Divine Intent Transforms into Mist, Pivot-Shadow Transformation, a Complete Martial School!
After spending seven days with Tao Xiangrong, Li Xian emerged from the tower as the clouds and mist dissipated, revealing countless magnificent buildings before him. He felt a sense of disorientation, as if he had descended from the heavens. Li Xian took a small path, avoiding attention, and arrived at a street called "Kangping Street".
Hearing the mundane words, sounds, and smoke of the mortal world, I couldn't help but think, "I am not a guest of heaven, and I prefer the spring of the mortal world. This heavenly palace is indeed unparalleled in its scenery, a wonder of the world. But the lively atmosphere of the streets is what soothes the mortal heart the most. If Tao Xiangrong doesn't mind, I can certainly take her around to see the surroundings, explore the Jade City's mountains and rivers, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the streets."
After walking a few steps, he bought a bag of "Lotus Leaf Fragrance Beans". These lotus leaf fragrance beans are fragrant beans wrapped in lotus leaves. They are crispy and delicious, with a rich, oily aroma and a savory and refreshing taste. Li Xian ate as he walked, thoroughly enjoying himself. He appreciated the local customs and observed the people coming and going, including ordinary people, talented scholars, and powerful figures from various sects.
The gathering of heroes was incredibly exciting. Li Xian suddenly realized, "That's right, I've overlooked something. A woman like Tao Xiangrong has seen it all. Why should I take her out to play? Besides... this courtesan is of noble status, not someone I can easily approach. In these seven days, I know that while Tao Xiangrong is alluring and beautiful, she is not unreasonable. But during these seven days, she needed my help. What her attitude will be when she no longer needs my help is unknown. I am still weak; all I can do is strengthen my body and improve my martial arts!"
His mind was resolute and clear. As the saying goes, though a romantic nature is hard to change, a martial spirit is as firm as Golden Cicada. Returning to Jujube-Pasture Residence, he hadn't been home for several days, and Binds the Wind's hair had grown long. Li Xian helped trim his coat, groom his mane, hooves, and wash his body. Then he went to look after "Golden Cicada" and clean the residence. "Hair strands" were planted in all four corners of Jujube-Pasture Residence; although seven days had passed, no one approached. Although Wei Qinghuang had many spies, they couldn't keep a close watch on Li Xian at all times. Meanwhile, Tao Xiangrong resided deep within the "Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower," where... Her whereabouts were concealed, making her difficult for Wei Qinghuang to track, thus she was unaware of recent events. Li Xian, with everything proceeding smoothly, closed the door. Perhaps accustomed to living in the high towers of the Heavenly Palace, surrounded by swirling clouds and wondrous sights, he found himself quite unaccustomed to the earthly air. He went into his study, spread out paper, and ground black ink, thinking, "This woman is extremely difficult to fool, but I can only try to fool her." He took a pen and wrote a letter informing her that he had recently ventured into the Ghost Market to investigate a mysterious case... and so on. He had already prepared his words, so his writing flowed smoothly.
After confirming Wu Cuo, the envelope was carefully put away, and Mud Sparrow was instructed to deliver it. Li Xian compiled the results. It was mid-October. After enduring the cold and heat, Li Xian had attained the "Mud Body" in mid-October, accumulating a total of 2013 military merits. His past basic martial arts, Lower Vehicle martial arts... were almost all at the Great Self Realm. The Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, the Suffering Body Scripture, the Stone-Pushing Palm Method... were more than Perfection. The Flicked-Finger Golden Light Technique Perfection perfected [9536/35000 Perfection]. The [Sole-Self Heart Technique] Major Accomplishment halfway to perfection [16235/30000 Major Accomplishment]. The Five Organs Purge-Turbidity Revive-Yang Scripture Minor Accomplishment [5986/8000 Minor Accomplishment]. The Wraith Spear Peak Mastery but was still being refined.
