Chapter 566: The Peddler's Secret Technique

He Jiaqing looked at the bamboo shoot for a long time. He shook his head and said, "Ancestor, I still don't understand. There are hundreds of Daoist sects in Pro Province. How can one bamboo shoot possibly be refined into hundreds of different medicinal powders?"

Xiao Qianshou, the old ancestor of the Bandit Cult, chuckled upon hearing this. "You rascal, if I knew how to refine those medicinal powders, would I be wasting my time here chatting with you? I'd have already refined ten thousand portions of powder and added ten thousand more disciples to our sect."

He Jiaqing asked, "Ancestor, do you really want to add so many disciples to our sect?"

Xiao Qianshou sighed, "Why wouldn't I? I constantly dream of our Bandit Cult becoming the foremost Daoist sect in Pro Province."

"But I don't have the final say in this matter; it all depends on the Peddler!"

"The Peddler's authority in Pro Province isn't due to his fighting prowess, but because he controls the very lifeblood of every Daoist sect."

"He controls which sects flourish and which decline. Let me tell you, without the Peddler, seventy to eighty percent of the Daoist sects in Pro Province would cease to exist. Even the largest ones, the Literary and Martial Dao, could face extinction."

He Jiaqing was skeptical. "How could the Literary and Martial Dao become extinct? These are authentic and legitimate paths!"

"Why wouldn't they? Who says they're authentic? Just go ask any young person in Pro Province — how many are truly willing to study literary or martial arts?"

"Years ago, studying literature meant enduring 'ten years of bitter study,' all to pass imperial exams and gain wealth and status. It was considered the most arduous pursuit."

"But now that Pro Province no longer values official titles, how many people are still willing to study literature?"

"Learning martial arts is equally difficult and also depends on family wealth. If a family doesn't have some financial backing, who would dare let their child train in martial arts?"

"When they can't even afford food and drink,"

"The Peddler sells a few more packets of medicinal powder, and the Literary and Martial Dao become established. If the Peddler stops selling those powders one day, both of those sects will collapse."

"Now, look at our own sect. There are countless people in the world who wish to gain without effort, yet why has our Bandit Cult never truly prospered?"

"Because the Peddler doesn't permit it, because he doesn't provide us with the powders. If the Peddler gets angry one day and completely cuts off the supply, our sect will vanish within a few years."

"Whichever sect the Peddler allows to survive, survives. Whichever sect he chooses to extinguish, must perish. This is the power to 'turn hands into clouds and hands into rain'—this is the identity and status of the Lord of Pro!"

He Jiaqing stared at the bamboo shoot in his hand, his eyes slowly glazing over.

*Clink!*

Xiao Qianshou tapped his teacup with its lid, and only then did He Jiaqing snap out of his daze.

"You little rascal, why are your eyes so vacant? Have you taken a liking to this precious item? Do you aspire to be the Lord of Pro?"

He Jiaqing quickly placed the bamboo shoot back on the table. "Ancestor, I'm not cut out for that. This item belongs to you, and I wouldn't dare harbor any improper desires."

Xiao Qianshou sighed, "I actually think you're perfectly suited for this. I'm giving you this bamboo shoot. If you manage to figure out the recipe for refining the medicinal powders, remember, your first priority must be to bring prosperity to our sect."

He Jiaqing waved his hand. "How could I dare to—"

Xiao Qianshou stopped smiling, his brows furrowing slightly.

He Jiaqing quickly took the bamboo shoot. "Thank you for your generosity, Ancestor."

Back home, Qiu Zhiheng was still shaken; he couldn't eat or sleep.

Although he possessed an eight-layered physique, he had still been somewhat poisoned on Bitter Mist Mountain. He refused to drink even the antidote decoction, pacing back and forth in the room.

His wife, Zhuzi, came forward and asked, "What happened? You seem so flustered."

Qiu Zhiheng replied, "I offended someone from Snowflake Harbor."

"Snowflake Harbor? The ones who mint the silver coins?" Zhuzi was startled. "How did you manage to provoke them?"

"They wanted to use our family as hostages to force Old Seven to show himself. I refused and fought him."

"I couldn't defeat him and nearly lost my life, but then Elder Xu rescued me."

Zhuzi was even more surprised. "How did Old Seven manage to offend Snowflake Harbor?"

