Second Martial Realm, Also Known as Taisu

September had arrived. Cold rain dripped down, leaving heaven and earth damp and chill.

Inside One Accord Manor, Madam Wen had a thin gauze draped over her shoulders. Her beautiful eyes were cold as she stared at Li Xian through a landscape screen.

Beyond the screen, Li Xian cupped his fists and bowed.

"You have some nerve." Madam Wen said flatly, "Privately mobilizing the manor guards to handle your own affairs. Li Xian, you have truly grown capable. Since I founded this manor until today, you alone have dared act in such a manner. Do you know that?"

"Li Xian acted rashly. I beg Madam to punish me," Li Xian said.

"Could punishing you make up for these losses?" Madam Wen asked coldly.

"I shall submit to Madam's judgment," Li Xian said. "Today's losses to the manor shall be counted as three thousand taels of silver," Madam Wen said. "You must repay it within one month. Otherwise—I have my ways of dealing with you."

I'm afraid I still owe quite a lot of silver. Where am I supposed to find three thousand taels? But being able to placate Madam Wen with money alone was already the best possible outcome. "Yes."

"This is merely repayment," Madam Wen said. "I still intend to punish you."

"You were reckless and lawless, and you disregarded the manor rules. By rights, you should suffer the punishment of the Thorn Rod. But I suppose those manor guards would not dare truly strike you. Starting today, come before me every morning at the hour of the dragon. I will personally scrape your palms with a sword."

At those words, Li Xian's palms began to sting. Madam Wen had cut across his palms with a sword several times before; it truly hurt terribly. Still, he could only accept