Chapter 546: Safety and Feast

"Grandpa, are the bloodlines of Inner State people just machines?" Hong Ying couldn't understand.

"Yes," the Portable Dwelling sighed. "For so many years, I couldn't figure out their bloodlines. If it weren't for this fan, I truly wouldn't have seen the mystery within."

Hong Ying still didn't understand: "I've eaten Inner State specimens many times. I've always eaten flesh and blood, but I've never eaten a machine."

The Portable Dwelling smiled without speaking.

The Phonograph gently tapped Hong Ying: "Silly girl, this is called 'unnameable.' If you truly ate a machine, would no one have been able to discern the Inner State people's bloodline for so many years? But then again, it seems the Outer States know something about this..."

The Phonograph used its needle to flip through Teacher Song's lecture notes. Hong Ying leaned closer and asked, "What do the Outer States say?"

"The Outer States call the 'unnameable' 'inconsistent observational results caused by differing angles of observation.'"

Hong Ying watched for a long while, then shook her head and said, "I don't understand."

The Phonograph smiled: "There's a lot you don't understand. That's why I say that 'flirtatious' Teacher Song is quite formidable."

"Hmph, what's so great?" Hong Ying said, unconvinced. "Do you think I don't know anything? I also come from a prominent family, and I've read many books."

After speaking, Hong Ying turned to the mirror and continued applying her lipstick.

Li Banfeng returned home, and Hong Ying quickly greeted him: "Seventh Master, you're back! This handmaid has missed you terribly."

"I've missed you too," Li Banfeng said, walking past Hong Ying and turning to his wife, "Wife, something major has happened."

Hong Ying came closer: "Seventh Master, do you think I've changed?"

"No change, Yingying is still as charming and beautiful. Wife, do you remember when I told you Zhang Gunli died?"

Before the Phonograph could answer, Hong Ying approached Li Banfeng again: "Do you really think I haven't changed?"

Li Banfeng observed her carefully for a moment and realized something was off: "Did you change your hair tie?"

"Look closer!" Hong Ying became annoyed, grabbed half of Li Banfeng's face, and kissed him hard.

Li Banfeng rubbed his cheek for a long time, then turned to his wife: "She just kisses me like that, and you don't do anything?"

The Phonograph snorted coldly: "She's our own girl; let her kiss you. It's better than being kissed by some loose woman from outside."

Li Banfeng paused: "Which 'loose woman' is my wife talking about?"

The Phonograph gritted its teeth: "Just how many 'loose women' do you have?"

"Wife, let's not talk about 'women' for now; let's talk about the fan. What happened to the person I sent back earlier?" "He's in my belly!" The wife patted her stomach. "If you want to ask him, I can send you in."

Li Banfeng shook his head: "No need to rush in now. You've already asked everything that needed to be asked, right, wife?"

Speaking of serious matters, the wife seemed to calm down: "His name is Qiu Daoyu. He's a purebred Inner State person, recreated in Inner State, and disguised as He Jiaqing..."

The wife recounted Qiu Daoyu's background, and Li Banfeng compared him to Huang Zenan.

These two were indeed quite different; in terms of how well they 'played the role,' they were poles apart.

Huang Zenan, acting as Zhang Gunli, showed almost no flaws, while Qiu Daoyu, acting as He Jiaqing, had countless flaws.

The wife listened to Li Banfeng's account and analyzed: "These two had different sources of memory. Qiu Daoyu's understanding of He Jiaqing came entirely from He Haiqin. It's hard to say how much He Haiqin truly understood about his son, especially what happened after his son went to college. He Haiqin didn't know many things. As for Huang Zenan, Gui Jianchou and Mu Yuejuan were old acquaintances of his. The fact that Huang Zenan showed no flaws in front of them proves that his memories came from Zhang Gunli himself. From this, we can deduce that Zhang Gunli has likely defected to Inner State."

Li Banfeng was quite worried: "With such methods, it will be hard to distinguish true from false among people around us. We'll inevitably be vulnerable to their schemes, and misunderstandings and suspicions might arise between familiar acquaintances."

"Husband, don't worry," the wife said, her mood much improved when speaking of Inner State people. "First, look at this folding fan. Grandpa has already seen through its mystery."

The wife pulled on a fan rib and demonstrated the folding fan's functions.

Li Banfeng said, stunned: "Is this a steam engine?"

