Chapter 293 Purple Veil Night Visit, Beautiful Woman Forced into Marriage? Alliance of Interests, Plotting for Profit
Fu Dachun escorted Li Xian and Nangong Liuli to the shore, offered a few words of flattery, and then returned to the cabin to steer back to the island.
The carriage stopped by the shore. The journey was long, but Li Xian was efficient and decisive; after tidying up the carriage, he headed towards Peach Blossom Town. The sun was setting, the sky was dark, and the country path was unlit, illuminated only by the dim moonlight.
Nangong Liuli let out a soft sigh and slumped into the carriage. She felt extremely tired and hungry. She had eaten salted vegetable porridge in the morning and dry biscuits for lunch and dinner. Although she didn't need to move along the way, and couldn't move at all, she felt inexplicably exhausted.
"This cloak covers my body, but it's making me so hot. That scoundrel Hua Wucuo is full of evil intentions, deliberately trying to embarrass me and make me look foolish. If I get the chance, I'll give him a good beating."
Nangong Liuli leaned against the carriage wall, her cheeks puffed out, her thoughts wandering. Recalling the bee farm and the orchard... she sat sideways on the horse's back, not showing any unusual behavior, but she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed.
A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain. She looked out the window, then her thoughts drifted elsewhere, her head spinning: "What if... what if it's just like this... what if someone suddenly comes to humiliate me..." She tried her best to suppress her wandering thoughts, but they inevitably started to drift away.
Her hair was like a waterfall, her face as beautiful as a flower, and her toes twitched slightly as her heart rose and fell. The various feelings she experienced were truly indescribable.
In a daze.
They had already returned to Qingniu Residence.
It was already past midnight, but there were still pedestrians on the street, and night market vendors were calling out their wares. Li Xian lifted the carriage curtain, and Nangong Liuli was immediately startled, asking shyly, "What...what are you going to do?"
The tone was quite strange. The final "ma" lacked any sense of resolute resistance.
Li Xian said, "We're home!"
Nangong Liuli's cheeks flushed red. "Oh, oh." Li Xian helped her out of the carriage and into Qingniu Residence, where they closed the door.
She let out a soft sigh; the matter was finally over. After a day of inspections, her legs were sore and numb, her whole body was exhausted, and she was covered in sweat. She urged, "Help me untie this."
Li Xian asked, confused, "What do you mean, 'unlock'?"
Nangong Liuli's heart, which had calmed down slightly, was immediately thrown into panic again. She stammered, "You...you..." Her mind was in turmoil, her beautiful eyes flashing. She was both ashamed and afraid, and she quickly said, "You promised me that you wouldn't take this opportunity to bully me."
Li Xian smiled and said, "I keep my word. What I say, I will naturally keep." Nangong Liuli breathed a slight sigh of relief, but also felt a little disappointed. Li Xian continued with a smile, "But I remember that Sister Liuli said she wouldn't take the opportunity to bully you outside. But now you're inside, so the situation is different."
Nangong Liuli was taken aback, her teeth clenched, and she glared angrily at Li Xian, though she believed her eyes held both murderous intent and rage. Yet, they were clearly as calm as still water. Li Xian continued, "Sister Liuli, you anticipated this, deliberately not speaking clearly, deliberately waiting for me to humiliate you, weren't you?"
Nangong Liuli bit her red lips tightly, her gaze darting away. "You...you cunning little brat, I...I didn't, don't talk nonsense." She was completely at a loss for words, thinking that a slip of the tongue had caused this situation. But if she asked herself honestly, her heart was beating much faster than usual.
She continued, "You despicable little thief, you're taking advantage of my inconvenience. If you're so capable, let me go, and I'll beat you to a pulp! Oh! You really mean it?!"
As they were talking, Li Xian picked her up. Li Xian laughed and said, "When two armies meet on a narrow path, the winner takes all. I'm not going to untie you, what can you do to me? Tonight I'll be looking for my teeth on the ground. But Sister Liuli, you're going to suffer."
Nangong Liuli cursed, "Despicable, shameless." After struggling for a moment, she could not escape the danger.
