Joy of Reunion

Li Qi informed Luo Yanjun that turning a three-headed person into three individuals was open for discussion. Overjoyed, Luo Yanjun hurried off to send word to Catfish Envoy Nian Shangyou. Luo Shaojun worried that Yanjun might stir up trouble, and worried even more that Nian Shangyou would act against Li Qi. "Brother Seven, you look injured. It would be best to proceed with caution and not deal with that man rashly." Li Banfeng instructed her, "Guard the rear garden. Have everyone leave. If I haven't come out of the garden, no one is allowed to enter." Shaojun asked no further questions. In less than half an hour, she had everything arranged. Li Banfeng retrieved the divine statues from the sunflower heads—seventy-eight in all. He swallowed down all the human qi from the seventy-eight divine statues and carefully estimated the amount. Was it ninety-five percent, or ninety-seven percent? Or was it already enough? Li Banfeng couldn't pin down the exact number. It felt like enough, yet seemed to fall just a hair short. Returning to the companion dwelling, Li Banfeng discussed his advancement with his lady. Her two needles pressed against each other, spinning in circles, clearly devoid of confidence. "Husband, this humble servant has never experienced advancing to the fourth tier above the clouds. Besides, the path to be advanced this time is the Travel Cultivator. As for Travel Cultivators, perhaps you should ask Yingying." Hong Ying stood before the mirror applying makeup, sweat trickling down her cheeks without pause. The gramophone raised a board and scolded, "Haven't you put on enough powder? Husband is about to advance, didn't you hear?" Hong Ying wiped away her sweat. "I haven't experienced the fourth tier above the clouds either. I'm afraid I won't understand it." "The more critical the moment, the less we can count on you!" The gramophone summoned Ninth Maiden. "Jiu'er, you've seen the Cloud Gate technique. You should know how to advance to the fourth tier above the clouds." Ninth Maiden was also in a bind. "I've seen the Cloud Gate technique, but I never mastered it. Besides, the Cloud Gate technique shouldn't be needed this time." Hong Ying asked, "Why wouldn't it be needed? Didn't you say that without knowing it, one can't advance to the fourth tier above the clouds?" Ninth Maiden explained, "A physique at the third tier above the clouds cannot hold the human qi required to reach the fourth tier. The Cloud Gate technique is used to store the surplus human qi. Ah Qi is already at the fourth tier above the clouds, so his body can hold the human qi, and the Cloud Gate technique isn't needed. That's why..." "That's why what?" the gramophone pressed. Ninth Maiden lowered her head, looking somewhat abashed. "That's why I can't be of any help either." Li Banfeng looked around the room, then turned back to his lady. "Then I can only go find Jiang Ling'er." The gramophone rubbed its horn against Li Banfeng. "Husband... then go!" "Wait in the main room for now, Madam. I might still need your help when the time comes." "This servant will obey Husband in all things." The gramophone saw Li Banfeng to the door, then turned back to look at the room full of people. Hong Ying continued her makeup, applying lipstick over and over again. Jiu'er stepped forward to help Hong Ying comb her hair. Once the braid was finished, she unraveled it, only to braid it anew. No one else dared speak, until the Tang dao finally opened its mouth. "A grand commander's belly is vast enough to pole a barge. The master has merely gone out to look for an outside woman. When you think about it, it's really nothing of consequence." Hong Ying and Jiu'er turned together to look at the gramophone. The gramophone snapped in anger, "What are you looking at me for? Isn't it because you're all useless? If even one of you were of any help, would we have to let that outsider gain an advantage!" *** Li Banfeng went to Yucui Building. Jiang Ling'er was doing needlework. She glanced up at him and asked, "What business brings you here?" Li Banfeng replied with an even expression, "Can't I come see you without business?" Jiang Ling'er lowered her head and resumed her embroidery. "If you have business, speak up quickly." She was so blunt that Li Banfeng could only speak the truth. "I'm about to advance again." Jiang Ling'er froze. "Didn't you just advance to the fourth tier above the clouds? How can you be advancing again?" Li Banfeng said, "As you know, I operate businesses in two doorways. Once one advances, the other must keep