Sun Chengxi Punished, Li Xian's Sudden Enlightenment, the Mask Revealed, Xiangrong's Heart Trembles

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Sun Chengxi that if he continued to act recklessly, his life would be in danger. Although Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower was an outsider and not a sect, clan, or Lineage, it could not afford to be weak if it was repeatedly offended. Sun Chengxi relied on his status as a "hero" and his considerable strength to persuade them to be tolerant and to reason with them. However, if they were really unreasonable and arrogant, then he would not be polite.

Sun Chengxi and bowed, saying, "I am a reasonable person. Let's sit down and discuss this."

Ci Ming and the other three Heaven-Watcher immediately set up a guest room and invited Sun Chengxi inside to negotiate. Tao Xiangrong and Li Xian wanted to follow. Tao Xiangrong knew that the matter was now Dust Settled, and seeing Li Xian's pale face and blood-covered body, she felt heartbroken. Fearing that Sun Chengxi might cause trouble again and endanger her younger brother, she entrusted the negotiation to the Heaven-Watcher to ensure the return of the lost money. She then called for a carriage and took Li Xian back to the building. Cold sweat poured down Li Xian's forehead, but he forced himself to remain calm.

Tao Xiangrong said, "Good brother, you were just doing this for money, why were you so reckless?" Her voice was concerned, with a hint of reproach. Li Xian said, "It wasn't recklessness, I know the temperament of such a heroic person. When angered, they are capable of anything. But I just don't respect such people. Besides, Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower shouldn't stand idly by."

Tao Xiangrong said, "If you had come any later, you would have been in real trouble. Look at you, you're covered in injuries. That, that..." "Does Questioning Scripture scriptures hurt a lot?" Li Xian said, "It's Questioning Scripture the scriptures, it's alright. But..." Tao Xiangrong asked with concern, "But what?" Li Xian casually joked, "But it's your fragrance, sister, that's making me a little dizzy."

The carriage was quite ordinary, and even with two people sitting together, it felt cramped and confined. Tao Xiangrong's fragrant hair and body scent wafted around, teasing the air and creating an intimate atmosphere. Tao Xiangrong said shyly and playfully, "You're so glib! You wouldn't even dare to challenge those so-called heroes, so why are you showing off?" Li Xian replied, "To force yourself to do something you can't do is showing off. I considered it carefully before I did it. It doesn't count as showing off."

Tao Xiangrong and said, "Why should I argue with you about this?" Feeling quite helpless, she returned to Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, rode the Immortal-Sending Bird, and went straight back to Rosy Cloud Heaven Peach Residence.

She ordered her maid to bring the finest wound medicine and Spirit-Bathing Water... She leisurely prepared to treat Li Xian. Li Xian thought, "This matter is finished. Although I am injured, I can take care of myself. Why should I need anyone's help? I'll leave now and come back in a few days to collect my reward. Speaking of which... I haven't seen Binds the Wind for a long time. Although I've prepared enough food and fodder for it to eat on its own, I wonder if it has lost weight in these past few days." She cupped her hands and said, "It's just a minor injury. No need for you to help, sister. I'll go back now."

Tao Xiangrong somewhat bitter. "This boy knows I'm short-lived, yet he still wishes to chant Questioning Scripture for me. So many men who admire me wouldn't do this. Now, at this crucial moment, he won't let me administer medicine for him. He must want to sever all ties quickly. Since he doesn't want anything to do with me, wouldn't it be best if he just turned a deaf ear to today's events? Otherwise, I'll die in a few years too. How can I trouble him? Humph, I won't let you have your way." She then said, "Come back!"

She tugged at Li Xian's sleeve and pulled him to sit beside her. Tao Xiangrong said, "How can you leave with all these wounds from swords and axes? No medicine elsewhere can compare to my skills. Just behave yourself, and I'll repay you, okay?"

Li Xian said, "It's a transaction where money is exchanged for goods, so there's no question of repaying or repaying. Why are you being so polite, sister..."

Tao Xiangrong said, "You have your principles, but I have mine. You have no choice right now. Sit still, and I'll apply the medicine for you myself." She was quite domineering.

He then ordered his maid to bring the medicines for treating injuries to his side and neatly arrange them on the table. Among them were: Sword-Swallowing Powder, Fire-Drinking Salve, and Axe-Breaking Powder, three very precious medicines specifically for treating external injuries. There were also rare and exotic items such as Spirit-Bathing Water and Immortal Bamboo Decoction.

