Chapter 547: Mystery Cultivation

"Brother Shui, come to my place for some tea!"

"No need to trouble you. I just came to offer my congratulations and then I'll leave."

"Don't go, Brother Shui! How long has it been since we last met? Almost a year, right?"

"It should be less than a year, but it feels like it."

"Almost?"

The last time Li Banfeng returned to Zhengjing Village, he dealt with Gu Rusong, who was impersonating Lu Dongliang. Shui Yongquan was injured by Gu Rusong at that time, and Li Banfeng even discussed countermeasures with him.

How long ago was that? And yet he talks about a year?

"Brother Shui, just one drink with your brother."

"Alright, I'll join you for one drink then."

Shui Yongquan followed Li Banfeng into the Portable Abode.

Shui Yongquan looked around the dark room and asked, "Seventh Brother, what is this place? It must be an Unnameable Place, right? How did you find it?"

Li Banfeng chuckled, "I stumbled upon it by chance. Wife, we have a guest!"

The phonograph lit up with a glow, slowly emitting steam.

Shui Yongquan was taken aback. "Seventh Brother, what trick are you playing? What did you mean by 'wife' just now? Did you get married? Why didn't you tell me about such a big event?"

Li Banfeng replied, "Brother Shui, you're right to be upset. This is my fault."

The phonograph also apologized, "My husband is a bit careless and doesn't always think things through. Please don't take offense. Gourd Sister, please warm up a pot of wine for Brother Shui. Old Teapot, brew a good pot of tea for Brother Shui. Yingying, is the knife sharpened yet? Our guest has arrived!"

Hong Ying called from the second room, "Almost ready!"

The phonograph sighed, "That girl is always so slow. Brother Shui, we're having hotpot today, and slicing meat requires a sharp knife. You two chat for a bit; this knife needs more sharpening."

Shui Yongquan stood up. "Seventh Brother, what exactly is this place?"

Li Banfeng chuckled, "This is my home! My entire family is waiting for you, our honored guest."

Shui Yongquan sensed something was off. He waved his hand and said, "Seventh Brother, I have an urgent matter today. Let's talk another time."

Li Qi frowned. "What's so urgent?"

"I forgot to mention it earlier, but there's something urgent in my territory. I must leave now."

The phonograph called out, "Brother Shui, stay and have hotpot first!"

"I won't have hotpot now. I'll visit another day." Shui Yongquan tugged hard at the door.

Hong Ying emerged from the second room, holding a knife. "Brother Shui, you can't leave! If you leave, there won't be any hotpot!"

Seeing Hong Ying's appearance, Shui Yongquan pulled at the door desperately with both hands, but he couldn't open it.

Li Banfeng said, "Brother Shui, perhaps you shouldn't leave."

Shui Yongquan insisted, "Seventh Brother, I absolutely must go today."

"You're leaving in such a hurry, aren't you going to take your teapot?"

"What do I need a teapot for? Teapot—." Shui Yongquan looked down and realized he was using both hands to pull the door.

Normally, one hand would be holding the teapot, but now both hands were pulling the door. Where was the teapot?

"Brother Shui, no need to rush. The teapot is right here." The glove held the teapot and handed it to Li Banfeng.

"Shui Yongquan" was startled and tried to snatch it from Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng exerted pressure with his fingertips, seemingly about to crush the teapot.

"Shui Yongquan" immediately backed down. "Seventh Brother, don't! That teapot is my treasure."

"It's not just your treasure; it's your life!" Li Banfeng's smile faded. "Who are you? Why are you impersonating Shui Yongquan?"

"Shui Yongquan" feigned confusion. "What do you mean impersonating? What are you talking about—"

The wine gourd said, "Little brother, don't waste your breath on him. I've already warmed the wine."

Old Teapot chuckled, "After the wine, a bowl of hot tea will be perfect to clear your head."

Hong Ying instructed, "You two, be sure to use plenty of flavorful ingredients."

"Shui Yongquan" leaned against the door, ready for a desperate struggle.

But his courage was quickly drowned out by the family's laughter.

Five minutes later, the battered "Shui Yongquan" sat back down in the chair, answering questions cooperatively.

"My name is Ni Shangqiu, and I am from the Upper Clan of Neizhou."

Hearing this, Hong Ying remarked, "Your name sounds like a loach."

Ni Shangqiu nodded. "When I was a Lower Clan member, my appearance was indeed like a loach. My form has changed now. This is my true appearance."

