Li Xian, seeing the table full of delicacies, felt a craving as well. He asked for a bowl of fragrant hot rice and picked up a piece of roasted goose meat.

The crispy charred skin and tender white goose meat combined perfectly. As soon as it entered his mouth, a burst of flavor rushed over his taste buds, making it incredibly delicious indeed.

This was no ordinary goose; it was a Thousand-step Goose. Fed with fine white rice, it walked a thousand steps daily to exercise its entire body. Only a goose prepared in this way could produce such a gourmet dish.

A single roasted goose would cost three taels of silver. Calculating it, who knows how many lives that cost. But in the Prefecture City, such roast goose wouldn't even make it onto the stage.

"Brother Li, please go ahead." Lin Guolong leaned back with his mouth open. That scantily clad and coquettishly dressed woman, with her fair hand holding a jade pot, poured wine into his mouth.

The luscious wine sketched an arc in the air.

Lin Guolong took a satisfying drink, smacked his lips, and then planted a kiss on the woman's face. Fine wine, fine food, and beautiful women consumed both together and apart, truly enviable.

Li Xian put down his chopsticks, sternly saying, "County Magistrate Lin, have you recently heard anything about the rebellion forces?"

"Who!?"

Startled, Lin Guolong shook, fell to the ground, and hastily got up, "Brother Li, what are you saying? What rebellion forces? You... you... you must be joking with me."

Lin Guolong sat back down, no longer indulging like before.

Li Xian said, "To be honest, a few days ago, Madam and I went out. We encountered a troop of the Yellow Dragon Army. This army occupied a large city, committing all sorts of atrocities like burning, killing, and looting."

"Brother Li, this kind of talk is unnerving. Let's change the topic, shall we? Come, let's drink, let's drink," Lin Guolong said, forcing a smile.

Seeing this, Li Xian insisted on saying more, "On the way back, I also saw the traces of the Yellow Dragon Army. But their route doesn't pass by this place."

Lin Guolong let out a big sigh of relief at this and managed a smile again, "Our Qingning County is blessed with talented people and protected by heaven; those rebels and traitors won't come here."

Li Xian said, "I wouldn't be so sure."

"Hmm?" Lin Guolong tensed up again.

Li Xian calculated in his heart: "If the Yellow Dragon Army truly comes to attack, Qingning County will be in flames. Though Lin Guolong has helped me, he's someone who would flee at the sight of danger."

"If he can lead the people to defend the city, the Yellow Dragon Army may not be able to break through. I deliberately scare him so that he has to defend the city. If the Yellow Dragon Army doesn't come, that would be the greatest joy, and offending him is better than ruining lives and lands."

With that in mind,

Li Xian said, "In my opinion, the Yellow Dragon Army's target is precisely Qingning County."

"Oh no…" Lin Guolong trembled, "Brother Li, this... this is not a good topic to discuss."

Li Xian was completely fabricating, speaking without any grounds, "County Magistrate Lin, even Madam praises my honesty. Why would I deceive you? In my view, the Yellow Dragon Army is exceptionally cunning."

"They are currently taking a detour and are actually planning to encircle from behind, cutting off Qingning County's support routes, splitting forces in three directions, attacking the reinforcements by surrounding the point... like this, and this..."

"In short, Qingning County is in grave danger!"

Lin Guolong hadn't even secured his position. Despite having a large belly, he lacked much knowledge. Moreover, there had indeed been orders recently, directing attention to city defenses, and the court army was about to arrive.

Lin Guolong said, "Brother Li, I won't stay any longer. I must return to my family to take refuge."

Li Xian said, "County Magistrate Lin, aren't you afraid the court will blame you for leaving?"

"My life takes precedence, besides, in the court, things can get done if you have money. But these rebellion forces are no good; they are like Executioners sent down from heaven," Lin Guolong said.

Li Xian felt speechless. He thought the court was indeed decaying and deserved to collapse, but he also knew the Yellow Dragon Army was mouthing the name of rebellion but in reality, they were pillaging and committing atrocities.

This kind of army would certainly find it challenging to win people's hearts and achieve great success.

Choosing between the two, it seemed better to help Lin Guolong.

Li Xian sneered, "County Magistrate Lin, I'm afraid it's too late."

