Chapter 92: Nearly Trapped (Please Subscribe)

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“That scoundrel... actually wants to kill me.”

Li Guanxuan felt a flicker of murderous intent in Murong Li’s eyes, which surprised him slightly.

He knew what kind of person Murong Li was; at most, he would create small grudges, but would never harbor the desire to kill.

A cultivator who had painstakingly reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and was also a mid-grade second-tier alchemist, would rarely resort to life-and-death conflict unless it involved a deep-seated grudge breaking the way.

“I was a bit impulsive just now as well...”

Li Guanxuan silently took a sip of wine to steady his mind and glanced out the window.

It was the sword intent.

The sword intent hovering over Ruyi City.

Sword cultivators are upright and unyielding, naturally fond of combat, fearless of life and death, and also inclined to chivalry—eliminating demons and upholding righteousness.

After all, the sword is straight, pointed, double-edged, extremely sharp, and highly offensive.

The sword intent lingering above Ruyi City silently influenced the minds of both Li Guanxuan and Murong Li, stirring their combative spirits and causing verbal conflicts that could easily escalate into battle.

Near Ruyi City, one seldom encounters demonic cultivators, evil cultivators, or calamity cultivators; anyone who dares approach is met by sword cultivators who will fight to the death.

“Sigh, troublesome. I wonder if Murong Li will use his brain and think through what’s really going on here.”

Li Guanxuan sighed softly in his heart. He himself had suppressed his own warlike impulse.

But Murong Li, having had his intentions exposed, might not be able to let go of what he considered the face of a Foundation Establishment grand alchemist.

After all, in Murong Li’s eyes, Li was merely a peak Qi refining cultivator, easily crushed at will.

Moreover, in the everyday life of Ruyi City, battles were common occurrences.

Thus, this spiritual city was filled with sparks everywhere, always on the verge of erupting into blazing flames.

...

After finishing his wine, Li Guanxuan had just left the tavern when he sensed a powerful Foundation Establishment spirit pressure bearing down on him.

With no other choice, Li Guanxuan summoned a mid-grade second-tier puppet, its body dark gold, eyes hollow and black, as if capable of devouring cultivators whole.

“Alchemist Murong, Ruyi City is governed by the Sun Moon Sword Sect, and the sword intent here is extremely intense. Cultivators entering the city are easily influenced by it. I do not wish to engage you in a senseless fight here; I hope you reconsider.”

Li Guanxuan spoke calmly, neither humble nor arrogant. “If Alchemist Murong still insists on fighting after careful thought, then I shall accompany you to the end.”

He was not afraid of Murong Li but wished to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Besides, killing Murong Li would serve no purpose; he had been nothing but a pawn—the true troublemaker was the City Lord of Shanggu.

At present, the person Li Guanxuan most wished to kill was the City Lord of Shanggu, who was desperately pushing his lifespan to break through to the Golden Core stage.

“Alchemist Murong?”

Murong Li’s heart jolted; his blood-red eyes instantly dulled as he stared intently at Li Guanxuan, demanding, “Do you know me?”

“I have heard your esteemed name in Silver Maple City,” Li Guanxuan replied.

Silver Maple City...

At that moment, all the murderous intent in Murong Li’s heart dissipated.

Silver Maple City was a nightmare he did not wish to mention. He had learned his lesson there, realizing that after advancing to a mid-grade second-tier alchemist, he should not be so arrogant and dismissive.

If the City Lord hadn’t been under a magic ban, he might have already perished long ago.

Murong Li cast a long look at the mid-grade second-tier puppet beside Li Guanxuan.

This puppet’s combat power rivaled that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the fourth layer and was not intimidated by him. Should it come to a life-or-death struggle, the one to fall might not be Li Guanxuan.

“Thank you for your reminder, fellow cultivator. I apologize for any offense.”

Murong Li cupped his hands in a respectful bow. Considering his sincerity might not be sufficient, he took out a book and handed it over, saying:

“It seems you are skilled in puppet techniques. I happen to possess the manual for manufacturing ‘Thunderfire Puppet,’ which I offer as a token of apology.”