Hong Ying wasn't concerned with his true appearance; she cared whether loach was suitable for hotpot.

The phonograph asked Ni Shangqiu, "Were you also refined from a hundred people?"

Ni Shangqiu shook his head. "I was refined from three hundred people, which gives me a higher status than those refined from a hundred."

Li Banfeng asked, "Why did you impersonate Shui Yongquan?"

"To get close to you and gather some information."

"What information?"

"About the Blackborn Red Lotus, about the people from the heavens, about the peddler, and the decisive battle between them."

Li Banfeng didn't quite understand. "Whose decisive battle?"

"The decisive battle between the peddler and the people from the heavens. They made an agreement that whenever they meet, they must fight to the death."

Li Banfeng was surprised. "Is that true?"

The phonograph said, "There are indeed such rumors. The peddler and the people from the heavens were close friends, but later became enemies. They swore an oath never to meet again in this life, but if they did, it would be a battle to the death."

Li Banfeng said, "You're trying to find the Red Lotus, but it's not for alchemy, is it?"

Ni Shangqiu answered truthfully, "The Saint ordered me to find the whereabouts of the Red Lotus through you. As for what to do afterward, I don't know."

"Did the Saint directly order you?"

"I am the only one refined from three hundred people, so I directly follow the Saint's commands."

As a modified human, there seemed to be differences in status, and Ni Shangqiu's status was clearly higher.

Li Banfeng asked, "Do you know Qiu Daoyu?"

Ni Shangqiu shook his head.

"What about Huang Zenan?"

Ni Shangqiu had not heard of this person either.

Seeing Ni Shangqiu's cooperative attitude, Li Banfeng asked the most crucial question: "You seem to know a fair bit about Shui Yongquan—his habits in speech and mannerisms, and some past events. Where did you learn all this?"

Ni Shangqiu replied, "Guo Gaoge told me."

"Who is Guo Gaoge?"

"He's a Local Deity appointed at the beginning of the year. His territory is adjacent to Shui Yongquan's."

"A Local Deity appointed at the beginning of the year? Why is his territory adjacent to Shui Yongquan's?" Li Banfeng didn't understand this process.

Ni Shangqiu explained, "Qiu Luoye's territory became a proper land, leaving an empty space next to Shui Yongquan's territory. My clan created a new land there and entrusted it to Guo Gaoge. After Guo Gaoge arrived at the new land, he got along very well with Shui Yongquan. They became friends, and Guo Gaoge learned a lot about Shui Yongquan."

So he was the Local Deity who replaced Qiu Luoye.

Li Banfeng asked, "Does this Guo Gaoge still have dealings with Neizhou?"

"Yes," Ni Shangqiu replied, finding this somewhat unusual. "Cloud-realm cultivators who leave Neizhou and are appointed as Local Deities usually have a stable position and are unwilling to return to Neizhou. Guo Gaoge is an exception. After becoming a Local Deity, he frequently traveled back to Neizhou and maintained contact with us. We helped him with Shui Yongquan's situation."

Li Banfeng asked, "What happened to Shui Yongquan?"

Ni Shangqiu realized he had said too much and tried to change the subject. "Guo Gaoge is a very clever man. He got along very well with Shui Yongquan at first—"

"I asked you what happened to Shui Yongquan!"

Ni Shangqiu still didn't want to speak directly, so Hong Ying took out her knife and acted immediately.

After two cuts, Ni Shangqiu caved. "Shui Yongquan violated a taboo and was punished by Neizhou. He went from being a Local Deity to a Crippled Demon Fiend."

Shui Yongquan had a cultivation of the second level of the Cloud Realm, while a Crippled Demon Fiend is a nine-level entity that failed to advance. How much cultivation had Shui Yongquan lost?

Li Banfeng asked, "What taboo did he violate?"

Ni Shangqiu lowered his head and said, "There's always a 'crime' if one wants to frame it that way."

The meaning of this sentence was clear: Shui Yongquan's "crime" was fabricated.

Ni Shangqiu added, "His real crime was blocking someone else's path. Guo Gaoge wanted Shui Yongquan's territory and all the strange creatures Shui Yongquan had meticulously cultivated in Zhengjing Village."

Li Banfeng was completely unaware that something so significant had happened to Shui Yongquan.

Qiu Luoye, who acted recklessly and without regard for consequences, was now the master of Seven Autumn City and the Local Deity of a proper land, with a very promising situation.

