He Doesn't Know Dwelling Cultivation Arts

Li Banfeng sat at the front with Zhao Xiaowan, while the others gathered behind them in a circle. All eyes were fixed on the red lotus, waiting for the result. Everyone wanted to see what kind of treasure could be refined from Shan Chengjun's intestine. The red lotus was quite nervous. "Don't stare at me like that. This intestine isn't easy to refine. It won't be ready without ten days to a week or so." Zhao Xiaowan gently caressed the lotus leaves. "Sister Red Lotus, stop being so modest. In the past, when your refining was slow, we let it slide, assuming you hadn't fully recovered. We couldn't hold it against you. But now you've been living the high life with my husband for three whole years. If you keep dragging your feet like this, it really won't do." The red lotus shoved Zhao Xiaowan away with a leaf. "Let me make this crystal clear: if you push me like this and the end product turns out disappointing, don't you blame me!" The gramophone insisted on caressing the leaves. "Never mind whether it suits our taste for now. We're all waiting for your batch. Do us a favor and work a little faster." After waiting an hour, the lotus leaves blossomed. Two lotus seeds popped out. Li Banfeng cradled them in his palm and waited quietly until the seeds cracked open. Each burst forth with a Mystic Accumulation Pill. Zhao Xiaowan picked up the pills and examined their luster. "Sister Red Lotus, isn't this a bit meager?" The red lotus clamped its leaves shut. "It was only a single intestine. How much did you expect?" Zhao Xiaowan began doing the math. "Back then, you refined the head of a Parasite Cultivator leader and produced a Mystic Accumulation Pill. This was Shan Chengjun's intestine. At the very least, it should yield five or six." The red lotus refused to accept that. "Five or six? Do you think they fall from the sky? If you hadn't rushed me, maybe I could have produced three. With you pushing like that, you're lucky to get two." Hong Ying stretched her arms. "Brazen in her greed, and self-righteous in her excuses. Are we really going to tolerate her?" The red lotus fluttered its leaves lightly. "And what if you don't?" The tension in the room spiked instantly. Zhao Xiaowan chuckled. "We're all family here; let's not sour our harmony. If words were spoken too hastily, allow me to smooth things over. "Yingying, the red lotus was the first to join our household. Speaking to her like that isn't proper. As punishment, you'll pour her a cup of tea. "Sister Red Lotus, I suspect you have quite a bit left over from Shan Chengjun's intestine. Let's give what remains to the Tang dao. "The Tang dao hasn't been able to contribute much on the battlefield lately. When facing formidable enemies, he can't cut through them and often chips his blade. It really is time for him to be properly mended. "Shan Chengjun was a Martial Cultivator, which shares a natural affinity with the Tang dao. Please add some fine materials to him so he can grow in skill." Though somewhat reluctant, the red lotus agreed. "Fine. There truly is a bit left over this time. If I gave it all to the Tang dao, he wouldn't be able to swallow it anyway. There's enough to include one more. Who else wants a share?" Everyone was eager to try. It was Shan Chengjun's intestine, after all—such an exceptional material was something no one wanted to miss. Before anyone could speak, the red lotus singled one out first: "Brother Glove, you brought the intestine back. You hold the greatest merit, so your share cannot be overlooked." The glove stood upright on the table using its thumb and middle finger, wagging its index finger. "Miss Red Lotus, this credit doesn't belong to me. The master risked his life to earn it. "Keep my share saved up. Just refine more good pills for the master in the future, and I'll be plenty satisfied." The red lotus extended a leaf toward the glove. "You seem to have been avoiding me lately. Did I do something to offend you?" The glove sprang into the air and landed on Li Banfeng's lap. "What are you talking about, Miss Red Lotus? I'm someone who loves fooling around and never takes big or small matters to heart. If I've truly caused offense, I must ask for your forbearance." The