Seven hundred miles of long and winding road.

This day passing by the "Taihang Mountain," in the distance black smoke rises, there's a power boiling Essence Food.

The lady has been traveling for several days, weary from the journey. Seeing the towering Taihang Mountain, as the sun sets at dusk, a mountain city is nestled against the mountain, with buildings glowing as if brushed with golden lacquer.

She wished to rest and freshen up for the night, so she instructed Li Xian to enter the city.

Li Xian agreed, and turned onto the path up the mountain. As he ascended, a woodcutter was found unconscious by the roadside, with wood scattered all over the ground.

Li Xian felt compassion and called out, "Old man, old man!"

The woodcutter had fainted, covered in a thick blanket of snow. Li Xian was wary, channeling his Palm Power, he skillfully struck through the air. The Palm Force transformed into a gust of wind, scattering the piled snow.

"He has really fainted." Li Xian turned back and asked, "Madam, what shall we do?"

"Just an old farmer, let's go around him." Madam Wen said.

Li Xian said, "Madam, aren't we heading to the nearby large city to find an inn to stay? How about giving him a ride along the way?"

Madam Wen was silent for a moment, finding it troublesome. But she said, "As you wish, I'll rest for a bit, just handle it properly."

Li Xian lifted the old farmer, checked his physique, finding he had never practiced martial arts. He was slightly relieved, then checked his pulse, which was weak.

"In this snowy weather, the old farmer fainted in the road, with wood scattered everywhere. It seems he was chopping wood, having traveled tens of miles. Exhausted, he fainted on the road."

"This small matter, easily handled. It's not a problem."

Li Xian placed the wood on the carriage rack, infused Inner Qi into the old farmer's body. Baiyun's four hooves trotted lightly, heading towards a nearby town.

The old farmer gradually awoke, sleepy-eyed, watching the scenery quickly pass by. He muttered, "Am I dead!" and sighed deeply, accepting the thought. After a while, realizing it didn't seem like death, he reached around to feel, surprised at the smooth texture, and observed his surroundings.

Only then did he realize he was being carried in a Fragrant Jade Treasure Carriage. Terrified, he jumped from the carriage, only to be pulled back by a hand. The old farmer looked carefully and asked, "Immortal... Immortal home? Where are you taking me?"

Li Xian laughed and said, "What Immortal home, you fainted, so I gave you a ride along the way."

The old farmer scratched his head, finally understanding, expressing immense gratitude immediately. Li Xian shrugged it off, taking him back to the village, then drove the horse away.

"You helped him today, but tomorrow he might die again from hunger or cold. Isn't it a waste of effort?" Madam Wen's voice drifted from the carriage.

It turns out she hadn't been sleeping, but was watching Li Xian. Her tone was puzzled.

She never lent a helping hand.

Li Xian chuckled, "No other reason, just felt like it."

"Just felt like it?" Madam Wen murmured, "You're quite open-minded, making me seem cold."

...

The carriage entered Taihang Mountain City, passing by the gate of a sect with the inscription "Taihang Mountain Sect" on the plaque, majestic and grand.

Li Xian found a renowned inn in the city, rented a room. He also ordered several exquisite dishes, requesting the cook to start cooking, for he was famished. He then led the lady into the inn.

The waiter said, "Sir, it's cold today, do you want hot water? If so, I'll go, but... the costs will be higher, with firewood and labor..."

"Take it." Li Xian generously tossed out a piece of silver.

The waiter laughed and said, "Of course! You're quite generous, sir!" Taking Baiyun to the stable, he was fed with the finest grass.

Several dishes of hot food were served, like oil-fried peanuts, braised beef, stir-fried pork liver, Taihang oil chicken... local customs, local dishes. These small stir-fries in the city were rich with a smoky flavor, quite appetizing.

The lady sat gracefully, lifting the wine pot to pour, extending her elegant hand, she even poured a bowl for Li Xian.

Li Xian was taken aback, his gaze peculiar. Madam Wen said softly, "In the Jianghu matters, you young one have less experience than I. I, too, drink wine."

"Today, finding some leisure, let's drink freely. Don't be reserved."

Li Xian, feeling honored, raised his bowl to clink. The lady, though she consumes Jade Dew to stave off hunger, could not resist culinary temptations.

Li Xian raised his bowl to toast, Madam Wen lightly touched her sleeve, holding her cup, gently laughed and clinked cups, saying "Drink," then downed her cup of fine wine.

