Chapter 612: Chapter 341: Fist Strikes the Sword Sect, Sword Subdues the Lady, Disciplining the Wife, the Great Self Emerges!

Wang Zongzheng said, "Brother Li, please speak." Li Xian said, "Your Sword Sect has five members, while my wife is by herself. If there is a duel, I must assist my wife."

Xiao Wanjian said sternly, "Little brat, do you think you’re in a grave? Don’t know life from death." Wang Zongzheng said, "Brother Li, although you are indeed not typical, it might not be wise to rashly get involved in this matter."

Li Xian said decisively, "Humph, of course I know. When the time comes, I’ll defend my wife against two swords, and my life will be worth it."

The elders said, "This..." All were worried that if Li Xian were injured during the duel, the situation would be hard to manage. Wen Caishang had just lightly struck and flicked, revealing the tip of the iceberg, showing her capabilities were quite terrifying.

Hu Yueyue said, "Madam Wen, you should decide on this matter."

Wen Caishang glanced at Li Xian lightly, her mouth curled up, realizing, "This kid is drawing a big circle, talking this and that, just to participate in the duel. He cherishes those eyes, and with the duel, I can’t gouge them out now." She then thought with interest, "This doesn’t hurt anything, just agree to him."

She nodded and said, "Alright, let him."

Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Xiao Wanjian, Hou Yuande, and Wang Zongzheng nodded in agreement and waved gently. Disciples behind them took out the invitation for battle and presented it with both hands. Li Xian bowed to receive it and stood beside Wen Caishang.

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Since everything has been arranged, everyone, please stay. My daughter invites you to a banquet." The elders said in surprise, "This..."

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Are you distinguished elders worried that I might secretly harm you? Such concerns underestimate me. Cai Shang genuinely invites you."

The elders had no reason to decline and agreed. Wen Caishang called Xiaotuan and instructed her to contact the shopkeeper of the restaurant and bring the best "tables" and "cushions," as well as prepare chefs, food, and fine wine...

Several tables were set by the waterfall, with serene scenery, featuring snowflakes, waterfalls, peach blossoms, green grass, jade pavilion... Wen Caishang was dignified, courteous, drinking and talking, with laughter, seemingly without any enmity.

Xiaotuan called several people to repair the courtyard walls, fill in the holes, and brush on red paint. They busied themselves for a day. By dusk, the elders from the Five Sects all took their leave. Li Xian and Wen Caishang rested in the viewing pavilion.

Li Xian removed the headdress of Wen Caishang, neatly placing it aside. Her long hair cascaded smoothly down to her waist. Wen Caishang smiled and said, "You have quite the courage, daring to get involved in this kind of duel."

Li Xian said, "I know I’m definitely not an opponent, but as a human shield, I might be of some use." Wen Caishang smiled, "When you truly get hit by two swords, let’s see if you can still brag like this?"

Li Xian said sincerely, "Does Madam doubt my sincerity?" Wen Caishang paused internally, "This kid is mischievous but genuine. He has saved me more than once." Feeling sweet inside, she smiled, "Alright, alright, call it my mistake. The Five Mountains Sword Sect has a solid foundation, but though these five elders are experienced, they do not seem very formidable to me."

"It’s just the right opportunity to teach you some combat experience. But, Mr. Li..."

She suddenly reached to stroke Li Xian’s cheek and said, "Isn’t it time you repaid your debt?" Li Xian calmly said, "Madam, please go ahead." Wen Caishang flicked her sleeve, and Li Xian’s palm then bore four sword marks, all from the Heartache Sword.

Li Xian endured the intense pain, sweating on his forehead. The pain pierced his soul, lasting stubbornly, unable to faint. As time passed, the pain became clearer, making it hard even to cry out. He wanted to speak several times but held back forcefully. Wen Caishang gently wiped the blood off the sword and said, "This is the true power of the Heartache Sword, previously when I captured you, I held back some strength."

"You stood up for me, which I appreciate. But hiding your thoughts as if I wouldn’t notice is cleverness. From now on, you need to repay five swords each day; I won’t hold back under my sword."

Li Xian waited for the pain to subside before managing to say, "Alright. I’ll obey Madam’s orders completely. My life is in Madam’s hands. Even if Madam kills me now, I would have no complaints."

Wen Caishang’s expression softened slightly and said calmly, "Why would I kill you, deliberately speaking harshly to make me feel guilty? You still owe one sword today, lift your hand to receive it." As the fifth sword stabbed down, the debts grew increasingly complex.

Wen Caishang said stiffly, "Since you’ve volunteered to fight, do not be lazy. Before the duel, practice the Setting Sun Bloodsword diligently. When the time comes, I’ll accompany you, opposing with dual swords united. If you cannot defeat the enemy with dual swords united, needing me to help, it would show you arrogantly escaped, learned bad habits. You’ve picked up miscellaneous teachings, martial arts that need correcting completely. Then, I’ll have to abolish all the miscellaneous martial arts you learned and retrain."

"In the coming days, you’ll only have two hours of sleep each day. The rest of the time must be spent practicing swordsmanship here. I’ll occasionally watch you. Don’t need to talk about the consequences of slacking off."

She walked gracefully back to the pavilion, went to the window on the second floor, slightly lifted a corner of the curtain to observe. Seeing Li Xian practicing sword diligently, she put the curtain down, returned to the cushion to meditate, practicing the Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique. Her knowledge was vast, yet her character had flaws. Seeing Li Xian’s cunning nature, she couldn’t help but get angry upon recalling later.

Li Xian knew Madam’s temperament well, so he waited for the pain to dissipate, warmed his body with energy, picked up the "Cyan Sword" to practice the "Setting Sun Bloodsword." He swung a few swords casually, with a unique charm only he possessed.

Suddenly he thought, "Madam might be secretly observing, this is my biggest advantage, relying on this swordsmanship creates prestige. I must hide a bit." He purposely concealed his sword skill by seventy percent, occasionally mixing in a few unique strokes to maintain peak levels.