Lin Guolong asked, "Why? Why is it too late?" Li Xian replied, "The Yellow Dragon Army has surely ambushed the arterial roads by now."

"How do you know?" Lin Guolong asked suspiciously.

Li Xian said, "It's not that I know, but Madam knows. Her knowledge is profound, and she can deduce much from little." He was just making it up.

But having Madam support his words made Lin Guolong feel uneasy, though upon reflection, deserting one's county was regarded as a historical infamy. Even with family protection, he would surely be scorned. And from then on, Lin Guolong wouldn't be able to enjoy comfortable days like these again.

Lin Guolong calmed down and asked, "In Brother Li's view, what should be done about this matter?"

Li Xian smiled and said, "In fact, it's incredibly simple. The Yellow Dragon Army is a disorderly mob; there's no need to fear them. The reason Xiangle City suffered a great defeat was all due to the county magistrate there being cowardly and fleeing hastily."

"Throughout history, attacking a city has always been difficult, whereas defending one is easy. Gather the county's forces, mobilize the citizens. With a bit of training, keep the gates tightly guarded, and prepare supplies. Why should we fear them?"

"They will naturally leave in due time. County Magistrate, protecting an area brings peace. The opportunity for promotion is right in front of you. Advancing step by step to greatness, isn't that what awaits you?"

Li Xian persuaded steadily and effectively.

And indeed, it took effect.

"Good!"

Although Lin Guolong lacked the aura of fortune, he was not entirely foolish. Li Xian's words, though somewhat deceptive, were reasonable, and upon careful reflection, seemed precisely the case. He even feared the Yellow Dragon Army might not come, "I'll make arrangements immediately, Brother Li, help yourself to these things."

He strode out confidently.

Li Xian did not waste the opportunity, opened up his belly, and filled it with those delicious treats.

...

...

Madam has four Alchemy Pavilions, choosing different ones to refine pills according to the changing seasons.

It is now summer.

The Summer Pill Pavilion is located to the west, seven stories tall. Last year, a failure in alchemy caused a furnace explosion; the pill fire leaked out, turning the pavilion to ashes.

They later bought lumber, hired craftsmen, replanned and redesigned, and erected a new building.

Within the Summer Pill Pavilion, there are three alchemy furnaces: "Celestial Furnace," "Earth Furnace," and "Human Furnace."

The Celestial Furnace is at the top of the pavilion.

The Earth Furnace is in the middle of the pavilion.

The Human Furnace is at the bottom of the pavilion.

Madam's process of alchemy is quite meticulous. It also requires burning charcoal, much more complex than boiling Essence Food. It involves continuously adding different charcoals, altering the nature of the fire.

Constant attention to the changes within the alchemy furnace is required.

At this moment…

The Human Furnace at the bottom floor of the pavilion is burning vigorously.

Due to the closed Alchemy Room, the heat from the fire accumulated. Madam wore only an "Ice Thread Gauze Cloth," a garment made of special material, exuding a faint coolness all year round, as if draped in a layer of icy gauze.

The entire body was transparent, not concealing her figure, fully revealing her posture.

With her long hair coiled up, Madam walked slowly to observe the Mortal Tripod. Each step left a damp footprint.

It was truly too hot here.

Practicing alchemy is by no means an easy task, with its intricacies being strange and varied. A Martial Artist cannot produce fire themselves, even though some Martial Arts can transform Inner Qi into fire.

They still find it hard to meet the needs of alchemy.

Therefore, charcoal is still necessary.

With the accumulation of fire, intense heat is inevitable. A Martial Artist must continuously observe the changes in medicinal properties. Adding charcoal, releasing fire, blocking fire, adding medicinal herbs...

Most of the time, constant attention is needed at the Alchemy Furnace.

Madam Wen exhaled a deep breath and touched the thin gauze on her body. This garment had already become useless, and she promptly removed it all.

"This time in alchemy, the medicinal properties have remained stable so far. There is a high probability of successfully forming pills. With the accumulation of heat here, it's better to open the Earth Furnace and refine some miscellaneous pill materials."

Madam Wen thought of this, and went upstairs along the ladder.

She opened the mechanism within the building, directing the excess fire from the Human Furnace into the Earth Furnace.

Then she added the corresponding medicinal materials.

