Fists Strike the Sword Sects, Sword Suppresses Madam, Teaching the Woman a Lesson, the Great Self Emerges!

Wen Caishang pondered, "So the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance came to my door early this morning for this very reason. Hmph, they want to challenge me to a duel, but they want to know first if I'm worthy. I was going to leave anyway, so why should I bother with them? If they dare to stop me, I'll make sure they're crippled and their lives are over." She was about to find the right words to refuse.

Li Xian said, "The Five-Mountain Sword Alliance has many members and great power. They weren't satisfied with bullying my lady in the tomb. Now they've come to bully us at our doorstep. Isn't that going too far?"

Seeing Li Xian speak up in defense, Wen Caishang smiled and remained silent. The Fifth Elder exchanged glances, first observing Wen Caishang's expression. Seeing her gentle features, they all thought, "This lady is no pushover. Dealing with her is a matter of life and death; she could be lost at any moment. We challenged her to a duel solely for the sake of the sect's reputation and to answer to our disciples, so we had to bite the bullet and go ahead. Yet this lady seems quite obedient to this boy. What kind of spell has he cast on her?"

Envy welled up in everyone's hearts.

Li Xian said, "You are all aware of the matter concerning the tomb. It was He Wentian who orchestrated this, tricking you into hating my wife. If you hadn't been deceived, you would have pursued and killed my wife first, and she wouldn't have needed to use a trap to kill you. It is indeed a pity that those disciples died, but when it comes down to this matter, He Wentian is at fault, you are all at fault, but my wife is the only Wu Cuo."

Wen Caishang eyes filled with affection, and she thought to herself, "This little rascal is quite well-behaved and adorable at times like this. If he could be like this every day, that would be wonderful." So she let him be.

Duan Yixin said in a low voice, "Brother Li, you're mistaken. When we caught up with your wife, we didn't expect to start a fight so immediately. This matter could have been discussed, but Madam Wen set up a trap to harm us. This..."

Wen Caishang smiled and looked at Li Xian, waiting to see how he would explain himself. Li Xian said, "You have the numbers and the power. If my lady agrees to negotiate with you, but fails to reach an agreement, and you suddenly attack, what will happen if my lady is harmed even in the slightest?"

Li Xian continued, "Furthermore, are you from the Sword Sect, so stubborn and inflexible, that you're not the kind of people who can be easily reasoned with? Elder Xiao Wanjian even admitted himself to being a boorish man. It's clear he's unwilling to reason, only wanting to vent his hatred and resentment. My wife is exceptionally intelligent; how could she not know this?"

Hearing that names were mentioned and the words were utterly impolite, Xiao Wanjian was furious. He had never been lectured by a junior before. He slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "You arrogant brat! We are discussing matters with you..." He was about to say, "We are discussing matters with your wife. What right do you, a junior, have to interfere?" But he only managed to utter half a sentence when he felt a resentful gaze upon him, radiating a chilling aura.

Recalling what had just happened, Xiao Wanjian swallowed his words and awkwardly sat down again. Wen Caishang remained silent, but gently nudged Li Xian with her toe, signaling him to continue.

Li Xian said, "Regarding the matter of the tomb, if we're talking about right and wrong, my wife is certainly Wu Cuo."

Wang Zongheng sighed, "Brother Li, this duel is not a matter of life and death. The events in the tomb certainly involved right and wrong. However, in the Jianghu, right and wrong are only one aspect, good and evil are only another; there is also loyalty, accountability... This matter truly needs a thorough resolution."

The elders nodded slightly. Li Xian frowned and said, "So, this duel is absolutely necessary?" Hu Yueyue calmly replied, "It is necessary. Brother Li True Intention to Madam Wen and is a rare gentleman. I suppose he is worried about your wife's safety, which is why he is so nervous. There is no need to worry about this. We have agreed not to decide life or death in this duel, as both sides have made mistakes, and there is no need to add to their injuries. We will only determine the winner and the loser, and let the outcome decide right and wrong."

Li Xian asked, "What if we win?" Duan Yixin replied, "It will prove that our Five-Mountain Sword Sect was greatly wrong, and the loss of our disciples was our doing. We will no longer pursue the matter of Madam Wen, and since we have disturbed many things related to the tomb, each sect will present us with a famous sword as a gift."

