Chapter 618: Eight Measures of Talent

"One peanut, two beans, yellow skin, purple shell, snow-white flesh—knows warmth and cold, understands affection—my own wife, I can never get enough!" Zhang Wanlong kissed each of his two wives several times, then took Xiao Xiao Gengzi and headed out to the fields.

Seeing Xiao Xiao Gengzi brimming with boundless energy, Zhang Wanlong asked, "Didn't you teach Shi Zi to read yesterday? How come you still have so much strength today?" Xiao Gengzi grinned sheepishly: "Teaching Shi Zi to read isn't tiring at all."

Zhang Wanlong snorted: "You're still young—you'll know exhaustion when you're my age." "With two such thoughtful sisters-in-law, what could possibly tire you?"

Zhang Wanlong nodded: "My two wives are indeed considerate—most chores don't require me to lift a finger!" As he spoke, he glanced toward his house.

Du Du Wenming knocked a few times on the door; no one answered, so he pushed it open and walked in.

Zhang Wanlong's eldest wife stepped out of the room and eyed Du Du Wenming: "Who are you? How dare you barge into someone else's home?" Du Du Wenming's face was expressionless: "I'm here to buy seeds from Zhang Wanlong."

"Our men aren't home—wait here a moment," the eldest wife invited Du Du Wenming into the parlor; the younger wife brewed him a pot of tea. Du Du Wenming glanced at the younger wife, then spun his right hand, looping his arm behind her waist, aiming to embrace her.

His intent wasn't to take advantage—he wanted to control both women, then search Zhang Wanlong's house for seeds.

If Du Du Wenming could grasp the younger wife, she'd be immobilized—Zhang Wanlong could make her dance a few steps, and she'd fall apart in seconds. The younger wife crouched low, pulled a box of tea snacks from under the table, and perfectly dodged Du Du Wenming's arm.

Du Du Wenming froze, reaching out to grab her arm.

The younger wife lowered her head, picked up a pastry, and dodged him again. Was this intentional—or mere coincidence?

If unintentional, it was too lucky. If intentional, it was too powerful.

Du Du Wenming was a Cloud Realm cultivator—if this woman had deliberately dodged twice, her reflexes, speed, and movement were equal to his. Du Du Wenming refused to believe it, reaching for her shoulder.

The younger wife turned with the pastry in hand, sniffed it at her nose: "Not fresh anymore—I'll get you something else." She evaded him again, carrying the pastry to the kitchen.

Clearly, raw agility wouldn't suffice—Du Du Wenming had to use his technique.

He followed her into the kitchen, slipped and twisted his feet, launching into a dance step.

The eldest wife was scolding the younger wife in the kitchen: "Didn't he just touch you?" "No, no—he didn't touch me…" the younger wife protested, looking wounded.

"Wait till our men find out—see how they'll punish you!"

The eldest wife pinched the younger wife's peach hard; the younger wife yelped, clutched her side, and jumped in place—right then, Du Du Wenming's dance step missed again.

This couldn't possibly be accidental!

The eldest wife turned to Du Du Wenming and snapped: "Did you just touch my sister?"

Du Du Wenming was still formulating a reply when the younger wife murmured behind him: "You shameless man—I'm a married woman. Why are you seducing me?" When had she gotten behind him?

Du Du Wenming startled, spun with agile footwork, and circled beside her.

The eldest wife swung her feather duster at the younger wife: "Blaming him for seducing you? You're no better!"

The younger wife dodged—right then, the duster struck Du Du Wenming squarely.

The blow was hard—he gritted his teeth in pain.

Dodging a feather duster wasn't hard—but Du Du Wenming never expected to have to dodge.

Every move they made seemed aimed at each other, yet they deflected his techniques and struck back—and worse, his core techniques were useless against them.

These two women had been circling Du Du Wenming all along, yet showed no sign of dancing. Du Du Wenming couldn't make them dance—so many of his methods remained locked. When Li Li Banfeng fought him, Li was already at the Cloud Realm—and even Li couldn't resist dancing with him.

Why won't they dance? Are they not human?

Did Zhang Wanlong grow them? Du Du Wenming's shock deepened—he kept dancing.

Even if these women weren't alive, they must possess spirit—if anything had spirit, even a magic treasure, Du Du Wenming could force it to dance. Yet these two refused—eldest wife chased the younger with a broom; younger wife twisted her waist, evading every swing.

Thwack!

Another broom struck Du Du Wenming—he leapt clear of Zhang Wanlong's courtyard, slid across the ground, and fled the village. Two cultivated beings this strong—what level of power must Zhang Wanlong himself possess?

