Profound Dao Jade Maiden, Attacking the Flower Cage, A Union at Last, an Unexpected Person!

Meanwhile, Bian Qiaoqiao jumped into the lake to escape. The moment she fell into the water, countless lake fish lunged at her. She cried out, "My life is over!" Bound and unable to move her hands and feet, she was surrounded by fish and had no way to escape.

In the midst of the chaos, it was suddenly felt that the ropes had loosened slightly. The Flower Cord were woven from the roots and stems of flowers and plants. The Redfish lived in Dongran Lake and had an omnivorous diet, eating grass, insects, and carrion.

Gnawing on Flower Cord is also considered a food source.

She rubbed her wrists together, releasing her Inner Qi, and the Flower Cord around her wrists gradually loosened.

She secretly used the "Nine Heavens Cloud-Stepping Art" of Profound Dao Mountain. With her toes lightly touching the ground, she swam freely in the water at an extremely fast speed. The Redfish chased and bit her, but did not harm her body; they only bit the Flower Cord that were wrapped around her.

She was unaware of the intricacies involved.

Her hands gradually came free, and her shoulders and elbows moved freely. She rubbed her shoulders, overjoyed. After being bound for months with her hands behind her back, she regained her freedom, breaking free of her shackles, her arms moving with unfamiliar ease.

"These Flower Thief had me tied up for months, and I gradually got used to it. Now that my hands are free, I feel quite uncomfortable."

She circulated her qi and blood, making sure it flowed freely through her arms, restoring them to their original state without any obstruction. This was a movement that even an infant could perform, something she had once longed for. She immediately swayed left and right, doing everything she could to control them.

During her time in the boat prison, her hands were bound, and she couldn't do anything about the itching on her back, the sweat on her forehead, or the drooling in her mouth. Now, as she frolics in the water, she feels relaxed and at ease, a sense of ease flowing through her heart, and she feels extremely refreshed.

Having drunk the "Third-Realm Blood Soup," the effects of Clear Ascension, Turbid Descent were slightly alleviated. However, the fear of water was still difficult to completely eliminate, and when immersed in water, it still slowly sank. Dongran Lake is vast, like a sea or an abyss, and if one were to sink to the bottom...

Even if they can breathe underwater, they are trapped in endless darkness, unable to escape their predicament. They eventually become mentally unstable, starve, or die from exhaustion... or are secretly swallowed by the bottom of the lake.

After swimming several miles, she was attacked and bitten by Redfish, which was quite troublesome. She gently patted her chest with both hands and silently played the "Heaven-and-Earth Myriad Things Tone," a musical score from Profound Dao Mountain.

The True Person of Profound Dao Mountain once listened to the voices of all things and composed Immortal Sound Melody. After decades of improvement, it has become complete.

In the Second Martial Realm, it's inevitable to feel restless. Playing Celestial Note allows one to perceive the heavens and earth, to gain sudden enlightenment about nature, and to merge with all things in the world. Furthermore, there is the profound mystery of blending emotions with scenery and merging oneself with all things.

Its wonders are boundless.

She seemed to merge with heaven and earth, like a fish, like lake water, like aquatic plants. The Redfish was bewildered, unable to find its prey.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, she swam several miles without being bitten by the fish. After escaping the pursuit of the fish, Bian Qiaoqiao encountered another problem: although the Third-Realm Blood Soup could alleviate the weakness of "Clear Ascension, Turbid Descent", Second Realm martial artist would gradually sink if trapped in the water. She untied the rope, escaped... swam several miles, and her body gradually sank.

She was about ten feet above the water's surface. She used her swimming skills and Martial Dao, but continued to sink.

There was nothing else that could be done.

Suddenly, she saw a fishing boat drifting overhead. Overjoyed, she saw the boat casting its nets and catching fish in the lake. She swam towards it and grabbed the net.

The fisherman on the boat felt the net sink, guessing he had caught a big catch, and quickly pulled it in. Amidst the splashing water, he caught a beautiful woman instead.

Bian Qiaoqiao grabbed the edge of the boat and climbed aboard. She immediately felt relaxed and lay down in the fishing boat, looking up at the bright moon, feeling extremely happy.

