At Last, Out of the Dragon's Lair; Pinching Ears, Grabbing Her Lover; The Madam's Weakness; A Crowd of Guests Arrives

It is said that Wen Caishang was learned and knowledgeable in all fields. Moreover, the Nine-Aperture Dragonheart Acupoint was a complex place with many strange and unconventional paths. The Nine-Aperture Dragonheart Acupoint was like the heart of heaven and earth, and its feng shui was like the blood of heaven and earth. Every time the dragon heart beat, it would draw in the feng shui from the outside world, filling the heart cavity with feng shui, and then letting it flow out.

By simply following this principle and observing the vegetation, moss, grass, stone erosion, and earth veins along the way, one can discern the direction of feng shui flow. Then, by following the feng shui direction, countless paths will be available.

The Five-Mountain Sword Alliance was not lacking in knowledge, but without understanding this path and the flow of energy, it would be difficult to achieve this. Wen Caishang observed the wind and water, and together with Li Xian, they set off on a secluded path. Along the way, the vegetation was lush, the mountain walls were mottled, and there were strange stones with a yellowish hue.

Wen Caishang observed many details and told Li Xian that this method Wu Cuo. She flipped her sleeve and drew her sword, scraping off a yellowish-brown strange stone. When the firelight shone on it, a halo of light burst forth. The climate of Flying Dragon City was cold, and the feng shui of the high mountain cliffs would nurture the "Golden-Gleam Stone" strange stone. This kind of stone could be used for construction and ornaments, and its value was not very high, but the accumulation of countless strange stones, forming layers of golden light, was truly amazing and eye-catching.

This is the origin of the "Sunlit Golden Summit" phenomenon in Flying Dragon City. Wen Caishang told Li Xian that it was because the dragon's heart beat that it absorbed the feng shui of the mountaintop into the earth's cavity, and through long-term evolution and catalysis, this place also gave birth to this strange stone. 'Feng shui' is a fluid thing; what goes in must come out, which shows that this path is accessible.

Wen Caishang preached, "Other tombs don't have so many escape routes. But the Nine-Aperture Dragonheart Acupoint is like a heart buried deep in the ground. When it's activated, the earth's veins vibrate, and with the combined effects of the feng shui and long-term erosion, many strange paths lead to the outside. However, those who build the tomb will deliberately set up traps on these paths to make people mistake them for dead ends."

"If one avoids the miscellaneous arts of Feng Shui that Dugu Boyuan's, then one can move freely in and out of the realm of Feng Shui."

The road was winding, Wen Caishang led the way herself, so there was no danger. The scenery was pleasant, and no one else bothered them. The two walked slowly, enjoying the fun, color, flavor, desire, and passion along the way, experiencing endless joy.

[You have mastered three levels of Swordsmanship. Your Yang Sword is now sheathed, its sharpness fully revealed. Proficiency +1]

[The Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword - Third Layer]

[Proficiency: 6125/8000 Minor Accomplishment]

There is no shortcut to mastering swordsmanship; one must draw the sword hundreds of times and sheath it hundreds of times. Li Xian has reached the "Grand Self" state in the first and Second Layer levels, and is making steady progress in the third level, finding endless joy in it.

Wen Caishang deeply enjoyed the experience; this hidden path in the tomb offered a unique kind of pleasure. She felt a mixture of love, hate, annoyance, and shame towards Li Xian. Several days passed in this way, and she still hadn't seen the exit of the tomb, but green grass had already appeared on the ground, along with occasional puddles of water.

This is a case of feng shui obstruction, causing stagnation. The wind brings grass seeds and water brings moisture, thus creating this scene. Wherever the vegetation is lush and the scenery is pleasant, one must turn back. Li Xian saw several fish and beasts in the pool, so he caught them and cooked them. The fish soup was fragrant, and the meat was tender and smooth. After eating and drinking his fill, he practiced his swordplay for a couple of rounds before continuing his journey.

