Chapter 749: He Won't Do Home Repair Skills

Li Banfeng sat in front with Zhao Xiaowan, while the others formed a circle behind them. Everyone stared at Honglian, waiting for the results, eager to see what could be refined from Shan Chengjun's intestines.

Honglian seemed nervous. "Don't stare like that," she said. "These intestines aren't easy to refine. It'll take at least ten days, maybe more."

Zhao Xiaowan gently stroked Honglian's lotus leaf. "Sister Honglian, there's no need to be modest," she said. "Before, your refining was slow, and we didn't hold it against you, assuming you hadn't fully recovered. But now you've been with my husband, enjoying life for three full years. If you continue to work at such a leisurely pace, it might become an issue."

Honglian pushed Zhao Xiaowan away with her lotus leaf. "Let me make this clear," she said. "If you pressure me like this, and the refined item isn't to your liking, don't blame me!"

The Gramophone insisted on touching Honglian's leaf. "Forget what you like for now," it chimed in. "We're all waiting for you to deliver. Please, do us a favor and speed things up a bit."

An hour later, Honglian's lotus leaves bloomed, and two lotus seeds popped out. Li Banfeng cradled them in his palm, waiting patiently until they burst, each one yielding a Profound Essence Pill.

Zhao Xiaowan picked up the pills and examined their quality. "Sister Honglian," she noted, "aren't there a bit too few?"

Honglian closed her lotus leaves. "It was just one intestine. How many more do you expect?"

Zhao Xiaowan did some mental math. "When you refined the head of the Insect Cultivator chieftain, you produced one Profound Essence Pill. But this is Shan Chengjun's intestines! We should at least get five or six, shouldn't we?"

Honglian wouldn't concede. "Five or six? Do you think they grow on trees? If you hadn't rushed me, I might have managed three. Given your insistence, two is already good enough."

Hong Ying stretched her arms. "She's brazenly greedy and speaks with such conviction. How can we tolerate her?"

Honglian swayed her lotus leaves lightly. "What if you can't tolerate me?"

The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense. Zhao Xiaowan chuckled. "Let's not hurt family harmony. I spoke too hastily, so let me mediate. Yingying, Honglian was the first to join our family, so speaking to her like that isn't quite appropriate. As punishment, you'll pour Honglian a cup of tea. Sister Honglian, I believe you still have quite a bit left from Shan Chengjun's intestines. Let's save the rest for Tang Dao. Tang Dao hasn't been able to exert much power on the battlefield lately. He can't cut through strong enemies and often damages his blade. It's time for a proper repair. Shan Chengjun was a martial cultivator, compatible with Tang Dao's nature. Please add some good materials to Tang Dao, so he can improve his abilities."

Honglian was reluctant but agreed. "Alright, there genuinely is a bit left over this time. If it all went to Tang Dao, he wouldn't be able to consume it. There's enough for one more. Who else wants a share?"

Everyone was eager. This was Shan Chengjun's intestines; nobody wanted to miss out on such a valuable item.

Before anyone could speak, Honglian chose one. "Brother Gloves, you brought the intestines back, so you deserve the most credit. You definitely shouldn't miss out on this benefit."

Gloves stood on the table using his thumb and middle finger, wiggling his index finger. "Miss Honglian, this credit shouldn't go to me. Our master risked his life for this. Please save my share. If you refine more good pills for him in the future, I'll be content."

Honglian extended a lotus leaf towards Gloves. "You seem to be avoiding me lately. Have I offended you in some way?"

Gloves leaped onto Li Banfeng's lap. "Miss Honglian, what are you talking about? I'm just a playful sort; I never take anything, big or small, to heart. If I truly have offended you, please be forgiving."

"If there was no offense," Honglian pressed, "why do you speak mockingly when I offer my goodwill?"

Gloves held up his index finger, feigning surprise. "Miss, your words are terrifying! I barely know how to read or write; my words often don't convey what I mean. How could I possibly mock you? I appreciate your good intentions, Miss. Shan Chengjun was a martial cultivator, which doesn't align with my Daoist nature. If I were to become coarse from greedily taking a share, wouldn't that be a terrible loss? Besides, those intestines aren't really good stuff. Just give them to Tang Dao while they're still fresh, heh heh heh."

Gloves chuckled a few times, and Honglian became very angry.

Everyone else thought Gloves was merely good at bickering, but Li Banfeng detected an underlying message.

The underlying message was that while Gloves spoke, there was another sound.

Especially when Gloves laughed, he could hear two people laughing; the other voice came from the Portable Abode.