"Yes, husband, your little servant was truly startled. Inner State indeed possesses great skill to create such an intricate machine. What's more crucial is that it carries the bloodline of Inner State here. So-called purebred Inner State people are transformed steam engines. They have flesh and blood, and apart from being larger in size, they seem not much different from other living beings. But in reality, Inner State people use 'unnameable' techniques to integrate steam engines with flesh and blood. As that 'flirtatious' one would say, this is called 'material form transformation under dark energy radiation.' Because steam engines are inherently large, Inner State people are large in stature. So, even when they transform into living beings, they are easily distinguishable. Now, Inner State has a new manufacturing method that has reduced the size of steam engines, making them as small as this fan. However, this fan is not the entirety of an Inner State person; it's merely equivalent to their heart. Other main components are still within the Inner State person's body. When Inner State people take core components like boilers and steam drums outside their bodies, they can control their physical appearance, making them look similar to ordinary people."

Li Banfeng's expression was grave; this was what he worried about most.

The wife wasn't worried at all: "Husband, don't fret, this is a good thing!"

"A good thing? How can this be a good thing?" Li Banfeng didn't understand his wife's meaning.

"Husband, listen to your little servant explain. The core components of the steam engine have emerged from the Inner State people's bodies, but these core components cannot transform into flesh and blood; they can only become objects like fans or abacuses. Transformed Inner State people must carry these objects on their person. If they move even a little distance away, they will lose strength, just like a machine shutting down. Once the machine shuts down, it proves that the Inner State person's identity has been exposed. If the external steam engine is brought back to them, the spell on the Inner State person will activate, exploding their souls and flesh into pieces. Those nearby will also be affected. As long as we grasp this point, we will have a way to expose them."

By means of their personal small items.

Li Banfeng said: "This is a bit difficult. Some people just like carrying small objects. You can't just say they're from Inner State, can you?"

Like Yu Nan, who always had a lady's cigarette holder in her mouth.

Like Xiao Yeci, who always held a book in her hand.

Could these really be characteristics of Inner State people?

The Phonograph smiled: "This is precisely the good news your little servant spoke of. Yingying, kiss husband again."

Hong Ying was reluctant: "I just kissed him, but Seventh Master disliked it."

"It's a rare bargain for you; hurry up and kiss him!"

"I won't kiss him." Hong Ying became coy.

The Phonograph said, annoyed: "Didn't we already agree? You uncooperative thing, do you want a beating?"

Hong Ying pouted and said: "Don't hit me, I'll listen to you."

Li Banfeng said: "I haven't agreed yet!"

Hong Ying ignored Li Banfeng's thoughts and enclosed half of his head in her mouth.

"No, my eyeballs are getting sucked out!" Li Banfeng's mouth was still outside, but everything from his nose upwards was in Hong Ying's mouth. How could her mouth be so big? Hong Ying's head wasn't that big either!

Hong Ying patted Li Banfeng's back, signaling him not to move; this was indeed serious business.

The Phonograph wrapped Li Banfeng and Hong Ying in a cloud of steam. The hot, humid steam circulated for half an hour, then Hong Ying released Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng rubbed his eyes for a long time before finally opening them.

The Phonograph said: "Husband, try the 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' technique."

As soon as he used the technique, Li Banfeng covered his eyes again.

A strong light flashed on his wife. Li Banfeng said: "Wife, it's so dazzling, what is this?"

His wife chided playfully: "That's your little servant's steam. What do you think it is?"

Steam?

Li Banfeng deactivated the 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' and indeed saw steam billowing from his wife's horn.

The wife said: "Husband, the 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' technique can not only break through invisibility and discern lingering souls, but also distinguish changes in temperature. It's just that your technique isn't proficient, so you're not sensitive to temperature changes. Your little servant felt that the ability to distinguish temperature wasn't very useful, as you have ways to avoid misfortune and danger, and you could certainly steer clear of dangerously hot places, so I didn't pay much attention to it. But now, it seems I need to help you strengthen this technique."

Li Banfeng was displeased: "It's one thing to say I'm not proficient in other techniques, but I've been using 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' for over two years."

The Phonograph chuckled: "Your little servant spent a full fifteen years mastering this technique. Is two years of practice truly that much, husband? Just now, I had Hong Ying help you clear your meridians. Whether you can grasp the key points of the technique still depends on how solid your foundation is."

Li Banfeng activated 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' again. On his wife's horn, he could faintly see some flickering light, but it wasn't very clear.

