Another Test, Third-Realm Manifestations, Questioning the General, Forcing Out the Essentials!

Once the two had finished discussing important matters, Zhao Yingqiong said, "Go about your business. Just put this general back in the box." Li Xian said, "All right!" He carried her back, picked up the walnut from the bottom of the box, stuffed it into her mouth, then pulled the hood over her head to hide her face. Zhao Yingqiong suddenly thought, Damn, I forgot to agree on a signal with him. She let out a muffled shout.

Li Xian teased her inwardly. The general's really gotten into character. She seems to be enjoying herself. He shut the lid, kicked the box twice, and growled in a low voice, "Behave!" Then he brought Ding Longxiang back, set the two boxes side by side, and went off to practice martial arts. Though Zhao Yingqiong knew it was an act, she could not stop struggling. In the darkness, it felt as though she had truly been captured. Only when she was exhausted did she helplessly think, So be it. We can agree on a signal when there's another chance. Gradually, she grew accustomed to it and drifted off to sleep.

Li Xian practiced in the courtyard, the wind surging around him. He trained until late at night before going to bed. At daybreak, he rose with the rooster's crow to practice again, working through fist, sword, leg, and saber techniques. Around midmorning, a knock sounded at the door.

Li Xian opened it and found a man in hemp clothes. "What is it?" The man cupped his hands. "I'm a messenger. A gentleman has invited you to his residence as a guest. He said his surname is Tang." Li Xian replied, "All right. Tell him I'll be there at noon."

After the man left, Li Xian drank a couple of mouthfuls of Venomous