The magnificent scenery between heaven and earth is countless, and the chaos among people never ceases to emerge.

Traveling once, Li Xian indeed gained much insight. In front, there were rebel armies causing trouble, and behind, the people's livelihood was in distress. Along the way, he witnessed the myriad states of the world.

Yet the lady remained indifferent, having a vast experience in Jianghu, these matters were already commonplace to her.

On this day…

Red Wood State.

A white horse and a black carriage, fragrant bells ringing in his ears. The young driver gazed into the distance and saw a manor with smoke billowing. He said, "Madam, we're almost there. Is this our destination?"

From inside the carriage, a voice replied, "Indeed."

They traveled to the manor entrance.

On the plaque above the gate, were the words "Fulai Manor."

Li Xian jumped off the carriage and knocked on the door. Shortly after, a young boy and girl came to open it.

"Who are you looking for?" The boy's voice was tender, but his eyes were sharp as he sized up Li Xian.

"Madam Wen seeks your Manor Master." Li Xian stepped aside and pointed at the carriage behind him.

The young boy, seeing Li Xian's elegance, was already inwardly respectful and, noticing the carriage's grandeur with its supreme horse and carriage, guessed that the "madam" inside was out of the ordinary.

Not daring to delay, he immediately ran into the manor. Although small in stature like a child, his lightweight skill was impressive, and with a few leaps, he disappeared out of sight.

Soon, a round-bellied elder hurried out to greet them, clasping his hands together, smiling as he said:

"Madam Wen, why didn't you send a word before your visit?"

"My apologies, my apologies."

"Please quickly come in, Xiao He, take Madam Wen's White Cloud Horse to rest and have some feed."

Li Xian lifted the curtain of the carriage, bringing out a Red Jade Horse Stool.

Madam Wen, with graceful movements, stepped onto the horse stool, revealing her elegant figure. She nodded slightly to the elder, softly saying, "Cai Shang suddenly desired to come, hence didn't inform in advance. I hope Master Zeng won't mind."

This Fulai Manor is also part of the Martial Artist Manor.

The Manor Master is named Zeng Taian.

Madam Wen glanced at the two young children, "The last time I visited was several years ago, at that time, Master Zeng didn't have these two young attendants."

"Haha, living deep in the manor, it gets quite boring. I took in two children to play with and relieve some boredom." Zeng Taian patted his belly.

Madam Wen asked, "Those two children, you made them practice the Childhood Reversion Technique?"

Zeng Taian proudly replied, "Don't let their small stature fool you; they are indeed of the same age as this young brother. I instructed them to practice the Childhood Reversion Technique, boiling bath soup for them to soak in every day, practicing for forty-nine days."

"Every day shrinking the bones a little, gradually reverting to a child's body."

"It cost me quite some heart and effort."

Li Xian shivered, reflecting on the strange practices of martial arts, thinking, "This Manor Master going through such trouble to turn them back into children, surely he has some peculiar hobby."

Zeng Taian glanced at Li Xian, asking, "By the way, Madam Wen, normally you travel alone, what brings such a change in temperament this year to hire a young attendant?"

"He is quite good-looking. Why not leave him with me? I'll pay a hundred taels of silver for him."

Madam Wen calmly replied, "Don't think of him, this young man suits my needs." She lifted her right hand slightly, and Li Xian understood, naturally extending his hand to assist. The fabric of the lady's gown was uncommon, cold and smooth to the touch.

He felt at ease, assisting the lady without any flattery or dissatisfaction.

It felt natural, as it should be.

In her youth, she might not have appreciated such people, but now, with experience, she quite admired Li Xian's spirit.

Zeng Taian showed a look of surprise, knowing the lady's temperament, "suits my needs" was merely an excuse. The real reason was that this young man's value surpassed a hundred taels.

Yet he did not inquire further, bypassing the subject.

"Manor Master Zeng, are you stewing Essence Food today?" Madam Wen looked into the distance, seeing the steam rising, forming clumps in the air.

Even from several miles away, she already knew that Fulai Manor was stewing Essence Food today. She had decided then to make a convenient acquisition.

Zeng Taian's face twitched, "Yes, the stew started last night, and the manor servants are still fetching water."

"It should be ready soon. Last time I owed the Madam a favor, since Madam Wen is here, this time the Essence Food will be split with you. What do you think?"

Madam Wen straightforwardly responded, "It would be impolite to decline."

This Zeng Taian once borrowed thousands of taels of gold and silver from Yihetang Manor. He had not returned it, and this "Essence Food" was merely collected as interest.

