Chapter 563: The Pillar Skill of Home Cultivation

After consuming Hua Manchun's soul, Madam circulated around the room a few times, slowly digesting it. The other family members took their seats at the table. While the local deities from the main land were considered high-grade ingredients, they still fell short compared to pure-blooded Neizhou natives. Everyone ate harmoniously, without argument or contention.

Li Banfeng walked over to his Madam and kissed the gramophone's horn. "My dearest Madam, it's time to make good on what I promised you before."

The gramophone feigned ignorance. "What did this little slave promise you, husband? To bear you a child?"

"Can you really give birth?" Li Banfeng playfully touched the gramophone all over.

The gramophone laughed, gasping for breath. "Husband, stop teasing. First, tell me how well you've learned the techniques."

Li Banfeng puffed out his chest. "When using the Shadow Connection technique, I can also employ the Riding the Wind and Clouds technique. With my skills practiced to this extent, you should be satisfied, shouldn't you, Madam?"

Hong Ying put down her chopsticks. "Qilang, you've learned Riding the Wind and Clouds? Your talent is truly remarkable!"

"I borrowed it, I borrowed it from Yingying," Li Banfeng motioned for Hong Ying to be discreet, then turned to his Madam. "My dearest Madam, I can now use two Cloud-level techniques simultaneously. Your husband has indeed solidified his foundation, so it's time you took me to the second floor."

"Words alone mean nothing. Husband, please demonstrate your techniques for this little slave."

"No problem!" Li Banfeng focused his mind and first attempted the Shadow Connection technique. After a while, his shadow didn't appear.

The gramophone sighed. "Husband, you call this 'solidly learned'?"

Li Banfeng also found it strange. He had specifically practiced the Shadow Connection technique and used it quite a bit recently. He wasn't nervous or flustered in front of his Madam, so why couldn't he suddenly use it? Could something be wrong with his shadow? Using the candlelight, Li Banfeng looked down and realized he had no shadow. Where had his shadow gone? Oh no, it was still in the swamp.

Li Banfeng was shocked. He quickly rushed out of the Portable Residence and looked around, but he couldn't see his shadow. Where had that scoundrel run off to? Could it have wandered off on its own in a fit of pique? Li Banfeng repeatedly used the technique, releasing and recalling, trying to summon his shadow back. After three attempts, a cluster of bubbles emerged from the mud, indicating a response from his shadow. It had been soaking in the mud for a long time.

Li Banfeng dug in the mud for a while, then saw a jet-black arm. Pulling on the arm, he retrieved his mud-covered shadow and reabsorbed it at his feet. Upon returning to the Portable Residence, Li Banfeng heard a series of roars. His shadow was like a madman, endlessly scolding him.

Li Banfeng was somewhat annoyed and was about to summon his shadow for a confrontation, but the gramophone quickly intervened. "Husband, this time it's your fault. You can't just carelessly discard your own shadow. Your shadow is connected to your soul. If it picks up poison, illness, or unwanted techniques while outside, it will implicate you upon its return."

Li Banfeng grunted, "Then I simply won't retrieve it."

"You mustn't say such things out of anger. If you don't retrieve your shadow, the Shadow Connection technique will be unusable, and an unbridled shadow will be a future menace to you."

Madam's words made sense. Li Banfeng appeased his shadow for a few moments, and after waiting about ten minutes, the shadow calmed down and began cooperating with Li Banfeng's demonstration. Li Banfeng first used the Shadow Connection technique to release his shadow, then immediately employed the Riding the Wind and Clouds technique to fly.

His first flight was a bit too vigorous, and Li Banfeng's head hit the ceiling. Hong Ying, observing nearby, advised, "Qilang, change your mindset. Don't always think about soaring to the sky; just focus on riding the wind. Imagine a gentle breeze beneath your feet. Think of it as a soft wind, not a gale or a whirlwind. You can control both its direction and force." Under Hong Ying's guidance, Li Banfeng's flight became steadier. He flew from the main hall to the twelfth room, and then back again. His shadow sat nearby, reading a newspaper, completely unfazed by Li Banfeng.

Madam exclaimed admiringly, "Husband, you've truly mastered the technique this time. First, take half a Profound Essence Pill to strengthen your physique, rest for a moment, and then this little slave will take you to the next level." The gramophone fed half a pill into Li Banfeng's mouth and then brought a cup of water to help him take the medicine. Since Li Banfeng had ascended to the Cloud Realm, half a Profound Essence Pill was the largest dose he had ever taken.

