Gifting Benevolence's Lament, Reforging Sage-Inviting, Golden Cicada Merging with the Birthmark, Getting Rich!

Upon hearing their master's words, Wei Qinghuang and Xu Bai refrained from asking further questions. Wu Gan, burdened with Fortune, was even more vulnerable to being secretly spied upon. Those who plotted great things were always more cautious about their "Fortune." Obtaining its assistance brought boundless joy, while failing to do so meant keeping a respectful distance to avoid trouble. Though their curiosity remained, they had to suppress it and change the subject to other matters.

Although there was a big feud between the two, there was another reason behind it, but Wu Qian was old and there was not much birthday party. No one wanted to make a fuss, so they put it down and chatted with each other. From poems and songs, to wine and meat meals, to studying when they were young, and many other miscellaneous fun things. When they recalled their regrets, they both felt that things have changed, and they felt endless emotions.

Although the birthday banquet was not lively, it had its own leisurely atmosphere. Wu Gan was old, but he was all smiles and spoke in a gentle and pleasant manner. He would often quiz people on poetry and lyrics, and sometimes even Wei Qinghuang and Xu Bai were included in the test. The two held high positions and had distinguished status, but they often couldn't answer the questions and were secretly embarrassed, as if they had returned to the past.

In the latter half of the banquet, the students, Wei Qinghuang, and Xu Bai presented their birthday gifts. Xu Bai, a member of the Xu clan of Yucheng, held a very high position in the clan, and there was a saying that "one should bow down before Bai," with Bai referring to Xu Bai. He presented a precious pearl from the depths of the East Sea, and with a smile, recited a congratulatory message wishing Wu Gan boundless happiness and longevity. Wu Gan valued only the sentiment; he didn't care whether the gift was present or not, or how valuable it was, and accepted it with a cheerful laugh.

Wei Qinghuang presented him with a "sword" named "Benevolence's Lament Sword". Xu Bai was taken aback when he took it out.

It turns out... there really is a "Benevolence's Lament Sword" in this world. This sword was secretly forged by the Great Martial Dynasty with the intention of "slaying Confucian scholars and killing virtuous men". The emperor of that dynasty was cruel by nature and was a tyrant. He built tall buildings and gardens, wasting the people's money and resources, all for his own selfish desires.

He was constantly advised by various heroes, who used their Fortune. This caused him to encounter setbacks in everything he did. His decrees were delayed, and when he wanted to build a tall building, he was often met with torrential rain. When he wanted to repair a garden, a fierce wind would blow. When he went out to travel and collect inspiration, the sky would be overcast. In short, he did twice the work but achieved half the results, and everything went wrong. He was extremely angry and gathered master craftsmen and eccentric craftsmen to forge the "Benevolence's Lament Sword." He intended that if anyone dared to defy him, he could use his Fortune them and reason to restrain them. He would then use this sword to kill them and seize their Fortune. However, he failed and the sword only existed in its form. Moreover, the emperor of that dynasty suffered a backlash and was subsequently afflicted with strange illnesses. After his death, he was given the temple name "Wrathful Ruler," and his tomb was shorter than that of ordinary imperial tombs. To appease the anger of the scholars and to prevent his Fortune from affecting him, the later emperor kept his funeral simple and frugal. The "Benevolence's Lament Sword" remained unused for a long time.

Throughout the history of the Great Martial Dynasty, rulers of all ages, whether wise or foolish, while not ashamed of the "tyrannical ruler's" actions, secretly lamented that the "Benevolence's Lament Sword" had not been successfully completed. However, they dared not utter a word about the sword. After many twists and turns, it ended up in the hands of Commandery Princess Anyang. Knowing that the idea of seizing power by killing scholars was utterly impossible, she ordered it to be slightly modified. The sword's nature remained unchanged, but its blade was concealed, longevity patterns were added, and it was forged with special materials. It could no longer kill, but instead became simple yet subtly elegant. The "fierce Sword Sha sword" was transformed into a sacred and renowned sword, renamed "The Sage-Inviting Sword," primarily intended as an accessory, and given to her former teacher.