Shui Yongquan, who had always been cautious and walked on thin ice, couldn't even hold onto a new land and lost his Cloud Realm status. Who would have thought?

Li Banfeng asked, "Where is Shui Yongquan?"

Ni Shangqiu replied, "Some time ago, he was reportedly still wandering his original territory. Later, Guo Gaoge led a siege, so it's likely he met a grim fate. Currently, Shui Yongquan's whereabouts are unknown, but Guo Gaoge should know where he is."

Li Banfeng stood up. "What kind of Dao path does Guo Gaoge follow? Is he a Sound Cultivator?"

Ni Shangqiu shook his head. "Guo Gaoge is a Riddle Cultivator, a very rare Dao path."

"What is a Riddle Cultivator?"

Ni Shangqiu shook his head. "I can't explain it clearly. His Dao path is too peculiar."

The phonograph said, "Riddle Cultivation is a Dao path with the same origin as Illusion Cultivation. People often say Illusion Cultivation blinds the eyes, while Riddle Cultivation deceives the mind. Every word and action of this Dao path is a feint, setting up layers of riddles, making it difficult for the opponent to discern their true intentions. One's combat power is also affected by their riddles."

Riddle Cultivation seemed abstract, and Li Banfeng still didn't quite understand. "What's the key to dealing with this Dao path?"

"Solving riddles! You must solve his riddles. A Riddle Cultivator will subtly release riddles. If you solve them, husband, you can suppress the Riddle Cultivator's combat power and naturally gain the upper hand in a fight. However, if you cannot solve his riddles, or if you answer incorrectly, your combat power will be suppressed, and the Riddle Cultivator's combat power will increase significantly in a short period. If you then engage him, you will inevitably suffer greatly."

Li Banfeng thought for a moment. "So, to counter a Riddle Cultivator, one should be a Calculation Cultivator?"

Calculation Cultivators are best at solving problems.

The phonograph swayed its horn. "Husband, there were indeed rumors in the past that Calculation Cultivators countered Riddle Cultivators, but I once knew two Calculation Cultivators who both died at the hands of Riddle Cultivators. Whether these two Dao paths are mutually exclusive, I can't say for sure. There aren't many Riddle Cultivators to begin with, and very few who have fought them have survived. If you truly intend to seek this person out, it's best to bring some helpers. As the saying goes, 'Those involved are confused, while bystanders are clear-sighted.' Having someone observe from the side can give you a crucial reminder at a critical moment."

From the second room, Red Lotus sighed, "A reminder might not even be possible. More likely, everyone would become 'involved and confused,' unable to see the situation clearly, offering chaotic advice, being ineffective, and even dragging you down."

The phonograph turned its horn towards the second room. "Red Lotus Sister, have you fought a Riddle Cultivator before? If you know how to deal with them, please give my husband some pointers."

Red Lotus replied, "General Zhao, you flatter me. I am merely a magical artifact and do not possess such vast knowledge. Regarding the Riddle Cultivation Dao path, I have only heard some rumors. Two of the key principles sound quite reliable: First, if you don't see the opportunity clearly, don't act. Acting rashly makes you vulnerable. Second, if you see the opportunity clearly, don't hold back. Holding back will surely lead to a loss."

The phonograph pondered for a moment. "Aren't these principles applicable not just to Riddle Cultivators, but to any Dao path?"

Red Lotus sighed, "I really don't know much, so I'm just speaking casually. Whether it's useful or not, just consider it idle chatter and listen if you wish."

Li Banfeng, however, gleaned some insight. "If I don't solve the riddle and just act directly, killing the Riddle Cultivator, wouldn't that save a lot of trouble?"

Red Lotus replied, "That's what I meant by 'not seeing the opportunity clearly.' If you don't solve the riddle and forcibly engage a Riddle Cultivator, it's called irrational meddling. The Riddle Cultivator's combat power will greatly increase, and the outcome will be the same as if you answered the riddle incorrectly."

Li Banfeng thought again. "What if, no matter what he says, I just say he's lying? Would that count as solving the riddle?" Red Lotus said, "No, that won't work either. Solving riddles requires reasoning and evidence; you can't just guess blindly. Even if you guess correctly, it won't be considered breaking the riddle's surface. In the end, you'll still be at a disadvantage. Therefore, when fighting a Riddle Cultivator, you must see the opportunity clearly."

"What if I have reasoning and evidence?"

"Then you have seen the opportunity. At such a moment, you absolutely must not hold back."