...

Fulai Manor, in the main hall.

Zeng Taian sat in the main seat, Madam Wen sat beside him, and Li Xian stood at her side.

Zeng Taian said, "Oh yes, I haven't asked yet, Madam, what brings you on this trip? If it's not convenient to say, then never mind."

Madam Wen received the servant's tea, opened the lid, and lightly sniffed it. Although the tea leaves were of good quality, she was particular and did not find it to her liking, so she did not drink it. Placing the teacup down, she said emotionlessly:

"This trip is to visit a medicine shop, passing by your manor, so I came to pay a visit."

Zeng Taian felt quite awkward, the tea almost spilled out of his mouth, stroking his beard, he replied, "I see."

"So the medicine shop you are headed to… Could it be Zhou's Medicine Shop? Around here, it's the only one that offers good goods."

"In this case, Madam, you could stay at my manor."

The medicine shop wasn't far from there.

Fulai Manor being in "Red Wood State", it was merely tens of miles to reach the medicine shop.

Otherwise, the lady wouldn't have conveniently visited.

Madam Wen elegantly crossed her legs, nodding, "Indeed."

"Oh, there is something you should know." Zeng Taian said, "That Zhou Tianqi from Zhou's Medicine Shop, have you heard of him?"

Madam Wen arrogantly replied, "Of course I've heard of him. Over twenty years ago, he barely made it to the Hero List. But in my opinion, this list is greatly overrated. Zhou Tianqi's inclusion was likely due to money and family business influence."

"Regardless, this man does have some ability." Zeng Taian said, "I recently got news that he accepted an invitation to the Dragon Slaying Banquet. Hence, he might become our adversary."

"Madam, during your herb purchase, although it may not be necessary, it would be best to keep an eye out for them. To avoid being harmed by them in the dark."

Upon hearing "avoid being harmed by them," Madam Wen felt greatly displeased, thinking, "I, traveling through Jianghu, would naturally be cautious where needed, why do I need such a perfunctory reminder from you? And by saying such things, does it mean you look down on me?"

Eyebrows raised, the temperature suddenly dropped. The furniture creaked.

Zeng Taian realized he misspoke; if it were before, Lady Zhe Jian was notoriously unreasonable with a bad temper. After she had established the manor and became known as Madam Wen, her temper improved a lot.

But if provoked, it would still be challenging to handle.

He quickly said, "Of course, I was just being overly cautious. Madam Wen is exceptionally skilled, how could she fear such petty people."

Li Xian secretly amused, "Zeng Taian, though kindly reminding, inadvertently misspoke. Madam is highly mindful of her reputation and already displeased."

Madam Wen said, "If he indeed harbors evil intentions, why wait for the Dragon Appreciation Banquet or Dragon Slaying Banquet, I would strike him down on the spot."

"Hasn't my sword cut down enough heroes and exceptional figures?"

Her toe gently tapped.

I saw fine cracks spreading out. Crushing stone bricks is a common skill, one that Li Xian could also perform. However, these slabs were not cracked by force, but rather "torn" apart.

As if they were made of paper.

The difference is incomparable.

Zeng Taian wiped his cold sweat, recalling that, apart from "Madam Wen", the martial world also knew her as "Lady Zhe Jian".

The term "Broken Sword" has two meanings: first, unparalleled beauty, capable of making heroes break their swords for her; second, formidable strength, able to genuinely break a hero's treasure sword if displeased.

"Madam Wen's strength has improved again, congratulations," Zeng Taian complimented her repeatedly, proactively trying to please her.

Madam Wen also did not want to worsen the situation. She raised her teacup to drink but, recalling that the tea did not suit her taste, set it down again.

"Young brother,"

"I see you're young and haven't yet consumed 'essence food'? You're probably unaware of your lady's standing in the martial world."

"In the martial world, she's known as 'Lady Zhe Jian'. In terms of beauty, she's invincible. As for strength, it's truly like adding flowers to brocade."

...

Zeng Taian's introduction of Li Xian was false; praising and flattering Madam Wen was true.

Madam Wen interrupted, "Manor Master Zeng, though I happened to pass by, I have matters I would like to discuss with you."

"Please speak, Madam Wen," Zeng Taian responded solemnly.

Madam Wen casually said, "It's nothing major, just something I thought of mentioning at the moment."

"It's regarding the Dragon Appreciation Banquet."

"The Dragon Appreciation Banquet is approaching, at the latest it will be in a few years, at the earliest in a few months. Speaking of which... the real significance of this banquet concerns an Earth Treasure."