Wu Gan praised Wei Qinghuang for her thoughtfulness, gently stroking his longsword, but said nothing more. He was old and disliked ostentatious things, but he knew that his disciple Wei Qinghuang loved ostentation the most.

After all the business was finished, the banquet ended. Wei Qinghuang bowed and took her leave, her palace dress swaying in the breeze. She loved bright colors, and the combination of red and green was extremely eye-catching. She got into her carriage, and only after traveling a distance did the faint sense of oppression dissipate.

Wei Qinghuang tapped her fingers lightly on the armrest, her mood slightly good. Qingyao drove the carriage, letting out a slight sigh of relief. The banquet lasted for about half an hour, but Li Xian was still nowhere to be seen.

Wei Qinghuang raised an eyebrow and said to Qingyao, "Qingyao, turn to the other path."

Qingyao understood and took the reins. The horse turned into a sparsely populated alley and slowly came to a stop. Wei Qinghuang said calmly, "Which young man is it, secretly spying? I suppose he doesn't need me to invite Commandery Princess; he can show himself."

Li Xian approached the carriage, cupped her hands, and said, "Commandery Princess!"

Wei Qinghuang thought to herself, "This kid really guessed my true identity. Not bad, not bad at all. This ability is indeed impressive." But on the surface, she said casually, "It's you."

Li Xian said again, "Sister Qingyao." Qingyao blushed, glared at Li Xian, and muttered, "Why are you calling me that so intimately? We've only met a few times."

Li Xian said, "I don't know... Commandery Princess's plans are..." Wei Qinghuang said coldly, "How dare you presume to know what I, the Commandery Princess, are doing?"

Li Xian hurriedly replied, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. It's just... I've found Song Ya's true form, and this woman has discovered the Commandery Princess's plan. I want to ask the Commandery Princess how to deal with the Song Clan family."

Wei Qinghuang said, "How should we handle this? Tell me yourself, what's the best way to handle it?"

Li Xian thought to himself, "Last time I clashed with this woman, she saw through me in an instant. This time I must be careful. First, I need to gain her trust, and then I'll find a way to get rid of her." He said, "The matter of the Commandery Princess must not be revealed. Only the dead will not speak."

Wei Qinghuang frowned slightly. "When we last met, this boy was still a wolf cub. How could he be so ruthless this time? After our interactions in the valley, I found that he is kind-hearted by nature. Although he is decisive in his actions, he is not such a ruthless and extreme person." She immediately scrutinized him closely.

Li Xian continued, "But... but Song Ya was Wu Gan's disciple. Her sudden death will inevitably implicate others..."

Wei Qinghuang found it amusing. "So it was all a roundabout way of doing things." Wei Qinghuang pondered, "After this interaction, this young man is quite talented. I, Wei Qinghuang, aspire to great things and need someone with both talent and ability to assist me. This young man didn't rush into the banquet not because he didn't want to, but because he hesitated. Moreover, he possesses a certain righteousness in his character. Such a person is actually useful and easier to control."

"I, Wei Qinghuang, have always cherished talent. Xu Cheng, who once lived as the Silver-Faced Lang, is quite capable. I've given him several opportunities, but he's become extremely arrogant, truly believing that his Silver Face form makes him beyond my control. Such a person would indeed cause considerable trouble if killed in Jade City. The Heavenly Pivot will investigate thoroughly, but outside Jade City, I, the dignified Commandery Princess Anyang, would not even make a ripple with the death of a lowly life. This boy is talented and under my control; what harm is there in entrusting him with a little more responsibility?"

Wei Qinghuang said, "What you say makes sense. I don't want to make a fuss about this. I'll leave Song Ya's face to you. You can make up a reason to get rid of the Song Family father and daughter."