Riddle Cultivators were too difficult to deal with, and the phonograph was a little worried. "Husband, perhaps we should put this off for a while. It's not too late to act once we have a foolproof plan."

"We can't delay." Li Banfeng shook his head slightly.

Zhengjing Village was Li Banfeng's foundation. Although his business had grown, Zhengjing Village remained his most stable reliance. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile here carried his painstaking effort; he couldn't just give it away.

Shui Yongquan was Li Banfeng's friend. Although they had their own intentions when they first met, and their interactions were mostly business, Shui Yongquan wouldn't stand by if Li Banfeng was in trouble. Now that Shui Yongquan was in trouble, Li Banfeng couldn't just ignore it.

Guo Gaoge had already occupied Shui Yongquan's territory, and Shui Yongquan had lost his status and cultivation. If they delayed any longer, Zhengjing Village would be gone, and so would Shui Yongquan.

Ni Shangqiu looked at Li Banfeng and said, "Everything I said is true. Please let me go." As he spoke, he glanced at the second room.

The phonograph had just called out "Red Lotus Sister," so he knew Red Lotus was inside the room.

Now, as long as Li Banfeng spared his life, he would do anything, just to leave this place alive. He would deliver the message back to Neizhou, and then bring people to seize Red Lotus, thus becoming a legitimate Upper Clan member.

Li Banfeng looked at Ni Shangqiu. "Everything you just said was true?"

"Every word!"

"You said Guo Gaoge is a Riddle Cultivator, so what kind of Dao path do you follow?"

Ni Shangqiu shook his head. "I don't have a Dao path. I am a pure-blooded Neizhou native. I specialize in using water and ice."

The phonograph said, "There is such a saying that pure-blooded Neizhou natives have no Dao path and only use sorcery, but some also say this is a misconception, that the roots of Dao paths originate from Neizhou."

Ni Shangqiu insisted, "I am telling the truth. I truly have no Dao path. If you don't believe me, you can find someone to confront me!"

Li Banfeng asked, "Who should I find to confront you?"

Ni Shangqiu said, "Do you know any other Neizhou natives?"

Hong Ying said, "We know some cooked ones, and some raw ones. I prefer the cooked ones, but this person isn't suitable for a confrontation right now."

Ni Shangqiu didn't understand Hong Ying's meaning and said to Li Banfeng, "Aren't you looking for Guo Gaoge? He's different from other Local Deities; he's acquainted with our clan members and knows some inside information."

Li Banfeng nodded. "He'll be here soon. You can wait for him at the table first. Wife, if you have more questions, keep asking. Otherwise, let's start the meal."

Li Banfeng handed the teapot to his wife and turned to leave the Portable Abode.

Ni Shangqiu asked, "What does 'start the meal' mean?"

Hong Ying chuckled, "You don't understand that? It means we're going to eat."

"Then I won't trouble you any further."

"It's no trouble," Hong Ying pressed Ni Shangqiu down. "One more person just means one more pair of chopsticks. You don't even need chopsticks if you don't want to."

Li Banfeng quietly left the New Land and went to Zhengjing Village.

He hadn't been there in a while, and the village had changed considerably. There were more restaurants and inns, and many hunters had settled there, making the residential areas denser.

Zhen Jincheng and Cao Zhida had funded a dance hall in the village, which was doing quite well.

A general merchant, who used to frequent the village peddling goods, now owned a general store.

Two cinemas in the village were doing good business; not only were there many moviegoers, but also many people involved in filmmaking.

Li Qi's film company had opened a branch in the village, and several major productions were being filmed there.

When they filmed "Blood Gun Detective" previously, actors had to be coerced into coming. Now, there was no need for coercion; actors who could come to the New Land to act were considered people of status within the company. Newcomers would often fight tooth and nail for a chance to go to the New Land.

Actors from outside were competing, and local actors were competing as well.

By the lake, Mother had a crucial scene. Because the script was somewhat intense, no spectators were allowed, and the production staff was clearing the area. Daughter was doing Mother's makeup.

Li Banfeng entered the set, sat beside the mother and daughter, and lit a cigarette.

Mother was surprised; if she hadn't seen the smoke, she wouldn't have noticed Li Banfeng at all.

"Seventh... Seventh... Seventh Master?" When Mother spoke, the entire set froze.

"Seventh Master is here?"

"Is that true?"

"Seventh Master, I'm the male lead in this scene. My name is Dou Shouqi."

