Dragon Appreciation Opens, a Vast World

Guest Reception Hall.

Madam Wen in, a fox fur cloak draped over her white robe. Li Bohou caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye and gently raised his right hand. Li Haitang immediately felt a hidden force lift her up, and she stood up.

Li Bohou, less humble and casual, cupped his hands and said, "Madam Wen, how have you been?"

Madam Wen took her seat in the main seat, nodded slightly, glanced at the two men, and said softly, "Detective Li, please sit down, don't be shy. Haitang, you may sit down too."

Her words were intimate, like Haitang affectionately addressed to an elder. Li Haitang was flattered and quietly took her seat.

Madam Wen said apologetically, "I am truly sorry, but I am in seclusion for cultivation and cannot leave, which is why I have kept you both waiting. I have asked this Xiao Xian to entertain you, and I hope I have done so well. If there is anything I have done wrong, please let me know, and I will punish him accordingly."

"Not at all, not at all," Li Bohou said with a smile. "Young friend Li is very thoughtful and we had a very pleasant conversation. I've been staying at the manor for a few days and I'm quite relaxed and comfortable."

Madam Wen smiled and said, "If that's the case, then all the better. Haitang, how have you been lately? Have you managed to capture the Jar Immortal?"

Li Haitang said, "I am truly ashamed. I am not very knowledgeable and lost track of the Haitang, so I was unable to capture him."

Madam Wen said, "One success or failure is not enough to define a hero. You are still inexperienced; experiencing some setbacks is good for you."

"Yes, Haitang will heed your teachings!" Li Haitang replied respectfully.

"Your father is a renowned and illustrious constable; why would he need my instruction? I am merely passing on some experience as a senior. I dare not accept the word 'instruction.'"

Wen Caishang paused for a moment, then cut to the chase. "Detective Li said there's something related to the Dragon-Appreciation Banquet? Please speak frankly."

Li Bohou's expression turned serious. He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest and said, "The Dragon-Appreciation Banquet is about to begin. It should be... in February of this year. Now it's almost the end of December, it's about time to set off!"

"Oh?" Madam Wen gazed at the sky, pondered for a moment, and said, "Judging by the time, it should be here soon. This grand banquet is truly unpredictable, whether it brings good or bad fortune."

Take a sip of tea.

Li Bohou said, "There is one more thing I need to tell Madam."

Madam Wen said, "Please speak."

"This matter is, in truth, a mere coincidence."

Li Bohou said, "Some time ago, I was chasing after the villain on the Crimson List, [the Qin Demon]. Although he unfortunately escaped, I happened to overhear some secrets during the pursuit, which are closely related to you, Madam. Someone is targeting you at this Dragon-Appreciation Banquet."

"The Tranquil Heart Sect, the Sword Rain Tower, the Corpse Rakshasa Village... many sects are preparing a grand plan, which seems to concern Madam. I have come to remind you, and hope that Madam will pay close attention and not fall for the tricks of these petty people."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wen frowned slightly, Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage, "These sects and forces all have experts stationed here, far superior to those from the Prefectural City. I have killed many of their disciples in the past, and we have a grudge against each other. I had expected them to use this Dragon-Appreciation Banquet to target me. But the fact that they could unite is indeed something I should have been wary of."

She smiled and said, "I see. I am extremely grateful for the Cai Shang's message. I am aware of it and will take precautions."

Li Bohou nodded, pulled Li Haitang to his side, and said, "What I have to say is just these two sentences. Originally, since Brother Li and Madam have a close relationship, it wouldn't be unreasonable for me to have him convey the message. But upon careful consideration, this matter concerns our lives and fortunes. Only by speaking to him in person can we show respect and make Madam take it seriously."

"Rumor has it that you are as beautiful as a celestial being, and seeing you today, it is indeed so. To converse with you is like listening to Celestial Note, truly delightful. Unfortunately, I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave now."

Mrs. Wen snorted coldly in her heart, "That sounds nice, but it just means that you have distanced yourself from me. You traveled thousands of miles to inform me of the potential danger. You are just trying to distance yourself from me in advance on behalf of your daughter so that I won't be implicated. Do you think I can't see it? Anyway, you are a gangster, how can you put yourself in danger for me."

