Watch out for incoming swords."
Lin Aoshan tensed up and said, "Brother Han, are we just going to waste time with him?" Han Qingxiao frowned and said to He Wentian, "Tell me your story in detail, how you were followed. This person's intentions are not good. I don't know if it's an old grudge or a powerful family in the city."
He Wentian recounted everything about the grand event in detail, but without offering a single clue. As they talked, Han Qingxiao said in a deep voice, "Here we go again!" Several cunning arrows shot towards them. Han Qingxiao was furious and repeatedly drew his sword to knock the arrows away, but the arrows contained immense power. While he focused on deflecting the arrows, the three men's formation was thrown into chaos.
Suddenly, three arrows shot towards Lin Aoshan from the west. Han Qingxiao's heart tightened, and after regaining his footing, he immediately helped Lin Aoshan defend against the arrows. But suddenly, the arrows trembled, broke in the middle with a "bang," and the arrowheads abruptly changed direction, unexpectedly shooting towards He Wentian.
He Wentian was caught completely off guard, forced to stumble by the three arrows. He suffered three abrasions, but thankfully his life was not in danger. Han Qingxiao helped him up, his expression extremely grave: "This is bad, that archer is more formidable than I expected!"
Lin Aoshan picked up the broken sword and exclaimed, "Boss, it's a Broken Feather Arrow!" Han Qingxiao said, "I already recognized it." This is a clever archery technique where the arrow changes direction mid-air. Only extremely skilled archers can perform it.
Once an arrow leaves the bowstring, it never returns. It travels straight ahead. To make the arrow suddenly change direction, a strange force must be applied to the arrow shaft before it is released. As the arrow cuts through the sky, the strange force will break the arrow shaft and abruptly change the direction of the shot.
This is the Broken Feather Arrow. Han Qingxiao also knew this arrow technique, but he wasn't very skilled at using it. Moreover, once the arrow shaft breaks, its killing power is greatly reduced. It's truly a useless arrow. I've never seen this arrow technique put to use.
This sudden appearance today is extremely troublesome. Han Qingxiao said, "The enemy is mysterious and cunning. He hides in the shadows and uses all his advantages. We are at a loss and need to come up with a solution quickly."
The three men stood ready, sweat beading on their foreheads. But the arrows didn't arrive for a long time. Just as their hearts were pounding, they suddenly heard a knock at the yamen gate. The three men exchanged glances and slowly moved towards the hall door.
Li Xian called out, "Brother Han, Aoshan, it's me." Lin Aoshan was overjoyed and quickly pushed open the door, finding Li Xian indeed there. Seeing the perilous situation, she immediately pulled Li Xian into the yamen and hid him behind a beam, whispering, "This place is dangerous; we're surrounded by archers. Your arrival is just in time. You're a skilled archer; help us think of a way. Find the archers' hiding place, and we'll sneak in quietly."
Li Xian laughed and said, "No need, the archer has already run away." Lin Aoshan asked in surprise, "You chased him away?" Han Qingxiao and He Wentian both looked at her strangely.
Li Xian said apologetically, "To be honest, the arrows just now were actually shot by me." Han Qingxiao and He Wentian frowned. Lin Aoshan asked, "Shot by you? So you were the one who attacked us? Little Li, are you unhappy with us?"
Lin Aoshan pondered for a moment, then said, "No, something's not right. There were three directions from which the arrows came just now. Do you have accomplices?" Li Xian smiled and said, "Actually, there was only one direction, but it looked like three."
It turns out that Li Xian incorporated the principles of "Four Directions Fist" martial arts. Although his arrows were clearly shot at only one point, they created an effect of surrounding the target from all directions. His archery and Four Directions Fist techniques were both at their peak, and he could use them in countless ways.
Han Qingxiao asked, "Brother Li, why did you shoot us for no reason?" Li Xian replied, "I am truly sorry, but there is something I am curious about. I cannot rest easy until I find out the answer. That is why I resorted to this tactic. I have come here today to apologize."
"I was just mingling in the crowd when I spotted City Lord He Wentian. I was filled with curiosity, wondering how He Wentian could be here unharmed. Why isn't the Five Mountains Sword Alliance dealing with him? Why are they letting him bully us like this? What if He Wentian harbors evil intentions again? So I wanted to find out."
