No Way Out, Captured at Last: A Thousand Cuts? Settling the Debts of Love

The crowd was in an uproar. Mu Hongchou, Luo Feiyan, Hua Wu, Yang Wentian and others had only heard of him but not known him. Wang Dezhong, Zhou Shijie, Yue Kai and others had only seen him but not known him. They all stared intently at him.

Upon seeing the pale-faced man with the White Mask, Red Bow, his posture was proud and upright, his long hair flowing, and his temperament extraordinary. Although he wore a mask, his appearance and demeanor suggested he was exceptionally handsome. All the other prodigies felt ashamed, as if they were in a dream. They all thought at the same time, "Since childhood, I have drunk Essence Treasure, Martial Dao, started archery at the age of three, studied literature, and cultivated my character. I have always been a leader among my peers, enjoying the favor of my seniors and the respect of my peers. Now, there is someone, the same age as me, who, purely through Archery, has surpassed us all. Before, I had only heard of his name, and I was somewhat uncertain whether he was real or not. Now, seeing him with my own eyes, his demeanor is truly extraordinary. My feelings are complex and indescribable, and I can only admit that I am inferior."

The elders from all sides inwardly praised, "What a valiant young man! What a legendary archer! Such appearance is truly unparalleled."

Zhou Shijie looked around and felt extremely uncomfortable, ashamed of his own inferiority and filled with endless disappointment. He had been blessed with Fortune since childhood, and his peers looked up to him and envied his abilities. Now the situation had changed, and although he was still considered outstanding, he had become "just another face in the crowd." It was now his turn to look up to others and admire their brilliance.

Unable to contain his sensitivity, he observed Gu Nianjun's expression. He saw that her eyebrows were fully open, sparkling with excitement, and although she pretended to be calm, her fists were clenched so tightly that they wrinkled the hem of her skirt. It was clear that she was extremely agitated.

He took a sip of the fine wine, and all the food and drink tasted bland. The contrast was truly indescribable. When the red mist dissipated, Xu Hu praised, "Good young hero, good young hero! Was it you who hunted the spirit fox?"

Li Xian remained silent, looking at Wen Caishang. Wen Caishang smiled faintly and said, "My young hero, Elder Xu asked you a question, why didn't you answer?"

Knowing that he was now under control, Li Xian sighed softly, suppressing his heart palpitations, and remained calm, saying, "That's right, I was the one who hunted the spirit fox."

Wang Tiexin exclaimed, "Truly worthy of being Proficiency archer, your ambition soars to the heavens! My son Dezhong, unaware of his own limitations, once challenged this young hero to an Archery and suffered a crushing defeat, returning home to complain to me. I told him, 'There are always higher heavens to reach, and more skilled people to surpass. The sooner you grasp this principle, the better.'"

Wang Dezhong's face flushed red as he said, "Father, please give me some face."

Everyone burst into laughter at the sound. Wen Caishang asked with a smile, "Young hero, what is your name? Where do you live?" Li Xian replied, "My name is Zhou Ping'an, I have no fixed abode, a wanderer."

Wen Caishang laughed and said, "Young Master Zhou is really joking. Come closer." Li Xian thought to himself, "I've come this far, so I have no choice but to comply for now. Alas, even if I don't comply, what else can I do?" He took a few steps forward.

Wen Caishang said softly, "Come closer." Li Xian did as she was told, and strode forward to Wen Caishang's desk.

Wen Caishang Smiling Face Like a Flower, yet a chilling aura emanated from her. She placed her delicate hand on Li Xian's wrist and subtly channeled her Qi. Li Xian instantly felt as if needles were pricking his entire body, cold sweat poured out, and his face turned deathly pale. He had suffered internal injuries, but his outward appearance remained unharmed.

Wen Caishang's move was called "Heavy Meridian Finger." She sneered inwardly, "Those who betray me, how can you let them get away with it? Once you're hit by my Heavy Meridian Finger, there's no way you can escape."

Still not satisfied, she subtly channeled her inner energy through her finger, this time secretly locking Li Xian's Inner Qi. She scrutinized Li Xian with her beautiful eyes, seeing that Li Xian remained stubborn and showed no sign of distress, just as before.

Wen Caishang released her grip and laughed, "Truly a heroic young man, barely eighteen years old. Lord He... it seems your Archery are truly inferior to this eighteen-year-old."

Li Xian's Qi power was greatly reduced, and he deeply felt the residual Qi in his body, which was blocking the meridians for exerting force and obstructing the acupoints for circulating Qi. The astonishing skill in Martial Dao, the comprehensiveness of its evolution, and the endless variations in its life force were truly remarkable. Li Xian had spent a long time with Wen Caishang and had only seen her easily defeat her enemies, but he did not know the underlying principles and evolution. Only after experiencing this firsthand did he realize the profound mystery that was beyond words.

