Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 229 - 221: A Beautiful Wife Like a Teacher, Chilling to the Heart
Li Xian, upon hearing the news, sensed trouble. He knew Lady of Vendettas had many enemies, but considering the vastness of Jianghu and its wide territories, how could you easily encounter them?
Little did he know that upon checking into the inn, his whereabouts were exposed.
In fact, this area happened to be close to the forty thousand mile mark near the Benhua River. The dragon-serpent’s qi power was exhausted, barely bringing him here. Isn’t this falling right into a trap? 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Wen Caishang, confident in her superior strength, had the momentum of slaying gods if they blocked her, and killing Buddhas if they impeded her. She paid no mind to these "rabble." Yet, a series of misfortunes brought about a change.
Circumstance after circumstance, pushed her into an unpredictable path.
If Wen Caishang hadn’t plotted to steal Earth Radiance. The dragon-serpent galloping, playing with the wind and waves, could have delivered them straight back to Yihetang Manor in one breath. All obstacles could have been avoided.
Li Xian frowned, following in secret. He soothed his face with ash, walked a few miles, and saw Jianghu guests wielding swords and iron nets converging in front of an inn.
Li Xian murmured: "Goodness, there are quite a lot of people!" Using a cover, he observed in secret.
Over thirty people surrounded the inn, with an imposing aura. Their leader was a Sword Rain Tower elder named "Xi Dajian."
Ironically.
The Yellow Sand Sect, Sword Rain Tower, Taixin Sect, Shiluo Village, and Wuji Saber Sect, formed a "Sword-Seeking Alliance," aiming to besiege and kill Wen Caishang.
They guarded the forty thousand mile mark early. Setting up ambushes along the way, they ended up empty-handed, their spirits dampened. Unwilling to give up, the factions continued their search.
Xi Dajian, a Sword Rain Tower elder, with ten direct disciples, scouted for clues along the road. That noon, they arrived at this town.
Seeing his accompanying disciples weary, Xi Dajian knew that should they encounter the witch, they would need to focus and arrange formations to counteract. Physical strength and mental alertness were crucial. Hence, he sought out an inn, rented rooms to let the disciples rest.
While handing over silver at the counter, Xi Dajian overheard the waiter and shopkeeper chatting about an exceptionally handsome pair of guests who arrived today.
Xi Dajian casually asked: "Oh? How handsome?"
"Sir, they’re incredibly handsome. The man is so, and so is the woman. They suit each other perfectly, but..." the waiter trailed off.
Xi Dajian sensed something amiss and asked: "I’m curious, please tell me."
The waiter smiled: "Master, it’s not appropriate to gossip about guests. If they hold us accountable, I can’t afford it."
Xi Dajian understood, took a piece of silver from his sleeve, and said: "How about now?"
The waiter’s eyes lit up, looking around before pocketing the silver, whispering: "Well... that pair, they look good. But it seems the woman is more formidable, always ordering the man around."
Xi Dajian gripped the waiter’s shoulder, sternly saying: "What were they wearing, their looks? Describe in detail."
The waiter cried in pain but couldn’t escape. With tears in his eyes, he described: "The woman... in white clothes, with long hair, an oval face, fair skin. She had three silver hairpins, looking very noble. The man was very young, tall, with a red mole between his brows..."
At this point, Xi Dajian released his grip with a push. The waiter’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
Xi Dajian took a deep breath, knowing he found his target, yet feared Wen Caishang’s notorious name, not daring to act rashly. He immediately dispatched disciples to summon the "Sword-Seeking allies" within the city.
Thus, this scene unfolded.
Exiting the inn, Xi Dajian shouted:
"Guests inside, if you don’t want to die, get out fast!"
His voice thunderous, the inn was three stories, with eighteen guest rooms each floor. Guests hurriedly opened windows, seeing Jianghu fighters surrounding outside. Afraid of being caught up, they hastily packed their belongings and fled from the inn.
Xi Dajian saw everything ready, just awaiting the east wind, thinking: "Rumor has it that witch’s swordsmanship is extremely powerful. Humph, if she meets my Sword Rain Feihua Array, let’s see how extraordinary she really is. When I take her head, I shall rise another step."