Wen Caishang was gentle and graceful, her temperament was excellent at this time, considerate and charming in every way. Even if Li Xian caused trouble, she would let him have his way. At most, she would spit out a few curses at him as a "little rascal." But she loved him more, cared for him more, and complained less.

Unable to discern the passage of time within the tunnel, the two proceeded without haste. The tunnel wound its way through the tunnels, sometimes requiring them to ascend, sometimes descend. They thoroughly enjoyed this otherwise monotonous and tedious journey.

[The Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword - Third Layer]

[Proficiency: 1235/24000 (Major Accomplishment)]

[Description: You must find your perfect companion, comprehend Yin and Yang, explore their joy, and finally achieve Major Accomplishment the third level of swordsmanship. You will witness the Martial Dao First Glimpse, comprehend a wisp of ' Life-Saving Yin-Yang Qi,' understand the ' Infinite Pleasure ' characteristic, and comprehend the ' Yin-Yang Essentials.']

The Life-Saving Yin-Yang Qi is similar to the "Life-Saving Yang Qi," circulating naturally when necessary to resist serious or fatal injuries. "Infinite Pleasure" adds to the experience, providing endless pleasure when mastering the third level of Swordsmanship, making one feel joyful and Drunken Sword. "The Yin-Yang Essentials" is a vague and esoteric knowledge, from which Li Xian's Five-Elements Esoteric Escape and Feng Shui miscellaneous studies all benefit.

A very fruitful harvest.

That day, suddenly colorful light appeared, and the sound of a tinkling spring could be heard. Passing through a huge boulder blocking their path, they arrived at a stalactite cave. Inside the cave were pools of shimmering blue water and dark, mysterious rivers. Li Xian thought, "Now that we've arrived here, we must be close to the surface. My wife and I will walk a little further, and then we'll see the light of day again!"

Li Xian suddenly thought, "During this tomb raiding trip, I was fortunate enough to outmaneuver the lady. Now I've discovered that she also has a rather understanding, considerate, and obedient side. Once we're outside, I can use the the Unseen influence of the bell's sound to find an excuse to escape."

The stone wall was slippery, and water flowed down, forming a natural waterfall. Li Xian carried Wen Caishang up the wall, crossed the underground river, and swam through the pool. As the path widened, the cave entrance appeared ahead.

The sun shone brightly; it must have been midday. Outside the cave lay a verdant forest. Though the canopy and ground were covered with thick snow, it could not completely conceal the lush greenery within. Stepping out of the cave, a gentle, warm breeze blew, and the soft sunlight bathed us. Forest birds chirped softly, and the scene was full of vibrant life.

Li Xian stretched out his arms to embrace all things, feeling boundless joy, and thought, "How can one not be attached to such a world?" He realized the characteristics of "Observing Heaven and Earth," and looked at all things in heaven and earth. Their colors, connotations, magnificence, and charm... all surpassed those of others. The beautiful scenery of all things came to him one after another, and the mundane world was like a painting, unfolding before his eyes in an instant.

Li Xian laughed, "Madam, we're out!" He ran out of the cave and plunged into the snow. He cupped his face in snow, feeling refreshed and overjoyed.

Suddenly, his expression changed slightly, and he felt his heart pounding as the the Unseen bell tolling disappeared. His martial arts cultivation, Inner Qi, and Martial Dao evolution had all returned. Li Xian looked at Wen Caishang and immediately felt a Wen Caishang slowly walked out of the cave, her lips curving upwards and her eyes crinkling. Her scheme had succeeded, and she said, "Yes, we're all out now."

Wen Caishang waved her hand and said, "Li Lang, you're being naughty again. You've only just come out and you've already forgotten me? Hurry up and help me up." She gestured with her right hand and quietly examined Li Xian.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Oh no, Madam tricked me! The bell's sound vanished the moment it left the cave." He walked to Madam's side, took her hand, and calmly smiled, "Madam, thankfully the bell's sound stopped once we left the cave. Otherwise, the soldiers of Flying Dragon City would have been numerous and difficult to deal with."

