Night Gathering in the Bamboo Forest

"Crack..."

Xu Lu's upper body suddenly leaned forward, the chisel in his hand falling heavily onto the table, leaving a deep indentation.

Gazing at the bamboo segment cut into two pieces, Xu Lu sighed helplessly.

"To understand when watching, but to fail when doing, that truly describes me."

Xu Lu muttered to himself.

"This sand-spraying bamboo staff, though simple in appearance, truly demands considerable effort to craft perfectly."

Xu Lu picked up another bamboo segment and buried himself in his work.

On his interface panel, all the knowledge he had encountered in his previous life was condensed into books, yet this did not mean he directly possessed that knowledge.

For instance, this unlimited combat technique; in his past life, he had only seen it online and long since forgotten it. Now, the system panel had condensed its content into a book, which Xu Lu could peruse at any time, but mastering it still required his own diligent study.

The system panel merely provided learning materials; whether he learned it or not was Xu Lu's own affair.

"It's definitely not because I am clumsy, but because Uncle Zhang's tools are too crude."

Xu Lu mumbled as he worked.

Crafting this sand-spraying bamboo staff was not difficult. One merely needed a bamboo segment about fifty centimeters long, sharpen one end into an angled mouth, and split the other end into sharp points to form the club head. Next, a few small holes were drilled into the bamboo wall near the club head.

When used, one simply poured fine sand soaked in spicy chili water inside. With a swift swing of the staff, the sand would spray out, and the pointed club head could also be used for stabbing—truly a two-in-one weapon.

"This thing is sufficient against ordinary folk, but Lu Tong En is no common man. Who knows how strong he truly is? I must prepare a few more Evil Demon Bottles."

Xu Lu calculated inwardly.

"The waiter mentioned 'blue alum,' which must be concentrated acid."

After seeing the wanted poster at the city gate, he had specifically visited the West Market and gathered quite a bit of information.

"However, this blue alum is too expensive; one tael costs a hundred wen. What a profiteer! If only I had the time, I would concoct it myself!"

The so-called Evil Demon Bottle was a container for concentrated acid. Xu Lu had only asked on a whim, unexpectedly finding it. Only the price was a bit steep.

Currently, Xu Lu's entire fortune amounted to only fifty-six wen, not even enough to buy one tael of concentrated acid.

"The blue alum must be bought, but where will the money come from? Indeed, a single coin can trouble a hero."

Only a few days remained until the full moon night; time to prepare countermeasures against the enemy was insufficient. Where would he find time to earn money?

"There is no other way; I can only take a gamble."

Xu Lu told himself, "My previous clothes were of rather good quality; they should fetch some money. But before selling them, I must cut them up completely..."

...

Several days passed in a flash.

These days, Xu Lu was either rushing out or holed up in his room. From time to time, clanging sounds echoed from his room.

Zhang Bao was filled with doubt, but Xu Lu was not Zhang Shi Tou or Zhang Gou Dan, after all; he could not speak his mind freely. After asking once and being brushed off by Xu Lu, Zhang Bao did not inquire further.

In his heart, Xu Lu was his savior. As long as Xu Lu did nothing wrong, even if he idled away his life, Zhang Bao was willing to support him forever.

Today, Zhang Bao was still weaving straw sandals in the courtyard. "Injuries to tendons and bones take a hundred days to heal"; his leg was not yet fully recovered, preventing him from doing other work. Yet, as a laborer, idleness meant no food, so he now diligently performed tasks within his capabilities.

"Uncle Zhang, I might be home a bit late today. You needn't wait for me for dinner."

Xu Lu emerged from his room, carrying a cloth bag, and spoke.

"Late home?" Zhang Bao asked, puzzled. "Xiao Lu, you must not wander around after curfew. The consequences of being caught are severe."

"Rest assured, Uncle Zhang. I recently befriended someone, and he invited me to his home. If there's a curfew, I'll stay at his place; it'll be fine."

Xu Lu said. This was the inconvenience of staying at Zhang Bao's house; he wanted to go outside the city for an appointment, and ideally, fewer people should know. Alas, he could not hide his overnight absence from Zhang Bao, so he had to lie.

"You..."

Zhang Bao wanted to say more, but Xu Lu had already left through the door with his cloth bag. He sighed, shaking his head: "When Shi Tou is off work, I must have him find a way to ask who Xiao Lu is associating with, lest he be deceived."

Zhang Bao mused.

Xu Lu left An De Fang, exited the city through the West Gate, took a long detour, and, after confirming no one was following him, headed towards Zhu Shan outside Jiang Du City.

Jiang Du City boasted nine mountains, one of which was Zhu Shan. Speaking of bamboo forests, one need not think of any other place; it was undoubtedly on Zhu Shan. The very night Xu Lu transmigrated, he was, in fact, on Zhu Shan. He had not expected to return to his old haunt so quickly.

Xu Lu was originally young and robust, and with his previous contact with the secret treasure, his body seemed to have improved significantly. Thus, a journey of several tens of li was not overly arduous for him.

By the time he reached Zhu Shan, the sun had set, and the vast bamboo forest was deserted. Though he considered himself brave, Xu Lu could not help but feel a tremor in his heart.