Resolving this would not be easy. However, he appeared unharmed, standing beside Wen Caishang's desk. Everyone around said that Wen Caishang admired Li Xian, and at this moment, she was examining his pulse and bones to determine his age. They all secretly envied him.

Li Xian broke out in a cold sweat. He Wentian laughed heartily, "As the saying goes, new talents emerge in every generation, and the younger generation surpasses the older. It is truly my good fortune that such a young hero has appeared in my Flying Dragon City."

Wen Caishang said, "Good young hero, I have prepared a table for you. Please sit over there." She pointed to a table beside her, where all the dishes had been served, but the seat remained empty.

Li Xian sat down quietly. Wen Caishang looked at him and thought, "He is truly a rare hero. Even in the face of great calamity, he remains so calm. You little rascal, no matter how cunning you are, you should be helpless now that everything is at your wits' end."

Liang Gang asked, "This young hero is wearing a mask, so we can't see his face. I remember Madam Wang mentioned another condition: he must be handsome. Why don't we ask this young hero to remove his mask and reveal his face?"

Gu Nianjun was very curious, and many young prodigies all turned to look at her. Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Let him handle this." She looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian thought to himself, "I've been captured by the Madam, my life hangs in the balance, so whether I reveal my face or not makes no difference. Why bother? These people are complete strangers to me and won't help me. It's better to remain hidden; perhaps there's a chance for a turn of events." So he said, "Thank you all for your kindness, but I cannot reveal my face. I apologize for disappointing you."

Mu Hongchou said sweetly, "What's there to hide about a face? Do you look strange?" Li Xian laughed and said, "Indeed strange, I'm sorry."

Gu Nianjun sighed, "Young Master Zhou is unwilling to show himself; forcing him is useless."

Wen Caishang, with her keen eyes, glanced sideways at Li Xian. She was certain that the two women secretly admired him because of his reputation. If she were to be intimate with Li Xian, she would not allow the two women to look at Li Xian even once. But now that they had betrayed her, she would hold Li Xian accountable for this grievance.

Wen Caishang said calmly, "It seems that Young Hero Zhou is quite charming and has already made waves among his peers. I'd like to offer you a toast."

Li Xian felt Wen Caishang run down his spine and his heart pound with ants, so he could only retaliate. Wen Caishang waved her hand, and the banquet hall became lively as everyone enjoyed the dishes and chatted with each other. There was singing and dancing, and fine wine and Jade Nectar. The young talents made friends, and the casual guests chatted with the powerful and wealthy.

It was quite lively.

Although the elders were curious about Li Xian, seeing Li Xian Wen Caishang conversing intimately with him and unable to get a word in edgewise, they refrained from interjecting and instead turned their attention to other matters. At the beginning of the banquet, Wen Caishang softly asked, "Young Hero Zhou, are you satisfied with this banquet?"

Li Xian drank his wine and said, "Very satisfied." Wen Caishang said, "Satisfied is good, but don't say that Cai Shang has neglected you." Li Xian said, "Wen..."

Wen Caishang said, "Young hero, you're mistaken. I am Wang Yiyi. You can call me Madam Wang. You are Zhou Ping'an now, so I'll call you Young Hero Zhou." Li Xian said, "Madam Wang, I..."

Wen Caishang's eyes flashed with an unusual light. "What does Young Hero Zhou want to say?" Li Xian smiled wryly, "I... am flattered."

Wen Caishang chuckled lightly, "I don't look like I'm flattered, you seem more like..."

Li Xian remained silent. Wen Caishang said, "Why don't you ask me what I look like?" Li Xian replied, "Please tell me, Madam, what do I look like?"

Wen Caishang said, "You look like you're facing a terrible disaster!" Li Xian thought to himself, "Even if I die, it's better than dying a pathetic death." He then said, "I owe everything to you, Madam. If you want it back, I'll be right here."

Wen Caishang said indifferently, "So you know it's all thanks to me. Hmph, there are too many people here, come back with me and we'll settle the score today." Her expression was icy, her resentment and anger undisguised. Her martial arts skills were so profound that it was difficult for others to eavesdrop.

In an instant, she became as charming as a flower again, and said to everyone, "I am not feeling well. The banquet has already been prepared, and the food and wine will be served soon. Please enjoy yourselves. I will take my leave now."

Wang Tiexin, Peng Sanluo, Xu Hu, and other elders from various factions all replied, "Please proceed, Madam Wang."