pace." As he spoke, Li Banfeng's legs trembled incessantly. Jiang Ling'er watched his legs. "Your other path is Travel Cultivator. I don't know much about Travel Cultivators. It would be best to have one here to lend a hand." She had agreed! Li Banfeng truly hadn't expected Jiang Ling'er to agree so readily. He nodded. "That can be arranged." Jiang Ling'er pondered for a moment, then added, "Home and Travel are fundamentally incompatible. I have no idea how you managed to get this far. Does anyone know the art of harmonizing them?" "Yes!" Li Banfeng was completely confident on this point. When breaking through from ground level to above the clouds, both Home and Travel had advanced simultaneously; his lady certainly knew how to balance them. Jiang Ling'er asked again, "Do you have Profound Accumulation Pills on hand?" "Yes!" He never ran short of Profound Accumulation Pills. Jiang Ling'er nodded. "Then let's begin." Her straightforward manner filled Li Banfeng with guilt. She kept working her needle, seemingly with no intention of reproaching him. Using his Connecting Bridal Chambers technique, Li Banfeng brought out both his lady and Hong Ying. Jiang Ling'er's face remained blank as she muttered softly, "This fellow is far too brazen, actually bringing women from outside into the house!" Yucui Building hummed faintly in her ear, "More than just women from outside—he brought an outside house with him as well!" Jiang Ling'er paused, gazing out the window for a long while. "Where is this outside house? Where was it built?" Yucui Building murmured again, "I do not know where that house is, but I can sense it. Be careful. The two women he brought are no gentle souls either." Jiang Ling'er looked at Hong Ying and the gramophone. Hong Ying showed no fear, glaring right back at Jiang Ling'er. "What are you looking at?" The gramophone shrank back slightly, avoiding conversation with Jiang Ling'er. Li Banfeng urged the three of them, "This advancement is exceedingly perilous. Put aside any grievances for now. We must be of one mind and strength to weather this trial." The gramophone vented a puff of steam. "Husband speaks reason. We must unite our hearts and strength." Jiang Ling'er looked at the two of them. "Which of you is the Travel Cultivator?" Hong Ying stayed silent. The gramophone gave her a pinch. "She's asking you!" Jiang Ling'er said to Hong Ying, "First help him prepare an environment for advancement." Hong Ying asked, "What kind of environment?" The gramophone explained, "A favorable setting for Husband." Hong Ying remained confused. "When you helped Brother Seven advance before, I never saw you create any favorable setting." The gramophone patiently explained, "For a Home Cultivator, advancing inside a residence is a favorable setting! For a Wine Cultivator, advancing while soaking in a wine vat is also a favorable setting!" Hong Ying finally understood. "Brother Seven, use your Mind Traversing a Thousand Mountains technique. Picture wind and clouds." Li Banfeng pondered for a moment. "What kind of wind and clouds?" Hong Ying thought about how to describe it. "A gentle breeze bringing pleasant warmth, clouds rolling and unrolling." Those few words stirred a certain resonance in Li Banfeng. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he focused his thoughts, and soon wisps of clouds formed inside the room, accompanied by gusts of chilly wind. "Make the wind a little warmer, softer, and the clouds a bit thicker." Hong Ying gently massaged Li Banfeng's brow, easing him onto the bed. Mind Traversing a Thousand Mountains normally lasted only a short time, but with Hong Ying's support, Li Banfeng held it a bit longer. The clouds in the room gradually enveloped Li Banfeng. Bathed in the warm, gentle breeze, he swiftly drifted into slumber. Jiang Ling'er looked at him. "Isn't he just falling asleep? What kind of advancement environment is this?" Hong Ying let out a cold laugh. "If you don't understand, don't talk nonsense. Whenever I advanced in the past, all it took was a good sleep." Jiang Ling'er said, "You think this matter can be brushed off so easily? Are you truly a Travel Cultivator?" "Who are you calling careless?" Jiang Ling'er locked eyes with Hong Ying, and Hong Ying glared back. With the two on the verge of coming to blows, the gramophone hastened to smooth things over. "Miss Jiang, Hong Ying is the pinnacle of Travel Cultivators. Her method may be a bit crude, but it might not be ineffective. Let us start quickly and help our husband advance." Jiang Ling'er gave a scornful