Li Xian said, "If it's such a precious sword, wouldn't it be a bit underwhelming?" He casually brandished the ' Sun-Nurturing Sword '. Xiao Wanjian's face turned ashen, and he said, "Naturally, it should be even better." He had specially sent the ' Sun-Nurturing Sword ' as a test.

Hou Yuande chimed in, "This lady is well-informed and should know what kind of swords we are referring to. The ' Mist-Swallowing Sword ' of Lake Mountain, the ' Wind-Forging Sword ' of Sun Mountain, the ' House-Quelling Sword ' of Jiu Mountain, the ' Sea-Gazing Sword ' of Mount Yue, and the ' Fire-Li Sword ' of Li Mountain. Even Madam Wen would not regard such swords as worthless, would she? Five sword sects have donated them together; their value is immeasurable, perhaps even equivalent to... a divine weapon on the Divine Weapons List!"

Wen Caishang raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression calm and unfathomable. The Five-Mountain Sword Sect was founded on swords, and indeed stored famous swords within its ranks. Throughout history, the swords had chosen their masters, passing down their skills from generation to generation. Although the five leading elders held high positions, their swords were merely ordinary. This was not due to a lack of seniority or contributions... but rather because the swords did not choose their masters.

Li Xian asked, "What if we lose?" Hu Yueyue replied, "If you lose, everyone involved in the events within the tomb will have their own rights and wrongs. We would appreciate it if Madam Wen could provide an explanation so that we can comfort the spirits of our departed disciples."

Li Xian asked, "How should we explain this?" Hu Yueyue replied, "Please ask Madam to erect a monument and tomb for them, and personally write the inscription. The inscription must contain an apology to comfort their departed spirits." These words were easy to say, but extremely difficult to do. Erecting a monument and tomb would hide countless amounts of money and funds, and writing an inscription to be passed down with the tomb would leave a stain on their reputation.

Li Xian sighed, "So, you all planned this all along, and this duel is already imminent, it has to be fought?" Wang Zongheng replied, "It has to be fought."

Li Xian said in a deep voice, "Very well. But if we are to compete, I have one more condition to add."

Wen Caishang was taken aback, thinking, "Strange, when did this kid become so obedient? It's their business if they want to have a match, why should you be so obedient and do what they say? Although that famous sword and weapon are not bad, why would I be tempted? If they displease me, why bother with a duel? I'll deal with them right now."

Wang Zongheng said, "Brother Li, please speak." Li Xian said, "Your sword sect has five people, but my wife is alone. If we are to duel, I must help my wife."

Xiao Wanjian said in a deep voice, "You brat, do you think this is a tomb? You're courting death." Wang Zongheng said, "Brother Li is indeed remarkable, but it's probably not wise for him to get involved in this matter rashly."

Li Xian said decisively, "Hmph, how could I not know? If I can take two sword blows for Madam, my life will be worthwhile."

The elders all said, "This..." They were all worried. If Li Xian was injured during the duel, things would inevitably get out of control. Wen Caishang's light palm and flick just now had already revealed a glimpse of her true abilities, which showed that she was quite formidable.

Hu Yueyue said, "Madam Wen... you should make the decision on this matter."

Wen Caishang glanced at Li Xian lightly, a smile playing on her lips. She realized to herself, "This kid's gone through all this trouble, rambling on and on, just to get involved in the betting. He's obsessed with those eyes; as long as the betting goes on, I can't very well gouge them out." Intrigued, she thought again, "It's harmless enough; I'll agree."

He nodded and said, "Fine, let it be."

Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Xiao Wanjian, Hou Yuande, and Wang Zongheng nodded in agreement and gently waved. The disciples behind them understood, each taking a few steps forward, taking out the challenge invitations, and presenting them with both hands. Li Xian bowed and accepted them, standing beside Wen Caishang.

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Now that everything has been discussed, please stay. I will prepare a banquet to entertain you." The elders asked in surprise, "This..."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Elders, are you worried that I might try to harm you? That would be underestimating me. Cai Shang is truly treating you with hospitality."