Wen Caishang laughed, "Oh? Is it a stroke of luck?" Her expression suddenly turned cold, she glared at him angrily, her fingers gripping Li Xian's wrist, then gently twisting it.

Li Xian felt a sudden numbness throughout his body, as if his meridians were twisting, his acupoints were blocked, and his internal organs were in complete chaos. He could no longer use his strength or techniques, yet he was completely unharmed. Wen Caishang said calmly, "It seems that even innate superhuman strength is nothing special outside."

Li Xian, pale-faced, said, "Madam is joking. What kind of innate superhuman strength do I possess?" Wen Caishang said, "If you don't count, then no one does. Li Lang, you are so mighty, you sent the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance flying with just a spear and a sword." She raised her hand and gently stroked and wiped the sweat from Li Xian's forehead.

Wen Caishang's gentle demeanor vanished, her face turning cold as she coldly said, "Hmph, but how you escaped the Eight Absolute Seals, I've never asked you about that. I never expected your abilities to be so beyond my expectations."

"If I hadn't lied to you that the bell's sound could also affect you outside the cave, you would have run away by now. Hmph, don't worry, despite all your lies, I didn't really use my ' Meridian-Twisting Hand ' technique; I just made sure you couldn't exert any force."

Li Xian smiled helplessly, "Madam, I've helped you out of this predicament, so can't you be a little gentler with me this time?" He secretly groaned, "I did suspect you were playing tricks, but alas... alas, I need your guidance to find a way out. This matter is very difficult to resolve; you are several times more troublesome than He Wentian and the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance combined."

Wen Caishang said calmly, "Let's deal with one thing at a time. The matter of the underground cave is over. Do you think I'm so easily fooled by you again and again? Things don't happen more than three times, hehe, don't blame me for being rude this time." She then used two fingers to press on various acupoints all over Li Xian's body.

Her Inner Qi was powerful and refined, containing many martial arts techniques. Attached to her acupoints, it controlled the flow of energy and the movement of strength. This time, however, she was serious and would not allow Li Xian to play tricks again. In an instant, she unleashed more than ten moves, all of which were aimed at locking in energy and strength.

Once Wen Caishang regained her strength, she inevitably became arrogant and difficult. Li Xian forced a smile and said, "Madam, I have a sincere heart. I risked my life to save you before. How can you say it's all a lie?"

Wen Caishang glared and said, "Isn't it a husband's duty to save his wife? If you were in trouble, would I not help you? Do you dare to demand repayment for a favor?" Li Xian said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare, it's just..."

"But what?" Wen Caishang asked. "If it's not, why did you bring this up specifically?"

Seeing Wen Caishang expression, Li Xian was about to try and coax her with sweet words. Wen Caishang said again, "Stop with the sweet talk. This time, I won't let you fool me. You've taken advantage of me a lot down there, and I'll make you suffer in every way I can." She shook off Li Xian's hand.

Li Xian said, "But Madam is clearly enjoying herself too. So what..." Wen Caishang frowned and said, "You dare to talk back? Don't you understand the situation? We're not underground now."

Her jade-like face was cold, her phoenix eyes imposing, as if she wanted to restore her authority and sternly tame her husband. She said indifferently, "Put your head over here."

Seeing that Li Xian remained unmoved, she said, "You've really gotten bold. Hmph, do you think you can beat me now?" She took the initiative to reach out, grabbed Li Xian's ear, and twisted it hard.

Wen Caishang shouted, "You dare to talk back? You've only got a little skill, yet you're so presumptuous. Hmph, come back to my room first, and I'll show you how to deal with you."

Wen Caishang glared at Li Xian, let out a soft "humph" through her delicate nose, and said, "Come with me." She twisted his ear and led him away. Wen Caishang was tall, but Li Xian was a head taller than her. With his ear being twisted, he could only slightly tilt his head and bend over.

Li Xian felt humiliated and thought, "This woman deserves a beating. Although I don't care much about my reputation, being dragged by the ear like this is... is..." He tried to resist. Wen Caishang glared at him and said, "If you move again, I won't be able to get rid of you. Just follow me obediently, hmph."

