Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 275 - 257: Jade Girl’s Intimate Friend, Flower Cage Returns, Bewildering Affection, Yin Yang Secret Pact (Part 3)
I suddenly felt deeply regretful. Everything she did was to control Li Xian, to grasp all his emotions and fears in her hands. She considered Li Xian as her possession, to use as she wished. But at this moment, she could no longer see Li Xian as an "object" to be used, yet her desire for control was still undiminished, in fact, it was even stronger.
The two of them returned together, took a bath, changed clothes, and then rested together in bed. Li Xian firmly held onto his inner self, not daring to make any reckless moves.
Wen Caishang wanted to speak but stopped, her beautiful eyes filled with feigned anger.
The next day.
Li Xian was in no rush to travel. The lantern festival in South King City was immensely lively, so he took his wife to stroll around and stayed for several more days.
That day, they passed by Prince’s Mansion.
Seeing the mansion gate wide open, the stone walls on both sides pasted with notices that read: "Inside, there’s a banquet, and all talents of the Jianghu are welcome to join."
Li Xian paused to take a look. Wen Caishang said, "This is a recruitment banquet, it’s no harm to have a free meal."
Li Xian curiously asked, "Does the lady also enjoy gatherings?" Wen Caishang rolled her eyes, lightly poked Li Xian’s chest, and said, "It’s not that I enjoy gatherings, it’s just that I know you love them. Besides, what if trouble arises?"
"Indeed, there might be trouble at such a recruitment banquet, but if we just have a meal and leave, it won’t stick to us. In the Jianghu, if one does not even possess this bit of tolerance, they dare not host such a feast."
Wen Caishang had a clear understanding of the Jianghu ways. Li Xian, open-minded and easy-going, then walked casually into the mansion.
The steward, dressed in a brocade robe, with a loud and robust voice and considerable strength, said, "Two heroes, the banquet is this way, please enter." He pointed to a side path.
The path stretched ahead, with meticulously tended plants and hanging vines on both sides. But after walking a hundred more feet, it became increasingly quiet, with more branches, as if abandoned for a long time.
At the end stood a giant rock blocking the way. Dense thickets flanked both sides.
Wen Caishang laughed and said, "To get a free meal, you need some real skill. This is the test set by Prince’s Mansion."
The rock was extremely heavy. An Essence-Eating Martial Artist could barely move it, and the surrounding bushes grew thick, obscuring the view. Wen Caishang said, "Little Immortal, we don’t need to think too much, just move the rock, and the path will appear."
This intention was quite clear: "Those who excel in strength move the rock," "those adept in wisdom enter the thicket." Li Xian pressed his hand against the rock, lightly lifted it with a toe tap, and moved it several feet away.
Wen Caishang clapped and said, "Well done! What great strength!" Martial Artists are not known for brute force, hence... advanced Martial Artists are not necessarily very strong physically.
Wen Caishang could chop a boat in half with a light touch of her sword, but lifting a rock was not her strength. Yet, she had the skill to pulverize the rock into dust.
The realm acts as soil, the flowers it blooms and the fruits it bears depend on what the Martial Artist has learned and trained.
Wen Caishang suddenly sighed, "Truly remarkable, Heavy Pupils." Li Xian said, "My lady, I’m sorry, I won’t hide from you again."
Wen Caishang said, "If you hide from me, what can I do to you? Hmph." Li Xian said, "If I hide from you, may I lose my limbs and find no peace."
Wen Caishang was suddenly stunned. Her thoughts unclear, she softly said, "Little Immortal, let’s go, let’s enter the banquet."
The path now revealed, the two didn’t walk far before reaching an open lawn. There were over a dozen Eight Immortals tables, with about a third of the seats filled.
Each Eight Immortals table was occupied by someone. All were Jianghu Knights, talented individuals, looking extraordinary. They drank tea and wine, conversing lightly.
When Li Xian and Wen Caishang just appeared, all eyes turned to them. Li Xian cupped his hands in greeting, showing friendliness to all. Wen Caishang had her hands wrapped in her sleeves and couldn’t be bothered to engage.
Li Xian chose a table with fewer people and sat down. Noting the stream flowing across the grass, the chirping birds, it exuded an unspeakable elegance. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚
A Jianghu Guest at the same table smiled and asked, "Young friend, you seem quite outstanding, where might you be from? This lady beside you is..."
Li Xian smiled and said, "I am from the Skylands, and this is my wife." The Jianghu Guest said, "Ah... hello to the lady..." feeling somewhat disappointed.
Wen Caishang felt a subtle joy in her heart and moved with elegance. She poured tea and water for Li Xian. That Jianghu Guest gently pushed his cup forward, wishing to be served tea by the beautiful lady.
Li Xian calmly tapped the teapot over, placing it steadily before him. Li Xian said, "Brother, if you’re thirsty, please help yourself. My lady has a temper, and cannot serve others."
The Jianghu Guest gave an embarrassed smile and served himself. Wen Caishang thought, "This guy’s intent to protect me hasn’t changed." Her heart softening.
The sound of a pipa resounded melodiously, fragrant mist drifting in from all directions. Seven graceful maidens in colorful sandy dresses, scarcely covering their bodies, came forth carrying dishes.
The banquet began. The first dish was a specialty dish from Chongling Prefecture, "Pickled Phoenix Egg." Sour and fragrant, it was appetizing and aromatic.
The chosen ingredient was not true "Phoenix Egg," rather it was a native chicken egg, with a complex and intricate preparation.
Li Xian took a bite to taste. Wen Caishang said, "Though it’s just a starter, there’s an art to tasting this dish."
She poured a little tea, just enough to cover the bottom of the cup, then added the Chongling Prefecture specialty "oil sauce," and said, "Drink this first, then taste the Phoenix Egg."
Li Xian secretly marveled, "If I could truly have my lady serve me like this, it would be a great blessing. If she weren’t so fierce, this gentle treatment could truly break the bone of any hero."
Following her instructions, the taste was endless.
Wen Caishang, picking up a handkerchief, gently wiped his mouth, her voice sultry, "Li Lang, how is it?" Li Xian said, "Delicious beyond compare."
After this, several more dishes were served. Wen Caishang tended to Li Xian’s eating and drinking, with elegance and grace, her actions gentle, her service considerate. Others glanced, all feeling envious.
Fine dishes and wine, each successively brought to the table. The host of the mansion, Ma Xuan, walked into the center of the room with a firm, grounded step.
He bowed and apologized, without losing his poise: "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence, making this humble abode shine with splendor, an unparalleled joy for me. I apologize for not being able to welcome you personally at first due to an unexpected matter. I sincerely penalize myself with three cups for this neglect."