"When I saw He Wentian arrive here and meet with you, I knew there was something going on. I figured that Brother Han was definitely not someone who would collude with He Wentian. But I had reservations and dared not show myself directly. So I tested him with my archery skills. I discovered that this He Wentian was probably someone else in disguise, but he was very skilled and I couldn't see through him."
"After clarifying the matter, I came to apologize in person. Firstly, to express my remorse, and secondly, out of genuine curiosity. I hope you will forgive me for any offenses I may have caused!"
He was truly sincere. Han Qingxiao's anger subsided, and he thought to himself, "This young man plans carefully before he acts, and he would never put himself in danger. His thoughts are very thorough!"
Lin Aoshan said, "Well, there's nothing I can do, I'll forgive you for now!" She put her hands on her hips and said indignantly, "You really are something, you shot me several times just now, you were really ruthless. You almost killed me."
Li Xian cupped his hands in a flattering manner, saying, "Three esteemed figures from the Sky Patrol Bureau—how could I possibly uncover anything without using all my skills? Besides, Ao Shan, we're old friends, so I'm afraid you'll have to suffer a little fright." Lin Ao Shan nodded, "That's true. But you're wrong about one thing: the Sky Patrol Bureau only consists of me and Boss Han. This Brother Qu Baitong is from the 'Star Picking Bureau.' Also, although I've forgiven you, you have to treat me to a meal."
Li Xian smiled and said, "Of course, of course."
He Wentian cupped his hands and said, "I am Qu Baitong from the Zhaixing Division." Li Xian sincerely replied, "Excuse me, excuse me."
Qu Baitong said, "It's alright, it's best to have no worries at all. This hero's archery skills are superb, truly an eye-opener for me." Li Xian asked, "Please help me understand what's so strange about this."
Han Qingxiao said, "I thought Brother Li should know about this." Li Xian smiled bitterly and said, "If I knew, why would I have caused this trouble and disturbed you all? I am truly sorry."
Han Qingxiao said, "It's alright, what happened earlier is over. Brother Li, please follow me." He then led the way to the dungeon deep inside the yamen. The candlelight was dim, and a person was lying in a cell.
He wore an iron mask that completely obscured his face. His collarbones were pierced, and thirty-seven nails were driven into his body, the ends of which were connected to chains. Although he could walk and eat, his movements were greatly restricted, making it even more difficult for him to use martial arts.
Han Qingxiao said, "This is the Bone-Piercing Tremor Lock Technique of our Sky Patrol Division. It is specially used to capture martial arts villains. No matter how powerful a martial arts villain is, once he is caught by this technique, he will be helpless. This person is the real 'He Wentian'."
"He Wentian was defeated and captured that day. How to deal with him has become a real problem. The Five Mountains Sword Alliance all want to kill him as soon as possible. But what will happen to Flying Dragon City if He Wentian dies? If Flying Dragon City is in chaos, what will happen to the soldiers in the city? What will happen to the major clans in the city? In the end, it will be the people of the city who suffer."
"After thinking it over, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance dared not kill He Wentian. It was truly a very troublesome situation, and they hesitated. At this time, we suggested that we try a trick to change the course of events. Our Brother Qu from the 'Star Picking Division' will accompany us for a while. However, our missions are different. I am to investigate Flying Dragon City, while he is to observe the celestial phenomena here."
"The incident happened suddenly, so I asked him for help. Brother Qu was born with a [mud-bone appearance], his bones are like mud all over his body. Although his strength is affected by this, he is extremely good at changing his appearance. Moreover, he has practiced the 'Bone-Moving Divine Skill' and has a very good grasp of the bone structure of his body. He can move any bone to any part of his body."
"He touched He Wentian's bones, then moved and kneaded the bones to match He Wentian's bone structure. After disguising himself, it would be extremely difficult for anyone other than close relatives to notice anything amiss."
"With him in charge of Flying Dragon City, we can send He Wentian back to complete our mission. The higher-ups will then send someone to take over Flying Dragon City. This way, we can avoid the turmoil and complete our mission safely. Why not?"
