Chapter 641: The Technique of the Stars

Lai Lai Bifan swallowed Li Li Banfeng whole, stood up, and prepared to go outside the courtyard to gather his twelve disciples and quickly deal with the quarry matter.

Before he reached the courtyard, Lai Lai Bifan felt a sharp pain in his stomach, his body convulsing, tendons twitching violently.

This Li Qi has some ability—he's still stirring inside my stomach. No wonder he caused so much turmoil in Pulu Province and the outer provinces.

I mustn't move around. I need time to digest him properly.

Lai Lai Bifan sat back down inside the room, caught his breath, and activated a technique: the Food Cultivator Art, Sour River Churning Sea.

The stomach's acid churned in Cengceng waves; even if Li Li Banfeng were forged from steel, it would melt him.

Feeling some relief in his stomach, Lai Lai Bifan activated another technique: the Food Cultivator Art, Hundred Swallows, Hundred Digestions.

This is the cornerstone technique of Two Two Shi Xiu—swallow stone and your body becomes as hard as stone; swallow fire and your body can emit flames.

Now that he has swallowed Li Qi, if digestion goes well, he may absorb many of Li Qi's techniques; if digestion fails, Li Qi's high cultivation base could clash with his own, causing severe internal injuries.

This is a critical moment. The quarry matter must be left to his subordinates.

He called out from inside the room—not loudly, not to everyone, but only to his most loyal disciple to enter the courtyard.

"Cripple, come in!"

After several calls, someone finally answered from outside.

A man limped into the courtyard: "Master, you called me?"

It wasn't the disciple's fault—he was far away, separated by walls and the courtyard—and Lai Lai Bifan was weak now, his voice faint.

"Cripple, answer from inside the room!"

The man entered the room. Lai Lai Bifan lowered his voice and instructed: "Take your fellow disciples and eliminate everyone at the quarry. Leave no one alive."

"No one alive?" Cripple paused, stunned. "Even Master Tie…?"

Master Tie—that was Tie Tie Tuizi, currently tied beneath the window in the courtyard.

Tie Tie Tuizi was Lai Lai Bifan's grand-disciple and Cripple's senior disciple; by all rights, they were fellow sect members. Cripple truly didn't want to kill Tie Tie Tuizi.

Lai Lai Bifan glared: "I said no one lives. The man who caused trouble here is a big shot. This incident must not leak. If word gets out, I'll eliminate you too!"

Cripple shuddered and asked cautiously: "What about the bodies?"

"Do I have to tell you…" Lai Lai Bifan was about to rage, but another searing pain struck his stomach, stars flashing before his eyes, nearly knocking him to the ground.

This Li Qi is so hard to digest—even after all that acid, he hasn't melted yet.

Lai Lai Bifan forced a calm expression and patiently told Cripple: "Dispose of the bodies too. Tell them to bury them deep—don't let spring thaw expose them."

Cripple nodded, turned to leave, but Lai Lai Bifan called him back: "Idiot, shut the door!"

Cripple was slow-witted and his cultivation wasn't high, but among all disciples, he was the most loyal.

Lai Lai Bifan knew the true nature of the others—if they sensed his weakness, they might flee—or even turn against him.

Cripple shut the door, stepped into the courtyard, and was about to head for the gate when suddenly a beam of light fell upon him.

Cripple panicked—this was San Tou Cha; sunlight piercing through was common.

He was about to rush back inside to hide from the light when suddenly a man in a black suit and top hat appeared before him.

Isn't this the man who came to cause trouble?

Wasn't he just talking with Grandmaster inside?

I didn't see him earlier—I thought Grandmaster had dealt with him. How did he suddenly…?

Li Li Banfeng's figure vanished in an instant. Cripple wasn't clever, but he had plenty of experience. He ignored the light and immediately searched for the man's whereabouts.

The man moved so fast—he must be a Travel Cultivator, afflicted with the Step-Through-Flower technique. That would be fatal.

Cripple scanned the area and finally spotted Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng had killed Tie Tie Tuizi and Ge Ge Yugen beneath the window.

Cripple froze—then a sudden surge of light surrounded him. The projector hovering midair suddenly appeared and absorbed him whole.

The light didn't fade—it shifted to shine upon Li Li Banfeng.

