Chapter 604: Chapter 339: Emerging from the Dragon’s Lair, Ear-Grabbing and Groom-Chasing, Lady’s Weakness, Guests Arrive

It is said that Wen Caishang has extensive knowledge, mastering all paths, and with the complex roads of the Nine Orifice Dragon Heart Acupoint, there are many hidden and winding paths. The Nine Orifice Dragon Heart Acupoint is like the heart of heaven and earth, with Feng Shui as the lifeblood. Every beat of the Dragon Heart draws in external Feng Shui, filling the heart cavity with Feng Shui, which then flows out.

By following this principle, observing the vegetation, moss, flora, and erosion of the stone walls along the way, and the appearance of the earth’s veins, one can discern the direction of Feng Shui flow. By following the direction of Feng Shui, countless paths open up.

The Five Mountains Sword Alliance has considerable knowledge, but lacking in this path and in Feng Shui, finds it difficult to achieve the same. Wen Caishang, observing the wind and water, walks a secluded path with Li Xian. The vegetation along the way is lush, the mountain walls variegated, with strange stones of yellow hue.

Wen Caishang, observing these details, tells Li Xian this path is correct. She draws her sword from her sleeve, scraping off a piece of the yellow-hued stone. Under the flame’s glow, it radiates a halo. In the cold climate of Flying Dragon City, where Feng Shui catalyzes, "Golden Light Stone" forms on the high mountain walls. Although the stone material is not of great value, it can be used for construction and decoration. However, the countless unique stones stacking layer upon layer of golden glow create a magnificent spectacle.

This is the origin of Flying Dragon City’s anomaly, "Golden Top Illuminated by the Sun." Wen Caishang tells Li Xian, because the Dragon Heart draws Feng Shui from the mountain top into the earth cavity, over time, this catalyzes and nurtures these unique stones. ’Feng Shui’ is ever-flowing, with entry and exit, proving the path is passable.

Wen Caishang advises, "Other tombs may not offer so many exits. But the Nine Orifice Dragon Heart Acupoint, like a heart buried deep in the ground, vibrates the earth’s veins when activated, transforming Feng Shui over time, creating many strange and winding paths to the outside. However, the tomb builders deliberately devised mechanisms on similar paths, misleading one to think they are dead ends."

"To surpass the knowledge of Feng Shui Miscellany above that of Solitary Distant, one must preemptively avoid and thus enter and exit freely."

The path winds, and Wen Caishang personally leads the way, free of danger. The scenery is pleasant, undisturbed by others. The two walk slowly, enjoying the journey, finding entertainment and intrigue, flavor and joy, desires and emotions, and infinite happiness.

［You practice Three Layers of Swordsmanship, returning the Yang Sword to its sheath, its sharpness fully revealed, Skill Level +1］

［Setting Sun Bloodsword·Third Layer］

［Skill Level: 6125/8000 Minor Achievement］

It is said there is no shortcut in practicing swordsmanship, only through thousands of draws and sheaths. Li Xian has reached the "Great Self" realm in the first and second layers, and the third layer is gradually progressing, full of infinite joy.

Wen Caishang deeply experiences this joy. This small tomb path, with its unique flavors, makes her love, hate, annoy, and shame towards Li Xian. Several days have passed without seeing the tomb exit, but the ground shows green grass, with occasional pools of water.

This is caused by Feng Shui blocking and stagnating here, with wind bringing grass seeds, and water vapor forming this scene. Wherever the vegetation is lush and the scenery pleasant, one must take a detour. Li Xian sees fish beasts in the pool, catching and cooking them, the fish soup aromatic, the meat tender and smooth. Fully satisfied, he practices swordsmanship twice in exhilaration before moving forward.

Wen Caishang, gentle as water, is in a great mood, considerate and charming, allowing Li Xian to have his way despite any tosses and turns. At most, she curses him gently as a "little rascal," but with abundant love, deep affection, and little complaint.

In the tunnel where day and night are indistinguishable, they do not rush. The path twists and turns, sometimes ascending, sometimes descending. What would otherwise be a monotonous journey turns into one of great enjoyment.

［Setting Sun Bloodsword·Third Layer］

［Skill Level: 1235/24000 Great Success］

［Description: You have found an extraordinary companion, understanding Yin and Yang, exploring its joy. The Third Layer of Sword Dao finally reaches Great Success, witnessing the early scene of Martial Arts, comprehending a wisp of ’Life-saving Yin Yang Qi,’ understanding the ’Infinite Joy’ trait, and grasping the ’Yin Yang Principle.’］

Life-saving Yin Yang Qi is similar to "Life-saving Yang Qi," activating naturally when needed, to resist severe injuries and fatal wounds. ’Infinite Joy’ adds to the delight, making the practice of Third Layer Swordsmanship infinitely enjoyable, bringing bliss and soul-drifting, intoxicated with the true essence of the sword. "Yin Yang Principle" is a vague, hazy knowledge, benefiting Li Xian’s five elements mysterious escape and Feng Shui miscellany.

The harvest is bountiful.

That day, they suddenly see colorful light flowing, hear the "ding dong" of spring water, and pass through a blocking boulder to find a stalactite cave. Inside, a pool of azure water glistens, with a dark river flowing quietly. Li Xian thinks, "Now that we’ve reached this point, we must be near the surface. A little more, and my wife and I can see the light of day again!"

Li Xian suddenly muses, "On this tomb journey, I unexpectedly surpass my wife in strength. At this moment, I find she has quite an understanding, gentle and obedient side. Once outside, using the pretext of the chime’s mysterious influence, I can find an excuse to leave."

The walls are slippery, with water rushing down to form a natural waterfall. Li Xian carries Wen Caishang up the wall, crossing the dark river and swimming through the pool, as the path broadens and the entrance appears ahead.

Sunlight shines through, it should be noon then, beyond the cave is a green forest, the tree crowns and ground thick with snow, yet unable to fully conceal the forest’s verdant green. As they exit the cave, a gentle warm breeze blows, sunlight streams slowly, and forest birds chirp softly, full of vitality.

Li Xian spreads his arms, embracing everything, feeling limitless joy, thinking, "How can one not long for such a world." He comprehends the "Observing Heaven and Earth" trait, seeing all creatures and nature, their colors, meanings, magnificence, and charm surpassing others. His eyes behold a montage of worldly beauty, the mundane world unfurls before him like a scroll.

Li Xian laughs, "Wife, we’re out!" He runs out of the cave, plunges into the snow, then scoops snow to chill his face, invigorated, utterly joyful.

Suddenly his expression changes slightly, feeling the pounding of his heart, the chime’s enigmatic sound fading away. Martial Arts cultivation, Inner Qi, and Martial Arts evolution all return. Li Xian looks at Wen Caishang, feeling a tingling on his scalp, sensing something amiss. Wen Caishang slowly steps out from the cave, her lips curling, eyes smiling, her plan successful, saying, "Yes, we’re both out."