Everyone exchanged looks. Qi Zhenzi found it dull too and drank from his wine gourd by himself. Just then, Zeng Yuan and his companions returned to the thatched cottage, along with Xi Bazì, Sweet Potato Boy, and a fox-faced old man, all carrying game such as elk and Horned Goats over their shoulders.
"Well, well, I've been here so long, and this is the first time I've seen so many people. The sun really must have risen in the west..."
Xi Bazì paused slightly at the sight of Mu Bai and the others and blurted out those words.
Xi Bazì was certainly quick-witted, but his mouth never stopped. He could plainly see that the atmosphere was somewhat awkward, yet he insisted on livening it up.
"Hey, old man, what's the fun in drinking alone? How about giving us brothers a sip? It's so damn cold my guts are about to freeze."
Qi Zhenzi raised his wine gourd, took a mouthful, smacked his lips, and gave Xi Bazì a sidelong glance.
"With that scrawny little frame of yours, you couldn't handle my wine!"
"Oh, looking down on me, Xi Bazì, are you? Then have a look at this brother of mine. Thick arms, broad waist-could he handle your wine?"
"No!"
"Why are you so stingy, old man? We're not asking to drink your wine for nothing. See this? This is the famous Silver-Winged Tiger Might Pill. I'll trade it for your wine. Guaranteed to satisfy you, and guaranteed to satisfy your wife too. Got any grandchildren, old man? Never mind if you don't. One pill, just one, and you could even have a son!"
Under Xi Bazì's barrage, even Qi Zhenzi's old face reddened in a rare blush, and he looked up at Mu Bai.
"What are you standing there for?