Yesterday's Joy, Like a Dream's Shadow; You Wretched Little Thief, You Betrayed My True Heart

The stars are high in the sky, but dark clouds obscure the moon.

The extraordinary horse, Brightblood, galloped along the road, its mane flying and its body flowing smoothly. One Accord Manor was extremely wealthy, Wen Caishang kept seven extraordinary horses: White Cloud, Brightblood, Windchaser, Mooncaller... Each had unique abilities, and all were gentlemen among horses.

A cold wind ruffled her hair, and her delicate eyebrows furrowed and relaxed intermittently.

They arrived in Yellow Mountain Town late at night. The city gates were deserted and the shops on the streets were closed. There were only a few pedestrians, all of whom were Jianghu practitioners.

At that time, the political situation was chaotic. Curfews were imposed in many places, but Jianghu figures, fearing the scorching sun, sometimes chose to travel at night, which conflicted with the curfews.

A single set of rules is difficult to apply in its entirety.

Wen Caishang dismounted, gently stroking her Brightblood neck and temples, her sweat exuding a fragrance. She moved with astonishing speed over dozens of miles. The moonlight shone down, making the horse's body appear as if bathed in shimmering light.

As soon as Fang entered the city, the passersby in the Jianghu kept staring at him. Only after the beautiful woman and her fragrant horse had gone far away did they come to their senses.

Wen Caishang strolled slowly through the city streets, glancing around. She couldn't see Li Xian anywhere, and thought to herself:

"What surprise is Li Xian preparing that has kept him away for so long? With his intelligence and resourcefulness, he should be able to resolve even the most dangerous and treacherous situations. He should be safe and sound. But if... if anyone were to actually harm him, hmph, I'll make them pay."

Her beautiful eyes held a murderous glint as she walked into the street.

Her clothes fluttered, her steps were graceful. She wore a white skirt and silk shoes, her hair still styled in a neat bun. After walking through several streets, she suddenly saw the inn where she had stayed the previous night. Remembering the tender moments and the alluring atmosphere of the inn, her pretty face flushed. Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage, "Could it be that Xiao Xian has returned here? I'll go in and ask."

Yellow lanterns hung from the inn, and candlelight shone through the paper windows.

The innkeeper's waiter, who was on night duty, was dozing off while fishing. Suddenly, he caught a whiff of fragrance and heard a voice. "Innkeeper, has my husband been here?"

His voice was clear and melodious, containing hidden Inner Qi that invigorated his spirit.

The waiter immediately sobered up, lamenting that the good dream was fleeting and had vanished in an instant. Last night, when he entertained Wen Caishang and Li Xian, he kept calling them a divine couple and expressed his envy. He couldn't bear to look at them for a long time and was lost in endless daydreams, which led to his dream. When he opened his eyes, he saw the fairy in front of him again.

He said, "Your husband... ah, is it that young man?"

Wen Caishang picked up a silver coin with her delicate hand and tossed it over, saying softly, "Not bad."

The waiter said, "He came, he came, and he rented the room last night."

Wen Caishang exclaimed with delight, "It really is here!" Her eyebrows relaxed, her face beaming with joy, which captivated the waiter.

After watching her leave, the waiter gently sniffed the silver. Fearing discovery, he carefully wrapped it up, unsure where to put it. He worried that carrying it would spoil the fragrance, and he also feared it might be stolen.

Wen Caishang lifted her skirt and went upstairs, remembering the bedroom from last night. When she reached the door, she saw footprints on the ground, undoubtedly belonging to Li Lang. But when she pushed open the door, the room was empty; how could someone have been there?

She had initially guessed that Li Xian had rented the room to stay in the town for a few days and to prepare a "surprise" for her. He was already busy with that, so he wasn't in the bedroom. Full of anticipation, she felt that Li Xian was very thoughtful, full of strange ideas, and brimming with mischief. She also thought that she should leave, pretend not to know anything, so as not to disappoint Li Lang's plans.

But then he noticed a letter pressed against the corner of the table. He was startled, realizing it was left by Li Xian. Sensing something was wrong, he quickly picked it up.

Unpack the envelope and read the contents. Although Li Xian's calligraphy Initiation, it is full of spirit, and his Intent-Qi is firm and pure. His calligraphy reflects his personality, naturally upright and open-minded, with elegant and graceful strokes. However, although there is progress in several transitions, it is still a little lacking.