"Husband, can you grasp the essentials?"

"I should be able to..." Li Banfeng practiced a few times; the technique was inconsistent and lacked stability.

The Phonograph sighed: "Still needs more practice. Yingying, kiss husband again!"

"Hold on!" Li Banfeng didn't have time to dodge and was once again consumed by Hong Ying, half his head disappearing into her mouth.

The Phonograph said: "Husband, don't struggle for now. Let Yingying kiss you a couple of times; you won't lose out. Do you know that Yingying also had a devastating beauty in her youth? Our sisters treat you sincerely; you are truly blessed, you know!"

Did the Phonograph not have other ways to help Li Banfeng consolidate the technique? But she felt this method was most suitable.

She once again flipped through Teacher Song's lecture notes and sighed: "Our sisters love our husband wholeheartedly, I don't believe outsiders can snatch him away from us!"

After two hours, Li Banfeng had been loved by Hong Ying three times and finally gained some insights:

"If Inner State people want to impersonate ordinary people, they must carry a steam engine on them. Since it's a steam engine, its temperature will certainly be higher than ordinary objects. As long as I use the 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' technique, I'll definitely be able to detect the object."

The Phonograph smiled: "Husband is right. As long as you master the technique, detecting Inner State people won't be difficult at all."

Hong Ying held the folding fan and asked Li Banfeng: "Seventh Master, take a look. Do you see any changes?"

This folding fan's temperature was slightly high, but honestly, Li Banfeng couldn't yet discern it using his 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' technique. But seeing Hong Ying waiting nearby with pouting lips, Li Banfeng didn't dare say much: "The technique still needs more refinement. However, there are some matters I need to discuss with my wife. What if an Inner State person hides the steam engine in a private area where I can't see it? How should I handle that?"

The Phonograph said: "Husband, this thing isn't easy to hide. If it truly could be hidden, Qiu Daoyu wouldn't have needed to constantly hold the fan in his hand. However, you can't always keep the technique active, and you'll inevitably make mistakes. Your little servant has already made plans. First, hand over that girl Qiansi to me."

Li Banfeng handed the Qiansi Earring to the Phonograph, which began to impart its knowledge to it: "No matter how refined a steam engine is, there will be times when its steam pressure is unstable. All steam engines have valves, and when the pressure gets too high, steam must be released. As soon as a valve moves, there's a sound. You absolutely must remember this sound. As long as there's a sound of steam leaking, Husband has probably encountered an Inner State person! You should listen carefully to this sound."

The Phonograph held the fan, pulled out a rib, released steam, and began training the Qiansi Earring.

Li Banfeng was still curious: "What does such a small steam engine burn? Coal?"

The Phonograph said: "That is currently unknown."

The Portable Dwelling spoke: "According to my estimation, coal can definitely be burned, and other things too: oil, alcohol, wood, and even daily meals, probably all can be used as fuel."

Li Banfeng then asked: "Under what circumstances would steam pressure become unstable?"

Grandpa had studied it carefully: "Putting such a large steam engine into such a small object, unstable air pressure is common. According to my calculations, steam pressure should be related to the Inner State person's state of mind. Annoyance, resentment, joy, worry, terror – all these should cause steam pressure to rise rapidly. At such times, they would definitely need to open the valve to release pressure."

Those who could act as spies should have excellent composure. Li Banfeng said: "What if the other party is as calm as water, and the steam pressure remains unaffected?"

The Glove interjected: "Can we tickle him?"

"Tickle?" Li Banfeng didn't quite understand.

The Glove took out He Haiqin's back-scratcher: "This thing might still be useful."

The back-scratcher cowered behind the Glove, trembling and daring not to move.

The Phonograph looked at the back-scratcher, nodding repeatedly: "It really does have a use! Husband, go practice your technique again. Yingying, bring that 'bitch' Honglian here; I need to have a good talk with her."

Li Banfeng returned to Xiaoyaowu, looked in the mirror, and saw his eyeballs were bloodshot, as if they were about to pop out of their sockets.

He washed his eyes several times with cold water and applied some eye drops, but there was no improvement. Footsteps approached, and a knock sounded at the door.

Li Banfeng found a pair of sunglasses, put them on, and opened the door.

It was Jiang Mengting. She had taken medicine and felt much better, so she came specifically to thank Li Banfeng.