She picked up an oil-fried peanut, placed it in her mouth, slowly chewing and savoring. Li Xian was both surprised and bewildered.

Madam Wen asked, "Why aren't you eating?"

"I was thinking, the lady is so close to me." Li Xian honestly replied.

"Was I far from you before?" Madam Wen asked with a smile.

"Very far...and a bit fierce."

Li Xian had never dined with the lady, though living in the backyard, very close to her, there were layers of calculations between them. Today, feeling the lady's closeness, his mind ached, losing calculations, his words came from the heart.

"Hmm?" Madam Wen frowned, "Hold out your hand."

Li Xian silently regretted but complied. Madam Wen playfully tapped with her chopsticks, without causing pain. She laughed, "I won't argue with you today."

"Lady, I toast to you." Li Xian gathered courage, filling the cup again. Madam Wen rolled her eyes, saying, "Are you trying to get me drunk?" She clinked, lightly sipped.

Taihang Mountain City, built by the mountain. After nightfall, wind and snow howled, the inn business bleak, the two were alone, undisturbed.

Traveling guests, tonight, glimpsing a bit of genuine emotion.

...

...

The next day.

Warm sun rose in the east, purple air floated upward.

The mountain city bustled gently, Li Xian opened the window, seeing houses and pavilions, irregularly arranged.

Suddenly a thought arose: "This city, built amid the mountains, should there be a day of escape, pursued by powerful foes, perhaps I could hide here, leveraging the unique terrain."

"Last night's drinking with the lady, a first." Li Xian stretched, went downstairs to prepare, ready to depart for the manor.

Near the stable, sudden noise was heard.

In front of the stable stood six men, broad shoulders and tough stance, behaving brutishly. The six men teased Baiyun, stroking its mane, touching its saddle, saying:

"Tsk tsk tsk, such a rare fine horse, when I saw it last night, thought about it all night. Today, scoured the area, finally found it."

"I didn't inherit my father's talent, but I did inherit his love for horses. Seeing such a good horse, I just can't let go!"

Li Xian shouted, "What are you doing?"

The six turned around. The leader, Liu Shanxing, asked, "Is this your horse?"

"Indeed." Li Xian said.

Liu Shanxing impatiently waved a hand, "I want it. You can leave now."

"You think you can use strong-arm tactics? I'm afraid you're not qualified yet," Li Xian said calmly.

Liu Shanxing raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you know where this place is?"

"Taihang Mountain City," Li Xian replied.

Liu Shanxing asked again, "You know what your grandfather's territory is called, so let me ask you, do you know who your grandfather is?"

"Your grandfather is me, Liu Shanxing of the Taihang Mountain Sect! With just a word, I can surround the entire Taihang Mountain so that not a drop of water can pass through. Heh, they say it's easy to enter the mountain but hard to leave."

"This horse is mine now, so get lost!"

It turned out...

Last night, Li Xian rode into the city, Baiyun underfoot, galloping gracefully. Passing by the Taihang Mountain Sect, he was spotted by Liu Shanxing. This guy had a peculiar obsession with horses and couldn't resist when he saw a fine steed.

He immediately had notions of seizing it by force.

Early that morning, fearing the strange horse would disappear, he brought his thugs and searched inns door to door.

This scene is what ensued.

Liu Shanxing, seeing Li Xian refusing to step down, grew annoyed and said, "You, you, get him for me! My father's birthday banquet is coming up; if I get this horse, I'll gift it to him. If he is pleased, I'll reward you with martial arts training!"

The surrounding disciples exchanged a glance, greed in their eyes, and sneered. They stepped forward in unison, vaguely forming a formation.

Li Xian progressed rapidly in the martial arts but never underestimated any opponent. He knew the formation was powerful, so he struck first.

The sharp blade came out of the sheath, slashing towards a big man's chest.

The big man was caught off guard, the formation was incomplete, and he stumbled. Unable to evade, he took the blow. Blood splattered, a scream erupted, and he immediately fainted.

Li Xian dodged and turned, striking twice more. His sword technique was unparalleled, the blade swift and decisive. Though these thugs weren't weak, they were no match for him.

In no time, they were thoroughly defeated.

Liu Shanxing, who had long dominated the market, never expected to hit a steel wall. Despite having the highest cultivation and resources, his character was cowardly and weak.

