Chapter 116: The Disrespectful Disciple Who Offended His Master

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Li Guanxuan was, of course, fully aware of Zheng Huangjin’s intention to strike him twice... But no matter how well he hid now, the Thunderfire Sect would inevitably find him. After all, when Li Guanyuan had come to deliver the “Azure Profound Sword Manual,” they had been seen at the Drunken Immortal Tavern. As long as the Thunderfire Sect traced the trail back to the Li family’s envoy, they would surely track him down.

Therefore, there was no point in hiding anymore. It was better to step forward openly, negotiate terms, and find a way to resolve the matter. Moreover, since it was because of him that Liu Xiaoxian had been attacked by Golden Core enemies, and now beset by troubles, he could not just watch her shield him from danger.

If all else failed, he could seek help from his clan—at worst, he would be confined and sent back to the Li family in disgrace. Another reason why Li Guanxuan had to be frank was the “Myriad Phenomena Pavilion.” Although this group appeared to be merchants on the surface, Zheng Huangjin had once told him that the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion dealt in intelligence gathering. Once Li Guanyuan’s name was known, Li Guanxuan’s own “Guan” character, indicating his generation, would also be targeted. So hiding was futile; it was better to be upfront.

“Master?” When Yu Qin heard this form of address, she was momentarily stunned, looking at Liu Xiaoxian in surprise. But the beautiful master kept a cold expression, unwilling to speak to Yu Qin. Seeing this, Yu Qin turned to Li Guanxuan, narrowing her enchanting autumn-like eyes, and said, “Do you know that the Thunderfire Sect is searching everywhere for you?”

“Naturally,” Li Guanxuan smiled. “The usual skirmishes in the Scarlet Practice Mountains—Yan Mingyao and Bai Wei tried to kill me; I turned the tables and killed them instead. So what right do they have to come after me?”

“Right? That’s perhaps the funniest thing I’ve ever heard,” Yu Qin chuckled. “Does reasoning work in the face of absolute power? If everyone always reasoned, the cultivation world wouldn’t lose so many lives every day.”

“That’s a fair point,” Li Guanxuan nodded in agreement.

He roughly guessed Yu Qin’s purpose for coming to Silver Maple City: to talk to Liu Xiaoxian and have her reveal the identity of the sword cultivator who had slaughtered mid-stage Foundation Establishment disciples of the Thunderfire Sect and Ink Pavilion. The reason was simple—interest.

The Thunderfire Sect had offered benefits that even the Golden Core Immortal behind Yu Qin found tempting. They sent disciples to negotiate with Liu Xiaoxian and, in the process, expected Liu Xiaoxian to repay a favor.

Yu Qin stared at Li Guanxuan seriously. “You’ve stirred up big trouble. Not only is the Thunderfire Sect after you, but the Ink Pavilion is searching everywhere as well. Liu Xiaoxian can’t protect you forever, and even the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion branch in Glazed Immortal City will struggle to keep you safe... If it comes to the worst, just return to Yongning Prefecture in Daheng. That way, neither the Thunderfire Sect nor the Ink Pavilion can use this matter against you.”

Li Guanxuan smiled but said nothing.

Having spent many years in the cultivation world, he understood the implications well. Return to Yongning Prefecture? Could the news even reach the Li family? Certainly not! The Thunderfire Sect would intercept it, the Ink Pavilion would intercept it... even the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion branch in Glazed Immortal City would intercept it! Without news getting out, he would be trapped in a cage, waiting to die.

“Is this the intention of the Glazed Immortal City branch?” Li Guanxuan asked.

Yu Qin sighed. “You wiped out the mid-stage Foundation Establishment disciples of two major powers in the Scarlet Practice Mountains... there are only a handful of such cultivators in each faction. You struck hard.”

Li Guanxuan laughed. “Tell me, elder, if you were surrounded and hunted by mid-stage Foundation Establishment disciples of three great factions, would you hold back?”

“A person should always leave some room—that’s the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion’s style,” Yu Qin replied.

“I see.” Li Guanxuan nodded slightly.

Zheng Huangjin’s expression darkened. The Glazed Immortal City branch’s intention was clearly to sell Li Guanxuan out! Although they did not attack him directly, covertly selling his identity to the Thunderfire Sect and Ink Pavilion was no different from being an assassin.