The reason for setting up the Alchemy Pavilion building was precisely because of this aspect. The Celestial, Human, and Earth Furnaces are on the same straight line.

With the Human Furnace started and sufficient firepower, then starting the Earth Furnace and Celestial Furnace can save charcoal and time.

The majority of miscellaneous pills in the Leisure Pill Pavilion are refined in this manner. Wen Caishang expends hardly any effort, regardless of whether the pills are successfully formed, placing them all in the Leisure Pill Pavilion.

...

...

[Skill Level +1]

[Skill Level +1]

[Vertical Cloud Hand]

[Skill Level: 102/5000 Great Success]

[Description: With agile fingers, throwing, striking, and shooting without fail. Through persistent practice of Vertical Cloud Hand, you have comprehended the 'Miao Hand' trait. Behold the initial scene of Martial Arts...]

Within the Commander's Courtyard.

Madam has been in seclusion for twenty-four days. Li Xian was invited by the County Magistrate to take a look in the county, seeing that Qingning County was managed quite well. At this rate, as long as Lin Guolong doesn't drop the ball, there wouldn't really be fear of the Yellow Dragon Army.

Li Xian bought some fine wine and food in the county. Returning to his residence, he enjoyed it alone amidst his diligent martial practice, occasionally indulging in such pleasures.

The taste of it was indeed hard to express with words.

After being full and satisfied, he began practicing [Vertical Cloud Hand], smoothly entering the Great Success Realm. A scene expanded before his eyes.

The Vertical Cloud Hand, proficient in throwing and striking, was unexpectedly created by a petty street thief. With adept deftness, stealing and pilfering, it was extremely formidable.

The initial scene of Martial Arts concluded.

Li Xian also calmed his heart, contemplating his recent acquisitions, reflecting on the journey so far, and introspecting himself, striving for improvement.

Li Xian started with pulling grass.

First realizing the [Tenacity] trait, later from running comprehending [Snow Stepping], [Riding the Wind]. Then from Four Directions Fist unlocking the secrets of [Ears Listening in All Directions], [Four Directions Fist Force], and further from Clear Wind Leg learning the [Light Word Mystery]...

Now adding another.

[Miao Hand] trait... a dexterity in the fingers, with substantial proficiency in weaving clothing, crafting wood carvings, making bows and arrows, researching mortise and tenon... and more.

Every effort indeed has its reward!

With numerous Martial Arts and abilities becoming more and more perfected.

Li Xian reviewed himself, finding a sense of fulfillment. In less than a year, two Basic Martial Arts and one Entry Martial Art mastered to the peak, Daluo Saber and Vertical Cloud Hand reaching Great Success.

[Setting Sun Bloodsword]

[Skill Level: 3098/6000 Minor Achievement]

This Superior Swordsmanship, though incomplete, was already Li Xian's trump card. When fully exhibited, even the "Jade Palm" would not compare.

[Innate Washing Fetus Image]

[Skill Level: 80/81]

Only a step away from making the fetal body completely pure and clean. Li Xian took out a secret box from his bosom and delicately opened the concealed catch.

Only a few pieces of Essence Meat remained in the box.

"Even with this secret box, it's hard to maintain the Essence Treasure Meat for long. Every time I open the box, some essence dissipates. The closer to the end, the more apparent it becomes."

Li Xian sighed.

With continuous consumption, the effect of the Essence Treasure in the secret box visibly diminished.

But today...

In any case, it would be possible to wash the fetal body completely bright.

The last image of the Innate Washing Fetus Image: Washing Image.

Li Xian supported himself with hands on the ground, hanging upside down. Once his body was taut, he supported himself with one hand, pinching a gesture with the other hand.

This way, swallowing and drinking the Essence Treasure. The Essence of Heaven and Earth dispersed within his body, and the last bit of fetal impurity drifted out from within.

Heaven does not betray the dedicated, and today, he finally achieved Perfection, shedding the clay embryo body, and washing himself clean.

From Li Xian's palm, wisps of white smoke drifted.

The first feature of the Food Essence Realm... the Immortal Mechanism in the Palm appeared.

But at this moment, Li Xian had no leisure to feel joyous about this. Because his eyes began to itch, and when he opened his eyes again...

His pupils split into two, unexpectedly becoming [Heavy Pupil Appearance].

Dual Appearance in One Body!!

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