"Does anyone else know Commandery Princess whereabouts? Now that you've guessed, do you dare to reveal it to others?"

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "I wouldn't dare! I have never revealed a single word to anyone else."

Wei Qinghuang said, "Consider it a lucky escape from death, but your word doesn't count. I have other ways to prove your point. If you dare to reveal even a single word, Commandery Princess can immediately take back your worthless life."

Qingyao killing intent emanated from Qingyao. She appeared behind Li Xian Li Xian a flash, a dagger pressed against his throat, her right hand striking a pressure point on Li Xian back. Her elusive Movement Method and swift skills were truly formidable.

Li Xian appeared surprised, but his fingers gently tickled Qingyao's right hand. Qingyao was startled, her eyes filled with anger, Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage, "This scoundrel dares to flirt with me!" She increased the pressure on her finger, but didn't dare to make a sound.

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Absolutely not, Commandery Princess. Would you like me to escort you out of the city?"

Wei Qinghuang said with a disdainful look, "No need. This Commandery Princess going to see my nephew. You just focus on doing your duty."

She added, "Remember, though you have a lowly life, you may still have a chance to rise to prominence. If you encounter any insurmountable obstacles, write to me, and this Commandery Princess will have the ability to resolve them."

The implication is: From this day forward, if Li Xian can climb the social ladder, she might offer some assistance.

The carriage moved forward, and as it passed Li Xian, Wei Qinghuang gently lifted the curtain, looking down at him with an air of arrogant self-control. Her red lips parted slightly, and she spoke again, "Someone like you, who can crawl through the Golden Face Silver Face well, should never forget who gave you your future achievements. A lowly life is always a lowly life. Even if you become Commandery Princess in the future, you must remember that."

Qingyao's eyes dimmed slightly. Li Xian seemed indifferent to Wei Qinghuang's words, but Qingyao took them to heart.

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Yes! I will never forget the Commandery Princess's Li Xian today." He thought to himself, "One day, I will make you taste the bitterness of my worthless life."

Wei Qinghuang said, "Alright, you may leave. The Essence Treasure and money promised to you will be delivered in due course. From today onwards, you must submit a letter every few days."

After speaking, he returned Song Ya's face, and the carriage gradually drove away. After about half an hour, it stopped in front of a mansion. Wei Chu, dressed in a red and blue robe and wearing rhinoceros leather boots with gold embroidery, was tall and handsome. He paced back and forth, having been waiting for a long time.

Seeing the carriage stop, he thought, "My aunt is of such high status that her carriage must be extremely prestigious. Although she should keep a low profile when entering Jade City, she shouldn't be riding in such a dilapidated carriage. It must not be my aunt. If it's not my aunt, how dare she stop in front of my door! Humph!" Just as he was about to shout to drive her away, he suddenly saw Wei Qinghuang lift the curtain and immediately turned to joy, saying, "Aunt!" He quickly went to greet her.

Wei Qinghuang smiled, her expression now quite gentle, and said, "Chu'er, do you miss your aunt?"

Wei Chu said, "I miss you! I miss you so much! I think about you every single moment! Aunt, it's so wonderful that you could come!" Wei Qinghuang gently patted Wei Chu's hand, shook her head and smiled, "How can you put all your thoughts on your aunt? You should quickly think of other girls to help the Wei Family continue its lineage. Why don't you leave Jade City first, and let your aunt arrange a marriage for you, so you can settle down and start a family, and then come back to help your aunt with her affairs?"

