Emerging from Seclusion in a Sorry State, Spinning an Even Deeper Cocoon

Li Xian knew that his wife was unable to move and could not possibly receive him. However, what Li Bohou said was of great importance, concerning the Dragon-Appreciation Banquet.

After careful consideration, he decided to keep the two men with him for now and wait for the lady to make a decision.

He then said, "Madam is currently in seclusion and will likely not emerge for the next few days. Since you two have come from afar, why don't you stay at the manor for now? You will surely see Madam within three days at the latest. One Accord Manor is vast and beautiful; if you wish to experience it, I can accompany you throughout."

Seeing the howling wind and snow outside, and the freezing weather, Li Bohou knew it wouldn't be right to not deliver the message personally, so he decided to wait a few days. He said, "Please convey the message first, young brother. If the lady is unwilling to leave the pass immediately, my daughter and I will stay at the manor for two days."

"Hmph." Li Haitang was clearly displeased. After Li Xian left, she said to Li Bohou, "This Lady Broken Sword has quite the nerve. Last time she came, I waited all night, and it was fine. This time, when Father came, she was still the same."

"We're doing this for her own good; it would be ungrateful of us."

"Haitang," Li Bohou warned, "You mustn't speak recklessly. When you're traveling the Jianghu, you must be careful with your words and actions. If you continue like this, you'll suffer sooner or later."

The two sat quietly in the Guest Reception Hall. Li Haitang felt very bored and looked around listlessly. Li Bohou, on the other hand, was calm and composed. Although the matter was urgent, he was not in a hurry to rush it.

After sitting for half an incense stick's time, he got up to stretch his limbs. Out of the corner of his eye, he was suddenly attracted by the decorations in the hall, so he went closer to take a look, and his boredom instantly disappeared.

"These carvings are truly rare." Li Bohou gently stroked a piece of porcelain and murmured, "Tsk tsk tsk, it's so old. A phoenix spreading its wings, golden rain falling from the sky—this is a noble design from the Yu Dynasty."

He was very knowledgeable, and his gaze shifted elsewhere. He walked to a bonsai tree and exclaimed in amazement, "Blessing Pine! This pine tree has a jade-like texture, and its shape resembles a child offering hands in greeting. Such a pine tree must cost a considerable sum of money."

Li Haitang said, "Father, it's just a tree."

Li Bohou shook his head and patiently instructed, "You, no matter how I teach you, you just can't learn. A martial artist's vision, knowledge, and ability to appreciate fine objects are also extremely important."

"You need to be able to appreciate and appraise objects in order to appreciate people and events."

"This is indeed just a tree. But look at these pine needles, their tips are golden, and they're not fuzzy at all. The fragrance is lingering, and smelling it is refreshing and invigorating. This tree must have been harvested from a high place on [Plain Mountain]."

"This kind of high-mountain pine cannot survive in low-lying areas. But now it grows obediently in the copper basin, serving as the facade and acting as the welcoming boy."

"The methods, effort, and money involved were considerable."

"A martial artist's strength and character can be gleaned from what they carry."

Li Haitang didn't care at all and asked curiously, "Then Father, tell me, what kind of person is this Lady Broken Sword?"

Li Bohou said, "It is impolite to talk about others behind their backs." Li Haitang immediately shut up. She was not afraid of her father's scolding, but she was afraid of Lady Broken Sword.

Upon hearing this, Li Bohou secretly observed and tried to guess the lady's temperament. Seeing the luxurious decorations in the room, he guessed that the lady was of noble birth. Yet, the presence of welcoming pine trees and auspicious cloud incense burners... these were objects that evoked the ethereal atmosphere of a secluded hermit in the deep mountains.

Complex and ever-changing, with no fixed nature.

Li Bohou sighed, "It seems that this Lady Broken Sword is not so easy to understand." He was already intrigued, holding a cup of tea, and could look at a piece of porcelain, a screen, a painting... for a long time.

Li Xian walked up the Mind-Calming Pagoda. The candlelight was dim and red, making the lady appear as delicate and soft as red and white jade. She struggled slightly.

Li Xian said, "Madam, Li Bohou has come to see you, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Madam Wen exhaled softly, her pretty face flushed. Her Silkworm Garment Jade-Interlocking Art had reached the fifth level. The methods of circulating her internal energy and cultivating it were now quite different, as complex as untangling a ball of yarn.