Xi Dajian declared: "Witch Wen Caishang, your evil deeds are unpardonable, come meet your death quickly!"
The disciples of Sword Rain Tower unsheathed their swords, emitting a sharp sound. In her room, Wen Caishang paused her meditation, frowned, and slowly descended the stairs.
Upon first sight of Wen Caishang, Xi Dajian was stunned, his heart trembled slightly, realizing Jianghu rumors were indeed true. Lady Zhe Jian’s beauty could indeed cause someone to break their sword.
However, her methods were chilling to the bone. Xi Dajian remarked: "Well now, truly met you here."
Not daring to say more, he waved his hand and commanded: "Form the array!"
Dozens combined forces, surrounding Wen Caishang.
Wen Caishang, severely injured, struggled with qi movement, her face pale. Facing the siege, she retreated continuously, losing her former prowess, inevitably appearing somewhat pitiful.
Observing from the sidelines, Li Xian’s thoughts were complicated: "Since becoming her disciple, although I’ve benefited, I’ve always wanted to free myself, to escape her constraints. At this moment, if the Lady truly is in danger, this is the perfect opportunity. The world is vast, I could flee. But... am I, Li Xian, one to take advantage of others’ peril? Even if I choose to leave one day, it must be with honor, confronting her directly!"
With his mind set, Li Xian drew the Sinking River Sword, charging into the fray. He kicked away experts from the Yellow Sand Sect and Taixin Sect, shouting: "Lady, I’m here to help you!"
Xi Dajian saw that the sword array had already trapped Wen Caishang and was exhilarated. Suddenly, he saw Li Xian break into the array, laughed heartily, and said, "There’s really a pretty boy. Good, since that’s the case, I’ll kill you first!"
He snatched the longsword from the disciple beside him and leaped forward to kill. There was no ambiguity; the sword technique he used was the "Flying Star Scattered Sword," where the sword shot out like a meteor.
Li Xian was startled; in his entire life, he had never encountered such a formidable adversary. Forcing himself to remain calm, he did not dare hold back and performed the "Sunset Mountain" move from the Setting Sun Bloodsword.
This move was a defensive sword technique. "When the sun hides behind the evening mountain, protect yourself thoroughly." As their swords clashed at that moment, both were surprised.
Xi Dajian was shocked by his opponent’s high-level swordsmanship and profound skill. Full of envy and jealousy, he thought that Li Xian, at such a young age, must have been taught sincerely by Wen Caishang. A beautiful wife as a teacher, how delightful! His murderous intent grew even stronger.
Li Xian, on the other hand, was experiencing battle with a Second Realm Martial Artist for the first time. Considering only swordsmanship skill, Xi Dajian’s Flying Star Scattered Sword could not compare to Li Xian’s Setting Sun Bloodsword.
In terms of swordsmanship quality, the Flying Star Scattered Sword was a Middle Martial Arts, while the Setting Sun Bloodsword was a Superior Martial Arts, although somewhat incomplete. There was little difference.
However, at the moment of crossing swords, he immediately felt that his swordsmanship was being suppressed. It was not oppression by "Qi" or "strength," but by a set of martial arts, as if it was a heavenly insight and celestial imagination.
Those of high realm, trained their bodies to be like heaven and earth, and could evolve this insight within their own world.
Li Xian was in a state of fearful anxiety, yet felt that though he was being suppressed, it was not fatal. He executed the Vast Leg, sweeping across, filled with mist, obstructing visibility.
Xi Dajian sneered, "Little tricks!" He swung his sword to cut through. At the moment of drawing the sword, the world darkened abruptly, and the arc of the sword was like a meteor striking.
Astonishingly brilliant, overwhelmingly fast and fierce. Li Xian’s sharp eyesight guessed this sword momentum was like a meteor; to catch it with a sword would be seeking death with bare hands.
In a fraction of a second, he abandoned the sword and drew the saber. The Daluo Saber Technique, supplemented by Four Directions Fist Intent, created a dense iron web of attacks. Xi Dajian said, "How decisive!"
He withdrew his sword to protect himself and then performed the "Sword Falling on the Lonely Mountain" move. This Flying Star Scattered Sword was indeed Middle Martial Arts. Its speed was both fast and fierce, with lethal intent hidden in unseen places.
