Chapter 183: Chapter 180: The Evil Captain Enters the City! Menacing Arrival

The Qiong Heavenly Mansion governs the Yu Nan Dao, located south of the Great Wu Dynasty and the Southern Celestial Domain.

Starting from Qingning County, arriving at Qingtian Heavenly City. It’s roughly a journey of seven hundred li, traveling through official roads, mountain paths, and water routes. The exotic horse [Baiyun] is quite strong, but with ample time, it travels at the pace of ordinary horses.

Just left Qingning.

Traveling on the smooth official road, a gentle breeze blowing, hair lightly moving. Li Xian’s thoughts are not on power, not on wealth. He is particularly enamored with “beauty”.

The world’s scenery, all falls into his eyes.

With endless ease in his heart, he suddenly thinks: “If all the beauties of the world could also fall into my embrace, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

His lips curl into a smile, and he shouts into the sky several times, easing his chest, attracting unusual glances from nearby merchants. Li Xian gives an awkward smile, grips the reins, shouts “Giddy up,” and quickens his pace to leave the place.

Madam Wen slightly raises her eyes, lightly scolding: “Making a fuss over nothing.” Yet she doesn’t say much, instead feeling there’s a unique charm in the youthful spirit.

The vegetation along the way is lush, the scenery exceptionally beautiful and strange.

Lofty mountains, a thousand zhang high, are everywhere. Majestic and peculiar mountains are no surprise.

Around noon, they pass through Huangyu County.

In the county, people flow like rivers, white horses and black carriages drive through the city, attracting crowds of onlookers. Even the noble families in the county rarely possess such vehicles.

Li Xian has been traveling since early morning, the smell of the bustling marketplace makes him hungry, so he asks: “Madam, shall we eat something?”

Madam Wen replies: “You handle it yourself.” She takes out a jade box, inside of which holds Jade Dew, pale green with the fragrance of plants. A drop can satisfy one’s hunger for a day. Li Xian stops the carriage, finds a noodle shop, and grabs a quick meal. Roughing it out, he doesn’t seek lavish meals, just fills his stomach and sets off again.

Heading north, the climate gradually turns colder.

The Qiong Heavenly Mansion oversees nine counties and twelve cities, a vast region. The further north, the more prosperous it becomes, with rivers converging and water transport flourishing.

The river systems of the Great Wu Dynasty are numerous, and the river channels are important resources that Martial Artists must contend for, noble families must take, and sects must seize.

Li Xian, having traveled afar, gains insight: “In comparison, Qingning County is indeed a barren land. Previously heading south, although the scenery was magnificent, the livelihood was withered, with many barely clothed, and the chaos of the Yellow Dragon Army made life difficult for the people.”

“Now heading north, passing through large cities. Although there are still more poor than rich, the overall situation is much better.”

They continue this way for a day.

At night, they camp in the wilderness, Madam Wen sleeps on the carriage bed, while Li Xian remains vigilant and guards all around. In areas where people gather peacefully, demon sightings are rare. But after nightfall, they can still occasionally be seen. Li Xian keeps watch for half the night, shaking the “Exorcism Bell”. Demons retreat, not daring to intrude again. Feeling assured, he takes time to practice martial arts.

Skill Level +1

Skill Level +1

[Setting Sun Blood Sword·Second Layer]

[Skill Level: 324/24000 Great Success]

…

The next day, they travel again. Although the scenery along the way is magnificent, in a hurry, they can’t truly appreciate it. Near evening, Madam Wen, who has been sitting quietly for a while, suddenly says: “Go to Wujiang Square.”

Li Xian consults the map, finding Wujiang Square located in ’Wulong City’. It’s only thirty or so li from their current location. He immediately turns the horse and heads east. By full night, they arrive outside Wulong City.

The city gates rise a hundred zhang, akin to a mountain, with the plaque’s characters ’Wulong City’ written in a free and bold style, as if about to break free from shackles and soar skyward.

The soldiers guarding the city block the way. Madam Wen hands Li Xian a token, which he immediately shows, leading the soldiers to obediently let them pass. It turns out this is not Madam Wen’s first visit; she has a certain status within the square, and the token is a symbol of her identity, granting her unhindered passage without inspection.

“Go straight to Wujiang Square, and ask if there are any luxury ships heading to the Prefecture City.” Madam Wen’s voice drifts from the carriage, gentle and soft but with an inherent authority.

Wujiang Square.

