Chapter 653: Mr. Kong Fang's Strength

Mr. Kong Fang asked Li Banfeng to name his price. Li Banfeng remained silent for a long time.

He wasn't thinking about the price; he was wondering how Mr. Kong Fang had found him.

The sea was vast, and Li Banfeng hadn't revealed his identity before boarding. He had even changed his identity once on Yangtu Island. How could Mr. Kong Fang have coincidentally located this particular ship?

Had the boatmen gone to deliver a message?

How did they convey the information to Mr. Kong Fang?

It was unlikely to be them; they lacked both the ability and the courage.

Mr. Kong Fang urged him, "Quickly, name a price. Neither of us has time to waste."

After some thought, Li Banfeng indeed named his price: "Of the three territories in the Underground City, the Human Market and the Sea Market will be mine. Then the matter will be concluded."

Mr. Kong Fang smiled. "You are very generous, leaving me with the Earth Market."

Li Banfeng had not, in fact, said he would leave the Earth Market to Mr. Kong Fang. "I haven't been to the Earth Market, so I don't know its situation. We can discuss it after I've visited."

Mr. Kong Fang shook his head. "There's no need to go. Don't come back in the future. Let me make myself clear: I will not give you an inch of territory in the Underground City. I came to you to make you leave the Underground City permanently. Whether you want money, goods, or to run a business on the surface, I can agree to those terms."

Li Banfeng smiled. "I don't lack money, nor do I lack possessions. You don't need to worry about my business on the surface."

"So, you mean we can't agree on a price?" Under Mr. Kong Fang's bamboo hat, strings of copper coins jingled.

Li Banfeng pulled down his hat brim. "Don't rush, let's talk a bit longer."

Dozens of dark shadows emerged from behind Li Banfeng, directly surrounding Mr. Kong Fang.

Against any other opponent, Li Banfeng wouldn't easily use his shadows, but Mr. Kong Fang was different. Li Banfeng had to unleash his full power immediately.

Banfeng Bing was the first to charge, his form flickering back and forth, attempting to distract Mr. Kong Fang.

Banfeng Ding and Banfeng Wu attacked from the left and right. They had good chemistry, and their techniques were well-coordinated.

Banfeng Ji attacked stealthily; his house-cultivator characteristics were stronger, and he had already circled behind Mr. Kong Fang, preparing a sneak attack.

Banfeng Yi was a person of status; in this initial wave of attack, he generally held back.

Seeing a group of shadows surround him, Mr. Kong Fang showed no signs of panic.

Banfeng Bing and Tang Dao attacked together, but Mr. Kong Fang flicked a copper coin to meet them.

Tang Dao, originally a local deity, had grown significantly in power following Li Banfeng, enjoying success and rapid cultivation. Now, dealing with a Cloud Cultivator, a single slash should have been enough to cut flesh and bone effortlessly.

Yet, with this slash, there was only a flash of light, and the copper coin shattered into two pieces, falling to the ground.

Tang Dao's blade cracked, forming a notch!

Banfeng Bing was terrified, and Tang Dao was in agony.

Banfeng Ding and Banfeng Wu used "Treading Ten Thousand Rivers," creating two holes in the deck, but they failed to injure Mr. Kong Fang.

Mr. Kong Fang didn't dodge. The two halves of the copper coin that had fallen to the ground earlier, one to his left and one to his right, blocked "Treading Ten Thousand Rivers" for him.

Of these two halves, one was completely shattered, and the other had only a few fragments remaining.

Banfeng Ji first used "Pendulum Slash," which Mr. Kong Fang parried with a coin fragment. As Banfeng Ji was about to use "Fleeting Glimpse," Mr. Kong Fang used the fragment in his hand to strike Banfeng Ji's ankle.

After taking that hit, Banfeng Ji's movement became somewhat impaired. When he tried to use "Fleeting Glimpse" again, he couldn't evade Mr. Kong Fang's sight.

With just that single copper coin, he repelled the attacks of four shadows.

Mr. Kong Fang casually produced a few more copper coins to defend himself, occasionally remarking, "Li Qi, so you are both a wanderer cultivator and a shadow cultivator. Shadow cultivators are rare. If you die here, this Daoist sect might become extinct. Even if our Pu Master has medicinal powder to continue your sect's lineage, if the cultivators all die out, more than half of your sect's techniques will be lost. Many incomplete Daoist techniques are due to too few cultivators."

