Chapter 574: Where Did the Tiger Go?

Late at night, Portable Residence was fast asleep, sleeping very deeply.

The Lady of Nine Chambers softly woke up Honglian: "Do you really want to leave? If not, move to a different room, so we don't waste each other's time."

"I do want to leave, but now isn't the right time."

"How long do you want to wait? Until that lunatic takes pity on you and lets you out?"

Honglian cautioned, "Speak softly. Zhao Xiaowan has very sharp ears and cares deeply for him. If she hears you calling him a lunatic, she might kill you."

"Zhao Xiaowan? I don't think it's Zhao Xiaowan. She should be Huang Yuxian; her singing style and methods are identical to hers."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Even if I could be mistaken, could Hong Ying be wrong? Stop playing games. Wait a little longer; I'll help you leave when the time is right."

The Lady of Nine Chambers scoffed, "I'm afraid I won't be able to wait for the right time. I've figured it out: you don't want to leave at all. You're just craving his flesh."

"I'm craving him? Do you think I'm starving—"

The door to the Ninth Chamber suddenly opened. Li Banfeng entered with a side-step, his right shoulder slightly raised, dragging his left leg, and stood before Honglian: "Hooray, cha-cha-cha! Everyone dance, don't be shy, don't be shy! Hooray, cha-cha-cha! Learning rumba isn't fashionable, learning samba has no flair—"

Li Banfeng danced as he carried Honglian into the main room.

Honglian was puzzled: "You're dancing the string puppet dance from the Outer Provinces. Why are you singing the cha-cha-cha?"

Li Banfeng explained, "Because I'm a puppet who can dance the cha-cha."

"The cha-cha twists at the hip joint. How many puppets do you know that have hips?"

"Hua Jiuer, how many lotus flowers do you know that can refine elixirs?" Li Banfeng carried Honglian into the main room and placed her among the scattered flesh and blood. "Eat!"

Honglian snorted, "They only remember me when others have finished eating."

"Eat neatly; don't make the floor slippery." Li Banfeng continued dancing, holding the phonograph. The increased noise woke up the Old Master.

"Ah Qi! Coming back in the middle of the night and not knowing how to quiet down!"

Li Banfeng embraced the phonograph, sliding back and forth. "Old Master, winter is coming, and we need to stock up on provisions at home. I can't be quiet these two days. Old Master, do you think my dance steps are solid?"

The phonograph, dizzy from being swayed by Li Banfeng, said, "My dear, why have you become so obsessed with dancing? Are you planning to become a Dance Cultivator?"

"Entering that profession is impossible. The Outer Provinces are hunting Du Wenming everywhere. I'm afraid that guy will jump the wall when cornered, so I need to take some precautions."

Hong Ying wiped her mouth. "Seventh Master, are all the provisions you've brought back these past two days related to Du Wenming?"

Li Banfeng nodded, "Yes! All these unfortunate souls died by his hand!"

Through the investigation of Goncharova, Shen Jingye reached a crucial conclusion: the infiltration of the Birch Hermitage into the State of Huan had already threatened the state's security.

The reason was simple: the Birch Hermitage intended to control Pro Province. While the State of Huan's control over Pro Province wasn't absolute, they would never surrender it to others.

The higher-ups issued orders: the Birch Hermitage must be completely eradicated, Du Wenming must be apprehended with full effort, Yu Yaoming must be fully controlled, and his experimental equipment must be fully recovered.

Shen Jingye could discern the shift in the higher-ups' attitude: Du Wenming was still to be apprehended with full force, but Yu Yaoming was now to be controlled.

Yu Yaoming had indeed killed people, and the repercussions were severe. However, his abilities were too formidable, and the higher-ups clearly wanted to protect him. If Yu Yaoming was encountered, he must be handled with caution, but no mercy should be shown to the Hermitage.

In just over a month, the Dark Star Bureau had successively dismantled more than a dozen Hermitage strongholds. Although significant progress had been made in the investigation, Du Wenming was simply too brazen and vicious; he had silenced over a dozen key members of the Hermitage. All those who had been silenced were now in Portable Residence.

