Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 957 - 530: Aboveboard

The brother and sister pair had always understood one crucial point: never underestimate He Yuxiu, regardless of the situation.

Although He Yuxiu wished to remain silent, the intense pain made it impossible to suppress her cries.

Besides, there was no longer a need for restraint. Haiqin was merely a hundred meters away; he surely must have noticed her.

Had he truly noticed her?

He Haiqin scanned his surroundings but hadn't seen her at all.

The sound was right beside his ear, yet he couldn't discern anyone's presence.

He Haiqin let out a cold snort, "A mere illusion? How cunning!"

He smirked again, preparing to unleash 'Tiger's Ambush' coupled with 'Whale's Devouring'.

Li Banfeng found himself puzzled. If He Haiqin suspected an illusion, why attempt to devour it?

Was it even possible for the Culinary Cultivation Technique to absorb illusions?

Indeed, it was possible.

In their early stages, Food Cultivators are known for their lack of specialized techniques. They can fight, endure, and possess physical prowess, appearing capable of anything yet lacking distinct skills.

However, this changes drastically in the later stages. Food Cultivators gain the ability to seamlessly combine various techniques, enabling them to absorb illusions, charm arts, poison techniques, curse techniques, and even ethereal spirit techniques – all of which are invisible, intangible, and without physical form.

Had Li Banfeng employed a projector to conceal himself and He Yuxiu, and had He Haiqin attempted to devour it, the projected image, and perhaps even the projector itself, could have been consumed.

But despite all his efforts, He Haiqin remained unable to perceive He Yuxiu. What was the underlying reason for this?

The explanation was simple: He Yuxiu and He Haiqin were not occupying the same spatial dimension.

Li Banfeng had utilized a begging bowl to locate a dark dimensional space within the forest, bringing He Yuxiu there to facilitate her advancement.

Each dark dimensional space possesses unique characteristics. This particular one allowed for the observation and auditory perception of the outside world from within, while simultaneously preventing outward visibility.

Sounds from the outside world could penetrate, but visual contact was impossible.

He Haiqin could detect He Yuxiu's movements but could not see her. He lacked the means to breach the dark dimensional space and was unable to make physical contact with either He Yuxiu or Li Banfeng.

Consequently, Li Banfeng felt no urgency, leisurely attending to the application of medicine on He Yuxiu.

"Is the dosage sufficient?" Li Banfeng inquired.

Gritting her teeth, He Yuxiu responded, "A little more."

He Yuxiu possessed a fine figure, with ample flesh on her waist that could withstand some pain. Li Banfeng applied more medicine, causing He Yuxiu to tremble slightly, enduring it with great difficulty: "That should suffice. The third one, he..."

He Yuxiu struggled to rise.

He Haisheng was in grave peril, and she could not simply stand by idly.

"You should rest. I will handle this," Li Banfeng stated, draping a blanket over He Yuxiu before engaging in a solitary discussion.

"Brother, no matter our usual disagreements, we are family. You must assist me with this."

"I will help, but why should you get to tend to Xiuer here while I risk my life out there?"

"Why are we even discussing division of labor?"

"Since there's no division, you go out and face the danger, and leave Xiuer to me!"

"It's not solely your wish that matters; we must also consider Xiuer's own feelings."

Xiuer was stunned, utterly bewildered by the unfolding situation.

Li Qi appeared to be conversing with herself, yet she employed two distinct tones and attitudes, as if inhabited by two separate individuals.

"Cease this bickering and blame-shifting; it's utterly laughable. Leave Xiuer to me, and you two may risk your lives together!"

"I believe my meticulous nature is better suited for caring for people. You two can handle the life-risking endeavors!"

Xiuer's eyes widened in disbelief; there were more than just two personalities present!

Outside, He Haiqin's astonishment grew even greater.

He had expected only one Li Qi to be with He Yuxiu, so why were there now multiple presences?

He hadn't even laid eyes on anyone, yet he felt as though he was on the verge of being surrounded.

Amidst the clamor, Li Banfeng reached a consensus, and the voices gradually subsided.

He Haiqin heightened his vigilance. Suddenly, a shadow darted out, flashing before him.

Was it 'Passing Glance'?

He Haiqin, aware that Li Qi was a Traveling Cultivator, knew he had to guard against such evasive maneuvers.

As he observed Li Qi vanishing into the darkness, He Haiqin gave chase without hesitation, his gaze fixed intently on the fleeing figure.

A well-nourished Food Cultivator was surprisingly swift, and the shadow, while not extraordinarily fast, was certainly elusive.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, He Haiqin gradually closed the distance, only to find the shadow intensely black, rendering it almost indistinguishable against the night sky.

What technique was this?

It was likely an 'Escaping Form Technique'.

Based on the intelligence He Haiqin possessed, Li Qi's cultivation level was not particularly high, suggesting he was employing the 'Escaping Form Technique' to evade detection and utilize 'Passing Glance'.

Like a lion attacking a rabbit with full force, He Haiqin refused to underestimate his opponent. He once again unleashed 'Tiger's Ambush' and 'Whale's Devouring', intending to consume Li Qi's 'Escaping Form Technique'.

A vortex materialized from an agape maw, its formidable power distorting even the surrounding shadows.

Had He Haiqin’s cultivation base been sufficiently advanced, he might have managed to engulf Li Qi’s shadow. However, having only attained the Cloud Top First Layer since entering the Inner State, his power fell short of such a feat.

Observing that his shadow remained unaffected, He Haiqin lunged for an assault. Suddenly, the shadow dissipated. A moment of hesitation was followed by He Haiqin crumpling to the ground, wracked with agonizing pain in his back.

He had been struck by Li Banfeng’s 'Trample Over Thousands of Rivers'.

Something felt amiss. The rumors were surely mistaken – how could this brat’s 'Trample Over Thousands of Rivers' be so devastating? His cultivation wasn't insignificant!

Who was that shadow from before? Had he summoned allies?

Li Banfeng had employed the Shadow Hanging Technique, conjuring a shadow to divert He Haiqin’s attention. Unfortunately, Li Banfeng's proficiency in this technique was lacking. Once the Shadow Hanging Technique was activated, he was unable to utilize other skills, forcing him to recall the shadow before unleashing 'Trample Over Thousands of Rivers'.

Before He Haiqin could regain his footing, a luminous arc flashed beneath Li Banfeng's feet, stripping a layer of skin and flesh from He Haiqin.