The Self Shows Its Might, Madam's Fury, Regret Too Late, Unable to Save Herself

Wen Caishang frowned slightly. Although she noticed a change in Li Xian, she didn't know the details. Seeing that Li Xian had reached the Second Realm of immortality, he was still able to maintain his sharp edge even when facing the oppression of the Five Mountains, and his spirit was indeed extraordinary.

A deafening roar followed, and the five mountains trembled violently, cracks spreading as they collapsed! Mud, sand, and boulders tumbled down, threatening to engulf them. Li Xian and Wen Caishang, caught in the turmoil, appeared incredibly small and were in imminent danger of being buried alive.

Although the strange scene was an illusion, the force of the tidal wave was real. Every blade of grass, every stone, and every grain of sand that rolled and pressed down was a deadly move by the five elders. In essence, it was a sharp sword aimed directly at the vital points.

With a deafening crash, a massive boulder covered in moss and vines tumbled down from the mountain, accompanied by countless grains of sand and mud, its momentum overwhelming! This extraordinary sight was actually Wang Zongheng wielding his giant sword in a vertical slash and Xiao Wanjian unleashing a rapid thrust with his swift sword.

However, combined with the scattering of light and shadow around them, Hou Yuande's "Illusory Sword" created an otherworldly phenomenon. It transformed the swordplay of the two into a rolling mountain of rocks. Upon seeing this deadly move, onlookers would likely surrender without resistance, obediently being buried and swallowed by the flash flood. Even those with extraordinary courage would find it difficult to fathom the mystery within, simply viewing it as a massive tumbling mass of boulders and mud. How could they possibly resist the swordplay under the illusion? In the end, it would all be a futile struggle.

The boulder was a feint; the real killing move was hidden in the fine, scattered sand. Li Xian remained calm, completely ignoring the strange phenomena in the sky, and suddenly thrust forward with a light, gentle thrust.

His moves were extremely ordinary, yet they contained the principles of Yin and Yang, and the Swordsmanship of the Great Self Realm. Wherever his sword pointed, the mud and sand dissipated, and the overwhelming pressure from the sky dissolved in an instant.

Li Xian possessed Double Pupils, so these illusory and strange sights were no longer frightening to him.

Moreover, the Twin Swords in Harmony, using Wen Caishang's cultivation to unleash sword techniques, contained endless variations, and their power was truly indescribable. This simple thrust contained Great Wu principles. With a sharp "clang," Li Xian's sword pierced into the mud and sand, sparks flying, the tip of which pressed against another longsword. Xiao Wanjian's extremely powerful sword strike, hidden in the illusion, was easily suppressed by Li Xian.

After the duel was arranged, Xiao Wanjian, Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongheng, Hou Yuande practiced their sword techniques diligently together. Combining the strengths of each school, their sword moves complemented and reinforced each other, creating a series of extraordinary effects that produced this remarkable sight. Although they sensed that they could not win easily, they were certain that they could force Wen Caishang to reveal some of her tricks.

Unexpectedly, Li Xian blocked it first.

Li Xian's aura shifted slightly, his eyes narrowed, and his sword strikes became a world of their own, each movement possessing its own unique character. After deciphering Xiao Wanjian's killing move, he swiftly advanced, ignoring Wang Zongheng's simultaneous slash. At this moment, although they were Twin Swords in Harmony, Li Xian was the master, and Wen Caishang was the follower. The rhythm and coordination of their Swordsmanship were all under Li Xian's control. If he wanted to unleash a killing move, Wen Caishang could only follow his lead and join forces.

The two swords flashed, launching a combined attack. In an instant, Xiao Wanjian was wounded by the sword, struggling to parry and retreating step by step. With each step, the ice beneath his feet melted from the heat, leaving wet footprints. Affected by the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword, his Yin and Yang were out of balance, his internal organs, flesh and bones were being cooked, and his whole body was burning hot.