Zheng Huangjin wanted to speak up for Li Guanxuan but was signaled by the latter to stay silent.

“Do you have something that even a Golden Core Immortal would desire? If yes, we can talk. If not, just keep quiet. This isn’t just Yu Qin’s intention; it’s that of the Golden Core Immortal behind her,” Li Guanxuan transmitted mentally.

Hearing this, Zheng Huangjin sighed deeply and obediently fell silent.

The Thunderfire Sect’s patriarch, Lei Gongwang, was truly willing to spend blood and treasure.

Liu Xiaoxian glared at Yu Qin coldly. “No matter what, he is a guest of our Myriad Phenomena Pavilion. If something happens to him and we don’t protect him, who would believe in the Pavilion’s reputation in the future? If this matter reaches headquarters, the Glazed Immortal City branch will surely be punished. You should think carefully!”

Yu Qin showed no concern. Since Liu Xiaoxian owed them a life-saving debt, this matter would never reach headquarters. They could protect Li Guanxuan, but whether they could actually keep him safe was another matter.

“This is not something I can decide. I want to help, but I truly cannot,” Yu Qin said helplessly.

“Then have Immortal Mei Shuang intervene and protect him. At least buy us thirty years,” Liu Xiaoxian said coldly.

She knew well that Mei Shuang Immortal would never act, so she could only try to stall as long as possible. Only then would she and Li Guanxuan have a chance to improve their cultivation.

Yu Qin was silent for a long while before saying, “For the sake of our relationship, I will try to negotiate... but his identity must be known to the Thunderfire Sect, because they will find out soon enough.”

“Understood. Let them use this to repay a favor,” Liu Xiaoxian sneered.

Since Mei Shuang Immortal accepted the Thunderfire Sect’s bribes, she naturally had to leak some information.

“Farewell,” Yu Qin sighed deeply, twisted her shapely hips, and left.

“Slap!”

Liu Xiaoxian waved her hand, closing the door, then fixed her gaze on Li Guanxuan, speaking gravely: “Leave this matter to me. As your master, I can help you solve it. Don’t worry too much.”

“The will of an Immortal is hard to resolve,” Li Guanxuan said.

Then he looked at Zheng Huangjin. “Brother Zheng, please help write a letter to Zhiqiao’s father, so he can notify the Li family at any time.”

Zheng Huangjin nodded slightly. Only through the Song family could the message reach the Li family, and only then would they send people to retrieve Li Guanxuan. This was the only way to survive.

“Wait a few more years.”

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Liu Xiaoxian said coldly, “It’s not that there’s no way to solve this now.”

Zheng Huangjin was stunned. “What other way?”

Only an Immortal could resolve matters concerning Immortals. What could Foundation Establishment cultivators like them do?

“...”

Liu Xiaoxian remained silent.

Li Guanxuan saw through it and roughly understood his master’s other solution. Both remained taciturn, while Zheng Huangjin looked bewildered.

...

A month after Yu Qin left Silver Maple City, Yan Shikui, leader of the Thunderfire Sect, personally came to Silver Maple City. Cao Feng greeted him at the city’s edge. After some polite exchanges, Cao Feng brought Yan Shikui to his mansion for a lavish feast, displaying the hospitality of a host.

Li Guanxuan had prepared for battle, but unexpectedly, Yan Shikui stayed in Silver Maple City for about a month before returning to Huajing Immortal City.

One day, Cao Feng personally visited. He sipped tea, face serious, and said, “Don’t worry about the Thunderfire Sect. Lei Gongwang doesn’t dare to tear ties with me yet. Just cultivate steadily to the late Foundation Establishment stage.”

“Thanks for your help, Brother Cao,” Li Guanxuan nodded slightly.

But he knew Cao Feng also relied on favors from a Golden Core Immortal. Such favors were eventually exhausted. Within five or six years, the Thunderfire Sect would surely apply full pressure on Silver Maple City.

“What’s there to be troubled about? Besides our connection through Brother Wuji, I need high-quality Golden Yuan Pills. Our interests are tied; I have to help,” Cao Feng sighed.

