Zi Sha's nighttime visit, a beauty pressing for marriage? An alliance of interests, schemes for profit

Fu Dachun escorted Li Xian and Nangong Liuli to the shore, offered a few words of flattery, and then returned to the cabin to steer back to the island.

The carriage stopped by the shore. The journey was long, but Li Xian was efficient and decisive. After tidying up the carriage, he headed towards Peach Blossom Town. The sun was setting, the sky was dark, and there were no lights on the country path, only the dim moonlight for illumination.

Nangong Liuli let out a soft sigh and slumped into the carriage. She felt extremely tired and hungry. She had eaten salted vegetable porridge in the morning and dry biscuits for lunch and dinner. Although she didn't need to move along the way and couldn't move at all, she was inexplicably exhausted.

"This cloak covers my body, but it's making me so hot. That Hua Wucuo is full of evil intentions; he deliberately made me look foolish and wanted to see me humiliated. If I get the chance, I'll give him a good beating."

Nangong Liuli leaned against the carriage wall, her cheeks puffed out, her thoughts wandering. She recalled the bee farm and the orchard... She sat sideways on the horse's back, and although she didn't show anything unusual, she couldn't help feeling shy and embarrassed.

A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain. She looked out the window, then her thoughts drifted elsewhere, her head spinning. "What if... what if it were like this... Wu Cuo to suddenly come and humiliate me..." She tried her best to suppress her wandering thoughts, but they inevitably started to drift away.

Her hair was like a waterfall, her face as beautiful as a flower, her toes twitching slightly, her heart rising and falling. All these feelings were truly hard to describe.

In a daze.

They had already returned to Green Ox Residence.

It was already past midnight, but there were still pedestrians on the street, and night market vendors were calling out their wares. Li Xian lifted the carriage curtain, Nangong Liuli was immediately startled, asking shyly, "What... what are you going to do?"

The tone was quite strange. The final "ma" lacked any sense of resolute resistance.

Li Xian said, "We're home!"

Nangong Liuli's cheeks flushed red. "Oh, oh." Li Xian helped her out of the carriage and into Green Ox Residence, where they closed the door.

She let out a soft sigh; the matter was finally over. After a day of inspections, her legs were sore and numb, her whole body exhausted, and covered in sweat. She urged, "Help me untie this."

Li Xian asked, confused, "What do you mean, 'unlock'?"

Nangong Liuli's slightly calmed heart was immediately thrown into turmoil again. She stammered, "You... you..." Her mind was in turmoil, her beautiful eyes flashing with shame and fear. She quickly said, "You promised me you wouldn't take this opportunity to humiliate me."

Li Xian smiled and said, "I keep my word. What I say, I will naturally keep." Nangong Liuli breathed a slight sigh of relief, but also felt a faint sense of disappointment. Li Xian continued with a smile, "But I remember, Sister Liuli said... that she wouldn't take the opportunity to bully you outside. But now we're inside, and the situation is different."

Nangong Liuli was taken aback, her teeth clenched, glaring angrily at Li Xian. She believed her eyes held both murderous intent and rage, yet they were clearly as calm as still water. Li Xian continued, "Sister Liuli, you anticipated this, deliberately not speaking clearly, deliberately waiting for me to humiliate you, didn't you?"

Nangong Liuli bit her red lips tightly, her gaze darting away. "You... you... you cunning boy, I... I didn't, don't talk nonsense." She was completely at a loss for words, thinking that a slip of the tongue had caused this situation. But if she asked herself honestly, her heart was beating much faster than usual.

She continued, "You despicable little thief, you think you can take advantage of my inconvenience? If you've got the guts, let me go, and I'll beat you to a pulp! Are you serious?!"

As they were talking, Li Xian picked her up. Li Xian laughed, "When two armies meet on a narrow path, the winner takes all. I'm not going to untie you, what can you do to me? Tonight I'll be looking for my teeth on the ground. But Sister Liuli, you're going to suffer."

Nangong Liuli cursed, "Despicable, shameless." After struggling for a moment, she could not escape the perilous situation.

Li Xian said, "Fine, you dare to insult me? You're in my hands now, and you're still so arrogant?"