He roared and, disregarding everything, thrust his sword fiercely at the two men. The two exchanged a series of sword strikes, slashing left and right, their bodies like phantoms, severing the swords piece by piece. The Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword Technique evolved, possessing a charm that simplified complexity.

The bizarre phenomena in the sky collapsed and dissipated.

Hu Yueyue and Duan Yixin revealed themselves and were shocked to see this. They immediately came to the rescue, attacking from both sides. Wen Caishang swept her sword away, and her soft sword spiraled and extended, intercepting Hu Yueyue. Li Xian took advantage of the situation to strike Duan Yixin. His sword seemed to contain a world, and his simple thrusts were filled with all sorts of mysteries and wonders.

Duan Yixin had never seen such Swordsmanship in his life. He was momentarily flustered and deeply understood Xiao Wanjian's predicament. Wen Caishang felt something was amiss, but she didn't know that beyond the Peak Mastery lay the realm of "Grand Self," which was difficult to describe at the moment. Although she intended to watch from the sidelines, she was ultimately worried about Li Xian. With a few casual moves, the White Serpent Flexible Sword forced Hu Yueyue to stumble and retreat repeatedly. Then, with a light touch of her toes, she gracefully leaped up, over Li Xian's shoulder, and attacked Duan Yixin from above, joining forces with Li Xian to fight against the enemy.

She grazed Duan Yixin's cheeks with both swords, and Duan Yixin was immediately overpowered. He screamed Duan Yixin few times and flew backward, already defeated. At this time, the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance was already showing signs of decline, its morale was greatly diminished, and it was difficult for it to achieve great things. After that Hu Yueyue and Wang Zongheng were defeated one after another. They resisted stubbornly, but they could not reverse the defeat. Their swords were knocked away, and they were seriously injured.

Wang Zongheng fell into the lake, soaking wet and chilled to the bone.

After Hou Yuande was also defeated, the battle was already a great victory. Wen Caishang wanted to withdraw her sword and put the White Serpent Flexible Sword back into the ' Mustard Void Demon Garment '. Suddenly, Li Xian stretched out his sword, the Azure Sword blocking the blade of the White Serpent Flexible Sword, preventing Wen Caishang from withdrawing her sword. He retained the sword stance of the "Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword" and stood side by side, the two swords crossing and blocking each other.

Wen Caishang was slightly surprised. Seeing Li Xian stop her from stopping, she guessed that he was just naturally cautious. She thought to herself, "This kid is extremely cautious. These five elders are all seriously injured. Could he possibly cause any trouble? Oh well, being cautious in the Jianghu can only bring benefits, not harm. Let him be."

Hu Yueyue, Wang Zongheng, Xiao Wanjian, Hou Yuande, Duan Yixin were in a sorry state, helping each other to their feet. Their bodies were covered with holes, sword marks, cuts, and bloodstains.

Hu Yueyue said, "You two are indeed formidable. As expected... we have suffered a crushing defeat and are completely convinced of our superiority. The matter concerning the tomb was an offense committed by our Five-Mountain Sword Alliance!"

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Although I don't take these five people seriously, I won't lose out by resolving this way. Besides, the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance's treasured swords are indeed extraordinary; I can collect them. If Li Xian likes them in the future, I can give them to him to play with, which would be quite good." She smiled gently and said, "Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, let's let this matter rest. As the ancients said, 'No fight, no friendship.' Cai Shang and you all can be considered acquaintances. I will hold a banquet soon to invite the disciples of the Five-Mountain Sword Sect. We can thoroughly discuss everything at the banquet and settle our grudges over a cup of wine, how about that?"

Hu Yueyue said, "Madam Wen's considerations are thorough; this is good, very good." Xiao Wanjian said, "We, the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance, will follow Madam's wishes, attend the banquet, drink wine, and let bygones be bygones!"

Wang Zongheng sighed, "From now on, no one should easily mention anything about the tomb. The loss of our Five-Mountain Sword Alliance disciples has nothing to do with you, Madam. We apologize for the disturbance caused in the tomb, once we return to our sect, we will send out the precious sword as an apology!"