The fisherman looked completely bewildered. Bian Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly, bowed her hands in thanks, and told him the truth. After listening, the fisherman cursed the Flower Thief for being shameless and advised her to hide and flee as soon as possible.

Fishing boats need to hold the catch, so the space is not cramped. Bian Qiaoqiao hid in the cabin, her hands covered with rope marks, crisscrossing. Her legs were still bound, with Flower Cord tangled around her knees and ankles.

He probed and searched for the knot, beginning to untie it. The Flower Cage Sect's technique of capturing and binding was extremely ingenious. It took several hours before his feet were finally separated.

Bian Qiaoqiao massaged her legs to loosen her muscles. Holding onto the side of the boat, she slowly stood up. Her feet were extremely numb, and she staggered a few steps before gradually feeling some relief.

Fishing boats drift lazily on the tranquil lake. Freedom returned, boundless scenery unfolds, infinitely beautiful.

Bian Qiaoqiao twirled her ankles and hopped lightly. Recalling the horrific scene on the boat, how she narrowly escaped death and found a glimmer of hope, she couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

"I thought my life would be bleak and hopeless, filled with humiliation and reduced to that... I never imagined I could... Ah! Although I'm free, what about Sister Liuli..."

Bian Qiaoqiao's eyes were red, her joy gone. It wasn't hard to predict Nangong Liuli's fate. The two sisters were captured together. One escaped and went to heaven, while the other was stuck in the mire.

A difference in fate.

Bian Qiaoqiao gazed at the vast lake, its clear waters shimmering. She wanted to grab an oar and dive into the pleasure boat to try and rescue them. The fisherman hurriedly said, "My lady! You can't wander around Dongran Lake this!"

Bian Qiaoqiao asked, "What's wrong?"

The fisherman said, "Dongran Lake is vast, and once you venture deep into it, the directions become confusing. Wouldn't you get lost? Moreover, it harbors countless bandits; if you wander aimlessly, even a god couldn't save you."

"If you insist on this, please disembark. I can't help you with this."

Although Bian Qiaoqiao comes from a prestigious family, she is new to the Jianghu. Her capture and ordeal have left her with lingering fears. Although she wants to save Nangong Liuli, she is extremely terrified of being imprisoned again after barely escaping.

She calmed down and whispered, "I'll remember this place. I'll ask Sister Zhao for help later to rescue Sister Liuli. How could the mighty Profound Dao Mountain not be able to destroy this tiny Water Altar?"

"If I insist on turning back now and get captured again, then... then there will truly be no hope for either of us!"

Excited and motivated, they helped row, striving to get out of the lake as quickly as possible. The Boat Guild through a patch of aloe vera and water plants, and gradually the land shore came into view.

Bian Qiaoqiao smiled, her joy barely concealed. With a leap, her body floated lightly, and she landed on the shore nearly ten feet away. The warm sunlight shone on her, making her feel warm all over, a stark contrast to the darkness of the prison cell.

She felt dizzy and fell sideways. Having been suspended for nearly a month, she had gradually become accustomed to the swaying in the water. Feeling grounded and stable, she found it strange.

It was already dawn.

She walked several miles from the lake, found a secluded spot, and lit a campfire. Fearing that others might pass by, she moved some weeds to surround it. She took off her wet clothes and dried them by the fire. She took off her shoes and boots and poured out the lake water and sweat.

She felt a refreshing coolness in her feet; the cell had been unbearably hot. She had long wanted to take off her boots and rest, and now her wish had finally come true. Feeling relaxed, she moved her fair toes rhythmically. After her clothes dried, she changed back into them.

In the early stages of her capture, her "Softwind Sword" was removed, leaving her unarmed. Bian Qiaoqiao frowned and pondered. Knowing the dangers of the Jianghu, she traveled light, cleverly concealing her tracks, and headed straight for Profound Dao Mountain.

Bian Qiaoqiao gazed at Dongran Lake and said firmly, "Wait till I call Sister Zhao! Humph! I'll kill all of you scoundrels!"

"And then there's Hua Wucuo, he was the one who chased me the most enthusiastically back then. He saw my ugly and wicked state, he deserves to be killed, killed, killed."

He brought his fingers together, transforming them into Finger Sword, and pointed them repeatedly into the air. Invisible Inner Qi shot out fiercely, piercing through several fallen leaves.