Li Guanxuan was momentarily stunned and did not immediately accept it.

Murong Li smiled calmly: “When I advanced to a mid-grade second-tier alchemist, I was proud and arrogant, somewhat disdainful. It was only after being expelled from Silver Maple City that I realized a mid-grade second-tier alchemist is not truly invincible.

“Now, with your guidance, I feel enlightened as if awoken by a sudden realization, recalling my past shame.

“This ‘Thunderfire Puppet’ manual is a high-grade second-tier puppet technique I obtained by chance during an exploration. It is both an apology and a gift. I hope you accept it to ease my conscience.”

A high-grade second-tier puppet technique manual would cost at least twenty thousand low-grade spiritual stones on the market—was Murong Li truly so generous?

Li Guanxuan doubted. Although Murong Li seemed more open-minded now, his past frugality and pride kept Li wary.

“Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate it, but I only wish to resolve our minor grudge and have no other intentions.”

Li Guanxuan declined the ‘Thunderfire Puppet’ manual.

As Murong Li said, this was a token of apology, a gift, and a social favor.

Li Guanxuan did not intend to accept this favor, for establishing a connection might invite future troubles.

Better to keep a respectful distance.

Besides, a token worth twenty thousand spiritual stones was hard to repay.

Li Guanxuan, who possessed the inheritance of a third-tier puppet master, was not particularly tempted.

Seeing Li Guanxuan refuse, Murong Li showed a trace of surprise before withdrawing the manual.

“Thanks again for your reminder, fellow cultivator. Until we meet again.”

Murong Li bowed once more.

Li Guanxuan returned the gesture with a slight smile.

Then he headed toward the city gate, unwilling to linger in Ruyi City.

He feared the sword intent’s influence might cause him to act irrationally again.

...

“This sudden change in Murong Li is a bit unsettling for me...”

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Li Guanxuan shook his head with a wry smile. After leaving Ruyi City, his mind finally settled somewhat.

He was a sword cultivator—a genuine one—and so he could immediately sense the terrifying sword intent hovering above the city.

Every sword cultivator was straightforward, saying exactly what they meant, never acting with guile or subtlety; they were the straightforward men and women of the cultivation world.

Li Guanxuan, a cautious sword cultivator who avoided conflict, was actually an anomaly among sword cultivators.

If he returned to the Li family and was found to be so timid, he would likely be scorned by other sword cultivators.

How could a true sword cultivator achieve the way of the sword without fighting and striving?

“First, I’ll head to Huajing Immortal City to see if there’s any news of Old Chen. If not, I’ll buy some materials for high-grade second-tier talismans and puppet techniques, just in case.”

Li Guanxuan thought to himself; the City Lord of Shanggu had only five years left to live, and who knew what changes might occur next.

If he didn’t prepare, he would feel uneasy.

...

His clone sped toward Huajing Immortal City, while his true body diligently practiced dual and triple cultivation in the Peaceful Garden of Silver Maple City.

Life remained shamelessly dull and monotonous.

Inside the cultivation chamber, Li Guanxuan sat cross-legged, eyes closed, mind meditative, refining the three types of immortal energy within his body.

His golden and fiery spiritual roots were of supreme quality, which would have allowed rapid progress if only those two roots existed.

Unfortunately, his medium-grade wood and low-grade earth roots dragged his cultivation speed down.

With a normal set of four low-grade spiritual roots, advancing one level every ten years was quite good.

He was now sixty-one, had reached Foundation Establishment at fifty-eight, and after three years at the first Foundation Establishment layer, with another year or so, he could naturally break through to the second layer.

“The cultivation speed at Foundation Establishment isn’t too slow, aided by my supreme spiritual roots. In six months to a year, it should be a smooth breakthrough.”

Li Guanxuan was content as he watched Qin Jiyue instructing Song Zhiqiao in cultivation, while Wen Rongxin silently practiced martial arts, her face filled with serene joy.

After many long years, having such wives by his side was enough.

His clone labored outside, while his true body enjoyed domestic bliss.

At dinner, Li Guanxuan asked, “Zhiqiao, do you want to return to the Yongning Mansion in Daheng?”

