Li Banfeng was still pondering the investigation into the grudge between Pan Dehai and Bei Wushuang when, unexpectedly, Pan Dehai took the initiative to come.
Rising from beneath the tree and leaning on his walking stick, Pan Dehai said with a smile, "I came here today to discuss some matters with Meng Yuchun, but I didn’t expect to find you here as well. It seems that some of the rumors I’ve heard before are true."
"What rumors have you heard?"
"Some people say that you are Meng Yuchun’s lover. Is there any truth to that?"
Pan Dehai was a practitioner of Virtue Cultivation. Lying in front of him would likely be seen through easily.
Li Banfeng replied, "Indeed, I have heard people say that." It was the truth.
Pan Dehai frowned. "But I’ve heard Meng Yuchun doesn’t go for ’long’ ones; she prefers ’flat’ ones. Could it be her appetite has changed now that she’s with you?"
Li Banfeng responded with a calm smile, "And you’re snooping into other people’s private affairs, you shameless old man."
"I haven’t looked; I’ve just heard," Pan Dehai insisted.
"So you still inquire into other people’s private affairs, truly shameless."
Pan Dehai wasn’t offended. He shook his head and said, "Well, I’m looking for Meng Yuchun to join forces with her against a villain. Since you’re here as well, you might as well lend a hand."
"Lend a hand? You really think highly of me," Li Banfeng scrutinized Pan Dehai, realizing the old man’s disposition hadn’t changed at all. "First, give me a reason why I should help you."
"As I just mentioned, we are to deal with a villain. Promoting good and punishing evil is the duty of a Person of Great Virtue. Being a virtuous person yourself, you surely can’t just sit idly by, right?"
Li Banfeng laughed. "So just because you say he’s a villain, he’s a villain? First, tell me what evil this person has done."
"Have you heard of Bei Wushuang?"
"Heard of him, and met him too."
Pan Dehai nodded. "There’s no need for me to elaborate on this person’s evil deeds then. Since you have met him, you are definitely helping."
"Just because I’ve met him, I’m definitely helping? What kind of rule is that?" Li Banfeng wouldn’t fall for it. "You really have to elaborate more. I know nothing of Bei Wushuang’s evil deeds."
Pan Dehai sighed. "Do you remember the insect plague last year?"
"Of course, I remember. I risked my life to help you resolve that plague. You haven’t forgotten that favor, have you?"
Pan Dehai nodded. "That’s why I say you are a person of virtue. You bestow favors without seeking repayment. But do you know what caused that plague?"
"I know. It was caused by the Insect Leader," Li Banfeng stated the truth outright to prevent Pan Dehai from beating around the bush.
Pan Dehai shook his head. "You know only one part of it, not the other. There’s a secret matter involved here that you’re unaware of. If I tell you this secret, how will you repay me?"
Li Banfeng pointed into the distance. "There’s a brother of mine over there. I’ll borrow a bucket of gold from him to give to you as repayment. What do you think?"
While they were talking, Meng Yuchun appeared in midair and called out to Pan Dehai, "Who are you?"
Pan Dehai looked up. "Is this Miss Meng?"
Meng Yuchun said angrily, "Did you cast a spell that harmed my sisters?"
With a puzzled face, Pan Dehai said, "When have I ever done something to harm others?"
"My sisters are keeping their distance from me. Isn’t it your doing?"
Pan Dehai turned to Li Banfeng with a smile. "You see? I didn’t spy, nor did I inquire. She told me herself."
Li Banfeng looked up at Meng Yuchun and said, "This is Mr. Pan, a Person of Great Virtue from Hai Chi Ridge. Let’s find a place so we can discuss serious matters."
Meng Yuchun sized up Pan Dehai and asked, "Is this the Local Deity of Hai Chi Ridge?"
Before Li Banfeng could answer, Pan Dehai himself stepped forward with a bow. "Indeed, I am he."
Meng Yuchun still appeared angry, but she had heard of Pan Dehai’s name and was aware of the strength of a Local Deity from Proper Land. She took Li Banfeng’s suggestion and led them both to a secluded cave.
Before entering the cave, the Silk-pulling Earrings whispered in his ear, "Master, there seems to be some activity."
Li Banfeng glanced back and saw several black hawks circling outside the cave. Such hawks were common in New Land and generally lacked Spirit Attribute. Aside from that, Li Banfeng saw no other creatures.
As Li Banfeng entered the cave, a crow sneaked in among the black hawks.
Sitting on a stone, Pan Dehai let out a sigh. "I’ve come all this way, and you haven’t even prepared a cup of tea."
Meng Yuchun seemed a bit affected and genuinely felt a pang of guilt.
Noticing a water pit in the cave with some accumulated water, Li Banfeng said, "Old Pan, let’s substitute water for tea. It’s the thought that counts. Why don’t you go ahead and have a drink there?"
Pan Dehai gave a resigned smile. Certain tactics indeed didn’t work on Li Banfeng.
He began directly speaking about the insect plague. "After the disaster had passed, I went to investigate the cause of the calamity. The prime culprit behind that disaster was indeed Huang Xiliang’s doing."