Li Xian sat calmly in the courtyard, contemplating various martial arts. He had reached the peak in basic martial arts and lower martial arts. Only the first and second levels of the Setting Sun Bloodsword were perfect, but not at the peak.

"Could it be that Madam is delaying teaching me lightweight skills, afraid that I'll run away?"

"The Setting Sun Bloodsword can be practiced as usual. With my current energy, I can study another martial art."

He went straight to the Leisure Martial Pavilion, crossed the mechanism narrow bridge, and entered the pavilion to select martial arts.

Among them, the martial arts included both basic and lower level. Li Xian examined more than a dozen books; the basic martial arts were exquisite, while the lower martial arts had flaws.

"I suppose... the lower martial arts here were mostly created by Madam on a whim. Therefore, they are not very perfect and are strictly speaking, incomplete martial arts."

"And because they are incomplete, the difficulty of practicing them is higher. Thinking back to when I practiced the Jade Palm, the energy and time it consumed were far more than the Thunderbolt Finger."

"Part of it was of course because my martial arts realm was increasing, my understanding deepened, and similar techniques became easier to connect. However, the Jade Palm itself also had its flaws."

Li Xian, holding a candle, walked slowly. Suddenly, he saw a lower martial art [Vast Leg], and as he flipped through and read carefully, he felt very pleased.

"This Vast Leg is somewhat similar to the Clear Wind Leg. Although it's not a lightweight skill, it can increase foot strength. If I practice this martial art, my speed will improve even more."

"The effects of different martial arts stack. I wonder if it could replace lightweight skills?"

He immediately went to a side room, silently reciting. Committed everything to memory, and after confirming it, went out to begin practicing.

[Vast Leg]

[Skill Level: 12/600 Beginner]

Due to the solid foundation of the Clear Wind Leg, Li Xian quickly got started with the Vast Leg. There are no shortcuts in martial arts, only hard practice.

After half a day of practice, the skill level increased to [321]. Li Xian paused to rest, had lunch, and then turned to practice the Setting Sun Bloodsword.

The essence of the Clear Wind Leg is to be formless like the wind, harming others unintentionally. A seemingly light kick holds a deadly move. The Vast Leg, on the other hand, is like mist enveloping the lake. The leg technique is ethereal, its trajectory unpredictable, and it conceals danger.

Li Xian, with Heaven rewarding diligence and his innate intelligence, grasped the essentials of martial arts and practiced hard.

The next day, he had mastered the Vast Leg.

[Vast Leg]

[Skill Level: 136/1200 Mastery]

[Description: You initially glimpsed the path, practiced diligently, mastered the Vast Leg technique, and gradually increased your leg strength. You discovered that Vast Leg and Clear Wind Leg complement each other, understanding the "Clear Wind Vast Mist" trait.]

Martial arts complement each other.

The Clear Wind Leg's [Lightness Mystery] allows Li Xian to be as light as the wind, rising with it. Yet it is not flexible or free. The Clear Wind Vastness... proves beneficial at this point.

...

...

In this way, the Vast Leg and the second level of the Setting Sun Bloodsword... were steadily progressing. His strength improved bit by bit, and his inner qi grew drop by drop.

Madam Wen emerged from closed cultivation three days later.

Li Xian helped unwind the silkworm robe, getting close in a way even mundane couples seldom do. Seeing Madam with her captivating beauty like rippling water, the Yin Yang Immortal Companions Sword subtly influenced them. One person was full of yang energy, young and handsome. The other was rich in yin energy, with charmingly curved brows.

As yin and yang attract, naturally their relationship grew more intimate.

Li Xian fully unwound the silkworm robe, jokingly said, "Madam, you promised me, you can't blame me." Madam Wen, full of charm and grace, replied, "Do you take me for a young girl, letting you take advantage a little is no harm."

Li Xian said, "What if I get greedy?"

"If I become displeased, naturally there will be a punishment for you." Madam Wen, with graceful glances, playfully chided.

Madam Wen indulged more in the pleasures of love, unable to control her feelings, leaning on his chest, letting him knead her muscles, relieving her fatigue.

