Beloved Treasure

The local sacred spring has set a price, covering an area of ten miles.

As long as they can guard one road, they will give ten miles of land to Li Banfeng and Ma Wu.

Ten miles is no small amount. The Lu Family and the Chu family once joined forces to open up a ten-mile radius area, but both failed. The head of the Chu family even lost his life.

Ma Wu looked at Li Banfeng.

After pondering for a long time, Li Banfeng asked, "Is this canyon and this cave yours, or Qiu Luoye's?"

Shui Yongquan said, "It belongs to my family. According to the rules of the Local Earth God, we cannot enter each other's territory before the war begins. You can set up traps in the canyons and caves for these three days. You can set them up as you like."

Li Banfeng then asked, "If you grant me ten li of land to guard a key route, is it a ten-li radius or a ten-li straight line?"

We need to find out the truth. If it's a ten-mile stretch of a straight line, then this is ridiculous.

Shui Yongquan picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Brother Li Qi, you're too cautious. I, Shui, am not talented, but I am the lord of this place. Do you think I would fool you with this doll trick? It's naturally within a ten-mile radius!"

Li Banfeng then asked, "Where is 'ten li square'?"

If it were a ten-mile-long swamp, this would be hilarious.

"We can discuss the location. As long as we win this battle, you can choose any good land you want. But there's one condition: you can't choose land from my house. I have a place to live, and you can't just kick me out."

Li Banfeng nodded and then asked, "Now that we've chosen this ten-mile-wide area, we don't need to go through the land reclamation process again, right?"

"What are you saying? We've already given you the land, why would you need to cultivate it? Once it sees daylight and produces well water, the Land Block is ready to be handed over!"

The land is given away for ten miles right away; the price offered is simply too tempting.

Li Banfeng once thought that if you drive a hundred cars in a one-mile radius area, wouldn't that also be a ten-mile radius area?

The idea was correct, but according to Ma Wu's memory, this operation could not possibly succeed.

Firstly, a Local Earth God would not allow one person to cultivate a hundred Land Block.

Even if, through various circumstances, a hundred Land Block were indeed developed, these Land Block would not be connected. The open spaces between the plots would be constantly harassed by alien creatures, and ultimately they would not form a large-scale operation.

Since the Local Earth God had already put it this way, Li Banfeng slapped his thigh and said, "Words are no proof!"

The Local Earth God laughed and said, "Is this a written agreement? Are you two agreeing?"

"No," Li Banfeng shook his head, "I was just asking, this matter still needs to be discussed."

Shui Yongquan cursed inwardly.

Damn it, I'm not going to agree, why are you asking so many questions!

Shui Yongquan looked at Ma Wu: "Brother Ma Wu, what do you say?"

Ma Wu stroked his chin and said, "I'll listen to Seventh Brother."

Shui Yongquan, barely suppressing his anger, said to the two, "Young men, you should have the spirit of youth. You two talented individuals are too cautious in your actions."

The war will begin in three days. If you've made up your mind, tell me as soon as possible, otherwise others will gain the credit, and you two will regret it.

The Local Earth God left, leaving the map on the table.

This is to whet their appetites.

Ma Wu, always cautious, said to Li Banfeng, "Seventh Brother, stop watching. It's a Local Earth God war, not something we should get involved in."

"I didn't intend to get involved; I was just observing."

Li Banfeng had just resisted the temptation of the Shui Yongquan, Ma Wu believed he wouldn't act rashly.

"Seventh Brother, I've told the brothers to stop work. If we can't hold this place, we'll have to move at any time."

"You can handle this." Li Banfeng put away the map and returned to his Land Block.

Portable Abode, the Wife gasped for breath, steam billowing from her mouth.

"What's wrong? After taking the pill, I feel like my soul is about to dissipate."

The Wife's unusual condition was noticed by Red Lotus.

"You Wicked Woman, your soul is incomplete, yet you dare to consume the Profound Essence Pill. I'm afraid you won't be able to save your life."

Sizzle~

The Wife stubbornly insisted, "It's just a pill; I used to eat this as food."

Red Lotus sneered, "You don't have the same skills as before. This isn't an ordinary pill either. This Insect Chief has gained extraordinary power; it should have produced two pills."

"You combined two pills?" Changji was shocked. She knew her own physical condition. If she had taken two Profound Essence Pill together, she would have really died.

Red Lotus sighed, "I didn't want to refine them together either, but I haven't seen the light of day for many days, and there are some powers within the Insect Chief I can't neutralize. If two pills become one, even immortals would be tempted."

The record player's voice trembled violently. "You did it on purpose. You wanted the madman to take the pill out so that the one in heaven could smell its fragrance, find the madman, and then rescue you."

Red Lotus sneered, "Don't say that. I refined the pills, and that madman took them himself."

You were greedy and insisted on eating it. It's both of your business anyway, so how can you blame me?

"I wasn't greedy," the record player said, his mind a little hazy. "Yes, he gave it to me willingly."

"If you don't act cute, how could he give it to you? You shameless Wicked Woman, you deserve to be heartbroken."

