Chapter 243: Chapter 233: Pure Yang Body, Life and Death Together

Li Xian helped Wen Caishang sit upright, her legs crossed and hands placed on her knees, sitting with a dignified posture and an extraordinary grace. Wen Caishang’s long hair fell to her waist, carefully braided and adorned with silver ornaments and flower pins, adding a touch of elegance and charm. Despite the numerous fierce battles, though her body bore injuries, her hair and makeup remained intact. Only the part near the skin, moistened by sweat, clung slightly to her skin, giving off a sense of haste and tiredness.

Unrolling a map in front of him, Li Xian said solemnly, “I entered the city early in the morning to purchase a map. Around here, there is only one county, inferior even to Qingning County.”

“The bookstore’s map was crude and useless, a waste of a few taels of silver. It made my heart ache, but fortunately, I encountered a disciple of the Sword Rain Tower. I followed him secretly, waiting for a chance to steal it and got hold of his map. Please take a look, madam.”

Upon hearing the words “heart ached,” Wen Caishang shot him a glance, thinking, “I’ve never seen you worry about me.” She lowered her eyes to look at the map, and instantly furrowed her brows.

Li Xian said, “You must know too. Sword Rain Tower is meticulous in their approach, and there are many spies around. It’s highly likely they have guessed we are hiding in the mountains and are gradually closing in.”

“I saw figures from Sword Rain Tower in the city this morning. As time goes by, their vigilance will certainly tighten!”

Wen Caishang replied, “It must be Su Qiuyu. He is narrow-minded, seemingly gentle, but actually sinister and cunning. He is the most troublesome in Sword Rain Tower.”

Wen Caishang said openly, “In this siege, if I weren’t injured, it wouldn’t be a problem. But my injuries are severe beyond recovery. How can you handle this alone?”

Li Xian pondered deeply, examining the map, and said seriously, “Heaven never seals off all exits. After troubled times, there may be a way out. With our combined intellect and strategy, perhaps we can find a way to survive.”

Wen Caishang met Li Xian’s deep and resolute eyes, her heart swaying. She smiled and said, “Indeed… from a mere servant to today, it’s that spirit you’ve relied on. Alright, the two of us together will take on those numerous heroes.”

Li Xian embraced Wen Caishang, and they sat on the ground together, studying the geographical features on the map. Wen Caishang had extensive knowledge of the Yellow Sand Sect, Sword Rain Tower, and Taixin Sect, as well as a broad understanding of Feng Shui and other miscellaneous studies, providing assistance from the side.

Li Xian was smart and resourceful, constantly coming up with ideas. Each time he had a thought, he spoke it directly. Wen Caishang was deeply impressed as she listened, feeling they made sense.

The more they plotted, the more pressing the situation seemed. Li Xian, open-minded by nature, teased appropriately to lighten the atmosphere. Wen Caishang felt both angry and amused, being teased and losing her usual authority.

Two hours passed, and the map was marked with red, black, and mud spots, representing the major factions and their encirclement layout of Luofang Mountain.

Wen Caishang said seriously, “Li Xian, you are quite impressive. It seems mostly accurate, perhaps even more thorough than Su Qiuyu. The Yellow Sand Sect, Sword Rain Tower, and Taixin Sect are not a single entity. There’s no binding interest among them, making it hard for them to unite as one.”

“If it were you encircling me, I’d be in great trouble.”

The map’s layout, dotted like stars, occupied strategic positions. Combined with the terrain, it seemed impregnable. Wen Caishang, upon contemplating it, felt greatly admired.

Li Xian laughed and said, “I don’t need to send troops for encirclement; I’ve already caught you, madam, right now.” The two of them played around for a while. Wen Caishang, slightly annoyed, playfully chided, “This boy has no seriousness.” After a moment, they returned to the main topic.

How to break out from such an encirclement?

Li Xian thought about the strategy for breaking through. Combining the mountain terrain and landscape, he imagined numerous scenarios. No matter how they tried to break through, it would certainly provoke enclosures from all sides, making escape extremely difficult.

Li Xian and Wen Caishang simulated various routes, none proving feasible. Wen Caishang said, “Your layout is so tight, it’s hard even for you to break through. Our… last hope is that their layout isn’t as meticulous as yours, leaving some vulnerability somewhere.”