The great river meanders.

At the alleys’ entrance, dozens of large ships are moored. Li Xian looks up, seeing countless people like tiny ants moving cargo. Of all the trades, water transport is paramount.

“Folks, move quickly and carefully, these things are treasures of the masters above. Break even an inch, and your lives can’t compensate.”

The fat, greasy overseer, waving a long whip, spouts rhetoric, resembling the Steward Luo Fang from the servant room.

Li Xian says: “Madam, it’s crowded here. I’ll first find a quiet place to park, and you rest in the carriage. I’ll go to find the steward of Wujiang Square to arrange for a ship.” Madam Wen says nothing, implying her consent.

In Wulong City, there is a lake with beautiful scenery, surrounded by lush willow trees. Li Xian parks the carriage there and lifts a corner of the carriage curtain, seeing Madam Wen resting with her eyes closed. He whispers: “Madam, I am leaving.”

Madam Wen does not lift her brows, barely noticeable, she slightly nods.

After settling the carriage, patting the Baiyun horse, he ties the token at his waist and enters Wujiang Square. After some inquiries, he finds the steward in charge of passage and asks about the shipping arrangements.

The steward takes the token, examining it closely. Transport tokens are graded, and this one is blue with gold inside, a first-class token, suggesting that its owner is either wealthy or noble. His expression shifts, not daring to be negligent. Immediately, he dispatches someone to check the shipping schedule and courteously seats Li Xian.

After a short while.

The steward returns, apologetically saying: “Young master, could you please wait another day, or… if you’re willing to lower your status, I can immediately arrange a slightly less prestigious ship for you.”

“If you’re willing to wait, I’ll first arrange a superb room for you, and then have three or five beautiful concubines serve you, so you can enjoy songs, seek joy, and watch performances at your leisure. You definitely won’t feel bored.”

“Is that so…” Li Xian doesn’t give an answer, intending to return and seek Madam Wen’s opinion.

Madam Wen had anticipated this, “Since there are no luxury ships, we mustn’t force it. Let’s just wait for a day.”

Li Xian drove the carriage to Wujiang Square. Upon informing the steward of their decision, the steward hurriedly arranged a room. Li Xian then returned to the carriage to help the madam alight.

Li Xian asked, “Madam, does this Wujiang Square know of your illustrious reputation? They show such respect.”

Madam Wen replied, “Our prefecture city also conducts business, and needs to interact with Wujiang Square. Over time, the interests are closely tied, so they treat us politely. As for my name… I never wrote it on my face, how would they know?”

As the two walked, several enchanting women approached. The steward looked pleased. Madam Wen glanced at the scene, knowing what was happening, and frowned slightly: “Tell these people to disperse.”

The steward hurriedly complied, immediately dismissing the women. Earlier, he had mentioned, “Let the concubines serve, it will never be dull,” and the young master had not refused. He silently remembered it, never realizing the madam was above the young master.

Madam Wen softly commanded, “Raise your hand.” Li Xian did as instructed, and Madam Wen lightly flicked her sleeve, from which a soft sword sliced the skin, leaving a bloodstain on Li Xian’s palm, the pain sharp and immediate, causing him to flinch.

Li Xian thought, “Is the madam upset with me for seeking concubines’ service? How was I to know this steward was so adept? I never agreed to it, this is truly a disaster without cause.”

Madam Wen seemed calm, not like anger. She cared little for ordinary women. She thought to herself, “This young man is in his prime, full of youthful lust, hard to restrain. Precisely for this reason, he needs occasional reminders. His desires and emotions should all be under my control. When I want you to desire, you must desire, when I want you to feel, you must feel.”

They settled in Wujiang Square. Before long, the sky had lightened, and a round red sun emerged over the river, its rays shimmering on the river path.

Countless boats set sail.

Their residence was a riverside pavilion. Over a hundred feet high, it captured the beautiful scenery. Li Xian looked down, seeing the tiered roofs of buildings, completely obscuring the dense mass of boatmen and commoners, leaving only a magnificent view.

One day passed. A luxurious ship docked at the port, this ship stood thirty-three feet high, wholly golden in color, crafted from special wood. The ship’s body was carved with dragon patterns.

The exterior was extremely lavish, beyond words to describe. It seemed to encompass all the world’s craftsmanship.

Li Xian noticed on the ship’s top, there stood a copper tripod, and asked, “Madam, why is there a copper tripod on the ship’s top?”