"I won't die, keep dreaming, you bitch!"

"Wicked Woman, don't be stubborn. I know a medicinal herb that can save your life. If you help me, I can save you."

How can I help you?

"You haven't agreed to help me yet, so I can't tell you right now."

Sizzle~

The record player sighed, guessing Red Lotus's thoughts. "I'll help you? You still want to summon that person from heaven. If he really comes, will that madman still be alive?"

"Why do you care whether he survives or not? Worry about yourself first. Let me tell you, in Pro State, no one but me can save you."

When you were sold out, you heard him say that he wouldn't care about losing a thousand or ten thousand pieces of gold, and you started to cherish him like a precious treasure?

Which man in this world doesn't have a flirtatious tongue? Think about it carefully, is it really worth it to be driven mad by a madman?

"Get out! Get away from me!" The record player slammed the door to the outer room shut.

Li Banfeng returned to Portable Abode, only to find the room extremely stuffy.

Huff~ Huff~

The Wife was breathing very rapidly; it seemed something had happened to her again.

"My Wife, what happened?"

"Hey, my lord, Little Slave 'm fine, I just feel a little hot after taking the pill."

Is this elixir really that powerful?

Li Banfeng unfolded the map left by Shui Yongquan: "Wife, the Local Earth God are really going to war. This is a map of both sides, separated by a mountain, with only two passages, a canyon, and a cave. The war starts in three days. Do you think this war can be fought?"

The record player stared at the map for a moment. "What benefits did the Local Earth God promise you?"

How did you guess so accurately, my Wife?

"He said that as long as we can hold onto one passage, he will give us Land Block within a ten-mile radius. I think we should be able to hold onto this canyon."

The record player put the map back into its case and projected it onto the wall using the firelight. "Hey, my love, tell me, why do you think this canyon can be defended?"

Li Banfeng had also read military-themed literary works, "The terrain on both sides of the canyon is treacherous. If ten thousand soldiers are ambushed, wouldn't every enemy who enters die?"

Sizzle~

The Wife chuckled, "Husband, you're talking about the methods mortals use to fight. When Local Earth God fight, they all use their subordinate cultivators. These methods don't work at all."

"Why doesn't it work?"

"First of all, there's nowhere to find these ten thousand soldiers. Within a radius of a hundred miles, how many beings possess cultivation, intelligence, and the ability to fight? At most one or two hundred."

"If you agree to the Local Earth God to guard the valley, Local Earth God won't allocate any troops to you. You'll have to use as many men as you have under your command. My lord, how many capable fighters do you have under your command?"

"Not many, maybe seven or eight..."

Besides Li Banfeng and Ma Wu, only Zuo Wugang, Cao Zhida, Zhen Jincheng, and three Bagworm Moth Madam were able to go to the battlefield; Little Chuanzi and Little Genzi were barely qualified.

This was completely different from what Li Banfeng had imagined.

Huff~

The record player sighed and continued, "Even if the enemy enters the valley, they might not necessarily suffer losses. Those with thick skin can withstand the attack, those with fast footwork can charge in and fight, and those that can fly can fight from mid-air. Those that can fly high enough don't even need to cross the canyon; they can fly over the mountains and fight directly."

"My lord doesn't understand the battle tactics of cultivators. Occupying a strategic location doesn't guarantee an advantage."

Li Banfeng scratched his head and said, "Then what use is this major transportation route?"

"Of course it has its uses. There aren't many creatures that can fly over mountains quickly, and flying directly over would be like throwing yourself into the tiger's den."

If Little Slave 'm not mistaken, the flying aliens are scouting the way above the canyon to cover the army's advance. That's the right way. With just seven or eight men like my husband, they'd be easy prey on the battlefield of the Local Earth God.

Your Local Earth God didn't expect you to defend the canyon; he just wanted you as bait to hold off the enemy. Ten miles of canyon—it takes a long time to walk there. Let you fight for a while, buy him twenty minutes, and that'll be enough.

Even if you can't hold the position, he'll have a backup plan; there's bound to be an ambush at the valley exit.

As for the Local Earth God himself, he must have taken one of the more concealed paths through the caves. He launched a surprise attack from that path, directly attacking the enemy's stronghold and catching them completely off guard!

"He wants me to be bait?" Li Banfeng was stunned for a long time before asking, "What if I don't guard the valley and choose a cave instead?"

"My lord, you cannot choose the cave, for you are unfamiliar with the way. If you get lost in the cave, wouldn't you be doomed?"

"If I walk the route a few more times, I'll get used to it, right?"

"My lord is really stubborn. The war starts in three days. How many times can you go? No matter how familiar you are with the place, can you be more familiar with it than the native aliens?"

Being unfamiliar with the terrain is a fatal flaw on the battlefield. In the darkness of a cave, in a critical moment, you might not even be able to find a way out.

"My lord, though you are somewhat mad, you are still a wise man. You would never choose to guard the cave; the Local Earth God has already seen through your intentions."

Li Banfeng suddenly sat up and rubbed his forehead vigorously.