Li Xian suddenly realized: "So that's how it is! It's truly admirable that you all think so much for the people!"
Han Qingxiao sighed, "It's a pity. No matter how much I think about the people, it's all in vain. The decision still rests with those in power, with Lord Tianque. If they only think half a bit, the situation will be very different."
Li Xian said, "Do your best and have no regrets." Seeing that He Wentian was unconscious, he asked, "When should we send him away? To be honest... this man is hypocritical and cunning, but he is indeed capable. If he hadn't used any insidious schemes and had developed peacefully, relying entirely on his own management and planning, and taking advantage of the unique terrain of Flying Dragon City, he could have achieved a good future. But we were too hasty."
Han Qingxiao said, "It's hard to say what's going on in the dark. If it weren't for the sudden change in the earth's veins that caused the collapse of the Jieyou Tower, He Wentian's plan would have succeeded. At that time, with the help of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, his fame would have spread far and wide, and he would have been incredibly glorious. But alas, Heaven couldn't bear to see it."
Li Xian thought to himself, "So, the real culprit behind He Wentian's miserable state is none other than Madam." A sense of unease washed over him, and his heart trembled slightly. The once powerful and influential Madam Zhejian was now lying in the carriage, struggling in a state of utter distress.
Lin Aoshan called out, "What are you thinking about? You have such a lecherous look on your face." Li Xian was taken aback, his thoughts exposed, but he calmly asked, "Really?"
Han Qingxiao laughed and said, "Brother Li is exceptionally intelligent; I'm sure he can handle even the most difficult situations." Li Xian asked, "By the way, what does this Brother Qu look like? May I see him?"
Qu Baitong laughed and said, "I can change my appearance by altering my bones, but this is extremely taxing on my blood and energy. It's not something you can do at will." Li Xian said, "Such a miraculous skill exists in the world! It truly broadens my horizons!"
Qu Baitong laughed and said, "Brother Li, you are too modest! If my ability to change my appearance could be exchanged for your miraculous archery skills, I would do so without hesitation."
Han Qingxiao said, "I heard Ao Shan mention before that Li Xian's archery skills are very strong. Seeing it today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary!" Li Xian sincerely said, "To be honest, I was outmaneuvered by someone else, and I took full advantage of the situation. I wonder if the three of you have any food? Perhaps I could treat you to a meal as an apology!"
Lin Aoshan clapped her hands and cheered, "Great! Great! I won't stand on ceremony with you, I'll definitely eat you out of house and home!" Li Xian laughed and said, "Then I'll keep you company!"
Han Qingxiao and Qu Baitong both laughed heartily. With everything resolved, they were in high spirits. Qu Baitong said, "I'll put on a mask first. When we go out to eat, we mustn't let anyone recognize us."
Han Qingxiao said, "He Wentian is here, so it's not advisable to go far. There's a building called 'Panchunlou' nearby, which is very close and offers a good view of the area around the government office. Why don't we eat here?" Li Xian smiled and said, "That would be perfect."
The group was about to leave the hall when Li Xian suddenly changed his expression and said apologetically, "The three of you... have some urgent business to attend to tonight. Perhaps we could meet again tomorrow at noon?"
Lin Aoshan asked disappointedly, "What is it that's so important? Did that lady call you?" Li Xian nodded and said, "That's right."
Han Qingxiao said, "That lady has a bad temper, you should go back quickly." Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Farewell! I'll invite you again tomorrow." Lin Aoshan said in a low voice, "Your lady will be calling you again tomorrow, will you be able to get her?"
Li Xian patted his chest and said, "If she calls me again tomorrow, I'll just ignore her." Lin Aoshan chuckled and said, "Shame on you, talking big." The three watched Li Xian leave.
Lin Aoshan kicked the snow listlessly and sighed, "When I become strong enough, I'll definitely find a young man like this to serve me. That Lady Zhejian really knows how to enjoy life. Sigh, why does she always seem to have all the good things in life?"
Han Qingxiao said, "It's a great pity we didn't get to see Lady Zhejian." Lin Aoshan asked, "You know her?"