Li Xian said, "Fine, you dare to insult me? You're in my hands now, and you're still so arrogant?"
Nangong Liuli appeared angry, but was actually charming and provocative, saying, "You're taking advantage of my disability, but even so, I still have the ability to make you surrender."
Not to be outdone, they clashed head-on. A fight ensued to see who would prevail. Nangong Liuli, the eldest daughter of a powerful family, was gentle yet had the air of an elder sister, but she was also extremely stubborn, which had caused her much suffering.
...
...
The next day.
Li Xianchen practiced the "Remnant Demon Spear," wielding the spear with dazzling light. After accumulating proficiency [40], his mastery of the spear became increasingly profound. Feeling his daily progress, he felt an endless source of motivation.
He cultivated his Qi to the point where his body was surging like a lake, his blood flowing like a rainbow, and his Yang energy bursting forth. The setting sun shone upon him, and his shoulders billowed with iridescent light. It was truly a sight to behold.
[Proficiency +1]
The spear flashed, startling ghosts in the grass, the waning crows and the fading moon, the disembowelment... Li Xian's spear skills improved again amidst the frequent flashes of light. Full of energy, Li Xian practiced until about dawn, then, seeing the sky gradually brightening, he put away his spear, pushed open the door, and went out.
Buy a flatbread, take a bite, and the oil sizzles, filling your mouth with the aroma of meat. The island is abundant with flowers, blooming year-round, and these flowers are used in cooking. The flatbread, rich in oil, can be greasy. But adding a certain flower petal perfectly cuts through the richness.
Li Xian suddenly struck it rich and spent lavishly. Along the way, he passed by vendors and shops, and whenever he saw something unusual to eat, he would buy it and try it. Flower-flavored candy, flower-flavored pastries, fried dried flowers... each with its own unique taste, he ate with great relish.
Peach Blossom Town is home to brothels and entertainment venues like the "Red Pavilion" and "Women's Tower," where disciples of the Flower Cage Sect gather daily. The courtesans in these towers are all captured from other places, their music never ceasing day or night, and their circumstances are miserable.
Li Xian passed by the Red Pavilion and the Women's Building, where he was recognized by the followers who invited him upstairs for drinks. Li Xian smiled and thanked them, then walked away.
News of the bee farm and orchard has spread throughout the island, and "Hua Wucuo's" reputation has grown even stronger, surpassing that of Wang Changjiang, Langdao, and others.
Leaving Taohua Town, the view opens up, with terraced fields neatly arranged. In the fields, one can see people working hard, with old oxen plowing the land tirelessly.
Li Xian suddenly sighed, "The world changes in the blink of an eye. This land is still the same land, but the farmers who till it have changed generation after generation." He thought of what happened last night.
He was strong, brave, and vigorous, certainly superior to Nangong Liuli. However, he felt a slight, almost imperceptible, deficiency in his health. Therefore, when he saw farmers in the fields, he recalled the old saying, "There are only oxen that are worn out from plowing, not land that is worn out from plowing," and thus felt this sentiment.
"I'm worrying unnecessarily. With my physique, I can easily replenish my deficiencies by eating a little bit of food. Moreover, the Five Organs' purging and yang meridians can strengthen the five organs, the art of consuming food can replenish deficiencies, and the pure yang body can strengthen the physique... With so many effects combined, why would I be afraid of others?"
Row the boat into the inner island.
Suddenly, he noticed that the island was quite lively, with many unfamiliar faces. Shi Yufei saw Li Xian in the distance and waved, calling out, "Wu Cuo, come here."
Li Xian walked quickly over and said, "Chief Envoy Shi!"
Shi Yufei nodded and smiled, then said to the person beside him, “This is Hua Wucuo, a rising star of my Hualong Sect. He is an excellent young man, Wucuo… This is Zhang De, the owner of Panyue Manor in Huashui Prefecture. This is Elder Sheng Yunfei of Lishan Sword Sect in Huaiyin Prefecture…”
Li Xian met them all and couldn't help but be surprised. When he looked at Elder Sheng of the Li Mountain Sword Sect, he couldn't help but think of the incident involving Chu Liuqing and Shan Guyun. Dongran Lake and Li Mountain were both located in Huaiyin Prefecture, making them practically neighbors. Yet, their meeting was surprisingly amicable. He immediately realized: "Although Chu Liuqing's abduction of Shan Guyun was a blow to the Li Mountain Sword Sect, she didn't reveal her 'Candle Sect' identity, nor did she impersonate the 'Flower Cage Sect' background. This Sheng Yunfei of the Li Mountain Sword Sect probably doesn't know the details. And the fact that he's here suggests he's not a good person."