In the field, Zhang Wanlong wiped sweat: "Brother, that was close!"

Xiao Xiao Gengzi blinked, lifted his spoon and bucket: "Fighting? Where's the battle?" "A tough man broke into our house—your two sisters-in-law chased him off."

Xiao Xiao Gengzi exhaled: "If your sisters-in-law chased him off, he's no tough man."

Zhang Wanlong sighed: "Brother, you don't understand—if your sisters-in-law hadn't beaten him, we'd have had to unleash something else—something no one else must see!"

Du Du Wenming returned to the Green Water City's Ye Tang Tea House and recounted the encounter to Master Master Kongfang.

Master Master Kongfang shook his head, sipped tea: "Dealing with Zhang Wanlong is still too difficult—he's the pinnacle of the Cultivators of the Soil." Du Du Wenming said nothing.

Master Master Kongfang added: "The Outer Provinces differ from Pulu Province—you've likely never encountered anyone like him out here." Du Du Wenming remained silent.

Master Master Kongfang paused, then assigned him a task: "Ye Ye Songqiao has several unpaid debts—collect them." Du Du Wenming said nothing, his face expressionless—but every word from Master Master Kongfang pierced his heart.

Collect debts?

He was Second-in-Command of Snowflake River—was this his duty?

Master Master Kongfang noticed Du Du Wenming's discontent and added: "Outer Province affairs are trivial—focus more on your business in Pulu Province." As he spoke, he kept sipping tea, the brim of his hat obscuring his face—though his expression was hidden, his indifference was palpable. Without his Outer Province status, Du Du Wenming seemed to have lost value.

Seeing Master Master Kongfang's attitude, Du Du Wenming bluntly asked: "Second-in-Command, I don't understand—why do we need Zhang Wanlong's seeds?" Master Master Kongfang blew on his tea: "Pulu Province isn't like the Outer Provinces—some things I can't explain to you."

"Please explain slowly—I'm listening carefully."

Master Master Kongfang set down his teacup: "I need a decoy—I must create a decoy like myself to lure Zhou Zhou Badou out of Lu's Bookhouse, then seize Yu Yao Ming while he's distracted."

"Then you don't need Zhang Wanlong's seeds—I'll be the decoy. I'll go to Lu's Bookhouse and lure out Zhou Zhou Badou."

Master Master Kongfang sighed: "Du Wenming, I don't underestimate you—I'm just being honest: with your current strength, Zhou Zhou Badou won't even look at you."

Du Du Wenming suppressed his anger: "Then I won't be the decoy—you lure out Zhou Zhou Badou, and I'll go in and take Yu Yao Ming." Master Master Kongfang smiled: "I'm not belittling you—but even if Zhou Zhou Badou isn't there, you can't extract Yu Yao Ming from Lu's Bookhouse."

"Then let's try!" Du Du Wenming's anger boiled over.

It wasn't impulsiveness—if he kept enduring this, his position as Third-in-Command would vanish, and he'd be reduced to collecting debts. Master Master Kongfang waved his hand: "Don't act on emotion—we'll find another way."

Du Du Wenming shook his head: "I'm not acting on emotion, Second-in-Command. I've followed you for years—loyal to the core. Just this once, let me accomplish this great deed in Pulu Province."

"Fine. Ambition." Master Master Kongfang lifted the teapot and poured Du Du Wenming a cup. Du Du Wenming raised it and drained it in one gulp.

Zhang Wanlong lifted the teapot and refilled Li Li Banfeng's cup: "Seventh Master, you didn't come just to chat, did you?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Brother Zhang, I do have a request—I heard you no longer sell seeds, but I need some." Zhang Wanlong's eldest wife stepped forward: "Seventh Master, buy seeds elsewhere—our old Zhang has never sold seeds!"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Zhang Wanlong glared at his wife; she stuck out her tongue and walked off.

"Seventh Master, truthfully—I won't sell to anyone else, but you're a longtime customer—how much do you need?" Li Li Banfeng said: "Not much—five hundred seeds: one hundred each of cabbage, winter melon, corn, wheat, and green pepper." "Alright." Zhang Wanlong told his wife to pack the seeds—asked no questions.

But Li Li Banfeng volunteered: "These seeds aren't for me—they're for the foreigner Cui Ti, for the matter of Zhong Desong Cliff." Xiao Xiao Gengzi glanced at Li Li Banfeng, signaling this shouldn't be spoken.

Zhang Wanlong froze: "Seventh Master, you didn't need to tell me—the seeds are already in your hands."