Tao Xiangrong first rolled up Li Xian's sleeves, exposing his bare arms. She saw countless knife and sword wounds, stained with blood, a gruesome sight at first glance. Moved, she thought, "This younger brother endured such wounds for me without even flinching. Such courage is beyond the likes of Xu Shaoqian. Speaking of which... this younger brother, though of low Mud Body and Faceless, is... yet... quite different from others. Compared to the likes of Xu Shaoqian, he is more dashing and open-minded, with unparalleled spirit and a fierce temperament. Compared to the likes of Tao Kulin, he displays more youthful vigor, is witty and humorous, and glib. Sometimes he's quite annoying... ah..." Suddenly, her heart tightened, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she thought: The kind of man I've always longed for—isn't he just like this brat? Humble in rank but not insignificant, lowly in fate but strong in spirit. He admires beauty but is not swayed by passion. Who among us dares to ask a hero such true courage? A person's true character shouldn't be flaunted after achieving high position and great power, but rather demonstrated in the choices and responses made when facing danger in times of weakness. Today's events have shown so much of that... And... this brat is quite interesting in everyday life." Her beautiful eyes, like ripples in spring water, suddenly broke through a thin membrane. Her gaze lingered on Li Xian, noticing his flowing hair, slightly disheveled by the breeze, yet unable to conceal his handsome features. He was covered in blood, yet remained completely indifferent.

The more I looked, the more I liked her. In my entire life, I had never met such a person. Tao Xiangrong was not lacking in sincerity; all her suitors throughout history had been sincere. Wasn't Xu Shaoqian sincere? Wasn't Tao Kulin sincere? How many people in Jade City hadn't been sincere?

Even if it's admiration for appearance, it's genuine.

Although my heart is sincere, everyone's heart is different! Tao Xiangrong are like autumn water. Although we have been together recently, our feelings have only developed gradually. Today, I suddenly realized this and began to have feelings for her.

Looking at her again, she saw something entirely different. She felt that Li Xian was attractive in every way, and that everything about him was intriguing. He was like a furnace, and even the warmth of his breath seemed different from that of others.

Li Xian asked, puzzled, "Sister, what are you looking at?"

Tao Xiangrong her deeply. She couldn't help but smile, secretly delighted, and said, "I was wondering whose son was so reckless, getting all injured. It must have broken your heart, sister." Her voice was soft and sweet.

Li Xian laughed, "Sister, you're teasing me. Why don't I do it myself?" Tao Xiangrong said, "Hmph, no way. I have to do it for you, and I'll go all out, it'll hurt you to death!"

Having said that, she gently pressed the wound. Li Xian felt only the softness and smoothness of the skin, without feeling any pain, but pretended to cry out, "Ouch, it hurts so much!" Tao Xiangrong chuckled. She mixed the Immortal Bamboo Decoction and the Spirit-Bathing Water, turning it into a pale white immortal liquid, and poured it on her arm, gently washing away the bloodstains. Upon closer inspection, she saw that the sword wound was gradually healing. She secretly exclaimed, "This younger brother's body is probably quite remarkable; his recovery is astonishing. Even without medicine, this kind of injury will surely heal quickly in a few days. This arm... it's really strong, and it feels warm to the touch. I wonder how vigorous it will be in bed..." Her pretty face flushed again, and the atmosphere became alluring. Tao Xiangrong filled with fantasies. She Sword-Swallowing Powder, Fire-Drinking Salve, and Axe-Breaking Powder on the wound, the cool sensation concealing the scar on her arm. The whole process was very gentle and lengthy, and Tao Xiangrong actually quite enjoyed it.

Li Xian said, "Sister, I'm a rough man, there's no need for such meticulousness. Please hurry." Tao Xiangrong said, "Brother, you don't understand. This injury from the Questioning Scripture must not be taken lightly. It must be treated slowly and strictly. If it leaves a lingering injury or a scar, you will surely blame your sister again." She wore a purple veil, and her charming and melodious voice was captivating.

Li Xian asked, "Really?" Tao Xiangrong replied, "You call me 'sister,' so I can't treat you badly. Alright, now for the right arm." She darted to Li Xian's left, rolled up her sleeves, and continued applying the medicine.

Tao Xiangrong gently pinched him, thinking, "This younger brother practices martial arts very diligently, and his body is truly impressive. In terms of physique, there really isn't a single man who can compare to him. Just looking at him is enough to make one like him."

Her arms were covered in medicinal powder. Tao Xiangrong then had Li Xian remove his tiger-embroidered robe, revealing her sculpted figure. Tao Xiangrong gasped, and the maidservant serving the medicine beside her blushed slightly, appearing quite reserved.