Zeng Taian's eyes glistened with extreme desire upon hearing about the "Earth Treasure".

He said, "The Heavenly Essence Thirty-Six and Earthly Treasures of the Seventy-Two, each one drives people mad. Hehe, forget about those Heavenly Essence and Earthly Splendor treasures, even the Human Yellow One Hundred and Eight is enough to make my eyes burn with envy."

"Since my rebirth, I've never had the fortune to enjoy even a bit of it."

"What specific matter do you refer to, Madam Wen?"

Madam Wen said, "On the day of the banquet, powerful figures will gather. This isn't a difficult matter for you. All that's needed is to exchange our seating arrangements."

"Exchange seats?" Zeng Taian was taken aback.

The Dragon Appreciation Banquet is a rare grand event beyond imagination in its magnificence. Without the chance or fortune, some may never witness it in their lifetime.

Zeng Taian's eyes turned.

He understood the reason behind it.

Lady Zhe Jian has many adversaries; she has rarely appeared over the past decade. Yet, she participates in the Dragon Appreciation Banquet, inevitably stirring up trouble and drawing adversaries' attention.

The act of exchanging seats might not have much effect but can at least shed some adversaries and reduce trouble.

It's no surprise that Madam Wen mentioned it casually.

"Since you asked, Madam... agreed!" Zeng Taian gritted his teeth.

Madam Wen smiled at this, finally picked up the teacup, took a sip, and nonchalantly said, "The tea is acceptable."

...

...

"Manor Master, the essence food is ready!"

In the main hall, the boy Xiaoqing and the girl Xiaohua carried a silver tray together, stepped lightly with skill as they flew in, bringing forth the essence food simmered for several days.

"Good, good, good, I've been waiting eagerly!"

Zeng Taian stroked his beard with one hand and patted his belly with the other, smiling as he welcomed them.

The essence meat was steaming.

The flesh appeared milky white.

Zeng Taian divided it in half, saying, "Madam Wen, this portion is yours."

"Good," Madam Wen nodded.

Zeng Taian cut two more small pieces, giving them to Xiaoqing and Xiaohua respectively.

"Thank you, Manor Master!" the two children said in unison, their voices tender like silver bells, yet secretly competing by comparing the size of their essence meat portions.

Madam Wen noticed the hard work and contributions from Li Xian who traveled with them, considering that Zeng Taian's two young ones had already consumed essence food and weren't weak. She didn't want Li Xian to fall too far behind, so she sliced an extra piece of meat.

"Li Xian, go and request a bowl of essence soup," instructed Madam Wen.

"No problem, no problem," Zeng Taian quickly ordered someone to bring a bowl of thick essence soup.

Li Xian, surprised by the unexpected delight, accepted it all graciously after giving his thanks. Madam Wen said, "The Essence of Heaven and Earth will dissipate if left for long, so consume it here."

"I will watch over you."

Li Xian first drank a bowl of essence soup, assuming the "Washing Feet Technique" posture, and soon his limbs were purified. Then he sat cross-legged and assumed the "Heart-Cleansing Technique" posture.

He consumed two pieces of essence meat one after another.

Purging the turbid impurities within.

[Consumed Fish Dragon Tongue Soup, skill level increased by 59]

[Skill level increased by 62]

...

[Skill level increased by 1]

[Skill level increased by 1]

[Innate Washing Fetus Image]

[Skill Level: 43/81]

With his eyes closed, Li Xian felt the cleansing of impurities.

Unaware of the progression of the washing process, his body emitted a clear aura, faintly showing a divine appearance.

His form became more extraordinary.

"This..."

Zeng Taian was startled, extending his hand to grasp, with his unique palm power he managed to capture a wisp of the ethereal clear aura.

He congratulated Madam Wen, "Madam, you've found unpolished jade. Washing the fetus revealing such a phenomenon... this young guard's true form... is unlikely to be ordinary."

Xiaoqing and Xiaohua, the two children, were also full of envy.

"From what I know, this child is bound to exhibit a 'Rebirth Appearance'!" Zeng Taian said, "If he shows up as a prominent figure in the rankings, that would truly be... with unlimited potential."

Madam Wen studied Li Xian with beautiful eyes, seeing his elegant and divine appearance, indeed extraordinary, becoming increasingly satisfied, she gently played with her green silk hair and slightly raised her eyebrows, saying, "It's quite acceptable."

Her voice was calm, yet mixed with a hint of joy.

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