Nangong Liuli appeared angry, but was actually charming and provocative, saying, "You're taking advantage of my disability, but even so, I have the ability to make you surrender."

Not to be outdone, they clashed head-on, leading to a fight to see who would prevail. Nangong Liuli, the eldest daughter of a powerful family, was gentle yet had the air of an elder sister, but she was also very stubborn, which caused her a lot of trouble.

The next day.

Li Xian practiced the "Wraith Spear," unleashing its power and accumulating [40] Proficiency. His mastery of the spear deepened with each passing day, giving him boundless motivation.

He cultivated his Qi Lake to the point where his body was surging like a rainbow, his blood flowing like a rainbow, and his Yang energy bursting forth. The setting sun shone on him, and his shoulders billowed with iridescent light. It was quite a sight to behold.

[Proficiency +1]

The spear flashed, Part the Grass, Startle the Ghost, the Withered Crow and Failing Moon, the Disembowelment... Li Xian's spear skills improved again amidst the frequent flashes of the spear. Full of energy, Li Xian practiced until about Chen Hour, and seeing the sky gradually brightening, he put away his spear and pushed open the door to go out.

Buy a flatbread, take a bite, and the oil sizzles, filling your mouth with the aroma of meat. The island is abundant with flowers, blooming year-round, and these flowers are used in food. The flatbread is rich in oil and can be a bit greasy. But adding a certain flower petal perfectly cuts through the greasiness.

Li Xian suddenly struck it rich and spent lavishly. Along the way, he passed by vendors and shops, and whenever he saw something unusual to eat, he would buy it and try it. Flower-flavored candy, flower-flavored pastries, fried dried flowers... each with its own unique taste, he ate with great relish.

Peach Blossom Town is home to brothels and entertainment venues like the "Red Pavilion" and the "Ladies’ Tower," where disciples of the Flower Cage Sect gather day and night. The courtesans in these brothels are all captured from other places, and their music never stops, yet they live in a miserable state.

Li Xian passed by the Red Pavilion and the Ladies’ Tower, where he was recognized by the followers who invited him upstairs for drinks. Li Xian smiled and thanked them, then walked away.

News of the "bee farm" and "orchard" has spread throughout the island, and "Hua Wucuo's " reputation has grown even more, surpassing that of Wang Changjiang, Wolf Blade, and others.

Leaving Peach Blossom Town, the view opens up, with terraced fields neatly arranged. In the fields, one can see people working hard, with old oxen plowing the land tirelessly.

Li Xian suddenly sighed, "The world changes in an instant, a hundred years pass in the blink of an eye. This land is still the same land, but the farmers who till it have changed generation after generation." He thought of what happened last night.

He was strong, brave, and vigorous, and certainly superior to Nangong Liuli. However, he felt that his body was slightly weak, though barely perceptible. Therefore, when he saw the farmers in the fields, he recalled the old saying, "There are only oxen that are worn out from plowing, not land that is worn out from plowing," and thus felt this sentiment.

"I'm worrying unnecessarily. With my physique, I can easily replenish what I lack by eating just a little bit of food. Moreover, the Five Organs Purge-Turbidity Revive-Yang Scripture Strengthen the Five Organs, the art of Consumption replenishes deficiencies, and my Pure Yang Body enhances my physique... With so many combined effects, why would I be afraid of others?"

Row the boat into the inner island.

Suddenly, the island seemed quite lively, with many unfamiliar faces. Shi Yufei spotted Li Xian in the distance and waved, calling out, "Wu Cuo, come here."

Li Xian walked quickly over and said, "Shi!"

Shi Yufei nodded and smiled, then said to the person beside him, "This is Hua Wucuo, a rising star of my Flower Cage Sect. He's an excellent young man, Wu Cuo... This is Zhang De, the owner of the Moon-Disc Manor Flowerwater Prefecture. This is Elder Sheng Yunfei of the Lishan Sword Sect in Huaiyin Prefecture..."

