Although the New Year had passed, the Portable Residence was still filled with a strong festive ambiance.
The horn of the Phonograph was covered with a layer of dew, where plumes of steam continuously caressed the massive locust head.
CLANG! CLANG! HAH!
"Insect Leader~" the Phonograph sang in a slow rhythm, drawing out the notes as she pronounced the two words.
Li Banfeng had never heard this term. "What is an Insect Leader?"
"One of the Insect Cultivator Leaders, even more formidable than a Local Deity! Wait... this is not just any Insect Leader. Let Little Servant smell that scent... It seems to have undergone some special transformation. No mistake, no mistake! It indeed carries the mark of a boon bestowed by someone else. This is a fine treasure, truly a fine treasure indeed!"
Atop the massive locust head, the antennae were still trembling slowly. Li Banfeng thought.
As more dew formed on the Phonograph’s horn, the Phonograph found it hard to restrain her appetite, yet she remained somewhat concerned about the head’s origins.
"My dear husband, where did this Insect Leader’s head come from?" she asked.
Li Banfeng told the truth. "A Peddler sold it to me."
"A Peddler? Sold it to you?" The Phonograph was incredulous. "How could a Peddler sell you something like this? Husband, this is not something to joke about."
Li Banfeng showed his displeasure. "When have I ever joked? It was indeed a Peddler who sold it to me. He asked for twenty, I offered fifteen, and he agreed."
DA DA DA! HAH!
HUFF! HUFF!
The Phonograph’s understanding faltered; she suspected Li Banfeng had lost his mind.
"Husband, the fifteen and twenty you just mentioned... they couldn’t be in Huan Country Banknotes, could they?"
"They were in Huan Country Banknotes."
"You mean fifteen and twenty billion, right? Do you even have that much money?"
Li Banfeng puffed out his chest. "Where would I get that much money? I just spent fifteen yuan."
HUFF! HUFF!
A cloud of steam enveloped Li Banfeng, filled with the Phonograph’s tender affection. "Husband, our marriage is full of love and intimacy, without any suspicions. It’s just that Little Servant’s body is weak, and we haven’t consummated our union. I hope you don’t mind."
Li Banfeng, looking magnanimous, smiled slightly. "Actually, I do mind. If we don’t consummate, we’re not a proper couple. But if I could apply the oil every day, this matter could be negotiable."
As he spoke, Li Banfeng picked up the Oil Pot and opened the back cover of the Phonograph’s casing.
"Oh, my dear husband~ let’s not talk about the oiling just yet. The oil is truly... no, no, not lacking..."
Despite the change in her tune, the Phonograph persevered through gritted teeth. She caught her breath for a moment before continuing, "Husband, I’ve been oiled. Now, let’s talk more about this Insect Leader. Don’t deceive Little Servant. Where exactly did this thing come from?"
Li Banfeng became angry. "I’ve told you, I bought it from the Peddler! If you don’t trust me, I might as well throw it out."
Li Banfeng was really about to throw it away when the Phonograph quickly stopped him. "Darling, you can’t throw this away!"
"Why can’t I throw it? It’s just something that cost fifteen Huan Country Banknotes. What’s all the fuss about?"
"Don’t be annoyed, darling. The oil can be applied as you please. Don’t be angry; Little Servant knows her mistake~"
The Phonograph coaxed and persuaded Li Banfeng to relent.
The Tang Sword chimed in from the side, "Lady, I can testify for the Master that it truly did cost fifteen yuan. The Peddler also said to eat it fresh, that it’s good for making porridge or stew!"
"Stew what soup? Cook what porridge?" The Phonograph stuck her two needles into the locust’s head. "Such fine stuff must be eaten raw!"
HISS! HISS!
The Copper Lotus Flower bloomed. It bloomed, covered in dew.
Previously, after refining the monster of Lin Li and a piece of Pan Dehai’s vital flesh, her Lotus Seeds had not yet matured. But at this moment, she paused the refining process. The whirlwind inside her Lotus Heart was already swirling towards the locust’s antennae.
"Red Lotus, are you also craving this? You can’t be hasty!" The Phonograph was still trying to hold back. "I still can’t figure out what the Peddler was thinking."
The Wine Gourd rubbed against Li Banfeng. She wanted to explain a few things but needed his permission first.
Li Banfeng patted the Wine Gourd’s waist twice. "Speak your mind. There’s no need to be so reserved at home."
The Wine Gourd said to the Phonograph, "Sister, Little Brother made significant contributions in dealing with the insects at Hai Chi Ridge. This must be the Peddler’s way of showing gratitude."
"Contributions..." the Phonograph wondered.
The Phonograph knew little about the outside world and initially wanted to ask for more details, but her irresistible craving made her abandon the thought. "Losses and gains, all debts settled—that does indeed match the Peddler’s nature. Since that’s the case, there’s no need to worry! Alright, sisters, get the chopsticks ready!"
With a shout, the Tang Sword declared, "I’m ready too!"
The Phonograph shivered and began to suck the residual Soul and Spirit Attribute from the locust.
Immediately, the Clock Pendulum rushed over, pleading with the Phonograph, "Lady, Little Servant has followed the Master through thick and thin, facing enemies head-on, never showing fear! My share of the reward must not be overlooked!"
After saying that, the Clock Pendulum darted forward and sucked a bit of brain marrow from the locust.
The Phonograph, furious, blasted the Clock Pendulum back with a cloud of steam. "You shameless hussy! No manners at all! I haven’t even finished, and you dare to stick your mouth in!"
"Opportunity comes but is easily lost; the critical moment must be seized!" the Tang Sword roared as it charged over. "You are right in your teachings, Lady! How could this lowlife Blood-Thirsty get a turn? In every battle, am I not the one charging at the forefront?"
The Tang Sword wasn’t greedy; it only wanted an antenna.
The Phonograph refused, and the Tang Sword was scorched red all over by her steam.
The Earrings wept. "My Lord, I have served you diligently at your side! When have I ever been negligent? I must have my share of this boon!"
"Of course, of course..." Li Banfeng consoled them.
"This old man’s heart is chilled to the bone!" the Teapot cried out, unable to hold back any longer. "I am willing to change my ways! I earnestly follow the Master! Let me have a bite!" He was sealed by the Phonograph and unable to exert any power, but he forcibly resisted the scorching steam, desperate to get a share of the spoils.