Qiu Zhiheng shook his head. "I can't make sense of any of this. My current worry is whether we can even remain in Medicine King Gully."

Zhuzi froze for a moment, then lowered her head and asked, "We finally got our business up and running; are we just going to abandon it like this?"

Qiu Zhiheng was also reluctant, but after years of struggle, he could sense the scent of danger. If he encountered someone like Fan Zhongfu again, and no one came to his aid, Qiu Zhiheng would be utterly helpless. His entire family would simply have to wait for death alongside him.

Torn between staying and leaving, the couple continued to discuss their options. Just then, a shop assistant called out, "Boss, that old customer, Mr. Xu, says he's brought you a batch of medicinal herbs."

Xu Han often visited the herbal shop to buy medicine, so the assistants all recognized him.

Qiu Zhiheng quickly invited Xu Han into the back hall, and Zhuzi prepared tea and refreshments for Elder Xu.

"Elder Xu, thank you so much for rescuing me on the mountain today—"

Xu Han didn't reply. He opened a cloth bag, revealing a bag of bright red apricots inside.

Qiu Zhiheng exclaimed in surprise, "Are these Bloodskin Apricots?"

Elder Xu nodded. "You didn't manage to collect any herbs on the mountain today, so I brought some back for you."

Qiu Zhiheng repeatedly waved his hand. "Elder Xu, I went to collect Bloodskin Apricots for Elder Yao. We can't possibly accept these."

"Just take them; Yao Xin has plenty. Let's not dwell on this for now," Xu Han said, setting the bag aside. "Do you recognize the person you encountered on the mountain?"

Qiu Zhiheng replied, "Are you referring to the person from Snowflake Harbor? I'd never seen him before."

"I'm not talking about the one from Snowflake Harbor. You don't need to worry about them. I'm referring to someone else entirely." Qiu Zhiheng thought for a long time. He vaguely recalled another person but had no clear memory of them.

Elder Xu sighed. "This is 'cutting off the head and tail.' You've fallen prey to his technique."

Qiu Zhiheng was even more confused. "What technique did I fall victim to?"

Elder Xu helped Qiu Zhiheng straighten out his thoughts. "You encountered Fan Fucheng from Snowflake Harbor on the mountain, and then I dealt with Fan Fucheng. Do you believe I was the one who saved you?"

Qiu Zhiheng nodded. "That's exactly how it happened."

"Little Qiu, think again. Before I arrived, wasn't Fan Fucheng already severely injured? Who was it that actually wounded him?"

Qiu Zhiheng pondered for a moment, then realization dawned on him. "There was another person, someone who appeared very honest and simple. He was the one who injured Fan Fucheng. How could I have possibly forgotten him—"

"That's why I said you fell victim to his technique."

"What kind of Daoist technique was that?"

Xu Han shook his head. "Don't ask about this; it's best you never know. Does this person have any connection with Li Qi?"

Qiu Zhiheng thought for a moment. "He told Fan Fucheng that he was very familiar with Li Qi. Whether that's true, I don't know; I've never heard Old Seven mention this person."

Elder Xu sighed, "Li Qi would certainly not mention him lightly. Can you find a way to contact Li Qi? It would be best to summon him to Medicine King Gully and tell him what happened today."

"Remember, you must tell him in person; do not use magical techniques or send a messenger. You must clearly ascertain whether Li Qi and this person are friends or enemies."

"If he has no conflict with this person, you can continue your business here with peace of mind. But if they are adversaries, you must leave quickly; I may not be able to protect you."

Qiu Zhiheng replied, "But the people from Snowflake Harbor also want to lure Li Qi here. If I do that—"

Elder Xu shook his head. "The people from Snowflake Harbor want to draw Li Qi out through you, but they would never dare to lure him to Medicine King Gully. You can rest assured about that."

From Elder Xu's demeanor, it was clear he didn't take Snowflake Harbor seriously at all. Instead, he was extremely wary of that honest-looking man.

After Elder Xu left, Qiu Zhiheng used the simple telephone Luo Zhengnan had given him to contact Li Qi.

Li Qi was still familiarizing himself with the Flower Fairy Manor area. Upon learning that Qiu Zhiheng had an urgent matter, he immediately headed to Medicine King Gully.