Knowing that Li Bohou was determined to leave, she feigned an attempt to persuade him to stay, saying softly, "Constable Li, why the rush? Why not stay a few more days? The scenery Inner Court is exquisite; I will personally accompany you both for a few days of sightseeing."

"I am not worthy of your company," Li Bohou thought to himself, then said, "If this is truly inappropriate, I shall depart. I hope you will not take offense, Madam." He beckoned to Li Haitang and walked outside. Each step covered several feet, and the flowers and plants beneath his feet were lush, as if it were early spring.

In the blink of an eye, they were already far away.

Madam Wen said coldly, "Heh, afraid of being implicated with me, you've even resorted to using [One Step, Three Springs]."

Turning to Li Xian, her voice softened. "Xiao Xian, what do you think? Did you hear that this Dragon-Appreciation Grand Banquet is fraught with danger? Are you still willing to go?"

"If I could go and share your burdens, I would be more than happy to do so," Li Xian said loudly.

"Good, good." Madam Wen gently patted Li Xian's hand and said happily, "If all the men in the world were like you, that would be wonderful. No... there's only one such good man, and now you're in my hands. Rest assured, those petty villains Non-Self match for me; any more would be in vain."

The Dragon-Appreciation Banquet suddenly arrived, forcing the cancellation of the trip to Southern Border.

The next day.

Uncle Xiang, who was in charge of handling many matters related to the trip to the Southern Border, quickly learned of the matter. He entered the Inner Court, requested an audience with the Madam, and after understanding the general situation, nervously asked, "Madam, this trip is fraught with danger. Have you considered not going?"

Madam Wen was tending to her potted plants and pruning the flowers when she said impatiently, "Whether I go or not is my decision, why should you interfere?"

"If it were anything else, I would naturally obey Madam, but this matter is dangerous. Madam has no children, and if something unexpected happens..." Uncle Xiang was sweating profusely, his head pressed to the ground, feeling as if he were being pricked by needles. Madam's gaze was fixed on him, filled with a chilling aura.

Madam Wen said softly, "What if I told you that this Dragon-Appreciation Banquet is an important part of my menu?"

Uncle Xiang's expression changed, and he said sincerely, "Then this old servant is willing to risk his life to clear the way."

"Get up," Madam Wen said. "What use is your life to me? Just watch over the estate and keep things as they are. Yes... hide away some valuable items."

"After the Dragon-Appreciation Banquet, we'll move on to another place. Qingning County... we don't need to stay any longer."

Martial Commandant Hall.

Li Xian vaguely knew the gravity of this matter.

"Is the lady residing in Qingning County perhaps waiting for this Dragon-Appreciation Banquet?"

The lady owned numerous businesses, including clothing stores, restaurants, cosmetics shops, and wine cellars in several large counties. Uncle Xiang told Li Xian Li Xian to visit various prominent Lineage and sell her businesses conveniently.

Li Xian knew that his wife had lived in Qingning for a long time, but had no affection for this place. After the Dragon-Appreciation Banquet, the estate would probably have to be moved.

At that time... he too would have to go far away. Li Xiaofan traveled far and wide, not in Qingning. Although Li Xian had some attachment to Qingning, it wasn't something he couldn't bear to part with.

If there was anything to be reluctant about, it was the Martial Commandant Hall. Li Xian subtly hinted that he was about to leave Qingning, and everyone felt a pang of sadness.

Li Xian and Luo Xia strolled leisurely by Qingning Lake.

Li Xian said, "Luo Xia, I'll have to entrust these brothers to you from now on."

"Are you sure you want to leave?" Luo Xia asked.

"I'm not sure, but I have a feeling," Li Xian said. "After the Dragon-Appreciation Banquet... we might have to leave soon. Or perhaps... this Dragon-Appreciation Banquet was quite unusual. In short, it's hard to say."

He added sarcastically, "After I leave, you'll be Martial Commandant."