Li Xian met them all and couldn't help but be surprised. When he looked at Elder Sheng of the Lishan Sword Sect, he couldn't help but think of the matter of Chu Liuqing and Shan Guyun. Dongran Lake and Li Mountain were both located in Huaiyin Prefecture, making them neighbors. This meeting was surprisingly amicable. He immediately realized. "Although Chu Liuqing's abduction of Shan Guyun was a blow to the Lishan Sword Sect, she didn't reveal her ' Candle Cult ' identity, nor did she impersonate the ' Flower Cage Sect ' background. This Sheng Yunfei of the Lishan Sword Sect probably doesn't know the details. Besides... his presence here suggests he's not a good person."

Shi Yufei said, "These Martial Dao seniors are all here to purchase Flower Consort. They are both regular customers and VIPs. Get to know them; if you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can seek their help."

Sheng Yunfei of the Lishan Sword Sect laughed, "Hahaha, your sect has produced True Dragon! Young friend Hua is quite handsome. Such looks and demeanor are hard to find even in our Lishan Sword Sect. I'm afraid that if you just beckoned, that girl would chase you to the flowerbed!"

Zhang De stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Hmm, not bad, not bad, indeed a handsome man!"

Li Xian laughed and said, "I wouldn't dare accept that. I was just helping Shi out."

The group chatted amongst themselves, discussing a wide range of topics. From their conversation, Li Xian gradually came to understand what had happened.

turn out to be...

The Water Altar was a secret location of the Flower Cage Sect. Elder Sheng of the Lishan Sword Sect and Zhang De of Panyue Manor... had come to purchase "flower concubines". They boarded flower boats and were sent to the Water Altar. The waterway was winding and extremely complicated, and it would take seven days and seven nights.

Although they were not disciples of the Flower Cage Sect, they were quite familiar with the island due to their frequent visits. They had even purchased residences on the island to house beautiful women and would occasionally come here for vacations.

The Lishan Sword Sect is a prestigious and righteous sect, and Sheng Yunfei is an elder, enjoying a stellar reputation. He is known as the "White Cloud Swordmaster," meaning he is as pure and ethereal as White Cloud, and is virtuous and self-disciplined. It is said that after his beloved wife died in his youth, he vowed never to marry again. Who could know that this man secretly indulges in women and is extremely hypocritical? He revealed in his words that although the Lishan Sword Sect is a prestigious sect, known as the "Gentleman Sword Sect," there are actually several people like him.

Li Xian remained calm, chatting and laughing with them, but inwardly he was secretly surprised, marveling at how much he had learned about the Jianghu. Shi Yufei specially introduced him, helping Li Xian build connections and create momentum, allowing him to begin to show his talent. While the friendship between gentlemen is certainly admirable, those who share the same ways and engage in corrupt practices have an even stronger bond. During their conversations along the way, Sheng Yunfei and Zhang De both regarded Li Xian as a friend, inviting him to drink and have fun.

Although Li Xian was unwilling, he did not show it and chatted naturally. It took him quite some time to get rid of the matter before he went to the Martial Inquiry Pavilion to talk with Yan Hao about the Five-Elements Esoteric Escape.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

The Green Ox Residence was quiet and serene. Five-Element Command Flags were arranged throughout the courtyard, forming a simple maze to isolate sounds from the outside world. Nangong Liuli woke up groggily and found herself leaning against the trunk of a fruit tree. She felt slightly dizzy and tried to raise her hand to rub it, but was surprised to find that she could not move her limbs.

Memories flooded back, Nangong Liuli's pretty face flushed crimson, her beauty almost radiant. She cursed several times, seemingly unsure whether she was cursing herself or others. Her Lineage upbringing was strict, and etiquette was extremely important. The events of last night, and many other times in the past, were initially difficult for her to accept, but she had gradually come to accept them, finding them increasingly strange. Her thoughts seemed to be changing, constantly crossing boundaries, her relationship with Li Xian ambiguous. Looking around, she knew she was in the outer courtyard. After returning to Green Ox Residence last night, she hadn't gone inside.

Nangong Liuli's vision became clearer. Seeing the vast emptiness around her, though surrounded by vermilion gates and courtyard walls, it felt like an empty field, with the sky as her blanket and the ground as her bed. This was a situation she had never experienced before. She felt ashamed to face anyone and secretly rejoiced that the ' Five-Element Command Flags ' had activated the five elements' arrangement in the courtyard, creating a unique maze, and that the strange sounds hadn't disturbed the neighbors.