Wei Chu shook his head and said, "No, no, if you want, you can go find one yourself. Besides, ordinary women don't have even a fraction of your beauty, Aunt. How could I possibly find one I like? If I were to look for someone, it would be a beauty like you." He glanced at the carriage and said suspiciously, "Aunt, really, why are you riding in such a lowly carriage? If you didn't have a suitable carriage, why didn't you tell me? I would have arranged everything properly and would never have wronged you." Wei Qinghuang heard Wei Chu praise her beauty... Mei, her face brightening with joy, shook her head and chuckled, "You chatterbox, hurry up and help your aunt inside." Wei Chu raised his hand and saw Wei Qinghuang place her hand on his forearm. His heart fluttered, and he caught a whiff of her faint fragrance. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Wei Qinghuang's face: her phoenix eyes were majestic, exuding authority without anger, yet her eyebrows possessed a heroic air, like distant mountains shrouded in mist, revealing the sharp edge of a sword after the clouds had parted. Her red and green palace dress flowed like colorful clouds as she walked, and the gold hairpin in her hair added a delicate touch, making her a peerless beauty.

Wei Chu recalled his first encounter with his aunt when he was a child. Although she was a woman, she wore a close-fitting red armor and held a long spear, exuding a heroic aura. He was immediately captivated by her and began to pester her. Later, he would only be able to see her once every few years.

Hearing about her many deeds, admiration was already imprinted in his heart. Wei Chu often corresponded with his aunt, and although Wei Qinghuang was busy, she would always reply. Moreover, whenever she returned to the clan residence, Wei Chu would greet her immediately, and he also quite liked this junior.

Wei Chu remarked with emotion, "It's been so long since I've seen Auntie in armor." Wei Qinghuang replied nonchalantly, "Really?"

The three walked slowly. The courtyard was beautifully landscaped. To the right was a spring, and to the left was lush green grass and clusters of flowers. There were pavilions and flower gardens in the courtyard. It was late at night, and the moon was round and large, like a silver basin. The candlelight in the courtyard illuminated the surroundings very brightly.

In the most beautiful spot, an octagonal table was set up. On it were more than a dozen exquisite dishes and seven kinds of pastries, all luxurious and things that Wei Qinghuang loved. It turned out that Wei Qinghuang was thinking of her nephew and had planned her trip in advance. After Wu Gan's Birthday Banquet, she would visit Wei Chu. She had already sent a letter to Wei Chu to inform him of her plan. Wei Chu was overjoyed and prepared the delicacies, waiting for her. Finally, Wei Qinghuang arrived.

Wei Chu and Wei Qinghuang sat down, while Qingyao stood quietly to the side. Wei Qinghuang noticed that Wei Chu's gaze had followed her the entire way. She knew that Wei Chu was overly admiring and affectionate towards her, but she only regarded Wei Chu as a beloved junior. However, this matter was extremely difficult to discuss, and she didn't want to hurt Wei Chu's feelings. With a headache, she said, "Chu'er, I don't know what to say to you. You can't keep staring at your aunt."

Wei Chu quickly offered a toast, saying, "Aunt, please drink." Wei Qinghuang knew that Wei Chu would not listen, and she thought that Wei Chu a fine young man who had infiltrated Jade City for her sake. His painstaking efforts were truly admirable. She couldn't bear to make him sad, so she could only sigh helplessly and sip her wine gently.

Wei Chu said, "Aunt, please try this fish. It's entirely red with pale blue eyes, and is called the Red-Body Blue-Eyed Fish. It's a rare delicacy. I knew you were coming to visit, so I used my position to get one for you to try."

Wei Qinghuang nodded, savoring the fish eye, and exclaimed, "Indeed, it's a rare delicacy. It melts in your mouth, fresh, sweet, and smooth. The ingredients themselves are of exceptional quality, so no culinary skills are required. It's no exaggeration to call it a specialty of Jade City, a taste of the finest in the world. It's truly admirable that Chu'er has put in such thoughtfulness." Wei Chu smiled and said, "Your nephew knows perfectly well what delicacies Auntie hasn't tasted. This praise from Auntie is just her treating me like a child, trying to flatter Chu'er."

Wei Qinghuang laughed, "Although you've grown taller and stronger, and have quite the air of a man, in your aunt's heart, you're still a three-year-old child. What's wrong with that?" Wei Chu snorted, "Hmph, once I've achieved something, I'll make you look at me with new eyes. I, Wei Chu, can stand on my own two feet. At that time, please don't forget what you promised me."