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Business isn't done this way. If you don't want to give these seeds to Cui Ti, I'll return them now—and I swear, any seeds I currently hold will never reach Cui Ti."

Seeing Li Li Banfeng's sincerity, Zhang Wanlong spoke honestly: "Seventh Master, I'm truly afraid of being implicated in the Zhong Desong Cliff affair." Li Li Banfeng produced a contract: "These seeds were bought from you—if anyone investigates, I bear full responsibility." "Bold!" Zhang Wanlong looked at Li Li Banfeng with respect. "I accept. But I have a favor to ask." "Speak."

"My village's boundaries keep expanding, but only three li of land have been cleared. Much of the farmland spills beyond the borders—foreign monsters constantly harass us, ruining our crops."

"Also, newly cleared land has faint heavenly light—weak as it is, some crops absolutely need it. I want to clear ten li, but the Land Spirit won't respond. I heard you have good relations with the Land Spirit—please speak to him, arrange a suitable day for us to begin clearing."

Li Li Banfeng nodded: "Alright, I'll handle it. Once the date's settled, I'll inform you immediately."

Agreed, Li Li Banfeng ate lunch at Zhang Wanlong's house. He'd planned to stroll the village, but Luo Zhengnan called: Master Lu invited him to the Bookhouse—had even sent a formal invitation.

Master Lu wants to see me?

Qin Qin Xiaopang's matter was still unresolved—Li Li Banfeng had planned to investigate Master Lu—and now Master Lu came to him.

"What does he want? When's the gathering?"

"Master Lu says it's just a casual chat—no specifics. He didn't set a time—just asked for you alone. You decide." Li Qi pondered, then replied: "Tell Master Lu—I'll come at ten tonight."

At 7:30, Master Lu closed his bookstore, set up his desk, picked up his brush, and continued writing the sequel to "Xiu Shuang Ji." After two hours, he'd barely written one page. He read it over, then tore it up.

One volume of "Xiu Shuang Ji" sold for eight Da Huan State notes—thirty-six stories per volume. If he wrote at this level, he felt he'd cheated the readers who paid for it.

As ten neared, Master Lu brewed tea, warmed wine, prepared tea snacks and appetizers, kept the "Closed" sign up—but opened the bookstore door. Soon after, Li Qi entered; Master Lu rose to greet him.

"Seventh Master, you've come!"

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Master Lu personally issued an invitation—how could I not come?" "Seventh Master, please sit. Tea or wine?"

"As you wish."

"Then both." Master Lu poured tea with one hand, wine with the other. They sat in the bookstore's main hall, surrounded by dozens of bookshelves, eating and chatting—touching on new masterpieces, Master Lu deliberately mentioned "Yu Xiang Ji."

"Seventh Master, how do you compare 'Yu Xiang Ji' with 'Xiu Shuang Ji'? Which is superior?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head slightly: "'Yu Xiang Ji' is a long novel; 'Xiu Shuang Ji' is a collection—different genres. How can you compare them?" "Forget genres—just compare storytelling. Which has the better tales?"

Li Li Banfeng sipped tea, then wine, then carefully evaluated: "By era, when 'Xiu Shuang Ji' was written, no similar work existed—it founded a new school. At the time, no one could rival it."

Master Lu shook his head: "Forget eras—regardless of when they were written, let's compare them directly."

"If later authors borrow, refine, and innovate upon earlier techniques, their works naturally become more compelling." Master Lu drank wine, nodding repeatedly.

Though the words stung, Master Lu conceded: "Yu Xiang Ji" was more engaging than "Xiu Shuang Ji." And Li Li Banfeng's explanation made sense—Zhang Zhang Xiuling benefited from being later, not from surpassing him.

Master Lu valued Li Li Banfeng's critique—but Li Li Banfeng waited for the real topic.

He didn't invite me to discuss literature—was he going to confront me about Qin Qin Xiaopang? Master Lu produced a stack of papers: "Seventh Master, please review."

Li Li Banfeng took the papers, sensing the real subject was coming.

But when he opened them—it was the manuscript of "Xiu Shuang Ji"'s sequel. He asked: "Who wrote this?"

Master Lu smiled: "A friend—once famous in literary circles. Recently inspired, he wanted to add a sequel to 'Xiu Shuang Ji.'" Still discussing literature?

Was this "friend" the real topic of tonight?

Li Li Banfeng carefully read the sequel, then delivered his verdict: "A dog's tail appended to a fox's pelt." Master Lu trembled, nearly dropping his wine cup: "Seventh Master, why say that?"