She was completely unaccustomed to it, proceeding cautiously as if crossing a river by feeling for stones, so focused that she didn't even notice Li Xian climbing the tower.

Madam Wen, her forehead slightly sweating, said, "Let him wait, and treat him well."

Li Xian said, "He said it was related to the Dragon-Appreciation Banquet, and also closely related to his wife."

"It's alright, just wait," Madam Wen said. A light sheen of sweat dripped from her clothes, which shimmered translucent in the candlelight.

Li Xian immediately informed him. Li Bohou said, "Since that's the case, then stay for a few days." He was very good-natured and expressed his understanding.

Li Xian thought to himself, "This Li Bohou is a man of great ability, with excellent manners and temperament. It is precisely because of this that his daughter is so spoiled."

He personally accompanied them and arranged a refined residence for the two. Along the way, the flower gardens were vibrant and the scenery serene. Green willows were accompanied by the cold wind, and lotus flowers were covered with frost and snow, creating a unique blend of the four seasons.

While touring the lake and garden, Li Bohou exclaimed, "Your wife has excellent taste!"

He can explain the meaning and stories behind the flowers, trees, and landscape design in the garden, as well as the intricacies of the subject.

Li Xian was greatly impressed, as he saw the scenery of the manor every day. However, he never knew how to appreciate it. At first glance, he thought it was beautiful and the arrangement was very tasteful. Upon closer inspection, it still seemed beautiful, but after looking again and again... he gradually became oblivious to it and found it boring.

Now, having heard rumors and learned the intricacies, I feel completely enlightened. Mountains are no longer mountains, and water is no longer water.

The scenery is the same, but the artistic conception is different.

So I took the initiative to ask for advice.

Li Bohou was handsome and refined, with a gentle and easygoing nature, and he was generous in offering his advice. They talked as they walked, pointing out things to each other, and they got along very well.

Li Xian broadened his horizons and gained a great deal from his visit to the garden.

Upon arriving at the guest house, Li Bohou stopped and exclaimed, "If only my daughter, Haitang, were as studious as you!"

Li Xian said, "Miss Haitang is naturally lively, so it's normal that she's not interested in these details about scenery."

"One can see the big picture from small details." Li Bohou shook his head and said, "To catch criminals and solve mysteries in the Jianghu, one needs a wealth of knowledge. Only in this way can one turn danger into safety."

"Young Master Li, if you're interested, you can come see me tomorrow. We had a very pleasant conversation and got along quite well."

Li Xian exclaimed with delight, "I couldn't be happier!"

The next day.

Li Xian visited early in the morning. Outside the guest house, Li Haitang, dressed in light clothing, was practicing martial arts, holding a sword in one hand and a whip in the other.

Upon seeing Li Xian, she raised an eyebrow, intending to show off. Her moves changed instantly; she threw the sword upwards, bent her leg backwards like a scorpion's tail, and kicked the sword towards Li Xian. Then she lashed out with her whip, which wrapped around the sword hilt. With each flick of the whip, the sword flashed, as if she were controlling the Sword Control from a distance!

And as the sword's momentum was exhausted, the whip's momentum followed closely behind. Continuous and uninterrupted, combining strength and gentleness, occasionally unleashing a few streaks of Sword-Ray.

Upon first seeing Li Haitang's skills, Li Xian secretly praised, "Such profound martial arts! No wonder she is the successor of the Divine Constable; she is proficient in both sword and whip! This is the second time I've met her, but the first time I've witnessed her skills!"

After Li Haitang finished her dance, Li Xian clapped and laughed, "Excellent skills, excellent bearing! Miss Haitang is amazing!"

Li Haitang, unable to hide her joy, said, "I'm going out to play, and you've just arrived. Come with me!"

"No, thank you," Li Xian said with a smile. "I've come to see Senior Bohou."

"Hahaha." Li Bohou stepped out of the guest room, stretched, and said, "Brother Li, you've arrived so early."

Li Xian said, "I was thinking about it last night, hoping to tour the garden with Senior Li and broaden my horizons. I was excited all night."

Li Bohou laughed and said, "It's rare to see you in such high spirits."

