He recounted his encounter at Knife Ghost Ridge, and his wife was terrified as well.
"Beloved husband, this is Little Servant’s fault. When you first mentioned a Painting Cultivator depicting a mountain, I truly believed it was a display of the Painting Cultivator’s skill. But seeing your cultivation level surge these past few days, I began to suspect you had gone to Knife Ghost Ridge."
"Where was Knife Ghost Ridge originally located? And why did it appear in my territory?"
"Beloved husband, no one can say for sure where Knife Ghost Ridge is. There are many inexplicable things concerning the unknown lands. As for why Knife Ghost Ridge appeared in your territory, it might be related to the Sky Heart Stone."
"Does Knife Ghost Ridge produce Sky Heart Stones?"
"Not exactly. The Sky Heart Stone has pathfinding properties. Little Servant suspects that someone intentionally placed a Sky Heart Stone in the territory, luring the entrance to Knife Ghost Ridge here."
Li Banfeng stroked his chin and said, "Who is trying to harm me?"
Hong Ying said, "Regardless of who wants to harm you, sending the Sky Heart Stone away will remove Knife Ghost Ridge as well."
The Portable Residence, upon hearing this, was furious, "That won’t do! The Sky Heart Stone has already been used to build a station. It’s too late to dismantle it now."
The Gloves emerged from Li Banfeng’s pocket, saying, "Old Man, we have to be reasonable! You dismantled the Huantu Station before, and that Joy Soil was still usable. So why can’t the Sky Heart Stone be dismantled?"
The Portable Residence huffed, "This is a Craftsmanship Method! What would a mere fur thief like you know?"
Li Banfeng was still pondering who could have placed the Sky Heart Stone there.
"Beloved wife, is there any way to temporarily seal the entrance to Knife Ghost Ridge? I want to investigate a few things."
"Well..." His wife looked somewhat troubled.
Hong Ying said, "It can’t be sealed. No matter what methods you try, there will always be people willing to risk everything to go up there."
"What’s so great about that place? Why does everyone want to go up?"
"Qi Lang, Knife Ghost Ridge is a treasure trove for cultivation. Traveling Cultivators can traverse its perilous paths, Literature Cultivators can find inspiration for their writings, Martial Cultivators can battle Yin Energy to temper their physiques, and Nightmare Cultivators can gather Yin Energy and command Lost Souls. If I recall correctly, members of thirty-three different Taoist Sects can gain immense advantages on Knife Ghost Ridge. After ascending the mountain, their cultivation levels soar. How many people do you think can resist such a lure?"
Li Banfeng rubbed his forehead, feeling the matter was becoming increasingly thorny.
However, he also gleaned a crucial piece of information: Hong Ying knew about Knife Ghost Ridge but was unaware of the Greenwater Beggar. This suggested Knife Ghost Ridge most likely predated the Greenwater Beggar, confirming Cui Tiq’s conjecture.
The Phonograph offered comfort, "Beloved husband, the Knife Labor Ghosts all want to return to Knife Ghost Ridge and usually don’t wander far. So, you don’t need to be overly concerned."
Indeed, the Knife Ghosts that had been chasing Li Banfeng hadn’t gone far.
But with Knife Ghost Ridge here, any Strange Monsters unable to resist the temptation would ascend the mountain, and very few would return alive.
Once word got out, who knew how many people would flock here, drawn by its reputation.
By then, many would take notice of Li Banfeng’s territory, and Li Furong’s identity would soon be exposed.
At an impasse, the Portable Residence spoke up, "There are still two Sky Heart Stones left; it’s not impossible to use them. Think of a destination, and I’ll figure out a way to send Knife Ghost Ridge away."
...
"I had asked you to bring Knife Ghost Ridge here. Where exactly did you send it?"
「Sage Peak, Saint’s Residence.」
The Saint sat in his study, waiting for Chu Shaoqiang to provide him with a reasonable explanation.
Chu Shaoqiang sat opposite him, replying, "There was a mishap en route; the Sky Heart Stone guiding the way suddenly went missing."
The Saint asked, "And where did it go missing?"
Chu Shaoqiang answered, "It should be in New Land. I’m still investigating."
"When will your investigation yield results?"
Chu Shaoqiang disliked the Saint’s attitude, but given the other’s status, he maintained his composure.
"In three days at most, I will give you an answer."
PS: What does the Saint want with Knife Ghost Ridge?