The old man was very satisfied with Gloves' profound wariness toward Honglian.

Tang Dao jumped into Honglian, re-entering the refining process. This was somewhat risky, but Tang Dao was willing to take the gamble. He had discussed it with Zhao Xiaowan beforehand. Having fought alongside Zhao Xiaowan for years, both she and Hong Ying were familiar with his temperament. If any changes occurred, they would surely notice.

"Don't rush me this time! It absolutely won't be refined in less than three to five days," Honglian declared, closing her lotus leaves and going alone to the Thirteenth Chamber.

Li Banfeng then asked about the war from years ago. "Wife, which side did Fool's City originally align with?"

Zhao Xiaowan replied, "Husband, your humble servant truly doesn't know about this. I was imprisoned for colluding with Fool's City, but even in prison, I couldn't figure out Fool's City's origins."

Who would know the inner details of this matter?

Hong Ying looked at Jiu'er. "Come here, little sister, I'll braid your hair."

Jiu'er didn't want to go.

Hong Ying continued, "Qilang went and fought Shan Chengjun to the death to save your father. Don't you care about that friendship at all?"

"Why should I care?" Jiu'er scoffed. "What does Sun Tiecheng's life or death have to do with me?"

Li Banfeng sighed. "Never mind. I won't press you if you don't want to talk. I'll just go ask Brother Sun directly!"

Seeing Li Banfeng about to leave, Jiu'er stepped forward to stop him. "Don't go. His temperament is unpredictable. There are some things he doesn't want to talk about. If you bring them up, he might turn hostile."

"Brother Sun is such an honest and good-natured person. How can you say he's unpredictable?"

Jiu'er lowered her head. "He is unpredictable. The court gave him an official position, and he should have served the court. But then he switched his allegiance to the Peddler, which brought about this catastrophe."

This was what Sun Tiecheng meant by "serving different masters."

At the time, Banfengzi hadn't quite understood, but now Jiu'er made it clear: Sun Tiecheng had once been with the court.

Hong Ying felt something was amiss. "I never heard of anyone named Sun Tiecheng in the court back then."

Jiu'er scoffed. "There's a lot you haven't heard! Do you really think the court only relied on you two to fight wars? Have you heard of Lai Wuju? He fought countless victorious battles you know nothing about!"

Hong Ying thought for a moment. "I do know of Lai Wuju. He's the ancestor of Food Cultivators! But few people have ever seen him. The court once tried to recruit Lai Wuju, but he refused."

Jiu'er explained, "When the court tried to recruit Fool's City, Fool's City also publicly refused. But when it came to fighting, they were never vague. Lai Wuju was even less vague. I heard that Lai Wuju once gave Shu Wanjuan a psychological disorder. Just hearing Lai Wuju's name would make Shu Wanjuan lose his appetite."

Li Banfeng frowned. "Isn't that a technique from the Food Cultivator Ancestor? It sounds like he deliberately prevented Shu Wanjuan from eating."

Hong Ying still shook her head. "If you mean fighting alone, Lai Wuju might have some skill. But leading armies? I've truly never heard of such a person. Among the Peddler's subordinates, few were good at leading troops, and Shu Wanjuan was considered one of the best. I find it hard to believe he could be scared to that extent. If Lai Wuju had achieved such great military feats, I would have certainly heard about it. You just say he's a good fighter, but where is Lai Wuju now? Can you tell me that?"

"How would I know where he is? Who knows what rules your court follows? You guard against outsiders with eighty percent of your strength, but against your own people with one hundred and twenty percent! Things we all know, you're ignorant of. It serves you right that you were driven away by the Peddler. I'm too lazy to say another word to you!" Jiu'er retorted, then retreated to the Ninth Chamber to sulk.

Hong Ying huffed. "That wretch is just bragging and gets mad when called out!"

Zhao Xiaowan pondered something. "Cong Shixiang is a good-for-nothing. He's useless in one-on-one combat and can't lead an army. Why did the court always entrust him with important responsibilities?"

"The emperor favored him!" Hong Ying scorned Cong Shixiang. "That scoundrel knows how to flatter and frame people. With those two tricks, what's to stop him from gaining wealth and power?"

Zhao Xiaowan shook her head. "But military achievements don't lie. When Cong Shixiang was the commander, he did win many battles. Could a true master have been helping him?"

Hong Ying disagreed. "Why would a master help Cong Shixiang? He got the fame, he got the wealth. What did this master get in return? Just for fun?"