The map was like a sandbox. Li Xian put himself into the roles of Su Qiuyu, the Taixin brothers, Zhao Zhiyuan, and others, thinking about how they would collaborate, layout, hunt down, and prevent, leaving not even the slightest gap. The encirclement was already formed, and with each passing day, the area shrank, making escape ever harder.

Returning to themselves, facing such a situation, how could they escape? It seemed they were contending with Su Qiuyu and the Taixin brothers, but in truth, it was a battle within himself.

If they could break through, they would be safe. But how could it be simple? After long contemplation, Li Xian, lost in thought, picked up Wen Caishang’s waist ornament and gently caressed it, feeling a soothing coolness that was quite comfortable.

As she sat in his embrace, Wen Caishang looked at the map, inhaling his fragrance and feeling a sense of peace.

The sky darkened gradually, with the slanted moon reflecting into the cave, and stars twinkling.

Li Xian suddenly froze, took out half a roast chicken and some small dishes, and laughed, “I was so lost in thought, I haven’t eaten anything all day. I specially bought these when I went into the city.”

Using his palm power, he blew away the dust on the ground and laid out the oil paper. Li Xian suddenly paused, a clever idea rising in his mind. With a slight smile, he opened all the packages of food.

“Unfortunately, it’s already cold!” Li Xian said.

Wen Caishang had already felt hungry. Li Xian, intending to show off his skills, drew his Sinking River Sword, striking a Yang Sword Aura. The residual heat lingered in the air, reheating the half roast chicken and some small dishes. The aroma spread, particularly tantalizing to the appetite.

Wen Caishang raised an eyebrow and said, “Such a petty trick, deliberately showing off.” Li Xian tore off a chicken leg to feed Wen Caishang. Wen Caishang was delighted but, as she opened her mouth to bite, Li Xian withdrew it backward, first taking a bite himself.

“You!” Wen Caishang said, both angry and amused.

Li Xian said, “Good wife, at least there’s a fierce battle tomorrow, I need to replenish my strength.”

Wen Caishang said, “You little rascal, so many people wanted to feed me a chicken leg, and I ignored them all. Now, when I finally want to eat one, you refuse.”

Such are the tricks of fate. Wen Caishang, though a bit angry, wasn’t truly bothered. Li Xian tore the roast chicken to pieces, feeding Wen Caishang, both of them ending up with mouths covered in grease.

The beautiful woman was in distress, her red lips stained with oil. Once they had eaten and drunk their fill, Li Xian and Wen Caishang sat outside the cave, stargazing and enjoying the moon, with a cool breeze blowing.

In the distance, willow trees clustered, flowers and grasses thrived, the scenery was beautiful. Li Xian sighed, “But what a pity there’s no wine for a delightful drink.” Wen Caishang asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”

“Afraid or not afraid, it doesn’t matter.” Li Xian said cheerfully. As the breeze blew, his hair drifted gently, yet his brow and eyes exuded charm.

Wen Caishang said, “Your demeanor is quite… quite remarkable.” Her pretty face blushed slightly. She had evaluated Li Xian many times before, using similar words repeatedly.

The past is evaluating the item at hand, naturally graceful. Now it is a woman evaluating a man, naturally bashful.

The crescent moon has flaws, and the scenery is enchanting.

Li Xian took out a map, pointed to a location, and said, “Cai Shang, what kind of flowers do you think are planted in this sea of flowers?”

Wen Caishang said, “This type of flower is wild, called ’Fangwu Flower,’ and now is the blooming season, clustering together, covering the mountains and fields, quite grand.”

Li Xian smiled and said, “Have you seen it?”

“I know from books, but I haven’t seen it yet.” Wen Caishang shook her head and said. Li Xian asked, “Does the book describe this flower as very beautiful?”

Wen Caishang said, “I’ve seen even more beautiful flowers. But Fangwu Flower has a unique spectacle. When they bloom together, a colorful mist envelops the flower fields, which is very splendid.”

“Many tourists wishing to see the spectacle will seek out the place where Fangwu Flowers grow. During the Great Yu era, some poets composed related poems.”