Using light-footed techniques, they quickly moved far away.

A thought flashed through her mind, "I wonder how Sister Liuli is doing now." She imagined Nangong Liuli hanging in mid-air, her clothes disheveled, her hairpin askew, and one of her Embroidered Shoes missing. She was utterly disheveled, and her pretty face flushed slightly.

"I will definitely save you from this Bitter Sea."

The boat rocked, Nangong Liuli let out two angry groans. Her nose itched slightly, and she sneezed. Dizzy, she thought, "Could it be that Sister Bian escaped and is now thinking of me?"

She looked down at her immobilized body and said with a bitter smile, "Your sister Liuli is captured and can't move her limbs. She looks utterly pathetic. Please don't laugh at me for looking like this."

Seeing the dim and gloomy atmosphere, I felt extremely lonely.

On the deck of the flower boat, Li Xian gazed at the lake. The water plants were several meters tall, as if he had stumbled into an ancient and mysterious place.

Li Xian diligently practiced the "Flying Snake Hand." Heaven Rewards Diligence, and coupled with his excellent comprehension, his Proficiency gradually increased, nearing "Perfection."

[Proficiency +2]

[Proficiency +2]

Li Xian, having no time to access advanced martial arts, diligently accumulated Basic Martial Arts. His moves returned to simplicity, possessing a natural and effortless quality.

He reviewed the Martial Dao and created his own school of martial arts. The Iron-Copper Body, the Self-Guarding Tone, the Heavenly Thunder Finger, the Yang Immortal Melody... can be used in combination to enhance the effect of Martial Dao. It can be considered a school of martial arts.

The Blood-Spitting Canon and the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword resonated with each other, producing a mouthful of blood-spitting fire and spitting out blood cocoons.

Although the Five Organs Purge-Turbidity Revive-Yang Scripture has little killing power, it is the cornerstone of the Blood-Spitting Canon and the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword. It is an essential study for nourishing the five viscera, replenishing blood and strengthening qi, and building a strong body.

He thought to himself, "If I were to acquire Martial Dao again, how should I choose and form my own style?"

The Clearwind Leg and Vast-Expanse Leg can be stacked together, making the user as light Like Mist. Combined with the Seven-Star Step, the user becomes even more elusive and difficult to find. It is a rather good combination of martial arts techniques.

Li Xian, who was in charge of the prison, talked with Nangong Liuli every day, often asking about the cultivation of the Lineage's younger members. To relieve her boredom, Nangong Liuli would usually talk about it.

From this, Li Xian learned that Aristocratic Clan families, various lineages, and talented individuals placed great importance on their choice of martial arts.

Because practicing martial arts requires time, energy, and financial resources, and with complex Lineage lineages and many descendants of the same generation, competition is fierce, and young disciples who wish to distinguish themselves have particularly precious time and resources.

With similar natural talents, the key lies in the combination and understanding of martial arts techniques. If the combination of martial arts techniques is excellent, the results will be twice as good with half the effort, wouldn't that be amazing?

Li Xian was erudite and eager to learn, accepting all martial arts techniques. However, he couldn't help but wonder, if given the opportunity to choose a martial art, which one should he select first to best enhance his strength?

Noon.

As the flower boat sailed out of the dense fog, the scenery suddenly changed completely. Ancient, vigorous trees pierced the water's surface, reaching straight into the sky.

Giant trees, hundreds of feet tall and wide, support the water, creating a spectacular waterfall. This is called "Treefall," a magnificent and inexplicable sight.

The sun blazes high, and neon lights appear.

Ye Cheng shouted. The disciples of the Flower Cage Sect picked fruit from the tree trunks along the way. Some were green, some were red, some were blue, and some were dark green... their colors and flavors were wonderful.

The fish soup was incredibly delicious. The scenery here was beautiful and the produce plentiful, like a paradise, and all worries vanished. So everyone set up a table on the deck and ate their meal right there.

Li Xian was always carefree. Having arrived at this place, he no longer worried about how to escape. Since he was here, he decided to make the best of it. Holding a bowl of delicious fish soup, he jumped onto the sail, gazed into the distance, and savored the delicious soup.

[You Consumption the Five-Fruit Fish Soup; skill Consumption Proficiency by 2.]