He has become increasingly Proficiency in playing the Demonic Sound Soul-Shaking Melody. The first piece, "Demonic Flames Scorch the Heavens," has reached [2323/10000], and the second piece, "Demonic Fire's Wild Dance," has reached [1423/10000]. He has also practiced playing the other pieces.
They also received [Immortal Peach].
This item is extremely rare, with a rich and fragrant aroma. Consuming it brings great benefits, including increased comprehension, extended lifespan, and the acquisition of secret martial arts techniques... Li Xian took it out for close examination. It was pale red with faint gold tinges along the leaf edges and had a strong fragrance.
Li Xian gently whistled. The Golden Cicada flew to his shoulder, circled around his body several times, and then instantly crashed into his brow, transforming into golden eyes. The three eyes observed together, and combined with the characteristics of "Heavenly Union" and "Body-Sensing Heaven and Earth," the unique "comprehension" enhancement of the Sole-Self Heart Technique.
Bet with your body, mind, and eyes.
A combination of various remarkable effects.
The hidden Immortal Peach are different. These Immortal Peach are also called "heavenly peaches" because they grow from a "Mother Tree Mother Tree" that is planted in the Heaven of Immortal Peaches. Each year, only seventy-two Immortal Peach are produced.
The origin of the Immortal Peach Assembly has a different story. Legend has it that the "Sky Peach Mother Tree" is hard to find. Long ago, it was acquired by a master of the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. He knew that divine skills could be found in the Mother Tree.
Therefore, he cultivated it meticulously, harvesting seventy-two Immortal Peach each year. He consumed them in turn, comprehending martial arts and mastering a wondrous skill, which was extremely powerful. However, even after exhausting his life's efforts in contemplation, he could no longer advance further. That master was indeed a renowned hero and martial arts grandmaster. In his later years, when he wanted to seize the Sky Peach Mother Tree, he was filled with regret. He thought, "If I had given up the Immortal Peach for heroes to study and learn from, perhaps I would have been able to glimpse the secrets within the tree long ago. Now, although I possess the Mother Tree and enjoy a wondrous skill, I can never truly understand Mother Tree mysteries. I am old now, and because of my youthful arrogance and domineering possession, I have spent the rest of my life in regret, dying without ever discovering its secrets. Truly, the greatest regret in the world!"
At this time, he enjoyed high prestige in the martial arts world and possessed formidable martial arts skills. Therefore, he did not care about the leakage of his martial arts knowledge, but only wanted to explore the secrets of the Mother Tree. Thus, he changed his ways and decided to send out the Immortal Peach when they ripened the following year, and to host a banquet for guests from all directions. They would appreciate the immortal peaches together, comprehend the secrets, and pool their wisdom.
Over time, the Peach Banquet came into being. Countless heroes came to visit, but few were able to comprehend even a fraction of its secrets. As time passed, the mysteries of the Heavenly Peach were debunked as false. However, the Heavenly Peach was extremely rare and highly beneficial. The heroes were delighted to be invited by the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. Therefore, the Peach Banquet was held in a grand manner every year.
Gradually, it deviated from its original purpose. Li Xian quietly pondered, observing the peach's unusual form, and thought, "The Heavenly Peach is the fruit of the Sky Peach Mother Tree, the essence condensed from the Mother Tree. Historically, the Peach Banquet has always focused on eating peaches. However, I have a feeling that the peach's form has a natural, unpretentious quality. Perhaps I should examine it more closely before eating it." He knew that peaches are generally considered best when they are "plump" and "juicy," but the Heavenly Peach only bears seventy-two a year, many of which are shriveled or oddly shaped. Because the number of peaches is fixed, there is no room for selection, so all of them are presented. Although Li Xian only received one, he vaguely sensed and his mind flashed, guessing that the peaches were all different, not all of them plump and round, just like the nine sons of a dragon, each different. The seventy-two peaches each have a different appearance.
Although Li Xian felt something was strange, he couldn't completely decipher it in a short time. He thought, "I'll keep this precious peach for now. If its shape and form are not strange, I can eat it later." He put away the Golden Cicada, hid the heavenly peach, and began to hone his martial arts and improve himself.