Fighting and talking at the same time showed clear contempt for Li Banfeng.

If Li Banfeng were to lose his temper and become agitated, it would play right into Mr. Kong Fang's hands.

Since Mr. Kong Fang wanted to talk, Li Banfeng humored him. "You just mentioned Pu Master. I'm quite curious, who is your Pu Master?"

Mr. Kong Fang grabbed a handful of copper coins and said, "The Peddler is the Pu Master of Snowflower Harbor; this is common knowledge. If it weren't for your acquaintance with the Pu Master, I would have taken your life by now."

Li Banfeng chuckled. "You have such thick skin. What does Snowflower Harbor have to do with the Peddler? Why do you call it Snowflower Harbor? Why not just call it 'Thick Skin Harbor'? Go call the Peddler 'Pu Master' and see if he acknowledges you."

Mr. Kong Fang didn't get angry. He didn't follow Li Banfeng's line of conversation. "Speaking of stronghold masters, I heard there's a stronghold master in Iron Gate Stronghold called Stronghold Master. Do you know this person?"

Li Banfeng's expression became serious. "Of course I do! He's a great hero who eradicates evil, brings peace, and protects his territory!"

Mr. Kong Fang chuckled. "You have quite thick skin yourself!"

As they bickered, Mr. Kong Fang raised his hand, and suddenly, a rain of copper coins fell from the sky.

The coins fell halfway, then suddenly changed direction, flying horizontally in all directions. Each coin was like a sharp blade. Banfeng Bing, who was at the very front, was instantly cut into over a dozen pieces.

The other shadows weren't faring well either. These coins attacked from every angle, causing many shadows to be injured.

Banfeng Yi shouted, "Don't panic, everyone! Maintain formation!"

Li Banfeng kicked Banfeng Yi. "Just charge! You don't need to direct here."

Banfeng Yi circled Mr. Kong Fang twice, not approaching rashly. Mr. Kong Fang remarked with some appreciation, "You've mastered shadow cultivation techniques so skillfully. This Daoist sect certainly has a successor. Name your price and leave the Underground City quickly. If you become a grandmaster of shadow cultivation in the future, come find me again!"

As he spoke, the shadows that had been severely injured and fallen to the ground all stood up one by one.

In particular, Banfeng Bing, who had been cut into over a dozen pieces, transformed into a dozen shadows, all standing up.

Mr. Kong Fang had fought shadow cultivators before. Shadow cultivators controlled their shadows with their lives; shadows could die, and if too many died, the cultivator would be severely injured. If all shadows died, the cultivator would also perish.

Li Qi's shadows hadn't died, and they were even multiplying with each attack. What was the meaning of this...?

A Heaven-Merged technique?

Mr. Kong Fang stopped conversing with Li Banfeng. Any time a Heaven-Merged technique was encountered, a cautious approach was necessary.

After flying for a moment, all the copper coins returned to Mr. Kong Fang's hand. When he attacked again, he didn't target the shadows but instead struck the lanterns on the ship.

There were over thirty lanterns on the deck and in the cabin. After a handful of coins, all the lanterns were extinguished.

Shadows feared light but also relied on it. In complete darkness, most of the shadows disappeared. Even Banfeng Bing, who had split into several shadows, merged into the darkness, leaving only Banfeng Yi, Ding, and Wu. These three shadows remained.

Mr. Kong Fang praised, "To think there are even shadows of no-light. Your mastery of shadow cultivation is probably even higher than your wanderer cultivation."

Banfeng Ding asked, "Master Jia, is that true?"

"Stop spouting nonsense! Light a fire, quickly!"

Li Banfeng didn't understand what "shadows of no-light" were, but he knew that three shadows certainly couldn't defeat Mr. Kong Fang.

Mr. Kong Fang's adaptability was astonishing. Li Banfeng had the three shadows step forward to buy time, while he himself quickly looked for an opportunity to light a fire.

Mr. Kong Fang had just extinguished the fire; he wouldn't allow Li Banfeng to light it again. He no longer entangled himself with the shadows and headed directly for Li Banfeng's true form.

Li Banfeng wasn't afraid of close combat. He pricked his fingertip, preparing to unleash his house-cultivator domain and directly confront Mr. Kong Fang.

*Splish!*

A glob of thick phlegm fell from the cabin ceiling, landing squarely on Mr. Kong Fang.

