Liver penetrates martial arts, instantly becoming a saint.

Chapter 205 Dragon Appreciation Opens, The Vast World

Welcome Hall.

Madam Wen walked gracefully in, a fox fur cloak draped over her white robe. Li Bohou caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye and subtly raised his right hand. Li Haitang immediately felt a hidden force lift her up, and she stood up.

Li Bohou, less humble and casual, cupped his hands and said, "Madam Wen, how have you been?"

Madam Wen took her seat in the main seat, nodded slightly, glanced at the two men, and said softly, "Detective Li, please sit down, don't be shy. Haitang, you may sit down too."

Her words were intimate, like a crabapple tree affectionately serving an elder. Li Haitang was flattered and quietly took her seat.

Madam Wen said apologetically, "I am truly sorry, but I am in seclusion for cultivation and cannot leave. That is why I have kept you both waiting. I have asked this humble servant to entertain you. I hope I have done nothing wrong. If there is anything inappropriate, please let me know, and I will punish him accordingly."

"Not at all, not at all," Li Bohou said with a smile. "Young friend Li is very thoughtful and we had a very pleasant conversation. I've been staying at the manor for a few days and I'm quite relaxed and content."

Madam Wen smiled and said, "If that's the case, then that would be wonderful. Haitang, how have you been lately? Have you managed to capture the Immortal in the Altar?"

Li Haitang said, "I am truly ashamed. I am not very knowledgeable and lost track of the thief, so I failed to capture him."

Madam Wen said, "One success or failure is not enough to define a hero. You are still inexperienced, so it's good to experience some setbacks."

"Yes, Haitang will heed your teachings!" Li Haitang replied respectfully.

"Your father is a renowned and illustrious constable; why would he need my instruction? I am merely passing on some experience as a senior. I dare not accept the title of 'instructor'."

Wen Caishang paused for a moment, then got straight to the point: "Detective Li said that something concerns the Dragon Banquet? Please speak frankly."

Li Bohou's expression turned serious. He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest and said, "The Dragon Appreciation Banquet is about to begin. It should be... sometime in February this year. Now it's almost the end of December, time to set off!"

"Oh?" Madam Wen gazed at the sky, pondered for a moment, and said, "Judging by the time, it should be here soon. This grand banquet is truly unpredictable, whether it will bring good or bad fortune."

Take a sip of tea.

Li Bohou said, "There is one more thing I need to tell the lady."

Madam Wen said, "Please speak."

"This matter is, in truth, a coincidence."

Li Bohou said, "Some time ago, I was chasing after the notorious 'Qin Mo' (the Qin Demon) on the Crimson List. Although he unfortunately escaped, I happened to overhear some secrets during the pursuit that are closely related to you, Madam. Someone is targeting you at this Dragon Appreciation Banquet."

"The Taixin Sect, Jianyu Tower, Shiluo Village... many sects are preparing a grand plan, which seems to concern Madam. I have come to remind you, and hope that Madam will pay close attention. Do not fall for the tricks of these petty people."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wen frowned slightly, thinking to herself, "These sects and forces all have experts stationed here, far superior to those in the city. I have killed many of their disciples in the past, and we have a grudge against each other. I had expected that they would use this Dragon Banquet to target me. But the fact that they could unite is indeed something I should have been wary of."

She smiled and said, "I see. I am extremely grateful for the messenger's message. I am aware of the news and will take precautions."

Li Bohou nodded, pulled Li Haitang to his side, and said, "What I have to say is just these two sentences. Originally, since Brother Li and Madam have a close relationship, it wouldn't be unreasonable for me to have him convey the message. But upon closer thought, this matter concerns our lives and fortunes. Only by speaking to him in person can we show respect and make Madam take it seriously."

"Rumor has it that you are as beautiful as a celestial being, and seeing you today, it is indeed true. To converse with you is like listening to celestial music, truly delightful. Unfortunately, I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave now."

