In his Portable Residence, Li Banfeng was checking his Magical Treasures and weapons one by one.
The Phonograph asked, "Beloved husband, who are you planning to deal with this time?"
"My love, Yuan Showu has blocked my path, and I plan to finish him off."
"Yuan Showu?" Hong Ying was startled. "Where is he?"
The Phonograph spewed a cloud of Steam, scalding Hong Ying and making her shiver. "You hussy," she hissed, "my man calls *me* ’my love.’ Who gave you permission to answer?"
Hong Ying didn’t dare to say a word. The Phonograph turned her horn towards Li Banfeng, and her voice immediately softened. "Beloved husband, how do you know that person is Yuan Showu?"
Li Banfeng said, "That man is a Begging Cultivator with a cultivation level Above the Clouds."
"Have you crossed hands with him?"
Li Banfeng briefly recounted the encounter. "His technique is very special, and he’s very experienced. I almost suffered a great loss."
Hong Ying said, "Husband, if it really is Yuan Showu, you must avoid him in the future. With your current cultivation level, you’re no match for him."
The Phonograph shouted angrily, "You hussy! Who allowed you to call him ’Husband’? Beloved husband, after Yuan Showu left the military, he switched to practicing as a Begging Cultivator. He was originally a Martial Cultivator and is quite skillful. Are you sure you haven’t mistaken the person?"
"There’s no mistaking it. His skills are indeed good, and I gained no advantage when we fought at close quarters."
"A Begging Cultivator?" Hong Ying paused for a moment. "Is he really out begging?"
The Phonograph scoffed. "You blind old woman, you once told me that Yuan Showu said he would rather beg than fight in a war, and it seems he has really gotten his wish."
Hong Ying turned to Li Banfeng and said, "Qi Lang, if it is really him, you should definitely keep your distance."
Li Banfeng shook his head. "There’s no way around. He’s blocking the necessary path to Zhengjing Village."
Hong Ying said, "Then just keep using our house as a base to come and go. After all, the station has been fixed."
Li Banfeng looked at Hong Ying.
When they were fixing the station, she and Sweet Melon Hong Ying had carried soil together, working very hard. Sweet Melon Hong Ying had been exhausted, and despite repeated repairs, she couldn’t be fixed, so Hong Ying had ended up eating her.
For some reason, Hong Ying’s sense of belonging to this home had grown stronger. She was now actively suggesting ideas to Li Banfeng, a rare sight in the past.
Li Banfeng first looked at the Phonograph and then at Hong Ying, a rough guess forming in his mind.
Using the station to come and go was suitable for one person, but bringing someone else along was troublesome.
Moreover, the Portable Residence could only stay for an hour, and many things couldn’t be done in that time.
Li Banfeng shook his head and said, "I can’t let Yuan Showu block this road; I have to find a way to get rid of him."
Hong Ying said, "Qi Lang, it’s really too difficult for you alone. I’ll go with you. Yuan Showu is still afraid of me."
"No!" the Portable Residence disagreed.
Hong Ying pointed at the Phonograph and said, "Why can that vile woman go out, but you won’t let me?"
The Portable Residence replied, "From now on, neither of you should think about going out. There’s no room for discussion on this matter anymore."
HUFF.
The Phonograph sang, "Husband, don’t rush. Begging Cultivators aren’t easy to handle, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to deal with them. As long as we pick the right moment and lure him into our home, you’ll still have a chance of winning, Husband."
Li Banfeng nodded. "I’m not in a hurry. We indeed need to find the right moment. How about tonight?"
"Ah, Husband, your temperament," the Phonograph sighed softly. "Husband, we should first learn some of the Begging Cultivator’s techniques. Because this path of the Taoist Sect is a bit unsavory, this Little Servant only knows so much and can only teach you the basics.
"Begging Cultivators start by learning Begging for Pity from the very beginning. Even up to the Third Layer, they only have this one technique, which shows how difficult it is.
"Through pleading, a Begging Cultivator can make their opponent feel pity and give alms. Once they’ve earned these alms, they can take away some of their enemy’s combat power. The higher the cultivation level of the Begging Cultivator, the more valuable the alms they obtain, and the more combat power they can take away.
"The opponent you encountered, Husband, is Above the Clouds, so his cultivation level is definitely advantageous. But as long as he doesn’t take away anything too valuable from you, he can’t take away too much of your combat power.
"When Begging Cultivators reach the Fourth or Fifth Layer, they learn Playing the Flute and Begging for Food. The outcome of this technique is similar to Begging for Pity, as both take away some of the opponent’s combat power.
