Chapter 642: Chapter 349: Nianjun’s Meeting—Flower Thief Li Xian, So It Really Is You! Identity Exposed? (2)

The fewer people there are, the deeper the hatred becomes. When only three people are left, the tacit understanding between them is extreme; they slap each other’s faces without hesitation or delay. When the third person faints, the remaining two glare at each other with eyes full of fire, beating each other until their mouths are broken, teeth shattered, and faces disfigured.

The scene is utterly tragic, leaving them unrecognizable as humans. In the end, Niu Er persisted the longest. Li Xian said, "Since you have won, the task of taking care of them falls on your shoulders. Do not delay my journey." He lay horizontally on the offering table, closing his eyes to rest.

Niu Er did not dare to defy, but his teeth were shattered, tongue split, eyes swollen, nose crooked, and he struggled to make any sound. He could only utter "uh-uh" sounds, nodding slightly.

In such a manner, they temporarily stayed in the abandoned temple for half a night. When night fell, Hu Daluo, Tie San, and the others all awoke, each struggling to speak and fearing Li Xian greatly. They believed in the rumors that said this person’s methods were vicious, making a stir among both humans and gods.

Li Xian rested with his eyes closed, using his Ear and Eye Sensing technique to observe Wen Caishang’s every move. The carriage was warm and cozy, the candlelight extinguished, leaving only a soft glow from the coals, dim and subdued. Wen Caishang had been captive for days, having already adapted. She took the opportunity to practice Inner Martial Arts, accumulating martial arts foundation to make up for recent losses, but during moments of boredom, she became extremely frustrated, unable to find a way to solve her predicament, feeling utterly despondent. Occasionally, she would arch her back and turn over, sweating profusely.

The enchanting scenery inside the carriage was seen only by Li Xian.

When dawn broke the next day, Hu Daluo’s face was wrapped in cloth, his head swollen like a pig, but he could now speak, waiting respectfully for Li Xian to wake. They all gathered at a base, walking to a wide lake. The shore was lush and green, the hills standing tall, clouds piled up, and a few swallows fluttered away.

The scenery was exceptionally beautiful. Hu Daluo informed Li Xian that, according to his knowledge, the Flower Cage Sect would meet in the lake today. Although the lake view was very beautiful, Li Xian frowned. "Meeting on the lake is very disadvantageous for me. As a Second Realm Martial Artist, I sink when encountering water. If the ship is damaged, I would be at a disadvantage. Besides, I don’t know if Hu Daluo’s words are true. If it’s a trap set to kill me, that would be terrible. This needs careful consideration."

He said, "You rent some boats, get a few fishing boats and ferryboats first." When everyone dispersed, he pondered the pros and cons in detail, "I have the Jade Water Pearl, which allows me to survive in water, but the lake is deep, sinking all the way down, thousands of feet deep. Even if I can breathe underwater, it’s still extremely troublesome. However, I possess Magic Dao Golden Light, and using it in water, I don’t know its effect. If it works well, I can protect myself even underwater. The Sinking River Sword used in water shows its great effect too. Even if it’s a trap, I can still protect myself. I need to explore quickly to return to the Water Altar."

He immediately tried. First removing his clothes, he tied a rope around his waist, the other end tied to a tree. Using his Lightweight Skill, he jumped into the lake. As soon as he touched the water, his body started to sink. The Light Force of Martial Arts Lightweight Skill dispersed, and no matter how he waved his arms or treaded water, it was useless.

He could move left and right, but rising was impossible, only continuing to sink.

Li Xian used the ’Eight Zhang Golden Light’, his body transforming into golden streamers, flashing upward. It indeed worked, with numerous light spots leaping out of the lake, forming in mid-air. Li Xian appeared above the lake, stepping on Seven Stars Step to return to the shore. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Li Xian murmured, "Using Golden Light Technique in the lake does help me escape from the water’s surface. But while performing underwater, the water slightly hinders me. My technique can flash eight feet above, but in water only barely two feet. Besides, controlling the exact direction is difficult, with minor deviations. It might lean east, west, or sometimes south. But it can still help counteract sinking with the aid of magic!"

[Magic Dao·Golden Light]

[Skill Level: 4/100]

Li Xian, full of energy, jumped into the lake again. Using the lake to refine the Golden Light Technique, light flickered endlessly. After seven attempts, he felt exhausted. Seeking his limit, he gritted his teeth and persisted.

He found the limit to be thirteen times for the Golden Light Technique. Returning to the shore, he rested and regained his breath. "Perfect Appearance" was extremely powerful, recovering faster than others. Li Xian drank some Clear Water, ate some dry food, and dressed properly. Looking at the vast lake, he felt confident.

After waiting for a stick of incense time, he saw several plank boats in the distance. Hu Daluo, Tie San, and Niu Er sailed back. They raised their hands to signal Li Xian, who jumped, executing his Lightweight Skill, leaping onto Hu Daluo’s boat, saying, "Let’s go, to the base we gather."

Though aware of potential danger, there is nothing completely safe in the Jianghu. As long as one knows the stakes, one can attempt it. Li Xian left the city late and needed elders’ assistance to return to the Water Altar, worrying about Nangong Liuli.

Hu Daluo rowed the boat; the lake was vast. After about half an hour, they saw several plank boats narrowly. Hu Daluo waved and called out, "Are you brothers of the Flower Cage Sect?" The voice was vague but the intention clear.

The opposite side replied, "Yes, yes." Hu Daluo happily said, "Elder Li, shall we go to meet them?"

Li Xian nodded in agreement. Hu Daluo steered the boat closer, bringing both sides together. They saw three people, two rowing and one looking afar. Li Xian exchanged pleasantries and confirmed identities before ferrying to the designated spot.

Soon, they saw a small island, lush with vegetation and intricate tree roots. Birds and beasts nested among the branches; upon looking, there were hundreds to thousands of birds and beasts. Before stepping onto the island, the noise of chirping could be heard.

The boat docked, and Li Xian leaped onto the island first. The soil was soft, emitting a faint foul stench, dead fish and shrimp lying by the shore. Li Xian thought, "Although this is a lake, it also experiences tides; these dead fish and shrimp probably died after the tide receded. It seems I shouldn’t stay long."

Venturing further inside, he saw several lines of footprints. Disciples had previously set foot, judging by the footprints, there were four or five people with considerable skill, either marked disciples or elder-grade.