A young man tried to curry favor but was kicked by Daughter. "Male lead? You just carry a prop; you don't even show your face. Go wait over there."

A young woman said, "Seventh Master, I'm an old hand at the company. I've worked diligently for the company all these years, but my pay keeps getting lower. Seventh Master, you must do something for me."

Daughter slapped the woman away. "Bah! Why didn't you mention going to Ling Family Films before? For a wretch like you, it's good enough that you even have a job. How dare you come here and badmouth in front of Seventh Master!"

Daughter wasn't just a makeup artist; she held a high position and status at the Zhengjing Village branch.

"Seventh Master, our manager went to Green Water City to select actors. Should we wait for him to return?"

Li Banfeng waved his hand. "No need to wait for him. Send everyone else away. I have something to ask you all privately."

Daughter quickly called Wild Boar. "Clear everyone out. Tell them to wait in the rest area and not come back until they're called."

Wild Boar recognized Li Qi and was an acquaintance from back then. He greeted Li Qi first, then began clearing the set.

A crew member, arms crossed, squatted on the ground and said, "I was about to set up the lights. Why are we not filming again?"

Wild Boar angrily retorted, "Why so many questions? Just do what you're told! You're not losing any pay. Now move it!"

Once everyone was cleared out, Li Banfeng asked the mother and daughter, "How has Brother Shui been recently?"

Daughter didn't know how to answer, so Mother said, "Master Shui is doing quite well."

"How so?" Li Banfeng looked at Mother.

"I can't really say how well." Mother looked back at her daughter.

Daughter said, "Master Shui is indeed doing quite well."

Li Banfeng then turned to Wild Boar. "Old Boar, you're an honest man. What's the real situation with Brother Shui?"

Wild Boar sighed. "We don't dare to inquire about Local Deity matters. Some say Master Shui is doing well, others say he's not, and some even say he's no longer a Local Deity. There's a big shot in the territory, surnamed Guo. He says Master Shui is doing well, and he's Master Shui's friend, so we have to believe whatever he says. But we haven't seen Master Shui in a long time. Some time ago, people came to clear land, but Master Shui didn't release any news about an assessment. Instead, this Master Guo wanted us to try. We have work at the film company, so we weren't keen on getting involved in the assessment, mainly because we're not very familiar with this Master Guo. Seventh Master, you've seen the situation in the village. Our lives are quite good, so I think Master Shui should be fine."

Yes, Zhengjing Village was prosperous. Bathed in the faint heavenly light of the New Land, it looked almost indistinguishable from a proper land.

Was the situation truly as Ni Shangqiu described?

Had this "loach" told the truth?

"Seventh Master, don't listen to their nonsense!" A large figure crawled over. Li Banfeng looked up and saw Madam Mantis, Yanzi.

Yanzi wiped sweat from her brow. "Seventh Master, I heard you were back and rushed over to find you. Something must have happened to Master Shui! I've been looking for him for days, but there's no sign of him. Qianqian said she saw that guy surnamed Guo bringing people to wander around the territory the day before yesterday, and they were definitely going after Master Shui!"

The riddle seemed to have arrived.

Li Banfeng was silent for a moment, then told Daughter, "Tell the crew that we're not filming today. Everyone can rest, and their pay will still be given."

Daughter didn't dare to say more and quickly notified the cast and crew.

Li Banfeng then instructed Yanzi, "Gather Qianqian and Qiaocui, walk around the streets, and tell everyone in the village to stay home today and not go out casually."

Yanzi quickly went to find her two sisters.

Once the irrelevant people had left, Li Banfeng cut his palm and sprinkled some blood by the lake.

This was his territory, and if he had a problem, the Local Deity should provide protection. He wanted to see if this contract was still effective.

A cold wind blew, and a tall, slender man in his fifties, with a side-parted hairstyle and a white Zhongshan suit, walked up to Li Banfeng.

"Are you Li Qi?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "Are you the Local Deity?"

The man replied, "My name is Guo Gaoge. I am the Local Deity of the adjacent territory. This land originally belonged to Brother Shui. Brother Shui recently encountered some issues, so I am temporarily handling affairs in his territory."

Li Banfeng asked, "What troubles did he encounter?"