After a few pleasantries, Jiang Mengting spoke of her future plans: "Seventh Master, I wish to enter the Daoist sect and become a cultivator. This isn't a sudden whim, nor is it to cultivate to the clouds or strive for immortality. I've come to this world, and if I just pass through it so uneventfully, I'd truly feel too unwilling. I don't know if there's a next life, and even if there is, if I remember nothing, I won't know if it's still me. I just want to learn some real skills and live properly this one time."

Li Banfeng pondered for a moment and said: "If you become a cultivator, after death you might go to Inner State, thrown into a kiln to burn bricks. Will you regret it then?"

Jiang Mengting was silent for a moment, then shook her head and said: "No regrets."

"Good," Li Banfeng wrote a check. "Take this money. When the peddler comes, buy medicinal powder from him." Jiang Mengting shook her head: "I have money, and I don't need to wait for the peddler. Fifth Master already has ready-made medicinal powder."

Li Banfeng felt a slight surprise: "Which Daoist sect do you wish to join?"

Ma Wu indeed had medicinal powder, and wealthy families all had some, but not many varieties.

Jiang Mengting lowered her head slightly and said: "I want to enter martial cultivation."

Li Banfeng asked: "Why martial cultivation?"

"Seventh Master probably thinks I should enter sound cultivation, but I've sung for half my life. I really don't want to cultivate by singing anymore. I envy Miss He. She doesn't need to please others. Every time I see her filled with heroic spirit, I feel people should live like her, not stand on a stage as a plaything for others to manipulate."

Li Banfeng shook his head: "That has nothing to do with the Daoist sect."

"What is it related to, then?"

"It's related to time. You're not young anymore. He Yuxiu has studied martial arts since childhood. If you want to start from scratch, I'm afraid you won't reach her level in your lifetime."

"I don't aspire to her level."

"Then don't envy her heroic spirit. Her heroic spirit doesn't come from martial cultivation; it comes from her strength." Li Banfeng slipped the check to Jiang Mengting. "How you walk your path is up to you. You've sung since childhood; it's best not to waste your time and talent."

Jiang Mengting fell silent.

Li Banfeng took out two Golden Origin Pills and handed them to Jiang Mengting: "Eat these pills once you reach a certain level."

Jiang Mengting waved her hands repeatedly: "Seventh Master, these pills are very precious; I can't accept them—"

Li Banfeng placed the pills in front of Jiang Mengting: "They're not a gift; they're a loan. When you gain strength, return them to me with interest."

The next night at ten o'clock, the Phonograph finished modifying the Qiansi Earring. Hong Ying took the fan to the fourth chamber and gently pulled open the fan's third rib. The earring was in the main room. It couldn't see Hong Ying, but it heard the movement: "Madam, the valve has opened."

Hong Ying tried twice more, and the earring's judgment was perfectly accurate.

The Phonograph praised the earring: "You're promising! My trust in you wasn't misplaced! Husband, from now on, whenever you encounter an Inner State person, no matter how deeply they hide their steam engine, as long as they activate the valve, they definitely won't escape Qiansi's ears."

"What if the other party doesn't activate the valve?"

"There's a way for that too." The Phonograph picked up a back-scratcher and waved it at Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng suddenly felt an intense itch and shivered.

The Phonograph said: "This back-scratcher was originally a special weapon called the Biyan Claw. Now its physical form is damaged, but fortunately, its spiritual essence is still intact, making it suitable as a hidden weapon. It can 'scratch' someone from a distance, causing an unbearable itch. It can only be used once every hour, and after use, it will 'demand its principal' from you, making you itch for a short while. If someone is suspicious but shows no flaws, you can try using this back-scratcher. If the other party feels an intense itch, their state of mind will surely fluctuate, and steam pressure will inevitably become unstable. As long as the valve moves, you will certainly hear the sound."

Li Banfeng took the back-scratcher and looked at it for a moment.

The back-scratcher said: "I can't be tried now. That woman just used me, so we have to wait an hour—"

Before it finished speaking, the Glove slapped the back-scratcher: "What do you mean 'that woman'? No manners! That's our Mistress of the House!"

The back-scratcher dared not speak. Li Banfeng first handed it over to the Glove for safekeeping.

The Phonograph said: "Husband, with the 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' technique and these two magical artifacts, we don't fear people from Inner State. If we encounter one, we'll bring them back. Let's see who can escape your grasp, husband. Don't you think this is a good thing?"