Madam Wen scoffed inwardly: "That sounds nice, but it's nothing more than trying to distance yourself from me. You traveled all this way to inform me of the potential danger. You're just trying to distance yourself from me beforehand to avoid being implicated, do you think I can't see through that? Fine, you're just a Jianghu constable, how could you possibly risk your life for me?"

Knowing that Li Bohou was determined to leave, she feigned an attempt to persuade him to stay, saying softly, "Constable Li, why the rush? Why not stay a few more days? The scenery in my manor is exquisite. I will personally accompany you both for a few days of sightseeing."

"I am not worthy of your company," Li Bohou thought to himself, then said, "If this is truly inappropriate, I shall depart. I hope you will not take offense, Madam." He beckoned to Li Haitang and walked outside. Each step covered several feet, and the flowers and plants beneath his feet were lush, as if it were early spring.

In the blink of an eye, they were already far away.

Madam Wen said coldly, "Heh, afraid of being implicated with me, you've even resorted to the [One Step, Three Springs] technique."

Turning to Li Xian, her voice softened: "Little Xian, what do you think? Did you hear that this Dragon Appreciation Feast is fraught with danger? Are you still willing to go?"

"If I could go with you and share your burdens, I would be more than happy to do so," Li Xian said loudly.

"Good, good." Madam Wen gently patted Li Xian's hand and said happily, "If all the men in the world were like you, that would be wonderful. There is no other good man like you, and now you are in my hands. You can rest assured that those petty villains are no match for me, and no matter how many there are, it will be in vain."

The Dragon Banquet was suddenly scheduled, forcing the cancellation of the trip to southern Xinjiang.

The next day.

Uncle Xiang, who was in charge of handling many matters related to the trip to the southern frontier, quickly learned of the matter. He entered the inner courtyard, requested an audience with the Madam, and after understanding the general situation, nervously asked, "Madam, this journey is fraught with danger. Have you considered canceling the trip?"

Madam Wen was tending to her potted plants and pruning the flowers when she said impatiently, "Whether I go or not is my decision, why do you have to interfere?"

"If it were any other matter, I would naturally obey Madam, but this matter is dangerous. Madam has no children. If something unexpected happens..." Uncle Xiang was sweating profusely, his head pressed to the ground, feeling as if he were being pricked by needles. Madam's gaze was fixed on him, filled with a chilling aura.

Madam Wen said softly, "What if I told you that this dragon-viewing banquet is an important part of my menu?"

Uncle Xiang's expression changed, and he said sincerely, "Then this old servant is willing to risk his life to clear the way."

"Get up," said Madam Wen. "What use is your life to me? Just watch over the estate and keep things as they are. Yes, and hide away some valuable items."

"After the Dragon Appreciation Banquet, we'll move on to another place. There's no need to stay in Qingning County any longer."

Wuweitang.

Li Xian vaguely knew the gravity of this matter.

"Your Majesty resides in Qingning County; could it be that you are awaiting this dragon-viewing banquet?"

The lady owned numerous businesses, including clothing stores, restaurants, cosmetics shops, and wine cellars in several large counties. Uncle Xiang told Li Xian to visit various prominent families and sell her businesses conveniently.

Li Xian knew that his wife had lived in Qingning for a long time, but had no affection for this place. After the Dragon Banquet, the estate would likely have to be moved.

At that time… he too would have to go far away. Li Xiaofan was traveling around studying and would not be in Qingning. Although Li Xian had some attachment to Qingning, it wasn't something he couldn't bear to part with.

If there was anything they were reluctant to leave behind, it was the Martial Guard Hall. Li Xian subtly hinted that he was about to depart Qingning. Everyone felt a pang of reluctance.

Li Xian and Luo Xia strolled leisurely by Qingning Lake.

Li Xian said, "Luo Xia, from now on, I'll have to entrust these brothers to you."

"Are you sure you want to leave?" Luo Xia asked.

"I'm not sure, but I have a feeling," Li Xian said. "After the dragon-viewing banquet... we might have to leave soon. Or perhaps... this dragon-viewing banquet was very unusual. In short, it's hard to say."

