Gu Nianjun sighed: "Alas." Suddenly feeling pity, she thought: "Ultimately, he is Xiaofan’s elder brother. Though I do not wish him to interfere with Xiaofan’s path, I do not actually dislike him. I always hope he achieves sothing in Martial Arts. If fate allows in the future, I shall surely write a recomndation and bring him into the sect."
Wen Caishang serenely took her seat and said with a smile: "I am deeply grateful that you have co to my humble banquet. My words may be clumsy, so I borrow City Lord He’s auspicious words and invite everyone to eat and drink freely."
The younger generation was entranced, lingering in reverie. Wang Tiexin of the Li Mountain Sword Sect’s chest beat like a drum, then suddenly contracted. A chest drum thunder sound, both light and heavy, extrely contradictory, resounded. Only then did the Sword Sect’s prodigies and ordinary Jianghu guests co to their senses, secretly fearful.
Xu Hu, straightforward in nature, cupped his hands and said directly: "Madam Wang is truly a rare beauty. To be honest, we ca to the banquet for two main purposes: one to admire Madam Wang, and the other out of curiosity over the identity of the one who hunted the fox. Xu Hu is a straightforward person and doesn’t beat around the bush. Asking directly, I hope you won’t take offense."
Everyone turned to look. He Lijun of the Hushan Sword Sect sighed: "As fellow won, Madam Wang truly makes us feel humbled."
Wen Caishang said: "Elder Xu is forthright, which is excellent. What’s there to offend? I am indeed hosting this banquet for the affair of the spirit fox. Naturally, you have co for the spirit fox."
Upon hearing her words, everyone felt at ease. City Lord He asked: "Madam Wang... Is it true... Is it true soone has hunted the spirit fox?"
Wen Caishang laughed: "How could this matter be false?" She called to Xiaotuan: "Xiaotuan, bring the item out for City Lord He to see and verify."
Xiaotuan carried a wooden basin, which contained a snow-white spirit fox, lifeless for so ti, yet its blood quality was intact, the corpse unspoiled, exuding a fresh fragrance. City Lord He examined it closely, exclaiming: "It is indeed a Snow Mountain spirit fox, and this fox is seventy-nine years old, with a remarkably large body."
The more he looked, the more amazed he beca, saying: "Such divine archery, such divine archery!"
Wen Caishang smiled: "Oh? City Lord He, could you notice sothing else?"
Wang Tiexin of the Li Mountain Sword Sect curiously asked: "City Lord He’s Archery skills are transcendent; if you see sothing unusual, please enlighten us."
City Lord He laughed: "I must confess, I have indeed seen so anomalies. The Snow Mountain spirit fox is known as the Snow Mountain’s cherished child. It is protected by the Snow Mountain, and although its entire body is precious, it is extrely vulnerable to damage. If defeated in combat, its bloodline is tainted, damaging its innate spiritual aura. An arrow wound would tear its fur, causing blood loss, and ruining its fox coat..."
"Everyone, look closely: does this spirit fox have any blood holes?"
Wen Caishang was quite surprised, as she had seen the spirit fox a few days ago with blood hole arrow wounds. Upon inspection now, she saw that the arrow wounds had healed. Her insight was deep, yet she had never witnessed such a phenonon.
Curious, Wang Tiexin of the Li Mountain Sword Sect, Peng Sanluo of the Hushan Sword Sect, and others observed intently. Wen Caishang said: "Take it down and let everyone admire it properly." The elders and young disciples observed closely, full of curiosity.
Gu Nianjun felt even more perplexed. The size and form of this fox resembled the one she collaborated with Li Xian to hunt, yet why were there no arrow wounds?
Xu Hu asked: "City Lord He, what is the matter? With no arrow wounds, how did this snow fox die?" City Lord He responded: "There were arrow wounds, but they’ve healed. This arrow is called ’the wound healing after death.’"
"The astonishnt of the one who shot the arrow lies in how unbelievable it is. An arrow that kills its prey, the prey dies, yet though dead, the aura lingers, allowing the arrow wound to gradually heal, maintaining complete form."
"To achieve this level, one must have extrely precise control. When striking prey, it mustn’t die too thoroughly. Piercing the skull or body may seem easy, with enough force alone. Yet, a perfectly tid death often accompanies vitality. This person... their Archery skills surpass mine, no... "
"Far beyond mine!"
