The teapot answered, "Yes, all Bitter Cultivation comes from Bitter Vegetable Manor."
Li Banfeng frowned and said, "Aren’t all cultivators in the world reliant on the Peddler’s Medicinal Powder?"
"Heh heh, not necessarily. Besides the Peddler, there are many other sources of Medicinal Powder. Wealthy families have a lot of Medicinal Powder for Literature Cultivators and Martial Cultivators, and it’s not bought from the Peddler."
"As for the affairs of wealthy families, this old man is unaware. However, the Medicinal Powder for Bitter Cultivation all comes from Bitter Vegetable Manor. Bitter Vegetable Manor has no boundaries and borders various parts of Puluo State. Anyone who wants to come, can. They can stay at the Freeloader’s Inn in Bitter Vegetable Manor for three days. If they can endure the misery, Bitter Granny will give them Medicinal Powder, and from then on, they are considered part of the Taoist Sect."
"Just give Medicinal Powder to anyone who comes by? No need to accumulate Taoist Fate?"
"Bitter Vegetable Manor is a special place. Staying there for three days is considered accumulating Taoist Fate."
"Similar to Three-Head Fork?"
"Not even close. One mustn’t go to Three-Head Fork. The things accumulated there are not necessarily Taoist Fate.
"Young man, since you asked about Bitter Granny, could it be that you’re already at Bitter Vegetable Manor?"
Li Banfeng did not deny it, "I’m currently at Bitter Vegetable Manor, unable to leave. Bitter Granny won’t let me go, saying she wants to temper me."
"Since she won’t let you go, you should stay on the estate for some time. Our room here doesn’t even have a Month Plate, so I don’t know what month it is. Anyway, she usually stays no more than three months a year. Wait until she leaves, and then you can go.
"Don’t argue with her, and definitely don’t fight her. You are no match for her. A thousand of you, even ten thousand of you, wouldn’t be her match."
Li Banfeng asked, "She said she isn’t the Local Deity of Bitter Vegetable Manor. Then who is?"
"There used to be a Local Deity in Bitter Vegetable Manor, but not anymore.
"Moreover, don’t compare the Local Deities with Bitter Granny; they’re not even worthy."
"What level of cultivation does Bitter Granny have?"
The teapot coughed twice and said, "Young man, I am your Magical Treasure. I’m no slouch in battle, but I have my own nature. I do not wish to be anyone’s servant.
"If you respect me, we can be friends despite the years. You can call me ’Old Brother,’ and I’ll call you ’Young Brother.’
"If you don’t respect me, just call me ’Old Man.’ I won’t neglect my duties either.
"There’s not much I remember, but I will naturally tell you everything I can.
"I’ve mostly forgotten about Bitter Granny, so don’t ask about things I’ve forgotten."
Although Li Banfeng still did not trust the teapot, he agreed with the attitude of treating each other as equals.
"Old Brother, I won’t ask too much about Bitter Granny. Please tell me more about Bitter Vegetable Manor. I still have to stay here for over two months. What should I pay attention to during these two months?"
"Remember three rules. The first rule is to endure suffering. In Bitter Vegetable Manor, you must be able to bear hardship. Don’t even think about enjoying luxuries here.
"Don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke, don’t expect to eat well, and don’t think about sleeping with women.
"Your room here is somewhat special. Having a few ladies accompany you for some amusement inside this room is fine, but once you leave this room, you must follow the rules within the estate.
"Outside Bitter Vegetable Manor, there’s plenty of fun waiting for you. Don’t let momentary pleasure ruin important matters."
"What will happen if I ruin important matters?"
"If I remember correctly, those who break the rules in Bitter Vegetable Manor only have two possible outcomes. Those Bitter Granny doesn’t wish to keep are expelled from the manor. Those she wishes to keep are sent to New Land.
"Young Brother, I don’t know much about your affairs outside, but I guess you have been to New Land and should know how dangerous it is.
"Bitter Vegetable Manor’s New Land is particularly perilous. If Bitter Granny sends you there, she won’t allow you back to Bitter Vegetable Manor. You’ll likely have to stay in New Land for the rest of your life. Weigh your options carefully."
While musing, he suddenly heard the teapot speak again, "The second rule is not to inquire about one’s past. In the manor, don’t ask anyone about their origins, not even their name. This rule is an accepted custom."
"What will happen if I break this rule?"
"Nothing severe, but you’ll be disliked. Those who come to Bitter Vegetable Manor are there to suffer. Their identities outside have nothing to do with the affairs of the manor.
"The third rule is that you cannot kill anyone. Even Bitter Granny herself does not kill in Bitter Vegetable Manor.
"This rule absolutely cannot be broken. The first time I went to Bitter Vegetable Manor, two people fought over food, and one died. The other disappeared that very night.
"No one knows where he went, nor whether he’s dead or alive. Killing in Bitter Vegetable Manor leads to this result."
It’s no wonder Li Banfeng had sensed great danger when he thought about killing Chu Er.
This also reminded Li Banfeng that he could cause trouble in Bitter Vegetable Manor, but he absolutely couldn’t kill anyone.
But this was also good news. If Li Banfeng caused trouble here, Bitter Granny wouldn’t kill him.
Old Teapot continued, "As long as you don’t break these three rules, Bitter Granny usually won’t interfere with other matters."
Li Banfeng asked the teapot, "Since it’s a rare chance to revisit an old place, would you like to go back and look around?"
"Young Brother, as I said, if you want to fight in Bitter Vegetable Manor, I won’t hesitate when it’s time to act.
"If you don’t want to fight, it’s best not to take me to Bitter Vegetable Manor. Don’t make me step foot in there ever again."