The phlegm was thick enough to completely encase Mr. Kong Fang. Mr. Kong Fang looked up at Tan Jinxiao. "Old Tan, we're so familiar with each other, can't you use a less disgusting method of attack?"

"You find green disgusting? Shall I give you some gold ones?" Tan Jinxiao waved his hand, and fierce golden flames erupted on the passenger ship.

Tan Jinxiao's adaptability was also quite good. He had just realized Li Banfeng was fighting Mr. Kong Fang and didn't yet know what effect the firelight would have on Li Qi.

But it didn't matter that he didn't know; Mr. Kong Fang extinguished the fire, so Tan Jinxiao lit one. This was the most effective counter-strategy.

Li Banfeng looked at the source of the fire: it was golden.

It turned out that dry gold could burn.

Under the firelight, all the vanished shadows reappeared from the darkness. Mr. Kong Fang was bound by the thick phlegm, unable to move freely. This time, victory seemed assured.

A group of shadows surrounded Mr. Kong Fang, each employing their techniques. Mr. Kong Fang was trapped in the phlegm, his body unable to move, yet relying on a few golden coins, he parried repeatedly, and the shadows couldn't injure him.

Li Banfeng moved directly into close combat, intending to use "Five Horses Splitting the Body" to end the fight quickly.

On the chaotic battlefield, silence suddenly fell. The group of shadows turned and looked at Li Banfeng.

Mr. Kong Fang extended a hand from the thick phlegm, holding a golden coin, and flicked it.

The golden coin flew, and all the shadows lunged at Li Banfeng.

Banfeng Ding, being closest to Li Banfeng, drew a dagger and stabbed at Li Banfeng's chest. Banfeng Wu directly used a knife to slash at Li Banfeng's neck.

"Master Jia, run!" Banfeng Geng yelled, raising a stick and bringing it down towards Li Banfeng's head.

It was clear Banfeng Geng was helpless, yet his strike was ruthless and swift.

They had been controlled by Mr. Kong Fang. Li Banfeng's most familiar shadows were now striking him hard.

As for the unfamiliar shadows, it went without saying; one shadow, when Li Banfeng wasn't looking, tried to use "Severing Paths" to clear a way, nearly slicing open Li Banfeng's body.

What technique had Mr. Kong Fang used? How could he control so many shadows so quickly?

"It's the copper coins. The shadows hit by his coins have had them enter their bodies. If we rush in recklessly, we'll probably be controlled too." Banfeng Yi took a stance, seemingly grappling with Li Banfeng, but in reality, he was helping Li Banfeng parry attacks.

Of all the shadows, only Banfeng Yi remained uncontrolled.

Banfeng Yi continued, "You see now, don't you? He's a ruthless one among the ruthless. Even if we use a Heaven-Merged technique, he can easily neutralize it. We can't defeat someone like him."

Banfeng Yi was right. With Li Banfeng's current strength, defeating Mr. Kong Fang was too difficult.

Moreover, the current situation was tricky. These shadows couldn't be driven off, dispersed, or even broken. If severed, they could split into two.

It was only when under attack by the shadows that Li Banfeng truly realized how terrifying a Heaven-Merged technique was.

Banfeng Yi warned, "Quickly withdraw the technique, or neither of us will hold out!"

Li Banfeng was about to act but then thought better of it.

If he were to withdraw the "Shadow Attachment" technique now, Li Banfeng didn't know how many copper coins he would absorb.

He wasn't sure if these coins would stack on the shadows or directly within his body. If he, too, were controlled by the coins, the tide of battle would be irreversible.

Banfeng Yi suggested another idea: "Let's first retreat to the Portable Residence for temporary refuge and release all the coins from the shadows."

Retreating to the Portable Residence wasn't difficult. With Li Banfeng's current speed, he could calmly return home with the shadows.

But if he left, what about the people on the ship?

Extracting the copper coins was not something that could be done quickly.

If Mr. Kong Fang didn't want to leave any survivors, he could kill everyone on board with a single raise of his hand. Except for Tan Jinxiao, no one else would even have a chance to resist.

He couldn't retreat to the Portable Residence now. He had to find a way to repel Mr. Kong Fang.

Li Banfeng came up with a tactic: "Buy me some time. I'll use 'Severing Paths' to separate these shadows, then charge directly at Mr. Kong Fang. We'll engage in close combat."

Banfeng Yi listened carefully. "What do we do once we're in close range?"