Li Banfeng took a silk handkerchief and wiped the dew from the Phonograph's horn: "Wife is right, it truly is a good thing. All those we bring back will be good dishes."

The wife was displeased.

"Husband, what are you saying? Is your little servant only concerned with eating? Like you, your little servant is thinking about the safety of Plura State."

Hong Ying wiped her lips and said: "The safety of Plura State must be considered, but saury is also very delicious!"

The Tang Blade wiped its edge: "Marshal is right, we are all for the safety of Plura State."

The Projector cleared its film compartment: "For the future of Plura State, we need an artistic feast."

The magical artifacts in the room all expressed agreement. Li Banfeng stood up and said: "For safety and feasts, I should also go out for a stroll."

The next day, Li Banfeng went to the Border Defense Office and handed the Inner State truce agreement to Liao Zihui, asking him to pass it to Du Wenming to quickly implement the arrangement for thirteen thousand people.

Liao Zihui dared not delay and immediately had someone present the agreement. Li Banfeng ate a meal at the Border Defense Office and took a walk around.

No Inner State people appeared in the Border Defense Office, and Li Banfeng sighed: "Zihui, your work here is quite good."

Liao Zihui was bewildered, not understanding what work Li Banfeng was referring to as 'good.'

Li Banfeng left somewhat disappointed.

Two days later, Chu Er arrived at the New Territory with her people. Li Banfeng went to assist, and Ma Wu also went, bringing Feng Daiku.

Li Banfeng asked Ma Wu: "Chu Er has already started. When do you plan to bury the agreement?"

Ma Wu said: "I'm just waiting for her to make the first move, to see what trouble she encounters. That way, I can be prepared."

As he spoke, Ma Wu gazed into the distance, his eyes somewhat hazy.

Feng Daiku pinched Ma Wu: "Who have you taken a fancy to now?"

"No, no..." Ma Wu smiled at Feng Daiku, his gaze still somewhat wandering.

He really had taken a fancy to someone.

Chu Er was deep in the forest, talking with Chu Shaoqiang.

Chu Shaoqiang sighed: "You're a better judge of people than I am. Following Li Qi truly hasn't caused you any loss."

Chu Huaiyuan sighed: "Dad, when you left us back then, my siblings and I suffered quite a bit."

"What happened before was my fault. From now on, let's live good lives."

Chu Er looked at Chu Shaoqiang and asked: "Can you live a good life? Can Inner State let you go?"

"There will be difficult times," Chu Shaoqiang said frankly. "But what can compare to one's own flesh and blood? Rest assured, I know how to distinguish these things."

As the two were talking, Xiang Fenglan rushed over anxiously: "Huaiyuan, Granny is here."

Chu Er looked at Chu Shaoqiang.

Chu Shaoqiang nodded slightly. Chu Er quickly followed Xiang Fenglan to the riverside. Granny Ku stood by the river, smiling as she looked at Chu Er: "Alright, after so many beatings in Kucai Village, you've finally made progress. Now you're going to be a local deity."

Chu Er lowered her head and said: "My cultivation is insufficient, and I don't know if I can hold this territory."

Granny Ku frowned: "It's fine to say that to me, but you absolutely mustn't spout nonsense in front of Li Qi. When someone feeds you food right to your mouth, if you say you can't eat it, aren't you making a fool of yourself? Aren't you shaming the Daoist sect?"

Mid-sentence, Granny Ku looked into the distance.

Before Chu Er could react, Granny Ku's figure flashed, appearing in front of Ma Wu, and kicked him into the river.

"Where did this wild boy come from, staring at me?" Granny Ku's expression was icy as she looked down at Ma Wu in the river.

"You've misunderstood, Madam, I just wanted to—" Ma Wu had just climbed out of the water when Feng Daiku grabbed him.

Feng Daiku held Ma Wu down, bowed to Granny Ku, then ran to a distance and whispered: "Are you insane! How dare you make a move on her!"

Ma Wu looked a little embarrassed: "I just thought this lady was quite charming and wanted to get to know her."

Feng Daiku angrily said: "Go on, be crazy. Sooner or later, you'll lose your life because of it!"

Li Banfeng moved back and forth among the guests. A significant number of people had indeed come today, ostensibly to congratulate Chu Er, but in reality, they were all there for Li Qi.