[Technique: Consumption]

[Proficiency: 2/10000 Perfection]

[Description: You Consumption countless foods, experiencing both bitterness and spiciness. The beneficial effects increase efficacy by 80%, while the harmful effects decrease efficacy by 50%. You have come to understand the characteristics of "Scent-Seeking" and "Appraisal."]

Its Consumption is extremely simple and easy, yet its uses are extremely wide and extraordinary. Its Scent-Seeking properties allow one to search for the "fragrant treasures" of heaven and earth. It can remember the taste of anything that enters the mouth and thus find it in the the Unseen. Its "Appraisal" properties allow one to smell the essence of all things and thus savor the hidden meanings within them.

"Appraisal" doesn't require tasting it. But it does require a wealth of knowledge to understand its essence and explain it eloquently.

The art of "Consumption" progresses from simple to complex, from basic to advanced. Just as "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," the infinite beauty of all things in the world... are they not all rare delicacies?

Li Xian savored the fish soup. A myriad of delicious flavors unfolded on his tongue. His appreciation was even more refined, discerning the cooking time, ingredients, and fish quality... a profound and the Unseen understanding.

The "Appraisal" characteristic may seem useless, but it is actually extremely easy to accumulate knowledge and broaden one's horizons. It becomes more and more important as you progress.

His stomach felt warm and his strength increased. Li Xian ate and drank to his heart's content, feeling extremely refreshed. Turbidity Transport and internally strengthened his body. Suddenly, he thought of Nangong Liuli, who was still crying for milk.

He then carried the soup box back to the bottom floor. Nangong Liuli looked over upon hearing the sound, sighed softly, and opened her mouth to eat the fish. Li Xian talked about the lake scenery and other trivial matters.

After everything was settled, he lay down on a rough mat to recuperate. There was really nothing good to say about life on the ship.

For the next few days, things were the same as before. Li Xian, mindful of her hardship from the hanging, and knowing that Elder Ye Cheng, helped her loosen the hanging, allowing her to relax a little.

Nangong Liuli was extremely grateful. She opened her mouth as if to ask Li Xian to massage her muscles and bones, but she couldn't utter a word.

Summer is gradually deepening.

The weather was sweltering, Nangong Liuli was drenched in sweat, unable to shower, her body sticky and uncomfortable. Her face flushed with embarrassment; even a celestial fairy would be reduced to the mortal realm after such an ordeal. The fragrance mingled with the smell of sweat, and each time Li Xian fed her, she felt unbearably shy and uncomfortable. Fortunately, her delicate beauty only added to her allure, making her even more charming.

On this clear, azure day, an island came into view. The disciples of the Flower Cage Sect were extremely excited, waving their hands and shouting, expressing their joy to the fullest.

Li Xian gazed into the distance and saw a dock in the middle of the island. The flower boats were moving towards the dock, and the outline of the island gradually became clear, covering a large area.

The flower boat sailed into Dongran Lake and continued for more than ten days, circling east and west. The terrain, feng shui, and layout of the dozens of miles of water outside the Water Altar involved a great deal of divination and other miscellaneous arts.

The envoy Proficiency in this art. Therefore, only those who steered the boat could enter the Water Altar.

The flower boat docked, its anchor sinking to the bottom. The shore was planted with colorful and exotic flowers, which were very vibrant. A ladder hung down from the deck.

Ye Cheng the shore, several elders of the Flower Cage Sect surrounded him. The two chatted happily, their laughter ringing out.

Li Xian returned to the bottom and felt the ship shake, knowing it had reached the shore. Nangong Liuli looked at Li Xian with terror in her eyes, as if seeking help. Their fate had irreversibly brought them to this point.

Li Xian shrugged. In this situation, he had no choice but to go with the flow. He waited a moment, then heard footsteps suddenly sounding on the stairs.

Four women dressed in black appeared and headed straight for them. The four women were tall and had rather beautiful faces. They glanced at Li Xian, then carefully examined Nangong Liuli.

A scrutinizing gaze.

A woman said, "Unlock."

Nangong Liuli was filled with fear, her whole body tense. Once the cell door was unlocked, the four women entered and surrounded Nangong Liuli.

Nangong Liuli gasped, her mouth agape, only able to whimper in surprise, tears welling in her eyes.