At the herbal shop, Qiu Zhiheng recounted his encounter on the mountain. "I've never met such a strange person. I barely saw him make a move, yet he left Fan Fucheng utterly helpless."

Based solely on Qiu Zhiheng's description, Li Banfeng knew exactly who the person was.

There was likely only one such villain in this world who could appear so honest.

"Brother Qiu, you don't need to worry about this person. I'll talk to him another day; he definitely won't bother you. What's the origin of this 'bamboo' you just mentioned?"

Qiu Zhiheng's wife walked in. "Old Seven, did you call me?"

Her nickname was Zhuzi.

Qiu Zhiheng waved his hand. "Old Seven is referring to the Iron Tendon Bamboo."

Zhuzi smiled. "I know about that too. Iron Tendon Bamboo is a legendary medicinal herb; a soup made from its leaves can heal internal injuries."

So, Senior Brother Sun personally went to Bitter Mist Mountain and almost fought Elder Xu, all for a medicine to treat internal injuries?

That hardly seems worth it.

Iron Tendon Bamboo must have other uses. Li Banfeng decided to go up the mountain himself and ask Elder Xu.

"About this bamboo..." As soon as the bamboo was mentioned, Elder Xu seemed hesitant to speak.

Li Banfeng said, "If Elder Xu prefers not to discuss it, I won't press you. However, if there's any danger involved, please warn me so I'll know how to react if I encounter such a situation in the future."

Xu Han nodded. "Iron Tendon Bamboo shoots are vital to the entire Pro Province. There are some aspects even I can't explain clearly. In the future, if anyone mentions this item to you, simply say you know nothing about it."

That was indeed true; Li Banfeng genuinely knew nothing about it.

Elder Xu continued, "If your opponent is very powerful and relentless, bring him here to Medicine King Gully. As long as you reach Medicine King Gully, I'll find a way to save you."

"If that person refuses to come with you to Medicine King Gully and persists in troubling you, then only one last option remains."

"What method?"

Elder Xu took out a bamboo shoot and handed it to Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng took the bamboo shoot and examined it closely. From tip to root, striking metallic patterns ran along its surface.

"So this is the Iron Tendon Bamboo?"

Elder Xu nodded. "In a last resort, give this bamboo shoot to your opponent. Your first priority is to save your own life."

"One or two bamboo shoots can be given away; as long as no one discovers the source of the bamboo shoots, the lifeblood of Pro Province will remain undisturbed."

The lifeblood of Pro Province?

Is this bamboo really that important?

Li Banfeng carefully put away the bamboo shoot, then checked on Elder Yao's condition. Under Qiao Wuzui's care, Elder Yao's physique had recovered significantly. Though he remained unconscious, a faint flush of color had returned to his face.

Before leaving, Li Banfeng left a box of silver coins for Elder Xu.

Elder Xu smiled. "Young man, do you really think I'm short on money?"

Li Banfeng chuckled in return. "Even Snowflake Harbor faces times of financial strain. It's good to keep it for emergencies."

When Snowflake Harbor was mentioned, Elder Xu specifically cautioned, "I have an informant there. He'll notify me of certain matters in advance. These individuals are quite skilled and resourceful, so you must be extra careful."

After descending the mountain, Li Banfeng returned to his portable residence with the bamboo shoot.

"My dear, do you recognize this item?"

The Gramophone held the bamboo shoot and looked at it for a moment, then told Hong Ying, "Bring that wretched Red Lotus here."

Hong Ying brought Red Lotus, and the Gramophone waved the bamboo shoot in front of her.

Red Lotus immediately opened her petals, and a whirlwind emanated from her lotus heart, attempting to draw the bamboo shoot in.

The Gramophone held the bamboo shoot firmly and said to Red Lotus, "What's wrong, little sister? Do you want it that badly?"

Red Lotus halted the whirlwind and said, "You placed such excellent medicinal material before me; isn't it because you want me to help you refine elixirs?"

The Gramophone smiled at this. "Our A-Lian is so diligent; she thinks of refining elixirs without even being asked. A-Lian, look closely: is this Iron Tendon Bamboo truly a material for refining elixirs?"

Red Lotus calmly replied, "Why wouldn't it be? Elixirs refined from such excellent medicinal material can heal common internal injuries with just one dose."

