Upon first arriving at the Prefecture City, one is greeted with the sight of jade palaces and mansions numbering in the thousands, a lively spectacle.

The cries of vendors selling their wares fill the air without end.

At the mouth of an alley, the smell of fish is moist and pungent, as the city's fish market gathers its catch from the river. Madam Wen furrows her brows and quickens her pace. Li Xian pulls Baiyun along, following behind.

Once they turn out of the alley, Li Xian asks: "Madam, where shall we stay? Should we find an inn?"

"No need." Madam Wen replies as she walks, "I have a few residences in the Prefecture City; we can find one to stay at will."

The Prefecture City is vast. In all his lives, Li Xian has never seen such a large city. Not far away, rows of taverns stand, where young noblemen and ladies from aristocratic families drink and exchange tales of interest.

In awe, he muses: "These buildings are truly tall, and within this world, strange things constantly emerge. There's wood strong enough to support buildings reaching hundreds of feet high, and architectural skills that seem to defy nature."

The topic of the "Sky Tower Banquet" is much talked about.

Passing by a tavern, he hears people upstairs conversing: "This banquet at the tower was indeed splendid, I heard the famed Artifact Refining Master Ou Yezi passed through the Yu Nan Dao some days ago."

"Having heard of this youthful event, he wanted to contribute to the excitement by using a Sinking River Sword as a wager. Whoever stands out, surpassing all others, can take the sword!"

"Really? Ou Yezi is extremely skilled, and any artifact he forges is unmatched in craftsmanship and mysterious power. I heard he even participated in the forging of the divine sword 'Heaven and Earth Traceless' some ten years ago."

"There's no doubt about this; the name of the 'Sinking River Sword' is quite renowned. Hearing of this, many prodigies from outside the Prefecture City have come, hoping to attend the banquet and win the sword."

"I suspect that the 'Sinking River Sword' will be claimed by Young Master Zhou Shijie. He's accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and his appearance is exceptionally handsome, making a treasure sword a fitting match for him."

"But doesn't this Young Master Zhou already have someone he fancies? Is that true? It's said she's a lady from the mansion."

"Speaking of appearance and conduct, I recall someone—could it be the notorious Evil Captain Li Xian, who supposedly has an exceedingly ugly and grotesque face?"

"There's no falsifying this; someone saw it with their own eyes. It's said he oppresses men and women alike, acting ruthlessly. Down in the lower counties, he's become unrestrained and unconstrained by anyone. In my view, those from small places, upon coming to our Prefecture City, should be taught a lesson about how vast the sky and earth truly are."

"That Evil Captain Li Xian, a mere Little Martial Captain from a distant county dais, actually holds a not-low position on the Hero List, ranked at forty-four. If he were ranked one higher or one lower, it wouldn't matter. But he had to overshadow the young master of the 'Seven Mountains Sect'."

"That young master has a volatile temper and will surely cause him trouble. When the forty-fourth-ranked prodigy emerges, he's likely to meet a dismal end."

...

...

Prefecture City.

Han Yue Residence.

This is Madam's estate, covering more than ten acres, with freshly painted vermilion gates, situated in an excellent location. Madam frequently visited the Prefecture City a few years ago, so she purchased this residence for convenient lodging.

But in the past two years, Madam's "Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique" has faced a bottleneck, eager to break through yet unable. This technique favors tranquility over motion, like silkworms resting in the winter snow. Hence, Madam seldom comes to the Prefecture City, except for taking a break to visit each October.

When Li Xian first entered Yihetang Manor, Madam was already in the Prefecture City.

Now the breakthrough for the Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique is imminent, and once this matter is settled, after a few more sessions of closed-door training, the bottleneck can be overcome.

"This courtyard is regularly maintained by servants, but the living quarters still need cleaning." Madam Wen crossed the threshold, pointing to the distant rooms, saying, "Prepare two rooms, and choose one for yourself to stay in."

"Coming to the Prefecture City, you rarely have the chance to broaden your horizons, so go explore and have fun on your own."

"Here's some money, inside is a hundred taels of silver. Spend it frugally, and it should last you several days."

