Miss Feng

In a newland, a successful reclamation was signaled by two omens. The first was the appearance of Heavenly Light. Not the kind Li Banfeng had basked under before, but faint light descending from the sky to illuminate the plot. Though the halo above was subtle, the light was undeniably there. The second omen was finding a water source. And now, water was welling up from the pit! Li Banfeng was thrilled, though he couldn't yet be sure if it was a true water source. Caution. He had to be cautious. Fetching a bucket, he carefully walked down into the pit, drew a bucket of water, and carried it back into the Portable Abode. The wife peered at the water in the bucket and hissed softly in response, "The water is a bit murky, but there's no poison in it. Let it settle for a while, and it will be fit to use." There was water. The reclamation had succeeded! Overjoyed, Li Banfeng dashed straight out of the Portable Abode. This newland was his now. Even though the land was barren of everything else, Li Banfeng scooped up a handful of dirt and felt it was utterly priceless. This was the very first piece of land he had ever owned in his entire life. He shouldn't have played it so safe at the start. He should have prepared more offerings and staked out a boundary spanning three li. No, three li was still too modest—he should have claimed ten li, the absolute maximum! After all, since he spent the trial holed up inside the Portable Abode, it wouldn't have mattered how massive the plot was! It wasn't too late, either! The offering table was still here, and the Portable Abode had plenty of fine aged wine left. Li Banfeng carried the offering table outside the boundary of his own plot, set it down, and placed six bottles of aged wine and six cans of food upon it—a symbol of double sixes bringing smooth fortune—as offerings to the local spirit. He arranged incense and candles as well. The Portable Abode had all of these, missing only a covenant deed. Drafting a deed was easy enough; the text was exceedingly simple. Li Banfeng had heard it read once and remembered the gist of it. After writing the deed out, he burned it to ash. Amid the drifting gray flakes, Li Banfeng saw a puff of teal flame. It was here! The local spirit had arrived! The wine on the table drained to the last drop, the cans popped open, and their contents were devoured clean in no time. Accepting the offerings meant the local spirit had accepted the covenant. Li Banfeng peered all around, yet he saw no glowing boundary line. It hadn't lit up... What was going on? Could it be that the plot granted by the local spirit was so vast that its edges stretched beyond sight? Very possible! Li Banfeng broke into a run, dashing far into the distance. But even after running for ages, he still couldn't spot the slightest glow. *Whoosh—* A gust of icy wind blew past. *Patter—* Rain suddenly began to fall. It ought to have been snowing at this time of year; why was it raining all of a sudden? Through the patter of rainfall, Li Banfeng faintly made out a low, ancient voice. It repeated a single phrase over and over: *"Ptui! What a shameless wretch!"* *You ate my offerings.* *You didn't give me any land!* *And you dare call me shameless?!* *Who's the shameless one here, you or me?!* *If I weren't so completely outmatched by you in a fight, I'd give you a piece of my mind no matter what!* Since the local spirit refused to grant any land, Li Banfeng had no choice but to carry the offering table back into the Portable Abode. He had the light, he had the water, and the reclamation was complete. Yet Li Banfeng couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. What was it? Where was Ma the Fifth? Hadn't they agreed that Ma the Fifth would come to the plot to find him once the time was up? Had he lost track of time? Impossible. Ma the Fifth carried a pocket watch and was exceptionally punctual. Had something happened? Could he have broken a rule in the Orange Grove? Li Banfeng dashed all the way to the Orange Grove, wandered through it for a short while, and spotted the grove's master. "Young man, craving oranges again?" Li Banfeng nodded. "I really am a bit peckish." The old man plucked an orange and handed it over. As Li Banfeng ate, he asked, "Over the past couple of days, did a young man visit the grove?" The old man pondered for a moment. "One person did come by. He picked a few oranges and left." Ma the Fifth picked oranges and left? Why hadn't he stayed put in the grove instead of wandering off on his own? Was that person really Ma the Fifth? As if reading Li Banfeng's thoughts, the old man continued, "Ever since you departed, only one person has set foot in the grove. I reckon that's the fellow you're looking for. He headed east. You could go have a look, though my advice is that you'd best steer clear. The man you're seeking may have run into quite an extraordinary figure." *An extraordinary figure?