He Jiaqing stuck closely to the wall, eyes fixed on the corner, guarding against and ready to ambush the opponent at any moment.
After a few seconds of deadlock, He Jiaqing realized his tactical error.
The opponent is so fast, likely a Traveling Cultivator. Guarding with his back against the wall against such a cultivator is clearly meaningless.
This He Jiaqing had no understanding of Li Qi, having more than enough experience dealing with Earth Skin cultivators, but showing a lack of experience against opponents Above the Clouds.
By the time he realized the source of the problem, Li Banfeng had already passed through the wall using Unimpeded, standing before He Jiaqing.
Li Banfeng swung the sickle down at his face, meanwhile, the projector jumped out of his pocket, firmly positioned.
He Jiaqing disregarded the projector, needing to dodge the sickle and keep his eyes locked to prevent Li Banfeng from suddenly disappearing, using Passing Glance.
The Thief Cultivator's reaction speed in such a short time was indeed not slow; He Jiaqing dodged the sickle by crouching, using his pointed ring to stab at Li Banfeng's throat.
In close combat with cultivation levels nearly equal, the key to victory between Thief Cultivator and Traveling Cultivator depends on who can seize the initiative.
Li Banfeng evaded the stab; He Jiaqing swung his wrist horizontally, aiming to slice Li Banfeng's throat. Now was his first move, logically his steps should press on closely, not giving Li Banfeng a chance to breathe.
Whoosh!
The sound of wind rang in his ears.
He Jiaqing quickly evaded, yet still took a cut on his back.
Does the opponent have an accomplice?
Actually, Li Banfeng had no accomplice; earlier, that was the shadow wielding the Tang Sword.
Li Banfeng used the Shadow Hanging Technique, allowing the shadow to act autonomously, thus Li Banfeng could not use technique, choosing instead to fight with weapons.
But He Jiaqing was terrified, facing a similar cultivation opponent as well as a multi-faceted situation, swiftly changing tactics, relying on nimble footwork to circle around Li Banfeng.
Circling behind was a good choice; he could quickly escape, make it difficult for Li Banfeng to lock him in sight, and use a back attack to buy himself some time.
Li Banfeng saw through He Jiaqing's intention, constantly shifting footwork, not giving He Jiaqing a chance to ambush from behind.
Logically, seeing the opponent prepared, one should change tactics; however, He Jiaqing was persistent, executing his movements as if following a set program, determined to circle around Li Banfeng.
Seeing He Jiaqing so determined, Li Banfeng maneuvered a few bouts, took out a key from his pocket.
So intent on circling, then let you circle.
Li Banfeng twisted his wrist behind him, and opened the door to the Portable Residence.
Seeing Li Banfeng's footsteps pause slightly, He Jiaqing seized the opportunity, darting around behind Li Banfeng, took a step into the Portable Residence.
Among all Li Banfeng's opponents, many visited, but this one was the most proactive.
Hadn't He Jiaqing seen a door in front of him?
He truly hadn't seen; the projector had preemptively obscured their forms, also altered part of the surrounding scenery, creating concealed combat conditions for Li Banfeng.
Upon entering the door of the Portable Residence, He Jiaqing froze, the phonograph froze, Hong Ying froze as well.
He Jiaqing didn't know what this place was, nor why he ended up in this room.
This street, He Jiaqing had crossed twice, fairly familiar, when had an extra room appeared beside the street corner café?
The phonograph scrutinized He Jiaqing for a moment, finding him somewhat familiar.
She had seen He Jiaqing's photo in the newspaper, but it was an earlier one, looking younger.
The phonograph asked: "Are you a friend of my husband?"
He Jiaqing didn't know the phonograph's origin, but could sense she was not ordinary, cupping his hands in courtesy: "How should I address your husband?"
The phonograph replied: "His name is Li Qi, do you recognize him?"
Li Qi was naturally recognized, a key figure, according to He Haiqin's description, Li Qi should be Li Banfeng; Li Banfeng is the holder of the Mysterious Red Life Lotus.
Of course, that was before; the Red Lotus was now taken by Outside Provinces, who it later fell to is still unknown.
He Haiqin had mentioned, between He Jiaqing and Li Banfeng, a minor vendetta exists, should he admit his identity now?
As He Jiaqing hesitated, the phonograph directed Hong Ying: "Bring over that cheap Red Lotus, tell her her old flame has arrived."
A woman, beauty indescribable, appearance truly beyond words, brought the Red Lotus forward.
Mysterious Red Life Lotus!
He Jiaqing was thrilled!
This was indeed the right place!
He Jiaqing cupped his hands: "Sister-in-law, I am Li Qi's brother. Today I come solely to borrow the Red Lotus."
The phonograph chuckled: "Red Lotus sister, your old flame has come to fetch you."
The Mysterious Red Life Lotus gently unfolded a lotus leaf, seemingly assessing He Jiaqing.
She spoke: "Jia Qing, do you still remember Teacher Song?"
Teacher Song?
He Haiqin hadn't brought her up.
"Of course, she's my mentor, how could I forget?" He Jiaqing followed the lead, making up a line.
Red Lotus asked again: "Have you met Teacher Song's lady?"
"Once," He Jiaqing continued his fabrication, "Teacher's wife treated me very well."
Red Lotus told the phonograph: "This isn't He Jiaqing."
"'He Jiaqing' was taken aback: "What are you saying?"
The phonograph laughed: "Sister, you make sure, if he's not He Jiaqing, he'll just become a meal for us sisters."
Red Lotus also laughed: "The way you put it, even if he is He Jiaqing, entering this room, doesn't he also end up for a meal? Teacher Song is a young lady, where do you get any lady teacher?"
The phonograph shouted angrily: "I always knew this mentor was some sassy hooves!"