Chapter 153: Sending Medicine

Li Banfeng traveled from the Tiexian River in Lanyang Village's New Land, Greenwater Bay. He hitched a ride with a hairworm and, after several transfers, finally arrived at Jiangyue Village's New Land in Yaowanggou.

Li Banfeng had truly not anticipated this journey. Not only had he not expected it, but even the local Yu Nan probably didn't understand the reason behind it.

There were passages between the New Lands, though Li Banfeng didn't know their origin. He only knew that after walking through one of these passages, his cultivation as a second-tier Journey Cultivator had increased by nearly a year. Especially in the thorny thicket, a single li of walking felt like an entire day's run.

If he simply wandered along this path whenever he had nothing to do, would his cultivation continue to skyrocket? Would high-level Journey Cultivators be aware of this secret and regularly come here to cultivate? How high a level of cultivator would be needed to defeat the human head residing in the thorny thicket? A single glance from that human head could make people spontaneously combust. Furthermore, the cultivation conditions for higher-tier cultivators were far more challenging than for the second tier.

Regardless of whether high-level cultivators possessed such abilities, Li Banfeng had no desire to repeat the journey, given the current circumstances. He'd rather stick to consuming Jin Yuan Pills. This thought brought a pang of regret for Lu Dongliang to Li Banfeng's mind.

"Dongliang, you were a formidable figure of your generation, yet you perished so suddenly. How wonderful it would be if you could be revived just once more. The pills you produced simply aren't enough!"

"Boil some hot water; I want to take a bath."

Yu Nan was momentarily stunned. After such a long separation and reunion, his first request upon seeing her was for a bath. Could this be some kind of hint? Yu Nan quickly instructed someone to prepare hot water for Li Qi, while she herself hurried back to her room to meticulously prepare. She was overthinking; Li Banfeng simply wanted to take a bath.

Immersed in the steaming hot water, Li Banfeng felt utterly content, almost drifting off to sleep in the tub. Yet, after enjoying his comfort, Li Banfeng had to confront a practical problem: How would he return to Greenwater Bay? He clearly couldn't remain in Yaowanggou; Greenwater Bay held the foundation he had painstakingly established.

Should he return to the New Land to continue searching for the Tiexian River's direction? Li Banfeng certainly didn't want to do that; the path was far too perilous. Should he find a way to obtain a travel permit and return to Greenwater Bay through official channels? This was a good choice. However, he couldn't count on Yu Nan for this; she didn't even dare to leave Yujiazhai. To obtain a travel permit, he would have to go to Ligou.

After his bath and a meal, Li Banfeng quietly retreated to his Portable Residence and slept soundly. His wife was still asleep, the copper lotus continued refining pills, and everything at home remained unchanged.

Upon waking, Li Banfeng sought out Yu Nan and inquired about the situation in Yaowanggou. Previously, Yaowanggou's extensive search for Li Banfeng had caused a major stir. Yu Nan, fearing a connection between Li Banfeng and Li Qi, was concerned both for Li Qi's safety and for potential trouble for herself. As a result, she had remained in the New Land for a long time, not daring to venture out. After Lu Dongliang's incident, the commotion surrounding Li Banfeng subsided, and Yaowanggou returned to its usual tranquility. Yet, Yu Nan still didn't dare to go back to Ligou. She was so terrified by Geng Zhiwei that she even considered staying in the New Land for the rest of her life.

Li Banfeng advised, "Shopkeeper Yu, if you can truly find peace of mind, cultivating in the New Land isn't a bad option. However, if you can't settle, it would be better to return to Ligou and resume your business."

Yu Nan sighed softly, "I fear the Jiang Xiangbang will continue to harass me. I'm not like Boss Qin; I have no one to back me up..."

Li Banfeng was at a loss for words; Yu Nan simply wasn't getting it. She did have a backer, the strongest one in all of Yaowanggou. She possessed Elder Yao, the Medicine King's, contact information, yet in her eyes, he was merely someone who treated illnesses and sold medicine. This couldn't be explicitly stated; doing so would be disrespectful to Elder Yao.

Furthermore, Li Banfeng discerned Yu Nan's thoughts: "You want the San Ying Men to protect you?"

Yu Nan looked at Li Banfeng expectantly, "My friendship with Boss Qin is likely insufficient..."

Li Banfeng was planning a trip to Ligou anyway, and from Yu Nan's account, it seemed safe enough now. "I can inform Qin Tianjiu on your behalf," he said, "but if I'm not mistaken, the San Ying Men's price won't be cheap. If you truly want to keep your business running, you'll still need to rely on your own genuine capabilities. Even if the San Ying Men agrees to protect you, they will, at best, lend you their name. Don't forget the example of Geng Zhiwei; when a major crisis truly strikes, you'll still have to bear it yourself."

In Puluo Province, the strong offering protection to the weak is always an exchange of equal value, unless there's a special relationship between them. With just the meager profits from the fabric shop, how much could she offer the San Ying Men? How much effort could the San Ying Men truly expend on her behalf? Instead of negotiating the intricacies of the jianghu with various gangs, it would truly be better to carefully consider how to conduct some business with Elder Yao.