I haven't thought enough, far too little.

Fortunately, I didn't agree to the Local Earth God's request beforehand. If I had made a contract, it would be too late to say anything now.

Shui Yongquan is cunning; he exploited my lack of military knowledge and used this tactic to lure me.

That's strange, how come my Wife knows so much about military affairs?

Just as Li Banfeng was about to ask a question, he heard his Wife say, "Husband, the Local Earth God are all ruthless people who have lived for countless years. You must be extremely careful when dealing with them."

I don't think your Local Earth God is very good at military strategy. He could actually send some men himself to hold off the enemy, and he doesn't necessarily have to trick you into risking your lives. But he'll have to put in some effort to defend the canyon.

First, lay bait to lure the enemy in. You don't need to lay too much bait, but the scale must be large enough to make the enemy want to fight but hesitate. If they don't fight, they're afraid of missing an opportunity. This hesitation will buy them a lot of time.

Once the enemy enters the canyon, attack the top lane first, shooting down any flying enemies. The method must be stealthy; this is to blind the enemy.

Next, attack the bottom lane, targeting those tough but clumsy opponents, and beat them mercilessly. This is to break the enemy's foundation.

Fast-moving units like Travel Cultivator usually stay in the middle lane. Don't chase after them, or you'll suffer heavy losses. Even if you let a few escape, it won't matter.

If he sends more men, holding them off for twenty minutes shouldn't be too difficult. Then he can lead his troops in a surprise attack from the cave and easily seize the enemy's stronghold.

After hearing this, Li Banfeng nodded repeatedly and said, "According to what you say, my Wife, this battle won't be difficult."

"Husband!" the record player shouted, startling Li Banfeng so much that he trembled.

"What's wrong, my Wife?"

"Little Slave teaching you these things not so you can go to war!"

When Local Earth God start a war, it will inevitably be a fight to the death. If your Local Earth God loses and you can't bear to give up your Land Block, you will surely lose your life!

I'm teaching you tactics so you can understand the situation. Before battle, go check out the canyon. If the Local Earth God is using the wrong methods, it proves he doesn't know how to use troops, and he's bound to lose this battle.

You must abandon the Land Block and leave the new territory immediately to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

"My Little Slave, have you remembered what I said?"

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "I've got it."

"Promise me you will never go to the battlefield!"

The Wife's voice was shrill and mournful. Li Banfeng nodded repeatedly and said, "I agree."

What's wrong, my Wife?

Why are you suddenly so serious?

The ten-mile Land Block was very tempting, and Li Banfeng cherished his Land Block, but he wasn't crazy enough to go to the battlefield and fight the Local Earth God. He knew his own limitations.

Sizzle~

The Wife's voice softened again. "Husband, stay home these next few days, practice your skills, and take good care of yourself. Little Slave 'll find a way to take you to the fifth floor."

"My Wife, there's no rush."

"My lord, this Little Slave is getting a little anxious."

We can't rush the fifth floor; we need to figure out a way to get the Travel Cultivator to the fourth floor first.

Li Banfeng took a nap, and a cloud of steam enveloped him, making him feel very warm.

When Li Banfeng woke up, his Wife was also asleep. He secretly slipped out of the house, ate a Golden Essence Pill and a Blue Yang Pill in the wooden house to accumulate cultivation.

When the record player woke up and couldn't find Li Banfeng, it was very worried, fearing that he might not be able to resist the temptation and agree to go on the expedition with the Local Earth God.

Red Lotus sneered from the outer room, "Wicked Woman, knowing your time is running out, you still talked so much with that madman. Was that your last words?"

"I'm afraid that if that madman loses his life on the battlefield, none of us will be able to get out."

"After all the repeated instructions and reminders, you still want to take him to the fifth floor? Do you really think you're some kind of doting wife?"

"What's it to you, you bitch!"

Red Lotus roared, "You dare insult me? Believe me, I'll kill you right now!"

Huff~ Huff~

The record player was breathing heavily; she was weak and annoyed.

"You bitch, I can't be bothered with you, get lost!"

Red Lotus sighed and said, "I truly want to save you. Let's draw up a contract, as long as you're willing to help me..."

"Get lost!"

A plume of steam blocked the doorway.

Red Lotus sensed the murderous aura and remained silent.

Why bother arguing with her?

She won't live much longer either.

There's no need to fight her to the death.

Can it hold on?

We can hold on.

We have to wait for that madman to come back, no matter what.

Inside the record player's casing, the mirror slowly rotated.

Li Banfeng's face was reflected on the wall.

"Whether it's a thousand pieces of gold, ten thousand pieces of gold, or even ten million pieces of gold, I won't feel bad at all if I give it to my Wife to eat."

Sizzle~

The song started again.

"My darling,

Suddenly in front of me,

I was breathing heavily.

I'm moved by you.

I hope you can discover that

In return, I present a string of love tokens.

Sizzle~

The record player laughed.

P. S.: Did my Wife get stabbed?

Salad roared, then addressed the other Salad, "Let's see who dares!"