The elders, unable to refuse, readily agreed. Wen Caishang summoned "Xiao Tuan" and instructed her to contact the restaurant manager to bring over the finest tables and cushions, and to prepare the cook, ingredients, and fine wine...

A dozen tables were set up beside the waterfall. The scenery here was serene, with drifting snow, waterfalls, peach blossoms, green grass, and jade pavilions... Wen Caishang was dignified and had excellent manners. She drank and talked with everyone, laughing and chatting, as if there were no enemies between them.

Xiao Tuan then called on a dozen or so people to repair the courtyard wall, fill the holes, and paint it red. They worked like this all day. By evening, the elders of the five sects all took their leave. Li Xian and Wen Caishang rested in the viewing pavilion.

Li Xian removed Wen Caishang's headdress and neatly placed it aside. Her long hair flowed freely, reaching her waist. Wen Caishang laughed and said, "You've got some nerve, daring to get involved in this kind of competition."

Li Xian said, "I know I'm no match for them, but I think I can be of some use as a human shield." Wen Caishang chuckled, "Let's see if you can still talk such big words after you actually take two sword blows."

Li Xian said sincerely, "Does Madam doubt my sincerity?" Wen Caishang paused for a moment, "This boy is mischievous and unruly, but his sincerity is genuine. He has saved me more than once." Overjoyed, she smiled and said, "Alright, alright, I misspoke. The Five-Mountain Sword Sect has considerable foundation, but although these five elders are highly experienced, in my eyes they are not particularly formidable."

"This is a perfect opportunity to impart some combat experience to you. But, Li Lang..."

She suddenly reached out and gently stroked Li Xian's cheek, saying, "Shouldn't you pay your debts?" Li Xian calmly replied, "Please do as you please, Madam." Wen Caishang flicked her sleeve, and four sword marks appeared on Li Xian's palm, all of them the Heart-Wrenching Sword.

Li Xian endured the excruciating pain, sweat beading on his forehead. The pain was piercing his very soul, lingering relentlessly, yet he couldn't faint. As time passed, the pain intensified, making even a cry out difficult. Several times he tried to speak, but each time he forced himself to remain silent. Wen Caishang gently wiped the blood from the sword and said, "This is the true power of the Heart-Wrenching Sword. When I captured you before, I held back a portion of its power."

"I am pleased that you stood up for me. But if you have ulterior motives and think I can't see through them, you are being too clever for yourselves. From now on, you must return five sword strikes every day, My Sword will show no mercy to you."

After the pain subsided slightly, Li Xian forced a smile and said, "Alright. I'll do as you say, Madam. My life is in your hands. Even if you kill me right now, I will have no complaints."

Wen Caishang's expression softened slightly, and she said calmly, "How could I kill you? Did you deliberately speak harshly to make me feel guilty? There's still one more sword to go. Raise your hand to receive the sword again." As the fifth sword pierced down, the debts became increasingly complicated.

Wen Caishang said curtly, "Since you volunteered for the fight, you cannot slack off. Before the duel, you must diligently practice the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword. I will then join you in using Twin Swords in Harmony. If you cannot defeat your enemy using the Twin Swords in Harmony and require my assistance, it will be clear that you are arrogant and conceited, having picked up bad habits on your journey since your escape. You have joined some dubious sects and learned dubious martial arts, all of which need to be corrected. At that time, all your miscellaneous martial arts will need to be abolished and you will have to start practicing them anew."

"During these few days of free time, you can only sleep for two hours each day. The rest of the time, you must practice your sword here. I will check on you occasionally. If you slack off, the consequences are self-evident."

She walked gracefully back to the pavilion, went to the second-floor window, and slightly lifted a corner of the curtain to observe. Seeing Li Xian practicing diligently with his sword, she lowered the curtain, returned to her meditation cushion, and began to practice the Silkworm Garment Jade-Interlocking Art. She was very knowledgeable, but had a flaw in her character. She saw that Li Xian was cunning by nature, and afterwards, she couldn't help but feel annoyed.

Knowing his wife's temperament well, Li Xian waited for the excruciating pain to subside, then gathered his Qi to warm his body before picking up the "Azure Sword" to practice the "Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword." He casually swung the sword a few times, displaying a unique style that only he could possess.