Zhao Xiaowan wasn't in the mood to argue with Hong Ying. "I've also heard of Lai Wuju's reputation. He created the first Daoist sect in the world."

Hearing this, Li Banfeng recalled someone: Ye Shengge.

"The one who created the second Daoist sect in the world wasn't very powerful either."

Hong Ying didn't think so. "Ye Shengge is decent. He's good at leading armies."

Zhao Xiaowan said, "Lai Wuju's reputation is much greater than Ye Shengge's. Experienced cultivators from various Daoist sects have heard of him. Could he also have been transformed into a first-grade weapon by Neizhou? If he has become a weapon, that would be alright; at least he couldn't come to Pro Province. But if he hasn't, he might be even harder to deal with than Shan Chengjun or Shu Wanjuan. Husband, please be extra cautious."

Someone who could give Shu Wanjuan psychological trauma certainly warranted extra caution. Li Banfeng first sought out Luo Lijun, asking her to inquire if there was a first-grade weapon named Lai Wuju.

Luo Lijun was terrified. "Your Royal Highness, we are not you. We dare not casually inquire about first-grade weapons."

Li Banfeng walked around Boundless City. "Do you think it's possible that the first-grade weapon Qiao Yi hid in Boundless City is Lai Wuju?"

"I truly do not know about that."

"How about we release him and see?" Li Banfeng took out the bronze bell.

Luo Lijun quickly stopped Li Banfeng. "Your Highness, you mustn't! Keep your hand steady; for goodness sake, don't make a sound."

Li Banfeng went to Jadeite Tower and asked Jiang Ling'er about Lai Wuju's whereabouts.

Jiang Ling'er had sewn a long-sleeved martial opera costume for Li Banfeng: a silver-based, blue-patterned long gown with a golden helmet adorned with kingfisher feathers, exuding both ferocity and composure.

The style was beautiful, but the size wasn't quite right. Jiang Ling'er picked up her scissors and altered it again.

The clothes were quickly altered. Jiang Ling'er bit off the last thread and helped Li Banfeng put on the costume.

Seeing that it fit perfectly, Jiang Ling'er smiled with satisfaction.

Li Banfeng asked, "You haven't heard of Lai Wuju?"

Jiang Ling'er nodded vigorously.

Li Banfeng looked in the mirror. "This costume is beautiful. Someday I'll learn opera from my wife and perform with you sisters."

Just for that one sentence from Li Banfeng, Jiang Ling'er was overjoyed. She struggled to lift the corners of her mouth, revealing a slight smile.

Leaving Boundless City, Li Banfeng wanted to find Old Train. He inquired in Gourd Village, but Old Train had been chased by Ayi and no one knew where he had gone.

Never mind. The matter of Lai Wuju could wait for now; there were more pressing concerns.

White Falcon Commandery was secured, but another place still required vigilance. Li Banfeng went to take a look at Desolate Plains.

Arriving at Desolate Path Town, Li Banfeng quickly spotted a familiar face: Old Liu, the carriage driver, was doing business in the town.

Li Banfeng stepped forward to greet him. "You've prospered! Don't you mind the expensive entrance fee into the city anymore?"

Old Liu, the driver, chuckled. "No need to pay the entrance fee anymore! The rules have changed!"

In Desolate Plains, merchants outside Desolate Path Town previously didn't dare enter the city because the fee was too high, exceeding many people's daily income.

Now that the entrance fee was abolished, Desolate Path Town was much livelier than before.

"I heard the entrance fee was to support the Desolate Iron Cavalry. Now that money isn't collected, what do they eat?"

Old Liu cracked his whip. "Master Yao said that with so many businesses among the various families, they have no shortage of food."

Li Banfeng looked at the street, recalling the rampaging Desolate Iron Cavalry. "Be extra careful. The Desolate Iron Cavalry might come patrolling soon; don't let them run into you."

Old Liu wasn't worried at all. "They've all gone to patrol outside the city. It's said that Master Yao makes them run more than ten rounds a day: half riding, half on foot. If they don't run, he beats them half to death."

"Don't they ask about this Master Yao's background?"

"Some did ask, but they just got beaten. After two beatings, no one asked anymore. Master Yao replaced more than half of the Desolate Iron Cavalry. Those who remain have had it tough, and many who want to get beaten can't even get in line."

They chatted along the way, and Old Liu stopped the carriage at the inn where Li Banfeng had stayed last time.

Li Banfeng had previously fought the Blade Cultivation Patriarch and the Strength Cultivation Chieftain there, destroying the inn. Now, a two-story Western-style house stood in its place.