* For the grove master to call someone extraordinary, that person's background was bound to be formidable. What sort of situation was Ma the Fifth in right now? Assuming the person who took the oranges was indeed Ma the Fifth, and assuming he truly had met this extraordinary figure, what had been his purpose in taking the oranges? Food. Food was the only plausible purpose he could think of. Ma the Fifth looking for food proved he still retained a certain degree of freedom. The fact that he hadn't eaten inside the grove or sought shelter there proved he was gathering food not just for himself, but for that prominent figure as well. From the looks of it, they were getting along quite amicably. And since the big figure hadn't come to the grove in person, it suggested their condition wasn't very good. Of course, all of this was his own speculation. Yet even if the speculation was true, he still had to find Ma the Fifth at once. His wife had mentioned before that high-tier cultivators recovered at astonishing speeds. Finishing the orange, Li Banfeng carefully formulated a plan, grabbed his feather duster, departed the Orange Grove, and set out toward the east. His plan was as follows: first, verify whether Ma the Fifth was indeed with that prominent figure. Next, assess that prominent figure's condition. Then, determine that prominent figure's intentions. If the prominent figure harbored good intentions, the matter would be easy to resolve. If the prominent figure bore malice but was in poor shape, he would fight them. If the prominent figure bore malice and remained in good shape... That was the trickiest scenario of all, and Li Banfeng had no idea how he would handle it. Yet one thing was clear. Ma the Fifth was Li Banfeng's friend. Ma the Fifth had accompanied Li Banfeng out here to reclaim land. No matter what situation arose, Li Banfeng would do everything in his power to save him. After walking a dozen or so li, the ground gradually turned muddy, and Li Banfeng spotted Ma the Fifth's footprints. His distinct boots had deep treads that left unmistakable imprints on the muddy path. Following the tracks, Li Banfeng never once sensed danger. That didn't mean danger was absent. The grove master's age had long surpassed the limits of a normal human; an extraordinary figure in his eyes would possess power and standing well beyond his own. Against someone of that level, Li Banfeng's art of seeking good fortune and avoiding calamity was completely useless. After another dozen or so li, Li Banfeng came upon a bamboo grove. From deep within the bamboo, the faint strumming of a zither drifted through the air. Li Banfeng checked his scythe and Tang dao, then felt for the pendulum and iron ruler. All his equipment was in place, but none of it would be of much use. Only two items could serve him now. One was the Thread-Hook Earring, which could pick up faint sounds. The other was his key—the crux of his survival. Li Banfeng had the Thread-Hook Earring track the zither's notes. First, he heard a woman's voice. "Your friend has arrived." Immediately following that, he heard Ma the Fifth's voice. "He's a good man. He's always treated me well." The woman's voice returned: "If he treats you well, then he must be good. I shall also..." Li Banfeng had only heard half of it when the voice abruptly cut out. It wasn't because the conversation had stopped, but because the earring's thread had snapped. Her hook had failed. Li Banfeng urged the Thread-Hook Earring to track the zither notes again, but the earring didn't dare. "Master, you mustn't listen to that woman's voice. A few more sentences, and your humble servant's soul will scatter to the winds." Li Banfeng drew a deep breath. Following the footprints and the music, he stepped deep into the bamboo grove and beheld a small hut built of bamboo. Before the hut's door, a woman of exquisite beauty was playing the zither. The newland was dark, and Li Banfeng couldn't truly make out her features clearly, yet he was struck by the overwhelming conviction that she was breathtaking, her beauty utterly flawless. Why he felt that way, even Li Banfeng couldn't explain. Ma the Fifth was tending a fire beside her, boiling a kettle of water—where the water had come from was anyone's guess. Upon seeing Li Banfeng, Ma the Fifth shouted excitedly, "Brother Li, you're finally here!" Li Banfeng nodded. "I'm here. It's time for us to leave." Ma the Fifth's brow twitched for a moment, then he shook his head. "I can't leave just yet. Miss Feng hasn't fully recovered. I need to stay and take care of her." "Miss Feng?" Li Banfeng looked toward the woman playing the zither. The music ceased. Caressing the zither strings, Miss Feng looked at Li Banfeng and said, "Young Master Li, I have heard Wulang speak of you. You are a good man. The fifth young master saved my life, and I will certainly repay such kindness. It is only that I am not yet well and still require Wulang's care. In a few days, Wulang shall return home. Young Master Li, you need not worry." Ma the Fifth chimed in from the side, "Brother Li, Miss Feng cannot be left alone right now. I really can't get away. Go on back first." Hearing this, Li Banfeng said, "Since the lady needs a helping hand, why don't I stay as well and look after her alongside Young Master Ma?" "That would be... rather inconvenient." As she spoke, Miss Feng's cheeks flushed crimson. Ma the Fifth shook his head repeatedly. "Brother Li, this involves many private matters where you can't be of help. Listen to me, head back first." As he spoke, Ma the Fifth stared fixedly at Li Banfeng. He was wide awake, subtly signaling Li Banfeng to leave as soon as possible, or else danger would follow. The zither music started up again. The melody remained the same, but the tempo was slightly brisker. Listening to the notes, Li Banfeng was struck by a wave of dizziness. Ma the Fifth cried out in alarm, "Miss, Brother Li is my closest friend!" Miss Feng kept her head lowered as she played, her brow furrowing slightly, as though displeased. This time, Li Banfeng sensed malice—overwhelmingly intense malice. It was a signal deliberately released by Miss Feng. Li Banfeng realized at once that he was no match for this woman. Without lingering any further, he turned and walked out of the bamboo grove. Upon reaching the edge of the bamboo, Li Banfeng prepared to revise his plan and find another way to rescue Ma the Fifth. Just as he was surveying the surrounding terrain, the zither