Suddenly, he thought, "The lady may be observing from the shadows. This is my biggest trump card. I will finally be able to show my true colors with this Swordsmanship. But I still need to conceal some of it." He deliberately concealed seven-tenths of his Swordsmanship. Only occasionally did he add a unique touch to his swordsmanship, maintaining his Peak Mastery level.

Wen Caishang that Li Xian's Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword was indeed exquisite, Wen Caishang murmured, "This boy's talent in swordsmanship is terrifyingly extraordinary. I only taught him Swordsmanship for a year or two, and rarely gave him any guidance along the way. Yet he has reached the Peak Mastery skill. I practiced my Frost Moon Waxing-Waning Sword earlier than him, but I have only just reached ' Perfection.' To reach the Peak Mastery, he must have a stroke of good fortune or some extraordinary encounter and enlightenment."

"But he achieved success naturally, surpassing me in skill all the way. This talent is something I both love and hate."

She went back to bed and slept soundly, occasionally hearing the whistling of swords. She woke up in the middle of the night and saw that the candle had burned halfway. She lifted the curtain and saw her beloved husband obediently dancing with his sword under the moon. Wen Caishang's gaze was gentle, and she softly transmitted her voice, "Come back and rest." Soon the door was pushed open, and there were quilts spread on the snow-white carpet. She could lie down and fall asleep.

Early the next morning, Li Xian practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard again, diligently and tirelessly, gradually improving his Proficiency.

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[The Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword - Level 1]

[Proficiency: 1253/0 Grand Self]

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

[Proficiency: 1533/0 Grand Self]

Li Xian Drunken Sword; with a casual strike, a warm breeze would blow, melting the surrounding snow. Wen Caishang, seeing his diligent practice, wanted to Twin Swords in Harmony several times, but then realized that Li Xian was becoming increasingly unrestrained, and it was not a good time to be attached to him. She still needed to give him strict discipline.

At noon, she prepared the meal, carried the food over in a basket, and called for Li Xian to rest for a moment and come over to eat. Li Xian was indeed obedient and immediately sheathed his sword and came over.

Wen Caishang opened the food box, which contained eight exquisite dishes and a bowl of fresh soup. She certainly didn't skimp on Li Xian's meals. After returning the two "Heart-Wrenching Sword" to Li Xian, she served him food and drink together.

After he had eaten and drunk his fill, he would go to the courtyard to practice swordsmanship. This continued for three days in a row, every day the same. He would get up early to practice swordsmanship, Wen Caishang would serve him a banquet, he would retrieve the Heart-Wrenching Sword, he would eat his fill and then practice swordsmanship again, and he would return to his room at midnight.

Seeing that the Wen Caishang was initially effective and Li Xian was becoming increasingly obedient, Wen Caishang thought to herself, "This plan seems feasible. Back when One Accord Manor, this boy was my close attendant, and he was quite obedient. Now that I want to teach you a lesson, I'll make sure you're completely submissive."

On the fourth day, the appointed day for the duel arrived. Xiao Tuan prepared the carriage and waited at the side gate. Wen Caishang and Li Xian walked together, and Wen Caishang said, "Xiao Tuan, you stay inside the pavilion and prepare for the relocation of the treasures."

Xiao Tuan said, "Okay." She bowed to Wen Caishang, not daring to look at Li Xian, and ran around the two back into the pavilion. Li Xian brought over a red jade stool, and Wen Caishang stepped onto the stool to get into the carriage, leaving a footprint on it. Li Xian gently blew on it, scattering the footprint and hiding it at the bottom of the carriage. He then sat on the front of the carriage, pulled the reins, and spurred the horse out of the city.

The duel was to be held in a remote, Snow-Hiding Mountain area on the western outskirts of the city. This place was sparsely populated, vast, and densely vegetated. No outsiders knew who would win or lose the duel.

The Five-Mountain Sword Alliance anticipated that even if the five of them joined forces, they would lack the confidence to deal with Wen Caishang. Moreover, even if they won by attacking together, it would be a disgrace. If they suffered a crushing defeat, it would be a lifelong shame. Therefore, they chose a secluded location.