"Please tell your friend: stop writing. 'Xiu Shuang Ji' is a classic—it cannot tolerate such incoherent sequels. Look at the original: its plot is bizarre and intricate, its sensuality layered and irresistible—why add so many convoluted twists?"

"Look at the first story in this sequel—the protagonists can't even speak clearly. A simple matter spawns endless misunderstandings. Such clichés forced onto 'Xiu Shuang Ji'—is this writer too full of himself?"

Master Lu pursed his lips: "But today's masters—Zhang Zhang Xiuling, Shen Shen Rongqing—they all write this way. 'Yu Xiang Ji' has such stories too."

"This style better captures emotional twists and rewards."

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Exactly—so your friend can't write 'Xiu Shuang Ji.' The master who created 'Xiu Shuang Ji' founded a school—ask him: does he care about others' styles? Does he imitate? Would he cram novel-length tropes into short stories?"

"Your friend relies on this skill—and dares to continue 'Xiu Shuang Ji,' dares to piggyback on a great master? Calling him presumptuous—is that unfair?"

Crack!

Master Lu's wine flask shattered.

"What happened?" Li Li Banfeng blinked in surprise.

Old Lu tossed the broken wine jug aside and brought over a new one; after everything was cleaned up, he began rubbing his face hard.

His mouth had twisted from anger; he rubbed for a long time before finally straightening it.

"Seventh Master is right—this man overestimates himself!" Old Lu fetched paper and ink, "Please, Seventh Master, carefully point out where the writing is flawed, and I'll relay it faithfully to my friend."

Friend. 」

Old Lu constantly discussed literature, and Li Li Banfeng humored him; he offered serious feedback, and Old Lu took careful notes.

Before long, it was midnight; Master Master Kongfang arrived at the bookstore wearing a conical hat and pushed the door open.

Ding~

Li Li Banfeng heard the door creak and turned his head; his view was blocked by the bookshelves.

Old Lu shook his head: "Ignore it—someone probably didn't see the closed sign. I'll send a clerk to shoo them away."

Master Master Kongfang entered the bookstore; he saw neither Li Li Banfeng nor the scattered wine and tea, only Old Lu standing on a ladder, tidying the bookshelves alone.

Old Lu glanced at Master Master Kongfang: "We're closed. If you want to buy books, come back tomorrow."

Master Master Kongfang chuckled: "Old Zhou, I've come all the way here, and now you tell me you're closed? Is that appropriate?"

"We weren't just closed—we closed long ago," Old Lu said seriously, still arranging the books.

Li Li Banfeng had sensed someone enter the bookstore, but in the blink of an eye, the person vanished.

Old Lu sat across from him, still checking his notes: "Seventh Master, you said earlier how the sixth chapter of Volume Two should be revised?"

Li Li Banfeng was about to refocus on "Xiu Shuang Ji," when faint sounds drifted down from upstairs.

Squeak-squeak-squeak~

Li Li Banfeng lifted his head slightly; Old Lu said: "Lately, the bookstore's been infested with woodworms—they gnaw at the wood every night. Seventh Master, let's continue with Chapter Six." Li Li Banfeng knew this wasn't the sound of woodworms.

The window in the second-floor storage room opened; Du Du Wenming slid through it, stepped into the outer room, swiftly opened the inner room's door, scanned the space—and saw no Yu Yu Yaoming. Instead, he saw Old Lu pulling back the bed curtain and sitting on the bed: "Looking for me?"

Downstairs, Master Master Kongfang watched Old Lu tidy the shelves; he didn't move yet—his goal was to buy time for Du Du Wenming.

"Old Zhou, we haven't seen each other in years, and this is how you greet me?"

Old Lu turned his face, looked at Master Master Kongfang: "Do we know each other?"

"How can you say that? We were once…"

"We're truly closed. If you have business, let's talk tomorrow."

Old Lu prepared to show him out when suddenly, a fight erupted upstairs.

Du Du Wenming had struck upstairs.

Master Master Kongfang was surprised; according to Du Du Wenming, Yu Yu Yaoming's cultivation base was low—there was no need for such a commotion.

Something went wrong upstairs?

Master Master Kongfang pointed upstairs: "Trouble with thieves? Let me go check?"

Old Lu stepped down from the ladder and shook his head: "The second floor is our storage room—no unauthorized entry."

"I'm no unauthorized person—I'm your friend," Master Master Kongfang shifted his toe, as if to ascend.

Old Lu appeared at the door of the second-floor storage room, holding an old book: "I truly can't recall having a friend like you."

Master Master Kongfang flicked his hand, sending two copper coins flying toward Old Lu.

