Madam Wen was elusive, her lightweight skill exceptional. No one knew when she entered the scene. With one hand, she gently supported Li Xian, and with the other, she pinched the tail of the Golden Scale fish. The Golden Scale floundered a bit, then became obedient.

She softly said, "Good fish, go play in the water." She bent down and released it into the water. The Golden Scale was both real and unreal, both illusory and tangible; though a fish in body, it was no ordinary fish beast.

As it swam freely, golden light scattered in all directions.

No matter how the Golden Scale flitted about, it always remained three feet beneath her, insinuating: "Even with the talents of the Golden Scale, how could it ever escape my palm?"

Madam Wen raised her eyes for a quick sweep and glanced at the old crone of the Cao family. With a wave of her water sleeves, Qi force burst forth.

The old crone whipped in resistance but was already too late. In an instant, she was pushed into the lake, leaving the boat beneath her empty.

Madam Wen extended her palm and absorbed, and the empty boat slowly sailed over. She lifted her hand slightly. Li Xian understood her intention, supporting Madam's right hand, and stepped into the boat first, then helped her aboard.

The old crone sank into the water, a Second Realm Martial Artist dissolving upon entry, having already fallen into dire crisis. She steadied her thoughts, taking an object from her sleeve. Tubular in shape, inner Qi infused within, shooting out an iron nail. At the end of the nail was a [Silk Thread].

Soon after, the disheveled old crone scrambled onto the boat, standing beside Cao Shuang.

"Are you okay?" Cao Shuang asked seriously. The Cao family old crone nodded, just about to say "I'm fine," when her complexion suddenly turned blue and red, blood oozing from her mouth and nose, collapsing in the middle of the boat.

The elders of the Cao clan turned pale, checked her pulse, shocked, angry, and fearful. The old crone's liver and spleen were shattered, her injuries severe! How she was injured, when she was injured, no one knew at all!

Madam Wen once took action, showing no mercy. The Cao family, Yuwen family, Lin family, Chu family, and Ou Yezi were all captivated by her aura.

Yet Madam Wen stood in white like a gauzy dress, brows gentle, demeanor full of charm, gracefully upright, elegant and beautiful. How could she be the one to apply a poisonous move?

Zhou Shijie paused, his eyes wandering. His gaze uncontrollably attached to Madam, thinking: "Ah! It's her..." showing an infatuated expression.

Although he was enamored with Gu Nianjun, seeing beauty delighted him, unconsciously, he was infatuated and unable to forget Madam.

Zhou Shijie saw Li Xian and Madam Wen standing closely together, thinking ordinary men and women would never stand so near; could it be... He couldn't help but ask: "Senior, this young man reaps what he sows, why do you need to stand up for him?"

Madam Wen ignored him.

Li Xian asked, "Madam, why have you come?"

Madam Wen gently patted his hand, softly saying, "I originally had other matters to deal with, but suddenly remembered today is the Tianjiao Feast. So I came to take a look, unexpectedly saw you being bullied, naturally, I have to speak for you."

"Thank you, Madam," Li Xian expressed gratefully, yet knowing he couldn't fully trust Madam's words.

Madam Wen asked, "Gentlemen, you are the elders of one family and clan, don't you feel ashamed to bully my young lad like this?"

"Ou Yezi... did you also bully my young lad just now?"

She called names and asked directly, without politeness. Ou Yezi stepped back half a step, shaking his head, saying, "Your young lad is full of heroic spirit, truly a young talent. Such a prominent figure, how dare I bully him, how dare I bully him, it's all a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding."

"Madam please don't mind."

Zhou Shijie heard the term "young lad," and his heart fluttered with envy: "These words 'young lad,' sounded like honey and grease. Wrapped in the heart... if only it were me being called."

Madam Wen said, "Really? Little Immortal, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure if this senior Ou Yezi bullied me or not," Li Xian said. "He said something about shallow fate to me, my cultivation is shallow, I couldn't understand, was just about to ask senior Ou Yezi for guidance, for guidance."

Ou Yezi felt a chill in his heart, awkwardly smiled, and said, "It's just like this. Young nephew, you didn't hear everything, I hadn't finished the second half yet. Fate and the like are just pretentious nonsense. We martial artists, if anyone believes in fate, it shows great stupidity. Future achievements will also be limited."