Sha Dingzhong, Rong Sijiao, Xie Laizi, and several other local deities from the surrounding areas had all arrived.

When He Yuxiu first took over the territory, these local deities had all sent people to cause trouble. Now, they dared not cause trouble.

Acquiring a new territory with a complete deed, some might say Li Qi was lucky, that it was a fortunate coincidence. But acquiring a territory and being able to defend it – that cannot be explained away as mere coincidence. Now, he had acquired a second territory. These local deities had already recognized his skill and strength, and it was time for them to change their attitudes.

"Brother Li Qi, I, Sha, congratulate you!" Sha Dingzhong, his face covered in dust, first presented a congratulatory gift.

"Brother Sha, you're too kind!" Li Banfeng stared at Sha Dingzhong, examining him carefully for a long moment.

This person was not an Inner State impersonator.

"Brother Li Qi, I was wrong before, please don't take it to heart." Rong Sijiao, a very distinctive-looking man with two horn-like protrusions on his forehead and two more on the back of his head.

He was also not an Inner State impersonator.

Plura State needs peace!

The family needs a feast!

These Inner State people are too disappointing; they didn't even bother to show up for such an occasion.

Xie Laizi, his face covered in impetigo, smiled broadly: "There are no overnight grudges in the martial world. What happened before is in the past. I've come for a drink; you'll at least grant me that honor, won't you, brother?"

"Brother Xie, please come this way."

This person was also not an Inner State impersonator.

Besides them, there were also figures of higher status.

"My virtuous brother, this foolish elder brother has arrived late!"

Upon hearing this voice, Li Banfeng activated 'Golden Eyes of Autumn Down' to its maximum, turned around, cupped his fists, and said: "Elder Pan, when did you arrive?"

Pan Dehai said: "Hearing that my virtuous brother, with great virtue, has enfeoffed the New Territory, how could this foolish elder brother not come?"

He was the first to utter the word "enfeoff."

Upon hearing these two words, many people's gazes focused on Li Banfeng.

Was the term "enfeoff" appropriate?

Everyone thought carefully and it seemed there was nothing inappropriate.

Li Qi had indeed enfeoffed local deities, and more than one.

Li Banfeng wasn't thinking about enfeoffment; his gaze never left Pan Dehai.

Pan Dehai had no special small objects on him, nor any high-temperature items.

The Qiansi Earring had listened, but detected no valve sounds.

Try with the back-scratcher.

Or maybe just don't even test him and simply take him home. Whether he's real or fake, taking in Pan Dehai is a reasonable choice.

Pan Dehai also had the Hundred-Eyed Fish and Gao Shuxia with him. While chatting, someone suddenly said: "Seventh One, how could you forget your elder brother?"

Li Banfeng turned around and saw Shui Yongquan arriving.

"How could I dare forget you, elder brother?" Li Qi quickly went to greet him. "Brother, have you just arrived?"

Shui Yongquan sighed deeply: "I didn't really want to come; I felt excluded. You have such a good territory, and you didn't think of your elder brother, only your several lovers."

Li Banfeng smiled: "I actually have thought about this. Let's find a quiet place later and talk about it in detail."

This was truly difficult to explain. This territory was not far from Zhengjing Village, and Li Banfeng had considered that Shui Yongquan might complain. The matter was still not easy to clarify. When Li Banfeng said a quiet place, he had no other meaning. He genuinely wanted to discuss the New Territory with Shui Yongquan. If Shui Yongquan had the courage, Li Banfeng would definitely reserve a piece for him if he acquired new territories in the future.

But Shui Yongquan felt the tone was off: "What's wrong, Seventh One? What are we doing in a quiet place? Are you going to lecture me, your elder brother? I was just joking with you, and you took it seriously?"

A faint sound came from the Qiansi Earring.

Li Banfeng stared at Shui Yongquan, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

Shui Yongquan held a teapot, brought the spout to his lips, and took a sip of tea.

Li Banfeng asked Shui Yongquan: "Brother, this is good tea, isn't it?"

Shui Yongquan shook his head: "It's just for quenching thirst on the road, not good tea."

"Can I have a sip?"

Shui Yongquan, holding the teapot, said: "That wouldn't be appropriate. I've been drinking directly from the spout; I'm afraid you'd find it dirty. When you return to the village, I'll treat you to some excellent tea."

Li Banfeng smiled: "Don't wait until we're back in the village. I have good tea right here. Brother, come sit with me for a bit."