In shock and fear, he exclaimed "Ouch!" and fell to the ground.

He was physically strong, nurtured on Essence Treasure since childhood, reaching the Food Essence Realm. Yet he was so lazy in martial arts training, resulting in such cowardice.

Madam Wen woke up in good spirits, feeling refreshed as if drinking sweet dew. She walked down from upstairs and asked, "What's all this noise?"

"Madam, this man wants to take Baiyun by force," Li Xian explained truthfully.

"I... I am Liu Xuelong's son from the Taihang Mountain Sect," Liu Shanxing said. "What... what do you want?"

Li Xian inquired, "This little scoundrel, how about beating him up and throwing him into the street?"

"This is no ordinary scoundrel,"

Madam Wen said, "I've heard of his father, Liu Xuelong. Dominant in the Taihang Mountain region, he's at least a Second Realm Martial Artist. He mimicked the Taihang Mountain's terrain and created martial arts: Taihang Monument-Opening Hand, Taihang Mountain Transport Skill... all quite remarkable, quite laudable."

"Yes, yes, yes."

Liu Shanxing puffed his chest, suddenly confident, glared at Li Xian, and said, "I didn't expect you, a beautiful woman, to have some knowledge. Yes, my father is Liu Xuelong. As they say, a dragon in the Taihang Mountain. That's my father. Now that you know the name, are you willing to sell this strange horse?"

Li Xian thought, "Foolish boy, I was going to just beat you up once and not take your life. Madam Wen coming down, with her gentle words hiding daggers, means your little life looks uncertain."

Madam Wen asked, "I've heard your father is hosting a birthday banquet soon?"

"Yes," Liu Shanxing puffed his chest again.

"How unfortunate, how unfortunate," Madam Wen shook her head.

"Do you also want to attend the birthday banquet? To offer birthday wishes to my father?" Liu Shanxing said, "You are quite beautiful; if you go to offer birthday wishes, my father might be happy. If you sell me this horse, I'll give you an invitation."

Madam Wen said, "I mean... it's a pity for your father, before the birthday banquet, he'll have to mourn first. Kill him."

Liu Shanxing said, "Wh... what do you mean, kill him? You... you..." disbelief suffusing his face.

Li Xian's blade fell, and Liu Shanxing's head dropped to the ground, his life ended instantly.

Madam Wen said, "Send the head back."

"Madam, wouldn't this..." Li Xian asked.

Madam Wen said, "It's fine."

Li Xian called a waiter, rewarding him with hush money. He took a red silk cloth, wrapped Liu Shanxing's head, and tied it to an arrow.

Passing by the Taihang Mountain Sect, he shot the arrow. A swift ride, and they were gone.

...

...

Before returning to Qingning County, Li Xian trained day and night, finally bringing the Thunderbolt Finger to perfection.

[Thunderbolt Finger]

[Skill Level: 245/20000 Perfection]

[Description: You practice Thunderbolt Finger, mastering and deftly using all four killing moves. "Chest Drum Thunder Sound" significantly enhanced, the thunder sound starts to mutate.]

The Qi Lake expanded, the thunder sound reverberating through his body, tempering his physique. His Qi Power grew stronger.

Li Xian's chest emanated the Thunder Sound, deep and resonant like a giant bell. With a thought, using Finger Power to reflect the Thunder Sound, it became sharp as a needle.

A wild rabbit, hearing the Thunder Sound by chance, immediately had its ears bleed, kicked its legs, and died on the road.

"The greatest advantage of the Thunderbolt Finger is that it has taught me how to deftly utilize the Chest Drum Thunder Sound. If I encounter a powerful enemy, this move might turn the tide unexpectedly!"

The carriage flew by.

Along the way, encountering demons, dispelling evildoers. Li Xian handled all the minor and miscellaneous matters.

Madam Wen saw this and thought, "Although his cultivation is shallow, I'm increasingly reluctant to part with him."

In the blink of an eye, the day of returning to the mansion arrived.

After handling some minor matters.

In the inner courtyard.

The Heaven and Earth Treasure Box was placed in front, and Madam Wen, decisive in rewards and punishments, said, "I'll share with you a scale and half a tail."

"Today I'll teach you how to consume the 'Human Yellow.'"

"You need to remember everything from today well. Because these are your exclusively own recipes."

"Remember the first Human Yellow Essence Treasure!"

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