"On the contrary, someone like young nephew, so young yet with lofty ambition, questioning how high the blue sky is, a hero with great talent. In the future, you will surely conquer the peaks, ha... ha... ha."

Madam Wen demurely said, "What a pity, what a pity. I actually quite believe in fate. It appears I am the foolish person in Ou Yezi's words."

"But then again," Ou Yezi said, "thinking about it carefully, the theory of fate actually makes some sense. I too believe in fate, fate is good, good..."

While speaking, he was already sweating coldly.

"May I ask who you are..." Cao Shuang asked.

Ou Yezi scolded, "You ignorant old thing, haven't even heard of Lady Zhe Jian? Although Madam has been practicing divine cultivation, in retreat for many years, seldom appearing in public, and disappeared from Jianghu for a long time. But the characters on the Flowers List, you must honestly remember them for life."

"Lady Zhe Jian!"

The Cao surname, Lin surname, Yuwen surname, Chu surname clan members were all shocked. The major clans of Prefecture City territorial yet seldom traveled; they heard of Lady Zhe Jian's reputation many years ago but never saw her face.

The Lin family originally had the best chance of knowing of Madam's existence, Lin Guolong and Lin Aoshan both knew of her. But Lin Guolong's family status was quite low, almost transparent. Lin Aoshan was busy with affairs, running back and forth, long forgotten, no one mentioned, would not recall.

Even though the Cao family had grievances, Cao Yuan could neither speak nor express discomfort, mind blurred. The clan soldiers escorting Cao Yuan back sealed the scandal early, unknowingly about Madam.

"Li Xian, young friend, turned out to be Lady Zhe Jian's high disciple," Lin Bei laughed and said:

"No wonder you are so remarkable, admirable, admirable. The previous incident was truly a misunderstanding, we had no intention of insulting young friend Li Xian, it's just some could not help impatience and spoke too harshly. I hope Madam does not misunderstand."

Ou Yezi said, "Hahaha, the previous matter, let's move on. Let's discuss how to share the Golden Scale."

Everyone, hearing about sharing the Golden Scale, with great benefits ahead, their expressions softened.

The elders of the Cao Clan looked towards Cao Shuang. After contemplating for a moment, Cao Shuang weighed the relationships involved: The Cao Clan had invited Li Xian to the banquet in Prefecture City, intending to invite the people behind him. Their aim was revenge...

Using the advantage of the city to surround and capture was nothing difficult. But unexpectedly, they misjudged their opponent and let a wolf into the house, allowing others to share the spoils.

This folly of the Cao Clan was naturally laughable. Yet, upon close examination, it was unavoidable. The Cao Clan had lorded for a long time, inevitably becoming arrogant and losing sense of reality. A downfall was only a matter of time.

"Young Master Zhou just made a very valid point. Since Lady Zhe Jian is present, it must be destined with the Golden Scale," said Cao Shuang. "The Jade Pearl Golden Scale, being one hundred and six units of Human Yellow, possesses the most precious object, the Golden Pearl in its mouth, which holds the richest Magic Essence."

"Madam Wen's esteemed disciple has obtained the Golden Scale. Therefore, this most precious Golden Pearl should belong to Lady Zhe Jian. The rest of the fish body, fish eyes... we can split among the five parties. Does anyone have any objections?"

Ou Yezi stroked his beard and said, "This makes sense."

Lin, Chu, and Yuwen all said, "We have no objections."

Madam Wen smiled and said, "Though what Cao Clan's elder says is reasonable, I seemed to overhear... prior agreements might not hold. If I'm not mistaken, the distribution should be reconsidered."

Madam Wen glanced at Zhou Shijie, pointing with delicate fingers, "This young man can testify."

"Indeed," Zhou Shijie became rather enthusiastic, "I said before, whoever gets the Golden Scale should get the Pearl. Yet the clan elders did not heed this. If the prior agreement were to be nullified, it would be expected. Madam... if you wish to redistribute, it is quite reasonable."