He added sarcastically, "After I leave, you will be the Military Commander."

Luo Xia rolled her eyes and said, "Do you think I care?"

Li Xian said, "I have some properties in the city, which I'll entrust to you to manage. Also..."

"There's a prospective buyer for the properties in Yihezhuang. I can help select some high-quality assets to acquire. I'll provide you with a list later; you should manage them carefully."

"Take the brothers out for some good, spicy, and fragrant food."

Luo Xia sighed, remarking on the grand dragon banquet, a time of ever-changing fortunes. All things are impermanent; why think too far ahead?

He then returned to the hall to train the servants. Li Xian sensed the gathering of wind and clouds, but remained calm and composed, silently honing his martial arts skills.

"The road ahead is fraught with danger, but martial arts are my constant companion. I started as a menial laborer and have now gained some strength. The Immortal of the Altar, Black River Village, Xu Liefeng... the obstacles and dangers are endless. But I have made it through."

"This dragon-appreciation banquet... though my strength is meager, I've still managed to participate. Even before the banquet begins, I already know it's fraught with danger. Although the lady is powerful, so far no one has proven to be her match. But there are always those stronger than you, and there's always something beyond your reach..."

"Although my strength can't improve much in the short term, the wind is a blade, and the road ahead is uncertain, but I will still forge ahead!"

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

……

Li Xian diligently practiced martial arts, accumulated internal energy, digested precious treasures, and comprehended the essence of techniques.

The road ahead is uncertain, so proceed with composure.

Madam Wen remained calm, continuing her practice as usual, waiting for her opportunity. Li Xianbang sold his properties and made a considerable fortune.

The lady's businesses were first-rate at accumulating wealth. They had long been coveted by families in various counties, so there was no worry about selling them. Li Xian profited from the price difference, making a fortune every day.

Never before had there been so much silver. But it never stayed long; some of it flowed out. Li Xian bought up some of the most successful restaurants, taverns, cosmetic shops, and clothing stores.

He left it to Luo Xia to manage and oversee. After all... he wasn't completely leaving.

In this way, Li Xian established businesses in many counties, including Huangyu, Qingning, and Ziqiong. His financial resources and business acumen were among the best in the area.

Surplus money.

Li Xian entrusted someone to purchase poisons, poisoned darts, and many other hidden weapons. In the martial world, one can only truly rely on oneself.

They also purchased geographical maps.

He memorized the terrain, mountain ranges, and river patterns beforehand. Li Xian thought to himself, "What if, what if something unexpected happens? If I do this and that… will I be able to hold my own against my opponent?"

[Vast Legs]

[Proficiency: 321/20000 Perfect]

[Description: Your leg strength has greatly increased, and you have mastered the "Mist-Dispelling" property. It complements the basic martial art, the Gentle Breeze Kick, even increasing your speed.]

"Although I lack the skill of lightness, my martial arts accumulation is not shallow. According to Madam, my previous trip to the prefectural city was just a small skirmish. The reason why Qiongtian Prefecture is called 'Qiongtian Prefecture' is because of the word 'poor'. Although in my opinion, Qiongtian Prefecture is already wealthy, in the view of Yu Nan Dao... it is poor and remote."

"This Dragon Appreciation Banquet truly offers a glimpse into a corner of the martial world."

……

……

The Great Wu Dynasty.

Southern Heaven Domain.

It is located at the intersection of the jurisdictions of Yunan Road and Longxiong Road. There is an old dragon pool with dark and icy water.

Dozens of miles away from the pool, there is a rushing river called the "Benhua River".

Starting from Yangchun Prefecture in Yuna Road in the west, it stretches for 49,000 li, passing through Yuna and Longxiong before flowing to the sea.

Deep in that pool of water.

The python raised its head.

On the second day of the second lunar month, heroes gather as dragons transform into water spirits. Those who admire the dragon help the python-dragon travel through the waters and into the sea, where it transforms into a dragon. Those who slay the dragon try to stop it along the river!

A dragon feast...no feast, no dishes, but there really is a dragon!

(End of this chapter)