Chapter 202: Chapter 195: Essence Treasure Recipes, Stirred Emotions and Reluctance

The wind howls and the snow roars.

South of the Prefecture City, the official road is wide. After traveling dozens of miles, the path narrows, lacking maintenance, with many potholes and muddy ground.

Winter arrives early in the Prefecture City. After the first snow, it is followed by days of heavy snow. Snow gradually blankets the roads, with the tendency to seal the mountains.

The carriage travels for about half a day. Entering a continuous mountain range, with a glance, the mountains stretch over a hundred miles, with countless treacherous peaks and strange mountains, and the trees within are robust and primitive.

Roughly estimating, it would take four days to traverse the range.

Amidst the white and green dotted mountain road, Baiyun speeds by. The snow on the ground is thick, but it leaves no trace, which is quite peculiar.

The carriage is round with a resting mountain top, like a narrow little house. The carriage is adorned with jade pearls and silk ribbons, fluttering in the wind, its design unique.

Li Xian asked, “Magic Essence? What is this thing? And what is Magic?”

“What is called Magic…” Madam Wen said, “is the mandate of heaven and earth granted to you. Heavenly Essence Thirty-Six, consuming it can acquire Heavenly Skill. Earthly Treasures Seventy-Two, drinking it can comprehend Earth Skill.”

Li Xian, drawing inferences, said, “Then Human Yellow One Hundred and Eight, if consumed, can also acquire Human Skill? If someone consumes all the Essence Treasures of heaven, earth, and human, wouldn’t they be omnipotent?”

Madam Wen said, “Such Essence Treasures are extremely rare. Even if one gets them, it doesn’t mean one can comprehend the skill.”

“What you just mentioned about gathering the Essence Treasures of heaven, earth, and human is like a frog in a well talking about the sky, quite laughable.”

Li Xian smiled awkwardly.

Madam Wen gently said, “But talking to you about it is no harm. I am willing to teach you.”

“Thank you, Madam,” Li Xian said gratefully.

Madam Wen smiled lightly, “Heavenly Essence is rarely seen, and its truth is uncertain. Earthly Treasure does exist, but hearing a trace of it in one or several hundred years is already extremely lucky. Whenever it appears, it surely creates strife.”

“Earthly Treasure does contain Earth Skill, but since ancient times, it has been divided among heroes, and no one has ever gotten it whole.”

“As for Human Yellow… although it occasionally appears, you see the family of Prefecture City, planning for dozens of years to barely get a Golden Tail Scale. How difficult it is. And the family is favored by heaven, coincidentally gets the Golden Scale to fall into a pool. They guard the pool, can always get the Golden Scale, such a good thing, but just in this place.”

Li Xian said, “I see. So, Madam, how can one acquire the skill?”

“Speaking of which, it involves [Recipe].” Madam Wen said, “Anyone who has partaken of Heavenly Essence, Earthly Treasure, Human Yellow, has their unique recipe.”

“A single Human Yellow Essence Treasure is not enough to acquire a skill. Instead, gather several to piece together one’s own magic technique.”

Li Xian asked, “Does Madam have a recipe?”

“You,” Madam Wen chuckled, “The matter of recipes is a great secret for Martial Artists, how can you directly ask. I have my recipe, but your cultivation is shallow, so it’s useless to tell you. Warm yourself, go outside to see what’s happening. If nothing, come back to massage me.”

Li Xian nodded in agreement. Approaching the fire, warming his entire body, thinking about the “Magic Dao,” he couldn’t help but long for it. Madam Wen said, “You hear of Magic Dao for the first time, it’s inevitable to feel intrigued, but I must remind you, Martial Arts is the cornerstone.”

“Today we have the leisure, and it’s a long journey, let me tell you a Jianghu anecdote, you listen.”

Madam Wen softly said, “A long time ago, there was a great thief in the world: Bu Jingfeng. This person entered and exited the Imperial Palace like strolling in a garden.”

“Through several opportunities, he consumed Earthly Treasure and Human Yellow several times, comprehended the skill [Shrinking Earth]. Coupled with his lightweight skill, his speed was incredible. For a time, he was unrivaled. [Shrinking Earth] recipe sought by countless Jianghu people.”

“Later, after Bu Jingfeng died, he had a successor. With the [Shrinking Earth Recipe], it took him a hundred years, following the same steps, sequentially consuming Earthly Treasure and Human Yellow Essence Treasures, finally acquiring [Shrinking Earth], but he couldn’t match Bu Jingfeng’s might, even… his lightweight skill speed couldn’t surpass some well-known lightweight skill masters.”