Tao Xiangrong a surge of heat in her heart, her head spinning, and her pretty face flushed. She gently rubbed her toes together; though countless young men had tried to please her, none had ever truly seen a physique like his. She thought to herself, "Good young man, good young man, besides my brother, which other young man has such a physique?"

Her gaze was slightly unfocused, and her breathing was a little rapid. Tao Xiangrong said, "Ahe, you can go out now." The maid carrying the medicine said, "Sister, this..." Tao Xiangrong said, "It's just a simple matter of applying medicine; I can handle that myself. You go and do your work." She thought to herself, "Sister won't share this scenery with you. You can go and choose the men you want." Her heart pounded.

Ahe He closed the door. Tao Xiangrong continued to apply the medicine, first mixing "Spirit-Bathing Water" and "Immortal Bamboo Decoction" to wash away the bloodstains, and then gently applying the medicine. During the process, her fingertips lightly touched the medicine, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Li Xian's Pure Yang Body, with its ability to Turbidity-Avoidance, gives him an alluring, furnace-like attraction, yet also an air of ethereal mystery. Now, shirtless, this allure is even more pronounced. This attraction is truly indescribable.

Her upper body was covered in knife and axe wounds, which added to the tension. Tao Xiangrong was moved and happy every time she thought about the scars all over her body, which were caused by her. Every time her fingertips touched her body, she felt a surge of fire flow from her fingertips into her heart.

Unable to dissipate, it only grew thicker and thicker. Tao Xiangrong lightly touch and pinch it, but dared not go too far. Tao Xiangrong, "There are men in this world who have such a body. If there were a list of young masters, he could easily make it onto the list based solely on his physique."

After applying the medicine, Tao Xiangrong unsatisfied, asked, "Good brother, is it very dangerous for you to serve as the Gold Steward of the Gold-Seeking Guard?" Li Xian replied, "It's not too bad. Danger is unavoidable, but with enough caution, much can be avoided."

Tao Xiangrong said, "If you are ever injured in the future, you can come to me again. I'm free, so I can treat you." Li Xian said, "How could I dare? If word got out, even if my old wounds healed, I would be hacked to death again in no time."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Look at what you're saying. Do you really think your sister is a great scourge? I'll grant you a permission to freely enter and leave the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. Who would know?"

Li Xian said, "This..." Tao Xiangrong said, "This is one of the rewards for helping my sister." Li Xian said, "Then thank you." Tao Xiangrong looked down and calmly said, "You also have injuries on your legs, right? Take off your boots and lower garments." Li Xian said, "No, sister, I can do it myself."

Tao Xiangrong said, "Hmm?" Her aura suddenly hardened, carrying a strong sense of coercion. Li Xian took off his boots and robes, thinking, "Strange, strange, what's going on today?"

After the medicine was fully applied to her legs, Tao Xiangrong suddenly said reproachfully, "Good brother, you're not being honest. You're hiding something from your sister."

Li Xian said, "What am I hiding?" Tao Xiangrong said, "Your breathing is uneven and slightly rapid, which means you have a lung injury. I've studied medicine, and I'm quite skilled, even compared to many famous doctors. Do you think I can't tell?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "Just now when I took your pulse, I felt it was very weak. Your internal organs seem to be failing, yet your body is perfectly healthy. You must have been injured by that scoundrel Sun. Your symptoms right now should be severe internal pain and dizziness. I deliberately didn't ask, wanting to hear when you would tell me. But you... you haven't told me. Alas." This sigh was full of helplessness.

Li Xian said, "Sister is absolutely right, but I didn't mean to hide it from you. It's just that my medical skills are not bad either, and I know how to treat it. So I'll treat myself with medicine when we get back to the manor. I'm not a woman, so how can I complain to someone about every little pain I feel?"

Tao Xiangrong said, "You have your own manly spirit. I admire it very much, but dear brother... aren't you afraid that I'll feel sorry for you?" Li Xian said, "This..." He thought to himself, "Perhaps it was because of my Questioning Scripture the scriptures that you are so grateful to me. Once this matter cools down, it will be over." But hearing the concern in her words, he was also moved, thinking, "In these chaotic times, true feelings are precious. I have experienced the coldness of human relationships, and I know that a sincere concern is worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. In this vast world, how many people truly care about me? I will accept your concern, sister."

Li Xian said again, "I was wrong. What do you want, sister?" Tao Xiangrong, "I will heal you. Just as you entered the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower that day, I will send you out exactly the same way. It must be exactly the same, without a single mistake, without a scratch."