Wen Caishang slowly said, "Cai Shang is not a greedy person. There were many misunderstandings in the tomb. Cai Shang is just a weak woman, and it is inevitable that she did not handle things perfectly. In this matter, I also made mistakes. Let bygones be bygones. As for the sword, there is no need to mention it."

Xiao Wanjian said, "Madam Wen, our five sects have made up our minds to present the sword. We hope you will accept it." Several elders advised her to accept it, but Wen Caishang sighed, "Very well, things have come to this point. If I don't accept it, it would seem unreasonable. Cai Shang will do as the elders suggest."

Li Xian suddenly said, "Madam, I feel there's something amiss." Wen Caishang frowned. Li Xian was usually quite obedient and never contradicted her in public. She was slightly annoyed, but asked softly, "What is it? Li Lang, please tell me."

Li Xian said, "In my opinion, there's no need to hold this banquet to settle scores. The Five-Mountain Sword Alliance has gone through many twists and turns on this trip, and the elders and disciples must be exhausted. Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, it's better to return to the sect as soon as possible to avoid any further trouble."

The five exchanged glances. Wen Caishang asked softly, "The Five-Mountain Sword Alliance is renowned, but a daring and cunning villain like He Wentian is rare indeed. Li Lang, do you dislike them, or do you find the banquet too noisy?"

Li Xian said, "I think it's best not to hold a banquet. This way, Madam can save some money. It's for Madam's sake."

Wen Caishang stared at him intently, noticing Li Xian's ordinary expression but sensing something unusual. She smiled and said, "Then, Li Lang, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Li Xian said, "As I just said, please let the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance return to their sect immediately. Just pretend you never encountered us in Flying Dragon City." Wen Caishang stared at Li Xian for a few moments, then smiled at the five elders and said, "Very well, since Li Lang has spoken, we can only go along with his wishes regarding the banquet. Elders, please return."

Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongheng, Hou Yuande, and Xiao Wanjian all sensed the subtle atmosphere. However, they knew Wen Cai Shang was eccentric; beneath her gentle demeanor and soft voice lay deadly murderous intent. Staying away from this woman was always the Wu Cuo course of action. Therefore, they all cupped their hands and said, "Since that's the case, then we'll take our leave. With everything settled, our Five-Mountain Sword Alliance will withdraw tomorrow."

After the five people had gone far away, Wen Caishang looked serenely at Li Xian with her beautiful eyes and said, "Li Lang, I didn't like your performance just now."

Li Xian said, "Madam, I'm doing this for your own good." Wen Caishang said softly, "Stop talking nonsense, you can't fool me. Why did you send them away in such a hurry?"

Li Xian said in a deep voice, "It's so that no one will disturb us anymore. Madam, I have something to tell you." Wen Caishang frowned and asked, "What is it?"

Li Xian said, "Madam, I am deeply grateful for your care, for guiding me in Martial Dao, passing on your skills, and teaching me the ways of the Jianghu. My loyalty to you will always be sincere."

Wen Caishang was usually delighted by sweet words. But in this situation, she suspected Li Xian had something to say next. Her eyes narrowed slightly, the wind and snow howling around them, carrying a chilling pressure. She asked, "And then?"

Li Xian felt uneasy. He had never truly faced his wife before, much less stood against her. At this moment, he felt extremely pressured, as if pricked by thorns and with a fishbone stuck in his throat. He forced himself to remain calm and said, "But Madam... I still want to go out and explore the world."

Wen Caishang immediately understood. "So that's how it is. He stopped me from Rising Sword Stance earlier because he wanted to use the superior skill of the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword to suppress me. Now that there's no one else around, he thinks he can defeat me with this advantage, and that's when he showed his fangs. You Little White, you're quite cunning! You've done this again and again, do you really think I have a good temper?" Her beautiful eyes flashed with a strange light, and she made a move to sheath her sword.