red lotus asked, "If no offense was given, and I offered with good intentions, why do you speak in sarcasm?" The glove raised its index finger, appearing terribly shocked. "Good heavens, your words frighten me to death! I barely know a few characters, and I'm terrible at expressing myself. How could I ever possess the skill to mock you? "I appreciate your kind intentions, but Shan Chengjun was a Martial Cultivator. He doesn't share an affinity with my path. If I get greedy for a little profit and end up turning uncouth in temperament, wouldn't the loss outweigh the gain? "Besides, that length of intestine isn't anything special anyway. Best just to feed it to the Tang dao while it's still hot, heh heh heh..." The glove chuckled a few times, leaving the red lotus utterly furious. To everyone else, the glove seemed simply skilled at bickering, but Li Banfeng caught the undertone beneath the words. By undertone, it meant that while the glove spoke, another voice accompanied it. Especially when the glove laughed, he could hear two individuals laughing—and the other voice came from the companion dwelling. The old master of the house was exceedingly pleased by how deeply the glove guarded against the red lotus. The Tang dao leapt into the red lotus to undergo refining once more. This move carried some risk, but the Tang dao was willing to take the gamble. He had discussed it with Zhao Xiaowan beforehand. Having fought alongside her for years, both Zhao Xiaowan and Hong Ying knew his temperament intimately. If any changes truly occurred, the two of them would definitely notice. "Don't rush me this time! Without three to five days, there's no way it'll be finished." Clamping its leaves shut, the red lotus went off alone to Room Thirteen. Li Banfeng brought up the old wars. "Madam, whose side was the City of Fools on in the very beginning?" Zhao Xiaowan replied, "Husband, this humble servant truly doesn't know. I was thrown into the imperial dungeon for colluding with the City of Fools, yet even in that dungeon, I could never figure out where the city came from." Who would know the inside story? Hong Ying looked toward Jiu'er. "Come here, little sister. Big sister will braid your hair." Jiu'er didn't want to come. Hong Ying added, "Old Seven went and fought Shan Chengjun with his life on the line just to save your father, yet you don't care about that sentiment at all." "What sentiment should I care about?" Jiu'er huffed. "Whether Sun Tiecheng lives or dies, what does it have to do with me?" Li Banfeng sighed. "Forget it. If you don't want to speak, I won't force you. I'll just go ask Brother Sun directly!" Seeing Li Banfeng about to leave, Jiu'er stepped forward and stopped him. "Don't go. His temperament is erratic and fickle. There are things he refuses to bring up, and if you press them, he'll likely turn hostile." "Brother Sun is such an honest and simple man. How could you call him erratic?" Jiu'er lowered her head. "He is erratic. The court granted him an official post, so he ought to have served the court, yet later he defected to the peddler, bringing about this catastrophe." So this was what Sun Tiecheng meant by each serving their own master. Back then, Banfeng Zi hadn't fully grasped it, but now Jiu'er had made it plain: Sun Tiecheng had once belonged to the imperial court. Hong Ying found this odd. "Back then, I never heard of anyone named Sun Tiecheng in the court." Jiu'er scoffed. "There's plenty you haven't heard of! Did you really think the court relied solely on the two of you to fight wars? Have you ever heard of Lai Wuju? You have no idea how many victorious battles that man won!" Hong Ying pondered. "I do know of Lai Wuju—he's the ancestor of the Food Cultivators! But hardly anyone has ever seen him. The court tried to recruit him in the past, but he refused." Jiu'er said, "When the court tried to recruit the City of Fools, the city publicly claimed to refuse as well, yet they never hesitated when it came to battle. "Lai Wuju hesitated even less. I heard that Lai Wuju once battered Shu Wanjuan into a psychological wreck. Just hearing Lai Wuju's name made Shu Wanjuan unable to swallow a single bite of food." Li Banfeng frowned. "Was that an art of the Food Cultivator ancestor? It