Li Li Banfeng instantly transformed into Cripple's appearance, pushed open the courtyard gate, and stepped outside.

Lai Lai Bifan sat inside the room, sweat streaming down his temples.

His stomach still burned fiercely. Just now, he'd heard noises from the courtyard—Tie Tie Tuizi had cried out twice.

Did Cripple mess up again?

Lai Lai Bifan rose and went to the window, opened it—and saw Tie Tie Tuizi and Ge Ge Yugen lying beneath the sill, dead.

Good. Cripple didn't spare Tie Tie Tuizi. This time, he handled things well. Lai Lai Bifan felt somewhat relieved—his stomach eased too. He couldn't say Li Qi was fully digested, but at least he'd been softened.

"Cripple" led Lai Lai Bifan's twelve disciples up Turnip Mountain. The disciples asked: "Master sent us here for what? You haven't said a word the whole way!"

"Cripple" lowered his voice: "There's a small cave on this slope. Master told us to take everything valuable inside—don't let that brat get it."

"Which brat?"

"The one who came to cause trouble."

"Is Master giving the quarry to him?"

"Master says this man has powerful connections—even the Border Office knows him. It's not worth fighting over this business. Let's move the valuables out quickly."

The disciples nodded in agreement.

This was a good job—but first, they needed to see what was inside the cave.

If it was magic treasures or spiritual items, they shouldn't touch a single thing—Master would know what's valuable.

If it was gold and silver, no need to be polite. Take as much as you can—Master probably won't care.

The group followed "Cripple" into the cave. Deep inside, it was pitch black. "Cripple" opened the door of his personal dwelling: "Brothers, this way!"

The disciples followed him in.

"Where are we?"

"It's so dark—why not light a torch?"

"Why is there a bed here? Does someone live here?"

"Hey! Not just a bed—there's a pretty girl too!"

Xiang Xiang Hongying smiled, turning back: "Pretty?"

"Holy hell! A ghost!"

The man was doomed—those words ignited Xiang Xiang Hongying.

Xiang Xiang Hongying drew her sword and slashed off his ears and nose: "Piss on a mirror and look at yourself—do you even look human? Do you look like a ghost?"

The others sensed danger and tried to flee.

They couldn't escape—the door had already been sealed by Li Li Banfeng.

After a brief battle, Xiang Xiang Hongying felled half of them, wiped the blood from her blade, and ignored the rest.

"Leave them for you to eat. These coarse, inferior ingredients—I can't even stomach them."

The phonograph struck her twice: "Why call them inferior? These people aren't weak. Your husband works hard to feed us, yet you've grown picky—whether it's plain tea and rice or rare delicacies, it's all earned by his sweat. When I first followed him, even a single bite was a luxury. Don't you dare pick and choose—finish eating these!"

Xiang Xiang Hongying snorted: "Xiao Jiu, come clean up these ingredients!"

Miss Nine looked annoyed, entered the main room, and with great effort, disposed of the remaining few.

She sat down to catch her breath, when Xiang Xiang Hongying mocked her: "Little madwoman, you're truly weak—these petty thieves exhausted you?"

Miss Nine snorted: "These guys weren't easy. Besides, this body's just not up to par. Hong Hong Lian doesn't want to lend me any strength."

The phonograph glanced at Zhao Xiao's puppet: "For combat, this body's weak too. It's not that Hong Hong Lian is slacking—she probably just doesn't have more tricks."

Xiang Xiang Hongying sat at her dressing table and chuckled: "A body made by others can't compare to one grown from your own flesh. I, Hong, have this pride—I rely only on my own strength, never on others!"

The phonograph rotated its horn, pressing its chest flame lower.

Miss Nine pulled a dagger from her sleeve, smiling at Xiang Xiang Hongying.

In the second room, Hong Hong Lian suddenly called out: "Stop gossiping behind my back. Say it to my face."

Miss Nine sneered: "Say it to your face? Your work is terrible!"

"If it's bad, don't use it!" Hong Hong Lian cracked open the door. "Bring in some food."

Xiang Xiang Hongying turned her gun toward Hong Hong Lian: "You've got such a big attitude—why don't you come out and eat yourself?"

"I can come out. The one inside can't."

"Inside?" The flame surged. The phonograph went on guard.

Xiang Xiang Hongying stared at the door crack—a dark shadow slowly emerged.