Wen Caishang adjusted her clothes with graceful movements. She slowly stood up and walked away. Seeing Li Xian sitting motionless at the table, she softly called out, "Human Yellow Essence Treasure is at your residence. Please come and fetch it, Young Hero Zhou. With so many heroes and valiant men as witnesses, I would never harm you."

Li Xian said, "Thank you, Madam." He had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow her out of the bustling street. A light fragrance lingered around his nose, and her graceful figure came into view. The figures gradually thinned out, and the chill around him grew stronger. He saw that Wen Caishang was as beautiful as ever, and her makeup today was also rarely seen. She was extremely beautiful, but he had no heart to admire her.

They walked up to a horse-drawn carriage.

Wen Caishang stood quietly. The atmosphere was tense. Li Xian braced himself, took a few steps forward, and took out a red jade stool from under the carriage, placing it beside the carriage. Wen Caishang stepped onto the stool and entered the carriage.

Li Xian, as before, helped her up and lifted the carriage curtain. Wen Caishang entered the carriage and said, "You come in too, Xiao Tuan, you're in charge."

Xiao Tuan, holding the reins, sat at the front of the carriage. He curiously sized up Li Xian, his eyes revealing schadenfreude. Li Xian, however, had already regained his composure, bent down and walked into the carriage, finding a seat to sit on.

Xiao Tuan cracked his whip and started the carriage with a "Giddy up!" The carriage swayed slightly, and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Li Xian saw Wen Caishang resting with her eyes closed, remaining silent for a long time, and thought to himself, "I can't escape this fate, and my end will be miserable. It's impossible for Wen Caishang to be magnanimous and let me go. I might as well die a little more gracefully."

His reserved demeanor vanished, and he noticed a fruit platter and pastries on the table, exquisitely beautiful and delicious. Li Xian hadn't tasted any of them while traveling in the carriage. Curious about their flavor, he picked up a "Snow Jade Soft Pastry" and ate it. The taste was absolutely exquisite.

Li Xian didn't disturb them, enjoying her pastries as the carriage traveled. Before long, they arrived at the Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion. Xiao Tuan's voice came from outside. "Madam, we've arrived."

Wen Caishang slowly opened her eyes, glancing indifferently at Li Xian. Li Xian immediately stepped out of the carriage, placed the red jade stool, then lifted the curtain and said, "Madam, please alight from the carriage."

Wen Caishang nodded gently. Li Xian then helped her down from the carriage, their actions as intimate as ever. As they entered the Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion, Xiao Tuan closed the door and bolted it shut.

The courtyard is serene and secluded, with a layer of greenery in front of you. As you walk around the greenery, the courtyard gradually unfolds before your eyes, earning it the reputation of being "amazing at first step," "sighing at second step," "lingering at third step," and "forgetting to leave after a hundred steps."

Wen Caishang said softly, "Xiao Xian, there are no outsiders here. Please take off your mask."

Li Xian said, "Okay." He took out the mask. Xiao Tuan was extremely curious and immediately opened his eyes to look. Seeing that Li Xian was handsome and flawless, he was indeed more outstanding than any other genius she had ever seen. She exclaimed in surprise, "Ah!"

Li Xian asked, "Madam, who is this...?" Wen Caishang said softly, "You Little White, how dare you ask? If you hadn't left without a sound, I would be so lonely, why would I need a servant boy for company?"

Hearing Wen Caishang's gentle and sweet words, as if she didn't blame him at all, Li Xian felt even more terrified. He wished he could be stabbed a few times; though painful and painful, there would be a way to follow the trail. He pondered, "The only way to survive this time is to use sweet words to please Madam. Although Madam is shrewd, she likes to hear sweet talk." He said, "Li Xian was inconsiderate, truly... truly deserving of punishment. To tell you the truth, every day, every moment I was outside, I missed Madam terribly, always hoping for the day we could meet again. Now that we have finally met, I have no regrets even if I die."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Oh?" Li Xian said, "When I left without saying goodbye, it wasn't because I abandoned my wife, but rather..."

Wen Caishang asked, "And what is it?" Li Xian, usually so eloquent, found himself at a loss for words, but he forced himself to say, "It is that Li Xian comes from a humble background and, with Madam's protection, barely managed to embark on the Martial Dao. Madam is both beautiful and powerful, and after spending so much time together, Li Xian felt deeply ashamed. Perhaps it was his pride that got in the way, but... he actually became obsessed and wanted to leave Madam. The day after leaving Madam, I was filled with remorse and suffered torment every day, constantly thinking of Madam."

