Red Lotus said, "This is what I mean by not seeing the opportunity clearly, failing to solve the puzzle, and forcefully confronting the Enigma Cultivator. It's called unreasonable interference, and the Enigma Cultivator's combat strength will greatly increase. It's the same result as if you had solved the puzzle incorrectly."
Li Banfeng thought for a moment and said, "No matter what he says, I just say he's lying; does that count as solving the puzzle?"
Red Lotus replied, "That won't work either. Solving a puzzle requires a reasonable basis, not blind guessing. Even if you guess correctly, it doesn't count as unraveling the puzzle. In the end, you will suffer losses, so when facing the Enigma Cultivator, you must see the opportunity clearly."
"What if there's a reasonable basis?"
"Then it's seeing the opportunity, and at such times, you must not hold back."
The Enigma Cultivator is too difficult to deal with, and the phonograph was a bit worried: "Husband, why not hold off on this matter and wait until a foolproof plan is devised before taking action. It's not too late."
"We can't wait." Li Banfeng shook his head slightly.
Zhengjing Village is Li Banfeng's foundation. Although his business has grown, Zhengjing Village remains his most stable reliance. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile carries Li Banfeng's efforts—it cannot be handed over to others.
Shui Yongquan is Li Banfeng's friend. Though they initially had their own agendas and their interactions mostly involved business, if Li Banfeng is in trouble, Shui Yongquan would not stand by. Conversely, Shui Yongquan is in trouble now, and Li Banfeng cannot ignore it.
Guo Gaoge has already occupied Shui Yongquan's territory; Shui Yongquan lost his status and his cultivation level.
If we wait longer, Zhengjing Village will be no more, and Shui Yongquan will be no more.
Ni Shangqiu looked at Li Banfeng and said, "What I said is all true; just let me go."
As he spoke, he glanced at the second son.
The phonograph had just called Red Lotus sister. He knew Red Lotus was inside the house.
As long as Li Banfeng could spare his life and let him leave this place alive, even if it meant taking Red Lotus back to the Inner State—then later, when people arrive to take Red Lotus away, he would legitimately become an Upper Clan member.
Li Banfeng looked at Ni Shangqiu: "What you just said is all true?"
"Every word is true!"
"You say Guo Gaoge is the Enigma Cultivator; what kind of Taoist Sect are you?"
Ni Shangqiu shook his head: "I have no Taoist Sect; I'm a pure blood Inner State person. I am skilled in using water and ice."
The phonograph said, "There's this saying: pure Inner State people have no Taoist Sect, only use techniques. But there are also sayings that this is a misbelief—the roots of Taoist Sect come from the Inner State."
Ni Shangqiu said, "What I say is true, I really have no Taoist Sect. If you don't believe me, you can find someone for a face-to-face confrontation!"
Li Banfeng asked, "Find who to confront?"
Ni Shangqiu said, "Do you have any other familiar Inner State people?"
Hong Ying said, "Some are familiar, some are strangers. I quite like eating familiar ones—but this person is not available for confrontation right now."
Ni Shangqiu didn't understand Hong Ying's meaning and continued to say to Li Banfeng, "Aren't you looking for Guo Gaoge? He's different from other local deities; he is familiar with our clan members, and he knows some inside information."
Li Banfeng nodded: "He will be coming shortly. Wait for him at the table first. Wife, if there's something to ask, do so; if not, let's start the meal."
Li Banfeng handed the teapot to his wife, turned, and left the Portable Residence.
Ni Shangqiu asked, "What does 'start the meal' mean?"
Hong Ying laughed, "Don't you understand? 'Start the meal' means to eat."
"Then I won't intrude."
"It doesn't count as intruding," Hong Ying pressed down on Ni Shangqiu, "a few more people, a few more pairs of chopsticks—you don't even have to use chopsticks."
...
Li Banfeng quietly left New Land and went to Zhengjing Village.
He hadn't visited for some time; there had been quite a few changes in the village. There were more restaurants, more inns, and many hunters settled there. Residential areas became more densely packed.
Zhen Jincheng and Cao Zhida funded a dance hall in the village, business was going well.
A general merchant who used to come to the village with a shoulder pole to sell things now opened a general store.
The village had two cinemas, both doing well. Not only were many watching movies, but many also participated in filming.
Li Qi's film industry company opened a branch in the village; several major productions were filmed here.
When filming "Blood Gun Detective," actors were forced to come. Now there's no need to force; actors who can come to New Land were considered people of status within the company. Newcomers often fought fiercely for a chance to go to New Land.
Outside actors compete, and local actors compete too.
By the lakeside, Centipede Daughter had a major scene. Because the scene was intense, no one was allowed to watch; the crew was clearing the scene, and Centipede Woman was putting makeup on Centipede Daughter.
Li Banfeng entered the set, sat next to the Centipede Mother and Daughter, and lit a cigarette.
Centipede Daughter was startled; had it not been for the smoke, she wouldn't have noticed Li Banfeng.
"Sev... Seventh Master?" Centipede Daughter's voice caused the entire set to pause.
"Seventh Master is here?"
"Really?"
"Seventh Master, I'm the male lead of this scene, my name is Dou Shouqi."
A young man tried to get close, but was kicked by the Centipede Woman: "What male lead? You're just holding a prop, not even needing to show your face. Get aside."
A young woman said, "Seventh Master, I've been a veteran of the company for years, dedicated and hard-working, yet my pay keeps declining. Seventh Master, you should speak for me."
The Centipede Woman slapped the young woman aside, "Bah! Why not talk about going to Ling Family Film Industry! A wretched person like you, it's good enough to have food left for you. Dare to gossip in front of Seventh Master!"
The Centipede Woman was much more than just a makeup artist; in the Zhengjing Village branch, she held a high position and status.
"Seventh Master, our manager went to Greenwater City to select actors. Should we wait for him to return?"