It wasn't Hong Hong Lian's shadow. This shadow had no edges—smooth, featureless.

Xiang Xiang Hongying asked: "Miss Nine, who lived in the second room before?"

Miss Nine shook her head: "I can't remember."

Xiang Xiang Hongying grew angry: "What was our agreement? What does 'absolute obedience' mean? You can fight, but you can't lose, is that it?"

Miss Nine said: "I'm not lying. I truly can't recall. I only remember someone fierce lived in the second room."

The ninth young lady said: "I'm not lying to you, I truly can't remember— I only recall there seemed to be a ruthless person in the second branch."

Lai Lai Bifan sat in the room for a while. The pain in his stomach eased somewhat.

He stood up, stretched, felt a slight bloating, rubbed his belly, and muttered: "Guess he's still not fully digested."

"Want some tea to help?" Li Li Banfeng handed him a teapot.

Lai Lai Bifan froze, staring at Li Li Banfeng: "You're…"

"Didn't you recognize me just now? I'm Li Qi!" Li Li Banfeng bowed. "Forgive me—I forgot to ask: is this bowing gesture appropriate here?"

Li Li Banfeng had asked this question once before.

It gave Lai Lai Bifan a strange feeling—he wondered if he'd just dreamed it all.

This gave Lai Lai Baifan a sense of illusion—he wondered if he had just dreamed it all.

Li Qi was eaten by him, yet instantly reappeared, chatting with him as if they had just met.

Lai Lai Baifan ruled the Three Forks, had seen much in his life; the illusion passed in a flash, his suspicion set aside, he quickly regained clarity.

Another wave of dull pain surged in his stomach; fighting Li Li Banfeng now was clearly not the right moment—Lai Lai Baifan planned to flee.

Charging straight at Li Li Banfeng was too difficult; Lai Lai Baifan leapt up onto the beam, bit down, chewed the main beam, and swallowed it.

The roof crashed down with a roar; Lai Lai Baifan, relying on his thick hide and tough flesh, burst through the ceiling and dashed into the woods.

Li Li Banfeng used the Broken Path Clearing Technique to avoid the falling roof and chased after Lai Lai Baifan from behind.

Lai Lai Baifan leapt and dashed forward at incredible speed; in terms of velocity, he could barely keep pace with Li Li Banfeng.

After chasing for a moment, Li Li Banfeng could judge roughly: Lai Lai Baifan's speed matched Li Banfeng Yi's, proving Lai Lai Baifan had already stolen part of Li Banfeng Yi's techniques.

He could steal Li Banfeng Yi's techniques because Li Banfeng Yi was inside his stomach.

Earlier, Lai Lai Baifan had mentioned the Old Ku Woman to Li Li Banfeng, saying that three years ago, when Li Li Banfeng first arrived in Like Puluozhou, the Old Ku Woman had asked him to look after Li Qi.

When Li Li Banfeng first arrived in Like Puluozhou, the Old Ku Woman didn't even know Li Li Banfeng's name was Li Qi—Li Li Banfeng didn't even know his own name was Li Qi.

Li Li Banfeng first used the name Li Qi in Yaowang Gou, when he met Ma Wu and Qin Tian; the name sounded smooth, so he casually said it out loud.

This statement was suspicious; Li Li Banfeng immediately grew wary, quietly released Li Banfeng Yi, and hid him in a corner of the room.

Li Banfeng Yi was a shadow, and with Li Li Banfeng's innate talent for concealment as a Yu Yu Zhaixiu, he slid silently from under Li Li Banfeng's feet into the courtyard, undetected by Lai Lai Baifan.

Lai Lai Baifan opened his mouth and bit down on Li Li Banfeng's head—the thing in his mouth was indeed Li Li Banfeng.

Just as he was about to swallow Li Li Banfeng, Li Li Banfeng and Li Banfeng Yi swapped positions.

Thanks to the prior preparation, if it had been Li Li Banfeng who was swallowed, the situation now would be vastly different.

Logically, this should also be credited to Du Du Wenming; normally, Li Li Banfeng's shadow had always been unreliable, and the Tianhe Technique was sporadic at best. After killing Du Du Wenming, Li Li Banfeng gained deep insight into shadow control and became increasingly skilled in the techniques.