sounds to me like he deliberately prevented Shu Wanjuan from eating." Hong Ying still shook her head. "If you're talking about fighting single-handedly, Lai Wuju might have had some skill. But if you're talking about leading troops into battle, I truly never heard of such a figure. "Among the peddler's subordinates, few knew how to command armies. Shu Wanjuan was considered one of the very best. "To say he was terrified to such an extent—I don't believe it. "If Lai Wuju had achieved such tremendous military feats, there's no way I wouldn't have heard of him. You keep saying how capable he was, so why don't you tell me where Lai Wuju is right now?" "How would I know where he is? Who knows what kind of rules your court had? Using eighty percent of your strength to guard against outsiders, and a hundred and twenty percent to guard against your own people! Things known to everyone else remained completely unknown to you. You deserved to be chased away by the peddler! I can't be bothered to waste another breath on you!" Jiu'er returned to Room Nine to sulk. Hong Ying scoffed. "That wretched girl was just spouting nonsense. The moment someone caught her, she threw a tantrum!" Zhao Xiaowan was pondering something else. "Cong Shixiang was completely incompetent. He was useless in single combat and useless at leading troops. Why did the court always entrust him with heavy responsibilities?" "The emperor favored him, that's why!" Hong Ying looked down on Cong Shixiang immensely. "That foul creature knew how to flatter and how to frame others. With those two tricks, why would he ever worry about failing to secure wealth and rank?" Zhao Xiaowan shook her head. "Yet military achievements don't lie. When Cong Shixiang served as commander-in-chief, he truly won quite a few battles. Could there really have been an expert assisting him?" Hong Ying disagreed. "Why would an expert help Cong Shixiang? The fame went to Cong Shixiang, and the wealth went to him too. What did that expert keep for himself? Did he do it just for fun?" Zhao Xiaowan was in no mood to bicker with Hong Ying. "I've heard of Lai Wuju's reputation as well. He founded the world's very first sect." Hearing this, Li Banfeng recalled someone: Ye Shengge. "The man who founded the world's second sect wasn't particularly impressive in strength either." Hong Ying didn't think so. "Ye Shengge was decent enough. He was a capable hand at leading troops." Zhao Xiaowan said, "Lai Wuju's reputation is far greater than Ye Shengge's. Any cultivator with some seniority across the various sects has heard of him. Could he have been turned into a First-Class Weapon by the Inner States as well? "If he was turned into a weapon, that might actually be better—at least he wouldn't be able to enter Puluo Province. But if he wasn't turned into a First-Class Weapon, he might prove even harder to deal with than Shan Chengjun and Shu Wanjuan. Husband, you must be extremely cautious." Someone capable of leaving a psychological shadow on Shu Wanjuan truly warranted extra vigilance. Li Banfeng first went to Luo Lijun, asking her to find out whether there was a First-Class Weapon named Lai Wuju. Luo Lijun was terrified. "Prince, we aren't like you. We wouldn't dare inquire about First-Class Weapons so casually." Li Banfeng wandered through Boundless City. "Do you think it's possible that the First-Class Weapon Qiao Yi hid in Boundless City is Lai Wuju?" "I honestly have no idea." "How about we let him out to see?" Li Banfeng produced the bronze bell. Luo Lijun hurried forward to stop him. "Your Highness, you mustn't! Keep your hand steady, and whatever you do, don't make a sound!" Li Banfeng went to the Yucui Brothel and asked Jiang Ling'er about Lai Wuju's whereabouts. Jiang Ling'er had tailored a battle-ready martial male costume for Li Banfeng—a silver-based robe with blue patterns, paired with a helmet inlaid with gold and kingfisher feathers. It carried an aura of martial ferocity while appearing dignified and composed. The style was pleasing, but she wasn't quite satisfied with the sizing. Jiang Ling'er picked up her shears and altered it anew. The alterations were quickly finished. Jiang Ling'er bit off the final thread and helped Li Banfeng try on the