"Still so stubborn. Yingying, take her back. She won't get to consume such a fine bamboo shoot."

Hong Ying led Red Lotus back to the Ninth Chamber. From within the chamber, a sigh emerged: "What a waste of your excellent cultivation, to be ordered around like a mere maid."

Hong Ying frowned. "Is that directed at me?"

Silence filled the room. Red Lotus chuckled, "She wasn't wrong."

Hong Ying tossed Red Lotus into the room, then turned and returned to the main house.

The Gramophone held the bamboo shoot and said to Li Banfeng, "Husband, judging by Red Lotus's covetous reaction just now, we can confirm its authenticity. This item is indeed Iron Tendon Bamboo."

Li Banfeng asked, "Aside from healing internal injuries, what other uses does Iron Tendon Bamboo have?"

"Your humble servant has heard rumors that this Iron Tendon Bamboo shoot can be refined into medicinal powders, specifically the initiation powders for all Daoist sects."

The Gramophone spoke calmly, yet Li Banfeng was dumbfounded. It took him a long moment to utter, "The medicinal powders can be refined from bamboo shoots?"

The Gramophone said, "Your humble servant doesn't know the exact refining process. This is a secret technique created jointly by the Peddler and the Heavenly People."

"Red Lotus was created by the Heavenly People, so she must know the inner workings. Perhaps Red Lotus herself can produce medicinal powders using Iron Tendon Bamboo."

Li Banfeng still found it unbelievable. "Can all Daoist sects' initiation powders be made from this bamboo shoot?"

The Gramophone pondered for a long time. "Different Daoist sects might require different auxiliary ingredients. Your humble servant truly can't say for certain about this matter."

Senior Brother Sun came to Bitter Mist Mountain specifically for the Iron Tendon Bamboo shoots.

He also possessed a Red Lotus.

Was he trying to refine the initiation powders using these bamboo shoots?

Would doing this enrage the Peddler? Could it bring catastrophic disaster upon Fool's City?

Li Banfeng left his portable residence and headed to Fool's City.

Upon reaching Sun Tiecheng's residence, Li Banfeng found Sun Tiecheng squatting on the ground, holding a teacup, and speaking to Red Lotus. "Brother,"

"Is one bamboo shoot not enough for you?"

Brother?

Is this Red Lotus male?

Red Lotus unfurled her petals toward Li Banfeng. "Do I know you? Why do I feel such a strong familiarity with you?"

The voice was female, identical to his own Red Lotus.

Why did Sun Tiecheng call her 'brother'?

Could it be that Sun Tiecheng couldn't hear Red Lotus's voice?

Li Banfeng also pretended not to hear, squatting beside Sun Tiecheng. "Senior Brother, what are you up to?"

Sun Tiecheng said with a mysterious expression, "I'm refining elixirs here. Top-grade ones, worth a fortune!"

Li Banfeng feigned surprise. "What kind of elixir is worth a fortune? How come I've never seen it?"

"You're seeing it right now!" Sun Tiecheng took out a Profound Essence Elixir from a drawer and handed it to Li Banfeng. "This Red Lotus only refined two for me: I gave one to A-Gui, and the other is for you."

Li Banfeng repeatedly waved his hand. "There are only two pills in total. If you give them both away, won't you have none left, Senior Brother?"

"I'm not in a hurry," Sun Tiecheng said, staring at Red Lotus. "Red Lotus told me she needs auxiliary materials, specifically Iron Tendon Bamboo. So I acquired the Iron Tendon Bamboo for her. With it, Red Lotus can make me even better elixirs, far superior to the Profound Essence Elixir."

Sun Tiecheng directly informed Li Banfeng about the Iron Tendon Bamboo.

Li Banfeng looked at Red Lotus. "Big Brother, can bamboo truly refine elixirs? Don't let her fool you!"

"Why would she trick me? What else do I have left to be tricked out of?" Sun Tiecheng chuckled bitterly, then turned to Li Banfeng.

"Old Seven, why are you here? What happened?"

Li Banfeng sighed. "I've been wandering outside for too long, seen too much deceit and trickery. I'm a bit homesick."

Sun Tiecheng nodded. "Our family members are still the most dependable. How are Tang Changfa and the others doing?"