After chasing for a while, Lai Lai Baifan burst out of the woods into an open wasteland; sunlight struck his body, and he shuddered.

He circled the wasteland for a moment, feeling dizzy, then turned and leapt back into the woods.

He had acquired Li Banfeng Yi's abilities—and Li Banfeng Yi's traits.

Shadows cannot leave light, yet fear it; under intense light, they become disoriented.

After circling in the woods for a while, Lai Lai Baifan suddenly saw a halo of light ripple beneath his feet.

What is this? A boundary? Where did a boundary come from here?

No!

This is a Yu Yu Zhaixiu technique!

Did Li Qi also cultivate Yu Yu Zhaixiu?

Can a Lü Xiu really be compatible with Yu Yu Zhaixiu?

Is he closing his doors and windows—or expanding his territory?

His dwelling isn't here—how did he activate this technique?

Lai Lai Baifan had no time to ponder; the immediate priority was whether to leap out of the light halo beneath his feet.

Jumping out would surely cause severe injury.

Staying inside the boundary to fight a Yu Yu Zhaixiu was far too difficult.

This was the annoying thing about Yu Yu Zhaixiu: once you stepped onto their doorstep, no response was ever suitable.

As Lai Lai Baifan hesitated, the halo suddenly slid away beneath his feet.

How can it move like this…?

Lai Lai Baifan had a layer of skin and flesh stripped off, drenched in blood, lying on his back, limbs splayed.

The posture was peculiar—like a dead toad, motionless on its back.

Is he really dead?

For safety, Li Li Banfeng first released a shadow, then stepped forward, preparing to crush Lai Lai Baifan with the Tread Through Wan Chuan technique.

But as soon as he extended one foot, Lai Lai Baifan rolled upright, opened his mouth, bit down on Li Li Banfeng's foot, sucked hard, and swallowed him whole.

Lai Lai Baifan sat on the ground, rubbing his belly.

Never expected this kid could cultivate both Yu Yu Zhaixiu and Lü Xiu.

Yu Yu Zhaixiu has the Technique of Solitary Shadow—could the thing he swallowed earlier have been Li Qi's shadow?

But Lai Lai Baifan had seen the Technique of Solitary Shadow; shadows move, yet differ greatly from real people—how could he not tell the difference?

Waves of searing pain interrupted Lai Lai Baifan's thoughts; his stomach burned uncontrollably, sweat pouring down his face; gritting his teeth, he stepped slowly out of the woods.

No matter what technique Li Qi used, no matter whether he'd swallowed a shadow or a decoy, now both were inside him—Li Qi couldn't escape; all that remained was to digest them slowly.

He hesitated whether to check the quarry—the quarry couldn't leave any survivors—but Lai Lai Baifan's current state, if seen by too many, might not be good.

While hesitating, Lai Lai Baifan suddenly sensed imminent danger—he had also learned the Technique of Avoiding Misfortune and Seeking Fortune.

Where was the danger coming from?

Was Li Qi still alive?

Then what were these two things in his stomach?

How could a Yu Yu Zhaixiu control two shadows?

What technique was Li Qi using?

Both things writhed together in his stomach; Lai Lai Baifan had tried acid fluid several times, but couldn't suppress them.

Acid fluid couldn't suppress shadows, but Lai Lai Baifan's stomach had walls of bronze and iron—he was certain these two things couldn't escape.

He stood on the ground for a moment, then suddenly flipped over onto his back, limbs splayed again.

Li Li Banfeng was utterly confused—why was Lai Lai Baifan lying on his back again, before they'd even fought?

After thinking for a moment, Li Li Banfeng realized something: Lai Lai Baifan could swallow a person whole—such a powerful technique shouldn't be used frequently.

But after flipping onto his back, he entered a state of false death; when he awoke, all previously used techniques were reset, and he could swallow a person whole again with perfect ease.

Not only could he use the technique repeatedly, his body had also recovered significantly; the flesh and blood stripped away by the boundary had mostly regrown.

Li Li Banfeng decided to test it: he directly sent both shadows close to Lai Lai Baifan—if Lai Lai Baifan didn't move, he'd cut him down with blades; if Lai Lai Baifan swallowed both shadows, he'd think of another plan.

As expected, the moment the two shadows neared, Lai Lai Baifan leapt up, opened his mouth, flicked his tongue, and sucked both shadows inside, swallowing them whole.