He practiced until he was drenched in sweat, his movements fluid and exhilarating, all restraints on his hands and feet gone, the wind whistling through him. He simultaneously unleashed the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, the Demonic Sound Mind-Seizing Melody, and the Human-Garment Art, his proficiency steadily increasing. Li Xian's various martial arts were used flexibly and with unparalleled skill. With a thought, he switched to the Body-Unity Technique, the Cage-Body Force, and the Wraith Spear Technique... Li Xian's martial arts practice had become entirely at his command, changing with his will. He felt no hardship, only exhilaration. An hour later, Li Xian rested, took some Sweet Jujube Wine, and sang a drinking song as he drank. He was truly invigorated. The October autumn air was crisp and clear; Li Xian had no worries that night, reaping all his rewards. The next day, Li Xian went to Heartblessing Ward and Spring-Seeking Street to oversee the business of Dew Cicada Shop.
Xiao Chao and Xiao Wu were busy at work, and the Dew Cicada Shop was on track. The elders of the Nature Sect stationed in Jade City had promised a stable supply of cicadas, tea, and ginseng, though of lower quality, it was still a rare find. Li Xian had spent time teaching Xiao Chao and Xiao Wu the basics of treating and cultivating Enlightenment Cicada. They were able to make a living. Although not booming, the business was steadily improving. Xiao Chao and Xiao Wu were originally Common Citizen, but thanks to Li Xian's care, they had found a stable livelihood and learned a unique skill. They were grateful but also fearful, knowing that Li Xian was Gold Steward, the Detective of the Gold-Seeking Guard, so they dared not act recklessly or play tricks.
Li Xian reviewed the accounts and found them all matched perfectly, with no "fake accounts," "incorrect accounts," or "rotten accounts." As a reward, he bestowed several taels of silver upon Xiao Chao and Xiao Wu. He taught them "Four Directions Fist" for self-defense. With diligent practice, he explained that it could be used for self-defense, health maintenance, and countless other benefits. The two were deeply grateful and thanked him repeatedly. Li Xian simply smiled and went back to the Miraculous Healers Pavilion to look after them, helping with medical practice and miscellaneous tasks. Yao Baishun was overjoyed and insisted that Li Xian stay for lunch.
During the meal, the two discussed medical techniques. Yao Baishun repeatedly exclaimed, "The younger generation is truly formidable!" He noticed that Li Xian's medical skills were improving daily, his medical experience was deepening, and he was gradually showing the demeanor of a great physician. Yao Baishun greatly admired Li Xian's character and secretly gave him a medical manual for him to study. Li Xian declined briefly but then thanked him and accepted the book. Li Xian returned to his old, cramped residence, where traces of his former life remained, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
Thinking of Yao Yin's return to the sect, he felt quite nostalgic. "Yao Yin and her fellow disciples have left, they should be alright. Alas, Yao Yin was my first friend in Jade City, and I truly miss her now that she's gone. Her foot ailment should be fine, whether it's treated or not makes little difference. When we parted, I did think of helping her with her treatment. But I knew women are shy, so I decided not to mention it."
Returning to Tailstreet Marquis Wu Station Westwind Street, Bai Qinghao saw Horse Beast galloping in the martial arts arena, and several Gold Steward and Lei Chong were practicing polo. Upon seeing Li Xian, Bai Qinghao called out, "Brother Li! Long time no see! What big case have you been busy with?"
Lei Chong had already heard the call. He pretended not to notice, but he was secretly paying attention. Li Xian said, "I've been running around lately and I'm exhausted. I might as well take a break." Bai Qinghao said, "Your rest is too timely. Don't you know that after October, there are many major competitions? Whenever we have free time, we will practice polo and strive to get good results in the major competitions!"