Wen Caishang's eyebrows curved into a smile as she listened with great pleasure, saying, "You shouldn't be so stubborn; you say all sorts of nonsense. Since you speak so sincerely, then tell me what you usually think of me?"

Li Xian, supporting her closely, said, "To speak frankly, I fear I might offend Madam." Wen Caishang replied, "Haven't you offended me enough? Speak freely."

Li Xian said, "My thoughts every day revolve around Madam's appearance. Since I left her, I have never seen a woman who can compare to her. I am driven mad by her beauty, always feeling that Madam is beside me. I am obsessed with her, as if every woman bears a resemblance to Madam, whether it be her eyebrows or her red lips... I look at them, my mind filled with Madam's face, yet they are nowhere near as beautiful as Madam. I often think... if I never see Madam again, no matter how vast the world is, I will find it meaningless. I am filled with despair and my heart is tormented."

Wen Caishang covered her mouth and chuckled, "We'll talk about it later." Xiao Tuan followed behind, goosebumps rising on her skin. She thought to herself, "How can she say such cheesy things? Madam is strange; how can she accept this? Oh... I'm going to be sick of this cheesiness."

Li Xian, supporting Wen Caishang, strolled idly through the courtyard, enjoying the scenery and chatting. The air was filled with a fragrant aroma, and despite the beautiful view and the woman beside him, he felt restless and unable to appreciate it. He continued, "To my shame, my second thought is of your scent, Madam. A delicate fragrance that lingers, only detectable when you are near her... My third thought is of your clothes..."

He spoke eloquently, his words intended to flatter, yet not entirely empty. Wen Caishang it, listening to his heartfelt and eloquent speech, which did indeed contain some sincerity, making her feel even more pleased. She thought to herself, "This young man's strength and wisdom are growing, and his skill in using sweet talk and charming people is also improving. I wonder if he's self-taught or if someone has been practicing on him."

Li Xian said, "All my thoughts here are ordinary. What I miss most is the journey along the river with my wife, and all the things we did together. I miss how she taught me calligraphy and painting."

Upon hearing Wen Caishang eyes sparkled with emotion. Li Xian said, "Madam, be careful on these steps," and gently helped her up.

Wen Caishang nodded and stepped over the stairs. She entered a garden where flowers and plants were in full bloom, a riot of colors, a truly beautiful sight. Wen Caishang said with pity, "You've really suffered, thinking of me like this."

She gently stroked Li Xian's face, her eyes shimmering with a subtle yet turbulent light. She said, "My dear Li Lang, you haven't been bullied outside, have you?"

Li Xian said, "Generally speaking, it's alright, but there are always a few unreasonable and rude people." Wen Caishang laughed and said, "Is it that Hao Qingshe? I've already taught her a lesson for you. She won't dare to mess with you again."

Li Xian said, "Thank you, Madam." Wen Caishang replied, "There's no need for thanks between us. Heaven has taken pity on you; you've returned to my side, safe and sound."

They came to a stone pavilion. Wen Caishang said, "I'm tired, help me to sit down." The two moved intimately, their bodies touching, as if they had reconciled.

Wen Caishang led Li Xian to sit beside her and poured him hot tea. She said, "Xiao Tuan, come here and fetch the accounts."

Xiao Tuan said, "Okay." She ran into the inner chamber and followed ahead, listening to all the sweet words. Seeing that the lady seemed quite pleased, she was confused. She thought to herself, "What wisdom and character does the lady possess? How can she enjoy such things? How can he say such nauseating things? Strange, strange indeed! Wasn't the lady very angry with him? Why didn't she stab him with her sword? Why did she allow him to be so disrespectful and to get so close to her? The lady has fair and smooth skin; I've never seen her allow any man to touch her."

Full of doubts, she truly didn't know that Wen Caishang had a strange temperament. The angrier she was, the less she showed it, instead speaking softly and gently, as gentle as spring water. The better she was in a mood, the fiercer she became. This gentle and delicate demeanor concealed a sharp edge, preparing for retribution. Li Xian's sweet words did have an effect; Wen Caishang was indeed pleased to hear them, and her anger subsided somewhat. Several times, she spoke with pride and emotion, as if returning to their past pleasures. But she was not easily fooled.

Xiao Tuan took out the accounts. Wen Caishang lay on her side, her legs draped over Li Xian's knees. Her skirt revealed her alluring figure, her ankles were fair and delicate, and her Embroidered Shoes were exquisitely crafted, adorned with phoenix patterns and exuding a faint fragrance. She said languidly, "Read it aloud."