Nangong Liuli was on the verge of tears. She retreated to her room and only managed to calm herself down afterward. She muttered to herself, "Nangong Liuli, Nangong Liuli, why don't you learn your lesson? Of all people to provoke, you had to provoke that little thief Hua. Now that you're subdued, if you provoke him again, aren't you just asking for trouble?"

"I observe that Lineage uncles and other relatives are all terrified of the shrewish women in their households. Whenever the topic of paying taxes and grain comes up, they complain endlessly. They even say things like... that men can never win against women in this matter. It seems that's false. Alas, I've lost to them again."

"You brat..."

Her mind wavered, her eyes brightened, and her pretty face flushed again.

[You consulted Yan Hao about the Five-Elements Esoteric Escape, Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Minor Five-Elements Esoteric Escape]

[Proficiency: 23/100]

[Description: The Five Elements of Heaven and Earth are infinitely varied, and those who Proficiency in this art are few and far between. By skillfully utilizing the Five-Elements Esoteric Escape, one can set up "maze formations," "cultivate exotic herbs," "increase fortune," and "alter terrain"...]

Li Xian discovered that the "Five-Elements Esoteric Escape" technique is incredibly powerful, with remarkable applications ranging from Star-Gazing and moon to predicting good and bad fortune, to cultivating flowers and managing a house. It's like "farming." In the theory of the Five-Elements Esoteric Escape, this is the result of "natural evolution."

He could set up the "water," "earth," and "wood" elements to evolve into various paths. If Li Xian were given a piece of farmland, he could use the surrounding five elements to make the land more fertile. The five elements would cycle and evolve naturally, allowing the rice to be harvested three, four, or even five times.

However, the Five-Elements Esoteric Escape has its taboos; it is wise to protect oneself. To recklessly bestow favors and arbitrarily distribute the Five Elements will only invite trouble.

Therefore, Yan Hao did not help the indigenous people arrange the five elements of the farmland. But two harvests a year were enough to make them prosperous.

Li Xian whistled as he leisurely walked towards the Green Ox Residence. By the time he returned, it was completely dark. He first went to the west wing to check on Nangong Liuli, only to find her clothes slightly disheveled and wrinkled, and she was utterly bored, fast asleep in bed.

Li Xian thought to himself that the joke had gone too far, and gently patted her awake. Nangong Liuli gave a cold "humph," turned her head away, closed her eyes, and pretended to be asleep, refusing to pay any attention. Li Xian smiled and said, "Are you angry?"

Nangong Liuli said, "How dare I? Leave me alone and let me fend for myself." Li Xian said, "How can that be... Let me untie you first."

Nangong Liuli glared at her and said, "Fine, now you remember me? Where were you before? Get lost, I don't want to see you."

Li Xian said, "Sister Liuli, if you keep acting up, I'll have to teach you a lesson again." Nangong Liuli said, "Do you think I'm afraid, you wicked villain?"

As soon as she uttered the words, she secretly regretted them. She was truly terrified, but her mouth refused to back down. Even in utter defeat, she would still maintain a semblance of dignity. Because she was trapped and her self-respect was constantly at risk, she was particularly stubborn. If she returned to her Lineage, she would change.

In this way, it took an hour. Finally, Nangong Liuli's emotions were calmed down. The two played around and joked, neither of them really angry. Nangong Liuli hadn't eaten all day and was starving. Li Xian cooked some congee, which they simply ate with salted cauliflower, and sat in the courtyard drinking the congee.

It's late at night, just before I go to sleep.

Elder Han Zisha from the Flower Cage Sect suddenly made a visit.

This beautiful woman had exquisite makeup, full red lips, a seductive face, and captivating eyes. She wore a semi-sheer dress and had a voluptuous figure.

She wore gauze stockings adorned with silver threads, which shimmered like starlight in the moonlight. Her waist was slender, and her mere presence exuded charm.

After sitting down in the hall, she raised her legs, intentionally showing off her plump legs, and looked them up and down with her beautiful eyes.