Hong Ying was a bit confused: "Du Wenming clearly killed them to silence them, so how did all these people end up in our home?"

Honglian grumbled, "Because Du Wenming is like a basket; anything can be put into it."

Hong Ying chuckled, "Doesn't that make him a drain bucket, just like you?"

Honglian snorted, collected the remaining flesh and blood, and handed the Xuan Yun Pills she had refined last time to the phonograph.

The phonograph counted the pills: "Excluding what my dear ate previously, there are now seventeen Xuan Yun Pills. This number should be enough."

"What does my dear mean by 'enough'?" Li Banfeng didn't quite understand. "You can only take half a pill at most at one time. Why do we need so many?"

"It's hard to say how much we'll need to take in the future. You can never have too much of such a good thing!"

Li Banfeng checked his pocket watch. It was about time to send his dear to the laboratory for research.

Li Banfeng had put considerable effort into his dear's research project. Lately, apart from apprehending key members of the Birch Hermitage, Li Banfeng had spent all his other time in the laboratory. Every detail and every arrangement in the laboratory had received immense dedication. Initially, it was for the Boundary Line; later, it was for his dear.

Ever since she joined Li Banfeng, his dear had stayed within Portable Residence. Even for occasional outings to get some air, she had to painstakingly negotiate with Portable Residence. His beloved dear could wash clothes and cook, understood mathematics and physics, could strategize, manage household finances, be decisive in battle, be tender and sweet with machines, sing songs if he wanted to hear them, and perform plays if he wanted to watch them. Where else could he find such a wonderful person?

Now that he finally had the chance to give his dear a change of scenery, Li Banfeng decided to put in a great deal of effort!

Li Banfeng wanted to surprise his dear. After lunch, he waved his hand, and his coat flew over and settled onto his shoulders.

Hong Ying exclaimed in surprise, "That technique is so well-practiced!"

The phonograph chuckled, "My dear has a great natural talent; he learns everything quickly."

Hong Ying shook her head. "It's different. Seventh Master doesn't learn other techniques this fast! How long has he been learning to ride the wind and clouds, and he still can't fly steadily?"

The Gloves said, "The Master is used to running and doesn't like to fly; it's hard to find things if they drop. But the Master truly cherishes his belongings."

As Li Banfeng picked up his dear, ready to leave, Portable Residence became displeased: "You want to go out now? Wait until you've reached your destination!"

Li Banfeng wanted to take the opportunity to show his dear around more, but Portable Residence saw right through his intentions. After all this time together, why was Portable Residence still so wary of his dear?

Li Banfeng left his dwelling, went to Flower Lake Park, ran all the way to Iron Gate Fortress, bypassing Seven Autumn City for now, and instead headed to a barren mountain in Iron Gate Fortress. On the barren mountain, Li Banfeng checked the solar panels hanging on the cliff, then entered a cave and greeted a few good friends.

"Lingling, are you full?"

"Nannan, did you eat a lot this time?"

"Tongtong, let me feel if you're plump!"

Several massive batteries jumped into Li Banfeng's arms. The values on their electronic screens spiked, and waves of red light emanated from them. These batteries could jump because Li Banfeng used his technique of "Family Treasures Self-Counting." They hadn't been in Portable Residence for long, nor had they interacted with Li Banfeng for very long, but Li Banfeng had developed feelings for them.

Li Banfeng danced the puppet dance, bringing the batteries into Portable Residence. After he came out, he continued dancing the puppet dance all the way to Seven Autumn City.

These batteries were for the laboratory, but the laboratory was in Seven Autumn City. Why did Li Banfeng charge them at Iron Gate Fortress? Li Banfeng had seven charging stations in seven different locations. Trying to find the laboratory through a charging station would be futile.

After arranging the batteries, Li Banfeng carried his dear out of Portable Residence.

The laboratory lights came on. His dear, worried about electricity consumption, told Li Banfeng, "We'll only use the interferometer today, so just turn on one light." Li Banfeng didn't listen to his dear and turned on all the lights in the laboratory. These lights had also become familiar with Li Banfeng; some were very bright, some very dim, and some flickered, making the laboratory look like the grand ballroom of Xiaoyao Dock.

