Chapter 177: Brothers

Pendulum had studied painting.

As a celebrated beauty of her time, painting was one of her fundamental talents. Although most of her memories from her former life were gone, her painting skills remained, much like Singer Bloom still retained her singing ability.

The round, bright Pendulum rested against Li Banfeng's hand, teaching him composition stroke by stroke. Li Banfeng spent an entire night learning to draw, and by dawn, he could at least sketch a human figure.

From a basic sketching perspective, the drawing had a certain sense of perspective and three-dimensionality, and the body proportions largely met normal human standards.

Li Banfeng focused his will and dripped a drop of blood onto the drawing. The blood quickly spread across the paper, which then rapidly folded and curled. A slender woman slowly emerged from the paper.

She was a bit small, less than a foot tall.

Was she a beauty?

Li Banfeng stared at the woman for a moment, then found a cloth and covered her face.

Even though he had drawn her himself, he couldn't bear to look.

Pendulum comforted him, saying, "Depicting facial features isn't something one can learn overnight. Master, your talent is great; with more practice, you'll surely be able to draw an exquisite beauty."

"How long will that take?"

"I don't remember, but it should take about two or three years."

"Two or three years?"

This meant that Li Banfeng wouldn't be able to master the Fourth-Tier Skill within two or three years.

Seeing Li Banfeng's frustration, Pendulum dared not speak.

The Gramophone exhaled a puff of steam, like a sigh. "Oh, Master, what Pendulum taught you is Western painting. It's not easy to learn, and two or three years isn't long; you're just too eager."

"Even though she's a bit unsightly, let's try with this one first," Li Banfeng said. He took the foot-tall woman outside to find her a suitable opponent.

He chose a mimosa plant.

Similar to ordinary mimosa plants, this one would also fold its leaves when startled, but its strength was slightly greater, enough to tear a normal person's skin.

Li Banfeng instructed the foot-tall girl, "Pick that mimosa plant."

The foot-tall girl stood still.

"The grass, that plant, bring the grass back. Do you know what grass is?"

Li Banfeng gestured and spoke, expending a great deal of effort, before the girl finally understood his meaning and swayed towards the mimosa plant.

"This is worse than my clay figures; at least they understand after being told once."

Pendulum explained, "Master, when you drew her, you only gave her long hair and didn't draw ears."

"Her ears were covered by long hair; did I still need to draw them separately?"

"I don't understand the reasoning behind it, but perhaps you should have drawn them."

"I didn't make ears when I sculpted the clay figures either."

"I remember Master poking holes on both sides with a toothpick..."

While they were still talking, the foot-tall girl had already been torn to shreds by the mimosa plant.

Li Banfeng retrieved the foot-tall girl's remains and placed them in his portable dwelling. Before long, the remains turned into a pile of shredded paper, stained with traces of blood.

This meant the foot-tall girl had completely lost all signs of life. The delicate lady Li Banfeng had spent a night creating had failed once again.

Seeing Li Banfeng's dejected expression, the Gramophone offered comfort. "Master, Fourth-Grade Skills are inherently difficult to learn. Achieving this level in a single night is already quite remarkable."

Li Banfeng was unconvinced. "If we were in another province, forget these paper figures; there would be plenty of those made of glue if you wanted to buy them!"

"Made of glue?" the Lady asked, not quite understanding Li Banfeng. "Master, if you want to buy them, it won't work. A delicate lady must be made by hand; that is the essence of the technique."

"I'm a Mansion Cultivator, and I have to learn to paint and sculpt clay figures? Doesn't that make me a Craft Cultivator?"

The Gramophone chuckled. "A Mansion Cultivator doesn't need to be an expert in everything, but they must be proficient in everything. Master, you'll learn later that there's still much more to learn."

This did align with the characteristics of a homebody – knowing a little bit about everything.

Li Banfeng took out paper and a pen and continued to learn drawing.

He only had a dip pen, bought from Feng's General Store. After drawing all night, the nib had split.

The pen was unusable. What else could he use?

Li Banfeng picked up the Judge's Brush.

"Don't..." the Judge's Brush spoke. It was too lazy to accompany Li Banfeng in drawing, yet also too lazy to say more than that.

Li Banfeng was too lazy to listen to its nagging. He dipped it in ink and started drawing.

The Judge's Brush was a weapon; its tip was extremely sharp. It tore through the paper with a single poke.

The Gramophone advised, "Master, please rest. This object is useless. Wait until you've bought good paper and pens before continuing your studies."

Li Banfeng was stubborn; he listened to no one's advice. Holding the Judge's Brush, he controlled his strength, drawing the delicate lady stroke by stroke.

After drawing for a while, Li Banfeng became too lazy to draw.

Not only was he too lazy to draw, he was too lazy to do anything at all.

"Hmph!" the Judge's Brush sneered.

Just one sound.

This was the Judge's Brush's capital.

Back when Li Banfeng used it to fly across the Iron Wire River, he should have paid the price.

But after so much time had passed, the Judge's Brush had been too lazy to collect that capital.

Now that Li Banfeng was forcing it to draw, the Judge's Brush had reclaimed its capital.

For the next half-day, no matter what Li Banfeng did, he felt overwhelmingly lazy.

Ma Wu sat on the plot of land, quietly watching the pocket watch in his hand.

In another half-day, the land reclamation would be complete.

Xiao Genzi sat beside him, looking at Ma Wu's body, covered in injuries.

He said he was smitten, but the centipede mother and daughter weren't human; they couldn't possibly be too gentle with Ma Wu.

The first time he encountered the centipede girl, Xiao Genzi only found it absurd. The second time he met the centipede mother, Xiao Genzi realized something: Ma Wu was truly fighting for his life.

He was desperately reclaiming land and desperately cultivating; this was his purpose in coming to the New Land.

Seeing Ma Wu's perseverance, Xiao Genzi was deeply impressed.

Young Master Five was someone capable of great achievements.

Xiao Genzi had chosen the best Daoist sect and the best boss; he firmly believed he could also achieve great things!

The two of them stared at the pocket watch, waiting for the land reclamation to succeed. In the darkness, a rustling, slithering sound approached.

Xiao Genzi raised his spoon and shouted angrily, "Who's there?"

"Hehehe, young man, you're quite interesting."

As soon as he heard the voice, Ma Wu began to tremble all over.

Before coming to the New Land, he had made many preparations. He knew how dangerous this journey was and what he would have to face.

But there was one thing he didn't want to face.

In Puro Province, if there was one name that could strike fear into both Li Banfeng and Ma Wu simultaneously, it wasn't He Haiqin, Chu Huaijun, or powerful figures from great families like Monkey Qiu.

They had seen some things; even with prominent figures like Green Water Beggar, Old Yao, Feng Daiku, and Pan Dehai, they had interacted to varying degrees.

But if Lady Moth was mentioned, even Li Banfeng would only think of running. She was a being who had truly dragged them through hell.

A Lady Moth, wriggling her corpulent body, arrived at the edge of the plot.

Unlike the Lady Moth they had encountered before, this one had a younger face; by human standards, she appeared to be around thirty.

And what's more, her face was quite comely.

But no matter how comely, Ma Wu couldn't stand up.

Seeing Ma Wu hesitate to face the enemy, Xiao Genzi took his spoon and first splashed a stream of golden fluid towards Lady Moth.

Despite Lady Moth's corpulent body, she was not clumsy at all.

She easily dodged the golden fluid, then stared at Xiao Genzi's spoon for a long moment.

"Little child, you threw this at me? You've really made me angry."

According to the Land God's examination rules, anomalies in the New Land could only act once they crossed the plot's boundary.

But Lady Moth was not here for an examination.

She was a wandering monster; she didn't need to follow the rules of land reclamation.

Lady Moth swung her antenna, striking Xiao Genzi directly.

She didn't like killing people, only to toy with them, but this single blow was enough to take Xiao Genzi's life.

The bucket on Xiao Genzi's back suddenly rotated to his front, blocking the blow for him.

This was the first-tier skill of Gold Cultivation, 'Golden Barrel Protection.'

The golden barrel carried on one's back would help the cultivator withstand attacks.

Although the blow from Lady Moth's antenna was blocked, Xiao Genzi was still sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground, unconscious.

Lady Moth furiously entered the plot, preparing to torment Xiao Genzi.

Ma Wu stood in front of Xiao Genzi, blocking Lady Moth.

"Young man, what do you want to do now?" Lady Moth scrutinized Ma Wu from head to toe.

Ma Wu suppressed the trembling of his body and stared at the Moth for a full two minutes.

Lady Moth's gaze softened; Ma Wu's innate talent had taken effect.

"Young man, do you want to play with your elder sister?"

Ma Wu nodded. "Yes, play."

Lady Moth smiled. "Can you withstand it?"

Ma Wu took a deep breath and said, "I can withstand it!"

Lady Moth burst into laughter and charged towards Ma Wu.

Ma Wu gritted his teeth and also charged towards Lady Moth.

The Land God hovered in mid-air, looking down at the plot, reluctant to leave for a long time.

He was dumbfounded.

This young man was only at the first tier; he really dared to charge?

Isn't that just seeking death?

Why was this person so stubborn? Why didn't he give up this plot of land?

Lady Moth and the centipede mother and daughter were two different concepts.

Measured by human cultivation standards, the centipede girl was at the third tier, and the centipede mother was barely at the fourth tier.

This Lady Moth was at the eighth tier, one of the most formidable anomalies in the New Land.

Even if Ma Wu possessed the talent gifted to him by Feng Daiku, it would be useless against Lady Moth.

The Land God had lured Lady Moth here, intending to scare Ma Wu away.

But he hadn't expected Ma Wu to charge directly at Lady Moth.

The Land God looked down at Ma Wu and secretly praised him. "He's quite a brave man; he might be useful in the future."

The land reclamation examination was, in the end, an examination to see who could bear the responsibility of a plot of land.

A li of land, Ma Wu could handle it.

The Land God activated his will and lent Ma Wu some strength.

Lady Moth, who had been laughing wildly, suddenly changed her expression.

"Young man, you, slow down a bit..."

Five hours later, Xiao Genzi woke up.

Ma Wu was feeding him medicine. Xiao Genzi swallowed the broth and sat up.

Seeing Ma Wu covered in wounds, his face almost unrecognizable, Xiao Genzi hastily asked, "Young Master, where did that bug go? I'll fight her!"

Ma Wu smiled. "She's gone."

Xiao Genzi was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "Young Master, you won? I told you, you weren't afraid of that bug!"

He didn't know Lady Moth's true strength and assumed Ma Wu's victory was natural.

Ma Wu gave a wry smile and shook his head. He didn't even know how he had won that battle.

Twice, he nearly passed out, but he gritted his teeth and endured.

"Young Master, how much longer? Let's just grit our teeth again, I reckon it'll be done soon."

Ma Wu said nothing.

Xiao Genzi looked around and felt that the surroundings had brightened considerably.

He looked up at the sky and saw a halo of light.

"It's bright, there's daylight!" Xiao Genzi exclaimed joyfully. "It's done, the New Land has been reclaimed!"

Ma Wu was smiling, and as he smiled, tears welled up in his eyes.

The New Land had been reclaimed.

Ma Wu, through his own efforts, had reclaimed a li of barren land.

Xiao Genzi took out a signaling flare and asked Ma Wu, "Should we tell Master Seven?"

Ma Wu nodded.

Xiao Genzi broke open the signaling flare. His luck was exceptionally good today; the very first flare ignited.

Li Banfeng was wandering in the wilderness, finding painting incredibly difficult, not to mention the future prospect of learning sculpting and pottery. He was contemplating a quick method when he suddenly saw a flash of fire in the air.

A signaling flare!

Something happened to Ma Wu!

Li Banfeng rushed towards the plot of land. As he ran, he saw the halo in the sky.

The New Land had been reclaimed?

Li Banfeng took out his pocket watch and glanced at it.

Preoccupied with learning the Fourth-Grade Skill, he had forgotten the time. The three-day period for land reclamation had already passed.

Li Banfeng ran faster and faster. When he reached the edge of the plot, he saw Ma Wu, covered in wounds, smiling at him.

The halo around the plot was gone; the New Land had truly been reclaimed.

Li Banfeng walked into the plot. Looking at Ma Wu, they both burst into laughter.

"Brother!" Ma Wu hoarsely shouted, "I did it!"

"You did it! Well done!" Li Banfeng yelled loudly. Their laughter echoed across the barren land for a long time.

The three of them spent half a day digging a well. Ma Wu started a bonfire, and Li Banfeng drew a bucket of water, waiting for it to clear.

Xiao Genzi went off to cultivate, carrying his bucket. He had been reclaiming land for three days, and now he needed to quickly replenish his golden fluid.

The two of them sat by the fire, drinking a few cups. Ma Wu asked Li Banfeng, "Brother Li, how old are you this year?"

This question stumped Li Banfeng. He was an orphan and didn't know his birthday. Based on the time recorded by the orphanage, he was approximately twenty-two years old this year.

"Let's say twenty-two."

Ma Wu said, "I'm twenty-three, a year older than you. Calling you 'Brother Li' feels a bit formal. May I call you Old Seven?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "Then I'll call you Old Five from now on."

"Uh..." Ma Wu thought Li Banfeng would call him 'Brother Five,' but 'Old Five' was fine too.

"Old Seven, we've struggled together as brothers until now, and I've always been a burden to you. But today I've reclaimed this barren land, and I feel like I'm finally useful.

From now on, we'll build houses, establish our foundation, do business, and cultivate our powers on this land.

We each have our own methods; if we reclaim a few more plots, we'll surely carve out a place for ourselves!"

Li Banfeng had similar intentions. Just as he was about to speak, he heard an angry shout beside his ear: "Pah! You shameless two!"

The Land God greatly admired Ma Wu, but upon hearing that these two intended to reclaim more land using similar methods, he couldn't control his anger. He spat at them both and then departed.

A heavy rain began to fall, extinguishing the bonfire.

The two men were gathering dry kindling, preparing to restart the fire, when Li Banfeng's ears twitched. He looked into the distance.

Using his Thread-Pulling Earrings, he heard the sound of a massive creature wriggling. The kindling in his hands fell to the ground. Li Banfeng shouted, "Old Five, sprinkle blood!"

Lady Moth was here!

Just hearing her wriggling sound made Li Banfeng's speech falter.

This was the vile creature that had once harmed his Lady!

Ma Wu stood in front of Li Banfeng, his expression calm. "Don't panic, leave it to me."

Li Banfeng said, "It was always up to you. This is your plot; quickly sprinkle blood!"

According to the Land God's contract, if Ma Wu sprinkled blood, it meant seeking the Land God's protection. If Lady Moth forced her way in, the Land God would have to protect Ma Wu.

But Ma Wu had no intention of sprinkling blood.

He just stood at the edge of the plot, waiting for Lady Moth to appear.

"Brother, I won't be a burden to you anymore!" Ma Wu's expression was exceptionally resolute, until Lady Moth's body appeared in their sight.

Lady Moth looked at Ma Wu, paused for a moment, then shuddered and suddenly retreated. "Young man, I've come to the wrong place. It's dark, I couldn't see the way.

I'm not looking for you, truly not. I'll leave now, right away..."

What was going on?

Watching Lady Moth disappear into the distance, Li Banfeng was completely bewildered.

Even more puzzling events were yet to come.

Ma Wu leaped up and jumped onto Lady Moth's back.

Lady Moth let out a miserable cry. "No, absolutely not, not today! Young man, I was wrong, I truly took the wrong path, please spare me..."

The power the Land God had lent Ma Wu had long since been withdrawn; the current Ma Wu was not that powerful.

Yet Lady Moth was terrified. She trembled and ran frantically in all directions, trying to shake Ma Wu off.

But Ma Wu sat steadily and calmly.

Watching the dust kick up all around them, Li Banfeng stood dumbfounded within the plot.

What exactly happened?

Lady Moth didn't like killing people, but she enjoyed toying with them. This time, she suffered greatly.