Although the brushwork is simple, it is extremely beautiful.

Wen Caishang saw the words " To Madam Wen," her heart skipped a beat. She thought, "We're such good friends, why would we need to communicate via letter?" She looked down and read the brief words, which struck her heart like a blow.

When I read the four words "kindness and love", my whole body trembled and I no longer knew what was going on.

I can't believe it!

She pressed the envelope down, closed her eyes, and paused for a moment. Trembling, she reread the letter's contents.

This time Wu Cuo; the content is concise and the tone is resolute.

Her eyes welled up with tears, her eyes reddening. "The debt of gratitude is settled... the debt of gratitude is settled... Li Lang... what a Li Lang! So... you were always... always thinking about the debt of gratitude, and you wanted to leave me from the very beginning!"

"What I hate most is being lied to, yet you've lied to me so many times. You said you'd gouge out my eyes for me, but secretly you were planning your escape. You... you really can't be trusted at all; you never tell the truth. I... my lifelong reputation, yet you always manage to deceive me!"

"I, Wen Caishang, have treated you with such sincerity. When have I ever loved anyone else so much? I've only shown you this kindness, yet you... you... you're ungrateful! Fine, fine! Since you're so heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless. You say we're even, but when have I, Wen Caishang, ever been polite to strangers? Just because we're even, does that mean I'll let you go? Dream on!"

With a flick of her sleeve, her Inner Qi, slightly healed after her injuries, surged forth, chilling her to the bone. Frost filled the room, and the wooden bed, wooden table, and windows all cracked and shattered.

Her momentum suddenly diminished, and the icy chill melted away. These joyful experiences of the past few days were unforgettable for her, and many memories flooded her mind.

She was completely bewildered; the more she tried to figure out her feelings, the more confused she became.

Half a day apart, and the longing is already like a knife. With no one to share joy with, no one to express affection, how unbearable will the long years be?

She hated Li Xian for running away without permission, yet Li Xian also loved him dearly.

"You little rascal, do you think you can get away with this?"

Wen Caishang's eyes were cold and piercing. She circulated her qi and regulated her breathing, gradually regaining her composure. She carefully folded the letter and meticulously hid it in her sleeve, thinking to herself, "Hmph!"

"Once I bring you back, I will certainly let you properly explain the meaning of the letter."

Her eyes softened, and she said, "Li Lang, if you sincerely admit your mistake, I... I won't blame you."

Recalling the tender moments of the past, truly the most joyful times of my life. My heart is overflowing with emotion, which has already spilled over onto Li Xian. But when I think of the words "even if we are even" in the letter, resentment, anger, and helplessness fill my heart.

A torrent of emotions surged within her. She took a few steps, her legs felt slightly weak, her face and lips were deathly pale, she felt utterly disoriented, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

The waiter saw her come downstairs and tried his best to get a better look at her. He noticed that she looked lost and dazed, even a bit dejected.

She fled with Li Xian along the way, knowing that Li Xian was clever and full of cunning schemes. She mounted her horse and searched the surrounding mountains and fields.

There was not a trace of it.

Knowing she was still recovering from her injuries and unlikely to be found, she said, "Li Lang, oh Li Lang, you are truly wise. It was your wisdom that saved me before..."

Her face was as gentle as honey, but then a cold glint flashed in her eyes. "Fine, now you're using your cleverness to avoid me!"

She sneered, "You think you can escape? Hmph, just you wait and see."

He used to be delighted by this cleverness, but now he was furious at its intelligence. He spurred his horse eastward, eager to return to the village.

Considering it carefully:

"That cunning brat is too sly. This search is useless. I need to recover 40% of my strength as soon as possible. With the Silkworm-Robe Jade Technique, I should be able to find him."

Wen Caishang returned to the manor with great anxiety; the sky was already beginning to lighten. A gong sounded in the outer courtyard as the Guard began their Morning Training around the manor.

Suddenly, an urgent order was issued to summon them.

In the spacious, flat courtyard, Wen Caishang, her face frosty, said indifferently:

"Li Xian betrayed the manor; his crime is heinous, and everyone is going to find him."

