Chapter 608: Chapter 340: The Five Swords Come Calling, Lady Beats the Dog, Xiao Wanjian Submits, The Grand Duel Arrangement (Part 2)

When Xiao Wanjian was two steps away from Li Xian, seeing his treacherous plan succeeding, he thought, "You vile woman, there’s no hidden mechanism in this tomb. Even if your accomplice is unusually strong, I have countless methods to deal with him. Today, I’ll show you my strength!"

He moved like a sword, already revealing his sharp edge, certain that Li Xian would find it difficult to counter. Yet suddenly, he felt a whirlwind, his hair standing on end, as a powerful threat erupted instantly. Xiao Wanjian’s soul trembled, hurriedly gathering his energy to defend, utilizing the martial arts technique "Yang Mountain Body-Guarding Steel", shielding his chest with both arms.

It was Wen Caishang who struck. Her palm moved slowly, at a non-threatening angle, her pale, delicate hand lightly touching like a gentle caress. Her palm landed softly on Xiao Wanjian’s arms. Only a deep thud was heard, like a decaying wood hitting a twilight bell or a boulder rolling through an empty gorge. As the two techniques clashed, a wave of air erupted instantly.

Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Wang Zongzheng, and Hou Yuande quickly stabilized themselves with their martial skill. The disciples staggered, retreating several steps, digging in with their feet to barely hold their stance. In the main hall, bookshelves toppled, ceramics shattered, jade desks, candlesticks, red chairs, and screens all collapsed and rolled, and the windows opened and closed with a noisy "pop-pop" commotion.

In this confrontation, martial arts transformed, infinitely profound, the power unfathomable. Wen Caishang’s palms were pale, yet she sat dignified and calm in the chair. Xiao Wanjian was dripping with cold sweat, gritting his teeth in resistance. "Yang Mountain Body-Guarding Steel" was his extremely strong protective martial art, likening the standing mountain in a storm, standing still. This martial art was derived from such an idea.

When this technique is displayed, one appears as a towering mountain, enduring the sweeping winds, pouring rain, and rumbling thunder with calm composure. No matter how many strikes the enemy lands, it is difficult to inflict the slightest harm. The protective golden light is refined to the extreme, as if the back is leaning against a towering mountain.

But he gradually felt the golden protective light being stripped away strand by strand. He was like a vivid mountain, but Wen Caishang’s light palm was eroding the mountain base, cutting trees, driving beasts, severing water flows, and destroying his foundation.

Suddenly, there was a series of "crack-crack" sounds, the blue stone bricks beneath his feet began to crack. Xiao Wanjian let out a hoarse "ugh-ugh" growl, an inexplicable shock deep in his pupils. After several encounters with tomb mechanisms, Wen Caishang cleverly used the setup to cause harm. Xiao Wanjian had guessed that although Wen Caishang was not weak, she might not be stronger than him. But once out of the tomb, without the distractions of bell sounds, he thought he need not be cautious of her.

Thus, he acted with fewer scruples, immediately showing difficulties and probing, and seeing Li Xian’s disrespectful words, he dared to attempt cutting through him. Only upon confrontation did he realize his guesses were entirely wrong, he was foolish, arrogant, and ignorant of the vast skies and endless seas. The woman’s capabilities were immeasurable, and he now felt remorse, wanting to seek help from fellow elders. But all his breath was held in his chest, fiercely resisting. No words could come out; speaking might cost him his life.

Wen Caishang suddenly flipped her hand, her fingers lightly picking like flowers. A gentle flick and a crisp "ding" was heard. Xiao Wanjian suddenly disappeared, everyone looked for him. Then there was a loud "boom", realizing Xiao Wanjian was flicked away, collapsing an entire courtyard wall.

The elders were dumbfounded, immediately following the trace, seeing Xiao Wanjian smashing through one courtyard wall, after another, crashing through three walls before being flung onto the street, knocking over a large crowd of people. He rolled on the ground to disperse energy, covered in dust and dirt, utterly embarrassed.

He barely stood up but his steps kept retreating rapidly, suddenly feeling he could retreat no further, his back against a red wall, hitting with a shock throughout his body, bones making "crack" sounds, finally dissipating the momentum, his legs weak and numb.

He knelt down gasping, but immediately felt even more startled. Cracks spread across the red wall behind him, forming a lotus pattern. He exclaimed, "It’s the Flower Picking Finger!" Further, flowers and vines emerged from the cracks, turning into a wall of flowers in an instant.

Martial arts transformed, endless and boundless. Killing intent could also be filled with vitality! He now looked towards Bixiang Water Pavilion, already miles away. Even more infinite dread: "I... I thought her strength was ordinary, never expected... she was... so terrifying. This woman is truly... truly formidable!" Observing his arms again, the bones were cracked across, yet he practiced martial arts, able to quickly self-heal.

Li Xian glanced over, thinking, "Madam seems much stronger now. This move should be the Flower Picking Finger, I’ve seen her use it before. Seeing it again this time is truly admirable. If I could learn this move, wouldn’t it be another powerful aid? But alas, greed would lead nowhere, my Finger-Flashing Golden Light and Only I have a Heart Skill have yet to be practiced, coveting ’Flower Picking Finger’ is just too greedy." Seeing Wen Caishang’s ordinary demeanor, lightly dusting her skirt, showing no concern at all.

Wen Caishang said, "I wonder if the other four are also here to present gifts? If so, it’s best to speak of etiquette." Hu Yueyue, Duan Yixin, Hou Yuande, Wang Zongzheng exchanged glances, each returning to their seats, silent and wordless.

Xiao Wanjian hurried back to Bixiang Water Pavilion, heavily injured, cupped his hands and said, "Madam Wen, earlier it was my... my rashness, too impulsive, please do not blame me."

Wen Caishang said indifferently, "Being rash and impulsive is not a big deal. But if you wish to harm my little lad, don’t blame me for hitting a bit harder." She grabbed Li Xian’s hand, gently patting the back of his hand.

Xiao Wanjian nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, it was my foolishness, Brother Li, please do not blame me." Dusting off the dirt on his clothes, he sat back in his seat. Wen Caishang said, "If you have urgent matters, please speak directly."

The five elders glanced at each other, silently communicating with their eyes, hesitating.

This matter must be traced back to a few days ago, when the Five Mountains Sword Sect had discussions, intending to seek cooperation with Li Xian and Wen Caishang to resist the enemy. Yet unfamiliar with the tomb, after searching for a day, they could not find any trace.