costume. Seeing that it fit perfectly, Jiang Ling'er smiled with satisfaction. Li Banfeng asked, "You've never heard of Lai Wuju?" Jiang Ling'er nodded firmly. Li Banfeng looked in the mirror. "This attire looks great. One of these days I'll learn some opera from my wife and come perform with you sisters." At those words, Jiang Ling'er was overjoyed. She strained to lift the corners of her mouth, revealing a faint smile. Leaving Boundless City, Li Banfeng intended to find Old Train. He asked around at Hulu Village, only to learn that Old Train had fled who knew where under A'yi's relentless pursuit. Never mind. The matter of Lai Wuju would have to wait; there was a more pressing matter at hand. White Falcon Commandery had been held, but there was another place where vigilance could not be dropped. Li Banfeng went to take a look at the Suihuang Plains. Arriving in Huangtu Town, Li Banfeng soon spotted an acquaintance: Old Liu the cart driver was doing business in town. Li Banfeng walked over to greet him. "Made a fortune, have you? Not complaining about the entry fee being too steep anymore?" Old Liu chuckled. "No need to pay entry fees from now on. The rules have changed!" On the Suihuang Plains, merchants outside Huangtu Town had previously never dared enter because the entry fee was exorbitant, higher than many people's daily earnings. Now that the fee was abolished, Huangtu Town was far livelier than before. "I heard the entry fee was collected to sustain the Suihuang Iron Cavalry. Now that the money isn't being collected, what do they eat?" Old Liu cracked his whip. "Master Yao said the major families run so many businesses, they certainly don't lack food." Li Banfeng glanced down the street, recalling the rampant rampages of the Suihuang Iron Cavalry. "You'd better be careful. The cavalry might come patrolling later—don't let them run you over." Old Liu wasn't worried in the slightest. "They've all gone to patrol outside town. Supposedly Master Yao makes them run a dozen laps a day—half on horseback and half on foot. Anyone who doesn't run gets beaten half to death." "Don't they question where this Master Yao came from?" "Some did, but asking only earned them a thrashing. After getting beaten twice, nobody asks anymore. Master Yao replaced more than half of the cavalry. Those who managed to stay had a tough time of it, and plenty of people line up just wishing for a chance to get beaten." Chatting along the way, Old Liu pulled the cart up to the inn from last time. Li Banfeng had previously fought the Blade Cultivator patriarch and the Strength Cultivator leader here. The inn had been destroyed, and in its place stood a newly built two-story Western-style house. "Master Yao lives right here. Whether he's home or out drilling troops beyond the town, I wouldn't know." Li Banfeng paid the fare. Old Liu drove his cart toward the market entrance. The old man who had once tended horses at the inn was waiting for odd jobs at the Mortal Market, holding an iron shovel. Old Liu approached and handed him two banknotes. "Come on, I'm hiring you for the day." The old man shoved the money back. "You little bastard, I can still move on my own. I don't need charity from a brat like you." Old Liu gave him a tug. "Just get up already! What's the point of squatting here? You're so old you can barely walk—who would hire you for anything? Making a spectacle of yourself all day... hurry up and come with me." "Go do what with you?" "I'm hungry. I want someone to keep me company for a meal, alright?" "Can't you eat on your own, kid?" "Nope, can't eat alone. I'm just waiting for you to join me. I recall you saved up quite a bit of coin back in the day—where'd you spend it all?" The old man grinned. "Gambled those coppers away long ago! If I had a dollar, I'd spend ninety-five cents. That's how comfortable life ought to be!" Li Banfeng waited a short while outside the Western-style house before Old Yao returned carrying a wine jug. Seeing Li Qi, Old Yao was delighted. He prepared some drinks and dishes, and the two sat drinking and chatting. Li Banfeng asked about the state of the Suihuang Iron Cavalry. Old Yao sighed. "They'll do in a pinch. Some can fight on the front lines, but there are plenty of cowards