Killing Qiao Shaofen was only half the battle.
Shui Yongquan said, "Based on my deduction, this Qiao Shaofen must be a Covenant Guardian Spirit, a trusted follower tasked with protecting Madame Wuqin’s Contract Book."
Both Li Banfeng and Qiu Luoye understood the concept of a Covenant Guardian Spirit, having heard about it from Xiao Yeci.
"Brothers, Qiao Shaofen’s cultivation level isn’t low. It should be Above the Clouds, right?"
Qiu Luoye nodded. "Definitely Above the Clouds. Using mud so skillfully and surviving for so long... that’s not something an Earth Skin cultivator could do."
Li Banfeng asked, "A Cultivator Above the Clouds, would they really serve as someone else’s Covenant Guardian Spirit?"
Shui Yongquan, naturally cautious, mulled it over for a moment before saying, "Previously, when Wuqin Village was mentioned, everyone said the Local Deity was Madame Wuqin. I’ve never heard the name Qiao Shaofen."
Qiu Luoye dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "Qiao Shaofen is a fake name, used to hide her identity. Isn’t that obvious?"
"We can’t jump to conclusions." Shui Yongquan gently shook his head. "She might really be a close confidant of Madame Wuqin, remaining loyal even with her increased cultivation level."
Qiu Luoye snorted. "With no ties of blood or kinship, what loyalty is there to speak of in this godforsaken place?"
Shui Yongquan was momentarily speechless. Qiu Luoye had a point; speaking of loyalty in Wuqin Village did seem ridiculous.
Qiu Luoye continued, "The three of us fought her for so long just now. She should have a Cloud Top Second Layer cultivation level. You say she’s a mere follower? I definitely don’t believe that. Besides, if Qiao Shaofen is really just a follower, why didn’t she call for Madame Wuqin’s help when she was being beaten so badly?"
Shui Yongquan replied, "Perhaps Madame Wuqin isn’t here."
Li Banfeng said, "If she is Madame Wuqin, it saves us trouble. If she’s a Covenant Guardian Spirit, it means she’s guarding the Contract Book. Finding it would also simplify matters."
Qiu Luoye nodded. "Old Qi is right. Let’s not waste time talking nonsense here. Let’s hurry and find the Contract Book!"
The three arrived at the entrance of the house. Qiu Luoye started to walk inside, but Shui Yongquan pulled him back again.
"Don’t rush. We still need to be cautious."
Qiu Luoye said impatiently, "Cautious, cautious, always so cautious! What do you suggest? Just say it!"
"I’ll try to scout ahead first." Shui Yongquan shook his Water Gourd; there wasn’t much water left in it.
Li Banfeng said, "I’m a Traveling Cultivator. I have the ’Seek Fortune and Avoid Disaster’ Technique, and I’m fast. Let me scout ahead."
With that, Li Banfeng leaped into the courtyard.
Qiu Luoye looked at Shui Yongquan. "How embarrassing, Old Shui! At our age, we’re letting a young brother scout ahead for us. Working with you is truly damn shameful!"
"My water is low, and I don’t want Old Qi to take risks either," Shui Yongquan explained.
To be safe, Li Banfeng returned to his Portable Residence and brought out two Cabbage People, intending for them to circle the yard first.
However, before they had even completed half a circuit, both Cabbage People sank into a mud pit and vanished without a trace.
Li Banfeng grew very anxious. He brought out more than ten additional Cabbage People from his Portable Residence. By coordinating with each other, they painstakingly made their way to the main building, clearing a path for Li Banfeng.
Li Banfeng carefully marked the path, recalled the Cabbage People, and signaled for Shui Yongquan and Qiu Luoye to enter.
The three of them entered the main building together. Li Banfeng observed for a long time but couldn’t figure out where the Contract Book might be hidden.
At times like this, they had to rely on Shui Yongquan.
There wasn’t much water left in the Water Gourd, but it was barely enough for an indoor search. Shui Yongquan poured a few drops onto the floor.
Qiu Daxiang smacked his lips. "Old Shui, is this Golden Juice? Why are you being so stingy? Go on, pour a little more."
Shui Yongquan frowned. "This is Spirit Water I refined. Don’t compare it to Golden Juice!"
The few drops of water dispersed, forming an invisible film that covered the entire room.
This was the Water Cultivation Second Layer Technique: Omnipenetrating.
Using this technique, the water film could seep into every crevice in the room, acting as Shui Yongquan’s eyes to search for hidden compartments.
After searching for a long time, Shui Yongquan went into the inner room, reached under the bed, and, a short while later, pulled out a jar.
Qiu Luoye frowned. "The Contract Book is in here?"
Shui Yongquan opened the jar, and a foul stench drifted out.
"What is this stuff?" Qiu Luoye pinched his nose.
Shui Yongquan replied, "This is a jar specifically for storing sludge, capable of transforming the sludge into Puppets. It’s a top-grade Magical Treasure."
Li Banfeng used his Insightful Spirit Sound Technique to listen and heard the jar speaking, "Too dry, too dry! Give me some water!"
Shui Yongquan said to Li Banfeng, "Old Qi, this is good stuff. You should keep it."
He then said, "It’s inconvenient for a Traveling Cultivator to carry such a large Magical Treasure. It’s better for Big Brother Qiu."
Qiu Luoye shook his head. "I don’t want it! I have Magical Treasures. This thing stinks too much."
"Fine, if you don’t want it!" Shui Yongquan put the jar away himself and continued to feel around under the bed.
CLANGS and CLATTERS sounded from under the bed as Shui Yongquan triggered several mechanisms. Fortunately, his cultivation level was high enough that he managed to avoid some traps and endure others.
After probing around for over an hour, Shui Yongquan pulled something out.
It wasn’t the Contract Book, but a yellow box with a silver-white circular ring engraved on it.
Qiu Luoye smiled. "This is the Land Seal!"
Finding the Land Seal meant the Contract Book was also found. Li Banfeng was about to get under the bed to dig out the Contract Book when Shui Yongquan advised, "Old Qi, we already have the Land Seal, so there’s no need to dig for the Contract Book. All the human energy in here is ours now."