Li Banfeng replied, "Then I'll activate my house-cultivator domain. First, I'll trap him with 'Closing Gates and Shutting Doors,' then fight him head-on with 'Expanding Land and Opening Frontiers!'"

"What if we can't beat him?"

"If we can't, we'll retreat."

"Can you even retreat?"

While discussing with Banfeng Yi and contending with his own shadows, Tan Jinxiao had already fallen into a bitter struggle.

Copper coins flew, and Tan Jinxiao could barely parry them. But when Mr. Kong Fang broke free from the phlegm and approached Tan Jinxiao, Old Tan began to suffer.

This Mr. Kong Fang had no flaws in his every move and strike, and each attack aimed for vital points.

Even more terrifying, Mr. Kong Fang's speed was astonishing. Li Banfeng was a second-level Cloud Wanderer Cultivator, not significantly faster than him.

Tan Jinxiao struggled to hold on, his life hanging by a thread.

Li Banfeng said to Banfeng Yi, "Get ready, I'm going to charge!"

Banfeng Yi was still arguing, "If you charge, what if you can't come back? If you run, he'll definitely chase. He's so fast, you won't even be able to use your techniques. How could you possibly shake him off?"

Li Banfeng said, "There's one technique that doesn't require time."

"Which technique?"

"'Hundred-Step Traversal.' Just run and stick stakes while you're running. If we can plant two, we win."

Banfeng Yi laughed in exasperation. "You'd dare to use a technique you haven't even mastered?"

"Let's try it first. What if it works? As long as 'Hundred-Step Traversal' succeeds, we can make the distance as far or as close as we want. We can wear him down with the domain, and he won't be able to escape!"

Banfeng Yi disagreed. "What are you thinking? At a time like this, you're still aiming for a win?"

Li Banfeng snapped, "If not for a win, then for a loss? First, let's find a way to break through!"

Li Banfeng and Banfeng Yi fought fiercely, finally finding a small opening to unleash a technique. Li Banfeng used "Severing Paths" to part the group of shadows and charged towards Mr. Kong Fang.

According to his original plan, he intended to activate "Closing Gates and Shutting Doors" halfway there, then charge to Mr. Kong Fang's side.

But Tan Jinxiao was right beside Mr. Kong Fang, still taking a beating. If Li Banfeng activated the technique and charged directly, the domain would surely sweep over Old Tan. In Old Tan's current state, even a slight injury from the domain would severely wound him, if not kill him.

It would still be timely to activate the technique after getting close. Then, using "Expanding Land and Opening Frontiers," Li Banfeng would be the master within the domain. If he then engaged Mr. Kong Fang with Old Tan providing support, Li Banfeng genuinely felt he might have a chance of winning.

As he reached Mr. Kong Fang, Mr. Kong Fang shook his sleeve, and thousands of copper coins, like rain, enveloped both Li Banfeng and Tan Jinxiao.

Li Banfeng wanted to get close, and Mr. Kong Fang was anticipating it. Once Li Banfeng was in close quarters, he was at a disadvantage.

The coins were denser than raindrops, each striking at a vital point. Li Banfeng was exhausted just dodging and parrying, with no opportunity to use any techniques.

Banfeng Yi was still holding back a group of shadows, and seeing this scene, his heart sank.

Li Banfeng was trapped.

Thousands of copper coins, too fast to discern their outlines. Did Li Banfeng still have a chance to escape?

He couldn't even use "Unimpeded Movement."

Talking about "Hundred-Step Traversal"? He couldn't even use the techniques he knew. How could he use one he hadn't learned? Was there anything more absurd in the world?

He couldn't go along with this madman's antics. He needed to find his own way out.

Mr. Kong Fang was busy fighting Li Banfeng, and his control over the shadows became slightly lax. The shadows were also resisting Mr. Kong Fang's control fiercely, which gave Banfeng Yi an opportunity.

After fighting for a moment, Banfeng Yi found an opening. He also used "Severing Paths" to clear a path, dividing the shadows to both sides. He intended to use everything he had learned in his life to carve out a way to survive.

While dodging the coins, Li Banfeng also helped Tan Jinxiao parry. Tan Jinxiao gained a moment to breathe, and suddenly spat out a glob of old phlegm.

The old phlegm continuously expanded in mid-air, forming a large disc that enveloped most of the copper coins.

Li Banfeng was overjoyed. Old Tan was still useful; he had finally caught his breath.

He prepared to cut his left palm and activate his house-cultivator technique.