Shi Yufei said, "These martial arts seniors are all here to purchase flowers. They are both regular customers and honored guests. Get to know them briefly, and you can ask them for help if you encounter any difficulties in the future."
Sheng Yunfei of the Lishan Sword Sect laughed, "Hahaha, your sect has produced a true dragon! Young friend Hua is quite handsome. Such looks and demeanor are hard to find even in our Lishan Sword Sect. I'm afraid that if you just beckoned, that girl would chase you to the flowerbed, wouldn't she?"
Zhang De stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Hmm, not bad, not bad, indeed a handsome man!"
Li Xian laughed and said, "I dare not accept such praise. I was merely helping Chief Envoy Shi with some tasks."
The group chatted amongst themselves, discussing a wide range of topics. From their conversation, Li Xian gradually came to understand what had happened.
turn out to be……
The Water Altar was a secret location of the Flower Cage Sect. Elder Sheng of the Lishan Sword Sect and Zhang De of Panyue Manor had come to purchase "flower concubines." They were transported to the Water Altar by flower boat. The journey was extremely winding and complex, taking seven days and seven nights.
Although they were not disciples of the Flower Cage Sect, they were quite familiar with the island due to their frequent visits. They had even purchased residences on the island, keeping beautiful women and concubines there, and would occasionally come here for vacations when they had free time.
The Li Shan Sword Sect is a prestigious and righteous sect, and Sheng Yunfei is an elder, enjoying a stellar reputation. He is known as the "White Cloud Sword Master," signifying purity and etherealness, like a white cloud, and virtuous in his conduct. Rumor has it that after his beloved wife's death in his youth, he vowed never to remarry. Who could know that this man secretly indulges in women and is utterly hypocritical? His words revealed that although the Li Shan Sword Sect is a renowned sect, known as the "Gentleman's Sword Sect," there are actually several people like him.
Li Xian remained calm, chatting and laughing with them, but inwardly he was surprised and impressed, realizing he had gained even more experience in the martial world. Shi Yufei had specially introduced him, helping Li Xian build connections and establish his reputation, allowing him to begin to show his talent. While the friendship between gentlemen is certainly admirable, those who share the same ways and engage in corrupt practices have even stronger relationships. During their conversations along the way, Sheng Yunfei and Zhang Dejun both considered Li Xian a friend, inviting him to drink and enjoy themselves.
Although Li Xian was unwilling, he did not show it and chatted naturally. It took quite some time to get rid of the matter before he went to the Martial Arts Pavilion to discuss the Five Elements Mystic Escape with Yan Hao.
On the other hand...
The Green Ox Residence was quiet and serene, with the Five Elements Command Flags arranged throughout the courtyard, forming a simple maze to isolate sounds from both inside and outside. Nangong Liuli groggily awoke to find herself leaning against the trunk of a fruit tree. She felt slightly dizzy and tried to rub her head, but was surprised to find that she could not move her limbs.
Memories flooded back, and Nangong Liuli's pretty face flushed crimson, her beauty almost radiant. She cursed several times, absurd, unsure whether she was cursing herself or others. Her family upbringing was strict, and etiquette was extremely important. The events of last night, and many other times in the past, were initially difficult for her to accept, but she had gradually come to accept them, finding them increasingly strange. Her thoughts seemed to be changing, constantly crossing boundaries, her relationship with Li Xian ambiguous and unclear. Looking around, she knew she was in the outer courtyard. After returning to Qingniu Residence last night, she hadn't gone inside.