Tao Xiangrong continued, "Your injuries are not difficult to treat. I have a ' Five-Elements Origin-Knowing Elixir,' a rare and precious elixir. Taking it will Strengthen the Five Organs and nourish your body. If you take it, it will be entirely beneficial."

"This elixir can even regenerate the five internal organs. For example, if someone loses a kidney, by taking this elixir, through the principle of mutual complement and generation of the five elements, a new kidney can grow. It is said that if a person with all five internal organs is healthy, taking it can reshape their organs to be as fine as gold."

Li Xian said, "Ah! Rare treasures and wondrous pills! These are extremely precious, absolutely not something I can accept."

Tao Xiangrong said, "A gift from someone else is of little use. This is for you to take, which is not only a token of your kindness, but also gives this gift a purpose and helps your old injuries heal. Wouldn't that make everyone happy?"

Ignoring the objections, he took out the "Five-Elements Primordial-Mixture Elixir," placed it in his palm, and said with a smile, "Brother, open your mouth!" He thought to himself, "This elixir is precious. If you dare to say you're clearing your name, I'll use this elixir to settle things."

Li Xian thought to himself, "This elixir is rare. If I miss it, I will never encounter it again. I might as well accept this elixir and not take any other reward. I don't need any Immortal Peach or money. But... surely there is no poison hidden in this elixir to harm me?" He hesitated greatly.

Tao Xiangrong said, "If you're worried, little brother, you can feed it to him with your mouth." Li Xian said, "No need. Alright, I wouldn't dare refuse your kindness, sister. I'll accept it!"

He took the pill and swallowed it in one gulp. The medicinal power spread throughout his five internal organs, instantly nourishing him and rejuvenating his flesh and blood. Li Xian's essence and energy surged, and he felt extremely refreshed. The many sensations were difficult to describe in a short time.

He felt the five elements gradually entering his body: fire representing passion, earth representing weight, water representing gentleness, wood representing vitality, and metal representing sharpness. This was the first time he had tasted such Treasure Pellet, and the five elements were circulating within his body.

The weakness in the five internal organs dissipated in an instant.

Moreover, after being "Consumption" and strengthened, the medicinal power of the precious pills increased by 80%. In that instant... Li Xian's essence, energy, and spirit overflowed, and his robes fluttered in the wind. He entered a state of profound enlightenment.

A martial artist's body is like heaven and earth, sculpted with bones as strong as mountains and flesh as thick as forests. Without the understanding of the "Five Elements," wouldn't one be listless and dull? A small space is enough for one to roam freely, and a seven-foot body can contain the universe.

Different martial artists have different understandings, and thus their understanding of the world differs.

Tao Xiangrong noticed something amiss and realized that Li Xian's unusual state was a happy occasion, so she was naturally pleased and quietly observed. Just then, she heard a maidservant relay a message that the discussions had been resolved and that the Monk Ciming was waiting for her at the "Fire-Glow Garden" in Rosy Cloud Heaven, and had come specifically to inform Tao Xiangrong.

Tao Xiangrong received the news that Li Xian had entered a deep meditation and was unaware of the outside world. She then ordered her maid to send Li Xian back to his bedroom. She went to see the Monk Ciming. The Monk Ciming smiled kindly and congratulated her, saying that after many twists and turns, the matter had finally come to a conclusion. Sun Chengxi confessed to the theft and returned the "golden items," which were then sealed in a brocade box.

Sun Chengxi stole the gold and then denied it, acting in a despicable manner. His actions were extremely inappropriate. Now that the truth has come to light, Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower must proceed according to the facts and demand that Sun Chengxi compensate "Crimson Smoke Tower" for its numerous losses, "Azure Cage Abode" for its numerous losses, and Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower for its numerous losses. Furthermore, he must prepare ample gifts to compensate Tao Xiangrong. If he refuses, Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower will keep Sun Chengxi.

Sun Chengxi was furious and wanted to resist, even bringing up the Southern Heaven Sect. But now that the matter was clear, it would be a huge loss of face for Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower to give in. The "world's wonder tower" would become the "world's most cowardly tower." So, he was not afraid of any conflict and remained unmoved by Sun Chengxi's threats.

Sun Chengxi was utterly helpless and tried to make up for the many losses. Azure Cage Abode Crimson Smoke Tower could be repaired simply by spending money. But Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower was not so easy to repair.

Sun Chengxi must sue the world for his theft. He must solemnly and clearly state his fault and sincerely express his remorse. Sun Chengxi's actions are both despicable and he is extremely concerned about his reputation. Asking him to sue the world is like taking his life. Naturally, he would never agree to it.