scoff. "Merely two concubines kept outside, yet you dare call him husband in front of me?" That remark set Hong Ying off entirely. "Who are you calling kept women? Do you have no sense of decency?" "Decency?" Jiang Ling'er sneered. "Look at the pair of you. Could you possibly be qualified to vie with me for the place of first wife?" Those two sentences struck Hong Ying straight to the heart. Hong Ying drew her long sword. "In what way am I inferior to you? With that meager beauty of yours, you dare act insolent before us sisters? I see you're tired of living!" The gramophone snapped sharply, "Yingying! Stop this nonsense. Wait until we've saved Husband before saying another word." Jiang Ling'er glanced at Hong Ying's sword. "The edge is decent enough. It will come in handy in a moment. Leave it aside for now." The gramophone was puzzled. What use could a sword serve? Yet she dared not ask, nor did she dare look at Jiang Ling'er directly. Even to the gramophone herself, it felt absurd. Transformed as she was, there was no way Jiang Ling'er could recognize her. Yet she was terrified. The moment she laid eyes on Jiang Ling'er, an ache gripped her chest. She took the music box from Li Banfeng's person and set it to play music beside him, ensuring he would remain in a deep slumber for an extended period. Jiang Ling'er untied Li Banfeng's robes. "Wipe him clean first." This was something the gramophone excelled at. She frequently washed Li Banfeng's body, wiping him down thoroughly from head to toe. Jiang Ling'er took hold of his vital part and said to Hong Ying, "Get ready with the blade." Hong Ying jumped in fright. "A blade where?" Jiang Ling'er pinched the vital part. "Don't you recognize this?" Hong Ying cried out in horror, "Have you lost your mind? How can you put a knife to that? Don't tell me you want to cut it off?!" Jiang Ling'er asked, "Without cutting, how can he advance?" Hong Ying flew into a rage. "If you cut it off, what will we use later?!" "I'm not telling you to cut the whole thing off," Jiang Ling'er said, too weary to elaborate further. "You hold it, I'll do the work." Hong Ying pinched the vital part. Jiang Ling'er tested Hong Ying's sword, found it unwieldy, and turned to pick up her own shears instead. She made a small incision beneath the vital part. Hong Ying trembled in fright. "Watch what you're doing! If you ruin it, there'll be no living after this!" Jiang Ling'er explained, "Last time he came, his human qi was excessive. I had to sever the meridian to convert a portion of the human qi into yang qi. This time the situation is the reverse. His human qi falls slightly short—around ninety-nine percent. That remaining one percent must be replenished with yang qi, so another meridian must be snipped and cleared." Hong Ying understood the rough gist, but she couldn't set her mind at ease, her grip growing tighter and tighter. Jiang Ling'er said, "Don't squeeze so hard. If it comes out, his yang qi will dissipate, and it will be even harder to manage. Use your techniques to push him forward and accelerate the advancement." If it was only a matter of speed, Hong Ying truly knew how to handle it. She gently massaged Li Banfeng's body with her fingertips, causing the flesh beneath his skin to quiver continuously. This was no ordinary technique—it was Treading Ten Thousand Rivers. One should not assume Hong Ying only knew harsh measures; she was capable of gentle methods as well. She used Treading Ten Thousand Rivers to stimulate Li Banfeng without harming him, allowing the sleeping Li Banfeng to perceive danger through Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Calamity, thereby quickening his advancement on his own. Jiang Ling'er asked, "Who has the Profound Accumulation Pills?" The gramophone opened her front cabinet. "I have them." Jiang Ling'er said to her, "Administer them based on his condition. I can't say for sure whether he needs more or less. You'd better break the pills into small pieces and feed them to him slowly, while ensuring his breath remains steady throughout. How well this goes depends on your skill." The timing and measurement were tricky, but fortunately, the gramophone understood Li Banfeng well enough to dose him with absolute precision. Jiang Ling'er carefully probed his meridians, using yang qi to gradually make up for the missing human qi. The three of them labored through the entire night. By dawn the next day, Li Banfeng's condition had stabilized, signifying that the advancement was a success. Li Banfeng remained in deep sleep. With nowhere else to