These coins couldn't be blocked—even if Old Lu summoned a three-foot-thick wall with characters, the coins would pierce through effortlessly.

But if Old Lu dodged, he'd surrender the staircase.

Old Lu didn't dodge—he shook the old book in his hand.

Dust from the book scattered into the air and coalesced into the character " Men."

The two copper coins flew into the " Men " and vanished.

Master Master Kongfang shot left and right toward the second floor, aiming to smash the walls with his copper coins.

The coins flew at incredible speed—he was certain Old Lu could block only one.

Old Lu stood still and wrote the character " Shou " in the air with his finger; both coins landed in his palm.

Master Master Kongfang nodded: "All these years without a fight, your skill hasn't faded—but pity, I'm no longer what I was."

He tore off three tassels from his hat, slipping one between each finger from index to pinky.

The tassels stretched like three golden snakes, lunging at Old Lu's face; the copper coins on them clattered shrilly, disrupting Old Lu's perception.

There was no time to write a new character—he opened the book, and its text flew out, clashing with the three tassels.

The tassels' power clearly surpassed Old Lu's summoned characters; the entire page of text was soon shredded, and even the book in Old Lu's hand was torn apart.

"Your book's ruined—what are you going to fight me with now?" Master Master Kongfang leapt onto the second floor.

Old Lu gestured, and two bottles of paste flew up from downstairs—one to glue books, the other to stick to Master Master Kongfang's shoe soles. Sticking shoes?

Master Master Kongfang nearly laughed aloud: "Old Zhou, your skills are still decent, but your brain's gone soft. Selling books every day—did it rot your mind?"

He kicked off his shoes, floated midair, flicked his fingers—and the copper coins on the tassels shot out, piercing Old Lu's body with countless holes.

He didn't dodge?

Master Master Kongfang froze—he saw blood dripping from Old Lu.

The blood wasn't red—it was black.

Master Master Kongfang whispered: "You're not Zhou Zhou Badou?"

Old Lu swayed: "I don't know you. Now we've met."

With that, "Old Lu's" body flattened, limbs twisting and stretching, his body riddled with holes—transforming into the character " Zhou," dissolving into a pool of ink on the floor.

Was this a character written by Zhou Zhou Badou?

Just one character?

Master Master Kongfang's thoughts grew hazy—he couldn't accept this reality.

He kept repeating: "We were equally famed—our methods should be matched, should be matched…" This situation was clearly unmatched. Master Master Kongfang didn't dwell—he pushed open the storage room door.

The storage room had an outer and inner chamber; Master Master Kongfang passed through the outer room, opened the inner door, and saw Du Du Wenming covered in ink, trapped on the ground.

He'd imagined letting Du Du Wenming suffer a setback, tempering his arrogance, gaining experience—but he'd never imagined Du Du Wenming being captured alive. Master Master Kongfang rushed into the inner room to rescue him—but as he crossed the threshold, the scenery changed.

The storage room was gone. Master Master Kongfang stood on a street.

By an ice-bound lake, a man in a black Zhongshan suit, wrapped in a white scarf, recited poetry amid gently falling snow: "Beautiful flowers bloom now—the cold wind cannot drive away life's radiance, nor can it drive away my love for you."

A woman gazed at him with deep affection, tears swirling in her eyes; as he finished reciting, the first tear slipped from her corner. Master Master Kongfang knew where he was.

He had been sent to Moxiang Shop.

"I was his equal in fame—our methods should be matched." He kept repeating it…

At Lu's Bookstore, Old Lu continued discussing the sequel's details with Li Li Banfeng, never leaving. They debated until dawn; Old Lu felt deeply inspired and decided to close for a day to focus on writing.

"Seventh Master, I'll remember this kindness. Should you ever need anything from Old Lu, just say the word." Old Lu bowed deeply. Li Li Banfeng rose to return the bow, glancing first at the door, then upstairs.

He was certain someone had entered through the door last night—but he didn't know where that person had gone. He'd sensed someone enter the storage room—but now, he sensed nothing. Li Li Banfeng left the bookstore and returned to Xiaoyao Wu, resting the whole day.

Old Lu wrote deep into the night, pleased with his new work; he packed his manuscript and stepped out of the bookstore. Outside was Feng Kudai Kan—he went to Piaoxiang Courtyard.

On the second floor of Piaoxiang Courtyard, Yu Yu Yaoming was surrounded by courtesans, still drinking and feasting.

Old Lu dismissed all the girls and said to Yu Yu Yaoming: "It's time to go back. I've found you a test subject." PS: Will Yu Yu Yaoming succeed this time?