"This time in closed cultivation, I have made up for past regressions. At this rate, with a few more practices, I can break through the cultivation technique."

After that day, closed cultivation practice became the norm.

Madam Wen, who previously felt indifferent and even slightly annoyed when practicing the Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique, now grew fonder of it.

Outside of closed cultivation, the two united their swords, inseparable like glue.

Though Li Xian was tempted, he always wanted to go out of the mansion, pursue criminals, and hone his martial skills.

Though it was a cold winter, it felt like early spring.

Madam Wen's finely curved brows exuded charm. Clearly, she was in a very good mood. Several times she had thoughts of going to the Southern Border to get Gu worms. But seeing the unending wind and snow, the harsh climate, she thought, with the "Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique" about to break through, it would not be wise to act rashly.

So she temporarily set it aside, planning to secure the Gu worm after she achieved the breakthrough with the technique.

"I doubt he'd dare have any dissent." Madam Wen smiled sweetly, "The One-Heart Gu is just a safeguard; even without that worm, I can capture both your heart and your person."

Closed and opened several times.

Lotus flowers ready to bloom, spring is brewing. This indescribable taste.

That day.

In a mix of flirtation and joy, Madam drove Li Xian away. Li Xian strolled around the mansion, passing by the Guardian Mansion.

Seeing all from the Nursing Home carving wood, he asked, "What are you doing with the wood?"

The commander of the Nursing Home, Ding Hu, quickly approached and said, "Sir Li, it is now the end of November. According to past years, it is time for the winter hunt. The brothers are carving wood to make bows, hoping to achieve results in the winter hunting."

Li Xian suddenly remembered this occasion. The winter hunt was beneficial without harm. It could temper courage, hunt fierce beasts, reduce incidents of beasts attacking people, and the beasts could be sold for money.

He pondered silently:

"I have been with Madam day and night, inevitably losing some masculinity. In previous years, the winter hunt would have started by now. But this year Madam hasn't mentioned it, could it be the time hasn't come yet? I'm itching to venture into the mountains and wilderness for a hunt, to showcase my skills."

He truly didn't know that Madam had long forgotten about the winter hunt.

Several days later, Madam transmitted a message through Qi condensation, intending to exit the retreat.

Li Xian immediately went up the tower to help Madam unwrap her silk clothing, and casually asked: "Madam, is there still a winter hunt this year?"

Madam Wen glanced out the window, snowflakes drifting, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. It's a bit late, but that doesn't matter."

Madam Wen massaged her wrist, looking at the markings, said: "Little Immortal, notify them that the winter hunt is in three days. Gather the Nursing Home at Bear Tiger Mountain."

"Alright!" Li Xian responded affirmatively.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Hundreds of guards from the Nursing Home held bows and arrows, distributing Shrinking Flesh Bags, the atmosphere was lively, discussing matters of the winter hunt.

Ding Hu briefly explained the rules, saying: "Every year for the winter hunt, Madam will personally attend. Perform well, and Madam will see."

A newcomer C-class guard asked: "Commander Ding, I heard that Military Officer Master Li was once risen from the ranks during the winter hunt?"

Ding Hu became interested, saying: "That's right. I remember back then, Master Li was just like you, merely a C-class guard. He dared to penetrate the inner circle, hunting tigers and bears... His outstanding performance caught Madam's attention. That's why he enjoys today's glory."

"Truly envious." The guards all exclaimed in unison.

"That's why," Ding Hu said, "I always tell you to practice martial arts, and don't forget to hone your archery. It's for this reason."

"Last year, I hunted a tiger, hahaha, this year I aim to hunt a bear!"

Suddenly, there was a commotion behind them, faint beast roars could be heard. The guards exclaimed: "Commander Ding, there's a bear, a giant bear!"

A bear beast emerged from the mountain, rampaging like a storm. A nearly two-zhang tall bear with sharp claws pounded its chest and lunged at the crowd.

The guards exclaimed continuously, yet they were not panicked. They scattered and ran, while looking at Ding Hu, awaiting his command.