Chao Haitang said, "Haitang, you're not interested in these things. They go in one ear and out the other. But Brother Li is interested. You should go and have some fun by yourself."

Li Haitang stamped her foot and said angrily, "I'm going too! I want to see what's so interesting about these stone flowers!"

So he followed.

"Haha, ignore this girl." Li Bohou shook his head and chuckled, walking ahead with Li Xian.

The garden was full of diverse scenery: a giant rock forest, a bird shed, an artificial rock garden... Li Xian led the way, Li Bohou explained. Li Haitang followed behind, looking sullen.

After walking for half an hour, I already felt I had benefited greatly.

Li Bohou sighed inwardly, "My good daughter, if you don't work harder, your father's true skills will be learned by others."

Upon reaching the "Frost-Listening Pavilion," Li Haitang exclaimed that they needed to rest. The three of them sat down in the pavilion, where the scenery was expansive. There were small hills behind and a lake in front. A frosty breeze blew across the lake's surface.

The wind blew into the pavilion, and a faint melody could be heard.

"Father, how can this have rhythm?" Li Haitang asked in surprise.

Li Bohou stood with his hands behind his back, pointing to the surrounding scenery, and said, "The secret lies in the scenery. The flowers, plants, and trees beside the pavilion are all carefully arranged. On a cold winter day, frost crystals condense among the trees and flowers, and when the frosty wind blows, they faintly produce a crisp sound. All these elements come together to form this 'Frosty Music' melody."

Li Xian asked, "Senior Li, could you tell me about your stories of chasing criminals and punishing evil? I greatly admire you."

"Of course, of course," Li Bohou said. "You are the Qingning Martial Commandant, so you should be considered my colleague..."

Li Haitang interjected, "Father, how can a mere Martial Commandant compare to you?" She had no ill feelings towards Li Xian, but protecting her father was her top priority.

Li Xian said, "Miss Haitang is absolutely right." Li Haitang wholeheartedly agreed, nodded, and smiled, "You're quite sensible."

Li Bohou said, "Let's put that aside. I know you've accomplished quite a bit while stationed in Qingning, and I already admired you before I even met you."

"Today, while strolling through the garden with you, I noticed your composure and magnanimity, far surpassing that of the Haitang. Since we're on the topic of catching thieves and criminals, I might as well share some tips on how to do it with you."

Li Xian was startled and said, "I am delighted that you value me so highly, senior. However, it is our first meeting, and I dare not accept such a generous gift."

"Hahaha." Li Bohou laughed heartily, "I'm not passing on any Martial Dao techniques to you. It's all based on experience. You can learn it to catch criminals; it will be helpful."

He immediately gave a brief explanation. Li Xian noted it down, and asked for clarification on anything he didn't understand.

For three consecutive days.

The estate is so large that it's impossible to see it all.

At noon that day, the lady was about to leave the pass.

In the Guest Reception Hall, Li Xian arranged for Li Bohou and his daughter to sit down, brewed some Dragon-Calming Tea, and observed all the proper etiquette. He said, "Senior Li Bohou, Miss Haitang, please wait a moment while I go and ask if the madam would be willing to see you."

Li Bohou sipped his tea, waved his hand, and said, "Go." Li Haitang watched him leave.

Li Bohou asked, "Haitang, how do you feel about our time together these past few days?" Li Haitang's pretty face flushed slightly. "She's quite pretty and very polite, and speaks very courteously. But just like Father, she always likes strange and unusual things."

"Not bad, not bad." Li Bohou nodded with a smile.

He sighed softly again:

"Otherwise, he would be considered a rising star. It's a pity that in Wen Caishang's hands, he's probably like that welcoming pine tree, trapped in a copper basin. But nothing is absolute, and things are unpredictable. Perhaps he can break free from his shackles?"

Inside the Mind-Calming Pagoda.

Li Xian helped his wife remove her Silkworm Garment Unbinding. The clothes were soaked with sweat, and the silk threads, being fine and delicate, became extremely slippery when wet. It took quite a bit of effort to remove them completely.

Madam Wen asked, "Is Li Bohou still at the manor?"

"He's still here," Li Xian said. "Senior Li is a very humble person, and we had a very pleasant conversation."

"Very well, take me to see him." Madam Wen put on her white robe.