Han Qingxiao said, "Her reputation is not widespread, but those who know her will not forget her. When I first joined the Sky Patrol Division, I caught a glimpse of her brilliance from afar. I thought she truly deserved the title 'Broken Sword.' So many heroes and valiant men, yet a woman could stir up waves with her. I was impressed, and my sword was impressed as well. I did not expect that she was also in Flying Dragon City, and that she had a deep connection with Brother Li."
Qu Baitong asked, "What is the relationship between this Brother Li and Lady Zhejian?" Lin Aoshan replied sullenly, "How would I know? Perhaps they are lovers." Qu Baitong pondered for a moment, then said, "Or perhaps they are master and disciple?"
Han Qingxiao laughed heartily, "Never mind all that. We'll see each other again tomorrow. We can eat to our hearts' content and make him pay dearly. This kid is suspicious, so he tested us with an arrow. We'll settle this score at the dinner table!"
Qu Baitong said, "Hahaha, in that case, I'll have to go hungry tonight and tomorrow morning, and wait until noon tomorrow to take it all back." Lin Aoshan raised her hand and said, "Take it all back in one fell swoop!"
...
...
Li Xian returned to the inn and led out his white horse. He tied the purchased iron pot, dishes, desserts, and other necessities to the saddle. He mounted the horse and quickly rode out of the city. The wind and snow howled, brushing against his cheeks; his expression was strange, yet he was not anxious.
Through his "sight and hearing," he saw Wen Caishang struggling violently and falling off the bed. He thought to himself, "A lady of high status, tied up like this. She must be cursing me to death right now. And I really am, I came out to shop, but I got distracted by something else."
Upon returning to Xuecang Mountain, the area was deserted. Wolves and other wild animals occasionally appeared, but the area around Snow Lake was quite safe, with no snow wolves, snow bears, or other ferocious beasts. Wen Caishang's carriage was sturdy; even if a snow bear were to appear, it wouldn't be able to break down the door.
Li Xian tied the white horse to a tree and channeled two wisps of warm air into its body. The white horse lay down and slept in the snow, while he continued deeper into the forest. For the rest of the journey, beneath the snow blanketed thick layers of decaying leaves, making it extremely difficult for horses and beasts to find footing.
Li Xian used the "Lightness Technique" and stepped on the "Seven Star Steps." After another half hour, he sensed that Wen Caishang was becoming impatient. She was very anxious, but her hands and feet were difficult to coordinate, and she could only feel frustrated.
The temperature was gradually warming as they returned to the lakeside. A dim glow from the charcoal fire inside the carriage couldn't dispel the darkness. The surroundings were quiet and peaceful, but being bound here alone filled him with despair. Li Xian pushed open the carriage. Wen Caishang immediately glared at him, muttering, "You brat!"
Li Xian carried Wen Caishang back to the bed and carefully covered her with blankets. Wen Caishang felt helpless and frustrated, unable to do anything about Li Xian. Li Xian lit the candles, and the carriage was bright again.
Although the carriage was spacious, it was still a bit cramped for two people to sit together, and Li Xian, being tall, found it even more difficult to stretch her legs. However, the four walls of the carriage could be pushed open to flatten the ground, transforming it into a roofed terrace with open sides.
Surrounded by a tranquil green lake and beautiful scenery, the warm stove burned gently, providing a comfortable temperature. It was truly a delightful experience. Wen Caishang had been waiting anxiously for a long time, and was extremely annoyed with Li Xian, but when she saw him return, she couldn't help but feel relieved. She saw him bustling around, fully aware of the many clever mechanisms in the carriage. She, however, had never used them before.
Li Xian fetched water from the lake. He exhaled a breath of fresh air, making the water clear and clean. He then placed it over charcoal to boil, and the water gradually came to a boil. Li Xian added seasonings, and immediately a fragrant aroma filled the air.
Flying Dragon City is a well-known town with abundant food and a wide variety of dishes and meats. Li Xian bought donkey meat, venison, civet meat, beef... in ample quantities, as well as many street food stalls, candied hawthorn, snow cake... and so on.