Their swords clashed; she withdrew her sword slightly, and Li Xian advanced slightly. Their swordplay remained balanced, yin and yang in equilibrium. Wen Caishang knew her guess was correct, a chilling feeling rising in her heart, but she smiled gently, saying, "Li Lang, are you planning to leave me again?"

Li Xian said, "No." Wen Caishang said, "Oh?" Li Xian said, "My roots will always be with you, Madam, and I will always return. I'm just going out to explore the world, not leaving you. I hope you will allow me that."

Wen Caishang asked, "How long will you be away? A year? Two years? Three years? Li Lang, are you really willing to leave me alone in this empty manor, with no one to keep me company?" Li Xian sincerely replied, "Of course I'm reluctant, but a man's ambition lies in the four corners of the world. If you don't stop me this time, Madam, I will always come back."

Wen Caishang's face suddenly turned cold. She was usually very composed, and even when furious, her expression remained calm. But now, however, she lost her composure, extremely angry, and could no longer restrain herself. She coldly snorted, "You little brat, I think you're courting death, that you've grown wings. You talk about a man's ambitions being in all corners of the world, and you even told me to wait for you. What are you anyway? How dare you ask me to wait for you? What am I waiting for you for? You're out there having a good time, and you'll come back to me when you need me? Am I that stupid, that I can't live without you?"

Li Xian said self-deprecatingly, "I misspoke. If Madam has other choices, how could I presume to say another word?"

His words enraged Wen Caishang even more, and she cursed repeatedly, "You brat!" Her expression softened, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she said coldly, "Li Xian, I know what you're planning. If you take back what you said now and obediently follow my arrangements, I can pretend that nothing ever happened."

Wen Caishang said coldly, "To tell you the truth, this Dawn Yellow Dew was meant to lure you here. All this trouble I've gone through is to find you. If you escaped once, I could say it's because you're naturally playful. If you escaped twice, I could say you're ungrateful. But to try to escape a third time is just asking for trouble."

"Do you think I, Wen Caishang, would go through the motions of trying to keep a man again and again? If you anger me, even if I like you, do you think I won't kill you? I, Wen Caishang, have never been so patient. I believe I have done more than enough for you. You'd better know when to stop. If things really escalate, you won't be able to handle the consequences."

Her voice was calm, but the moment it rang out, the atmosphere grew even more somber. The wind and snow stopped, and the fish and beasts in the lake died inexplicably, rising to the surface.

Li Xian smiled bitterly, "Madam, why did you insist on..." Wen Caishang said coldly, "Hmph, do you even need to ask me? Non-Self, you would be nothing but a filthy Miscellaneous Servant, your life as worthless as mud. Who Fetal Washing, who taught you martial arts, who taught you your first martial art, who helped you build your Martial Dao foundation? You are mine to begin with. If I'm happy, I'll reward you with a few grapes; if I'm not happy, I'll give you a few strokes of the cane and a few sword strikes."

"I treated you well because of your loyalty. But you've become increasingly arrogant, forgetting your place and status, and doing all these rebellious things. If I were to hold it against you, you should have been torn to pieces long ago. I only tolerated you because you were somewhat novel and had decent looks, to alleviate my loneliness. What will you be worth when I get tired of you? You not only don't go to great lengths to please me, but you're also so ungrateful. It's utterly ridiculous, absurd, and stupid." She was furious at this point, and her words were extremely vicious.

Li Xian sighed inwardly, "So that's how Madam sees me." His resolve strengthened, he calmly replied, "If that's the case, then let me go. Why be angry, Madam? I'm just a Miscellaneous Servant servant, all alone. Like a snowflake, I drift aimlessly, neither heavy nor light. Letting me drift away is perfectly acceptable. As for favors, I did save Madam's life once; let's settle that now. Wouldn't it be better if we didn't bother each other anymore?"