Everyone was astounded. Gu Nianjun, slow on the uptake, felt delighted, rembering the figure with the white-faced red bow, thinking: "He... he is far more formidable than I imagined."
Mu Hongchou looked at Gu Nianjun, stamping slightly. Having been guided by her, she foolishly waited at the west ridge for days without seeing the figure, gradually realizing Gu Nianjun’s scheming nature. Her heart was filled with indignation.
Wen Caishang’s beautiful eyes shimred, filled with pride, yet montarily it dissipated.
City Lord He asked: "Madam Wang... I want to know, is this Snow Mountain spirit fox truly from an eighteen-year-old youth?"
Everyone was puzzled, hearing He Wentian’s analysis; they all thought, how could an eighteen-year-old youth possess such Archery skills? Wen Caishang laughed: "They say heroes erge from youth, Archery skills depend on talent, City Lord He’s talent in Archery is undoubtedly impressive. But there is always soone better, and this Snow Mountain spirit fox was indeed struck by that young lad’s hand."
Her words were quite blunt. City Lord He appeared slightly embarrassed.
Jin Yingjie of the Li Mountain Sword Sect said: "Please, Madam, quickly invite the young hero out. We truly wish to witness his deanor." Everyone echoed the sentint.
Wen Caishang jested: "Certainly. Everyone’s enthusiasm is genuine; how could I refuse? This matter requires the assistance of a young prodigy."
Wang Dezhong said: "Madam Wang, Dezhong is willing to assist."
Mu Hongchou, Zhou Shijie, Hua Wu, Luo Feiyan... and other prodigies volunteered bravely. Wen Caishang said: "Each young man wishes to assist; whoever I choose will inevitably be slighted. I shall simply call one at random."
Wen Caishang turned to Li Xiaofan and said: "Xiaofan, you are so composed; why not assist ?"
Li Xiaofan curiously replied: "?" Wen Caishang said: "Yes, please throw this item up; an arrow will surely co to shoot it. The Divine Archer will appear then. By then, Fu Da will call for you to exit, and you may leave without restraint. When we et again, you may join for tea."
Li Xiaofan said: "Madam Wang’s insight is truly formidable." As the banquet began, Fu Haoran inford him to prepare to leave. If delayed one mont more, when others shifted attention, countless would co to ingratiate themselves, approach for conversation. By then, leaving would be exceedingly troubleso. Along the way, dozens of miles might be laden with gifts and riches.
Li Xiaofan did as instructed. He tossed the red brocade bag into the sky, and an arrow suddenly shot from afar. Such was the distance of its span that everyone saw it was launched from a pavilion nearly ten miles away.
The archer seed rely a black speck.
But the arrow was pinpoint accurate, striking the brocade bag, which contained red powder. The powder scattered instantly as the feast’s red mist spread, obscuring the view. Wen Caishang’s eyes held coldness, eting Li Xian’s gaze from afar. After a long separation, they finally faced each other.
Wen Caishang laughed: "Xiaofan, you may leave now." Li Xiaofan replied twice, feeling curious as well, but seeing the red mist fill the air and amidst the chaos, it was best that he and Fu Haoran depart.
Having dined, Fu Haoran left with Li Xiaofan amid the chaos. Avoiding the pursuit of many family forces and sect elders. Wen Caishang remained composed, urging Li Xiaofan’s departure now, fearing he would recognize his elder brother. Should Fu Haoran speak in support, it would surely beco troubleso. She skillfully maneuvered, drawing Li Xian to reveal himself and disperse the red mist. She also used this mont for Fu Haoran to escape amid the confusion, achieving mutual benefits, and well-thought-out sches.
The red mist lingered long, not dispersing.
Li Xian watched from afar, seeing Li Xiaofan and Fu Haoran leave, understanding Wen Caishang’s intentions. If he obediently appeared, Li Xiaofan could subsequently depart. If he didn’t appear, Wen Caishang would persuade him to stay. At this point, the ordeal was unavoidable, Li Xian pondered: "Madam’s mind is deep, her calculations precise and thorough."
As the red mist gradually dissipated, Li Xian indeed attended the banquet. Wen Caishang observed his deanor and poise, knowing this ti there were no mistakes, she smiled: "Good, a fine young hero, co closer, let scrutinize you thoroughly."
Her words concealed joy, with a cold undertone. When she said "a fine young hero," it carried twofold anings, one indeed of admiration and pride, the other of anger and resentnt.
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