Reception Hall.

Madam Wen walked gracefully, with a fox fur cape draped over her white robe. Li Bo Hou caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye and lightly raised his right hand. Li Haitang immediately felt a subtle force lift her to her feet.

Li Bo Hou, with less humility and casualness, cupped his hands and said, "Madam Wen, I hope you've been well."

Madam Wen took the main seat, nodded slightly, and glanced over the two, saying softly, "Divine Hunter Li, please sit, don't be too formal. Haitang, you too, take a seat."

Her words were intimate, like a kind elder to Haitang. Li Haitang, feeling honored, sat quietly.

Madam Wen apologized, "I'm truly sorry, I've been in seclusion for practice. It was difficult to leave, hence the long wait for you both. I'm not sure if Little Immortal neglected you in any way. If there's anything lacking, please feel free to say it. I will certainly punish him."

"Not at all, not at all," Li Bo Hou replied with a smile, "Young Li is very meticulous in handling matters and I enjoyed talking with him. Staying at the manor for a few days has been quite relaxing."

Madam Wen smiled, "If that's the case, then that's wonderful. Haitang, how have you been lately, did you manage to capture the Pot Immortal?"

Li Haitang said, "I'm truly ashamed, my skills are shallow, and I lost track of him, unable to capture the fierce thief."

Madam Wen said, "Success or failure once cannot define a hero. You're still inexperienced, and some setbacks might do you good."

"Yes, Haitang humbly accepts your guidance!" Li Haitang responded respectfully.

"Your father is a renowned Divine Hunter; there's no need for me to teach you. I'm just sharing a bit of experience as a senior. To use the word 'guidance' is too much for me,"

Wen Caishang paused and got straight to the point, "Divine Hunter Li mentioned something about the Dragon Appreciation Banquet? Please speak plainly."

Li Bo Hou grew serious, lightly tapping his fingers on the armrest, and said, "The Dragon Appreciation Banquet is about to begin. It should be... this February. Now at the end of December, it's almost time to set off!"

"Oh?" Madam Wen looked at the sky, pondered for a moment, and said, "Calculating the days, it truly should be time. This great banquet is truly unpredictable, whether it's a blessing or a curse."

She took a light sip of tea.

Li Bo Hou said, "There's another matter I need to inform you of."

Madam Wen replied, "Please speak."

"This matter might be considered a coincidence,"

Li Bo Hou continued, "Some time ago, while pursuing the Red List criminal [Piano Demon], though he unfortunately got away, I happened to overhear some secrets while chasing him, which are greatly related to you. Someone intends to target you at this Dragon Appreciation Banquet."

"The Taixin Sect, Sword Rain Tower, Shiluo Village... many sects are preparing a major plan, seemingly aimed at you. I came to remind you to take extra precautions. Do not fall into the traps of these villains."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wen slightly frowned, thinking, "These sect forces each have experts in charge, unlike the people from the Prefecture City. I've killed many of their disciples before and hold enmity with them. It was expected that they'd use this Dragon Appreciation Banquet to target me. But that they could unite is something to preemptively guard against."

She smiled, "I see. Divine Hunter came all this way to convey this, for which I am most grateful. I am aware of this news and will guard against it."

Li Bo Hou nodded, pulling Li Haitang to his side, saying, "That's all I wanted to say. Originally, since Brother Li is close with you, I thought of having him deliver the message on my behalf. But thinking it over, this matter concerns life and death. Only by speaking in person can I show my respect and ensure you take it seriously."

"They say Madam is as beautiful as a fairy; seeing you today, it is indeed so. Speaking with you is like hearing celestial music, truly delightful. Unfortunately, I have pressing matters and must take my leave."

Madam Wen inwardly scoffed, "You say that nicely, but you just want to distance yourself from me. You came all this way to tell me about potential dangers but it's simply to ensure your daughter stays clear of any involvement beforehand. Do you think I don't see through this? Fine, as a Jianghu Chief Constable, how could you risk yourself for me?"

