Chapter 600: Chapter 338: Past Sins, Vindication, Seeking Alliance Among the Five Sects, Entering the Dragon Heart Cave
The herbal potion, brewed for thousands of years, has a myriad of effects, capable of strengthening the body and spirit, nourishing the organs, toughening the skin, harmonizing Yin and Yang, and prolonging life and health, overwhelmingly potent. Wafting purple mist paints the face a gentle red and purple. Surrounding jade bricks, red tiles, elegant porcelain vessels, the sound of water trickling by, the scenery is impeccable, serene and undisturbed.
It hardly resembles a tomb, rather like the depths of Jieyou Tower, mysterious whether heavenly or earthly, joyfully oblivious to worldly affairs. Wen Caishang’s moods swing unpredictably; in past days, she mastered her husband often with a whip-like sword, punishing whether pleased or angry, inflicting pain upon his flesh, further practicing the "Heartache Sword", agony unbearable. Raised with supreme status, she was ever composed, even amid massacres, maintaining a dignified facade, graceful in manner. Scolding, losing composure, panic... are rare sights upon her.
Yet it is said, past sins must be repaid today. Li Xian would not strike her with a sword but thought, "Things being as they are, if I do not show my prowess just this once, won’t the lady become too arrogant? Today I ought to collect interest; one day surpass the madam, then reclaim the principal." He seized Wen Caishang.
Wen Caishang’s ankle was held fast, thinking, "Now my martial arts and inner Qi are useless. This brat sees it well, exploiting the opportunity against me." She turned and splashed water, droplets scattering, countless beads rushing forth, embedded with many swordsmanship intricacies, though lacking lethal intent, if struck would surely cause pain.
Li Xian raised his hand, Pure Gang Qi Clothing swirled in the air, gathering the water into a sphere, flinging it back into the potion. Wen Caishang, ashamed and furious, the once obedient young man now rebellious and insolent; she had foreseen it, yet felt peculiarly odd, cursing sweetly, "You little brat, you... you turned against heaven."
Li Xian laughed, "Is it only the lady who may bully me, but not allow me to resist? Such reason doesn’t exist in this world. This rare opportunity, missing it would be a pity. Madam, willingly accept your defeat."
Wen Caishang scolded gently, "Fine, little heartless one, it seems you wanted to deceive me long ago; demand my surrender, hmph, yet must first ask my sword," her tone lacking harshness as she flipped her palm, a "White Snake Soft Sword" materializing under the water, thrusting towards Li Xian.
Her White Snake Sword moved underwater like a snake, agile and eerie, yet the blade changed swiftly from soft to firm, harboring no intent to harm Li Xian. Merely preserving her dignity, resisting with pride, not truly allowing Li Xian to insult. This sword technique called "Waist Binding Life-taking", was intended for the soft sword to entwine, winding around the opponent’s waist, an ingenious and unique sword technique.
Li Xian’s eye power was sharp, pinching the soft sword’s three inches of blade between his fingers. Wen Caishang secretly shocked, "Heavy Pupil Eye Power, truly extraordinary. This little wolf cub grows harder to control as he grows; indeed, he’s biting back now." Twisting her wrist, the White Snake Soft Sword coiled around Li Xian’s wrist.
Li Xian reversed and freed the sword, the two exchanged several moves, the waves roiling underwater. Though lacking danger, it was a genuine contest. Li Xian’s strength was immense, yet not devoid of finesse, combined with Heavy Pupil Eye Power, Perfect Appearance, capable of discerning flaws. Wen Caishang, seasoned and cunning, employed a variety of moves, wielding only a White Snake Soft Sword, a piece of Jie Xumiao Clothing, and a single basic sword skill, conjuring wonders; the soft sword lacked a sharp edge, but its entangling, striking, winding, intangible and tangible transformations were unpredictable.
The blade slapped the water waves, Wen Caishang gradually feeling strained, the resonating bells influencing, ultimately failing against Li Xian. Li Xian suddenly wielding "Pure Gang Qi Clothing" to stir the water, vibrating with enormous power, Pure Gang Qi Clothing guiding, the pool waves surged, making Wen Caishang’s footing unstable; moreover...though her resistant words were strong, her will to resist was not sturdy. Even unconsciously curious and expectant, "If Li Xian truly wins, she, having always bullied him, what consequence would she face."
Falters naturally, defeated swiftly, captured closely by Li Xian, arrested at the wrist.
Li Xian laughed, "Madam, you’ve lost." She bit her red lip, unable to escape, the potion’s effects stirring her mind, weakened to resist, unsure whether angry or pleased, exclaimed, "You... bold indeed! You’ve truly seized the chance. Now I’m at your mercy, do as you will, kill or slice."
Li Xian observed the once venomous viper, now surprisingly compliant, her words scolding yet her face maintain a tough facade, indeed her eyes conveyed autumn waves, adding charm and affection, softly coquettish. He recalled past hardships, Wen Caishang seemed irritated yet seemed to thoroughly enjoy this reversal, unaware of her contentment.
Li Xian said, "Very well, then truly let you savor the pain of killing and slicing." Wen Caishang, beyond control, her heart felt peculiar. Though appearing irked, she perhaps didn’t entirely reject it. Mouth defiant, said, "Little thief, I fear you? Come on then."
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Meanwhile, on another side. The Five Mountains Sword Alliance, having endured trials, recuperating for two days, fortunate for the attentive care provided by many women, quickly replenishing Qi and blood, now moving freely, ready to battle with swords.
Xiao Wanjian, Hu Yueyue, and other leading elders gathered under a banyan tree, surrounded by common elders, discussing subsequent arrangements. Each sect expressed opinions and plans; overall consensus.
Having identified the true perpetrators, one seeks the rightful bearer of grievance. Yet the Five Mountains Sword Alliance lacked mastery in tomb matters, arriving solely through deep Martial Arts, meeting dangers, overcoming obstacles. Suffering numerous setbacks, though many mechanisms along the way were unlocked, returning the way they came, uncertain events awaited.
Moreover, the pervasive bell influence limited martial arts cultivation, martial arts evolution, inner Qi were all ineffective, and after being taunted by Li Xian, their morale was heavily diminished, necessitating greater caution.
Hu Yueyue said, "This place is strange, the urgent task is to first depart this tomb. This tomb harbors treasures surely, but it’s beyond our reach. Safeguarding disciples’ lives, swiftly escaping danger is paramount."