Li Xian said, "Elder Han, it's so late, is there something you need?" When he took over the 'Bee Farm' and 'Fruit Grove', Shi Yufei informed him of the basic situation. Li Xian had inquired about the elders' situation several times when he went in and out of the inner island, and thus learned about Han Zisha and An Weicheng. Although it was their first meeting, he recognized them quickly.

Han Zisha giggled, scrutinizing Li Xian's face with a slight glint in her eyes, and said, "What a handsome young man, so full of Blood Qi, so strong and healthy, he's absolutely mesmerizing."

Li Xian said, "Elder Han is joking." She handed over the teacup. Han Zisha sipped slowly, her beautiful eyes still lingering on her, seemingly wanting more. She propped her chin up and leaned closer to examine her more closely. Li Xian said, "Elder Han, you've come so late, it must be about the bee farm and orchard, right?"

Han Zisha was slightly taken aback, then smiled seductively, "Brother Hua, you're quite direct. I like men like you who are straightforward and get straight to the heart."

Li Xian coughed twice, "Elder Han, Wu Cuo I'm only Token-Bearing Disciple now, I don't deserve to be called 'Young Master'." Han Zisha smiled and said, "You said it yourself, only now, but not in the future. Do you know how many elders fought over the bee farm and fruit orchard, and yet they gave them to you."

Li Xian knew the reason: it was Shi Yufei's favoritism towards the Candle Cult. Although the Flower Cage Sect and the Candle Cult were connected, the Candle Cult Sect had now been publicly destroyed, and even if there were elders in the Flower Cage Sect, it would be difficult for them to join the Candle Cult. He smiled and shook his head.

Han Zisha said, "I don't know either, so... you must have something special about you. Coming here specifically at night, naturally, a man and a woman talking at night, things are easier to discuss." She stepped towards Li Xian, turned around in a flash, and gently sat in Li Xian.

He took a strand of Li Xian's hair by the side and gently twirled it.

Li Xian remained calm and said, "Elder Han, what do you mean..."

Han Zisha whispered in her ear, "Let's talk in your bedroom." As she spoke, she exhaled a faint pink fragrance that tickled the ear. This was ' Bedside Blossom,' a martial art. It possessed the wondrous power to influence the mind; the stronger the opponent's lust, the deeper the 'flower' would penetrate. If it seeped into the bone marrow, the opponent might even become her puppet, living and dying for her.

A light mist seeped into his body and mind through his ear canals. The intricacies of this mist were profound, containing both 'poison' and ' Double Wafting Immortal Tone '. However, Li Xian possessed extremely strong self-control. He had just been playing around with Nangong Liuli, and his desires had subsided. In addition, his 'five internal organs' were strong, and his Pure Yang Body was resistant to poison.

He silently played the "Self-Guarding Tone," which echoed in his mind, thus neutralizing the power of the "Bedside Blossom." Li Xian smiled and said, "Elder Han, there's no need for the bedroom; let's talk here."

Han Zisha chuckled and said, "Good lad, you're quite the charmer, that's fine then..." She then removed the fabric of her shawl. Li Xian stood up and took a few steps back, saying, "Elder Han, let's talk business, there's no need for this."

Han Zisha swept over with captivating charm. Her face was merely pretty, but her figure was voluptuous and sexy. She wore rare rouge on her face and possessed a set of alluring martial arts. As she gracefully pursued him, her charm was indescribable. Many elders of the Flower Cage Sect were all won over by her in this way, and she gained considerable benefits from them.

She certainly wanted to use this method to finalize that important matter, but seeing Li Xian's appearance, she also really wanted to experience the pleasures of this man. Han Zisha said, "I'm a woman, and I'm not afraid. Why are you, a man, being so hesitant?"

Li Xian took a few steps back. Han Zisha felt quite defeated. She sat back down and waved her hand lightly. Her gauze dress floated up from the ground, wrapped around her fingers, and then, like water flowing against the current, it went up her fingers, along her skin, and draped over her shoulders again.

Han Zisha said, "I'm here to do business with you. A sure-fire deal." Li Xian already knew this woman would stop at nothing to achieve her goals, so he naturally didn't believe her.