Li Xian accepted the brocade bag, heavy with a hundred taels of silver, and asked: "Madam, what about you..."

"I have my own matters to attend to." Madam Wen turned to leave, boarded the carriage, lifted the edge of the curtain to glance at Li Xian, then let it fall as the carriage moved away.

Madam Wen departed from Han Yue Residence, directly heading toward the city center. This rare visit requires her attention to the city's commerce.

Silkworm Cloud Tower has three branches, Xiangyan Square four, Zhenshui Tower two, and Chun Meng Kiln seven.

Silkworm Cloud Tower sells fabrics, Xiangyan Square deals in rouge, Zhenshui Tower is a tavern, offering a wide array of delicious dishes, while Chun Meng Kiln is engaged in wine brewing.

Madam's businesses are spread throughout the prefecture, county, and major cities, earning innumerable profits daily. Among the many ventures, Prefecture City's commerce is the most significant.

Silkworm Cloud Tower, Xiangyan Square, Zhenshui Tower, Chun Meng Kiln can all be recognized city-wide for their money-generating capabilities. Lin Guolong, a former County Magistrate of Qingning County, inevitably had dealings with Yihetang Manor, knowing that Madam is involved in businesses concerning "clothing" and "wine." Yet only a few of the city's ventures were known to him, reflecting great financial strength.

However, his knowledge was limited and lacked details about the exact operations.

Lin Aoshan had visited Qingning County before. Lin Guolong, fearing she might conflict with Lady Zhe Jian, had informed Lin Aoshan early on about Madam's presence. Lin Aoshan was aware of Madam's businesses in the Prefecture City, but not the precise details.

Nobody knew that ... Silkworm Cloud Tower, Xiangyan Square, Zhenshui Tower, and Chun Meng Kiln were all under one person's control. Madam Wen's nature is unassuming, neither ostentatious nor understated, but her actions are ruthless.

Thus, very few in the Prefecture City know her by the name "Lady Zhe Jian." Those who do have likely suffered losses at her hands, and therefore refrain from boasting about it.

The carriage comes to a stop.

Madam Wen, clad in snow-white attire, first visits Silkworm Cloud Tower. This tower rises a hundred feet high, majestic and towering. It primarily sells silkworm clothing, so precious that even the fabrics need to be sold via auction.

Prices remain unchallenged in their heights.

In addition, silkworm materials have a wide range of applications in the fields of mechanisms, medicine, martial arts, and artifact forging.

The tower is filled with women, a charming sight to behold.

...

...

Han Yue Residence.

Li Xian finished tidying up the room and strolled leisurely in the courtyard. The courtyard was filled with green trees and red flowers, the flower beds looked beautiful. He quickly finished his walk and found an open space to practice his martial arts by himself.

Skill Level +1

Skill Level +1

Accumulating water forms a deep pool.

Progress happens bit by bit.

Li Xian, having just arrived in the Prefecture City, knew that his hidden rivals here were not comparable to the three halls and two sects of Qingning County. His knowledge was limited, and information was hard to come by; there was no way to "know the enemy." Therefore, he could only "know himself" and be clear about his own strength.

He then sorted it out in his mind.

Peak Martial Arts: Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg, Daluo Saber, Jade Palm, Vertical Cloud Hand, Iron Copper Body...

Perfection Martial Arts: First Layer of Setting Sun Bloodsword. Great Success Martial Arts: Second Layer of Setting Sun Bloodsword, Thunderbolt Finger.

The mastery of nine martial arts is not shallow. Each martial art accumulates Inner Qi, endowing it with special powers, and reveals unique characteristics. Patch them together, and he should be able to match any average genius in the Prefecture City.

Li Xian thought, "The Prefecture City is fraught with danger at present; I haven't yet understood what the lady intends. Counting the days, today is October 17th; there are still a few days until the Layered Tower Banquet."

"Though caution is warranted, how could I not explore the city when it's rare to come to the Prefecture City? The city is full of rumors, and most people don't know my appearance."

With this in mind, he decided to explore the Prefecture City the next day and visit Xiaofan after scouting the mansion's direction.