Li Xian asked in detail. Bai Qinghao told him the truth. It turned out that Jade City often organized various grand competitions in October, November, and December, such as "polo" and "cuju". Although there was no competition notice at this time, the Gold Steward, guards, Cavalier would practice their polo skills whenever they had free time. If they gained fame in the competition, it would not only bring honor to Jade City, but also earn them a lot of military merits and allow them to be promoted!
Lei Chong is "Copper Body, Mud Face," yet he has no Lineage background. He yearns to be recognized during the grand polo tournament, so he practices diligently. Li Xian is very interested and decides to hone his polo skills whenever he has free time.
He briefly inquired about Gold-Seeking Guard's recent situation. Seeing that there was nothing much to do, he accepted a "second-tier important task" to loosen up his muscles. He investigated overnight and successfully solved the case, feeling extremely relaxed.
The next day.
Gold Steward has the power of "inspectorate patrol," allowing him to independently supervise the guards of major prisons and city gates. Although he cannot directly issue orders, he can enter and exit very easily. Li Xian used his privileges to enter "Evil-Quelling Island" again.
The boat sailed smoothly, and although the thick fog had not yet dissipated, no major disaster occurred. Li Xian found "Li Hengfeng" and saw that he was red-faced and in high spirits, being carried in a large sedan chair by eight jailers. He was being served very attentively, and it seemed that he had become a major prison tyrant!
Li Xian brought fine wine and food, inviting Li Hengfeng to join him for a meal. Li Hengfeng was overjoyed and deeply moved. He was a thief, despised by both the righteous and the Evil Dao. Yet, being a man of deep feeling, he was almost willing to entrust his heart to Li Xian because of Li Xian's earnest treatment!
With tears in his eyes, Li Hengfeng downed three large bowls of strong liquor in a row, but paused the moment it entered his mouth. He had once sneaked into the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower and drunk its special "Drunken Flower Wine," a taste he had never forgotten, even though it was just a quick sip. He had long ago decided that if he ever returned to the martial world, he would no longer steal women's rouge, but rather the strong liquor from the tower. Seeing him wolfing down his drink, Li Xian chuckled and teased him, saying that Li Hengfeng was deliberately using this as an excuse to drink more of the good wine.
The two men exchanged a glance and both laughed heartily. They clinked glasses several more times, drinking to their hearts' content. The prison was dimly lit, and their shadows fell on the wall as they clinked glasses. Li Hengfeng said, "Brother Li, you are much younger than me, but I consider you my own elder brother. Please have another drink!" He filled Li Xian's wine bowl, a little wine overflowing, but the aroma was fragrant.
Li Xian raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, laughing, "Brother Li! You flatter me! Between us, there's no need for such distinctions. We're just friends." Li Hengfeng shook his head, saying, "I don't care what you think, but in Li Hengfeng eyes, you and I are sworn brothers! If you want my life someday, brother, then give it to me!"
Li Xian quickly said, "Stop. If you were a beautiful woman, I might reluctantly accept." Li Hengfeng laughed heartily and said, "Brother Li! Although you are already the Gold Steward, as far as I know, it must be very difficult to get a few jars of Drunken Flower Wine, right? What brings you so generous?"
Li Xian said, "It's nothing much, but there's something I need to confirm with Brother Li, lest I cause a Dragon King Temple!" Li Hengfeng was taken aback and quickly asked for the reason. Li Xian continued, "Brother Li, do you know anything about the Ghost Thief father and son, and what your relationship is with them?"
Upon hearing this, Li Hengfeng's expression turned quite troubled. He had heard Li Xian mention "the flood washing away the Dragon King Temple," which clearly indicated the actions of the Ghost Thief father and son, thus offending Li Xian. Li Hengfeng gritted his teeth and said, "Indeed... indeed... we have some ties. But if it offends Brother Li, then... then please let it go!"
Li Xian asked, "Oh? What kind of relationship is this?" Li Hengfeng sighed and revealed their past friendship. It turned out that in the past, the three of them had shared a bed and were very close. They stole and cheated together, and were true brothers!
