A Dagger Behind the Smile

At the banquet table.

There were only Li Qi and this bald seal.

Although it was an open-air banquet, no one else dared to come over; only the two of them were eating.

We've already had a few rounds of drinks and introduced ourselves.

Li Qi learned that this person was named Bao Dun, and was a guest elder of the Boshan Sect.

As for the Boshan Sect, it is a Jianghu sect, one of the many sects in the martial arts world of the Great Deer Kingdom. Many wealthy merchants send their children there to learn martial arts, so it can be considered Number One sect. It is said that the leader of the Boshan Sect is quite influential in the state capital.

However, Li Qi could hear the deep disdain that Bao Dun held for the Boshan Sect from his words.

However, he did not show the same disdain for Li Qi.

The reason seems to be... because Li Qi knows about the Ninth Rank Classification Method.

After Li Qi revealed that he knew about the Ninth Rank Classification Method, his attitude immediately changed.

This made Li Qi understand some things even more clearly.

It seems... the powerful figure I've latched onto is truly extraordinary. For these people, the Ninth Rank Classification Method alone is already a secret. The disciples of the Boshan Sect aim to become "Xiantian martial artist" in this lifetime.

In other words, it means entering the ninth rank of martial arts.

The military commander of Li Prefecture, whom he once thought was invincible, was only a seventh-rank official.

This person was already the strongest in Bao Dun's mind. Bao Dun was also very proud to say that his own Cultivation Method could also reach the seventh rank, at which point he would be a god-like figure.

He also asked Li Qi what rank his Cultivation Method could reach.

Li Qi naturally told him the truth, saying that his Cultivation Method could reach the eighth rank.

He wasn't lying; Carp Flowing Intent could indeed reach the eighth rank.

According to Bao Dun, the Boshan Sect's Cultivation Method can only reach the level of "Xiantian martial artist," which is the ninth rank.

And yet, such Cultivation Method was able to sustain a sect.

This made Li Qi sigh at the diversity of the world.

It also made him realize once again how vast the world is and how insignificant he is.

After learning that Li Qi's Cultivation Method could reach the eighth rank, Bao Dun's attitude became much more affectionate.

Li Qi also knew the reason.

When it comes to making friends, the best friends are those who are somewhat capable, but not as capable as you.

In short, this drinking session was just like any other drinking party, with people talking about everything under the sun, including local customs and culture.

Bao Dun shared his knowledge of the cultivation world, filling in many gaps in Li Qi's understanding.

Li Qi also mentioned some trivial knowledge from the book "Zhu", such as which insects are found in a certain place, and what the uses of grass of a certain color are.

But it was precisely these things in the book "Zhu" that were as numerous as weeds that impressed Bao Dun, who praised Li Qi for his extensive knowledge.

This meal was, to a lesser extent, a pleasant one for both host and guests.

"Hey, Brother Li, what's your relationship with these Boatman Gang? How did you end up here? You almost caused me to misunderstand your situation," Bao Dun asked.

"Ah, I was born here, but I ventured out into the world and was fortunate enough to become a disciple of my current sect, so I'm just returning home in glory," Li Qi said with a smile.

"Oh, I see. Congratulations, Brother Li, on your remarkable achievement! We'll have to look out for each other from now on." Bao Dun said with a grin as he poured wine for Li Qi.

Li Qi drank the toast, and both of them laughed heartily.

After several rounds of drinks, Bao Dun took his leave.

Li Qi then began his second meal.

What, a second meal?

Of course, it's the brothers from the Wave-Pushing Gang who have returned from shopping and are cooking.

They also saw Li Qi eating, and at Uncle Liu's signal, they did not disturb him.

Li Qi, while eating here, sat at the same table with his Uncle Liu.

Then, he looked at his Uncle Liu.

"Uncle Liu, I haven't come back tonight. Li Qi is still out there on the run," he whispered to his Uncle Liu.

Uncle Liu knew the implications, so he remained silent and simply nodded.

But he didn't trust the others, so he only ate a few bites of the stir-fried meat that he didn't usually get to eat, then put his hands in his pockets and hurried out the door.

He probably went to spread the news and inform the other brothers.

As for Li Qi, he acted as if nothing had happened, eating, drinking, and chatting with his brothers from the Wave-Pushing Gang.

After the meal, everyone was full and satisfied.

The boatmen wanted to play a little longer, to listen to Li Qi brag and talk about what was happening outside.

But Li Qi's face hardened. "You don't need to work anymore? Do you expect me to support you for the rest of your lives?"

The boatmen scratched their heads sheepishly and went back to sleep.

They usually go to bed around this time because there are no lights at night, and they are very tired after a long day, so they need to go to bed early to have energy for the next day.

After they all went to sleep, Li Qi sat down next to the drying rack for fish.

A while later, Uncle Liu returned. He nodded to Li Qi, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then went back to lie down.

Seeing this, Li Qi stood up, stretched, and went into his old house.

People are already living here.

After all, the boatmen didn't have that many houses, and they couldn't leave them idle for a long time.

The person inside heard someone push the door open and quickly sat up, then saw Li Qi.

"Brother Li?" He rubbed his eyes, somewhat puzzled. "Are you sleeping here tonight? Then I'll give you my seat."

As he spoke, he tried to get up.

"No need, you sleep, I'll just come in and take a look." Li Qi told him to lie down, then took out his knife from the back of the room, quietly cut a hole, and crawled out.

Outside, there is a tributary of the Li River.

Li Qi silently slipped in, placed his military knife at the entrance of the cave, and then quietly swam into the Li River via a tributary.

Did he really believe Bao Dun after just one drink?

Joke.

During the banquet, Li Qi noticed that Bao Dun glanced at his knife at least five times, and that Bao Dun's words were often probing and meant to demonstrate his strength.

However, the other party may be wary of his sect or strength, so he has not made a move yet. After all, this is in Lizhou City, and it would be bad if things got out of hand.

The gangs below were fighting amongst themselves, causing very little disturbance, and the officials didn't bother with it.

But if two ninth-rank officials were to fight head-on, the commotion would be enormous, and a constable might even have to intervene.

However, regardless of whether the other party had given up their evil intentions, Li Qi was still uneasy.

He himself was fine, but the brothers of the Wave-Pushing Gang couldn't leave their place; they couldn't afford to offend the Boshan Sect.

Then we'll have no choice but to... strike first.

Li Qi quietly lurked and swam to the painted boat on the other side of the Li River.

This is where Bao Dun and his Boshan Sect disciples lived.

They scrambled to the bottom of the boat.

Hold your breath and calm your mind.

I pressed my ear against the bottom of the boat, listening intently to what they were saying up there.

I listened for a full half Chen.

Li Qi has confirmed it.

At least, these disciples were unaware of the situation; they were mostly doing their own thing.

As for Bao Dun... there wasn't a sound at all.

This made Li Qi very uneasy.