"But Begging for Pity involves *asking* for alms, while Playing the Flute and Begging for Food involves *forcing* them. You’ve heard the beggar’s tune, Husband. At the Fourth Layer of this technique, if someone listens to a complete piece, they can’t help but give alms. The better the beggar plays, the more you will give, and the more combat power you will lose.
"By the Fifth Layer, Playing the Flute and Begging for Food is altered. You don’t need to listen to a Begging Cultivator play an entire piece; just a short segment is enough for the technique to affect you. How short or long this segment is depends on the difference in cultivation levels."
Li Banfeng frowned. "That’s really troublesome. One day you might see someone playing a tune on the roadside, and before you know it, you’re being schemed against by a Begging Cultivator."
"What you say is true, Husband. Begging Cultivators are extremely difficult to guard against. Some of them don’t even play tunes—they sing ballads or clap bamboo boards, all potentially earning them alms.
"Upon reaching the Sixth Layer, Begging Cultivators can learn Forcing and Snatching. It shifts from coercing alms to directly snatching them. The more alms they snatch, the more combat power the victim loses.
"Upon reaching the Seventh Layer, Begging Cultivators learn Thick-Faced and Thick-Skinned. Just now, Husband, you mentioned encountering this technique in combat.
"Among defensive methods, Thick-Faced and Thick-Skinned is considered a superior technique. It offers solid defense and requires little energy, but its execution is very slow."
Li Banfeng recalled the fight and shook his head. "He could act before Passing Glance; his technique isn’t slow at all."
"Oh my, Husband, you’ve even mastered Passing Glance!"
Li Banfeng looked composed. "I borrowed it from Hong Ying."
Hong Ying stood beside Li Banfeng, clinging to his arm, and said, "That’s right, Qi Lang borrowed it from me."
SMACK!
The Phonograph swung a wooden board and fiercely whacked Hong Ying’s Peach, then continued, "The reason that Begging Cultivator could ward off Passing Glance is due to his extensive experience; he was prepared in advance. Otherwise, he shouldn’t have been able to act before you, Husband.
"Upon reaching the Eighth Layer, Begging Cultivators can learn Thousand Pounds Bowl. This technique..."
Hong Ying said, "Don’t worry about this technique. It’s just using his Begging Bowl to trap people. A Begging Cultivator only has one Begging Bowl, and before it’s retrieved, the technique can’t be used again. We Traveling Cultivators aren’t afraid of that; one use of Unimpeded and we’re out."
SMACK! SMACK!
The Phonograph swung the wooden board, mercilessly beating Hong Ying’s Peach again. "What Traveling Cultivator? Who said *we* are Traveling Cultivators with *you*? All Traveling Cultivators should be killed!"
Rubbing her Peach, Hong Ying said aggrievedly, "I mean, if Qi Lang borrows Unimpeded from me..."
The Phonograph said, "Husband, don’t listen to this wretched woman’s nonsense. Although Thousand Pounds Bowl is countered by Traveling Cultivation Techniques, we can’t be sure there won’t be variations. It’s still best to be careful.
"Upon reaching the Ninth Layer, Begging Cultivators learn Greedy for More, which is their most lethal technique. You must be fully on your guard, beloved husband.
"Whether it’s Begging for Pity, Playing the Flute and Begging for Food, or Forcing and Snatching—whichever technique ensnares you—as long as you give alms, it’s possible to trigger Greedy for More.
"Unlike the previous techniques, Greedy for More doesn’t demand combat power. As long as the difference in cultivation level is vast enough, they can ask for anything.
"By the time they reach Cloud Top First Layer, Begging Cultivators possess the Intensified Technique, which is even more deadly. Greedy for More asks for only one thing, but when the Intensified Technique is used on top of Greedy for More, it will continuously demand things from the opponent.
"If Greedy for More has taken the opponent’s left eye, the Intensified Technique can then take the right eye.
"Obtaining the right eye is considered giving alms, which can trigger Greedy for More again, allowing them to demand the opponent’s left hand.
"After Greedy for More, they use the Intensified Technique again to take the right hand as well."
Li Banfeng was stunned.
"So, if you’re caught once, you have no chance of fighting back?"
"Husband, there are plenty of opportunities to fight back. Although Begging Cultivation Techniques are fierce, their execution has many limitations.
"Firstly, they require alms. Without receiving alms, no other techniques can be performed except for Thick-Faced and Thick-Skinned and Thousand Pounds Bowl.
"Secondly, they must catch the alms. This is known as ’alms never touch the ground.’ No matter how they obtain the alms, Begging Cultivators must catch them before they hit the ground. If an alm touches the ground, they must pick it up immediately, or it becomes ineffective in the blink of an eye.