Li Xian employed saber techniques to demonstrate sword techniques, creating Yang Extreme Sword Radiance. The crimson glow guarded him closely. Xi Dajian withdrew in shock, taking several steps back, and withdrew his body in great surprise, "This child’s a monster! At such a young age, he can practice upper level swordsmanship to the Perfect Realm!"
After several exchanges, surprisingly, he didn’t manage to take him down. Xi Dajian yelled angrily, "You little brash one, come die!" He was serious now, ready to kill again.
Suddenly, his pupils contracted, seeing a soft sword extend like a spirit snake from its hole, slashing towards his neck. Xi Dajian’s anger dissipated swiftly, turning into terror as he leaned back to avoid it.
Although the soft sword was pliable, it was extremely sharp. With just a light brush, another furrow appeared on the ground. Xi Dajian swung his sword to block, but saw that the soft sword was agile, avoiding direct sword contact.
Relying entirely on its flexibility and ability to extend, it attacked. In an instant, his abdomen, arms, and thighs were all scraped with sword marks, bleeding profusely.
Xi Dajian yelled, "Where are you? Where are you!" Cold sweat poured as he looked around. Suddenly, he felt a wave of darkness, seeing his direct disciples, the Yellow Sand Sect, and Taixin Sect, over thirty people, all killed by the sword.
Xi Dajian was horrified and said, "How can it be, weren’t you trapped in the sword array?"
Wen Caishang said calmly, "With a petty character like yours, you think you can trap me?"
Li Xian understood but felt complex and indescribable emotions, thinking, "Madam was testing me just now. Pretending to be inferior to see my reaction. Madam, oh madam, even if I wanted to be sincere with you, it’s hard nonetheless."
Li Xian, by nature unrestrained, yearned for free heavens and earth. Though calculated with Wen Caishang, it was to protect himself. His nature differed from Wen Caishang’s, but prolonged contact might not be without feelings.
Parting from Wen Caishang might not necessarily be a betrayal. Li Xian had his own thoughts, and he was never blindly loyal. But at this moment, he was considered loyal.
Wen Caishang’s constant tests were understandable but inevitably led to a rift. Li Xian appearing just now indeed risked his life. Seeing his mistress scheme again, his heart inevitably grew cold.
He quickly adjusted, "Oh well, oh well. Am I truly expecting the mistress to favor a young fellow like me? I’m just a small speck of dust, life as trivial as an ant. The mistress may have use for me now, but if I die, she probably won’t mourn for me."
"A kindness repaid is all that matters, with integrity. A man in the world should be responsible for himself."
Having clarified his intent, his distracting thoughts dissipated.
Wen Caishang raised her Liu Mei brows, swirling the blade of the sword in her hand, the White Snake Soft Sword flashing frequently. It was so fast that it was difficult for the naked eye to see.
The densely flickering sword edge transformed into a cage, trapping Xi Dajian inside, with the slightest move causing the skin to break and bleed. Wen Caishang asked, "You set a trap to kill me, how do you wish to die?"
Xi Dajian dropped his sword, acknowledging his defeat, and saw no way out. He said, "Lady Zhe Jian, truly formidable! To kill or flay, as you wish."
Wen Caishang said, "Good! Then I shall flay first and kill later!" With a flick of her wrist, the sword light flashed away, slicing off a piece of flesh from Xi Dajian’s arm.
Wen Caishang thought, "My injuries haven’t healed, and I’m being besieged. I need to act ruthlessly so that they’re too afraid to pursue me again!" Another flick of the wrist.
Xi Dajian’s screams echoed continuously as the flesh on his arms was meticulously stripped away. This pain was worse than execution by slicing!
Wen Caishang’s swordsmanship was astonishingly terrifying. Xi Dajian’s cheeks, arms, thighs... his whole body was shaved bit by bit. Before long, he turned into a skeletal frame.
Li Xian was aghast, having long heard of Wen Caishang’s ruthlessness. Seeing her cripple people before was already cruel. Today she was even harsher, actually flaying skin alive!
Xi Dajian somehow still alive, cursed, "Vicious woman... you won’t have... a good death!" His breath dispersed, and he died completely.
Wen Caishang said with a smile, "Little Immortal, you did well!"