Ding Hu's heart skipped a beat, filled with endless sighs and lamentations. "I watched him rise to prominence, and now I've watched it crumble. Li Xian dared to betray the manor, truly... truly audacious! Li Xian is indeed a rare talent, but unfortunately, his ambitions were insufficient, ultimately leading to his downfall. Everything he had was bestowed upon him by his wife. Now that she has decided to take it back, it's all gone."

He hurriedly said, "Madam, this thief is highly valued and has been nurtured by the manor. Now he has forgotten his roots and dared to betray the manor. As the commander, Ding Hu has a duty to capture this thief!"

Wen Caishang frowned, drew her sword from her sleeve, and sliced off Ding Hu's upper lip, drawing blood. She said coldly, "Li Xian certainly doesn't know what's good for him, humph, but it's none of your business to comment. You just need to do your job, find clues about him, and capture him."

"You must not curse him without my permission."

Ding Hu's face was covered in blood, his Blood Fortification closed, and his head hung low. He wondered why the lady was protecting Li Xian, who had betrayed the manor. Could there be another reason?

Wen Caishang sighed inwardly:

"How could you possibly capture someone like Li Xian? It's just that I can't act personally for the time being, so I need your help. It's better than nothing. Besides, that scoundrel Li Xian is most adept at doing the opposite of what's expected. He might be hiding nearby. Casting a wide net might prove useful."

Wen Caishang immediately made arrangements:

"Each of you take one hundred taels of silver and use Jianghu connections and influence to spread the net wider. Ding Hu, take one thousand taels of silver and go quickly to the Qingning County office to speak with the magistrate and ask for his assistance."

"Whoever provides clues will be richly rewarded. Whoever captures him alive will be rewarded even more handsomely. Hundreds of acres of fertile land, buildings and shops, a thousand taels of gold, Higher Vehicle martial arts techniques, Essence Treasure recipes, rare treasures... I will not be stingy with them."

Suddenly, he thought that if Li Xian were surrounded and attacked, covered in wounds and blood, he would be pitiful. His heart softened, and he said, "But we must capture him alive, and... we must not injure him too badly."

The Guard, unaware of the reason, all silently mourned for Li Xian: "The Madam hates Li Xian to the extreme. If she wants to capture him alive, she will surely subject him to cruel torture as a warning to others."

They responded with resounding shouts.

Wen Caishang waved her hand and said, "Go on your way!"

A moment later, Uncle Xiang rushed over and asked, "Madam, why are you making such a fuss? There's so much money being scattered!"

Wen Caishang prepared the medicine, examined her own pulse, and said calmly, "I have my own plans."

"Uncle Xiang, this boy is cunning. I need to heal my injuries first. You should go and pursue him."

Uncle Xiang said, "Madam, this is going to affect the whole body; it's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut..." Wen Caishang said coldly, "Go away."

Uncle Xiang said, "Alright!" and then left the village.

Li Xian fled overnight, knowing that Wen Caishang would be either resentful or angry and would definitely send her Guard to pursue him.

"I have many enemies in this Qiongtian Prefecture, and I haven't had much peace before another chase ensues. I might as well do the opposite and escape along a route I know best."

The Dragon-Appreciation Banquet has concluded.

He fled from Flowerwater Prefecture, passing through Tiger-Cry Ridge and the Mysterious Mountain Range. After a journey through dark waters and bright flowers, he arrived at Ridge Prefecture and finally returned to Qiongtian Prefecture. He moved between these prefectures for several months. The choice of routes, the dealings with enemies, and the arrangements for his daily life were all decided by Li Xian alone, holding Terrain Map. Wen Caishang massaged his shoulders and legs and served him food and drink, but she rarely paid attention to the journey.

He had an excellent memory and remembered the escape route perfectly. Therefore, Li Xian was even more familiar with the route connecting Flowerwater Prefecture and Ridge Prefecture.

They fled south and then north, and vice versa.

Li Xian sighed, "Life is unpredictable. I am like a piece of duckweed, blown wherever the wind takes me, beyond my control."

They traveled through the night, carrying only a few simple bags and traveling light. For the second half of their journey, he and Wen Caishang were on the run, indulging in pleasures and spending money as if they were on a trip. He was always extravagant, spending money like water. Now, he touched his pocket and found only a few small pieces of silver left.