“Later it was discovered… it turned out he was obsessed with [Shrinking Earth], spending his long life seeking Essence Treasure. Therefore, he neglected the practice of lightweight skill, and when he finally fulfilled his wish, piecing together the [Shrinking Earth] skill, after consuming the entire recipe…”

“He realized although Magic Dao is marvelous, it requires extremely profound foundational lightweight skill to exert it. Time wasted, as the moment passed, regret was too late. He gained Treasure Technique but regretted lifelong.”

Li Xian said, “I understand.”

Madam Wen said, “You are smart, very good.”

“Madam,” Li Xian curiously asked, “If in this world, someone [Rebirth Appearance] [Martial Arts] [Magic Dao], these three complement each other, if so… how formidable would their strength be?”

Madam Wen was stunned, thinking, “This child is quick to understand.” She smiled and said, “Thinking more about such things is useless. Go out and see if Baiyun has gone off course.”

After Li Xian went out.

Madam Wen contemplated, “The recipes of my family secrets have been memorized. These years, piecing together, I’ve consumed seven or eight. The most crucial flavor… will soon be obtained!”

Her gaze flickered slightly, overjoyed.

…

…

Li Xian held the reins, traveling between heaven and earth. Gazing far, the snow is white, dotted with green leaves. The winter wind blows on the face, forming frost and dew.

But it was not too cold.

Li Xian thought to himself, “So, in this world, there are divine objects like Heavenly Essence, Earthly Treasures, and Human Yellow. Besides Martial Arts, there is Magic.”

“The Madam says Magic Dao is the mandate of heaven and earth. Although magic is wondrous, its uses are varied. But it seems just to add another skill for Martial Artists rather than directly increasing combat power.”

“Ultimately, it cannot replace martial training. For us Martial Artists, practice remains the primary focus. That is the fundamental strength.”

“One day with strong power, perhaps I too can… become a legitimate: Martial Artist with magic. But for now, it’s still far away, better to tread the current path well, perfect the Thunderbolt Finger to its peak, and the Setting Sun Bloodsword to perfection!”

“This kind of improvement is solid! Those illusory things, difficult to touch, are not within one’s control. No need to overthink.”

Li Xian observed the vast world, martial arts, miraculous skills, Magic Dao, Civil Dao, fortune, and Essence Treasures. He wasn’t lost. Though his knowledge was shallow, his heart was broad. Various paths and skills, he wished to learn them all, becoming omnipotent.

Yet he knew the distinction between primary and secondary, urgency and ease.

Martial Arts is the foundation, and all else is just the icing on the cake.

Li Xian introspected himself. The Qi Lake stretched thirty-four feet, with the Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg, and Daluo Saber Technique forming the foundation, the Jade Palm, Iron and Copper Skill, and Thunderbolt Finger enhancing its power. The Setting Sun Bloodsword protected the core…

“Although I have learned many martial arts, they lack a coherent system and are far from complete,” Li Xian murmured. “Perhaps it’s time… to acquire a martial arts technique for lightweight skills.”

Midnight.

The carriage stopped, and a warm creek flowed gently through the mountains.

The surrounding trees were dense, and the wind and snow abated. Baiyun’s steps were light, and the carriage remained steady. However, constant travel was ultimately unwise.

Madam Wen sat cross-legged in the carriage, lifting the curtain and practicing “Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique.” Yet, her power slowly regressed—this was truly regrettable.

“I came to this Prefecture City and, although successfully seized the Golden Scale, my Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique has regressed significantly. It’s truly vexing… nevermind, this miraculous skill is already at the verge of breakthrough. Once I return to my manor, I can undergo several secluded practices to break through.”

Noticing Li Xian diligently practicing martial arts, she nodded slightly, saying: “This child has a resolute nature. When I first heard of the Magic Dao, I got distracted from martial training for three days, indulging in the myriad transformations of miraculous skills. I later refocused my thoughts and rigorously practiced martial arts. So-called Magic Dao… is only an adjunct to the Martial Arts.”

“A formidable Martial Artist wielding a Miracle Skill is truly impressive. An ordinary clay embryo, even if he can digest the Essence Treasure and comprehend the Magic Dao, is still extremely weak.”

[You diligently practiced Finger Technique, Thunderbolt Finger Skill Level +13]

[Neither wind nor frost changes your resolve; neither cold nor freeze weakens your intent. Unleashing Thunder Shock, the mighty thunder might; Thunderbolt Finger Skill Level +16]

…

Thunderous Finger focuses on the concept of “resounding,” while Thunder Shock Finger has the opposite yet complementary logic. It’s extremely intricate.

When Thunder Shock Finger is used, a thunderous sound like a drumming chest resonates, transmitting the shock force into the fingers. When executed, it is soundless but extremely powerful, unparalleled in strength. Thunderous Finger follows the opposite reasoning, striking instantly, yet using “Finger Power” to reverberate the drumming chest.

