Chapter 87: Hidden Daggers Behind Smiles

At the banquet table.

There were only Li Qi and this bald seal-like man.

Although it was an outdoor feast, no one else dared to approach; only the two of them were eating.

After several rounds of drinks and introductions, Li Qi learned that the man's name was Bao Dun, a guest elder of the Boshan Sect.

The Boshan Sect is a martial arts sect within the martial world of the Deer Kingdom. Many wealthy merchants send their children there to learn martial arts, making it quite influential. It's said that the sect leader has considerable influence in the state capital.

However, from Bao Dun's conversation, Li Qi could sense his disdain for the Boshan Sect.

Yet, he showed no such disdain towards Li Qi.

The reason seemed to be... Li Qi knew about the Nine-Rank Classification System.

Once Li Qi revealed his knowledge of the Nine-Rank Classification System, Bao Dun's attitude changed immediately.

This made Li Qi understand more clearly.

It seemed... the leg he had hitched onto was truly extraordinary. To these people, even knowing the Nine-Rank Classification System was considered secret knowledge. The disciples of the Boshan Sect aimed to become Celestial Warriors, which meant reaching the Ninth Rank in martial arts.

For example, the formidable Wu Bei Zongbing of Lishui Prefecture was only at the Seventh Rank.

Bao Dun proudly mentioned that his own cultivation technique could reach the Seventh Rank, making him almost godlike.

He asked Li Qi what rank his cultivation technique could achieve.

Li Qi "truthfully" replied that his technique could reach the Eighth Rank.

Not a lie; Carp Flow Intent could indeed reach the Eighth Rank.

According to Bao Dun, the techniques of the Boshan Sect could at most reach the Celestial Warrior level, or the Ninth Rank.

Such a technique could actually sustain an entire sect.

This made Li Qi marvel at the disparity in the world.

It also made him appreciate again how vast the world was and how insignificant he was.

After learning that Li Qi's technique could reach the Eighth Rank, Bao Dun became even friendlier.

Li Qi understood why.

When making friends, the best are those who have some ability but are not as strong as oneself.

In short, this meal was like any ordinary banquet, discussing various topics from all over the world.

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

Li Qi also shared some minor tidbits from the book "Wu", such as certain insects found in specific places and the uses of different colored grasses.

Even these trivial details from the book "Wu" impressed Bao Dun greatly, praising Li Qi for his extensive knowledge.

This meal could be considered a pleasant gathering.

"Ah, Brother Li, what is your relationship with these haulers? Why did you come here? I misunderstood your situation and almost caused a misunderstanding," Bao Dun asked.

"Oh, I'm originally from here, just went out to make my fortune, luckily joined my current master, so I've returned in glory," Li Qi smiled.

"So that's it! Congratulations on your success, Brother Li! We must look out for each other in the future," Bao Dun cheerfully poured wine for Li Qi.

Li Qi drank up, and both laughed heartily.

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

Li Qi then started his second round.

What second round?

Of course, the Paibo Gang brothers returned after buying things and began preparing food.

They saw Li Qi eating but didn't disturb him, following Uncle Six's silent cue.

Li Qi sat with Uncle Six during this meal.

Then, he looked at Uncle Six.

"Uncle Six, tonight, I never came back. Li Qi is still out there, fleeing from justice," he whispered to Uncle Six.

Understanding the gravity, Uncle Six nodded silently.

But he wasn't reassured about others, so he quickly ate a few bites of the rare stir-fried meat and left to spread the news.

As for Li Qi, he acted as if nothing happened, eating, drinking, and chatting with the Paibo Gang brothers.

After finishing, everyone was full and content.

The haulers wanted to stay longer, eager to hear more stories from Li Qi.

But Li Qi put on a stern face: "No need to work anymore? Do you expect me to support you for life?"

The haulers scratched their heads awkwardly and went to sleep.

They usually slept around this time anyway, due to lack of lighting and exhaustion from the day's labor.

After they fell asleep, Li Qi sat by the drying fish racks.

A while later, Uncle Six returned, nodded at Li Qi, exchanged a few words, and went to bed.

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

Someone already lived there.

The haulers didn't have many houses, so they couldn't leave them idle for long.

The person inside heard someone push the door open and turned over, seeing Li Qi.

"Brother Li?" He rubbed his eyes, puzzled. "Are you sleeping here tonight? Let me move."

As he tried to get up,

"No need, you sleep. I just came to take a look," Li Qi let him lie down, then drew his saber, quietly cutting a hole in the back wall and slipped out.

Outside was a tributary of the Lishui River.

Li Qi silently submerged himself and placed his saber near the hole, then swam through the tributary into the Lishui River.

Did he trust Bao Dun after just one drink?

Joke.

During the banquet, Li Qi noticed Bao Dun glancing at his saber at least five times, probing with his words, and subtly showing off his strength.

However, perhaps out of fear of Li Qi's master or his power, Bao Dun didn't act rashly. After all, this was within Lishui City, and causing a scene would be problematic.

Lower-ranking gangs fighting among themselves made little noise, something the constables wouldn't bother with.

But if two Ninth-Rank warriors fought openly, the commotion would be enormous, possibly drawing the attention of a captain of the guards.

Regardless of whether Bao Dun had given up his malicious intentions, Li Qi wasn't taking any chances.

He was fine, but the Paibo Gang brothers couldn't move, and they couldn't afford to offend the Boshan Sect.

So, he decided to strike first.

Li Qi stealthily swam to the other side of the Lishui River, under the pleasure boat where Bao Dun and the Boshan Sect disciples stayed.

He clung to the bottom of the boat.

Holding his breath.

Pressing his ear against the hull, listening carefully to what was being said above.

Listening for half an hour.

Li Qi confirmed.

At least, the disciples didn't know anything; they were mostly doing their own things.

As for Bao Dun... there was not a sound from him.

This made Li Qi very uneasy.