Universe Infinite Canteen

"The popularity of the hair growth cake even exceeded Ma Lu's expectations. After listing it, not only did the number of people queuing outside the store increase, but within only three days, the registration numbers for Red Ridge broke through ten thousand, and the highest concurrent online users once exceeded four thousand."

"To commemorate this historic moment, the entire staff of the Red Ridge Project Team came together under the leadership of Baldy, the product developer, for a team-building event at Universe Infinite Canteen that night, contributing 8,000 Star Currency."

"Ma Lu specifically observed Teacher Beigong Meng, who had been stabbed through the heart and tragically split in two on his last visit. He found that not only was Beigong Meng present, but he was also lively and energetic, loudly toasting everyone everywhere."

"After drinking too much and letting his thieving heart get the best of him again, he attempted to sidle up to Coconut Jelly, but was frightened back to his seat by just one look from her."

"Well, it seems that guy is okay, thought Ma Lu, suddenly curious what Beigong Meng's true form was, to be so tough and durable."

"In addition to the Red Ridge Project Team, this week Ma Lu also entertained eight other special guest tables sporadically, ending up earning a total of 12,123 Star Currency, which even included two tables of guests who had proactively called to make reservations."

"This indicated that Universe Infinite Canteen's reputation was gradually spreading among visitors from different dimensions; if this trend continued, there should be no issue paying off Yan Wu's debt within the agreed time."

"Not to mention, Ma Lu was actively expanding his customer base by signing meal supply contracts with Lao Hei and those Dimensional Pirates."

"This week alone, Lao Hei had accumulated and carted away 3,000 pounds of smoked meat and 4,000 pounds of ham from Ma Lu's stock, along with 2,000 butter rolls and 2,000 croissants, handing them over to the Dimensional Pirates."

"According to Lao Hei, the pirates were thrilled with the supplies; the entire crew's morale soared, and they set off to work overnight."

"I wonder what kind of good loot they'll bring back when they return."

"Ma Lu felt like he was playing a popular little game called Travel Frog, only it was a robbery version."
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"And so a week passed just like that, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to set off again."

"With the Bug Egg hanging overhead, he quickly found himself back in Yuchang County."

"Ma Lu had thought that the Beggars' Sect and the Heavenly Dragon Sect would already be drenched in bloodshed, but surprisingly they were still dragging their heels, shouting about going to war since three weeks ago, but so far only minor conflicts had erupted."

"The most sensational event during this period was the death of seven experts who had come to reinforce them the week before last. However, with both sides pushed to their limits after being on edge for so long, those in favor of war began to dominate."

"According to Gu Qingyi, today was the final deadline. The Beggars' Sect would take action at sunset, and Chu Qianyuan had even sent word to her, advising her not to go out at night."

"In addition, Geng Lao Liu left Crouching Tiger Hill that day and didn't return to the city. Somebody saw him heading in the direction of Heyin County," said Gu Qingyi. "But I went there and couldn't find him, so I plan to ask some of his relatives and friends again to see where he might hide."

"There's no need to inquire," Ma Lu shook his head, "Geng Lao Liu is likely just bait released by the mastermind behind the scenes to divert our attention and exhaust us."

"Even if we can find him, he'll probably end up unable to speak, just like Qin Feng. The mastermind, knowing we're on the hunt following Liu Huozui's trail, will surely make arrangements in advance. How could he possibly leave us any truly useful clues?"

"In Qingzhou, especially within the territory of Yuchang County, our power can't compare to his."

"So what should we do, just stand by and watch as the Beggars' Sect and Heavenly Dragon Sect fight to the death?" Gu Qingyi was reluctant, "That would be playing right into his hands."

"We must investigate, of course, but we can't let him lead us by the nose any longer." Ma Lu paused as he recalled Han Guangzhong's words from that day.

"Originally, we were investigating the whereabouts of the Lotus Bowl, but Cai Die threw us off course, and afterward, our attention was completely diverted to unearthing the mastermind behind it all."

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"I think we should temporarily stop worrying about the mastermind behind the scenes and continue searching for the bowl."

This time, it was Gu Qingyi's turn to shake her head, "During this period, almost everyone in Yuchang County has been looking for the Lotus Bowl, but up to now no one has found it. That bowl is very likely hidden by the mastermind, and without catching the mastermind, we won't be able to find the Lotus Bowl."

"I actually think that the Lotus Bowl isn't in the hands of the mastermind."

Ma Lu stroked his chin, "That guy obviously wants to provoke a war between the Beggars' Sect and the Heavenly Dragon Sect. If he knew where the Lotus Bowl was, he could simply secretly deliver the bowl to Heavenly Dragon Sect, find a place to hide it, and then let someone from the Beggars' Sect find it. If they caught the person with the bowl, both sides would have already started fighting."

"The only reason he hasn't done so is that he also doesn't know where the bowl has gone."

"Ah, but besides him, who would steal the Lotus Bowl?" Gu Qingyi frowned.

The Lotus Bowl was left by the ancestor of the Beggars' Sect; it has extraordinary significance for its members, but it's not made of gold. Put it out in the open, and it's just a broken bowl; not everyone would even want it as a gift.

An ordinary thief wouldn't steal such a thing either."

Ma Lu said, "The Beggar's Gang member who stole the bowl mentioned he was coerced by Merry Woods to steal it. Let's go to Merry Woods and ask around."

Ma Lu, having masters on both sides, was treated courteously whether by the Beggars' Sect or the Heavenly Dragon Sect. He was probably the only person in Yuchang County who could freely come and go between them.

The disciples guarding the entrance of Merry Woods saw him and immediately went inside to announce his arrival. Before long, Ma Lu was seeing once again the beautiful woman he had met before.

However, this time she had changed into a tight outfit that emphasized her curves even more, with two Emei Piercers in her hands.

"Lady Yin."

"Young Master Ma, Catcher Gu, with the war impending, now isn't a good time for visits. Be careful not to be trapped inside with those beggars from the Beggars' Sect," Lady Yin said.

"We're here on a matter of great importance we'd like to consult about."

"What is it?"

"Has a member of the Beggar's Gang previously gambled here and racked up a tremendous debt?"

Lady Yin raised an eyebrow, "Those stinking beggars from the Beggars' Sect have already asked me many times, and I have answered them many times. Yes, Merry Woods is a place for people to find happiness. As long as you have money, no matter who you are, you can come here to enjoy yourself.

"Beggar's Gang members are also people, they need enjoyment too, but as for gambling, there are winners and losers, and most people lose more than they win. It's normal to get carried away with gambling and end up in debt.

"But I run a gambling house, not a charity. If someone wants to borrow money, we evaluate; we only lend if we confirm that they can repay, if they have valuable possessions, or if their family and friends can pay it back."

"So, in Lady Yin's opinion, how much is a Lotus Bowl worth?"

Lady Yin shook her head, "I'm not a fool. I clearly know which items can be accepted and which cannot. I questioned the croupier and the accounting room staff that day; Merry Woods didn't lend money to that Beggar's Gang member—however..."

"However what?"

"That day he really did gamble big and lost a lot of money."

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