Li Xian asked, “I guess the so-called colorful mist is dispersed pollen. Because the pollen is light, it floats with the wind. That’s why when Fangwu Flower grows, it grows in large areas.”

“You’re very clever.” Wen Caishang said, “This kind of pollen is actually a type of medicinal material. But it’s not scarce, and there are many substitutes for it. Therefore, no one covets it.”

Suddenly, Li Xian laughed and said, “Cai Shang, tomorrow we don’t know if we’ll live or die, or if there’s death without life. If suitable, should we go see how that sea of flowers is?”

Wen Caishang heard Li Xian calling her “Cai Shang” and was slightly displeased, thinking, you little brat just out of your training, dare to call me like this. You don’t know, those who called me like that before were all stabbed to death by me. But her heart felt very different, sweet like honey, as the two already had a foundation of feelings and this interaction gradually deepened it.

Moreover, seeing Li Xian carefree and unrestrained between life and death. She has seen many heroes, none lacking unparalleled courage. But Li Xian’s carefree and elegant nature is unique. Her current state of mind, her current situation, is a one-time experience in life, a feeling hard to recreate.

She said charmingly, “You little brat, quite romantic. They are pursuing to kill, and you treat it as a game?”

With her heart lake swirling, she softly said again, “But… if you really want to do this, I can only accompany you.”

Li Xian laughed and said, “Madam, please rest, I already have a plan, tomorrow will surely be fine.”

Wen Caishang said, “Alright.” Li Xian held Wen Caishang into the cave, took off the white clothes, and performed the pushing and blood-circulation technique like yesterday.

All matters concluded, Li Xian practiced martial arts outside the cave, the Sinking River Sword unsheathed, the Setting Sun Bloodsword First Layer and Second Layer’s edge fully displayed, leaving nothing in reserve, creating a burning heat with sword aura swirling, Sword Qi crossing…

Displaying all the martial arts he had learned. Strange scenes occurring around him, as he stopped to rest, those strange scenes still lingered without dissipating, suspended in the air.

[With life in danger but will strong, all sects’ martial arts, Skill Level +300]

[You digest the Essence Treasure within, Food Essence Skill Level +1]

[Food Essence]

[Skill Level: 99/100]

…

Li Xian’s heart was like iron and stone, refining swordsmanship, Lightweight Skill. Absolutely not sharpening the sword at the last minute, but always persistent, indestructible.

[Skill Level +1]

[Skill Level +1]

[Setting Sun Blood Decay Sword·First Layer]

[Skill Level: 2/80000 Peak]

[Description: You practice sword techniques, filled with Primordial Yang. The Yang Qi is extremely pure, realizing the ’Pure Yang Body’ trait, realizing the ’Heart Fire’ trait, Qi Power, Inner Qi, Healing Power… all increased. Condensing Great Life-saving Yang Qi.]

The Qi Lake surges, Inner Qi continuously grows, reaching “sixty-two zhang” in an instant, Inner Qi abundant, physical power also strong. Li Xian seemingly filled with endless energy, wanting to release it immediately.

But considering the dangerous battle tomorrow, he pressed it down forcefully. There will be a place to use it.

Li Xian thought, “Pure Yang Body trait? Superior Martial Arts is really powerful. Every Martial Art is like an endless treasure trove. Slow digging, refining moves. Not only can it be used for Martial Artist combat, nurture the body and enhance beauty, break through shackles, but also gain extremely powerful traits. Like divine power!”

“Pure Yang Body… proficient in cold resistance, proficient in poison avoidance, long-lasting physical strength, seems quite attractive to women? Heart Fire trait… I only feel a fire stored in my heart, making the bloodstream blazing. How to utilize this trait?”

Li Xian pondered alone.

It is rumored in the Jianghu influence “Cold Valley”, there is a Palm Technique, extremely powerful. But when performed, it freezes the blood. Hence, it’s a kill-or-be-killed move.

If Li Xian learns and uses the Heart Fire characteristic. He can avoid a deadlock, remarkably improve his strength.

Martial Arts Schools, hence coming from this. The more powerful the Martial Art, the more its mysterious effects. Its constraints, our cure. With practiced combination, it can exceed expectations.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep