Chapter 413: Yuan Shoulv

In the Portable Residence, Li Banfeng checked his magic items and weapons one by one.

The Phonograph asked, "My dear husband, who are you planning to deal with this time?"

"Wife, Yuan Shoulou has blocked my path. I intend to take care of him."

"Yuan Shoulou?" Hong Ying was startled. "Where is he?"

The Phonograph spewed out a puff of steam, making Hong Ying shiver from the heat. "You hussy, my man is calling me 'wife.' Why are you responding?"

Hong Ying dared not speak. The Phonograph turned its horn towards Li Banfeng, its voice instantly softening. "My dear husband, how do you know that person is Yuan Shoulou?"

Li Banfeng briefly recounted their encounter: "His technique is very unique and he's highly experienced. I nearly suffered a great loss."

Hong Ying said, "My dear husband, if it really is Yuan Shoulou, you must avoid him from now on. With your current cultivation, you're not his match yet."

The Phonograph bellowed furiously, "You hussy, did he call *you* 'my dear husband'?"

"My dear husband, after Yuan Shoulou left the army, he converted to a Beggar Cultivator. He was originally a martial cultivator, very skilled. Are you sure you haven't mistaken him for someone else?"

"No mistake. His skills are indeed excellent. I didn't gain any advantage in close combat."

"Beggar Cultivator?" Hong Ying paused, stunned. "Did he really become a beggar?"

The Phonograph scoffed, "You old hag, you once told me that Yuan Shoulou said he'd rather beg than fight. It seems he truly got his wish."

Hong Ying turned to Li Banfeng and said, "Seventh Brother, since it really is him, you truly ought to go around him."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "I can't go around him. He's blocking the only path to Zhenging Village."

Hong Ying said, "Then just walk back and forth relying on our house. The station is built, after all."

Li Banfeng looked at Hong Ying.

When building the station, she and Xianghua Hong Ying carried soil together, working very hard. Xianghua Hong Ying was exhausted and couldn't be repaired even after several attempts, eventually being eaten by Hong Ying herself.

For some reason, Hong Ying's sense of belonging to this home had grown stronger. Her current eagerness to offer Li Banfeng advice was very unusual compared to before.

Something must have happened between her and the wife.

Li Banfeng first looked at the Phonograph, then at Hong Ying, forming a general deduction in his mind.

While I was away, those two must have been "polishing mirrors"!

Walking back and forth by the station would be fine for one person, but bringing more than one would be very troublesome.

Furthermore, the Portable Residence only allowed for an hour's stay, which wasn't enough time to accomplish many things.

Li Banfeng shook his head. "I can't let Yuan Shoulou block this path for me. I need to find a way to get rid of him."

Hong Ying said, "Seventh Brother, it's too much for you alone. I'll go with you; Yuan Shoulou is still afraid of me."

"No!" The Portable Residence refused.

Hong Ying pointed at the Phonograph and asked, "Why can that wicked woman go out, but you won't let me?"

The Portable Residence replied, "Neither of you will be going out again. There's no room for discussion on this matter."

The Phonograph sang, "Don't fret, husband. Beggar Cultivators are tough, but not impossible. If you choose the right moment and lure him into our house, you'll still have a chance of winning."

Li Banfeng nodded. "I'm not in a hurry. I certainly need to find a good time. What about tonight?"

"Oh, husband, your temper," the Phonograph sighed softly. "Husband, let's first learn about the Beggar Cultivators' techniques. Because this school is a bit unclean, your humble servant doesn't know too much, so I can only give you a basic overview."

"From the start, a Beggar Cultivator must learn the 'Pleading for Pity' technique. Up to the third level, this is their only technique, which shows how difficult it is.

Through pleading, a Beggar Cultivator can make others feel pity and offer alms. By receiving alms, they can steal a portion of an enemy's combat strength. The higher their cultivation, the more valuable the alms received, and the more combat strength they can take.

The opponent you encountered, husband, is at the Cloud Realm, so he definitely has an advantage in cultivation. However, as long as you don't let him take anything too valuable, he won't be able to steal too much of your combat strength.

At the fourth and fifth levels, Beggar Cultivators learn the 'Flute Begging' technique. The outcome is similar to 'Pleading for Pity' – both steal some of the opponent's combat strength.

However, 'Pleading for Pity' involves begging for alms, while 'Flute Begging' forces alms. You heard the beggar's tune, husband. At the fourth level of Beggar Cultivation, if you listen to an entire piece of music, you'll involuntarily give alms. The better the beggar plays, the more alms you'll give, and the more combat strength you'll lose.

At the fifth level, 'Flute Begging' changes. You don't need to listen to an entire piece; just a short segment will ensnare the opponent with the technique. How long or short that segment is depends on the cultivation gap."

Li Banfeng frowned. "This is too troublesome. One day, if I see someone playing music by the roadside, I might accidentally fall victim to a Beggar Cultivator's scheme."

"You're right, husband. Beggar Cultivators are extremely difficult to guard against. Some don't even play music; they might sing ballads or beat bamboo clappers, all of which can earn alms.

At the sixth level, Beggar Cultivators learn the 'Forcible Seizure' technique. This changes from forcing alms to directly snatching them. The more alms snatched, the more combat strength is lost.

At the seventh level, Beggar Cultivators learn the 'Thick-Skinned Defense' technique. I just heard you say, husband, that you encountered this technique during your encounter.

Among defensive techniques, 'Thick-Skinned Defense' is a superior skill. It provides solid defense with low consumption, but the technique is very slow to activate."

Li Banfeng recalled the battle process and shook his head. "He managed to act before 'Galloping Glance.' His technique isn't slow."

"Oh my, husband, you can even use 'Galloping Glance'!"

Li Banfeng's expression was calm. "I borrowed it from Hong Ying."

Hong Ying stood beside Li Banfeng, holding his arm. "Yes, Seventh Brother borrowed it from me."

The Phonograph swung a wooden board and smacked Hong Ying's buttocks hard, then continued, "The reason that Beggar Cultivator defended against 'Galloping Glance' is because he's experienced and prepared in advance. Otherwise, he shouldn't have been able to act before you, husband.

At the eighth level, Beggar Cultivators learn the 'One Bowl, Thousand Pounds' technique. This technique..."

Hong Ying said, "Don't worry about this technique. It just uses his bowl to trap someone. A Beggar Cultivator only has one bowl, and he can't use the technique again until the bowl returns. We Traveler Cultivators aren't afraid of this; one 'Unimpeded Passage' move and we're out."

*Smack! Smack!*

The Phonograph swung the wooden board and repeatedly struck Hong Ying's buttocks. "What 'Traveler Cultivator'? Who's a Traveler Cultivator with you? All Traveler Cultivators should be killed!"

Hong Ying rubbed her buttocks and said indignantly, "I meant, Seventh Brother borrowed 'Unimpeded Passage' from me..."

The Phonograph said, "Husband, don't listen to this hussy's nonsense. Although 'One Bowl, Thousand Pounds' is countered by Traveler Cultivator techniques, it's hard to say if there might be variations, so it's best to be careful.

At the ninth level, Beggar Cultivators learn the 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' technique. This is the most lethal technique of Beggar Cultivators, and you, husband, must guard against it with all your might.

'Pleading for Pity,' 'Flute Begging,' 'Forcible Seizure' — no matter which technique you fall victim to, husband, as long as you give out alms, it's possible to trigger the 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' technique.

Unlike the previous two techniques, 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' doesn't take combat strength. As long as the cultivation gap is wide enough, he can take anything he wants.

Upon reaching the first level of the Cloud Realm, Beggar Cultivators gain the 'Escalating Demands' technique. This technique is even more deadly. 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' only demands one item, but 'Escalating Demands,' when used after 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile,' will continuously demand items from the opponent.

If 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' takes the opponent's left eye, 'Escalating Demands' can then take the right eye.

Taking the right eye counts as alms, allowing 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' to be used again to take the opponent's left hand.

After 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile,' 'Escalating Demands' can follow, taking the right hand as well."

Li Banfeng listened, dumbfounded.

Is this even a technique?

Is it an infinite loop?

What kind of unreasonable technique is this?

"Once hit, is there no chance to fight back?"

"Husband, there are plenty of opportunities to fight back. Although Beggar Cultivator techniques are ruthless, they have many limitations when used.

Firstly, alms must be given. Without alms, no technique can be used except for 'Thick-Skinned Defense' and 'One Bowl, Thousand Pounds'.

Secondly, the alms must be caught. As the saying goes, 'begged food must not fall.' Regardless of how the alms are acquired, the Beggar Cultivator must catch them; they cannot touch the ground. If they fall, they must be picked up immediately, or they will become ineffective in the blink of an eye.

Thirdly, the techniques are interconnected. To use 'Escalating Demands,' 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile' must first be used. To use 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile,' 'Pleading for Pity,' 'Flute Begging,' or 'Forcible Seizure' must first be used.

Especially 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile,' which focuses on a precise timing. When performing the technique, it must be initiated before receiving the alms, and it only becomes effective after the alms are received. This timing is very difficult to grasp."

Li Banfeng recalled his encounter with the Beggar Cultivator.

He gave the Beggar Cultivator a piece of dry food. Before the food landed in the bowl, the Beggar Cultivator shouted, "It's already given."

That was 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile,' which requires acting before the alms are given.

"Wife, does he have to say 'It's already given'?"

The Phonograph said, "Yes, husband, that's crucial for 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile.' As soon as he shouts that, you must immediately intensify your guard and prevent him from receiving the alms.

If he can't use 'Taking an Inch, Gaining a Mile,' he won't be able to use 'Escalating Demands.' Even if he occasionally takes a bit of your combat strength, it's not a major issue.

Furthermore, to beg for food, Beggar Cultivators often have to dodge beatings from people and bites from dogs. According to the nature of this school, they are quite fast on their feet, so you must be careful, husband."

Li Banfeng nodded. He had indeed experienced their swift footwork; although the beggar couldn't catch up to Li Banfeng, he could pester him for a while.

The Phonograph added, "Husband, merely knowing the opponent's techniques is still too difficult to deal with a Cloud Realm cultivator. We need to carefully consider the tactics."

Li Banfeng thought for a long time. "I've devised a set of tactics. I'd appreciate it if you could give me some pointers, wife."

Hong Ying chuckled, "We're all family; there's no need to be so polite."

*Smack! Smack!*

A flurry of smacks made Hong Ying's buttocks tremble. The Phonograph rebuked, "He called *me*, 'husband.' If you dare to answer again, I'll tear your mouth apart."

Li Banfeng explained his tactics. The wife pondered for a long time, then praised, "This strategy is excellent, truly excellent. How did you come up with it, husband?"

Hong Ying also admired from the side, "Our husband truly is resourceful!"

The wife was a master of warfare and refined Li Banfeng's tactics. With Hong Ying advising, they revised it repeatedly, and after three hours, it finally took shape.

It was late. Li Banfeng ate something, packed his essential magic items, and prepared to leave.

The Gourd must be brought along; she had experience fighting Beggar Cultivators.

The Tang Blade must also be brought; his experience was even richer than the Gourd's.

Hong Ying murmured, "Seventh Brother, don't leave yet. I think I forgot something."

The Phonograph sneered, "You forgot a beating! I'll teach you a good lesson after husband leaves!"

Hong Ying waved her hand. "You wicked woman, don't interrupt. It's right on the tip of my tongue; I'll remember it soon."

Li Banfeng didn't want to wait. "There might be a few oversights in the tactics, but don't worry about it."

"It's not just a minor oversight, it's something big," Hong Ying pondered hard for a long time, then shouted, "Husband, wait! I remembered!"

"Who told you to call him 'husband'? You just haven't been beaten enough!"

The smack was sharp and fierce. Hong Ying clutched her buttocks, rubbing them for a long time, then told Li Banfeng, "Seventh Brother, Yuan Shoulou's blade technique is excellent. You must be extremely careful."

Li Banfeng was startled. After a moment of thought, he said, "I didn't see him use a blade."

Hong Ying urged, "Then you need to be even more careful! He's still hiding a killing move. If you don't believe me, ask Xiaowan. Yuan Shoulou's blade technique is truly formidable!"

The Phonograph puffed out steam and said, "Is that so? I don't remember."

"How could you not remember!" Hong Ying said anxiously, "Isn't there a saying in the army specifically about Yuan Shoulou?

It goes something like, 'Three blades on the battlefield, each blade takes an enemy's head!' Yuan Shoulou's first three blade strikes are exceptionally powerful. Seventh Brother, you must be extremely careful."

Silence fell within the Portable Residence.

Except for the Judge's Brush, all the magic items looked at the Tang Blade.

The Tang Blade stood in the corner, silent.

Li Banfeng hung the Tang Blade at his waist and left the Portable Residence.

Hong Ying asked in surprise, "Xiaowan, what's wrong with Seventh Brother?"

The Phonograph slowly said, "It's fine. With the Tang Blade, nothing will go wrong."