Song Zhiqiao corresponded with her father, so Li was aware of some of her plans.

“I do,” she replied with a playful smile. “I used to want to because life in the immortal ruins was hard... but now, living in Silver Maple City is far happier and more comfortable.”

Here, her brother Li and sister Jiyue could provide the medicine she needed.

Moreover, a Foundation Establishment cultivator personally guided her cultivation—a privilege she could never have back in Yongning Mansion.

After all, everyone there was busy cultivating; who had time or care for her?

So Song Zhiqiao had long told her father she preferred to live in Silver Maple City with Li Guanxuan and the two sisters, and her previous plan to return was as if it had never existed.

Li Guanxuan nodded slightly, honestly saying, “I basically won’t consider returning to Yongning Mansion. You should know the situation in the Li family—a sword cultivator clan—only struggle can keep one alive. There’s little familial affection, even between father and son, let alone other clansmen.

“The only relatives I’m close to are those few who came to the immortal ruins with me at age twelve... but I have no idea where they are now.

“So, I’ll basically stay in the immortal ruins and won’t go to any immortal court.”

Song Zhiqiao nodded and said, “Sister Rongxin and Sister Jiyue have told me all about it. In short, wherever you and the two sisters go, I will follow forever!”

Li Guanxuan was greatly comforted by this promise.

After dinner, in the main room, panting sounds rose and fell.

Wen Rongxin used to dress quite casually, content as long as she was warm.

Since Qin Jiyue and Song Zhiqiao married in, they occasionally brought back beautiful clothes and helped dress her up.

Gradually, Wen Rongxin developed a refined grace, which, combined with her innate purity and kindness, made her all the more beautiful.

Tonight, Li Guanxuan had her wear a lotus-colored qipao he had crafted himself, perfectly showcasing her alluring figure.

“Hu-husband, it’s a bit... short...” Wen Rongxin blushed deeply, shyly placing her hands on her smooth white thighs, trying to cover herself.

Li Guanxuan stepped forward, embracing her, smiling: “How could it be short? This is a magical garment I made myself, with excellent fabric. Don’t believe me? Feel it yourself...”

Wen Rongxin nestled in his arms.

Even after nearly twenty years of marriage, Li Guanxuan’s endless charms still made Wen Rongxin blush like a sixteen-year-old girl at times.

He reached beneath the lush lotus leaves to find lotus seeds.

“Husband...” Wen Rongxin softly called, her almond eyes sparkling, her head seemingly wanting to bury into Li Guanxuan’s chest.

Soon, the lotus pond trembled, water rippling.

Li Guanxuan mused that his occasional practice of the “Sunflower Acupoint Striking Technique” truly was a fine way to cultivate one’s temperament.

Then, sitting in a chair, he awaited the consequences, gasping occasionally.

Under his guidance, Wen Rongxin gradually understood many life philosophies.

“Wife, when do you think we should tell Zhiqiao about our situation?” Li Guanxuan asked, referring to the matter of the “silken flower.”

“I... I’m not sure,” Wen Rongxin blushed, her voice soft and murmuring.

“Between you, me, and Jiyue, it’s okay...”

Before Li Guanxuan could finish, Qin Jiyue’s voice came from the courtyard:

“Husband, Master is here!”

She was reminding them to hurry out, lest they keep Liu Xiaoxian waiting for two hours.

Li Guanxuan was momentarily stunned; Wen Rongxin was so embarrassed she wished to disappear into the earth.

To some extent, it was her first meeting with Liu Xiaoxian, but not in such a manner.

Wen Rongxin lost all enthusiasm, urging, “Hu-husband... hurry, Master is here.”

“No worries, let her wait a bit. She doesn’t know what we’re doing inside; the room is protected by spirit seals.”

Li Guanxuan was in high spirits and would not stop so easily.

He quickened his pace and focused intently, becoming the finishing touch—the old brush.

The brush painted lotus flowers with penetrating force, ears deaf to the outside world, entering a profound and mysterious state.

One hour later.

Li Guanxuan transmitted some wood-element immortal energy to Wen Rongxin, nourishing her body and restoring her strength so she wouldn’t limp when meeting the Master.