"They're doing well. They run a small business in the outer provinces, operating honestly and fairly, without deceiving anyone."

*Clink!*

The teacup in Sun Tiecheng's hand dropped.

The moment he heard "without deceiving anyone," Sun Tiecheng shivered.

Li Banfeng asked in surprise, "Senior Brother, what's the matter?"

Sun Tiecheng waved his hand. "It's nothing. 'Deceiving neither old nor young' is the Peddler's unique technique; it restrains our Daoist sect. You must be extremely careful in the future."

"Speaking of which, Tang Changfa wouldn't know this technique, would he?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "I wasn't referring to a technique; I meant he conducts his business honestly and properly."

"Honesty is good; we're all honest folk," Sun Tiecheng said, instructing someone to clean up the teacup. "Old Seven, you must treat Tang Changfa and the others well. Don't look down on them just because they are dead."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "I've never considered them dead; they are my brothers and sisters."

Sun Tiecheng nodded. "I know you'd never mistreat your own. Those who follow you are blessed with good fortune."

Li Banfeng chuckled, "Life should be lived with the aim of enjoying good fortune."

"Exactly, we must live for enjoyment! And whoever prevents us from enjoying it, we'll kill them!" Sun Tiecheng then looked at Red Lotus. "Once the elixirs are refined, I'll send a few more people out to enjoy good fortune with you. How does that sound?"

Why wait until the elixirs are refined?

Li Banfeng chuckled, "Alright. Once they're out, I'll find them legitimate livelihoods in the outer provinces!"

Sun Tiecheng shook his head. "The outer provinces are too far from Pro Province. Sending them directly there would be too rushed. If they get scared, they might refuse to leave their homes later, and I'd be helpless."

"Then send them to the Ink Fragrance Shop; that's my territory."

Sun Tiecheng still shook his head. "There are too many scholars at the Ink Fragrance Shop. Few people in our city are literate, so they'd certainly be bullied there."

"Then they can go to Flower Fairy Manor! That's our territory too!"

"What about Hua Manchun?"

"He was from Snowflake Harbor and tried to scheme against me, so I killed him!"

"Hua Manchun is dead?" Sun Tiecheng asked, his eyes welling up. "He was quite a figure. Did you cry when he died?"

Li Banfeng's eyes also reddened. "I cried. I shed tears, and I cried out loud."

Sun Tiecheng wiped his tears. "As long as you cried, as long as we cried our intentions, he died cleanly."

"I told you, there's no need to fear those people from Snowflake Harbor. But you should fear Xuehuagao; that fellow is terrifying when he turns hostile."

"It's fine, I have some acquaintance with Xuehuagao as well—"

As they spoke, Li Banfeng kept his gaze on Red Lotus.

The Iron Tendon Bamboo was inside. What exactly would be refined from it?

Li Banfeng had dinner at Sun Tiecheng's house, recounting some of his experiences in the outer provinces during the meal.

"I plan to withdraw Tang Changfa from the black market and find him an alternative livelihood."

Sun Tiecheng asked, "Why withdraw him?"

"Snowflake Harbor is targeting people close to me. Qiu Zhiheng almost met a grim end, and I'm afraid A-Fa and the others might also be targeted."

Sun Tiecheng put down his chopsticks, pondered for a moment, then said, "You cannot withdraw them!"

Li Banfeng said, "If Snowflake Harbor discovers that A-Fa and the others are associated with me, then things will get—"

"Even if they discover it, you can't withdraw them," Sun Tiecheng said, shaking his head. "From your description, Snowflake Harbor is short on funds."

"There aren't many lucrative opportunities in the outer provinces, so Snowflake Harbor will certainly continue to operate in the black market."

"As long as they haven't discovered A-Fa, A-Fa can gather information about them. If they *do* discover A-Fa, you can then follow the trail and deal with them."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "If A-Fa is discovered and I can't arrive in time, those three will be in grave danger."

"Then it's their own fault for being useless," Sun Tiecheng said, looking at Li Banfeng. "Old Seven, I entrusted Tang Changfa and the others to you not for you to coddle them, but for them to assist you with tasks."

"If they are to enjoy good fortune with you, they must earn it with their true abilities. If they lack even the skill to preserve their own lives, what's the point of them venturing out with you? They might as well stay in Fool's City and drift along."