The lady did not return all night.

The next day.

Li Xian set out lightly, covered the red mole between his eyebrows with rouge, tied his long hair up, and wore a copper hairpin. Looking refreshed and handsome, he ventured onto the streets.

The Prefecture City covered a vast area with many towering buildings; even with a map in hand, it wasn't easy to navigate. Fortunately, the Qingyuan Mansion was well-known, and by casually asking around and offering some money, someone was willing to guide him, and he soon reached the mansion's exterior.

The mansion was a place for literature study.

In the expansive Qingyuan Prefecture City, many sons from noble families were sent to the mansion to study literature, especially if they were not adept at martial arts or if their physique was lacking.

If they could seize a bit of fortune, they could still be heavily utilized by their family.

"Brother!"

In front of the mansion.

Li Xiaofan heard a classmate calling out, saying his brother was looking for him. He immediately put down his book and quickly ran out of the mansion.

After a year apart, he had grown quite a bit, looking handsome with fair skin. The food in the mansion was decent, and he wasn't mistreated.

"Xiaofan!" Li Xian was overjoyed, patting Xiaofan on the shoulder. Li Xiaofan looked up, stood on tiptoes, and compared himself: "Ah, brother, you've grown so tall! So handsome!"

"Hahaha." Seeing Xiaofan looking much fairer, Li Xian knew he was living well and felt very happy. "Come, it's been a long time since us brothers have seen each other, let's go eat something."

"Wait." Li Xiaofan said: "I've made many friends in the mansion. Brother, I'll introduce you to them."

Li Xiaofan teased: "Brother, there's a great beauty in our mansion. She's about your age, from a big background. Should I introduce you?"

"You little rascal, always thinking about your brother's lifelong affairs." Li Xian sighed: "But for now, your brother isn't considering it."

The lady's favor is hard to gauge. It seems full of promise, with blooming flowers and a lady companion. But it's also bewildering, beyond my control, filled with dangers, like a cage.

"Brother, don't be so reserved." Li Xiaofan laughed: "Coincidentally, that Sister Gu has some ties with my mentor; I've met her a few times and consulted about studies. She praised my intelligence and treated me well though she's a bit proud. I mentioned I have a brother; she just smiled and didn't say much. Brother, seize the opportunity; you might have a chance."

Li Xian said, "In a couple of years, you won't be young either. Start thinking for yourself!"

"It's not gonna happen." Li Xiaofan said: "The mentor said that as a Controller of Destiny, I'm unlikely to have offspring. Besides, I'm engrossed in pursuing knowledge, having no time for desires."

Li Xian's expression changed. Li Xiaofan quickly diverted the topic: "So, brother, our Li Family needs you to carry on the lineage."

Li Xian silently consented, seeing the bright ambition in Li Xiaofan's eyes. There was no need to say more; he could only support silently.

Li Xian said, "Let's talk about this later. Call your close friends, and I'll treat them to a meal."

"Alright!" Li Xiaofan ran off.

After a while, Li Xiaofan returned quickly with three people behind him. They looked quite ordinary; two tall, one short, all in plain clothes with various patches on them. A hint of pride was left between their brows, but their shoulders drooped inward, eyes lacked spirit, and they appeared without confidence.

Living in humble conditions.

Li Xian thought, "It seems in the mansion, children from ordinary families aren't well-received. Xiaofan's friends don't seem like those from wealthy families; they must have been marginalized, thus forming such friendships."

"Brother Xian."

The three of them stepped forward together upon seeing Li Xian, bowing and saluting. They were quite polite. On the way here, Li Xiaofan had told them to call him brother.

Li Xian smiled and said, "Hello!"

The three were named: Lu Xuan, Hong Chengbing, Liu Shu. They all came to the mansion for studies from smaller counties and towns.

"Xiaofan, your brother is so handsome." Lu Xuan admired.

"It's really nice; your brother came to see you." Liu Shu said.

Li Xiaofan laughed and said, "Naturally."

Li Xian said, "Let's go, my treat, I'll take you to eat something nice."

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