Xiao Tuan said, "Golden Rain Jade Dew Incense... 14,000 taels of gold, four sticks were burned. The total is 56,000 taels of gold. The relocation of the One Accord Manor, starting from Qingning County in Qiongtian Prefecture and moving to Muyue Prefecture, consumed 16,000 taels of silver in manpower. 9,500 taels of silver were damaged along the way. 3,500 taels of silver were consumed in rice and grain... The purchase of the Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion cost 349,000 taels of silver..."

Xiao Tuan meticulously recorded all her actions in the accounts, as if they were divine pronouncements. Wen Caishang said, "A total of two million nine hundred and seventy thousand taels of silver. Li Lang, this is what you owe me. What are your plans?"

Li Xian wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and tried to get up. But Wen Caishang placed her feet lightly on his knees, unconsciously restraining his movements. Li Xian said, "Madam, I... when did I incur such a huge debt?" He secretly groaned.

Wen Caishang said, "Li Lang, I moved the manor for you and searched for your whereabouts. This money should naturally be attributed to you." Her eyes were filled with sorrow, and she sighed softly, then continued, "If you are lying to me, then everything you said earlier was false. You actually harbored ulterior motives, leaving the manor to develop for someone else. Therefore, this money naturally cannot be attributed to you. Alas... there's nothing I can do. Although I helped you with Martial Dao, you saved my life. The debt is settled. Your departure from the manor now is neither morally nor logically wrong. I will not stop you."

Li Xian knew that Wen Caishang liked to test him, and if he followed the conversation now, he would be dead in an instant. So he said, "Madam, I do not have that much money, but what I said just now was not a lie. I never thought of betraying the manor. It is my fault that you have spent so much money on me, and I will definitely find a way to repay you."

Wen Caishang lit up with joy. She pressed her toes against Li Xian's chest, and with great interest, slowly lifted her foot, exclaiming happily, "Good, good, Li Lang! You're so well-behaved now. Good Li Lang, obedient Li Lang, you haven't disappointed me at all. You are a good man, a good son!"

Wen Caishang asked, "So you've decided to repay this debt?" Li Xian replied, "I will do my best to repay it." He took out his money bag; all his belongings were worth a mere thousand taels of silver—a drop in the ocean.

Wen Caishang said, "That's far from enough, Li Lang. How do you plan to repay the remaining money?" Li Xian said, "I..." He was thinking of a plan.

Wen Caishang said softly, "How about this? I'll teach you a way to slowly repay this debt."

Li Xian knew this was no good, but could only say, "Please speak, Madam." Wen Caishang said gently, "The ancients said... a heartless person must be torn to pieces. Although you didn't mean to betray me, and I believe your explanation—my Li Lang would never lie to me—I'm still heartbroken for you. How about... Li Lang, for every cut you suffer, it's worth one coin. You repay this debt properly, endure some pain, and I..."

Her voice was tender and affectionate, her pretty face slightly flushed, as if she were whispering sweet nothings on her wedding night, yet her words were as cold as a deep pool. "Then... I forgive you."

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, thinking, "This nearly three million taels of silver, even if each cut is worth one tael, I'd still be in grave danger. Besides, each cut is only worth one coin. After a million cuts, who could survive? It seems the lady hates me to the core and wants to chop me into mincemeat to vent her anger. She's just looking for an excuse to kill me."

As she spoke, she touched Li Xian's pressure points with her toes, freezing him in place. Li Xian frowned, unable to move, thinking to himself, "I know Madam is ruthless; she always does what she says. I expected this when I went to the banquet, but hearing her words still makes me feel heartbroken."

"If you fall into my hands, I will not wish to harm you in the slightest. You are my guide on the Martial Dao, and I am also entangled with you in matters of affection and loyalty. Yet you treat me this way, not content with killing me, wishing you could slice me into countless pieces. Fine, fine, this calamity is inescapable. You may slaughter me to pieces, my soul scattered, and I will sever all ties with you completely."

A genuine outpouring of emotion, tinged with sorrow, yet also displaying a resolute and magnanimous spirit:

"Since we've come this far, then so be it."

"Wen Caishang, if you want to kill me, what difference does it make whether you cut me a thousand times, ten thousand times, or just once or twice? What's the use of saying more nonsense? You hate me so much, kill me or torture me as you please. I'll just want peace after I die and won't have any more karmic debts to entangle with you."

Wen Caishang panicked for a moment, but seeing Li Xian's resolute and frank attitude, she quickly said, "No, no, I didn't say I wanted to kill you. You like me, and I like you too. There's a long road ahead, you can repay me slowly. I... I just wanted to make you suffer a little, to teach you a lesson, I didn't really want to kill or hurt you."