Li Banfeng danced gracefully through the aisles between the equipment, holding the phonograph. The most intelligent light moved back and forth across the ceiling, its beam following Li Banfeng and the phonograph, drawing the attention of all the equipment in the laboratory to the two of them.

The phonograph nestled its horn into Li Banfeng's embrace and softly said, "Yingying was right; your technique of 'Family Treasures Self-Counting' is truly well-practiced. These items haven't spent much time at home, so how are they so obedient to you?"

"Because I truly treat them as family," Li Banfeng said, pointing to the light overhead. "This light is called A-Liang. When I chose him, he was particularly good at showing off. Among so many lights, he was the first one I took a liking to. And the light in the corner, he's called A-Hui. He's an honest fellow, not very showy, but very reliable in his work. He flickers dimly in the corner, especially good at creating atmosphere. And that light there, she's called A-Hua. She changes colors and does it perfectly for the occasion. I don't even need to design it; every light effect is fresh and new."

The phonograph chuckled, "No wonder you learned the technique of 'Family Treasures Self-Counting' so quickly; it's all thanks to your temperament, my dear. Throughout these years, you've treated every magic artifact and spiritual item in the house as family. Except for a pair of scissors you lost back then, you've never parted with any possession."

Li Banfeng sighed, "Thinking of those scissors, I do feel a bit pained. If I find them someday, I'll retrieve them as well."

The phonograph hugged Li Banfeng tightly and whispered, "You treat them as people, and I do too. But please don't let them keep looking at me; your little servant feels shy."

"Shy about what? My dear is so beautiful; it's their good fortune to see you."

Hearing this, the phonograph felt happy, but also a little disappointed: "If I were in my original form, I truly wouldn't be afraid to be seen. Everyone who saw me would sincerely say I was beautiful."

Li Banfeng said, "I'm being sincere; I truly think you're beautiful!"

"I know you're sincere—" The phonograph sighed softly, then danced with Li Banfeng for a long time before finally starting the experiment.

The experiment progressed smoothly, and the results were quite satisfactory. The phonograph recorded the findings and was preparing for the next derivation when Li Banfeng said, "How about I take you around Seven Autumn City?"

The phonograph shook its large horn. "No, this won't do. If the Old Master finds out, it will be hard to come out next time."

"If you don't say anything, how will he know?"

"He's always following you; he can see everything."

"He's asleep; he can't see anything now."

"My dear knows he's asleep?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "I even heard his snoring."

The phonograph was somewhat surprised. Li Banfeng's perception had improved so quickly that he could hear the Old Master's voice even from outside the house.

"But in my current form, I'm afraid I'm not presentable."

"I think my dear is perfectly fine," Li Banfeng said, checking his pocket watch and putting his dear on his back. "My beloved dear, let's go to the night market!"

Seven Autumn City was just beginning; there weren't many wealthy people in the city. During the day, everyone was busy working to earn money, and only had time to visit the market at night. Consequently, the city's night market was particularly bustling.

House cultivators had a talent for being overlooked. As Li Banfeng walked down the street, hardly anyone noticed him, yet his dear was still nervous and dared not make a sound.

"My beloved dear, just say which one you like!" Li Banfeng knelt beside a jewelry stall. He knew his dear liked these trinkets.

His dear whispered, "Your little servant isn't picky. Whatever my dear buys, your little servant will like."

"Then I'll buy them all!" Li Banfeng bought out the entire jewelry stall. The vendor was overjoyed. She didn't notice the item on Li Banfeng's back, too busy counting her money.

The phonograph felt terrible: "My dear, why did you buy everything? You didn't even consult your little servant. Your little servant just wanted to pick one favorite, and the rest should be returned."

"Didn't my dear say you'd like whatever I buy? Since I've bought them all, and my dear likes them all, why return anything? My dear, look over there, are there any clothes you like?"

"No more clothes. Your little servant can't wear them anyway."

"There's also rouge over there; tell me which one you like."