Wen Caishang's anger surged, her chest heaving. She had never been so furious in her life, feeling that even a fraction of her rage could melt the snow within a radius of miles. She said fiercely, "You lowly slave, saving me was your duty. What debt of gratitude? You're the only one who owes me, when have I ever owed you anything? Hmph, what snowflakes, drifting around, they only an eyesore to me!" With a flick of her sleeve, the snowflakes turned to dust.

Li Xian said, "Hmph! Since that's the case, what else is there to say? If I am no match for him, I will simply die."

Wen Caishang suddenly paused, seeing Li Xian's resolute and cold expression. She felt both pain and anger, realizing her words had been too harsh. She was inexperienced in matters of the heart and didn't know how to handle the situation. Suddenly, a thought arose to salvage the situation; she wanted to tell Li Xian that her words were merely spoken in anger. But then she thought, who was she, Wen Caishang? Why should she bow down to this petty thief? She thought bitterly, "Just wait until I capture this little thief, and you'll regret what you've done today for the rest of your life!" She said, "Fine, fine, you brat, when that time comes, you won't have it so easy to die."

She said coldly, "If you want to play, I'll play with you." The White Serpent Flexible Sword struck in an instant. Li Xian focused his mind to defend, Wen Caishang used the "Frost Moon Waxing-Waning Sword" and Li Xian used the "Setting Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword," always under the cover of the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword's aura.

Just like before when the Twin Swords in Harmony, this time the swords were pointed inward. Wen Caishang thought to herself, "Although your Yang Sword skills are a notch above mine, your combat experience and martial arts evolution... are far inferior to mine. With such methods, you dare to try to oppose me? You are extremely foolish." Her attack was very swift.

Regardless of Wen Caishang's attacks, Li Xian kept his sword close, parrying and neutralizing each move. Wen Caishang sensed something amiss, and the two Twin Swords in Harmony, their swordplay enveloping each other. Yang deficiency replenishes Yin, Yin deficiency replenishes Yang... Wen Caishang's cultivation was extremely high, and her Yin Sword's evolution was terrifying. Li Xian's cultivation was lower, and his Yang Sword's evolution was less powerful. However, during their exchange, Wen Caishang's moves would ironically help her Yang Sword evolve to counter her Yin Sword.

This kept the two swords in balance. Their forces were like fire and water, yet they remained balanced. Wen Caishang realized, "No wonder you dared to oppose me. Hmph, the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword alone gave you a huge advantage. Within the sword's aura, even with your low cultivation, you could hold your own for a long time. But the Yin- Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword is merely Higher Vehicle Swordsmanship. Do you think I, Wen Caishang, have no other moves besides this?"

He immediately used other martial arts techniques, but suddenly felt the sword's momentum was soft and sticky, and the yin and yang energies around the two of them were intertwined. Li Xian moved with him, revealing his Grand Self- mastery, and took the initiative to pull Wen Caishang into the fray.

Enveloped by the sword 'Wen Caishang's expression changed drastically. She realized with shock that she was no longer in control of her own body, and all her Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword's aura and could not extricate herself for the time being. She was forced to take the blows.

Wen Caishang exclaimed in surprise, "How is this possible?" While defending against Li Xian attacks, she tried to break free. She only needed to break free for a moment to capture Li Xian instantly.

Wen Caishang grew increasingly alarmed as the fight Peak Mastery. "I know his 'Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword' technique is unparalleled. Although he's slightly stronger than me, he's not so powerful as to leave me trapped in his swordplay." She gritted her teeth, glared angrily at Li Xian, and muttered, "You scoundrel! Cunning!"

She was now in a bind, and tried several times to drop the sword and escape. But the hilt seemed to be glued to her hand. The entanglement of Wen Caishang Caishang's forehead as she struggled more and more, her beautiful eyes wide with shock. "This is clearly the Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword! Even if you have reached the Peak Mastery, you shouldn't be this powerful. What kind of sorcery have you used?"

Li Xian smiled and asked, "Madam, have you ever heard of the ' Grand Self ' realm?"