go, the gramophone and Hong Ying had no choice but to stay in Yucui Building. Hong Ying still found Jiang Ling'er an eyesore, but Jiang Ling'er didn't stoop to bickering with her, keeping her head down and attending to her needlework. By dusk, Li Banfeng's condition had improved dramatically. In another hour or so, he seemed likely to awaken. Jiang Ling'er looked at Li Banfeng and sighed. "Wildflowers are always sweeter than domestic blossoms. This man is heartless. Once he wakes, I fear he'll run off with you two vixen spirits again!" Hong Ying drew her sword, ready to fight Jiang Ling'er to the death. "Who are you calling wildflowers? Who are you calling vixen spirits? When I entered this household, Brother Seven didn't even know you! If anyone's a wildflower, it's you!" The gramophone kept holding Hong Ying back, but then saw Jiang Ling'er bring out two bundles and hand them to Hong Ying and Zhao Xiaowan. "Regardless of who is domestic and who is wild, we have crossed paths after all. Take these small tokens of my regard." Hong Ying took the bundle, not rushing to open it. She disliked Jiang Ling'er intensely, yet found a certain bluntness in her that matched her own spirit. To accept a gift without offering anything in return—wouldn't that make her appear petty? Hong Ying handed her long sword to Jiang Ling'er. "This sword is of good craftsmanship. Keep it." Jiang Ling'er did not refuse and accepted the blade. This sword had not originally belonged to Hong Ying; it was a weapon Li Banfeng had claimed after killing an enemy. It wasn't worth an extraordinary sum, but it had accompanied Hong Ying for many days, making it a gift of genuine sincerity. The gramophone found herself in a dilemma. What could she offer in return? Inside her front cabinet lay a pile of cheap jewelry and rouge, which were hardly suitable gifts. Beyond those, there was the wrench given by the peddler and the pliers given by A'yi, meant for repairing the little train—unfit as presents, and not something she could part with. What else was there? There were plenty of silver dollars, but wouldn't using those as a return gift be far too vulgar? Yet she truly could not think of an appropriate item. Just as the gramophone was fretting, Hong Ying suddenly exclaimed, "You have such deft hands! What lovely clothes!" Clothes? Jiang Ling'er had gifted clothes? The gramophone froze. Wasn't this mockery? She was a gramophone; what need did she have for clothes? Could it be a dust cover? The gramophone opened her bundle to look, and inside indeed lay a suit of clothing. Sleeves, a collar, and a skirt. These were clearly not clothes for a gramophone to wear; they were meant for a human. Holding the clothes, the gramophone looked up at Jiang Ling'er. Jiang Ling'er sat beneath the window, looking up at the gramophone. "I wonder if the fit is right." The gramophone said nothing for a long time. Amid the gentle puffing of steam, tiny beads of moisture clung to the horn's rim. The garment originally draped over her needles suddenly slipped to the floor. Had she recognized her? How could she have recognized her? Could she have recognized her by her voice? Hong Ying picked up the clothes and said to the gramophone, "The fit should be fine. Keep them." The gramophone cradled the garment with utmost care, saying to Jiang Ling'er, "The clothes are truly fine, but I don't know what to give you in return." Jiang Ling'er picked up her needle and thread, continuing her work as she spoke, "I used to love singing opera, but I could never sing it well. Do you know how to sing?" "I do," his lady replied softly. Jiang Ling'er said, "Then sing a piece for me." "Which piece would Elder Sister like to hear?" "My favorite is 'Joy of Reunion.' Can you sing it?" The gramophone placed the clothes into her front cabinet and lowered the needle onto the record. "The forest blossoms shed their spring crimson, all too fleeting, Helpless against the morning's chill rain and the evening's wind, The evening wind. Rouge tears, lingering in drunken sorrow, When will we meet again? Such is the endless sorrow of mortal life, flowing ever eastward like the river." The gramophone's voice wavered slightly. Yet Jiang Ling'er did not mind. She stitched her needlework with great care and listened to the opera with equal devotion, just as they had in the theater long ago. One stitched clothes for the other, while the other sang melodies for her. One hid a flatbread inside the garments, and the two shared it between them. Hong Ying turned her face toward the window. The melody made