Li Xian successfully hunted the spirit fox and was in high spirits. He formally expressed his gratitude to Gu Nianjun, directly asking how he could repay her. He has always disliked owing others, and without Gu Nianjun’s assistance, it would have been difficult to achieve quick success in hunting the spirit fox. Although he had promised earlier to repay her by teaching her archery, Gu Nianjun’s progress in archery was quite limited after just a few days. Gu Nianjun hesitated, intentionally delaying, to keep Li Xian thinking of her.

The two descended the mountain together. Gu Nianjun’s joy faded, replaced by a persistent sense of loss. She knew that after today, the two would no longer go hunting on the mountain. Thinking of the hunting times, although exhausting, brought a sense of accomplishment.

Her progress in archery was minimal, as her intention was not focused on it but on forming a bond with Li Xian. However, glimpsing Li Xian’s demeanor, she couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter with inexplicable joy. Gu Nianjun said, "Good Young Hero, we’ve already known each other for a while. It’s not very nice of you to always wear a mask. If you take off your mask, we meet face to face, and we could be true friends." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"There’s no need to be so formal about repayment. With your archery skills, even without my help, you would have eventually hunted the spirit fox."

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "My appearance is hideous and ugly; better not to sully Miss Gu’s eyes. Your help was significant in hunting the spirit fox. Mr. Zhou will always remember this, and if in the future you need repayment, feel free to speak directly. I still have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now."

The two parted at the city gate. Gu Nianjun hesitated to speak, stomping her foot in frustration. She originally intended to organize a celebration feast, to gather and introduce him to other prodigies. Although killing the Snow Beast was impressive, it was not particularly astonishing.

However, hunting the Snow Mountain spirit fox was something different. Purely using archery to hunt was something only City Lord He Wentian had done. Li Xian, so young yet to shoot the Snow Mountain spirit fox in an instant, showed his archery skills were already comparable to He Wentian’s.

In fact, his talent was even greater. He Wentian, over forty years old, just barely managed to hunt the spirit fox. Li Xian, not yet of age, or barely so, was filled with youthful vigor, rare in the world. Gu Nianjun, with her broad perspective and high standards, sincerely admired only a few people, and Li Xian was now one of them.

Hosting the "Spirit Fox Banquet" as a celebration would definitely cause a sensation throughout the city. By then, City Lord He would surely be amazed, and with the Five Great Sword Sects in Flying Dragon City, it’s highly likely they would all come to visit.

The headlines would be unparalleled. The fame that the prodigies sought in Flying Dragon would surely be led by Li Xian.

Gu Nianjun bit her red lips, her eyes slightly reddened, and muttered in a low voice, "You... you’re so cold! I haven’t wronged you."

...

...

It was said that Li Xian placed the Snow Mountain spirit fox into the Shrinking Flesh Bag and returned to the city, feeling gradually relaxed. He had finally fulfilled his wish, his purse increasingly full, so he roamed leisurely around. The image of the White-faced Red Bow was conspicuous, but once he took off the red bow, he blended in with the crowd.

It turns out...

The White-faced Red Bow, known for shooting the Snow Beast, had become famous in Flying Dragon City. It had become a popular topic among the people, causing the white mask to gain popularity. Drifters in Jianghu, city folk, wealthy merchants... all followed the trend, wearing white masks to attract attention.

Li Xian went up to a restaurant, ordered a few dishes, and filled his stomach steadily. Suddenly, he saw noise in the street, noticing a row of armored soldiers hurrying elsewhere. Li Xian’s eyebrow raised slightly; he was already aware of the undercurrents in Flying Dragon City and didn’t want to get involved. Recently, he had been focused on hunting, meeting Gu Nianjun in the mountains every morning, unaware of the changes in the situation.

He heard others discussing, "Lately, quite a few women have disappeared for no reason. No one knows who’s behind it." "Yeah, City Lord He was furious upon hearing this and even dispatched the mighty Falcon Cavalry." "City Lord He cares deeply for the people and cannot tolerate evil deeds. With City Lord He around, we are safe."

Li Xian thought to himself, "Women disappearing... Could it be the Flower Cage Sect and others are slowly arriving in Flying Dragon City? The Flower Cage Sect sneaking into Flying Dragon City originally intended to fish in troubled waters, to see if they could get some benefits. This situation, in the brink of chaos, why show up now?"

"My Essence Treasure is about to be obtained; I’d better not start any trouble."

He ate and drank quietly, settled the bill, and returned straight to the inn, sitting cross-legged to practice inner cultivation of the Five Viscera, his skill level gradually increasing.

[Five Viscera Avoiding Dross and Gathering Yang Scripture · Five Viscera Chapter]

[Skill Level: 6688/24000 Minor Achievement]

Progressively improving. After refining for two hours, his bones emitted a "crackling" sound. His five viscera strengthened, invigorating his body, filled with vitality. Li Xian drew his spear, honing the [Broken Demon Spear].

[Skill Level +1]

...

[Broken Demon Spear]

[Skill Level: 3829/35000 Perfection]

This inn was relatively spacious, spanning three zhang wide, barely enough to stretch the long spear. The spear techniques required exquisite precision, any slight negligence would break windows and walls, creating a mess. Li Xian hadn’t practiced spear techniques for a while and couldn’t resist, so he practiced on the spot.

After wielding it twice to satisfaction, he sheathed the spear. Li Xian sank his inner qi, practicing Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg, Jade Palm... various basic martial arts. He reviewed all he had learned and mastered.

Only then did he feel satisfied, taking out the "Snow Mountain Spirit Fox" to examine it. The Snow Mountain Spirit Fox was entirely blue, with fur pure and spotless, completely untainted. Its blood had a fragrant aroma, a good medicine for healing wounds, and of extremely high value.

Its fur was soft and snow-white, suitable for making brushes and other items, commanding extremely high prices. Li Xian gently stroked the fox’s fur, his mood gradually calming. Since arriving in Flying Dragon City, Li Xian had an unshakable premonition. With his handsome looks, exceptional archery skills, and tall stature... all three conditions perfectly met.

He also knew that the Snow Mountain Spirit Fox liked things that were "pure and flawless." Those with a perfect appearance were more likely to attract this beast. Everything was going smoothly, though he had meticulously investigated. Madam Wang was generous, disbursing wealth without blinking an eye. Her kind demeanor didn’t match a villainous intent.

Having confirmed there were no issues, Li Xian continued to go over it thoroughly, to dispel the vague doubt in his heart.

Li Xian thought to himself, "The hidden worry in my heart is mostly because of Madam. I betrayed Madam..."

He kept shaking his head, laughing, "It couldn’t be considered betrayal, could she really expect me to gouge out eyes for her? The right to live must be held in one’s own hands. How could one be obedient in everything."