Chapter 500: Chapter 312: Nianjun Suffers a Setback, Mountain Terrain and Map, Wen Caishang Rejoices, Visiting the Talisman Master!

Li Xian knew little about the snow mountain spirit fox. Having found some clues, he followed along, thinking to himself, "Could this fox beast already possess considerable intelligence? It seems as cunning as a human. If not for my keen observation, I would’ve been misled by this fox beast several times. If I really ventured into the cave to search, it would have cost me a day’s efforts without even seeing its fur." After traveling a few miles, the footprints abruptly stopped.

This place was deep within a dense forest. Snow piled up on the trees, blocking light, while the ground was covered with twigs, fallen leaves, and a thick layer of snow. Because no one had stepped here for a long time, the snow and leaves were loose, and sometimes a footstep would sink straight down to the knee.

Li Xian leapt up, surveying the area. Suddenly, he spotted a snow fox a few miles away. Li Xian instantly drew his bow and shot, accurately killing it on the spot. The snow fox whimpered once and then breathed no more.

Approaching it to investigate, Li Xian realized that although the snow fox wore the fur of a snow beast, it was just an ordinary old fox, not the "snow mountain spirit fox." Frowning, he thought, "This snow beast fur must have been put on intentionally. Someone deliberately used the fox to mislead." Suddenly, he heard the sound of wind rustling.

Li Xian stood still without turning his head. An arrow flew by, grazing his left side, nailing itself to the trunk next to him. The tree trembled fiercely, causing snow to shower and fall. Li Xian vibrated his ’Pure Gang Qi Clothing,’ scattering the snow around him, leaving him untouched.

By merely listening to the sound, he could tell the arrow bore no intent to kill and was deliberately shot wide. The arrowhead had already been removed.

Turning his head, Li Xian saw a lovely maiden standing two miles away. She wore a cross-collared short-sleeved shirt, accentuating her figure with a narrow waist. Her lower body was dressed in a brown pleated skirt with high boots. Her long hair was tied into a ponytail, holding a silver-white longbow, exuding a heroic spirit rivaling any man’s, beautiful as a clear lotus.

It was none other than Gu Nianjun.

Indeed...

Gu Nianjun had anticipated that Li Xian would enter the mountains again this morning, so she arrived early to wait, hoping to meet him. However, the vast mountain and sea were left to chance, seeming a long shot. Though she had never seen "Li Xian," she had heard of his reputation and was deeply admiring and yearning.

From a young age, she had a strong will; when she encountered something she desired, she actively pursued it. Choosing to balance Martial Arts was her decision. She traveled far to Qiong Heavenly Mansion for Fu Haoran, also of her own accord.

This time, naturally seeking out actively.

By chance, she noticed the old fox wandering in the woods, initially lacking intent to hunt. Yet an idea struck: "If that hero truly seeks the snow mountain spirit fox, perhaps this little fox could be useful. Although deceiving him like this may incur his displeasure, still..."

She couldn’t help but feel hesitant. Then she thought: "If I can’t even meet him, isn’t that even more regrettable? If we truly meet, I’ll apologize, surely... he won’t mind."

Her cheeks flushed red. She enjoyed befriending esteemed talents, though never having met yet fondly revered the white-faced red bow through others’ praises.

Resolutely, she caught the old fox in the forest. The old fox was merely ordinary, with no unique traits, its speed regular. Gu Nianjun easily captured it, striking its chest with the "Bewitching Heart Palm."

The old fox, struck by Bewitching Heart Palm, became subject to her control. This palm technique was quite powerful and profound; Gu Nianjun had studied it for a long time, now employing it for the first time.

Gu Nianjun helped it put on "snow beast wool," a gift from He Wentian. The snow beast wool clothing was a specialty of Flying Dragon City, often procured by ships from the northern domain.

Gu Nianjun, knowing Li Xian’s impressive eyesight, mused: "If I’m to ’offend’ this hero, might as well do it thoroughly. Let’s test his wisdom and discernment. Alas, I’m surely overdoing it." Finding amusement in it, she controlled the old fox to dart through the woods, leaving many tracks, setting up multiple illusions so that without keen alertness, one wouldn’t find the fox beast.

Then, lying in the snow far away, she tested Li Xian’s archery.

After setting it all up, her face blushed even more. Feeling flustered, she hid away. Her Martial Arts prowess not shallow; the Gu Family was a local aristocrat with deep foundations. Intending to conceal herself a few miles away, using family Martial Arts, even with Li Xian’s keen vision, he couldn’t spot the slightest trace for a while.

Thus, she waited for half an hour.

Sure enough, she heard movement, saw someone with a white mask and red bow appear. Gu Nianjun peeked out, her beautiful eyes twinkling, secretly excited, observing his tall and graceful stature, exceptional temperament, truly as rumored. Watching the mysterious man casually draw and shoot, expecting to observe closely, but in a flash, the old fox was already dead.

Gu Nianjun silently praised, "Good arrow! Such splendid archery!" knowing she found the right person. She raised her eyebrows, removed the arrowhead, and shot towards Li Xian, wanting him to shoot down this flying arrow.

Hence came the scene before.

Seeing Gu Nianjun, Li Xian thought, "It’s her? What strange antics is Gu Nianjun up to? Though she has sharp eyes and prideful nature, she doesn’t seem like one to deliberately make trouble for others. That fox’s snow beast fur is certainly her doing. Hmph, I have no connection with her, why bother?" Frowning, he felt greatly displeased. He picked up the broken arrow and shot it back, turning to leave immediately. The arrow flew swiftly, approaching in an instant, passing by Gu Nianjun’s cheek, lifting the wind to flutter her long hair. Gu Nianjun didn’t feel vexed but rather guilty, acknowledging Li Xian’s anger.

Seeing Li Xian ready to leave, she immediately called out: "Young hero, please wait!" Li Xian grumbled internally: "What is there for us to discuss." Leaping several yards without the slightest hesitation.

Feeling somewhat annoyed, Gu Nianjun, always highly regarded and respected among peers, had put so much thought into meeting this person, yet he didn’t wish to engage. She reflected that such heroic characters certainly have unique facets, not to be compared with ordinary talents, saying once more: "Young hero, please wait."