Wen Caishang closed her eyes to rest. Today, she had her hair styled in a bun, secured with a silver hairpin, with two strands of hair falling loosely at her temples. Her appearance was beautiful and dignified, not to be defiled. The carriage traveled along the dirt road, occasionally bumping along, but she paid no attention, internally practicing her "Silkworm Garment Jade-Interlocking Art."

My recent slackness has caused my progress to regress.

Suddenly, they saw that the road ahead was blocked by snow, making it difficult for vehicles and horses to pass. Li Xian used his "Xun Wind Breath" technique, combined with his "Iron Lung" ability, to shout and blow, creating a hurricane that scattered the snow in all directions.

The carriage sped along, and snowflakes fell after it passed, piling up into a blanket of snow once more. It was as if this secluded path had never been trodden by anyone. After traveling for dozens of miles, they arrived at the foot of "Snow-Hiding Mountain".

Seeing a sword mark on the ground pointing into the depths of the forest, Li Xian found a place to tie up the horse, helped Wen Caishang down from the carriage, and followed the sword mark. After passing through several layers of green forest, they came to a frozen lake.

The lake was covered with thick frost and ice, smooth as a mirror, and extremely spacious. Hu Yueyue, Xiao Wanjian, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongheng, and Hou Yuande were all sitting quietly on the lake. The five of them sat cross-legged, with their swords across their knees. They had been sitting quietly all night, and their shoulders, heads, and swords were covered with a layer of snow. Frost and dew had condensed on their hair and eyebrows.

The five people sat at five corners on the lake, forming a semi-circle. Wen Caishang and Li Xian arrived as arranged, and the five immediately opened their eyes, bowing and saying, "Madam Wen, Brother Li!"

Wen Caishang nodded slightly, looked at Li Xian, and meant. "This battle is up to you. If you are no match for him, I will step in. But if you suffer a crushing defeat and become arrogant and haughty, then your previous words will stand still."

Li Xian bowed to the crowd, exchanged a few polite words, and the duel began. Suddenly, the five elders trembled, their snow-white robes either flying off or melting away. Their gazes sharp as swords, piercing straight into Li Xian's eyes.

Li Xian's eyes were unique, how could he fear mere sharpness? He gripped Wen Caishang, drew his Azure Sword, and directly confronted the Fifth Elder's imposing aura. This battle was no child's play, it concerned his reputation and honor... Since the five elders had joined forces to resist, they were determined to go all out.

The moment Li Xian stepped onto the lake, a gust of wind swept across, leaving countless sword marks on the ice and shattering it into ice shards. The wind carried seven thousand three hundred swords, each invisible and deadly. Xiao Wanjian struck first! Wen Caishang looked at Li Xian, wondering how he would respond. Li Xian's Double Pupils revealed terrifying eyesight, allowing him to discern the marks and origins of the seven thousand three hundred swords. He then used the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword technique, "Turning Yin into Yang," to defend himself.

The Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword is Jade-Joined Sword Moves, and Wen Caishang naturally followed his wishes, cooperating closely with him. Her soft sword flew in her hand, pulling the Seven Thousand Three Swords along, causing them to lose their composure and their sword moves to become chaotic.

No sooner had one wave subsided than another arose. Wang Zongheng wielded the "Heavy Sword," a sword without a sharp edge yet weighing as much as a thousand pounds, and swept his swords across the room. Li Xian and Wen Caishang simultaneously pointed their swords at the Heavy Sword. Wen Caishang's soft sword entangled with the Heavy Sword, while Li Xian's straight sword met the attack head-on.

Li Xian's cultivation was slightly inferior, but with the help of Wen Caishang, the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword technique was already comparable to that of the Third Realm martial artist. Wang Zongheng's sword was blocked, and then the two launched a series of sword attacks. The two Swordsmanship each had their own characteristics, complementing each other.

Li Xian's Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword Peak Mastery, and Wen Caishang's has also Perfection. Since ancient times, the "Combined Sword" Swordsmanship has been the most difficult to Perfection because of the complexity of human nature. Both of them have extremely high talents. In the instant that this Swordsmanship was used, Wang Zongheng sword was already exhausted from parrying and retreated step by step.