her want to weep, but she feared being laughed at if she shed tears at such a moment. Li Banfeng got out of bed without making a sound, quietly listening to his lady sing. He did not disturb his lady, nor did he disturb Jiang Ling'er. He silently dressed, put on his fedora, and slipped out of Yucui Building. Seeing Li Qi emerge from the rear garden, Luo Shaojun was pleasantly surprised. "Brother Seven, are you all right?" This girl had kept watch before the gates for an entire day and night. Li Banfeng gave Luo Shaojun a Profound Accumulation Pill. Her contribution to the success of this breakthrough had been considerable. Shaojun recognized the pill and firmly refused to accept it. "Brother Seven, this is far too precious—" "Are you refusing to listen to me? If I give it to you, take it. In a moment, summon Yanjun. I have words for her." Luo Shaojun grew nervous. "Brother Seven, Yanjun said she never intended to harm you. There might be some misunderstanding here." Li Banfeng smiled. "Don't worry, I haven't come to settle scores with her. I have a good piece of business to do together with her." Before long, Shaojun brought Yanjun over. Li Banfeng said, "Tomorrow, inform that fish envoy that this matter is open for discussion." Luo Yanjun was overjoyed. "Brother Seven, there's no need to wait until tomorrow! We can talk today. I'll go speak with him right now!" Li Banfeng said, "The hour is late. Isn't this time inappropriate?" "Entirely appropriate!" Yanjun agreed immediately. "Brother Seven is an imperial prince. Any time you summon him is appropriate!" *** Li Banfeng went to the eastern courtyard. Nian Shangyou possessed considerable composure; upon meeting Li Banfeng, his face showed no joy, only a trace of weariness. This was meant to put Li Banfeng in his place—his way of conveying that he was not begging Li Banfeng to make a deal. "Your Highness Prince, summoning your humble subordinate at such a late hour—is there an urgent matter?" These words breached protocol, but Li Banfeng didn't mind. He answered earnestly, "I have come to do business with you. Does that not count as an urgent matter?" Nian Shangyou smiled. "Does this mean Your Highness has agreed?" "I've agreed," Li Banfeng nodded. "However, the terms must be renegotiated." Nian Shangyou nodded. "Please speak, Your Highness." Li Banfeng said, "For the first term, two first-rate weapons are too few. I want three." Nian Shangyou hesitated briefly. "I will report this to my master. First-rate weapons are extraordinarily precious; this matter must be considered carefully." Though he said this, Nian Shangyou felt confident that adding one more first-rate weapon was something his master would likely agree to. Li Banfeng continued, "For the second term, twelve pieces of newland are too few. I want twenty." The two whiskers on Nian Shangyou's upper lip twitched. "This... will be somewhat difficult." The altar had been destroyed, making twenty pieces of newland exceedingly hard to secure. His master would probably not agree to this price. Li Banfeng smiled. "Don't be in a rush. There is still a third term. I have no shortage of human qi, so this term must be altered." "How does Your Highness wish to alter it?" Li Banfeng stated, "I demand that Chaoge release Old Train." "That is impossible!" Nian Shangyou gasped in horror. "Your Highness, you are truly making things impossible for me. How could such a matter be easily—" "Look at you, what's the rush?" Li Banfeng smiled. "I'm not making things difficult for you. Since you cannot make the decision, go back and consult thoroughly with your master. I shall await your reply." Nian Shangyou had no idea how to even begin such a discussion; he wouldn't know how to open his mouth about such a thing. Pondering for a long while, Nian Shangyou regained a bit of calm. At least the first term could be negotiated, and the chances of success were high. Yet if he went back, settled one term, and Prince Pingyuan insisted on choosing a different one, wouldn't the matter still be ruined? "If Your Highness has an inclination, could you state it clearly so that your humble subordinate may have an answer upon returning?" Li Banfeng frowned. "You really aren't straightforward. Why are you speaking in foreign tongues again?" Nian Shangyou had no choice but to be blunt. "Your humble subordinate merely wishes to ask: which price does Your Highness ultimately intend to choose?" "Choose?" Li Banfeng was taken aback. "Who told you I was going to choose? Three heads, three root-lines. All three prices—I want them all!"