Yu Nan thanked Li Banfeng profusely. Li Banfeng refilled his water and departed from Yujiazhai that same day.

He just left like that? Yu Nan had longed to see Li Banfeng every day, only for him to leave just like that after their single meeting. Standing at the entrance of Yujiazhai, Yu Nan's heart was filled with hope that Li Qi could establish a connection with the San Ying Men for her. Yet, as she watched Li Banfeng's retreating figure, a sense of loss washed over her. Would she still be able to see him in the future?

Late that night, Qin Xiaopang, having eaten and drunk his fill, returned to his small courtyard to sleep. As he stepped into his room, he found Li Banfeng seated in a chair, pouring himself tea.

"Brother Qi, when did you get back? Last time you left without a word, you really had me worried sick."

"Nothing major, just went for a walk," Li Banfeng replied casually, omitting any mention of Greenwater Bay. Once the Lu family settled down, they might resume their search for the Red Lotus, and discussing certain matters too openly would not benefit Xiaopang.

Li Banfeng informed Xiaopang about Yu Nan's situation. Xiaopang nodded and said, "This is easily handled. I'll take charge. Let Boss Yu decide the exact bonus, just don't make me look too bad. Once Brother Liu returns, I'll simply notify him."

"Where did Zhang Liuze go?"

"Brother Liu went to Haichiling. There's a famine there, and many people have died. Haichiling is the foundation of our Food Cultivators, and I wanted to go see for myself. But Brother Liu only managed to get one travel permit. Our Copper Seal instructed me to temporarily assume the Iron Seal position, and he forbade me from leaving Yaowanggou."

Li Banfeng had also heard about the insect plague in Haichiling, but he couldn't understand why Xiaopang wanted to get involved. "What would you do in Haichiling?" he asked. "Can you farm, or kill insects? There's already no food there; are you planning to starve?"

Xiaopang's eyes lit up. "To seize territory and expand our influence! This famine has caused many gang businesses to collapse. Once the insect plague passes, whoever can salvage these businesses will profit immensely. If I went to Haichiling, I could at least earn a Copper Seal."

No wonder Lu Dongjun was so invested in Haichiling's situation; he intended to leverage the insect control efforts to establish a new base there. This was indeed an excellent opportunity. Haichiling was on the verge of a major reshuffle, and if Lu Dongjun genuinely managed to control the insect plague, no one would be able to challenge his position in Haichiling for a considerable time. However, seizing territory required genuine capability.

"What level has your cultivation reached now?"

Xiaopang replied, "The first tier! You witnessed me advancing that very day!"

"How much time have you accumulated?"

Xiaopang scratched his head, "I haven't accumulated much in terms of time; simply cultivating daily is quite challenging."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "Then you'd best not go to Haichiling. I suspect Zhang Liuze went there fully intending to risk his life."

"We're definitely going to risk our lives. Our leader has given orders: no matter what tricks Lu Dongjun tries, the San Ying Men's own business must absolutely not fall into his hands."

The major families and various gangs were set for another fierce battle in Haichiling. With Zhang Liuze absent, Qin Xiaopang, who was temporarily acting as the Iron Seal, had received a considerable amount of inside information during this period.

"The Lu family and our San Ying Men have always had a good relationship. A few days ago, Old Master Lu Maoxian of the Lu family even made a special trip to Yaowanggou, sharing several meals with our Silver Seal manager. I attended one of these gatherings, but unfortunately, my status wasn't high enough to sit at the same table as Old Master Lu. Not two days later, the Lu family's eldest young master, Lu Yuanshan, also arrived and again invited our manager to dinner. I wanted to toast Young Master Lu, but our Copper Seal Brother wouldn't allow it. He said we should get less involved in the Lu family's affairs, as it's still uncertain who will ultimately be in charge. I heard from our Copper Seal that our three Golden Seals are quite at odds over this issue. The Second Boss believes Old Master Lu has the final say, the Third Boss thinks the Lu family will still have to follow the Eldest Young Master's lead, and our Big Boss remains neutral, not close to anyone nor distant from anyone; no one knows his true intentions..."

This was the advantage of Qin Xiaopang joining a major gang; it allowed Li Banfeng to hear information he couldn't even uncover in Greenwater City. Judging by the San Ying Men's stance, they all presumed Lu Dongliang had met with an accident, yet none of them sided with Lu Dongjun. It was likely that other gangs held the same perspective. Li Banfeng gave Xiaopang two Xuan Chi Pills and advised him to cultivate diligently and try to steer clear of these disputes.

After departing from Xiaopang's residence, Li Banfeng headed to Fengji General Store. Upon seeing Li Banfeng, Shopkeeper Feng was delighted. He invited Li Banfeng into the back room and, without asking further questions, immediately handed over the money from the pill sales. The Xuan Chi Pills had been sold for a high price. After deducting Shopkeeper Feng's commission, Li Banfeng received over a million.