Li Xian thought to himself, "This woman is not only fierce, but sometimes quite shrewish. I should learn from this experience and not be careless for a moment when facing someone like her. But I have the trump card of the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword, so I'm not afraid of not having a chance to turn the tables."

The snow scenery along the way was beautiful, and soon they arrived at the gates of Flying Dragon City. The gates were wide open, and carriages and horses flowed freely; the curfew had been lifted. Wen Caishang, her ears red from pinching, released her grip. Li Xian quickly said, "Thank you, Madam. I'll follow you for the rest of the journey. I'll be absolutely obedient."

Wen Caishang said calmly, "Who said I wasn't going to pull your ear?" She rubbed her wrist and said, "This time I'll pull your right ear, so come over here yourself." Li Xian said, "Madam, there are so many strangers here. I'm determined to serve you this time, so please don't make things difficult for me."

Wen Caishang said, "What a joke! Is it so shameful to have your ear pulled by me?" Without waiting for a reply, she raised her hand, twisted Li Xian's right ear, and quickly walked into the city.

Li Xian sighed helplessly and could only follow sideways. Along the way, he saw strange looks from the people and pedestrians, and Li Xian smiled awkwardly without explaining. They passed a "Drunken Flower Tower," where a customer had been caught cheating and was being dragged back by the "ear."

The two men met face to face, and the guest muttered, "This guy is really dishonest. His wife is as beautiful as an angel, how can he go and pick wildflowers?" His wife overheard this, twisted her ear into a pretzel, and dragged him home.

The two walked through the streets and alleys, attracting many stares.

Flying Dragon City remains as prosperous as ever, with its people living in peace and contentment. Carriages and horses flow by, and the sounds of hawkers, vendors, porters, and arguments fill the air. The city is bustling with life.

Li Xian thought to himself, "Why is Flying Dragon City Shadowless? I wonder what's going on with the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance and He Wentian's side. Oh well, I'm barely able to protect myself right now, I have no time to worry about others. My wife is quite fierce this time, let's try to find some topics to talk about." He said, "Madam, what do you think is going on with the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance and He Wentian?"

Wen Caishang sneered, "You still have time to care about others?" Li Xian said, "It's not that I care, but... Flying Dragon City is probably unstable, we shouldn't stay here any longer, we should hurry back to the manor."

Wen Caishang said, "I've seen through you. If you really wanted to go back to the manor, you'd still be stuck in your cocoon." With that, she became angry and increased the force in her hand.

Li Xian said, "I went to find you because I was concerned about you, Madam." Wen Caishang retorted, "If you say another word of nonsense, I'll twist your other ear off too."

Li Xian wisely kept quiet. Wen Caishang gently shook her head, thinking, "I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing to have this little rascal stuck with."

Back at the Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion, the maid Xiao Tuan pushed open the side door. She saw Wen Caishang's angry face, her expression lively and graceful, and couldn't help but be curious. Then, noticing Li Xian's swollen ear and Wen Caishang still twisting his other ear, she was even more startled, jumping back a step and exclaiming, "Ah! Weren't you in the cocoon?"

Wen Caishang said, "He ran away long ago." Xiao Tuan said in horror, "Madam, I'm so sorry, I... I didn't know anything about it." Wen Caishang said, "This is not your fault, it's all because this boy is cunning." She added more force to her fingers.

Xiao Tuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Madam, I'll go boil some water and tell the Food Tower to prepare the meal. You haven't been home for a long time, you must be tired, please come in and rest!"

Wen Caishang said to Li Xian, "Look how well-behaved Xiao Tuan is, and then look at you." She wasn't referring to "boiling water" or "preparing meals," which Li Xian did better. Rather, she was referring to the fact that Wen Caishang hadn't returned for over ten days, and Xiao Tuan had been waiting for her at the Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion.

With a flick of her sleeve, Wen Caishang closed the side door tightly. The Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion was as vibrant as spring, with a few snowflakes occasionally falling, adding to the charm of spring and winter. The courtyard was neat and exquisite, Xiao Tuan sent people to maintain it every day.