But at this point, there was no room for maneuver. If Sun Chengxi refused, he would be imprisoned in the "Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower." Sun Chengxi was outnumbered and outmatched, and it would be extremely difficult for him to gain any advantage.

Therefore, he wrote the letter of complaint with resentment.

The Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower will forever forbid Sun Chengxi from entering. Sun Chengxi was furious and his face was ugly, but in the end he had no choice. Ci Ming told him about the situation and then asked Tao Xiangrong what kind of compensation she wanted. Tao Xiangrong was overjoyed when she heard the Tao Xiangrong. She proposed a condition: Sun Chengxi must leave Jade City immediately and never enter again.

The Monk Ciming understood and told Tao Xiangrong that Sun Chengxi had lost face and offended a certain master. Although he might not be banished from Jade City forever, he would surely be hiding in Yunan Circuit for the next ten years or so.

The Monk Ciming asked, "Yes, young friend, how is the situation?" Tao Xiangrong smiled and told him about Li Xian's situation. The Monk Ciming said, "Young benefactor Tao, in my opinion, this young benefactor is quite extraordinary. At least... his talent is remarkable!"

Tao Xiangrong asked curiously, "Why do you say this, Senior Ci Ming?" Monk Ciming replied, "I might as well tell you, Miss Tao, there is no such thing as a ' True-Heart Scripture ' in this world, and naturally there is no such thing as ' Questioning Scripture ' or ' Answering Scripture.' What I said today was all nonsense."

The Monk Ciming said, "That Sun Chengxi is incredibly stubborn, yet remarkably capable. I used a little trick to trick him into revealing the truth. The so-called ' True-Heart Scripture ' was something I fabricated. The so-called ' Answering Scripture ' was just ordinary scripture. As for the ' Questioning Scripture,' it's actually part of the Buddhist ' Asura Scripture '!" "The Asura Scripture... Logically speaking, reciting the Asura Scripture, though extremely painful, would never cause real injury. My original plan was to use the Asura Scripture's effects to deceive Sun Chengxi. If I could just make him believe in the existence of the True-Heart Scripture and the Question-and-Answer Sutra, then they would truly exist, and he would reveal the truth." "But who knew that young friend, when reciting the Asura Scripture, displayed such a unique aura. His body showed signs of axe and knife wounds. If I'm not mistaken, this is precisely a sign of exceptional talent. Therefore... that young friend is quite extraordinary."

Tao Xiangrong, "So that's how it is. Senior Ci Ming seems kind, but he's actually quite cunning; he even fooled me. What he said makes perfect sense. My younger brother... he really has me itching with desire. The more I investigate, the more I can't resist."

She politely thanked Ci Ming, saw him off, and hurried back to her bedroom. She found Li Xian lying on the bed, breathing steadily, already fast asleep. Tao Xiangrong inquired about the situation and then dismissed everyone else.

She knew Li Xian was in a deep state of enlightenment, which could last from a day to several days. Without facing life-or-death dangers, he wouldn't know what the outside world was like. She said, "Sister, you're the first one to lie on this bed. Sigh, to be honest, I'm becoming increasingly curious about you. Perhaps you'll be the first person I ever truly fall for."

Her pretty face suddenly flushed. "Strange, so strange... If I think about it carefully, it's only been a few days. Is love really that simple? Or does it only become simple when it comes to you? But to be honest, it's not entirely unreasonable. You're so unrestrained and flamboyant, with unparalleled spirit... and you've also developed a great physique. You look... you're... quite brave."

Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and she suddenly thought, "My younger brother is known for his Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face. I've certainly seen his handsome sideburns, but I've never seen his ugly face. He seems to have a profound understanding of this. Perhaps I should take the mask and see for myself?"

Upon reflection, he was filled with both curiosity and trepidation, pacing back and forth, thinking, "I have seen the portrait of my younger brother; it is truly hideous, horrifying. But no one in this world is perfect. A man's spirit and Intent-Qi are more important than his appearance. No one can compare to my brother in these two aspects, so no matter how ugly his appearance is, it really doesn't matter."

Suppressing her curiosity, she thought, "He always wears a mask; he must be insecure about it. I should know how ugly he is." Her mind raced. A hundred reasons to remove the mask flashed through her mind in an instant, and hundreds more reasons not to. But her curiosity remained. Finally, she made up her mind. "No matter how ugly he is, I'll accept this brother. No one is perfect. It's rare to find such an interesting brother. So what if he's a little ugly?"

She rolled up her sleeves, her breathing quickened, her beautiful eyes focused, and slowly removed her mask.