With everything arranged, two small cushions were placed beside the table. Li Xian lifted Wen Caishang off the bed and removed a jade walnut from her mouth. Wen Caishang's pretty face flushed slightly. She could spit out the remaining one herself, but seeing the saliva on it, she wondered when she had lost her composure. She felt extremely resentful and embarrassed. She was momentarily overwhelmed with shame.
Li Xian wiped the jade walnut clean and placed it on the table. Wen Caishang's gaze drifted casually over the jade walnut, an object she used to find uninteresting to play with, yet which had witnessed her talk for so long. She gradually calmed down, thinking, "I, Wen Caishang, a powerful figure for many years, have been tricked by a mere brat. Not only did I fall for his scheme, but I was also captured alive. For him to see me like this is truly a loss of face. Humph, how can I allow you to be so smug?"
She said softly, "Li Lang, you've calculated things very well, but you've overlooked one thing." Li Xian frowned and asked, "What is it?"
Wen Caishang reprimanded, "You did manage to subdue me with the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword. You are clever, adept at using your strengths to overcome your opponent's weaknesses. I was momentarily careless and was subdued by you. But you overlooked the fact that I cultivate the 'Silkworm Robe Jade Inlay Technique.' The fact that you bound me with the Azure Silkworm Rope actually helped me in my cultivation. My Silkworm Robe Jade Inlay Technique is several times stronger than the Yin-Yang Immortal Couple Sword, and that Yin-Yang Sword aura was long ago dispelled."
Li Xian said in a deep voice, "Then why won't you release me, Madam?" Wen Caishang said softly, "I'm giving you one last chance. Li Lang, if you untie me now, I still won't blame you."
"My dear Li Lang, if you don't seize this last chance... Humph!" Wen Caishang's expression suddenly turned cold as she said, "Then don't blame me for being impolite!"
Li Xian asked tremblingly, "Really...really? Will Madam really forgive me? I did such a wrong thing to Madam." Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Although I don't blame you, you will still be punished."
Li Xian said with a conflicted expression, "I will help you out of this predicament, Madam. If you wish to punish me, I will... I will accept the punishment." Wen Caishang smiled and said, "That's more like it."
Li Xian pretended to help her out of her predicament. Suddenly, he changed his approach and turned to lightly tickle the sole of her foot. Wen Caishang was startled and burst into silvery laughter. She quickly forced a calm expression and scolded, "What are you doing! If you keep acting like this, I won't give you another chance."
Li Xian said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, my hand trembled, please forgive me, Madam. I'll untie it for you." Wen Caishang took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I'll forgive you this once more. Quickly untie it for me, and I'll be lenient with your punishment."
Li Xian said, "Of course, of course." He pretended to help, but then reversed course, tickling the soles of her feet again. Wen Caishang laughed uncontrollably, barely managing to resist before gritting her teeth and weakly saying, "This time...this time your hand is shaking too?!"
Li Xian nodded and said, "Yes, yes, my hands were shaking too." Wen Caishang forced a stern expression and said, "I'll tolerate you this last time. Don't ruin your own life!"
Li Xian patted his chest and said, "This time I guarantee my hand won't shake, Madam, please don't worry." His words were hesitant, but his heart was full of malice. Instead of helping him out of his predicament, he tightened his grip even further. He provocatively sent gusts of wind towards the soles of his feet. At first, he tried to conceal it, but later he simply stopped pretending.
Wen Caishang knew her scheme had failed, but she forced a smile. Her feet were being attacked repeatedly; she knew Li Xian was secretly plotting something, and this time she frowned, determined not to laugh aloud. However, she couldn't hold back forever, and laughed out loud as if under torture. She inwardly cried out, thinking Li Xian was cunning; her usual tricks were not only useless but had also aroused his evil intentions. At this point, she didn't care about saving face and repeatedly begged him to stop.
Li Xian, full of wicked intentions, solemnly said, "Madam, you should beg for mercy properly. You lied to me so badly. If you don't obediently beg for mercy, I'll punish you." Wen Caishang bit her red lips tightly and could only blush and say, "Good hero, good hero, Caishang knows she was wrong and shouldn't have lied to you. Please spare my life."
(End of this chapter)
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