Guo Gaoge said, "I shouldn't really tell you this, but Brother Shui once said that there are only three people in this world he trusts: Qiu Luoye, you, and me. Someone in Neizhou framed Brother Shui. He suffered greatly, lost his status, and his cultivation decreased. He's currently recuperating in his territory. I didn't dare to spread the news; I could only keep it hidden for Brother Shui and handle all the matters I could on his behalf. Neizhou spread rumors, saying I wanted to seize Brother Shui's territory, and even claimed they would come to Seven Autumn City to tell you and Qiu Luoye to seek me out for revenge for Brother Shui. I know you must have a misunderstanding about me, but I have a clear conscience. I'm telling you honestly, Brother Shui once wanted to give me his territory; he even drew up the deed."

As he spoke, Guo Gaoge pulled out a deed. "Take a look. Is this Brother Shui's handwriting?"

Li Banfeng glanced at it. It was indeed Shui Yongquan's handwriting, and the deed stated that he would transfer his entire territory to Guo Gaoge.

Guo Gaoge added, "I didn't accept this deed. I wouldn't take advantage of someone's misfortune. Li Qi, if you trust me, come with me to see Brother Shui. He's been longing to meet you. If you don't trust me, go ask others and see if I've done anything wrong to Brother Shui in his territory! If you don't even want to ask questions and just want to fight me, I'll oblige. But if that's the case, I can only tell you that you've fallen for Neizhou's scheme. My conscience is clear regarding Brother Shui."

The riddle had already been presented; Guo Gaoge merely reiterated the sequence of events.

Guo Gaoge's description was almost flawless, and his request was for Li Banfeng to visit Shui Yongquan.

If Li Banfeng chose to believe Guo Gaoge, and Guo Gaoge was actually lying, then it would count as a failed riddle solution. Guo Gaoge's combat power would greatly increase, and Li Banfeng would suffer a significant loss.

If Li Banfeng chose not to believe Guo Gaoge, he would have to find a reasonable answer to overturn Guo Gaoge's riddle; otherwise, it would also count as a failed riddle solution.

If Li Banfeng didn't solve the riddle and directly fought Guo Gaoge, it would be considered irrational meddling, and the result would still be a significant increase in Guo Gaoge's combat power.

How should one respond in such a situation?

Li Banfeng pulled up a chair, invited Guo Gaoge to sit down, and they talked in detail.

"Brother Guo, let me ask you something: Why did Brother Shui lose his cultivation and status?"

Guo Gaoge replied, "As you probably know, half of his deed is in Neizhou, and there's a curse hidden within the deed."

Li Banfeng asked again, "Where is Brother Shui's half of the deed?"

"It's buried in the territory, of course."

Li Banfeng said, "Brother Shui has already become a Crippled Demon Fiend. Why don't we just dig up the deed and destroy it completely? What do you think?"

Li Banfeng laid the groundwork, watching to see if Guo Gaoge would follow his lead.

Guo Gaoge didn't go along. He waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No, that won't do. Brother Shui is severely weakened right now. If we dig up the deed, wouldn't that just add insult to injury?"

Li Banfeng continued to push, "Brother Shui lost his status, so the iron certificate deed for this territory is useless to him now. What harm would digging it up do?"

Guo Gaoge shook his head. "I don't think that's appropriate—"

"You don't think it's appropriate because the deed for this territory has your name on it, doesn't it?"

Guo Gaoge frowned. "How could my name be on it?"

"The deed wouldn't lie. If you occupied this territory, your name would definitely be on the deed."

Guo Gaoge shook his head. "That's nonsense. I never intended to take Brother Shui's territory."

"So, did you take it or not?"

"I didn't—"

"If you didn't, then let's go dig it up!"

"I won't dig—"

"Not digging means you don't dare. Not daring means you're lying. The evidence is undeniable, so what are you arguing about?"

Guo Gaoge started to sweat. "I'm not arguing. I don't know where Brother Shui's deed is."

"You don't know, but I do. I'll ask you one more time: Do you dare?"

Guo Gaoge felt that Li Banfeng's words made a lot of sense.

Although he denied it verbally, he knew in his heart.

The riddle had been broken by Li Banfeng.

In a small hut in the village, Wild Boar handed each crew member a cigarette. "Everyone can rest today. Seventh Master has instructed us to resume work tomorrow."

A crew member asked, "What's it all about?"

Wild Boar snorted. "Why do you have so many questions? Didn't I tell you, you're not losing any pay!"

The crew member crossed his arms, squatted by the door, and puffed on his cigarette. "What's the big deal? It's just a small matter, isn't it? What's a Riddle Cultivator? Even calling them 'grandchildren' is giving them too much credit!"