Before cutting his left palm, Li Banfeng hesitated slightly.

"Left... which side was that again?"

With that slight hesitation, Mr. Kong Fang kicked Tan Jinxiao.

Li Banfeng tried to pull Tan Jinxiao to safety, but he couldn't discern the direction and failed to grab him.

Tan Jinxiao shouted, "I'll stick to you!"

If he could have used his technique, that mass of old phlegm really could have stuck to Mr. Kong Fang's foot.

But Mr. Kong Fang was too fast. Tan Jinxiao couldn't activate his technique and was kicked into the sea.

Once in the sea, Tan Jinxiao tried to get back onto the ship but found he couldn't move.

Mr. Kong Fang's kick, through some unknown means, caused Tan Jinxiao's entire body to spasm, curling into a ball as he sank to the bottom of the sea.

Li Banfeng charged towards Mr. Kong Fang, but unable to find his bearings, he directly crashed into the deck railing.

Banfeng Yi also charged forward. He kicked, but also without direction, and Mr. Kong Fang easily dodged it.

Why did Banfeng Yi lose his sense of direction too?

Li Banfeng finally understood. It was "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles."

Banfeng Yi had used "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles"!

Banfeng Yi's strategy was very clear: charge to Mr. Kong Fang's vicinity, and while Li Banfeng and Tan Jinxiao were present, use "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles" to push Mr. Kong Fang away.

Banfeng Yi knowing "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles" was an achievement beyond the imagination of other shadows.

However, his technique was far inferior to Li Banfeng's, so whether he could push Mr. Kong Fang away was uncertain.

If Mr. Kong Fang was pushed away, everyone would be happy.

If Mr. Kong Fang wasn't pushed away, at least Banfeng Yi would have successfully escaped.

If Li Banfeng still had a complete corpse afterward, Banfeng Yi could still control the body using the "Shadow Always Follows" technique. He wouldn't have to wait twenty years; he'd be a hero the very next day!

This was Banfeng Yi's plan, and he executed it as such, but there was one thing he hadn't anticipated.

When Li Banfeng used "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles," his shadows would lose their sense of direction.

When a shadow used "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles," Li Banfeng would also lose his sense of direction.

This really put Li Banfeng in a difficult spot.

Mr. Kong Fang caught up. Li Banfeng couldn't hit him, so he could only turn and run.

Running wasn't easy. Li Banfeng couldn't distinguish left from right, or near from far. Even flying, he couldn't tell up from down. After a few steps, Mr. Kong Fang caught up again.

Now Li Banfeng had two ideas: one was to forcibly activate his house-cultivator technique and directly confront Mr. Kong Fang.

Leaving aside whether he could even use his house-cultivator technique, even if he did, Li Banfeng couldn't tell directions and wouldn't be able to defeat Mr. Kong Fang.

Was there any technique that didn't require a sense of direction?

Yes, "Hundred-Step Traversal."

"Hundred-Step Traversal" needed nothing but two markers connected by a line, plus speed.

With Mr. Kong Fang chasing him, Li Banfeng ran incredibly fast.

If he could use "Hundred-Step Traversal," Li Banfeng could control the distance between them, allowing him to attack or defend, and also drag out the duration of "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles."

Without a moment's hesitation, Li Banfeng first stuck a wooden stake into the ground, then began to sprint.

Mr. Kong Fang was visibly gaining on him, and Li Banfeng was about to crash into the cabin.

He couldn't avoid the cabin, nor could he shake off Mr. Kong Fang, so he simply planted the second wooden stake on the deck.

Both markers were now placed.

A line connected the two markers.

Had it worked?

Li Banfeng seemed to feel something, a sensation that was somewhat familiar.

Was this the connection brought by the markers?

Mr. Kong Fang temporarily maintained some distance from Li Banfeng. He also had some apprehension about the "Hundred-Step Traversal" technique.

If he charged in and couldn't touch Li Banfeng for a while, and then Li Banfeng counterattacked in one step, he would be poorly prepared.

He first used a copper coin to test.

A copper coin flew towards Li Banfeng. If "Hundred-Step Traversal" had been successful, this coin should not have been able to reach Li Banfeng. As long as Li Banfeng maintained control, the distance between them could be ten thousand miles.

The coin flew past in an instant, striking Li Banfeng in the blink of an eye. Li Banfeng barely managed to dodge it using "Carefree Movement."

Not only could it fly past, but it could also hit him.