The two pressed their advantage, practicing their skills together. Wang Zongheng knew that relying solely on Swordsmanship, he could hardly defend himself. He slammed his heavy sword into the lake's surface with tremendous force. With a "crack," the thick ice shattered, and icy water scattered out. Li Xian wanted to continue his attack, but suddenly felt a flash of cold light. A sword blade was aimed directly at Li Xian and Wen Caishang's palms, intending to sever their connection with one strike and then defeat them one by one.

Li Xian pulled back, and Wen Caishang skill, easily dodged the attack. It turned out to be "Hu Yueyue's" "Water-Embracing Moonshadow Art". This martial art, when practiced to its highest level and evolved to its ultimate form, can temporarily conceal the body within a water shadow!

Just now, Wang Zongheng smashed the lake surface, breaking through the thick ice and splashing water. Hu Yueyue took the opportunity to use this skill, aiming straight for the vital points. However, Li Xian was so perceptive, Wen Caishang cooperated perfectly, avoiding the move.

Hu Yueyue's figure flashed and disappeared in an instant, at which moment water droplets danced in the air. Her figure was hidden among them, sometimes to the east, sometimes to the west, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right. Every time she appeared, her sword moves were cunning and ruthless.

Suddenly, Xiao Wanjian attacked, unleashing a fierce wind and a flurry of sword strikes. Both the wind and rain concealed immense danger. Wang Zongheng regained his composure and returned to the battlefield, his power immense and his courage unmatched.

At this moment, the three attacked from the side, which was extremely dangerous. However, Li Xian remained calm and practiced with Wen Caishang with increasing ease and enjoyment. They felt extremely satisfied and had Swordsmanship in vain for a long time. Only when they encountered such a strong enemy could they fully enjoy themselves.

Suddenly, the world darkened, followed by an extremely powerful beam of light. Duan Yixin suddenly made his move, unleashing the "Limitless Blazing Light Sword," a sword that, when unleashed, illuminated the world with blazing light, its radiance boundless and impossible to withstand.

Wen Caishang parried the attack with her sword. The two shifted positions and exchanged Swordsmanship, needing no words, as if they were of one mind, thinking and feeling what the other was thinking. Their moves were perfectly synchronized.

Duan Yixin, Xiao Wanjian, Hu Yueyue, Wang Zongheng... the four elders of the sword sect all displayed their extraordinary skills! One's sword was as bright as the daytime sun, one's sword was as fast as a whirlwind, one's figure was as ghostly as a phantom, and one's heavy sword was unstoppable.

Yet, they still encountered all sorts of strange and powerful attacks. Li Xian and Wen Caishang's twin swords parried and deflected them all. Although the enemy's swords were numerous, they could not harm them in the slightest. The battle reached a stalemate for a time. However, relying solely on the "Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword," the two could not easily gain an immediate victory. Unless Wen Caishang was willing to help, although she fought alongside Li Xian against the enemy, she "deliberately" watched the show, hoping for Li Xian's defeat, and even used this as an excuse to "overcorrect."

During this stalemate, the situation suddenly changed. The sky darkened abruptly, and five towering mountains appeared from all directions, surrounding Li Xian and Wen Caishang.

It turns out that Hou Yuande is skilled in "Illusory Sword". During the fight just now, Wang Zongheng broke through the ice Duan Yixin, causing water mist to spread. Hu Yueyue hid in the water droplets, dodging and weaving. Xiao Wanjian's Gale Sword was extremely fierce. At this Hou Yuande used Illusory Sword, using Duan Yixin's sword light and the scattering of water droplets in the lake to combine the martial arts wonders of the five elders. They cooperated tacitly and created such an illusory scene.

Wen Caishang feigned regret, saying, "Li Lang, you are arrogant and conceited. At this point in the battle, you can no longer withstand the attack with just the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword. You are about to lose, and I will have to clean up the mess for you."

Li Xian calmly said, "I don't think so." He thought to himself, "You stinking woman, how dare you gloat? After I've dealt with them, I'll take care of you too." He grabbed Wen Caishang around the waist, and the atmosphere around them changed.

His mastery of the Great Self Realm is beginning to show.