After consuming the pill, Li Banfeng felt a chill churning in his bones, and his entire body shivered uncontrollably. "Madam, when I took pills before, I always felt a slight warmth in my body. Why am I so cold this time?"

"Because the dose was slightly excessive. When heat rushes too quickly, it can make you feel cold instead. You are too eager to advance, and your physique can't keep up with your cultivation. This little slave had no other choice but to forcefully boost you with the pill. Don't be afraid, husband; with this little slave protecting you, you will get through this."

Warm, humid steam enveloped him, and Madam drew Li Banfeng into the warm opening of the horn. The coldness gradually dissipated, and Li Banfeng faintly heard some voices near his ear.

"The lacquer on my body has peeled off, and I wonder when it can be repaired."

"There's a lump of dust inside my belly that I can never wipe away, and it makes me terribly itchy."

"Just this one spot of rust, it had to appear right under my 'eyelid.' If I couldn't see it, it would be fine, but seeing it makes me feel uncomfortable."

Who were these voices? Could they be the unknown occupants living in the Portable Residence? Li Banfeng had always been wary of the various occupants in the Portable Residence, including the young ladies in Room Five, the Calculation Cultivator in Room Eight, the suspected Peeking Cultivator in Room Seven, and the mysterious woman in Room Nine. Especially the mysterious woman in Room Nine; Li Banfeng had almost been tricked by her.

Why were they all speaking into my ear? What did the "dust in the belly" and "rust under the eyelid" truly mean? The whispers grew more numerous and dense, making Li Banfeng dizzy and disoriented. After more than an hour, the clamor gradually faded, and Madam's gentle singing slowly brought Li Banfeng back to normal.

"Winter arrives with snow-covered lands, my lord's eager heart makes this slave anxious, never forget to cherish your treasures, a skill by your side is a pillar of strength."

The last line was different. It used to always be "adding another room for my master."

Li Banfeng emerged from the horn and asked the gramophone, "'A skill by your side is a pillar of strength' - what does that mean? Didn't we add another room to the residence this time?"

"Of course, a room has been added, but you must understand the crucial aspect of this technique, the 'Counting Household Treasures' skill. It is the foundational skill of House Cultivation, and you must not be negligent in the slightest."

"What is a foundational skill?"

The gramophone explained, "It is the most important technique within a Daoist school. If you master the 'Counting Household Treasures' technique, it's akin to shouldering the main pillar of the House Cultivation school. If you fail to learn it, or don't learn it proficiently enough to shoulder that pillar, your progress in House Cultivation will end here. No matter how much you cultivate afterward, your cultivation will remain at the second layer and will not advance further."

Li Banfeng was startled. "House Cultivation actually has such a critical technique?"

The gramophone said, "It's not just House Cultivation; every Daoist school has a foundational skill."

"Does Journey Cultivation have one too?"

Hong Ying replied, "Yes, the first-level technique, 'Creating Wind from Flat Ground,' is its foundational skill."

Li Banfeng carefully recalled the process of learning 'Creating Wind from Flat Ground.' When he first started, he relied on the coachman's guidance and learned the Rickshaw Stride, which gave him astonishing endurance. However, Grandfather Train disapproved of the Rickshaw Stride and taught Li Banfeng the Train Stride at Dream Weaver Tower. From then on, techniques like 'Galloping Through Flowers,' 'Trampling Ten Thousand Rivers,' 'Blazing New Paths,' and 'Unobstructed Traveler' all greatly improved. This must be the influence of a foundational skill on cultivation.

"Why does Journey Cultivation's foundational skill appear so early?"

The gramophone explained, "Each school has its own path. Journey Cultivation's foundational skill appears early, and practitioners use it frequently, seemingly mastering it. However, using it often and using it correctly are two different things. At the beginning of one's cultivation, when one doesn't know much about the essence of the Daoist school, it's very possible to go astray. If the path is wrong, no amount of hard work will be effective."

Hong Ying snorted, seemingly disagreeing with the gramophone's statement.