The markers hadn't worked.

"Hundred-Step Traversal" could not be performed.

"Li Qi, your 'Hundred-Step Traversal' is quite lacking," Mr. Kong Fang chuckled, walking towards Li Qi. "I stand by what I said: for the Peddler's sake, I won't kill you. But you are a menace; you've broken too many rules. I must teach you a lesson. I must take away some of your cultivation..."

As his words fell, Mr. Kong Fang vanished.

Li Banfeng looked at Banfeng Yi.

Banfeng Yi had just planted a wooden stake in the ground.

He had planted one, Li Banfeng had planted two. There were a total of three wooden stakes on the ground.

The three wooden stakes formed a triangle.

This was the sensation the markers brought to Li Banfeng, but it wasn't "Hundred-Step Traversal."

When using "A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles," if three wooden stakes are planted to form a triangle, surrounding the enemy, a unique formation is created.

The "Hundred-Step Traversal" technique hadn't worked, but the "Three Gates, Three Openings Formation" had.

Mr. Kong Fang was gone, and the uncontrolled shadows stood motionless.

Li Banfeng looked at Banfeng Yi. "Was that 'A Farewell of Ten Thousand Miles' you just used?"

"Yes," Banfeng Yi replied softly.

"Impressive," Li Banfeng rolled up his sleeves. "Don't you think we need to have a serious talk about some things?"

Banfeng Yi pointed to the sea. "Old Tan is still down there. Let's rescue him first."

Mr. Kong Fang sat up and spat out a mouthful of yellow grass.

What was this place?

How did I get here?

Where was the ship? The sea? Li Qi?

Mr. Kong Fang stood up and looked around. The area was wide open, with no mountains or trees, only knee-deep yellow grass, dry and withered, covering the ground.

"So, it's this place, the Barren Plains..." Mr. Kong Fang sighed. "Caught in the Three Gates, Three Openings Formation again. This is the second time."

After walking for a long time in the plains, he saw a carriage hidden in a pile of grass. Pulling aside the carriage door curtain, he found an old man sleeping inside.

A cold wind blew into the carriage, and the old man woke up, asking, "What in tarnation?"

"Just passing through. Could you please tell me the way to East Sea Bridge?"

The old man pointed east. "East Sea Bridge? Just go east, where else would it be? Do you need a ride? I can take you there, and I'll give you a discount on the fare!"

Mr. Kong Fang chuckled. "You'd dare to let me board your carriage?"

"What's there to be afraid of? Are you going to eat me or something?" The old man lit a candle and looked carefully. "The way you're dressed, all those strings and things, it's quite scary. Anyway, are you taking the carriage or not? If not, hurry up and leave, I'm still sleepy."

"Yes, I'll take it." Mr. Kong Fang got into the carriage. The old man drove off, and after a few hours of bumpy travel, Mr. Kong Fang smelled the scent of human activity.

"Stop here," Mr. Kong Fang said, paying the fare.

The old man said, "You're getting off here? It's still quite a distance ahead!"

Mr. Kong Fang got out of the carriage and walked in the direction of the human activity.

When he saw a firelight, Mr. Kong Fang stopped. He saw Boss Lu.

Boss Lu was burning paper offerings, stack after stack. There was already a considerable pile of ashes on the ground.

Mr. Kong Fang asked, "Do you often come here to burn offerings?"

Boss Lu nodded. "I always come at least once a month."

Mr. Kong Fang watched in silence. Boss Lu offered him a stack of burning paper. "Aren't you going to burn a few sheets?"

Mr. Kong Fang shook his head. "I don't owe them anything."

Boss Lu said, "The Peddler owes them. Since you're scamming people everywhere under the Peddler's name, you should burn a few sheets on his behalf."

Mr. Kong Fang looked at Boss Lu. "The Peddler really owes them? I don't think so."

Boss Lu placed the yellow paper on the ground, indicating to Mr. Kong Fang that he could burn it or not.

Mr. Kong Fang hesitated for a moment, then picked up the yellow paper, sat on the plains, and began burning it with Boss Lu.

As the paper was nearly burnt out, Boss Lu asked, "Do you still remember...?"

Mr. Kong Fang waved his hand. "I don't remember. Don't bring it up. I'm getting old, and I'm afraid I'll cry."

Boss Lu then said, "I heard that the patriarchs of our two families are both returning."

Mr. Kong Fang sighed. "Let them return. I'll just hide."