"The young man is truly a literary and martial prodigy, with a very clear view of matters." Madam Wen's tone turned cold as she instructed, "Little Immortal, this is what you lack."

Li Xian said, "Madam's teachings, I shall remember them." But in his heart, he thought, "Zhou Shijie changes his stance too quickly; indeed, I am not as good. Madam's beauty is captivating, her words persuasive, and her power is intimidating... she has already grasped the situation."

He was inexperienced in such matters, many of his habits learned from Madam. Yet, he did not take everything as gospel.

"Lady Zhe Jian, what do you propose?" Yuwen Hou asked.

"This clan elder, you are being too formal," Madam Wen smiled gently, "'Lady Zhe Jian' is merely a name made up by enthusiasts in Jianghu. Cai Shang, a weak woman, how could she break another's sword. All that Cai Shang did was merely to reason with you all."

"However, since this clan elder has asked, let me share my view; if anyone disagrees, just speak up."

"Cai Shang believes that the Golden Scale, a Heaven and Earth Treasure, should not have its fate decided by humans, but should choose its own master."

"Whomever the Golden Scale chooses as its master shall own it entirely, and no one else should covet it."

Ou Yezi's expression changed; this tactic felt so familiar. Only roles and positions had already shifted.

Lin Bei knew Madam Wen intended to act "independently". He immediately composed words, saying, "Madam, I think this is somewhat not..." He suddenly felt his mouth go numb, a metallic taste flowing. Raising his hand to touch his face, he found blood dripping; half of his lower jaw had been sliced off.

Madam Wen smiled gently, "As a simple woman from a family, my knowledge is limited. If any of you have better ideas, please feel free to propose them."

There was a moment of silence; the clan elders looked at each other, exchanging glances, all thinking in tacit agreement: "Madam Wen is determined to act independently, hard to change. Though she is formidable, this is Prefecture City after all; if handled properly, why should we fear her?"

"I agree." Yuwen Hou said, "I agree with what Madam said but suggest we all separate, so the Golden Scale can observe."

Madam Wen gave him a meaningful look and smiled, "Brother Yuwen's words do make some sense, then let us separate and begin!"

She raised her hand and let it go. The Golden Scale leaped out, falling onto the spacious lake surface. Everyone maneuvered their boats to scatter.

The Golden Scale swam and flashed around, its golden glow dazzling.

Li Xian held an oar, rowing the light boat. Reaching the west side of Pond Lake, Madam Wen saw that this part of the lake was lush with flowers and exuded a unique charm, saying, "Stay here."

The boat stopped, and Madam Wen said, "Reveal your Perfect Appearance. The Golden Scale will naturally choose you as its master, no need to compete with others."

Upon hearing this, Li Xian performed Qi Circulation. The red mole in the center of his forehead glowed faintly, and his aura was ethereal and extraordinary.

In the lake, the Golden Scale churned joyfully. Suddenly sensing a certain aura, it quickly swam over, jumping out of the water into Li Xian's arms.

Madam Wen said delightedly, "Good, wonderful, truly a talent for the Golden Scale!"

Whoever the Golden Scale chooses as its master is deemed a talent for the Golden Scale. [Golden Scale] is a treasure nurtured by the Heavens and Earth, fond of feeding on the spirit of talented scions, actively choosing its master.

Yet Madam Wen dared not be sure whether Li Xian could indeed attract the Golden Scale, whether he was a talent for it. Naturally, it was best if he was. If not, she had other methods to obtain the Golden Scale.

Madam Wen said, "Little Immortal, we shall go."

"Hold on," Yuwen Hou's voice boomed, "Are you resolute in swallowing the Golden Scale alone?!"

At this point, he was far from Madam Wen, ensuring his safety and growing more assertive.

"The Golden Scale chose its master; how can it be swallowed alone?" Madam Wen inquired.

"Hmph."

From another direction, Cao Shuang said from afar, "Lady Zhe Jian, we have already been generous in allowing you to take the Pearl. If you are ungrateful, don't blame us for being rude. We may not be your match, but for oppressing us like this, a price must be paid!"

After speaking.

Numerous government soldiers, hidden among the crowd, revealed themselves with bows and arrows aimed at the lake's center.

Ten thousand arrows at the ready!

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