The two strolled through the night market for over an hour. Li Banfeng was about to take his dear to see a shadow play when he suddenly felt the ground tremble. The tremor was quite strong, and many people in the night market noticed it. They thought it was an earthquake, and since the night market area was relatively open, not many people fled; most sought shelter in place.

Li Banfeng felt that this "earthquake" was unusual. He activated his Spiritual Sound Insight and, with the help of his Fine Thread Earrings, vaguely heard some sharp whistling sounds. It sounded like Elder Brother Qiu.

"My dear, you go home first. I'll go see what's happening."

"My dear, please be very careful."

Li Banfeng sent his dear back to Portable Residence and then ran, following the sound.

On the territory that once belonged to Wuqin Township, there was a barren mountain. Due to the pervasive swamps, hardly anyone ever visited it. Li Banfeng flew over the swamp for a moment and saw Qiu Luoye.

Qiu Luoye had taken the form of an elephant, swinging his trunk, and watching the man opposite him. The man opposite him was familiar with Qiu Luoye's tactics; falling leaves would obstruct vision, creating opportunities for Qiu Luoye to launch surprise attacks.

The man was wearing a grey-white trench coat, and although his high collar obscured his face, Li Banfeng still recognized him: it was Chu Shaoshang, Chu Huaiyuan's father. Chu Shaoshang had recently been helping Chu Er guard the new territory and hadn't caused trouble for Li Banfeng for quite some time. Why was he in Seven Autumn City today? Could he be here for Shui Yongquan?

Li Banfeng had entrusted Shui Yongquan to Qiu Luoye's care. To this day, Shui Yongquan's memory had not recovered, and he couldn't even speak a complete sentence.

Qiu Luoye also worried that Chu Shaoshang was after Shui Yongquan. He didn't waste words with Chu Shaoshang, preparing to fight directly. Seeing Li Banfeng arrive, Chu Shaoshang called out, "Li Qi, you've come just in time. I wanted Qiu Luoye to relay a message to you, but I didn't realize he misunderstood me so deeply."

Qiu Luoye shouted, "Old Seven, don't listen to his nonsense. This person definitely has ill intentions."

Li Banfeng asked Chu Shaoshang, "If you have something to say, say it here."

"The Peddler is dead."

Chu Shaoshang uttered only four words, which made Li Banfeng's brain hum. The Peddler—dead?

Qiu Luoye looked at Chu Shaoshang and sneered, "What nonsense are you spouting! How did the Peddler die? Who could kill the Peddler? Explain yourself!"

Chu Shaoshang actually explained clearly: "You haven't seen the Peddler in a while, have you? I just received the news today. Three days ago, the Peddler fought a battle to the death with the Heavenly Man. The Peddler lost and was killed by the Heavenly Man."

Qiu Luoye fell silent. The rumor that the Peddler would fight to the death upon encountering a Heavenly Man was believed to be true by everyone in Pro Province. And in this world, perhaps only the Heavenly Man could kill the Peddler.

"Is this true?" Qiu Luoye looked at Li Banfeng, who asked, "Where did you get your information?"

"Don't ask about that; this is all the information I heard," Chu Shaoshang said, no soap bubbles coming from his mouth, indicating he was telling the truth. "You'd best verify whether this is true or false quickly. As far as I know, the Inner Provinces have already received the news. If the Peddler is truly dead, the Inner Provinces will soon invade Pro Province. You can guess the consequences of such a war without me saying. I'm telling you this because I want you to prepare early. You have many dealings with the Inner Provinces. When war truly breaks out, you can protect yourself and should also be able to protect Huaiyuan. Huaiyuan is stubborn and naive; during wartime, she'll certainly want to fight desperately against the Inner Provinces. For her sincere feelings for you, help her and save her life."

Qiu Luoye said, "Why do you neglect your own daughter and insist on entrusting her to our Old Seven?"

Chu Shaoshang was silent for a moment, then said, "I will certainly take care of this matter, but my life is in the hands of the Inner Provinces. If I lose my life, Huaiyuan can only be entrusted to you. Gentlemen, I take my leave."

Chu Shaoshang left.

Li Banfeng remained silent for a long time.

Qiu Luoye sighed, "I don't know if that bastard was telling the truth or lying. I really haven't seen the Peddler in a while."