“I... I’m so embarrassed...” Wen Rongxin, just having ascended to the immortal realm and now returned to the mortal world, was ashamed to face Liu Xiaoxian who had waited an hour.

“No worries, the Master is a top Foundation Establishment cultivator and is accustomed to proper dual cultivation. She won’t think anything else,” Li Guanxuan comforted her.

Wen Rongxin wasn’t convinced, quickly changing out of the lotus qipao into clothes Qin Jiyue had bought for her, her cheeks flushed as she followed Li Guanxuan out.

Upon entering the hall, Liu Xiaoxian was sipping the Spring Mountain Spirit Tea personally brewed by Little Green Tea, her golden eyes half-lidded with charm and a teasing smile:

“One hour... I really underestimated you.”

Li Guanxuan chuckled, pretending ignorance and changed the topic: “Master, did you come for something important?”

Liu Xiaoxian wouldn’t visit without reason; normally, she would send a message talisman.

“How come I can’t come to see you?” she snorted. “It’s you who kept me waiting an hour here! Do you have any filial piety at all?”

“We were cultivating just now. Please forgive me, Master.”

Li Guanxuan cupped his hands and then stepped forward to fulfill his duty: “Should I massage your shoulders or legs?”

“Shoulders... Pah! I came here on business!”

Liu Xiaoxian said instinctively, then scolded: “Help me buy a Purple Feather Tear Gold from Huajing Immortal City. Don’t pay more than three hundred mid-grade spiritual stones. If it’s more, forget it. Once you get it, tell me—I’ll come there to pick you up.

“I’ll send you the secret code; you can collect the spiritual stones from the Wanxiang Pavilion there.”

Purple Feather Tear Gold—the material for forging third-tier puppets—Li Guanxuan was secretly astonished. The Master’s puppet techniques were truly beyond reach.

“No problem,” Li Guanxuan agreed.

Then he introduced: “You’ve met Jiyue and Zhiqiao. This is my wife, Wen Rongxin.”

“M-Master,” Wen Rongxin quickly bowed, feeling a bit shy even in her own home.

“A virtuous and good wife,” Liu Xiaoxian nodded approvingly.

She had been quietly assessing Wen Rongxin and had to admit that her precious disciple had good taste; his wife’s appearance and temperament were among the top female cultivators.

Her precious disciple’s cultivation had benefited from dual cultivation, while Liu herself had remained pure and detached all these years...

Liu Xiaoxian sighed inwardly.

Had she not come to Peaceful Garden today, she might never have entertained such thoughts.

But seeing Li Guanxuan’s family so harmonious and warm made her feel like embracing the roles of wife and mother.

“Yes, Rongxin is the gentlest and most virtuous wife in the world. Without her, there’d be no you today,” Li Guanxuan said with a happy smile.

“Enough showing off in front of me,” Liu Xiaoxian said grumpily, then stood to leave: “I have many affairs to handle. Farewell.”

“I’ll see you out, Master.”

Li Guanxuan accompanied Liu Xiaoxian to the door.

After leaving Peaceful Garden, Liu Xiaoxian glanced back with a complex expression and sighed lightly.

...

That day, Li Guanxuan’s clone, carrying two mid-grade second-tier puppets and a second-tier flying boat, was about to reach Huajing Immortal City.

To Li Guanxuan’s surprise, he again encountered Murong Li.

However...

Murong Li seemed to be engaged in a magical duel, and the situation did not look good.

Li Guanxuan stopped to observe for a while, then approached a nearby male cultivator, cupping his hands in greeting and smiling:

“Fellow cultivator, may I ask what is happening over there?”

“Hey... That bold second-tier mid-grade alchemist Murong Li dared to steal the puppet technique secrets of the Thunderfire Sect. Now that the Thunderfire Sect has found him, they naturally want to kill him and retrieve their secrets.”

“...”

Hearing this, Li Guanxuan was dumbfounded.

The Thunderfire Sect?

That’s the same ‘Thunderfire Puppet’ manual?

Good heavens...

I almost got tricked by Murong Li!

(The End of This Chapter)