Earned It!

At daybreak, Carefree Dock lay utterly silent. The guests had all dispersed, the dancers had gone home, and the performers were sleeping soundly.

The Peddler climbed through the window into Li Banfeng's room. Li Banfeng had been waiting inside.

"I meant to help you collect the sunflower seeds, but something urgent came up at the last minute, so you'll have to collect them yourself." The Peddler handed Li Banfeng a map, a tin of Cool Oil, and seven packets of Soul Return Soup. "Rub the Cool Oil over your eyes, and you'll be able to see where the sunflowers are. The map explains things quite clearly. You'll definitely be able to find them."

Li Banfeng accepted the map and medicine packets, then asked, "What urgent matter did you run into?"

The Peddler looked Li Banfeng over. "Don't worry about that yet. Handle your own affairs first."

Li Banfeng looked at the map. "This many places?"

"Didn't I tell you? A lot of people remember you."

Li Banfeng also saw two place names that were not marked on the map, only described in writing. "These places have them too?"

"They do! These two places are especially crucial. You must go."

Li Banfeng still did not understand. "Who did you have plant sunflowers in those places?"

"I have Hidden Pawns in those places. Starting today, you need to drink one dose of Soul Return Soup a day." The Peddler said no more and hurried away.

One dose a day meant Li Banfeng's condition had become even more dangerous.

Li Banfeng took the map and began searching everywhere for sunflowers.

The sunflower in Blue Poplar Village had borne a divine statue: a black-clad man hacking at people with a blade. The village's customs remained as simple and honest as ever, and their impression