From flipping over to acting, the entire process had zero hesitation; Lai Lai Baifan didn't think, didn't even judge the shadows' positions—he simply swallowed them.

This splayed-back posture was a formidable technique; how many variations it might have, Li Li Banfeng couldn't predict.

Lai Lai Baifan swayed unsteadily; four shadows churned inside his stomach, visible as irregular undulations across his body.

While Li Li Banfeng was still pondering his next move, Lai Lai Baifan leapt suddenly to his side, landing on all fours, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Only because Li Li Banfeng dodged quickly was he spared serious injury—Lai Lai Baifan had learned the Tread Through Wan Chuan technique.

High-level Two Two Shi Xiu were truly hard to deal with; the more he learned, the stronger he became.

Lai Lai Baifan leapt into the air, trying to vanish from Li Li Banfeng's sight.

He's going to use the Horse-Viewing Flowers Technique!

Li Li Banfeng kept pace, ensuring Lai Lai Baifan remained within his line of sight.

Lai Lai Baifan kept shifting positions, yet still had the energy to speak: "Li Qi, still want to fight? I know everything you know—you won't beat me today!"

True—I know everything he knows; I really can't win him.

Li Li Banfeng felt conflicted, then sensed something wrong—he was falling behind Lai Lai Baifan's steps.

Was he slower than Lai Lai Baifan?

No—he truly didn't want to fight anymore; he'd been affected by the Foolish Xiu Technique.

Li Li Banfeng's shadows could use the Foolish Xiu Technique—could Lai Lai Baifan have stolen that too?

How long could he maintain it?

What other techniques had he stolen?

Had he stolen every technique the shadows possessed?

Are high-level Two Two Shi Xiu this unreasonable?

Affected by the Foolish Xiu Technique, Li Li Banfeng's steps grew slower; Lai Lai Baifan kicked out and leapt again, closing the distance.

Lai Lai Baifan had indeed used the Foolish Xiu Technique, but he didn't know its name—he only knew Li Li Banfeng's steps had faltered, and seized the chance to close in and kill him.

Li Li Banfeng prepared to fight to the death; he released three shadows—two in front, one behind.

Lai Lai Baifan suddenly collapsed to the ground; as Li Li Banfeng drew near, Lai Lai Baifan flicked his tongue, snatching up the two shadows and Li Li Banfeng himself.

Li Li Banfeng swapped places with the shadow behind him; the three shadows were swallowed, and Li Li Banfeng barely escaped.

"Come on, again…" Lai Lai Baifan's body trembled violently; his belly looked ready to burst.

The battle remained unclear; Li Li Banfeng's mind was hazy—he felt a strange intuition, as if the moment was right.

What exactly was the right moment? Li Li Banfeng himself couldn't explain.

Lai Lai Baifan sensed danger and smiled at Li Li Banfeng: "Whatever skills you have, unleash them—even your secret techniques—I can learn them all."

"I do have one secret technique—try learning this?"

Lai Lai Baifan smiled: "Arrogant, truly arrogant. If I were you, I'd flee now while you still can. You're young, your future is bright—put aside this arrogance, and you'll surely achieve great things."

"Other things I can let go—but this arrogance? I can't." Li Li Banfeng lowered his hat brim, preparing to strike.

Danger approached; Lai Lai Baifan lay on the ground again. Though his stomach burned with agony, he now had full confidence he could defeat Li Li Banfeng.

No matter what technique Li Li Banfeng used, no matter from where he attacked, Lai Lai Baifan would rise before Li Li Banfeng could strike.

Once he rose, he could counter any move—and strike back instantly.

Unless Li Li Banfeng chose to flee and save his life—if he dared strike again, Lai Baifang had absolute certainty…

Boom!

Lai Lai Baifan's body split open.

Racing past like a horse galloping through flowers?

No!

Lai Lai Baifan was on guard against racing past like a horse galloping through flowers; his gaze had been locked on Li Li Banfeng the whole time.

Treading through ten thousand rivers?

Even less likely.

If Li Li Banfeng got close enough, Lai Lai Baifan would swallow him whole.

Lai Lai Baifan struggled to lift his head and glanced at Li Qi—Li Qi hadn't moved an inch just now.

What exactly happened just now?