Passing through a flowerbed, Li Xian finally felt relieved, freed from his predicament. His ears were burning and swollen; he grabbed some snow to apply to them, feeling a refreshing coolness that masked the pain. Wen Caishang had simply pinched and twisted, effectively using the "Spring-Severing Hand" martial art. Even with Li Xian's "Golden Light Technique," he couldn't escape even a fraction. Even after she released him, the martial art's effects lingered, and the injury would last for a long time. Wen Caishang chose a stone pavilion to sit in. Xiao Tuan brought her tea, which she leisurely sipped. After a while, she said, "Let me take a look."

Observing Li Xian's ear injuries, I felt a pang of heartache again. I poured two drops of "Jadeflower Healing Oil" into my palm and gently rubbed Li Xian's ears. I dispersed the martial arts essence through the rubbing, and they quickly healed completely.

Li Xian asked, "Is Madam no longer angry with me?" Wen Caishang sighed, "I'm still angry with you." Li Xian said, "Madam, let me massage your legs and feet. If you're still angry, we can talk about it after that."

Wen Caishang Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage, "This kid knows exactly what I'm doing. Massaging my legs is fine, but every time he kneads my feet, he secretly tickles me a few times. I happen to be very sensitive to tickling. With you holding my feet, how can I possibly hold a grudge? You've always managed to escape unscathed, but this time you won't be allowed to play any tricks!"

Just as she was about to refuse, she suddenly exclaimed "Ah!" as Li Xian had already taken off her boots and stockings, and held her feet in his palms. He then used the "Eight Cloud-Rubbing Forms of Cloud Massage" to activate the acupoints on the soles of her feet.

Her feet were slightly damp. She had just stepped into the "cave," where the water flowed rapidly and the ground was wet. Inevitably, some water had seeped into her boots. Wen Caishang possessed the "Perfect Aspect," whose Five Senses, strength, lifespan, energy, and martial arts performance all surpassed those of others. Her sweat smelled very faint. However, she had been traveling through the underground for a long time without having time to bathe or wash her clothes, so her feet felt slightly sore, mixed with a faint body fragrance.

Wen Caishang was about to speak and scold him, but she felt Li Xian's strength increase as he pressed and kneaded the "Lone-Yin Acupoint" acupoint on the sole of her foot. The word "you" had just left Wen Caishang's mouth when she swallowed back the rest of her words. After a moment, she realized Li Xian's intention and scolded him seriously, "You little bastard..." However, as soon as the word "little" left her mouth, Li Xian, observing her expression, pressed and kneaded the Gushing Spring Acupoint on the sole of her foot.

This is a crucial acupoint in martial arts, referring to a spring gushing from the ground. The spring water flows from the earth, and many martial arts techniques and Inner Qi movements require passing through the Gushing Spring Acupoint. This acupoint connects to the kidney meridian, which can nourish the kidneys, strengthen the body's foundation, and regulate the whole body.

Wen Caishang sipped her tea slowly, her toes twitching, her brows furrowing and relaxing, her anger indeed subsiding by half. After a moment, she thought, "This kid is always so cunning; this time, he has to suffer some consequences." She hesitated for a moment, then forced back her anger and said sternly, "You..."

She felt the Neiting Inner Courtyard Acupoint being massaged and kneaded. Her feet were already tired, having walked through the cave for several days on winding and rugged paths, with uneven surfaces underfoot. In addition, she often practiced swordsmanship with Li Xian, which was extremely exhausting. Now that she was being soothed, she naturally enjoyed it.

Wen Caishang let out a long breath, glared at Li Xian, and thought, "Fine, fine, let this brat be cunning for a little while longer. Once he's finished his foot-pinching, I'll punish him properly." She enjoyed the peace and quiet in between.

In her joyful state, she drifted off to sleep, her eyes glazed. Her sleep was very light; any sudden movement from Li Xian would be immediately detected. Li Xian rubbed his feet, thinking, "I've barely managed to avoid it; I've managed to touch Madam's weakness. But next time she tries to attack, she'll definitely forbid me from touching her feet. This temporary measure can't last; I need to think of another plan."

