"Tree-Person A, you no longer need to monitor Li Ban from now on."
"But why—"
"Regardless of whether Li Ban has issues or not," Zhou Gu interrupted Tree-Person A, "I'm revoking my promise to reward you with his limbs."
"Officer Zhou!" Tree-Person A's branches bristled in agitation. The unexpected turn of events seemed to have addled his mind, making him bold enough to show defiance before Zhou Gu. "How can you go back on your word?"
"You've acted out of self-interest, even daring to deceive me." Seeing Tree-Person A's behavior only deepened Zhou Gu's displeasure, his voice turning sharp. "Do you think Zhang Baishan's backing allows you to disregard me?"
Hearing Zhang Baishan's name jolted Tree-Person A back to his senses, realizing his momentary lapse in judgment.
Their true backer was indeed Zhang Baishan, who in turn was Prison Officer Du An's trusted subordinate. This connection made the tree-people consider themselves under Officer Du's faction.
Though jailers like Zhou Gu could usually command them, it always required offering some benefits in return.
Even if caught neglecting duties, the worst punishment would be losing an arm as warning.
Nor did he believe Zhou Gu would actually kill a mere menial worker over him.
That would surely antagonize both Zhang Baishan and Officer Du.
Other jailers might dare slight Zhang Baishan, but certainly not this Zhou Gu!
This understanding had made Tree-Person A somewhat overconfident, nearly pushing him into direct confrontation with Zhou Gu.
However, surface disrespect and genuine defiance were entirely different matters. Fortunately, the mention of Zhang Baishan brought him to his senses.
"My apologies, sir. I lost control. Please punish me."
Tree-Person A's voluntary apology did little to improve Zhou Gu's expression.
Especially when he realized the apology only came after hearing "Zhang Baishan," his anger intensified.
Yet ultimately, he swallowed his rage.
"Get out!"
Tree-Person A hastily retreated from Zhou Gu's quarters.
Alone, Zhou Gu paced his room several times, the fury in his chest refusing to dissipate.
His thoughts returned to that glaring mark on the map. Approaching the box containing wine distillation materials, he rattled its lock.
Zhou Gu seldom locked his door when away, allowing corpse handlers free access.
But this didn't mean he lacked secrets.
The deepest shadows often exist beneath the brightest sun.
His true secrets were carefully concealed—including the distillation operation.
Yet Tree-Person A had specifically targeted this very box when framing Li Ban.
Hah. If Li Ban had really drawn that map, would he mark his own creations as important items?
This proved Tree-Person A... had indeed been spying on his secrets.
"Zhang Baishan, are you pulling the strings behind this? We all have our agendas—I'm not competing for your power... You'd best not interfere unnecessarily!"
...
That same day, Li Ban relocated to the menial quarters on Death Prison's third level.
The quarters contained two bedrooms.
Wang Hua and Liu Mu each occupied one.
Since Liu Mu had invited Li Ban to move in, he voluntarily shared his room.
The space already had two low beds separated by a simple screen.
Li Ban owned little to begin with—just his clothes and the iron hook from storage.
In his new quarters, Liu Mu kindly provided additional daily necessities.
Li Ban's living standards improved dramatically.
Especially with winter approaching, this was far more comfortable than the pit.
Yet Li Ban's primary concern remained unresolved.
Zhou Gu hadn't acted against Tree-Person A.
The tree-person still lived.
A single marked location alone wasn't enough to make Zhou Gu believe Tree-Person A was spying and warrant execution.
Disappointing, but not disheartening.
Zhou Gu had voluntarily burned the map, surely noticing Li Ban's added mark on the distillation equipment box.
He would undoubtedly suspect Tree-Person A.
Just not enough to take action yet.
Over following days, Li Ban settled into the menial quarters—working, cultivating, and continuing alcohol production via distillation.
He knew 75% concentration had optimal sterilization, but couldn't gauge if his distilled liquor reached that level.
The solution? Prepare multiple concentrations for Zhou Gu's use.
After all, Li Ban cared little whether Zhou Gu succeeded in preserving his insects.
During this period, he grew closer with Liu Mu while relations with Wang Hua remained somewhat awkward.
He also met their sole female colleague—Lü Qinghe.
A beautiful adult woman whose conservative ruqun dress couldn't diminish her elegance.
No wonder Officer Du kept her in personal service.
Not even allowing her to return at night.
Though Liu Mu hinted Lü Qinghe held no formal position—more like a chamber maid.
Yet Lü Qinghe considered herself half a rank above the other three menials, rarely appearing on the third level.
Compared to the occasionally seen menials, other jailers seldom visited the third level.
They either guarded the fourth level or undertook external missions.
Otherwise, they cultivated in seclusion.
Each more competitive than the last.
Only Zhou Gu remained immersed in distillation and other activities Li Ban couldn't comprehend.
Through his new routine, Li Ban gradually uncovered more of Zhou Gu's secrets.
He sensed Zhou Gu hadn't recruited him merely to gain another subordinate.
The man seemed ready to reveal his true motives soon.
...
"Sir! The final alcohol extraction is complete."
Wiping sweat, Li Ban carefully transferred the freshly collected liquid into sealed jars.
Zhou Gu had been fiddling with tools on his desk and stood upon hearing this. "All done?"
"Yes." Li Ban gazed proudly at the four jars marked with red labels. "These are the strongest concentrations. Tsk—completely undrinkable."
Zhou Gu approached, wearing an uncharacteristic smile. "No need for pretense. You know this isn't for drinking."
Li Ban chuckled nervously, not daring to contradict. "Use these first. Remember to keep them sealed. Summon me if you need more."
Having fulfilled Zhou Gu's request, Li Ban prepared to take his leave.
"Wait. There's another task."
"Understood, sir. I'll devote myself completely to it."
Zhou Gu nodded approvingly.
Hadn't he taken in this background-less, persecuted Li Ban precisely because the man had no alternatives but loyalty?
"Familiarize yourself with these tools. You'll maintain them henceforth."
Only then did Li Ban notice the array of instruments Zhou Gu had laid out earlier.
Specially crafted scissors, knives, saws, hammers—all miniature, resembling... surgical tools.
Without excessive caution, he picked up a small knife.
"Such a tiny blade. Doesn't it hinder your use?"
Zhou Gu took the knife and spun it effortlessly between his fingers.
The razor-sharp edge could easily slice skin, yet Zhou Gu handled it as carelessly as a twig.
"Li Ban, cultivation alone won't suffice if you wish to advance. You must master such skills too."
"Your fingers are incredibly dexterous, sir. I could never match such reflexes."
Zhou Gu returned the knife. "Absorbed spiritual essence naturally enhances the body. Today's impossibilities may become tomorrow's trivialities."
Spotting a metal tube, Li Ban peered through it.
"Second-level prisoners often refuse meals. Sir, if we inserted this into their mouths and poured food through the other end, could we force-feed them?"
Zhou Gu shook his head. "Still indulging fantasies? Better focus on practical ideas like distillation."
His gaze held genuine expectation. "Well? Any other thoughts?"