The four women gently stroked the rope, causing it to loosen. Nangong Liuli cried out in surprise and fell straight down. The four women reached out and grabbed her shoulders, knees, and the four corners of her body.

The woman in the lead laughed and said, "Good girl, you've suffered a lot; this has been very difficult."

The four women secretly used their strength to throw Nangong Liuli high into the air. Nangong Liuli cried out in surprise as she was thrown about ten feet off the ground. She twisted her body in vain, but to no avail.

As she fell straight down, she was caught by the four women. This was repeated several times, leaving Nangong Liuli dizzy and disoriented, unable to resist any longer.

The four women conversed: "I've heard this girl comes from a prominent Lineage, Proficiency in all the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and her Martial Dao skills are quite formidable." "Alright, what's the use of dwelling on the past? Will she still need it in the future?" "Indeed, from now on, all of that is irrelevant to her." "She's quite lucky; I wonder which prodigy she'll find a patron." "I think Ding Zelin is rather handsome."

"This girl is very beautiful. If she can win Junjie's heart, she'll have a good life ahead of her."

"Yes, I hope she'll settle down and behave herself."

Nangong Liuli's knees were bent backward, her hands and feet were connected, and she was unable to move. She was being manipulated and felt suffocated. Hearing the four women talking, although they did not intend to insult or humiliate her, she felt even more humiliated.

The four women tossed her around several times. Nangong Liuli had almost given up hope and was starting to get used to it. Suddenly, the four women changed their movements, lifting her up and spinning her around rapidly. Their steps were synchronized, one becoming two, two becoming three...

It transformed into countless overlapping images.

Li Xian was secretly surprised. "These four women are very skilled. They move lightly and nimbly, and their martial arts skills are quite profound! I will observe them carefully."

Watching silently, the four women spun around several times, leaving Nangong Liuli completely bewildered and unable to distinguish east from west.

Suddenly, the four women moved their hands simultaneously. Their fingers moved nimbly, each strike targeting a pressure point. They then conversed: "This girl seems dignified and gentle, hehe, she's actually quite flirtatious." "Yes, after being hung up like that for days, she still seems to be enjoying it. I wonder what she dreamt about last night." "No wonder she's so energetic; she likes this kind of thing."

Nangong Liuli was furious upon hearing this. She gritted her teeth, her Inner Qi surging. The four women chuckled sweetly, "This girl's been exposed, and she's getting shy." "Hehe, we four sisters have seen countless women; whether you like her or dislike her, don't we know?"

Nangong Liuli's Inner Qi was completely dissipated by the four women. Resistance was futile; these four women, being women themselves, knew what Nangong Liuli feared. With a few light taps of their fingers, they caused Nangong Liuli both pain and numbness.

Ashamed to cry out in pain.

She said dejectedly, "Falling into these people's hands, I... I'm truly hopeless."

The four women continued, "You shameless girl, you're still enjoying yourself?" Nangong Liuli was filled with shame and anger, and had no power to refute them.

The four women pressed all of Nangong Liuli's acupoints, helping her to improve her Qi and Blood, which turned out to be beneficial. The four women exchanged a glance, their techniques changed abruptly, and they began to untie the ropes binding her.

Nangong Liuli exclaimed with delight, "What a great opportunity!" Once the ropes were untied, she immediately raised her palm and struck a woman in the face.

The four women acted swiftly, striking simultaneously to neutralize his attacks and quickly pinning Nangong Liuli down. Nangong Liuli struggled fiercely, but in this situation, she was truly unable to defend herself.

One of the women said, "Take her away and treat her well. Teach her manners. Don't worry, with such a big prize, no man will touch you during this time."

"But... I'm afraid you'll be begging a man to touch you."

Nangong Liuli coldly replied, "Willingly degenerate? Bah! How could you possibly guess what I, Nangong Liuli, am saying?"

The four women giggled and said, "Just keep pretending. Let's see how long you can keep it up. We've seen plenty of girls like you."

"In the past, no matter how noble one's birth or how high one's spiritual cultivation, these things don't matter here."

Nangong Liuli gritted her teeth and looked away. She caught Li Xian watching the whole thing, and glared at him with a sneer, thinking, "You little rascal, we've been through thick and thin together, and they... they're talking about me like this, and you don't even say a word for me. They have four mouths, and I only have one, so naturally I'm at a disadvantage."