After two hours of this kneading, Wen Caishang fell. Seeing Li Xian's earnest service, Wen Caishang's anger subsided considerably, and she couldn't muster the rage for the time being. Even knowing Li Xian was cunning and deceitful, she could only let him be for the time being. Feigning anger, she pinched his ear and said, "I'll let you off the hook for today."

Li Xian said, "Madam, we have just escaped from the Nine-Aperture Dragonheart Acupoint. I wonder what the situation is like in the city, and what our plans are next?" Wen Caishang said, "There is no point in staying here any longer. We should find a way to move the city's treasures out of the city."

Li Xian said, "If He Wentian tries to obstruct us, how will we handle it?"

Wen Caishang said, "I dare to return to the city, so I have nothing to fear from him." She added, "You don't need to concern yourself with what happens in between. I have my own plans."

Li Xian said, "By the way, Madam, I have something else." Wen Caishang thought to herself, "What trick is this brat trying to pull now?" She asked calmly, "Just say it."

Li Xian said, "The silkworm cocoons in the side chamber are still there. Where will I sleep tonight?"

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Having experienced this before, I shouldn't underestimate this boy. Today, he massaged my feet, and although I knew he was deliberately being cunning, I still fell for his trick. If I were to practice swordsmanship with him again, I'm afraid it would be even more difficult to deal with him." She laughed and said, "In that case, you may sleep beside me."

"There's a snow beast fur blanket beside my bed. Take a quilt and sleep in the blanket. I've been having nightmares and nightmares lately, and I think having you by my side will make me feel a little more at ease."

Li Xian bathed and changed his clothes, then lay down on the snow-white blanket for a peaceful sleep. This was the third Jade Fragrance Water Pavilion. Looking up, one could see the bright moon shining through the window. A gentle breeze carried a hint of winter chill. A fireplace was set up in the room, filled with burning incense charcoal. It was very warm and filled with a delicate fragrance.

Wen Caishang lay on her side, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and said calmly, "You'd better go to sleep early, or I won't be so accommodating tomorrow. You need to tell me how you escaped from the Eight Absolute Seals."

Li Xian said helplessly, "Fine... fine." Wen Caishang said, "Hmph, tomorrow I'll see what other tricks you have up your sleeve. You've really grown quite skilled, with your Demon Specters Spear, Pure Astral-Qi Garment in One Body, Two Aspects Double-Pupil Aspect, Perfect Aspect... you're truly blessed with extraordinary abilities."

She casually remarked, "Could it be that the Turbid Garment, like One Body, Two Aspects, are two garments worn in one body?"

Li Xian wiped away his cold sweat, pretending to be fast asleep, and dared not respond. Wen Caishang stared for a moment, then closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next day.

Xiao Tuan suddenly came to see her. Li Xian helped Wen Caishang change her clothes and comb her hair, then opened the door to see Xiao Tuan. Xiao Tuan hurriedly said, "Madam, something terrible has happened! There are so many people outside!"

Li Xian, anticipating things wouldn't be calm, asked, "Who are these people?" Xiao Tuan shook her head, her two pigtails swaying gently, and said, "I don't know either, I don't recognize them, but I've seen them before. There are old people, young people, girls, quite a few."

Wen Caishang said, "Since they are visiting, they are guests. Let's lead them in and have them sit down. Tell them I'm getting ready and ask them to wait a moment." She tugged at Li Xian's sleeve, pointed to several boxes of expensive rouge in front of the dressing table, and said, "Li Lang, we have unexpected guests today. Please help me apply rouge."

Li Xian helped her apply makeup, adorn her beautiful face, and adorn her hair. Madam Wen turned gracefully before the mirror, quite pleased with herself. Then, with Li Xian's help, she went to greet the guests.

(P. S.: I'm asking for monthly votes at the beginning of the month. It would be great if we could make it onto the monthly vote rankings and get a little more exposure...)