Nangong Liuli became increasingly clear. Seeing the vast emptiness around her, though surrounded by vermilion gates and courtyard walls, it felt utterly deserted, like an empty field. The sky was her blanket, the ground her bed—this was a situation she had never experienced before. She felt utterly ashamed to face anyone, secretly relieved that the 'Five Elements Command Flag' had activated the five elements' arrangement within the courtyard, creating a unique maze, and that the strange sounds hadn't disturbed the neighbors.
Nangong Liuli was on the verge of tears. She retreated to her room and only managed to calm herself down afterward. She muttered to herself, "Nangong Liuli, Nangong Liuli, why don't you learn your lesson? Of all people to provoke, you had to provoke that little thief Hua. Now that you're subdued, if you provoke him again, aren't you just asking for trouble?"
"I observe that my uncles and other relatives are all terrified of the shrewish women in their households. They complain endlessly whenever the topic of paying taxes and grain comes up. They even say that men can never win against women in this matter. It seems that's not true. Alas, I've lost to them again."
"You brat..."
Her mind wavered, her eyes brightened, and her pretty face flushed again.
[You consulted Yan Hao about the Five Elements Escape Technique, your proficiency increased by 1]
[Proficiency +1]
[Proficiency +1]
...
[Minor Five Elements Mystic Escape]
[Proficiency: 23/100]
[Description: The Five Elements of Heaven and Earth are infinitely variable, and those who master this art are few and far between. Utilizing the Five Elements' unique techniques, one can create "maze formations," "cultivate exotic herbs," "increase fortune," and "alter terrain"...]
Li Xian discovered that the "Five Elements Mystic Escape" technique was incredibly powerful, with remarkable applications ranging from observing the stars and moon to predicting good and bad fortune, to cultivating flowers and managing a house. It's like "farming." In the theory of the Five Elements Mystic Escape, this is the result of "natural evolution."
He could set up the paths of "water," "earth," and "wood" to evolve. If Li Xian were given a piece of farmland, he could use the surrounding five elements to make the land more fertile. The five elements would cycle and evolve naturally, and the rice could be harvested three, four, or even five times.
However, the Five Elements Escape Technique has its taboos; it is wise to protect oneself. To recklessly bestow favors or arbitrarily distribute the Five Elements will only invite trouble.
Therefore, Yan Hao did not help the indigenous people arrange the five elements of the farmland. But two harvests a year were enough to make them plentiful.
Li Xian whistled as he leisurely walked towards the Green Ox Residence. By the time he returned, it was completely dark. He first went to the west wing to check on Nangong Liuli, only to find her clothes slightly disheveled and wrinkled, and she was utterly bored, fast asleep in bed.
Li Xian thought to himself that the joke had gone too far, and gently patted her awake. Nangong Liuli gave a cold "humph," turned her head away, closed her eyes, and pretended to be asleep, refusing to pay any attention. Li Xian smiled and said, "Are you angry?"
Nangong Liuli said, "How dare I? Leave me alone and let me fend for myself." Li Xian said, "How can that be... Let me untie you first."
Nangong Liuli glared at her and said, "Fine, now you remember me? Where were you before? Get lost, I don't want to see you."
Li Xian said, "Sister Liuli, if you keep acting up, I'll have to teach you a lesson again." Nangong Liuli said, "Do you think I'm afraid, you wicked villain?"
The moment the words left her mouth, she secretly regretted them. She was truly terrified, but her words refused to yield. Even in utter defeat, she would maintain a semblance of dignity. Because she was trapped, her pride was constantly at risk, making her exceptionally stubborn. If she returned to her family, she would change.
It took an hour to calm Nangong Liuli down. The two joked and played around, neither truly angry. Nangong Liuli hadn't eaten all day and was starving. Li Xian cooked some simple porridge, which they ate with pickled vegetables, and sat in the courtyard drinking it.
It's midnight, and I'm about to fall asleep.
Elder Han Zisha from the Flower Cage Sect suddenly made a visit.
This beautiful woman had exquisite makeup, full red lips, a seductive face, and alluring eyes. She wore a semi-sheer dress, revealing a voluptuous figure.
She wore gauze stockings adorned with silver threads, which shimmered like starlight in the moonlight. Her waist was slender, and her mere presence exuded charm.