The gramophone ignored Hong Ying and continued guiding Li Banfeng. "House Cultivation's foundational skill appears later, but you already know much about the essence of the House Cultivation school. As long as you cultivate diligently, you shouldn't go astray. However, your temperament is too impatient. When your cultivation was still at the basic level, your learning of techniques was somewhat perfunctory. The three techniques, 'Golden Eyes and Keen Sight,' 'Exquisite Perception of All Flavors,' and 'Insight into Spiritual Sounds,' were given by this little slave, and you use them quite skillfully. The five techniques 'Heart Aches for Home,' 'Benevolent Heart,' 'Deep Mansion Grand Courtyard,' 'Closing Doors and Shutting Gates,' and 'Living in Peace and Contentment' are frequently used by you and are passable.

However, your use of the 'Golden House Hiding Beauty' technique is rather poor. You can occasionally create a melon puppet and barely fight with it. As for the 'Shadow Connection' technique, you've only just learned the basics. And the 'Expanding Territory' technique is even worse than 'Golden House Hiding Beauty'; you haven't even grasped its fundamentals. You must diligently practice your previous techniques, but under no circumstances can you be perfunctory with the 'Counting Household Treasures' technique. Otherwise, this little slave will truly be unable to help you advance your cultivation further."

Li Banfeng dared not be careless and asked seriously, "How do I use this technique?"

"'Household treasures' refers to the valuables in your home. Cherish them deeply and count them one by one. When facing an enemy, bring out all your treasures and use them as your left and right arms. This is the essence of 'Counting Household Treasures'."

Li Banfeng laughed. "Do I even need to learn this technique? I count our family's treasures every day, and they are always my left and right arms in every battle!"

The Glove crossed its arms and wagged its index finger. "Our master treats us like brothers, and we never hesitate when going into battle. This bond encompasses life and death. Our master has already shouldered the main pillar of this Daoist school long ago!"

The gramophone chuckled and said to the Glove, "You certainly have a way with words; no wonder your husband dotes on you so much. 'Counting Household Treasures' doesn't just refer to you. All other items in the household are treasures. Once, a skilled Martial Cultivator entered a House Cultivator's courtyard and fought with him. The Martial Cultivator's cultivation was far superior to the House Cultivator's, and anything that came into the Martial Cultivator's hands would become a top-grade weapon. Yet, to the Martial Cultivator's utter surprise, in this House Cultivator's courtyard, no object could become a weapon in his hands; nothing would assist him. Meanwhile, the House Cultivator, relying on the scattered items piled throughout his courtyard, managed to severely wound the Martial Cultivator. This is an example of the 'Counting Household Treasures' technique in battle. If you wish to learn this technique, you must not initially focus on magic artifacts or spiritual objects. First, find an ordinary item in your home and try to communicate with it, to see if a connection can be formed between you."

"The most ordinary item?"

"What kind of item would be suitable?"

The gramophone reminded him, "An item that has been in your home for the longest time is more likely to become a household treasure. Also, any item you genuinely like can become one." So, it's based on two factors: objectively, the length of time it has been kept, and subjectively, personal fondness.

Li Banfeng looked around and first spotted his iron shovel. He had acquired this shovel along with a sickle. While the sickle had gained sentience and become a magic artifact, the iron shovel remained just a shovel. Although it lacked sentience, this shovel had been with Li Banfeng for many days and endured numerous fierce battles. It had performed meritorious service in the first battle on Mount Kuwu and played a significant role in breaking the Mourning Star's Mourning Formation. Whether for cracking skulls or digging soil, this shovel had never failed him in crucial moments. When counting his household treasures, this shovel definitely ranked high.

Li Banfeng placed the shovel in front of him and began to communicate deeply with it. After an hour of communication, the shovel showed no response. Li Banfeng touched the shovel and sighed. "Your personality is still a bit too introverted."

Putting the shovel away, Li Banfeng looked at his feather duster. He had a habit of collecting feather dusters, and one particular duster was used the most; he had bought it from a peddler in Lanyang Village. This feather duster was made of exquisite materials, with vibrant, soft, and dense feathers, and a remarkably strong wooden handle. It could serve as a weapon in battle, withstand swords and axes, diligently sweep away dust during chores, and even be carried while dancing at social events, without losing an ounce of dignity. Considering it a household treasure would certainly be appropriate.

Li Banfeng stared at the feather duster for two hours, but it also showed no response. What was wrong this time? Was the feather duster also introverted? He tried another item. Li Banfeng looked at his iron ruler, then his mandarin duck axes, then the false beard he usually wore... After several hours of examining various personal items, Li Banfeng, with bloodshot eyes, lay down on the bed. This technique was too difficult to learn.