Han Zisha said, "Brother Hua, although you Flower Consort, you don't have any wives or concubines yet, right? How about I marry you?"

Li Xian said, "Elder Han, please don't joke like that. You are an elder, I am not worthy of you." Han Zisha said, "Oh dear, I mean it." Her eyes were like she wanted to devour him.

After a long pause, Han Zisha thought, "I made a mistake in the first step. If I could talk to him in bed, I would be absolutely certain I could win him over. I could make him go east or west at will. Unfortunately, he's very stubborn. I was too hasty, and he's already on guard." She then said, "Give me the bee farm and the orchard, and I'll marry you. This man is yours, and the bee farm and orchard are yours too. It's a sure win. Aren't you tempted?"

Li Xian thought to himself, "If I were tempted, you'd probably devour me completely." He replied firmly, "Such a good thing is beyond my wildest dreams."

Han Zisha said, "Alright, I'll buy your bee farm. I'll pay you five hundred taels of silver per acre, so I'll spend fifty thousand taels of silver to buy your Bee Island."

Li Xian understood immediately. "She's here for Golden Jade Island. She's got a clever plan. The Golden Jade Bee on my island are incredibly valuable; if I sold them all, it would fetch well over 50,000 taels of silver." He said, "No, Shi said this island is inherited from Elder Tong. Taking over the island means inheriting Elder Tong's last wish. If I sell the island now, before Elder Tong's body is even cold, wouldn't I be betraying him?"

Han Zisha raised an eyebrow, already sensing that Li Xian was difficult to deal with. His talk of a dying wish was utter nonsense; she'd be a fool to believe it. However, Li Xian's mention of Shi in their conversation made her extremely wary. As an elder of the Flower Cage Sect, she was being hunted and besieged outside, and the Water Altar was her vital refuge. If she offended Shi, he wouldn't need to intervene personally; simply preventing her from entering the island would put her in danger. Moreover, her entire fortune and property were all in the Water Altar. She needed to pass through Shi to get in and out; involving this powerful figure, she had to be extremely cautious.

Han Zisha smiled faintly, "Brother Hua, are you sure you don't want to reconsider? Fifty thousand taels of silver... that's quite a lot. Have you ever seen fifty thousand taels of silver? You should know that a shi (a unit of dry measure) of fine rice only costs half a tael of silver. A full fifty thousand taels of silver, how many people could you support, how many mansions could you build, how many Essence Treasure could you consume?"

"Martial Dao cultivation is very expensive. You'll understand once you've raised the cauldron and cooked Essence Food yourself. Not to mention the necessary expenses, the Martial Dao techniques, Precious Extraordinary Treasures, and rare artifacts are all extremely valuable. If others have them and you don't, you'll be at a disadvantage. And that doesn't even include alchemy; once you get involved in alchemy, it will be even more expensive."

Li Xian nodded secretly, lost in thought. Recalling One Accord Manor and Madam Wen's wealth flowing like water, he felt the sentiment even more apt. Han Zisha thought Li Xian had been moved and asked with a smile, "So you've made up your mind? Brother Hua... if you agree, this elder can give you some extra rewards. I live on West Street in Pomegranate Blossom Town. As long as I'm still at Water Altar, you can find me anytime."

"My methods are far beyond what ordinary women can match. You... you'll know once you try."

Her expression was alluring, her voice penetrating to the bone, sending shivers down one's spine—it was the work of some kind of Celestial Note.

Li Xian secretly played Self-Guarding Tone to guard his mind and remain unmoved, saying, "I'm sorry, Elder, I still cannot sell." He knew that Han Zisha's promise of '50,000 taels' was unlikely to yield even 10,000 taels; the rest would surely be owed or offered as 'sexual favors'. He would not be easily fooled.

Han Zisha's expression changed slightly, becoming quite unpleasant. She had tried both seduction and bribery, but this kid was completely unmoved; he was truly annoying.

In the tense silence, Li Xian laughed heartily:

"But then again, it's not that we can't cooperate."

(P. S.: I'm well-prepared and have more free time tomorrow, so I should be able to update with 10,000 words.)