Knowing Li Bo Hou's mind was made up, she pretended to persuade him to stay, speaking gently, "Divine Hunter Li, why so rushed? Why not stay a few more days? The inner courtyard of my manor is quite unique. How about I personally accompany you two for a few days of leisure?"

"Your personal accompaniment is beyond my capacity," Li Bo Hou thought to himself but said, "It's truly inconvenient, I must take my leave, I hope Madam doesn't mind." He motioned to Li Haitang and moved to leave. With one step, he covered several yards, his feet passing over the flourishing flowers and grass, like an early spring.

In the blink of an eye, he was already far away.

Madam Wen coldly remarked, "Afraid of being implicated, he even used [Three Springs in One Step]."

She turned to Li Xian, her voice softening, "Little Immortal, what do you think, did you hear? This Dragon Appreciation Banquet is fraught with danger. Are you still willing to go?"

"To be able to go and relieve Madam of her worries is something I'll gladly do," Li Xian said aloud.

"Good, good," Madam Wen gently patted Li Xian's hand with joy, "If every man under the heavens were like you, that would be wonderful. No... such a good man, there's only you, now in my hands. Rest assured, those petty people are no match for me, no matter how many there are, they will be in vain."

...

...

Suddenly, the Dragon Appreciation Banquet arrived, and the journey to the Southern Border had to be canceled.

The next day.

Uncle Xiang, responsible for organizing the Southern Border trip, quickly found out about this. He entered the inner courtyard to see Madam Wen and, understanding the general situation, said anxiously, "Madam, this trip is fraught with danger, have you considered not going?"

Madam Wen was trimming bonsai, snipping flowers and plants, and replied impatiently, "Whether I go or not, I have my plans. Why do you need to interject?"

"If it were something else, I'd certainly heed Madam's instructions, but this is dangerous, Madam has no offspring, and if something happens." Uncle Xiang, sweating, pressed his head to the ground, feeling a prickling sensation on his back as Madam Wen's gaze pierced through with a cold glint.

Madam Wen said softly, "What if I told you that this Dragon Appreciation Banquet is vital for my dietary plans?"

Uncle Xiang's expression changed, sincerely saying, "Then this old servant is willing to pave the way with my life."

"Rise," Madam Wen said, "What use is your life to me? Just maintain the manor as usual. By the way, hide away some precious items."

"After the Dragon Appreciation Banquet, we ought to find a new place, there's no need to remain in Qingning County any longer."

...

...

Martial Captain Hall.

Li Xian vaguely understood the weight of this matter.

"Madam resides in Qingning County, could it be that she was waiting for this Dragon Appreciation Banquet?"

Madam owns an extensive range of properties, with weaving houses, taverns, cosmetics, and wine cellars in several major counties. Uncle Xiang informed Li Xian to visit various prominent families to expedite the sale of these properties.

Li Xian knew that though Madam had lived in Qingning for a long time, she held little affection for the place. Once the Dragon Appreciation Banquet concluded, the manor would likely relocate.

At that time... he too would need to follow and depart. Li Xiaofan was studying abroad and not in Qingning. Though Li Xian felt attached to Qingning, it wasn't a bond he found hard to sever.

If there was a place he found hard to leave, it was the Martial Captain Hall. Li Xian subtly hinted at his impending departure from Qingning. Everyone felt reluctant to see him go.

By Qingning Lake, Li Xian strolled leisurely with Luo Xia.

Li Xian said, "Luo Xia, I'll be counting on you to take care of these brothers in the future."

"Are you sure you're leaving?" Luo Xia asked.

"I'm not certain, but I have a feeling," Li Xian said, "After the Dragon Appreciation Banquet... perhaps it won't be long before I leave. Or perhaps... this banquet is quite unusual. In any case, it's hard to say."

Teasingly, he added, "Once I'm gone, you'll be the Martial Captain."

Luo Xia rolled his eyes and said, "Do you really think I'd crave that?"