The gramophone comforted Li Banfeng. "Husband, there's no need to rush. You're still far from your next advancement, and you have plenty of time to study the technique."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "This isn't about studying; I haven't even grasped the basics of the technique."

The gramophone gently kneaded Li Banfeng's forehead with a puff of steam. "This is my fault. This little slave didn't explain the essentials clearly enough. I'll think carefully again and see if there's any way to help you find the trick."

Li Banfeng hugged the gramophone. "Madam, you explained it clearly enough. It's my own comprehension that's lacking."

"Husband, don't say such disheartening things. This technique truly is difficult to learn."

After Madam offered a few words of comfort, Li Banfeng regained his confidence and began searching around for household treasures. After searching for a moment, Li Banfeng seemed to have an epiphany. While the shovel, feather duster, and false beard were indeed favorites of Li Banfeng, he usually carried them on his person, meaning they didn't spend much time inside the Portable Residence. Which item usually stayed inside the Portable Residence all the time?

Li Banfeng's gaze fell on a flower vase in the corner of the main hall. He had acquired this vase from the Immortal Music Dance Hall when he blew up the Jiangxiang Gang's establishment in Yaowanggou. He never intended to keep flowers; he had only ever put his feather duster in it. Many days had passed, and although he hadn't paid much attention to it, upon reflection, this vase had spent quite a long time in the Portable Residence.

Li Banfeng stared at the vase for an hour, his eyes bloodshot and his scalp tingling.

The gramophone advised, "My dearest husband, don't rush. Rest for a moment—"

With a whoosh of wind, the vase slowly lifted from the ground and floated in mid-air.

The gramophone exclaimed in surprise, "Husband, what brilliant talent! You've found the way!"

Hong Ying was also startled and turned from her dressing table. "You've found the entry point?"

Li Banfeng waved at the vase. "Come, my lady, come sit by me."

"'My lady'?" The gramophone listened for a moment using 'Insight into Spiritual Sounds' but heard no movement from the vase, nor did it understand why Li Banfeng called it 'my lady'.

The vase hovered in place, not flying closer to Li Banfeng, seemingly distrustful of him. Li Banfeng picked up the feather duster and walked over. The vase, fearing it would be hit, quickly dodged to the side.

"Don't be afraid. There's a lump of dust inside you that makes you itchy, but you can't clean it out, right? Don't worry, I'll help you sweep it out."

The vase, half-believing, half-doubting, was gently taken into Li Banfeng's arms. Holding the vase, Li Banfeng gently inserted the feather duster and stirred it for a moment. A lump of dust was swept out by Li Banfeng.

"It's not itchy anymore, is it?"

The vase floated in mid-air, its opening facing Li Banfeng, seemingly expressing gratitude.

"Is there anything else bothering you? I can clean it for you."

Before he finished speaking, the vase rushed towards Li Banfeng, its opening settling over his head. The gramophone was startled at first, then sensed goodwill from the vase.

"Husband, you've succeeded!"

"Hahahaha!" Li Banfeng laughed boisterously from inside the vase.

Everyone in the household rejoiced. The Glove wagged its index finger and declared, "Our master is a determined man. No matter how difficult the technique, he'll grit his teeth and surely master it!"

The Projector exclaimed, "This is art, art written with perseverance and tenacity!"

The Tang Saber was still in a state of excitement. "A sharp sword is forged from grinding, plum blossoms bloom fragrant after bitter cold. The Master has ambition, courage, and resolve, and has indeed shouldered this great pillar!"

The family admired him for over ten minutes, only to see Li Banfeng clutching the vase, desperately trying to pull it off.

The Teapot asked, stunned, "What technique is he practicing now?"

The gramophone cried out, "What technique? There's no air inside! Quickly, help him get it off before he suffocates!"

Hong Ying drew her sword. "I'll just chop this vase; it definitely won't harm Qilang."

Li Banfeng muffled, "Don't cut it! This is our family treasure!"

To all dear readers, you have always shown Salad favor, and Salad has never forgotten your kindness. I don't understand operations, and after so many years of writing, I still don't, but I do understand sincerity. September has arrived, so I'm adding an extra chapter here. Salad, with utmost sincerity, thanks all dear readers for their deep affection. Please don't make fun of Salad's brevity; to ensure quality, Salad pours all efforts into each chapter. An exhausted Salad bows deeply, once again expressing gratitude for all dear readers' love.