Li Guanxuan laughed heartily, knowing that though Cao Feng joked, he would do his best to assist.

Before leaving, Cao Feng said, “I’ll delay the Thunderfire Sect and Ink Pavilion as much as I can. But I’m a demon cultivator—orthodox cultivators won’t easily deal with me. Be careful.”

After Cao Feng left, Song Zhiqiao said, “My father has also received the news. He will constantly monitor the situation here. If you decide to return to the Li family, he will immediately notify them to come and get us.”

“Has Master made a decision yet?” Qin Jiyue asked.

Wen Rongxin looked worried too.

This incident was the greatest challenge their family had faced.

“Masters like him rarely get emotionally involved. After so many years living detached from the mortal world, reaching true mutual understanding is not easy,” Li Guanxuan sighed.

Now, the house was gloomy and lifeless, no longer as lively as before.

But he did not regret going to the Scarlet Practice Mountains to rescue Chen Yinshan. Had he not gone, he would have carried guilt for a lifetime.

“Knock, knock.”

There was a knock at the door.

Wen Rongxin rose and opened it, surprised. “Master?”

It was Liu Xiaoxian, dressed in her usual loose robe, her eyes like water, filled with the charm of a mature woman.

“Have Zhiqiao brew some tea,” Liu Xiaoxian said with a hum.

“Alright.”

Wen Rongxin seemed to realize something; hope sparkled again in her almond-shaped eyes.

Clever Song Zhiqiao understood too, promptly agreeing and happily went to make tea.

Qin Jiyue smiled gracefully, looking at Liu Xiaoxian’s graceful figure, and said with a smile, “Master, you finally came.”

It was already evening. What else could Liu Xiaoxian want at Peaceful Courtyard at this hour? Nothing but acceptance, perhaps.

“I’ve come, but if we can’t meet that condition, what then?” Liu Xiaoxian sat down with ease. She was not opposed to dual cultivation. As long as it helped increase cultivation and produce the Golden Core, she would be willing to dual cultivate with Li Guanxuan a hundred times. But if it was ineffective, it would be meaningless.

Qin Jiyue smiled sweetly, “Master, don’t worry. Though you weren’t love at first sight with the young master, as the saying goes, feelings can grow over time... With enough time, you and the young master will naturally be in harmony.”

Song Zhiqiao, brewing tea, added, “Yes, after all, the young master has deep feelings. Over time, naturally, the condition will be met.”

Upon catching the subtle meaning behind these words, despite living over a hundred years, Liu Xiaoxian couldn’t help but feel a chill. These two young girls were shameless indeed!

However...

They did have a point. With time, feelings could gradually arise.

“Whether I can produce a Golden Core depends on your ability,” Liu Xiaoxian said seriously to Li Guanxuan. “If there’s no effect, then... you might as well wait to die!”

Li Guanxuan replied solemnly, “Master, rest assured, I will do my best!”

Qin Jiyue feigned curiosity, “Does that mean using all your strength?”

Liu Xiaoxian indignantly patted her pert bottom.

...

Night.

The moon was full and bright.

Wen Rongxin and the two others conscientiously prepared a side room.

Inside, their eyes met. Liu Xiaoxian forced calm, showing no concern over dual cultivation, but inside, her nerves were already frayed.

Li Guanxuan, an old hand in this matter, knew how to set the mood and proposed, “So many troubles lately. Master must be physically and mentally tired. Let me massage you first.”

“...Alright.”

Liu Xiaoxian realized and nodded, sitting straight in the chair—an unconscious sign of nervousness.

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Li Guanxuan noticed but said nothing, skillfully finding acupuncture points and applying just the right pressure.

Soon, Liu Xiaoxian relaxed, her body soft, face flushed, her beautiful eyes filled with warmth.

A soft humming began...

When Li Guanxuan massaged her thigh, he clearly felt the “Merchant’s Way” becoming smoother and more fluid. Moving upward, he sensed the familiar scale of a G-level powerhouse—majestic peaks and vast waves.

Li Guanxuan was amazed beyond measure.

Before Liu Xiaoxian could utter a word, Li Guanxuan lifted her onto the bed, then cheekily whispered, “The rebellious disciple is about to assault the master today; please understand.”