Li Xian thought to himself, "In that case, my concerns were not unnecessary." He then briefly told Li Hengfeng about the Ghost Thief father and son, promising to intervene and make their crimes less serious, or even exempt them from punishment.
Li Hengfeng was deeply moved and almost knelt down. Li Xian wrapped Li Hengfeng in his Pure-Gang Steaming Garment, creating an invisible supporting force that prevented Li Hengfeng from kneeling. The two drank several more cups of wine and ate most of the food and drink. Li Xian then left Evil-Quelling Island and headed to Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower.
Tao Xiangrong her lover when she suddenly heard that Li Xian was coming to visit. Overjoyed, she quickly dressed and made up to receive him. She had carefully chosen her clothes, but was still not satisfied. Fearing that Li Xian Li Xian would keep her waiting, she knew his temperament and knew he would leave if she waited too long. So she hurriedly dressed, lifted her skirt, and walked lightly over, calling out calmly, "Brother~"
Yet, her charming allure was undeniable. After two days apart, she looked at the young man again; his figure seemed even more upright and handsome, and she liked him no matter how she looked at him. Li Xian thought, "The matter of the Golden Lock has been resolved. I still need to straighten out my position a bit." He said, "Miss Tao, I've come because of what happened before." Tao Xiangrong was quite annoyed, her heart pounding, and she kept asking, "Why don't you call me sister anymore? Don't you recognize me?" Li Xian said, "This... this..."
Tao Xiangrong knew that although this young man was charming, his resolve was firm. He was truly a tough nut to crack and not easily won over. She said, "Quickly call me 'sister,' or there's no point in talking."
Li Xian said, "Hello, elder sister!" Tao Xiangrong smiled broadly and gently scolded, "You little brother, you're always so serious as soon as you arrive."
Li Xian said, "Sister, I do have important matters to discuss!" Tao Xiangrong said, "Alright, alright, you only care about important matters, where is your sister? If you have something to ask of me, then come find your sister again."
Li Xian said, "I've investigated the situation. That Ghost Thief father and son have a good relationship with Li Hengfeng. I've come here specifically to ask you, sister, to lessen their punishment." Tao Xiangrong's heart softened upon hearing the words "ask you, sister," which resonated with her. Why wouldn't she agree? But then she thought, "Such a golden opportunity! It's rare for this young man to ask me for help. How can I not seize it?" She said, "Oh? How does my brother plan to ask me? You're not just going to use words to fool me, are you?" Li Xian said, "I can even bow."
Tao Xiangrong chuckled and said, "You, you, how about this, I won't make things difficult for you. But I can't indulge you either. If I let those two thieves escape today, what will happen if something else is stolen in the future? I remember Li Hengfeng, he's the little thief who stole my rouge. This father and son Ghost Thief wanted to steal my Golden Lock. If I let them go today, and they try the same trick again to steal your treasures, what do you think we should do?"
Tao Xiangrong smiled and said, "As the saying goes, a real man takes responsibility for his actions. I can promise you that I will release the two of them. But in the future... if my sister has any more treasures stolen, you must be there whenever I call. Help my sister find them, and then..." She walked gracefully, circling around Li Xian lightly, a fragrant breeze wafting through the air.
Her fingers circled around Li Xian's waist, a gesture intended to tease her. But Tao Xiangrong her body beneath her clothes and felt the warmth of her fingertips, her heart trembled, and her voice trembled slightly. "If you can do that, then I will grant your wish and let you go completely."
Li Xian thought to herself, "You are the most dignified courtesan of Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, how can you be robbed again and again? I agree." She readily agreed. Tao Xiangrong and led Li Xian to a corner of the garden.
Two large black jars stood silently, and a head emerged from the mouth of one of them. Its ears, mouth, and eyes were sealed, making it impossible for it to speak, hear, or see. Its entire body was sealed inside the jars, making it impossible to move or budge.