"Spending other people's money is exhilarating. But spending my own money requires careful calculation. Although beating up a spoiled brat might bring some money, it's more likely to invite trouble. If Madam Wen were to personally intervene, knowing my habits, I'd be in serious danger."

"If she really catches me, she'll probably kill me. At the very least, she'll break my arms and legs. Sigh, I knew this when I risked my life to save her. So what? I just want to leave this world with a clear conscience, head held high."

Li Xian spent the night in the wilderness, finding a patch of pebbles. With a sweep of his hand, he sent the pebbles flying and laid out soft grass as a bed. Lying there, the forest breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees, and the faint mist and dampness... it was quite pleasant.

Li Xian untied the water bag. He thought of their desperate escape across thousands of miles, during which they shared the water bag and drank directly from each other's mouths without finding it strange. Now, however, they had become bitter enemies.

He could only drink alone under the moon.

Sleeping under the stars and moon, I always feel an emptiness in my heart, a slight sense of unease.

"Strength... I'm ultimately too weak. If I were stronger than Madam, how could I allow her to be so arrogant? Hmph, I'd slap her on the bottom and subdue her."

Li Xian found this matter quite interesting. His sadness lessened, and his desire to pursue Martial Dao grew stronger.

He had lofty aspirations and disliked being constrained. Although he lamented his life as a drifting duckweed, he was broad-minded and, when the wind blew, he did not feel inferior, self-pitying, or saddened. Instead, he appreciated the vastness of the sky and the boundless wonder and beauty of the world.

"When I achieve Martial Dao one day, I should sweep away all the grievances in my heart. But no matter how important the matter, nothing beats a good dream tonight. I'm going to sleep now!"

Bend your arms behind your head and breathe slowly.

The next day.

Li Xian climbed the mountain and traveled for more than ten miles until he came to an official road. He followed the road and entered a town.

He didn't know where he had gone, but he knew he was out of money. He only had a few taels of gold left.

He rushed to the money shop and exchanged gold for silver. The several dozen taels of silver were heavy, and he tucked them into his breast pocket. His breast pocket was bulging, which made him feel very secure.

Li Xian pondered, "I've left One Accord Manor, settled all debts, and regained my freedom. But I possess martial prowess but have no property or occupation, so I must conserve all resources."

"In this world... making money is not easy!"

Feeling hungry, I spotted a teahouse nearby. Since it was still early, there were very few customers. So I sat in a secluded corner and ordered a bowl of hot congee and some fried crispy vegetables.

Taking advantage of the time it takes to serve the dishes, I sort out everything on my person:

Thirty-four taels of silver, poison powder, darts, jade pendant, sachet, silver hairpin, Submerged River Treasure Sword, Heavenly Thunder Finger martial arts, Flower Cage Sect token, Crane-in-Midst Elixir, brush, ink stick, water pouch, Jade-Water Pearl, Iron-Copper Body martial arts, seven scrolls, nine calligraphy copybooks...

He had been poor since childhood, and he cherished everything he acquired. Several times he wanted to unload his belongings and travel light. But after thinking it over, he couldn't bear to part with anything.

He was dashing and handsome as he traveled, but his clothes were full of miscellaneous items.

Despite fleeing thousands of miles, they still gained something.

There were actually a few more treasures than before.

Li Xian originally possessed the "Ecliptic Bow," making him extremely powerful. However, the Tomb-Hoard Mountain were too dangerous. When Wen Caishang was besieged, Li Xian disguised himself as a disciple of the Limitless Saber Sect. To be on the safe side, fearing that carrying the Ecliptic Bow would reveal his identity, he found a secluded place to bury and hide the bow.

The jade pendant, sachet, and silver hairpin were all made by Wen Caishang. In the midst of the storm's chaos, they had inadvertently taken them with them. Li Xian thought, "Let's keep these as souvenirs for now."

I searched around. Luckily, I hadn't brought out my stockings or undergarment.

Li Xian spread out the calligraphy and paintings.

The calligraphy samples are crooked and uneven... all written by Wen Caishang. At the bottom left of each sample is a signature indicating the year, month, place, and author.

Wen Caishang was extremely unwilling, as this matter was extremely embarrassing. She thought that if it were to leak out in the future, wouldn't she lose all face? Li Xian, full of wicked intentions, insisted on forcing her. With a firm attitude, Wen Caishang resisted for a while, but eventually gave in and had no choice but to obediently give her name.