After sitting down in the hall, she raised her legs, intentionally showing off her plump legs, and looked them up and down with her beautiful eyes.
Li Xian said, "Elder Han, it's so late, is there something you need?" When he took over the 'Bee Farm' and 'Orchard', Shi Yufei had informed him of the basic situation. Li Xian had inquired about the elders' situations several times when he went in and out of the inner island, and thus learned about Han Zisha and An Weicheng. Although it was their first meeting, he quickly recognized them.
Han Zisha giggled, scrutinizing Li Xian's face with a slight glint in her eyes, and said, "What a handsome young man, so full of vigor and vitality, such a strong body, he's absolutely mesmerizing."
Li Xian said, "Elder Han is joking." She handed over the teacup. Han Zisha sipped slowly, her beautiful eyes still lingering on her, as if she couldn't get enough of looking at her. She propped her chin up and leaned closer to examine her more closely. Li Xian said, "Elder Han, you've come so late, it must be about the bee farm and orchard, right?"
Han Zisha was slightly taken aback, then smiled seductively, "Brother Hua, you're quite direct. I like men like you who are straightforward and get straight to the heart."
Li Xian coughed twice, "Elder Han, it's true that I'm only a disciple holding the token now, and I don't deserve to be called 'Little Brother'." Han Zisha smiled and said, "You said it yourself, only now, but not in the future. Do you know how many elders fought over the bee farm and the orchard, but they gave them to you."
Li Xian knew the reason. It was Shi Yufei's favoritism towards the 'Candle Sect'. Although the Flower Cage Sect and the Candle Sect were connected, the Candle Sect had now been publicly destroyed, and even the elders of the Flower Cage Sect would find it difficult to join the Candle Sect. He smiled and shook his head.
Han Zisha said, "I don't know either, so you must have something special about you. Coming here specifically at night, naturally, is because it's easier to talk things out when it's a man and a woman at night." She walked towards Li Xian, turned around in a flash, and gently sat in Li Xian's lap.
He took a strand of Li Xian's hair by the finger and gently twirled it.
Li Xian remained calm and said, "Elder Han, what do you mean?"
Han Zisha whispered in her ear, "Let's talk in your bedroom." As she spoke, she exhaled a faint pink fragrance that tickled the ear. This was 'Pillow Flower,' a martial art. It possessed the wondrous power to influence the mind; the stronger the opponent's lust, the deeper the 'flower' would penetrate. If it seeped into the very marrow, one could even become her puppet, living and dying for her.
A light mist seeped into his body and mind through his ear canals. Its intricacies were profound, concealing both 'poison' and 'ethereal music'. However, Li Xian possessed exceptional self-control; his earlier playful interaction with Nangong Liuli had diminished his desires, and his robust internal organs and pure yang body made him resistant to poison.
He silently played the "Self-Preservation Melody," which echoed in his mind, thus neutralizing the power of the "Pillow Flower." Li Xian smiled and said, "Elder Han, there's no need for the bedroom; let's talk here."
Han Zisha smiled and said, "Good lad, you're quite the charmer, that's fine then." She then took off her shawl. Li Xian stood up and took a few steps back, saying, "Elder Han, let's talk business, there's no need for this."
Han Zisha swept over with captivating charm. Her face was merely pretty, but her figure was voluptuous and sexy. She wore rare rouge on her face and possessed a set of alluring martial arts. Her graceful pursuit was incredibly alluring. Many elders of the Flower Cage Sect had fallen for her in this way, and she had gained considerable benefits from them.
She certainly wanted to use this method to finalize that important matter. But seeing Li Xian's appearance, she really wanted to experience the pleasures of this man. Han Zisha said, "I'm a woman, and I'm not afraid. Why are you, a man, being so hesitant?"
Li Xian took a few steps back. Han Zisha felt quite frustrated, sat back down, and with a light wave of her hand, her gauze dress floated up from the ground, wrapped around her fingers, and then, like water flowing against the current, went up her fingers, along her skin, and draped over her shoulders again.
Han Zisha said, "I'm here to do business with you. A sure-fire deal." Li Xian already knew this woman would stop at nothing to achieve her goals, so he naturally didn't believe her.