He steeled his courage and continued forward, stopping only halfway up the mountain within the bamboo grove.

"Click..."

Flint struck, sending sparks flying. Soon, a bonfire blazed. Xu Lu took a clay pot from his bag and placed it over the fire. Then, he pulled out two paper packets and a water pouch.

After a flurry of activity, a fragrant aroma of meat wafted from the clay pot. Xu Lu carefully added more firewood, the scent of meat assailing his nostrils, making him involuntarily swallow.

"One set of clothes, cut into rags, still sold for eight hundred wen. My predecessor truly was wealthy. It is a pity that I now cannot even afford a decent meal of meat; how disgraceful."

Xu Lu muttered, his resentment soaring to the heavens.

"Rustle..."

Suddenly, footsteps echoed. Xu Lu looked up, seeing a figure approaching under the moonlight.

"Does he truly think himself Xiang Shuai?"

Xu Lu inwardly grumbled, yet a smile bloomed on his face as he cupped his hands and said, "Sir Lu is indeed a man of his word. I had worried you might not come."

Lu Tong En's face was expressionless. He stopped about ten feet from Xu Lu.

"Why is it you?" After a long pause, Lu Tong En asked coldly, "Where is the one who sent word to you?"

"Why such haste, Sir Lu?"

A gust of wind blew past, and Xu Lu caught a strong scent of blood. His heart stirred.

Lu Tong En's injuries were worse!

"I wonder if Sir Lu has dined yet. In my pot is dog meat." Xu Lu continued, "Dog meat is warming and nourishing, and it has the effect of invigorating yang. I also added some eels, which can lubricate the intestines and stop bleeding, quite suitable for Sir Lu's current condition."

Lu Tong En snorted coldly: "Youngster, did you not hear my question?"

"Sir Lu, do not be impatient." Xu Lu said with a smile, "Tonight, this place is deserted, and there is no need to fear disturbance from the Heavenly Officials. We have ample time. The person behind me is temporarily occupied, so he sent me here to receive Sir Lu. At most, two more hours, and that venerable elder will surely arrive."

Lu Tong En frowned. Had he not scouted the surroundings and confirmed there was no ambush, he would truly believe Xu Lu was playing tricks.

"Hmph, then I shall wait two more hours." Lu Tong En said coldly, "You had best not play any tricks, or else, this Lu would not mind adding another life to his tally."

"What tricks could I play?" Xu Lu smiled bitterly, "I am but an ordinary man; Sir Lu could crush me with two fingers. Sir Lu, please be seated. You would not suspect me of poisoning the meat, would you?"

"This Lu has traveled the world; what poison has he not seen?" Lu Tong En said disdainfully, "To poison me right before my eyes, you lack the capability."

He stepped towards Xu Lu, sat down by the fire, sniffed, confirmed there was no poison in the pot, and his stomach rumbled with hunger.

Since his whereabouts were exposed in Jiang Du City, he had desperately fled outside the city, hiding in the mountains for days, sleeping under the open sky, suffering untold hardships. Now, with a pot of hot dog meat, and having confirmed it was not poisoned, how could he resist?

Disregarding all decorum, he directly brought the clay pot before him and ravenously devoured the dog meat with his hands.

Xu Lu's eyelids twitched. The water in the clay pot was scalding hot, yet Lu Tong En used his bare hands. Was he even human?

Originally, Xu Lu felt he was fully prepared, but now he was a little uncertain. This Lu Tong En was no ordinary person; would his methods truly be effective?

"Sir Lu, the secret treasure from last time, I wonder if it still serves you well?" Seeing Lu Tong En eat like a hungry tiger, Xu Lu probed.

"The Nine Generations Secret Treasure, truly living up to its reputation." Lu Tong En snorted coldly, his words indistinct, "You are truly generous; the meeting gift was already a Nine Generations Secret Treasure! Unsolicited kindness implies ill intent. What exactly do you plot against me?"

Xu Lu inwardly rolled his eyes. This Lu Tong En was truly narcissistic. A grown man, whose appearance was only slightly pleasing, what was there to plot against? That secret treasure, if he hadn't shamelessly snatched it, who would have given it to him?

However, after tonight, whose secret treasure it belonged to was still uncertain.

"I am merely a messenger; I know nothing." Xu Lu shrugged, saying, "Sir Lu, if you have any questions, you may ask that venerable elder later."

That venerable elder, King Yama... Xu Lu secretly added.

Lu Tong En nodded: "I suppose you know nothing."

"Gulp, gulp..."

As they spoke, Lu Tong En tilted his head and drank every last drop of the meat broth in the clay pot, then patted his stomach in satisfaction.

"Is there any wine?" Lu Tong En asked.

"No." Xu Lu's face darkened. He even asked for wine? This pot of dog meat has already bankrupted me.

"Never mind. You hail from An De Fang; it is natural you are unfamiliar with etiquette." Lu Tong En waved his hand.

Xu Lu's face grew even darker. This scoundrel, after eating my food, still despises me? Who exactly is impolite?

"Sir Lu jested." Xu Lu forced a smile, "This junior's knowledge is indeed shallow. It is still early; perhaps Sir Lu could enlighten this junior a bit more? You just mentioned 'Nine Generations Secret Treasure'; what does that signify?"