192. My Little Lad, Trapped in a Dire Predicament

Madam Wen's whereabouts were unpredictable, and her movement arts were superb. No one knew when she had entered the scene. She held Li Xian lightly with one hand and toyed with the Golden Scale's tail with the other. The Golden Scale flapped a few times, then became docile again.

She said softly, "Good fish, go play in the water." She bent down and released it into the water. The Golden Scale seemed both real and unreal, both tangible and intangible. Though it had the body of a fish, it was no fish-beast.

It swam freely through the water, streaking in every direction with golden light.

But no matter how the Golden Scale darted about, it remained within three feet of her feet, as if to say, "Even with the talent of a Golden Scale, how could you escape the palm of my hand?"

Madam Wen raised her eyes and glanced at the Cao Family Old Woman. She flicked her water sleeves, sending out a burst of force.

The old woman swung her whip in resistance, but it was already too late. In an instant, she was sent tumbling into the lake, leaving the boat beneath her feet empty.

Madam Wen turned her palm and drew the empty boat toward her. It glided slowly over. She raised her hand slightly. Li Xian understood what she meant, supported Madam Wen's right hand, and stepped into the boat first to help her aboard.

The old woman sank into the water. A Second Realm martial artist who entered the water would dissolve at once; she had already fallen into dire peril. Her mind remained composed as she took an object from her sleeve. It was shaped like a long tube. She infused it with Inner Qi, and it shot out an iron nail. A