Han Zisha said, "Brother Hua, although you have a concubine, you don't have any wives or concubines yet, right? How about I marry you?"
Li Xian said, "Elder Han, please don't joke like that. You are an elder, I am not worthy of you." Han Zisha said, "Oh dear, I mean it." Her eyes were like she wanted to devour him.
After a long pause, Han Zisha thought, "I made a mistake in the first step. If I could talk to him in bed, I would be absolutely certain I could win him over. I could make him go east or west at will. Unfortunately, he's very stubborn. I was too hasty, and he's already on guard." She then said, "Give me the bee farm and the orchard, and I'll marry you. This man is yours, and the bee farm and orchard are yours too. It's a sure win. Aren't you tempted?"
Li Xian thought to himself, "If I were tempted, you would devour me completely." He replied, "Such a good thing is beyond my wildest dreams." His tone was resolute.
Han Zisha said, "Alright, I'll buy your bee farm. I'll pay you 500 taels of silver per acre, and I'll spend 50,000 taels of silver to buy your bee island."
Li Xian understood immediately: "She's here for Golden Jade Island. She's got a clever plan. The Golden Jade Bees on my island are incredibly valuable; if I sell them all, I'll get more than 50,000 taels of silver." He said, "No, Chief Envoy Shi said that this island is inherited from Elder Tong. The moment I take over the island, I'm also inheriting Elder Tong's last wish. If I sell the island now, before Elder Tong's body is even cold, wouldn't I be letting him down?"
Han Zisha raised an eyebrow, already sensing that Li Xian was difficult to deal with. His talk of a dying wish was utter nonsense; she'd be a fool to believe it. However, Li Xian's mention of Chief Envoy Shi in their conversation made her extremely wary. As an elder of the Flower Cage Sect, she was being hunted and besieged outside, and the Water Altar was her vital refuge. If she offended Chief Envoy Shi, he wouldn't need to personally intervene; simply preventing her from entering the island would put her in danger. Moreover, her entire fortune and property were all in the Water Altar. She needed to pass through Chief Envoy Shi to get in and out; involving this powerful figure, she had to be extremely cautious.
Han Zisha smiled faintly, "Brother Hua, are you sure you don't want to reconsider? Fifty thousand taels of silver! That's quite a lot. Have you ever seen fifty thousand taels of silver? You should know that a shi (a unit of dry measure) of fine rice only costs half a tael of silver. A full fifty thousand taels of silver, how many people could you support, how many mansions could you build, how much fine food could you consume?"
"Martial arts cultivation is very expensive. You'll understand once you've raised the cauldron and cooked fine food yourself. Not to mention the necessary expenses, the martial arts techniques, treasures, and rare artifacts are all extremely valuable. If others have them and you don't, you'll be at a disadvantage. And that's not even mentioning alchemy. Once you get involved in alchemy, it will be even more expensive."
Li Xian nodded secretly, lost in thought. Recalling Yihe Manor and Madam Wen's wealth flowing like water, he felt the sentiment even more keenly. Han Zisha thought Li Xian had been moved and asked with a smile, "So you've made up your mind? If you agree, Brother Hua, this elder can give you some extra rewards. I live on West Street in Hualiu Town. As long as I'm still at Shuitan, you can find me anytime."
"My methods are far beyond what ordinary women can match. You'll know once you try."
Her expression was alluring, her voice penetrating to the bone. It was a kind of ethereal music that could melt the soul and paralyze the body.
Li Xian secretly played a protective spell to guard his mind and remain unmoved, saying, "I'm sorry, Elder, I still cannot sell." He knew that Han Zisha's promise of '50,000 taels' was unlikely to yield even 10,000 taels; the rest would surely be owed or offered as 'sexual favors'. He would not be easily fooled.
Han Zisha's expression changed slightly, becoming quite unpleasant. She had tried both seduction and bribery, but this kid was completely unmoved, which was truly annoying.
In the tense silence, Li Xian laughed heartily:
"But then again, it's not that we can't cooperate."
(P.S.: I'm well-prepared and have more free time tomorrow, so I should be able to update with 10,000 words.)
(End of this chapter)
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