"Master Yao lives here. I don't know if he's home or if he's gone out of the city for drills."

Li Banfeng paid Old Liu the carriage fare, and Old Liu drove his carriage to the market entrance.

The old man who used to look after horses at the inn was now waiting for work at the labor market with a shovel. Old Liu went up to him and gave him two banknotes. "Come on, I've hired you for today."

The old man returned the banknotes to Old Liu. "You little rascal, I can still move. I don't need your filial piety."

Old Liu pulled the old man up. "Get up now. What's the use of squatting here? You're so old you can barely walk. Who would hire you for anything? You're making a fool of yourself all day. Just come with me."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm hungry. I'm looking for someone to share a meal with, alright?"

"Can't you eat by yourself, boy?"

"Nope, I can't eat without you. I remember you saved a lot of money back then. Where did you spend it all?"

The old man chuckled. "Those big coins were long ago spent by me. I had one piece, and I'd spend ninety-five cents. That's how comfortable life was!"

Li Banfeng waited for a while at the entrance of the Western-style house, then Old Yao returned, carrying a wine pot.

Seeing Li Qi, Old Yao was delighted. He prepared wine and dishes, and they drank and chatted.

Li Banfeng asked about the condition of the Desolate Iron Cavalry. Old Yao sighed. "They're just getting by. Some are capable of fighting, but there are also many cowards. If you really want to send them to the battlefield, a lot more effort is needed."

"How do they compare to the Iron Bone Army you led back then?"

Yao Xin waved his hand. "There's no comparison. The Iron Bone Army back then was trained by our Grand Master. These people are far inferior, even worse than the soldiers under Cong Shixiang."

Li Banfeng was surprised. "You served under Cong Shixiang?"

Yao Xin nodded. "Yes, I did. After what happened on my wedding night, I stayed in the military camp ever since. My relationship with Cong Shixiang was quite close, and it was because of that connection that I later fell for his trick and led troops to Bitter Medicine Pass."

Speaking of this past, Old Yao looked a little sad. Logically, Li Banfeng shouldn't have asked further.

But this matter had to be asked today. "Cong Shixiang achieved so many military feats. Was it because he was good at leading troops?"

Old Yao chuckled. "He? Lead troops? He wouldn't even dare to be on the front lines in battle. Those military merits did indeed go to him, but he—" At this point, Old Yao hesitated, as if reluctant to continue.

Li Banfeng didn't beat around the bush anymore. "Old Yao, I just want to know if there was a person named Lai Wuju in the army?"

Old Yao picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and savored it for a while. "This matter hasn't been brought up in many years, and it shouldn't be."

Li Banfeng said, "Two days ago, White Falcon Commandery fought a battle. Neizhou mobilized the Bandit Suppression Camp. If Zhang Wanlong hadn't prepared in advance, White Falcon Commandery might have been completely annihilated."

Old Yao recognized Zhang Wanlong. "Old Xu's disciple has potential."

"Elder Xu also went in person."

Old Yao was surprised. "Old Xu still handles external affairs?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "That's why this matter is significant. If Lai Wuju is still alive, and he leads the army next time, no one can say they could stop him."

Old Yao put down his wine cup, his expression conflicted. "At that time, in the army, whether it was cultivation or military strategy, Lai Wuju had given me a lot of guidance. Logically, I shouldn't speak of these matters, but this indeed requires caution. It was Lai Wuju who helped Cong Shixiang fight battles back then. He looked like a refined, handsome young man. Everyone thought he was a young general, never suspecting he was the ancestor of Food Cultivators. He was indeed an excellent fighter back then, and he had a group of elite soldiers under him. He commanded dozens of battles, big and small, in the army. Many generals tried to uncover his true identity but failed. Ultimately, news leaked from the enemy's side, revealing his true identity. At that time, I was doing miscellaneous tasks in the army, and Cong Shixiang barely even looked at me. Lai Wuju loved to drink, and we gradually became friends. He knew a lot about Wine Cultivators, and not just Wine Cultivators, but also many other Daoist sects. I learned many of my skills during that time. Later, the two armies fought a fierce battle. Shan Chengjun confronted Lai Wuju head-on in the front. His subordinates were all killed, leaving Shan Chengjun alone, who stubbornly held out for half an hour. The Peddler ambushed the rear, burning the army's grain and fodder. This struck a fatal blow. Shu Wanjuan then led his troops in another charge. Lai Wuju and his elite soldiers were dispersed. Since then, I haven't seen him again. Some say he was killed by the Peddler, others say his subordinates were all Food Cultivators who couldn't fight without food, so he surrendered. Still others say he was taken to the capital by Cong Shixiang and handed over to the Sage to take the blame. I truly don't know where he went. Perhaps he really is in Neizhou."