Li Xian remarked, "I have some properties in the city, and I'll leave them for you to manage. Also..."

"The assets of Yihetang Manor are intended for sale. I can maneuver it to select some premium properties under my name. I'll give you a list at the time, so you can manage them well."

"Make sure the brothers have good, spicy, and delicious food."

Luo Xia sighed, remarking how the Dragon Banquet brought about changing fortunes and unpredictability, wondering why bother planning too far ahead.

He returned to the hall to train the constables. Li Xian sensed the converging of winds and clouds but remained composed, quietly honing his martial arts.

"The road ahead is perilous, and martial arts are my companions. I started as a servant, and now I have some strength. Pot Immortal, Black River Village, Xu Liefeng... countless obstacles and dangers. Yet, I have made my way through."

"At this Dragon Appreciation Banquet... though my strength is meager, I will still make a move. Even before the banquet starts, dangers are evident everywhere. As strong as Madam is, no one has yet challenged her. But there are always higher mountains and skies beyond the sky..."

"Although it's unlikely that I'll greatly enhance my skills in the short term, be it wind knife or frost sword, the uncertain road ahead won't stop me from proceeding!"

[Skill Level +1]

[Skill Level +1]

...

Li Xian diligently practiced martial arts, accumulated Inner Qi, absorbed the Essence Treasure, and pondered the Magic Essence.

The path ahead was uncertain, but he advanced with confidence.

Madam Wen remained calm, practicing as usual, waiting for the opportune moment. Li Xian helped sell off properties, earning a significant sum.

Madam's business acumen was unrivaled, and the properties were coveted by family clans in various counties, so sales were never a concern. Li Xian profited from the margins, earning large sums daily.

He had never possessed so much silver before. However, it came in and went out just as quickly. He purchased extremely successful taverns, pubs, cosmetic shops, and weaving houses with his earnings.

Leaving them to Luo Xia to manage and oversee. After all... it wasn't as if he was never returning.

Thus, Li Xian established properties in counties such as Yellow Jade, Qingning, and Purple Qiong, making his financial and influential presence among the top locally.

Excess funds were used.

Li Xian had people procure poisons, poisoned darts, and other underhanded weapons. In the Jianghu, one could only rely on oneself.

He also purchased geographic maps.

Familiarizing himself with the terrain along the way, mountain ranges, and river courses. Li Xian thought to himself, "In case of an unexpected situation, can I maneuver with an opponent like this... like this?"

[Vast Leg]

[Skill Level: 321/20000 Perfection]

[Description: Your leg strength has increased significantly, grasping the 'Fog Clearing' property. It matches well with the basic martial arts Clear Wind Leg, resulting in greater speed.]

"Although I lack Lightweight Skill, my martial arts foundation is not shallow. According to Madam, the previous trip to the Prefecture City was merely a minor spat. Why is Qiong Heavenly Mansion known as 'Qiong Heavenly Mansion'? It's due to the word 'Qiong' (poor). Although it seems wealthy to me, compared to the Yu Nan Dao... it is poor and remote."

"This Dragon Appreciation Banquet is a true glimpse into a corner of the Jianghu."

...

...

The Great Wu Dynasty.

Southern Celestial Domain.

The intersection of Yu Nan Dao and Longxiong Dao's jurisdiction. There is an ancient dragon pool, with water as dark as night and chillingly cold.

A few dozen miles from the pool is a great rushing river named "Benhua River."

It begins in Yu Nan Dao's [Yangchun Prefecture], stretches for forty-nine thousand miles, flows through Yu Nan and Longxiong, and rushes towards the sea.

Within the depths of that pool.

The Python raised its head.

On the second day of the second month, the Python embarks on its journey to transform into a dragon as heroes gather. Dragon appreciators assist the Python in traveling over the waters and entering the sea, transforming into a dragon. Dragon slayers along the river come to kill!

The Dragon Appreciation Banquet... no banquet or dishes, but there is indeed a dragon!

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