Nine calligraphy scrolls, seven paintings... all famous. Li Xian coughed lightly twice, carefully put the painting scrolls away, and hid them under his clothes.

"I possess two martial arts manuals: the Heavenly Thunder Finger and the Iron-Copper Body... These were acquired during my heyday when I earned a fortune daily."

"I have mastered the art to its Peak Mastery. If I am truly short of money, I can sell my possessions for cash. These thirty-odd taels of silver I have will last me a long time if I spend them frugally."

The waiter brought over some congee and side dishes. Steaming hot, refreshing and not greasy at all. Li Xian ate the congee clean with the crispy side dishes.

He placed down a few copper coins.

The streets were already bustling. Knowing his appearance was conspicuous, Li Xian wanted to avoid the crowded parts of town. He saw a roadside vendor selling dried biscuits, coarse grains, and cured meat.

Li Xian asked, "Shopkeeper, how much?"

The vendor said, "Three coins for stuffed ones, two coins for unstuffed ones."

Throughout history, the land of Qiongtian Prefecture was impoverished and sparsely populated. The dry cakes were made from coarse millet, a type of rice that was difficult to swallow. Ordinary people would never have eaten them unless they were traveling long and arduous journeys.

Li Xian said, "Give me thirty slices with filling and thirty slices without." After hesitating for a moment, he added, "And a sausage."

The vendor was startled, then smiled and said, "Sir, you want to go through the mountains?" He counted out thirty dried cakes and pressed them down with a wooden board.

The bread was tightly wrapped in coarse cloth. Li Xian paid and settled the bill, then carried the dry bread on his back and gently weighed it in his hand. It was quite thick.

To the east of this city, there is a large mountain. Li Xian traveled through the mountains and fields, hiding from pursuers. Anticipating that he would not see any human trace for several days, he bought some food in advance.

With the hassle of hunting eliminated, I can focus more on martial arts training during this time.

"I've had Senior Lü's Five Organs Purge-Turbidity Revive-Yang Scripture in my mind for a long time, but I've never studied it before. Now it's time for me to practice it."

Li Xian already has a direction.

Only by honing one 'Martial Dao and improving oneself can one find a broad path forward. Along the way, one can visit some bookstores and spend some extra money to purchase calligraphy, paintings, and writing implements.

Once you leave the town, you enter a continuous mountain range.

Li Xian filled his water pouch, took a bite of dry bread, and a sip of water. He was quite carefree and at ease.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

Wen Caishang combined good medicine with the "Qi-Eating Gu" to disrupt its five elements and reverse its yin and yang, thus drastically reducing the speed at which it transforms into qi.

He then successively took "Ruby Ancestor Ginseng" and "Heaven-Prayer Pure Water"... to accelerate the healing process. These many precious and rare medicines are extremely difficult to find.

Her injuries had been stagnant for some time, but her condition was stable. With slow and careful treatment, she would recover within ten days. There was no need to use these precious treasures and rare medicines. However, she was unable to calm herself down and knew that Li Xian was cunning. The longer she delayed, the harder it would be to capture him.

Therefore, when preparing and combining medicines, heavy and rare herbs are always used. "Ruby Ancestor Ginseng" is a powerful medicine for healing injuries, with an unusually strong effect that can distract people from their thoughts.

She couldn't help but think of the events on the cruise ship. Even when she was enjoying herself with Li Xian, she was worried that Li Xian would leave her. Little did she know that her worries would come true, and Li Xian would indeed escape.

"Men under the heavens are never truly steadfast; they really shouldn't be indulged. Li Xian... Li Lang... if I catch you, don't blame me for punishing you severely. If I don't punish you, my heart aches so much, who should I seek revenge on?"

Her figure moved gracefully into Fragrant Repository Tower. She selected more precious medicines and started another pot to brew them. Suddenly, a voice rang out. "You wretched woman, where's that boy beside you?"

The Black Taisui is incredibly flexible and can slip out from the gaps in the cabinet. It has managed to escape time and again, making it extremely formidable.

Wen Caishang ignored them. She strolled around, took out the medicine, and left. This Fragrant Essence Pavilion held countless treasures, which she had not collected by herself.