"Thirdly, the techniques are interlocked. To perform the Intensified Technique, one must first use Greedy for More. To use Greedy for More, one must first successfully use Begging for Pity, Playing the Flute and Begging for Food, or Forcing and Snatching.
"Especially with Greedy for More, which relies on grasping the opportune moment. The technique must be initiated *before* receiving alms and only comes into effect *afterward*. Timing this is very difficult."
Li Banfeng recalled his encounter with the Begging Cultivator.
He had given a piece of dry food to the Begging Cultivator. Before the food landed in the Begging Bowl, the Begging Cultivator had shouted, "Since you’re giving, give it all!"
"My love, is it necessary to say that phrase, ’Since you’re giving, give it all’?"
The Phonograph replied, "Yes, Husband. That’s the key to Greedy for More. As soon as he shouts that, you must heighten your defenses and prevent him from obtaining the alms.
"Without being able to perform Greedy for More, he won’t be able to use the Intensified Technique. Occasionally losing a bit of your combat power isn’t too serious.
"Besides, to beg for food, Begging Cultivators often have to dodge beatings from people and bites from dogs. Due to the nature of their sect, they’re quite fast on their feet. You’ll need to be cautious."
Li Banfeng nodded. He had indeed experienced their quick footwork; although that beggar couldn’t catch up to him, he had managed to pester him for a short while.
The Phonograph added, "Husband, just knowing the opponent’s techniques isn’t enough to deal with a Cultivator Above the Clouds. You’ll need to carefully consider your tactics."
After thinking for a long while, Li Banfeng said, "I’ve come up with some tactics. Please lend your insights, my love."
Hong Ying said with a smile, "We’re all family here; no need to be so polite."
SMACK! SMACK!
A round of smacks left Hong Ying’s Peach quivering. The Phonograph scolded, "My husband is talking to *me*! Dare to answer out of turn again, and I’ll tear your mouth apart."
Li Banfeng explained his tactics. After pondering for a long time, his wife exclaimed, "These tactics are good, really good! How did you come up with them, Husband?"
Hong Ying also chimed in with admiration, "Our husband really is clever!"
His wife, being skilled in combat, refined Li Banfeng’s tactics. With Hong Ying also providing counsel, they repeatedly revised them. Three hours later, the plan finally took shape.
Night had fallen. Li Banfeng ate something, gathered the necessary Magical Treasures, and prepared to depart.
The Gourd must be taken along; she had experience dealing with Begging Cultivators.
The Tang Sword was even more crucial; he had even more experience than the Gourd.
Hong Ying murmured softly, "Qi Lang, don’t go just yet. It seems I’ve forgotten something."
The Phonograph let out a cold laugh. "You forgot a beating! Once Husband leaves, I’ll teach you a proper lesson!"
Hong Ying waved her hand. "Vile woman, don’t interrupt. It’s on the tip of my tongue; I’ll remember it any second."
Li Banfeng didn’t want to wait. "Tactics inevitably have some minor oversights; don’t worry about it."
"It’s not a minor oversight; it’s something important," Hong Ying said, thinking hard for a long moment before shouting, "Husband, wait, I remember now!"
SMACK!
"Who allowed you to call him ’Husband’? You clearly haven’t been hit enough!"
This strike was both crisp and fierce. Hong Ying covered her Peach, rubbing it for a long while before saying to Li Banfeng, "Qi Lang, Yuan Showu’s swordsmanship is extremely good. You must be very careful."
Li Banfeng paused, reflecting for a moment. "I haven’t seen him use a sword."
Hong Ying urged, "Then you have to be even more careful! He’s still hiding a killing move. If you don’t believe me, ask Xiaowan. Yuan Showu’s swordsmanship is truly formidable!"
SIZZLE.
The Phonograph, emitting Steam, said, "Is that so? I don’t remember."
"How could you not remember!" Hong Ying said anxiously. "Isn’t there a saying in the army, specifically about Yuan Showu?
"Something like, ’Three Slashes to Clear the Front, Beheading with Every Blow!’ Yuan Showu’s first three slashes are exceptionally powerful. Qi Lang, you must be extremely careful."
Silence fell over the Portable Residence.
Aside from the Judge’s Pen, all the Magical Treasures looked towards the Tang Sword.
The Tang Sword stood in the corner, silent.
Li Banfeng hung the Tang Sword at his waist and left the Portable Residence.
Hong Ying asked in surprise, "Xiaowan, what’s wrong with Qi Lang?"
The Phonograph slowly said, "It’s nothing. As long as he has the Tang Sword with him, nothing will go wrong."