Chest Drum Thunder Sound, originally resounding with a deep echo like thunder, becomes shrill and piercing when resonated with Thunderous Finger. It stings the eardrums and disrupts the spirit.

Martial arts show anomalies, as if attached to arcs of thunder. Though surrounded by darkness, the instant the finger strikes, it’s as if lightning slashes, instantly illuminating the surroundings.

[Thunderbolt Finger]

[Skill Level: 8655/10000 Great Success]

Li Xian diligently trained in martial arts, exuding his own style.

He continued this way for several days, moving through the continuous mountain range. The vast plain stretched endlessly to the eye.

Cold geese flew across the sky.

Li Xian donned a fox coat to keep warm, impervious to wind and snow. Whenever he had leisure, he devoted himself to harsh martial arts training.

Along the way, the houses gradually became lower, transitioning from wealth to poverty. By the midway point, Li Xian’s [Thunderbolt Finger] neared Perfection, while the Setting Sun Bloodsword lagged slightly, though not far behind.

Madam Wen raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling something, and called out: “Little Immortal, come into the carriage.”

Li Xian lifted the curtain, with a slight sweat glistening on him. Madam Wen said: “There is something I want to ask you, and you must answer truthfully.”

“Please ask, madam,” Li Xian replied.

“Why is it that all the martial arts you practice can reach the peak?” Madam Wen asked gently. “Answer properly, and don’t lie to me.”

Li Xian thought, “Having been with Madam for a long time since moving into the inner courtyard, I sometimes practice martial arts in the yard. Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg… more or less, have all been demonstrated before the Madam.”

“Madam, however, is unaware that I have reached the peak in all of them. It shows that though Madam’s Martial Arts Cultivation is deep, she still cannot discern the essence of peak martial arts.”

In a flash of thought, Li Xian said, “Madam, I… I am not sure.”

“You are not sure?” Madam Wen said gently, “Are you truly unsure, or are you hiding something?”

“Li Xian has absolutely nothing to hide,” Li Xian said. “If… if I had to explain why I can reach the peak, I would guess… speculate that it might relate to a dream?”

“A dream?” Madam Wen asked, astonished.

Li Xian replied, “Yes. Recently, while training day and night, lost in mania, I felt no obstruction, sometimes practicing to the point of exhaustion, even sleeping while practicing.”

“In a blurry state, it seemed like a dream. I first dreamed of Madam teaching me Four Directions Fist, pointing out the essentials of Fist Technique. Then I dreamed of a martial master under the willow tree kicking his leg, and later, Madam, you… were at the Biluo River, bound by someone…”

Madam Wen lowered her eyes, pondering: “Could it be the initial vision of Martial Arts? It’s rumored that during intense practice, there is a mysterious sensing that might touch the initial vision. To have the fortune to see this initial vision means great compatibility with the martial art and with its creator. It’s as if two realms resonate with each other.”

“Ah! Both Four Directions Fist and Jade Palm are my creations. This child said I was captured at the Biluo River when my Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique had just reached the Third Layer, and I was unaccustomed to ropes binding me.”

“Indeed, this child also possesses the [Perfect Appearance], similar to me. Since he practices my martial arts, he is inherently in tune with me. This can explain it. This child… is truly my lucky star. Is my…”

Her cheeks reddened slightly, but she said coldly, “If that’s the case, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“These illusory dreams, I did not dare to babble. Moreover, every dream involved you, Madam, I… I wasn’t even clear myself on why I didn’t dare to tell you,” Li Xian said, internally criticizing: “If Madam knew about Heaven rewards diligence, she would certainly find a way to control me completely. Best to keep some cards hidden.”

“Hmph!” Madam Wen said, “Raise your hand.” Li Xian complied, showing a blood scar on his palm.

Madam Wen said, “What else are you hiding from me? Anything related to me or you, whether dreams or not, speak them all out.”

Li Xian thought, “The matter of Heavy Pupils is even harder to speak of,” quickly shook his head, and feigned fright, saying: “No, I have never thought of hiding anything from Madam.”

Madam Wen looked at him coldly, with a sidelong glance at the Heaven and Earth Treasure Box on the table, thinking coldly: “You are hard to come by like the Golden Scale, but how can you escape my Heaven and Earth?”

Seeing Li Xian’s frightened appearance, she felt a ripple of sympathy, somewhat unwilling to be harsh: “I am always scolding and punishing him, angry or happy. If he is to truly be my husband in the future, obedience is paramount, but maintaining such a mentality is also important.”

Her voice softened, no longer scolding.

Lady Zhe Jian was known for her ruthlessness, breaking people’s limbs and swords was commonplace.

Today, she surprisingly felt a twinge of reluctance, truly rare and truly curious.

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