The Black Taisui Duke grumbled, "You stinking woman, where's that boy beside you? Did my blessing work? Oh... I see you're frowning, heartbroken. Hahaha, you lewd woman, truly..."

It spouted nonsense, completely illogical. Wen Caishang rarely paid any attention to it. But today, she was inexplicably enraged and used her sword to knock up Black Taisui.

The sword light was dense, hundreds and thousands of swords flashing in an instant. The sword shadows went from flashing rapidly and shining brightly to disappearing completely. But the Black Taisui was annihilated into chunks of flesh, then into dust, and finally the dust became so fine that it was almost invisible, almost dissolving into the world.

Black Taisui cried out, "It hurts! It hurts! Ah, it hurts so much! Stop, don't chop anymore, ouch... it hurts so much!"

When it was split in two, the sound became two streams; when it was split into four, the sound became four streams... Later, countless shouts annoyed Wen Caishang.

Sheathed her sword, then said calmly, "If you keep rambling, do you think I can't handle you?"

Black Taisui powder was everywhere, and they all cried out, "Crazy woman... Ouch, ouch, it hurts so much! I've followed you, Great Yu, for over a thousand years, and you... you fucking slash me like this! Ouch, you fucking killed me! Someone, someone, come quick, take this crazy woman away, I can't stand it anymore!"

Wen Caishang ignored him, took the medicinal herbs, and turned to leave. Seeing that his wailing was useless and that he had made a fool of himself, Black Taisui touched and merged with the herbs, becoming one again.

He honestly crawled back to the medicine cabinet, huddled inside, and muttered, "That sullen woman, ignoring me. Speaking of which, did that kid take it? Did he listen to my slander and actually go after that crazy woman, only to get killed with a single sword stroke? Ah, what a pity, what a pity. Such a handsome man, just fate."

Wen Caishang was preparing the medicinal herbs, but it would take some time for the soup to be ready. Her strength had recovered to about 20%. Suddenly, she thought, "I remember that scoundrel has some friends in Qingning County. Could he have some clues?"

He then went to Qingning County and found Martial Commandant Hall.

Seeing Luo Xia training the constables, with Zhang Hou and Wang Wu acting as his right and left hands, they spent several months suppressing bandits and slaying criminals, honing their skills to an impressive level.

Upon seeing Wen Caishang's arrival, everyone's expression changed, and they all stopped what they were doing, cupping their hands and saying, "Madam!"

Wen Caishang nodded slightly, stepped over the threshold, her beautiful eyes sweeping over everyone, and said softly, "Have you been here recently, Xiao Xian?"

Luo Xia felt a prickling sensation on her back. Having already heard rumors, she truthfully replied, "Never been there, Madam... We... we didn't know him, yet... he dared to betray you. It's truly... truly unexpected."

Wen Caishang walked slowly, leaving a fragrant breeze behind. She thought to herself, "Li Lang is loyal and kind-hearted, and he wouldn't even want to get involved with ordinary Clay Embryo for no reason. It seems they really don't know any clues."

"Hmph! Now that you're here, and you're Li Xian's sworn brothers, don't blame me for taking my anger out on you!"

She said softly, "Come with me." No one dared to disobey, and they all followed slowly behind her.

Wen Caishang sat down in the main seat and said, "Li Xian betrayed my One Accord Manor and stole my secret treasure. You all say you don't know his whereabouts, but I don't believe you."

Luo Xia, covered in sweat, said, "Madam, what are you going to do? None of us are a match for you. Please just do as you say."

Wen Caishang frowned and said, "Miss Luo, are you implying that I am unreasonable and abusive?"

Luo Xia said, "Of course... of course not." But in her heart she thought, "If you're not, then no one is."

Wen Caishang said, "I suspect that Li Xian is hiding in your home. Please prove your innocence."

Luo Xia understood. "This woman is here to pick a fight and vent her anger. Li Xian, Li Xian, what earth-shattering thing have you done to make the Lady Broken Sword so angry with you?"

Luo Xia knew that no matter what she said, Wen Caishang would find a pretext to punish them, even to the point of taking their lives. But she still responded cautiously, "That's simple. Please have Madam send people to search each place."

Wen Caishang said, "Hmph! Since you dare to say such things, you must have hidden somewhere else."