too. If we truly want to field them in battle, it'll take quite a bit more work." "How do they compare to the Ironbone Army you led back then?" Yao Xin waved his hand dismissively. "No comparison at all. The Ironbone Army back then was trained by our Marshal. These men fall far short—they aren't even as good as the soldiers under Cong Shixiang." Li Banfeng was taken aback. "You served under Cong Shixiang?" Yao Xin nodded. "I did. After that incident on my wedding night, I stayed in the military camp from then on. My friendship with Cong Shixiang was fairly deep, and it was precisely because of that friendship that I fell for his trick later on and led troops to Bitter Herb Pass." Speaking of that past, Old Yao grew somber. By rights, Li Banfeng shouldn't have probed further. Yet today, this matter had to be asked: "Cong Shixiang accumulated so many battle merits. Was it really because he knew how to lead troops?" Old Yao let out a dry laugh. "Him? Know how to lead troops? He didn't even dare get near the front lines! Those battle merits were credited to him, yes, but the truth is—" At this point, Old Yao hesitated, stopping himself. Li Banfeng stopped beating around the bush. "Old Yao, I just want to know: was there someone in the army named Lai Wuju?" Old Yao picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and savored the taste for a long time. "That matter hasn't been mentioned in years. Nor should it be." Li Banfeng said, "A couple of days ago, a battle was fought at White Falcon Commandery. The Inner States reassembled the Bandit Suppression Battalion. If Zhang Wanlong hadn't prepared in advance, the commandery might have been entirely wiped out." Old Yao knew Zhang Wanlong. "Old Xu's disciple has made something of himself." "Old Xu went in person as well." Old Yao was astonished. "Old Xu actually involved himself in outside affairs?" Li Banfeng nodded. "So this is no small matter. If Lai Wuju is still alive and commands the troops next time, no one can say for sure whether we could hold him off." Old Yao set down his wine cup, his expression deeply torn. "Back then in the army, whether in cultivation or military strategy, Lai Wuju gave me a great deal of guidance. By rights, I shouldn't speak of these things, but this truly does require vigilance. "Back then, the one who helped Cong Shixiang fight his battles was indeed Lai Wuju. He looked like a handsome, delicate young man, and everyone assumed he was merely a youthful general. No one ever imagined he was actually the ancestor of the Food Cultivators. "He was indeed a master of warfare back then, commanding a force of elite soldiers. He orchestrated dozens of battles, large and small. Many generals in the army tried to probe his background, but none could find a thing. In the end, it was leaked from the enemy's side before anyone learned his true identity. "Back then, I was only handling menial chores in the army; Cong Shixiang couldn't even be bothered to look at me. Lai Wuju loved wine, and gradually we became friends. He understood Wine Cultivation exceptionally well—and not just Wine Cultivation, he knew plenty about the other sects too. Much of my skill was learned during that time. "Later, a ferocious battle broke out between the two armies. Shan Chengjun held the line stubbornly against Lai Wuju at the front. Even after all his men died, Shan Chengjun held out alone for half an hour. "The peddler flanked their rear and torched the army's provisions, striking straight at their vital point. Shu Wanjuan charged forward with fresh troops, and Lai Wuju and his elite soldiers were scattered. From that day on, I never saw him again. "Some said he was killed by the peddler. Others claimed his subordinates were all Food Cultivators who couldn't fight once their food ran out, so he surrendered. "Still others said Cong Shixiang brought him to the capital to take the fall before the Sage. I truly don't know where he went. Perhaps it's genuinely possible he ended up in the Inner States." Li Banfeng asked, "After that battle, did Zhao Xiaowan resume commanding troops?" Old Yao nodded. "Did the Marshal tell you about this?" "She never mentioned Lai Wuju, but she told me about such a fierce battle." This was the ambush meticulously