Madam Wen looked and said, “This ship is called the Copper Tripod, originally built for alchemy. I mentioned before, alchemy requires a stance, some build high towers, some erect tall buildings. This ship itself is the stance, during alchemy, the ship must sail to the deep sea, gathering the deep sea’s moisture to refine precious elixirs.”

“Once the elixirs are refined, when the ship is of no use, it’s used as a luxury vessel, for transporting goods.”

Li Xian thought to himself, “Truly, this world is peculiar, I’ve broadened my horizons once again.”

“Sir, I’ve arranged for you the celestial grade room. If there’s nothing else, please board the ship. Of course, if you have urgent matters, the ship will wait for you for two hours.”

The steward visited and respectfully stated. He already understood that Li Xian wasn’t the commander, the truly formidable person was the beautiful madam. It wasn’t his fault for misjudging, Li Xian’s handsome demeanor was unparalleled, far beyond ordinary noble youths. Li Xian acknowledged, exchanged pleasantries with the steward, and saw him off.

Li Xian asked, “Madam, when shall we board the ship? Will this ship go directly to the prefecture city?”

Madam Wen said, “The prefecture city is where seven rivers converge, this Wujiang flows into the prefecture city, naturally it can reach it directly.”

The two boarded the luxury ship, which was exceptionally high, requiring them to cross the “Cloud Ladder” to board, symbolizing climbing higher and higher, soaring into the clouds. During the boarding, Li Xian looked down, seeing countless envious gazes.

“Madam, walk slower,” Li Xian carefully supported. Madam Wen nodded, inexplicably appreciating the subtle care. They entered the cabin, settling in the celestial grade room.

By evening, the luxury ship traveled along the Wujiang. The river path was wide, the water surged rapidly. As they journeyed deeper, the banks disappeared from sight, resembling the vast sea.

A red platform was constructed on the ship’s deck. Dancers performed continuously throughout the day, taking turns to play music and dance, their movements captivating.

The passengers of the luxury ship were all affluent or noble. Those heading to the prefecture city had connections and backgrounds. If anyone fancied a dancer, they could directly take her away for a round of pleasures, and no one would object.

Li Xian sat on the terrace, watching the indulgent scene. The ship traveled for three days, and on the second day, a phenomenon appeared on the Wujiang: countless “Peng Fish” swam up from the riverbed, leaping out of the water, heading skyward.

They flew in the air, obscuring the sky and sun.

Li Xian, with the trait “Thunder Listening,” knew that a thunderstorm was approaching the river surface. These Peng Fish had unusual habits, always leaping out during thunderstorm weather.

On the third day.

In the morning, mist shrouded the river, and through the clouds, a faint village silhouette appeared.

The wonders of heaven and earth are endless. Even the madam hadn’t encountered this and couldn’t fathom it. She recalled a legend: the Wujiang had mythological elements, with a Wujiang Lady who drowned, transforming into the river’s spirit.

There’s also a rumor that the Wujiang is a branch of the Nether River, flowing into the human world, hence often connecting the Netherworld, revealing its mystical scenery… all such tales, half-truths, half-lies.

But by morning, the mist dispersed. Li Xian looked into the distance, seeing towering pavilions ahead, colorful cranes dancing… a prosperity unmatched.

The prefecture city had arrived.

“Does this count… as the Evil Captain entering the city?” Li Xian mused to himself.

The ship docked at the alley entrance. Li Xian first led Baiyun off the grand ship. Then he returned to the ship to assist the madam disembark.

The prefecture city boasted three-hundred-six towering buildings, esteemed families like the Cao, Lin, Yuwen, and Hong, along with three-hundred-sixty trades, fishing, timber, jade… the bustling scene beyond what one had ever heard.

As the two made their appearance, people couldn’t help but watch. The woman was elegant and noble, the man young and handsome.

Such a combination was truly rare.

Walking along the street, the city’s populace couldn’t resist turning back to gaze and gossip.

The people didn’t know that the dashing young lord they admired was the same Evil Captain Li Xian they had previously scorned and loathed.

Madam Wen’s gaze was contemplative. The same time last year, she too was in the prefecture city.

The peaches of the city’s prominent families, she kept an eye on them closely.

Madam Wen suddenly chuckled softly, her tone carrying hints of admonition, expectation, and command, gently saying, “Little Immortal, now that we’ve returned, you must stir up a storm for me.”

“If not, I will punish you.”

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