Liu Xiaoxian bit her lip, annoyed, “If you want to come, then come—no need for words!”

Huh, at this point, the master was still so tough? Let me see who’s tougher... Li Guanxuan thought, lightly waving his hand as her loose robe slipped off her shoulder.

This perfectly explained the cunning of merchants.

Before exploring the Merchant’s Way, Li Guanxuan was nervous. He worried that if they failed to reach the “heart-to-heart” condition of the Velvet Flower Spirit Tree, all efforts would be in vain.

Li Guanxuan whispered, “Master, I have a business worth over a hundred million to discuss with you...”

“Must you say that now?” Liu Xiaoxian was a bit displeased.

“Then... let’s talk later.”

Liu Xiaoxian first looked puzzled, then suddenly shouted.

In an instant, a powerful brushstroke on rice paper appeared, vigorous and penetrating. Even a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator would find it hard to withstand.

At first, the peak Foundation Establishment cultivator was unprepared, but as she recovered, she unleashed grand and sweeping moves, making the azure-robed sword cultivator exclaim in delight.

A woman over a hundred years old was truly different from an eighteen-year-old girl.

After just two or three rounds, she was ready to take control.

“I want to go on top!”

“Such scenery isn’t for you to behold. Behave!”

The azure-robed sword cultivator placed his hands on the pumpkin, eating fermented tofu, unleashing all his efforts, madly studying the Merchant’s Way.

“Rebellious disciple! Rebellious disciple! You truly are... ah!”

The beautiful woman was furious, about to scold this rebellious disciple.

Yet, the azure-robed cultivator wouldn’t comply. He drew his long sword, refusing to sheath it, lightly tapping her full, round bottom, threatening:

“Behave. The initiative is mine now; you must obey me!”

The woman twisted her waist, growing anxious.

Helpless, she obediently lay down.

The straight sword slid back into its scabbard.

The sword’s emergence was like a dragon. The familiar sensation flooded his body—tingling, clear, and transparent.

...

The next day.

By evening, Wen Rongxin noticed that the young master and master had yet to emerge and exclaimed:

“So long and still not out?”

She and her two sisters couldn’t last past morning. Only little sister Jiyue was somewhat tougher, lasting an extra hour or so.

Qin Jiyue covered her mouth, smiling, “Master is a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, gifted though a bit lazy, but stubborn... Young master won’t leave the room without a clear victory.”

Song Zhiqiao added, “I hope master wins; otherwise, young master will be arrogant for days.”

...

Three days later.

Wen Rongxin began to worry, “This is too long. Should we get them to rest?”

“It’s fine. I just listened; master still has plenty of strength. In a few days, it will be fine,” Qin Jiyue whispered.

Song Zhiqiao nodded in agreement. “Jiyue’s right. A battle between Foundation Establishment cultivators is beyond our understanding.”

Wen Rongxin listened a bit herself and then felt assured.

...

Seven days later.

The battle finally ended.

The side room was a mess, filled with a peculiar scent.

“How many drops?” Liu Xiaoxian lay weakly on the bed, too tired to even open her eyes.

“Forty-seven drops...” Li Guanxuan said joyfully, “One drop of liquid mana per day—thirteen more days and I can directly reach the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment!”

Li Guanxuan was amazed. After continuous dual cultivation with Liu Xiaoxian, he could produce one drop of liquid mana daily! Previously, it took him two or three months for a single drop.

“I can’t go on, really can’t... I haven’t even checked my own condition, nor have the strength to. Let’s sleep. Spare me—I admit defeat.”

Liu Xiaoxian quickly pulled the blanket over herself, regardless of whether it was wet.

She had no energy to care anymore.

But Li Guanxuan was ecstatic, showing no signs of fatigue.

After all, the “Two Poles Technique” was a peak Foundation Establishment dual cultivation method. Having perfected it, his life force flowed endlessly, without exhaustion.

Seeing Liu Xiaoxian begging for mercy, Li Guanxuan didn’t dare to continue teasing her. He sat cross-legged midair, his spirit slightly hopeful as it sank into the dark space.

In an instant, yellow light blazed, nearly blinding Li Guanxuan!

(End of chapter)