Wei Qinghuang laughed, "Alright, alright, then I'll say you can handle things on your own. Good nephew, how have you been lately? Are there any obstacles in your duties?" Wei Chu replied, "Generally speaking, I'm doing alright. I've been in Jade City for a year now. My aunt gave me the position of ' Sea Affairs Officer,' which, although a low-ranking position with only Mud Face Mud Body, carries real power. I'm in charge of matters related to going to and from sea. But Aunt, isn't this kind of promotion too slow? When will I be able to truly help you, Aunt?"

Wei Qinghuang said, "What? You were the one who said we should start from the bottom." She thought to herself, "In terms of ability, Chu'er is indeed inferior to Li Xian. But Chu'er is a man of the Wei Family; no matter how capable Li Xian is, he can hardly compare to Chu'er."

Wei Chu said, "I've recently heard that the Thirty-Two True Guards are promoted quite quickly, mainly based on accumulated military merits. I've been thinking lately, why don't I start as one of the Thirty-Two True Guards?"

Wei Qinghuang said, "The Thirty-Two True Guards are directly under the command of Heavenly Pivot, making them difficult to place. Moreover, they face immense danger at every moment. You are not suitable. You are a son of the Wei Family, and your abilities are certainly not weak, but there is no need to risk your life. Your aunt has her own way to help you climb the ranks steadily. Leave the life-or-death matters to others."

Wei Chu asked, "Is there someone else?" Wei Qinghuang replied, "In any case, just follow your aunt's arrangements. You're a young man of the Wei Family; your aunt might need your help in the future."

Wei Chu blushed with joy. He knew that his aunt was strong-willed, decisive, and a woman of her word, but she cared for him quite a bit. Then he felt a pang of disappointment, realizing that it was just ordinary care.

Wei Qinghuang suddenly said, "Qingyao, I've noticed you seem preoccupied since earlier. What are you thinking about?"

Qingyao said, "Commandery Princess, Qingyao wasn't thinking anything."

Wei Qinghuang said impatiently, "Speak when I tell you to." Qingyao said, "It's like this, Commandery Princess, we need to use Li Xian. Did our words just now fail to win him over? Did they instead make him resentful?"

Wei Qinghuang was too lazy to explain, but with Wei Chu present, it wouldn't hurt to let him hear it. So she sneered, "Do you think I, the dignified Commandery Princess Anyang, need to treat a mere brat with the utmost respect? People like this are most prone to becoming arrogant and conceited. One day, when they rise to the Mud Body Bronze Body, Silver Body 'll quickly forget their origins and truly believe themselves to be noble and extraordinary."

"Isn't that the Silver-Faced Lang Xu Cheng just like that? If they were truly allowed to consider themselves extraordinary, they would become disloyal and unwilling to submit. Therefore, I need to make him aware of his origins. A lowly life is a lowly life, and everything else is something I have approved for him."

"Just remember this, and you won't rebel. Speaking to him is a gift, even scolding or beating him is a favor. In other words, even if his life is worthless, in my hands it is more noble than other worthless lives."

Wei Chu asked, "Li Xian? Is that the boy from that day? Aunt, did you go to see him?"

Wei Qinghuang said, "I met this boy on my way to you just now. Chu'er, this boy is indeed capable. After I've tempered his temper and made him do something shameful, he'll come to help you." Wei Chu remained silent. Although he felt slightly displeased, his aunt was always thinking of him. Compared to him, Li Xian was as lowly as mud, so he felt no jealousy. Qingyao thought, "The Commandery Princess must think the same way. How could she consider the feelings of someone with a 'lowly life'?" She thought of Li Xian entering Jade City alone, struggling, and although he passed the test, he... The Commandery Princess trusted her, yet in Commandery Princess eyes, she was ultimately just a "lowly life." In other words, wasn't she just as worthless? Li Xian watched her disappear into the distance. This disappearance case was fraught with complexities; a single misstep could plunge one into an abyss. He thought to himself, "Today's actions allowed me to foresee the murderous intent and barely avoid it. It seems I've gained the trust of Commandery Princess Anyang. Hmph, that arrogant woman, acting like she's all that. If I capture her or she falls into my hands one day, I will repay her in full."