"A-Fa has done a lot for me."

"Then you should trust him even more," Sun Tiecheng said, pouring Li Banfeng a cup of wine. "Using people close to you as leverage is a vile tactic. I've fallen for it before, and you mustn't fall for it again. Listen to me: Tang Changfa absolutely cannot be withdrawn!"

The two ate and chatted until dusk. The halo around Red Lotus hadn't faded, indicating that the medicine was apparently not yet refined.

That night, Li Banfeng stayed.

He stayed at Changsan's brothel. Yan Cuier and Yan Hong'er had both gone to the outer provinces, leaving Yan Qing'er alone to mind the establishment.

She continued practicing songs, dancing, and mirror techniques, engaged in business without actual customers.

The bedroom was always kept for Li Banfeng and regularly cleaned. He entered the room, hid the key, then slipped into his portable residence.

Upon reaching the Ninth Chamber, Li Banfeng sat beside Red Lotus. "Hua Jiuer, can you tell me the truth?"

Red Lotus opened her petals. "I have never lied to you."

"I encountered another Red Lotus who looks and sounds similar to you. Is that Red Lotus real?"

"I haven't seen that Red Lotus. How can I discern truth from falsehood based on just a few words from you?"

There was no fault with that statement.

Li Banfeng got straight to the point. "If that Red Lotus is real, can she refine the initiation powders?"

"No," Red Lotus answered very directly. "In this world, only the Peddler knows how to refine medicinal powders. Aside from him, no one knows the recipe."

"Didn't the Heavenly People develop the recipe together with him?"

"The Heavenly People provided some assistance to the Peddler, but the recipe belongs solely to him. It was precisely because of this recipe that the two sides became bitter enemies, leading to an endless conflict."

So, the Heavenly People fought with the Peddler over this very matter.

If Red Lotus was telling the truth, it proved that Senior Brother Sun had not yet mastered the method for refining medicinal powders.

After spending a night in his portable residence, Li Banfeng returned to Sun Tiecheng's home at dawn the next day. He was still contemplating how to persuade his Senior Brother when, before he could even enter, he saw Sun Tiecheng rush out.

"Old Seven, it's done! It's been refined!"

Li Banfeng exclaimed in surprise, "What has been refined?"

"The elixirs are refined! Come see!"

Li Banfeng followed Sun Tiecheng to his residence, where he saw Gui Jianchou holding ten elixirs, waiting in the main hall.

Sun Tiecheng sternly questioned Gui Jianchou, "You didn't secretly eat any, did you?"

Gui Jianchou was quite annoyed. "Why would I steal and eat these? I don't even know what kind of elixirs they are!"

Sun Tiecheng counted twice, confirming there were exactly ten elixirs, not one missing.

"Old Seven, take a close look at these ten elixirs. Each one is unique."

Li Banfeng examined them. Each elixir bore a unique pattern. "These ten elixirs, were they refined from Iron Tendon Bamboo?"

Sun Tiecheng nodded. "Each tendon corresponds to one elixir. Choose three elixirs from these ten, refine them once more, and you can create the initiation powder for a Daoist sect."

Li Banfeng stood stunned, pondering a question: ten choose three—how many combinations were there in total?

Gui Jianchou's eyes gleamed. "City Lord Sun, you're not tricking me, are you? Can it really be refined into initiation powder?"

Sun Tiecheng chuckled, "It would be fitting to trick a dog like you, but would I trick my own junior brother?"

Gui Jianchou asked, "You just said 'refine them once more.' How exactly is that done?"

Sun Tiecheng clasped his hands and shook his head. "I don't know that."

Gui Jianchou looked at the elixirs, then asked, "I am a practitioner of the Xiu sect. I don't inquire about others' affairs, but I must ask about my own Daoist sect's matters. Among these, which three elixirs correspond to the Xiu sect's initiation powder?"

Sun Tiecheng shook his head. "That I know even less about."

Gui Jianchou looked disappointed. "You don't know anything. Wasn't all this effort for nothing? Why don't we just pick three at random and try refining them?"

"Try? You say that so lightly?" Sun Tiecheng took the elixirs back. "There are only ten in total. How many attempts does that give you? If you can get a hundred bamboo shoots, I'll let you try to your heart's content!"

Gui Jianchou was