planned by the peddler that his wife had spoken of. He hadn't expected that surprise attack had confronted such a formidable foe. If Lai Wuju had been killed, asking the peddler and Old Train would surely yield the answer. If Lai Wuju was still alive, who could he ask? Nian Shangyou is knowledgeable; should I arrange a meeting to chat with him? There was still one thing Li Banfeng couldn't understand. "With Lai Wuju's towering status and extraordinary methods, and since he sought neither fame nor fortune, why would he follow a scoundrel like Cong Shixiang?" Old Yao sighed. "Even back then in the army, nobody could explain it clearly. I only heard Lai Wuju mention it once. "He said he wanted to go to Wansheng Province. He said it was a wonderful place, but the road there was terribly difficult to travel. Cong Shixiang had the connections, which was why Lai Wuju was willing to fight for him." Li Banfeng had heard of Wansheng Province. "Is there anything special about that place?" Old Yao shook his head. "I've only heard the name. I truly don't know how much difference there is between Wansheng Province and Puluo Province. I think it's very possible Lai Wuju really went there. If he did, that's fine—we wouldn't need to guard against him anymore." Though he spoke of guarding against him, every word Old Yao uttered was filled with admiration and respect for Lai Wuju. After chatting for a long time, Old Yao asked after Zhao Xiaowan. "How has our Marshal been lately?" Li Banfeng replied, "Good. She's fattened up a bit recently." Old Yao didn't quite understand. The gourd beside them explained, "The Madam is doing wonderful at home! Our Little Brother often oils the Madam up. At first she wasn't keen on it, but now she enjoys it, only our Little Brother is far too quick!" This was easy to understand. Old Yao knew Zhao Xiaowan had transformed into a gramophone, so oiling her up was naturally necessary. "Old Seven, you mustn't treat our Marshal like a mere machine. You have to treat her well." The gourd continued, "Our Little Brother treats the Madam wonderfully! Now that the Madam is with child, Little Brother is still just as quick, and the Madam sometimes weeps in secret—" Li Banfeng grabbed the wine gourd and hurriedly poured wine for Old Yao. "Come, let's share a drink, brother!" Having eaten and drunk his fill, Old Yao followed his usual rule: straight to sleep, without seeing his guest out. Li Banfeng left the Suihuang Plains. He hadn't walked far when he suddenly turned around and saw Old Train trailing behind him. "Elder Brother, I was just looking for you! I have an urgent matter to ask!" Old Train nodded. "Worthy Brother, I've already found you. I have an urgent matter to ask as well." What a coincidence. Li Banfeng said, "Then I'll ask first. You know of Lai Wuju, don't you?" "I do. The ancestor of the Food Cultivators." "Was he killed by the peddler back then?" "I don't know. You'd have to ask the peddler. That battle was fought by the peddler, and afterward, nobody knew where Lai Wuju went. The peddler never said." Old Train had no further information either. "Brother, now it's my turn to ask." "Please speak, Elder Brother." Old Train lowered his voice. "Is Little Train fun to play with?" Li Banfeng nodded. "Very fun." "He has many ways to be played with—do you know them all?" Li Banfeng shook his head. "I don't know that many." Old Train's expression suddenly grew intensely agitated. "There are some ways I haven't figured out either. For instance, do you think Little Train could serve as a house?" Li Banfeng answered cautiously, "I think... maybe?" Old Train pondered. "As an ordinary house, certainly. But to serve as a dwelling for a Dwelling Cultivator—that definitely won't do." Li Banfeng asked, "Why won't it do?" Old Train grinned. "You don't understand, do you? Houses capable of serving as dwellings for Dwelling Cultivators all know Dwelling Cultivation arts. Little Train doesn't know Dwelling Cultivation arts, so he can't teach techniques to a dwelling spirit. If the dwelling spirit doesn't know the techniques, how could it teach them to the Dwelling Cultivator? "And without techniques, how could a Dwelling Cultivator cultivate?" Li Banfeng was struck completely speechless.