Chapter 26: More Numbers Added?

Sishui, riverbank.

It was already past noon, the sun hanging high in the sky.

Yu Lin changed his battle armor back into his original robe, then smoothed his hair.

He looked around, identified the direction, and stepped toward Pei County.

He had arrived alone, but he was not alone when leaving.

There was an extra Cauldron, a Dragon.

The Cauldron turned into a Ding Pattern on his chest, and the Dragon was hidden within the Ding Pattern, while a voice sounded in his ear:

"Yu kid, where are we going now?"

"Pei County."

"Your home?"

"No, my home isn't here; it's far, far away. I'll take you there at night and you'll know."

"So far, taking me at night... what nonsense are you spouting, kid? Do you also shrink the earth to an inch?"

"I can't, you'll find out then."

Yu Lin didn't continue the topic, but asked:

"Dragon Lord, what is the Cauldron for?"

"Just as the rumors say: it boils without fire, hides without lifting, moves without being moved?"

The Dragon Lord emerged from the Ding Pattern, shook his head: "Of course not."

"If you toss a ten‑year herb into it, after just one night, when you harvest it the next day it becomes a twenty‑year herb! One night grows ten years of age!"

"If you want to refine your body, throw the medicinal bath ingredients in, then bathe in the Cauldron; one session surpasses ten others!"

"As for other marvels... your strength is too weak now; even if I tell you, you can't use them. I'll explain them to you later."

"In short."

"This is an imperial Holy artifact; if you obtain it, enjoy it secretly!"

"Back then there was someone named… Ying Zheng. He came wanting to snatch the Cauldron, and I refused! I bit the rope in one bite!"

The Dragon Lord lifted his head, looking exceedingly proud.

"Dragon Lord, mighty!" Yu Lin, seeing its demeanor, didn't dampen its enthusiasm, praised it, then laughed:

"Then when will you give me… what you promised?"

"Hey, once I say I'll give it, I will; don't be impatient." The Dragon Lord waved a small claw.

"Since the Dragon is now with you, are you still afraid I'll run away?"

"If the other eight find out I don't keep my promise, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold my head up afterward!"

"Don't worry, I'm getting ready."

Yu Lin, hearing this, nodded:

"Fine, Dragon Lord, however long you need, I'll wait that long."

The Dragon Lord came to his head, perched, and asked him:

"Yu kid, is there anyone else in your family?"

"... I'm an orphan."

"Orphan? Why? How did your family die?"

"I don't know; I grew up in an orphanage, maybe they didn't die."

"I see... don't be sad. I, the Dragon Lord, will be your grandfather from now on; be my grandson and you'll prosper! We are of the same rank as Lao Yu, and in the future..."

One person and one Dragon walked and chatted, and didn't find the journey boring.

At least Yu Lin found it rather interesting.

Pei County.

"Lord Xiao, Lord Xiao!"

Liu Bang arrived at the county office, grabbed Xiao He, and laughed:

"I've gathered the hundred people for you."

"Not a single one missing!"

"You owe me a drink!"

Xiao He, hearing Liu Bang's words, showed no joy on his face; instead his brows knit, looking gloomy.

Liu Bang, seeing this, his smile stiffened, waved his hand before Xiao He's eyes: "Hey, Lord Xiao, now that the people are gathered, aren't you happy? What, can't part with this drink?"

Xiao He sighed, shook his head: "Liu Ji, it's not about the wine."

"Then what's the problem?" Liu Bang raised an eyebrow, "Did you change your mind?"

Xiao He took a deep breath, lowered his voice: "Upstairs… they increased the numbers."

"Increased by how many?" Liu Bang's heart thumped.

"Now it's three hundred people!"

"Three hundred people?!" Liu Bang's eyes widened sharply, his voice suddenly rose:

"Three hundred people and you'd rather kill me! Where would I get three hundred people for you?"

"How about this: give me a few years, bring me all the women of Pei County, and I'll produce three hundred for you, okay?"

"You still want three hundred? What are you thinking?!"

Xiao He forced a smile: "Talking to me won't help; if they demand that number, then it must be that number."

Liu Bang, angry, stamped his foot, squatted down, scratched his head, and, in a fit of despair, said:

"Then I'll quit! At worst I'll run into the mountains!"

"Who can do whom, who loves to do whom!"

Xiao He saw his dejected appearance, hurriedly squatted down, grabbed his arm, and said in a low voice:

"Liu Ji! Don't act rashly!"

Liu Bang shook off his hand and said in a muffled voice:

"Impulsive? I'm clear-headed! Three hundred people? Do you really think I'm a god?"

"Why don't you go beg my master? He might have a way to bring three hundred people over!"

Xiao He looked left and right, confirmed no one was paying attention, then leaned in and said: "This way, there are still some prisoners in the jail; I'll try to get another fifty out, you find another hundred, making two hundred—okay?"

Liu Bang glanced at him and sneered:

"Still need another hundred? Magistrate Xiao, do you think I'm a magician?"

"No, no, I can't do it!"

Xiao He said in a deep voice: "If you don't try, how will you know if there's a way?"

"Even if not for others' lives, think about your own life!"

"You, Liu Ji, are capable and full of ideas; this small matter won't stump you!"

"If I'm asking you, okay?"

"Begging me.......... then I also have to be able to do it." Liu Bang let out a long sigh.

He stood up:

"I'll do my best; if anything comes up.......... you've got to cover for me."

"Eh, fine, fine, do whatever you want; I'll talk to the county magistrate about that side!" Xiao He saw him agree and quickly nodded in assurance.

"After it's done, however much you want to drink, I'll treat you to that much, making sure you're fully satisfied!"

"Cut it out."

Liu Bang turned and walked forward, leaving only this:

"Looks like.......... Mount Li, I have to go."

"Taking good care of my wife and children when the time comes would be better than anything; goodbye."

Xiao He watched his receding figure until he disappeared at the street corner, then likewise sighed and said softly:

"Er Shi, his abilities unknown, but his strictness is indeed blue out of indigo, surpassing indigo.........."

"When will these days come to an end........"