Li Banfeng inquired about travel permits to other provinces. Shopkeeper Feng shook his head. "Travel permits to other provinces are somewhat difficult to obtain. Haichiling is experiencing an insect plague, and other provinces are concerned about attracting the Extinction Mosquitoes. For now, all travel permits to other provinces have been suspended, and even trains are not running." Li Banfeng didn't press the issue, as returning to another province wasn't urgent anyway. What was urgent now was returning to Lanyang Village.

"Are travel passes to Greenwater Bay easy to get?"

Shopkeeper Feng shook his head. "In the past, traveling to Greenwater Bay was no trouble at all. However, during times of disaster, other provinces strictly control travel permits. I can inquire for you, but it's likely not possible."

"Then there's no need to ask; I won't be staying long in Yaowanggou," Li Banfeng replied, understanding Shopkeeper Feng's predicament. He purchased some canned goods and biscuits from the store, along with some engine oil and fuel, and also two tailcoats, two suits, and a top hat.

Shopkeeper Feng looked a bit embarrassed. "Boss Li, you're certainly not short of money now. The clothes in my general store might not quite match your status."

"I just like the clothes here."

Chunsheng summoned a carriage to deliver the goods for Li Banfeng. This time, Li Banfeng didn't have the carriage unload midway; instead, the items were transported directly to Taoyuan Inn. In Yaowanggou, Taoyuan Inn was considered a mid-range establishment. Its premises weren't large, and the rooms weren't particularly good, but it had the advantage of being inconspicuous.

Li Banfeng rented a room, organized his belongings into his Portable Residence, then immediately took out a piece of yellow paper. He had originally purchased two pieces of yellow paper from Elder Yao; this was one of them. This was the most important purpose of his trip. To conduct business with Elder Yao, one first needed a legitimate reason and should avoid making unreasonable demands.

The yellow paper burned, and Li Banfeng heard Elder Yao's voice.

"Want treatment, or to buy medicine?"

The voice was still as amiable as ever, devoid of unnecessary pleasantries, immediately getting down to business.

"I want to buy medicine, and also want treatment."

"What medicine do you want to buy?"

"I wish to purchase your medicinal wine, a large quantity—enough to treat several hundred people." Elder Yao's wine was excellent for both setting fires and treating illnesses, so it made sense to stock up.

"Bottled wine or bulk wine?"

"Bottled."

"What illness do you want to treat?"

"Homesickness."

"Homesickness? Where is your home?"

"Greenwater Bay."

"You don't need to consult me to go to Greenwater Bay. Simply acquire a travel permit and purchase a train ticket."

"I don't have a travel permit."

"Then how did you arrive in Yaowanggou? However you came, you can return the same way."

"I came from the New Land, and I'm honestly not sure how I got here. Now, I can't find my way back."

"From the New Land..."

Elder Yao was silent for a moment, seemingly aware of what Li Banfeng had gone through.

"Young man, your timing isn't ideal today. The bottled wine is sold out, but I still have a wine gourd here."

"How much wine is in your gourd?"

"One jin."

"Isn't that a bit little?"

"Not at all. There's one jin of wine in the gourd. Don't drink it all; as long as you leave a single sip, there will be another jin the next day. However, once the wine is poured out, it must be consumed immediately, or it will turn into clear water by the following day."

A Dharma Artifact! This is a Dharma Artifact! Elder Yao is going to sell me a Dharma Artifact? And a very valuable Dharma Artifact! What is his purpose for doing this?

"Young man, do you want to buy it?"

"Please tell me the price first," Li Banfeng said, not daring to speak rashly.

"Still the old price, five hundred thousand."

Five hundred thousand. This price was ridiculously low. Had he misunderstood the currency?

"You mean Huanguo bills?"

"Yes, Huanguo bills."

Li Banfeng found it hard to believe. How could such an inestimable artifact be sold for only five hundred thousand? It seemed he was collecting a symbolic amount, but Li Banfeng still couldn't grasp Elder Yao's true intentions.

Elder Yao continued, "As for your illness, I can treat you without charge. I have a map here that can guide you to Greenwater Bay, Kudaikan, Haichiling, Kucai Zhuang, Jianrengang, and Tiemenbao. The New Land changes every year, and this map is from last year, so there's a slight discrepancy. However, as a Journey Cultivator with a talent for walking, such a minor deviation won't pose a challenge for you. This map should remain useful for another year or two. I'll give it to you as a gift."

Li Banfeng didn't dare to accept it. The value of this map alone was far more than a mere five hundred thousand.

"Elder Yao, do you have something you need me to do?"

"There is indeed one matter I'd like to ask for your help with. Those who can cross through the New Land typically possess a certain capability, and I trust you. If you are willing to agree, take this map and go to Haichiling to deliver a prescription to Pan Dehai. Tell him that this medicine can both attract and kill insects. For the peddler's sake, I will help him this one time. But if he dares to lure the insects to Yaowanggou, I will risk my very life to ensure he dies once more!"