Chapter 87: Smiling with a knife in his heart

At the banquet table, there were only Li Qi and the bald seal-like man.

Although it was an open-air banquet, no one else dared to approach; only the two of them were eating.

Three rounds of drinks had passed, and their self-introductions were mostly complete.

Li Qi learned that this man was named Bao Dun, a Guest Elder of the Boshan Sect.

As for the Boshan Sect, it was a Jianghu School, one of the many Schools in the Martial Forest of Great Deer Kingdom.

Many wealthy merchants would send their children there to learn martial arts, making it quite influential.

It was said that the Sect Leader of the Boshan Sect even had some say in the prefectural city.

However, Li Qi could discern Bao Dun's utter disdain for the Boshan Sect from his words.

Yet, he did not show such disdain towards Li Qi.

The reason, it seemed, was because… Li Qi knew the Nine-Grade Classification Method.

After Li Qi revealed that he knew the Nine-Grade Classification Method, Bao Dun's attitude immediately changed.

This made Li Qi understand some things even more clearly.

It seemed… the powerful backer he had was truly extraordinary.

For these people, merely knowing the Nine-Grade Classification Method was already a secret.

The goal of a Boshan Sect Disciple in this life was to become an Innate Martial Artist.

In other words, to enter the Nine Grades of the Martial Dao.

The Li Prefecture Military Commander, whom he once thought was invincible, was merely a Seventh-Grade Martial Artist.

And this person was the strongest in Bao Dun's perception.

Bao Dun even proudly stated that his cultivation method could also reach Seventh-Grade, at which point he would be like an immortal.

He also asked Li Qi what Grade his cultivation method could reach.

Li Qi naturally "truthfully informed" him that his cultivation method could reach Eighth-Grade.

He wasn't lying; the Carp Current Intent could indeed reach Eighth-Grade.

From Bao Dun's description, the Boshan Sect's cultivation method could at most reach the "Innate Martial Artist" level, meaning Ninth-Grade was its limit.

And such a cultivation method was actually enough to establish a School.

This made Li Qi sigh at the disparities of the world.

It also made him once again marvel at the vastness of the world and his own insignificance.

After learning that Li Qi's cultivation method could reach Eighth-Grade, Bao Dun's attitude became much more cordial.

Li Qi also knew the reason.

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

All in all, this drinking session was like any ordinary one, discussing everything from distant lands to local customs.

Bao Dun spoke about his understanding of the cultivation world, helping Li Qi fill in a lot of knowledge.

And Li Qi also shared some trivial bits of knowledge from the 'Blessing' book, such as where a certain insect was produced, or the effects of different colored grasses.

But it was these things, as common as weeds in the 'Blessing' book, that made Bao Dun exclaim how impressive they were, praising Li Qi for his extensive knowledge.

This drinking session could barely be considered enjoyable for both host and guest.

“Alas, Brother Li, what is your relationship with these Boat Towmen? Why did you come here? You made this old brother misunderstand your situation, almost causing a misunderstanding,” Bao Dun asked.

“Ah, I was born here, but I ventured out and was fortunate enough to join my current School, so I’m just returning home in glory,” Li Qi said with a smile.

“So that’s how it is! Then congratulations, Brother Li, on your Dragon transformation! From now on, we must look out for each other,” Bao Dun said with a chuckle, pouring Li Qi more wine.

Li Qi clinked his cup, and both burst into laughter.

After three rounds of drinks, Bao Dun bid farewell and left.

Li Qi then began his second meal.

What second meal?

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

They also saw Li Qi eating, and under Uncle Six's示意, they didn't disturb him.

And Li Qi, when eating here, sat at the same table as Uncle Six.

Then, he looked at Uncle Six.

“Uncle Six, I never came back tonight; Li Qi is still out there fighting for his life,” he whispered to Uncle Six.

Uncle Six knew the stakes, so he said nothing, just nodded silently.

But he wasn't at ease about the others; he quickly ate a few bites of stir-fried meat, which he usually couldn't get, then put his hands in his pockets and hurried out.

He was probably going to spread the news and inform the other brothers.

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

After they finished eating, everyone was full and satisfied.

The Boat Towmen still wanted to play a bit longer, to hear Li Qi brag and talk about the outside world.

But Li Qi's face hardened: “Are you not going to work anymore? Do you expect me to support you for the rest of your lives?”

The Boat Towmen then scratched their heads awkwardly and went back to sleep, somewhat dejectedly.

They usually went to bed around this time anyway, because there were no lights at night, and after a very tiring day, sleeping early meant more energy for tomorrow.

After they had all gone to sleep, Li Qi sat by the rack where dried fish were hung.

After a while, Uncle Six returned, he nodded at Li Qi, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then went back to lie down.

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

Someone was already living there.

After all, the Boat Towmen didn't have that many houses; they couldn't leave them unused for long periods.

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

“Brother Li?” He rubbed his eyes, a little confused: “Are you sleeping here tonight? Then I’ll make room for you.”

As he spoke, he tried to get up.

“No need, you sleep. I just came in to look,” Li Qi told him to lie down, then from this room, he drew his knife, quietly cut a hole in the back, and slipped out.

Outside was a tributary of the Li River.

Li Qi silently submerged himself, then placed his military knife at the hole, and then, via the tributary, quietly swam underwater into the Li River.

After just one drinking session, he trusted Bao Dun?

Don't be ridiculous.

During the banquet, Li Qi noticed Bao Dun subtly glance at his knife at least five times, and his conversation was full of probing and attempts to showcase his own strength.

However, the other party might have been wary of Li Qi's School or his strength, so he hadn't made a move yet, especially since this was within Li Prefecture City, and making a big fuss would be troublesome.

Infighting among Gangs below caused little commotion, and the constables were too lazy to bother.

But if two Ninth-Grade individuals fought head-on, the commotion would be immense, and a head constable might even intervene.

However, regardless of whether the other party's ill intentions had died down, Li Qi was still uneasy.

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

In that case… he would just have to strike first.

Li Qi stealthily submerged himself, swimming to the other side of the Li River, beneath a pleasure boat.

This was where Bao Dun and those Boshan Sect Disciples were staying.

He clung to the bottom of the boat.

Holding his breath, concentrating.

He pressed his ear against the bottom of the boat, carefully listening to what was being said above.

He listened for a full half-hour.

Li Qi confirmed it.

At least, these Disciples were unaware of the situation; they were mostly doing their own things.

As for Bao Dun… there wasn't a single sound from him.

This made Li Qi very uneasy.