Others were secretly drawing runes as well, each stroke adding a bit more power to the array.
Li Banfeng asked, "In Lavsha Nation, do you live among the common folk, or in a place similar to Puluo State?"
"We come from the Land of Slumber; we belong to the people not accepted by society." These words seemed to hit Mosonov’s sore spot. He clenched his teeth and bowed his head, his expression pained.
In reality, he was secretly accelerating the movement of his fingers; the second rune was almost complete.
Li Banfeng continued, "How is life in the Land of Slumber for you?"
Mosonov sighed, "The suffering we endure in the Land of Slumber is unimaginable to people from other places."
"So you plan to occupy Puluo State to secure a better living environment for yourselves?"
Mosonov didn’t deny it. "That is the master’s command and the congregation’s wish."
Li Banfeng said, "You’ve also opened a Conqueror’s Restaurant—a restaurant with such a provocative name. It seems you really haven’t been beaten enough."
Mosonov did not retort, allowing Li Banfeng to say whatever he wanted.
Li Banfeng kept asking, "How many more camps do you have in Puluo State?"
"There is one more camp, called Boundless Camp. It has people from all over who ignore the boundaries of bloodlines, recruiting what they call elite members."
"Isn’t their bishop Cui Tiq?"
Mosonov repeatedly shook his head. "Not him. That person is strange. He named the hospital ’Boundless,’ which led some of our congregation to seek refuge with him there. However, those who went to the hospital never came back."
Mosonov continued, "The bishop of Boundless Camp is called Glubb. He is mainly active around Bridge Yesong, though his purpose for going to Bridge Yesong is still unknown."
Mosonov was indeed telling the truth. At this moment, he was trying to do everything he could to gain Li Qi’s trust, as the third rune was nearly complete.
Li Banfeng poured a pot of tea on the ground, washing away all the runes.
Mosonov stared at Li Banfeng for a long time, his body trembling violently.
He wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say.
Li Banfeng had nothing else to ask. "My dear, let’s start the feast."
The Phonograph hummed. "These brutes carry too strong a stench of blood and raw flesh for my taste. Ying Ying, you can eat the souls."
Hong Ying shook her spear and said, "I don’t want to eat this. It’s stinky, and I’m afraid Qi Lang will find me repulsive tonight."
"TSK! Who said your husband will sleep with you tonight?" The Phonograph swung a plank as if to hit her but held back, not wanting to embarrass Hong Ying in front of others.
"All of you, don’t just stand there! Projector, you got short-changed at the last family feast, so you eat your fill first this time."
The Projector sighed softly. "This flavor isn’t artistic at all..."
The Phonograph retorted irritably, "Eat quickly, or you’ll get a thrashing!"
The family began their meal amidst disdain. Mosonov wanted to lead everyone in resistance but was scalded to medium-well by the Old Teapot and couldn’t move anymore.
「...」
Li Banfeng returned to Xiaoyao Lodge and found Xiao Yeci to ask about matters concerning Bridge Yesong.
As soon as Bridge Yesong was mentioned, Xiao Yeci became very excited. "Bridge Yesong is such a nice place, even if it’s just a town! It’s filled with a scholarly atmosphere, with many academies and libraries. Now that summer is approaching, it’s the best time to enjoy the scenery there."
Li Banfeng said, "Then we should definitely go take a look!"
But at the mention of going to take a look, Xiao Yeci fell silent and looked down.
Li Banfeng frowned. "What’s wrong? Is there something you’re afraid of?"
Xiao Yeci gave a dry chuckle. "I... I just won’t go..."
"Mom, I need to make a trip to Bridge Yesong to take care of some business."
"Do we have business in Bridge Yesong?"
"We have a little."
"Oh," Xiao Yeci pursed her lips. "Then you can go. I still don’t want to."
"Mom, what’s wrong with returning to our hometown with dignity?"
No matter how much Lu Chunying tried to persuade her, Xiao Yeci simply refused to go.
Li Banfeng advised Lu Chunying, "Don’t make it hard for your mom. If she doesn’t want to go back with you, she must have her reasons. Just hold her down for a second; I’ll go get a rope and tie her up."
Lu Chunying asked, "And tying her up doesn’t count as making it hard for her?"
"It’s not making it hard for her; it’s coercion," Li Banfeng replied as he brought over the rope.
Xiao Yeci shouted, "What are you doing?! Why are you tying me up?! Don’t tie it so tight! Don’t... BOO-HOO!"
Li Banfeng gagged Xiao Yeci, had his Servants buy train tickets, and took the train to Bridge Yesong that very day.
He Yuxiu was also going to Bridge Yesong to handle business, so she conveniently went along. The two women chatted idly on the train, and He Yuxiu remarked with feeling, "Bridge Yesong is quite an interesting place. It has lots of mountains, water, trees, and bridges. Wouldn’t you agree, Xiao Yeci?"
Xiao Yeci nodded vigorously.
He Yuxiu continued, "But doing business there isn’t that interesting. There are only a few families involved in trade. Those who sell rice do so their entire lives, and those who sell oil do the same. They call their shops ’hundred-year-old shops,’ but nothing really changes over the years."