"What is the origin of the Heavenly Man? Why must they have a death feud with the Peddler?"

Qiu Luoye shook his head. "I don't know much about the Heavenly Man, but we must investigate this matter and not easily believe Chu Shaoshang. As long as the Peddler is alive, the Inner Provinces shouldn't dare to invade; they've suffered losses before. But if something truly happened to the Peddler, a bloody battle might be inevitable."

How to investigate? Li Banfeng had left a message at Iron Gate Fortress last time, asking Song Qianhun to notify him immediately if he had any news. Song Qianhun had not replied since then. After the Peddler's last appearance at Iron Gate Fortress, he seemed to have vanished. Li Banfeng didn't know how many relatives or friends the Peddler had. The Peddler had only mentioned having more than one lover but never revealed their names. Where else could he investigate?

If the Inner Provinces were talking about war, then he should investigate the Inner Provinces. Chu Shaoshang's information might also have come from there.

Li Banfeng first went to Ma Wu's territory and found Feng Daiku: "I want to ask Luo Lijun about something."

Feng Daiku said, "Can you tell me what it's about? Then I can offer some assistance."

Li Banfeng said, "The Inner Provinces might be sending troops to war."

Feng Daiku was skeptical: "They shouldn't, right? They just lost to the Outer Provinces and probably suffered considerable losses. Do they dare to start a war with Pro Province now?"

Li Banfeng lowered his voice. "There's news that something happened to the Peddler."

As soon as he heard something happened to the Peddler, Feng Daiku's expression changed instantly. If something had truly happened to the Peddler, then the Inner Provinces starting a war made much more sense.

Feng Daiku gave Ma Wu a few instructions, then quickly went with Li Qi to the Soda Kiln. Upon reaching the factory building, Feng Daiku approached the pool and scattered some flower petals into the water. The water's surface rippled gently, then slowly began to rotate, its speed steadily increasing, forming a vortex that drew the petals to the bottom of the pool.

"Young Master Li, since there was no prior agreement, it's hard to say when Luo Lijun will receive the message. We'll have to wait here for a while." How long exactly, Feng Daiku couldn't say. Li Banfeng was anxious, but could only wait there.

Portable Residence, Ninth Chamber.

Ever since the Old Master fell asleep, the voice of the Lady of Nine Chambers had been lingering in Honglian's ear: "That old woman is staying out longer and longer. If you had trusted me, you would have been out by now."

Honglian felt not only the voice lingering in her ear but also a faint chill: "Are you using some technique on me?"

The Lady of Nine Chambers sighed, "If there's so little trust between us, what can we possibly accomplish?"

Honglian truly didn't trust the Lady of Nine Chambers: "When this is done, you'll be the one who gets to leave. I'm afraid you won't take me with you."

"Haven't I told you? If I don't take you, you can expose me immediately, and then I won't be able to leave either."

"If I expose you, and then you reveal everything that happened before, will I still be able to stay in this place?"

"Then just stay there forever. I shouldn't have wasted my breath on you—"

As the two argued, the Lady of Nine Chambers suddenly fell silent. Honglian thought Portable Residence had woken up and also stopped speaking.

Before long, the door gently opened, and the phonograph stood outside: "Two sisters, why are you still awake so late? What are you chatting about? Share it with me?"

Honglian said, "This young lady from the Ninth Chamber thinks she's quite attractive and wants to be your husband's concubine, but she's afraid you won't agree."

The phonograph smiled, "If she's truly talented and beautiful, I'd certainly help make this good thing happen. Sister from the Ninth Chamber, come out and let your elder sister take a look. Let me see if your figure is good and if you're pretty."

The Lady of Nine Chambers spoke, "We were just joking around. How dare my looks compare to those of the Mistress?"

"Oh, I can't bear the title 'Mistress.' Last time, my dear husband came to you, young lady, to translate a few sentences, and I don't know what misunderstanding occurred that made him so angry. Could you tell me what happened?"

The Lady of Nine Chambers explained, "Actually, I don't understand Ravsha script. I was also afraid the master would laugh at me, so I just scribbled down two lines. I didn't expect there to be an expert in the house who exposed me. I'm truly ashamed of this matter and am willing to accept any punishment from the Mistress."