Li Xian returned the face mask and spent half a day taking Song Ya to the Ghost Market to have the mask sewn back onto her original face. He then found another excuse to appease Song Ya, and the matter ended quietly.

Song Ya regained her composure and could attend the banquet as usual the next day. No one knew that such a secret matter had taken place. Even less did they know that Li Xian was on the edge of the cliff, and if he had slipped even slightly, his fate would have been tragic.

That night, Li Xian rode his Binds the Wind, enjoying the gentle breeze. Having just left the Ghost Market and escorted Song Ya back to her residence, he was slowly making his way towards Jujube-Pasture Residence when he felt the situation becoming increasingly complicated. "Xu Shaoqian and Lei Chong are my superiors, Commandery Princess Anyang is eyeing us covetously, and now I see the Candle Cult's presence. Although I am a nobody, far from being at the center of this struggle, even the slightest disturbance can easily affect me."

"But there is good news. I've gone from being overt to covert with Commandery Princess Anyang. Although she sees me as worthless, she finds me quite useful, which is not a bad tactic. I've been serving as the Gold Steward for some time now, accumulating considerable military merits. It's time to advance further and secure a higher position."

Gold-Seeking Guard could obtain a "Mud Body". Li Xian knew of three ways to do so. First, polo. He only needed to win three consecutive "second-class" polo matches to be granted Mud Body. "Second-class" matches attracted a lot of attention and would bring about many businesses such as jade gambling and betting.

Secondly, military merit. One can obtain Mud Body by accumulating more than 10,000 military merits. Thirdly, family honor. Those born into the Aristocratic Clan families can enjoy the Lineage's legacy and obtain Mud Body through Lineage efforts.

Li Xian pondered, "There are actually more than three ways to obtain the Mud Body. But these are the only three clues I currently have. Accumulating military merits is the safest option. However, the polo match could also be considered. As for family background and merits, forget about it. Absolutely no chance."

Back at Jujube-Pasture Residence, after settling Binds the Wind and bathing in the fresh air, he went to the jujube tree. He had bought ninety Enlightenment Cicada, but now they were all sold, one "Yellow Cicada" remaining.

This Yellow Cicada, subtly adorned with golden light, was exceptionally elegant and remarkably intelligent. Li Xian gently beckoned, and it flew over. It particularly loved to perch on the "red vertical mole" between Li Xian's eyebrows.

Ninety Enlightenment Cicada were purchased for 4,500 taels of silver. Initially, four White Cicada, three Gray Cicada, and five Yellow Cicada died. Several more died in succession. Li Xian kept one Yellow Cicada that might molt. In total, he sold them for 13,124 taels of silver.

Including daily expenses and miscellaneous costs.

This time, he earned 12,433 taels of silver. When Li Xian first arrived in Jade City, he was 90,000 taels of silver in debt and had nowhere to make money, so he had to risk his life. Now, in just over a month, he has earned 10,000 taels of silver and has his initial capital!

Next, Li Xian plans to rent a shop to purchase more "Enlightenment Cicada," "Mountain Treasure Leaf," "Tea," and "Bitter Ginseng." Just as Li Xian was worried about how to make money, the Nature Sect was about to set up shop in Jade City, bringing with them a variety of local specialties.

Such a golden opportunity should not be missed.

Suddenly, the Yellow Cicada between his brows fluttered its wings, making a soft sound. Li Xian's vertical mole emitted a golden and red halo, as if the Golden Cicada had merged into the mole.