Chapter 519: Chapter 317: At Wit’s End, Finally Captured—Execution by a Thousand Cuts? The Reckoning of Love and Hate

The crowd buzzed with curiosity. Mu Hongchou, Luo Feiyan, Hua Wu, Yang Wentian, and others had only heard of the name but hadn’t seen him. Wang Dezhong, Zhou Shijie, Yue Kai, and others had seen his traces but didn’t know him, all looked intently.

They saw that White-faced Red Bow stood proudly, his long hair flowing, with an extraordinary aura. Though wearing a mask, his posture alone suggested his looks must be handsome and exceptional. The young heroes felt ashamed, as if in a dream, and thought, "From a young age, I drank Essence Treasure, practiced Martial Arts, trained in archery at three, studied literature, cultivated my character, and was a standout among my peers, admired by elders and peers alike. Now, someone of my age solely masters Archery to the point I can’t help but admire. Previously, I thought this person to be unreal; seeing him now, his demeanor is indeed extraordinary, invoking complex feelings, leaving me to sigh at my inadequacy."

The elders collectively praised inwardly, "What an impressive young man, what a Divine Archer by reputation. Such presence is indeed remarkable."

Zhou Shijie felt restless and sat on pins and needles, ashamed of his inadequacy, overwhelmed by endless regret. Since childhood, he inherited good fortune, admired by peers and envied for his talents. Yet now, the stage has shifted, and while he still counts as outstanding, he blends into the crowd, looking up to others instead of standing out.

Unable to help himself, he sensitively observed Gu Nianjun’s expression. He saw her eyebrows arching with brilliance, her demeanor feigned calm, yet her fists were clenched tightly, creasing her skirt. It clearly showed her emotions were thrilling beyond measure.

He drank some fine wine, yet tasted neither liquor nor meat. Such disparity was hard to express. As the red mist dissipated, Xu Hu praised, "Good Young Hero, was it truly you who hunted the spirit fox?"

Li Xian remained silent, looking toward Wen Caishang. Wen Caishang chuckled lightly, "My young hero, Elder Xu is asking you, why don’t you answer?"

Li Xian knew he was being controlled, sighed slightly, and suppressed his heart palpitations, yet still remained calm, saying, "Indeed, the one who hunted the spirit fox is me."

Wang Tiexin admired, "A true master of Archery, surely bold and ambitious. My young Dezhong, once ignorant and narrow, competed in archery with this Young Hero and returned in defeat, crying to me. I told him that beyond the sky there’s another sky, beyond people there are other people. The earlier he understands this, the better."

Wang Dezhong’s face blushed red, "Father, spare me some dignity."

The crowd erupted in laughter. Wen Caishang asked with a smile, "Young hero, what is your surname, given name, and where do you reside?" Li Xian replied, "Surname Zhou, given name Ping’an, no fixed abode, a wanderer."

Wen Caishang laughed, "Young Hero Zhou speaks well. Please come closer." Li Xian thought, "I’ve come to this point, might as well comply for now. Alas, even if I don’t comply, what can I do?" and took a few steps forward.

Wen Caishang softly said, "Come closer." Li Xian followed, advanced steadily, and arrived before Wen Caishang’s table.

Wen Caishang’s face was all smiles, yet secretly cold. Her delicate hand resting on Li Xian’s wrist, she applied subtle Qi. Li Xian suddenly felt as if his entire body was pricked with needles, cold sweat flowed out, his face turned pale. Though he suffered internal injuries, there were no visible wounds.

Wen Caishang’s move was known as "Heavy Pulse Finger," she sneered inwardly, "Those who betray me, won’t have it easy. With my Heavy Pulse Finger, escaping is impossible."

Still unsatisfied, she further applied finger Qi, secretly binding Li Xian’s Inner Qi. Her beautiful eyes assessing Li Xian, seeing him resilient, showing no unusual sign, just as before.

Wen Caishang released her hand, smiled, "Truly a heroic young man, hardly eighteen years of age. City Lord He... your archery indeed lost to this eighteen-year-old."

Li Xian’s Qi Power vastly diminished, sensing the residual finger Qi within, gripping his energy-flowing meridians, obstructing Qi Movement pathways; the mastery of Martial Arts was astonishing, its complexity endless. Li Xian had spent considerable time alongside Wen Caishang, witnessing her defeat foes effortlessly, yet unaware of the underlying intricacies. Feeling it firsthand, he grasped the unfathomable profundity, beyond words.

Resolving it wouldn’t be straightforward. But outwardly unperturbed, he stood by Wen Caishang’s table. Others believed Wen Caishang appreciated Li Xian, observing age through pulse and bone. Heartfelt admiration seeped through.

Li Xian’s back broke into a cold sweat. He Wentian laughed heartily, "It is said that each generation has its talent, one wave pushing the next. A young hero like this emerging in Flying Dragon City is truly fortunate for me."

Wen Caishang said, "Good Young Hero, I’ve prepared a table for you, please sit there." She pointed to a table nearby, fully set with dishes, though its seat remained empty.

Li Xian quietly sat down. Wen Caishang observed his calm demeanor, thinking, "An exceptional hero indeed, even when calamity strikes, he remains composed. What a cunning boy, no matter how fox-like your wiles, heaven and earth offer no escape now."

Liang Gang asked, "This young hero wears a mask, we can’t see his face. I recall Madam Wang mentioning there was a condition regarding looks being handsome. Why not have this young hero remove the mask and reveal his face?"

Gu Nianjun was very curious, many young heroes and elites couldn’t help but cast glances in that direction. Wen Caishang laughed, "Let it be his choice." She looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian thought, "Captured by the Madam, my life uncertain, revealing my face or not makes no difference. There’s no point doing this just to please when strangers won’t aid me. Better to remain hidden, perhaps there’s still a chance." He said, "Thank you all for your kindness, but Mr. Zhou doesn’t wish to reveal his face. Apologies for disappointing you."

Mu Hongchou said coyly, "What could be so secretive about one’s face? Do you look strange?" Li Xian laughed, "Indeed quite strange, apologies."

Gu Nianjun sighed, "Young Hero Zhou doesn’t wish to show his face, forcing him is to no avail."