Shadows.

Several shadows appeared before Lai Lai Baifan.

Were these shadows summoned by Li Qi? Could he summon so many?

They all must be eaten—none left alive—but why can these shadows…

Lai Lai Baifan tried to roll over and lie down again, but his body refused to obey.

He looked at his own body and realized it no longer mattered what he thought.

His legs detached from his torso and flew away with his arms.

His torso was drenched in blood, a massive hole torn through his chest and abdomen.

The shadows he saw weren't summoned by Li Qi—they were the ones he'd just swallowed.

He had believed his intestines were walls of bronze and iron, yet seven shadows had breached them, crawling out from within his gut.

He could understand how they broke through his gut—but why had his limbs been severed?

Who exactly is he?

What kind of technique is this?

"What technique did you just use?" Lai Lai Baifan asked with great difficulty.

Li Li Banfeng did not answer. He gathered Lai Lai Baifan's scattered remains and returned them to the Personal Dwelling.

What technique did he just use?

According to Li Li Banfeng's understanding, he had used the Cultivator Technique: Five Horses Tear Apart.

But where did this Cultivator sect come from? Where was there ever a technique called Five Horses Tear Apart?

Weren't these just things I made up when I was going mad?

Back in the Personal Dwelling, Lai Lai Baifan still had a breath left.

Li Li Banfeng asked: "What's the name of the technique where you lie on the ground, limbs flung upward?"

Lai Lai Baifan's consciousness was fading; he whispered: "Star Technique, Hundred Changes, Hundred Flips."

With that, Lai Lai Baifan lost consciousness.

Li Li Banfeng asked the phonograph: "What does 'Star Technique' mean?"

The phonograph said: "Master, don't rush—let your humble servant test its truth first."

She devoured Lai Lai Baifan's soul, tasted its flavor, and gently shook her large horn: "Beloved master, tell me about this Hundred Changes, Hundred Flips technique of his."

Li Li Banfeng described the battle in detail. After listening, the phonograph tapped out a slow rhythm: "Master, he wasn't lying—this truly is a Star Technique.

Your earlier judgment was correct: the technique he uses to swallow living beings is called Old Gluttony's Sea-Fill. This technique drains the body terribly—even a Food Cultivator of Cloud-Top Third Tier can use it at most once per day.

This old fool has used Old Gluttony's Sea-Fill repeatedly, proving his cultivation base has long surpassed Cloud-Top Third Tier and reached the Star Realm. He created Hundred Changes, Hundred Flips himself—so it truly qualifies as a Star Technique."

Li Li Banfeng was baffled: "What is the Star Realm?"

"The Star Realm is what's called 'Above the Clouds.' Many cultivators above the Clouds refer to themselves as Stars.

But the Peddler thought that name too showy and forbade cultivators from using it—so 'Star Realm' became the dull, rustic term 'Above the Clouds.' Hence, Star Techniques came to be called 'Above the Clouds Techniques.'"

The Peddler had mentioned this before.

Li Li Banfeng wasn't concerned with Hundred Changes, Hundred Flips—he cared about Five Horses Tear Apart.

"Wife, must one reach Above the Clouds before one can create a technique?"

Cui Ti was clearly a counterexample.

The phonograph thought a moment: "Generally, only those Above the Clouds can create techniques. Some, while founding their own Dao sects, may devise techniques—but they're often incomplete. Others have incomplete sect techniques, which Cloud-Top cultivators can then repair and supplement."

That explained it—Cui Ti was patching up the Sick Cultivators' techniques.

Then what kind of case was Five Horses Tear Apart?

The phonograph glanced at the door to the second chamber: "Master, later, call Did Honglian out. After everyone eats, have her collect the corpse. Such fine material will surely yield excellent elixirs."

"Alright, I'll call Did Honglian." Li Li Banfeng's expression was blank as he moved toward the second chamber.

The phonograph stopped him: "Master, don't go to the second chamber today. Something there has just woken up—I haven't yet determined its origins."

"I see." Li Li Banfeng sat on the edge of the bed, his face expressionless.

He didn't even care what was in the second chamber.

"Master, what's troubling you?"

Li Li Banfeng shook his head: "Nothing's troubling me. I'm just thinking—I seem to have made a huge profit this time."

PS: Why must five horses tear apart require seven shadows?