Wen Caishang said, "The Grand Self?" Her pupils contracted slightly. She was very knowledgeable and had seen the words "Grand Self" in ancient books. However, it was too mysterious. Throughout history, there have been countless martial arts masters who have Peak Mastery, but those who have achieved "Grand Self" are rarely recorded. Therefore, she only regarded it as hearsay, or that some person with limited knowledge had mistaken the realm of "Peak Mastery" or "Perfection" for the realm of "Grand Self".

Wen Caishang gritted her teeth and said in a deep voice, "You have mastered the Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword to the Peak Mastery? Reached the Great Self Realm? Does such martial arts skill truly exist in this world?"

Li Xian said, "Of course I do. Otherwise, Madam would have already defeated me. The only thing I could rely on to deal with Madam is the ' Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword,' so that when I combine with Madam, I can take full advantage of her."

Wen Caishang was extremely shocked and furious, and cursed, "What a scheme! I should have known. You would never do something unprepared. Since you dare to turn against me, you must be confident in dealing with me."

Li Xian shook his head and said, "I have never fallen out with Madam. But Madam's words just now hurt me deeply." Wen Caishang felt sorry for her, but angrily said, "You brat, take this!" She thrust her sword several times, but Li Xian easily deflected them.

Wen Caishang had never suffered such a great loss before, but the more she fought, the weaker she became. It was as if an old man was toying with a child; she possessed profound cultivation, but Li Xian used it to counter her Swordsmanship. Wen Caishang coldly retorted, "You brat, you can indeed stall me for a while by taking advantage of this. But once your sword momentum dissipates, you will be nothing more than an ant in my eyes, easily crushed in an instant. Didn't you want to leave? Where can you go by stalling like this?"

Seeing Wen Caishang's barely concealed anger, Li Xian realized he had never seen his wife like this before. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes glared angrily, yet she possessed a unique charm. He said, "Doesn't my wife understand me? This Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword contains the principles of Yin and Yang, truly possessing the ability to simplify the complex and transform the immortal into the mortal."

"I only need to lend you my cultivation level to slowly unleash the principles within the sword. I can then prevent you from using your cultivation for several days."

Wen Caishang angrily said, "How dare you!" Seizing the opportunity, she kicked out with her right foot. Li Xian did not dodge but grabbed her ankle instead, forcing Wen Caishang to stand on one leg. She still used the White Snake Sword in her hand to strike Li Xian, barely managing to defend herself.

Li Xian said, "Now that things have come to this, what do I have to be afraid of?" Wen Caishang let out a soft "Ah!" as her right boot was removed. Her pretty face flushed red, and her anger suddenly subsided a bit. Then, unable to contain her shame and rage, she thrust her soft sword at Li Xian's left rib, forcing Li Xian to defend himself and hurriedly pull his foot back.

Her hair was slightly disheveled, her long hair flowing, and she had an elegant demeanor. However, with one foot bare and the other intact, she couldn't help but feel strange and embarrassed. Wen Caishang tried to break free, but Li Xian's "Yin-Yang Immortal Companions Sword" was far superior to hers.

After several more exchanges, Li Xian seized the opportunity and snatched the gold hairpin that held Wen Caishang's hair in place. Wen Caishang's long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her teeth clenched, her eyes blazing with anger. Even when she was on the run and seriously injured, she had never felt so humiliated.

The sound of swords clashing filled the air, their shadows blurring Moonfall Descent Wen Caishang unleashed "Falling Moon" and Li Xian countered with "Suspended Sun Standing." The two sword techniques collided, and Li Xian immediately deflected his blade. Wen Caishang, far less skilled than him, was drawn back by his sword. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled Wen Caishang into his arms.

Wen Caishang felt the warmth around her waist, her body went limp, and her anger subsided by three points. Her heart was filled with helplessness, frustration, and extreme regret. "I should have known this boy had ulterior motives. Now look what's happened. He's gained power, and even I can't protect myself."