Li Banfeng asked, "After this battle, did Zhao Xiaowan resume leading troops?"

Old Yao nodded. "Did the Grand Marshal tell you about this?"

"She hadn't heard of Lai Wuju, but she did tell me about such a fierce battle."

This was the carefully planned sneak attack by the Peddler that his wife had mentioned. He hadn't expected such a formidable enemy in that assault.

If Lai Wuju was killed, the Peddler and Old Train would surely know the outcome.

If Lai Wuju was still alive, whom should he ask?

Nian Shangyou was knowledgeable. Perhaps he could invite him out for a chat?

Li Banfeng still had one unresolved question. "Lai Wuju, with such high status and formidable abilities, didn't seek fame or fortune. Why would he follow someone like Cong Shixiang?"

Old Yao sighed. "No one in the army at the time could clearly explain that. I only heard Lai Wuju mention it once. He said he wanted to go to Fang Shengzhou, claiming it was a good place. But the path to Fang Shengzhou was very difficult, and Cong Shixiang had connections, which is why Lai Wuju was willing to help him fight."

Li Banfeng had heard of Fang Shengzhou. "Is there anything special about this place?"

Old Yao shook his head. "I've only heard the name of that place. I truly don't know how different Fang Shengzhou is from Pro Province. I think Lai Wuju might have truly gone to Fang Shengzhou. If he did go there, that would be for the best; then we wouldn't need to guard against him anymore."

Though he spoke of guarding against him, Old Yao's every word conveyed deep admiration for Lai Wuju.

The two chatted idly for a long time. Old Yao then asked about Zhao Xiaowan. "How has our Grand Marshal been lately?"

Li Banfeng replied, "Good. She's gained a bit of weight recently."

Old Yao didn't quite understand. Gourd explained from the side, "Madam is doing very well at home. Our little brother often oils Madam, and at first, Madam wasn't happy about it, but now she is. However, our little brother is too fast."

This was a good explanation. Old Yao knew that Zhao Xiaowan had transformed into a Gramophone, so oiling her was certainly necessary. "Old Qi, you mustn't treat our Grand Marshal like a common household item. You must treat her well."

Gourd continued, "Our little brother is very good to Madam. Now Madam is pregnant, and our little brother is still so fast. Sometimes Madam secretly cries—"

Li Banfeng quickly picked up the wine gourd and filled Old Yao's cup. "Come, let's have a drink, brother!"

After eating and drinking their fill, Old Yao stuck to his usual custom: he went straight to sleep without seeing his guest out.

Li Banfeng left Desolate Plains. He hadn't gone far when he suddenly turned around and saw Old Train following him.

"Brother, I was just about to look for you! I have an important question for you!"

Old Train nodded. "My dear brother, I've found you. I also have something important to ask you."

What a coincidence?

Li Banfeng said, "Then I'll ask first. You know about Lai Wuju, right?"

"Yes, the Food Cultivator Ancestor."

"Was he killed by the Peddler back then?"

"I don't know. You'd have to ask the Peddler. He fought that battle. After it ended, no one knew where Lai Wuju went, and the Peddler never said."

Old Train had no further information.

"Brother, it's my turn to ask now."

"Please, brother."

Old Train lowered his voice. "Is Little Train fun?"

Li Banfeng nodded. "Yes, it is."

"He has many ways to play. Do you know them all?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "Not too many."

Old Train's expression suddenly became very excited. "There are some ways to play that even I haven't figured out. For example, do you think Little Train can be used as a house?"

Li Banfeng answered cautiously, "I suppose so."

Old Train thought for a moment. "For an ordinary house, yes, it can. But for a Dwelling Cultivator's dwelling, it definitely won't work."

Li Banfeng asked, "Why not?"

Old Train chuckled. "You don't understand, do you? Houses meant for Dwelling Cultivators' dwellings understand dwelling cultivation techniques. Little Train doesn't understand dwelling cultivation techniques, so it can't teach techniques to dwelling spirits. If dwelling spirits don't know techniques, how can they teach them to dwelling cultivators? And if dwelling cultivators don't have techniques, how can they cultivate?"

Li Banfeng was speechless.

After a long journey, Salad didn't take a single day off. Dear readers,