Luo Xia rolled her eyes and said, "Do you think I care?"

Li Xian said, "I have some businesses in the city, which I'll entrust to you to manage. And..."

"There's One Accord Manor. I can help manage the business and select some high-quality assets to take over. I'll provide you with a list later; you can manage them carefully."

"Take the brothers out for something good, spicy, and flavorful."

Luo Xia sighed, "The Dragon-Appreciation Grand Banquet was a time of great change. Everything is unpredictable; why think too far ahead?"

He then returned to the hall to train the Constables. Li Xian sensed the gathering of wind and clouds, but remained calm and composed, silently honing his martial arts skills.

"The road ahead is fraught with danger, but martial arts are my constant companion. I started as Miscellaneous Servant, and now I've earned some strength. Jar Immortal, Black River Village, Xu Liefeng... the obstacles and dangers have been constant. But I've made it through."

"This Dragon-Appreciation Banquet... though my strength is meager, I've still managed to participate. Even before the banquet begins, I already know it's fraught with danger. While the lady is powerful, and so far no one has proven her match, there are always those stronger than you, and those beyond your reach..."

"Although my strength is unlikely to improve much in the short term, the wind is a blade, the frost a sword, and the road ahead is uncertain, but I will still forge ahead!"

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

Li Xian diligently practiced martial arts, accumulated Inner Qi, digested Essence Treasure, and comprehended the Art Essence Appraisal Insight.

The road ahead is uncertain, so proceed with composure.

Madam Wen remained calm, continuing her practice as usual, waiting for her opportunity. Li Xian sold his properties and made a considerable fortune.

The lady's businesses were first-rate at accumulating wealth. They had long been coveted by Lineage in various counties, so there was no worry about selling them. Li Xian earned the difference in price, making a fortune every day.

Never before had there been so much silver. But it never stayed long; it flowed out. Li Xian bought up some of the most successful restaurants, taverns, cosmetic shops, and clothing stores.

It was left to Luo Xia to manage and oversee. After all... he wasn't completely leaving.

In this way, Li Xian established businesses in many counties, including Huangyu County, Qingning, and Ziqiong County. His wealth and connections were among the best in the area.

Surplus money.

Li Xian entrusted someone to purchase poisons, poisoned darts, and many other hidden weapons. When traveling the Jianghu, one can only truly rely on oneself.

They also purchased geographical Terrain Map.

Having memorized the terrain, mountain ranges, and river patterns along the way beforehand Li Xian thought, "What if, what if something unexpected happens? If I do this and that... will I be able to hold my own against my opponent?"

[Vastmist Leg]

[Proficiency: 321/20000 Perfection]

[Description: Your leg strength has greatly increased, and you have mastered the "Mist-Dispelling" ability. This complements the basic martial art, the Gentle Breeze Kick, making you even faster.]

"Although I lack the skill of lightness, my martial arts accumulation is not shallow. According to Madam, my previous trip to the Prefectural City was merely a small-scale skirmish. The reason why Qiongtian Prefecture is called ' Qiongtian Prefecture ' is because of the word 'poor.' Although in my opinion, Qiongtian Prefecture is already wealthy, in comparison to the Yunan Circuit... it is poor and remote."

"This Dragon-Appreciation Banquet truly offered a glimpse into a corner of the Jianghu."

The Great Martial Dynasty.

Southern Heaven Region.

At the intersection of the jurisdictions of Yunan Circuit and Longxiong Circuit, there is an Old Dragon Pool with dark and icy water.

Dozens of miles away from the pool, there flows a great river called the "Benhua River".

Starting from Yangchun Prefecture in Yunan Circuit, it stretches for 49,000 li, passing through Yunan and Longxiong before flowing to the sea.

Deep in that pool of water.

The Python Flood Dragon.

On the second day of the second lunar month, heroes gather as dragons emerge from the river. Those who admire the dragon help the Python Flood Dragon travel through the water and into the sea, transforming into dragons themselves. Those who slay the dragon try to stop them along the river!

Dragon-Appreciation Banquet... no feast, no dishes, but there really was a dragon!