Furious, her face flushed red, she thought, "They... they've gone too far! How could they say such things about me! Saying they're enjoying it?"

But he could no longer resist and was carried away by the four women. They led him through a dark secret passage straight into a pavilion.

Li Xian frowned, watching Nangong Liuli depart into the distance, thinking, "Although Nangong Liuli was taken away, her life is not in danger, and she will not be humiliated. Now that we've arrived at the Water Altar, it's time to see this secret place."

He went to the deck and saw many disciples waiting there. The boat ladder was narrow, only wide enough for two people to pass through. Impatient by nature, he jumped into the lake from the deck and then swam back to shore.

Qiao Sanyan said, "Wu Cuo Brother Wucuo, we've arrived at the Water Altar." Li Xian asked, "Senior Brother Qiao, have you been here before?"

Qiao Sanyan said, "Hehe... I've been here once before."

On the shore, Li Xian, having overcome numerous obstacles, finally arrived. Qiao Sanyan said, "Junior Brother Hua, you've done a good job on the Boat Guild. Elder Ye has praised you highly and specifically asked me to show you around."

Li Xian smiled and said, "Then thank you, Senior Brother Qiao."

Qiao Sanyan said, "It's just something I can do. Besides, I haven't been back for a long time, and I'd like to wander around a bit."

Leaving the dock, we walked along the path for several miles. The flowers on both sides were clustered together, very beautiful. The peach trees were arranged in an orderly manner.

This is Chaotic Flower Maze Formation. It can trap people in a dense thicket of flowers, and its effect is especially pronounced on women. Someone was there to help them through the maze, and they found themselves in a small town.

Li Xian asked in surprise, "My Flower Cage Sect has so many disciples. Enough to form a town?"

Qiao Sanyan laughed heartily, "Junior Brother Hua, your thoughts are similar to mine. I was also quite surprised when I first arrived in this town."

"Actually, the residents of this town Non-Self members of my Flower Cage Sect."

Li Xian was quite surprised. If they weren't members of the sect, how could they reside in such a key location for so long? Qiao Sanyan explained, "We disciples of the Flower Cage Sect travel far and wide, sometimes leaving the island unattended. This island is quite large; it would be a pity to leave it empty."

"Furthermore Dongran Lake is vast. Fishermen and tourists often drift nearby by chance, and gradually it evolves into a small town, maintaining the island's operation and making the island vibrant."

Li Xian asked solemnly, "Would this reveal the location of the secret place?"

Qiao Sanyan said, "Even if they manage to leave, they will find it difficult to find this place again. And once they've come to the island, they'll never be able to step out again in their lifetime."

As the two talked, they entered a small town. It was densely populated and very lively. People gathered flowers to make wine, kept bees to harvest honey, and the town was surprisingly peaceful.

Li Xian suddenly realized, "Who would have thought that the infamous Flower Cage Sect, located at the Water Altar, is actually a paradise? The people here live peacefully and contentedly, detached from worldly affairs. They are truly happy with their place."

Qiao Sanyan said, "Through generations of evolution, there are as many as seven such towns. In fact... the residents of these towns have very close ties with the Flower Cage Sect."

"Look into the distance."

In the distance, high in the mountains, stands a bronze Copper Cauldron.

Qiao Sanyan said, "Cooking Essence Food requires a lot of water. These town residents don't need to pay silver taxes, but they do need to pay [Dew Tax]."

Li Xian asked curiously, "Dew Tax?"

Qiao Sanyan said, "The water we use to cook our Essence Food is ' Floral Crystal Dew.' This water is of exceptionally high quality and is very resistant to cooking."

"However, collecting dew is extremely time-consuming. Flower farmers have to collect it drop by drop. The townspeople collect dew and hand it over to us to use in cooking Essence Food, which saves us the trouble of transporting water."

"Furthermore, the town's flower wine and honey are rare local specialties. When we finish jarring them, we'll sell them as well, making some money."

Li Xian sighed, "All the sects I've seen have their own ways of making a living and maintaining their finances. If I can one day establish a furnace, how to generate wealth... that will be of paramount importance!"

Li Xian suddenly stopped, his pupils shrinking slightly as he spotted a familiar figure.