Ding Hu said, "Excellent, this will be my first bear beast." Eagerly, he immediately drew his bow, and shot with Qi condensation.

The black bear, despite its massive size, was nimble and dodged the arrow. It landed on all fours and charged fiercely. Ding Hu analyzed, "This bear is tall and mighty, but it's made of flesh and blood. If I shoot a few more arrows, I can take him down."

He retreated while shooting arrows. The first three arrows were dodged, he thought the black bear cunning. The fourth arrow finally hit, but it did not pierce the skin, producing a crisp thud.

Only then did Ding Hu realize: "It's a Scale Armor Bear!" This is a rare type of bear, with scales beneath its black fur, tough skin, and thick flesh. Ordinary martial artists might not be its match.

Ding Hu shouted: "Form the formation!" Several A-class, B-class guards immediately arranged into formation. They threw a specially made iron net with barbed hooks, covering the scaled giant bear.

Several condensed their Qi and stood firm. The rest wielded knives, swords, axes... engaging in close combat with the giant bear, with numbers on their side.

But the foe was impervious to blades and spears. The C-class guards were like scratching an itch, B-class guards could harm its fur. A-class guards used the iron net to restrain it together.

After a brief skirmish.

When the guards were at their wits' end, suddenly they saw an arrow flying from afar. This arrow came from what seemed like several miles away.

With a "ding" sound, it struck the Scale Armor Bear's chest. Sparks flew, the giant bear stepped back three steps, the flying arrow broke, leaving only a shallow dent on its chest.

The Scale Armor Bear roared angrily, not yet stabilized when the second arrow had already arrived, aiming at the same spot.

"What extraordinary archery!" Ding Hu exclaimed in shock.

The power of the two arrows combined was enough to pierce the armor and enter the flesh, blood splattered. The Scale Armor Bear was incited, pulled out the arrow, glanced around, trying to lock onto the strong enemy's direction.

The third arrow shot through the air. It accurately hit the blood hole in the giant bear's chest. This time, with no armor to block, it pierced through with ease!

The giant bear poured blood like a river, powerless fell to the ground.

"Good archery!"

A voice of praise rang out.

From the mountain path afar, Madam Wen gently clapped her hands, her eyes filled with approval. Two people rode side by side, with remarkable appearances, like a pair of immortal companions.

Li Xian wore a blue robe, carried a longbow on his back, with his long hair tied up and adorned with a copper crown. He stood tall and impressive.

Madam rode a white cloud horse, wore a green dress. The dress was embroidered with exquisite patterns, her long hair coiled up, adorned with a delicate golden hairpin.

A treasure bow hung beside the saddle, decorated with yellow jade.

Bedecked with jewels, unparalleled in wealth.

Ding Hu said nervously: "Ma… Madam!" The guards followed quickly, saluted with hands cupped, and stepped aside.

Madam Wen nodded slightly, then spoke with Li Xian: "Just now, three arrows, one pierced the armor, one pierced the skin, one pierced the life, very impressive. If I didn't know your background, I'd assume you were a disciple of divine archery."

Li Xian laughed heartily, "In my youth, I hunted in the mountains and fields, my archery is indeed decent."

Gradually, they moved to the front of the guards.

Seeing the guards all gathered, Madam Wen asked: "Do you all know the rules?"

Ding Hu stepped forward, saying: "We all know."

Madam raised her hand, signaling the start of the winter hunt, the guards were enthusiastic, one after another entering the mountain to hunt. Li Xian secured his bow and arrows, just about to enter the mountain when Madam Wen suddenly called him.

"Madam, is there anything else?" Li Xian asked.

Madam Wen laughed lightly: "In previous years' winter hunts, I always went alone. It was quite lonely. Your archery is not bad, how about competing with me this year?"

Li Xian said: "Madam's skill, I am far from your match."

"Don't worry." Madam Wen smiled: "I will only use archery, no other techniques. I'll give you a nine-point advantage, and it won't be too different."

"If you win against me, I will reward you richly."

"But if you lose embarrassingly, I will punish you severely."

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