"Punishment? Alright," the phonograph thought it was a good idea. "Come out now and take your beating."

The Lady of Nine Chambers meekly said, "Mistress, please calm your anger. I don't have a physical body yet, so this beating will have to be owed for now."

"If you owe two coins today, next year it'll be three taels and three mace with interest. Sister, don't keep owing! Settle the debt now!" The record spun rapidly on the tray, and the gongs and drums began to sound.

"Curse the little servant for his vile nature; when he grows up, he'll surely be an unfilial beast!"

Just that one line of song made the Lady of Nine Chambers cry out. It hurt, it truly hurt. If the phonograph had sung a few more lines, it could have scattered her soul. But that one line also woke up the Old Master: "Ah, we're all family. A couple of hits are enough. Do you really want to beat him to death or something?"

It was clear that the Lady of Nine Chambers had some tricks, and the Old Master was fond of her.

"Since the Old Master has interceded, what more is there to say? Sister from the Ninth Chamber, let's consider this matter closed. As we are family, let's use fewer schemes among ourselves from now on." The phonograph closed the door and left.

Honglian unfurled her petals, feeling the chill in the room intensify.

Li Banfeng waited in the factory building all night. A gigantic freshwater snail emerged from the pool.

Feng Daiku stepped forward: "Miss Luo, you're finally here."

The Snail Maiden swung her tentacles towards Feng Daiku and playfully asked, "Which Miss Luo are you looking for?" Isn't this Luo Lijun? Could it be her sister? Feng Daiku couldn't tell. It seemed only Ma Wu could distinguish them quickly. But Ma Wu wasn't there, so Li Banfeng could only venture a guess: "Is it Miss Yanjun?"

Luo Yanjun was delighted: "Young Master Seven actually recognizes me! You're a good and compassionate young man." As she spoke, she rubbed her tentacles against Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng dodged the tentacles and asked, "There's something I'd like to ask you, young lady. Are you planning to send troops to war?"

Luo Yanjun lingered by the pool for a moment before replying, "I don't understand matters of sending troops to war. I'm only responsible for acquiring territories. I've been very busy lately, acquiring quite a lot of land." Compared to Luo Lijun, Luo Yanjun preferred to coexist peacefully with Pro Province; she didn't want war. She would try to give Li Qi some hints, but all of this was contingent on not threatening her own safety. Therefore, her words had to be interpreted indirectly.

Li Banfeng generally understood her previous statement. Land acquisition was definitely related to war; the exact connection wasn't clear for now, but it was certain that the Inner Provinces were indeed preparing for war.

Li Banfeng simply followed along, "Acquiring so much land at once must be very difficult, isn't it?"

Luo Yanjun shook her head, "It's not difficult, just a bit troublesome. Acquiring land requires soil, and to get soil, you need to dig mountains. There's a mountain with plenty of soil, and I want to dig it, but I'm afraid I won't be able to move it."

Li Banfeng asked, "Is it because the soil is too hard?"

Luo Yanjun replied, "It's not just because the soil is hard; there's also a tiger on that mountain that's not easy to provoke. If that tiger is home, I won't dig up this mountain. But if the tiger isn't there, then I'll definitely dig up that soil."

Li Banfeng was also concerned about this: "Do you think the tiger is home?"

Luo Yanjun thought for a moment: "I can't say for sure, but many of the tiger's leopards and long worms have been killed recently, and we haven't heard the tiger roar once. I guess even if this tiger is home, something must have happened to it. Perhaps it's injured, or perhaps it's dead."

Li Banfeng knew this very well; indeed, many leopards and long worms had been killed by him.

Luo Yanjun continued, "I'm going to the mountain to fight an old fox again. If the tiger remains silent, that proves it's not home, or it might even be gone."

Li Banfeng asked, "Do you know where the fox is?"

Luo Yanjun playfully flicked her tentacles towards Li Banfeng in a seductive manner: "The fox is cunning and hard to find, but since he works for the tiger, there will surely be a time when he can't hide."

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