Fang Xian, feeling somewhat bored after over a century, decided to explore the lower worlds for some amusement.
He randomly selected a world and instantly vanished from the vast universe.
When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer standing on familiar modern streets, but on a long street paved with bluestone slabs, the cries of vendors rising and falling on both sides.
A sugar painting master was twirling bamboo sticks to draw dragons, lifelike warriors stood on Zhang's dough figurine stand, and even the vendors carrying their wares on shoulder poles wore narrow-sleeved short jackets, exuding an antique charm.
His gaze swept over a wood carving stall on the street corner. The stall owner was introducing a wooden sword to a customer, and Fang Xian suddenly became interested, leaning over to join the conversation.
"Your wood carving is off. The scabbard's curve is too blunt; where's the hint of killing intent? Why don't you compare it with mine and see who can pick out a more presentable piece?"
The stall owner was taken aback by his sudden "provocation." Just as he was about to retort, a clear and steady female voice rang out from the crowd.
"Wait a moment, gentlemen. The quality of a wood carving isn't judged by its 'killing intent,' but by the craftsman's dedication."
Fang Xian turned to look and saw a woman with stunningly beautiful features, yet possessing a touch of heroic spirit, slowly approaching.
She had long, thick, black hair, tied up with exquisite hair ornaments. Silver hairpins and floral embellishments added to her elegance.
She wore a purple, cross-collar robe embroidered with delicate scrollwork patterns, cinched at the waist with a multicolored belt and a matching bow, exuding gentle grace.
A patterned metal wristband adorned her wrist, perfectly complementing her overall antique-style attire.
The surrounding vendors and passersby immediately began to speak upon seeing her.
"Madam Yin! You be the judge!"
"Yes, Madam Yin, this young man suddenly started arguing with Master Li about the wood carving being bad. Tell me, what's the logic behind that?"
"Madam Yin?"
Fang Xian raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on the woman for a few more seconds.
She was indeed strikingly beautiful, especially her eyes, which shone brightly, showing none of the timidity often associated with women.
Madam Yin first gently told the stall owner, Master Li, "Your craftsmanship is recognized by everyone in Chentang Pass," then turned to Fang Xian, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.
"Wood carving is a pastime, something to enjoy. To insist on 'killing intent' is to underestimate its value."
"Furthermore, this young master is new here and may not be familiar with our customs. Master Li, please don't take offense."
After a few words, the stall owner's anger subsided, and the onlookers lost interest in the spectacle and dispersed.
Fang Xian stroked his chin and smiled: "Hey, you're quite an interesting woman, you speak with such eloquence."
He had only taken two steps forward when he saw Madam Yin look up at him, her eyes filled with scrutiny.
"This young master looks unfamiliar. Are you new to Chen Tang Pass?"
Fang Xian was taken aback, then raised an eyebrow.
"How did you know I'm new here?"
"I am the wife of General Li Jing of Chen Tang Pass,"
Madam Yin's tone was calm, yet it conveyed a familiarity with this place.
"Not many people come and go from Chen Tang Pass, so I can usually remember most of the new faces. Have you come here to find relatives, or for something else?"
Fang Xian answered without hesitation.
"To have some fun."
Madam Yin frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Her shoulders were ramrod straight, a posture clearly honed by years of martial arts training. Her furrowed brow didn't appear harsh; instead, it conveyed a sense of seriousness.
"The people of Chen Tang Pass are simple and honest, mostly engaged in farming and military training. I'm afraid you won't find the 'fun' you're looking for."
"If you're only seeking pleasure, young master, you'd better return sooner rather than later, lest you waste your time."
Seeing the serious expression on her beautiful face, Fang Xian became even more interested and moved closer.
"I think it might be fun, how about..."
"—Can you find me some amusement?"
Madam Yin's brows furrowed even more, and her tone grew heavier.
"I am the General's wife. My duty is to assist my husband in guarding Chen Tang Pass, not to entertain others."
"If you continue to tease me like this, young master, don't blame me for being impolite."
Fang Xian's interest deepened as he sized up Madam Yin.
"Oh? I'd like to see how you'll be impolite."
Just as he finished speaking, a hurried shout suddenly came from afar.
"It's bad! A little demon has broken in! It's over at the East Gate!"
Madam Yin's expression changed. No longer bothering to argue with Fang Xian, she turned and walked towards the East Gate. With a flick of her wrist, she drew her long sword from her waist; the blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight.
Seeing this, the surrounding soldiers immediately grabbed their weapons and followed. Some even turned back and shouted to Fang Xian.
"Get away! Don't get hurt by those little demons!"
Fang Xian stood still, watching Madam Yin's heroic figure recede, his smile deepening.
He didn't dodge; instead, he followed her towards the east gate. Just as he reached the city edge, he saw several blue-faced, fanged little demons tearing at the gate. Madam Yin, wielding a long sword, was already fighting them.
Her movements were swift and decisive, showing no hesitation, unlike a woman who only knew how to manage a household.
But before the soldiers could fully surround them, a huge wave suddenly surged from the sea, and a gigantic sea monster emerged from the wave. With a single slap of its claw, it scattered the surrounding soldiers, even forcing Madam Yin to take a few steps back, her long sword slightly numb in her palm.
Madam Yin did not retreat but reorganized her soldiers to launch another attack.
A moment later, Madam Yin brought her sword down, slicing a huge wound into the sea monster.
The siren was on the verge of death, and in pain, she swung out a palm.
In a moment of panic, Madam Yin parried with her sword.
However, the force was too great; she was thrown backward, tracing a sharp arc in the air, her long hair billowing in the wind, her entire body plummeting to the ground like a lost leaf.
Fang Xian reacted with lightning speed, almost instantly leaping out to catch her.
Suddenly, a soft yet firm body, characteristic of a martial artist, pressed into his arms, carrying with it the faint scent of leather from a sword sheath and the aroma of herbs.
He darted backward, his toes brushing against the branches of several trees, finally landing in a secluded grove of trees.
Madam Yin slumped in his arms for a while before coughing lightly, clutching her chest. Her face was pale, and a trace of blood clung to the corner of her mouth.
She tried to straighten herself, using Fang Xian's arm for support. When she looked up, her eyes met his. The sharpness and wariness from before had lessened, and she only whispered,
"Thank you."
Fang Xian looked down at her, a playful smile playing on his lips.
"Thank me? How?"
Seeing the slight flippancy in his eyes, Madam Yin's recently lowered guard returned. Her brows furrowed, but she still forced a smile and said,
"After dealing with the sea monster, I'll treat you to a meal at a restaurant in town as a token of my gratitude."
"No need."
Fang Xian waved his hand, his tone casual yet carrying a strange arrogance.
"The token of gratitude I, Fang Xian, require is not something a meal can repay."
Before Madam Yin could figure out the meaning behind his words, she suddenly felt a weight on her chest.
A warm, large hand covered hers, the touch unmistakable.
Her expression changed drastically. She abruptly raised her hand to push him away, her voice turning cold.
"What are you doing? Let go!"