After being left standing for several days, the father and son, Ghost Thief, were on the verge of madness. They were listless and lifeless, yet their breaths were labored and labored. Isolated from the outside world, their fate uncertain, they suffered immense torment every moment. Li Xian untied their mouths, ears, and eyes.
Their father's name was "Tian Yuan," and their son's name was "Tian Hu." The two immediately cried out, preferring a quick death to eternal torment. Li Xian ordered his men to break the black altar and free the two, then cut the ropes binding them and set them free. Tian Yuan and Tian Hu were filled with suspicion and looked at each other, feeling that there was a hidden scheme. They dared not leave easily and repeatedly asked questions to confirm.
Li Xian explained briefly, and the two men were somewhat convinced. However, they were still uneasy about fleeing. Tian Yuan and Tian Hu were skilled in deception and theft, and acted according to circumstances. Tian Yuan said, "Since the lives of you, great hero, are at stake, how about... how about letting my father and I become your servants, serving you for generations to repay your kindness?"
His move was a calculated move to avoid re-entering the underworld; he preferred to be a slave rather than risk his life. Li Xian said, "Slavery is unnecessary, but I may need informants. You two possess the ability to swindle the Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower; your talents are not weak. If you are willing to reform and become my informants, it would be a good choice." Tian Yuan and Tian Hu were overjoyed upon hearing this, feeling a glimmer of hope, and readily agreed. Thus, the two regained their freedom and became Li Xian 'Li Xian undercover agents, serving his purposes.
As she was leaving, Tao Xiangrong cast a flirtatious glance and said in a seductive voice, "Little brother, don't forget how you promised your sister." She watched Li Xian depart, her eyes gleaming. Thinking back to her recent investigation of case files, she discovered something quite intriguing and interesting. She said, "You little brother, you're actually Guilt Sword of the Deathwish Valley. How many things do you have that your sister doesn't know...? It's truly making me more and more captivated." Her voice was a mixture of admiration, joy, surprise, and heartache. Guilt Sword of the Deathwish Valley, three hundred consecutive victories, earned his freedom.
October, though with occasional setbacks, was generally smooth. In the latter half of the month, Li Xian solved several major cases that yielded significant military merits. Combined with his usual daily accumulation of merits, he had reached 2,579 points, finally enough to exchange for the martial art [Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique].
The "Phantom Transformation Technique" originally cost 2,990 military merits, but due to its long period of inactivity and lack of redemption, the merits were slightly reduced to 2,545. This was just enough for Li Xian to redeem.
The martial arts manual is engraved on light gray parchment. The surface is rough but very tough. Even if you pull it hard, it is difficult to break. The five characters "Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique" on the surface are bold and vigorous.
The Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique is Lower Vehicle martial art. Its purpose is to transform steam into mist when performing the martial art, instantly creating a maze to confuse the opponent's vision. This mist is formed from "Inner Steam," the Unseen enveloping the whole body, and can make the martial art appear exceptionally dazzling. It is like a "divine mist" appearing in the world, hence the name "Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique," but it is a move that is more deceptive than substantial.
This martial art, when practiced alone, is utterly useless. Although it has the name "Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique," it lacks spirit and rhythm, and is extremely mediocre. Therefore Gold-Seeking Guard and Gold Steward rarely exchanged for this skill.
However, if one gathers the basic martial arts [Heavenly Pivot Saber Method], [Suffering Body Scripture], and [Stone-Pushing Palm Method], the sonic martial art [Demonic Sound Mind-Seizing Melody], and the Lower Vehicle martial art [Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique], forming the "Pivot-Shadow Transformation School," the combination of these numerous martial arts will bring about a qualitative change!
The mysteries of various martial arts resonate and converge with each other, creating extraordinary martial arts phenomena that are truly unimaginable. The effects of these different martial arts are thus completely transformed. Li Xian obtained the Divine Mist Intent-Transformation Technique and immediately began preparing to practice it. In his life, the first complete school of martial arts was finally assembled!