music drifted right to his ear. A wave of dizziness washed over him, and Miss Feng's voice sounded beside his ear once more: "Young Master Li, I was gravely wounded in a battle and require a man's aid to heal my injuries. Wulang values love and loyalty; he is a fine young man. I am naturally fond of him, and he treats me with genuine sincerity. I harbor not the slightest malice toward him—you may rest assured. As a token of gratitude, I gift you something: a piece of flesh I carved from that opponent during our battle." No sooner had the words landed than a piece of meat appeared before Li Banfeng. It was the size of a palm, drenched in blood, and still squirming. Li Banfeng didn't dare touch the flesh. A light breeze blew over two bamboo leaves, wrapping the meat securely, and stalks of grass tied it tightly, fashioning it into a neat parcel just like a zongzi before delivering it right into Li Banfeng's hands. Li Banfeng caught it. Miss Feng murmured softly, "Go on, be on your way, go..." Li Banfeng felt another dizzy spell, and his body moved away from the bamboo grove against his own control. The water boiled. Ma the Fifth brought a bowl over to Miss Feng. "He is my closest friend. Please do not harm him." Miss Feng smiled. "Rest assured, Wulang. I am merely sending him back. With my protection guiding his journey, so long as he does not cross paths with that beggar, no one in this newland can harm him." Ma the Fifth started. "Which beggar do you mean?" Miss Feng stroked Ma the Fifth's cheek. "You were born into wealth and know little of such matters. One cannot blame you; that is how the people of this land are nowadays. That beggar is exceedingly formidable. Never mind my current injuries—even when I was hale and whole, I might not have been his match." At the touch on his cheek, a shiver ran through Ma the Fifth, and he flushed red from his cheekbones down to the base of his ears. Miss Feng chuckled. "When we were entwined last night, you were so valiant. Why are you suddenly turning bashful now?" Ma the Fifth lowered his head with a self-deprecating smile. "Please don't tease me, Miss. How could I ever be worthy of the word 'valiant'? You only keep me by your side for amusement." Miss Feng's brow knit slightly, her eyes brimming with sorrowful reproach. "Wulang, do you believe I deceived you?" Ma the Fifth sighed softly. "When we first met, I saw you ensnared by the emerald snake vine and threw myself forward heedlessly to save you. Looking back now, given your cultivation, how could you possibly have been trapped by an aberrant of that level? Was that not merely toying with me?" Miss Feng grasped Ma the Fifth's hand and pressed it against her heart, speaking softly, "Wulang, truly, I did not deceive you. I was gravely wounded then and genuinely could not defeat that snake vine. Had it not been for you, I would never have recovered so quickly. I shall remember this kindness forever. Wulang, you are a Joy Cultivator; the path of cultivation demands a sturdy physique. I shall bestow a fine physique upon you as my repayment." Ma the Fifth was astonished. "What kind of physique?" "You will know in a moment." Blushing, Miss Feng took Ma the Fifth by the hand and led him into the hut. *** Li Banfeng hurried through the Lesser Underworld, arriving at the Wireworm River. He had no desire to walk so fast, yet he couldn't stop. Innumerable threads of consciousness existed within his mind, each holding an equal voice. Yet the majority of them were seized by a single thought—he had to return to Lanyang Village. His entire being was bent solely on heading in the direction of Lanyang Village, even forgetting to avoid any danger. At the Wireworm River, one could go no further; taking another step meant plunging straight into the water. Yet Li Banfeng was about to charge right into the river. A small fraction of his consciousness fought desperately to hold him back: *Stop! Stop! You can't go any further!* Li Banfeng knew he had to stop, but the compulsion driving him forward was nearly impossible to rein in. He could do nothing except walk onward. *Stop!* *Stop!* *I want to go home!* At that crucial juncture, his Heart Arrowing Home technique came into play. With great difficulty, Li Banfeng drew out his key. With his limbs teetering on the brink of total loss of control, Li Banfeng used the key to unlock the door to the Portable Abode, then hurled the key with all his might toward the opposite bank. Once he crossed through the doorway, the Heart Arrowing Home technique lost its effect. Li Banfeng pulled the door open, intending to head right back out. He had to return to Lanyang Village. That irresistible impulse once more took command of his mind. The gramophone was awake, the water in the bucket having settled clear, and she was in the middle of replenishing her own reservoir. It was fortunate that she was awake to notice Li Banfeng's abnormal state. "My goodness, Husband, whatever has happened to you?" A plume of steam billowed out to bar Li Banfeng's path. Li Banfeng's face twisted, his speech slurring as he mumbled incoherently, "Mad girl... Miss Feng..." "You shameless madman, mentioning some girl right in front of me?! What girl could be so mad as to bewitch you into such a state? Husband, are you possessed or what? What girl were you talking about just now? Could it be that slut Feng Daiku?!" *** On the banks of the Wireworm River, the key to the Portable Abode lay on the opposite shore, less than ten centimeters from the squirming wireworms. A single wireworm extended its slender body toward the bank. When it recoiled, it swept the key along with it, tumbling into the Wireworm River and into the surging torrent of wireworms.